Happy Friday everyone and welcome to our Week 9 preview! This week's preview will be slightly abbreviated compared to past editions, but it will still have all the same information and format. As far as the games go, I'm looking forward to the Miami v New England game. These teams have two of the more interesting offenses in the NFL and it should be a close, exciting game.

Sunday and Monday night both feature interesting match ups as well, with Dallas going to Philadelphia on Sunday and Pittsburgh visiting Denver on Monday night. The Cowboys and Eagles almost always play good games, and we will get to see how the Broncos respond to their first loss of the season. So as you can see there is plenty to look forward to this weekend, now on with the preview.

Byes: Bills, Browns, Vikings, Jets, Raiders, Rams

Sunday 1 PM EST

Washington Redskins v. Atlanta Falcons - Georgia Dome

The 2-5 Washington Redskins travel to Atlanta to face a Falcon's team still reeling from a tough loss to New Orleans last week. Atlanta has to be disappointed after losing two consecutive games for the first time under Mike Smith, but the entire season has been a disappointment for Washington. Struggles on their offensive line have mired their entire offense in ineptitude. An inability to protect the quarterback has limited them to a mere 296 yards per game. The Redskins are tied for 5^th in the league having allowed 23 sacks this year.

The Falcons' offense has not been playing well either as of late. In his last three games, quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown 7 interceptions. Fortunately for Ryan, he may be able to rely on running back Michael Turner to carry the team. Turner is coming off his best game of the season after rushing for 151 yards and a touchdown last week against the Saints. If he can have success against the Redskins' 22^nd ranked run defense, the Falcons should be able to win this one at home.

Score: Washington 10 Atlanta 24

Arizona Cardinals v. Chicago Bears - Soldier Field

The Cardinals are coming off a disappointing home loss to the Panthers. Arizona has been inconsistent all season, but they have played better on the road than at home. They have already matched last season's number of road victories with three. If the visiting Cardinals are going to get another win on the road, they will need improved play from their quarterback Kurt Warner. Warner matched his career high with 5 interceptions against Carolina in Week 8, and he also lost a fumble. So far this season his yards per attempt (y/a) is down by almost 1 y/a, from 7.7 y/a last season to 6.8 y/a now. Warner may also be without one of his top playmakers if wide receiver Anquan Boldin is forced to sit out with his ankle injury.

Warner's counterpart, Jay Cutler, has made poor decisions at times. He has thrown eleven touchdowns but also has eleven interceptions. Chicago needs running back Matt Forte to rebound from his slow start and take some of the pressure off of Cutler. Forte had a strong game last week against Cleveland, running for 90 yards and two touchdowns. He will look to continue that success in Week 9 against a Cardinal run defense that gave up 270 rushing yards last week to Carolina. If Chicago is able to win the turnover battle I think they can win this game at home.

Prediction: Arizona 24 Chicago 28

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More photos » by David Duprey - AP

Terrell Owens and the Buffalo Bills have not had much to smile about this season. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

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If you've been paying attention, you've probably heard a lot of talk about the teams that have overachieved this year. One oft cited example is the Denver Broncos, who have exceeded everyone's expectations by starting 6-0 before losing to Baltimore last week. Many individual players have had surprising starts as well, for instance Cedric "formerly known as a bust" Benson, who ranks fourth in the league with 720 rushing yards.

What about the other end of the spectrum? Who are the teams and players that have been a disappointment so far this year? Sure there are the Tennessee Titans, who after last year's playoff run started this season 0-6. But surely they are not the only ones struggling to live up to their own hype. Here, in no particular order, are my top three disappointments of the 2009 NFL season.

Terrell Owens - Owens has been one of the league's biggest superstars throughout most of his career. Before arriving in Buffalo he had played on three different NFL teams, and at every stop along the way he brought big plays, drama, and antics. He was always is the news, but Terrell has become largely invisible this season.

The Bills signed Owens to a one year $6.5 million contract in the off-season. They hoped the acquisition of one of the league's top playmakers would make them more dynamic on offense, and take some of the pressure off their younger players. But the offense has remained stagnant and by some measures may even be worse than last year's group. Buffalo's offense averaged 5.9 net yards per attempt (NY/A) in 2008, 22^nd in the league. However, since the addition of Owens the Bills have regressed to 5 NY/A.

