Six weeks are now in the books and not one of the five possible teams was able to reach their fifth win of the season thus far leaving the Titans alone at the top as the last undefeated team. While the Titans should be ecstatic about their early lead over the ret of the league there is still a whole lot of football to be played. This week's edition offers; In the Books - Week 6, the Game of the Week, Week 7 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It, The Ten, and the Hero of the Week.

In the Books - Week 6

Sunday, October 12th

Chicago Bears (3-2) @ Atlanta Falcons (3-2)

Atlanta has been quite impressive, especially at home and this was no exception. The Bears deserve a win as much as any team this week but they will have to concede to being slightly outplayed by the Falcons.

Predicted Winner: Atlanta Falcons

Actual Winner: Atlanta Falcons (4-2)

Final Score: CHI, 20 - ATL, 22

Miami Dolphins (2-2) @ Houston Texans (0-4)

The Dolphins came in hot and the Texans stood hungry as could be. It couldn't have been much closer but the Texans were able to come away with their first win of the season in what suddenly had become an upset.

Predicted Winner: Miami Dolphins

Actual Winner: Houston Texans (1-4)

Final Score: MIA, 28 - HOU, 29

Baltimore Ravens (2-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

Baltimore couldn't have surprised me more than they did by being utterly ineffective against the less than stellar Colts. They made the Colts look like a great team again, the question we'll all have to wait for an answer to is, are they?

Predicted Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Actual Winner: Indianapolis Colts (3-2)

Final Score: BAL, 3 - IND, 31

Detroit Lions (0-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

Detroit certainly put up more of a fight than I expected while the Vikings were underwhelming. Detroit still needs a lot of work while the Vikings could gain a lot from being more consistent.

Predicted Winner: Minnesota Vikings

Actual Winner: Minnesota Vikings (3-3)

Final Score: DET, 10 - MIN, 12

Oakland Raiders (1-3) @ New Orleans Saints (2-3)

Oakland still seems to be chasing their own tail, they don't utilize their talent at all. New Orleans is far and away the best team at the bottom of it's division. Oakland has the talent but New Orleans has that and better.

Predicted Winner: New Orleans Saints

Actual Winner: New Orleans Saints (3-3)

Final Score: OAK, 3 - NO, 34

Cincinnati Bengals (0-5) @ New York Jets (2-2)

The Titans of New York (aka the Jets) return in a matchup with the Bengals. The Bengals have yet to get a win and the Titans of New York were far more prepared. Cincinnati remains winless on the season.

Predicted Winner: New York Jets

Actual Winner: New York Jets (3-2)

Final Score: CIN, 14 - NYJ, 26

Carolina Panthers (4-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

Jeff Garcia led the Buccaneers admirably as they hosted the Panthers. Carolina really never got off the ground against Tampa Bay and lost their hold on the lead in the NFC South.

Predicted Winner: Carolina Panthers

Actual Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

Final Score: CAR, 3 - TB, 27

St. Louis Rams (0-4) @ Washington Redskins (4-1)

The Rams coming in seemed hopeless and their chances of luck seem nil with Washington looking like the last place anyone would want to be. Washington came home red hot after two amazing road wins and they stunned their fans by playing far more mediocre ball and dropping the win to the Rams.

Predicted Winner: Washington Redskins

Actual Winner: St. Louis Rams (1-4)

Final Score: STL, 19 - WAS, 17

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) @ Denver Broncos (4-1)

Jacksonville found a happy place in Denver where the Broncos would give up their first loss at home of the season. Denver never found a rhythm on offense or defense for that matter and they will need to step it up big to beat the Patriots in primetime.

Predicted Winner: Denver Broncos

Actual Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)

Final Score: JAX, 24 - DEN, 17

Dallas Cowboys (4-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-2)

Dallas and Arizona struggled against each other all game and nothing more important could be taken away from it than the way it ended two teams struggling to win and each finding a way to do that, only one can win but both deserved it.

Predicted Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Actual Winner: Arizona Cardinals (4-2)

Final Score: DAL, 24 - ARI, 30

Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (2-3)

The Eagles didn't simply fly through San Francisco but they did escape with a most needed win. The Niners have been a tough bunch to kick so far but they still get the wind knocked out of them, more often than not.

Predicted Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Actual Winner: Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)

Final Score: PHI, 40 - SF, 26

Green Bay Packers (2-3) @ Seattle Seahawks (1-3)

Aaron Rodgers came back with a strong performance against the Seahawks. The Seahawks still can't seem to get off the ground and they weren't met with any help by the Packers.

Predicted Winner: Green Bay Packers

Actual Winner: Green Bay Packers (3-3)

Final Score: GB, 27 - SEA, 17

New England Patriots (3-1) @ San Diego Chargers (2-3)

New England and San Diego met in a rematch of the last AFC Championship and the Chargers wouldn't let history repeat itself as they put everything they could into beating the Patriots.

