I know that we're hitting the road late with my picks, but I took the day off and I slept in and have been spending time with the fam this morning. Nevertheless, here they are. Enjoy your weekend.
Seattle @ Chicago – I hate to admit this, but the Bears could end up with a 10-6 record and make the playoffs this year. I bet a haircut that they wouldn’t go 10-6, so it’s looking like I’ll be out of some money. The Seahawks come to town and I expect the Bears defense to take over this game. I hope that Hasselbeck has his life insurance paid up, because this could be painful for him. At least we get to see Pete Carroll in Chicago this weekend, right? Think about it Bears fans, if they make the playoffs, you get at least 2 more years of Lovie. Winner – Bears.
Miami @ Green Bay – Will he or won’t he? Aaron Rodgers may play in this game. If he doesn’t, the Packers have no chance. Miami should be able to win this game because they play within their system and that system works, normally. Look for a big game from Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Winner – Dolphins.
San Diego @ St. Louis – The Chargers are killing themselves. They have to get off to a hot start or they don’t seem to be able to win. The Rams aren’t the best team out there but they really have a chance to win this game. Can I finally get a good game out of Ryan Matthews? Winner – Chargers.
Baltimore @ New England – Whew!!! You just traded Randy Moss, got Deion Branch and you are playing a Ravens team that has a problem stopping the pass, sounds like a match made in heaven. The Patriots will try to throw the ball and the Ravens will try to hit Brady as many times as they can. The Patriots are going to end up playing right into the Ravens hands with this one. If the Patriots win, look for a big game from Welker and the young tight end. If the Ravens win, look for a big game from the Ravens passing game. Winner – Ravens.
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay – Maybe the Saints aren’t done, but they are hurting. Did anyone imagine that Reggie Bush would have this kind of effect on a team? I mean since he’s gone down, the Saints have gone down a little each week. Tampa Bay played pretty well last week by picking off Palmer 3 times. Was Palmer that bad or are the Bucs getting better? Winner – Saints.
Detroit @ New York Giants – The Lions are playing well and now they get the big lights of the big city. The Giants had a great game against the Bears, but they haven’t consistently played well. The Giants should be able to run the ball on the edges, because Suh is dominating the middle of that defensive line. Shaun Hill is playing pretty well and he’ll need to be lights out (ode to the soon to be released Shawne Merriman) for the Lions to be close. Winner – Giants.
Atlanta @ Philadelphia – Imagine this game in Atlanta. Could you see the signs that would be taken by the NFL? Because the signs that would be created would not be suitable for TV. Vick, if he plays, gets to face the team that gave up on him. Yeah, I said it. They should have tried their best to help him recreate his image. Yes he lied to the owner and everyone else, but so have other players. If Kolb plays, this isn’t a big deal of a game. The Falcons are the better team, but it’s hard winning in Philly. Winner – Falcons.
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh – Are you serious? Are you going to start Colt McCoy against the best defense in the league? His first NFL start? I guess we’ll see a lot of Josh Cribbs in the wildcat to help ease McCoy into this game. This is a divisional game so it usually is a nail biter and will probably be close, but this is Big Ben’s first game back. I imagine he’ll be testing out that arm of his. Winner – Steelers.
Kansas City @ Houston – Houston does this every year, right? They get our hopes up about being a good team and then boom, they are out of it. The Chiefs are playing pretty damn good football and they just have to find a way to get rid of Cassel and get a real QB. Pioli, can we pull the plug on the Cassel experiment? Try and get some of that $63M back and let him go on his merry way. Winner – Chiefs.
Oakland @ San Francisco – Ok, here we go. This is it, the first win of the season for the 49ers. They can’t keep getting to the well and not drinking. Just doesn’t make sense. Yes, I know Carr isn’t that much better than Alex Smith, but I’d be finding out just how much better he is by playing him on Sunday. Winner – 49ers.
New York Jets @ Denver – Hopefully someone can stop the Orton to Lloyd connection. Otherwise, this may be a long game for the Jets. The Jets offense is coming along pretty well and Mark Sanchez is making good decisions and not turning the ball over. He’s definitely showing that he won’t be the reason they don’t get to the big game this year. It’s time for the Jets to make a statement game, that will have Ryan talking trash during the press conference. Winner – Jets.
Dallas @ Minnesota – Two teams that need a win. The Cowboys look terrible and the Vikings are struggling on offense. This will be week two of Randy Moss with the Vikings again and it’s at home for the Vikings. This could go either way. I gotta go with the better defense and I think we can all agree that it’s the Vikings. Winner – Vikings.
Indianapolis @ Washington – If I’m a corner playing in this game, I don’t even worry about thinking about the play before. I anticipate that Manning and McNabb will both throw for 325+ yards and neither defense will be able to stop the other teams’ offense. The scoreboard should get a workout during this game, but I imagine that the Colts find a way to win this game late. Winner – Colts.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville – Jacksonville has been playing so well lately. It hurts my hurt that they are going on national TV and they are going to lay an egg. Winner – Titans.
Who you got? Hopefully I can make it above .500 this week.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
NFL 2010 Week 5 Wrap Up
Whew,…Week 5 was a tough one. More close games than I thought. Let’s see how we did.
Jacksonville @ Buffalo – This is what happens when you bring in Trent Edwards as your backup. No QB worth his salt would ever want to lose his spot to Edwards. I will say this again, Garrard is playing as well as I’ve ever seen him play. Maybe he’s found a way to turn back time. MJD had a decent game before leaving with an injury, so let’s hope it’s not too serious. The Bills seemed to perform well with Fitzpatrick at the helm. Can you imagine that a QB from Harvard is actually playing in the NFL? Inquisitive Mind 1 – 0 for the week.
Tampa Bay @ Cincinnati – Ok, I’m done. I don’t know if I can continue to pick these guys and get games like this. It’s almost as if the Bengals feel like they should have won this game by scoring the first TD and then they let up. Benson had a big game with 144 yards (on 23 carries), but the rest of this team stunk it up (well, excluding TO – 7 catches for 102 yards and a TD). Palmer had 3 picks against that defense? I’m done. Count me as one of those who say it’s over for Marvin Lewis and that they should just go ahead and blow it all up. Inquisitive Mind 1 – 1 for the week.
Atlanta @ Cleveland – It took a while for this one to happen, but the Falcons finally pulled this out. The Browns played them a lot tougher than I think many thought. I did like the fact that the Falcons got Turner involved for his 140 yards (on 19 carries), but Matt Ryan’s struggles (the last two weeks) have got me nervous. The Falcons can say that they are 4-1 though, which is about all you can expect. We need to watch this team, but they have got to be more consistent. Inquisitive Mind 2 – 1 for the week.
