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A wild week in the NFL saw three division races in the AFC get more complicated while the Giants padded their comfortable lead in the NFC East. Also, the Ravens sweep the Steelers, the Chargers may have found themselves in defeat, and the Texans are becoming a force.

The Ravens and Steelers convene for another AFC North slugfest while division standing is on the line in the AFC East and NFC South. Also, the Madden Curse strikes again and sadly, Cam Newton and the loudmouth Lions sit out Week 9.

Big stories this week. LSU vs. Alabama. The NBA lockout. Philip Rivers’ struggles. And Baseball news. Obviously, I weigh in.

Week 8 was a welcomed sight to the sore eyes of Eagle nation. Michael Vick and the Eagles dominated every facet of the game. While there were plenty of things to like about the offense, certain elements stood out.

A blowout in Philadelphia has the Eagles thinking playoffs again. Across the state, the Steelers finally made a statement. In other news, parity is alive and well, Tim Tebow is not, and Cam Newton needs a hug.

Game 6 of the World Series was epic. Twice the St. Louis Cardinals were down to their final strike, and twice they fought back to tie, eventually winning in the 11th. Will the 3rd time also be a charm for the Steelers? Can the Eagles channel their “inner Cardinal” for a midseason surge?

Since Barry Sanders retired in the mid ‘90’s, the Lions were bad at their best and 0-16 at their worst. Coaches came and went. Top draft picks fizzled one after another. Until now. A fast start has Detroit thinking playoffs.

The Chiefs, Falcons, and Jets had big wins, fully propelling them into the thick of the playoff hunt. The Cowboys found a running game, Tim Tebow rallied the Broncos (again), and the rapid maturation of Cam Newton continued in the Queen City.

Tim Tebow’s opportunity to prove himself a worthy NFL quarterback has arrived. Will his passion and leadership translate to victories? Elsewhere, AFC South supremacy is up for grabs and the Falcons and Jets look for much-needed wins against conference foes.

Blaine Gabbert has stepped in adequately as the Jaguars starting quarterback. Regardless, Jacksonville won’t compete for an NFL playoff berth in 2011. They’re not alone, though. Seven other NFL franchises find themselves facing a similar destiny.