Here we go again...

Peyton Hillis is a rock star.  Straight up.  He's "burst" onto the scene lately, but he's been doing it all season.  He's a legitimate top-ten back now.  Only Adrian Peterson and Rashard Mendenhall have more TD's.  Not many people know much about the guy, but this is his third year in the league.  The Brownies got him from the Donkeys in the trade for Brady Quinn.  Not bad eh?  In 2008 he was doin pretty much what he's doing now.  Averaging 5 yards a carry and scoring touchdowns.  Why didn't we know who this dude was?  Last year he was behind some guy named Knowshon Moreno.  The year before, it was running back by committee (4 dudes with 300yds each).  In college at Arkansas he was splitting time with Darren Mcfadden and Felix Jones.  No wonder we've never heard of him.  Good for him though.  At 6'1, 240lbs, this dude's a beast, and the Jets are gonna find that out the hard way this weekend. 

By the way, anybody paying attention to the Browns?  Two weeks ago they squish the defending champ Saints.  On the road.  Then a bye week.  Then the Patriots, and they beat them handily at home.  I know they are 3-5, but the league should be on notice.  You beat two teams of that quality back-to-back and you get confidence.  They play the Jets this week (who have been less than stellar as of late).  If they can pull off this one, we could see a team getting hot late and making a run to the playoffs.  Note to Browns: Do not, under any circumstances, change quarterbacks.  He's young and far from perfect, but it's working.  Leave it the hell alone.  

Ndamukong Suh has to kick an extra point, misses barely off the upright, and it costs the Lions a win over the Jets.  Ouch.  Good form though big man.  Stafford was stellar, but if he can't stay healthy this team has a major problem.  Don't be Greg Oden dude.  Not a good look on anybody.

Moss is a Titan.  So what?  I mean seriously, does it matter?

Chilly has lost his locker-room in Minnesota.  Peace out dude.  Maybe you can be a coordinator in Dallas next year?

Mashed-potato's with a mouth is out in Big-D.  Finally.  Garrett is in, but not for long.  Seriously man, you turned down the Ravens job?  Bad bad bad idea.  Who tells an NFL team "Thanks, but no thanks."  It's not like they were the Raiders for god's sake.  You get what you ask for dude.

Robin is bitchin cause he doesn't like being Robin.  Did anyone really believe you were gonna be happy playing second fiddle to anybody?  Even if it is T.O.?  C'mon man.  This dude was you while you were still in jr. high.  And now he still does it better than you and you think whining is gonna change that?  Please.  At 36 years old, T.O. will most likely be second in the NFL in receiving yards after this week (currently third.)  That's just sick.  He literally is on track to have his statistically best season ever.  EVER.  Think about that for a minute.  And the Bengals STOLE him.  Check your ego brotha and let him do what he do. 

11 of 16 teams in the NFC are still legitimately in play.  At week 9.  The Giant's are the bad-ass.  Second in points scored and third in points allowed.   Only team on a 5 game win streak.  Fun fact, the teams ahead of them in points allowed are the Bears and...the Rams.  Yeeeeup.

Bucs are 5-3 but have allowed 190 points.  Only the Cowboys and Cards have allowed more.  Here's the thing, they've only scored 157.  How are they 5-3?  They're the only team in the NFL with a negative point differential and a winning record.  Can you say "pretenders?" 

The NFC West is a combined 2-14 on the road this season.  Note: that's bad.  But 11-5 at home....not so bad.  Only one team is 4-0 on the road.  J-E-T-S.  That's a formula to win.  Only 4 teams are undefeated at home, Pats, Colts, Ravens and Chiefs.  

Farve could play two more years if he wanted to.  And I kind of hope he does.  There, I said it. 

Usually at the beginning of the season, everyone ranks teams, makes playoff and superbowl predictions, yada yada yada.  Then people say, gee, shouldn't you wait until the season gets going so we can really see who the real competitors are?  And I say, yes!  Totally!  But now I look at the team records, and honestly, I can officially rule out 9 of the 32 teams.  And I can say the the most dominant team is the.....????  Yeah, nobody.  23 teams are totally in it, half-way through the season, with no one clearly in the lead.  My guess is this is going to produce a couple of things: big time drama, serious disappointment, a bunch of really good teams watching the playoffs from the stands, and a 2011 season full of teams hellbent on revenge.  Good times, kids.  Good times.

Here are my picks for the week

Baltimore at Atlanta - Holy crap what a good game.  Baltimore is really good.  Atlanta is undefeated at home but they haven't been tested there by a good team.  I think Baltimore needs this win more than Atlanta does and will pick this one up.  Ravens win.

Detroit at Buffalo - Ya know, for two awful teams, this should still be fun to watch.  I'm glad cause one of these teams is going to get a win they desperately need.  I think Buffalo will be the one.  Go Bills.

Minnesota at Chicago - Fine.  I'm a hater, I know it.  But I think that Minnesota will win this game and show Dallas how to suck it up when your'e losing and fix the problem, even if you hate your coach.

