However, it's impossible to ignore why I have not been moving higher up in the standings. While my 73 points (11th place out of 24) allowed me to maintain my spot at 8th in the season's standings (517 points), I need to get those five through nine-point games back above .500. While there has been the usual upset that can cost me high points from week to week, all games worth double-digit points have winning records, as do (surprisingly) all games worth four points or less.
So I'll once again swear to shuffle around my initial confidence rankings, with the ultimate hope being that I don't have to wait until the end of the season to begin securing more second and first-place finishes (as typically happens when the playoffs begin nearing).
Anyway, the lady's coming over tomorrow morning, so I need to hammer these things out and get my ass into bed:
1. (1) NEW YORK GIANTS- Last week: Beat San Francisco, 29-17 (+13)
- Actual Record: 5-1
- My predicted record: 6-0
- Points scored for me with wins: 73
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 12
- Plus/Minus: +61
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They're finally going to be done with this little World Champions tour of shitty teams they got to beat up on to open the season. This week's visit to Pittsburgh is going to be their first real test before getting two straight NFC East rivals to begin November.
2. (2) SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS- Last week: Lost to New York Giants, 29-17 (+13)
- Actual Record: 2-5
- My predicted record: 1-6
- Points scored for me with wins: 11
- Points scored for me with losses: 45
- Points taken from me with wins: 3
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +53
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Will I root for them a little more now that they fired the well-dressed guy and made Mike Singletary their interim head coach? Sure.
Will I pick them to win more often? Probably not.
3. (4) DETROIT LIONS- Last week: Lost to Houston, 28-21 (+11)
- Actual Record: 0-6
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 57
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 10
- Plus/Minus: +47
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Last in the league in points and total yards allowed per game. They might cost me a lot of points one of these weeks, but I'm going to continue taking that chance.
4. (8) HOUSTON TEXANS- Last week: Beat Detroit, 28-21 (+11)
- Actual Record: 2-4
- My predicted record: 3-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 15
- Points scored for me with losses: 24
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 2
- Plus/Minus: +37
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I'm as surprised as anybody to see them make it up this high. They're still a team I have a hard time trusting.
5. (10) PITTSBURGH STEELERS- Last week: Beat Cincinnati, 38-10 (+10)
- Actual Record: 5-1
- My predicted record: 5-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 38
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 3
- Points taken from me with losses: 1
- Plus/Minus: +34
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
The Steelers have been playing terrific defense and know they can really make a statement this week with a win over the Giants in Pittsburgh.
6. (11) TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS- Last week: Beat Seattle, 20-10 (+14)
- Actual Record: 5-2
- My predicted record: 3-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 21
- Points scored for me with losses: 21
- Points taken from me with wins: 9
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +33
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
A big game in Dallas sets them up for a visit to Kansas City before they get a week off.
7. (6) PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- Last week: BYE
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 22
- Points scored for me with losses: 11
- Points taken from me with wins: 1
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +32
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They got a week off to get ready for Atlanta, which also had their bye. They're going to have to get a game going on the ground if they ever hope to get out of the cellar in the NFC East.
8. (7) NEW ORLEANS SAINTS- Last week: Lost to Carolina, 30-7 (+1)
- Actual Record: 3-4
- My predicted record: 5-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 33
- Points scored for me with losses: 13
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 17
- Plus/Minus: +29
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
The numbers indicate that their solid via the air, but they're not my favorites to come out of the NFC South. At this rate, they end up being one of those teams on the outside looking in at the end of the year.
8. (3) ST. LOUIS RAMS- Last week: Beat Dallas, 34-14 (-8)
- Actual Record: 2-4
- My predicted record: 0-6
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 51
- Points taken from me with wins: 22
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +29
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Don't get me wrong here; I like Jim Haslett. But I have no idea how he's pulled these last two victories off with the team he's got.
10. (13) CINCINNATI BENGALS- Last week: Lost to Pittsburgh, 38-10 (+10)
- Actual Record: 0-7
- My predicted record: 2-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 47
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 20
- Plus/Minus: +27
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Yeesh. That offense looks about as lifeless as you could imagine, but they didn't perform all that horribly the last time they went into Texas this season (a mildly impressive [by Bengals standards] 31-22 loss in Dallas). So if there's a week to finally get in the win column ...
