There are games every season that bring NFL fans back to the old-school, smash-mouth, bone-crushing (you get the idea) football from “back in the day” or whatever you want to call it. That’s exactly what happened last night between the 49ers and Seahawks, it was a battle of two tough running games and two tough defenses. San Francisco was led by their running back Frank Gore (131 yds rush, 51 yds rec) against a stout Seahawk defense and in the end, the 49er defense held on long enough to take victory home 13-6. It wasn’t the most exciting game in terms of big plays but there were moments where both teams had to make plays that decided field position and 3rd down conversions that are so important in close, defensive battles. The Seahawks were also riding their work horse Marshawn Lynch, who seems to break more tackles than all other RBs combined, for over 100 yards but Seattle wasn’t able to make the plays necessary late in the game. Now the 49ers are in first place of the NFC West (best division in the entire league so far) and while it’s not the lead they thought they would have at this point, they’re still on top. Seattle is very much in the mix for the division title but they will have to win division games to stay in contention. Both teams will be waiting on the results of the Cardinals and Rams this weekend.

There are a lot of teams on bye this Sunday (Falcons, Broncos, Chiefs, Dolphins, Eagles and Chargers) but there are big games this weekend. Here are the most interesting ones from my perspective: How will RG3 perform as he heads to NY to face off against the Giants in a massive divisional game? Griffith was spectacular last weekend but we’ll see how he does against a defensive line known for pressuring QBs. Game of the week is Baltimore visiting Houston, the two best teams in the AFC but they’re both facing questions heading into this game. The Ravens are going through massive injuries on defense and the Texans defense was exposed last weekend after getting torched by Rodgers and the Packers. Still, this is going to be a great game between great teams. Another game that stands out to me is the Cardinals visiting the Vikings, two teams that have been surprisingly among the best in the NFC. I have a feeling the team that wins this is a contended and the team that loses is a pretender.

I like the Jets to keep it close against the Patriots (-10.5) and I can’t tell you why. I’m just going with my gut feeling.