NFL Furious Seven – Titans Reigning Supreme, Dallas Falls
Every time I sit down to write this article on Tuesday morning, I go verifiably insane. Nothing proved my case more than when Denver tripped over its own futility in Foxboro and got hammered by a surly New England Patriots team. While the Patriots emerge as a potential contender, there are at least seven teams that are in much better standing.
Brad Johnson came in and reminded everyone exactly why he isn’t starting in the National Football League anymore. The Rams destroyed the Cowboys in a stunning 34-7 upset, with Brad Johnson giving up three picks to a previously morbid St. Louis team. Now it’s impossible to grade the Cowboys as a viable threat until Tony Romo returns from injury. So who’s in the mix?
1. Tennessee Titans (6-0)
Are we willing to bet that the Titans will go undefeated this season? If they run the ball, and stop the run, like they did against Kansas City then it’s not out of the question. LenDale White and Chris Johnson combined for 317 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the overwhelming victory against the Chiefs and the betting spread.
A tilt against the Colts at home in Tennessee will give the Titans the inside edge in winning the AFC South division. Considering that the Colts are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games against Tennessee, it looks like a veritable lock. We’ll have more information on this game as the weekend approaches, but the Titans are looking like a team you won’t forget about anytime soon.
Next Game: Indianapolis vs. Tennessee -3
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)
Looks like the Steelers are going to be waltzing for the next little while! With a resounding victory over rival Cincinnati, the Steelers look like they’re back. Of course, a win over the winless Cincinnati Bagels (that wasn’t a typo) is not going to prove much. Balance, power and presence in the pocket have the Steelers ranked way up here. They’re second in the league with points against, allowing only 14.8 and give up 149.5 yards passing per game, which ranks them third overall. With a balance attacked of scoring and defensive prowess, Pittsburgh will have to prove they are an elite team by dispatching the Giants this weekend.
Next Game: NYG vs. Pittsburgh -3
3. New York Giants (5-1)
The Giants held the 49ers to only one offensive touchdown, with Nate Clements scoring on a blocked field goal and Joe Nedney chipping in a 40 yarder as well. The alarming thing for me with the Giants was their third down efficiency, where they only converted 4-for-14. Eli Manning only completed 16-of-31 passes for 161 yards and a score. He’s going to have to be a lot better than that if they want to clash with the Steelers this Sunday.
Next Game: NYG vs. Pittsburgh -3
4. Buffalo Bills (5-1)
I hate to say I told ya so…but it’s way too gratifying. The Chargers were spanked in Buffalo and the well-rounded Bills proved that they can hang with the best the NFL has to offer and still pump out wins. Lee Evans miraculous catch in the second quarter put the game out of reach, and San Diego failed to pressure Trent Edwards. The defense picked up big, picking off Phillip Rivers and icing the game. I’d be surprised if there was anyone out there that had any reservations about the Bills anymore.
Next Game: Buffalo -1 vs. Miami
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2)
Like the Bills, the Bucs attack with a balanced rushing attack. Though the gameplan is simple considering the talent the Bucs are boasting, the results are smashing. Dismantling the hapless Seahawks helps boost confidence when betting on the top team in the NFC South, but they have to start beating the big dogs in the NFL before we mount any type of feasible credit in to the Superbowl bank. The Bucs have a favorable matchup on the road against Dallas this weekend, where they might get to give former quarterback Brad Johnson nightmares.
Next Game: Tampa vs. Dallas
6. Washington Redskins (5-2)
Though they are 4-3 ATS and are looking questionably weak in certain key areas, the Redskins keep on winning. This is how tumultuous the NFL betting season is – the Redskins are way overrated, they don’t have a consistent offense and their secondary can get torn to shreds at any given moment, but they’re still one of the best teams in the NFL. What the hell is going on?
Clinton Portis has shown the kind of leadership that earns you MVP honors, and being the leagues leading rusher certainly helps. As much as I don’t trust – and completely hate – the Redskins, a matchup against a miserable Detroit Lions teams will continue their ridiculously strong season. It helps that Dallas is crumbling at the seams.
Next Game: Washington -8 vs. Detroit
7. Carolina Panthers (5-2)
Yep, that’s how absurd things are getting. Two NFC South teams are in the top-7! The Panthers blew up the New Orleans Saints and are averaging 21.0 points per game. Their passing defense is strong, holding teams to 168.7 yards passing per game. Why teams can’t figure out how to cover Steve Smith is beyond me, but in the meantime Carolina’s betting faithful will be reaping the rewards.
A stiff test against the Arizona Cardinals will prove how strong the Carolina pass defense is, and whether or not they have a serious crack at toppling the Bucs from the top of the NFC South mountain.
Next Game: Arizona vs. Carolina -4.5
