The NFL Preview With The Rizz 12.15.07: Week 15 (Part 2)

Posted by Randy Isbelle on 12.15.2007

Well I guess the format was just too big, so here is Part 2 of my NFL Preview.

Click HERE for part 1!

The new format seems to be causing issues

....

So I had to break it up into three parts

....

Here is Part 2 of my NFL Preview

....

Enjoy

Week 15
3-9	Atlanta Falcons	versus	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10 ½)	8-5
December 16, 2007, 1:00 PM EST – Raymond James Stadium

Last Three Weeks

Atlanta Falcons: This space was going to be dedicated to my feelings on Michael Vick's 23-month jail sentence, but with the recent events of one Bobby Petrino, I feel like I should talk about the subject related closer to football. What Petrino did to that football team was a complete joke. Now I understand wanting to leave the organization because you saw an opportunity in Vick and his style of play. However, you in no circumstances dump your team, your family, in mid-season while they are still going out there and putting their bodies and lives on the line for you. It was despicable in so many ways and I will be rooting against Arkansas each and every week next year because for Petrino to succeed there after helping in the total destruction of the Atlanta Falcons would be a crime. I have zero respect for the man, and only place him above Vick in my least favorite sports personalities of the year list, only because leaving a team comes nowhere close to what Vick did to those dogs. The Falcons will reel from these two situations for years to come, and it is sad, really sad. These men did not deserve anything that has happened to them, and I can only hope that the issues these two men have created for the Falcons will leave in only a few seasons and not a few decades.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Last week, I had jumped on the bandwagon that Tampa Bay could be a spoiler on the NFC side of the playoffs. This week I am jumping off that bandwagon and sprinting over to the Vikings and Seahawks bandwagons as teams that could take down the Cowboys or Packers. Tampa Bay still only needs a win or a New Orleans loss to make win the division and with games against the Falcons, 49ers and Panthers, it is a sure bet that Tampa Bay will make the postseason; however once they get there they will not last long. If things stay the way they are, which I actually think they will, Tampa Bay will be the 4th seed and face the New York Giants, a winnable game. However, if they are able to win at home against the Giants then they will get either Dallas or Green Bay and there is no way they make it past either of them.

Prediction: Atlanta is in shambles, and other then the team coming together to overcome all of this injustice, they will get beat up in this game. Tampa Bay might not be a Super Bowl favorite, but you have to expect them to win their remaining three games, and pretty convincingly at that.

Vs. Spread	Straight Up

Atlanta Falcons

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Indianapolis

L 13-31

Washington

W 19-13

@ St. Louis

L 16-28

@ New Orleans

W 27-23

New Orleans

L 14-34

@ Houston

L 14-28

Atlanta

Team

Tampa Bay

14.2 (30th)

Pts For

19.6 (19th)

23.5 (22nd)

Pts Against

16.5 (2nd)

301.1 (24th)

Total Offense

323.6 (19th)

209.7 (16th)

Passing Yards

207.6 (17th)

91.4 (26th)

Rushing Yards

116.0 (10th)

343.5 (24th)

Total Defense

289.2 (3rd)

219.8 (19th)

Passing Defense

185.8 (4th)

123.7 (27th)

Rushing Defense

103.3 (15th)

+5 (12th)

Turnover Diff.

+11 (5th)

Atlanta Leaders					Tampa Bay Leaders
Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD
Harrington	215	348	2215	7	Garcia	182	282	2135	11
Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
Dunn	196	603	3.1	3	Graham	191	798	4.2	9
Norwood	75	463	6.2	1	Pittman	45	213	4.7	0
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
White	65	995	15.3	5	Galloway	55	978	17.8	6
Jenkins	51	512	10.0	4	Hilliard	58	663	11.4	1

Week 15
9-4	Seattle Seahawks (-8)	versus	Carolina Panthers	5-8
December 16, 2007, 1:00 PM EST – Bank of America Stadium

Last Three Weeks

Seattle Seahawks: Seattle is one of the hottest teams in the NFL, winning their last five games and clinching the NFC West last week with a decisive victory over the Arizona Cardinals last week. The division title is the fourth straight for the Seahawks who seem to be peaking at the right time. With remaining games against the Panthers, Ravens and Falcons, Seattle is looking at a potential eight game winning streak heading into the playoffs where they are matched up to face a red-hot Minnesota Vikings team. The longest winning streak in club history is 11, and it is only fitting that a trip to the Super Bowl would mean that they would need to run off 11 straight (that is if they win their remaining regular season games). However, Seattle's weak rush defense could pose problems if they do in fact face the Vikings in the first round of the playoffs, because Minnesota is the best rushing team in the league and will not hesitate to exploit a defense who is weak in that area. Seattle needs to be routing for a team like the Saints or the Lions to make the playoffs because both teams are more air-based teams and the Seahawks lead the league in interceptions this season.

