FRIDAY FOOTBALL FIXX

December 17th, 2010 Friday

Friday’s Football Fixx

Chiefs Hanging On By A Cassel

The Kansas City Chiefs have been riding in first place since week one, but with the Chargers coming on lately their stronghold could be in jeopardy. Last week the Chiefs suffered a major let down against the Chargers without the services of quarterback Matt Cassel (appendectomy). They could be facing the same prospect this week on the road against the Rams, as Cassel is officially listed as a game-time decision. There is a glimpse of hope for Chiefs fans though, according to ESPN Cassel practiced Friday and was able to make some throws with “more velocity.” Although his status won’t be known until Sunday, it does sound like there is a good possibility he could start. Without Cassel, the Chiefs (2-5 on the road) will be hard pressed to sneak out a win in St. Louis; something they can’t afford with the Chargers breathing down their necks.

Fading Jets Face Another Big Test

After losing two straight, the Jets (9-4) find themselves in a difficult spot having to travel to Pittsburgh to face another big test. Two weeks ago on Monday night against the Patriots, the Jets failed miserably in their first big test. This week against one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses (15.2 points allowed/ranked 2nd), the Jets struggling offense is going to have to find some answers quick. The Jets offense has not scored a touchdown in its’ last eight quarters and the Steelers defense has only allowed three in its’ last four games. Quarterback Mark Sanchez has been a big source of the offenses struggles; he’s only completing 44 percent of his passes and no touchdowns in his last two starts. If Sanchez and the Jets (5 turnovers in their last two games) don’t get things cleaned up quick, another loss could leave them on the wrong side of the playoff picture.

Colts Season Could Come Down to Sunday

The struggling Colts got back into the win column last Thursday against the Titans, but even with the win they are still looking in from the outside at the playoff picture. Over the past several weeks quarterback Peyton Manning has had his struggles with interceptions (11 in three games), but last week he bounced back throwing two touchdowns and NO interceptions. The win last week broke a three game slide by the Colts and now sets up a huge rematch with the Jaguars on Sunday. The Colts dropped their first meeting on the road with Jacksonville back in week four, but this week they meet at Lucas Oil Field. Manning has typically had success at home against the Jaguars (4-1 in his last five starts at home against the Jags), but they have typically been close matches. At 7-6 and a game back of Jacksonville, Peyton Manning and the Colts can ill-afford to lose this one.

Just my views.

By David Ortega