The regular season is at it's half way point for half the teams and there is still one unbeaten team, them being the Tennessee Titans. As we approach the ninth week of the season 8 teams have reached their halfway point and 24 more teams will play their eighth game of the season thus reaching their halfway point. This week's special edition offers; In the Books - Week 8, Midseason Revaluation (Part 1 of 2), the Game of the Week, Week 9 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It, The Ten, and the Hero of the Week.

In the Books - Week 8

 

Sunday, October 26th

 

Oakland Raiders (2-4) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-3)

The Ravens took this game from the get go never allowing the Raiders to get in it.

Predicted Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Actual Winner: Baltimore Ravens (4-3)

Final Score: OAK, 10 - BAL, 29

 

Arizona Cardinals (4-2) @ Carolina Panthers (5-2)

Arizona gave a battle to the Panthers but in the end it was Carolina that was victorious.

Predicted Winner: Carolina Panthers

Actual Winner: Carolina Panthers (6-2)

Final Score: ARI, 23 - CAR, 27

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (4-3)

Tampa Bay didn't give Dallas much but the Buccaneers couldn't find a way to take advantage of their opportunities as well as the Cowboys did.

Predicted Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Actual Winner: Dallas Cowboys (5-3)

Final Score: TB, 9 - DAL, 13

 

Washington Redskins (5-2) @ Detroit Lions (0-6)

Washington didn't thump the Lions but they still got the win in Detroit.

Predicted Winner: Washington Redskins

Actual Winner: Washington Redskins (6-2)

Final Score: WAS, 25 - DET, 17

 

Buffalo Bills (5-1) @ Miami Dolphins (2-4)

Buffalo came into Miami hot but couldn't find a win against the Dolphins who looked strong.

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Bills

Actual Winner: Miami Dolphins (3-4)

Final Score: BUF, 16 - MIA, 25

 

St. Louis Rams (2-4) @ New England Patriots (4-2)

St. Louis put up a fight in New England but in the end the Patriots were able to out last the Rams.

Predicted Winner: New England Patriots

Actual Winner: New England Patriots (5-2)

Final Score: STL, 16 - NE, 23

 

San Diego Chargers (3-4) @ New Orleans Saints (3-4)

London got quite the show as the Saints and Chargers lit up the scoreboard, when all was said and done New Orleans was on top.

Predicted Winner: New Orleans Saints

Actual Winner: New Orleans Saints (4-4)

Final Score: SD, 32 - NO, 37

 

Kansas City Chiefs (1-5) @ New York Jets (3-3)

The Chiefs actually played admirably but the Jets were a bit better on Sunday.

Predicted Winner: New York Jets

Actual Winner: New York Jets (4-3)

Final Score: KC, 24 - NYJ, 28

 

Atlanta Falcons (4-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-3)

Atlanta couldn't find a way to fly with the Eagles and ended up losing their third game.

Predicted Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Actual Winner: Philadelphia Eagles (4-3)

Final Score: ATL, 14 - PHI, 27

 

Cleveland Browns (2-4) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3)

The Browns found a way to squeak by the Jaguars and earn their third win of the season.

Predicted Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars

Actual Winner: Cleveland Browns (3-4)

Final Score: CLE, 23 - JAX, 17

 

Cincinnati Bengals (0-7) @ Houston Texans (2-4)

The Texans continued a season long tradition, they stomped the Bengals.

Predicted Winner: Houston Texans

Actual Winner: Houston Texans (3-4)

Final Score: CIN, 6 - HOU, 35

 

New York Giants (5-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1)

New York found a way to out last the Steelers and remain on top of the NFC East.

Predicted Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Actual Winner: New York Giants (6-1)

Final Score: NYG, 21 - PIT, 14

 

Seattle Seahawks (1-5) @ San Francisco 49ers (2-5)

Seattle took advantage of a rare opportunity, a weaker opponent than them, and earned their second win.

Predicted Winner: San Francisco 49ers

Actual Winner: Seattle Seahawks (2-5)

Final Score: SEA, 34 - SF, 13

 

Monday, October 27th

 

Indianapolis Colts (3-3) @ Tennessee Titans (6-0)

Tennessee has been on top of the NFL for 8 weeks now and they found a way to remain on top by beating the Colts.

