Rating: (1 votes - 5.00 average)

Every game is important, and none was more important to the Saints than their convincing 49-17 win over the reeling Cowboys. Not only did the defense come up big (holding the potent Dallas offense to less than 200 total yards), but the running game (particularly Mark Ingram) came alive, and the offensive line got a shot confidence. This will play big in their approach to the upcoming game vs. the very capable and STOUT 49’ers defensive unit.

There is no time to bask and relax in the last win; there’s a lot of work still ahead. To underscore the fact that you can’t take any game for granted, look back to last week’s “Contenders Corner.” There you’ll see that we called a possible “Upset Special” with the Jags @ Titans. The Saints still control their own destiny in how they will shake out in the postseason, although they cannot afford to lose any ground to the Seahawks. With the Packers’ loss of Aaron Rodgers for a couple more weeks, it appears that there is now only a 3-horse race for the #1 & #2 seeds: Seahawks, Saints and 49’ers. Of course, that can change in a matter of a few weeks.

It’s now time for us to examine the games that will impact the NFC standings going into Week 11:

Week 11 Bye teams (2 NFC): Cowboys, Rams.

Thursday November 14th


Week 11, Game 1: Colts (6-3) @ Titans (4-5)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Colts by 3.


Sunday November 17th


Week 11, Game 2: Jets (5-4) @ Bills (3-7)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Bills by 1. (…I don’t understand this by the oddsmakers)


Week 11, Game 3: Falcons (2-7) @ Bucs (1-8)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC South rivals. As astounding as this may sound, if the Bucs win, it will actually put the Falcons in a tie for LAST PLACE in the division!

b. Desired outcome: Tony Gonzalez is not a happy camper in his decision to come back with the Falcons this season. But I don’t feel sorry for the Falcons’ franchise either. Bucs just won their first game of the season last week, and would love nothing more than to have a mild upset over the Falcons. PULL FOR THE BUCCANEERS!

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Falcons by 2.


Week 11, Game 4: Lions (6-3) @ Steelers (3-6)

a. Why it is important: Lions are an NFC rival, and currently sit atop the NFC North. They are also still in the thick of things for a first round bye, and could slide into a #2 seed should other front runners slip.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Steelers. Pittsburgh is a good late-season team at home. Don’t be surprised if they pull off an upset.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Lions by 2- ½.


Week 11, Game 5: Redskins (3-6) @ Eagles (5-5)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Eagles are starting to get hot right now.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Redskins.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 3.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Eagles by 3- ½.


Week 11, Game 6: Cardinals (5-4) @ Jaguars (1-8)

a. Why it is important: Cardinals are an NFC rival. Jaguars got their first win of the season last week… on the road. They now play at home after that emotional win. They will likely play inspired football at home this week. Don’t write-off the Cardinals. They are still very much alive for a postseason appearance, and they will not go to sleep on the lowly Jaguars. Even so, given the fact that the Jags got their first win last week, this should be a very competitive game. If the Cardinals win the turnover battle, they should emerge with a win. Here’s to the Jags winning the turnover ratio!

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Jaguars (interconference game).

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 3 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Cardinals by 7- ½.


Week 11, Game 7: Raiders (3-6) @ Texans (2-7)

N/A: AFC opponents. Texans are probably tied with the Falcons for being the most disappointing team this season.

Vegas odds on this game: Texans by 7.


Week 11, Game 8: Ravens (4-5) @ Bears (5-4)

a. Why it is important: Bears are an NFC rival. Bears are still in the hunt for a Wildcard or shot at the NFC North title. They will be a desperate team; so are the Ravens, who are in the hunt for the AFC North title. Ravens squeaked-out an overtime win vs. the Bengals last week. Now, they go on the road vs. the Bears. Jay Cutler was injured last week, and his health status will play BIG in the outcome of this one.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Ravens (interconference game).

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Bears by 3.


Week 11: Game 9: Browns (4-5) @ Bengals (6-4)

N/A: AFC opponents. This game is huge for the AFC North standings.

Vegas odds on this game: Bengals by 5- ½.


Week 11: Game 10: Chargers (4-5) @ Dolphins (4-5)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Chargers by 2- ½.


