Sunday Night Football: Dallas at Philadelphia Preview and Prediction

Who isn’t excited for the showdown on Sunday night?

The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are two franchises that despise one another, which always makes for quality television, as well as a good game too. Yet, let’s not forget the last time these two teams met in December of 2008, which was a complete blowout and hardly a game Cowboys fans want to remember.

Losing to their most hated rival 44-6 on the final weekend of the season clearly was not a happy ending or cherry on top of a topsy-turvy 2008 season. For the Cowboys that game has been erased from their minds and currently the squad focused on the 3-game winning streak that has them at the top of the NFC East standings.

Ever since Tony Romo as been at the helm, the Cowboys are 11-1 in November, which includes a win against the Eagles in Philadelphia in 2007. This game means more for to the ‘Boys than the Eagles, especially with all the hype that surrounded this team last season and the scrutiny they continue to receive on a weekly basis.

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NFL Week 4 Key Match-Up Previews: Jets-Saints and Ravens-Patriots

[Editor's Note: There are plenty of intriguing and meaningful matchups on the NFL Week 4 schedule. Two of the most important games to be played on Sunday -- before Favre-Packers madness on Monday night -- are the Jets at the Saints and the Ravens at the Patriots.

Matt Noonan, one of MSF's NFL writers, previews and predicts these two pivotal early season matchups.]

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Jets-Patriots Preview and Prediction: Can Ryan/Sanchez Beat Belichick/Brady?

The last time the New England Patriots lost at Giants Stadium when playing against the New York Jets was when Vinny Testaverde, Wayne Chrebet, and Curtis Martin were suiting up for the green and white.

Nine years have passed since that dreadful 20-19 defeat on September 11, 2000, and the New York Jets are anxious, eager, and willing to do whatever it takes in their home opener to embarrass the Patriots and advance to a 2-0 record.

Here are is everything you need to know:

New England Patriots (1-0) at New York Jets (1-0)

• Patriots-Jets Date: Sunday, September 20
• Patriots-Jets Time: 1:00
• Patriots-Jets TV Network: CBS
• Patriots-Jets Announcers: Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
• Patriots-Jets Point Spread: Patriots -5.5
• Patriots-Jets Over-Under: 46.5
• Jerod’s Patriots-Jets Pick: The Jets are going to come after Tom Brady big time, and are coming off of a great defensive performance against Houston. I don’t see the Jets winning, because there is no way I’m picking Mark Sanchez over a Belichick defense and Tom Brady, but I think they can keep it close with New England at home. Patriots-Jets spread pick: Jets +5.5.
• StubHub: Patriots-Jets tickets as low as $12!

Jets-Patriots Preview

Jets head coach Rex Ryan has called all the season ticket holders, admitting he may not be up to Coach Belichick’s standards. He also admitted that he probably does not have a quarterback like Tom Brady nor three Super Bowl rings, but overall wants to win this game… badly!

Numerous Jets players have spoken out publically calling this their “Super Bowl,” as well as admitting they just want to pummel any New England Patriot player that comes in their vicinity.

Believe me, I have never seen this much hype since 2006 when Terrell Owens’ return to Philadelphia as Dallas Cowboy began to escalate that summer; but all this chaos over a week 2 match-up? Seriously?

I still consider this just a regular divisional game for both teams, not a championship.

Let’s be completely honest: Tom Brady looked sloppy and not in sync with any of his receivers this past Monday night. He did, however, pull off a heroic comeback that resembled the original Boston Patriots in their day.

With the absence of Jerod Mayo, and a defense that seems to lack leadership, who knows if we will be ready to watch another stellar performance from rookie Mark Sanchez. Sanchez seemed to stretch Joe Willie Namath’s smile from ear to ear last week as the Jets’ hero watched the young quarterback tally up 272 yards in the air and throw his first career NFL touchdown.

Any chances we could be looking at the next “Broadway Joe”?

Doubt it.

Jets-Patriots Prediction

Look for an explosive and pulverizing effort from this New York Jets defense, as they look to pressure and blitz Tom Brady constantly. As for the New England Patriots, the key to this game is stopping Bart Scott, Kris Jenkins, and the rest of this talented defense from applying the kind of pressure they want to apply.

Tom Brady needs to gain back more confidence in the pocket while at the same time sending a few deep passes to Randy Moss. By stretching the Jets defense through the air, as well as utilizing Kevin Faulk, Laurence Maroney, and Fred Taylor as the three-headed running attack, the Patriots should be able to thwart what looks to be a very strong New York Jets defense.

This game should end up being close, but not a win for the Jets once the final second ticks away.

Sorry Jets fans, this one belongs to the Patriots!

