# NFL Week 6 - Now With Ranting! **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [October 16, 2009, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974 "2009-10-16T00:46:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Jules\_Andre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jules_andre/32/9334_2.png) [@Jules\_Andre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jules_Andre)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/61 "2009-10-17T07:31:30Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > Hey genius, the Bengals are playing the Texans Oops, my mistake. You were very gracious in pointing that out, thanks. > [@](#): > > And for kicks, you might want to check out [this article](http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/4755/air-and-space-cutlers-big-picture) about their passing efficiency. I’m not entirely sure how you can say with a straight face that an offense that scores a lot sucks, nor how you can fail to see that their yardage might be down because of that field position. Yardage being down for good field position, sure. _Yardage per attempt_ being down for field position? Makes no sense. That’s why I added in that bit about the YPA and YPC. Their rushing offense stinks, and their passing game isn’t in the top 15 in the NFL. That article doesn’t really say much for their effciency. But Chicago’s being second to last in total first downs and in the bottom 10 in the league in 3rd down percentage _does_ speak for their lack of efficiency. As for the scoring thing, well, maybe their scoring is inflated by playing Detroit and I didn’t notice it before I posted. Outside of that one outlier game, their scoring offense has been average, too. This is all moot since I thought you were talking about the Bears and being a typical homer, sorry. I should have known nobody would actually think the Chicago offense was anything better than average at best. ---
**Author:** ![VarlosZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d78d45/32.png) [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/62 "2009-10-17T10:42:31Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > \*\* NEW ORLEANS 3½ NY Giants 47½ \*\* > > It’s interesting that the line has moved to a Pick 'Em over the course of the week, a lot of NYC money going to the Giants I suppose. When that happens I love going against the grain. [Whatever are you talking about?](http://www.covers.com/sports/odds/lineHistory.aspx?eventId=26456&sport=nfl) The line has moved barely at all, and at most books, if it has moved, it’s moved slightly towards New Orleans. ---
**Author:** ![VarlosZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d78d45/32.png) [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 11:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/63 "2009-10-17T11:00:41Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > And for kicks, you might want to check out [this article](http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/4755/air-and-space-cutlers-big-picture) about their passing efficiency. I’m not entirely sure how you can say with a straight face that an offense that scores a lot sucks, nor how you can fail to see that their yardage might be down because of that field position. Chicago is 25th in [offensive DVOA](http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamoff), which takes into account situation. Of course, that’s heavily influenced by Cutler’s disastrous Week 1 game, which you may or may not want to discount. Their passing DVOA on the season is basically league average, which means they’ve been passing the ball rather well from Week 2 on. The Bears are 22nd in Yards/Drive, 12th in Points/Drive, and 22nd in “[Drive Success Rate](http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/drivestats)” (i.e., the percentage of down series that result in a 1st Down or Touchdown). Ultimately, though, I think the most salient fact is that it’s too early to draw any confident conclusions about Chicago’s offense. We don’t know whether the Week 1 debacle was a fluke or a sign of inconsistency. We don’t know just how good or bad the defenses the they’ve faced are. Etc. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/64 "2009-10-17T16:28:00Z")
> [@VarlosZ](#): > > [Whatever are you talking about?](http://www.covers.com/sports/odds/lineHistory.aspx?eventId=26456&sport=nfl) The line has moved barely at all, and at most books, if it has moved, it’s moved slightly towards New Orleans. ESPN has this “InLine” feature on their game preview page, it lists the game as even. Not really sure what that feature is, I initially assumed it was just their average of Gambling lines but it seems not. ---
**Author:** ![VarlosZ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d78d45/32.png) [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/65 "2009-10-17T16:57:33Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > ESPN has this “InLine” feature on their game preview page, it lists the game as even. Not really sure what that feature is, I initially assumed it was just their average of Gambling lines but it seems not. I would assume it’s what ESPN Insider thinks the line should be. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/66 "2009-10-17T17:17:37Z")
> [@VarlosZ](#): > > I would assume it’s what ESPN Insider thinks the line should be. After some snooping it seems it’s some composite of what fans/readers select. There’s a slider that allows you to select a number, but it doesn’t give any context or instructions on what you should be selecting. Spread, margin of victory etc. It’s essentially meaningless since it’s only available to Insiders and therefore probably heavily influenced to sample sizes and disparities in readership from one fanbase to another. I’m sure that line reflects that _way_ more Giants fans have the Inside package and voted than Saints fans more than anything else. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/67 "2009-10-17T17:28:00Z")
The addition of Gaines Adams has cost [Michael Gaines](http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/10/addition_of_gaines_adams_spell.html) a roster spot. The big, blocking 4th TE filled a hole for the Bears but he was sparsely used so the move shouldn’t have much impact. I wish the Bears had a big TE who could move the point of attack in short yardage situations and shift to the FB position at need but Gaines never grew into that. We’re carrying 3 TEs all of whom are basically oversized WRs which seems a bit redundant, but both Olsen and Davis look like they have huge upside. As of now the Bears are without a blocking TE aside from the aged and subpar Desmond Clark, with the issues in the running game this is disappointing. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/68 "2009-10-17T17:45:42Z")
