Destruction in the Desert

Devastation in the Desert
by T.G. Balun
The Desert Fox

When the season started the fans of the Arizona Rattlers were pumped, and sports writers were expecting big things from the team. And then the reality of starting a lot of rookies set in, and they were blown out in their first two games. In the third week against powerhouse Los Angeles they almost pulled off the upset of the year, but again fell short, and a quarter of the way thru the season were the only 0-4 team. Then it began to jell for the club. Despite the multiple injuries of Lamar Burton, the team came back through adversity to win 5 of its next 6 games to put them right back in the playoff hunt.

With momentum on the Rattler's side, the last place the Minutemen wanted to visit was Desert Sun Stadium. With a team cranked up and a healthy star quarterback, it seemed like things were on the up for Arizona. However when on the third play of the game starting cornerback Glenn Thomas went down with a broken foot, it seemed like a bad omen. Feet and ankles have been the bane of the Rattlers this year it seems, and with an already weak passing game, the rest of the secondary would have to step it up to make up for Thomas' absence.

On Arizona's first possession, Lamar Burton showed his stuff, completing all four of his passes, including a 15 yard TD to Stanley Noble for the first score of the game. An extremely late hit on the play by Butch Nasta however dislocated Burton's elbow, putting him out of action. Despite protestations by both players and staff, the referees failed to see the late hit, instead focusing on the pass interference in the end zone by SS Pat Williams.

With two key stars knocked out just one series into the game coach Miral Billings could be heard on the sidelines exhorting his players to step it up and overcome, overcome the injuries like they had done all season long. His inspiration was effective, as he became a constant cheerleader the rest of the game. With rookie General Barton at the controls, the troops were able to keep it close, in part due to Jim Washington's fine defensive play. With three QB sacks in the game, he also made up for DT Nate Thompson's absence in the middle, by clogging the running lanes repeatedly. The potent Boston running attack was kept in check for most of the game as they kept Brian Barrett to merely 72 yards in regulation.

Midway thru the 4th quarter with Boston up by 3, once again Billings on the sidelines exhorted his players and they responded, scoring twice in the final six minutes to take a 7 point lead with 2:42 left. Two consecutive sacks by Washington and LB David Wilson put the Minutemen in a deep hole with a 3rd and 16. In a bind Boston pulled one from deep in the playbook as Stock completed an unlikely deep pass to FB Ogden for the first down to Arizona's 7 yard line, where they punched it in to tie it up with a mere 0:12 on the clock. Despite the key injuries, Arizona still had hope, taking Boston to Overtime. Winning the toss and choosing to receive, Jim Martin continued his fine play on special teams, returning the ball to the 50 yard line. Arizona was in fantastic shape to move into field goal range for the win. A five yard run by Barton however was called back as Martin went from hero to goat with a late hit that cost the Rattlers 15 yards. On 3rd and 19 in overtime, Randall Kolquitt did what will surely be the most debated topic this week, going conservative and running the ball rather than risk an interception. Punting it into the endzone rather than kicking it was the result.

Blowing their chance on offense, it was now up to the defense. In trying to contain a star, you can only be successful at it for so long. The Rattlers were successful at containing Brian Barrett for four quarters, but in overtime when it counted, he rushed for 29 yards on the final drive to put the Minutemen in range of a score. To win the game, they chose the same play that got them to overtime, a TD pass to the fullback. Boston had pulled it out.

The Rattlers were physically and emotionally drained after this one. With a surge in recent weeks they had their sights set on the playoffs. They were twice in position to win the game and costly plays burned them both times. What's more, they have lost two of their key players for possibly the remainder of the season, CB Thomas with a broken foot, and QB Lamar Burton with a dislocated elbow. The Rattlers plan on filing a grievance with the league for Butch Nasta's illegal hit. When the league reviews it look for Nasta to be hit with a stiff fine on this one.

The worst part of the whole deal is the other teams in playoff contention that needed to win won, leaving Arizona with the task of having 4 teams ahead of them for the wildcard spot with a mere 5 games remaining, and with their star quarterback out for the year.

