Capsule comments, predictions for weekend NFL games

By Jim Armstrong | The Denver Post • Published November 09, 2008

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The NFC West is bad, really bad.

How bad? The four teams in the division have a combined record of 11-21. The Cardinals are 5-3. The Three Stooges — the Seahawks, 49ers and Rams — are 2-6 and on pace to allow 400-plus points.

So why mention it this morning? Because the AFC West is even worse.

Those four teams are 11-22. The Broncos lead the division at 5-4, and may become the first NFL team ever to win its division with a sub-.500 record.

Can 7-9 get the job done? The Chiefs and Raiders aren’t going to get there. Oakland is coming off a 24-0 home loss, after which Al Davis ordered a roster purge. Kansas City just lost to Tampa Bay after blowing a 21-0 lead.

That leaves the Chargers, who would have to win out to match their 2007 win total of 11. It’s probably not going to happen, but you never know. The Bolts, after all, have the best defense in the division. They’re on pace to allow a mere 398 points, a number that cost coordinator Ted Cottrell his job.

As ugly as things are, somebody in the West will win Sunday. The Chargers and Chiefs play each other in San Diego.

New Orleans at Atlanta

10 a.m., Falcons by 1

Last meeting: Saints won 34-14 at Atlanta on Dec. 10, 2007

Sean Payton 4-0 vs. Dirty Birds, with Drew Brees under center for each win. ... What’s this? Falcons have junked their George McFly “Kick Me” sign? Team’s five wins are one more than last season. ... Not that, you know, the players are glad to be rid of Bobby Petrino. ... Rookie QB Matt Ryan 3-0 at home, where he hasn’t thrown an INT. ... ... N’Awlins owns league’s top Oh at 403 yards per.

Prediction: Falcons 34, Saints 32

Tennessee at Chicago

10 a.m., Titans by 3

Last meeting: Bears won 19-17 at Tennessee (OT) on Nov. 14, 2004

Train Rex Grossman vs. league’s lone unbeaten squad? It may not be as one-sided as you think. Jeff Fisher career vs. Teddy Bears: 0-3. ... Past three games in series have been decided by a FG or less. ... Grossman has big shoes to fill. Kyle Orton was 12-2 in home starts. ... Titans are doing it with D. Kerry Collins has thrown, count ’em, three TD passes.