http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZvRWo8CXTpc?wmode=Opaque
Finally the bye weeks are gone, but the annual war of attrition has wreaked havoc on the teams that lined up on Week 1 of the season. Add in the maddening whims of coaches in their desperate hour, and this week’s matchups are defined by the players that won’t be in them.
Thursday: Oakland at SAN DIEGO (-7): Raiders
The Raiders’ Missing: Darren McFadden, Jason Campbell, Al Davis, and two high draft picks that now belong to the Bengals.
The Chargers’ Missing: Malcom Floyd, half of Ryan Mathews, Vincent Jackson’s eye for the ball, Norv Turner’s job security.
Washington at MIAMI (-3.5): Dolphins
The Redskins’ Missing: Tim Hightower, Chris Cooley, John Beck (benched), Mike Shanahan’s mojo, Daniel Snyder’s patience.
The Dolphins’ Missing: Dan Marino, Mark Duper, Mark Clayton, Don Shula, the Killer Bs.
Detroit at CHICAGO (-3): Lions (LOCK)
The Lions’ Missing: Mikel LeShoure, Jahvid Best, the fear of losing
The Bears’ Missing: That aura of dominance, and ability to inspire fear.
Arizona at PHILADELPHIA (-14): Cardinals
The Cardinals’ Missing: Kevin Kolb, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
The Eagles’ Missing: Michael Vick’s protection, DeSean Jackson (benched), the NFC East title
New Orleans at ATLANTA (PK): Saints
The Saints’ Missing: Red Zone Defense (21 of 21 opponent trips have resulted in scores)
The Falcons’ Missing: Harvey Dahl, interior toughness, offensive identity
St Louis at CLEVELAND (-3): Rams
The Rams’ Missing: Ron Bartell, Bradley Fletcher, and six other cornerbacks. Sam Bradford’s promise.
The Browns Missing: What have they ever had?
Houston (-3) at TAMPA BAY: Texans (Lawrence’s pick of the week)
The Texans’ Missing: Andre Johnson, Mario Williams
The Bucs’ Missing: Gerald McCoy, Mike Williams’ hands, that “youngry” look since Albert Haynesworth was signed.
Pittsburgh (-3) at CINCINNATI: Bengals
The Steelers’ Missing: Willie Colon, Lamar Woodley, ability to beat AFC North opponents (0-3)
The Bengals’ Missing: Jordan Shipley, the stench of a losing team.
Jacksonville (-3) at INDIANAPOLIS: Jaguars
The Jaguars’ Missing: Zach Miller, Mike Sims-Walker
The Colts’ Missing: Peyton Manning, will to win.
Buffalo at DALLAS (-5.5): Bills
The Bills’ Missing: Shawne Merriman, fear of losing
The Cowboys’ Missing: Miles Austin, Felix Jones, Jessica Simpson
Tennessee at CAROLINA (-3.5): Panthers
The Titans’ Missing: Kenny Britt, Chris Johnson’s legs.
The Panthers’ Missing: Discipline, close losses that should have been wins.
Denver at KANSAS CITY (-3): Broncos
The Broncos’ Missing: Urban Meyer’s offensive playbook.
The Chiefs’ Missing: Jamaal Charles, Eric Berry, Tony Moeaki, Todd Haley’s beard
Baltimore (-6.5) at Seattle: Ravens
The Ravens’ Missing: Joe Flacco’s accuracy, for whole games at a time.
The Seahawks’ Missing: Running game, passing game, defense, special teams.
New York Giants at SAN FRANCISCO (-3.5): Giants (UPSET)
The Giants’ Missing: Ahmad Bradshaw, Eli Manning’s doubters.
The 49ers’ Missing: Frank Gore’s ankle, Jim Harbaugh’s doubters.
New England at NEW YORK JETS (-1.5): Jets
The Patriots’ Missing: Leigh Bodden, Albert Haynesworth, any semblance of pass defense.
The Jets’ Missing: Big wins to back up their bold talk.
Minnesota at GREEN BAY (-13.5): Vikings
The Vikings’ Missing: Donovan McNabb (that’s a good thing), Sidney Rice.
The Packers’ Missing: Nick Collins, ability to lose football games.
