Games to Watch - Week 13 Dec 4, 2009 | More

Hello fellow Sharks! From now right up through Week 17, we’ll be giving our insight as to which games are the ‘games to watch’ each week. This is a heavy burden, as we know a lot of you have Sunday Ticket, too much free time, and an addiction to premium brews like Natty Lite or Yuengling. A lot of you know us from our weekly podcast on this site (the Fantasy PRE-Wind podcast), and our “Sine Lines” sport-toon (every Mon, Wed, Fri), or maybe one of our posts in the Tank. We’re just like you, though - we love a good football game, no matter who’s playing. All times Eastern:


Tennessee @ Indianapolis – Sunday 12/6, 1:00pm

Ok, ok – we know that you didn’t look at this game and immediately think “Game to Watch”, but hear us out. Think back to the original Karate Kid movie. Ralph Maccio starts out the movie as a punching bag for the local bullies, much like Tennessee did with their 0-6 start. Then after some simple car waxing and fence painting (or in the Titans’ case, a bye week), he becomes a force to be reckoned with – much like the 5-0 post-bye Titans. And while the good-guy-image Colts aren’t exactly the NFL’s version of the Cobra Khan, this year Indy has been giving the rest of the NFL the proverbial leg-sweep, amassing a perfect 11-0 record through the first twelve weeks. So while you might have first looked at this match-up as an easy Colts victory in the “All Valley Karate Tournament” of the NFL (read “AFC South Grudge Match”), the Titans would like nothing more than to win the All Valley trophy (and improve their chances at a wildcard berth) by upsetting the Cobras… err… Colts this Sunday.

The Titans started out this season looking like a shadow of their old selves, but who needs the “old” when you can have the Vince Young (1010yd/4TD/2int) instead? Young has led the Titans on a 5-0 win streak, but don’t think he isn’t getting some major help. The Tennessee run game staring Chris Johnson (1396yd/9TD) is doing most of the damage for the Titans, while Vince Young just has to keep the turn-overs to a minimum. Kicker Rob Bironas (18FG/23PAT) has shown that if the Titans can move the ball with any kind of rhythm, he’s capable of putting the points they need to win on the board. The much-maligned D of the Titans has turned over a new leaf as well – they allowed five of their first six opponents to score more than 24 points on them, but in their last five games they have only allowed more than 24 points a single time. Guys like LB Keith Bulluck (86tkl/1int) and CB Cortland Finnegan (44tkl/3int/1TD) are starting to make the Titans defense look pretty decent – a big accomplishment from starting out the season as one of the NFL’s worst in almost every major category through the early part of this season.

Indianapolis is one of the NFL’s only two remaining undefeated teams, sporting a league best 11-0 record – but they haven’t been cruising over teams like the loss-less Saints have. The Colts have been grinding out close game after close game, but every time doing exactly what needs to be done to pull out a victory each week. Whether it’s late-game heroics by Payton Manning (3415yd/24TD/11int) throwing to guys like Reggie Wayne (987yd/79rec/9TD) and Dallas Clark (834yd/74rec/5TD), or Joseph Addai (583yd/7TD) grinding out tough yardage on the ground to salt away games. (Note: Addai’s ypc increases every quarter on the average this year – a testament to his conditioning and the Colts O-line.) Even the Colt Defense has been the catalyst for several wins, but with guys like LB Clint Session (81tkl/2int) and DE Dwight Freeney (9.5sack) is that a surprise to anyone? (Note: As of post time for this article, things look pretty good for Freeney returning to the lineup after missing last week with an abdominal injury, but don’t be surprised if his playing time is limited this week – they are going to need his presence when the playoffs roll around.) The Colts had one of their biggest wins against the Titans in week five with a 31-9 whooping of the boys from Tennessee, but they have seen the same turnaround we have in the Titans, so don’t expect them to take them lightly this time around.

So before you dismiss this match-up as a blowout, oh ye of little faith, give this game a chance. The Titans are one of the NFL’s hottest teams right now, and so are the Colts. Mix in a little division rivalry and the Titans looking for revenge and while you might not see any paint-the-fence and wax-on in this contest, you’re definitely going to see more than a few whacks taken by both teams in what promises to be a hard-fought AFC South slugfest. Mr. Miyagi would be proud – and he’ll probably be watching the game himself, with a cold brew (or maybe a warm saki).


Minnesota @ Arizona – Sunday 12/6, 8:20pm

We hate to mention it, but both of us (Chris and Tom) got in a bit of an altercation late last Friday Night (and it wasn’t over a Madden game on Playstation 3). As crazy as it sounds, it was about food. Chris seems to think that the “Royal Red Robin Burger” is the best there is, hands down. Tom scoffed at that and said anyone making a blanket statement like that is about as dumb as Paul McCartney not getting Heather Mills to sign a ‘pre-nup’. Tom favored Johnny Rockets’ “Smoke House Double”. Well, from there Chris decided that he was going to go all Hacksaw Jim Duggan on Tom, and a 2x4 would be the ultimate judge. Tom wisely didn’t argue from there. After a few Dogfish Ales, the boys were settled and agreed that when comparing two powerhouse hamburgers, they could see the argument both ways - much like the football game in Arizona this weekend as two powerhouse offenses square off against each other.

