Rating: (0 votes - average)

2014 NFC CONTENDERS' CORNER (Playoff Contenders' Info) Week 2

Ouch! What a horrible nightmare it was last week. In last week’s Contenders’ Corner, the following reminder was stated: “Don’t eat the cheese, don’t get ahead of yourself, and take it a week at a time.” Unfortunately, that memo didn’t reach our boys in Fulton County, Georgia. Our defense was gashed on the ground, through the air, and even (to a lesser degree) on special teams. But if you want a reason to feel better, it was just one game… and we still have 93% (15 games) left in the season. Rest assured, Coach Payton, Crime Dog, Johnson, & Vitt will have the defense foaming at the mouth (figuratively speaking). I expect to see an inspired effort, and a dominating effort by the Saints. Yes, the Saints will take it out on the Browns in this game! It will be ugly for the home team, and Saints’ fans will see this team get its mojo back BIG TIME by depositing a 50-burger in First Energy Stadium. My prediction (score) for this game is posted below. Want even more good news? After our game vs. the Browns, we will have already played 25% of our road games. This means that the Saints (after the game in Cleveland) will have 6 road games and 8 home games left. Assuming we win in this game (which is NOT a stretch of the imagination), I can imagine the Saints going 4-2 on the road and running the table (8-0) in the Dome. That, my fellow WhoDats, would give the Saints a 13-3 record, and a first round bye. So… let’s get fired up. WHO DAT!!!!!


Week 2 Bye teams: NONE.


Thursday September 11th

Week 2, Game 1: Steelers (1-0) @ Ravens (0-1)

N/A: AFC opponents. Results: Ravens dominated the Steelers on TNF: 26-6.

Vegas odds that were on this game: Ravens by 2- ½.


Sunday September 14th


Week 2, Game 2: Dolphins (1-0)@ Bills (1-0)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Dolphins by 1.


Week 2, Game 3: Lions (1-0) @ Panthers (1-0)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Panthers are also an NFC South rival. There are actually two ways of looking at this one: 1) Pull for the Lions because the Panthers are a division rival, and 2) Pull for the Panthers because you feel that the Lions are strong this year, and will be competing for a postseason spot in the playoffs. This early in the season, you have to go for the division rival’s OPPONENT.

b. Desired outcome: Take the Lions, although it’s not a cut-and-dry decision.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10.

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


Week 2, Game 4: Falcons (1-0) @ Bengals (1-0)

a. Why it is important: Falcons are an NFC South rival, and already have a 1 game lead on the Saints (head-to-head). The encouraging thing about this game is that the Bengals are for real! They have a formidable attack on offense, and their defense always play inspired ball at home. Falcons have not been the best road team in recent years. They are also due for a LETDOWN after their emotional win vs. the Saints last week. Falcons will likely drop this one.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Bengals.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Bengals by 5.


Week 2, Game 5: Saints (0-1) @ Browns (0-1)

a. Why it is important: Saints laid an egg in the season opener. They gave up over 500 yds. Total offense, and had a boatload of missed tackles. Our boys DID NOT LOOK GOOD! But it is not time to panic. This game, vs. the Browns, will be a good indicator of how well the coaches can adjust their gameplan and get back on track. Saints will be ready, and the Browns will not have a chance; game will likely be decided in the first half, with the Saints taking it going away.

b. Desired outcome: WhoDat, baby!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 7 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Saints by 7.


Week 2, Game 6: Patriots (0-1) @ Vikings (1-0)

a. Why it is important: Vikings are an NFC rival. The child abuse situation with Adrian Peterson has been a big distraction, and may play into the Patriots’ favor.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Patriots.

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

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


Week 2, Game 7: Cardinals (1-0) @ Giants (0-1)

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

b. Desired outcome: This is not an easy one to pick. Both teams are capable of making a playoff run. But since the Giants appear to be the weaker team, it may be good to pull for them. This is a “Pick ‘em” game. Good arguments can be made for going for one or the other. My choice is to pull for the Giants.

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

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


Week 2, Game 8: Cowboys (0-1) @ Titans (1-0)

N/A: AFC opponents.

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


Week 2: Game 9: Jaguars (0-1) @ Redskins (1-0)

a. Why it is important: Redskins are an NFC rival.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game: Pull for the Jaguars. Jags let one slip away last week when they blew a 17-0 lead vs. the Eagles. This is a young Jacksonville team, and they may be able to pull off the upset if they play stout defense early. But that’s a tall order, with this being their 2nd consecutive road game to open the season.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Redskins by 6.


Week 2: Game 10: Seahawks (1-0) @ Chargers (0-1)

a. Why it is important: Seahawks are an NFC rival. This is an intriguing game. Chargers are coming off a short week (with a LATE Monday Night Football game on the road), and the Seahawks having 10 days since their season opener vs. the Packers. Talk about stacking the deck! Sheesh!

b. Desired outcome: All you can do is hope for an upset, but what I explained above adds more evidence to a probable 2-0 start for the Seahawks. Game will likely be close, but with the Seahawks’ stout defense, Lynch rushing like he did vs. the Packers, Wilson being a running threat, and capable receivers running disciplined routes downfield, well… (you get the picture).

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 3 out of 10 (Chargers will likely need a +2 turnover differential to take this one).

d. Vegas odds on this game: Seahawks by 6.


Week 2, Game 11: Rams (0-1) @ Buccaneers (0-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Buccaneers are an NFC South rival.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams. Rams have lost QB Sam Bradford for the season, and still have no answer to that situation. Buccaneers are playing in their 2nd consecutive game at home to start the season. If they drop this one (which we are hoping is the case), they will be in a deep hole at 0-2 in the Conference, and 0-1 in the division. Looking at this game realistically, Lovie Smith will have his team ready for the Rams; but I hope I’m wrong.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Buccaneers by 5- ½.


Week 2, Game 12: Chiefs (1-0) @ Broncos (1-0)

N/A: AFC opponents.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Broncos by 13.


Week 2, Game 13: Jets (0-1) @ Packers (0-1)

a. Why it is important: Packers are an NFC rival. Although the Packers lost in their season opener, they remain a formidable team and postseason contender. This also their season-opener, and they will likely show up big time!

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game; pull for the Jets.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Packers by 8.


Week 2, Game 14: Texans (1-0) @ Raiders (0-1)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Texans by 3.


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 2, Game 15: Bears (1-0) @ 49’ers (1-0)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. The 49’ers looked strong in their season opener, and are returning home for a rowdy crowd. It does NOT look good for “Da Bears.”

b. Desired outcome: Pull for Chicago. The 49’ers will be in the thick of things, and it appears that the Bears’ best postseason shot is the division crown (in the NFC North, where all four teams are pretty good this season); the division winner will probably have 10 wins or fewer.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: 49’ers by 7.


Monday September 8th

(MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 2, Game 16: Eagles (1-0) @ Colts (0-1)

a. Why it is important: Eagles are an NFC rival. Colts are licking their wounds after the thumping they took in Denver last week. They return home to a partisan crowd, and Andrew Luck & the Colts have a formula for getting back on track.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game--- go with the AFC team.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

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


News from Enemy Camps (Week 2):

Saints’ next opponent:

(Browns): Cleveland Browns Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

hagan714

to early to panic even with missing taking one from the falcons in atlanta. lets see if the defense can make the gut check needed and if ryan can adjust a few things.