Hope you all enjoyed the holiday football, but there are still 13 more games to be played, so let us take a look at them.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons

The Packers are flying under the radar after a lot of Super Bowl talk in the preseason, but I think they’re probably the best team right now with their offense rolling and defense playing at a high level. The Falcons have obviously put together a nice little run and QB Matt Ryan is finally playing some consistent football. The big two differences I see in these teams are the rushing attacks and secondaries. Atlanta obviously holds the edge with Michael Turner in their backfield, but I think his numbers have masked the fact that they’ve struggled to run the ball consistently, and might have that problem again this week. While Charles Woodson and Tramon Williams are playing as well as any CB combo right now, I can’t say the same for the Falcons. Dunta Robinson is solid, but not spectacular and Brent Grimes seems to be targeted every week. This could be the difference in this game. Roddy White is definitely the best WR on either team, but the Packers are [...]

It would appear that you all enjoyed the first installment of this blog, so I will continue with the things I am looking for in the Week Eleven games. Also, thanks to those of you who submitted names for this blog. I have decided to go with “The Weekly MATTchups” based on that being the most common suggestion and most logical one. Anyway, on to this week’s games…

Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers

I’m not saying Tony Pike is any good, but to sign and then to start Brian St. Pierre, who was a stay-at-home dad just a week ago is insane. The Baltimore secondary has been terrible, but this will be like a week off for them. While this looks like a totally lopsided game, I don’t think the Ravens will blow the Panthers out of the water. Carolina’s defense, specifically their secondary, is pretty good, but they’ve been flying under the radar because the offense always hangs them out to dry. Joe Flacco has been very steady, throwing 10 TDs to 1 INT in his last four games. I’m interested to see if Donte Stallworth is a little more involved this week since he’s the only explosive receiver they have.

Buffalo [...]

Now that we have taken an extensive look at the games, I figured I would share what I am watching for this week.

Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills

Can Jahvid Best get going against the Bills 32nd ranked run defense? His turf toe issue is getting better and the Lions might want to lean on him a little more since QB Shaun Hill is back, but isn’t quite 100% over his broken forearm. I think he may have his first big game since he went off on the Eagles in Week Two. Also, with WR Roscoe Parrish out for the season, I’ll be interested to see if the Bills use their RBs more in the passing game, specifically rookie C.J. Spiller.

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

If you’ve held on to Sidney Rice or picked him up off waivers, this could be the week you finally get to see him on the field. I’m not expecting him to play more than half the snaps, even if Percy Harvin is banged up, but it only takes one fade pass from Brett Favre to put Rice back on the map. You can beat this Chicago secondary down the field, but it’ll be interesting to see [...]