Week 11, Game 11: Packers (5-4) @ Giants (3-6)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Packers are in trouble following the loss of Aaron Rodgers (collar bone fracture 2 weeks ago). The Giants are still in last place in the NFC East, but are still in the hunt for the division title, given the Saints’ win over the Cowboys last Sunday night.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Giants. A Packers’ loss pushes them further behind in the race for a postseason (wildcard) slot. At this point, the Giants’ are realistically only in the hunt for a n NFC East title (with an 8-8 or possibly 9-7 record).

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10.
d. Vegas odds on this game: Giants by 5- ½.


Week 11, Game 12: Vikings (2-7) @ Seahawks (9-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Seattle is currently riding the #1 seed position in the playoff race. Of course, it is not over yet.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Vikings (and for Adrian Peterson to have a monster game).

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 3.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Seahawks by 12- ½.


Week 11, Game 13: 49’ers (6-3) @ Saints (7-2)

a. Why it is important: 49’ers are an NFC rival. San Francisco is also in contention for a possible NFC West crown and First Roundy bye in the playoffs. No need for me to stress that this is a key game for BOTH teams. The dark cloud hanging over this game is the Saints’ ability to STOP-THE-RUN… plain and simple. The Saints are among the worst in the league, surrendering a whopping 4- ½ yards per carry to opponents. That will NOT get it done in this game! If Frank Gore and Kaepernick have a field day with ball control on the ground, even with the 12th man in the Superdome, it will be tough for the Saints to come away with the “W.”

b. Desired outcome: Before our game with the Cowboys, the Saints were among the WORST in the NFL in their rushing attack. We answered that concern with a dominating performance by Mark Ingram, who had 145 yards on 14 carries (10 YPC)! Now, we have to answer the concerns with our run defense vs. one of the best rushing offensive lines and RB (Frank Gore) in the NFL. If the Saints keep the ‘Niners in catch-up mode (with a quick start), they should be able to win in convincing fashion. Oh boy, what a huge confidence-builder that would be as we move closer to that showdown in Seattle in a couple of weeks! WhoDat, baby!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Saints by 3- ½.


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week11, Game 14: Chiefs (9-0) @ Broncos (8-1)

N/A: AFC opponents. However, please note that this is the first FLEX game of the season. The game was shifted from CBS at an earlier time to the later time slot for Sunday Night Football on NBC.

Vegas odds on this game: Broncos by 7- ½.


Monday November 16th


Week 11, Game 15: Patriots (7-2 ) @ Panthers (6-3)

a. Why it is important: Panthers are an NFC South rival, and still within striking distance of the Saints for the Division lead. The hoopla and media attention may not bode well for the Panthers, who may start eating the cheese (as Coach Payton would say). Yes, the Panthers are near the top, if not THE top defense in the NFL. But you have to look at the opposite sideline and see the coach under the hoodie: Bill Belichick. The Patriots are coming off a bye, and are in a dogfight with the Jets for the AFC East crown. Not only that, but a first round bye is also at stake (since the division leading Colts and Bengals are not running away with the #2 seed behind whoever wins the AFC West: Chiefs or Broncos). In any case, with their having had an extra week to look at game video, and with #11 (Brady) under center, the Patriots will have their A-game going. It will not be a runaway, but I like the Patriots’ chances in this one.

b. Desired outcome: There is no need to mention who the WhoDat Nation wants to win in this contest. But just in case you’re wondering: Pull for the Patriots.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Panthers by 1- ½.


News from Enemy Camps (Week 11):

NFC East Leaders:

(Cowboys): Dallas Cowboys Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

(Eagles): Philadelphia Eagles Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily


NFC North Leaders:

(Lions): Detroit Lions Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily


NFC West Leaders:

(Seahawks): Seattle Seahawks Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

CoreyO

I would say pull for the falcons IMO because the falcons just suck the bucs have talent on their team just lack motivation and leadership you dont want them to win two strait because they might build momentum and we still have to face them

UK_WhoDat

What about Carolina?
What is it you do not understand?

Mardigras9

Patriots coming off a bye is a good thing. The stop the run aspect for the Saints is worrisome.

Stealthman

Somehow, I have a feeling that the Saints will show up and have one of their best performances vs. the run this Sunday afternoon.

WhoDat!