Sports, for many people, is a distraction that helps keep your mind off of the more frustrating aspects of life. There are going to be 15 games of NFL football this weekend. The point of this post is to justify watching it.
Sunday, September 22
The Early Games (All Times Listed in EST)
Arizona at New Orleans, 1 pm
The Return of the Honey Badger and Patrick Peterson to Louisiana.
Arizona has drafted two amazing cornerbacks in Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson, who both played for LSU in college. They should make things difficult for Drew Brees and the currently undefeated New Orleans Saints.
Cleveland at Minnesota, 1 pm
The Aftermath of the Trent Richardson trade
Cleveland just traded their best running back and and 2012 3rd overall pick, Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for a 1st round pick next year. This move is widely considered to be Cleveland giving up on this season. In the short term, flashy WR Josh Gordon is returning to his team after a 2 game suspension for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. On the other side of the ball, The Vikings are also trying to win their first game of the year and keep pace in what figures to be a really tough NFC North.
Detroit at Washington, 1 pm
RG3 vs. Suh: Prediction PAIN!
Robert Griffin the 3rd looks sluggish and out of sorts after having ACL surgery over the off season and missing all of the preseason games. On the other side of the spectrum, Ndamukong Suh, Detroit's defensive tackle with a reputation for dirty after the whistle play, will be harassing Griffin all game.
Green Bay at Cincinnati, 1 pm
Hard Knock Life
After having their summer taped on the HBO series Hard Knocks, the Cincinnati Bengals will be hosting the Green Bay Packers. Look for the stellar Bengals Secondary against the Green Bay Passing Offense
Houston at Baltimore, 1 pm
It should be Us
The Texans came close to being in the position that Baltimore was in. As the 2011 season came to a close, the Texans looked as if they were poised to make serious noise in the playoffs, and many were predicting that the Texans would win the entire thing. However, the Texans quarterback, Matt Schaub got hurt and the Texans were put to rest by the Ravens. Now the Texans are healthy would be greatly assisted by beating the Ravens. However, the Super Bowl defending Ravens need a win just as badly to keep pace in their division and to show the league that they aren't planning to have a Super Bowl hangover.
NY Giants at Carolina, 1 pm
I know we haven't won, but I swear we're good
Both teams had playoff expectations and both teams have had two soul crushing defeats to begin their season. Both teams have running backs with fumble-itis and quality, but injured backups. Both teams depend on their front line to cover up for their horrid secondary. One of these teams will be 0-3 after this game.
San Diego at Tennessee, 1 pm
I know you don't believe yet, but I swear we're good.
On the other side of things, both San Diego and Tennessee are getting mild murmuring that they could be playoff teams. Both teams drafted offensive linemen in the second round. After this game one of these teams will be able to stake a claim that they are indeed playoff relevant, while not a Super Bowl caliber team.
St. Louis at Dallas, 1 pm
Hope you like that Cornerback!
In the 2012 Draft, the Rams traded their 6th round pick to the Cowboys for what became the 14, 50th and 51st picks in the draft. With their pick the Cowboys picked up Morris Claiborne who has been an effective, although entirely average and unspectacular cornerback for the Cowboys. The Rams used the picks for a load of depth picking up a DT, a RB and other pieces. Also, the Rams picked Janoris Jenkins, widely considered to be a better cornerback with the 38th overall pick in the same draft.
Tampa Bay at New England, 1 pm
Can't I just go back to Rutgers?
The longer this season goes on, the more it feels like a death march for Bucs Head Coach Greg Schiano and his team. Also, the quarterback, Josh Freeman seems to be self-destructing. Meanwhile, the injury rattled Patriots continue to run into easy opponent after easy opponent while waiting for their star tight end Rob Gronkowski to return to health.
The Late Games
Atlanta at Miami, 4:05 pm
Atlanta vs. the scheduling gods.
The Falcons have had a "tougher than you'd think" schedule against 7-win teams that were better than you remember (Saints, Rams, Miami). The difference in talent between the Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons isn't as high as expected considering the injuries that the Falcons have and the offensive improvements that the Dolphins have shown. The Falcons would be happy to escape with a win.
Buffalo at NY Jets, 4:25 pm
Rookie QB War.
Geno Smith thought he would be the 1st QB drafted overall. He didn't even go in the first round. Smith would have been the backup were it not for a preseason injury to the presumptive early season starter Mark Sanchez. The current QB of the Bills is also the starter due to injury, but both have shown flashes of starting-caliber talent
Indianapolis at San Fran, 4:25 pm
Trent Richardson in the Lion's Den
Trent Richardson was traded to the Colts to provide actual skill at the Running Back position, something the Colts haven't had in a long time. Unfortunately, they get the opportunity to play against an embarrassed and seething 49ers team that just lost an important game against their hated rival in Seattle. Also, the 49ers are really good at defense. Also, Colts QB Andrew Luck will be facing his old college coach from Stanford, Jim Harbaugh.
Jacksonville at Seattle, 4:25 pm
There isn't a line high enough
Jacksonville came into this season regarded as the worst team in the entire league. They have done nothing this season, other than provide evidence that people may have been too high on them. As a reward for not even considering picking up Florida icon and Prophet Tim Tebow, the scheduling gods have given them the best team in the league. Also, they are playing in Seattle where the Seahawks enjoy the best home field advantage in the entire league. In order to bet on Seattle to win this game, you have to bet that they will win by 20. Also, the Jaguars starting RB and QB will likely be out with injury. Godspeed.
The Prime Time Games
Chicago at Pittsburgh, 8:30 pm
We will raise hell in September.
Other than history, there's no reason to believe that Pitt will be good this season. In fact, there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Moreso, there is overwhelming evidence that Pitt will struggle mightily. Most importantly, Breaking Bad will be on for 75 minutes, giving you more than enough of an excuse to avoid the first half of this game. On the other hand, we are still waiting for Jay Cutler to have a "Jay Cutler implodes" game. Besides, after Breaking Bad what else are you going to watch?
Monday, September 23
Oakland at Denver, 8:40 pm
Just keep Manning Healthy
Denver's playoff hopes are entirely dependent on the health of their QB, Peyton Manning. In this divisional game, the Broncos will try to win and get out with their QB still intact. While Oakland has shown that they may be the 31st best team rather than last, they aren't good enough to warrant risking Manning's health more than the Broncos need to. But you're watching because it's Monday Night Football, and Terrelle Pryor will do at least one thing that will make your head spin.
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