Certainly Terrell is not the only one at fault for Buffalo's struggles, his quarterback Trent Edwards is also to blame, but his production has dropped precipitously. At age 35, the 14 year veteran is 2^nd among active players with 143 career touchdowns. But Owens only has one touchdown this year, a catch in Week 2 against Tampa Bay. His 281 receiving yards rank him 69^th in the league, and he has only caught 23 passes at this point in the season. What do you think the future holds for Terrell if he does not improve in the second half of the year?

Larry Johnson - Remember a couple of years ago when Larry Johnson was thought of by some as the best pure runner in the NFL? The former Nittany Lion ran for over 1,700 yards in '05 and '06, but his production has dropped to a career low this year. In seven games the 2-time Pro Bowler has rushed for only 358 yards on 132 attempts, a career low 3.2 yards per attempt. He has not scored a touchdown this season.

Perhaps the most disappointing thing about Johnson hasn't been his struggles on the field, but his recent comments which included the use of gay slurs. Such language is ignorant and hurtful, and it's disappointing to hear anybody using words like that. The fact that Larry Johnson is a public figure only makes it worse. While nothing he did was illegal, Larry has been arrested four times since being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2003 and this latest incident has some fans calling for his release.

Larry Johnson was once regarded as one of the most promising players in the NFL, but his career has now become mired in controversy. At only 29 years of age he could still return to Pro Bowl form, but it is unclear if and when he will get an opportunity to continue his career. Do you think Johnson should be allowed to continue his career? If so, do you think he will regain his former success?

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I don't know if everyone's heard, but Favre returned to Lambeau Field on Sunday for the first time since leaving the Packers.  No, he really did.  I know it didn't get mentioned much in the media, but he really did return.  Of course their were some other games as well.  The Broncos lost for the first time this season.  The Titans and Rams finally got off the snide.  And the Eagles destroyed the Giants in what was supposed to be a tough game.  But they were just side dishes to the Favre feast.  So let's start with the main course.

Vikings 38, Packers 26

As Favre returned to Cheeseland for the first time since leaving, the question on everyone's mind was, "How will the fans greet him?"  It didn't take long to find out.  He was loudly booed when he took the field for practice.  He was booed again during the team introductions.  And he was booed several times more at the start of the Vikings first few offensive possessions.  Meanwhile, the player who got the loudest cheer was Aaron Rodgers.  It was kind of like running into your ex while you're with your new girlfriend.  You make sure to demonstrate how much you're in love with your new squeeze in a pathetic attempt to make your ex jealous.  Not that it mattered.  Favre got the last laugh as he completed 17 of 28 passes for 244 yards and 4 TD's.  At first it looked like the game was going to be a laugher as the Vikings held a 24-3 lead early in the 3rd quarter.  But then we got to see why the Packers chose their new QB.  Rodgers, who completed 26 of 41 passes for 287 yards and 3 TD's,  lead the fighting cheeseheads to four straight scores (3 TD's, 1 FG) and cut the lead to 31-26.  But then Favre did what Favre does and put the game away for good.  Earlier in the year Favre became the first QB to beat all 32 teams in the NFL.  On Sunday he became the first player to have fans from all 32 teams shove needles in the eyes of their Brett Favre voodoo dolls.

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More photos » by Tony Avelar - AP

13 days ago: New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) runs for a first down against Oakland Raiders' Thomas Howard (53), Jay Richardson (98) and Kirk Morrison (52) in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

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For this week's feature article I decided to shine the spotlight on some of the NFL's lesser known players who have been performing well under the radar. I have chosen seven players who are getting their first taste of success in the NFL this year, and given them the prestigious honor of being a founding member of my All-Unknown Team.

While these guys have not gotten the mainstream media exposure that some of their teammates have, they are having good seasons and making solid contributions to their teams. Who are some players, currently flying under the radar, that you feel should have made the All-Unknown Team? Also, be sure to answer the poll and voice your opinion about Glen Coffee.

RB Shonn Greene - New York Jets

This rookie from Iowa got his first significant playing time of the season last week at Oakland. Greene responded with his first career 100 yard rushing game. New York's offense did not miss a beat when he took over as the number two running back for the injured Leon Washington. The former Hawkeye had 19 carries for 144 yards and 2 touchdowns as the Jets ran for over 300 yards as a team for the second week in a row. Washington was put on Injured Reserve after the game, so the rookie should get plenty of opportunities as the season continues. Greene was selected in the third round of this year's NFL draft after amassing 2,228 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns during his college career.

