The first eight weeks have done very little to disappoint the NFL kingdom. Volatile shootouts, explosive running attacks, and decimating defenses have permeated NFL coliseums giving fans an experience that money can't buy. There have also been certain story lines that have added just the right seasoning and flavor. In the midst of these battles, there have been some warriors who have valiantly stood out.
My Mid-Season award winners:
1. NFC MVP: Brett Favre. Leave the old man alone. He's having a career year.
2. AFC MVP: Peyton Manning. He's the only reason that Indy hasn't lost a step post-Dungy.
3. NFC Rookie of the Year: Percy Harvin. Don't forget this name.
4. AFC Rookie of the Year: Knowshon Moreno. He's clamoring to break out of the gates in Mile High country.
5. NFC Coach of the Year: Sean Payton. Incredible job giving this undefeated team balance.
6. AFC Coach of the Year: Josh McDaniels. I can't believe I just typed that, but who can argue?
So, are you ready for the second half? Let's take a look at Week 9 as the NFL continues its journey to Tampa, FL.
- Washington Redskins (2-5) at Atlanta Falcons (4-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Strolling into the Georgia Dome right now to face a wounded Falcons team on the heels of two straight losses is a horrible idea. You'd probably have more fun playing bingo.
- Arizona Cardinals (4-3) at Chicago Bears (4-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Inconsistency has ruled both teams this year. It will be interesting to see which teams show up Sunday in Soldier Field. In a bizarre twist, Arizona is undefeated on the road while the Bears are 3-0 at home this season.
- Green Bay Packers (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Bucs rookie QB Josh Freeman begins his NFL career facing a team who has a damaged psyche after last week's emotional loss to the Vikings. There will be desperation on both teams, but Green Bay is more equipped to do something about it.
- Miami Dolphins (3-4) at New England Patriots (5-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Last year, the Dolphins went to New England and introduced The Wildcat offense. The result was a significant loss for the Pats. The Hood is a master at adjusting so don't expect him to fall captive to Miami's shenanigans again especially on the heels of a bye.
- Houston Texans (5-3) at Indianapolis Colts (7-0): CBS, 1pm EST - It's pretty clear that the Colts own the Texans. They are 13-1 vs. Houston and have never lost to them at home (7-0). Peyton Manning has seared the Texans in his career as well. While Houston has won three in a row, there is no one hotter than Indy.
- Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2): CBS, 1pm EST - If there was one area that Baltimore was weakening in, it was their defense. Last Sunday, that all changed when they put a clamp on Denver. Now, they travel to Cincy to take on a Bengals team whose two losses have come at home.
- Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Anyone could Twitter the game plan to coach Jack Del Rio: give the ball to Maurice Jones-Drew.
- Carolina Panthers (3-4) at New Orleans Saints (7-0): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Past history would tell us that coach John Fox dominates the Saints. He's 10-4 against them, and Carolina has won six of the past seven meetings. But those victories were not against THESE Saints.
- Detroit Lions (1-6) at Seattle Seahawks (2-5): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Raise your hand if you care.
- Tennessee Titans (1-6) at San Francisco 49ers (3-4): CBS, 4:15pm EST - With Vince Young at QB, Tennessee looked and played like a different team last week in their win vs. the Jags. RB Chris Johnson's career day didn't hurt either. The Niners have lost three in a row and have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball.
- San Diego Chargers (4-3) at NY Giants (5-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Something is amiss in the Big Apple. The Giants defense, especially their secondary, has become porous, and QB Eli Manning has looked like a rookie in the last three games. This is great news for QB Philip Rivers and Co.
- Dallas Cowboys (5-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-2): NBC, 8:20pm EST - There's nothing like an energized NFC East battle on the national stage with first place on the line. Plus, these two teams truly dislike each other. Both teams have won two in a row and have balanced offensive attacks. Tony Romo has won 12 straight November starts.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) at Denver Broncos (6-1): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - If you're in the mood for a hardcore battle, then look no further than Invesco Field. Denver will know more about itself in seeing how it responds to its first loss of the season vs. the world champions. If there is a chink in the Steelers' armor its on special teams which is good news for Denver's return specialist Eddie Royal. Get out your TiVo and cancel any plans you had.
BYE: BUFFALO BILLS, CLEVELAND BROWNS, MINNESOTA VIKINGS, NY JETS, OAKLAND RAIDERS, ST. LOUIS RAMS
STANDINGS
Chris Mortensen: 9-4, 81-35
Peter King: 11-2, 81-35
Adam Schefter: 6-7, 80-36
Keyshawn Johnson: 11-2, 80-36
Cris Carter: 8-5, 79-37
Eddie Chinn: 9-4, 77-39
Mike Ditka: 6-7, 74-42
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