NFL Sunday Round-Up: Week 10

While it was "Separation Saturday" in the action-packed weekend that was college football, it was "Snoozefest Sunday" in the NFL. With teams on bye's, bad match-ups, and other things in play, this weekend in the NFL wasn't exactly the best one. That's OK though, because I'm still here to recap all the action for you, regardless of who's playing. Honestly though, it's the NFL...so it's rarely ever boring. Unless it's a Thursday night game, then you can usually expect to be in bed by the time the second half starts.

Anyway, here's what happened yesterday (and Thursday) in the NFL.......

Cleveland - 24 (6-3) @ Cincinnati- 3 (5-3-1)

Andy Dalton isn't good folks. I don't care if he's shown signs of being a potentially good NFL QB, I'm over him. His performance on Thursday night's game against the Browns was so awful, that I would consider benching him permanently if I was Marvin Lewis (he had a QB rating of TWO people, TWO!!!!!!). Dalton's performance on Thursday was historically bad. You want some perspective on how bad it was? Since 1970, Dalton's game on Thursday was one of the 100 worst performances (83rd to be exact) by an NFL QB in a game. And it's not like this is something new for Dalton either. In nine games this year, Dalton is grading out like so:

Week 1: C-
Week 2: C-
Week 3: B
Week 5: B-
Week 6: B+
Week 7: D-
Week 8: C-
Week 9: C-
Week 10: F

Does that look like a franchise QB to you guys? Minus a couple of decent games from week 3-6, Dalton's been less-than-average this year. Normally this may not be a cause for concern, but Dalton seems to be regressing at a tremendous rate and he just signed a massive extension a few months back. If I'm a Bengals fan, I'm extremely worried about what the future looks like with Dalton behind center if he keeps playing like he does. I've never been a big Andy Dalton guy, but I always thought he was a light version of Alex Smith and could succeed as a "game manager". Maybe he can't even do that? Or maybe everyone is just over-reacting and Dalton is going through a rough patch in his NFL career, but will eventually get things turned around? Who knows? What I do know is....the Cleveland Browns are 6-3 and are in the driver's seat for a potential playoff spot in a few months.

Cleveland Offensive MVP: Terrance West (26 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD)

Cleveland Defensive MVP: Buster Skrine (3 tackles, 3 passes deflected, 2 interceptions)

Cincinnati Offensive MVP: Buster Skrine (Andy Dalton apparently thought he was a Bengal)

Cincinnati Defensive MVP: Reggie Nelson (8 tackles, 2 passes deflected, 1 QB hit)

Up next for Cleveland: vs. Houston (4-5)

Up next for Cincinnati: vs. @ New Orleans (4-5)

Kansas City - 17 (6-3) @ Buffalo - 13 (5-4)

I fully expected the Kansas City Chiefs to lose this game. They historically don't play very well in Buffalo (especially the last few seasons) and this just seemed like one of those games that would get them. The Chiefs offense isn't that great outside of Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith, and Travis Kelce. They have some nice play makers in Knile Davis, De'Anthony Thomas, and Anthony Fasano, but their wide receiving corps is one of the worst in the league. It's so bad that a Chiefs WR has yet to catch a TD pass this season! Now don't get me wrong. Dwayne Bowe is a good NFL WR, but he's been so inconsistent these last few seasons and a lot of it has to do with how bad the other Chiefs WR's are. The point I'm trying to make is, if you have a good defense, you can beat Kansas City. Buffalo actually has a pretty solid defense and for the majority of this game, they dominated it. And then the fourth quarter happened.

The Bills imploded in the fourth quarter as they allowed two Kansas City offensive touchdowns and the Bills just weren't good enough on offense to keep up with the Chiefs. This was a bad loss for the Bills as they really needed a win in order to keep pace with the Patriots in the AFC East and the loss also puts them in bad shape to grab one of the potential wildcards in the AFC as well. Things don't get any easier next week as the Bills have to travel to Miami and play the Dolphins on Thursday night. Don't look now guys, but the Bills could be a wild card team to land Marcus Mariota in the NFL Draft next year.....

