NFL gives us something to believe in

The NFL has become as dependable as a juicy steak and a cold brew, and as unpredictable as the sassy dame you can't keep your eyes off of.

And that's why we love it so much in the Grill Room...

...because in yesterday's early action, while the Patriots and Ravens were delivering on a promised slugfest between two of the heavyweights in the AFC, Cleveland -- Cleveland! -- was battling back from 14 points down to take the Bengals to overtime.
...because while Chicago was predictably bashing Detroit back to earth, Tennessee was somehow spiraling toward disaster and 0-4.
...because in yesterday's late action, while the Saints predictably stood in against Buddy boy's bullies from Broad Street, taking their rookie quarterback down several notches, Denver -- Denver! -- was improving its record to 4-0 by taking out Jerry's 'boys from Dallas.
...because while it's impossible to predict what will happen tonight in the Brett Favre Bowl, you can depend on it being well worth the wait.

Yes, football rules in America.
In a country that seems a little less certain of itself each day, isn't it nice to know we have a leader we can count on, even if we can't quite trust her smile?

Now onto a sampling of what the nation's sportswriters and columnists are saying about their football teams across every NFL city, because in the Grill Room we love the newspaper business, even if it hates itself.

(12) Chicago 48
(25) Detroit 24

• Ex-Lions coach a lightning Rod for new team's success.
• Lions would be wise to take a knee with their $72 million QB investment.
  

(13) Cincinnati 23
(32) Cleveland 20 (OT)

• Bengals can make 3-1 very hard to watch.
• Browns' new approach almost delivers a new result.
  

(22) Houston 29
(29) Oakland 6

• Texans' defense finally holds up their end of the line.
• Raiders getting defensive about offensive lack of leadership.
  

(4) Indianapolis 34
(18) Seattle 17

• Sharp Colts keep their Edge even with former star RB on other sideline.
• Sorry Seahawk defense came to praise Manning not bury him.
  

(21) Jacksonville 37
(19) Tennessee 17

• If the Jags keep running away from the competition will the fans follow?
• Titans finally find there's no sense denying it -- they stink.
  

(1) N.Y. Giants 27
(28) Kansas City 16

• Eli gives chiefs the boot, but comes away limping.
• Big, bad Chiefs scaring nobody but their fans.
  

(8) New England 27
(2) Baltimore 21

• The demise of the Patriots' defense has been greatly exaggerated.
• The Ravens must learn to run through adversity, not away from it.
  

27) Washington 16
(31) Tampa Bay 13

• Zorn won't pull a fast one on his quarterback.
• Bucs' fans should be careful what they ask for.
  

(26) Miami 38
(23) Buffalo 10

• Dolphins back up and running but won't get ahead of themselves.
• Bills are finding it's hard to lead when you're on your back.
  

(3) New Orleans 24
(6) N.Y. Jets 10

• Saints Sharper defense retreats to the safety of their veteran leader.
  
• Sanchez finally hits the target when he takes blame for loss.
  

(17) Denver 17
(14) Dallas 10

• Broncos continue to Marshall-up some great defense.
• At 2-2 the glass is half empty in Dallas.
  

(9) San Francisco 35
(30) St. Louis 0

• Now that the weak West is won, what's next for 49ers?
• The Barron landscape that is St. Louis football.
  

(16) Pittsburgh 38
(10) San Diego 28

• Mendenhall busts out, runs toward stardom.
• Draw your own conclusions for that mess, Coach Turner certainly won't.
  

(Associated Press, photo)