Bill Williamson

Adrian Peterson picked a bad day to put on a record-breaking performance.

The Minnesota Vikings rookie running back ran to an NFL record 296 yards against the San Diego Chargers, but we're forced to focus on a game you may have heard about this week: New England at Indianapolis.

The Patriots improved to 9-0 this season, handed the defending champions their first loss of the year and did it all on the road.

And who led the way? Who else but their two-time Super Bowl MVP, Tom Brady

Did Tom Brady hurt his MVP status Sunday or bolster it with that late drive?
He bolstered it, baby.

In a 16-week season, players can screw up a game or two. Brady doubled his interception total on the season, throwing two against Indianapolis, but responded by engineering the game-winning score.

And that drive — along with three more touchdown passes — enhanced Brady's season, even more.

How much did Peyton Manning miss Marvin Harrison vs. the Patriots?
A lot.

It took away one of Manning's biggest options, and he's all about options. And not having Harrison, who's bound for the Hall of Fame, hurts big time.

Manning seemed out of sync at times against the Patriots, and it had a lot to do with not having Harrison on the field.

With Shaun Alexander hurt and struggling, are the Seahawks now Matt Hasselbeck’s team?
Yes, and really they always have been.

Hasselbeck is an underrated leader. Alexander's known in league circles as a “me guy,” while Hasselbeck has always had his teammates' support.

Hasselbeck is a tough-nosed player who has led the team to the Super Bowl and is trying to keep the Seattle in the playoff hunt. Without question, the Seahawks are Hasselbeck’s team.

Should the Bills be considered AFC playoff contenders?
No, you have to do better than 4-4 to be considered a playoff team. Not in the AFC.

The Bills have some nice wins suffering so many early injuries and losing some tough games. But they aren’t a playoff contender yet. There are too many talented teams ahead of them — Patriots, Colts, Steelers, Chargers, Browns, Jags, for starters — in the conference.

Will the NFC South champion have a winning record?
Yes and it’s going to be New Orleans.

The Saints are back. After that horrid 0-4 start, New Orleans has won four straight games, Drew Brees has been hitting receivers, Reggie Bush is back to his do-it-all ways and the schedule is helping.

The Saints will overtake the 5-4 Buccaneers, win 10 games and the division crown.

NFL game stories Quick look at Week 4 games STEELERS 23, RAVENS 20, OT: Baltimore loses first game of season REDSKINS 26, COWBOYS 24: Dallas can't contain Portis in 1st loss BEARS 24, EAGLES 20: Goal-line stand boosts Chicago JETS 56, CARDINALS 35: Favre throws career-high 6 TDs BUCS 30, PACKERS 21: Ryan's 3 FGs lift Tampa CHARGERS 28, RAIDERS 18: San Diego tops rival 10th straight time BILLS 31, RAMS 14: Buffalo 4-0 for first time since 1992 CHIEFS 33, BRONCOS 19: Johnson rushes for 198 yards for K.C. BROWNS 20, BENGALS 12: Anderson throws TD TITANS 30, VIKINGS 17: Tennessee 4-0 for first time ever PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Smith honors Lucas after TD JAGUARS 30, TEXANS 27, OT: Scobey kicks game winner SAINTS 31, 49ERS 17: McAlister scores first TD of year