1. San Antonio Spurs (14-2): Everything is clicking for the Spurs right now. This hot start puts them in a great position to compete for the West's top seed down the stretch.
2. Dallas Mavericks (12-4): Dallas wins five in a row, including a road victories against the Thunder and Spurs, and a home win against the Heat. Tyson Chandler has been exactly the presence this team needs, but Caron Butler has to do more.
3. Boston Celtics (12-4): They've won three straight, and with Rajon Rondo back, they are a scary team again. Boston has a chance to pile up a lot of wins in a weak division.
4. Orlando Magic (12-4): Orlando's won three straight. Dwight Howard is averaging 23 points and 12 boards a game; if he can sustain those numbers, this team can go a long way.
5. Utah Jazz (13-5): This increasingly dangerous team has five straight victories. During their streak they've beat the Blazers, Lakers, and Hornets, not bad. They are incredibly tough to beat at home. My only concern is their relative lack of size.
6. Los Angeles Lakers (13-4): Two losses in a row follow the Lake Show's five straight wins. The Lakers have lost two in a row twice this season, and then they go on long streaks, so I would guess we are in store for about seven straight LA victories. Also, don't forget that this team is without a dominant player in Andrew Bynum. He is taking his time recovering from knee surgery, and that's a good thing. He should be back in three weeks or so.
7. New Orleans Hornets (12-4): After a blistering start, this team appears to be coming back to Earth. I'm not sure they have the talent to stay atop the West all year, but they are playing very good team defense, which can make up for a lack of scoring punch.
8. Oklahoma City Thunder (11-6): Kevin Durant has been banged up and this team is still winning games, which is a great sign. Russell Westbrook is the team MVP right now.
9. Denver Nuggets (10-6): They've won four in a row but remain in Melo limbo.
10. Atlanta Hawks (11-7): They are playing really balanced offensive ball. No player is scoring more than 17 points a game, and six players are putting up at least 9 points per game.
--from Adam
November 29, 2010
November 26, 2010
Revisionist History
All those that kicked and screamed like little children when Ted Thompson shipped out Brett Favre, please step forward. It’s high time you receive your verbal whooping.
What have the teams that had Favre over the last three years gained? The Jets got a text message scandal and 22 interceptions in a 9-7 year. The Vikings got one drama-free good year, but ultimately Favre threw the decisive interception in the NFC Championship Game. They also got this year, one of the most dramatic, disappointing, devastating years any franchise in team sports has recently endured. Favre has managed to handicap this team from a salary standpoint, attract an unbelievable amount of negative attention, split the locker room, and get his head coach and chauffeur fired, Brad Childress—a coach, by the way, who the Vikings still have to pay $6.6 million to over the next two years.
And oh yeah, he’s played horribly. Favre is on pace to tie his personal best of 27 interceptions in one season, and he’s thrown in a basket full of fumbles for good measure. Tarvaris Jackson’s confidence is likely broken, and the “Fire Childress” chant that rang out during Sunday’s game against Green Bay was one of the most despicable, classless moments I have seen in sports this year. In other words, Favre’s quest for personal glory has completely ravaged the Minnesota Vikings franchise, not just their season. Favre’s hubris has left numerous individuals destroyed in its wake, like his wife, Childress, Jackson, Zygi Wilf, and every fan in Minnesota.
 |
| Don't Look Now |
And oh yeah, he’s played horribly. Favre is on pace to tie his personal best of 27 interceptions in one season, and he’s thrown in a basket full of fumbles for good measure. Tarvaris Jackson’s confidence is likely broken, and the “Fire Childress” chant that rang out during Sunday’s game against Green Bay was one of the most despicable, classless moments I have seen in sports this year. In other words, Favre’s quest for personal glory has completely ravaged the Minnesota Vikings franchise, not just their season. Favre’s hubris has left numerous individuals destroyed in its wake, like his wife, Childress, Jackson, Zygi Wilf, and every fan in Minnesota.
 |
| Payback's a Bitch |
Meanwhile, have you seen what Aaron Rodgers is doing? He threw for 4,000 yards in each of his first two seasons as a starter, which has never been done before, and led the Packers to the playoffs last year. He looks poised to take the Pack deep into the postseason again this year. And, for those that shout about how Rodgers’ numbers are nice but Favre was the better winner, over the first two and a half seasons of their starting tenure, Rodgers and Favre had the exact same record (prior to Green Bay’s victory over Minnesota Sunday). In that same period, Rodgers threw for 73 touchdowns and 29 interceptions while Favre threw for 57 and 45. And, oh wait, Favre is having an abysmal season at age 41 while Rodgers is still ascending at age 26. You idiot Thompson, we could have had three mediocre years with Favre and tossed away our future with Rodgers, and instead you had the audacity to ensure that the Packers will be contending for the next ten years. What a jerk!
Some might argue that Favre is the better player because of his career numbers. Pardon my French, but no shit. Maybe when Rodgers has played twenty seasons we can compare. One number that does provide a comparison though is career quarterback rating. So far Rodgers has posted a 97 while Favre’s career rating sits at 86.
If you want to call Favre a great winner, tread lightly. He only made the Super Bowl twice in twenty years and won only once. Favre was more adept at derailing his team in the playoffs than leading them. In both of his last two appearances in the NFC Title Game, Favre threw the crucial, game-losing interception. He also has a few 5- or 6-interception playoff games with Green Bay. Thanks for the memories Brett.
As for pure leadership, Favre deserves an “F” for the last half of his career. He gorged himself on his image as a legend. He hijacked the Packers franchise his past three seasons their by waffling about whether or not he would return, then retired, came back, and whined about how Green Bay moved on without him. Then he moved to the Jets where teammates complained about Favre’s elitist behavior and poor play. Then of course, he single-handedly annihilated the Minnesota Vikings.
 |
| Moving On |
All the while, you don’t hear anything from Rodgers. What you do hear are his teammates raving about how down to earth and how well liked he is. All you see is Rodgers throwing a beautiful ball, making plays with his legs, and playing like the best quarterback in the NFL.
In short, Brett, you are getting everything you deserve. You are no longer going to retire with the unblemished, iconic reputation you left Green Bay with. You will be remembered partly for your toughness and longevity, but you will also be remembered as a self-adoring pervert, philanderer, bad teammate, turnover machine, overall poor sport, and a first class jerk. Go away Brett, but for once, don’t make it about you. You no longer have the chance to quit while you’re ahead. For your benefit and ours, just disappear and let us forget about you for a while.
