The Office Pool: Week Nine

by Rick Rockwell

Recovering from the worst week of predicting ever, last week, this blog column edged back over the .500 mark and limped back into the season.

Last Week: .571
This Season: .614

Game of the Week: Colts at Patriots (Sunday Night)

The Patriots often have the solution to the seemingly unbeatable Colts. But if Coach Bill Belichick and his crew can't get it done, who can? This game will be like an early playoff game. The Patriots should manage to squeeze by and end the undefeated string of the Colts. At least the Patriots know how to play some defense, which Denver forgot how to do last week with the Colts in town.

Bengals at Ravens

This is a battle for dominance in the American Football Conference (AFC) North. The Bengals have struggled lately, but they know how to give the Ravens fits. The Ravens figured out how to score last week: make Coach Brian Billick the offensive coordinator too. The Ravens should win this in a close struggle, maybe by a field goal.

Saints at Buccaneers

The Bucs have proved they will not go whimpering into end-of-the-season mode, especially when they play at home. Just ask the Eagles. The Saints may be a bit nicked up, but quarterback Drew Brees should pass New Orleans to a tough win.

Monday Night: Raiders at Seahawks

The Seahawks have a long injury list and the Raiders have rejuvenated themselves in the past two games. Why not three in a row? If the Raiders can rob quarterback Ben "Big Ben" Roethlisberger so many times, they should be able to pick off backup quarterback Seneca Wallace of the Seahawks enough times to win. The silver and black take home an upset.

Packers at Bills

Neither one of these teams is going anywhere this season. Both are underachieving teams in weak divisions. And both are sloppy and inconsistent. And that means: this will be tight, close and interesting. But the Bills have the edge at home.

Titans at Jaguars

Has quarterback Vince Young ignited the Titans enough to challenge the Jaguars? And who will Jacksonville start at quarterback? It won't matter. The Jaguars are still several notches better than the rebuilding Titans.

Cowboys at Washington

Alright, I admit I was wrong: just another part of the sports punditocracy that Coach Bill Parcells decries so much. Yes, I thought putting Tony Romo in at quarterback was crazy. But he dismantled the Panthers who keep trying not to be one of the best teams in the league. The Cowboys should win this one by at least a touchdown and a field goal.

Broncos at Steelers

After last week, it is obvious the Broncos do have an offense, but they shouldn't get trapped in a shootout with a powerful offense. Have they learned their lesson? If so, that pretty much writes off Pittsburgh's season. Las Vegas thinks with their backs to the wall, the World Champ's will come back beginning this week. This week, though, the Broncos will dash those hopes.

Dolphins at Chicago

This week the Dolphins will be the ritual sacrifice for the Bears. Remember, the Bears scored more than 40 points by halftime last week. In 1985, the Dolphins ruined Chicago's chance at a perfect season. No chance at that this year, as the Bears will stay undefeated.

Vikings at 49ers

The Vikings are much better than what they demonstrated on Monday night against the Patriots. After the Bears rolled over them, the 49ers go back to being one of the league's joke teams. They could possibly be the worst team in the league right now. The Vikings win big in this one.

Giants at Texans

The Giants are truly one of the best teams in the league right now, led by running back Tiki Barber. They should rumble easily over Houston.

Chiefs at Rams

The Rams are over-rated and will find it hard to contain the Chiefs' superb running back Larry Johnson. The Kansas City bunch wins this one for bragging rights in the state of Missouri.

Falcons at Lions

This game will be like a track meet with two explosive offenses playing indoors. But the Falcons have more speed everywhere, with quarterback Michael Vick playing some of his best ball ever. The Falcons will triumph.

Browns at Chargers

The Chargers have the top defense in the AFC and the second best offense, while the Browns are struggling through another rebuilding year. How many touchdowns will San Diego score while cruising to an easy win?

November is the month that makes teams playoff worthy. Can this blog catch up with a better percentage? Answers coming next Monday. Enjoy the viewing this weekend!

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