via NFL.com

Rushing Defense

The Saints are middle of the road in their run defense, coming into this weekend ranked 19th overall against the run. Regardless of that ranking, the only back to go over 100 yards against the Saints was LaDainian Tomlinson of San Diego, who rushed for 105 yards back in Week 8. The Saints have held the excellent running backs Adrian Peterson (32 yards rushing) and Michael Turner (96 yards rushing) well below their season averages.

I don't expect the Chiefs to do much to test the Saints' rush defense. The spread offense is working too well right now and the Saints pass defense is too poor to not aggressively attack it.

Here's where things get interesting. Spread offense with Tyler Thigpen at the helm? Check. 27th ranked pass defense of the Saints? Check. Tons of injuries in the Saints' secondary this year? Check.

On paper, this match up has the makings of a highly passing oriented football game. Last weekend against the Falcons, Saints CB Mike McKenzie and backup CB Aaron Glenn both went down with injuries, with McKenzie out for the season. The Saints are in a similar situation as the Chiefs' defense. Both are banged up and signing waiver wire players left and right. The Saints added two corner backs this week alone to their roster.

As far as a pass rush, the Saints haven't fared much better than the Chiefs. The Saints have 14 sacks on the year, putting them well below the league average. The Chiefs have a pitiful 6 sacks this season, which has depressed me enough after reading it again to make me end this post.

Any match ups you like this weekend for the Chiefs' offense?

Many thanks to BBS from Stampede Blue for doing the leg work on this post.

Clinton Portis is playing like an MVP right now.

The Studs

NFL Mid-Season MVP: Clinton Portis, Redskins

Comment from David the Falconer at The Falcoholic:

The homer in me wants to say Michael Turner, but he's done the majority of his damage against the league's weakest defenses. Portis has put the Redskins on his back and carried them 100 yards or more down the field most games, and for that he deserves my vote.

Best Player on Offense: Clinton Portis, Redskins

Comment from Skins Patrol at Hogs Haven:

He also has 150 yards receiving and has had his role increase with the injury to Ladell Betts Not everyone knows this, but Portis is the best pass protecting RB blocker in the league and is a big reason why Jason Campbell is playing well this season.

Best Players on Defense: Joey Porter, Dolphins

Comment from BigBlueShoe at Stampede Blue:

I thought this guy was DEAD. How the hell does he have 11.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles? I mean Jeezus, it is only Week Nine and he has 11.5 friggin' sacks! The hell are they feeding them down there in Miami?

Best Rookie: Chris Johnson, Titans

Comment from cgolden at Revenge of the Birds:

No explanation needed. Just watch this kid play and it's obvious why he's truly special. Were we really questioning his status as a first round pick six months ago?

Best Coach: Jim Zorn, Redskins

Comment from WCG at Windy City Gridiron:

I hate doing this, but in that division the Redskins should have easily been the worst team.

Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio has seen better days.

The Duds

Mid-Season Worst Player: JaMarcus Russell, Raiders

Comment from Dave the Falconer at The Falcoholic:

Consider that this guy was the first overall pick in the draft. Then consider that he can't throw a pass without collapsing into a heap.

Mid-Season Worst Rookie: Vernon Gholston, Jets

Comment from cgolden at Revenge of the Birds:

He's learning a new position so this probably isn't fair but seven tackles in eight games for a top six pick is simply unacceptable. You'd think he could at least be a situational pass rusher.

Mid-Season Worst Coach: Jack Del Rio, Jaguars

Comment from Chris at Big Cat Country:

Can I vote for Del Rio and the Jaguars for every possible spot?