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25 Colman Court

Christchurch Avenue

Finchley

London

N12 0DT

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Week Eleven Review

Cincinnati's dreams of a perfect season were brought to an end by a persistent New England side. New England fell behind early but were able to contain the free scoring Bengal offense until a fourth quarter touchdown finally gave them the lead. Miami continued to display indifferent form, surrendering 34 points to Pittsburgh, but sneaked another win with an overtime field goal. The team with no pass protection dragged themselves into playoff contention with another one point victory, this time in Seattle. Denver blew away the hopeless Bills, the Buffalo offense once again struggled to move the ball out of their own half. Oakland were again outgained on offense but this time managed to hold onto the ball, three Cleveland turnovers left them too big a margin to catch up. Kansas City were less than authoritative in their win over struggling Jacksonville – but a win is a win, and the Chiefs are still in playoff contention.

Tampa's season went from bad to worse as they struggled to find the endzone against visiting Arizona. The Cards were hardly dominant, but took full advantage of their limited scoring opportunities and got a huge defensive return. The Lions may be considering replacing their kicker this week, not only did he miss a field goal but also a fourth quarter extra point that would have tied the game. Philadelphia will be pleased to escape Detroit with a win. St Louis seem to have recovered their early season form and, even though it was only Washington, they dished out a 'whuppin'. Dallas got the better of New Orleans, thanks mostly to the inability of the Saints to hold onto the ball – 5 turnovers is never a recipe for success. Carolina had a great first half, but nerves were tested in the fourth quarter as Green Bay fought their way back into the game. San Francisco returned to winning ways, Chicago put up some fight but were clearly not in the same class.

Offensive performance of the week goes to St Louis, even if it was only Washington. Defensive performance of the week goes to New England, for holding the previously rampant Cincy offense in check. Special teams performance of the week goes to Kansas City, good returning and five of five on field goals.

Predictions Standings

Darren Birtchnell

Message Board

Darren Birtchnell to Dave Pinder – well done, I suppose you owed me one after I ended your unbeaten run last year. At least I got some quick revenge in NFL-BY!

STATS CORNER

RUSHING OFFENCE

PASSING OFFENCE

RUSHING DEFENCE

PASSING DEFENCE

TURNOVERS

SACKS ALLOWED

Week Twelve Preview

Predictions and commentary this week from Martyn Williams, other predictions from Darren Birtchnell.

Panthers at Patriots – Carolina’s post superbowl season doesn’t get any easier with this trip to New England. The Patriots will be in buoyant mood after they finally got a victory over the Bengals last week, and despite the Panthers coming off a big win against the revitalised Pack, a victory at Foxboro is an entirely different prospect. Patriots by 13

Dolphins at 49ers – Miami don’t look anything like the defensive powerhouse they were last year, when they would never have lost to the Jets or Seahawks. They still have the ability to beat the best, but I can’t see them coming close against the 49ers who will take one more step towards regaining the NFC West crown. 49ers by 14

Rams at Jets – Everything tells me I should win this easily. The Jets have no offensive line and are really struggling to score, but somehow they are 6-5. This is all thanks to a mean defence, who may do a better job than most at shutting down the currently in form Kurt Warner. For the Jets to win, they’ll need to get off some lightning quick passes against the Ram blitz. I find it hard to see them outscoring me, but I am damn nervous all the same!

Bills at Saints – Last week marked a new low for the Bills this season, with their defence finally crumbling under the pressure of carrying the team. Their offence may find the going a little easier against the Saints if they switch to the pass, otherwise it promises to be another long day for Buffalo. The Saints need the win to stay in contention for a wildcard, and that should be all the motivation they need. Saints by 14

Cardinals at Bengals – Arizona are the unfortunate team that makes the trip to Cincinnati after the Bengals perfect regular season dreams were shattered last week. Even with their fairly strong defence they don’t stand a chance, I fully expect the Bengals to beat up on them big time. Bengals by 21

Steelers at Eagles – The Eagles have a very strong defence and an effective if not exactly exciting offence. Pittsburgh have a poor defence and an occasionally exciting offence. I can’t see the Steelers troubling Philadelphia too much. Eagles by 14

Redskins at Browns – Washington were even worse than normal last week in St Louis and it would seem that new Coach Firth has a big job on his hands, but Cleveland’s early season promise has begun to fade away in recent weeks and they will be looking to rediscover how to win. They may find it tougher than expected if extensive changes are made to the ‘Skins gameplan. Browns by 7

Jaguars at Cowboys – The Cowboys seem to be getting things together as the playoffs begin to loom, the abysmal Jags haven’t got much right all season. Cowboys by 13

Bucs at Raiders – This has all the makings of another shock defeat for Oakland to a much lesser team, but realistically you have to say the Bucs have no chance. Raiders by 21

Chiefs at Lions – Two teams that desperately need the win to keep slim playoff hopes alive. KC have struggled to score all season, but seem quite adept at preventing their opposition from scoring. Detroit normally have no trouble scoring, but plenty of trouble stopping the other team. I’ll go with offence and homefield. Lions by 3

Packers at Seahawks – The usual late season offensive show hasn’t happened yet in Seattle and this is a must win game to keep those playoff hopes alive. Green Bay can afford to lose and still win the Central, but have been too good for all but the best teams the NFC has to offer this season. Packers by 10

Broncos at Bears – The Broncos have hit some form in the last two weeks and should be far too much for Chicago. Broncos by 10

MW: Lock – Bengals, Shock – Redskins, Blowout – Raiders, Shootout – Redskins at Browns, Slugfest – Chiefs at Lions

DB: Patriots by 10; 49ers by 14; Rams by 17; Saints by 7; Eagles by 10; Browns by 3 (Slugfest); Cowboys by 7; Raiders by 10; Chiefs by 3 (Shock); Packers by 6 (Shootout); Broncos by 7. Lock, blowout – Bengals.