--from Adam
(all images from zimbio.com)
November 25, 2010
Week 12 Pick-Down
| Matchup | Adam's Pick | Eric's Pick |
|---|---|---|
Patriot at Lions | Patriots | Patriots |
Saints at Cowboys | Saints | Saints |
Bengals at Jets | Jets | Jets |
Vikings at Redskins | Vikings | Redskins |
Titans at Texans | Texans | Texans |
Eagles at Bears | Eagles | Bears |
Jaguars at Giants | Giants | Giants |
Buccaneers at Ravens | Ravens | Ravens |
Panthers at Browns | Browns | Browns |
Packers at Falcons | Packers | Falcons |
Steelers at Bills | Steelers | Steelers |
Chiefs at Seahawks | Chiefs | Seahawks |
Dolphins at Raiders | Raiders | Raiders |
Rams at Broncos | Rams | Rams |
Chargers at Colts | Colts | Colts |
49ers at Cardinals | Cardinals | Cardinals |
Adam | Eric | |
Week 11 Record | 11-5 | 10-6 |
Season Standings | 89-71 | 94-66 |
To see how the "Experts" stack up: http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks
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The predictions here come from Adam and correspond to his picks.
New England Patriots at Detroit Lions
The Lions really are better than 2-8. Usually Detroit manages to be worse than their abysmal record, but this year they have had some tough injuries and lost some very close games. I said all that just out of sympathy, not as a precursor to an upset pick. The Pats don’t overlook people because they aren’t as talented as they were in 2007. They are winning with scheme, and they will outthink Detroit easily.
Prediction: Patriots 28 – Lions 20
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are doing better under Jason Garrett, and I’d think about picking them in this game except Romo isn’t playing and the Saints have gotten on a bit of a roll.
Prediction: Saints 30 – Cowboys 23
Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets
There is no reason to pick the Bengals to win another game this year. The running game hasn’t been great and Carson Palmer has looked exceptionally average. In addition, they continually dig huge holes or allow teams to come back on them. The Jets have had a lot of close games lately, and this may be close again because both teams have a short week to prepare and rest up. Still, the Jets will put up more points.
Prediction: Jets 23 – Bengals 14
Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins
I think Brett Favre might actually play well in this game with his arch nemesis, Brad Childress, out of the picture. Players like Leslie Frasier and may play with a renewed energy. Childress’ absence will allow everyone to relax and be themselves a bit, and it also may also allow Favre to take more control of the offense. Sidney Rice being back helps too. I think it will be a relatively low scoring game where the Vikings will have one more productive drive than Washington.
Prediction: Vikings 23 – Redskins 17
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
I may have buried the Texans too quickly; this division is still up in the air. This will be a hotly contested game between teams that know each other well. Ultimately I’ll pick the shaky Texans because the Titans are starting rookie Rusty Smith at quarterback.
Prediction: Texans 28 – Titans 16
Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears
It’s not just me that doubts the Bears. Vegas has them as 4 point underdogs at home against a team with the same record. I agree with Vegas: too much Michael Vick and too much bad Jay Cutler. Asante Samuel will get Cutler at least twice in this game.
Prediction: Eagles 27 – Bears 20
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants
An interesting matchup pits two teams with the same record who I feel entirely different about. The Giants are a team with loads of talent, and if they can get their heads on straight, they can beat anyone in the NFC. The Jags on the other hand are riding a lot of luck, trickery, and general shenanigans thus far to their 6-4 mark. The Giants are the better team and will prove it at home.
Prediction: Giants 26 – Jaguars 17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens
Who are you Tampa? Can you win a road game against a Super Bowl contender? It won’t be enough to just play close in this game; eventually you have to win one of these games. I just don’t think Tampa is quite ready.
Prediction: Ravens 20 – Bucs 14
Carolina Panthers at Cleveland Browns
This will be an ugly game, and unfortunately for Carolina, those are Cleveland’s specialty. The Browns are a competitive bad team; the Panthers are just plain old bad.
Prediction: Browns 24 – Panthers 10
Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
Hands down the game of the weekend, the two best quarterbacks in the NFC compete in this matchup. Green Bay is playing like a Super Bowl team, and Atlanta just keeps winning with a balanced and efficient formula. Atlanta is 5-0 at home this year, and Matt Ryan is 18-1 in his career at home. Well, get ready for 18-2, because Aaron Rodgers is starting to play at another level. Greg Jennings went off last week, James Jones is playing really well, and Donald Driver is getting back healthy. The difference in the game will be the playmaking ability of Clay Matthews and Charles Woodson. Atlanta has a solid defense, but they don’t have players that completely change the game like Green Bay does.
Prediction: Packers 34 – Falcons 27
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills
The Bills are playing tough, but the Steelers need this win and should be fully focused. The Steelers will simply overwhelm Buffalo.
Prediction: Steelers 27 – Bills 14
Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is pretty good at home, but they just aren’t a very talented team. Matt Cassell has an astounding 96 quarterback rating this year with 19 touchdowns and 4 picks. If the Chiefs win the turnover battle, they win this game. They have the superior defense, running game, and special teams.
Prediction: Chiefs 23 – Seahawks 20
Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders
I’m expecting Tyler Thigpen again for Miami, which is not a good thing for Dolphins fans. The Raiders and Dolphins combined to score three points last week. The Raiders have a good defensive line, and with Jake Long banged up, the Dolphins' complete lack of a running game, and Thigpen in the saddle, three points may be enough for Oakland to win this one.
Prediction: Raiders 16 – Dolphins 10
St. Louis Rams at Denver Broncos
I think this is a good matchup for the Rams. Both teams are workmanlike and have to string together drives to get points. Steven Jackson will be the difference in this game.
Prediction: Rams 24 – Broncos 20
San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have to have this game as they are playing at home. Peyton has struggled with the Chargers 3-4 defense in the past, but this is not the same San Diego defense. It should be a shootout that goes to the ol' sheriff.
Prediction: Colts 38 – Chargers 35
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
All my rowdy friends are here for…Niners and Cards? C’mon Man! I can’t believe this despicable excuse for a game is the Monday nighter. I have no idea who will win this game, so I’ll pick the team I feel like rooting for, the Cardinals. It’s all about getting a high draft pick for us Niner fans.
Prediction: Cardinals 13 – 49ers 10
Internet Watch #7 - Thanksgiving Edition
In case you've given up on your team's season, we've got an early mock draft for you.
To conclude a story we've previously linked to, Shin-Soo Choo can continue to play baseball.
Jason Bellamy reviews each of ESPN's 30 for 30 documentaries.
Check out another review of last Sunday's Patriots win over Indianapolis and also check out an entertaining set of predictions for this week's slate of games.
Shannon Brown sheds comparison to another uber-athlete: JR Smith.
Finally, have a Happy Thanksgiving.
To conclude a story we've previously linked to, Shin-Soo Choo can continue to play baseball.
Jason Bellamy reviews each of ESPN's 30 for 30 documentaries.
Check out another review of last Sunday's Patriots win over Indianapolis and also check out an entertaining set of predictions for this week's slate of games.
Shannon Brown sheds comparison to another uber-athlete: JR Smith.
