The Office Pool: Week Eleven

by Rick Rockwell

Midseason doldrums hit this column last week. As some have noted, the National Football League is tougher to call than ever this season. But here's the latest attempt.

Last Week: .500
This Season: .597

Game of the Week: Chargers at Broncos, Sunday Night

This game will likely determine the champion of the American Football Conference (AFC) West, the toughest division in pro football. The winner is also likely to be the only real challenge to the Colts in the playoffs. This matches one of the league's best offenses (42 points in a half last week in Cincinnati) in the Chargers against the Broncos, one of the best defenses. The game will hinge on the play of quarterback Jake Plummer of the Broncos. If he can stay relatively mistake free, the Broncos should win at home.

Washington at Buccaneers

By inserting third-stringer Jason Campbell at quarterback, Washington capitulates for this season. Funny, but both of these teams made the playoffs last year and fought two tension-filled contests. Not so during this campaign. The Bucs have had a similar rash of problems this year when compared to Washington. This Loser Bowl should be interesting to watch though just to see which team is more desperate. Tampa Bay should have a slight edge at home.

Monday Night: Giants at Jaguars

Here are two more heavily bandaged squads trying to hold their own. The Jaguars have their own quarterback difficulties. They should never have alienated quarterback Byron Leftwich who plays with real heart, even on bad ankles. The Giants have no such issues and are solid at quarterback and running back. Look for Eli Manning and Tiki Barber respectively to step up and pull the Giants through a difficult contest.

Seahawks at 49ers

Who would have thought the 49ers would be searching for respect and a trying for a .500 record? They should give the Seahawks a tussle. However, even with most of their key players on the injury list, the Seahawks have too much talent to bow to the young 49ers.

Bears at Jets

Coach Eric Mangini of the Jets has his team playing inspired football and they are more than mediocre after knocking a scare into the Patriots last week. They should keep it close with the Bears, but Chicago is too dominant. This should be a close one with the Bears pulling out the win late in the fourth quarter.

Lions at Cardinals

Two of the league's sloppiest clubs go head-to-head. Such sloppiness makes these hard to call. Both teams can really open it up on offense when faced with poor defenses. Look for a track meet with the Lions prevailing. Barely.

Colts at Cowboys

This is where the AFC shows its real dominance over teams in that other conference, the National Football Conference (NFC). The Cowboys are one of the best in that conference. The Colts will put on the usual aerial circus and blow past Dallas by at least a touchdown.

Bengals at Saints

Both of these teams are recovering from dispiriting losses, and the Saints are very tough in their dome. However, the Bengals are due to correct their various problems. Their offense certainly was in high gear last week, even if they lost. Look for quarterback Carson Palmer to have a big day.

Steelers at Browns

This divisional match-up is always nasty. The World Champs righted themselves last week and may finally have it in gear. Too late to do much besides get revenge on the Browns. The Steelers should cruise to a win by at least ten points.

Titans at Eagles

Quarterback Vince Young looked impressive last week against the Ravens, but he is still not up to the caliber of Donovan McNabb of the Eagles. The Eagles win at home.

Bills at Texans

The Bills threw a scare into the Colts last week, but are wildly inconsistent. This will likely be their "off" week. Even nicked up, quarterback David Carr of the Texans is having a strong year. He should pull his team through to a win.

Vikings at Dolphins

It appears the Dolphins have finally awakened. Just like last year, they will give folks fits for the rest of the year and create buzz for next year. Who knew you could win with Joey Harrington at quarterback? Meanwhile, the Vikings have imploded. The Dolphins win at home.

Falcons at Ravens

Quarterback Michael Vick and his mates can't decide if they are giant killers or uninspired and one dimensional. The Falcons are one of the most unpredictable and inconsistent teams in the league, which is also a commentary on Vick. Meanwhile the Ravens have been a solid surprise. Look the purple and black to win at home.

Raiders at Chiefs

This divisional matchup is always a close affair and look for the Raiders to rise to the occasion. But the Chiefs are too tough at home.

Patriots at Packers

The hype machine says legendary quarterback Brett Favre has saved Green Bay's season. Not really. They are still young and weak, but they've had some easy targets lately. Not so with an angry group of Patriots. Look for quarterback Tom Brady to win this quarterback duel.

Rams at Panthers

The Rams are over-rated and the Panthers have yet to play up to their potential. They are due for a big game at home. Look for the Panthers to blow out the Rams and tamp down any hope for the rest of the season for St. Louis.

If this blog column is going to make the prognostication playoffs, .500 won't cut it for the rest of the month. Even with that tension, enjoy the viewing this weekend!

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