Cup O' Joe - Survival Sunday Analysis

We've passed Survival Sunday, and what a week it was. There were several incredible games, with a few teams passing some big tests, and some teams failing. Let's see who survived, and who fell, on this big week in the American Football League:

Houston 30, Chicago 27: This may be a big game for Chicago after all. Steve Banks did play, and he didn't do terribly well to start. He did finish off well though, throwing two touchdown passes and 301 yards on just 14-of-26 passing. But it was Craig Stephens who was the difference in the game, rushing for 106 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Jessie Huffman also had five catches for 120 yards. For Chicago, Noland Maynard, the other elder statesman in the AFL, was 20-of-33 for 252 yards, with a TD and INT, and had 50 yards rushing on just three carries. Chicago held the lead throughout the contest, but gave the game away late on some poor running by Dan Moss, and a breakdown on defense.

What it means for Houston: This is a step in the right direction, although a red flag has to be thrown up for the defense. Stephens has been red hot the past month, and showed why he might have been a good fit on our Top 10. Banks was not perfect, but this offense clicks when he's at the controls. The problem for this team is obviously their defense. Chicago has the 21st-ranked offense in the league, and Houston had big problems stopping them. Even if they get out of the first round, they'd be looking at either Seattle or Boston in the second round, which is enough to put them down.

What it means for Chicago: With this loss, Chicago is actually the sixth seed...but barely. This would set up a game in San Francisco (as we're giving SF the nod right now, due to division and conference record). But the poor running game, with Dan Moss being an absolute failure at the spot right now, really hurts the Fire. With so many teams at their heels, this was a win, as tough as it was to get, that they could not let get away.
---
Washington 20, New York 6 AND New Orleans 21, Baltimore 13: Both were trap games for these two teams, as losses could have sunk their playoff chances far enough that they may get up before they run out of air. But they both came through, and kept their slim playoff chances alive. A lot needs to happen, but Washington is currently the seventh seed, and if they can win four of their next five, it may be enough to get in. For the Knights, it's doubtful they can get in with the play of rookie QB John Williams. But George Ingram is due to return soon, and he could spark this offense to get back on track. Christian Fortuna may be the HFC MVP just by leading this team to six wins.
---
Miami 41, Pittsburgh 31: Week in and week out, we predict Miami to lose. We simply can't believe that they keep this winning streak alive. And this win may have been the biggest one yet. Pittsburgh had Los Angeles on the ropes, and had this Blitz team on the ropes in the frozen conditions of Steelhead Stadium. But the 78,000 who came out bundled up could not put the Pride over the top, although they had their chances (ie a 31-27 lead with 8:55 left); but Jerry Brittenum's 23-yard INT return with 2:03 left sealed the fate for Pittsburgh, and may have put Miami over the top as the top contender to LA in the HFC. And when are people finally going to give Darrel Hickerson his due? He threw for 356 yards and 3 TD in this game, and was simply brilliant.

What it means for Miami: They have the #2 spot in the HFC right now. And guess what? They don't face a team with a winning record for the rest of the year. They have St. Louis and Kansas City on the schedule, along with Nashville. They have a big test the final week in Dallas. But looking at Los Angeles' schedule...Miami is in position to steal away the pot spot. The Marshalls have to finish the season with Cincinnati, and resurgent teams in Philadelphia and San Diego. Miami put themselves in a prime position to be at home in the divisional round of the playoffs, which is right where they want to be.