Prediction: Patriots 30 – Jets 20

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* – Rex Ryan photo credit: AP via Newsday

NFL Week 1 Afternoon Game Previews: 49ers-Cardinals, Rams-Seahawks, Giants-Redskins

[Editor's note: Matt Noonan of NoonTime Sports, who recently offered up his 2009 predictions for each division, has checked in with previews of the three afternoon games scheduled for the first Sunday of the 2009 NFL season.

Read his previews and predictions below, and get all of the information you need to schedule for your football watching Sunday with our NFL Week 1 TV Schedule and Point Spreads post.]

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Follow the links to StubHub for great deals on all NFL tickets for the 2009 season.

And if you’re planning on making any bets, head on over to BetOnline to place your Week 1 wagers.

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Washington Redskins at New York Giants Preview and Prediction

• Redskins-Giants Date: Sunday, September 13th
• Redskins-Giants TV & Kickoff Time: 4:15 ET on FOX
• Redskins-Giants Location: Giants Stadium in New York
• Redskins-Giants Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman
• Redskins-Giants Point Spread: NYG -6.5
• Redskins-Giants Over-Under: 37

Look for a true physical contest as both of these teams hope to start the season on the right foot.

For the New York Giants, a team that many experts believe should be the top dog in this particular division, they need to get out to an early lead and protect Eli Manning from the grueling Redskins defense. Brandon Jacobs should get a majority of the carries, probably between 20-25. But who will be Manning’s go-to target now that Plaxico Burress will not be sporting the blue and white on Sunday’s? Possibly Domenik Hixon or Steve Smith? Any suggestions?

On the other side of the ball, Jason Campbell carries not only this game, but also the entire season on his shoulders. Don’t expect anything too exciting from aging veteran running back Clinton Portis in this contest, but clearly make sure to watch for newly acquired defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, as well as linebackers Brian Orakpo and London Fletcher.

Washington has and will always be a team that looks like they belong in the Pro Bowl, but in order to win this contest they need to pressure Manning and establish an equal running and air attack.

Prediction: Giants 24 – Redskins 16

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals Preview and Prediction

• 49ers-Cardinals Date: Sunday, September 13th
• 49ers-Cardinals TV & Kickoff Time: 4:15 ET on FOX
• 49ers-Cardinals Location: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale
• 49ers-Cardinals Announcers: Sam Rosen and Tim Ryan
• 49ers-Cardinals Point Spread: ARI -6.5
• 49ers-Cardinals Over-Under: 46.5

Who would have imagined Arizona was going to be the representative of the NFC in Super Bowl XLIII? Yet, after a crushing loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cardinals are energized and ready to defend their NFC crown. However, in the past, these meetings against the 49ers haven’t always been a cakewalk for the birds in the desert.

Take a look at the past few divisional meetings in Arizona between these teams:

2008: Arizona 29 – San Francisco 24

2007: Arizona 31 – San Francisco 37

2006: Arizona 34 – San Francisco 27

2005: Arizona 31 – San Francisco 14

2004: Arizona 28 – San Francisco 31

2003: Arizona 16 – San Francisco 13

2002: Arizona 14 – San Francisco 17

In the end I expect Kurt Warner to have a field day against Mike Singletary’s defense. Expect a great game for the Cardinals’ wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston.

As for the 49ers, just expect a solid running attack with Frank Gore.

Overall, this game surely belongs to the Cardinals, but who really knows what will happen once the final whistle blows.

Prediction: Cardinals 31 – 49ers 26

St. Louis Rams at Seattle Seahawks Preview and Prediction

• Rams-Seahawks Date: Sunday, September 13th
• Rams-Seahawks TV & Kickoff Time: 4:15 ET on FOX
• Rams-Seahawks Location: Qwest Field in Seattle
• Rams-Seahawks Announcers: Ron Pitts and John Lynch
• Rams-Seahawks Point Spread: SEA -8
• Rams-Seahawks Over-Under: 41

The return of Jim Mora Jr. and Steve Spagnuolo’s debut has a head coach… hmm… may have to side with Mora in this contest.

The Seahawks are coming off an awful 2008 season, as are the Rams. The last time the Seahawks ended the season with 4 wins was in 1982, but this year look for a rejuvenated and healthy Matt Hasselbeck to lead an exciting offensive unit that features newly acquired running back Edgerrin James and wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

As for the Rams, this season and game are all about playing for pride, but also starting to improve their offense and defense for the future. Spagnuolo should turn this team around, slowly, but this game will just be a beginning in the journey of turning the Rams from a basement squad to the Greatest Team on Turf-Part II.