Predicted Winner: Tennessee Titans

Actual Winner: Tennessee Titans (7-0)

Final Score: IND, 21 - TEN, 31

 

Midseason Revaluation (Part 1 of 2)

Prior to the kickoff of the season I made my full season predictions based on what I knew, or thought I knew, about the teams going into the season. This week I went back and looked at the games I originally predicted and what actually happened and how the changes effected each team's season thus far. Eight teams reached the half way point this week so they could be revaluated next week all 32 teams will have reached it and will be revaluated.

 

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills (Preseason Prediction 8-8)

Current record (5-2)

Find out next week.

New England Patriots (Preseason Prediction 14-2)

Current record (5-2)

Find out next week.

New York Jets (Preseason Prediction 9-7)

Current record (4-3)

Find out next week.

Miami Dolphins (Preseason Prediction 3-13)

Current record (3-4)

Find out next week.

 

AFC NORTH

Pittsburgh Steelers (Preseason Prediction 9-7)

Current record (5-2)

Find out next week.

Baltimore Ravens (Preseason Prediction 1-15)

Current record (4-3)

Find out next week.

Cleveland Browns (Preseason Prediction 9-7)

Current record (3-4)

Find out next week.

Cincinnati Bengals (Preseason Prediction 10-6)

Current record (0-8) Midseason Prediction (1-15)

My half way point prediction was 4-4 with the difference being losses to Baltimore, Tennessee, New York Giants and the New York Jets. The team has struggled horrifically and I can't help but think that will continue. 

 

AFC SOUTH

Tennessee Titans (Preseason Prediction 9-7)

Current record (7-0)

Find out next week.

Indianapolis Colts (Preseason Prediction 13-3)

Current record (3-4)

Find out next week.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Preseason Prediction 13-3)

Current record (3-4)

Find out next week.

 

Houston Texans (Preseason Prediction 3-13)

Current record (3-4)

Find out next week.

 

 

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos (Preseason Prediction 14-2)

Current record (4-3)

Find out next week.

San Diego Chargers (Preseason Prediction 13-3)

Current record (3-5) Midseason Prediction (8-8)

My half way point prediction was 6-2 with the difference being losses to Carolina, Miami and Buffalo. The team has been slumping pretty bad they should win more than they lose from here on out but it very well may be too late. 

Oakland Raiders (Preseason Prediction 3-13)

Current record (2-5)

Find out next week.

Kansas City Chiefs (Preseason Prediction 3-13)

Current record (1-6)

Find out next week.

 

NFC EAST

New York Giants (Preseason Prediction 10-6)

Current record (6-1)

Find out next week.

Washington Redskins (Preseason Prediction 10-6)

Current record (6-2) Midseason Prediction (12-4)

My half way point prediction was 5-3 with the difference being losses to the New York Giants and St. Louis and wins over New Orleans, Cleveland and Dallas. They exploded on to the scene with back to back road upsets but have an unsteady rhythm. 

Dallas Cowboys (Preseason Prediction 15-1)

Current record (5-3) Midseason Prediction (10-6)

My half way point prediction was 8-0 with the difference being losses to Washington, Arizona and St. Louis. Losing Tony Romo didn't help this team but it also is not the only reason they are struggling as of late.

Philadelphia Eagles (Preseason Prediction 4-12)

Current record (4-3)

Find out next week.

 

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears (Preseason Prediction 10-6)

Current record (4-3)

Find out next week.

Green Bay Packers (Preseason Prediction 9-7)

Current record (4-3)

Find out next week.

Minnesota Vikings (Preseason Prediction 14-2)

Current record (3-4)

Find out next week.

Detroit Lions (Preseason Prediction 3-13)

Current record (0-7)

Find out next week.

 

NFC SOUTH

Carolina Panthers (Preseason Prediction 4-12)

Current record (6-2) Midseason Prediction (12-4)

My half way point prediction was 2-6 with the difference being wins over San Diego, Chicago, New Orleans and Arizona. The rise of the Panthers was quick and they haven't shown any sign of letting up, if anything they are getting better.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Preseason Prediction 8-8)

Current record (5-3) Midseason Prediction (10-6)

My half way point prediction was 3-5 with the difference being wins over Chicago and Green Bay. It doesn't seem to matter who is at quarterback for them they are in every game.

