NFL--Week 5

Hey, Ladies!  During the first week of October's Breast Cancer Awareness month in the NFL, this post is for YOU.  Whether you love football or could care less, wouldn't you love to throw out a few tidbits at your dad, boyfriend, husband or buddies?  The boys won't know what hit 'em.  So, girls,  (and guys who have been living under a rock this week), here are the hot NFL matchups for this weekend and why you should care....(with the good stuff in PINK)

San Diego Chargers (3-1) at New Orleans Saints (0-4)  (8:25PM EST--NBC)

Why you should care:  Between the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the feel-good story of the Saints' comeback on good-guy, Drew Brees' watch, people love the Saints.  They won the Superbowl in 2009 (a franchise first) and made the playoffs in 2010.  Last year, Drew Brees broke the single season passing record with 5,476 yards, and RB Darren Sproles took the record for most all-purpose yards in a season with 2,696.  

Then things got ugly....the post-season was marred with the BountyGate scandal, in which it was discovered that the defensive coaching staff was paying players to make vicious hits on opposing teams.  Head coach Sean Payton was suspended for this season, along with several players and assistant coaches.  The Saints are struggling to find their first win this year under the weight of the scandal and the absence of their coach.  They are 0-4 going into Sunday's game against a tough Charger team, but playing at home in the super-loud Superdome has given them a lift in the past.  And for reasons only Supreme High Commander Roger Goodell (the Commissioner of the NFL) understands, Sean Payton will be allowed to "attend" this game, albeit, only from the grandstands.  It's do or die for the Saints.

Atlanta Falcons (4-0) at Washington Redskins (2-2) (1PM EST--FOX)

Why you should care:  The Falcons are one of only two undefeated teams remaining in the League with their standout QB, Matt Ryan (Boston College--bonus points for knowing where star players went to school).  

The Redskins and the media are LOVING Robert Griffin III, their star, rookie QB from Baylor University.  No slouch, he was a track star, graduated in three years with a 3.67 GPA and was studying for his masters his senior year when he won the 2011 Heisman Trophy.  He's a versatile, running QB (like Michael Vick) who makes a run defense question their strategy.  And even though the Falcons are undefeated, their run defense ranks a dismal 29th in the NFL.  While the Redskins are certainly not a cohesive unit (yet), this could be a very interesting game.  (Side note**  The 1972 Dolphins are the ONLY team to ever have a perfect season, remaining undefeated AND winning the SuperBowl.  Every year when the last undefeated team falls, they are rumored to share a toast of champagne!)

Denver Broncos (2-2) at New England Patriots (2-2) (An AFC matchup) (4:25PM  EST--CBS)

Why you should care:  Two names.....Tom Brady (yes, Giselle's hottie hubby) and Peyton Manning (that nice boy your mom wanted you to date in high school).  Tom Brady and the Patriots have struggled a bit this year at 2-2, and have yet to win at home where they have traditionally been unbeatable. (**They won 35 of their last 36 games at home before the Cardinals knocked them off in Week 2.) Not known for having a running game, they ran well last week and will do it again, if the Bronco defense allows it.  

Manning and Brady have a playoff rivalry going back several years.  Manning is back from a one year hiatus from football after neck surgery, and he is finding his rhythm.  The former star QB of the Colts took over throwing duties at Denver this year.  Two of the best QBs of our generation, squaring off on fairly equal footing, though most believe the Patriots will ultimately win.  We'll see.

I'll be back with more match-ups and facts next week!

Yours in Sports,
Anastasia Roark