What it means for Pittsburgh: A bye is basically out the window. They lose any tiebreaker they had with Miami or Los Angeles. And with Miami's schedule, it's doubtful they're going to catch them. So, basically, they have to concentrate on staying healthy and on the third spot for the playoffs. I don't think anyone wants to go to Los Angeles at this point.
---
Michigan 24, Kansas City 6: This win puts the Panthers in first in the Midway, which keeps them out of Houston, Boston, or Seattle. It also keeps them at home for the first round, which will make it difficult on their opponent, no matter who it is. The big thing is that they didn't give this game up, and made sure they took care of business. It makes me think that the Panthers have turned a corner, and are ready to go after the division. With Chicago sputtering, this is the time to do it.
---
Indianapolis 22, Louisville 20: This pretty much ends Louisville's chances (as slim as they were to begin with), and enhances Indy's spot as the sixth team in the HFC playoffs. It also shows they can win a big game that goes to the wire. They are still a little shaky on offense (Cyril Wyche was 18-of-39 for 217 yards with no TD), but the defense is solid, which only helps them, given the schedule they have for the rest of the season. At San Francisco. Home against Seattle. At Arizona, Home against Cincy. At Cleveland. This is probably the toughest stretch any team has the rest of the year, but if Indy can go 3-2 over this guantlet, they WILL be in the playoffs. Mark my words.
---
Cincinnati 35, San Francisco 23: We were waiting for the Generals to be flat, and here it was. Now, we can't really fault them...the Royals are among the elite in the HFC. But San Fran outgained them 410-287, won the time of possession battle, and did what they could to win...save for Herkie Martini. For the first time this year, Martini hurt his team with two interceptions. He has been going through the season without putting his team in a position to lose...well, he did that this week, and it cost them a victory they sorely needed.

What it means for Cincinnati: The defense is back, and that's big for the Royals. The offense was also clicking, with Barry Robinson rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns. He ate up some valuable yards late in the fourth quarter, and also busted a 63-yard touchdown run that effectively put the game out of reach. If they can get the running game back on a full-time basis, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.

What it means for San Francisco: They realized they are not invincible, I think. This is a good loss, if there is such a thing. It came against a quality opponent on the road, and they were due for a letdown. With Seattle still remaining on the schedule, it's good that they don't get a big head about themselves, and regain the focus for the rest of the year.
---
Philadelphia 20, Portland 16: The Breakers could've gotten back into the thick of things with a win here. Instead, it appears they're going to let their injuries give them a reason for not contending. Then again, the Shamrocks have been on fire during their three-game winning streak, and have a chance to get back to .500 against New York this week. Dennis Zimmerman could be a candidate for second-half MVP (if there was one), and he showed why in this game (147 yards and a touchdown). The 'Rocks aren't out of this by any stretch of the imagination...only one game back of Washington, and a tough but navigatible schedule for the club (although Los Angeles looks like a loss)...the book isn't closed on this team just yet.
---
Boston 29, Arizona 23: Big game for both teams. Boston needed to show it can beat opponents they're supposed to beat. Arizona needed to show it can hang with the big boys after hitting a small slump, and it needed to show it could shut down a big runner. They did give up 100 yards to Brian Barrett, but they held him to 101 yards. However, they let this one slip away...Boston was twelve seconds away from going home defeated, and the Rattlers let them off the hook...and with it, may have sent their playoff possibilities on the plane with them.

What it means for Boston: They've dealt with the injuries, the erratic pass offense, and basically overworking Barrett. But they came out with a victory in a tough enviornment, and have ascended to the #1 spot in the CFC race. They also overcame a very difficult set of circumstances--Arizona taking the lead with under three minutes left--to tie the game, and then win it in overtime. The calling card of this team, its stingy defense, also showed back up; they disrupted QB Rod Barton and held Jim Martin to just 72 yards rushing. Stock also had a game he needed to have, throwing the game-tying and game-winning TDs to cap a 27-for-42, 337-yard day.

What it means for Arizona: You know those losses that may be too much to overcome? This one may be it for the Rattlers. They had the now-top seeded Minutemen twelve seconds from defeat. They had the touchdown pass batted down. And yet, JR Bratton STILL made the catch, and sent the game to OT, where Russ Stock and Trumaine Ogden sealed the Rattlers' fate. Things are still open for them in the playoff race...but after losing this one, they may never recover.
---
Seattle 42, Oakland 25: Revenge is a dish best served hurt. And that's what the Tritons inflicted on Oakland at home, where they are now 1-5. It will almost be impossible to make the playoffs without winning at home, and 1-7 or 2-6 in your own backyard doesn't deserve a playoff spot anyway. Anyway, Seattle has avenged two of their three losses in a big way, taking out Portland, and now Oakland, both of which came on the road.

