Fifth Down, Week Fourteen

Let's re-cap, shall we? My predictions in italics, as always.

Chargers 24, Raiders 13 - Win. The Chargers played with a short field most of the game, and they have the anemic Raider offense to thank for that. Actual score: Chargers 34, Raiders 7

Bears 27, Jaguars 13 - Win. What's happened to David Garrard? His offensive line--hurt. His receivers--ineffective. Remember when this happened to Peyton Manning, when his line was hurt and his receivers were down? Yeah, I do, too, and Manning played much better than Garrard is playing now. Actual score: Bears 23, Jaguars 10

Vikings 24, Lions 10 - Win. The Lions keep improving, and they keep losing. It's amazing. I've heard all the talk about them possibly going 0-17, the first team to do so, but--is this team as bad as the '80 Saints? No. I remember watching the 'Aints. As bad the inaugural Bucs? Nope. They might be written as the worst ever, though, if they can't translate their improved play into wins. And no, I don't have the answer either, not with their defensive personnel. Actual score: Vikings 20, Lions 16

Falcons 28, Saints 27 - Loss. I knew it'd be close. Fun game. Wish someone had played defense for either team, though. Actual score: Saints 29, Falcons 25

Giants 27, Eagles 18 - Loss. Wow! Burress was actually missed during the game. Did you see Hixon drop that pass? Right in his hands. Sure touchdown. Would have made the difference in the game. Might have made the difference. Dunno. McNabb and Westbrook looked they could've made up that score anytime they wanted to. Actual score: Eagles 20, Giants 14

Colts 31, Bengals 12 - Win. Colts have won six in a row, and they've got a strong chance--a very strong chance--to go to the Super Bowl this year. Actual score: Colts 35, Bengals 3

Packers 24, Texans 21- Loss. Matt Schaub played the game of his life in a game that didn't mattter--well, to anyone but him, his teammates, and his owner. Actual score: Texans 24, Packers 21

Titans 30, Browns 3- Win. Considering his opposition, Dorsey didn't play that poorly. His receivers sure didn't help, though. Actual score: Titans 28, Browns 9

Jets 22, 49ers 10- Loss. You know, the 49ers may just win out and finish at 8-8. They're playing as solid a game as any team out there. Actual score: 49ers 24, Jets 14

Patriots 27, Seahawks 13 - Win. Seneca Wallace looked fantastic, like he's finally grown accustomed to the speed and finally acclimated himself well with his receivers. Too bad about that fumble, though. Actual score:Patriots 24, Seahawks 21

Broncos 34, Chiefs 20- Win. Another Denver RB injured as Hillis is gone for the year. Can the Broncos keep winning with such a depleted offensive backfield? As long as their defense has been playing attack the way they have the past two weeks, they can. Actual score: Broncos 24, Chiefs 17

Miami 17, Buffalo 9 - Win. Playing a home game...in Toronto? Where it's warm? With no offense? Actual score: Dolphins 16, Bills 3

Cardinals 31, Rams 10- Win. Warner's putting on a show much like he did during his Super Bowl days. Question is, can he win in the playoffs without a running game? Maybe. Actual score: Cardinals 34, Rams 10

Steelers 24, Cowboys 20- Win. Choke. Actual score: Steelers 20, Cowboys 13

Ravens 21, Redskins 14 - Loss. Even if Clinton Portis had played, the outcome would have remained the same. Actual score: Ravens 24, Redskins 10

Tampa Bay 20, Carolina 18- Loss. Like Chuck Berry sang, it just goes to show you never can tell: first meeting between these two, Carolina had fewer than ninety yards rushing. This game: 299. Go figure. Actual score: Panthers 38, Buccaneers 23.