Let’s call this one Super Bowl XLII-and-a-half.
In one corner, we have the reigning champs, who’ve overcome injuries, personnel changes and the usual Super Bowl hangover to start the year 7-0 and look as good as ever. In the other corner stands perhaps the greatest offense (through eight games) that the NFL has ever seen, a team that has yet to score fewer than 34 points in a game this season or win by less than 21.
It’s the game of the year, and as I pointed out a few weeks ago, the game of this young millennium – New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. Both teams are undefeated, look unstoppable and are clearly the class of the league. In terms of national interest, Patriots/Colts blows away Yankees/Red Sox, especially given the recent history between the two teams (back-and-forth battles in the postseason and regular season). As if the rivalry needed more fuel, this year gave us the Belichick cheating scandal and the emergence of a wide receiver trio for the Patriots that looks out of this world. Will that be enough to propel the Pats to victory and a clear path to the Super Bowl? Read on.
New England (8-0) at Indianapolis (7-0): In short, this game will boil down to the defenses – how well they can confuse the opposing quarterback and stop extended drives. And even though defense will be in short supply once Tom Brady and Peyton Manning start gunning, one team is still going to score more than other. This week, that will be the Patriots, who simply have too much talent on offense to lose in a shootout in Indianapolis. Despite Peyton’s best effort, the Patriots’ D will get bring the pressure when it needs to. Score: New England 38, Indianapolis 34.
Washington (4-3) at NY Jets (1-7): The Redskins are coming off a bruising loss to New England, and if the Jets weren’t in such disarray, I’d feel better picking them. But this version of Gang Green looks nothing like last year’s team, which made the playoffs and showcased heart and ingenuity along the way. The Jets need to make some changes, young Kellen Clemens will be replacing Chad Pennington this week under center. It may be the right move in the long run, but it won’t help the Jets much this season, and especially not against a fired-up Washington team with a tough D. Score: Washington 24, NY Jets 17.
Jacksonville (5-2) at New Orleans (3-4): Bad timing for the Jags here – just two weeks ago, they would have been solid favorites on the road against the Saints. But Drew Brees and company have turned things around in the bayou, while the Jaguars have been forced to rely on Quinn Gray, a journeyman QB with a below-average skill set. The Saints will keep it going against the game but undermanned Jaguars, shutting down their rushing attack and putting enough points on the board. Score: New Orleans 24, Jacksonville 13.
Denver (3-4) at Detroit (5-2): In what I think is the second-most compelling game on the board this week, the downtrodden Broncos, a preseason favorite for some, travel to Detroit to take on the rejuvenated Lions. After a Brett Favre miracle capped an awful week for Colorado (damn Red Sox), I don’t think they’ll have the fire to beat Detroit on the road. Behind an efficient offense and an attacking defense, the Lions will hold off young Jay Cutler and the Broncos. Score: Detroit 20, Denver 17.
Baltimore (4-3) at Pittsburgh (5-2): The Steelers look like a new team under first-year head coach Mike Tomlin, shaking off last season’s malaise to make a run to the top of the AFC North. In the Monday-nighter this week, the key will be whether Pittsbugh’s offense can move against the Ravens. Baltimore always gets fired up for prime-time games, but their defense is slipping this year, and the home crowd will give the Steelers the edge. Score: Pittsburgh 24, Baltimore 16.
Quick picks: Carolina will upset Tennessee on the road, San Diego will have no problems with Minnesota, Dallas will beat Philadelphia in a close one, Tampa Bay will take down Arizona, and the Packers will beat Kansas City.
Last week’s record: 5-3. Overall: 55-23.