Game Previews

This week, two games analyzed FO-style in an article from Friday's New York Sun. Week 8 brings us two major matchups of a top AFC team against a top NFC team, where the strength of one team balances the strength of the other: The Baltimore defense against the Philadelphia offense, and the Denver running game against the Atlanta front seven. Plus, extra bonus insight from two Football Outsiders readers, one a Falcons fan and one a Broncos backer.

Two articles for the price of none. First, this week brings us the first meeting of two undefeated teams with at least five wins apiece since 1973 and hardly anybody in either Boston or New York has paid attention. Aaron tells you what to look for in this game using our innovative Football Outsiders metrics. Second, a year ago everyone was talking about Dante Hall. Now the numbers say Kansas City has the worst special teams unit in the league. Why special teams have contributed to the fall of the Chiefs and the rise of their division rivals in San Diego. Both articles originally appeared in the New York Sun.

All the Football Outsiders stats you need to know what to look for in the big game. Numbers from both the regular season and the playoffs. More commentary than ever before. More in-depth analysis of Carolina's recent improvements, and how New England can counter those improvements. A look at New England's recent success in a place you won't expect. Plus, a special Super Bowl extra: Keys to beating each offense from Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.

All our numbers broken down for the Eagles and Panthers, with commentary for the math-o-phobic. Where did Stephen Davis play better than DeShaun Foster this year, and where did Foster have the edge? What Panther strength matches the Eagles' biggest offensive weakness? Which Eagle on offense has gone from league-worst to star performer over the past four weeks? Will Carolina make me feel like an idiot yet again?

All our numbers broken down for the Colts and Patriots, with commentary for the math-o-phobic. Which unit was more responsible for Indy's Week 13 comeback against New England, offense or defense? Why does the Colts offense slow down in the red zone? Why might Troy Walters be the surprise hero of Sunday's game? And, will Hunter Smith ever get on the field again?

Aaron breaks down those DVOA and line yard trends for all eight teams to help you know what to look for in this weekend's games. Last week, we told you that Carolina would throw long on Dallas, that Bobby Engram would be important to Seattle on third down, and that Clinton Portis would run all over the Colts. Hey, two out of three ain't bad! See, unlike Mike Vanderjagt, we got our mistake out of the way BEFORE the Super Bowl. Even more commentary this week to make up for it.

Aaron breaks down those DVOA and line yard trends for all eight teams to help you know what to look for in this weekend's games. Learn why the Titans and Ravens are mirror images, why the Cowboys need to watch out for the long bomb, and why Green Bay is correctly favored, but for the wrong reasons. Plus, Portis Portis Portis Portis Portis Portis Portis Portis.