This week offers up one of the most compelling games of the year in the NFL, the first time in history two one-loss teams have matched up this late in the season, and the overwhelming majority of fans won’t even be able to watch it.
Wait a minute. Isn’t this the NFL, the most popular league in the American sports landscape? Marketing behemoth, merchandise sales annually in the billions and some of the most popular athletes in the world, and you’re telling me most fans won’t be able to see one of the best games of the year?
That’s exactly right, thanks to a spat between the league’s NFL Network and the two biggest cable companies in the country, Time Warner and Comcast. To boil a complicated problem down, the cable companies think the NFL wants to charge them too much to carry the NFL Network in their lineups, while the NFL thinks it’s offering a suitable advertising trade-off and cable is being unreasonable. Who’s in the wrong? I haven’t decided, but for this week at least, it’s a moot point. With the Cowboys/Packers, Romo-Favre clash set for Thursday night on the NFL Network, the best most fans will be able to do will be postgame highlights or Internet coverage. Will that cause enough of an outcry to spark a compromise between the NFL and big cable? It’s too early to say, but something tells me nothing will get worked out soon.
Don’t despair though – I’ve got you covered on this end, and we’ll start with that titanic NFC battle.
Green Bay (10-1) at Dallas (10-1): Conventional wisdom favors the Cowboys in this one, but I’m going with the Packers. Why? When teams have succeeded against the Cowboys this year, they’ve done it with aggressive downfield attacks. With Brett Favre at the helm, that’s something Green Bay has in spades. And even though Dallas will definitely be able to put points on the board, I’m putting my trust in Favre and the rejuvenated Packers to find a way to win and take control in the NFC. Score: Green Bay 31, Dallas 27.
New York Giants (7-4) at Chicago (5-6): One tip for the Giants this week – don’t kick it to Devin Hester. The Bears’ return man ran back two kicks for touchdowns last week, giving him 11 already in his young career, the most prolific pace of any player in NFL history. Without those momentum-changing plays, the Bears would have gone under against the Broncos last Sunday. As for the Giants, I’m willing to disregard Eli’s four interceptions last week – it was one of those nightmare games you usually only see once in a season, and I think he and the Giants’ offense will practice hard and bounce back this week. Score: NY Giants 27, Chicago 20.
Jacksonville (8-3) at Indianapolis (9-2): Jaguars quarterback David Garrard is one of the unsung heroes in the NFL this year. He’s the only starting QB yet to throw an interception and has been a steadying force on a very good Jacksonville team. They’ll give the Colts a game, but it looks like Indy is finally getting healthy after that mid-season slump, and with more than a week to prepare for this one at home, Tony Dungy will have enough time to stop the Jaguars and give Peyton Manning the weapons to win. Score: Indianapolis 23, Jacksonville 17.
New York Jets (2-9) at Miami (0-11): The Dolphins are not as bad as their record indicates, but this game could be their last realistic chance to avoid going winless this season. Because of that, Miami will be inspired, particularly after a confidence-building close loss to the Steelers. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that Miami is like a reverse team of destiny, and the Jets have played better of late with Kellen Clemens at the helm. In a low-scoring affair, the Jets will limit their mistakes and do enough to pull out the win. Score: NY Jets 13, Miami 10.
New England (11-0) at Baltimore (4-7): This Monday night matchup seemed a lot more attractive before the season started, when the Ravens were still a playoff threat and the Patriots weren’t threatening to go undefeated. Despite a slip-up against the Eagles last Sunday, the Patriots are still the class of the NFL, and the Ravens are in a free fall. They’ve been ineffective on offense and inept (mostly) on defense. Add it all up, and the Patriots should have little trouble with a Baltimore team that will be pumped up but probably fall short. Score: New England 34, Baltimore 17.
Quick picks: Seattle will handle the Eagles, Arizona will make a stand at home and upend the Browns, the Saints will beat Tampa Bay, Denver will pummel Oakland and Pittsburgh will beat Cincinnati in another game that looked more enticing before the season started.
Last week’s record: 8-2 Overall: 84-34.