What it means for Seattle: They regain the Frontier division lead, via a head-to-head win over San Francisco. The rematch is at home in Week 15, and you can bet the Rainy Crazies will be ready for that one. They have two big games leading up to that game of games, with Washington and Indianapolis as tougher-than-they-want tuneups for the showdown with the Generals. The Tritons COULD (re: COULD) be a game back of San Fran leading up to that game. They haven't proven to play solid football for the entire 60 minutes of a game, and let teams hang around enough to beat them (re: Portland, Week 2). They'll get two weeks to mentally and physically prepare for the showdown that means the most to their playoff outcome this season.

What it means for Oakland: I was told by owner Justin Grover that, if they beat Seattle, they'd make the playoffs. So, they didn't. Now what? They're not totally eliminiated, although it makes things very difficult, given that there are so many teams hanging around that final spot, and Oakland definitely is not the best team out of that group. If I were Todd Irons, I'd have my agent calling teams around the league to find out who wants him after this season, because he is most definitely GONE. Regardless of that situation...the Immortals have to be a bit dismayed, given they were leading in this game for a small bit, and could have kept the score low. They didn't do that, and let things get out of hand. Now, they're climbing up a mountain that may be too steep, and they have others stepping over them on the way up. This may be too tough.
---
San Diego 24, Cleveland 22: This wasn't an elimination game, but it could prove to be one. The winner is 6-5, the loser 5-6, and looking up at several teams. Cleveland made a valiant effort to come back, but they simply could not overcome Kareem Wood. The Player of the Game rushed for 119 yards and a touchdown, and caught another, leading the team without Ladell Suggs, who got knocked out of the game with a concussion just five passes in. Aaron Willard threw two INT for Cleveland, but also threw three touchdown passes.

What it means for San Diego: James Scott must be getting more comfortable, with Ladell Suggs getting banged up so much. Of course, having Wood, Patrick Connell, and Bo Jackson doesn't hurt. He spread the ball around well, and went to his main targets when he needed a big play...such as the touchdown pass to Jackson on the first drive of the second half, putting the Express up 17-7. Or the 21-yard TD pass to Wood that put them up 24-7. The defense almost gave this one away, but Wood came up with enough plays in the final couple of minutes that it didn't matter. In the HFC playoff race, it puts them a tiebreaker behind Indy, which is much better than being a game and a tiebreaker back.

What it means for Cleveland: This was a tough, tough loss for the Blues. Willard's two INT were extremely tough to take, and he'll be extremely tough to keep on the club next season, unless he shows marked improvement over the next five weeks. The running game didn't do enough to help him; Gary Johnson had 81 yards on the ground, but didn't get into the end zone. With a game against Cincy looming, and games against Seattle, Portland, and Indy still ahead, they may have too much of a mountain to climb, much like Oakland. They have a tough schedule like Indy, but Indy can afford a loss (as SD still has to play LA); Cleveland cannot afford any mistakes, even against the top-tier competition.
---
Los Angeles 31, Denver 10: This doesn't mean much for Los Angeles, only that they do have someone nipping at their heels in Miami. It is good that they are taking care of opponents that they should be, and are playing the most focused ball right now. If Sammy Hoambrecker does not win POTY, I will eat my hat.
---
Tampa 27, Dallas 24:

Wow.

This one needs its own set up. ML Donald had two INT returned for touchdowns in this one, including the game-winner. That is, of course, if there's not a holding call on Raleigh Davis on the play. Tampa went on to recover from that, and move the ball down enough for a 45-yard Mike Mitchell field goal, winning the game in OT. Of course, this came after some Dallas heorics, as Jake Schweickert hit a 56-yard field goal as time expired, and Donald returned his other INT for a TD...the one that stood, to tie this game. But to lose a game the way Dallas did is extra tough. They won it on such a big play...for it to come back...it may be their playoff chances that stay away.

What it means for Tampa: This was a bullet dodged. Dallas had them on the INT, and the call on Davis was a shaky one at that (as replays showed). But they got past it, and now sit as the team who doesn't need help to get a playoff spot. The division is but a dream at this point, so Tampa should just focus on getting to the playoffs, and then playing with house money. They have the offense to do it, and may be peaking a year early...Dinkins is a rookie, and this team probably wouldn't be a real contender until next year. Just the race is good for them this year...anything past Week 17 is a bonus.