Kansas City Offensive MVP: Jamaal Charles (15 carries, 98 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 20 receiving yards, 1 TD)

Kansas City Defensive MVP: Ron Parker (8 tackles, 3 passes deflected, 1 fumble forced)

Buffalo Offensive MVP: Kyle Orton (29 of 48 for 259 yards, 1 TD, 81.9 QB rating)

Buffalo Defensive MVP: Marcell Dareus (7 tackles, 3 sacks, 4 QB hits)

Up next for Kansas City: vs. Seattle (6-3)

Up next for Buffalo: vs. @ Miami (5-4)

Miami - 16 (5-4) @ Detroit - 20 (7-2)

The Detroit Lions just keep doing it and they are doing it by playing outstanding defense. On paper, the Lions have a pretty scary defense and it has to be a pleasant thing for Detroit fans to see it all working out on game day. Miami came into this game as one of the hottest teams in the NFL and the Lions stuffed them at the door and sent them packing back to Miami. This result shouldn't have come as much of a surprise to anyone though as the Dolphins are an 8-8 team that was masquerading as an 11-5 team the last few weeks and the Lions are actually good. I'm officially 100% on Detroit's bandwagon now. If they had a better head coach I would be more sold on this team, but as of right now.....they are playing like one of the best teams in the NFL and could be a real problem for some teams come playoff time. I do have to warn Detroit fans though because as soon as I jump on an NFL team's bandwagon, that's when the wheels start to fall off. If the wheels start falling off this thing, I'd like to apologize in advance. 

Miami Offensive MVP: Ryan Tannehill (27 of 38 for 201 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 81.1 QB rating)

Miami Defensive MVP: Jelani Jenkins (7 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits)

Detroit Offensive MVP: Calvin Johnson (7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD)

Detroit Defensive MVP: Ndamukong Suh (4 tackles, 1 sack. 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, 1 fumble recovery)

Up next for Miami: vs. Buffalo (5-4)

Up next for Detroit: vs. @ Arizona (8-1)

Dallas - 31 (7-3) @ Jacksonville - 17 (1-9)

Tony Romo is back and Cowboy fans be like....

It wasn't always like this though, There was a time when Cowboys fans were calling for the head of Tony Romo. There was a time (just a few months ago as a matter of fact) when Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wanted to draft Johnny Manziel in the NFL Draft to replace Romo (hahahaha). These days though? Romo is finally getting the credit he deserves. Now that he has a great offensive line and a good run game to work with, Romo is showing his doubters that he's actually a pretty good quarterback. Of course, when  you get a couple of weeks with Brandon Weeden acting as your starting quarterback, you'll pretty much take anyone, including the kid who's dancing above. As for the Jags? What good can I say about a team that is 1-9 on the season? That Blake Bortles and Denard Robinson actually look like they may have a little bit of potential to make some noise down the road? If Bortles can cut down on his mistakes, he'll end up being a solid NFL QB. Robinson also looks like a potentially successful NFL running back as well, so there is some hope for Jacksonville in the future. Unfortunately Gus Bradley probably won't be around to see it all work out.

Dallas Offensive MVP: Dez Bryant (6 catches, 158 yards, 2 TD's)

Dallas Defensive MVP: Bruce Carter (7 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception)

Jacksonville Offensive MVP: Denard Robinson (15 carries, 60 rushing yards, 2 catches, 10 receiving yards, 2 TD's)

Jacksonville Defensive MVP: Josh Evans (5 tackles, 1 fumble recovery)

Up next for Dallas: BYE WEEK

Up next for Jacksonville: BYE WEEK

San Francisco - 27 (5-4) @ New Orleans - 24 (4-5)

This was the best game of the week. It was an exciting game that went into overtime and the 49ers did the unthinkable and beat the Saints in the Super Dome. The 49ers fans can go ahead and back off the panic button a little bit because this was a big win for a team that desperately needed one. The remaining schedule is tough for San Francisco, so for them to pick up a win in New Orleans, that could come back and pay huge dividends for them come playoff time. As for the Saints? There's not much to say. They put up a valiant effort and the good news for them is that since there division is so bad, they can actually afford a loss. I can still see these teams meeting up again in the playoffs and if they do, would anyone really complain? After yesterday's game, I want to see more. 

