Sunday In a Nutshell: Week 9!

Good morning, all! Are we ready for today's games? First of all, I have to share a recipe with you all that I made last night from the pages of my favorite magazine, Sunset. It's called "Shot and a Beer Pork Stew" and it braises for 3 hours. PERFECT for a Sunday game day. Yummy. The pork ends up falling-apart-tender and the tequila and Tecate really make the flavor rich. Click here for the recipe.

Aside from that, let's get down to it! Here are the games to watch:
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Morning Games:
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BALTIMORE RAVENS AT CINCINNATI BENGALS:

In football terms these teams are bitter rivals that are fighting for the top spot in their division so they're going to play as hard as possible. Baltimore is coming off of a strong win against the formerly undefeated Broncos and Cincinnati is coming off of a week off after destroying the Chicago Bears two weeks ago. These teams really can't stand each other (like Kristen and Audrina on The Hills) so we should expect some fighting and smack talking between the players--always a good time. Keep an eye on Bengals RB Cedric Benson who is having the best season of his career. We also want to watch Bengals WR Chad "I felt the need to change my last name letters into last name numbers" Ochocinco who is playing well and loves to talk trash to the Ravens defense. This will be a great game to watch in the morning.
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HOUSTON TEXANS AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS:
The Colts are still undefeated and QB Payton Manning is having an MVP-esque season. However, the extremely well-playing Houston Texans--lead by QB Matt Schaub who is having a Pro Bowl season himself--will be a challenge. Texans WR Andre Johnson (possibly the best Wide Reciever in the league--a supermodel, remember?) needs to have a big game to give the Texans any chance of winning. On the Colts, WR Reggie Wayne (another of the best receivers in the league) also must make some plays for his QB to give the Colts a shot at staying undefeated. This game will be FULL of highlights and big plays. Expect this to be a high scoring game.
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Afternoon Games:
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SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT NEW YORK GIANTS:
So, Giants QB Eli Manning was drafted to the Chargers but refused to sign with them (hmmm, he sounds lilke a diva, no?) so the Giants traded their top draft pick QB Phillip Rivers to the Chargers for Eli. Eli has gone on to win a Superbowl with the Giants but Phillip Rivers has been a top tier QB for the Chargers. Both of these QBs will want the win to show the other team what they missed out on. (Mine is better....no, MINE is better! Remember the barbies!! Everyone thinks they have the best team possible.) The Giants have lost 3 in a row after winning their first 5. They need a win to bounce back. The Chargers are looking to catch up on their division leading Broncos with a win this weekend. Another great game to watch.
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Night Game:
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DALLAS COWBOYS AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES:
It seems that all injuries on both sides have been healed so every star will be out to shine on Sunday night. QBs Tony Romo (Dallas) and Donovan McNabb (Philly) will be in the spotlight but look for Dallas players WR Miles Austin and RB Marion Barber along with Eagles players WR Desean Jackson and RB Brian Westbrook to be making highlights as well. This will be yet another GREAT primetime NFL game this season.
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Monday Night:
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PITTSBURGH STEELERS AT DENVER BRONCOS:
The Broncos had their first loss of the season last week when they were manhandled by the Ravens Defense. Manhandled. Ouch. Now they have to face another incredibly tough Pittsburgh Steelers Defense. The Steelers are coming off of a bye week so they have had time to lick their wounds and are ready to play a tough second half of the season. Look for newly appointed starter Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall to have a big game to prove to everyone that he deserves to be the starting running back. Denver Broncos WR Brandon Marshall had a BAD game against the Ravens so look for him to come back and have a solid game against the Steelers. Remember the Steelers are the defending Superbowl champs so they are always coming in as the favorites.


Ok, look for lots of extra entries this week. Chick 101 is getting down to business!

Week 8: What Happened?

 I know, I know....the blog is a little late this week. But--I have a good excuse, I swear! I had the opportunity to appear alongside some fabulous women in the TV show, "Desperate Housewives"--which is funny because that's exactly how I feel sometimes...desperate for sleep, anyway. So, you can watch for us on the final episode before the holidays--we're in Santa hats in a choir. Either the first or second week in December. Stay tuned!

And finally, what you've all been waiting for...what the @#$$% happened in last week's games? Just a quick summary this time as it's almost time for this week's games! And, as always, "What to say to a Dude." Enjoy.
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Morning Games: (Winners in PINK)

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DENVER BRONCOS AT BALTIMORE RAVENS:

Denver is no longer undefeated after suffering a lopsided loss to Baltimore. Baltimore let the Broncos score only 7 points (1 TD and extra point) and that didn’t happen until the 3rd quarter. Other than Baltimore's RB, Ray Rice the player with the best day was Baltimore kicker Steven Hauschka who had 3 field goals and 3 extra points.

What to say to a dude:
"Do you think the Broncos are a fluke this year going undefeated this deep into the season?"

"The Ravens defense really exploited the Broncos offensive weaknesses."
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MIAMI DOLPHINS AT NEW YORK JETS:

The Dolphins beat division rivals, the New York Jets for the second time this year. Jets QB Mark Sanchez threw for 2 TDs and rushed for 1 TD but it wasn’t enough to beat the Dolphins. Both of these teams cannot afford to lose anymore games to keep pace with the New England Patriots who play the Dolphins next Sunday while the Jets have a much needed week off.

What to say to a dude:
"After winning there first 3 games the Jets have only won 1 game and lost 4. Maybe it’s time for Rex Ryan to change his game plan a bit."
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Afternoon Games:
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MINNESOTA VIKINGS VS. GREEN BAY PACKERS:
Brett Favre beat his old team for the second time this season, this time was at his former home stadium, Lambeau Field. Favre threw 4 TD passes and "All Day" Adrian Peterson had 1 rushing TD. The game was a blowout in the first half with Green Bay only scoring 3 points. Brett Favre and the Vikings are now 7-1 and have a few easy games ahead versus the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks so it looks like the Vikings are solidifying a sure spot in the playoffs.

What to say to a dude:
"Brett Favre has sure proven that he is still one of the best QBs in the league."

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Monday Night:
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ATLANTA FALCONS AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS:

The Saints are still undefeated! The only other team that hasn’t lost are the Colts and it looks like Saints QB Drew Brees and Colts QB Payton Manning are fighting for the MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the NFL. Brees had another good game with 300+ yards passing and 2 TDs. Falcons RB Michael Turner had a big game along with Falcons WR Roddy White but unfortunately Falcons QB Matt Ryan threw 3 interceptions, one of which was returned for a TD at the end of the first half. Oopsie.

What to say to a dude:
"Who is the best QB in the NFL, Drew Brees or Payton Manning?" 
"Which team will lose first, the Saints or the Colts?"
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Here are some stories we're following this season:
-Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only team without a win in the NFL
-The Tennessee Titans finally won a game.
-Oakland Raiders Coach Tom Cable is being investigated for domestic violence accusations. This was the coach who supposedly broke an assistant coach’s jaw during preseason. Chill out, Tom.

Until tomorrow!