NFC South Week 9 Preview
The Atlanta Falcons enter week nine of the NFL regular season as the only undefeated squad left standing and have a four game stranglehold-of-a lead in the NFC South. Part of this of course is due to Atlanta’s utter dominance in 2012, but their large early season division lead is also largely due to Carolina and New Orleans having down years, at least so far. Can the Saints and Panthers turn things around in week nine? And can anyone beat the Falcons? We will have more answers after this week’s games and after looking more closely at each matchup involving teams of the NFC South.
Carolina Panthers at 1-6 Washington Redskins 3-5
Look for Newton and Co. to make leaps and bounds this week
Robert Griffin and the Redskins look almost like a mirror image of the Panthers from a year ago with the rookie sensation quarterback and the team that is slightly overachieving, but is still not quite where they want to be. The Skins are definitely in the hunt at 3-5 and although many would say the Panthers are almost dead when it comes to the playoffs, there is still plenty of season left. Both teams certainly need a win here.
With the exception of their week 3 loss to the Giants, the Panthers have kept things close in each loss and could just as easily be a .500 team or better if a couple of bounces would have gone their way. Obviously, the Skins are much improved from a year ago, but this is still a team that is giving up 400 yards of total offense per game. If the Panthers are going to start to turn the tide, it has to be soon and I think it will be this week. Cam Newton should have success against one of the league’s worst pass defenses and win a close game this week. Take the Panthers in the upset and to cover the +3 point spread.
Dallas Cowboys 3-4 at Atlanta Falcons 7-0
No NFL matchup is ever that lopsided considering the amount of talent on each team, but with how poorly Dallas is playing and with how incredibly Atlanta is playing, it would be easy to chalk this one up as an easy Falcons victory. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at some numbers.
What’s interesting is, statistically Dallas has a better offense and defense Atlanta. The Cowboys gain more yards per game and give up fewer than the Falcons, yet they are 3-4 and the Falcons are 7-0. This is mostly due to turnovers. What the Cowboys are really good at is giving the ball away. Tony Romo has already thrown 13 INTS to go with his nine touchdowns, while Matt Ryan has tossed 17 TDs to just six picks.
I actually think the Cowboys could pull this game off if they can protect the ball, but it would be pretty crazy to go against the Falcons here. Until they lose, I wouldn’t bet against them, especially at home. Take Atlanta to cover -4 points this week.
Philadelphia Eagles 3-4 at New Orleans Saints 2-5
The 2-5 start is not Brees' fault
This matchup features two underachievers looking to right the ship here in week nine. The Eagles are on more of a downward trajectory after starting the season with some close-shave wins, whereas the Saints are on an upswing after a disastrous 0-4 beginning to 2012.
Mike Vick’s quarterback play has forced many to question his starting position, as his 13 giveaways lead the league, while Drew Brees’ role as the Saints’ leader has never been in question. Despite the team’s poor showing so far this season, Brees has still managed to rack up more than 2300 yards and 20 TDs. The problem instead for New Orleans has been defense and the Saints will face off against one of the league’s best rushers this week in LeSean McCoy.
I actually like the Eagles here to pull the upset. McCoy should have plenty of running room against a defense that gives up 170 yards per game on the ground and as long as Vick holds on to the ball, the Eagles should have no problem carving up the Saints pass defense. They will give up points to Brees, but if they win the turnover battle, they should win the game. Go Eagles to cover +3 points and win outright.
