2013-14 NFL Week 2 Picks

Bad week last week and I'm still a little pissed so I haven't even done my wrap up for last week yet.  It'll be short, but it's coming up.  Let's turn it around this week.  I'm going to jump in since I have to get Thursday's pick up.  Leh go,......

New York Jets @ New England - The Jets ride in after their first win of the season and everyone can kind of exhale now.  Geno Smith was OK in his , but with Sanchez reportedly out for the rest of the season, at least this team knows it's going with Geno (barring an injury). 

The Patriots took everything they had to beat the Bills last week with a rookie QB and Danny Amendola is already hurt and most likely out of this game. Shane Vereen broke his wrist and he's out for this game. That leaves this team with Tom Brady and the Patriots, without him they'll never go platinum or win too many games. Some are predicting a Jets win against the hobbled Patriots. I'm feeling froggy so I'm jumping on with them. Winner - Jets. 

(Had to get these in quick, so we'll cut to the chase.)
 

St. Louis @ Atlanta - Should be a good game, higher powered offense (Falcons) going against a very good defense (Rams). Both of the starting WRs for the Falcons are gametime decisions, but I expect them to play.  Winner - Rams.

Carolina @ Buffalo - The Panthers need to bounce back from last week and I think they are in a better position than the Bills.  EJ Manuel gets another start and we're watching you young Manuel, we're watching you.  Winner - Panthers. 

Minnesota @ Chicago - The Bears host the Vikings and they have to be scared about facing AP.  Yes, I said scared.  AP got held in check last week (outside of one big run) and he's gonna be looking to make up from that performance.  Add in the rain in Chicago and this ought to be a good one.  Winner - Bears.

Washington @ Green Bay - The Redskins want to play a lot better than they did in the first half of their first game.  The Packers just played possibly the best team in the league last week.  Someone is going to be very upset after losing this game.  Winner - Packers.

Miami @ Indianapolis - What's the over/under on the number of times Mike Wallace blows up during and after this game?  The line is 3 and I'm taking the over.  Winner - Colts.

Dallas @ Kansas City - How about dem ribs?  We know Romo is banged up and we know the Chiefs are going to go after him.  Will he last? Will the Cowboys run the ball?  Winner - Chiefs.

Cleveland @ Baltimore - C'mon Ravens, this is the Browns.  Winner - Ravens.

Tennessee @ Houston - Everything about this game screams Texans, but they have to prove something to me.  Let's hope they put a complete game together.  Winner - Texans.

San Diego @ Philadelphia - I guess we'll see Chip Kelly's offense for the second time.  I hope Vick takes fewer hits this game or he won't make it through this season.  Winner - Eagles.

Detroit @ Arizona - Hmmm, Suh got suspended last week, so how will he respond with his play?  Still think that the Lions have more to show on offense this week, but this should actually turn into a very good game.  Winner - Cardinals.

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay - How many points will the Saints score is really the only question in this one.  Winner - Saints.

Jacksonville @ Oakland - It's sad that Jacksonville is this bad.  Winner - Raiders.

Denver @ New York Giants - If the Giants don't get pressure on Peyton, this Manning Bowl is going to the elder Manning.  Winner - Giants.

San Francisco @ Seattle - Wet weather, big offensive line, and a great running back.  That's who'll win.  Winner - 49ers.

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati - Can the Steelers piece together enough people to play in this game.  The defense supposedly got pissed off during the week and should be ready to play, but can they score points too?  Winner - Bengals.

Who you with?!?!?!?

2013-14 NFL Week 1 Picks

The start of the 2013-14 NFL season is upon us.  As usual I will be making my picks for each of the games each week and posting them with some of my personal insight and thoughts.  As always feel free to agree or disagree in the comments section.  I have joked in the past that I was practicing this for my new career as a Vegas betting man, but I’m not so sure, based on my previous experience.  If you by chance do use my picks and make some money, send a check.  Let’s get to some football,……

Baltimore @ Denver – First game of the season and lots of question marks for both teams.  Baltimore comes in as the reigning Super Bowl champs but they have been stripped down from retirements, defections, business decisions and injuries.  Interestingly enough this team is all Joe Flacco’s now. No Ray Lewis (no matter what you think of his speeches) and no Ed Reed now give this team a more ‘offensive’ feel. Flacco has got to be consistently good this year although he’s going to be lacking in talent around him.  Dumervil was a Bronco, but after a contract miscue, he became a Raven. I imagine that he should have a pretty good game against his old mates, but will it be enough.  

The Broncos have been hit with numerous issues over the off-season from management issues to losing players, to both injury and suspension.  The bright spot is that Manning is still under center and has some more weapons on the offensive side of the ball.  They have even joked about running some run option stuff with Manning as the QB (every defensive end in the league salivated when they heard that).  Manning and his offense will have to carry this team for a few weeks and he’s used to that, so it’ll come down to whether the defense can stop the Ravens.  Tony Carter is going to have to step up at CB and help stop Torrey Smith (DRC might take him the entire game).  But I also look for Shaun Phillips to show us whether he needs to hang it up or if he can be a solid fill in until Von Miller returns. Winner – Ravens.

Tampa Bay @ New York Jets – No Sanchez, so the rookie Geno Smith gets the start.  Geno’s ankle should be fully healed and that should allow him to be at his best.  What is his best might be the question.  Every rookie QB needs a running game, but the Jets really don’t have a stud in the backfield.  Don’t really have any receivers because I’m not expecting Holmes to play,…and it just doesn’t sound good for the rookie.  To me his only hope is to keep them in this game for as long as he can and make some plays with his legs.  They aren’t going up against a juggernaut, but this should be tough sledding for the Jets.

Tampa Bay is a few years removed from actually being that team on the upswing.  Josh Freeman seems to have taken several steps backwards in his growth and it hurts my heart because the kid has talent.  He’s also got some pieces on offense that can help him out, so it’s really about getting them the ball and making good decisions.  Josh Freeman, I need for you to step it up this year, in a big way.  Winner – Bucs.

New England @ Buffalo – Now this ought to be good.  The Patriots have retooled on both sides of the ball, but they still have that dude under center that makes it that much easier to keep winning no matter what.  Brady will have a slew of young receivers and will be without both of his start tight ends.  The funny thing is that I’m not sure that even matters that much.  Brady will be Brady and usually that’s enough to get the Patriots a win. 

The Bills were contemplating starting me at QB for week 1, but I’ll be in church early that morning and wouldn’t be able to make it to the field on time.  In my stead, EJ Manuel gets his first start (of many) for the Bills.  EJ has looked good in pre-season and again, will rely on his two running backs Spiller and Jackson to make his first soirée into the NFL a good one.  The Patriots on defense normally scheme well and try and take something away from you, so I expect them to concentrate on the run and make the rookie beat them with his arm.  Should be fun to watch.  Winner – Patriots.  

Cincinatti @ Chicago – This is the year for the Bears.  Seems like half the team are free agents after this year with the #1 priority on Jay Cutler.  Cutler isn’t the best QB, but he’s better than what the Bears have had in years.  He’s also in a good position; let’s call it the Flacco position, of being in the final year of his deal.  The Bears have a decision to make, pay Cutler that approximately $20M per year or blow it up and start all over again.  The Bears are cheap, but I doubt they blow it up and start all over.  Look for a big year from not only Cutler, but Forte too. 

The Bengals come into this game as the favorites and they should be a team to be reckoned with this year.  They have a good defensive line, they are pretty solid everywhere else on their defense and they have an offense that can put up some numbers (Green) or pound you to death (BGE).  Can the Bengals put it together this year, especially with the Steelers hurting?!!?  Good place to start would be in Chicago.  Winner – Bengals.

Miami @ Cleveland – Miami has some new duds and some new dudes, but will it matter at the end of the day? Tannehill at QB makes this team average at best and add to that, they really have no offensive talent, except for Wallace.  I do like the right side of this Dolphins defensive line in Soliai and Wake, but we’ll see who else steps up.  The addition of Ellerbee makes this defense solid.  Can they score enough points to stay in a game? 

The Browns are,…well the Browns.  Weeden made strides last season but to me he’s limited as far as his ceiling is concerned, but he always looks better when he has Richardson running well.  I do wonder who will step up as the Browns 3^rd receiver, well actually their 2^nd receiver too, but that’s another issue.  Browns defense really has no holes and should be one of the better ones in the league this year.  Winner – Browns.  

Atlanta @ New Orleans – The Falcons were thisclose to making it to the Super Bowl and they should be on a mission again this year.  They didn’t lose much and they actually picked up Seven Jackson who still has some tread on his tires.  The bad of that is that Jackson looks like he’s become one with some of that southern cooking and looks to have put on some pounds.  Matt Ryan has a full complement of receiving targets and he’s one of those guys that should have an easy road paved to at least an MVP, lots of weapons. 

Drew Brees and the Saints are back yet again.  We know that as long as they keep Brees upright and protected he can put up some points.  The receiving corp is a little beat up but hopefully some of the young guns (Toon, Tanner and Stills) and the return of Meachem can solve that problem.  *Homer Alert* I am wishing my cousin (Nick Toon) a fruitful and successful year in NO and may he catch at least 50 balls this year from that Drew Brees guy.  Winner – Falcons. 

Tennessee @ Pittsburgh – A few years ago this would have been a good matchup but right now both of these teams are struggling and going in the opposite direction.  The Titans come in with a young Jake Locker under center and a few pieces on offense that he can really count on.  Britt doesn’t start the year off suspended and Chris Johnson may be all the way back and ready for a 2000 yard rushing season, just maybe.  Defense should be solid, but this year the Titans ride or die on Locker.  If he can make teams pay for putting extra in the box to stop Johnson, this team should scare some people. 

The Steelers are looking like they are going downhill.  They are getting older and if pre-season is any foreshadowing of the future, Big Ben won’t be around much this year.  That offensive line has played horribly and all I can see in my mind is Ben taking some big hits.  Even if the line gets it together, the Steelers running game, normally a staple, just isn’t there.  When you pick up Felix Jones late in the pre-season and he could possibly start for you, that pretty much says it all.  Steelers need Heath Miller healthy soon and maybe this can all turn around quickly.  Winner – Steelers.

Minnesota @ Detroit – I will leave all of the city of Detroit slander out of this.  The Lions have retooled and have spry looking Reggie Bush who has said that this team could win it all.  I guess he’s not lying because I could hit the lottery, but what are the odds.  Stafford needs to stay healthy and some WR besides Calvin Johnson needs to have more than 50 receptions this year.  The defense will be a threat as long as they have those two big boys upfront in Fairley and Suh, and I do like the pickup of former Bears DE Idonije.  Let’s just say that I wouldn’t want to be an offense facing this defense in too many 2^nd or 3^rd and long situations. 

The Vikings are, Adrian Peterson.  As good as he is and as well as he has played since being in the league, it’s really not up to him as it relates to this team winning games.  That falls squarely on on Christian Ponder.  If the Vikings can get some quality starts out of the kid, then APs 1950 yard season (see what I did there) won’t go to waste.  We are going to see if Greg Jennings to help Ponder and be that possession receiver he needs.  On the defensive side of the ball the Vikings are solid and Jared Allen is saying he’s pain free, so we’ll see if he can get back in that sack race this year.  Winner – Lions.

Oakland @ Indianapolis – This has been a long time coming, but for some the Terrelle Pryor Era starts in Oakland this Sunday.  Hey, I hoping the kid plays well, but he’s got a long way to go to be a regular NFL starter.  He’s got legs which will keep him alive behind that offensive offensive line (see what I did there?), but he’s going to have to use his arm.  He has a rather young receiving corp, but I think he has some talent to work with.  Unfortunately the Raiders defensive side of the ball doesn’t look that much better.  I like the additions of Roach and Woodson (how old is Woodson again?), but they need some help or some people to really step up.  

The Colts are one of the feel good teams from last year and they seem to be ready to take another step ahead.  I think last year it came down to consistency and I think another year under center will be a better one for Luck.  He’ll have his favorite blanket in Reggie Wayne, but he also has other options in Heyward-Bey and watch out for that T.Y. Hilton kid.  This offense could be explosive this year.  On defense Robert Mathis is still in the trenches and the defense may not wow many, but they are a solid crew.  Winner – Colts.

Seattle @ Carolina – This one sounds like it’ll be a good game.  The Seahawks, led by their 2^nd year QB Russell Wilson will fly cross country to meet the Panthers.  Seattle brings a multi-faceted offense that has enough wrinkles in it to scare just about any defensive coordinator and a defense that can provide just as many problems.  I hope (for fantasy reasons) that Wilson finds Sidney Rice a little more this year.  Rice can be a mismatch in short yardage or near goal line situations because of his height and leaping ability, so let’s try and leverage those skills, please.  (Funny Note: One of my boys made a bet with a group of us that within 3 years the Seahawks will be looking for a new QB because Wilson isn’t the long term answer. Just waiting to collect on this one)

The Panthers are in a good spot with young Cameron at QB.  With that said, he’s got to be more consistent and he’s going to have to lead this team.  Cam probably played as well as he could last year for the first few games, but then something went wrong, and no I don’t believe that the defenses ‘figured’ him out.  The addition of Tedd Ginn may provide Cam with another target that can make some things happen for this team.  On defense the Panthers will have one of the better defensive lines in football.  Yes, one of the better ones.  If the offense can get clicking, this should be a very interesting game.  Winner – Seahawks.

Kansas City @ Jacksonville – The Andy Reid Era starts in KC (that will mean a lot of pass plays on 3^rd and short, I’m just saying).  The good, well Jamal Charles will probably be a fantasy beast and some people actually think that Smith will be good this season, so the Chiefs, along with a good defense should be pretty good this year.  The bad, well, Alex Smith is their QB.  I don’t trust him, never have and never will. (A joke I saw on twitter comes to mind: I trust (insert QB name) about as much as I trust a stripper with paw print tattoos on her bottom. This is sage advice here).  The offense should be fun to watch if Smith can make some things happen.  If he doesn’t there’s always Chase Daniel. 

Jacksonville is….just a city in Florida and someone needed a tax write off.  Of course there is MJD, but I’m not sure which QB is better between Gabbert (Yo Gabba Gabba) and Henne.  The question I have is will this be Justin Blackmon’s breakout year or will we be waiting for this to happen next year?  Can anyone name 4 starters on defense for the Jaguars without googling the info? You can get two easily, but the others,….well,….we’ll see how they play.  Winner – Chiefs.

