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Teams drawing a Week 8 BYE: Ravens, Bills, Bengals and Texans

Thursday October 25th

Week 8, Game 1: Buccaneers @ Vikings

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Bucs are a division opponent. Although the Bucs are in the NFC South, we could use help to knock the Vikings down a notch.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Buss. Ponder, Harvin and Peterson are playing great. Not only that, but the Vikings play very well at home. LeGarrett Blount had a poor game vs. the Saints, but may be able to run downhill and off-tackle vs. the Vikings, who make a good initial push in pressuring the QB. As shown vs. Saints, Bucs have a dangerous tandem at wideout. This should be an interesting game, and the Bucs may be able to pull of an upset with: 1) ball control, and 2) no turnovers.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10
Sunday October 28th

Week 8, Game 2: Dolphins @ Jets
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 8, Game 3: Chargers @ Browns
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 8, Game 4: Colts @ Titans
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 8, Game 5: Patriots @ Rams

a. Why it is important: Rams are an NFC rival.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Patriots. Jeff Fisher will have a gameplan vs. Belichick, having coached against the Patriots many times while he was with the Titans. But the Patriots are fighting to capture their division crown, and will not come into this one flat.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: .6.5 out of 10

Week 8, Game 6: Jaguars @ Packers

a. Why it is important: Packers are an NFC rival.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Jaguars, but this should be a cakewalk for the Packers (who are in the thick of the race for the NFC North crown).
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 1.5 out of 10

Week 8, Game 7: Falcons @ Eagles
a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Falcons are a division rival, and are atop the NFC South with a 6-0 record going into this game.
b. Desired outcome: Michael Vick will be absolutely fired-up for this one. Falcons are coming off their bye, and may be reading too much in the media about how they are the BEST team in the NFC. Yes, their record is 6-0, but this will be the first test that they will have vs. one of the better teams in the NFC.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

Week 8, Game 8: Redskins @ Steelers
a. Why it is important: Redskins are an NFC rival, and currently own the tiebreaker with the Saints.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Steelers.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10

Week 8, Game 9: Seahawks @ Lions
a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Lions have been sliding, and are due to bounce back.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Lions. They are usually tough at home, and I believe the Seahawks will be ambushed in this one.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

Week 8, Game 10: Panthers @ Bears
a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Panthers are an NFC South rival.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Panthers. They are in disarray, and coming apart at the seams. Morale is sinking, and Cam Newton is NOT a true leader. Even so, they still have a feisty defense, and are capable of ball control in their running game. Olsen, Steve Smith and Lafay are very capable at moving the chains, and Cam Newton is always a threat to run. Let’s hope that that this is a TRAP game for the Bears, and that the Panthers can pull off the upset.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 2.5 out of 10

Week 8, Game 11: Raiders @ Chiefs
N/A: AFC opponents

Week 8, Game 12: Giants @ Cowboys
a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Giants currently atop the NFC East.
b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Cowboys (even if you have to hold your nose). Giants should be ready to play in this hostile environment.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10

Week 8, Game 13: Saints @ Broncos
a. Why it is important: Saints now have a two-game winning streak going, but need this game to show if Spagnuola’s defense is starting to get its act together. The Saints need this win to keep pace with the Falcons, as long as getting the NFC South crown is still a possibility. They also need this game to not fade further back in the Wildcard chase.
b. Desired outcome: The Saints will be very fired-up with Joe Vitt at the helm (as interim Head Coach). Also, the Saints’ defense got a HUGE shot of confidence with Malcolm Jenkins’ TD-saving play @ Tampa, as well as the defense’s goal line stand deep in the red zone. Somehow, I believe the Saints will have good success running the ball, and will keep Denver’s defense off balance for most of the game. WhoDat, baby!
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: This should be a mild upset (since the Broncos are a slight favorite). Saints 38 – Broncos 23 Confidence: 6.5 out of 10

Monday, October 29th (MNF)

Week 8, Game 14: 49’ers @ Cardinals
a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. The 49’ers have been pretty impressive overall, with the exception of their loss to the Giants. The Cardinals started as a ball of fire, but have cooled of a bit lately. The NFC West will be a knock down, drag-out division, with the last man standing taking the division crown. With this being a nationally-televised game, the 49’ers will probably have their A-game going. But don't count the Cardinals out in this one: Winner gains sole possession of 1st place in NFC West.
b. Desired outcome: At this stage of the game, the 49’ers appear to be the team to beat in the West, although many feel that we’d want the Cardinals to get another loss (to help the Saints’ chances at a Wildcard). Go figure… My belief is (with more than ½ the season left) is to pull for the “weaker” team. Pull for the Cardinals.
c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10

News from Enemy Camps (Week 8):

Saints’ Opponent - Broncos: Denver Broncos Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader: Falcons: Atlanta Falcons Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

NFC East Leader (Giants): New York Giants Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

NFC North Leader (Bears): Chicago Bears Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader: (49’ers): San Francisco 49ers Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

SapperSaint

Great job. I like knowing what our chances are for playoffs now rather than later.

Vrillon82

way the records are in the NFC this season, getting to the playoffs might not be as hard like last 2 years.

Rugby Saint II

Great job! This is the kind of thing that makes this forum so informative. Thanks Stealthman.

iceshack149

I can't disagree with anything but I hate that I'm wanting the Bucs, Panthers, and Cowboys to win.

Stealthman

Note: Any team that I give odds of 5.5 out of 10 (or greater), is the team I believe will win the game... NOT necessarily the team I "hope" will win.

saintfan

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UK_WhoDat

Keep on truckin' Stealth.