Detroit at Chicago
The final score doesn't indicate how close this game was. The Lions held the ball for 13 additional minutes, gained over 120 more yards, and even had a 75% red zone conversion rate. Where the Bears won it was with four fewer penalties, a +2 turnover differential, and had nine quarterback hits, including one that injured Matt Stafford. And they even did better in the red zone with an 80% rate.
Cincinnati at Cleveland
This is one of those games where the numbers didn't translate into a victory for the Browns, even though they were slightly ahead of the Bengals in most categories, including 20 additional yards, one fewer penalty, three more quarterback hits, and even a three minute time of possession advantage. Cincinnati's advantage was it converted on 50% of their red zone chances, while the Browns converted on 40% of theirs.
Seattle at Indianapolis
The Colts dominated this game, and the numbers back it up. They tripled the hits on Seneca Wallace, gained 150 more yards, and had a +1 turnover differential. Both teams had a 67% conversion rate in the red zone, but Indianapolis had double the opportunities. If I were allowed a vote Peyton Manning would be the MVP at the quarter mark of the season.
New York Giants at Kansas City
Another Manning led team, another blowout. The Giants did an excellent job of pressuring Matt Cassel, forcing five sacks on seven hits. Where New York dominated was in total yards with 236 more. The Chiefs showed signs of life with a 67% red zone conversion rate, while holding the Giants to a 25% rate. And they had a +1 turnover rate against a very talented defense.
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