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Five Things to Watch This Week - Week 9 (Game 8)

The Patriots play their eighth regular season game on the road against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, November 7th at 1:00 PM

Seemingly easy game this week with a game against a much tougher opponent next week?  It's the dreaded "trap game".

Quick -- name the Browns starting QB.  The correct answer?  Colt McCoy.  He actually started the season third on the depth chart (behind the immortal Jake Delhomme ).  He's completed 32 passes for his career.  Brady has completed over 2800.  So, you know, advantage Patriots.

Last week, I predicted "Brad Childress will do something kinda dumb".  Little did I know we were about to kick off a whole week of dumb Childress moments.  High comedy.  My condolences to my buddy Viking Dave on another lost season.

Here's five things I'll be watching for this week.

1) BenJarvus Green-Ellis -  BJGE had a hell of a week last week (17 carries for 112 yards, two TDs).  Did I have him on the bench for my fantasy team?  Yes.  Yes I did.

2) Logan Mankins - Welcome back, Logan.  How'd that holdout work you?  Did you get the contract you wanted?  No?  Dan Connolly played really, really well in Mankin's absence.  How many millions did that cost him?

3) Tom Brady - TB is due for a big week.  The Browns and their 26th ranked passing defense will provide a good tune-up before we face the Steelers and Colts in the upcoming weeks.

4) Defense - Look at the leading tacklers list.  How many of these guys are in their first, second or third year in the league?  This bodes well for the future.

5) Gametime Menu - If you're having noted foodie Randall Moss over to watch the games this weekend, make sure you spring for some high end stuff.  At the very least, get something worthy of feeding to his dog.


My prediction: Pats 28, Browns 13




Now... Let's go eat a goddamn snack.

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