Week 8 Picks

Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions (20-13)


Guess where the first of Detroit’s two wins came last year…yup, the Redskins. Washington seems to like to lose to the bottom feeders of the league, and with their offense not as good as people hoped I think the Lions have a great chance to notch victory numero dos. Matt Stafford will be returning from injury which should give a boost to the Lions seventh ranked passing attack and Jahvid Best looks to perform better now that his turf toe is completely healed. As long as Stafford doesn’t decide to pull a Cutler and hand DeAngelo Hall another career day on a platter Detroit will win a close one.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Dallas Cowboys (24-14)

Which is worse: I actually picked the Cowboys to win, or I came very close to picking a team that has lost four games by twenty points or more? Hard to say, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record you would think Dallas’s uber-talented defense and strong running game would carry the day against a terrible Jacksonville team-which is on the road no less. But I digress, anything is possible with the Cowboys, and I mean anything.

Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals (27-17)

New formula for the Bengals to win: Go down by a huge deficit (20+ points) and let Carson Palmer sling it. He seems to perform vastly better when his team in a hole…consider this; Palmer’s two best days have come against the Patriots and the Falcons where he was down by 20+ points. Meanwhile his worst passing days have come in a close loss to Tampa Bay and a close win over Carolina.

The Dolphins are not-so-quietly-fuming over their legitimate completely bogus loss to Pittsburg. This is very close to a must win game for the fish as a loss and wins by both the Pats and Jets would put them three games back…quite a hole to dig out of. With this game on the road (where the Dolphins are 3-0), its must-win nature, and Cincinnati’s vulnerable defense I like Miami to win handily…as long as they don’t go up by twenty.

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs (34-28)

Is it just me or is Ryan Fitzpatrick kindofsortofsemimaybeprobably good? Who would have thought he would nearly lead the Bills to a victory over a top five team in the Ravens? Check out his stats for the season: http://www.nfl.com/players/ryanfitzpatrick/profile?id=FIT792915. Pretty crazy…the guys thrown eleven touchdown passes in four games and has a quarterback rating over a 100! But alas, the Bills defense is awful and then some. Look for Matt Cassel to once again thrive off playing against a porous defense and for both Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles to have big days. Chiefs win in a high scoring affair…

Carolina Panthers @ St. Louis Rams (24-13)

The Rams are good at home and show a knack for beating the poorer teams of the league. With a surprisingly solid defense and Sam Bradford at the helm look for St. Louis to succeed where San Fran failed: beating arguably the worst team in the league.

Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers (31-10)

Of all the games being played this week, this was the one that was chosen to showcase American Football in England. I know the schedule was decided upon well before the season started but it’s just a shame. Who wants to see the vastly underperforming (understatement) 49er’s play the Denver we-just-lost-to-Al-Davis’s-corpse-by-45-points Broncos? No one does, just as nobody wants to read about it. Moving on…

Green Bay Packers @ New York Jets (17-14)

New York Jets at home, coming off a bye, with a healthy Darelle Revis, and two more weeks to sharpen Mark Sanchez’s chemistry with Santonio Holmes vs. the Green Bay Packers suffering through injury Armageddon with a struggling pass defense and an offense as one dimensional as Brad Childress’s mind. I see no conceivable way for the Pack to win this unless Sanchez goes into turnover mode, the Jets secondary has a terrible game, or Aaron Rodgers goes ballistic. New York is ripe for a letdown game…but it ain’t gonna be this week.

Tennessee Titans @ San Diego Chargers (28-20)

Twice this season Tennessee has come off monster wins then gone on to lose handily (the loss to Pittsburg only looks close…trust me it wasn’t). I see the same thing happening again against a desperate San Diego team that should be making its customary run at any time now. You would think at some point everything would come together for the Chargers and their top five defense and offense would lead to wins; that’s logical right? You would think…

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Arizona Cardinals (22-20)

In case anyone hasn’t heard Bill Simmons slobbering over him…Josh Freeman is good, real good. And Max Hall is, well, let’s say a work in progress. Like St. Louis, the Bucs have shown they can beat teams at their level but struggle against the top of the league. Thankfully for them, the Cardinals are about at their level…don’t tell Raheem Morris I said that. Assuming Larry Fitzgerald doesn’t kill everyone on the Cardinals roster look for Tampa Bay to win a close battle and inch closer to an improbable Wild Card spot.

Minnesota Vikings @ New England Patriots (31-24)

Regardless of what secret information Randy has been giving the Vike’s coaching staff I doubt they comprehend how to utilize it. And with some of the shot’s Chilly has taken at the Pats and Belicheck this week I Suspect New England will be playing with a few more “chips”. The Vikings will have either Brett Favre standing on broken legs at quarterback or a guy in Travaris Jackson who hasn’t played for a solid two years…not a good sign. Surprisingly Minnesota’s defense has been unable to rush the passer thus far which points to Brady having a big game. Look for All Day to run wild but a shaky passing attack and sharp Patriot offense to lead to another Minnesota loss…and a despondent Randy Moss as he watches Tom Brady pick his new team apart.

Seattle Seahawks @ Oakland Raiders (19-17)

Seattle on the road is never a good thing…and they have to play the offensive juggernaut Oakland Raiders of all teams! It’s hard to pick Oakland to win two in a row, considering they haven’t accomplished it since 2008…but it’s even harder to pick Seattle on the road. Screw it, I’m going with the we-just-scored-59-points-we’re-ripe-for-a-letdown Oakland Raiders!

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints (31-27)

By far the most interesting game of the week in my opinion. New Orleans is in serious trouble if they lose this game as they would be sitting at .500 while division leading Atlanta is 5-2. Plus, the reaction in New Orleans would be apocalyptic if the Saints fell to 4-4, losing two in a row. Pittsburg on the other hand is coming off a tough loss win against Miami and has to play the Saints in New Orleans: one of the toughest places to play in football. There pass defense is semi struggling which bodes well for a Drew Brees that has to be pissed off after a terrible performance against Cleveland (The Browns of all teams!). I believe the Saint’s offense will reemerge from their funk and they win a high scoring affair against the best team in the league. I am by no means confident in this pick, but I trust Brees to make it happen in a must win game.

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts (38-34)

Three reasons why I can’t bring myself to pick the Texans:

1. It’s Peyton Manning at night…you don’t pick against Peyton manning at night man!

2. Houston sweeping Indianapolis is so improbable I can’t even comprehend it…

3. Despite the rash of injuries the Colts have suffered their offensive depth is so strong that they should still be able to ravage Houston’s abominable defense. Reggie Wayne anybody?

Last Week: 10-4

Overall: 51-37

Upset of the Week: New Orleans Saints OVER Pittsburg Steelers

Pounding of the Week: Denver Broncos OVER San Francisco 49er’s

Lock of the Week: Indianapolis Colts OVER Houston Texans

NBA Monopoly

The 2010-2011 NBA season is just nine days away as I write this! Do you know what that means?...I should probably write something basketball related and stop slobbering over the NFL and its selling of photos of illegal hits even as it condemns them. Ok, now that that’s out of my system…moving on.


Anyway, what better way to preview the upcoming season then focus on the players instead of the teams? Team previews are so cliché and boring…so I thought, instead, I would rate the most valuable NBA players in terms of how critical they are to their franchise’s success. And on top of that how much one would want to build a team around that player right now. What better way to do this then assign a monetary value to each player based on…my opinion! We’ll call this NBA monopoly. I wanted the range to be a manageable number so I settled on a thousand dollars…with a thousand being the max a player is worth.

Alright, when reading this ratings column, keep in mind these rules:

A. Age and salary matter. A player might have been phenomenal over the past decade (Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant), but that doesn’t mean I would spend an exuberant amount for him now if he’s 35 years old. This is important to understanding my thought process, as you may consider Kobe Bryant one of the best two or three guys in the game now…but would you want to build your franchise around him for the next four to five years? Yeah-thought so. Also, a player might be good…but if he has a terrible contract, he’s going to move way down the list. Ahem, Rudy Gay, ahem.

B. This column focuses on franchise caliber players. Pretty self-explanatory, but still worth saying. As much as I value the role players of the league…the 4th, 5th, and 6th options on a team that every NBA team requires to win a championship…they will not be included simply because this article would extend to 10, 000 words or more, and I don’t think anyone cares that much…


1. LeBron James ($1000)

He had one of the best regular seasons last year in recent memory. The man came the closest to averaging a triple double (averaged a 30-8.6-7) over the span of a regular season since Michael Jordan during 1988-89 (averaged a 32-8-8). Forget for a minute that he’s the third most hated athlete in America (after Tiger Woods and Brett Favre) and consider his basketball accomplishments. There hasn’t been a more complete player in the league for ten years, and he can only get better being only 25 years old. He can score with the best of them, but is also a triple double threat every game…he’s a passer to rival Magic Johnson and scorer akin to Bernard King. There hasn’t been a player like him since...well, maybe ever. Now comes his real test though, he’s on a fantastic team with roughly 1.5 other superstars; if he’s as great as we all think then there will be many championship trophies in his future.



2. Kevin Durant ($999)

Durant scored thirty ppg last season while hitting 90 percent of his 10 free throws per game, hitting 48 percent of his field goals and 36 percent of three pointers. Stunning numbers for any player-quadruple so for one who is 22 years old. The clip at which he made free throws was particularly astonishing as he went to line 840 times over the course of the season; second most all time. As if his scoring wasn’t enough, Durant chips in 7.6 boards a game, 3 assists, 1.5 steals, and a block. Not the all-around player LeBron is, but a much more efficient scorer, equally skilled rebounder, and a more skilled 3-point, long jumper, and free throw shooter. Also not something to take lightly is Durant’s phenomenal play during the FIBA world championships where he was the unquestioned leader/go-to-guy for team USA. He showed he can be the man, and will surely embrace the challenge for the Thunder. The hype for this guy is real everybody, he combines once in a generation skills with unquestioned leadership, drive, and toughness.



3. Dwight Howard ($950)

Dwight Howard suffers from a severe lack of post moves. He fouls too much. He’s a terrible free throw shooter with good form. Say what you want about Howard, but big men are a hot commodity in basketball…especially ones that consistently put up at least 18 points, 13 rebounds, and almost 3 blocks while hitting 60 percent of their shots. No other big man can claim to be so defensively dominant (Howard is a two time defensive player of the year) and offensively prolific at the same time. IF he would become a bit more skilled in the post (that’s a big if), and hit freebies at a greater percentage (see: Pao Gasol) then he could feasibly average 23-24 PPG or more. I’m holding out hope because of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mArHU1ewSog



4. Chris Paul ($945)

The best pure point guard in the game of basketball is coming off an injury plagued season and an offseason where it was rumored he wanted out of New Orleans. Despite all that, he remains the best pure point guard in the league when healthy, and considering he doesn’t have a bad injury history I consider last season to be a fluke. He has everything you want in a floor general: incredible passing skills, fantastic shooter from any spot on the floor, great finisher at the rim, and leadership ability. He’s the revolutionary Isaiah Thomas, a player we should all enjoy as he continues putting up 22-11’s for the next decade.



5. Dwyane Wade ($930)

Probably the closest resemblance to Jordan yet-Wade drives to the bucket as recklessly and relentlessly as MJ did while combining a knack for passing, rebounding, and stealing the ball. I can’t wait to see how he fits in with the new-look Miami Heat; is he the primary scorer, will he take the last shot in close games, does he grasp the role as leader of the team? All fascinating questions that might determine the success of this team as the three superstar personalities attempt to coincide with one another. The fact is though, that for the past couple years Wade has left it all the court as he dragged a team comprised of such players as Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers to the playoffs while playing 40 minutes a night. Combine that with a shaky injury history and you wonder how durable of a player he is? Nevertheless, as the Boston Celtics can attest, Wade is capable of carrying the offensive load all by himself…let’s see what happens now that he doesn’t have to.



6. Kobe Bryant ($905)

I have no doubt that the Black Mamba is the most skilled player in the game…combining a slew of recently acquired low post moves with a sick jump shot, superb ball handling, and basically every other skill you would want in a pro baller. Why isn’t he higher?…because he’s 32 years old (with 14 seasons under his belt), has a growing list of minor injuries that may affect his game, and he plays for the Lakers. Just kidding about that last part…maybe. But really, if I was a GM and had to choose between building my team around the 27 year old Wade, or 32 year old Bryant…I would go with the younger, faster, and non-Laker Dwyane Wade.



7. Carmelo Anthony ($850)

What did Melo’ show us last season? He proved that if he is your best player you can most definitely make waves in the postseason, and probably win a championship (The only reason they haven’t yet is because the Lakers have such a ridiculous amount of talent surrounding Kobe Bryant). That’s quite a leap for a guy who was once considered solely a scorer and a definite me-first, selfish type of player. But he put in his best season in 2009-10 scoring 28 points, grabbing a shade under 7 boards, pinching in 3 assists and a steal, while hitting shots at a pretty solid percentage. He did all this while having a usage rate of 33 percent (possessions where he does something with the ball-score, turnover, gets to the line, etc.) which was among the highest in the league. He’s a durable forward, an efficient scorer, hits tough shots, and is now a guy I would build a team around.



8. Deron Williams ($840)

Next to an elite big man, point guard is the most important position on the floor. If you want to win a championship you need an elite ball handler who possesses outstanding passing skills and court vision. Deron Williams and Chris Paul are the best in the league in those two respective categories…except Chris Paul at his best puts up transcendent numbers while Williams’ are merely outstanding. I know, I know it’s like comparing Brady to Manning, but someone has to take number one. The long and short of it is Deron Williams has next to no flaws and remains in close second for the title of best point guard in the league…the kind of guy you could build a team around. By the way, who else is excited to see D-Will throw 10 alley-oops a game to his new play thing: Al Jefferson?



9. Dirk Nowitzki ($810)

Despite Dirk’s age of 32 and twelve seasons under his belt he is still playing as well as he ever has. He continues to average close to a 50-40-90 (hitting 50% of field goals, 40% of 3-pointers, 90% of free throws.) and is one of the most consistent players in the league. Based on his style of play and skill set (tremendous jump shooter, 3 point shooter, and post-up player) durability and the number of big men who have played well into their 30’s I believe Dirk has a solid three-four years left in the tank. Plus, he’s Russian…



10. Brook Lopez ($805)

In only his second season Lopez averaged 19 points, 9 boards, shot .500 from the field and hit 82% of his free throws (an incredible number for a 7-footer). Is there a big man not named Dwight Howard you would rather build a team around right now?...I don’t think so. He leaves a lot to be desired on the defensive end (though he averages a healthy 1.7 blocks a game) but is so skilled offensively that as long as he is teamed with another sound defensively minded big man you can hide his deficiencies (think a Marcus Camby, Ben Wallace type player). The scary part is he can only go up from here, and barring injury should be among the top two-three big men in the league for the next decade.




11. Brandon Roy ($795)

The hallmark of an elite shooting guard is averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists…which Brandon Roy has done consistently over the past three years. Besides his stellar numbers I love his heart…a quality more and more professional athletes seem to be lacking (I’m looking at you Vince Carter). I also love his fearlessness in crunch time, akin to other great clutch players such as Kobe Bryant or Paul Pierce. He might not be in the same tier of shooting guards as Bryant or Wade, but he is a special player none-the-less.



12. Pao Gasol ($760)

I’ll try hard to squash my hatred for my least favorite player in the NBA over the next paragraph…but I can’t promise anything. Offensively he’s one of the most skilled big men in the league, and has vastly improved his defense since being obliterated in the 08’ finals by the likes of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins. He is most definitely a side-kick type player though…someone who needs a scorer and ball handler alongside to play to his full potential (Kobe Bryant).



13. Ama’re Stoudemire ($700)

Another prolific scoring big man and one who should be in contention for the scoring title playing for Mike D’Antoni’s New York Knicks. He’s a guy who will give you 22-25 points a game, 9+ boards, a block, a gazillion trips to the line, and a great field goal percentage, plus one eye popping dunk per half. Despite his incredible offensive abilities he doesn’t play defense (should fit in well with the Knicks) and is injury prone (He’s played 80+ games only four out of his eight seasons). For that reason he remains below such diverse and durable talents as Pao Gasol, Brook Lopez, and Dwight Howard.



14. Steve Nash ($690)

I don’t care if the man’s 35 years old! You hear me, I don’t care! Steve Nash could put up 15-10’s with his eyes closed and is the most skilled passer of his generation. Guy’s love playing with him because he gets the ball where it needs to be and is a born playmaker. And you’re lying to yourself if you don’t think Nash can play until he’s forty…he’s one of the best conditioned athletes in basketball and plays a position that is conducive to older athletes. Think point guards like Mark Jackson, John Stockton, and Dennis Johnson who all played well into their thirty’s (and 40’s in the case of Jackson and Stockton). His play style is contagious, by being so unselfish the rest of team begins to pass more and thus, the offensive improves many-fold. Do you think it’s a coincidence Nash’s teams are always fantastic offensively?



15. Derrick Rose ($688)

Is there a more exciting point guard in the league right now? We’re two years in and he’s carried a hapless Bull’s team to the playoffs in both of his first two seasons. He combines incredible speed with top of the line ball handling skills and a knack for finding the open man. He might not be a passer of the caliber of CP3 or D-Will but he figures to become a more prolific scorer than either of those two…for instance, in only his second season he dropped almost 1,700 points; a figure more than 400 points better than both Paul or Williams scored in their second NBA seasons.



