> Monday, November 2nd, 2009 > Sports > NFL Czar: Control in the AFC on the line
NFL Czar: Control in the AFC on the line
Justin Vanderzwan
Interrobang
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Published: Monday, November 2nd, 2009
In a conference where talent is certainly not at a minimum, two teams will take to the Monday Night Football field to battle over American Football Conference supremacy. Week nine brings us the defending champion Pittsburgh Steelers travelling to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Broncos. After a hard fought battle in Baltimore, the Broncos will return home hoping to get a leg up on the Steelers. Led by unheralded quarterback Kyle Orton, the Broncos have stormed out to a huge lead in the AFC West.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are locked in a serious battle for the AFC North with Baltimore and Cincinnati. With the Ravens and Bengals doing battle this week as well, the division could be all but sorted out by the middle of November. Who knows? It may be the Steelers watching the playoffs this year, not the Bengals.
Key Matchups
1. Ben Roethlisberger vs. Kyle Orton: One is a two-time Super Bowl winner, and one was labelled a disappointment by the team that drafted him. However, Orton has been the better of the two this year, despite the huge numbers being put up by Big Ben. Orton has been consistent, and hasn’t been turning the ball over.
2. Hines Ward vs. Champ Bailey: Ward comes in as one of the best wide receivers in football. Bailey has been one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history. This should be an epic battle between two tough players.
3. Max Starks vs. Elvis Dumervil: This is the second time this year my column has featured Mr. Starks. The fact is, he isn’t very good as a pass blocker. Dumervil is among the league leaders in sacks, and will look to get to Big Ben early and often.
The Rundown:
Basically, I see this one turning into a low scoring, defensive struggle. Neither team will want to lose this one, but unfortunately, one has to lose. These two AFC juggernauts will duke it out right until the end, but I think Pittsburgh will brave the elements in Denver, and take home a 17-14 win.
Coming up next week, the tenth matchup ever between the best two quarterbacks in the NFL.
For more from the NFL Czar, check out his blog at jvzsblog.blogspot.com
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