Prediction: Seahawks 24 – Rams 10

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2009 NFL Season Preview and Division-by-Division Predictions

[Editor's Note: This has been a great week for us here at MSF with so many great new sports writers joining the crew. Today's debut is being made by Matt Noonan, the creator and editor of Noontime Sports, as well as the Sports Director for Wheaton College Radio. Matt is a die-hard football fan and will be covering the NFL, among other topics, for us moving forward.

Enjoy Matt's first post below, a complete 2009 NFL preview with division-by-division predictions. And welcome aboard Matt!]

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September is finally here!

The days are getting shorter, the cool autumn breeze is quickly approaching, and most importantly another season of NFL football is just days away. Are you excited? I am!

The start of the NFL season really should be considered an important holiday. It is in my book. It truly is a time where every fan knows their team matters and that this new beginning could be something special come December and January. Super Bowl dreams are discussed while men, women, and children gather around their living room television to cheer on the local stars. And, of course, all those fantasy gurus are sitting on their computer monitoring every snap.

Yet, with all the high hopes for another season, some teams will have great seasons and some teams will ultimately fall short of pleasing themselves and their fans. It is time now to break down the true winners and losers for the 2009 NFL season.  

 AFC East: 

We all know the big story for this particular division: Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The Patriots will be the team on everyone’s radar Week 1, when they welcome the Buffalo Bills to Gillette Stadium. All eyes will be on number 12, along with the five men that make up his offensive line. Look for the Patriots to be one of the top dogs this year, as long as Brady can hang in the pocket and be protected.

With the New England Patriots hoping for a repeat of 2007, this clearly means Miami and New York will go south. The Dolphins and Jets do have the talent on both sides of the ball, but look for these two squads to probably earn 7-8 wins total. Also, do you really trust Mark Sanchez as your starter in New York? I certainly do not, which is one of the main reasons the Jets won’t be competing in the post-season.

Lastly what a great idea by Ralph Wilson Jr., bringing in one of the biggest headaches ever to the Buffalo Bills. Who is excited to see T.O. and Trent Edwards arguing? [Editor's note: put your hand down Tony Romo, you don't count.]

You know once the middle of the season arrives in October and November, the cameras will be focusing on the Bills’ sidelines rather than the contest. So don’t get your hopes up for a possible playoff or Super Bowl year Bills fans, as this acquisition could set you back even further.  

AFC East predicted order of finish:

1. Patriots
2. Dolphins
3. Jets
4. Bills

AFC North:

After winning their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history, the Pittsburgh Steelers are clearly the strong favorite to win this division, but it won’t be easy. Big Ben Roethlisbeger needs to rebound in regards to his statistics (touchdowns vs. interceptions), but also by ignoring any off-field drama from this summer.

Do not count out the Baltimore Ravens, a team that faced Pittsburgh three times last season, including in the AFC Championship game. The key question in Baltimore is how much will their defense and running game improve? Watch for a decent sophomore season from Joe Flacco, but nothing spectacular.

The Cincinnati Bengals have made some moves, but with all the reports already this preseason surrounding the questionable health of quarterback Carson Palmer, it is most likely that the Bengals will resume the role of the Bungles. Chad Ochocinco has promised change, but what exactly does he mean? No twittering?

Then of course there are the Cleveland Browns, who will continue to remain the laughing stock of the NFL. They once were a great team with Jim Brown, but now an organization in turmoil. Good luck Eric! [Editor's Note: Browns fans, quick! Ignore Matt and take some solace in this much more hopeful post.]

AFC North predicted order of finish:

1. Steelers
2. Ravens
3. Bengals
4. Browns

AFC South:

Pick the Indianapolis Colts to win this division, but do not count out defending AFC South champ Tennessee, those pesky Houston Texans or even the Jacksonville Jaguars. I expect all these teams to compete, with the division crown going down to week 13 or 14 at the earliest. So if one team emerges with a 5-1 record early in the season, do not automatically count them as your winner.

This league is filled with talented backs, including the Jaguars’ Maurice Jones-Drew, Steve Slaton of the Texans, the Colts’ Joseph Addai and the Titans’ Chris Johnson. Overall, solid defensive play, the team speed that will be in display especially in Indy, Nashville, and Houston, and lots and lots of touchdowns are what will make this division very competitive this fall.

AFC South predicted order of finish:

1. Colts
2. Jaguars
3. Texans and Titans (Both teams will finish tied for Third) 

AFC West:

I would like to apologize to all the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Oakland Raiders fans because clearly this is yet again…NOT YOUR YEAR!!

This year, the strongest team in the AFC West is clearly the San Diego Chargers, and it’s not even close. Do any of the three teams I mentioned even have a prayer of coming close to challenging the Bolts? I doubt it!

The Chargers will rebound from their 2nd round exit in the 2009 playoffs and certainly be one of the top dogs in the AFC this year. Look for an exciting year by Philip Rivers and a rejuvenated LaDainian Tomlinson.