Arizona @ St. Louis – Teams are doing a good job reclaiming old QBs and bringing them in for their final few years.  So the Cardinals brought in Carson Palmer who I think still has some tread on his tires and now he has a #1 guy to throw to in Fitzgerald.  If this team can protect Palmer and find some semblance of a running game, they could be decent.  On defense the Cardinals are going to be rather solid because of Dansby, Acho, Peterson, and Docket. 

The Rams are a new look team.  They have a stingy defense but now add Tavon Austin to the mix to help Bradford make this passing game more exciting.  If Bradford can stay healthy, watch out for this team.  They could be one of the sleepers in the NFC.  Winner – Cardinals.

Green Bay @ San Francisco – I would love to see this game late in the season with the playoffs on the line.  Instead we get this game 1 and it still should be a good one.  The 49ers come off of a close loss to the Ravens in the Superbowl, but they come back fully loaded and no concern about who will be the starting QB.  Kaepernick will have a target on his back from not only his off-season wardrobe choices, but he’ll also be trying to prove that this whole new breed of QB is here to stay.  He gained a weapon from that Ravens team in Boldin, but they were already loaded.  Did I mention that the 49ers offensive line is still bigger than most, if not all, in the NFL.  Defense is going to be outrageous.

Green Bay is lucky enough to have one of the QB gawds in Rodgers under center, so they’ll probably be ok as long as this crippled offensive line keeps his jersey clean.  I also dare to say that the Packers have a threat in Eddie Lacy, although a rookie, at the RB spot.  They haven’t had a complete back like that in a while.  Scary to think that their entire year could largely depend on his production and ability to pick up blitzes.  Packers defense is best when they play from ahead, so let’s hope that the offense can keep scoring points.  Winner – 49ers.

New York Giants @ Dallas – I always start the year, well at least for the last few, where I point out just how good the Giants front 4 (or 7) really is.  Then they go out and make me look bad by not performing.  Because I’m a glutton for punishment I am going to go out on a limb again this year and tell you that the Giants have one of the top 3 defensive lines in the NFL.  With Cullen Jenkins able to get pressure from the interior, that makes Tuck, Herzlich and Kiwanuka that much tougher to block. On offense they have the steady Eli manning the ship and that’s enough for 9 wins, at least.

The Romo led Cowboys start the year again with so many expectations and actually they have a pretty scary team.  As usual, it’s all on Romo.  He’s a good player for the majority of a game, but then when you need him, he makes those one or two mistakes that make you want to hunt him down and hurt him.  They may not even be ‘his’ mistakes, but they sure do look bad when they do happen.  He’s got Austin, Murray, Witten and Bryant, so he’s got people around him that can pick up the slack and make plays for him.  Limit the bad decisions and he just may be the MVP of the league.  Winner – Giants.

Houston @ San Diego – This is the other Monday Night Game,….ho hum.  The Texans are the team that some are saying are headed to the Super Bowl this year for the AFC. I’m not sold on that just yet.  Their offense is Johnson and Foster and the health of Matt Schaub.  Seemed like last year the Texans just had too many injuries to really to make a move late in the season and for some reason, I just think that they will go through the same thing again.  I am not wishing it on them, but that’s what I see for them. 

The Chargers are somewhat starting over, but it’s nice to ‘start over’ with Mathews and Rivers as options.  The offense has not really been the problem in the past for the Chargers, but Rivers uncanny ability to snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat with some turnovers just leaves this team in tough situations from time to time.  Can they fix this and stay consistent?  I’m just not sure and I’m not betting with Rivers.  Winner – Texans.

Philadelphia @ Washington – This is the game everyone is waiting for.  The new look Eagles against the hopefully healthy Washington team (I’m all for not mentioning that name until they change it).  The Eagles are on the last ride for Vick and not just his contract but his legacy.  If he falters, he’ll get cut by the beginning of next year, but if he shows out, it puts the Eagles in a tougher spot as it relates to backups.  Chip Kelly’s offense will get a tough test but if they can keep Vick clean and he uses that blessed arm he has, this could be a magical ride for the Eagles.

The team from Washington gets a healthy RGIII back and I think they pick up where they started off last year.  Decent running game, which includes RGIII, but a good passing game and some health is what they really need.  The defense is getting older, but Kerrigan and Arakbo will be able to make plays this year if Cofield and Bowen can get pressure up front.  The team from Washington will be more than solid and should look for playoff berth.  Winner – Eagles.

Who ya with?!?!?!?!?

Getting Back in the Saddle

Well it's been a minute but as the NFL season approaches, it's time for me to get back to this blogging thing.  Lots has happened over my brief hiatus, but like the quote from above, I'm back to give you guys hell and enjoy myself the entire time.  Maybe this time away made me better.  We'll see.  Buckle up and get your popcorn ready, sports are about to kick back into high gear with the NFL, the NBA, and the MLB playoffs coming (had to throw that in there for my Pittsburgh Pirates peeps).  See you on the field,.............   