RB Ray Rice - Baltimore Ravens

Rice ran for 454 yards in his rookie season, and he has built on that success so far this year.  The former Rutgers standout won the starting running back job over Willis McGahee in the offseason, and has seen his carries increase from 8.2 per game last year to 12.2 per game this year. The increase in opportunities has led to a corresponding increase in production for Rice. He is averaging six yards per carry and has also caught 33 passes for 325 yards. Now in his second year with the Ravens, Rice is leading the team in rushing yards and is second in passing yards. He is averaging 127.7 total yards per game and his versatility has helped to make Baltimore's offense more explosive.

WR Mike Sims-Walker - Jacksonville Jaguars

24 year old Sims-Walker was suspended for Week 5's game against the Seahawks for violating a team rule, but when he has been on the field this year he has been quite productive. The Central Florida alumni, has caught at least six passes in four of the five games he has played in this season. At 6'2" 214 pounds, Sims-Walker has the size and strength to become a dominant number one receiver. In this his third year he is averaging 79.6 receiving yards per game, that's the 12^th most in the league. Sims-Walker is also among the leaders in touchdown receptions with three. Despite the promise that he has displayed, Sims-Walker is still relatively unknown because he plays in the NFL wasteland known as Jacksonville. However, if he continues to produce at this pace it is only a matter of time before fans around the country take notice.

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Fooch's Note: If you want to discuss the elevation of Alex Smith back to the starting QB position, head over here.

Week 7 in the NFL was all about the blowout.  Only two games were decided by less than 10 points, and one of those would have been a blowout if not for the Quarterback change.  Obviously, some of the games were closer than the final score indicated.  But most of the games really were a one sided affair.  So let's start with the game that was supposed to showcase to those who live on the other side of the pond, what the NFL is all about.

Patriots 35, Buccaneers 7

The NFL came to London on Sunday and the 85 thousand who packed into the stadium were treated to a real snooze fest.  That is, of course, unless you're a Pats fan.  Why didn't the NFL chose the Steelers to play in this game?  Could you imagine all the mileage sports announcers and writers would get out of all the "Big Ben" jokes?  The Patriots showed why they're one of the best as Tom Brady completed 23 of 32 passes for 308 yards and 3 touchdowns.  On the other hand, the Bucs showed why they haven't been good since they kicked out Tony Dungy as their head coach.  Josh Johnson completed only 9 of his 26 passes for 156 yards, while throwing 3 interceptions.  While the final score came as no surprise, I was incredibly surprised to see Junior Seau running around the field.  Isn't he close to 50 years old?  This is the same player who was already a Pro bowl linebacker on the Chargers team that got destroyed by the 49ers in their last Super Bowl.

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More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

16 days ago: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, passes an engine as he walks up a stairway with teammate Wes Welker, right, while boarding their team charter flight to England at Logan Airport in Boston, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. The Patriots are scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in an NFL football game in London on Sunday. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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Josh here with the preview for Week 7 in the NFL. This week in an effort to encourage discussion in the comments section, I have included a pick for each of the games. Now I'm not a professional analyst, but I do a lot of research for these articles and I'm expecting about 50-60% of my picks should be right. That being said I wouldn't bet the farm on any of these.

This week is highlighted by the third NFL game in as many years to be played in London. The Patriots will take on the Buccaneers in what has become a highly debated annual event. Besides the international offering, there are a couple of very nice match ups to look forward to. The early games will include Minnesota vs. Pittsburgh, which could be a possible Super Bowl preview. The later games feature an interesting match-up between the Cardinals and the Giants, which should tell us a lot about a division rival. Now on with the preview!