San Francisco Offensive MVP: Anquan Boldin (6 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD)

San Francisco Defensive MVP: Chris Borland (17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 fumble recovery)

New Orleans Offensive MVP: Jimmy Graham (10 catches, 76 yards, 2 TD's)

New Orleans Defensive MVP: Ramon Humber (12 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit)

Up next for San Francisco: vs. @ New York Giants (3-6)

Up next for New Orleans: vs. Cincinnati (5-3-1)

Tennessee - 7 (2-7) @ Baltimore - 21 (6-4)

This result was a given. The Tennessee Titans are not a good football team, while the Ravens are. Some things in the NFL just make sense, and the Ravens dominating this football game is one of them. The Titans should still consider themselves lucky though because with the Jets winning against the Steelers, the Titans are now the top dogs to land Marcus Mariota in the NFL Draft next year. I know their fan base would be excited. Hell, they are already picturing the guy in a Titans uniform and drooling themselves....

Just don't go and mess it all up by winning some games Tennessee. A Ravens win means they are still in business to win the AFC North title, especially with the Bengals and the Steelers losing. I'm rooting for ya Ravens. Why? Because I picked you to win the division title. Just don't go messing it all up by losing some games Baltimore.

Tennessee Offensive MVP: Kendall Wright (4 catches, 53 yards)

Tennessee Defensive MVP: Jason McCourty (6 tackles, 1 fumble recovery)

Baltimore Offensive MVP: Justin Forsett (20 carries, 112 yards, 2 TD's)

Baltimore Defensive MVP: Elvis Dumervil (5 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 QB hits)

Up next for Tennessee: vs. Pittsburgh (6-4)

Up next for Baltimore: BYE WEEK

Pittsburgh - 13 (6-4) @ New York Jets - 20 (2-8)

The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the hottest teams in the NFL heading into this game. 

The New York Jets were one of the worst teams in the NFL heading into this game.

In the last two weeks, the Steelers QB has thrown 12 touchdown passes.

In the last two weeks, the Jets QB's have been Geno Smith and Michael Vick.

The Jets just whooped the Steelers.

 Exactly, Joey.

Pittsburgh Offensive MVP: Martavis Bryant (4 catches, 143 yards, 1 TD) 

Pittsburgh Defensive MVP: Jason Worilds (5 tackles, 1.5 sacks)

NY Jets Offensive MVP: Michael Vick (10 of 18 for 132 yards, 2 TD's, 8 carries, 39 rushing yards, 116.0 QB rating)

NY Jets Defensive MVP: Jaiquawn Jarrett (10 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes deflected, 2 QB hits, 1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions)

Up next for Pittsburgh: vs. @ Tennessee (2-7)

Up next for NY Jets: BYE WEEK

Atlanta - 27 (3-6) @ Tampa Bay - 17 (1-8)

Atlanta Offensive MVP: Matt Ryan (20 of 31 for 219 yards, 1 TD, 96.0 QB rating)

Atlanta Defensive MVP: Kroy Biermann (5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 1 pass deflection, 3 QB hits)

Tampa Bay Offensive MVP: Mike Evans (7 catches, 125 yards, 1 TD)

Tampa Bay Defensive MVP: Lavonte David (14 tackles)

Up next for Atlanta: vs. @ Carolina (3-5-1)

Up next for Tampa Bay: vs. @ Washington (3-6)

Denver - 41 (7-2) @ Oakland - 17 (0-9)

I think we all knew what the outcome of this game was going to be. Kudos to the Raiders though for keeping the game close for about nine minutes before Peyton Manning started throwing touchdown passes as if they were going out of style. This was a good recovery game for the Broncos after that disappointing loss to the Patriots, so at least the Raiders are good for something. Speaking of which, I believe it's time to officially start the "Raiders Countdown To 0-16":

Oakland's Remaining Games:

vs. @ San Diego
vs. Kansas City
vs. @ St. Louis
vs. San Francisco
vs. @ Kansas City
vs. Buffalo
vs. Denver

Who's it going to be? With all the crap that I'm talking, they'll probably end up beating Kansas City on Thursday night on November 20th. Why? Because that just sounds like the kind of game the Chiefs would have to disappoint me (looking at you week one vs. the Tennessee Titans....). Let's hope I'm wrong and the Raiders don't beat the Chiefs. Other than that, there's not a whole lot of winnable games left on Oakland's schedule. It's pretty much Buffalo and St. Louis and that's it. Good luck Oakland. 

Denver Offensive MVP: Peyton Manning (31 of 44 for 340 yards, 5 TD's, 2 INT's, 111.9 QB rating)

Denver Defensive MVP: T.J. Ward (7 tackles, 1 QB hit, 1 interception)

Oakland Offensive MVP: Mychal Rivera (6 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD)

Oakland Defensive MVP: D.J. Hayden (3 tackles, 3 passes deflected, 1 interception)

Up next for Denver: vs. @ St. Louis (3-6)

Up next for Oakland: vs. @ San Diego (5-4)

St. Louis - 14 (3-6) @ Arizona - 31 (8-1)

The Arizona Cardinals are 8-1 for the first time since the 1940's. The Cardinals have never been 8-1 since they've been in Arizona. People, are we taking this team seriously yet? They are for real! Yes, there are some issues on the offensive side of the ball, but defensively, this team has been extremely impressive thus far in the season. Credit to St. Louis though who put up a hell of a fight for 3 quarters though. The game looked like it was going to belong to the Rams all up until the fourth quarter started and the flood gates opened for the Cardinals. While the Cardinals are far from a lock as a Super Bowl contender (the QB position alarms me a little), they are definitely the best team in the NFL at the moment. The key is to be the best team in the NFL at the end of January/beginning of February though so if the Cardinals can manage that feat, it may go down as the biggest shocker in NFL history. It's going to be a fun next few months in the desert.

St. Louis Offensive MVP: Jared Cook (2 catches, 84 yards, 1 TD) 

St. Louis Defensive MVP: Alec Ogletree (7 tackles, 3 passes deflected, 1 interception)

Arizona Offensive MVP: Larry Fitzgerald (9 catches, 112 yards)

Arizona Defensive MVP: Patrick Peterson (2 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 TD)

Up next for St. Louis: vs. Denver (7-2)

Up next for Arizona: vs. Detroit (7-2)

New York Giants - 17 (3-6) @ Seattle - 38 (6-3)

Seattle is back! The Super Bowl champions are once again kind of sort of resembling the team we saw last year (and the team we saw dismantle Green Bay in week one). It's been a rough few weeks in the Emerald City, but a 20+ point win should give the fan base a little comfort for awhile. I told everyone to relax a few weeks back on hitting the panic button on the Seahawks, and even though they don't appear to be as good as last year's team, they are still a damn good football team and one that I wouldn't want to see in the playoffs. Seattle still sits two games behind the Cardinals and six of their seven remaining games are against teams with winning records, so the playoffs are still far from guaranteed, but if I had to lay money down....I'd say the Seahawks get in. 

NY Giants Offensive MVP: Odell Beckham Jr (7 catches, 108 receiving yards, 1 carry, 11 rushing yards)

NY Giants Defensive MVP: Quintin Demps (5 tackles, 1 interception)

Seattle Offensive MVP: Marshawn Lynch (21 carries, 140  rushing yards, 1 catch, 23 receiving yards, 4 TD's)

Seattle Defensive MVP: Earl Thomas (6 tackles, 1 interception)

Up next for NY Giants: vs. San Francisco (5-4)

Up next for Seattle: vs. @ Kansas City (6-3)

PLAYOFF RACE

NFC:

NFC South Division Leader: New Orleans Saints (4-5)

NFC North Division Leader: Detroit Lions (7-2)

NFC East Division Leader: Philadelphia Eagles (6-2)

NFC West Division Leader: Arizona Cardinals (8-1)

NFC Wildcard Spot #1: Dallas Cowboys (7-3)

NFC Wildcard Spot #2: Seattle Seahawks (6-3)

In The Hunt: Green Bay Packers (6-3), San Francisco 49ers (5-4), Minnesota Vikings (4-5)

AFC:

AFC South Division Leader: Indianapolis Colts (6-3)

AFC North Division Leader: Cleveland Browns (6-3)

AFC East Division Leader: New England Patriots (7-2)

AFC West Division Leader: Denver Broncos (7-2)

AFC Wildcard Spot #1: Kansas City Chiefs (6-3)

AFC Wildcard Spot #2: Cincinnati Bengals (5-3-1)

In The Hunt: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4), Baltimore Ravens (6-4), Miami Dolphins (5-4), Buffalo Bills (5-4), San Diego Chargers (5-4), Houston Texans (4-5)