As for the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders, as long as they can all start grooming the young talent, separate themselves from all the media attention, and just focus, I would say these teams could become spoilers for certain squads down the stretch in November and December. But that’s about it.

AFC West predicted order of finish:

1. San Diego Chargers
2. Kansas City
3. Oakland
4. Denver

NFC East:

The true “Black and Blue” division of the NFL will be on display this season as every game for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins matters. This division is filled with offensive, defensive, and special teams talent that surely is a must-see every week when divisional matchups are on the schedule.

For the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, this is the year these squads need to compete for the top spot. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones showed the door to big names such as safety Roy Williams (Bengals), shut down corner Adam “Pacman” Jones (CFL), and sent wide-out Terrell Owens packing (Bills). Now the ‘Boys have some work to do and are certainly one of those teams that need to make and win a playoff game this year. Otherwise, who knows what will happen next.  The same is true for the Redskins, where Albert Haynesworth became the latest high-priced free agent acquisition. The pressure is on Jim Zorn to meld this talented roster into a winner.

 As for the Eagles, the entire attention and media buzz will ramp up come week 3 when Michael Vick becomes eligible to play, but the attention will certainly remain in New York due to the high contract of Eli Manning. The Eagles and Giants could easily end up as the two best squads in this division, but without a true #1 target for Manning, don’t be surprised to see the Cowboys overtake them for 2nd place.

NFC North predicted order of finish:

1. Eagles
2. Cowboys
3. Giants
4. Redskins

NFC North:

There are too many storylines to discuss in this particular division, but let’s start with the Detroit Lions. Many in Detroit are hoping for a squad that could do what Miami did in 2008, win 10 more games than the previous season, which I doubt will occur, although stranger things have happened. The Lions will certainly be loved, enjoyed, and watched by many, as no one wants their misery to continue after a 0-16 2008. All the hopes lie on the broad rookie shoulders of Matthew Stafford, but he has to prove he’s worthy of starting as a rookie.

The Chicago Bears certainly made some noise this off-season, acquiring quarterback Jay Cutler from the Broncos. But what does it mean when the best receiver on their team is a former cornerback? Greg Olsen, you will be the go-to target.

Don’t look for anything exciting in Green Bay this fall, despite their hot preseason, but do become more engaged when the Vikings pay a visit on November 1st. Minnesota will be on everyone’s radar because this team certainly has as much talent as any NFC squad. The only question is will Brett Favre blow it down the stretch again? The chances of a slide similar to what the Jets saw last year should be diminished when you consider that all Favre needs to do is just give Adrian Peterson 25-30 touches a game. The fact is, however, that Favre must deliver the Super Bowl dreams or else Vikings fans may start demanding refunds for his jersey and tickets. 

NFC North predicted order of finish:

1. Vikings
2. Bears
3. Packers
4. Lions

NFC South:

This should certainly be quite an exciting year for the NFC South. All four teams need to prove themselves as possible playoff teams, and the New Orleans Saints just seem too powerful on paper to fail, which hopefully translates into 11 or 12 wins. Expect great things from Drew Brees, and look for newly acquired defensive coordinator Greg Williams to bolster the defense.

The Falcons and Panthers both fall under the same category, which is they have the potential to be great teams, but question marks surround them. The Panthers fell short of advancing to the NFC Championship game last year and Matt Ryan’s magic ride ended in the desert. Both teams have a chance to be very good again, but the offenses must deliver in order to compete with the Saints.

I hope Raheem Morris has some tissues and a good shoulder to cry on because this will not be an easy season for the rookie head coach. Talent is there, but Kellen Winslow and Antonio Bryant are aging. Throw the underwhelming Byron Leftwich into the mix as the QB and it just seems like Tampa Bay will not be a great team.

NFC South predicted order of finish:

1. Saints
2. Falcons
3. Panthers
4. Buccaneers

NFC West:

The Arizona Cardinals have to be considered the team to beat in the NFC West this fall, yet don’t count out the Seattle Seahawks or San Francisco 49ers. The St. Louis Rams will do nothing, but in the end, I think we could be looking at a three-way horse race to the finish line.

The way to win this division is simply to win at least 8 or 9 games and then you are golden. Come playoff time, one or two of these squads may be an easy first-round knock-out for a possible Super Bowl representative.  

NFC West predicted order of finish:

1. Cardinals
2. Seahawks
3. 49ers
4. Rams

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[Editor's note: What do you think of Matt's picks? Chime in with your comment below; I'm sure Green Bay fans can't get there fast enough! Stay tuned for Matt's future work here at MSF, but also follow his blog Noontime Sports and check him out on Twitter.]