Matt in KC

St. Louis week 14 and Baltimore week 15 look pretty good to me. For defenses, I think sacks are one of the only stats that re really predictive. Both of those defenses have started slowly (1 and 5 sacks in the first 5 games) but have really picked it up recently with 18 and 20 sacks in the most recent 5 games. I think you have to take it one game at a time and grab St. Louis if you have to choose. For week 15, if you make it that far, only one other team will be alive that could want to grab the Ravens. In my league, playoffs are weeks 15 and 16. I'm looking at KC taking on Oakland, which is not giving up many sacks. This week is the trial run of that match-up. Right now the Browns @Carolina look like the best available week 16 if I make it that far. I'm in 1st place overall, up 2 games in my division, but have tough match-ups the next couple weeks. I wish the play-offs started week 14.

If only they had salted the roads, they'd be passable by now! I don't doubt some things could have been done better. But, if the Bills game starts at RWS on time, it will be a near-miracle, and the stuff of legends. I'd love to see pics or 2,000 Bills fans showing up to help dig out the team.

Uhhhg! Sorry for the advice on Hilton. I hate the Patriots!

I'll have to watch it again. On the replay it looked like McKelvin ran to his left and tried to cut back to his right, but his left foot had no traction at all while his right foot was completely anchored. It looked like very bad luck as much as anything. I swear as I watched I was thinking he was going to do a split and tear his groin, then he twisted and I thought he was going to blow out his knee, then he collapsed and the torque went all the way down to his ankle and I thought he might have escaped serious harm. I feel bad for Leodis, who was having a very good year. For the Bills, it's a huge loss.

I think Woods will bounce back when EJ is reinstated (if not sooner). I'm not trying to redirect the thread; I just think he has much better chemistry with EJ.

Tough call. I'd say TY Hilton and Julio Jones. I'm playing TY on my team (and Dwayne Allen). I think the Colts have too many weapons, and too good a QB for NE to shut down.

364 (best guess is 4 sacks btw)

I think a short throw. If I have to be more specific, I'll say a 5-6 yard slant to Woods.

Daryn Colledge (Left Guard) is still out per CBS, echoing the Sun-Sentinel. Report: Dolphins rule OL Daryn Colledge out Thursday by Sean d'Oliveira | CBSSports.com (10:26 am ET) The Dolphins’ offensive line will be without another starter Thursday against Buffalo after guard Daryn Colledge was ruled out, reports the Sun Sentinel. Colledge has missed the last two games while dealing with a back injury. The Dolphins will also be without left tackle Branden Albert after being placed on injured reserve because of a severe knee injury.

It's not easy being a team's whipping boy in the NFL.

I agree with you, and that's why a gave a multi-part answer. I think this could come down anywhere from 8-8 and being retained, to play-offs and being released. To define my boundaries, I'd be surprised if we end up with 7 or less wins and Marrone is retained. Similarly, if we look good in a play-off game, I'd be surprised if he is released.

If not for the ownership change, I'd be right there with you. I certainly could be wrong, but suspect that this group needs to show why they should be retained.

My guess to save Marrone is that one of these 3 need to happen: a) Playoffs, and not an embarrassing showing in the playoffs ii) 9 wins and the full team playing well at the end of the season 3) 8 wins and OC fired by Marrone, assuming that the offense is still dragging and defense playing well

No. Landon Cohen? Preseason = 2 solo tackles, 1 assist. 2 of the 3 were in the 4th quarter of the 23-0 loss to the Lions in the 4th PS game.

Buftex, I thought of you and this thread when I turned on the Chicago game around halftime and saw them getting killed. Backup plan = Sanchez?

Stop talking about my nuts. They weren't perfect, but were fine. I've seen several other games this year (Bills and otherwise) where the officiating was troublesome. Comparatively, this crew seemed fine. If we had played better, we would have won. Ryan, I do agree with your comment about the optics of the referees. I think they do review and judge watch game by each crew. The NFL would be wise to make sure everyone remembers that the refs make mistakes too and are graded accordingly, and that some type of action is taken. (Is there anything but playoff/Super Bowl selection?)

