NFL Round-Up, Week Four

Big Game
Denver @ Jacksonville
Denver won their third game in a row as quarterback Jake Plummer threw two touchdown passes to former tight end turned offensive lineman Dwayne Carswell. Broncos running backs Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell ran for a combined 175 yards, while Jaguars running back Fred Taylor carried the ball eight times for 14 yards. The Broncos also played without cornerback Champ Bailey who had 99 consecutive starts before Sunday.

Big Upset
San Diego Chargers @ New England Patriots
LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries as the Charger blew past New England. I though there was a chance the Chargers could win this game, because of injuries to the Patriots, but I never would have guessed this game would be a blow-out.
Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer seemed to feel the same way. “I counted eight new starters out there today for them who didn’t start last year. I wondered during the week, is there a point in time when you can’t find enough fingers to fill the dike? I think that’s what may have finally happened.”

Worst Game
New York Jets @ Baltimore Ravens
The Jets only managed 8 first downs and 152 yards, and the Ravens didn’t do much better in their 13-3 win. How bad was New York’s offense? After a Jamal Lewis fumble set the Jets up with a first and goal from inside Baltimore’s one yard line and the Jets failed to get in the end zone

Where’s the Parity?
Eight of the thirteen games Sunday were won by 10 points or more, four of those by 20 points or more.

Looking Ahead to Week Five

Big Games
Washington Redskins @ Denver Broncos
Both teams are in first place in their divisions and this becomes a must win for Washington who has the Giants and Eagles breathing down their necks.
Prediction: Broncos 17/ Redskins 10

Pittsburg Steelers @ San Diego Chargers
The Chargers may be the hottest team in the NFL the last two weeks and the Steelers are trying to reestablish themselves as the premier team in the AFC.
Prediction: Steelers 27/Chargers 24

Possible Upset
Cincinnati @ Jacksonville
Jacksonville is now 2-2 and two games behind the Colts. This game becomes a must win for them and they are playing at home.
Prediction: Jaguars 31/Bengals 24

Bye Week
Chiefs, Raiders, Giants, Vikings

On the Hot Seat
Cardinals head coach may have gotten off the hot seat with a win Sunday night in Mexico over the 49ers. These coaches are in danger of not making it to the half-way point in the season. Vote for the one you think might be fired first in this week’s opinion poll.
Mike Sherman – Green Bay
Herman Edwards – Jets
Dom Capers – Houston
Mike Mularkey – Buffalo
Mike Tice - Vikings

Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins had a bye last week and moved into first place with New England’s loss to the Chargers. The Dolphins now have a winnable road game at Buffalo who is having major quarterback problems. With two weeks to prepare I like the Miami defense against Buffalo QB JP Lossman. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Bills make a QB switch sometime in the near future. I like the Dolphins to win in a low scoring game.