Oh, What a Weekend…

Well, folks, I’ve been worrying lately if I’ve focused too much on football (especially the Green Bay Packers) on this blog… and this post will unfortunately reinforce my concerns. I just have to comment on what a great, great weekend of NFL football is upon us. I can’t remember another weekend in the last few seasons with so many juicy games full of good teams, great rivalries, and intriguing storylines. Of course, there are some absolute duds on the schedule as well, but that frees up most of the good teams for better matchups. Just how good are some of the games on the docket this Sunday? You be the judge.

Great Games:

N.Y. Jets @ New Orleans Saints-

This game oozes juice. It features two 3-0 teams who are early Super Bowl favorites, one sporting a great defense (N.Y.) and one a great offense (N.O.). Although Saints QB Drew Brees has cooled down a bit since his six touchdown game in Week One, he still leads the league in touchdown passes and QB rating. Mark Sanchez has done a nice job guiding the Jets offense but hasn’t had to do much legwork as of yet. This week, depending on whether or not the Jets’ defense can bottle up the Saints potent attack, he may have throw a lot playing from behind. I predict the Saints win this one handily, but don’t underestimate a Jets defense that has held the Titans and Patriots under 20 points each in the last two weeks.

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots-

Two great AFC teams and the possibility for the Patriots to restore order in the conference. The Patriots dispatched a good Falcons team last week after losing to the Jets and winning a squeaker against the Bills. Many pundits are making the Ravens into a championship contender through three games, but questions remain about their offense and the dubious quality of their victories (Kansas City, at San Diego, and Cleveland at home). Winning this one on the road would be a coup for the Ravens and a big blow to the Patriots’ now-questionable aura of invincibility.

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings-

You knew I’d get to this one, didn’t you? Brett Favre’s late-game heroics against the 49ers last week only added to the seemingly limitless hype surrounding his first game against the Packers in another uniform. Not just any other uniform, a Vikings uniform. And this is not just any other game. This is the game. This is Red Sox shortstop Derek Jeter facing the Yankees. This is Duke superstar Michael Jordan playing the Tar Heels. This is… well, you get the picture. If you want to see bad blood and good football, tune in. You won’t regret it.

Honorable Mentions:

San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Dallas Cowboys @ Denver Broncos


The Stinkers:

Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Redskins

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins