NFL Week Nine Preview ! By Guest Columnist Hamish ‘Girvana’ Girvan
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San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – Live on ESPN
In this AFC West clash neither team have any form to be in a position to take this division. The Chargers had a shock loss away to Cleveland last week in a rain sodden game. Meanwhile the Chiefs, ranked the worst team in the NFL with only one win, were soundly beaten by divisional rivals the Oakland Raiders. The Chargers are playing well below their ability whilst the Chiefs are back to having issues at quarterback with the Brady Quinn starting option backfiring when he wen down with concussion. The Chiefs are the first team since 1940 to never have a lead at any time in their first 8 games of the season. The Chargers will be at least be trying to give themselves a chance of getting a home win in this one.
Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers
A meeting between last season’s rookie of the year in Carolina’s Cam Newton’s versus this year’s potential winner Robert Griffin III. The Redskins are rebuilding and have been erratic as was probably expected. RG3 is proving in his first year that he looks far more experienced than anyone thought he would be and is leading the team from the front. The Carolina Panthers convinced themselves pre season that they were contenders however with only one win under their belt they are still a season or so away from being there. This could be a good clash with both quarterbacks looking to show off the talents they possess.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos
The Bengals at home are usually pretty tough however they were well beaten by the Steelers two weeks ago. With a bye under their belt they will be fresh and will need to be coming up against Peyton Manning and his Broncos. Manning is getting better and better each week. His pedigree is showing through and he is back to being what he was when he was at his prime with the Colts. The Bengals are a physical team and will need to pile the pressure on Manning and the Denver offence to get a result here.
New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
One of these classic East Coast fixtures that has brought out some doozers in recent match ups. The Giants were cruising with a 23 point lead last week against Dallas until the Cowboys clicked and took the lead before the Giants finally ground it out. They will need to be at their best again against a Pittsburgh team that can physically out muscle you. The Giants are one of the best teams on the road in the NFL however at home they can struggle. The Steelers come in after a comfortable win against the Redskins. This will be a bruising encounter.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys – Live on ESPN
There is only one unbeaten team in the NFL. Its the Atlanta Falcons seem to be getting better and better. At home inside the Georgia Dome they are even more formidable with weapons in Julio Jones and veteran Tony Gonzalez who are catching and scoring at will. The Cowboys seem to self implode week after week and a combination of poor coaching and bad decision making by Quarterback Tony Romo. The pressure on the Dallas organisation is immense and basically every game is a must win for them to stay in contention. This will be a challenge.
New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Live on ESPN
These two teams went into the season with high expectations from both the media and their fans however both have come up well short. The Saints are only a two win team however they have the weapons to score with Drew Brees at Quarterback however their defence is the problem and they leak like a sieve. Easy to see – hard to fix. The Eagles are in a real bind. Although the media seem to think they are declining week after week they still have three wins and are in the hunt in their division. Coach Andy Reid is considering changing his quarterback Michael Vick and starting a rookie and changes in coaching staff recently do not seem to have helped – last week they were trounced by the Falcons. This one could go either way however the Saints defence will need to step up to get anything out of an under pressure Eagles team.
Follow Hamish Girvan on Twitter @Girvana