Jets at Cleveland - What a badass game!  Ryan brothers mono-a-mono.  Streaking Browns (hee hee hee) vs.  struggling Jets.  Undefeated road team vs giant-killers.  I was brave last week when I called the Browns win vs. the Pats.  And the Browns will NOT be afraid of the Jets, for any number of reasons.  But I'm afraid the sheer talent of the Jets D is going to be too much for the Browns to handle.  If the Browns pull it off I will not be surprised at all, but I think the Jets win this one.  Damn.

Cincinatti at Indy - Okay, so I realize that Phil the Hot Dog Guy is lining up at WR1 for the Colts, and Billy the Overweight, Facially tattooed Ticket Taker is at RB.  I actually got a call myself for the slot WR spot but I have to work.  In any case, as long as Peyton is at the helm I think that anything is possible.  He may actually have to just throw it to himself.  That's fine.  Cincinatti has struggled to get it done this year and I don't expect that to change this week.  Colts win.

Houston at Jax - close call but I say Houston.  Probably cause I can't name a single jags player other than MJD.

Tennessee at Miami - Another close one.  Tennessee got Randy, but they'll still miss Britt.  Titans have a chance to win the division this year and they don't want to let it slip away.  Miami is 0-3 at home.  Ouch.  Titans win.

Carolina at Tampa Bay - The Bucs are going to win.  Again.  And as much as they are a rising-talent team, their schedule is sucksville.  Still, the Panthers would lose to Stanford right now.

KC at Denver - Normally I would just say Chiefs.  Particularly cause they lost such a heartbreaker last week.  But for some reason they just CANNOT win in Denver.  In any case, I will stick with them and say Chiefs win cause they are hands-down the better team.  But I got this weird feeling...crap.

Seattle at Arizona - flip a coin I guess?  Nah, Hasselbeck is back so Seattle should get it done.  I think.

Dallas at HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!  I can't even finish this without laughing.  Ok.  Dallas at the GianHAHAHAHAHAH.  Oh dear lord.  What's the record for most points scored in a game by one team?   73?  Yeah Giants 73, Dallas -10.

St Louis at San Fran - I love me some Troy Smith.  For reals y'all.  But Spagnuolo should get coach of the year right now.  And Steven Jackson should get the "best soldier, hang-in-there-homie, just-came-to-do-my-job, award."  Rams win on the road.

Pats at Steelers - It's a shame somebody has to lose this game.  But someone will, and that someone will be the Patriots.  Belicheck doesn't often drop two in a row, but he's about to develop a healthy dislike for the AFC North.

Philly at Washington - Vick and DJ make a HUGE difference to this team.  They are amazingly valuable weapons.  Eagles will win.  Sexy Rexy appearance?  Maybe, just maybe. 

Go Lakers.

Oh, and fine, FINE....Raiders won at home.  Finally.  Against the Chiefs.  Good game.  I guess.  Whatever.  Not that I'm pissy and bitter or anything.  

So many things to cover this week.....

Moss cut - Much to my dismay, Minnesota wasn't getting the job done anyway, and Randy was acting like an asshole.  So fine.  Cut him.  Mostly I'm surprised anybody picked him up on waivers.  I figured he'd land somewhere, but a waiver claim is both expensive and risky cause if he doesn't like the team that grabbed him, they risk him not reporting and being stuck with a fat contract and no player.  Tennessee is in a serious bind though.  Because, as many people probably haven't noticed, the AFC south doesn't have a single team with a losing record.  Things are really competitive and the division smells a wounded animal in the Colts and they are hell-bound and determined to try to snatch a division title when they have the opportunity.  Moss is still talented and maybe they can make it work.

Mcnabb benched?  Ha!  Nice.  Who could blame Shanahan though.  When ya got sexy Rex-y wasting away on the bench...ya gotta get that dude in the game!!!  Ummm...yeah, not so much.  You got an ultra veteran qb and he can't run a two minute drill cause he's not conditioned well?  Favre's 40 year old ass can run a two minute drill on a broken ankle, with tendonitis in his elbow, after missing all of training camp!  For god's sake if papa Favre can do it, Mcnabb can too.  And if, somehow, he genuinely can't...don't bench him.  Cut him.  Cause that's ridiculous. 

Props to the Raiders for another big win.  Don't count on it lasting.  Their best player just went down, and you can't tell me Campbell is the answer to their problems.  Don't even get me started on the mad genius Tom Cable.  But ya know what, they're winning so I'll shut up.


Wade Phillips is so fired it's ridiculous.  Jerry Jones has stopped saying that Wade is his guy.  His reason for not firing him now is that there's just not enough time to make a switch.  Warm up your favorite booth at the Dairy Queen, Wade.  You'll be reunited soon.


Some things to think about:

• The Lions and Vikings have the same record.
• 8 teams are 5-2 right now.  (Jets, Ravens, Steelers, Chiefs, Colts, Giants, Falcons, Bucs)
• Pats, Jets, Ravens, Steelers, Colts, Chiefs, are your AFC playoff teams as of today.  Giants, Packers, Seahawks, Falcons, Bucs, Saints are your NFC playoff teams as of today.  Notice that three teams are in the same division. 
• The two teams most people considered the best, Steelers and Jets, both lost to NFC opponents last week. 
• The number 1 wide receiver in the league right now is...wait for it...Brandon Lloyd of the Denver Broncos (and Illinois alum...nice!)  
• Number 1 rushing team in the league is?  Kansas City.  Number 2 is Steelers?  Nope.  RRRRRaida's.  Yeeeeup.  You heard it here kids.  We got ground game in the AFC West yo.  And neither team has a RB in the top 5 in rushing yards.  Team effort. 
• QB with the best QB rating in the NFL is....Manning? Nope.  Brady!  Nope.  Vince Young.  No joke.  Oh and by the way he just got Randy Moss.  
• Interception leaders?  Favre, E. Manning, Brees.  Wait, aren't these guys supposed to be elite?

Picks for the week -

Tampa Bay at Atlanta - MONSTER game in the south.  Are the Bucs for real?  I don't think so.  All wins are against average or crappy teams.  Their two losses were to the Steelers and the Saints and both times they got destroyed.  Atlanta wins at home. 

Miami at Baltimore - I like the Dolphins, but the Ravens are better and at home.  Ravens win.

Chicago at Baltimore - The Bills have absolutely had enough of losing.  I thought they might beat my Chiefs last week, but after two OT games in a row they are ready to win baby win.  Bears lose on the road. 

Saints at Panthers - Saints.  Easy.  UNLESS Brees goes down with these nasty knee injuries he's been hiding. 

Pats at Browns - Holy crap I want the Browns to win this game.  For realsies.  And I kinda smell it comin.  Ya know what?  I'm gonna call it my upset game of the week.  Pats in theory should crush em but every team loses one game they shouldn't and I think this is the one.  Jack, this is for you brother.  Browns WIN!

Jets at Lions - Lions are no slouch but the Jets got embarrassed last week and that won't happen again.  Jets on the road.

Chargers at Texans - Give it up Chargers.  You're done and you know it.  Texans fo sho.

Arizona at Minnesota - How is it possible that I don't know how to call this game???  If Arizona wins against a 2-5 team is that an upset?  I mean...I guess.  Kinda.  Not.  Or maybe?  Crap, I don't know.  I guess Minnesota wins but if they don't then Favre retires this week. 

Giants at Seahawks - So the Seahawks are the league's most bipolar team which makes them a tough sell every week.  Giants were that way too at the beginning of the year but they've leveled out so I 'm goin Giants on the road. 

KC at Oakland - This is too personal for me.  I just can't even speak about it. 

Indy at Philly - K this is a badass game.  Vick is back.  D-Jax is back.  Colts are hurtin.  I think the Eagles can steal this one this week. 

Dallas at Green Bay - good lord, Dallas isn't even a pro-team anymore.  Pack win.

Pitt at Cincy - Steelers should demolish them but these pesky division games are really tough to call.  Tomlin is 5-0 on Monday night though.  I'm goin Steelers, but I don't think they'll kill em the way most might think. 

Anybody watch the World Series?  Hello?  Wait it's over?  Who was playing?  Was Strasberg pitching?

Hockey?  No?  Eh.

NASCAR!  Yes!  Get em 48!

Opening night of the NBA!  400 media credentials given out for the Celtics/Heat game.  Rightfully so.  Two powerhouse teams matched up to start the season.  Great planning by the NBA.  So how do they protect the ratings for this game?  They line up the defending champion Lakers against the Rockets – which no one will watch.  Good for the Lakers cause its an easy first win.  But really?  In every professional sport, they always put the champs on display on day one of the proceeding season.  Disrespectful to the Lakers as far as I’m concerned.  Writing them off is a big mistake, no matter how good a game this is tonight.  
 

Back to the NFL - Say what you want about Coughlin and his hard-ass ways.  He wins.  Watching lean mean Coughlin vs. mashed potatoes with a mouth Phillips is awesome.  Lots of talent in Dallas, lots of attitude in Dallas, no work ethic in Dallas.  Sad cause the rest of the state has no problem working hard for a paycheck.  You'd think some of that would transfer.  Wade Phillips is NOT Jimmy Johnson.  Watching Romo wearing a headset gives me great pleasure.  And have no doubt, Jerry Jones will waste no time declaring that Phillips is his guy.  He'll continue to say that until they lose their ninth game, and then Wade had better get his ass out of the Cracker Barrel and try to spice up his resume a little so he can get his job back as D-coordinator in San Diego. 

Some fun stats to ponder…

18 teams in the league have scored less points than the Detroit Lions.  11 teams have had more points scored on them than the Lions.  The Lions are 1-5.  You gotta feel for these guys. They are due for a win and once the first one comes, watch out. 

The Seahawks are very quietly becoming a solid defensive team.  Only the Jets and Steelers have had less points scored against them.  They are second in rushing defense behind the Steelers allowing a measly 77.5 yards a game.  Granted their competition leaves something to be desired, but you gotta play the schedule you have.  They’re not serious contenders, but it looks as though the division is theirs to be lost.  Hasselbeck commented a while back that the media pays no attention to them, and I’d have to say he appears to be right.  They’re 4-2 and only the Giants will have a better record.  Not bad ‘hawks.  Not bad at all. 

Chargers are first in total offense, first in total defense, first in passing offense, first in passing defense, third in rushing defense.  They are 2-5 and tied for last place in their division.  Why?  149 points scored against them, 22^nd in the league.  And they are 0-4 on the road.  Bolts are d.o.n.e.

 

The Hits - This week all the hoopla was about the nasty hits that have taken place so far this season, and particularly last week.  Here are my thoughts on the subject.  I think the number of concussions has gone up this season because there are finally specialists on the sideline who are trained to recognize them.  The concussions have been there all along, but players have played through them.  The number of nasty hits isn't any different now than it has always been.  But I agree that players are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever, and if the NFL wants to keep its ass out of court (cause lets be honest, this is less about player safety than it is preventing lawsuits) they needed to do this to prevent someone from dying.  I will say this though, the number of concussions and nasty hits was significantly down this week, and (surprise, surprise!) it was still just as fun to watch.  

As much as I dislike James Harrison, I think he was only speaking the hard truth when he said he is trying to hurt players.  All defensive players are trying to hurt offensive players.  There's no way to tackle another human being, even in pads, and have it not hurt.  Players are used to getting hurt 60 times a game.  It's just part of the NLF life.  Don't blame him for saying what most defensive players believe.  Pain and injury are two different things, and he was very clear in choosing his words. 

Next - Jerramy Stevens got cut from the Bucs today after his recent drug-related arrest.  Good.  He's been a useless punk for a long time.  It's no surprise something like this would happen, I'm just surprised it took this long. 

And of course my daily blast on Jay-Cut.  In his post-game interview he said if he could play the Redskins again today, he'd throw at D-Hall every time.  Pretty sure he already tried that.  Pretty sure we know how it worked out.  Jay - you're an idiot.  Soon to be an unemployed idiot if you're so arrogant you don't realize when you have serious work to do.  I commented today to a friend that Jay has found his new go to guy in D-Hall, and compared his number of completions to Hall to his numbers of completions to Greg Olsen over the last two weeks.  Here's a hint...Olsen has less.  Then I read Peter Kings column today referring to precisely the same thing.  Hester and Olsen combined have 8 receptions for 73 yards and 0 td's.  Hall has 4 receptions for 93 yards and 1 td.  Nice dude.  Keep throwin to him. 

Next week, the NFL is banishing the 49ers and Broncos to London.  Not a bad idea if you are hoping they just won't come back.  While you're at it, maybe send the Bills their way too.  I can't believe they're sending such an awful game overseas to try to promote their product.  And they're sending west coast teams?  As if the time difference wasn't bad enough.  Cut the strings guys, and admit the Europe thing was a bad idea. 

Just a little college ball sprinkled in here.  Auburn is a fake.  They're not bad, they're solid, and they play in the SEC so they play solid competition week in and week out.  But they are not a number 1. quality team.  We'll see that soon.  Oregon on the other hand is.  They will face a huge test against USC this week.  The over/under on the game should be 90 and I'd be tempted to take the over.  As team after team begins to fall, the likelihood that two one-loss teams will be playing for the title gets greater.  Sorry Boise State, I'm just not a believer. 

That's it for now.  Thanks for reading.

Sunday NFL thoughts

Good day!  First, I must say GO CHIEFS!!!  Good day for them.  Bowe is showing up and it matters.  The refs threw yett another phantom pass interference flag this week.  It's like they talk about it in meetings or something.  If it were questionable, or there was some back and forth pushing and shoving I wouldn't complain.  But two weeks in a row an offensive player has blatantly shoved off of a Chiefs defender with two hands, knocking him to the ground, and the refs have thrown a flag on the defender.  I just don't get it.  Haley went for it on 4th down a couple of times again.  Massive juevos.  He left 3 on the board at one point with only an 8 point lead and I thought I was going to reach through the tv and strangle him.  But the team pulled it out.  Nice!


Go Browns!  The Saints are really struggling this year.  The Browns took advantage and got a good win.  Peyton Hillis had better be in the pro bowl.  Seriously. 

My thoughts on the Miami/Pittsburgh game turned out to be dead on.  One point was the difference in the end.  I picked the wrong way, but it sure was a close one.  Same with Tampa Bay/St. Louis. 

I will now give public praise to the Raiders for the first and likely last time this year.  Good job.  Hanging 59 on any NFL team is no easy task.  Doing it on the road at Denver is a solid accomplishment. 

Jay Cutler.  I will say it again, and again, and again.  NOT THE ANSWER.  Wasn't the answer in Denver, not the answer now.  Please tell me how an NFL quarterback of ANY caliber is capable of throwing four...yes FOUR interceptions to the SAME DEFENDER IN ONE GAME!?!?!?!?!  Congratulations Jay; not even the worst qb's in all of NFL history have managed to pull that one off.  You are now in a class all your own.  The scary part is it was D-Hall.  He's their best corner, and maybe top 5 in the league.  Jay knew that going into the game.  And after getting picked by him twice, he kept throwing at him.  Pure ignorance...no wait...textbook insanity. 