Predicted Winner: San Diego Chargers

Actual Winner: San Diego Chargers (3-3)

Final Score: NE, 10 - SD, 30

Monday, October 13th

New York Giants (4-0) @ Cleveland Browns (1-3)

Derek Anderson and the Browns needed to wake up sometime, they picked a good time to make a statement by becoming the first team to beat the reigning Superbowl Champions. The Giants couldn't get into it in the second half a nd they were losing after the first was over.

Predicted Winner: New York Giants

Actual Winner: Cleveland Browns (2-3)

Final Score: NYG, 14 - CLE, 35

Game of the Week

Jason Elam celebrates his game winning kick.
Photo by Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

The suprisingly good Falcons returned home after a big road win in Green Bay to face the fairly good offense and tremendous defense of the Bears. Early in the first quarter Atlanta set the pace by going 48 yards in ten plays allowing Jason Elam to knock a 29 yard kick through the uprights to make the score 3-0 for the Falcons. Later in the quarter the Falcons would drive 49 yards in eleven plays to set up another Elam kick this time a 48 yard boot to raise their lead 6-0.

The second quarter started off slow before Elam managed another kick for 32 yards to make the score 9-0 for the Falcons. The Bears would respond with an eight play 51 yard that would ultimately culminate with a Robbie Gould 36 yard field goal kick to get the Bears on the scoreboard 3-9. The third quarter scoring got underway pretty quickly with Elam kicking a 41 yarder for another three points after an eight play 56 yard drive making it 12-3. The Bears would answer quickly this time after a 14 play, 82 yard drive ended with the first touchdown of the game thanks to a 3 yard rush by Matt Forte to put the score at 10-12.

Shortly after the fourth quarter began the Falcons shot back with a ten play, 76 yard drive resulted in a 3 yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan to Roddy White to make it 19-10. With 4 minutes left in the game Gould booted a 32 yard field goal following a 9 play, 40 yard drive. The Falcons would get into position for Elam to kick a 33 yard field goal to seal the game but he misses it. The Bears have 2 minutes and 43 seconds left to go 77 yards and get the game winning touchdown, they do it after eleven plays culminated in a 17 yard touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Rashied Davis with 11 seconds left on the clock. Bears win in exciting fashion wait... No? A five second 10 yard kickoff return to the ATL 44 left six seconds on the clock. Matt Ryan throws it to Michael Jenkins who hauls it in 26 yards later before stepping out of bounds with 1 second left on the clock. Jason Elam takes the field for a 48 yard kick that would sail through the uprights and give Atlanta the win that almost got away.

The Bears played a heck of a game including a great comeback and one that without the win may seem disheartening but 99 times out of 100 if you make that comeback you get the W. Atlanta can't lose sight of the fact that they shouldn't have had to make that one in a million miracle comeback but they have to be proud that pulled it off. The Falcons are right in the mix as are the Bears and both teams have a legitamite shot in their divisions.

Week 7 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It

Sunday, October 19th

San Diego Chargers (3-3) @ Buffalo Bills (4-1)

San Diego is coming off a big win over the Patriots and the Bills are coming off the bye and their only loss of the season. There is no doubt this game should be a tight one but Buffalo should find a way to come out on top.

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Bills

New Orleans Saints (3-3) @ Carolina Panthers (4-2)

New Orleans still may be the best team in this division yet but they are last nonetheless. Carolina looked pretty bad last week against Tampa Bay but they are still going to be tough to beat at home maybe even more so after being embarrassed by them.

Predicted Winner: Carolina Panthers

Minnesota Vikings (3-3) @ Chicago Bears (3-3)

Minnesota can be strong but are also very inconsistent. The Bears have been beatable but they are always a threat. Don't expect Chicago to roll over at home and don't expect average play by the Vikings to be enough.

Predicted Winner: Chicago Bears

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (0-6)

The Bengals been tough to beat at times but they still can't find a win. The Steelers have been underwhelming in a few games but mostly find a way to win. Don't expect the Cincinnati losing streak to end here.

Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Tennessee Titans (5-0) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-4)

The Titans come in on top of the NFL as the last undefeated team. The Chiefs only win came against the previously undefeated Broncos. The Chiefs may play better at home but don't expect them to beat two undefeated teams in one year, especially not this year.

Predicted Winner: Tennessee Titans

Baltimore Ravens (2-3) @ Miami Dolphins (2-3)

Baltimore looked terrible against the Colts who finally seemed to get rolling. The Dolphins couldn't find their third straight win against the Texans but still looked good. Expect the Ravens defense to keep Miami in check this week.

