The Office Pool: Week Ten

by Rick Rockwell

Although this column righted itself last week, the winning percentage continues to recede. With the season now in its last two months, time for the afterburners, or else.

Last Week: .571
This Season: .609

Game of the Week: Saints at Steelers

This game is between teams headed in opposite directions. The World Champs seem to be done for the year, which makes them very dangerous. Guided by the rejuvenated Drew Brees at quarterback, the Saints are everyone's favorites and can play smash-mouth with the vaunted Steelers' defense behind the tough running of Duece McAllister. This should be very close with the Saints just escaping with a win.

Chargers at Bengals

The Bengals want to play with the elite clubs in the league but have limped through the season so far in an inconsistent fashion. The Chargers are explosive and the catalyst is running back LaDainian Tomlinson. In a shootout, the Chargers win by a field goal.

Washington at Eagles

The ever crazy National Football Conference (NFC) Eastern division is impossible to predict this year. Both of these teams have played below expectations. This week though, the Eagles should right themselves and barely win behind the strong arm of quarterback Donovan McNabb.

49ers at Lions

Both of these teams are gloating after upset victories last week. The Lions often put the puzzle pieces together when they play at home. This should be an offensive shootout with the Lions and offensive coordinator Mike Martz having just the right play at the end to barely win.

Rams at Seahawks

If the Rams have any chance of competing in the NFC West they must win this game. Even with many key starters injured, the Seahawks should take this game (barely) at home.

Packers at Vikings

The Vikings should be mighty angry after last week's upset against the 49ers. They'll be ready at home for quarterback Brett Favre and the Packers. How many interceptions will the Vikings have? Three? Or more? The Vikings should win this one going away.

Monday Night: Buccaneers at Panthers

Although the Bucs haven't closed up shop for the season, they remain wildly inconsistent, while the Panthers have been just mildly disappointing. Receiver Steve Smith should have one of his signature days to put the Panthers on the right track to a win.

Sunday Night: Bears at Giants

Perhaps this is like an early NFC playoff game, but the Dolphins exposed the Bears for what they really are: still weak on offense. This is what Dennis Green was trying to tell the league but he couldn't say it through clenched teeth after his Cardinals just missed upsetting the Bears. The Giants are the real deal and are among the best teams in the league. The Giants should have Chicago handily beaten by the fourth quarter.

Ravens at Titans

This will be an emotional homecoming for Ravens quarterback Steve McNair who played his entire career until this year with the Titans organization. The Ravens now seem to be in synch with McNair and should grind the Titans down to exact some revenge.

Texans at Jaguars

The Texans are now much tougher than earlier in the season, but give some respect to the under-rated Jaguars, especially at home. Running back Fred Taylor of the Jaguars should have an excellent day as the home team wins.

Chiefs at Dolphins

After beating the Bears, have the Dolphins revived themselves? No. Damon Huard, who once played quarterback in Miami will show them perhaps they should have held on to him and running back Larry Johnson should ice the victory for the Chiefs.

Browns at Falcons

Will someone tell Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick that if he wants to be rated among the greats he must win the easy games too? Vick was a turnover machine last week. But not two weeks in a row. Chalk up another loss for the rebuilding Browns.

Broncos at Raiders

The Raiders have reverted to early season form: lousy. The Broncos are still one of the best teams in the American Football Conference (AFC) West. They should win this divisional matchup easily.

Cowboys at Cardinals

Alright, it is official: the Cardinals are truly the worst team in the league. The Cowboys need to get well here. Perhaps this week receiver Terrell "the player" Owens won't drop those key passes. The Cowboys should be victorious.

Jets at Patriots

One thing the Patriots don't do: lose two weeks in a row. Sure, quarterback Tom Brady doesn't usually throw four interceptions either. The Patriots should go back to their winning form against the pesky Jets.

Bills at Colts

The Colts are unstoppable. Sure, they let teams run up and down the field, but no defense can stop the Colts. The Bills are the next victim.

Time for this blog column to answer the November challenge, just as the bye weeks are gone and the back half of the season goes to full throttle. Enjoy the viewing this weekend!

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