Yes, both these games were "upsets" in the traditional sense that the favorite lost, but big time upsets???? Come on now. The Bengals were 9-4-1 going into the game, were playing at home and needed the game to ensure another trip to the postseason. Speaking of the post season, the Bengals have made it three straight years (now four) and are in most circles viewed as a top 10 team. Conversely, the Broncos have not played up to their lofty standards the last few weeks. Peyton has looked mortal. Couple all these factors with poor weather, and it really is not that hard to see the Bengals winning the game.  
   
 Second, looking at the Redskins over the Eagles, as I have said, divisional games are the hardest games on your schedule. Make it a road divisional game (see the then win-less Raiders defeating the Chiefs), and it becomes that much more difficult. Yes, the Eagles came into the game the more desperate team, but were reeling after two straight losses. Mark Sanchez is a back-up QB for a reason. You can ask your back-up to hold down the fort for a game or two while your starter is injured. But asking your back-up to play the final 8 games of the season and get your team into the playoffs is way too much to ask. It was only a matter of time before the "real" Mark Sanchez showed up and made major mistakes.  (The Cardinals were able to survive Carson Palmer's injury to get into the playoffs b/c they were 8-1 at the time and had built up enough of a cushion....but they too are now struggling offensively and will prob. be an early out in the postseason).  Yes, the Redskins beating the Eagles was an upset (according to Vegas), but again, if you watch the NFL over many years its really not that surprising. Divisional games are and will continue be wide open.  
   
 Now on to your final "dig" with Seattle. As I told you when you posted at the end of November and tried to play the "respect" card with Seattle ("No one was giving them any respect"), any one who watches the NFL would know there were many reasons why Seattle had not played to that point, as well as last season. Obviously they have righted the ship. I said at the time that Seattle would win the division and prob. get a # 1 or # 2 seed. The road to the playoffs looks like it will again go through Seattle. With the talent on their roster and the home crowd advantage that they have enjoyed over the past few years, it will take a herculean effort to beat them in their building. I would even favor Seattle on the road against any opponent except the Packers (which I think would be an even, down to the wire contest).  
   
 I fully expect Seattle to be back in the Super Bowl....hopefully in a rematch (with of course the same outcome) with their 2005 opponent!!!!  May the football Gods shine brightly on the Black and Gold!!!!  
   
   

-- Modified on 12/24/2014 2:48:39 AM

Yes, both these games were "upsets" in the traditional sense that the favorite lost, but big time upsets???? Come on now. The Bengals were 9-4-1 going into the game, were playing at home and needed the game to ensure another trip to the postseason. Speaking of the post season, the Bengals have made it three straight years (now four) and are in most circles viewed as a top 10 team. Conversely, the Broncos have not played up to their lofty standards the last few weeks. Peyton has looked mortal. Couple all these factors with poor weather, and it really is not that hard to see the Bengals winning the game.  
   
 Second, looking at the Redskins over the Eagles, as I have said, divisional games are the hardest games on your schedule. Make it a road divisional game (see the then win-less Raiders defeating the Chiefs), and it becomes that much more difficult. Yes, the Eagles came into the game the more desperate team, but were reeling after two straight losses. Mark Sanchez is a back-up QB for a reason. You can ask your back-up to hold down the fort for a game or two while your starter is injured. But asking your back-up to play the final 8 games of the season and get your team into the playoffs is way too much to ask. It was only a matter of time before the "real" Mark Sanchez showed up and made major mistakes.  (The Cardinals were able to survive Carson Palmer's injury to get into the playoffs b/c they were 8-1 at the time and had built up enough of a cushion....but they too are now struggling offensively and will prob. be an early out in the postseason).  Yes, the Redskins beating the Eagles was an upset (according to Vegas), but again, if you watch the NFL over many years its really not that surprising. Divisional games are and will continue be wide open.  
   
 Now on to your final "dig" with Seattle. As I told you when you posted at the end of November and tried to play the "respect" card with Seattle ("No one was giving them any respect"), any one who watches the NFL would know there were many reasons why Seattle had not played to that point, as well as last season. Obviously they have righted the ship. I said at the time that Seattle would win the division and prob. get a # 1 or # 2 seed. The road to the playoffs looks like it will again go through Seattle. With the talent on their roster and the home crowd advantage that they have enjoyed over the past few years, it will take a herculean effort to beat them in their building. I would even favor Seattle on the road against any opponent except the Packers (which I think would be an even, down to the wire contest).  
   
 I fully expect Seattle to be back in the Super Bowl....hopefully in a rematch (with of course the same outcome) with their 2005 opponent!!!!  May the football Gods shine brightly on the Black and Gold!!!!  
   
   

-- Modified on 12/24/2014 2:48:39 AM