Atlanta Falcons (Preseason Prediction 2-14)

Current record (4-3)

Find out next week.

New Orleans Saints (Preseason Prediction 13-3)

Current record (4-4) Midseason Prediction (10-6)

My half way point prediction was 7-1 with the difference being losses to Washington, Minnesota and Carolina. The biggest problem for New Orleans has been competition, they face a lot of tough teams.

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals (Preseason Prediction 10-6)

Current record (4-3)

Find out next week.

St. Louis Rams (Preseason Prediction 4-12)

Current record (2-5)

Find out next week.

Seattle Seahawks (Preseason Prediction 5-11)

Current record (2-5)

Find out next week.

San Francisco 49ers (Preseason Prediction 1-15)

Current record (2-6) Midseason Prediction (2-14)

My half way point prediction was 0-8 with the difference being wins over Seattle and Detroit. The Niners are a mess and thanks to Mike Singletary the whole world knows it.

 

Game of the Week

 

Jake Delhomme rifles a pass on the way to a win.
Photo by Streeter Lecka / Getty Images

The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Neil Rackers hammered a 21 yard field goal following a 13 play, 80 yard drive to make the score 3-0 for Arizona. Early in the second quarter a Jake Delhomme fumble gave the Cardinals position for a quick 5 yard touchdown pass from Kurt Warner to Anquan Boldin to boost their lead to 10-0. The Panthers wouldn't be shut out in the first half and took the ball 72 yards in 14 plays to give John Kasay the 23 yard field goal making the game 3-10 Carolina.

The third quarter would begin with an 8 play, 64 yard drive resulting in a 2 yard touchdown run by Tim Hightower putting the score at 17-3 for Arizona. The Panthers responded by driving 80 yards in 6 plays to reach the endzone after a 15 yard touchdown run by DeAngelo Williams to make it 10-17 for Carolina. An Edgerrin James fumble allowed the Panthers to tie the game at 17 with a quick 18 yard touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme to Steve Smith. Arizona would snap right back with an 11 play, 78 yard drive resulting in a 2 yard Warner to Boldin touchdown pass, after an aborted kick the score became 23-17 Arizona. The Panthers took their first lead right away with a 3 play, 73 yard drive capped off with a 65 yard Delhomme touchdown pass to Smith, 24-23. The only score of the fourth quarter came off a Kasay 50 yard field goal to make the final score 27-23, Carolina wins.

Arizona played well and while some mistakes cost them they were just outplayed but not by much. The Panthers played a great game but also made some costly mistakes not enough to overcome them though. Both teams are dangerous and hard to outscore and should find success through the rest of the season.

 

Week 9 - Who's in It and Who's Gonna Win It

 

Sunday, November 2nd

 

Green Bay Packers (4-3) @ Tennessee Titans (7-0)

The Packers are coming off their bye week and the Titans are looking for their 8th win and continuation of their undefeated season. Green Bay needs the win to maintain their close race in the NFC North but Tennessee is on fire and there is no reason to believe they will lose this game at home.

Predicted Winner: Tennessee Titans

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-6)

Tampa Bay was beat in a close game with Dallas and the Chiefs were edged by the Jets in a tough one as well. The Buccaneers are playing well and shouldn't be beat by a team like Kansas City even if they have improved and are at home.

Predicted Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

 

Baltimore Ravens (4-3) @ Cleveland Browns (3-4)

Baltimore put a hurting on Oakland on Sunday and hope to do the same to Cleveland who were able to squeak by Jacksonville. The Ravens are good but I'm not sure that they are better than the Browns can be on any given Sunday, this one should be a Cleveland Sunday.

Predicted Winner: Cleveland Browns

 

Detroit Lions (0-7) @ Chicago Bears (4-3)

Detroit put up a fight against Washington but now they face a rested Bears team at home. Chicago should find no trouble laying out the Lions on Sunday.

Predicted Winner: Chicago Bears

 

New York Jets (4-3) @ Buffalo Bills (5-2)

New York edged out Kansas City on Sunday but should find it more difficult going into Buffalo. The Jets are good and while the Bills took a fall against Miami they are still the class of the AFC East.