Finally, have a Happy Thanksgiving.
November 24, 2010
Separation Sunday
To date, this NFL season has been labeled a year with no great teams. "Mediocrity" has been the buzz word. That has largely been justified, and plenty of mediocrity was on display Sunday. Yet, the good teams were very good on this day as well. It appears we may have a crop of 8-10 very good teams, a lot of solid or average teams, and zero great teams. It's fun to have a 2007 Patriots juggernaut every once in a while, but as a pure football fan, I think it'll be fun to see a large group of evenly matched teams battle it out in the playoffs. It makes for better, closer games where execution will be at a premium because opposing teams' talent will be equal. It's a great time of the year when teams are hitting their strides, and there are a lot of big games still to come.
The Top Tier: There is no single team I can justifiably say is the best in football at this point, so let's examine the upper echelon of NFL teams this year and how they fared Sunday.
New England Patriots (8-2): They outlast the Colts as Peyton Manning led a scary comeback. At 8-2, they are tied for the lead in the AFC East and for the best record in the NFL. And they just bested their arch conference rivals. Tom Brady is a top MVP candidate, and we've seen shades of the 2001 Patriots: a largely no-name defense, a potent intermediate passing game, and anonymous players running the football. Bill Belichick is at his hoodie evil genius best right now, and Brady has 25 straight wins at home. There's a huge game with the Jets looming in two weeks, but the rest of the slate looks pretty soft for New England to finish out the season.
New York Jets (8-2): Both top AFC East teams have looked underwhelming at times, but they keep winning. Mark Sanchez moved the Jets the length of the field in 45 seconds to take a late lead, and the Jets probably ended the Texans' season. It hasn't been pretty, or all that convincing, but 8-2 is hard to argue with.
Atlanta Falcons (8-2): This appears to be the NFL's most balanced offense. Matt Ryan threw for 259 yards, 2 scores, and no picks while Michael Turner accumulated 131 yards on the ground. Their defense excelled against a Rams offense that plays very well at home. It appears the Atlanta defense is solid enough to not screw this thing up for the offense. Perhaps that's even underselling them; they're allowing a respectable 19 points per game.
Green Bay Packers (7-3): They've looked as good as any team in the league over the past four weeks. The Packers and Bears defenses have allowed the exact same amount of points through ten games, but the Packer offense has outscored their Chicago counterparts by 61 points. Crushing the hated Vikings to a chorus of "Fire Childress" while Brett Favre melted down made this win all the sweeter, and the Packers look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. We'll find out just how good Green Bay is next week when they head to Atlanta to take on Ryan at the Georgia Dome.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3): The Steelers bounced back with a win against a physical team, good sign after a bad loss to New England. Ben Roethlisberger made plays all day despite injuries to his offensive line. They have a huge game at Baltimore in two weeks.
Baltimore Ravens (7-3): The Ravens easily won a game they should have. They host a surprisingly big matchup next week against the Buccaneers, and then they host the Steelers. I can't tell who I like better in the AFC North, but I tend to think Roethlisberger will make more plays than Joe Flacco in a tight game.
Philadelphia Eagles (7-3): I like that the Eagles won a wild and rough division game. They were at home, but still, they overcame turnovers and some inconsistency and found a way to make more crucial plays down the stretch. They also controlled the ball for the better portion of the game; that's a good sign for a team that is usually a quick strike unit. They will have to sustain drives in the playoffs regardless of Michael Vick's brilliance, and they put together some nice long drives in this game against the Giants. LeSean McCoy is so much better than I gave him credit for to start the season. He is so elusive, gets to top speed incredibly fast, and he can do everything; he's on pace for 82 catches this year. The Eagles have a bright future if their stars can stay healthy. Vick is an MVP candidate, DeSean Jackson is the most dangerous man on the planet, and Jeremy Maclin can burn. Maclin also showed ability to go over the middle and get the ball against the Giants. Throw in McCoy, Brent Celek, and the offensive line's improved play, and this team can beat anybody. The defense feels it can attack like it wants to with such an explosive offense helping their cause. With their remaining schedule, I think the Eagles could go 5-1 and get to 12 wins.
New York Giants (6-4): I still think this team has elite potential. I won't punish them too much for losing a tough game at division rival Philly. Eli Manning isn't great, but he's better than most, and the Giants receivers are big, strong, and talented. Ahmad Bradshaw is an elite running back, but Brandon Jacobs hasn't been the force he can be. He's averaging 5.2 yards a carry, so maybe he just needs more touches. The Giants are best when they lead with the run anyway. Their next three games are home to the Jaguars and Redskins, and then they travel to play a Vikings team that is in disarray. Then they host Philly where the division may very well be on the line again.
Gimme a Week or Two: I'm not totally sold on the following teams, but with another nice win or two, they could move up a level.
New Orleans Saints (7-3): The defending champs have righted the ship impressively, winning three in a row and four of the last five. I can't quite believe in them as Super Bowl contenders because their running game is lacking and Drew Brees has been very good, but not great like last year. The defense has been spotty as well, though this team certainly has the talent to go on a run. When Drew Brees gets hot, this team can beat anybody. With the Cowboys, Bengals, and Rams coming up, the Saints have a chance to put together a nice winning streak and build momentum heading into the last month of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3): They haven't beaten a single really impressive opponent, but in a year like this, winning consistently against any competition deserves praise. They have been reliable and seem to improve each week. This week their maligned run defense stepped up to shut down Frank Gore. They go to Baltimore, and then come home to host the Falcons over the next two weeks. We'll know who this team is after that stretch.
Chicago Bears (7-3): I have less faith in this team than I do in the Bucs because Josh Freeman is more reliable than Jay Cutler. The Bears' defense has been very good, and they finally got Matt Forte going against the Dolphins this week. Johnny Knox is coming on, and Greg Olsen is a solid target. I still think their porous offensive line and turnover-happy quarterback will hold the Bears back from big things. The Bears get the Eagles, Patriots, Jets, and Packers still this year; I can't see them winning more than one of those games.
Indianapolis Colts (6-4): Their record isn't great but I'm not going to kill a team for losing a close game at New England. Peyton Manning hasn't been at his insane level the past few weeks, but I'll give the GOAT a break. This team could easily win the rest of the games on its schedule.
Still in consideration: Washington Redskins (barely), Seattle Seahawks (by default), Kansas City Chiefs (nice bounce back win to reclaim control of the AFC North), Oakland Raiders (now that was Raiders football), San Diego Chargers (only because Phillip Rivers is unbelievably good), and Jacksonville Jaguars (just win baby)
Though 5-5, I'm pronouncing the Dolphins and Titans dead due to quarterback injuries and inconsistencies. The rest of the league should be ashamed of themselves and should start jockeying for draft status.