2012-13 NFL Divisional Playoffs

Another good week of football.  We're down to 8 teams and may the best win.


Baltimore @ Denver - The next step in the Ray Lewis Retirement Roadshow goes to cold Denver.  The snow/sleet has already fallen and by gametime, it should be brutally cold.  A lot of people don't give the Ravens a chance to win because Manning has beat this team consistently over the years.  I for one give the Ravens a good chance to win this one.  They have a consistent running game and if Joe Flacco can have a good performance they win this one.  Gotta keep Manning on the sidelines and they have to disguise their coverages.  Manning isn't unbeatable, as a matter of fact he's 9-10 in his playoff career.  The defense is going to have to get atleast 1 turnover (the more the better) and they are going to have to stop the running game.  Pray for the 'good' Flacco.

Who to watch: Haloti Ngata, Ray Lewis, Joe Flacco, Dennis Pitta.  Haloti and Ray are going to have to cause problems upfront for the Denver run game.  The better Ngata plays, the better Ray plays.  Nuff said.  Flacco seems to find one receiver a game and stick with him.  He's gotta spread it around and he's going to have to get Pitta involved against these Denver LBs.  He can't just throw to Smith or Boldin the entire game.  I'll throw Ray Rice in here too because he's going to have to run the ball and not turn it over like he did last week. 

The Broncos come in on the longest win streak.  They have the QB they wanted in Manning and they have a good ground game to go along with it.  It will be cold and Manning doesn't play that well in the cold, so that's a concern.  Did I mention this Denver defense?  Well they are good too.  They can rush the passer, stop the run and they do like to hit.  They are the favorites and this ought to be a slobberknocker of a game. 

Who to watch: Champ Bailey, Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil.  I picked defensive guys because Peyton should handle the offensive side of the ball.  Bailey is going to probably cover Boldin and shut him down and then Miller and Dumervil are going to have to stop the run.  Shouldn't be too hard for this team to get the win, but there's always a chance. 

Winner: Broncos, but I'm a Ravens fan and I hope they find a way to make me look bad.  I want this Ray Lewis retirement party to continue. 

Green Bay @ San Francisco - This is going to be a game.  The Packers travel out to the Bay to play the 49ers and they actually look like they are ready for this one.  The Packers get their receiving corp back and they showed last game that they might have some semblance of a running game.  The real question is can they keep Aaron Rodgers upright in the pocket?  The Packers defense is healthy and we'll see if they can round back in form.  I said last week that having Woodson back will help and I think that goes double in this game. 

Who to watch: Aaron Rogers, the OL, the defense.  I guess I should have just said the entire team, eh? The offensive line has to give Rodgers time against that 49ers defense.  He has all of his guys back in the WR corp, but he needs time to get them the ball.  Rodgers is going to need to have a big game in what I think will be a shootout.  The defense is going to have to find a way to stop that 49ers running game and make Kapernick beat them. 

The 49ers have to do what they've done all year, run the ball and play defense.  I could play QB for this team with the squad they have.  With that said, this game comes down to Kaepernick.  He can't be the reason the 49ers don't win this game.  If he is, there will be many who jump on Harbaugh about the QB change. I honestly think he did the best thing and actually has the opportunity to look like a saint if Kaepernick struggles and he brings in Alex Smith and he wins the game.  No harm, no foul. 

Who to watch: Kaepernick.  I'm sorry to put it all on the kid, but he's just gotta maintain and make sure they win this game.  It should be fun. 

Winner: Packers in a mild upset. 

Seattle @ Atlanta - The best game of the weekend.  The Seahawks are coming into Atlanta with swagger and nothing to lose.  Russell Wilson already has a playoff win and this team continues to win the way it was put together, defense and an offense that can capitalize.  The this is probably the second most physical team behind the 49ers and they love to hit. 

Who to watch: Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and the Defensive backfield.  Wilson has got to be the guy he's been all year long and make good decisions and not turn the ball over.  Marshawn Lynch is coming in to this game with a sprained foot.  I hope he's healthy, but he's gotta give this team his all.  All week there has been talk about the matchups on the outside with these big WRs.  Please don't forget Jacquizz Rodgers and Tony Gonzalez. 

The Falcons come in with a lot of pressure on them.  They have the monkey on their back about their postseason struggles and that is very real.  They are going to have to start this game out strong on the fickle Atlanta crowd may turn on the home team.  They have it all, a good ground game, Matty Ice at QB, a dangerous combo of receivers and homefield.  Can they pull it off?

Who to watch: Tony Gonzalex, Matt Ryan, run Defense.  Gonzalez is one of those last good guys playing this game for one reason and one reason only, a Superbowl ring.  He will be a mismatch in that Seahawks secondary.  Matt Ryan has got to lead this team.  He's got to get this team moving and put up some points.  The Falcons don't play the run well as a team, and if Marshawn comes to play, they gonna need to do that or they are staying home with a quickness. 

Winner: I got the birds,....not the Durty ones though.  Seahawks.