Predicted Winner: Buffalo Bills

 

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4) @ Cincinnati Bengals (0-8)

Jacksonville dropped a close one to the Browns now they go to Cincinnati to face the 0-8 Bengals. Jacksonville should be able to blow the Bengals away.

Predicted Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars

 

Houston Texans (3-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (3-4)

Houston embarrassed the Bengals on Sunday and they head to Minnesota to play the rested Vikings. Minnesota could be a top team but they are not playing up to potential and the Texans finally are.

Predicted Winner: Houston Texans

 

Arizona Cardinals (4-3) @ St. Louis Rams (2-5)

Arizona barely lost to the Panthers and they will face St. Louis who almost beat New England. The Rams have been playing very well but the Cardinals have been playing better.

Predicted Winner: Arizona Cardinals

 

Miami Dolphins (3-4) @ Denver Broncos (4-3)

Miami got a huge win over the Bills on Sunday and now they face a rested Broncos team. Denver has been beaten and bruised but I think they will be ready to get back in the saddle after a bit of rest and a huge gift from London.

Predicted Winner: Denver Broncos

 

Atlanta Falcons (4-3) @ Oakland Raiders (2-5)

Atlanta took a loss against the Eagles but this week they are headed to face a floundering Oakland team. The Raiders don't look ready to beat many teams and the Falcons look ready to beat plenty of teams.

Predicted Winner: Atlanta Falcons

 

Dallas Cowboys (5-3) @ New York Giants (6-1)

The Cowboys are coming off a win over Tampa Bay and headed to New York to face the 6-1 Giants. Dallas needs this win to stay in the race for the division but with the play of Brad Johnson at quarterback it's not a likely win.

Predicted Winner: New York Giants

 

Philadelphia Eagles (4-3) @ Seattle Seahawks (2-5)

Philadelphia flew past Atlanta and will have to head to Seattle to face the lowly Seahawks. The Eagles shouldn't even break a sweat beating the Seahawks.

Predicted Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

 

New England Patriots (5-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (3-3)

The once great rivalry looks a bit dull today but the Patriots will face the Colts. New England should be able to beat Indianapolis but I have to go with Peyton Manning being the difference in this one.

Predicted Winner: Indianapolis Colts

 

Monday, November 3rd

 

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) @ Washington Redskins (6-2)

Pittsburgh is coming off a tough loss to the Giants and they won't find an easy win in Washington. The Redskins seem to find a way to make every game close, I don't know why with some lower opponents but I still expect them to pull out the win over the Steelers.

Predicted Winner: Washington Redskins

 

The Ten

1. Tennessee Titans (7-0) [Last week: 1] - Beating Indianapolis must have felt great, being four games up on their division must feel better.
   

2. New York Giants (6-1) [Last week: 2] - They survived a tough test by beating the Steelers.

3. Carolina Panthers (6-2) [Last week: 6] - Made a heck of a comeback to beat Arizona.
   

4. Washington Redskins (6-2) [Last week: 7] - Continue to breathe down New York's neck.
   

5. Buffalo Bills (5-2) [Last week: 3] - Losing to the Dolphins could comeback to bite them with the Patriots making their way back up the ladder.
   

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) [Last week: 4] - Their loss to the Giants shouldn't be the biggest setback.

7. Arizona Cardinals (4-3) [Last week: 5] - They looked good losing to Carolina, they won't be down long.
   

8. New England Patriots (5-2) [Last week: 10] - Continued to roll against the Rams next they will face the Colts.
   

9. Atlanta Falcons (4-3) [Last week: 8] - Losing to Philly hurt them but they should land on their feet.
   

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3) [Last week: 9] - They found trouble against Dallas but they can still be a force in the NFC South.
    

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

 

The New Orleans Saints have had a tough year thus far but not for lack of talent, the Saints have had a tough schedule and they have faced it with a pass first mentality. Drew Brees has been giving the team a whole lot to work with as far as accuracy and arm strength go and he has lead the team well.

The Saints held their home game against the Chargers on neutral field this past week in London. The Chargers gave them a heck of a fight matching them on most occasions but Brees' accuracy was the big difference over Philip Rivers and why the Saints were able to win.

Drew Brees is the type of play maker this team needs and the type of leader that will always be needed 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 9
  

• Midseason Revaluation (Part 2 of 2)

• Game of the Week
  

• Week 10 - 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

- Love Hope Hero -