Drafting JaMarcus Russell makes the Chiefs pass defense an immediate advantage against the Raiders.

via www.raidersjersey.net

When the Chiefs pass the ball:

• KC Passing Offense: 192.7 YPG (23rd in the NFL)
  
• OAK Passing Defense: 195.5 YPG (10th)
  

The Chiefs should increase break 200 yards.  Nmandi Asomugha plays corner for the Raiders and Mike Shanahan called him the most under-rated player in the NFL.  He's an excellent player and will likely cut the field in half.  Look for Bradley or Gonzalez to have better days than Bowe.

When the Chiefs run the ball:

• KC Rushing Offense: 115.4 YPG (12th)
  
• OAK Rushing Defense: 160 YPG (29th)

Statistically this looks like an excellent match up for the Chiefs but we just don't know which rushing attack is going to show up. I imagine we will be able to put up some points with our "new" offense and being able to run the ball will decide this game for us.

When the Raiders pass the ball:

• OAK Passing Offense: 160.4 YPG (32nd)
• KC Passing Defense 240.4 YPG (27th)

JaMarcus Russell has never demonstrated an ability to lead an NFL offense until last week when he completed 10/11 passes.  He looked sharp then and if he's going to do it again why not against the 27th ranked pass defense?  Answer: Because it's easier to run the ball against us.

When the Raiders run the ball:

• OAK Rushing Offense: 122.5 YPG (10th)
• KC Rushing Defense: 165.9 YPG (31st - we're not last!)

This is where the game will likely be decided.  JaMarcus Russell probably doesn't have the ability to beat us himself.  He'll need some help and help should should come on the ground where the Raiders smoked us for 300 yards earlier in the year.

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?