Texans @ Patriots - The Texans want this game, I mean when you have an opportunity to play Game 2 against a team that embarrased you a few weeks ago, you want the rematch.  not much to say here, this team has to show up and play ball against the Patriots or this might be a breaking point for this team. 
 
Who to watch: Matt Schaub. Yes, I'm putting it all on him.  If he would have showed up last game maybe they would have been closer, but this is Schaub's time to show and prove.  If Schaub plays well, this Texans team wins. 
 
The Patriots still have Tom Brady as their QB, right?  This team is getting healthy at the right time and they will be ready for a pissed Texans team.  The Patriots are solid all around and they are always prepared.  I wouldn't want to be the Texans. 

Who to watch: Patriots defense.  I want to see how they scheme to beat this Texans team.  I say take away the run which would entail a good game by the big man upfront, but I also see them blitzing from their corner position because there's only one guy I gotta watch out for on the Texans as a WR.
 
Winner: Patriots.

 
Who you got?!?!?!?!?

2012-13 NFL Playoffs Wild Card Weekend

Next up, Wild Card Weekend and the games are looking lovely.  Things couldn't be better unless your team happens to be at home for the playoffs.  Let's jump right in and see if we can pick some winners. 

Cincinnati @ Houston - I think this is the best way to start the weekend off.  The Bengals travel to Houston with hopes of upsetting the Texans at home.  The Texans have a good defense and they have all of the pieces on offense, but right now this Texans team is playing horribly.  The running game with Foster just isn't clicking like it has in the earlier part of the year.  The Texans passing game is best when that rnning game works because Schaub is more of a play-action QB.  The Texans have to find a way to get back on track so that they don't have to rely so heavily on their defense.

Who to watch: Matt Schaub and the offensive line.  For the Texans, they are going to need a big game from their QB and they gotta find a way to run the ball again to make that happen. 

The Bengals come in and they are clicking.  Their offense can put up numbers, but the most important part of the Bengals (right now) is their defense.  The Bengals defensive line can get pressure or stop the run with their front four which just makes the rest of that defense better.  The running game may take a step back with the Law Firm being dinged up, but I expect a solid game from the Bengals.

Who to watch: Jermaine Gresham, Brandon Tate, Brian Leonard, and Geno Atkins.  We know AJ Green is going to get his, but it's going to be up to someone else to help him out and I expect Gresham to really step up, but Tate will have to pull some weight also.  If Green-Ellis is as dinged up as they say, they are going to need Leonard and others to literally carry the load.  Atkins is having a great year and if he continues his play, he just might be the MVP of this game. 

Winner: Bengals in a slight upset.


Minnesota @ Green Bay - This is the 3rd meeting of these two teams this year with last week being the last game.  The Vikings are led by possibly one of the most amazing specimens the NFL has seen in years with AP returning from a knee injury last year and literally tearing up the league.  He has faced the Packers twice this year and has amassed 409 yards in those two games.  Think about that for a second 409 yards in 2 games and they had a chance to scheme for him.  The Vikings defense has been solid for the most part and has kept this team in games, which seems to be all they need to do with AP running.  The question mark for the Vikings is at QB. 

Who to watch: Christian Ponder, period.  We know what AP is going to do but the question is whether Ponder can make the Packers pay for loading up the box to try and stop the run.  In the last game, Ponder probably played his best game as a pro and the Vikings won to make it into the playoffs.  Can he do it again?

The Packers have been sloppy the past few weeks and their weakness (offensive line) has reared its ugly head.  Rodgers can't keep taking hits like he is and with the health of some of his favorite targets in question, the Packers appeared regular.  In this game Rodgers will have a full compliment of his receiving corp (Cobb, Finley, Driver, Nelson, and Jennings) and that should help immensely.  On the defensive side of the ball the Packers get Woodson back which may slighyly improve their run defense.  Woodson has always played both run and pass well and his return will have this defense feeling itself. 

Who to watch: Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Packers defense.  Hopefully Cobb and Nelson are both injury free and they can play without concern.  If all of these receivers are healthy, Rodgers becomes much more dangerous.  The Packers defense has been rather talkative this week heading into this game about limiting AP to under 200 yards.  Clay Matthews has been the most vocal, this will take a total team effort to keep AP under 200 and win the game. 

Winner: Packers at home and Rogers is going to be money, just watch. 


Indianapolis @ Baltimore - The first of our rookie QBs steps up to the plate for his first playoff game.  Luck has been good this year and has led this team to the playoffs with seemingly all odds against him.  They really don't have a running game and the defense has played some inspired ball as of late to keep this team close to give the rookie a chance to lead them to wins.  This team has dealt with their head coach battling cancer and finally getting him back on the sidelines.  With coach Pagano on the sideline, this Colts team will be playing for something more than just themselves.

Who to watch: Andrew Luck and the Colts defense.  This is all on Luck to get his team through this game.  He's going up against an inspired Ravens defense (they are playing for something more also) and they are going to Baltimore.  The Colts don't play well on the road.  The Colts defense is going to have to show a pulse and possibly getting some turnovers.