St. Louis @ Detroit – Shaun Hill where have you been all of my life? That’s got to be what the Lions have been thinking since Matthew Stafford got hurt. This was a blowout of epic proportions. I’m not even sure that this team could score 44 points on their practice field against the practice players. Hill was an efficient 21 of 32 (I thought he was better than that) for 227 yards and 3 TDs. The Lions weren’t able to run the ball but their defense stepped up including an INT (first of his career) by Ndamukong Suh (a defensive tackle for those who don’t know). Inquisitive Mind 3 – 1 for the week.
Kansas City @ Indianapolis – Oh so close!!!! The Chiefs came out and played a pretty good game against the Colts, but lost down the stretch. They made Peyton Manning look pedestrian but their own QB, Matt Cassel looked worst. I think we can honestly say that this Matt Cassel experiment is the worst thing ever for the Chiefs. I think Joe Montana and his Sketchers would be a good pick up right now. Inquisitive Mind 3 – 2 for the week.
Green Bay @ Washington – It’s hard to feel sorry for people in Green Bay, but I think it’s time we take up a goodwill offering for them. This team had Superbowl aspirations, but it looks like they won’t have enough players by the end of the season to even dress 22. Yes, the Redskins are beat up too, but even if they were healthy, many never expected this (except me, ha!!!!). Redskins escape with a win and the Packers take another loss that’s going to hurt them more than they think as the Bears seem to be running away with the division. Inquisitive Mind 4 – 2 for the week.
Chicago @ Carolina – Again, I must be on a roll. The Bears pulled Collins and put in Hanie and let the Hanie Experiment go, except this time, no Charles Barkley. This was about what you expected out of the game. The Panthers suck and they showed it on Sunday. I almost started to feel sorry for Jimmy Clausen, although he did go to Notre Dame. With the game over, I will say this: The Panthers need a good #1 receiver (get healthy Steve Smith) and a decent #2 and they will be able to play. Their defense kept an inept Bears offense in check, but at least they hustled and made some plays. It didn’t turn into that 44-6 debacle in Detroit. So, Malik, there is hope for your Panthers, but it just looks very dim right now. Inquisitive Mind 5 – 2 for the week.
Denver @ Baltimore – We knew that the Ravens struggled in the passing game, both their own and defending one, but that defense got stops when they needed to. Kyle Orton threw for 300+ yards again (take that in for a second). To make matters worse he has thrown for 300+ in 4 out of the 5 games Denver has played this year and he missed the other one by 5 yards (he threw for 295 against the Jaguars). Joe Flacco, please take notes or something because the Ravens need you in the 240+ yards per game passing area for them to win. This game the Ravens got 233 yards on the ground, with the majority coming from Rice (133 yards) and McGahee (67 yards). Where did this version of Brandon Lloyd come from? Inquisitive Mind 6 – 2 for the week.
New York Giants @ Houston – Matt Schaub made it out of Houston alive. The Giants didn’t have the number of sacks that they had against the Bears, but they got to Schaub and just made everyone’s life with a Texans jersey horrible. Arian Foster looked like an undrafted free agent with 25 yards, and Eli Manning was his brother for Halloween, or at least for this game, with a 27 of 42 for 297 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 INT performance. Inquisitive Mind 7 – 2 for the week.
New Orleans @ Arizona – Maybe all Fitzgerald needed to do was to not get first downs and keep the Cardinals defense on the field. The Cardinals defense held the Saints to 20 points and intercepted Drew Brees 3 times to get this win at home. The Saints are done. Can you say that? Done!! Inquisitive Mind 7 – 3 for the week.
San Diego @ Oakland – Yes this was a showdown and this underscores the need for the Chargers to get a new head coach. Yes, in these division rivals, you pretty much can’t bet on a win, but with this game, the Chargers had won the last 13 in a row. How do you lose to this Raiders team? I can say that I was happy to see Jason Campbell back on the field looking good. It helps when you have a running game (Michael Bush – 104 yards on 26 carries and 1 TD). Inquisitive Mind 7 – 4 for the week.
Tennessee @ Dallas – This was a dismantling of the Cowboys. The Titans beat them every which way possible and even when the Cowboys scored to tie the game (celebration penalty), they still had something bad happen to them (Mariani’s big return that setup the last TD for the Titans). I think you can pretty much cancel the Cowboys playing in the Superbowl in Dallas until the next time they host it. At least I did predict a big game for Miles Austin. Dayum Cowboys!!! Inquisitive Mind 7 – 5 for the week.
Philadelphia @ San Francisco – Ok, there are only 2 things I can say about this game: 1) Kolb didn’t look that bad (but it was one week, let’s see about next week) and 2) Alex Smith is a starter for an NFL team? That’s really a question and a statement. Carr should have been benched. I think I was excited as the entire Bay Area when I saw Chris Carr start warming up, but Singletary stuck with Smith. Hey, this might end up being a feel good story if Smith performs well the rest of the season, but in my opinion, we should only be able to see that if Carr gets injured. In other words, bench that trick!!!! Inquisitive Mind 7 – 6 for the week.
Jacksonville @ Buffalo – This is what happens when you bring in Trent Edwards as your backup. No QB worth his salt would ever want to lose his spot to Edwards. I will say this again, Garrard is playing as well as I’ve ever seen him play. Maybe he’s found a way to turn back time. MJD had a decent game before leaving with an injury, so let’s hope it’s not too serious. The Bills seemed to perform well with Fitzpatrick at the helm. Can you imagine that a QB from Harvard is actually playing in the NFL? Inquisitive Mind 1 – 0 for the week.
Tampa Bay @ Cincinnati – Ok, I’m done. I don’t know if I can continue to pick these guys and get games like this. It’s almost as if the Bengals feel like they should have won this game by scoring the first TD and then they let up. Benson had a big game with 144 yards (on 23 carries), but the rest of this team stunk it up (well, excluding TO – 7 catches for 102 yards and a TD). Palmer had 3 picks against that defense? I’m done. Count me as one of those who say it’s over for Marvin Lewis and that they should just go ahead and blow it all up. Inquisitive Mind 1 – 1 for the week.
Atlanta @ Cleveland – It took a while for this one to happen, but the Falcons finally pulled this out. The Browns played them a lot tougher than I think many thought. I did like the fact that the Falcons got Turner involved for his 140 yards (on 19 carries), but Matt Ryan’s struggles (the last two weeks) have got me nervous. The Falcons can say that they are 4-1 though, which is about all you can expect. We need to watch this team, but they have got to be more consistent. Inquisitive Mind 2 – 1 for the week.
St. Louis @ Detroit – Shaun Hill where have you been all of my life? That’s got to be what the Lions have been thinking since Matthew Stafford got hurt. This was a blowout of epic proportions. I’m not even sure that this team could score 44 points on their practice field against the practice players. Hill was an efficient 21 of 32 (I thought he was better than that) for 227 yards and 3 TDs. The Lions weren’t able to run the ball but their defense stepped up including an INT (first of his career) by Ndamukong Suh (a defensive tackle for those who don’t know). Inquisitive Mind 3 – 1 for the week.