--from Adam
The Top Tier: There is no single team I can justifiably say is the best in football at this point, so let's examine the upper echelon of NFL teams this year and how they fared Sunday.
New England Patriots (8-2): They outlast the Colts as Peyton Manning led a scary comeback. At 8-2, they are tied for the lead in the AFC East and for the best record in the NFL. And they just bested their arch conference rivals. Tom Brady is a top MVP candidate, and we've seen shades of the 2001 Patriots: a largely no-name defense, a potent intermediate passing game, and anonymous players running the football. Bill Belichick is at his hoodie evil genius best right now, and Brady has 25 straight wins at home. There's a huge game with the Jets looming in two weeks, but the rest of the slate looks pretty soft for New England to finish out the season.
New York Jets (8-2): Both top AFC East teams have looked underwhelming at times, but they keep winning. Mark Sanchez moved the Jets the length of the field in 45 seconds to take a late lead, and the Jets probably ended the Texans' season. It hasn't been pretty, or all that convincing, but 8-2 is hard to argue with.
Atlanta Falcons (8-2): This appears to be the NFL's most balanced offense. Matt Ryan threw for 259 yards, 2 scores, and no picks while Michael Turner accumulated 131 yards on the ground. Their defense excelled against a Rams offense that plays very well at home. It appears the Atlanta defense is solid enough to not screw this thing up for the offense. Perhaps that's even underselling them; they're allowing a respectable 19 points per game.
Green Bay Packers (7-3): They've looked as good as any team in the league over the past four weeks. The Packers and Bears defenses have allowed the exact same amount of points through ten games, but the Packer offense has outscored their Chicago counterparts by 61 points. Crushing the hated Vikings to a chorus of "Fire Childress" while Brett Favre melted down made this win all the sweeter, and the Packers look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. We'll find out just how good Green Bay is next week when they head to Atlanta to take on Ryan at the Georgia Dome.
Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3): The Steelers bounced back with a win against a physical team, good sign after a bad loss to New England. Ben Roethlisberger made plays all day despite injuries to his offensive line. They have a huge game at Baltimore in two weeks.
Baltimore Ravens (7-3): The Ravens easily won a game they should have. They host a surprisingly big matchup next week against the Buccaneers, and then they host the Steelers. I can't tell who I like better in the AFC North, but I tend to think Roethlisberger will make more plays than Joe Flacco in a tight game.
Philadelphia Eagles (7-3): I like that the Eagles won a wild and rough division game. They were at home, but still, they overcame turnovers and some inconsistency and found a way to make more crucial plays down the stretch. They also controlled the ball for the better portion of the game; that's a good sign for a team that is usually a quick strike unit. They will have to sustain drives in the playoffs regardless of Michael Vick's brilliance, and they put together some nice long drives in this game against the Giants. LeSean McCoy is so much better than I gave him credit for to start the season. He is so elusive, gets to top speed incredibly fast, and he can do everything; he's on pace for 82 catches this year. The Eagles have a bright future if their stars can stay healthy. Vick is an MVP candidate, DeSean Jackson is the most dangerous man on the planet, and Jeremy Maclin can burn. Maclin also showed ability to go over the middle and get the ball against the Giants. Throw in McCoy, Brent Celek, and the offensive line's improved play, and this team can beat anybody. The defense feels it can attack like it wants to with such an explosive offense helping their cause. With their remaining schedule, I think the Eagles could go 5-1 and get to 12 wins.
New York Giants (6-4): I still think this team has elite potential. I won't punish them too much for losing a tough game at division rival Philly. Eli Manning isn't great, but he's better than most, and the Giants receivers are big, strong, and talented. Ahmad Bradshaw is an elite running back, but Brandon Jacobs hasn't been the force he can be. He's averaging 5.2 yards a carry, so maybe he just needs more touches. The Giants are best when they lead with the run anyway. Their next three games are home to the Jaguars and Redskins, and then they travel to play a Vikings team that is in disarray. Then they host Philly where the division may very well be on the line again.
Gimme a Week or Two: I'm not totally sold on the following teams, but with another nice win or two, they could move up a level.
New Orleans Saints (7-3): The defending champs have righted the ship impressively, winning three in a row and four of the last five. I can't quite believe in them as Super Bowl contenders because their running game is lacking and Drew Brees has been very good, but not great like last year. The defense has been spotty as well, though this team certainly has the talent to go on a run. When Drew Brees gets hot, this team can beat anybody. With the Cowboys, Bengals, and Rams coming up, the Saints have a chance to put together a nice winning streak and build momentum heading into the last month of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3): They haven't beaten a single really impressive opponent, but in a year like this, winning consistently against any competition deserves praise. They have been reliable and seem to improve each week. This week their maligned run defense stepped up to shut down Frank Gore. They go to Baltimore, and then come home to host the Falcons over the next two weeks. We'll know who this team is after that stretch.
Chicago Bears (7-3): I have less faith in this team than I do in the Bucs because Josh Freeman is more reliable than Jay Cutler. The Bears' defense has been very good, and they finally got Matt Forte going against the Dolphins this week. Johnny Knox is coming on, and Greg Olsen is a solid target. I still think their porous offensive line and turnover-happy quarterback will hold the Bears back from big things. The Bears get the Eagles, Patriots, Jets, and Packers still this year; I can't see them winning more than one of those games.
Indianapolis Colts (6-4): Their record isn't great but I'm not going to kill a team for losing a close game at New England. Peyton Manning hasn't been at his insane level the past few weeks, but I'll give the GOAT a break. This team could easily win the rest of the games on its schedule.
Still in consideration: Washington Redskins (barely), Seattle Seahawks (by default), Kansas City Chiefs (nice bounce back win to reclaim control of the AFC North), Oakland Raiders (now that was Raiders football), San Diego Chargers (only because Phillip Rivers is unbelievably good), and Jacksonville Jaguars (just win baby)
Though 5-5, I'm pronouncing the Dolphins and Titans dead due to quarterback injuries and inconsistencies. The rest of the league should be ashamed of themselves and should start jockeying for draft status.
--from Adam
November 23, 2010
NFL Week 11 Game Notes
Bears over Dolphins
-Tyler Thigpen held off the Titans last week in Tennessee, but he couldn’t generate any offense whatsoever Thursday against a tenacious Bears defense, leading to the season’s second shutout.
Bills over Bengals
-The Gus Johnson factor strikes again. After being down 28-7 at one point, the Bills came back to win 49-31.
-The NFL’s longest losing streak belongs to the defending AFC North division champion Cincinnati Bengals and stretches to seven games.
Steelers over Raiders
-The Raiders were on a three-game winning streak, but coming off the bye week came out rusty against the Steelers.
-Ben Roethlisberger was on a little bit of a slump with less than stellar games against the Saints, Bengals, and Patriots in the three weeks previous. Against Oakland though, Roethlisberger got it going to the tune of 275 yards and 3 touchdowns passing plus 55 yards and another touchdown on the ground.