Predicted Winner: Baltimore Ravens

San Francisco 49ers (2-4) @ New York Giants (4-1)

The Niners have played admirably in recent weeks but are still nothing more than average. The Giants took their first loss since winning the Superbowl and should be hungry to win again.

Predicted Winner: New York Giants

Dallas Cowboys (4-2) @ St. Louis Rams (1-4)

Dallas will struggle without Romo leading them but even though the Redskins let the Rams through I expect Dallas to come in more prepared. The Rams got their first win over the hottest team in the NFL at the time and they should play with extra swagger. Expect Dallas to pull through on the road.

Predicted Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions (0-5) @ Houston Texans (1-4)

Houston is coming off their first win after playing well for a few weeks and they should be excited to host Detroit, God's answer to a gimme. The Lions should be thinking this is one of their best shots to win but, in the end it should be another disappointment.

Predicted Winner: Houston Texans

Indianapolis Colts (3-2) @ Green Bay Packers (3-3)

The Colts just might be back to form and their is no better way of knowing than a pretty strong matchup against the Packers. Green Bay got back on track last week and they will do their best to keep it up.

Predicted Winner: Indianapolis Colts

New York Jets (3-2) @ Oakland Raiders (1-4)

The Jets have been playing fairly well lately, better as the Titans of New York. Oakland hasn't looked nearly as good since Cable took over for Kiffin. Don't expect much from the Raiders here or anytime soon.

Predicted Winner: New York Jets

Cleveland Browns (2-3) @ Washington Redskins (4-2)

The Browns got a big win over the Giants and they will now try to slap it into a streak against the Redskins. The Redskins looked unbeatable until they went back home and it will be interesting to see how Washington bounces back.

Predicted Winner: Washington Redskins

Seattle Seahawks (1-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)

Seattle hasn't been impressive this season and that is an understatement. The Buccaneers couldn't possibly find this game to be tougher than those in their recent past. Don't expect the Bucs to get shipwrecked in this one.

Predicted Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Monday, October 20th

Denver Broncos (4-2) @ New England Patriots (3-2)

The Broncos opened the season with fireworks on Monday night and it would be nothing short of perfect to head into the bye doing it again. The Patriots lost to San Diego last week and need to get back on the saddle. Expect the Broncos to turn up the volume in this one.

Predicted Winner: Denver Broncos

The Ten

1. Tennessee Titans (5-0) [Last week: 2] - Find themselves the lone undefeated team after the bye week.
   

2. New York Giants (4-1) [Last week: 1] - They got shocked by Cleveland, let's see how they respond.

3. Arizona Cardinals (4-2) [Last week: 9] - Putting down the Bills and the Cowboys in back to back weeks is no easy feat, they also hurt the starting quarterbacks.
   

4. Buffalo Bills (4-1) [Last week: 7] - Buffalo needs to rebound with or without QB Edwards.
   

5. Dallas Cowboys (4-2) [Last week: 3] - Arizona's Insult and Injury tour came through and Dallas needs to get back to winning despite their woes.
   

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) [Last week: 8] - A week off only brought an even more wide open league.

7. Denver Broncos (4-2) [Last week: 4] - Need to put on a show on Monday night if they don't want to let San Diego right back in the race.
   

8. Carolina Panthers (4-2) [Last week: 5] - Got pounded by Tampa Bay and are stuck in a huge divisional tie.
   

9. Washington Redskins (4-2) [Last week: 6] - Falling at home to St. Louis was a major disappointment.
   

10. Atlanta Falcons (4-2) [Last week: Unranked] - No team had a more amazing week and they have been hot.
    

The Ten is based on performance and strength of opponent, positioning on the list is taken into account as teams rise and fall.

Hero of the Week

Matt Schaub hasn't had a whole lot to smile about so far this season, his team hasn't been able to win, even when he gets them going full steam they faulter. Last week he had to ride the bench as he was sick and his backup couldn't help but blow the game late.

The Dolphins were looking to get an extra step in the AFC East after winning to big games against the Patriots and the Chargers. The Texans were able to keep the Dolphins and Ronnie Brown fairly honest for most game and in the end Matt Schaub's strong but far from mistake free performance was capped off by an amazing drive that culminated in a fourth and 2 at the 3 being scrambled into the endzone by the tough quarterback.

Matt Schaub took the Texans from the verge of losing and when all else failed he put the fate of the game on his shoulders and took it in himself and that is why he is the Hero of the Week.

What's Next?

Last Minute Heroics returns next week in its weekly Tuesday spot. It will include the following:

• In the Books - Week 7

• Game of the Week
  

• Week 8 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It
  

• The Ten
  

• Hero of the Week
  

I hope everyone enjoyed this week's edition of Last Minute Heroics; I welcome any feedback and/or suggestions to be left as a comment below or sent by email to LoveHopeHero@gmail.com. It's been a pleasure, thank you for reading.

P|L|H

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