The Ravens are coming in and haven't looked good the past few weeks on defense, but they do get back Ray Lewis.  To step things up a notch Lewis announced that he is retiring after this year.  Talk about moving all the chips to the middle of the table.  We all know that this team is going to win or lose on offense.  Flacco looked great last week and we'll see if he can repeat. 

Who to watch: Joe Flacco, Ray Lewis.  Flacco is going to have to play well and have confidence in his game.  Last week repeated will work will.  If Flacco falters, can this team still win?  Ray may be playing in his last game and the question is does he have any more moments left in the tank?  As a fam of Ray's I hope so. 

Winner: Ravens. In my best Teddy Riley voice, 'It ain't over' for Ray Lewis, yet.


Seattle @ Washington - The Seahawks come in this game led by Russell Wilson.  They have played good defense and relied on Wilson to get the offense going.  A big assist to Money Lynch has also worked for them.  As good as the offense has played, the defense has possibly played better.  They have made this Seahawks team special.  The Seahawks don't play as well away from home, but I think they can be special enough this week. 

Who to watch: Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and Seattle recievers.  This is Russells' first playoff game and he has to play within himself.  The more under control he is, the better chance this team has of winning.  How does he play under control, well let your veteran Lynch run the rock.  Get the skittles going.  I often look at the Seahawks receivers and I wonder which one of them will step up and play well each game.  I don't feel like they have a true #1.  Marshawn is going to have to have a good game.  He needs close to 100 yards and some receptions to help his team win. 

The Redskins have RGIII.  That ought to be enough for most, but this defense that he'll be playing against is tough.  So the Redskins are going to have to depend on their other rookie Alfred Morris.  Morris has carried the load at the RB spot for the Redskins and he has done a helluva job.  The Redskins are going to have to have a great game from both of their rookies to win.  The defense looked good in their last game because they blitzed Romo a lot, but I'm not sure that will work against the Seahawks.  London Fletcher has been the glue to this defense and he's gonna need to bring them together again. 

Who to watch: Alfred Morris, RGIII, and Barry Cofield.  Morris is going to have to have a big game on the ground to keep this Seahawks defense honest.  If he can, I like RGIIIs chances of airing it out a little against a good Seahawks defensive secondary.  Barry Cofield has got to provide a veteran presence on that line and make some plays.  If the Redskins don't stop the run, it's all over for them. 

Winner:  I would love for the Redskins to win this one, but I think the Seahawks will win a close one.


Who you got?!?!?!?!?

2012-13 NFL Week 14 Picks Part Deaux

Technical difficulties, last post deleted, updating now.

2012-13 NFL Week 14 Picks

Denver

Steelers

Bucs

Rams

Redskins

Chiefs

Bengals

Colts

Bears

Falcons

Jaguars

Giants

49ers

Seahawks

Packers

Who you got?!?!?!

2012-13 NFL Week 13 Picks

Welcome back. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Lets jump in because we got our first game up soon.

New Orleans @ Atlanta - The Saints need this game badly in order to think about playoffs. They are normally successful against the Falcons but these are the new Falcons right? Should be a shoot out. Winner - Falcons.

2012-13 NFL Week 11 Picks

Too much on the plate today. Lets jump right in to it.

Miami @ Buffalo - I want to pick the Dolphins so bad, but for some reason I think the Bills are motivated and they get it done with the bright lights of Thursday night looking down on them. Winner - Bills

Tampa Bay @ Carolina - Winner Bucs.

Arizona @ Atlanta - Winner Falcons.

Green Bay @ Detroit - Winner Packers.

Cleveland @ Dallas - Winner Cowboys.

Cincinnati @ Kansas City - Winner Chiefs

New York Jets @ St. Louis - Winner Rams.

Philadelphia @ Washington - Winner Redskins.

Jacksonville @ Houston - Winner Texans.

New Orleans @ Oakland - Winner Saints.

Indianapolis @ New England - Winner Colts.

San Diego @ Denver - Winner Broncos.

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh - Winner Ravens.

Chicago @ San Fran - Winner Bears.

Who you got!!?!?!

2012-13 NFL Week 10 Picks

Not a lot of time, but gotta get my pick in for tonight.  Let's go,.....

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville - I have no faith in the Jags but they aren't giving up with everything that's happened to them. I expect this to be a moderately watched and close game with the Andrew Lucks squeaking one out.  Winner - Colts. 

New York Giants @ Cincinnati - Giants should win this one with their defense.  The offense needs to step up and figure out a way to get back on track.  Last week was really a let down against the Steelers. Winner - Giants.

Tennessee @ Miami - Can't trust the Titans. Winner - Dolphins.

Detroit @ Minnesota - If the Lions run the ball like they did last week, then this is a quick game before the Vikings fold.  Winner - Lions.

