NFL Week 10: Lost and Found

Amber alerts are terrifying.

They signal to the community that a family is missing a cherished part of their existence. Panic and patience form an unlikely union in the midst of this vociferous void. The craving to be one again is indescribable.

When the child is found safe, the overwhelming sense of relief is accompanied by a thunderous joy which cascades through the family and out among their supporters.

A lost child and a struggling football team don't belong in the same zip code, but in some ways there are similarities. When chemistry, confidence, discipline, or wise play-calling disappear, the chasm can be deafening. Other components, when absent, can handicap the ability to put a winning product on the field which breeds distress and hopelessness.

When they're discovered, everyone from the owner to the fans wants to run out in the streets and kiss strangers.

During Week 9, several teams had reason to celebrate as they finally seemed to find that one thing that was keeping them in contention...or from respectability. Let's take a look at those discoveries as we take a peek into the battles slated for Week 10.

• Chicago Bears (4-4) at San Francisco 49ers (3-5): NFLN, 8:20pm EST, Thursday Night Football - Is it just me or is it a weird coincidence that the Niners have lost every game since the immature WR Michael Crabtree joined the team?
  

• Atlanta Falcons (5-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-5): FOX, 1pm EST - It's nice to see RB Michael Turner exploding out of hibernation, but Atlanta will need more than that vs. this Panthers team who has a lethal running attack themselves and the tools to hammer a rattled Matt Ryan.
  

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-7) at Miami Dolphins (3-5): FOX, 1pm EST - Like a scene from Raiders of the Lost Ark, a piercing beam of light penetrated the dark cloud last week over Tampa when they unearthed a lost treasure: a bonafide QB. Josh Freeman appears to have the goods, but Miam will keep it real for him.
  

• Detroit Lions (1-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-1): FOX, 1pm EST - The mighty Lions have yet to win a road game this season. These rested Vikings have won 14 of the last 15 contests. Brett Favre has won his last six battles vs. Detroit. Should I keep going?
  

• New Orleans Saints (8-0) at St. Louis Rams (1-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Will this "train they call the City of New Orleans" ever stop?
  

• Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4) at NY Jets (4-4): CBS, 1pm EST - This is just the type of opponent that the sliding Jets need to face coming off their bye. A rested Mark Sanchez faces a Jags defense that has 8 sacks all year and is 22nd vs. the run. This bodes well also for the #1 ranked rushing attack in the league.
  

• Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): CBS, 1pm EST - If you like fierce and ugly battles, then this AFC North showdown for first place is for you. The world champions have won 5 in a row and have never lost to a division opponent at home under coach Mike Tomlin. Cincy is 3-0 on the road. Buckle up.
  

• Buffalo Bills (3-5) at Tennessee Titans (2-6): CBS, 1pm EST - I know coach Jeff Fisher felt pressure from his owner to begin the Vince Young era, but that just might have been the final push that Fisher needed on his shovel to uncover the treasure he's needed to turn this ship around. This team has a whole new personality.
  

• Denver Broncos (6-2) at Washington Redskins (2-6): CBS, 1pm EST - As Tom Petty would say, "And I'm free, I'm free fallin'..."
  

• Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) at Oakland Raiders (2-6): CBS, 4:05pm EST - While the Raiders recuperated from a dismal first half with a bye last week, the Chiefs discovered that they still have a knack for losing.
  

• Seattle Seahawks (3-5) at Arizona Cardinals (5-3): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Last week's 5-TD performance by Kurt Warner was amazing, but it doesn't replace the fact that Arizona is very inconsistent this year. They're also 1-3 at home having been outscored by a total of 39 points. Both teams need rushing therapy.
  

• Dallas Cowboys (6-2) at Green Bay Packers (4-4): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Something dislodged and snapped back into place for Dallas in their monster win in Philly last Sunday. Speaking of snapping, QB Aaron Rodgers behind an inept O-line vs. Demarcus Ware and Co. is a recipe for whiplash. This could be a blowout.
  

• Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) at San Diego Chargers (5-3): FOX, 4:15pm EST - When San Diego's defense is at the top of their game (as they are right now), they are a nightmare. If Philly dreams of winning this contest, they must run the ball effectively and wear down this dominating unit and not turn the ball over.
  

• New England Patriots (6-2) at Indianapolis Colts (8-0): NBC, 8:20pm EST - If you like gridiron drama, teeth-grinding anticipation, and throat-straining excitement, then you have come to the right place. This paramount rivalry has never disappointed -- Manning, Wayne, Brady, Moss, and Belichick. Hook up the catheter and enjoy.
  

• Baltimore Ravens (4-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-7): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Members of the Dawg Pound are protesting Cleveland's dismal performance this season by not showing up in their seats for....kickoff. Then, they'll go find their seats. I can see that the senselessness on the field is airborne.
  

BYE: NY GIANTS and HOUSTON TEXANS

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 8-5, 89-40

Peter King: 8-5, 89-40

Adam Schefter: 8-5, 88-41

Keyshawn Johnson: 8-5, 88-41

Cris Carter: 8-5, 87-42

Eddie Chinn: 8-5, 85-44

Mike Ditka: 7-6, 81-48