What it means for Dallas: This team may have the toughest luck in the league. They finally climb back to .500, only to see their 6-5 record go to 5-6 on a tough call by an official. That said, that this team is at 5-6 is a small miracle, with Horace Armstrong and Jermaine Dunn both out with injuries, and the offense sputtering the way it is. ML Donald has inspired this defense to overachieve, and they have done that. But they let one get away, and this was the game they couldn't afford. They may be done now.
---
What lies ahead?

Well, looking at this week, concentrate on the following games:

Philadelphia AT New York: The Shamrocks can come all the way back with a win this week.

Oakland AT Boston: Oakland needs this win...will they play desperate?

Washington AT Seattle: Another Colonial team that needs a victory.

Michigan AT Houston: Will Houston mess up another Midway team for the second week in a row?

Portland AT Cincinnati: Portland's chances may flatline with a loss here.

Indianapolis AT San Francisco: The big question is how San Fran will respond to last week's tough loss, not whether or not Indy can overcome this team.

Arizona AT Los Angeles: These two played a classic in Week 3; but will Sammy rush for 250 yards in this one?

Tampa AT Pittsburgh: Tampa can really gain some ground on a team that doesn't seem to be playing for anything at this point.

Cup O' Joe - Week 11 Rumblings & Grumblings

Here are some news and notes from around the league:

- The Houston Oilers are in deep trouble if Steve Banks' injury IS more serious than originally thought. He's listed as probable for this week's game in Chicago, but still may not suit up, due to the team's approach that they are not playing to win the division. They have already done that in theory. What they are looking at, however, is the playoffs, and right now, they're the third team in. Losing to Chicago, should they do so (and I think they are underdogs if Banks does not play), will put them in the fourth spot, and staring at a game against either San Francisco or Seattle (the current top wild card team). Basically, Houston has proven they cannot win without Banks, and if he is going to be shelved any longer this year, this team's in DEEP trouble.

- Meanwhile, people in Philadelphia are wondering whether or not the Shamrocks have a chance to make the playoffs. There's a glut of teams at 5-5, but the Grays seem to have turned a corner in their season. However, the corner they have turned has led them to a street filled with winning opponents. Included are dates at San Diego and Los Angeles, at home against Boston and Arizona, and this week at home against the Breakers. Portland has been up and down, and this game will be a big barometer of how these two teams will end up.

- One player not getting any attention is WR Dennis Teig of Atlanta. A 6'4", 205-pound receiver out of Bowie State, Teig has been turning heads in the deep south. He's currently second in the league in receiving yards, and third in catches and touchdowns. His work ethic is amazing, and he's quickly becoming a leader on offense. All this, and he's a rookie. Despite the stats, he may not even make second-team All-HFC; Gary Thompson of Tampa leads the league in yards, and Andre Eisenhauer (NSH) and Buck Cunningham (CAR) each have comparable stats, and bigger pedigrees. Despite this, we think Teig is worthy of an All-League bid.
Last week, we did the Top 10 QBs of the league. And now, for your enjoyment, here are the Top 10 RBs of the AFL, 1990:

10. Dennis Zimmerman, Philadelphia. Zimmerman was off to a slow start, but has picked it up in Philly's small winning streak. He's up to 896 yards on 179 carries, good for a 5.0 YPC stat. He was in Chicago, but got dealt for a player who has been a big disappointment (Dan Moss), and has been a great fit for the Shamrocks. It's expected that he'll re-sign with the team in the offseason, and become the fulltime feature back for years to come.

9. Jim Martin, Arizona. He's been under the radar this year, rushing for 790 yards and six touchdowns while averaging over five yards a carry. He's been a big reason why the Rattlers have climbed back into the thick of things in the HFC race, and his durability--he has yet to miss an offense down--definitely gives him some points as well.

8. Kareem Wood, San Diego. There has to be a reason why Ladell Suggs is the best at the playaction in the league. Wood is sixth in the league with 939 yards rushing, and a workhorse: he's fourth in the league in carries. And yet, he hasn't fumbled, making him one of two in the top ten with no fumbles (Zimmerman being the other). Wood gets the ball so much, it opens up things for Suggs, who leads all QBs in rushing. Wood has also proven to be a worthy blocker, opening up the QB draw. He only has four touchdowns, but the team tends to pass in the red zone.