10. (16) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS- Last week: Lost to Tampa Bay, 20-10 (+14)
- Actual Record: 1-5
- My predicted record: 3-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 10
- Points scored for me with losses: 28
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 11
- Plus/Minus: +27
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
If they have any hopes of maintaining a sense of dignity this season, they'd be best served by beating San Francisco this week.
12. (13) MINNESOTA VIKINGS- Last week: Lost to Chicago, 48-41 (+6)
- Actual Record: 3-4
- My predicted record: 1-6
- Points scored for me with wins: 13
- Points scored for me with losses: 26
- Points taken from me with wins: 16
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +23
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
A very satisfying loss to the Bears last week and I'm oddly grateful they've got a bye this week.
12. (5) NEW YORK JETS- Last week: Lost to Oakland, 16-13 (-12)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 4-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 30
- Points scored for me with losses: 5
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 12
- Plus/Minus: +23
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I had the faintest notion that Oakland could be an upset, but ultimately, that game proved to be the biggest buzzkill of the week.
14. (8) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS- Last week: Lost to Green Bay, 34-14 (-5)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 5-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 29
- Points scored for me with losses: 3
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 11
- Plus/Minus: +21
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Monday night means more to the Colts than it will to the Titans.
15. (17) ARIZONA CARDINALS- Last week: BYE
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 14
- Points scored for me with losses: 13
- Points taken from me with wins: 16
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +11
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They can manage to put points on the board, but I still don't trust them.
16. (26) CLEVELAND BROWNS- Last week: Lost to Washington, 14-11 (+9)
- Actual Record: 2-4
- My predicted record: 1-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 33
- Points taken from me with wins: 17
- Points taken from me with losses: 6
- Plus/Minus: +10
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Made life annoying enough last week with the Redskins to make me worry about how they'll fare against Jacksonville.
16. (15) GREEN BAY PACKERS- Last week: Beat Indianapolis, 34-14 (-5)
- Actual Record: 4-3
- My predicted record: 5-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 15
- Points scored for me with losses: 9
- Points taken from me with wins: 5
- Points taken from me with losses: 9
- Plus/Minus: +10
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Caught me off guard by clobbering Indy. Please, take the week off.
18. (24) KANSAS CITY CHIEFS- Last week: Lost to Tennessee, 34-10 (+7)
- Actual Record: 1-5
- My predicted record: 1-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 35
- Points taken from me with wins: 13
- Points taken from me with losses: 13
- Plus/Minus: +9
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
It's going to be a very long year down in K.C.
19. (20) BUFFALO BILLS- Last week: Beat San Diego, 23-14 (+2)
- Actual Record: 5-1
- My predicted record: 4-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 28
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 15
- Points taken from me with losses: 5
- Plus/Minus: +8
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Beating the Chargers somewhat redeems them some two weeks after getting pounded in the desert by Arizona. But there's still reason to be skeptical as they head into Miami this week.
20. (11) OAKLAND RAIDERS- Last week: Beat New York Jets, 16-13 (-12)
- Actual Record: 2-4
- My predicted record: 0-6
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses: 32
- Points taken from me with wins: 25
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: +7
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I'm still slightly bitter about the overtime victory.
21. (18) BALTIMORE RAVENS- Last week: Lost to Miami, 27-13 (-4)
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 13
- Points scored for me with losses: 11
- Points taken from me with wins: 14
- Points taken from me with losses: 4
- Plus/Minus: +6
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
You can never rule out their defense but, man, that offense ...
22. (21) CAROLINA PANTHERS- Last week: Beat New Orleans, 30-7 (+1)
- Actual Record: 4-3
- My predicted record: 3-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 20
- Points scored for me with losses: 4
- Points taken from me with wins: 11
- Points taken from me with losses: 8
- Plus/Minus: +5
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I just Hub Arkush say Carolina is currently the best team in the league because they've been the most consistent.
I'm not willing to go that far, but the NFC South certainly appears to be between them and the Bucs.
22. (19) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS- Last week: Beat Denver, 41-7 (-3)
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 5-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 25
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 3
- Points taken from me with losses: 17
- Plus/Minus: +5
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
That was quite the thumping of the Broncos on Monday night, but it's fair to be a little wary of how they'll fare against the suddenly hot Rams, right?