16. Chris Bosh ($640)

17. David Lee ($675)

18. Al Jefferson ($670)

19. Joe Johnson ($620)

20. Carlos Boozer ($600)

21. Stephen Curry ($575)

22. Russell Westbrook ($560)

23. Josh Smith ($530)

24. Rajon Rondo ($505)

25. Blake Griffin ($460)

Monday Quick Hits

1. If Jay Cutler can make Redskins defensive back DeAngelo Hall look good then he is a bad quarterback.


2. Drew Brees has ten interceptions threw seven games…he had eleven all of last year. He has thrown more picks than either Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, or Derek Anderson. Is it time to start worrying?

3. The New England Patriots almost lost to the Chargers the same way they lost to the Colts last year…

4. How did the Raiders score 59 points in three quarters of play? How is that even possible? Probably the best thing to happen to the Raiders is Darran McFadden playing up to his potential and showing everyone why he was a top five draft pick.

5. Curse the San Francisco 49er’s…four weeks now I’ve picked them and they’ve made me look stupid. They’re the herpes of NFL gambling…

6. Underwear eating episode narrowly averted. Thanks for giving me a heart attack Ravens…

7. What is that “Tiny Football League” skit-thing supposed to be they show at halftime of every Sunday Night game? I don’t find it either funny, heart-warming, or the least bit entertaining. Someone, please enlighten me…

8. Seattle is in the driver’s seat to win the NFC West…who woulda’ thunk?

9. The immense talent on the Charger’s is palpable; they played exceedingly well defensively on Sunday and eventually found their groove offensively. Yet it never matters because the Bolts commit so many dumb penalties/turnovers that they make it near impossible to win. Is it time to say the Norv Turner watch is on?

10. I have no problem with the Patriots going for it on fourth down to end the game, but the play call left a lot to be desired. What made Belickeck think they could convert it on the ground when they rushed for a mere 51 yards on 22 attempts? At least try a quarterback sneak of which they already conducted one successfully earlier in the game. Those are the times when you bring out the best play you have…not rely on a struggling running game that failed to produce.

11. After watching Randy Moss dog it Sunday Night I am even more thankful he is out of New England. He is so wildly talented, why can’t he go all out every down like Roddy White, or Hines Ward do?

12. Brett Favre gets physically worse week after week, and now with multiple ankle fractures one wonders if he is done? It is truly painful to watch the guy play…literally.

Week 7 Picks

Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons (21-13)


Carson Palmer has been so bad that I trust Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman, and Vince Young more. He’s never returned to his 2006 form, and at this point I doubt he will. If he can’t pass effectively with weapons such as Terrell Owens, Chad OchoCinco, and Cedric Benson then he’s hopeless. If you’re not convinced yet Atlanta is 15-3 at home during the Matt Ryan era, and leads the league with eleven interceptions. And we all know how much Carson Palmer likes to throw balls to the other team…

Washington Redskins @ Chicago Bears (27-17)

Chicago’s offensive line is so dreadful that I’m running out of adjectives to describe it. They lost to the freakin’ Seahawks at home because of it! Washington’s defense has been pretty bad thus far, but it isn’t because they’re not getting pressure on the quarterback (tied for 11th in the league with 13 sacks) and with a pass rusher as skilled as Brian Orakpo I don’t see a reprieve for Jay Cutler and the Bear’s offense. The Skins’ can score with the best of them (maybe a slight overstatement) so if by some stretch Chicago can get into a rhythm offensively; Washington can match them point for point. Ultimately, I like Washington’s defense to manage the Bear’s passing attack and for their offense to score enough to pull out the win.

St. Louis Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (17-14)

As good as St. Louis has looked at times, they are young and inexperienced which leads to erratic play (blowout loss in Detroit comes to mind). Just when you think they’re for real they drop a game they have a real chance of winning. That’s what I see happening here as they travel to Tampa Bay to play a Bucs team that holds its own against the bottom half of the league (is that a good thing or a bad thing?).

San Francisco 49er’s @ Carolina Panthers (20-6)

Could the 49ers win two straight…is that even possible? Probably not unless locusts are involved. But considering how awful Carolina’s offense has been San Fran should be able to pull out a win (going on seven weeks I’ve clung to the hope the 49er’s are a decent team). The Panthers won’t score many points (even with the return of Steve Smith)…especially against a San Francisco defense that’s ranked 7th by the football outsiders (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/). As long as the 49ers can control the clock with Frank Gore and limit their turnovers like they did last week against Oakland (you would have an easier time making Bill O-Reilly shut up), they should come away with a win and inch closer to not making Jed York look like the biggest moron since David Kahn.

Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens (41-10)

The Bills suck; the Ravens are good…enough said. Put it this way: I’ll eat my underwear if Buffalo wins.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans (23-20)

The Eagles have sustained a couple of key injuries including star wide receiver DeSean Jackson and starting left tackle Jason Peters. Peters in particular weakens their offensive line which could be a problem against one of the strongest defensive fronts in football. You also have to like Chris Johnson’s chances against the 21st ranked rushing defense in the league that has let the Washington Redskins of all teams rush for 169 yards. Regardless, with the injury to Jackson the Eagles have lost a considerable amount of their offenses explosiveness and for that reason I like Tennessee in a close one.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Kansas City Chiefs (24-14)

Kansas City is blossoming right before our eyes; doesn’t it bring a tear to your eye? They’ve been in every game they’ve played this year and are in contention for a playoff spot in the underachieving AFC west. The Chiefs are the anti-Cowboys: they play hard every game, they’re tough, don’t make mistakes, and commit few penalties. If Matt Cassel can play like he did against the Texans every week (as unlikely as Brett Favre keeping his pants on) they’ll really have a chance to make waves in the postseason. In other news, the Jaguars are pretty bad…especially on the road. Barring a miracle kick by Josh Scobee they would have a mere two wins. Expect them to struggle against an excellent Chief’s defense and for Matt Cassel to have an efficient day with the two headed monster of Charles and Jones leading the way.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins (24-20)

Pittsburg looked like the best team in the league with Charlie Batch at quarterback…imagine how they will look when Roethlisberger returns to form. Their defense is tremendous…among the top three in the league, and they shut down the running game better than anybody. Miami’s greatest strength happens to be the one-two punch of halfback Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams…so the Steeler’s defense figures to give them trouble. And don’t forget to factor in James Harrison: the human missile! How many other players will fall to this apparent AARP member? Factor in Miami’s woes at home, and struggles in the passing game and the pendulum swings in Pittsburg’s favor.

