TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Ira Kaufman's NFL Week 9 Preview

ADVERTISEMENT

By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 2, 2008

COWBOYS AT GIANTS, 4:15 p.m.

TV/CREW: WTVT, Channel 13 (Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver)

ABOUT THE COWBOYS: With Coach Wade Phillips now overseeing the defense, the Cowboys played with passion in edging the Bucs. Now they are on the road against the defending NFL champions in a rematch of a riveting NFC divisional playoff game. WR Terrell Owens burned the Giants for 125 yards and two TDs a year ago.

ABOUT THE GIANTS: The Giants remained poised when behind at Pittsburgh, and Eli Manning has thrown nine TD passes against Dallas in the past four matchups. The NFC's top-rated defense will key on RB Marion Barber and dare the Cowboys to beat them through the air.

KEY STAT: When Barber has at least 11 carries, the Cowboys are 24-3.

KEY MATCHUP: Cowboys T Flozell Adams vs. DE Mathias Kiwanuka, who posted three sacks last week.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Giants, 24-7.

PATRIOTS AT COLTS, 8:15 p.m.

TV/CREW: WFLA, Channel 8 (Al Michaels, John Madden, Andrea Kremer)

ABOUT THE PATRIOTS: New England may have been looking ahead to this matchup last week in struggling against St. Louis. QB Matt Cassel is starting to look more comfortable in Tom Brady's place, and veteran RB Kevin Faulk has taken on a bigger role due to injuries. Special teams remains a team strength.

ABOUT THE COLTS: Peyton Manning doesn't look like himself, and Indy hardly resembles a franchise that has reeled off an NFL-record five consecutive seasons with at least 12 wins. If the Colts are serious about making the AFC playoffs as a wild-card team, they have to beat their long-time nemesis tonight.

KEY STAT: Patriots WR Wes Welker is seeking his 12th consecutive game with at least six receptions.

KEY MATCHUP: Colts C Jeff Saturday vs. DT Vince Wilfork.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL: Colts, 21-16

JETS AT BILLS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: The sloppy Jets will have to minimize mistakes at Buffalo, where the Bills are 3-0 while averaging 27 points.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Bills, 34-10

LIONS AT BEARS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: After a bye week to compose themselves, the Bears are well-positioned to take control of the NFC North.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Bears, 24-3

JAGUARS AT BENGALS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Winless Cincinnati has dropped some close decisions in 2008, but this one shouldn't be tight.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Jaguars, 27-10

RAVENS AT BROWNS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Cleveland is showing signs of life, but QB Derek Anderson will be under siege today.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Browns, 16-13

TEXANS AT VIKINGS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: A pair of 3-4 clubs meet to determine which one will enter the second half of the season with momentum.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Vikings, 21-17

CARDINALS AT RAMS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: If Arizona is serious about winning the NFC West, the Cardinals can't afford to give St. Louis any reason to believe today.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Cardinals, 35-31

PACKERS AT TITANS,

1 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Green Bay has had two weeks to prepare for the NFL's only unbeaten team as the Titans come off a short week.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Packers, 20-17

DOLPHINS AT BRONCOS,

4:05 p.m.; WTSP, Ch. 10

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: The first-place Broncos are sloppy, while the last-place Dolphins are both resourceful and puzzling.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Dolphins, 30-20

FALCONS AT RAIDERS,

4:15 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Atlanta has displayed surprising poise through a 4-3 start, and this is rookie QB Matt Ryan's first visit to the Black Hole.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Falcons, 24-16

EAGLES AT SEAHAWKS,

4:15 p.m.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: With do-it-all RB Brian Westbrook back in form, Philadelphia looks ready to rumble.

IRA KAUFMAN'S CALL:

Eagles, 33-14

Last week's record: 8-6. Season record: 65-51.

GAMES OF THE DAY

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT