Stealthman

Here we go... things are starting to get interesting. Let's take a look at the games that matter this week as far as how they may be able to help our boys in the Black & Gold:

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th

Week 4, Game 1: Patriots at Bills
N/A: AFC matchup


Week 4. Game 2: 49’ers at Jets

a. Why it is important: 49’ers are a conference rival.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Jets. This is obviously a no-brainer when any AFC team plays one of the Saints’ conference/division rivals. The 49’ers are likely going to be in the Wildcard race, if they don’t win their division outright. Saints have already spotted the rest of the NFC three (3) losses, and any losses that teams like San Francisco get will at least help the Saints’ chances. Jets are without Revis, their All Pro cornerback. But playing before a home crowd is a good thing for the Jets. 49’ers are very good defensively, and turnovers may decide the outcome of this one.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10


Week 4, Game 3: Seahawks at Rams

a. Why it is important: Both teams are conference rivals.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams. Seahawks are in the hunt for their division crown thanks to a “gift” this past Monday night. But the Seahawks are on a short week, and are on the road. The Rams are an up & coming team, and may be able to pull off the upset if they do not turn the ball over.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10


Week 4, Game 4: Panthers at Falcons

a. Why it is important: Both teams are division rivals.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Panthers. Atlanta is looking strong, and will want to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the NFC South. This will not be a statement game, but the Falcons looked very strong last week. With the Panthers losing big last weekend, it may be a “TRAP” game for the Falcons. Let’s hope so.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 2.5 out of 10


Week 4, Game 5: Vikings at Lions

a. Why it is important: Both teams are conference rivals.

b. Desired outcome. This is a tough one to call. Vikings will have a slight opponent advantage, playing a LAST PLACE schedule in 2012. The Lions will be very competitive in the playoff hunt, which also has the NFC North up for grabs. Lions also play very well at home. This early, I say go pull for the weaker team (on paper): Vikings. You may want to call it the other way, because the Vikings are certainly an improved team. But again, I say pull for the Vikings.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10


Week 4, Game 6: Chargers at Chiefs
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 4, Game 7: Titans at Texans
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 4, Game 8: Bengals at Jaguars
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 4, Game 9: Raiders at Broncos
N/A: AFC opponents


Week 4, Game 10: Dolphins at Cardinals

a. Why it is important: Cardinals are a conference rival.

b. Desired outcome: Always pull for an AFC team playing one of the Saints’ conference/division rivals.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10 if Reggie Bush is healthy; 4.5 out of 10, if not.


Week 4, Game 11: Redskins at Buccaneers

a. Why it is important: Redskins are a conference rival; Buccaneers are a division rival.

b. Pull for the Redskins (who currently own the head-to-head “tiebreaker” with the Saints). Bucs are probably the stronger team, and have the potential to beat any team in the league on any given Sunday. Let’s hope that RG3 rebounds and the ‘Skins play a turnover-free game.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10


Week 4, Game 12: Saints at Packers

a. Why it is important: Saints are not at “do-or-die,” but the fat lady has been awakened, and is no longer in the dressing room. Both teams (Saints & Packers) rely on precision route-running by their receivers. The replacement refs allowed an unbelievable amount of downfield contact, which disrupted the passing games of both teams. Look for that to be different this week. Rodgers was sacked repeatedly because his receivers were getting mugged, and protection broke down. The Saints, on the other hand, have not been able to mount a consistent pass rush. Add the factors, and the Saints may be in for a long afternoon if they don’t find a way to keep the pressure on Rodgers. Brees has had a few moments of “happy feet” and not making good decisions, but overall has not played as bad as his 78 passer rating indicates. IF the Saints are patient enough to stick with their superior running game, they can keep the Packers pressure defense off balance, and escape Lambeau with a much needed “W.”

b. Desired outcome: Are you kidding?

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: The Saints will be ready for this game. They will come out and execute, and should look more like the Saints we have grown accustomed to. 6 out of 10.


Week 4, Game 13: Giants at Eagles

a. Why it is important: Both teams are conference rivals.

b. Desired outcome: Toss up, but pull for the Eagles (until they show that they are for real beyond a doubt). I still feel that the Giants are the bigger concern in the long run. But still pull for the Eagles.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10 (Giants will likely emerge victorious).


Monday October 1st (MNF)

Week 4, Game 14: Bears at Cowboys

a. Why it is important: Both teams are conference rivals.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Bears. Cowboys appear to have the edge in coming up with a better W-L record. Romo seems to play at another level on MNF. Turnovers may be a factor in this one. Again, pull for the Da Bears!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10.


Bye (Week 4): Colts, Steelers