The Bump and Run - Week 11

This is the week where the middle teams start to become clear.  We know who is good and who isn’t good, but this is the week we start to see what the week 18 fates of the Falcons, Ravens and the like may be.  Some teams I don’t think we’ll get a clear read on, like the Packers who followed up giving the Bucs their first win of the season by toppling the division leading Cowboys.  Speaking of the ‘boys, this week should start to clear up the NFC East debacle as well, both the Giants and Eagles have fairly tough games, while the Cowboys should glide past the Redskins.

Let’s talk about the issue that is really at heart right now though; the elephant is not only in the room, but he is breathing down my neck.  Chris Simms.  It’s looking more and more like he is going to be starting this week against San Diego for the injured Kyle Orton.  This worries me.  Not because I am a Broncos fan, but mostly because I am a fan of not seeing people die on the field.  Simms holds the ball longer than most people take in the shower.  In his last start in 2006 against the Panthers he was hit so hard that it ruptured his spleen.  After that he was very careful to not get injured again.  He came about this by not starting a game ever again, which as far as plans go, was probably a good one.

Here are the best games this week -

Cleveland Browns @ Detroit Lions

...just kidding.

San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers -

An interesting game to say the least, as both teams have middle of the road records and both teams have losses to bad teams and wins over good teams.  Aaron Rodgers has a mean streak in him if you can give him a bit of protection, which they haven’t.  I had the 49ers clinching a sure wild card early but Favre’s Wild West win seemed to take the air out of them.  This one could go either way.

Take a shot - Whenever Aaron Rodgers gets brutalized because of his pee wee O-line.

Where to Watch - Lansdowne Road - 599 10th Ave - Pick up a $30 beer tower at this Packer standby and get loud.

San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos -

Besides Chris Simms impending death, this matchup is one to watch.  In the last stretch of the season the Chargers went from 2-3 to 6-3, while the Broncos went from 6-0 to 6-3.  While Norv Turner’s Chargers are climbing, the Broncos are experiencing a fall from grace.  Both are at stake on Sunday.

Take a shot - Whenever they show Josh McDaniels looking like a 12 year old in sweatpants yelling on the sidelines.

Where to Watch - MJ Armstrongs - 329 1st ave - Rejoice Chargers fans!  Enjoy great food (brunch anyone?) and a good atmosphere at this Sty town watering hole.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears -

Chi-town is ready to knock on Jay Cutler’s door with torches in hand if he can’t take this primetime game home.  The Eagles won’t go down easy though, they are struggling for position in the NFC East.  All McNabb needs to do is put this game far enough out of reach that Andy Reid won’t even have an opportunity to destroy it.

Take a shot - Whenever the Eagles bring in Michael Vick for one play for absolutely no reason.

Where to Watch - Wogie’s - 39 Greenwich Ave - This East Village bar is the hub for all things Philly.  Get ready for a series discussion on 4th quarter Andy Reid.