NFL Week 9 notes [View all]

One thing appears clear at the halfway point of the season: no team looks dominant. The Packers lost to the Panthers. The Colts, 7-1 going into the game, turned the ball over a stunning six times in losing to the Steelers. The Patriots have won six straight but just squeaked past the inconsistent Falcons by a point. The NFC looks like it's going to be a battle between the Eagles, the Rams, and the Buccaneers - and maybe the Seahawks. Will the Niners continue to win with all their injuries? In the AFC, the Broncos are for real on defense but I am not sure about their offense. The Bills are the Bills; they just handled a good Chiefs team but they have lots of injuries on defense. How good are the Chargers, unimpressive winners over the hapless Titans? The Ravens may be dangerous because they're really talented and continue to be desperate.

The Bears were fun to watch against an awful defense. How will they look next week against a team with a good defense and a terrible offense?

Arizona plays Dallas on Monday night in a game which probably won't much matter.