Teaser...NFC North Edition

[WayneWonder]

Teaser: Minnesota +8.5 & Detroit +14

I feel like we are experiencing deja vu with Minnesota. The team got off to an awful start (1-3 in both '07 and '08), then realized that they have a stud in Adrian Peterson and start feeding him the ball. Just like that the team's fortunes change. Jacksonville has not impressed me all that much and I think we see a letdown after they danced with the champs last week, but failed to knock them out.

The Lions need a win. They will get one. It may not be this week, not against a Tampa team who has learned not to take opponents lightly following a nail biter over Kansas City. While Tampa Bay has an incredible defense, they do not have the offense to blow other teams out. Especially on the road. They have just two road wins (out of five games played) and both of those have come by just 3 points each. The Lions are playing for pride and will do whatever it takes to not go into next weeks Thanksgiving game as America's joke at 0-11. I expect a close, low scoring game...

 

[WayneWonder]

San Diego -2.5 (-120)

The Chargers have beaten the Colts three straight times, including in last years playoffs. They just seem to have an answer for Manning. Part of that has been due to the amount of pressure they have been able to generate on him, something that has been nonexistent this season. Nonetheless, Manning has played some of his worst football against San Diego while Philip Rivers has been lights out at home. (11:2 TD:INT ratio and a 3-1 record this year)

Philadelphia + 1

This game was one I agonized over for a while. I am a recent UD grad and Joe Flacco brought an energy to the campus on Saturdays, culminating in a deep playoff run last season. Many hazy Saturdays were spent watching Flacco beat up on the likes of New Hampshire and Rhode Island. On the other hand, I am a huge fan of the Birds and although I know you should bet with your heart, not your head, there is no avoiding it in this game.

All the stats points to the Ravens. (Read THUNDERS post for more info) and the Eagles have been losers more often than not in close games. They are 1-7 in games decided by four points or less over the last two years. That is not a trend, that is cause for concern.

They absolutely must come out and play well this week. Fans and media alike have been calling for the firing of Reid and trading of McNabb following the last few seasons, but last week's game (and subsequent press conference) may have been the straw that broke the camel's back. I am not a supporter of firing the coach with no backup plan in place, but a loss here and the cries may become too loud to ignore.