Speculation is that Gaines Adams will not be in uniform against Atlanta this week, he still needs to pass a physical and will have essentially no time to learn the scheme and terminology. Understandable since the Bears aren’t particularly weak at that position and he’s a bit of a upside guy/future asset. Still, I’m just dying to see what we got in this guy. And against a former divisional rival in Atlanta perhaps he’d have some additional experience in playing against them that would have been an asset even on short notice. At the very least it’ll give the Bears staff time to add a “A.” to Anthony Adams jersey and for Gaines Adams and Jarron Gilbert to negotiate for numbers. ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/69 "2009-10-18T02:54:47Z")
> [@pricciar](#): > > Moving the Giants/Eagles game is a service to the fans and the poor cops who have to direct traffic. I understand that, but it’s at the expense of many New York football fans. Putting the Jets and Giants on at the same time is akin to putting the Phillies and Eagles on at the same time, like if the SNF that day were Eagles @ Giants. It’s just a dick move. If they’re going to accomodate Philly fans, at least move the Jets game to 4pm to accomodate NY fans, y’know? > [@VarlosZ](#): > > [Whatever are you talking about?](http://www.covers.com/sports/odds/lineHistory.aspx?eventId=26456&sport=nfl) The line has moved barely at all, and at most books, if it has moved, it’s moved slightly towards New Orleans. Sometimes I get the feeling that **Omni** thinks NYC houses half of the US population. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/70 "2009-10-18T04:35:15Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > Sometimes I get the feeling that **Omni** thinks NYC houses half of the US population. You mean it doesn’t? C’mon, even if that’s true, it’s at least half of the US viewing audience, right? I heard that the Nielson boxes are only distributed in NYC. Is that true? ---
**Author:** ![HongKongFooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c4cdca/32.png) [@HongKongFooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HongKongFooey)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/71 "2009-10-18T04:51:39Z")
> [@FoieGrasIsEvil](#): > > I heard that the Nielson boxes are only distributed in NYC. Is that true? Nielson boxes aren’t distributed anywhere but Barnes & Nobles and Starbucks whence they pick up signals. There just happen to be a lot of them in New York. Now you know. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/72 "2009-10-18T05:10:23Z")
> [@HongKongFooey](#): > > Nielson boxes aren’t distributed anywhere but Barnes & Nobles and Starbucks whence they pick up signals. There just happen to be a lot of them in New York. Now you know. Curse you Starbucks! Your overpriced crema crappa chocca foamy latte sugarless cinnamon-stick sugary poop water has taken over the world! **shakes fist** ---
**Author:** ![Jules\_Andre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jules_andre/32/9334_2.png) [@Jules\_Andre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jules_Andre)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 8:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/73 "2009-10-18T08:46:35Z")
I save my writeups for my weekly picks post on my blog, but I’ll post some quick spots here so we get more movement on picks. Thanks for writing yours up each week, **Omni** , it’s been fun to read them. **Cincinnati** 24 - **HOUSTON “Not the Bears” TEXANS** 21 Probably a let down game, but at least Cincy is at home. Might mitigate that effect. \*\*Minnesota \*\*20 - **Baltimore** 17 \*\*New York Giants \*\*24 - \*\*New Orleans \*\*17 \*\*Pittsburgh \*\*31 - \*\*Cleveland \*\*9 \*\*Carolina \*\*24 - \*\*Tampa Bay \*\*16 \*\*Kansas City \*\*27 - \*\*Washington \*\*21 \*\*Jacksonville \*\*24 - \*\*St. Louis \*\*6 \*\*Philadelphia \*\*23 - \*\*Oakland \*\*6 \*\*Seattle \*\*27 - \*\*Arizona \*\*20 \*\* New England \*\*38 - \*\*Tennessee \*\*14 **New York Jets** 26 - \*\*Buffalo \*\*9 \*\*Atlanta \*\*27 - \*\*Chicago \*\*20 \*\*San Diego **24 -** Denver \*\*20 And were I putting down a 3 team parlay, I’d take New England, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay all giving points. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/74 "2009-10-18T16:26:39Z")
Damn it, Wimbley is out with injury. He always owns the living shit out of Marvel Smith and there’s uncalled holding all game long. I was going to try to use it as an example to the Steelers fans who think they’re somehow on the wrong end of all these calls. ---
**Author:** ![HongKongFooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c4cdca/32.png) [@HongKongFooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HongKongFooey)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/75 "2009-10-18T16:31:31Z")
Wimbley has the flu and Marvel Smith is gone, Starks is the LT. Oh, and you’re right Marvel Smith can’t pass protect without holding. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/76 "2009-10-18T16:41:22Z")
I love watching the pre-game shows, because i always learn a heap. Bill Cowher just broke down what the Ravens need to do to stop the Vikings offense. Here are his three main points" > [@](#): > > Contain Adrian Peterson > > No big pass plays > > Sure tackling Wow! Thanks for that blinding insight, Coach! You mean to tell me that they need to stop one of the best RBs in football? I couldn’t have worked that out. And they also need to prevent big pass plays, and tackle well? That’s a pretty radical plan for playing defense right there. Glad they pay Cowher the big bucks to provide this analysis. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![HongKongFooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c4cdca/32.png) [@HongKongFooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HongKongFooey)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/77 "2009-10-18T16:45:11Z")
Either they’re fucking with us or they seriously underestimate the viewers. The talking heads’ “analysis” is a joke. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/78 "2009-10-18T17:03:24Z")
> [@Jules\_Andre](#): > > And were I putting down a 3 team parlay, I’d take New England, Pittsburgh, and Green Bay all giving points. I was gonna bet Kansas City, Philly, and Jacksonville. I gotta get a Online Sportbook account. Incidentally, the Chicago market is getting Minn-Balt and New Orleans-NYG. It’s a miracle. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/79 "2009-10-18T17:10:42Z")
Vikes up 7-0 on the Ravens already. Nice opening drive. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2009, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974/80 "2009-10-18T17:28:59Z")
Vikings had 1st and goal from about the 5. The Ravens sold out to stuff Adrian and sent 9 on a run blitz. That left Bernard Berrian wide open in the end zone without a defender within 5 yards of him. Message to the Ravens: that ain’t Tavaris Jackson playing quarterback anymore. Minnesota 14 Baltimore 0 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-week-6-now-with-ranting/513974.md?page=5)