Cleveland Browns @ New Orleans Saints (34-20)

The Saints seemed to hit their groove Sunday against Tampa Bay, but I won’t trust them until they can put together two strong performances in a row. With Cleveland coming to town that shouldn’t be a tremendously difficult task. Although the Brown’s grit and effort is commendable, it’s evident they don’t have the talent yet to beat the top teams in the league. Look for the Saints to score a lot of points and firmly put themselves atop the struggling NFC.

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks (28-20)

Seattle won a game on the road! Savor that win hawks’ fans because it doesn’t happen too often. Thankfully they’re at home this week where they seem to put together their stronger performances. Seattle’s defense has performed surprisingly well (9th in the league in team defense), and with rookie quarterback Max Hall at the helm for Arizona look for the Seahawks to frustrate him all day. Seattle’s offense has also been effective and should be better with the two-headed monster of Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett (I’m being only moderately sarcastic).

New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers (31-24)

Is this the week San Diego finally plays well? It very well could be as New England is coming off a dramatic win against Baltimore and had to travel to the west coast…definitely something to consider for an east coast team. But with several key members of the Chargers offense hurting (namely number one wideout Malcolm Floyd and star Tight-end Antonio Gates) it looks like the the Patriot’s defense may, may be able to at least restrain San Diego’s explosive passing attack. We all know how proficient the Pat’s offense has been (number one in the league in offense DVOA) so this has the look of a high scoring affair. Despite all the makings of an upset I like New England to continue its strong play and return home with a win.

Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos (31-16)

Oakland has the league’s 29th ranked pass defense going up against the league’s best aerial attack. With how poor the Raiders’ offense has been (yeah Jason Campbell!) this looks like a blow-out. Throw in that Oakland has to play in Mile-High stadium and the return of halfback Knowshon Moreno to Denver’s pass happy offense and this one should get ugly fast.

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers (24-22)

If you would recall, Brett Favre once played for the Packers…just thought I’d make sure everyone remembered. Back to the game: the Packers have sustained so many injuries that it’s only a matter of time before they hold open tryouts…do you think I have a chance? I do get the feeling that Green Bay isn’t half the team they will be come December when they’re healthier and not committing 18 penalties in a game, although the long term loss of Ryan Grant and Jermichael Finley is troublesome. But after two tough losses in overtime, I think the Packers will have a strong game against a Minnesota team that has failed to get pressure against the quarterback: a deadly weakness when facing Aaron Rodgers.

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys (27-24)

Dallas is like a caged animal…powerful, strong, yet subdued and desperate. You would think at some point they would escape and reap some vengeance…but that might be asking too much with Wade Phillips as coach. Former Cowboys wideout Patrick Crayton had this to say about Phillips, “Wade is very, very laid back to where you'd want him to tighten up on some of the young guys and he wouldn't. And just when you think he is, he backs off and wouldn't say anything.” He’s just who we thought he was…but based on Dallas’s immense talent pool I’ll give them one more shot. You would think they realize the stakes, right? Right?

Last Week: 9-5

Overall: 41-33

Upset of the Week: Dallas Cowboys OVER New York Giants

Pounding of the Week: Baltimore Ravens OVER Buffalo Bills

Lock of the Week: Atlanta Falcons OVER Cincinnati Bengals

Week 6 Revelations...

1. The Patriots are succeeding in every area that they failed in last year…

Last season the Patriots lacked toughness and seemed to lose every big game that they played. Just when you thought they were on a roll they would lose big to a playoff caliber team…not a recipe for success. This year, the Pats are coming off two extremely impressive wins against the cream of the AFC crop (the Dolphins aren’t that bad), in which their defense started shaky but finished big. Where as in 2009 the defense seemed to fold when it had the opportunity to shine brightest, this year it rises to the occasion. Although it suffers from early game jitters, the defense comes up with huge plays when needed, a quality this squad has lacked over the past several years…and the hallmark of a quality unit.

2. “Cue funeral music”…



Mandatory apparel for Cowboys fans across the country.



3. The Houston Texans can’t continue to win with such a pathetic defense…

If you’re defense allows the Kansas City Chiefs to put up 417 total yards and 31 points you know things aren’t quite right. And that was with star middle linebacker DeMico Ryans, who will be out for the rest of the season on IR…imagine how bad they will be without him. If this team allows Kansas City to look so brilliant on offense, how will they make legit passing attacks such as the Saints, Patriots, or Eagles look? Kind of a scary thought. And if you think they can get away with having a bad defense because of a great offense just ask the 2009 Patriots how that went.



4. Sounding the emergency signal for Brett Favre…

You know how old people struggle to get up from a sitting position, or how a fall can be devastating? The same thing is happening to Brett Favre…a man can only take so many beatings during his lifetime, and the thousands of hits Favre has taken over his insanely long career seem to be taking their toll. Watch his next game, it takes him a little longer to get up from each successive hit, a little more effort needs to be expended just to drag him from the turf. It’s painful to watch, and I doubt he’ll last the season unless his line whips itself into top shape and gives him a clean pocket. It won’t happen though, not with the style of quarterbacking Brett Favre likes to play. He’s a gunslinger, a guy who likes to run around the backfield, evade pressure and throw long bombs…passes that take time to develop. So surely he will continue to take a beating…better have the wheel chair ready.