Ravens over Panthers
-Brian St. Pierre over Tony Pike? Put the rookie in and let him show what he’s got. You already know what you’re getting from St. Pierre. His eighth year in the league, St. Pierre is a career third stringer at best. On Sunday he threw more touchdowns to Ravens defenders than he did to his own receivers.
Jets over Texans
-Have you forgone playing defense, Houston? It seems like it.
Jaguars over Browns
-Two tough teams matched up in a close, physical game where ultimately the best player on the field made the plays that determined the game’s outcome: Maurice Jones-Drew’s 75-yard screen pass reception and then 1-yard touchdown dive to put the Jaguars up for good.
-Colt McCoy has a 2-3 record, which is pretty good for a rookie quarterback starting in Cleveland.
Redskins over Titans
-Vince Young’s done for the year, Kerry Collins will be out at least a couple more weeks, and so that means…you guessed it…Rusty Smith will start at quarterback for the Titans. I don’t know if even Randy Moss can break up the eight and nine man fronts that Chris Johnson will see with Smith at the helm. Maybe playing the Texans’ nonexistent defense next week will give him some confidence.
Packers over Vikings
-Yeesh. Bye bye, Brad Childress. You should go too, Brett Favre.
Chiefs over Cardinals
-The Chiefs love Arrowhead. They move to 5-0 at home this season and are 6-4 overall, still first place in the AFC West.
-Dwayne Bowe has set a Chiefs record with touchdown catches in six straight games. He has 563 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches in that span.
Cowboys over Lions
-I’m really tired of writing about this, but it has to be mentioned. The Lions’ road losing streak has reached 26 games.
-Jon Kitna burns his former team for 4 touchdowns, three passing and one rushing.
-The game-changing play was a wacky one. The Lions had a lead and were punting, but gave up that lead when the punt bounced at the one yard line, was touched by a Lions player to keep it from going into the end zone, and then returned by the Cowboys’ Bryan McCann for a touchdown. I thought the ball was down where a member of the punting team first touches it. If any of our readers can leave a comment and clarify this for me, I’d greatly appreciate it.
Falcons over Rams
-Sam Bradford made his most costly rookie mistake so far this season when he threw a late interception on a shovel pass at the two yard line where a touchdown would have brought the game within a field goal.
Buccaneers over 49ers
-The Tampa Bay Buccaneers typify solid, mistake-free football and have run their record to an impressive 7-3. Even with Sunday’s shutout though, the Buccaneers still have not beaten anyone with a record above .500. They next play the Ravens and Falcons in back-to-back weeks; we’ll see how that goes.
Saints over Seahawks
-The woeful West went 0fer on Sunday. The Cards, Rams, Niners, and Seahawks all lost. Nice job guys.
Patriots over Colts
-In a classic quarterback duel, one only has to look as far as the turnover numbers to see who won: Peyton Manning – 3, Tom Brady – 0.
Eagles over Giants
-The Giants did a better job of handling Michael Vick than any other team has done defensively, but New York’s offense couldn’t quite hold up its end of the bargain. Eli Manning’s three interceptions and one lost fumble derailed New York’s hopes of taking a lead in the division.
Chargers over Broncos
-We’re going streaking! San Diego has won three in a row and is only one game behind division leader Kansas City.
--from Eric
November 22, 2010
NBA Power Poll #4
1. San Antonio Spurs (11-1): Ten wins in a row will help you get the top spot. Manu Ginobli and Tim Duncan are playing efficient offensive basketball. The veterans are healthy and don't have to log huge minutes. Tony Parker is playing at an All-NBA level, and Richard Jefferson, while struggling a bit as of late, is still providing scoring punch. This is a deep, well-coached team, which probably knows they need to start hot because they may need to rest guys during the grind that is an NBA season.
2. New Orleans Hornets (11-1): A three-game winning streak after your first loss of the season is a good way to say, "We're for real." The Hornets are winning by sharing the ball, playing defense, and letting Chris Paul play maestro. Paul is at the height of his powers and showing that he is as good a player as there is in the league.
3. Los Angeles Lakers (11-2): After losing two in a row, the champs are back to stopping teams by double digits and have run off four straight wins. In that four-game streak, LA wins by an average of 17 points per game. It's a good sign that they are beating the bad teams on their schedule because this team has a history of complacency against inferior competition. Starting December 1st, the Lakers play nine out of ten games on the road.
4. Orlando Magic (9-3): Dwight Howard and a solid but unspectacular supporting cast will be good enough most nights. I just worry that they can't beat the elite teams.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (9-4): They're winning close games without Kevin Durant, which shows how tough this team is and how good Russell Westbrook is. Beating Boston on the road without Durant was really impressive. Four straight wins has this team near the top of the West.
6. Boston Celtics (9-4): How much does Rajon Rondo mean? Without him, Boston lost to the Raptors.
7. Dallas Mavericks (8-4): This team is going to win its share of games with Dirk Nowitzki and that talented surrounding cast. Just like Howard and the Magic though, I wonder if Nowitzki has enough super friends.
8. Utah Jazz (9-5): If Paul Milsap can continue to average 20 points a game, this team will be near the top of the West all year.
9. Chicago Bulls (7-4): A nice win at Dallas earns Chicago a spot on the list. They could move higher once Carlos Boozer gets back, and so far Joakim Noah has proved me wrong. He's averaging 15 points and 13 rebounds a game.
10. Miami Heat (8-5): Even with five losses, the Heat have the third best point differential in the league. When they win, they win big. They've also blown some big leads. They just need to get over their nerves and play fast paced basketball. They aren't a half court team; they are a running team that can exploit matchups in transition. A tough week is coming up with road trips to Orlando and Dallas.
--from Adam
November 21, 2010
Debunking the Funk
It could be argued, correctly, that the sports world is often covered in such a way as to make you think that there is a nicely packaged cliché for just about every situation. SportsCenter has got to be some kind of subliminal advertisement for a vast book of colloquialisms that will someday be released. When was the last time Merrill Hoge blew your top with a phrase that didn't involve the words "seal" or "alley?" Chris Berman has become a rumblin' bumblin' train to nowhere (aside from maybe the bar, or Canada). Even the beloved Mike Golic seems to have been tinged with the oversimplification sickness that pervades the rest of the Worldwide Leader.
But it's not just the anchors and analysts at fault for this trend, the players are equally adept at piecing together words that seem to have meaning at face value. It's only when we are shaken from our apathy-induced coma that we see they make no sense at all. Brett Favre is so bored with the entire exercise that he has decided to ask himself all the questions at his press conferences, and yet still can't conjure an original response.
Asking Brett, "Did I text my penis to Jenn Sterger?"
Responding Brett, "Maybe."
Asking Brett, "Am I too old for this game?"