Props to Buffalo for coming with it again.  They're gonna get a win soon.  Fitzpatrick lit it up today.

That's it for now.   We'll see how these night games go.  Should be fun to watch. 

Week 6 NFL picks...just in the nick of time

It's almost midnight Saturday night.  Should be in bed, but gotta do laundry.  Crap.  In any case this affords me the opportunity to make my picks.  Since it's late, I'm shootin from the hip this week.  No research, just gut picks based on what I know.  Lets see what happens when I listen to my heart and not my head...

Cincinnati at Atlanta - I still think Atlanta is an NFC powerhouse, even after last weeks debacle.  The Bengals might win this one if they were at home, but they're not.  Falcons win.

Steelers at Miami - The NFC east is loaded this year, and Miami is a solid team.  Steelers are amazing too and won't lose many games this year.  I kinda smell a trap here and I'm gonna go with my gut and say the Dolphins beat a superior Steelers team. 

Buffalo at Baltimore - Please.  Baltimore, not even close. 

Jags at Chiefs - picking the Chiefs didn't seem to work for me last week.  But apparantly the refs weren't working either.  Worst PI call ever cost them the game.  Jags don't stand a chance in KC.  Chiefs win. 

Browns at Saints - Browns aren't as bad as their record.  Neither are the Saints.  Saints win at home. 

Redskins at Bears - Finally have a chance to pick against the Bears.  Last week they got exposed as I expected they eventually would.  This week they lose again.  Skins win. 

Niners at Carolina - Niners win their second in a row against a team that is hell-bent on proving that the Bills aren't the worst team in the league.  Wait til Gruden is coach next year. 

Rams at Bucs - Ok, so this is an impressive game.  Two underachievers who are overachieving.  I'm on the Rams boat this year.  Rams win on the road. 

Eagles at Titans - This should be an amazing game, but I don't believe in Collins.  Eagles win. 

Arizona at Seattle - Coin flip..............Seattle. 

Pats at Chargers - I take great pleasure in watching the Chargers record actually reflect their sad destiny for the first time in a long time.  Pats crush em.  YES!!!

Oakland at Denver - Well, the good news is one of these teams has to lose.  The bad news is one of them has to win.  Not fair, man.  Tie game? ....ugh....Broncos win. 

Minnesota at Green Bay - Prime time drama kids.  This is when the big boys play.  Two bad ass teams sluggin it out in the cold.  Wish it were in December.  Pack is good but beat up.  Rodgers can't win close games.  Farve (usually) can.  Minnesota is on an up-slide to the NFC championship game.  Vikes win. 

Giants at Dallas - Opposite of the Rams/Bucs.  Two teams that should be good, but mostly suck.  Giants have been on fire though lately.  Here is where we see some polar opposites at play.  Coughlin's super-strict discipline vs.  Phillips lazy-ass coaching.  Go Giants.

Well that's it for this week.  We'll see how it goes.  Happy Sunday all. 

NFL Picks....

It's official - The NFC is making me crazy.  No one has any idea who they are.  The teams that are supposed to be good are bad, and vice-versa.  That's making my picks this week harder than usual.  So lets see what I can come up with.


Dolphins at Packers - Packers D is beat up and if Matthews can't go they'll struggle, but in their house Miami can't get it done. 

Chargers at Rams - Ok, so the Bolts are a MESS this year.  A loss to the Raiders didn't help things.  But it was a division game and these things happen sometimes.  If they lose this game to the Rams, their season is officially over.  The Chargers are superior in every way except for special teams (where I'm pretty sure they couldn't be worse even if they failed to field a team.)  Chargers win.

Ravens at Patriots - GREAT GAME.  The Ravens are the better team.  Period.  And the inexperience the Patriots have on offense could really show up against the Ravens D.  But honestly, the x-factor here is the Mad Scientist.  Coming off a bye, the Pats simply don't ever lose.  Ever.  Give Bellichek two weeks and there's pretty much nobody he can't beat.  I hate it, but I think the Pats win with an inferior team. 

Cleveland at Pittsburgh - So the Steelers get Roethlisberger back and he is desperate to take out months of pent up anger on someone.  For him, no one better than the Browns.  The numbers say this should be a blowout, but the Browns always play the Steelers close.  This is their superbowl every year.  HUGE trap game for the Steelers this week, even though the players should know better.  The energy in that place will be incredible, and I think it will tip the scales in their favor.  Steelers win.  Ugh.  I hate that. 

KC at Houston - I usually decline to comment on these games for fear of...well...I don't know, I just do.  But this week I'm goin out on a limb.  Chiefs have the better defense, special teams, and coaching.  They play teams hard every week.  Chiefs win on the road.  There, I said it.