The Cards are one of the NFL’s offenses that make defensive coordinators around the NFL reach for an Alka-Seltzer. A big reason for that is the play of QB Kurt Warner (2718yd/20TD/11int). While Warner is listed as “questionable”, but we can’t see anything short of open-heart surgery keeping Warner out of this game – it’s just too important. Of course, no matter who is under center, there are two of the NFL’s top receivers to look for in the passing game, WRs Larry Fitzgerald (826yd/75rec/9TD) and Anquan Boldin (665yd/56rec/2TD). On the ground, Arizona has taken on a RB-by-committee approach and uses rookie Beanie Wells (489yd/4TD) and Tim Hightower (485yd/6TD) almost equally. On the other side of the ball, the Super Bowl runner-up D allows less than 20ppg, and utilizes players like Antrel Rolle (56tkl/1.5sack/4int) to lead them back into contention.

This Sunday, Brett Favre (2874yd/24TD/3int) will set the NFL record for an every-down player with his 283rd consecutive game played. But Favre's presence has lightened the load somewhat on another star on the team, RB Adrian Peterson (1084yd/12TD), and the need to have him gain huge amounts of yardage. In the air, WRs Sidney Rice (964yd/56rec/4TD) and “Rookie of the Year” candidate Percy Harvin (602yd/42rec/5TD) seem to have Brett Favre’s eye. It’s no secret that defensively, the Vikes hold opponents running games to well below 100ypg (81.6) and with a D sporting players like DEs Jared Allen (38tkl/12.5sack/3forced fum) and Ray Edwards (40tkl/6.5sack), it figures to be a catalyst to get the Vikings deep into the playoffs.

In the end, Tom forgave Chris for chasing him with a 2x4; after all, Red Robin does indeed make a good burger. And while you won’t see any 2x4’s this weekend in the Arizona / Minnesota game, you will get to see two of the NFC’s best take a few swings at each other to prove who is hungrier for the playoffs - and Jarred Allen does kind of wear his hair like Hacksaw Jim Duggan.


Baltimore @ Green Bay – Monday 12/7, 8:30pm

We were sitting in Dolfi’s man cave recently and feeling a bit nostalgic about the past year, so we made a bit of a “bucket list”. Braun still has hopes to win back all of the money he lost betting on the Lions the last two years and Dolfi learned sign language online, in the event he ever gets a chance to actually get a chance at his lifelong dream to meet Koko the gorilla. (Note: Braun has already sent a letter to the foundation that takes care of Koko in Woodside, CA warning of how a Dolfi / Koko summit would set back years of scientific study.) Hey, it’s good to dream. And when opportunities come, you have to seize them, right? Much like the game that is taking place in Lambeau Field this Monday. The Ravens haven’t been there in nearly a decade. In fact, several Packers fans weren’t sure if there actually IS a Ravens team – or even a Baltimore for that matter. Well, both teams get their chance to seize the day this weekend. And both are in the same predicament; slim hopes of winning their division, yet both having good arguments for grabbing a wildcard spot. Coincidentally, both also have met on Monday Night Football before (their last meeting in fact). won 48-3… but trust us, this one is going to be much closer this time.

Last Thursday, Packers’ QB Aaron Rodgers (3136yd/22TD/5int) clubbed the Lions by throwing for 3TD’s. Speaking of the number three, he led to team to its third straight win – putting them solidly back in the wildcard race. 35-year-old WR Donald Driver (845yd/53rec/5TD) has been on the receiving end of a nice percentage of Rodgers throws. But when the ball isn’t flying through the air, RB Ryan Grant (890yd/5TD) gets the nod and although hasn’t seen the end-zone a ton, he still gets efficient ypc on the ground – even behind the poor Green Bay offensive line. Defensively, what a difference a year makes… Would you believe that the Pack leads the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game (282yds)?!? Great play from guys like Charles Woodson (2sack/2int/2TD) and Nick Barnett (71tkl/3sack) are a very big reason for that statistic, and they will certainly be on Baltimore’s mind when they game plan this week… and on Baltimore’s backs on Monday night.

The Ravens have a 6-5 record and are still in the hunt for a wildcard spot in the AFC. On paper, their schedule (minus another visit with the Steelers) looks favorable for a playoff run. Sophomore QB Joe Flacco (2744yd/13TD) has used recent un-retiree Derrick Mason (734yd/5TD) nicely, but has used RB Ray Rice in passing (rec:582yd/61rec/1TD – he leads the team in receptions) as well as ball control on the ground (run: 821yd/6TD). On the opposite side of the ball, the Ravens are a force to be dealt with when having to score points. They only allow 17ppg and less than 100 yards on the ground per game. S Dawan Landry (60tkl/4int/1TD) and LB Jarret Johnson (41tkl/6sack), as well as the ever-present Ray Lewis (92tkl/2sack/2forced fum), look to make their trip to Lambeau Field memorable for the home team – and not in a good way.

Sure, this is an out-of-conference game, but let us tell you this - it might be one of the best out of conference game you see outside of the Super Bowl this year. Baltimore might only be a single game above .500, but every game of theirs goes right down to the wire. And Aaron Rodgers is one of the NFL’s top passers despite playing behind an offensive line that couldn’t protect him from a pee-wee leaguer, let alone an angry NFL defensive end. So while just about anything *could* happen during this game, one thing *will* happen – you’ll be treated to one heck of a “Game to Watch”.