Week 11

Lots of interesting things happened last week that will change the complexion of the remainder of the season. Houston loses Matt Schaub for the rest of the season with a foot injury. The Texans were playing great, despite injuries to their best offensive and defensive weapon. Andre Johnson is replaceable because Schaub was able to spread the ball around. Plus they had a great 1-2 punch running the ball with Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Defensively, Mario Williams is a huge missing piece, but despite him being out for the rest of the season, the defense was playing great. Now, with Schaub out, former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart steps into the spot light. This Leinart's last chance, if he screws up, his NFL career is over. I think he has a good chance to succeed. He's in a great system and the expectations are low.

The KC Chiefs also lost their starting QB, Matt Cassel for the rest of the season. I thought the Chiefs might have stunned the rest of AFC West, but that doesn't look good. In fact, I don't things look too promising for coach, Todd Haley (see below).

Green Bay Packers are a machine. I don't think they will go undefeated, but who will beat them? And the fact they are in an extremely competitive division, I see them playing hard the rest of the way out. I still don't think they will repeat, it's way too hard to do that, but who will beat them?

Philadelphia Eagles lack of execution is their biggest problem this season. Maybe because of the lack of off season training or maybe they just haven't gelled together yet, but something has to give. Right now the popular choice is blaming the coach, but Andy Reid isn't taking stupid penalties or turning the ball over in the red zone. The players have to take accountability and play smart.

Every year there are always coaches on the hot seat, here's a list of the 10 coaches who may or may not be back next season. Also, the odds they will be gone:
Coaches on the Hot Seat:
1. Tony Sporano 98%
2. Jim Caldwell 77%
3. Jack Del Rio 92%
4. Norv Turner 55%
5. Andy Reid 15%
6. Mike Shanahan 33%
7. Leslie Frazier 21%
8. Steve Spagnola 45%
9. Ken Wisenhunt 37%
10. Todd Haley 28%

Power Top 10
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Houston Texans
5. Chicago Bears
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. New England Patriots
8. New York Giants
9. Cincinnati Bengals
10. Detroit Lions

Last week, I went 2-2, bringing my total to 21-19

Detroit (-6.5) against Carolina
The Lions have hit a bump in the road. They are not running the ball they way the want to, thus it's hurting their passing game. This week, Matthew Stafford will lead his team past an up and coming Panther team. Cam Newton is going to have some growing pains and the more he plays, the more film they will have to break down.
Lions 29 - Panthers 21

Green Bay (-14.5) against Tampa Bay
It's hard to bet against the Packers. They just keep scoring at will and if their defense can contain their opponents, they will be even tougher to beat. The Bucs have taken a step back from last season and that's to be expected with a second year coach/ QB.
Packers 44 - Bucs 24

Cincinnati (+7.5) @ Baltimore
Is there a more inconsistent team in the NFL than The Ravens? They beat the Steelers twice, but have lost to Seattle and Jacksonvile. I am not sure if Joe Flacco is a top tier QB. The Bengals are coming off a tough loss at Pittsburgh, now back on the road in Baltimore doesn't make it any easier. Andy Dalton keeps growing as a QB and AJ Green is as good as advertised. This going to be a close game.
Bengals 21 - Ravens 20


Upset Special
Atlanta (-6.5) against Tennessee
I've given up on the Falcons. I think it's a down year and their defense is not that good. Tennessee sees an opening with Houston's injuries. Matt Hasselbeck is a veteran and Chris Johnson is coming of his best game of the season
Titans 27 - Falcons 23