So I count:4 First rounders 3 Second rounders 2 Third rounder 1 Later round selection It looks to me like the higher the selection, the greater chance they'll be in the top 10 at their position. That really is fascinating! Um, yeah. Top 10 in what way?

These are my observations after watching once live and not replaying anything (yet). 1) Roughing the passer on Williams. This was legit. Williams led with his helmet low to the ground (so he obviously knew the QB was sliding). He didn't pull up at all, and actually ended up doing a somersault because of the contact he made. I don't think there was any intent to injure or get a lick on a QB, just instinctive play focusing on preventing the 1st down. 2) False start on 4th and 1. I didn't see this at first. The twitches weren't enough to be called, unless the other team jumps. Also, I'd guess if it worked on the first twitch, it wouldn't be called. But after the first one drew the line judge's eyes, he saw the second. If I was a coach, I'd have a play like this ready; you might get a 1st down, and you don't need to take a time out to go punt if you get caught. (Or you twitch all the way until a delay of game.) 3) PI on Chandler...Might have completely whiffed, but at worst barely even contacts the LB yet gets flagged. I really wanted to see another angle of this. I do think Chandler pushed off, but was a bit surprised it was called from what I saw. The defender looked like he was already a ways ways, so Chandler straightening his arm caught the eye of the refs, but didn't do that much, except that it was timed perfectly and did really help the separation. When Graham pushed the defender at the end of the Saints game he went sliding on his back. After the Fail Mary play, it had to be called. 4 - I was surprised Tami Hali wasn't called for that last little pull up on the TEs leg (Lee Smith, right?). It was so clearly after the refs were whistling to break it up. Frankly I was expecting they'd throw a flag and call fouls on both teams. I think they just saved time... 5 - The hit on Hogan out of bounds was waaay out of bounds. I have seen much much less called. That said, the defender committed to the hit as Hogan was stepping out, which is why they let it go, I think. Still, there's no reason to hit someone way out there where he was aiming. I think this one is the most legitimate beef, but whatever. The players determined the game by the plays they made, or didn't. Overall, I think the officiating was fine, and would be happy to have that crew every week.

I agree with all of that. I don't mind a different preference for blocking scheme, but I worry the Bills painted themselves into a corner. I don't think they CAN run those plays decently, not just that they prefer not too. If Hackett doesn't work out, or if he sees we need to do something else, we don't have the personnel. It's frustrating since the personnel also don't seem to be executing his approach very well either. This looks like a case of forcing the plays into the scheme instead of planning to maximize the players' strengths. And I know that sounds loftier than reality; I'm not sure there is a scheme where Williams would have looked good. . . .

Chad followed Joe D'Alesandris, our old O-Line coach to San Diego. He didn't want to stay in Buffalo. I thought he requested to be be allowed to follow him or something. I forget the contract/FA situation, but have heard that a couple times. I really miss having athletic guards that could pull and actually get out in front of screen plays.

And unlike his new reputation would suggest, he is and has always been an aggressive blocker.

I understand your concern with Culter playing GB, but I don't think you're going to do better this week. Orton is very likely worse this week. In general, Cutler has been playing better than Orton (except last week), and while GB is good, Orton is facing a stronger KC pass defense, likely without his lead RBs. Cutler has been very hot-and-cold in Prime Time games. I'd be a bit nervous about him too, but the alternatives are all likely worse.

Yes, Watkins certainly looks like a phenom. I looked up the definition of phenom and it doesn't say much more than phenomenal, especially for someone up and coming. My working definition is that an NFL phenom is a player in their first years performing at a level better than we see from anyone in their position most years. There doesn't appear to be anything fluky about his performances or the stats he's earned. He's worth the price we paid, and clearly so if the alternative was the Bills using their 1st round pick on Eric Ebron, and that's not meant as a knock on Ebron. Still, yes we'll miss the draft picks we gave up in the trade. And yes, there appear to some other really good WRs in Watkin's class.

Star Wars VII: The Force is Aroused

I think I'm blocking out that he and Jackson got hurt as best I can. Let me have my delusions, please!