Now we're really getting into the game with high drama and playoff implications.
The true elite teams emerge in the second half of the year and take care of business in the big-time showdowns.
Week 9 has a handful of marquee games, and here's how I see them shaking out.
New York Jets at Buffalo Bills
There are a lot of great matchups that could determine the outcome in this one. Mark Sanchez against the Bills opportunistic secondary. Fred Jackson against the Jets run defense that's been far worse than it was last year. Ryan Fitzpatrick against Darrelle Revis and New York's secondary.
Which team will impose its will on Sunday?
These clubs are very evenly matched and I think the home-field advantage gives Buffalo the edge. If they get a lead, for which I think they will get by giving the Jets a heavy dosage of Fred Jackson, I don't trust Mark Sanchez in the second half.
Bills 27, Jets 24
New York Giants at New England Patriots
The Giants shouldn't have much of an issue throwing the football against the Patriots secondary and their defensive line that has the most sacks on the season (26) could create problems for Tom Brady. Osi Umenyiora's availability could be the difference.
I cannot envision New England losing consecutive games and Brady has won 31 straight at home. Eli Manning is off to one of the best statistical starts of his career, but I see a few turnovers in this game, leading to a Patriots victory.
Patriots 30, Giants 21
Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles
As long as the Eagles aren't reckless with the football, they're going to be a extremely difficult team to beat. It's that simple. They can beat you with Michael Vick and the group of speedy wide receivers, but LeSean McCoy has also added a new element to the offense.
The fact that Philadelphia is the NFL's best rushing team is scary.
The Bears have been protecting Jay Cutler much better of late, but do they have enough offensive firepower to hang with the Eagles? I don't think so.
Their defense is still their strong suit, but their secondary is considerably worse than what we've seen in the past (allowing 272 passing yards per game).
Eagles 31, Bears 17
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
The tables surely have turned since the Ravens' 35-7 win over the Steelers in Week 1. Sure, both teams only have two losses, but Pittsburgh has returned to their usual form in the last month, while the Ravens lackluster offense has been exploited.
The Steelers can shut down any high-powered offense with their dynamic blitz packages and stellar secondary play and now we've seen that they, too, can take the top off the defense with the speed they possess at wide receiver.
Joe Flacco will be terrorized all evening and Big Ben will continue his incredible season with a huge performance in a home victory.
Steelers 27, Ravens 13
Martin Erat Marcel Goc Jamie Lundmark Nick Spaling Pikka Rinne Mathieu Carle
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