Kansas City @ Indianapolis – Oh so close!!!! The Chiefs came out and played a pretty good game against the Colts, but lost down the stretch. They made Peyton Manning look pedestrian but their own QB, Matt Cassel looked worst. I think we can honestly say that this Matt Cassel experiment is the worst thing ever for the Chiefs. I think Joe Montana and his Sketchers would be a good pick up right now. Inquisitive Mind 3 – 2 for the week.
Green Bay @ Washington – It’s hard to feel sorry for people in Green Bay, but I think it’s time we take up a goodwill offering for them. This team had Superbowl aspirations, but it looks like they won’t have enough players by the end of the season to even dress 22. Yes, the Redskins are beat up too, but even if they were healthy, many never expected this (except me, ha!!!!). Redskins escape with a win and the Packers take another loss that’s going to hurt them more than they think as the Bears seem to be running away with the division. Inquisitive Mind 4 – 2 for the week.
Chicago @ Carolina – Again, I must be on a roll. The Bears pulled Collins and put in Hanie and let the Hanie Experiment go, except this time, no Charles Barkley. This was about what you expected out of the game. The Panthers suck and they showed it on Sunday. I almost started to feel sorry for Jimmy Clausen, although he did go to Notre Dame. With the game over, I will say this: The Panthers need a good #1 receiver (get healthy Steve Smith) and a decent #2 and they will be able to play. Their defense kept an inept Bears offense in check, but at least they hustled and made some plays. It didn’t turn into that 44-6 debacle in Detroit. So, Malik, there is hope for your Panthers, but it just looks very dim right now. Inquisitive Mind 5 – 2 for the week.
Denver @ Baltimore – We knew that the Ravens struggled in the passing game, both their own and defending one, but that defense got stops when they needed to. Kyle Orton threw for 300+ yards again (take that in for a second). To make matters worse he has thrown for 300+ in 4 out of the 5 games Denver has played this year and he missed the other one by 5 yards (he threw for 295 against the Jaguars). Joe Flacco, please take notes or something because the Ravens need you in the 240+ yards per game passing area for them to win. This game the Ravens got 233 yards on the ground, with the majority coming from Rice (133 yards) and McGahee (67 yards). Where did this version of Brandon Lloyd come from? Inquisitive Mind 6 – 2 for the week.
New York Giants @ Houston – Matt Schaub made it out of Houston alive. The Giants didn’t have the number of sacks that they had against the Bears, but they got to Schaub and just made everyone’s life with a Texans jersey horrible. Arian Foster looked like an undrafted free agent with 25 yards, and Eli Manning was his brother for Halloween, or at least for this game, with a 27 of 42 for 297 yards, 3 TDs, and 2 INT performance. Inquisitive Mind 7 – 2 for the week.
New Orleans @ Arizona – Maybe all Fitzgerald needed to do was to not get first downs and keep the Cardinals defense on the field. The Cardinals defense held the Saints to 20 points and intercepted Drew Brees 3 times to get this win at home. The Saints are done. Can you say that? Done!! Inquisitive Mind 7 – 3 for the week.
San Diego @ Oakland – Yes this was a showdown and this underscores the need for the Chargers to get a new head coach. Yes, in these division rivals, you pretty much can’t bet on a win, but with this game, the Chargers had won the last 13 in a row. How do you lose to this Raiders team? I can say that I was happy to see Jason Campbell back on the field looking good. It helps when you have a running game (Michael Bush – 104 yards on 26 carries and 1 TD). Inquisitive Mind 7 – 4 for the week.
Tennessee @ Dallas – This was a dismantling of the Cowboys. The Titans beat them every which way possible and even when the Cowboys scored to tie the game (celebration penalty), they still had something bad happen to them (Mariani’s big return that setup the last TD for the Titans). I think you can pretty much cancel the Cowboys playing in the Superbowl in Dallas until the next time they host it. At least I did predict a big game for Miles Austin. Dayum Cowboys!!! Inquisitive Mind 7 – 5 for the week.
Philadelphia @ San Francisco – Ok, there are only 2 things I can say about this game: 1) Kolb didn’t look that bad (but it was one week, let’s see about next week) and 2) Alex Smith is a starter for an NFL team? That’s really a question and a statement. Carr should have been benched. I think I was excited as the entire Bay Area when I saw Chris Carr start warming up, but Singletary stuck with Smith. Hey, this might end up being a feel good story if Smith performs well the rest of the season, but in my opinion, we should only be able to see that if Carr gets injured. In other words, bench that trick!!!! Inquisitive Mind 7 – 6 for the week.
Minnesota @ New York Jets – Well, I guess we had it all last night. The rain, the Vikings forgetting how to block a simple blitz, the Vikings defense playing lights out, the Jets defense playing pretty well themselves, Santonio Holmes reminding people how much of a threat he’s going to be over the rest of the season, Randy Moss playing in his old 84, and another Brett Favre crying episode (before the game). That pretty much explains it all. Favre had a terrible time last night doing the easy stuff, like holding on to the ball. He ended up not only eclipsing the 70,000 yard mark (think about that for a second or two) and the most fumbles (he is now on 161 for his career). Cromartie played Moss pretty well while Revis looked a little pedestrian and may have re-injured himself. The Jets snuck this one out and that’s all it’s about. Inquisitive Mind 7 – 7 for the week.
Another .500 week? This is getting pathetic. I may have to solely pay attention to the day job after a performance like this. This puts me squarely behind (at 42-34 for the season) half of the crew at ESPN, but we got a long way to go baby!!!!!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Where There's Fire, There's More Fire
Add this to the fire that has been Revis vs. Moss for the Jets/Vikings game tonight. From Tim Kavanagh at ESPN:
I'm betting on Moss to win this battle. We'll see who wins the war. Who do you think will come out on top in the game tonight? Is Moss washed up? Is Revis, THAT dayum good?
New York Jets cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie have talked some smack about Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss leading up to the two teams' matchup on "Monday Night Football." Based on Moss' play in Week 2, one could argue that only one of those two is qualified to issue such commentary; then again, Revis has shut Moss down in prior meetings. Compared to what Cromartie and Revis said, Moss had a more diplomatic answer when asked about the chatter. "Between me and him is a mutual thing," Moss said of Revis to the Vikings Entertainment Network per the New York Post. "It's more of us competing. I think he gets caught up a little bit with how he talks. I've never said anything about him, good or bad. I still give him his respect, but he hasn't given me mine yet. Sooner or later, I'll get it."
I'm betting on Moss to win this battle. We'll see who wins the war. Who do you think will come out on top in the game tonight? Is Moss washed up? Is Revis, THAT dayum good?
