Tuesday, October 18, 2005

NFL Round-Up Week Six

Big Game
New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
The Broncos capitalized on big plays to build a 25 point lead early in the third quarter, then held off Tom Brady to get a 28-20 win over the defending world champs. Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer had completions of 72 and 55 yards and running back Tatum Bell had a 68 yard run on his way to his second 100 yard rushing game in two weeks.

Big UpsetThere really were no big upsets this weekend by the New Orleans/San Antonio Saints came very close. Todd Peterson’s 36 yard field goal won it for Atlanta in the final seconds of the game, but only after his miss from 41 yards was negated by a holding penalty on Saints defensive end Tony Bryant.

Worst Game
Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
The Vikings have officially become the laughing stock of the NFL and Mike Tice has evened with Texans coach Dom Capers in the race to be the first coach fired this season. Minnesota managed only 3 points in their fourth loss in five games.

Miami Dolphins
Turnovers were again the demise of the Dolphins along with poor tackling. Michael Pittman ran for 127 yards and a touchdown for Tampa Bay in their 27-13 win over the Dolphins.

The good news for Miami is that at 2-3 they are only one game out of first place and there is still plenty of time left in the season for this team to make a run. The Dolphins host Kansas City next week, a team that has given up yards on the ground this season, and this becomes a must win game for them. Miami cannot afford to go 2-4.

Looking Ahead to Week Seven

Big Game
Pittsburg @ Cincinnati – Suddenly the Bengals are all alone atop the NFC North Division. The Steelers don’t miss Big Ben as much as they just need to take care of the football. Cincinnati has a great opportunity to take control of the division at home in this game.

Prediction: Bengals 24/Steelers 21

Possible Upset
Buffalo @ Oakland – The Raiders are 1-4 and in last place in the AFC West. The Bills are 3-3 and in first place in the AFC East. This could be Oakland’s last chance to salvage what has been a disappointing season to this point.

Prediction: Raiders 28/Bills 24

Bye Week – New England, Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Carolina