Carolina Panthers: Carolina continues to be a mess, as injuries have ruined yet another season. Losers of six of their last seven, the Panthers just cannot figure out what to do on offense with Jake Delhomme out with his injury. Carolina has scored seven or less points in four of those six losses and there just does not seem to be any end in sight. Carolina needs to focus on the running game, and try and take as much time off the clock as possible to keep the game close, and then hope that they can create mistakes on the defensive side of the ball if they want to win this game.

Prediction: Seattle is probably the must unrecognizable Super Bowl threats in 2007. It would not surprise me in the least to see this team make it back to the big game, and possibly even win it. Actually, Seattle could be the toughest test the NFC can offer the Patriots because of that defense and how they love to shut down good passing attacks.

Vs. Spread	Straight Up

Seattle Seahawks

Carolina Panthers

@ St. Louis

W 24-19

New Orleans

L 6-31

@ Philadelphia

W 28-24

San Francisco

W 31-14

Arizona

W 42-21

@ Jacksonville

L 6-37

Seattle

Team

Carolina

24.2 (6th)

Pts For

16.2 (28th)

17.5 (5th)

Pts Against

22.6 (18th)

343.4 (11th)

Total Offense

282.5 (29th)

246.2 (8th)

Passing Yards

170.1 (30th)

97.2 (21st)

Rushing Yards

112.4 (15th)

320.8 (12th)

Total Defense

323.6 (13th)

220.8 (22nd)

Passing Defense

210.4 (12th)

100.0 (14th)

Rushing Defense

113.2 (19th)

+13 (4th)

Turnover Diff.

+1 (15th)

Seattle Leaders					Carolina Leaders
Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD
Hasselbeck	292	469	3346	24	Testaverde	94	172	952	5
Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
Alexander	179	595	3.3	3	Foster	214	774	3.6	3
Morris	108	482	4.5	0	Williams	99	475	4.8	1
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Engram	76	929	12.2	5	Smith	65	745	11.5	6
Branch	39	558	14.3	3	Carter	32	426	13.3	4

Week 15
7-6	Tennessee Titans (-4)	versus	Kansas City Chiefs	4-9
December 16, 2007, 1:00 PM EST - Arrowhead Stadium

Last Three Weeks

Tennessee Titans: Once a lock for the AFC playoffs, the Titans have lost four of their last five and basically need to win out and get some help to make the playoffs. The most disappointing loss happened last week as the Titans let a 17-3 lead in the 4th quarter slip away against the AFC West leading San Diego Chargers. The loss dropped the Titans to 7-6 and one game behind the Cleveland Browns for the final wildcard spot. Tennessee has games against the Chiefs and the Jets before their season finale at Indianapolis where the Titans are sure to either be eliminated from the playoffs already, or be facing a must win situation, and with the Colts getting healthier, the Titans have to either hope for a perfect game or that Indy decided to rest some of their starters. Vince Young has shown signs of brilliance this season, and needs to do just that this week, but not with his arm. The Chiefs have been giving up tons of running yards in the past few weeks, and Young and the Titans need to exploit that for all it is worth.

Kansas City Chiefs: The mystique of Arrowhead Stadium has been lost in the 2007 season, as Kansas City has not won in their last four home games and are 2-5 at home on the season. This is in large part due to the fact that Larry Johnson has been lost for the season, and the hopes of a football team has been left on the shoulders of a young quarterback and rookie running back. Kansas City looks to finally right the ship, at least for one week, to avoid their first seven game losing streak since 1987, especially after their worst defeat of the season. Last week, Kansas City was blown out in a game against the division-rival Denver Broncos, 7-41. The Chiefs were outgained 453-129, turned the ball over three times and had more three-and-out drives (8) then they did first downs (7).

Prediction: The Titans may have given up a win last week against the Chargers, but this week they go up against a inferior team in the Kansas City Chiefs. With Albert Haynesworth back for his third game since his injury, the defense should finally be able to sustain the great play they displayed in the first three and a half quarters against the Chargers, and take it all the way till the clock reads triple zeroes.