Friday, October 08, 2010
Just Plain Wrong!!!!
Dear (Athlete):
I am available for mentoring, coaching, handling financial decisions, marketing opportunities, and just general good sound advice. Please contact me via email. It is my hope that no one allows you to do anything as stupid and ummm,....WRONG as this cover for ESPN the Magazine.
Thanks,
Inquisitive Mind
Anyone else want to send in a caption of for this photo? I'm sick, right now.
I am available for mentoring, coaching, handling financial decisions, marketing opportunities, and just general good sound advice. Please contact me via email. It is my hope that no one allows you to do anything as stupid and ummm,....WRONG as this cover for ESPN the Magazine.
Thanks,
Inquisitive Mind
Anyone else want to send in a caption of for this photo? I'm sick, right now.
NFL 2010 Week 5 Picks
Bad week last week, but you have to be like a corner, you have to have a bad memory. Let's get it going this week. Good games are on tap.
Jacksonville @ Buffalo – On the surface, this looks like an easy win for the Jaguars. They are going up against a terrible Bills team that is already in rebuilding mode for the next two years. After beating the Colts last week, this could be a let down game, but I hope not. Winner – Jaguars.
Tampa Bay @ Cincinnati – I don’t know what to say about this game. The Bengals have to start getting some W’s or they are done for the playoffs (already?). They have to get back to the ground game with Benson and with the Bucs defense not necessarily a good run stopping D, I expect a big game from Benson. Although I know he’s all Mr. Reality Show now, Ochocinco has got to do something on the football field. Tampa Bay could sneak this one if the Bengals come out lackadaisical. Winner – Bengals.
Atlanta @ Cleveland – The Browns are coming off of their win in the battle of Ohio last week and I’m not even sure who’s starting at QB. I said last week it shouldn’t matter (I was wrong because they beat the Bengals) and I’ll say it again this week, it shouldn’t’ matter. The Falcons are slowly trying to turn the corner and get them in the drivers’ seat in the NFC. With teams like the Packers (injuries) and the Vikings (injuries) holding out hope of a M.A.S.H. unit this is the time to get ahead in the standings. Winner – Falcons.
St. Louis @ Detroit – This should actually be a good game. I don’t think that either team is good, but it seems as though both of them are really competing. The Rams are looking good with a banged up Stephen Jackson and Calvin Johnson could probably catch passes from me and that makes the Lions dangerous. The Lions are the home team and that’s where I have to go with my pick. Winner – Lions.
Kansas City @ Indianapolis – The only undefeated team left in the league and they get the Colts after the Colts got embarrassed last week by Jacksonville. The Colts defense is struggling with their injuries, while the Chiefs defense has had two weeks to prepare and play the way that they have been playing. If the Chiefs win this game, they have to be the feel good team of the year. I know better than picking the Chiefs, but you know what,…I’m riding. Winner – Chiefs.
Green Bay @ Washington – Will the Packers be able to dress enough starters? It seems as though everyone is dinged up on this team and over the past two weeks they have had problems closing people out and finishing games. This is not the game they want to play against a Redskins team that always seems to be one big play away on offense and they are playing decent ball on defense. If the Packers can run the ball, they will win. That’s a big IF. Winner – Redskins.
Chicago @ Carolina – Let me get this right, Peppers felt that he was mistreated by the Panthers over his contract requests, the Panthers are starting a rookie QB, the Panthers have no running game, the Bears have no passing game with Todd Collins back there (please get Hanie in the game), the Bears have no running game, and people are expected to watch this? I could actually see this game ending in a 5-0 score. An opportunity to get the Bears back winning over that debacle from last week and maybe get Cutler healthy. Winner – Bears.
Denver @ Baltimore – Well, we know the formula to beat the Ravens, and that’s run the ball against them. Most of the time it works, even though the Steelers lost to the Ravens by executing that same game plan. The problem is that Peyton Hillis is hurt and we’re not sure who the Broncos are going to trot out there on Sunday to run the ball. The game is in B-more and the Ravens offense HAS to get clicking. That means you TJ. Winner – Ravens.
New York Giants @ Houston – If I’m Matt Schaub, I really consider wearing a flack jacket from Friday until Monday. If last week was any indication, the Giants are hungry and they are all about hitting the QB. The Texans offensive line is better than the Bears that gave up 10 sacks last week, but the Giants have the pieces to at least put up 4 or 5. Eli Manning may consider a similar type jacket because half of his offensive line is presently being shifted around to fill in the holes. That doesn’t bode well for him either. This may be the time for more Brandon Jacobs for the Giants since Bradshaw is a little beat up. No Andre Johnson for the Texans, gotta go with the….Winner – Giants.
New Orleans @ Arizona – Lance Moore has already scored a TD. It’s time for Brees and company to rebound. After a good game against the Vikings opening weekend, they have almost played down to their competition. I feel sorry for Fitzgerald having to play with this crew. The defense is decent, but the offense is horriawful. Save Fitz!!!! Winner – Saints.
San Diego @ Oakland – A good ole AFC West Showdown. The Chargers go into Oakland with a red hot Antonio Gates and hopefully a two headed monster at RB with Tolbert and Matthews (coming back from a bad ankle sprain). The Raiders are just the Raiders right now. They don’t instill any fear and Bruce Gradkowski is starting for the Raiders. Run DMC (McFadden) is out for this game so happy returns to Michael Bush in the Raiders backfield. The Raiders just don’t have enough offense for this one. Winner – Chargers.
Tennessee @ Dallas – The Titans have not been able to run the ball that well and Chris Johnson is looking more and more like he’s barely going to break 1600 or 1700 yards this year (no where near the 2000+ that many predicted). Dallas has had a week to breathe and make some minor changes to their offense, but more importantly they should be healthy coming in to this game. I’m still not sold on Roy Williams, but it’s time for Miles Austin to have a breakout game. Dez Bryant is probably hurting from the $50K+ dinner bill he paid, but he should be playing. Winner – Cowboys.
Philadelphia @ San Francisco – Ok, this is it. The 49ers first win of the season. I’m not going to say much more but this is their game. LeSean McCoy is dinged up and will actually be wearing a flak jacket for his ribs. Kolb is not that good, and I think that we’ll see that this week. Can anyone get Andy Reid a cab outta town? Kolb is his guy, right? Winner – 49ers.
Minnesota @ New York Jets – Gotta save the best for last. The Jets have been talking all year long and now with a trade to the Vikings, Randy Moss gets an opportunity to play against the Jets again this year. Moss will have an opportunity to go after Revis (maybe) and Cromartie who have both talked trash this week about Moss and their ability to frustrate him into ‘taking his foot off the pedal’. All I have to say is if Revis plays, I expect him to be going long with Moss because Favre is going to test that hamstring. This is a big game for the Vikings because they need this win, but I will say this again (take a picture): If the Vikings can play .500 ball until they get Rice back, Shiancoe healthy, Harvin healthy, and then add Moss and AP they will be my pick for the NFC Champions. Winner – Vikings.