Responding Brett, "That could be."
Asking Brett, "Am I still the best quarterback in football?"
Responding Brett, "Y'know, probably."
My goal here is nothing revolutionary, I simply wish to poke and prod, for that is my nature. And with that in mind, allow me to gather up the top ten sports clichés nearest to my heart and present them for your viewing pleasure.
1. "It's the NBA, everybody makes a run." - Okay, have you seen the Clippers? That team hasn't had a run since Reagan was frightening the Russians.
2. "No question about it." - Then why did you just get asked the damn question?
3. "Defense wins championships." - If you use this you are either Matt Millen or just an idiot. (Pardon me for repeating myself right there.)
4. "He's a game manager." - Usually used for quarterbacks, this translates to: he has no physical skills of any kind, but his team seems to do OK despite his relative crappiness.
5. "He just finds a way to make plays." - And Shawn Kemp found a way to make numerous, illegitimate children.
6. "We came to play today." - Really? Because I came to grab a glass of chardonnay and take in some Michael Bolton.
7. "We're just glad to come outta here with a 'W.'" - They must be Sesame Street watchers. (This lame joke was brought to you by the number 8.)
8. "It is what it is." - A new level in wordsmith-ness.
9. "That's getting it done." - I hope Mark Jackson doesn't have this entirely generic and common arrangement of words patented.
10. "We got the monkey off our backs." - Ummm, why would you want to get rid of a monkey? Sure, they throw a little poop, but you're no picnic either.
--This, our 100th post, comes from Adam.
But it's not just the anchors and analysts at fault for this trend, the players are equally adept at piecing together words that seem to have meaning at face value. It's only when we are shaken from our apathy-induced coma that we see they make no sense at all. Brett Favre is so bored with the entire exercise that he has decided to ask himself all the questions at his press conferences, and yet still can't conjure an original response.
Asking Brett, "Did I text my penis to Jenn Sterger?"
Responding Brett, "Maybe."
Asking Brett, "Am I too old for this game?"
Responding Brett, "That could be."
Asking Brett, "Am I still the best quarterback in football?"
Responding Brett, "Y'know, probably."
My goal here is nothing revolutionary, I simply wish to poke and prod, for that is my nature. And with that in mind, allow me to gather up the top ten sports clichés nearest to my heart and present them for your viewing pleasure.
1. "It's the NBA, everybody makes a run." - Okay, have you seen the Clippers? That team hasn't had a run since Reagan was frightening the Russians.
2. "No question about it." - Then why did you just get asked the damn question?
3. "Defense wins championships." - If you use this you are either Matt Millen or just an idiot. (Pardon me for repeating myself right there.)
4. "He's a game manager." - Usually used for quarterbacks, this translates to: he has no physical skills of any kind, but his team seems to do OK despite his relative crappiness.
5. "He just finds a way to make plays." - And Shawn Kemp found a way to make numerous, illegitimate children.
6. "We came to play today." - Really? Because I came to grab a glass of chardonnay and take in some Michael Bolton.
7. "We're just glad to come outta here with a 'W.'" - They must be Sesame Street watchers. (This lame joke was brought to you by the number 8.)
8. "It is what it is." - A new level in wordsmith-ness.
9. "That's getting it done." - I hope Mark Jackson doesn't have this entirely generic and common arrangement of words patented.
10. "We got the monkey off our backs." - Ummm, why would you want to get rid of a monkey? Sure, they throw a little poop, but you're no picnic either.
--This, our 100th post, comes from Adam.
November 19, 2010
This BCS Mess
Can you feel it friends? Can you feel it deep in your bones, deep in that special portion of your stomach reserved for beer, Cheez-Its, and assorted deep fried goodness? We are hurtling headlong toward another college football season sure to end in confusion, anarchy, dispute, disappointment; pick your word, so long as that word is not "resolution."
Wait a minute, you say. Auburn and Oregon are both undefeated and from major conferences, if they stay unbeaten then they will square off for the national title. Problem solved, BCS vindicated…but wait. Auburn's Cam Newton, the single most important player in college football, is now shrouded in suspicion as allegations about receiving improper benefits have drawn the interest and ire of the NCAA. We may well be watching a player who is ineligible according to NCAA rules, meaning that even if Auburn wins the championship this year, they could very well have to vacate this season's results in a year or two when the NCAA finalizes its investigation. It could also mean Newton, this year's runaway Heisman Trophy favorite, may have to forfeit the award, just as Reggie Bush did to his 2005 trophy this year. After never having a Heisman winner give back his award, we are looking at two players possibly relinquishing the honor in the span of a few years.
Even with all this, it doesn't even approach the total point and problem with college football. I personally guarantee that every team within a stone's throw of the National Championship game has a player or players that have received or are currently receiving improper benefits from somebody. To single out Newton and say that he can't play is naïve, unfair, and unrealistic when college players are getting paid all over this country every day.
Enough of this moaning about one team. Auburn may not get to the title game anyway, and then surely the BCS can bring forth the next best team to play for all the marbles.
Or not. Check out the BCS rankings. Oregon, sure, I get it, that team deserves to be number one: undefeated-check, major conference-check, transcendent talent-check. Then let's remove Auburn from the discussion for the sake of clarity (as if such a word really exists in the lexicon of college football). Here we have TCU, clearly deserving because they are undefeated and have annihilated their competition thus far. But wait, they play in the puny Mountain West you say? What about the team directly behind them in the standings that beat them in the Fiesta Bowl last year and is also undefeated, Boise State? Hold it…Boise and TCU both play in watered down conferences while there are a slew of big conference, one loss teams behind them in the standings just as deserving of a title shot (Wisconsin, LSU, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Ohio State).
Isn't the point of sport, of competition in general, to pit two sides against one another and decide the victor by the results we see on the field of play? I don't remember the computer skills portion of any big football games in recent memory. Do they have a typing contest at halftime? Do they compete to see who can make an Excel spreadsheet the fastest? If you can kick a field goal while using Facebook and Twitter, do you get 5 points? Umm…
So why is a computer formula spitting out the two "best" football teams at the end of each year? The only thing that can produce the two best teams is a process of elimination, not generated by a computer program, but decided on the football field. The materials of the sport must determine the winner of the sport. A field, 22 players, a ball, and some refs, no keyboard or monitor necessary.
This maddening chaos defies my limited descriptive abilities as a wordsmith. Anything I say ultimately falls short of encapsulating the inadequacy of the BCS system. So in the end, let me quote a man far more advanced in the art of befuddling rhetoric, former President George W. Bush, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…you…you can't fool me again!"
--from Adam
(image from zimbio.com)
 |
| Building him up so we can tear him down |
Even with all this, it doesn't even approach the total point and problem with college football. I personally guarantee that every team within a stone's throw of the National Championship game has a player or players that have received or are currently receiving improper benefits from somebody. To single out Newton and say that he can't play is naïve, unfair, and unrealistic when college players are getting paid all over this country every day.