Buffalo @ New England - Patriots all day.  I picked the Bills in Week 4 and they were up 21-7 at one point and then they just let me down.  Winner - Patriots.

Atlanta @ New Orleans - Could be an upset, but the Saints defense is getting better, but they are still bad.  Should test the scoreboard workers' ability to add, but in the end, the better all around team should win.  Winner - Falcons.

San Diego @ Tampa Bay - I'm not sure which team shows up for the Bucs, but I don't trust the Chargers.  Winner - Bucs.

Denver @ Carolina - Get Cam some help.  Winner - Broncos.

Oakland @ Baltimore - Yes, Palmer is playing pretty good this year, but the ghost of Ray Lewis will pull this Ravens team through.  Winner - Ravens.

New York Jets @ Seattle - Can Russell Wilson get some votes for Rookie of the Year?  Winner - Seahawks.

Dallas @ Philadelphia - Both teams need this win.  Both QBs are struggling.  Both defenses are struggling.  Both coaches are fighting for their jobs.  Winner - Cowboys.

St. Louis @ San Francisco - Winner - 49ers.

Houston @ Chicago - I am on the fence on this one.  The weather will dictate how it's played as it'll be windy and somewhat cold here in the Chi.  The Bears have to protect Cutler and the Texans have to find a way to keep that Bears defensive line occupied.  Should be a good game,...and in the end, I think we get a mild upset.  Winner - Bears.

Kansas City @ Pittsburgh - Are the Chiefs still and NFL team?  Winner - Steelers. 

Who you got?!?!?!?

2012-13 NFL Week 9 Picks

Another Thursday Night game.  I thought these didn't start until late in the season, but I guess that money is giving us 1 a week this year.  Let's get these picks in.

Kansas City @ San Diego - Well, Matt Cassel is getting his starting gig back and I think that it will provide some spark for this team.  They are really sucking this year and who knows, maybe this is his last chance to be a starter for this team.  The Chargers are the Chargers and the only thing is someone will win this game.  Flipping coin on this one.  Winner - Chiefs.

Baltimore @ Cleveland - This Browns team knows how to run the ball and this Ravens team can't stop the run very well.  The Ravens come off a bye and are hopefully healthy.  I think that something positive happened during the bye and I'm going against my better judgement on this pick.  Winner - Ravens.

Tampa Bay @ Oakland - This ought to be a good game because the Bucs need this one.  They were last seen destroying the Vikings with ease, so let's see if they can do it two weeks in a row.  Don't sleep on these Raiders as Carson Palmer is turning his game on as of late.  Winner - Bucs.

Denver @ Cincinatti - I'm riding with Manning and this Denver team.  They have a good balance on offense and as long as they don't turn the ball over, their defense will step it up against a good Bengals passing game.  Winner - Broncos.

Arizona @ Green Bay - Nothing the Cardinals did last week makes me think that they can win this game.  This is all on the Packers to prove they do belong.  The Cardinals offense is suspect and probably exactly what the Packers needed to see.  Winner - Packers.

Chicago @ Tennessee - Bears all day.  Winner - Bears.

Miami @ Indianapolis - After an emotional win over the Jets last week the Dolphins come in Indy riding a little high.  Tannehill is being called the best rookie QB in the game (by his own center of course) so this will probably come down to one of the two rookie QBs.  I got my money on Luck.  Winner - Colts.

Carolina @ Washington - Black QB comparions go ahead and start.  RGIII is not Cam and Cam is not RGIII.  They both bring different pieces to the game both on and off the field.  The only thing they share is melanin and the fact that they both are starting QBs for their teams.  Let them be them.  Winner - Redskins.

Detroit @ Jacksonville - So you mean to tell me that the Lions have their best game last week and now they get the worst team in the NFL.  Winner - Lions. 

Buffalo @ Houston - Finally,....Mario Williams has come back to Houston (for all of you Rock fans out there).  Should be a bad return for him because they can't stop that Houston offense.  Winner - Texans.  

Minnesota @ Seattle - Like the progression that the Seahawks are making, especially at the QB spot.  Their record may not be the best but they are a few plays from 2 wins.  The Vikings are coming in pissed from the butt whuppin that they received last week.  Take away AP's 70+ yard run and this team did nothing the majority of the night.  They'll be energized and ready, but I like the home team defense too.  Winner - Seahawks.

Pittsburgh @ New York Giants - Game of the Week.  Giants defensive secondary is weak, Pittsburgh has good receivers, and the question is will Big Ben have time to make some decisions.  Winner - Giants.

Dallas @ Atlanta - I'm telling you now that it would turn the world upside down if the Cowboys go into Atlanta and win this game.  I'm talking about right up there with the Mayans being right.  Winner - Falcons. 

Philadelphia @ New Orleans - If Vick thought he was going to get benched this week, wait and see what he does/doesn't do against the Saints defense.  If the Eagles don't put up 30+, Vick and Andy Reid will be packing their bags.  Winner - Eagles. 

Who you got?!?!?!?!