* The American League was in full swing last night as Houston beat Boston in Game 1 of the Division Series. The Astros won 100 games, despite hitting a rough stretch midway in the summer. They are hoping to ride the emotional wave of the Houston floods. Plus the Astros have a helluva team.
Likewise the Cleveland Indians. They shut-out the Yankees last night. New York came off a do-or-die wild card win over Minnesota. Cleveland was rested and playing at home.
Game 2 of each series will be big. The visiting teams need to split. The home teams can take control of each series with a Game 2 win.
Tonight the National League gets rolling, with the Cubs visiting Washington and Arizona going to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers.
* I like the Eagles this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field against the Cards. The Arizona offensive line is full of holes. The Eagles need to sustain a consistent pass rush to take the heat off their own weak secondary. Without David Johnson, Arizona will have trouble running the ball.
Will Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz dial-up more blitzes to harass QB Carson Palmer? Whee is rookie Darek Barnett? No sacks so far. The Birds are without a true punt returner. Will it come back to haunt them? Will RB Wendell Smallwood play? Will receiver Torrey Smith break out of his funk and go deep? Will kicker Jake Elliot be the difference again this week? How do the eagles slow down WR Larry Fitzgerald?
* The Patriots beat Tampa Bay last night, 19-14. Even on the road, New England wasn't going to lose two in a row. The Bucs had a real shot but missed three field goals. They aren't ready for prime-time yet.
Philly can have a big Sunday with a win. Division rival Dallas plays a tough home game with Green Bay. The winless Giants come home with the Chargers, who have to cross the country and play in the Eastern time zone. Still, New York has under-achieved. Their offensive line may be the worst in the league, and LA pass rushers Bosa and Ingram can have a field-day putting the heat on Eli Manning.
* The Flyers continue their 4-game opening road trip, falling last night to the LA Kings, 2-0. No shame, after beating San Jose the night before. The trip doesn't get easier, with games against the Ducks and Predators in the days ahead. The Flyers' home opener is a week form Saturday against the Washington Capitols.
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