Enough of this moaning about one team. Auburn may not get to the title game anyway, and then surely the BCS can bring forth the next best team to play for all the marbles.
Or not. Check out the BCS rankings. Oregon, sure, I get it, that team deserves to be number one: undefeated-check, major conference-check, transcendent talent-check. Then let's remove Auburn from the discussion for the sake of clarity (as if such a word really exists in the lexicon of college football). Here we have TCU, clearly deserving because they are undefeated and have annihilated their competition thus far. But wait, they play in the puny Mountain West you say? What about the team directly behind them in the standings that beat them in the Fiesta Bowl last year and is also undefeated, Boise State? Hold it…Boise and TCU both play in watered down conferences while there are a slew of big conference, one loss teams behind them in the standings just as deserving of a title shot (Wisconsin, LSU, Stanford, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Ohio State).
Isn't the point of sport, of competition in general, to pit two sides against one another and decide the victor by the results we see on the field of play? I don't remember the computer skills portion of any big football games in recent memory. Do they have a typing contest at halftime? Do they compete to see who can make an Excel spreadsheet the fastest? If you can kick a field goal while using Facebook and Twitter, do you get 5 points? Umm…
So why is a computer formula spitting out the two "best" football teams at the end of each year? The only thing that can produce the two best teams is a process of elimination, not generated by a computer program, but decided on the football field. The materials of the sport must determine the winner of the sport. A field, 22 players, a ball, and some refs, no keyboard or monitor necessary.
This maddening chaos defies my limited descriptive abilities as a wordsmith. Anything I say ultimately falls short of encapsulating the inadequacy of the BCS system. So in the end, let me quote a man far more advanced in the art of befuddling rhetoric, former President George W. Bush, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…you…you can't fool me again!"
--from Adam
(image from zimbio.com)
November 18, 2010
Week 11 Pick-Down
| Matchup | Adam's Pick | Eric's Pick |
|---|---|---|
Bears at Dolphins | Bears | Dolphins |
Bills at Bengals | Bengals | Bengals |
Raiders at Steelers | Raiders | Steelers |
Ravens at Panthers | Ravens | Ravens |
Texans at Jets | Jets | Jets |
Browns at Jaguars | Jaguars | Jaguars |
Redskins at Titans | Titans | Titans |
Packers at Vikings | Packers | Packers |
Cardinals at Chiefs | Chiefs | Chiefs |
Lions at Cowboys | Cowboys | Lions |
Falcons at Rams | Falcons | Rams |
Buccaneers at 49ers | 49ers | 49ers |
Seahawks at Saints | Saints | Saints |
Colts at Patriots | Colts | Patriots |
Giants at Eagles | Eagles | Eagles |
Broncos at Chargers | Chargers | Chargers |
Adam | Eric | |
Week 10 Record | 6-8 | 7-7 |
Season Standings | 78-66 | 84-60 |
To see how the "Experts" stack up: http://espn.go.com/nfl/picks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The predictions here come from Adam and correspond to his picks.
Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins
Tyler Thigpen has some promising ability, but I just don't think he will light the world on fire with such limited experience and so few reps in practice. Jake Long has a torn labrum and a dislocated shoulder, plus he's coming of an MCL injury. He's thinking of playing? Yikes. He cannot be full strength with all those injuries, and Julius Peppers will sniff out that weakness. The Dolphins' corners are talented but young; they may give up a few big plays. I really don't like what I've seen with the Bears, but with all the injuries in Miami and a short week to boot, I'll take the Bears in this matchup.
Prediction: Bears 23 – Dolphins 16
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
You look at this game and think the Bengals are the more talented team, and they are. But the Bills expected to be bottom feeders, whereas the Bengals surprisingly find themselves at 2-7. In terms of mentality, I think the Bills will relish the spoiler role better then Cincinnati, and that will allow them to keep this game close. Ultimately though, the Bengals have to win a few games this season, and at home against Buffalo, they will get win number three.
Prediction: Bengals 27 – Bills 24
Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers' offensive line is banged up, Hines Ward may not play, and the defense looked pedestrian last week. The Raiders can really rush the passer, are coming off a bye week, have won three straight games, and finally have their quarterback in Jason Campbell. Every time I pick against the Raiders they win, so I'm going with the fresh Raiders to ugly up this game and win a grinder. Probably dumb, but that's the fun of this whole Pick-Down.
Prediction: Raiders 17 – Steelers 16
Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers
Jimmy Clausen might be too banged up, in which case rookie Tony Pike will start for the Panthers. In either case, this game will not go well for Carolina.
Prediction: Ravens 27 – Panthers 6
Houston Texans at New York Jets
The Texans have disappointed after a 4-2 start. The Jets have had two poor games, yet won them both. I think at home, the Jets have their best game of the year against a bad Texans defense.
Prediction: Jets 30 – Texans 16
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
I have no idea what kind of team Jacksonville is, but they are 5-4, and the Browns are 3-6 despite playing well. I'll take Jacksonville at home.
Prediction: Jaguars 24 – Browns 21
Washington Redskins at Tennessee Titans
The Redkins might be in disarray coming off the Monday night debacle against Philly, and with a short week to prepare for an angry Titans team, I don't like their chances. Vince Young should play, and Chris Johnson and Randy Moss should get their mojo going this week.
Prediction: Titans 28 – Redskins 19
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre and Percy Harvin are banged up, Sidney Rice isn't ready yet, the Vikings' defense is a shell of its former self, and everybody hates Brad Childress. The Packers are coming off a bye, their offensive line is playing well, Aaron Rodgers is finding his MVP form, and they have an opportunity to bury the hated Vikings. Go Pack Go.
Prediction: Packers 34 – Vikings 21
Arizona Cardinals at Kansas City Chiefs
This is a perfect rebound matchup for the Chiefs, as they come off two tough loses. Arizona doesn't have a quarterback and their defense has been up and down. I look for KC to control the ball with the rushing attack, win the turnover battle, and win comfortably.
Prediction: Chiefs 23 – Cardinals 13
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
We get Shaun Hill vs. Jon Kitna instead of Matt Stafford vs. Tony Romo. Since the quarterbacks are both average, the difference will be the supporting casts and the home field: advantage Dallas.
Prediction: Cowboys 24 – Lions 20
Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams
The Rams really impressed me last week in a road loss to the Niners. They are much better at home than on the road as well. By playing last Thursday, the Falcons have had an extra weekend to prepare for this matchup and will be slightly fresher and better prepared. Atlanta will be able to run the ball, and the Rams' biggest weakness is their secondary, not good when Matty Ice and Rowdy Roddy White are in town. Falcons will win a shootout.
