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NFL Week 9 Recap: A Sellout at the Oakland Coliseum

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For the first time since the 2009 season opener, the Oakland Raiders played before a sellout crowd today during their exciting 23-20 overtime victory over the AFC West leading Kansas City Chiefs.  With the win, the Raiders pull to within a game of the division lead but, after a week 10 bye, face a very difficult upcoming schedule (@Pit, Mia, @SD). Don’t bet against head coach Tom Cable, who remains the most frightening looking coach in professional sports.

In other AFC news, the Colts and Patriots both lost while the Jets were fortunate to escape Detroit with a win.  The Ravens took care of business at home against Miami while Pittsburgh prepares for a dreary Monday night contest in Cincinnati.  If, as expected, the Steelers hold serve against the Bengals tomorrow night, do they become the AFC favorites once again? Share your views.

NFL Sunday Recap Week 7: The Near End of the Suicide Pool

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If the Buffalo Bills were able to hold on against Baltimore and beat the Ravens, nearly every contestant in a weekly lock pool would have been knocked out of their contest.  In my league, nearly 2/3 of the remaining 39 participants were taken out by the Saints and Broncos.  I was one of the lucky 12 to take Baltimore and remain alive by the narrowest of margins.

And how long will the Super Bowl hangover last in New Orleans?  The Saints remain very unpredictable and may struggle to keep up with the emerging Atlanta Falcons.  I have no idea what to make of the Raiders 59-14 shalacking of Denver in Mile High.  Where did Darren McFadden’s performance (165 rushing yard, 4 TD’s) come from?  He hasn’t had a game like this since he was running the “Wild Hog” in Arkansas.  With Kansas City and Oakland running 1-2 respectively, the AFC West has turned over on its axis.

Who do people feel is the team to beat in the NFC?  Falcons?  Eagles? Giants? Seahawks?  Share your views.