By Christopher Torres
TheSportsLovers.com
2010-11-12
Tennessee Titans (5-3) vs. Miami Dolphins (4-4)
This game has added a few more storylines this week, courtesy of the Dolphins. They are playing at home again where they haven’t won all year, and early this week the team signed free agent cornerback Al Harris once he cleared waivers. Wednesday, head coach Tony Sparano pulled perhaps the biggest surprise of the week by naming Chad Pennington the starting quarterback. Sparano hopes the move will increase offensive production, as the Dolphins are in a tight race behind the New York Jets and New England Patriots in the AFC East. It will be Pennington’s first start since Week 3 of 2009 when he injured his shoulder and cost him the remainder of the season. The Titans are coming off of a Bye Week, looking to rebound from a loss to the San Diego Chargers two weeks ago. Since then, they have acquired superstar receiver Randy Moss who makes their offense look very scary on paper. The addition to the Tennessee offense will have its first test Sunday. It could be likely the newly acquired Moss will square off against the Dolphins new acquisition in Al Harris. Many, myself included, expect Moss’ presence to open the field for running back Chris Johnson. Teams have to respect Moss, so it is likely he will take that eighth man out of the box fairly often.
Johnson and Moss could both have a big day Sunday. The Titans to pull this one out regardless, 35-23.
New England Patriots (6-2) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
Anytime there’s a Patriots-Steelers game, it’s always a physical spectacle. Hard hits, diving catches and big plays are bound to happen. This Sunday night matchup should be no different. The Patriots and Steelers are among the league’s elite this year and this game is huge for both teams. New England comes off a shocking loss to the Cleveland Browns where they were physically beaten down. The Steelers escaped a tough Monday night game in Cincinnati with a victory. I like Ben Roethlisberger to get the best of Tom Brady this game. Roethlisberger, in his fifth start since his suspension, has been playing as if he was there since game one. Expect him to have a greater impact on a young Patriots defense that has been handled fairly easily in recent weeks than Brady against the veteran-savvy Steelers defense.
Pittsburgh will hand the Pats their first losing skid of the season, 27-24.
Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) vs. Washington Redskins (4-4)
This Eagles-Redskins matchup is pivotal for both teams in terms of playoff implications. Donovan McNabb and the Redskins got the best of the Eagles in their first meeting this year, and the Eagles need this win if they happen to be tied with the Redskins down the stretch if they have similar records. Quarterback Michael Vick had an impressive showing last week, as he outdueled Peyton Manning and the Colts in Philadelphia. Vick is certain to be a difference maker in this game as long as he plays throughout, unlike the first matchup when he was knocked out with a rib injury early. The Redskins defense is ranked 31st in yards per game allowed, which doesn’t bode well with Vick and Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson coming to town. Donovan McNabb will make his first start since the two-minute fiasco in Detroit two weeks ago, and it will be interesting how things shake out for the Redskins offense this week and the remainder of the season. Will he McNabb stay? Will he go? As of this second the Washington grass isn’t looking very green for McNabb. This week however, things will be improved, but not enough to stop the high-flying Eagles.
Philly takes the “W” in this Monday night bonanza, 28-16.