Sunday 1PM EST

Green Bay Packers vs. Cleveland Browns - Cleveland Browns Stadium

The Packers come into this game tied for second place in the NFC North, but they will need to improve their pass protection if they hope to catch division leading Minnesota. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been sacked a league leading 25 times. Despite poor offensive line play, Green Bay has been remained successful because their defense has improved. The Packers' transition to a 3-4 defense is starting to produce results. They are currently 4^th in Defensive DVOA, although they do rank 30^th in Variance, which indicates that they are still struggling to be consistent. But, they should not have a problem shutting down a Cleveland offense that is ranked 31^st in Offense DVOA. This week Green Bay decided to bring back a familiar face and signed Ahman Green after running back DeShawn Wynn was placed on injured reserve. Green only needs 46 more yards to become the franchise's leading rusher.

Joshua Cribbs was one of the lone bright spots for Cleveland in Week 6. Cribbs returned a kickoff for a touchdown for the 6^th time in his career; he leads all active players. The Browns began featuring Cribbs in the Wildcat formation last week, and it will be interesting to see whether or not the formation becomes a permanent part of their offense. Their offensive production certainly cannot get any worse than it has been. Cleveland ranks 31^st in Pass DVOA and 19^th in Rush DVOA.  The Browns' best chance of putting points on the board may come on special teams. They have one of the top return units in the game, and rank 1^st in Special Teams DVOA. 12 Browns' players have been suffering from flu like symptoms during this weeks' preparation, including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. Fortunately for Cleveland, Rogers was able to return to practice later in the week and should be available to start Sunday's game. The Browns' will need to score a lot of points to keep pace with Green Bay's offense, and they just haven't shown the ability to do so this year.

Pick: Green Bay Packers

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by Jim Mone - AP

20 days ago: Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) eludes an attempted tackle by Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed (20) in the fourth quarter while racing 58 yards in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 33-31. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

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Hey NinersNation, I’m Rao: A longtime 49ers fan and Bay Area expat in DC who is forced to suffer through Singletary-less football games every Sunday. As a part of Fooch’s quest to dominate the football blogosphere, I’ll be writing weekly feature stories on important issues around the league and why we, as Niners fans, should care. First up: Why the Baltimore defense is falling apart, and what we can learn from it.

After a three game losing streak, the Baltimore Ravens are going through a bye week identity crisis. For ten years, the Ravens have known exactly who they were: A physical, smash mouth defense, led by Ed Reed and Ray Lewis, that dragged its offense along for the ride – basically what the 49ers aspire to be in coming years, if not later this season. After years of waiting, however, their offense finally came together in 2008, and this season had Ravens’ fans talking dynasties and superbowls. But a funny thing happened in the first six weeks of the season: the heralded Baltimore defense forgot to show up.

Make no mistake, the 2009 Baltimore defense is not the squad that it once was. The Ravens last year ranked in the top 3 in total defense, pass yards allowed, and running yards allowed, but this year they are averaging a mediocre 333 yards allowed per game. Opposing quarterbacks are posting a 63% completion rate and an 89 point passer rating on average against the Ravens, which would have been impossible in 2008. That year, the Ravens only allowed four teams to score more than 24 points against them – a number that has already been matched this season.  So what's going on here?

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Hello Niners Nation.  I'm a lifetime 49er fan who grew up in Santa Clara before bouncing around the country and ending up in Utah.  No polygamy jokes please.  I'll be helping with the national coverage from now on, or at least until I get tired of it.  As for the action in week 6, if you're a fan of bad, and sometimes downright ugly football, this was the week for you.  Sure, their was some great play by Tom Brady and Drew Brees.  And my suspicion that God is a Brett Favre fan was supported once again.  But for the most part there was just a lot of stinky football.  So we'll start with the game that was both the best and the worst of what the NFL has to offer.

Titans 0, Patriots 59

As the cold weather came to Foxboro Stadium and the snow started to fall, Tom Brady caught fire and looked like his old self for the first time since his injury.  Brady shredded the Titans defense completing 29 of 34 passes for 380 yards and 6 TD's in only 2 1/2 quarters of play.  The Patriots set two NFL records with 5 TD's in one quarter and a 45-0 lead at the half.  They also set franchise records with 59 points and 619 net yards of offense.  But as good as the Patriots were, the Titans were that bad.  Kerry Collins completed only 2 of 12 passes for -7 yards and 1 interception.  You know you're bad when you get pulled for Vince "coach killer" Young.  Jeff Fisher, who's been the Titans head coach since they were in Houston, might be the next to go.  Somehow the Titans have managed to go from AFC powerhouse to NFL laughingstock over the off season.

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