These days, the only certainty you have is that the Saints and Colts are going to win, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to lose. At least, that’s what we thought.
For all those people who kept doubting the Denver Broncos and picked them to lose each week, we congratulate you on getting it right on the seventh attempt.
Read on for the Five Things to Watch For in Week Nine:
5. Can the Wildcat Keep Trucking?
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
You better believe it.
The Patriots have been riding high after finally getting their offense back on track, albeit against winless teams. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have looked sharp for three straight weeks, and could be headed for a 5-3 record if it weren’t for a monumental collapse against the undefeated New Orleans Saints. Miami is better than people give them credit for.
Dolphins 33, Patriots 30
4. The Career Bowl
Tennessee Titans @ San Francisco 49ers
It’s the “I want my career back” Bowl, between fellow forgotten first rounders, Vince Young and Alex Smith. We’re going with the kid with the better receiving options and the coach (Mike Singletary) that would never put on a Peyton Manning jersey.
49ers 26, Titans 24
3. Can the Giants Win a Game?
San Diego Chargers @ New York Giants
We can’t see how Brandon Jacobs goes a ninth straight game without rushing for 100 yards in a game, especially when he’s going up against the league’s 27th ranked run defense. Eli Manning won’t be hassled too much, as the Giants get back to what they’re good at and run all over the Chargers.
Giants 34, Chargers 28
2. Can the Texans Give the Colts Their First Loss?
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
It’s the undefeated Colts on the road. Nothing sounds better to Houston, who at 5-3, is still trying to prove its doubters wrong. The Colts lost corner Marlin Jackson for the season, and could be without both Kelvin Hayden and Bob Sanders. The streak ends Sunday.
Texans 37, Colts 34
1. Who Will Take the Lead in the NFC East?
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Both of these teams are slightly better than advertised, although they both have dislayed their fair share of inconsistency. We’re going with Tony Romo, simply because he’s thrown eight touchdowns to zero picks in his last three games, and he hasn’t lost to the Oakland Raiders, yet.
Cowboys 27, Eagles 24
