Can you believe it's already week 10 of the season? It's bittersweet to realize we are more than halfway through the regular season. Talk of the playoffs and Super Bowl contenders fill the airwaves and, sadly, before we know it, it will be February 2, 2014. Scary thought.
But for now, it is week 10 and things are really starting to get interesting. Every week another upset, another injury, another scandal. The only undefeated team left, the Kansas City Chiefs, are on a bye week. Also on a Bye week: the Patriots, Jets and Browns.
First up, Eagles v. Packers. Both teams kick off at 1pm without their starting quarterbacks. Philly's backup, Nick Foles, surprised everyone last week completing 7 TD's. But the Packers have Clay Matthews back on the field, who is a major threat on defense. And with Aaron Rodgers out with a broken collar bone, the Packers need a leader on the field. If the Eagles grab a win today, they could slip into first place in the NFC East.
Speaking of the NFC East, can the Giants grab their 3rd win today? They host the 3-5 Oakland Raiders, who have also been struggling this season and stand in 4th place of their division. Both of these teams could use a W today. Who do you think will take home the victory?
Jay Cutler is expected to return to the field today just in time to help his Bears against the Detroit Lions. This divisional game is going to be the best 1pm matchup. These two teams are currently in a 3-way tie for first with the Packers in the NFC North. Lions' QB, Matthew Stafford has been surprising this season, stacking up some stellar stats. Not surprising considering he has Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson and Joique Bell on his offense. Stafford and his Lions may have an advantage this week because it's Cutler's first game back since his injury. Will Detroit move into first in the NFC North?
This afternoon, San Francisco hosts Carolina. The Panthers have been a pleasant surprise this season. Cam Newton still is one of the best. He and his cats kind of fell under the radar last season, but they are back and better than anyone expected this year. They are real contenders for the playoffs. They trail just behind the Saints in their division, and with the Saints playing the Cowboys this afternoon, Carolina could move into that #1 slot.
Speaking of the Saints/Cowboys game in the Sunday night slot, who do you think will take home a win? Both teams lead their division going into today's game, but will they stay in first? Though it pains me to say it, Tony Romo has been on point this season. He's thrown for over 2500 yards and 20 TDs this season with just six interceptions. But his number 1 receiver, Dez Bryant, was limited in practice this week due to a back injury. And though he's expected to play today, he may not be 100%. The Cowboys are up against the 9th defense in the league with 26 sacks, so watch out Romo. But a strong defense isn't enough to win a football game. Drew Brees may be without one of his top receivers, Jimmy Graham. Graham was questionable after practice this week due to a foot injury. That could be seriously crippling for a Saints win. But Graham has been dealing with this injury for the two weeks and still managed to put of a total of 12 catches for 153 yards and 4 TD's.
Monday night should be interesting. A few weeks ago, I would have said, the Dolphins have this. They're playing the Bucs who haven't won a game yet. But after the Incognito/Martin drama, and the head coach and general manager's future with the franchise in question, Monday night be the first victory for Tampa Bay. It's an honest question on everyone's mind as to whether all this tension will affect Miami on the field tomorrow night. The story of Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin, the bullying, the voicemail, both players no longer on the team, Martin checking himself into the hospital and now Coach Philbin and GM Jeff Ireland may not have a job in Miami next year, this story just continues to unravel. It's hard to believe any team could go on the field and win a football game with all this drama surrounding them. Tampa Bay should use this to their advantage and tackle their first win of the season.
Week 10 is shaping up to be an incredible week of great match ups you're not going to want to miss. Don't forget to make your predictions, post your comments and share your thoughts on today's games. Tweet me @JenSomach.
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