Who you got?!?!?
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
You Can Always Go Home
It looks like the deal is almost completed that will send Randy Moss back to his old stomping grounds in Minnesota from the Patriots. The Patriots are asking for a 3rd round pick but more importantly, Moss won’t be getting a new deal out of this trade. (Normally, the team that acquires the player gives him a new deal). We can all agree that Moss has been a godsend for the Patriots while he’s been there while catching 23 of Tom Brady’s record 50 TD passes a few seasons ago. He was the deep threat that helped stretch the field and make the Wes Welkers of the world better. But we also knew that Randy was/is a piece of work, whose desire has been questioned on a few occasions (link). In the end, Moss gets his wish to get out of Foxboro.
What does this mean for the Vikes? Well, right now, Brett Favre needs a downfield threat. The Vikes could end up with with Moss, Shiancoe (when healthy), Harvin, Rice (when healthy) and Adrian Peterson. That’s a dangerous squad to cover if I’m a defense. Add in Favre’s 41 year old arm and that Vikes defense and the Vikes would definitely be a team to watch come the playoffs. Favre wanted the Packers to get Moss years ago, but Ted Thompson whiffed on that opportunity. Maybe Favre and Moss in Minny is the way to go.
Is this a good trade? If so, for whom? With this 3rd round pick the Patriots would have 2 picks in each of the first 4 rounds of next years’ draft.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
NFL 2010 Week 4 Wrap Up
The theme of this week was close games. If you liked nail biters, you enjoyed Week 4. Let’s take a look at what happened. It won’t be pretty for me this week.
San Francisco @ Atlanta – Whew!!! I got this pick right, but I have to tell you that I feel for the 49ers. I mean they have played some great football, but no W’s yet. They dominated this Falcons team and they came thisclose to getting their first W, but it just wasn’t meant to be. They held Matt Ryan in check (273 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) and even kept the Falcons ground game under 100 yards. For the Falcons, these are the types of ugly games you have to win in order to be in the hunt later in the year. Test passed for the Falcons, moral victory to the 49ers. Inquisitive Mind 1 – 0 for the week.
Cincinnati @ Cleveland – The Battle of Ohio and the winner is the Browns? Seneca Wallace got the start for the Browns and he managed this team to a victory. The Browns seem to have found their key to success and that’s to keep giving Peyton Hillis the ball. Hillis had 27 carries for 102 yards and 1 TD. The Browns were also able to stop the run by keeping the Bengals, as a team, to 67 yards. TO had a big game and a long TD reception, but it just wasn’t enough. I got the over/under of TO losing it and starting to make his way for his exit out of Cincy at 3 weeks (under). Inquisitive Mind 1 – 1 for the week.
New York Jets @ Buffalo – This was a blowout and wasn’t even as close as the 38-14 score indicated. Funny stat was that Mark Sanchez threw for 161 yards (2 TDs) and LT had a monster game of 133 yards (2 TDs) on the ground. Add in Shonn Greene’s 117 yards on the ground and this was a TKO by halftime. Inquisitive Mind 2 – 1 for the week.
Seattle @ St. Louis – Remind me never to pick the Seahawks again. They showed up in St. Louis and laid an egg. Sam Bradford looked good while the Rams got a gutted out performance from Steven Jackson. The Seahawks just looked terrible. Inquisitive Mind 2 – 2 for the week.
Denver @ Tennessee – Just as I am ready to think that the Titans might be real this year, they put up a performance like this. This was the first game where the Titans looked like they put it on cruise when they feel they are the better team. The Broncos showed up and fought to the end with Kyle Orton having another monster game with 341 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. That’s twice in the same year that Orton has thrown for over 300. Denver played well and snuck a win. Inquisitive Mind 2 – 3 for the week.
Detroit @ Green Bay – I could almost put Bears jerseys on the Lions and it would have been a similar game to the game from last Monday night. The Packers were up, but then they started losing steam because they can’t run the ball and the Bears came back to beat them. Fast forward to this weekend in what should have been a run away win for the Packers. The Packers were up and then all of a sudden a few penalties, Shaun Hill throwing a few bombs (one to Calvin Johnson) and the Lions were right back in this thing. If they had another minute in this game,...the Packers would have lost back to back games. Inquisitive Mind 3 -3 for the week.
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh – The best game of the week!!!!! Mendenhall was able to get his 79 yards on the ground but more importantly his 2 TDs, but this was a defensive struggle. This was a rare occasion where you couldn’t be mad as a Steelers fan for this loss. Yes it was at home, and it was a division loss, but you’ve gone 3-1 without Big Ben. The Ravens were happy that Houshamdzadeh finally contributed and I think this opens up their offense a little more. Baltimore will be dangerous, but I think the Steelers are in the drivers seat in the AFC. Inquisitive Mind 4 – 3 for the week.
Carolina @ New Orleans – Looking at the score I would have imagined that Drew Brees and half of the offense didn’t play. The Saints won this game but they haven’t looked like the team that beat the Vikings on opening night. It seems as though the loss of Reggie Bush has severely changed what they do. Yes, Lance Moore is playing well, but something ain’t right. We’ll need to watch this one a little more. Inquisitive Mind 5 – 3 for the week.
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville – I can’t believe what happened. Yes the Jaguars play the Colts tough in Jacksonville, but this Jaguars team is basically done, so what do they do, go out and beat the Colts. David Garrard hasn’t looked this good since East Carolina. He was an efficient 17 of 22 for 163 yards and 2 TDs. The Jaguars were able to get out on top of the Colts quickly and held on to the win with a 59 yard field goal by Josh Scobee. What’s wrong with the Colts? We know they can’t run the ball, but this team looks to be lacking something also. Inquisitive Mind 5 – 4 for the week.
Houston @ Oakland – Arian Foster ran just about anywhere he wanted. He only played 3 quarters due to a benching by his team for the first, and he still managed to get 131 yards rushing and another 56 yards receiving. The Texans jumped out on the Raiders, but the Raiders did battle back to make this a game. If they could have stopped Foster, they may have won this one. Inquisitive Mind 6 – 4 for the week.
Washington @ Philadelphia – I guess I got my wish, eh? Vick gets hurt after becoming a sandwich and on trots Kolb. I think that Andy Reid should have been fired on the spot for insisting that Kolb is the heir apparent for the QB position with the Eagles. HE IS NOT THAT GOOD. Am I the only one that sees that? Kolb performed ok, throwing for 201 yards, but outside of that, he just doesn’t have ‘it’. At no point in that game did the Eagles team react like, ‘Kolb is in the game, now we’re going to win’. McNabb had a decent game and the Redskins were able to salt this one away late. The Philly fans gave McNabb a standing ovation at the beginning of the game (they should have) and Andy Reid gave McNabb a big hug after the game (as he was probably saying, we can jump in the hot tub time machine and go back a few months and not trade you, come with me now). What will the Eagles do now with Vick probably out for a game or two? Kolb? Inquisitive Mind 6 – 5 for the week.