7. Christian Fortuna, New Orleans. He has been hurt and hasn't played in two games. And that's a shame, as he'd probably be the fifth back in the league to be over a thousand yards if he were healthy to play in the other two games. He's fifth in the league in yards/game, with 102.5. He's low on touchdowns, but that's as much the playcalling around the goal line as anything. Fortuna shows explosiveness that maybe only Quincy Jones and Sammy Hoambrecker have, and he hits a hole quicker than maybe anyone in the league.

6. Ahmad Davis, Miami. Davis is fifth in the league in rushing, with 941 yards and a 5.3 YPC. Fumbles drop him on this list though...but his importance to Miami's offense keeps him high. He may be the reason why Darrell Hickerson has been so successful this season. Anytime Miami has needed a key run, Davis has been the man. His 77-yard touchdown against Cincinnati breathed new life into a team down on their luck. He's the emotional leader of the team, and his presence is necessary if this team is going to succeed in the postseason.

5. Barry Robinson, Cincinnati. On the other side, we see Barry Robinson, a quiet, reserved back who lets his game do the talking. I don't even think he's spiked a ball on a touchdown, he's that quiet. It's definitely not that he hasn't scored...he has put ten into the end zone. He's just a rock, and his teammates feed off of that well, too. Robinson, when asked by a boisterous young reporter about a hit put on him by ML Donald in the old EFL, said "It hurt." That's all you need to know about his outwardness. But his ability to carry the ball and break it for a long score--he has two scores of over 70 yards this year--show enough about his ability to run the ball.

4. Bryce Cross, Louisville. Cross has more fumbles than touchdowns, and while that hurts, he's still very talented, and with the offensive line he's behind each week, it's amazing to see he's got a thousand yards on the year. He's been consistent, with no less than 66 yards in a game, and hitting over 130 three times. He does need to get into the end zone more and cut down on turnovers, but he's had an amazing season, and we should see 1500 yards out of him this year, and maybe 6,000 in his should-be short AFL career (he is 30).

3. Brian Barrett, Boston. Okay, he's the leading rusher in the AFL, and he's on pace for 1700 yards. He has 11 touchdowns. So why is Brian Barrett ranked third? Simply put, there's just two guys that are putting up even more incredible numbers than he is. And that should not take away from Barrett--it's more of a 1a, 1b, and 1c...and Barrett happens to be the 1c. He decimated the Tritons for 148 yards and two scores last week, and if that shows that he's starting to turn it on...2,000 yards is not out of the question. He's also a great receiving running back, as he's closing in on 50 receptions out of the backfield. He gets this spot, rather than one of the top two, because of his YPC...a full yard lower than our #2...

2. Quincy Jones, Seattle. Jones deserves this spot. He would be leading the league in rushing if he had 200 carries. He averages 6.2 YPC, a ridiculous amount. He has 12 touchdowns, which leads the league. I can't justify him being anything less than second. He's also had to deal with an erratic rookie (Monte Meier) and some bad backups, and he's been extremely consistent. He's had 80 or more rushing yards in NINE of his ten games. But, he doesn't hold a candle to...

1. Sammy Hoambrecker, Los Angeles. The Home Wrecker. Slammin Sammy. He holds the league record for yards in a game, with 239 against Arizona. He was held to 31 yards in the team's only loss, against Indianapolis. But the guy flatout is the best running back in the league. He's 5'11", 265 pounds, and just a cannonball coming out of the backfield. He's leveled several linebackers, and just made cornerbacks look silly with a few of his moves, including a juke that took two Boston defenders and put them on their rears. He's also a rookie, meaning he's going to get BETTER. Twenty-five hundred yards is not out of the question for him in the near future.

Cup O' Joe - Week 12 Predictions

Cup O' Joe - Week 12 Predictions

We're at "Survival Sunday"...nine games that have playoff implications. A lot of things will become clear(er) after this week, as several fringe contenders are facing off against one another. Of course, there are a few big-name matchups, too. This is led by...

