Volume 117 >> Issue 58 : Friday, November 14, 1997

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Pats Hang On, 49ers Keep Winning

There were two big scores worthy of note from last week. First, the Patriots had their way with the Bills en route to a key 31­10 victory. The victory could be just the jolt they need to get back on track after losing several big games recently. They managed to stay alongside the Dolphins who defeated the Jets to further the three-way deadlock atop the AFC East. So, a semi-noteworthy score was the Dolphins over the Jets 24­17 (at least for those people from either Boston, Miami or New Jersey). However it seems to me that all of this is just demonstrating that there is no dominant team in the AFC East - no one to contend with Denver for the title.

The other noteworthy score was Jacksonville over Kansas City. This is important because it means the Broncos have a two-game lead on everyone else in the AFC. It is also important because Jacksonville is still tied with Pittsburgh in the AFC Central. But all these teams are definitely a notch below the Broncos.

There are two insignificant scores worth noting just because they demonstrated complete and utter dominance. Denver wrecked Carolina 34­0, and Pittsburgh wrecked Baltimore 37­0. I think Carolina and Baltimore now know what it means to be caught with their pants down.

The New York Giants lost to Tennessee, beginning what will soon become known as the football equivalent of a stock market crash as the NFL readjusts for falsely inflating the Giants this season.

Finally, I admit this is a little late, but I am adding a new element to this weekly column: the Forty Niner Watch. Yes, the Niners won yet again, defeating Philly 24­12, so they are now 9­1. Six more games to go till playoffs.

Although the Cardinals are horrible this year, I will stick with my words from above and pick them over the Giants. Also, if the Giants lose then the 'Skins will be in first.

The Falcons-Rams game this week figures to be a good contest just because they are so bad. With combined records of 4­16, this is all about pride. It certainly doesn't mean anything in the big scheme of things. Who will be worse? Take St. Louis to avenge their previous loss to Atlanta three weeks ago.

Pittsburgh is coming off a 37­0 victory over Baltimore. Look for similar destruction this week as the Steelers beat the Bengals.

Denver-K.C., two of the best teams in the AFC: talk about a prime-time matchup. For both teams this is what it is all about. If Denver wins they will have an impressive three-game lead over the Chiefs. If K.C can pull it out they will be right back in the race. They can't. Take Elway.

Ladies and gentleman in conjunction with the aforementioned Forty Niner watch, I am also instigating the Colts Streak of Failure. Yes, they are at 0­10 shooting for an impressive 0­11. Green Bay will kill them.

Tennessee has been up and down all season. Jacksonville should capitalize to remain tied for the lead in the AFC Central.

The Vikings choked last week against the lowly Bears but still held on to win their seventh in a row. Take Minnesota over Detroit.

The New England Patriots are playing the Tampa Bay Bucaneers in the "could've-been should've-been" Bowl. Both teams raced out of the gates to start the season only to stumble and lose big games when they counted. Now it is time to see who is back on track. It's not the Patriots.

Eagles, Seahawks will prevail

The Eagles have been struggling this year to no end. They had high expectations and have been struggling to stay afloat. Luckily for them, since the NFC East is so bad they still have a chance, however remote. Take the Eagles over the Ravens.

The Seattle Seahawks aren't that good, but they have been winning winning their share of games. Take them over Ditka and the Saints.

Archrival Showdown II: The Cowboys take on their old nemesis the 'Skins in Dallas this week. For the first time in a long time the Redskins lead Dallas in the standings and they won the first meeting this season. Times are a-changin' folks. This one is going to be huge. Don't miss it. Take Washington.

After coming off an embarrassing 34­0 disgrace last week, the Panthers are looking to regroup. Too bad the Niners are their next game. I think it is safe to say that Carolina should start looking to next year. San Fran goes 9­1.

Bill Parcells finds ways to win. Therefore, he doesn't lose too many in a row. Take the Jets over Da Bears, who can't find any way to win.

Both the Chargers and the Raiders are fading fast so this is a key game for both teams. Look for the Raiders to avenge their loss earlier this season.

Monday Night Special: More AFC East traffic jams. The Jets, the Pats, and the Dolphins are tied at 6­4 and Buffalo is a close second at 5­5 after losing to N.E. last week. Please let the Dolphins win so we don't get a four way tie going here. Talk about mediocrity. I think Marino and Jimmy Johnson will finally start to play up to par under the spotlight. Take Miami.

Last week: 11­4, season record: 90­44.