Arizona @ San Diego – This is the Chargers team that I’ve been waiting to see all year long. These are the type of stats that they should be putting up each game with Rivers throwing for 241 yards (2 TDs), Tolbert (you can really put in any back here) running for 100 yards (1 TD), and Gates receiving 144 yards (2 TDs). In my best Arnold voice ‘Go Chargers Go’!!!! Inquisitive Mind 7 – 5 for the week.
Chicago @ New York Giants – This is what I was expecting from the Giants front 4 LAST year when I said that they would knock several QBs out of a few games. Jay Cutler was sacked 9 times in the first half against the Giants. Chalk it up to an offensive offensive line and Jay Cutler have sticky fingers (holding on to the ball too long). Nevertheless Todd Collins entered the game and had an uneventful outing also. He was retired after taking a bad hit. Enter Caleb Haine. At least he survived and for those that look for silver linings, in my humble opinion, Haine is better in this offense than Cutler would be. If Hanie gets a start or two or some decent mop up duty with Collins injured, he might be the closest thing to Kurt Warner for this Mike Martz led offense. The Giants ended the game with 10 sacks (3 a piece for Umenyiora and Tuck) and decent performances from both Jacobs and Bradshaw (hold on to the ball fellas). The Giants may not be dead after all. Side note: The funniest thing I’ve heard said about this game came from Terrell - ‘after Collins bounced passed the ball to Chester Taylor he cut the TV off’. The Bulls do need a back up point guard. Inquisitive Mind 7 – 6 for the week.
San Francisco @ Atlanta – Whew!!! I got this pick right, but I have to tell you that I feel for the 49ers. I mean they have played some great football, but no W’s yet. They dominated this Falcons team and they came thisclose to getting their first W, but it just wasn’t meant to be. They held Matt Ryan in check (273 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) and even kept the Falcons ground game under 100 yards. For the Falcons, these are the types of ugly games you have to win in order to be in the hunt later in the year. Test passed for the Falcons, moral victory to the 49ers. Inquisitive Mind 1 – 0 for the week.
Cincinnati @ Cleveland – The Battle of Ohio and the winner is the Browns? Seneca Wallace got the start for the Browns and he managed this team to a victory. The Browns seem to have found their key to success and that’s to keep giving Peyton Hillis the ball. Hillis had 27 carries for 102 yards and 1 TD. The Browns were also able to stop the run by keeping the Bengals, as a team, to 67 yards. TO had a big game and a long TD reception, but it just wasn’t enough. I got the over/under of TO losing it and starting to make his way for his exit out of Cincy at 3 weeks (under). Inquisitive Mind 1 – 1 for the week.
New York Jets @ Buffalo – This was a blowout and wasn’t even as close as the 38-14 score indicated. Funny stat was that Mark Sanchez threw for 161 yards (2 TDs) and LT had a monster game of 133 yards (2 TDs) on the ground. Add in Shonn Greene’s 117 yards on the ground and this was a TKO by halftime. Inquisitive Mind 2 – 1 for the week.
Seattle @ St. Louis – Remind me never to pick the Seahawks again. They showed up in St. Louis and laid an egg. Sam Bradford looked good while the Rams got a gutted out performance from Steven Jackson. The Seahawks just looked terrible. Inquisitive Mind 2 – 2 for the week.
Denver @ Tennessee – Just as I am ready to think that the Titans might be real this year, they put up a performance like this. This was the first game where the Titans looked like they put it on cruise when they feel they are the better team. The Broncos showed up and fought to the end with Kyle Orton having another monster game with 341 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. That’s twice in the same year that Orton has thrown for over 300. Denver played well and snuck a win. Inquisitive Mind 2 – 3 for the week.
Detroit @ Green Bay – I could almost put Bears jerseys on the Lions and it would have been a similar game to the game from last Monday night. The Packers were up, but then they started losing steam because they can’t run the ball and the Bears came back to beat them. Fast forward to this weekend in what should have been a run away win for the Packers. The Packers were up and then all of a sudden a few penalties, Shaun Hill throwing a few bombs (one to Calvin Johnson) and the Lions were right back in this thing. If they had another minute in this game,...the Packers would have lost back to back games. Inquisitive Mind 3 -3 for the week.
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh – The best game of the week!!!!! Mendenhall was able to get his 79 yards on the ground but more importantly his 2 TDs, but this was a defensive struggle. This was a rare occasion where you couldn’t be mad as a Steelers fan for this loss. Yes it was at home, and it was a division loss, but you’ve gone 3-1 without Big Ben. The Ravens were happy that Houshamdzadeh finally contributed and I think this opens up their offense a little more. Baltimore will be dangerous, but I think the Steelers are in the drivers seat in the AFC. Inquisitive Mind 4 – 3 for the week.
Carolina @ New Orleans – Looking at the score I would have imagined that Drew Brees and half of the offense didn’t play. The Saints won this game but they haven’t looked like the team that beat the Vikings on opening night. It seems as though the loss of Reggie Bush has severely changed what they do. Yes, Lance Moore is playing well, but something ain’t right. We’ll need to watch this one a little more. Inquisitive Mind 5 – 3 for the week.
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville – I can’t believe what happened. Yes the Jaguars play the Colts tough in Jacksonville, but this Jaguars team is basically done, so what do they do, go out and beat the Colts. David Garrard hasn’t looked this good since East Carolina. He was an efficient 17 of 22 for 163 yards and 2 TDs. The Jaguars were able to get out on top of the Colts quickly and held on to the win with a 59 yard field goal by Josh Scobee. What’s wrong with the Colts? We know they can’t run the ball, but this team looks to be lacking something also. Inquisitive Mind 5 – 4 for the week.
Houston @ Oakland – Arian Foster ran just about anywhere he wanted. He only played 3 quarters due to a benching by his team for the first, and he still managed to get 131 yards rushing and another 56 yards receiving. The Texans jumped out on the Raiders, but the Raiders did battle back to make this a game. If they could have stopped Foster, they may have won this one. Inquisitive Mind 6 – 4 for the week.