Lions at Giants - I'm still not convinced that the Giants are the real deal, but they're playing like it lately and I suspect that could continue this week.  But the pesky Lions are due to win a big game.  They barely lost to Chicago, Philly, and Green Bay (10 points total.)  Then last week they CRUSHED the Rams.  They're confident and can play with the big boys, and the Giants are inconsistent.  I think the Lions pull this one out. 

Atlanta at Philly - Kolb is not the answer.  Falcons are the closest thing the NFC has to a contender right now.  Falcons win

Seahawks at Bears - SOMEONE has to win the NFC west, and I think it actually might be me at this point.  The 'hawks have no idea who they are as a team.  They beat SF (dumpster fire) and SD (dumpster fire) but lost to the Broncos (dumpster fire) and Rams (just young.)  The Bears keep winning games but are a total fraud of a football team.  When will that finally be proven in their record???  Beats me.  My guess is not this week.  Bears win.  Barf.

Saints at Bucs - Here is one interesting game.  Division game.  A rising talent that people still question vs. the reigning champs that are on a downhill slide.  This is an AWESOME game I think.  Tampa Bay wins and they are officially on the map, but Saints lose and its time to seriously reevaluate what the hell is goin on.  They have no run game is a big part of the problem.  The Bucs beat Cleveland, Cincy, and Carolina who are a collective 3-12 and got destroyed by the Steelers.  The Saints have beat solid football teams, but are in close games every single week.  I think they recover from the Cardinals loss and beat the Bucs on the road.

Jets at Broncos - Jets win.  Broncos probably don't even score.

Oakland at San Fran - Battle of the Bay.  Big game in Frisco this week.  I will (again) pick the Niners to win.  Please don't let me down boys, it's gettin old. 


Dallas at Minnesota -  Which team with superbowl dreams gets officially taken off the map this week?  It's gonna be one for sure.  I think the answer is Dallas.  Once Sidney Rice went down, Farve's deep threat was gone and his game couldn't flourish.  Moss fixes that problem.  Minnesota wins at home and the Cowboys are Lindsay Lohan.  Awesome!!!!


Indy at Washington - Indy is for real (but barely) and Washington is trying hard but they get a bad break this week.  Colts win on the road. 


Tennessee at Jacksonville - Someone please tell me how this got to be the Monday night game???  Dallas and Minnesota, Ravens and Patriots....who scheduled this crapfest???  In any case, I don't care how many games the Jags win, they are frauds.  Tennessee is solid and they win it fo sho.

Some random stuff from today

First - NBA.  So I'm hearing that the new tech foul rules are pretty much ridiculous.  I totally agree.  I also agree that this is absolutely the wrong time to make these kinds of changes.  First of all, refs are in the spotlight now more than ever.  MLB is under scrutiny for crappy calls and the fan demand for replay is ramping up.  Football, which has replay, is still having a hard time dealing with refs getting crap for making the right calls just because the rules are crappy.  Fans everywhere are tired of the refs determining the outcome of games.  The NBA is diving head-first into a giant sh**storm if they allow technical fouls for players reacting to calls in the game.  Second, as I mentioned in a previous post, the NBA is about to have the best season they've had in 15 years.  People are going to actually want to watch the games.  Don't ruin the momentum by shifting the focus to the refs.  Let these amazing teams play.  Don't give them techs for whining.  We don't care and neither should you.

Second - Aren't the MLB playoffs happening right now?  Pretty sure they are.  There are some amazing pitchers hitting the mound this weekend, but we seem to care about is Vikings vs. Cowboys.  Interesting. 

Finally, some NFL - Why are people making such a big deal about the Favre thing?  First, the gal who supposedly received the text messages and pics from Favre wasn't even the one who reported it.  And it has been two years since it happened!  Further, who the hell cares?  What if he did send her dirty messages and pics.  Let him and his wife duke it out.  ESPN needs to stay the hell out of it.  I blame it on Tiger.  Either way, the commissioner would look like an idiot if he suspended Favre for this.  Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault twice in nine months.  That's reason for suspension.  Some dirty text messages is no reason to get involved.  Let his wife kick his ass. 

That's it for now.  This weeks NFL picks are on their way soon. 

Last minute week 5 picks

It's been a long week so I haven't had a chance to get my picks up until now.  Here they are, in short form.

Jags at Bills - Bills are winless no more. 

Broncos at Ravens - Are you kidding me?  Ravens. 

Chiefs at Colts - I respectfully decline to pick this game.

Pack at Redskins - Ya know, I think the Packers are gonna win, but the Skins could pull this one out of their grass.  (do they play on grass or turf? hmmmm....)

Rams at Lions - Why does this seem like the game of the week?  Two teams that are desperate and better than their crappy records show.  Stats show a close game but the Rams just don't allow opponents to score.  Rams win again.

Bears at Panthers - ugh.  Bears.  I guess.

Bucs at Bengals - Bengals win, but ugly I think.

Falcons at Cleveland - Sorry Brownies, love ya but this one's gonna hurt.  A lot.

Giants at Texans - Close game, but Texans are at home and they get Cushing back.  Texans win.