24. (24) DENVER BRONCOS- Last week: Lost to New England, 41-7 (-3)
- Actual Record: 4-3
- My predicted record: 7-0
- Points scored for me with wins: 21
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 0
- Points taken from me with losses: 22
- Plus/Minus: -1
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Still rather remarkable how fast they've fallen.
25. (22) MIAMI DOLPHINS- Last week: Lost to Baltimore
- Actual Record: 2-4
- My predicted record: 1-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 0
- Points scored for me with losses:27
- Points taken from me with wins: 24
- Points taken from me with losses: 4
- Plus/Minus: -1
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I finally worked up enough courage to pick them, and they end up losing. Figures.
25. (27) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS- Last week: Lost to Buffalo, 23-14 (+2)
- Actual Record: 3-4
- My predicted record: 4-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 11
- Points scored for me with losses: 4
- Points taken from me with wins: 2
- Points taken from me with losses: 14
- Plus/Minus: -1
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
They go into New Orleans this week and then get their bye. I'm guessing that it will be after that when they really start to click again and run away with the West.
27. (29) WASHINGTON REDSKINS- Last week: Beat Cleveland, 14-11 (+9)
- Actual Record: 5-2
- My predicted record: 4-3
- Points scored for me with wins: 14
- Points scored for me with losses: 16
- Points taken from me with wins: 20
- Points taken from me with losses: 14
- Plus/Minus: -4
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
If Cleveland was a little uglier of a game than you cared for, things won't improve much when the Skins go into Detroit.
28. (22) DALLAS COWBOYS- Last week: Lost to St. Louis, 34-14 (-8)
- Actual Record: 4-3
- My predicted record: 6-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 31
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 6
- Points taken from me with losses: 30
- Plus/Minus: -5
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Unbelievable. I haven't picked the Cowboys to lose since opening week (and even then, that was admitted "wishful thinking"), but here they are now: losers of three of their last four with the fate of Wade Phillips possibly in jeopardy if they can't beat a very solid Tampa Bay team this Sunday.
29. (28) ATLANTA FALCONS- Last week: BYE
- Actual Record: 4-2
- My predicted record: 1-5
- Points scored for me with wins: 5
- Points scored for me with losses: 13
- Points taken from me with wins: 25
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: -7
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
The victory over the Bears still stings.
29. (30) TENNESSEE TITANS- Last week: Beat Kansas City, 34-10 (+7)
- Actual Record: 6-0
- My predicted record: 2-4
- Points scored for me with wins: 11
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 18
- Points taken from me with losses: 0
- Plus/Minus: -7
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
It would be a tremendous shot in the arm to effectively begin nailing the coffin shut on Indianapolis' season in front of a national television audience.
31. (31) CHICAGO BEARS- Last week: Beat Minnesota, 48-41 (+6)
- Actual Record: 4-3
- My predicted record: 6-1
- Points scored for me with wins: 10
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 1
- Points taken from me with losses: 22
- Plus/Minus: -13
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
Well, the defense might have gone to shit, but we have one thing to cheer about here in Chicago:
32. (32) JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS- Last week: BYE
- Actual Record: 3-3
- My predicted record: 4-2
- Points scored for me with wins: 3
- Points scored for me with losses: 0
- Points taken from me with wins: 12
- Points taken from me with losses: 17
- Plus/Minus: -26
- "TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL":
I thoroughly enjoyed not having to worry about these douches for a week. Thank you Jacksonville for doing absolutely nothing.
16-point games: 2-0
15-point games: 2-1
14-point games: 5-1
13-point games: 5-2
12-point games: 5-2
11-point games: 5-2
10-point games: 6-1
9-point games: 3-4
8-point games: 3-4
7-point games: 3-4
6-point games: 3-4
5-point games: 2-5
4-point games: 5-2
3-point games: 4-3
2-point games: 4-3
1-point games: 5-2
15-point games: 2-1
14-point games: 5-1
13-point games: 5-2
12-point games: 5-2
11-point games: 5-2
10-point games: 6-1
9-point games: 3-4
8-point games: 3-4
7-point games: 3-4
6-point games: 3-4
5-point games: 2-5
4-point games: 5-2
3-point games: 4-3
2-point games: 4-3
1-point games: 5-2
No comments:
Post a Comment