Washington @ Philadelphia – I guess I got my wish, eh? Vick gets hurt after becoming a sandwich and on trots Kolb. I think that Andy Reid should have been fired on the spot for insisting that Kolb is the heir apparent for the QB position with the Eagles. HE IS NOT THAT GOOD. Am I the only one that sees that? Kolb performed ok, throwing for 201 yards, but outside of that, he just doesn’t have ‘it’. At no point in that game did the Eagles team react like, ‘Kolb is in the game, now we’re going to win’. McNabb had a decent game and the Redskins were able to salt this one away late. The Philly fans gave McNabb a standing ovation at the beginning of the game (they should have) and Andy Reid gave McNabb a big hug after the game (as he was probably saying, we can jump in the hot tub time machine and go back a few months and not trade you, come with me now). What will the Eagles do now with Vick probably out for a game or two? Kolb? Inquisitive Mind 6 – 5 for the week.
Arizona @ San Diego – This is the Chargers team that I’ve been waiting to see all year long. These are the type of stats that they should be putting up each game with Rivers throwing for 241 yards (2 TDs), Tolbert (you can really put in any back here) running for 100 yards (1 TD), and Gates receiving 144 yards (2 TDs). In my best Arnold voice ‘Go Chargers Go’!!!! Inquisitive Mind 7 – 5 for the week.
Chicago @ New York Giants – This is what I was expecting from the Giants front 4 LAST year when I said that they would knock several QBs out of a few games. Jay Cutler was sacked 9 times in the first half against the Giants. Chalk it up to an offensive offensive line and Jay Cutler have sticky fingers (holding on to the ball too long). Nevertheless Todd Collins entered the game and had an uneventful outing also. He was retired after taking a bad hit. Enter Caleb Haine. At least he survived and for those that look for silver linings, in my humble opinion, Haine is better in this offense than Cutler would be. If Hanie gets a start or two or some decent mop up duty with Collins injured, he might be the closest thing to Kurt Warner for this Mike Martz led offense. The Giants ended the game with 10 sacks (3 a piece for Umenyiora and Tuck) and decent performances from both Jacobs and Bradshaw (hold on to the ball fellas). The Giants may not be dead after all. Side note: The funniest thing I’ve heard said about this game came from Terrell - ‘after Collins bounced passed the ball to Chester Taylor he cut the TV off’. The Bulls do need a back up point guard. Inquisitive Mind 7 – 6 for the week.
New England @ Miami – Special Teams!!! That’s all anyone can say. I think the Dolphins are still wondering how this butt whuppin happened. In two minutes and 16 seconds the Patriots scored 14 points and from there the route is on. How does Patrick Chung block a field goal and a punt from the same side of the formation? You are taught early on special teams (and any offensive line play) to block inside out. Meaning take away the inside gap from the defender because that’s the fastest way to the QB/kicker. I imagine that that will be ingrained in the Dolphins special teams unit this week. No catches for Moss and only 50 yards receiving for Brandon Marshall. Chad Henne looked terrible with his 3 INTs and Tom Brady became the youngest QB to reach the 100 win plateau. Great game by Davone Best and if you haven’t already, add him to your fantasy team. Inquisitive Mind 7 – 7 for the week.
Wow, a .500 week. Shoulda, coulda, woulda, been better. All we can do is look forward to next week. So far the season record is a painful 35-27, and the experts aren’t too far ahead.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Noah Inks Extension
The Bulls have signed Joakim Noah to 5 year $60M deal last night. This probably brings to a definitive end any discussions about Noah being included in any Carmelo Anthony deal that the Bulls would be discussing and now it squarely puts Derrick Rose as the next target for the Bulls to re-sign. At an average of $12M a year, is this a good deal for a guy who averages a double double and really has no offensive game?
Brendan Haywood got 6 years $55M deal this summer (averages $9.2M a year)
Emeka Okafor got his 6 year $72M deal in 2008 (averages $12M a year)
Tyrus Thomas got his 5 year $40M deal this summer (averages $8M a year)
Tyson Chandler got his 6 year $63M deal from the Bulls in 2004 (averages $10.5 a year)
On the face of this deal, it looks fair for the Bulls. Yes, it is a little high, but for the heart and soul of your team, you have to pay a little extra. It will all come down to how well Noah plays next year. If he regresses then this becomes a terrible deal, but if he plays at the same level, he earned this one. Think about it, Noah is arguably in the top 5 in centers in the East and top 10 in the NBA.
Did they overpay? Are centers really that important anymore? Should the Bulls have sent Noah off to get Carmelo?
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Bad News Bulls
Part of the free agent summer of 2010, the Bulls signed Carlos Boozer to a 5 year $75M deal. Their investment just tripped over a bag at his residence and broke his hand. Boozer will be out for approximately 8 weeks with this injury. This isn't the way that the Bulls wanted to start the season off. How is it that so many athletes who have to be agile and mobile tend to trip over all types of things and get injured? Here and Here.
Are athletes normally clumsy? How does he do this right before the start of camp? What else is going to happen for the Bulls?
Friday, October 01, 2010
NFL 2010 Week 4 Picks
Yes, we're running late today with the picks, but hey, sometimes the day job gets in the way of the fun. But the day job allows us to have fun. Remember that. Looking to make last week go away and try to get something with at least 10 or 11 picks right. We'll see. Good luck to McNabb in his return to Philly this week.
San Francisco @ Atlanta – The Falcons proved me right last week with a W against the Saints and I think they have to get it going so that they can make this NFC race a good one. It’s a home game and the 49ers are bringing in a crew with a new OC and lots to work on. This could get dicey, but I expect a big game from Matty Ice. Winner – Falcons.
Cincinnati @ Cleveland – The Battle of Ohio. Too bad this won’t be too much of a battle. Looks like Jake Delhomme is starting at QB and that pretty much says it all. The Bengals have got to get it going or they are going to be sitting at the bottom of their division soon. The best thing for a QB that’s struggling is to hand the ball off. Cedric Benson should go for almost 150 in this game. Winner – Bengals.
New York Jets @ Buffalo – Last week I said the Bills didn’t have a chance and they came thisclose to beating the Patriots. Let’s say that it was a fluke. Winner – Jets.
Seattle @ St. Louis – I’m having a problem with this game. The Seahawks are not impressing me but something about them says don’t give up on them yet. Hasselbeck has some talent around him and some talent to protect him. He’s still a decent QB and that’s got to mean something. The Rams will be either with a slightly injured Steven Jackson or without a slightly injured Steven Jackson. Without a running game this is an easy pick. Winner – Seahawks.
Denver @ Tennessee – Let VY continue to roll on. This team is finding a way to get it done each week. Jeff Fisher normally has pretty good defensive teams, but VY is making sure that people can’t load the box to stop Chris Johnson. Winner – Titans.
Detroit @ Green Bay – After losing that game against the Bears last week, I imagine that the scoreboard operator is going to have a hard time keeping up with the Packers this week. Detroit will be able to score also, but I want to see how Calvin Johnson does against the Green Bay corners. He’s got height on them, but will Shaun Hill be alive to throw the ball? Winner – Packers.