5. The New York Jets pulled a win out of their a$$ because…

…Mark Sanchez decided to throw a forty yard bomb that was about five yards too short to receiver Santonio Holmes, only to have pass interference called on the defender after he inadvertently reached his arm out where a facemask happened to be as an uncatchable ball was on it’s way. Teams have to earn wins…not get them because of some iffy penalty. I hate seeing a team snatch victory when they did almost everything wrong on a play…it’s like rewarding your kid because he crapped in the sink.



6. How is it possible that the San Diego Chargers are 2-4?...

Consider this: The Chargers are ranked number one in total offense (gaining 432.7 yards per game), lead the league in first downs per game (24), have the best passing offense in the game, the 13th best rushing offense in the league (respectable), are scoring 26 points per game (5th), defensively are ranked number one in total offense (allowing 255.2 yards per game), number one in passing yards allowed per game (163.7!), 6th in rushing yards allowed per game (91.5), tied for second in the NFL with 21 sacks, and tied for seventh with seven interceptions.

They dominate nearly every conceivable statistical category, and on paper have all the look of a top three or four team. So why do they suck so badly? They allow 21 points per game (26th), have a -3 turnover differential, have allowed Rivers to be sacked 18 times (29th), and possess a special teams unit so dastardly that John Bonamego is envious. The only question now is who gets fired first, Wade Phillips or Norv Turner?



7. New Orleans rounding into shape…

I know it’s only one game, but the Saints looked every bit as good as last year in their victory over the Bucs. They finally hit the big pass plays that have characterized the explosive New Orleans pass attack, and Drew Brees is back to his customary accuracy (70.6 completion percentage). If Chris Ivory is the real deal, and Pierre Thomas returns healthy this team looks to return to his perch atop the NFC. Sure it was against a bottom half team, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t an important win…New Orleans hasn’t looked dominant all season, but they finally showed they could be on Sunday.



8. Using the helmet as a weapon…

…is becoming a real problem in football. Hopefully this past Sunday will be a wakeup call to the league that they need to fix this problem as fast as possible. It’s unnecessary and results in injuries that affect the longevity of the player. The simple solution is to immediately, and without question eject players for helmet-to-helmet hits…a quick way to solve the problem. The issue goes much deeper though, and for some further insight into head injuries in football check out this fantastic article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=easterbrook/100921_tuesday_morning_quarterback&sportCat=nfl



9. The Chicago Bears offensive line is so bad…

Some solutions:

-Run a double tight end set every offensive down

-Chester Taylor is excellent at picking up blitzes…use him!

-Trade for Logan Mankins (who cares if the asking price is too high, the Bears won’t win more than seven games with that line).

-Commit to running the ball (not going to happen with Mike Martz as the O-coordinator)

-Form a U-like shape with the line, and have every lineman hold hands; don’t ask them to pick up on certain pass rushers or to even attempt to read the defense (they’re obviously incapable) merely to stay upright and form a wall between Jay Cutler and those who wish to destroy him. Tell me why this wouldn’t be better than what they are already doing?...you can’t.

-Have Cutler line up where the punter usually does (15 yards behind the line of scrimmage under most circumstances) with the Center long snapping the ball to him. Couldn’t this work? It’s no secret that Cutler has one of, if not the strongest arms in the NFL and is great at throwing on the run…this seems like a viable solution.

Week Six Picks...better late than never

Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears (23-6)

Seattle on the road going back to last season: 1-9…ouch. Only victory?...against the 1-15 St. Louis Rams, double ouch. They’ve also allowed nine sacks along with fourteen quarterback hits, and their playing against an excellent defense led by pass rushing phenom Julius Peppers. With Hasselback playing as poorly as he is, going up against a defense adept at creating turnovers it looks like it will be a miserable offensive day for the hawks’.

Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers (24-17)

As of now, it looks like Rodgers will be in the line-up Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. Although, with Finley out along with a host of other players such as Clay Mathews and Ryan Grant this will be very difficult game for them to win. I mean, how can you expect a squad missing it’s number two passing option, best runningback, and most important defensive piece to beat a Dolphins team that has had two weeks to prepare? I predict this will be a low point for the Pack as they lose to Miami at home.

San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams (35-20)

Well, it’s week six, which means the Chargers should begin to turn it on and rip off nine straight. I think it starts at St. Louis against an offense that has lost its top two wide-outs and a defense that allowed the Lions to score 44 points…specifically a Lions team being quarterbacked by Sean hill! Barring another special teams disaster, the Chargers should, I repeat should roll.

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots (31-28)

The Patriots are known to play with a chip on their shoulder, and as Tom Brady let us know, they have collected quite a few “chips” this season. You would be a fool to think New England isn’t going to come out angry Sunday and try to make up for an embarrassing loss to the Ravens during last year’s postseason. With that said, anger doesn’t trump talent, of which the Ravens have in abundance. We already know how strong their defense is, but with the emergence of their passing game, and the resurrection of Ray Rice it looks like another difficult day for the Pat’s defense. For New England to win this one the offense will have to really be clicking, but with the advantage of a bye week it should. Because I’m a homer I’ll go with the Patriots due to home field advantage, an extra week to prepare, and a healthy dose of vengeance. Also known as: picking a team for every other reason but football.

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (23-20)

Last week I was confident that the Saints would crush the poor Cardinals and leave rookie Max Hall as devastated as that kid after the Raiders lost to the Chargers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17sX3z0SMYg. Actually the opposite happened, as Drew Brees had a rookie quarterback- like outing and Max Hall heroically tried to run in for a touchdown only to be shellacked by three defenders at once. If Drew could just figure out a name for his soon to be born baby boy maybe he could get it together on the field. But who knows, I personally think New Orleans will at some point play up to their potential so I say screw the sexy sleeper pick of Tampa Bay…I’m going with the super bowl champs.

