The first Sunday in November is looming as Showdown Day, the day of what could be the most significant regular season game of the last 10 years – undefeated New England at undefeated Indianapolis. Both teams are excelling in all phases of the game right now – the Patriots have yet to win by fewer than 17 points this season, while the Colts are winning big and overcoming a rash of injuries that figure to clear up before the Nov. 4 game.
There are a lot of similarities between the two teams, beginning with their quarterbacks – Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Both men are students of the game, capable game managers and smart decision-makers. While neither possesses a rocket arm, both throw an excellent deep ball and have good touch on the shorter throws. And both have shown that they know how to win. Both teams have an excellent offensive line (in particular, the Patriots’ O-line is playing phenomenally well), good rushing games and a stout and at times overpowering defense. Top-notch coaching? Check. Good drafting? Check. A roster of reserves inspired to play well? Check again.
So it’s not unreasonable to expect that both teams could enter their Nov. 4 matchup undefeated, and if they keep dominating at their current clip, it would be the most anticipated game of the season, a possible preview of the AFC Championship game and the winner would be the obvious Super Bowl favorite. Indy has the easier road to the game, with a bye this week before traveling to Jacksonville next week and visiting Carolina in Week 8. New England visits Miami in Week 7 and hosts a frisky Washington squad in Week 8, but their biggest hurdle is fellow unbeaten Dallas, which is coming off a thrilling win over Buffalo and will host the Pats this week. Let’s start with that showdown for our slate of games.
New England (5-0) at Dallas (5-0): A possible Super Bowl preview in itself, this one will probably come down to who can make defensive stops when it matters. The Cowboys and Patriots are Nos. 1-2 in the NFL in total offense, and each averages more than 35 points per game. But someone is going to have to play some defense, and after watching Tony Romo toss five interceptions this week, his confidence may be shaken. Home field advantage will not be enough to help Dallas hold off Brady and the determined Patriots offense, and they’ll take the win. Score: New England 30, Dallas 27.
Philadelphia (1-3) at New York Jets (1-4): Look up “underachieving” in the dictionary, and you’ll see the Jets and Eagles, who have both failed to successfully follow up on playoff appearances last season. The problem for the Jets has been offensive ineptitude at the worst times, while Philly is riding the still-recovering legs of Donovan McNabb, who has looked up-and-down himself this year. I think Philly is going to take advantage of its bye week to be ready for the Jets, who may soon be making a quarterback change if Chad Pennington can’t be more consistent. Give the Philly D a couple of turnovers and an Eagles win. Score: Philadelphia 27, NY Jets 21.
Chicago (2-3) at Minnesota (1-3): The comeback win over the Packers last Sunday night might be just the thing the Bears need to get their season back on track. Chicago showed a lot of heart in coming back from a 20-10 deficit, and I don’t think Minnesota will put up much of a fight. The quarterback situation there is in turmoil, a surefire recipe for disaster against the ball-hawking Chicago defense. No matter who’s under center for the Bears, they’ll beat up on the Vikes. Score: Chicago 23, Minnesota 10.
New Orleans (0-4) at Seattle (3-2): How the mighty have fallen – from NFC Championship game participant last season to one of three remaining winless teams this fall, the Saints have lost most of the luster they had coming into the season. They probably won’t be able to get it back against a Seahawks team that looked worse than it is in losing 21-0 to Pittsburgh last week. New Orleans is ranked 29th in the league in total offense, which won’t be enough against the tough Seattle defense, especially at home, where they excel. The Seahawks are the pick. Score: Seattle 17, New Orleans 13.
New York Giants (3-2) at Atlanta (1-4): I have to admit, I’m scared. On paper, this is a game the Giants absolutely shouldn’t lose. Facing a grueling overseas trip (a game against the Dolphins in England at the end of the month), they need every win they can get. The Falcons looked terrible last week, failing to score on a first-and-goal at the one-yard line in a loss to Tennessee and watching their quarterbacks (Joey Harrington and Byron Leftwich) go a combined 18-for-39 for 115 yards and two interceptions. Even on the road, the Giants have more than enough firepower to hold off Atlanta. Score: NY Giants 27, Atlanta 17.
Quick picks: San Diego will improve to .500 by beating Oakland, Baltimore will thump St. Louis, Tennessee will topple Tampa Bay, Jacksonville will beat Houston and Green Bay will bounce back to beat Washington.
Last week’s record: 7-3. Overall: 35-15.