NFL Week 8 preview by Guest Columnist Hamish Girvan
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Minnesota Vikings vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Live on ESPN Friday at 1.30pm
The Vikings are one the NFL’s surprise packages this season and are second in the competitive NFC North division. Unbeaten in all four home games this season and led by second year Quarterback Christian Ponder they are proving to be a tough act to beat. The Buccaneers are in rebuilding mode under first year and sometimes controversial coach Greg Schiano. Playing some college type tricks and styles has not gone down too well with some of the more established coaches. His team are at least competitive however an away trip to Minnesota could be a tough ask.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders
The Chiefs at home use to be a force, season in season out, however this season they have been awful. Bottom of the NFL out of all teams total, they have had one win – and that was in overtime away to the New Orleans Saints. Starting a different quarterback this week in Brady Quinn they are looking for a change of form. The Oakland Raiders have hardly been anything to write home about either however they have been more competitive and have rattled up two wins. A traditional AFC West clash there will still be some feeling between both teams in this one.
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins
The Jets blew a chance last week against the Patriots and could easily have won it bar a dropped catch and some poor football decisions in overtime. This is the Jets second divisional clash in two weeks and the Dolphins will be no pushover. They have surprised this season with young Quarterback Ryan Tannehill looking worth the top 10 draft pick he was taken at. The Jets need to win this otherwise any overall divisional win chance may be too far. The pressure to play Tim Tebow for the Jets is still lurking in the background, so starting Quarterback Sanchez may have to prove his worth in this AFC East clash
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
These two teams have a firey rivalry in the NFC east division. Geographically some distance apart there have been some fierce games between these two. The Cowboys seem to be perennial underachievers since their dynasty in the 90’s. The boys from Dallas go into each season with high expectations however a sluggish start is piling the pressure on Quarterback Tony Romo and Coach Jason Garrett. The Giants are looking like they are still one of the teams to beat and seem to find the way to win easy in tight games. Playing at high confidence they will hold no fear taking on the Cowboys in their own backyard.
Denver Broncos vs. New Orleans Saints Live on ESPN Monday at 1.30pm
A mouth watering clash of two of the best Quarterbacks in the NFL. Peyton Manning and Drew Brees have both won the big one however this season is different for both in differing circumstances. Peyton Manning’s debut season with the Broncos is all about a new team and system however his masterclass in his last game against the San Diego Chargers was something to behold. Down 24-0 at halftime he orchestrated a 35 point second half to win the game. The Saints had a horror start and only have two wins to show, much against everyone’s expectations. Brees has been outstanding in all facets this season however his team’s defence is letting him down. This will be an offensive show so expect plenty of points from both sides.
Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers- Live on ESPN Tuesday at 1.30pm
A NFC West clash which could be a defensive struggle. The Cardinals started the season with four straight wins however have since lost their last three. Struggling on offense, their defence has been their strength however that looks like it’s now both tiring and being found out. The 49ers look to be back on track after a close win over divisional foe Seattle last week. Again not a lot of offense in their team however their hardnosed defence and a ruthless style from Coach John Harbaugh is working and they should be there or there about come playoff picture at seasons end.
Follow Hamish on Twitter @Girvana