Vs. Spread	Straight Up

Tennessee Titans

Kansas City Chiefs

@ Cincinnati

L 6-35

Oakland

L 17-20

Houston

W 28-20

San Diego

L 10-24

San Diego

L 17-23

@ Denver

L 7-41

Tennessee

Team

Kansas City

19.2 (22nd)

Pts For

13.8 (31st)

20.3 (11th)

Pts Against

20.8 (13th)

310.1 (21st)

Total Offense

269.0 (31st)

176.5 (27th)

Passing Yards

188.8 (25th)

133.5 (4th)

Rushing Yards

80.2 (32nd)

297.6 (6th)

Total Defense

323.9 (14th)

199.5 (8th)

Passing Defense

200.5 (9th)

98.1 (10th)

Rushing Defense

123.5 (25th)

-2 (18th)

Turnover Diff.

-8 (24th)

Tennessee Leaders					Kansas City Leaders
Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD
Young	196	316	2032	7	Huard	182	296	1952	9
Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
White	241	867	3.6	7	Johnson	158	559	3.5	3
Brown	84	404	4.8	3	Smith	75	264	3.5	2
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Gage	42	553	13.2	2	Gonzalez	79	954	12.1	5
Williams	41	512	12.5	2	Bowe	56	821	14.7	4

Week 15
9-4	Jacksonville Jaguars	versus	Pittsburgh Steelers (-3 ½)	9-4
December 16, 2007, 1:00 PM EST – Heinz Field

Last Three Weeks

Jacksonville Jaguars: Winners of four of the last five games, the Jaguars look to be set comfortably in that 5th seed in the AFC. However, the Jaguars have yet to prove that they can beat that great team and be one of the elite teams in the NFL. Now granted, the only top tier team that the Jaguars have played this season has been the Indianapolis Colts, and two weeks ago the Jaguars almost pulled off that big win at Indianapolis. This week the Jaguars head to Pittsburgh in hopes to give Pittsburgh their first loss at home this season before facing the Raiders and Texans to end the regular season. Jacksonville seems to like playing at Pittsburgh, winners of three of the last four meetings there, and with a win against the Steelers this week, could help setup a rematch against Pittsburgh in the opening round of the playoffs. Jacksonville continues to ride the tag team running attack of Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, while quarterback David Garrard continues to play nearly mistake free football. And yes, I have done a complete 180 on Garrard since last season, but only throwing one interception all season will do that to me.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Can you still hear Anthony Smith yapping? First the man guarantees that they would beat the Patriots, then after they get beat down, he goes off about the Steelers seeing New England again in the playoffs. Well Smith…you better hope you don't. Now if one Steeler fan comments and tells me, "well we were right there with them in the first half, but it slipped away from us in the second" you are fooling yourself. Pittsburgh was just like each of the tough teams (Cowboys and Colts) who looked like they had the upper hand in the first half, only to lose it in the second half. That is why they play sixty minutes, and not thirty. New England gets that little thing they call halftime, where they figure out what you are doing to them, and come up with a quick way to stop you from doing that. Anyways, Pittsburgh is still fighting for that third spot in the AFC, but seemed to be talking a little bit too much about the Patriots for me to believe that they are going to be ready for a tough Jaguars team who always plays them tough.

Prediction: Pittsburgh might still think that they are still on the Patriots level, but the Jaguars will change all that with a big win in Pittsburgh to bring the Steelers back down to Earth.

Vs. Spread	Straight Up

Jacksonville Jaguars

Pittsburgh Steelers

Buffalo

W 36-14

Miami

W 3-0

@ Indianapolis

L 25-28

Cincinnati

W 24-10

Carolina

W 37-6

@ New England

L 13-34

Jacksonville

Team

Pittsburgh

23.5 (10th)

Pts For

23.8 (8th)

17.6 (6th)

Pts Against

14.5 (1st)

344.6 (10th)

Total Offense

333.3 (14th)

200.8 (20th)

Passing Yards

191.7 (24th)

143.8 (2nd)

Rushing Yards

141.6 (3rd)

17.6 (17th)

Total Defense

14.5 (1st)

237.6 (27th)

Passing Defense

172.8 (2nd)

93.1 (5th)

Rushing Defense

72.6 (2nd)

+8 (7th)

Turnover Diff.