Houston (7-3) @ Chicago (6-4): With all due respect to Pittsburgh/Miami, and San Francisco/Cincinnati, this game has the most intrigue and perhaps the most riding on it. This game, as of now, is for the third spot in the CFC playoff tree. And that, while not one of the top two spots, is an immensely important spot. You see, the fourth-place finisher in the Continental Conference will face either Seattle or San Francisco (at this point, and we're fairly sure that's not an opponent either of these two teams want to have come to their place for a first-round matchup. There's also two big questions these two teams need to answer:

1) Can Chicago beat a team over .500? They are currently 0-2 against over-.500 teams, and while their schedule is favorable for the division (only one more .500+ team, that being at Michigan in Week 14), a loss here will further their "pretender" label.
2) Can Houston win without Steve Banks? It's likely he will not suit up for this game. Houston has not won without him in the lineup.

I think Chicago's in for a hard dose of reality, and Houston may end up getting some false hopes. That ninth-ranked defense of the Fire has been against some horrible offenses...this one, even when it's a bit off, is still better than anything the Fire has seen thus yet. Shaun Johnson may gain some big confidence here, if in fact he can lead this team to victory. I'm picking Houston; but if I'm wrong, it's a death knell to the Oilers, if Banks goes down once again.
Prediction: Houston 24, CHICAGO 14 (5-4 in GoTW predictions)

Other Games (Home team in CAPS):

WASHINGTON 31, New York 23
New Orleans 22, BALTIMORE 17
PITTSBURGH 23, Miami 20 (in the frozen tundra of the Burgh)
ATLANTA 34, Nashville 20
MICHIGAN 30, Kansas City 16
INDIANAPOLIS 34, Louisville 24
San Francisco 13, CINCINNATI 10
PHILADELPHIA 27, Portland 24
Boston 17, ARIZONA 14
Seattle 31, OAKLAND 21
SAN DIEGO 34, Cleveland 30
Los Angeles 34, DENVER 28
Tampa 28, DALLAS 20
Minnesota 19, CAROLINA 13
ST. LOUIS 20, Iowa 17 (OT; Upset Special)
Last Week: 11-5
Season: 97-63 (61%)

Cup O' Joe - Week 11 Predictions

I was 11-3 in Week 9, but could not get the predictions out in time for Week 10, so 7-7 on that week. There are a few very intriguing matchups this week, with a big divisional battle going down in Tampa, a flatout war brewing among CFC powerhouses in Boston, and a few upset possibilities. Will they become realities? We'll soon find out!

Game of the Week:

Miami (7-2) @ Tampa (6-3): One of two major matchups this week, as the division-leading Blitz head upstate to face the Blazers. The Blitz romped all over the Blazers at home, 43-24, in Week 8; but this week, I think the tables are turned in the other direction. I know I predicted a Blazer victory the last time these two matched up for a Game of the Week, but I'm going to do it again. Dick Dinkins has had a great season, but I think THIS will be the game that declares his legacy-to-be in the AFL; I really believe he'll come out sharp, as he now knows what it takes to win a big game. I don't know why, per se, but I think this may be a rout.

Prediction: Tampa 37, Miami 24 (5-3, GOTW predictions)

Other Games (home team in CAPS)

INDIANAPOLIS 23, Oakland 17
Dallas 20, KANSAS CITY 16
Cincinnati 30, CAROLINA 13
Atlanta 34, BALTIMORE 21
CLEVELAND 31, Denver 28
MICHIGAN 16, Iowa 10
Seattle 24, BOSTON 23
Minnesota 20, HOUSTON 17 (No Banks, Big Problem for Oilers)
Pittsburgh 13, NEW ORLEANS 10
San Diego 35, ARIZONA 34 (another classic involving Arizona)
SAN FRANCISCO 47, New York 6 (No offense to Empire...this just has romp written all over it)
Philadelphia 30, ST. LOUIS 20
LOS ANGELES 27, Washington 23
NASHVILLE 16, Chicago 13 (Upset Special)
PORTLAND 27, Louisville 20

Last Week: 7-7 (11-3 Week 9)
Season: 86-58 (60%)