Saints at Cardinals - I smell a trap.  Big time.  I hope the Saints don't fall into it.  Saints I think. 

Titans at Dallas - I love the Titans on paper cause they just find ways to win, and Vince is playin in his home state, but the Cowboys need this one and I think they get it. 

Chargers at Raiders - Mcfadden is out.  Chargers win easy. 

Eagles at Niners - I love the Eagles....healthy.  They are in a bad way right now and the Niners will use this week to pick up their first win. 

Vikes at Jets - Superbowl preview?  Jets get Santonio Holmes, Vikes get Randy Moss....how the hell are we supposed to pick this game?  Jets have, like, 200 1st round draft picks starting, and Vikes have 7 pro bowlers just on OFFENSE.  Monday night?  Jets are at home but Vikes are talented and desperate.  They drop another game and their season could be d.o.n.e.  Tie game.  I say Vikes with my heart, even if my head says Jets.  Yep.  Vikes.

NBA thoughts...

For the first time in quite some time the NBA has some watchable teams.  And not just one or two.  The Lakers, Celtics, Heat, Magic, Bulls, and Thunder all have strong teams with genuine superstars.  The amount of firepower on these squads will make for regular season that is finally watchable, and dare I say even exciting!  It sucks being a fan and having to slug through 80+ games, begging for the playoffs to start so that you can actually see your team play like they care.  With this much competition, the regular season games will actually matter.  And I will predict that the NBA Finals ratings (which have SUCKED for a very long time) will actually skyrocket and begin to rival the great series' in the 90's.  Good for the NBA, good for the fans.  Buckle up kids cause this season is going to be one to remember. 

Seriously?

So I'm watching ESPN and they are taking a poll that asks "Now that the Vikings have acquired Randy Moss, which team is the best in the NFC North?"  The results - 1% Lions, 11% Vikings, 42% Packers, 46% Bears.

Huh?  I'm sorry, but I'm not sure which is more surprising - that the Lions somehow mustered up 1%, or that the Bears were in the lead!  I live in the midwest now, and I know my fellow Bears fans are passionate, but seriously, you can't honestly think that the Bears are a better team than the Packers.  Just because they won a game against them does not mean that they are the better team.  That's ridiculous.  Certainly the Vikings are better now with a new weapon.  Yes, the Bears will have a decent record because their schedule is weak, but at the end of the day, barring injury to Favre and Rodgers, the Bears will at BEST be second in the division, and most likely third.  They are not an awful team, but they're not much better than average - at best.  To think anything else is delusional.   

The Rich get Richer

Brian Cushing, Santonio Holmes, and Big Ben return to their teams today.  Three championship caliber teams have been winning without them.  How good will they be when they all get elite caliber players back on their rosters?  Sheesh.  It just got a lot harder to win in the AFC this week. 

Early results.....

Early games are in the books and though I picked Cleveland and Baltimore to lose, I'm really glad they both pulled out close wins.  Rams were impressive.  I still feel for the Lions and Niners.  Both teams aren't near as bad as their records show, they just seems to never get the break they need. 

Week 4 Predictions

Well it appears I'm getting better at this prediction thing.  Week 3 was certainly an improvement for me.  here are my thoughts on the Week 4 games:

Jets at Bills - The Bills are awful.  The Jets are not.  Jets are great on the road and are statistically better than the Bills in almost every measurable category.  Jets win easily. 

Bengals at Browns - Week 4 won't provide the respite that the Browns need.  Browns have a better run game and are better on 3rd down, but the Bengals have a better offense, and a better defense.  It won't be a blowout but the Bengals win on the road.

Ravens at Steelers - Game of the week, kids.  Really tough to call.  Steelers are considerably better in the run game but the Ravens easily win the pass game.  Ravens defend the pass better and Steelers defend the run better.  Every stat seems to play to the opposing teams strengths and it comes out fairly balanced except for one important one - 3rd down.  Ravens have a 45% conversion rate on 3rd down...amazing...and the Steelers are awful against opponents on third down.  Maybe the home crowd energy helps Pittsburgh with that.  We'll see.  I see the Steelers in the Super Bowl, and I think the Ravens are maybe a little overrated.  They barely beat the Jets, lost to the bengals, and let Cleveland stay in the game.  I want the Ravens to win, and I think Pittsburghs bubble has to burst at some point, but I don't think this is the week.  Steelers win 6-3.

Denver at Tennessee - Tennessee runs away with it...literally.  Denver's run D isn't bad, but Chris Johnson is a stud and will show why again on Sunday.  Tennessee wins at home. 


Detroit at Green Bay - I just feel bad for Detroit.  They don't suck, but they need the schedule gods to cut em a break.  No way they win in Green Bay.  Pack win big big big and Clay Matthews is the first NFL player to sack a QB 17 times in one game.  Lock of the week.

Niners at Falcons - Good LORD the Niners need to win a football game!  Talent plus desperation usually equal a win, but I wonder can they do it on the road against one of the best teams in the NFC?  That's a tall order to fill.  Statistically there is just no good reason to believe that the Niners can do it.  Falcons win. 