+2 (14th)

Jacksonville Leaders					Pittsburgh Leaders
Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD
Garrard	180	274	2113	13	Roethlisberger	233	352	2751	26
Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
Taylor	191	944	4.9	3	Parker	306	1217	4.0	2
Jones-Drew	145	655	4.5	8	Davenport	70	353	5.0	3
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Williams	31	540	17.4	7	Holmes	40	677	16.9	7
Northcutt	39	502	12.9	3	Ward	62	646	10.4	6

Week 15
7-6	Buffalo Bills	versus	Cleveland Browns (-5 ½)	8-5
December 16, 2007, 1:00 PM EST – Cleveland Browns Stadium

Last Three Weeks

Buffalo Bills: Buffalo has been able to bounce back from the two embarrassing losses to the Patriots and the Jaguars, to win the last two games and get to this game against Cleveland only one game behind the Browns for the final wildcard spot. The Bills continue to prove that you don't need major stats to win football games. Buffalo ranks 28th in total offense, and 30th in total defense but the Bills just find a way to win games. Trent Edwards had a huge game against the Dolphins last week to solidify his starting role as the quarterback for Buffalo, but a win against Cleveland would make it all worth while. However, a win against the Browns will not give Buffalo the wildcard spot for good, because the Bills still have the Giants and the Eagles on the schedule, and just one loss could drop the Bills right back down.

Cleveland Browns: Speaking of statistics not being the whole story, you need to look no further then the Cleveland Browns. Having the worst defense in the league has not slowed down the surprise team in the AFC from finding themselves in the playoff hunt, and even in the driver's seat for the final wildcard spot. The defense did seem to show up last week against the Jets, causing Kellen Clemens to throw two interceptions, and only allowing the Jets to convert 2-of-12 third downs in a game that really shouldn't have been as close as it was. And that one fact is why I worry about the Browns in this game, they allow teams to hang in there when the game should be over, and that is when the Buffalo Bills strike. If Cleveland is able to jump out early, then they should be able to win this game going away, but if they let Buffalo hang in there, and stay within 10 points all game, then watch out Browns fans.

Prediction: I think this game stays close through-out and will be very fun to watch for those able to see this game. With that said, I'm going to go with the Buffalo Bills to pull it out in the final two minutes and jump into that sixth seed.

Vs. Spread	Straight Up

Buffalo Bills

Cleveland Browns

@ Jacksonville

L 14-36

Houston

W 27-17

@ Washington

W 17-16

@ Arizona

L 21-27

Miami

W 38-17

@ NY Jets

W 24-18

Buffalo

Team

Cleveland

17.1 (26th)

Pts For

27.7 (5th)

22.4 (16th)

Pts Against

27.4 (32nd)

283.6 (28th)

Total Offense

352.2 (9th)

173.1 (28th)

Passing Yards

242.8 (11th)

110.5 (16th)

Rushing Yards

109.4 (17th)

363.8 (30th)

Total Defense

389.7 (32nd)

251.4 (28th)

Passing Defense

259.2 (30th)

112.4 (18th)

Rushing Defense

130.5 (28th)

+7 (8th)

Turnover Diff.

0 (16th)

Buffalo Leaders					Cleveland Leaders
Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD
Edwards	113	180	1212	5	Anderson	249	435	3247	26
Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
Lynch	219	858	3.9	6	Lewis	218	921	4.2	9
Jackson	40	231	5.8	0	Wright	54	228	4.2	1
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Evans	47	768	16.3	4	Edwards	65	1106	17.0	13
Reed	46	514	11.2	0	Winslow	69	943	13.7	5

Week 15
11-2	Green Bay Packers (-10)	versus	St. Louis Rams	3-10
December 16, 2007, 1:00 PM EST – Edward Jones Dome

Last Three Weeks

Green Bay Packers: Last week, Green Bay wrapped up the NFC North title, this week they look to wrap up a first-round bye. With a win over St. Louis and a Seattle loss, Green Bay will find themselves resting during the first round of the playoffs, and other then Brett Favre, allowing such a young team a week off will only make them stronger. Obviously, giving Favre a week off is never a good thing for the rest of the NFC either, but the man just isn't that young. Brett Favre is so old in fact that his is only 184 yards short of breaking yet another record (don't we say this every couple weeks these days?). With those 184 passing yards, Favre will pass Dan Marino for first place for passing yards all-time (61,361). But if you ask Favre what is more important, I am almost certain that he would say that getting Green Bay to a 11-2 record for the first time since 1966 is more important, that is just how the man is, and is why he is a no question first ballot Hall-of-Famer. Green Bay will probably not get home-field advantage throughout and will have to go through Dallas to make it to Arizona, but to say that going to Dallas will be too much for this Green Bay Packers team is just ridiculous.