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh – There will be a number of bruises after this game. All I have to say is that Rashard Mendenhall may not want to ever talk trash to Ray Lewis again after what happened last year with Rashards’ shoulder. The Steelers will plan on running the ball and I expect Mendenhall and Lewis to meet on several occasions. This is a tough one to pick. I like the Ravens, but that Steeler defense is playing out of their minds right now. Can I pick both teams? Would that count? Winner – Ravens.
Carolina @ New Orleans – Unless Drew Brees and half the offense don’t play, there’s no question about this one. Winner –Saints.
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville – This is the last thing that the Jaguars needed, a visit from Peyton Manning when he is playing this well. Add to the fact that I could probably start for the Jaguars at QB and it’s just not looking good. Winner – Colts.
Houston @ Oakland – Two teams going in opposite directions. What’s up with the QB situation in Oakland? I thought that given the right opportunity that Jason Campbell could work out there nad he’s sitting on the bench behind a guy who’s name most people can’t spell. They have a running game this year and I just thought things would be better. (Shaking head) Sad. Winner – Texans.
Washington @ Philadelphia – Oh, how I would love this game if Kolb were playing. It’d be a blowout for the Redskins and Donovan would actually have to shake his and Andy Reid’s hand at mid field after the game. Alas, no Kolb, but there will be a Mike Vick sighting and it has nothing to do with dogs. Vick is on a roll and now that he understands that a pocket is something you throw out of, he’s probably the most dangerous QB in the league. Winner – Eagles.
Arizona @ San Diego – Why do the Chargers play like this? IT CAN’T BE THE TALENT!!! Someone, please go to CareerBuilder.com and put out a job description for the Head Coach for the San Diego Chargers. The first line would be ‘Anyone except Norv Turner’. These guys waste talent every game by playing lackadaisical football. But they’re playing at home and it’s the Cardinals. Winner – Chargers.
Chicago @ New York Giants – I said last week that the Giants have folded their tent. We’ll see how far from the camping grounds they have driven after this game. The Bears have stopped the run, but can’t run. They’ve gotten luck from the two games at home and 1 team that hasn’t played well against them. They are 3-0 and I think everyone is surprised. I have to pick the Bears, right? Winner – Bears.
New England @ Miami – The Dolphins almost pulled it off last week and I think that they do it this week. The Patriots have shown us that they can’t play defense and Chad Henne had a helluva game last week against the Jets. More Henne and a few more touches by the running back by committee and the Dolphins go home happy. Winner – Dolphins.
Those are my picks. Who you got?
San Francisco @ Atlanta – The Falcons proved me right last week with a W against the Saints and I think they have to get it going so that they can make this NFC race a good one. It’s a home game and the 49ers are bringing in a crew with a new OC and lots to work on. This could get dicey, but I expect a big game from Matty Ice. Winner – Falcons.
Cincinnati @ Cleveland – The Battle of Ohio. Too bad this won’t be too much of a battle. Looks like Jake Delhomme is starting at QB and that pretty much says it all. The Bengals have got to get it going or they are going to be sitting at the bottom of their division soon. The best thing for a QB that’s struggling is to hand the ball off. Cedric Benson should go for almost 150 in this game. Winner – Bengals.
New York Jets @ Buffalo – Last week I said the Bills didn’t have a chance and they came thisclose to beating the Patriots. Let’s say that it was a fluke. Winner – Jets.
Seattle @ St. Louis – I’m having a problem with this game. The Seahawks are not impressing me but something about them says don’t give up on them yet. Hasselbeck has some talent around him and some talent to protect him. He’s still a decent QB and that’s got to mean something. The Rams will be either with a slightly injured Steven Jackson or without a slightly injured Steven Jackson. Without a running game this is an easy pick. Winner – Seahawks.
Denver @ Tennessee – Let VY continue to roll on. This team is finding a way to get it done each week. Jeff Fisher normally has pretty good defensive teams, but VY is making sure that people can’t load the box to stop Chris Johnson. Winner – Titans.
Detroit @ Green Bay – After losing that game against the Bears last week, I imagine that the scoreboard operator is going to have a hard time keeping up with the Packers this week. Detroit will be able to score also, but I want to see how Calvin Johnson does against the Green Bay corners. He’s got height on them, but will Shaun Hill be alive to throw the ball? Winner – Packers.
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh – There will be a number of bruises after this game. All I have to say is that Rashard Mendenhall may not want to ever talk trash to Ray Lewis again after what happened last year with Rashards’ shoulder. The Steelers will plan on running the ball and I expect Mendenhall and Lewis to meet on several occasions. This is a tough one to pick. I like the Ravens, but that Steeler defense is playing out of their minds right now. Can I pick both teams? Would that count? Winner – Ravens.
Carolina @ New Orleans – Unless Drew Brees and half the offense don’t play, there’s no question about this one. Winner –Saints.
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville – This is the last thing that the Jaguars needed, a visit from Peyton Manning when he is playing this well. Add to the fact that I could probably start for the Jaguars at QB and it’s just not looking good. Winner – Colts.
Houston @ Oakland – Two teams going in opposite directions. What’s up with the QB situation in Oakland? I thought that given the right opportunity that Jason Campbell could work out there nad he’s sitting on the bench behind a guy who’s name most people can’t spell. They have a running game this year and I just thought things would be better. (Shaking head) Sad. Winner – Texans.
Washington @ Philadelphia – Oh, how I would love this game if Kolb were playing. It’d be a blowout for the Redskins and Donovan would actually have to shake his and Andy Reid’s hand at mid field after the game. Alas, no Kolb, but there will be a Mike Vick sighting and it has nothing to do with dogs. Vick is on a roll and now that he understands that a pocket is something you throw out of, he’s probably the most dangerous QB in the league. Winner – Eagles.
Arizona @ San Diego – Why do the Chargers play like this? IT CAN’T BE THE TALENT!!! Someone, please go to CareerBuilder.com and put out a job description for the Head Coach for the San Diego Chargers. The first line would be ‘Anyone except Norv Turner’. These guys waste talent every game by playing lackadaisical football. But they’re playing at home and it’s the Cardinals. Winner – Chargers.
Chicago @ New York Giants – I said last week that the Giants have folded their tent. We’ll see how far from the camping grounds they have driven after this game. The Bears have stopped the run, but can’t run. They’ve gotten luck from the two games at home and 1 team that hasn’t played well against them. They are 3-0 and I think everyone is surprised. I have to pick the Bears, right? Winner – Bears.
New England @ Miami – The Dolphins almost pulled it off last week and I think that they do it this week. The Patriots have shown us that they can’t play defense and Chad Henne had a helluva game last week against the Jets. More Henne and a few more touches by the running back by committee and the Dolphins go home happy. Winner – Dolphins.
Those are my picks. Who you got?
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