Prediction: Falcons 31 – Rams 27
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have won three of their last four, and are 2-0 with Troy Smith. Troy has this team believing, and Mike Singletary would have lost the locker room if he had put Alex Smith back in. Troy gives the Niners down field ability, and most importantly, has not turned the ball over in two games. He makes Frank Gore more of a threat as well and also gives the defense confidence. The Bucs have beaten bad teams like the 49ers all year, but hell, I'm a Niner fan, and with a win and a Seattle loss, the Niners would be just one game back of the division lead.
Prediction: 49ers 27 – Buccaneers 20
Seattle Seahawks at New Orleans Saints
The Seahawks are not a very good team, but they lead a terrible division. Matt Hasselbeck is banged up, but will likely play. With the Saints coming off a bye week though, it won't matter who Seattle's quarterback is.
Prediction: Saints 30 – Seahawks 17
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots
The Patriots had an emotional, playoff-type game against Pittsburgh last week, while the Colts had their their bye. Every time we think we know the best team in the league (New England) they lose. Peyton Manning has had two weeks to prepare for this game, and if you give this man extra study time, he will kill you no matter who he's throwing to. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will make Tom Brady's life a lot tougher than New England's defense will for Manning.
Prediction: Colts 31 – Patriots 28
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
When the Giants win, they do so in dominant fashion. When they lose, they got clobbered. Michael Vick is so hot right now, and will lead the Eagles to sole possession of the NFC East.
Prediction: Eagles 27 – Giants 23
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
This game could easily have 800 yards of passing. Go Bolts.
Prediction: Chargers 38 – Broncos 23
Tyler Thigpen has some promising ability, but I just don't think he will light the world on fire with such limited experience and so few reps in practice. Jake Long has a torn labrum and a dislocated shoulder, plus he's coming of an MCL injury. He's thinking of playing? Yikes. He cannot be full strength with all those injuries, and Julius Peppers will sniff out that weakness. The Dolphins' corners are talented but young; they may give up a few big plays. I really don't like what I've seen with the Bears, but with all the injuries in Miami and a short week to boot, I'll take the Bears in this matchup.
Prediction: Bears 23 – Dolphins 16
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
You look at this game and think the Bengals are the more talented team, and they are. But the Bills expected to be bottom feeders, whereas the Bengals surprisingly find themselves at 2-7. In terms of mentality, I think the Bills will relish the spoiler role better then Cincinnati, and that will allow them to keep this game close. Ultimately though, the Bengals have to win a few games this season, and at home against Buffalo, they will get win number three.
Prediction: Bengals 27 – Bills 24
Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers' offensive line is banged up, Hines Ward may not play, and the defense looked pedestrian last week. The Raiders can really rush the passer, are coming off a bye week, have won three straight games, and finally have their quarterback in Jason Campbell. Every time I pick against the Raiders they win, so I'm going with the fresh Raiders to ugly up this game and win a grinder. Probably dumb, but that's the fun of this whole Pick-Down.
Prediction: Raiders 17 – Steelers 16
Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers
Jimmy Clausen might be too banged up, in which case rookie Tony Pike will start for the Panthers. In either case, this game will not go well for Carolina.
Prediction: Ravens 27 – Panthers 6
Houston Texans at New York Jets
The Texans have disappointed after a 4-2 start. The Jets have had two poor games, yet won them both. I think at home, the Jets have their best game of the year against a bad Texans defense.
Prediction: Jets 30 – Texans 16
Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
I have no idea what kind of team Jacksonville is, but they are 5-4, and the Browns are 3-6 despite playing well. I'll take Jacksonville at home.
Prediction: Jaguars 24 – Browns 21
Washington Redskins at Tennessee Titans
The Redkins might be in disarray coming off the Monday night debacle against Philly, and with a short week to prepare for an angry Titans team, I don't like their chances. Vince Young should play, and Chris Johnson and Randy Moss should get their mojo going this week.
Prediction: Titans 28 – Redskins 19
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Brett Favre and Percy Harvin are banged up, Sidney Rice isn't ready yet, the Vikings' defense is a shell of its former self, and everybody hates Brad Childress. The Packers are coming off a bye, their offensive line is playing well, Aaron Rodgers is finding his MVP form, and they have an opportunity to bury the hated Vikings. Go Pack Go.
Prediction: Packers 34 – Vikings 21
Arizona Cardinals at Kansas City Chiefs
This is a perfect rebound matchup for the Chiefs, as they come off two tough loses. Arizona doesn't have a quarterback and their defense has been up and down. I look for KC to control the ball with the rushing attack, win the turnover battle, and win comfortably.
Prediction: Chiefs 23 – Cardinals 13
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
We get Shaun Hill vs. Jon Kitna instead of Matt Stafford vs. Tony Romo. Since the quarterbacks are both average, the difference will be the supporting casts and the home field: advantage Dallas.
Prediction: Cowboys 24 – Lions 20
Atlanta Falcons at St. Louis Rams
The Rams really impressed me last week in a road loss to the Niners. They are much better at home than on the road as well. By playing last Thursday, the Falcons have had an extra weekend to prepare for this matchup and will be slightly fresher and better prepared. Atlanta will be able to run the ball, and the Rams' biggest weakness is their secondary, not good when Matty Ice and Rowdy Roddy White are in town. Falcons will win a shootout.
Prediction: Falcons 31 – Rams 27
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have won three of their last four, and are 2-0 with Troy Smith. Troy has this team believing, and Mike Singletary would have lost the locker room if he had put Alex Smith back in. Troy gives the Niners down field ability, and most importantly, has not turned the ball over in two games. He makes Frank Gore more of a threat as well and also gives the defense confidence. The Bucs have beaten bad teams like the 49ers all year, but hell, I'm a Niner fan, and with a win and a Seattle loss, the Niners would be just one game back of the division lead.
Prediction: 49ers 27 – Buccaneers 20
Seattle Seahawks at New Orleans Saints
The Seahawks are not a very good team, but they lead a terrible division. Matt Hasselbeck is banged up, but will likely play. With the Saints coming off a bye week though, it won't matter who Seattle's quarterback is.
Prediction: Saints 30 – Seahawks 17
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots
The Patriots had an emotional, playoff-type game against Pittsburgh last week, while the Colts had their their bye. Every time we think we know the best team in the league (New England) they lose. Peyton Manning has had two weeks to prepare for this game, and if you give this man extra study time, he will kill you no matter who he's throwing to. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis will make Tom Brady's life a lot tougher than New England's defense will for Manning.
Prediction: Colts 31 – Patriots 28
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
When the Giants win, they do so in dominant fashion. When they lose, they got clobbered. Michael Vick is so hot right now, and will lead the Eagles to sole possession of the NFC East.
Prediction: Eagles 27 – Giants 23
Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers
This game could easily have 800 yards of passing. Go Bolts.
Prediction: Chargers 38 – Broncos 23
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