St. Louis Rams: Once again, the St. Louis Rams was my upset pick, and once again they failed me. I will not be picking the Rams again this season, and it is only because the team just cannot get over the injuries. It looks like Marc Bulger will start on Sunday, but it is not going to be enough for the Rams this Sunday against such a great football team in the Green Bay Packers. The good news for the Rams is that the season is almost over and next year they get to start at 0-0 just like everybody else and they will be healthy again and ready to go, but until then, the Rams just have to ride it out.

Prediction: Really no question here, Green Bay should run away with this thing. Prediction #2: Brett Favre breaks the record with 11:23 left in the 2nd quarter with a pass to Donald Driver.

Vs. Spread	Straight Up

Green Bay Packers

St. Louis Rams

@ Detroit

W 37-26

Seattle

L 19-24

@ Dallas

L 27-37

Atlanta

W 28-16

Oakland

W 38-7

@
Cincinnati

L 10-19

Green Bay

Team

St. Louis

27.8 (4th)

Pts For

15.8 (29th)

17.6 (6th)

Pts Against

24.3 (26th)

383.5 (3rd)

Total Offense

295.8 (27th)

291.0 (2nd)

Passing Yards

204.4 (18th)

92.5 (23rd)

Rushing Yards

91.5 (25th)

316.6 (9th)

Total Defense

333.3 (18th)

217.3 (15th)

Passing Defense

217.6 (16th)

99.3 (12th)

Rushing Defense

115.7 (21st)

+6 (10th)

Turnover Diff.

-8 (25th)

Green Bay Leaders					St. Louis Leaders
Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD
Favre	311	462	3678	24	Bulger	170	279	1789	6
Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
Grant	150	744	5.0	5	Jackson	183	719	3.9	4
Wynn	50	203	4.1	4	Leonard	81	288	3.6	0
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Driver	73	936	12.8	2	Holt	80	1034	12.9	6
Jennings	46	812	17.7	11	Bruce	42	535	12.7	3

Week 15
6-7	Arizona Cardinals	versus	New Orleans Saints (-4)	5-7
December 16, 2007, 1:00 PM EST - Superdome

Last Three Weeks

Arizona Cardinals: Arizona had one of their worst losses of the season last week against the Seattle Seahawks, and now find themselves out of the postseason with just three games to go. The good news for the Cardinals is that after their game with the Saints, they get two 3-10 teams in the Atlanta Falcons and St. Louis Rams. The favorable schedule will go a long way in deciding the Cardinals' fate, but last week's loss really took the control out of their hands. Kurt Warner has shown signs of his MVP days, but his constant turnovers in the past few weeks have halted any momentum Arizona is able to muster. Injuries have plagued the Cardinals all season, but the banged up secondary is their main concern going into their game against the Saints, who has one of the best passing attacks in the league.

New Orleans Saints: The New Orleans Saints are still in bad shape after their victory on Monday against the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints still have shown no consistency on either side of the ball, and it is never easy figuring out which team will show up. With games still against the Cardinals, Eagles and Bears it will be very difficult for the Saints to run the table and have a shot to make the playoffs. Like the Cardinals, the Saints have been plagued with injuries, and those injuries have really put the team in a rough spot. Drew Brees will look to lead this team on a late season run, but it will not be easy. Usually saying that a team has two home games left would be a good thing for that football team, but for the New Orleans Saints, that is just not the case. New Orleans has lost four of their six home games this season, including two straight, and Brees just has not performed well in the Superdome this season.

Prediction: Both teams face a must-win game, and both teams are riddled with injuries. However, the injuries to the Arizona secondary will prove to be the bigger factor as Brees should be able to throw all day, and bring his team back to the .500 mark.