Detroit Lions @ New York Giants (38-14)

Bad offensive line for Detroit, tremendous front four for the Giants. Emerging receiving corps for New York, terrible secondary for the Lions. Man, this one is just too easy. As long as Eli doesn’t have a patented crap the toilet game (see: Brees) this should be a blowout.

Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles (21-17)

Toughest call of the week. Atlanta has been a poor road team over the past couple of seasons but is 2-0 this year. They suddenly have a strong pass rush as John Abraham seems to have returned to Pro Bowl form, and Roddy White has cemented himself as one of the five best receivers in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Eagles are being led by Kevin Kolb and are missing injured Left Tackle Jason Peters. Expect the O-line to struggle against one of the better pass rushes in the game; and we all know how Kolb plays when he has to play under duress. Screw it…I’ve talked to myself into Atlanta.

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers (34-13)

The Browns will be starting rookie quarterback Colt McCoy against arguably the best defense in the NFL. Not a revelation, but McCoy will surely have a ghastly day…their best bet is to just give it to Cribb’s and see what happens. If Roethlisberger and the offense immediately click then expect this to be a massacre poor Cleveland; even though they have played well thus far in the season.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans (20-10)

To the surprise of many the Chiefs have a really strong defense, backed up by a physical running game and a passing game that is as horrid as Brett Favre’s text messages. One thing: If Matt Cassel has any life in him whatsoever he should be able to have a strong day against the worst passing defense in the league.

This game comes down to whether Kansas City can hold the fort against an offense as good as Houston has, and control the game with their running attack. If they can do those two things then they should win a close battle against a Texans team that has once again showed it’s about as tough as Vince Carter.

Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers (17-10)

The 49er’ at home, facing an even bigger 0-6 hole…if they have any fight left in them, any smidgeon of desire for a playoff spot they must win this game, and I think they will. Although the Raiders have a stout passing defense, they are ranked 31st in the league against the run, and have recorded a pretty pedestrian ten sacks, good for 13th in the league. If San Francisco can protect Alex Smith and come through with a dominant rushing attack then their first victory is within reach (as long as they can push through their customary 3-4 turnovers). But if they don’t, I will never, ever bet on this team again…never…never, again.

New York Jets @ Denver Broncos (27-17)

The Jets are coming off a dramatic win on the road on a Monday Night game, with a short week of practice to prepare for the Broncos. They will also be playing at Mile-High stadium, which is arguably the hardest place to play at in the NFL…I can smell these let down games from a mile away. Expect the Broncos to come out strong after an embarrassing loss to the Ravens and take it to a hurting Jet’s defense missing star defensive back Darelle Revis and outside linebacker Calvin Pace. I don’t expect a Jet’s defense missing it’s best cover man to be able to stop a blistering Broncos passing game that has Kyle Orton on pace to usurp Dan Marino’s record for most passing yards in a season. By the way, every GM in the league should be inflicting severe punishment on themselves because they didn’t pick up Brandon Lloyd. The journeyman wide receiver is leading the league in receiving yards, and catches of 20 plus yards…

Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings (28-17)

The Vikings were able to crush Dallas 34-3 in last year’s divisional playoff round thanks to a dominate pass rush that frustrated Tony Romo all game long. With an offensive line that is just as bad- if not worse than last year, I think a repeat performance is in order. I would say all the receiving weapons the Vikings have on offense would be able to abuse Dallas’s secondary…but only if they weren’t getting balls from the corpse of Brett Favre. Regardless, even his corpse is better than a number of quarterbacks in the league so I think Minnesota will put a healthy number of points on the board against a defense that won’t be able to handle their multitude of weapons (as long as Favre has recovered from this knut shot he took in practice:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkHbvgL7a_M ).

Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins (20-13)

Don’t bet against Peyton Manning on a Sunday night game…don’t bet against Peyton Manning on a Sunday night game…don’t bet against Peyton Manning on a Sunday night game. So decried God as one of the Cardinal rules of calling NFL games. The man just doesn’t lose many nationally televised games; even if their opponent has a chance to put the game away on a fourth and two (I’m not bitter, I swear). Washington seems to have the right tools to beat a hurting Colt’s squad, but Peyton Manning scares me so much that I can’t do it. Ok, that reasoning sounded so lame, moving on…

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (24-10)

Is any team harder to figure out than the Jaguars? They beat the Denver Broncos in a close contest week one, and then lost their next two by a combined 66 to 16. Following those two awful games, they won their next two by a combined 67 to 54, one of which was against division rival Indianapolis. Following the pattern it seems the Jag’s are due for a big loss and facing a strong Tennessee team, that isn’t much of a stretch.

Last week: 7-7

Overall: 32-28

Upset of the Week: Denver Broncos OVER New York Jets

Pounding of the Week: Pittsburgh Steelers OVER Cleveland Browns (to easy)

Lock of the Week: Miami Dolphins OVER Green Bay Packers

Week Five Revelations

1. The Carolina Panthers offense is dismaying…

It’s harrowing, it’s dreadful, it’s absolutely hideous. To put into perspective how bad it is I would rather watch Brad Childress and Wade Phillip’s post game conferences over again…or watch Todd Collins throw passes’ to Roy Williams…or look at Andy Reid…or watch the Pro Bowl. It’s in the running for the worst offense in the past forty years. They’ve scored 10.4 points per game, five touchdowns, 52 points and managed to gain 236 yards per game. The 0-16 2008 Detroit Lions managed 16.8 points per game, and scored 19 touchdowns over the course of the season. The Panthers are on pace for 16 touchdowns…equivalent to a touchdown a game. The Lions scored an average of 1.19 touchdowns per game in 2008. The only offense I’ve found to be worse than the hobos the panthers have fielded?...your 0-14 1976 Bucs’!



