Sunday Football Recap

Bengals - Browns Recap
Prediction: 31-17 Bengals
Actuality: 23-20 Browns

What Happened?
The Browns came to play. Peyton Hillis can carry the load for the Browns in back-to-back games against back-to-back somewhat sturdy run defenses. That is the story of the day: The Browns can run the ball and, as a result, they can take first downs and hold onto the ball, keeping an explosive Bengals offense off the field. Terrell Owens arrived for the first time this season and, honestly, for the first time since his time in Dallas, with a 10 catch, 222 yard, one touchdown day. Thoughts go out to Jordan Shipley, who took a violent shot to the head from former Oregon Safety T.J. Ward. Ward will almost certainly be fined for the hit.

Ravens - Steelers Recap
Prediction: 17-13 Ravens
Actuality: 17-14 Ravens

What Happened?
It was the game we expected. Flacco delivers a late touchdown pass to TJ Houshmandzadeh. On the game-winning drive, the Baltimore Ravens started on the 39 yard game. I will not blame Charlie Batch for the woes of the Steelers. He did everything in his power to get the Steelers the win. He has his limitations and the Steelers shall obviously be a better team with Ben Roethlisberger in the lineup. Rashard Mendenhall put up a valiant effort. Steelers Nose Tackle Casey Hamptom recorded the only sack of the day on Joe Flacco, was threw to four receivers with at least three receptions (Mason, Boldin, Houshmandzadeh, Heap). Overall, the fiercest rivalry in football continues.

Jeff Reed should be seen as somewhat accountable for the loss. He missed two field goals. Over the last few seasons, he has been making a habit out of missing key field goals. Before the 2009 season, a Steelers fan proposed to me that I should draft Jeff Reed to my fantasy team. I naturally asked for further clarification. He stated that a Steelers fan has never worried about whether or not Jeff Reed can hit a particular field goal. That is no longer the case.

I remember when Jeff Reed kicked six field goals against the Jacksonville Jaguars during Week 13 of the 2002 season. At Three Rivers Stadium, Kris Brown was a machine. But, he was unable to adapt to the unusual conditions of Heinz Field. As a result, the Steelers released the talented kicker and signed Todd Peterson for the 2002 season. He failed. The Steelers signed Jeff Reed. They haven't looked back since. Well, at least they haven't until today.

His time may be coming to a close.

Other Stories of Interest

Wow, San Francisco. Just... wow. Nate Clements, slide when you pick the ball off and let your team run down the clock. You're taught that in pee-wee. I understand that John Cooper may have yelled a few things in your helmet while you were at college about being the best athlete on the field and how you should always get excited when you have the ball in your hands and try to take it to the house. I know you are a former Punt Returner. I know that Mike Singletary has a power forward attitude. But, if you had slid after catching that ball, no one would have given you a funny look during game film screenings.

I know it's a bold statement, but the Lions MIGHT be a solid team next season, if Matthew Stafford can stay... I can't finish that sentence. Needless to say, they are a much better team than their Top 10, possible Top 5, draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft will indicate.

The Titans continue to maintain their reputation as the NFL's epitome of class. Flipping the bird is for Sports Entertainment, IE Professional Wrestling and bad sports movies. It has no place in the NFL.

The NFC West is a mess. Max Hall may be able to put something together in the near future. I'm not counting on it. The 49ers have been, to quote ESPN, Herminated. The Seahawks? Inconsistent at best. The Rams are starting a talented rookie at quarterback, but a rookie nonetheless. Don't expect the NFC West Champion to perform well during the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs.

Who is going to win the NFC East? No one knows. The NFC North? It's a mess. The AFC East? It's still close, but we know the Bills are done. There is plenty of football left to be played. Let's make a toast to that.

Week 4 Fantasy Football
Start 'Em Hits

Quarterbacks
Carson Palmer vs. Browns
Kyle Orton vs. Titans 

Running Backs
LaDanian Tomlinson vs. Bills

Wide Receivers
Donald Driver vs. Lions

Tight Ends 
Jermaine Gresham vs. Browns (If 8 is enough for you)

Start 'Em Misses

Quarterbacks
Donovan McNabb vs. Eagles
Michael Vick vs. Redskins

Running Backs
Jason Snelling vs. 49ers
Justin Forsett vs. Rams

Wide Receivers
Chad Ochocinco vs. Browns

Tight Ends
Heath Miller vs. Ravens

Sit 'Em Hits

Quarterbacks
Vince Young vs. Broncos (If 11 isn't enough for you)
Eli Manning vs. Bears

Running Backs
Marshawn Lynch vs. Jets
Tim Hightower vs. Chargers

Wide Receivers
Mike Sims-Walker vs. Colts

Tight Ends
N/A

Sit 'Em Misses

Quarterbacks
David Garrard vs. The rest of the...

Running Backs
Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Bears
Denver's Stable of Backs vs. Titans (Correll Buckhalter was effective in the receiving game)

Wide Receivers
Michael Crabtree vs. Falcons (If 10 is enough for you)

Tight Ends
Brent Celek vs. Redskins