Vs. Spread	Straight Up

Arizona Cardinals

New Orleans Saints

San Francisco

L 31-37

@ Carolina

W 31-6

Cleveland

W 27-21

Tampa Bay

L 23-27

@ Seattle

L 21-42

@ Atlanta

W 34-14

Arizona

Team

New Orleans

23.2 (12th)

Pts For

23.1 (13th)

24.8 (27th)

Pts Against

22.5 (17th)

333.0 (15th)

Total Offense

353.8 (6th)

244.8 (10th)

Passing Yards

263.3 (4th)

88.2 (28th)

Rushing Yards

90.5 (27th)

324.8 (15th)

Total Defense

349.5 (27th)

226.7 (24th)

Passing Defense

252.3 (29th)

98.2 (11th)

Rushing Defense

97.2 (8th)

-9 (28th)

Turnover Diff.

-7 (23rd)

Arizona Leaders					New Orleans Leaders
Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD
Warner	204	330	2515	18	Brees	352	520	3504	23
Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
James	258	968	3.8	6	Bush	157	581	3.7	4
Arrington	18	68	3.8	0	Stecker	79	300	3.8	1
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Fitzgerald	81	1139	14.1	7	Colston	79	978	12.4	8
Boldin	48	552	11.5	6	Patten	40	627	15.7	2

Week 15
4-9	Baltimore Ravens (-3)	versus	Miami Dolphins	0-13
December 16, 2007, 1:00 PM EST - Dolphin Stadium

Last Three Weeks

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens continue to fall apart from every seam imaginable. Losers of seven in a row, the Ravens now have to worry about becoming the first, and most likely only, team to lose to the Miami Dolphins this season. After putting all of their energy into trying to defeat the New England Patriots, Baltimore showed very little effort into their loss to the Indianapolis Colts. No I am not saying that they gave up, but I am saying that they just didn't have anything left in them. Coming off of a 13-3 season last year, saying that their season has been a disappointment is a drastic understatement, and the fact that Brian Billick seems to still have job security confuses me to no end. The man has given the team zero offense at all, and now with his defense aging, the record is dropping and fast. Billick needs to go and he needs to go soon.

Miami Dolphins: 35 seasons ago, the Miami Dolphins made history by winning every single game they played in one season, this year they could make history again. With games against the Ravens, Patriots and Bengals left on their schedule, Miami knows that this is their best chance to finally get that first win of the season. Miami is trying to avoid joining the small group of the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 1980 New Orleans Saints as teams to lose their first 14 games in a season. Tampa Bay ended their season 0-14 (the NFL didn't go to a 16-game schedule until 1978), while the Saints finished the season 1-15. Going back to last season, the Dolphins have lost 16 in a row (eighth worst in the NFL history), but you don't see first year head coach, Cam Cameron, leaving his team in the middle of the season do you? Miami is not as bad as their record shows, actually nowhere near, as they have lost six of their games by three points, and their average loss has only been 10.9, if Miami can finally figure out how to finish a game they should be able to defeat the Baltimore Ravens.

Prediction: Baltimore just does not have an offense with the capability to pull away from the Dolphins, and if Miami can keep it close you have to believe that they will find super human strength to get that last minute touchdown to finally get their first win. Look for an ugly battle with very few scoring throughout with Miami taking the lead late in the game and holding on to finally get that first win of the season.

Vs. Spread	Straight Up

Baltimore Ravens

Miami Dolphins

@ San Diego

L 14-32

@ Pittsburgh

L 0-3

New England

L 24-27

NY Jets

L 13-40

Indianapolis

L 20-44

@ Buffalo

L 17-38

Baltimore

Team

Miami

17.4 (25th)

Pts For

16.4 (27th)

24.2 (24th)

Pts Against

27.3 (31st)

296.9 (25th)

Total Offense

281.8 (30th)

193.2 (22nd)

Passing Yards

181.5 (26th)

103.7 (18th)

Rushing Yards

100.2 (20th)

297.3 (5th)

Total Defense

33.6 (19th)

219.9 (21st)

Passing Defense

178.2 (3rd)

77.4 (3rd)

Rushing Defense

0155.4 (32nd)

-17 (32nd)

Turnover Diff.

-12 (30th)

Baltimore Leaders					Miami Leaders
Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD	Passing	COMP	ATT	YDS	TD
Boller	158	256	1584	8	Lemon	118	208	1164	3
Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	CAR	YDS	AVG	TD
McGahee	260	1093	4.2	7	Brown	119	602	5.1	4
Smith	41	117	2.9	1	Chatman	107	435	4.1	1
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	Rushing	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
Mason	88	872	9.9	3	Booker	38	430	11.3	1
Clayton	41	438	10.7	0	Brown	39	389	10.0	1

Click HERE for part 3!