Panthers at Saints - The Panthers are a lame duck team.  They've given up the season already and the Saints are pissed off at the loss last week.  Plus they're at home.  Saints win. 


Seahawks at Rams - My gut says the Seahawks, but ya know what...and I could really believe this myself...statistically speaking the Rams are slightly better than the Seahawks in almost every category.  Rams got a little win last week and they are home now and riding high with a little confidence.  I think the Rams pull it off in my upset special of the week. 


Colts at Jaguars - Ugh.  Who wants to watch this game?  Colts will set offensive records this week against the hapless Jags.  Colts win huge.


Texans at Raiders - Until the Raiders show me they can win, I assume they can't.  Texans are a very talented team and should take this game fairly easily, even on the Road.  Texans win.


Washington at Philly - Ok, so this is the "McNabb" game where he supposedly rides into town with an axe to grind.  Fine, so he probably knows how to expose the defense.  But that wont help his own defense much against a rejuvenated Vick.  Skins are crashing, Eagles are soaring (sorry I had to) and Eagles should win at home.


Cardinals at Chargers - The Cards have beat two awful teams and lost to the only quality opponent they've played.  The Chargers have beat an awful team and lost to the two quality teams they've played.  Both teams are trying to salvage any hope they have for contending for a division crown.  But The Cards are on the road and San Diego is just a better team.  Chargers win. 


Bears at Giants - I really struggle with this game.  Bears are hot but they shouldn't be.  Cutler's 2 interceptions on the year are deceptive...he keeps trying to throw more but defenses keep getting called for penalties on the plays or dropping the football.  The Giants pass D is fairly good and could fix that issue.  The stats kind of play both ways.  Giants are at home and Eli won't continue to be as bad as he was last week, and I still don't totally buy the Bears as a contender, but I'm gonna say the Bears win on the road and go to 4-0. 

Patriots at Dolphins - Dolphins are a solid team and will be at home with a better defense than the Pats.  But I think Mr. Brady gets it done on the road in a tight game.  Pats win.  




What do you think?  Am I nuts? 

Chiefs Rant Week 3

It's only fitting that my first posting be dedicated to my beloved Kansas City Chiefs.  Here are my thoughts after week 3.  First, it is impressive and worthy of celebration that they are 3-0.  After tonight's match-up between the Bears and Packers, there will only be 3 remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL.  That the Chiefs are one of them is just short of stunning considering the dreadful years they've had of late.  They games have been hard-fought and in previous years they would have been hard-lost. 

However, lets not crown them anything just yet.  The next time we see the Chiefs, they will serve as sacrificial lambs to the Indianapolis Colts.  I don't expect it will be pretty.  They do have a few things in their favor - first of all they have a bye this week which gives them two weeks to prepare, rest, and get healthy.  If you are going to go on the road and take on Indy in their house, this is about as good of a chance as you are going to get.  Second, the Chiefs have an incredible run game and Indianapolis would probably allow me 100+ on the ground.  Third, their special teams (all aspects - kicking, punting, returns) are among the best in the league.  Combine that with a strong defense and they could, feasibly, keep the game from getting completely out of hand.  However, they are young young young and Big Daddy Peyton will likely make mince-meat of the rookie safeties.  In all likelihood, the Chiefs lose the match-up and the media will label them fakers and the downhill slide will begin.  We also should remember that the teams the Chiefs have beat are not all that good.  Their combined record at this point is 1-8.  After the trip to Indy, the Chiefs will then face the Houston Texans, who as we know are no joke.  In all likelihood the Chiefs will be sitting at 3-2 at week 6.

The good news is that the schedule softens up significantly after that.  The following 3 opponents are the Jaguars, Bills, and Raiders who combined stand at 2-7.  These are all very winnable games and put the Chiefs at a likely 6-2 at week 9.  After that, opponents include the Broncos(2), Cardinals, Seahawks, Chargers, Rams, Titans, and Raiders.  It's too early to tell how most of those games will go.  If the Chiefs can go 4-4, that puts them at a likely 10-6 and a division crown is certainly a possibility.  If it happens it will likely be due to overall team improvement and a fantastically easy schedule, but you take wins where you can get em and don't look back.

So at this point I suppose the overall outlook is good, but there should be no delusions that the Chiefs will be contending for any serious prizes this year.  A trip to the playoffs sounds just about right.  I suppose we'll just have to tune in and see.  

Welcome to my sports blog!

Well here it is folks, my official blog.  A place to vomit all of my sports rants.  I've grown weary of keeping all my sports related thoughts in my head, and now it's time to get them out into the universe to share with, well, perhaps no one, or possibly many.  Who knows?  In any case I hope that someone out there gets a chance to read it, and scoff at the crap that comes out of my head.  When you do, please feel free to scoff out loud in the comment box.  Lively debate is welcome and encouraged.  Many of my sports-loving friends are across the country and so I ask you friends to light me up from a distance.  Tell me why I'm right, wrong, or seemingly intoxicated.  I'm good with that.  It'll be fun I promise.