2. Andy Reid gave us this gem Sunday…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMJ0RpdNbz0


I’m 99.9 percent sure it was some signal for an offensive play (no pun intended) but come on…really?



3. Brett Favre needs to STOP playing…like right now

In the pit of my warped, twisted, and barren soul I hope that something happens to Favre over this sexual harassment case. Not only because I feel for the woman he supposedly harassed but because he has committed an equally heinous crime to Viking fans across the country. He has hijacked the organization, to the point where they have risked the future of the team to put everything into a Super Bowl run this season…only they’ve put all their eggs into a hobbled (apparently he’s got enough various ailments to be placed on IR), 41 year old attention hog who clearly cares more about playing in an unprecedented 300 straight games than the future of a football team basket. By now Travaris Jackson must be as psychologically damaged as Tom Brady after Randy Moss told him he looked like a girl.



4. How many flies has Wade Phillips consumed during his lifetime?




5. The 49er’s…

The 49er’s…your 2010 mega under-achiever! This is the team that everyone continues to over value, but seems to find a way to lose week after week. I mean, they could realistically be 3-2, or even 4-1 right now if not for a few terrible breaks (not that they didn’t bring most of them upon themselves). If Nate Clements just falls down after that interception of Matt Ryan…the 49ers win. If San Fran doesn’t fumble three times in the red zone against the Saints…they win. If Alex Smith doesn’t throw that Favre like interception against the Eagles…they might win. It really is hard to watch Smith play sometimes (errr most of the time). One drive he will play as if his life depended on it, while in others (roughly 93.36 %) he plays like he wants Mike Singletary to scream and spit in his face again…just mind boggling.



6. Special Teams are altering the outcome of games more than ever …

The Chargers lost to the Raiders Sunday not only because of a fumble returned for a touchdown but because of a blocked punt that was returned for six (two blocked punts total by the Raiders!). If teams expect to win, stuff like that just can’t happen. Consider this: San Diego outgained Oakland 506 to 279, earned 15 more first downs, ran 13 more plays, had five less penalties, and controlled the ball for five more minutes. In addition, Tennessee beat Dallas Sunday in large part because of a 73 yard kick return towards the end of regulation that set up the winning touchdown while Dallas dominated in almost every other offensive category. In week four, the Miami Dolphins lost to the Patriots almost entirely because of a shocking special team disaster (NE kickoff return for TD, field goal blocked for touchdown, punt blocked to set up a touchdown).



This year, a combined 12 punts/kickoffs have been returned for touchdowns (through five weeks) while 28 were returned for scores last year. We’re on pace for about 38 touchdowns for the season, which is ten more than last year! 28 are the average numbers of kick off/punt return touchdowns over the last six seasons so we may end 2010-2011 ten above the mean.



7. Guess who I’m talking about:

How can a team with an all-pro pass rusher and defensive tackle, a three time pro bowl quarterback, a backfield that goes three deep (cue crying Packers fans), an all-pro caliber wide receiver that dropped out of the sky, and a second wide receiver that fell to this team towards the bottom of the first round while being top five talent? If you guessed the Dallas Cowboys you would be correct! I’m angry that they’re underachieving so much and they’re one of my five most hated teams in any sport. When a team is 1-3 at this point with such a strong level of talent there is only one solution…axe the coach. I’m starting to believe that Dallas has just quit on Phillips…for instance, they have committed 38 penalties through the four contests they have played. How can a professional team commit over nine penalties a game?...they can’t be that dumb, can they? It’s almost like they’re purposefully doing stupid things just to exasperate Wade…



8. The injuries sustained by Green Bay are reaching an apocalyptic level…

Jermichael Finley, Aaron Rodgers, Donald Lee, Ryan Pickett, Derrick Martin, Clay Mathews, Ryan Grant, Nick Barnett, Cullen Jenkins (playing, but with a wrapped up hand the size of my head he is of questionable effectiveness) comprise the injury report. They all aren’t on injured reserve, but the injuries are piling up to the extent that the Packers aren’t looking like the Super Bowl contenders they were once thought to be. They will be better once Finley and Mathews return (and Rodgers is cleared to play after the concussion) but until then they have to win a few to stay in playoff contention.

Week 5 Picks...Done Right

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills (20-17)

Toughest game of the week to predict (in fact I wondered if it was even worth it, I mean, do they show Jacksonville play on T.V?). The Jags’ are like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde…which version is going to show up? Unfortunately, they rarely piece together two strong performances (especially on the road) in a row, and after such a strong performance in Indy it would be quite logical to call for the Bill’s first (and possibly only) win of the season. But Jacksonville just has too many strong matchups across the board to go with the Bison. The Bills have the worst run defense in the league…Jacksonville has Maurice Jones-Drew, you do the math.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals (30-17)

Cincinnati isn’t a great team…neither is Tampa Bay. But I like the cats to come out angry at home (after an embarrassing loss), and finally put some of their decent offensive talent to use.

Atlanta Falcons @ Cleveland Browns (17-14)

Another tough contest to call; the browns have been playing well as of late, while Atlanta is coming off of two games they had no business winning. But with Cleveland coming off an emotional win against division rival Cincinnati, and the chance that the Falcons might actually get it together I’m going with Atlanta…even on the road (we’re they were 3-5 last year). When a game seems this close, I go with the more talented roster, and that’s got to be the Falcons.

St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions (27-20)

Sam Bradford has looked really good so far…like really, really good. The Lion’s secondary has been really awful so far, like horrendous. That’s a matchup that undoubtedly favors St. Louis. The Rams defense has also played surprisingly well, which in my mind gives them the edge. With Best (if he’s a 100%) and Megatron Detroit has an explosive offense which points to a fairly high scoring game. I like the Rams in a shootout based on a superior matchup against Detroit’s defense.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts (24-17)

The suspense is palpable as the league’s last remaining undefeated team goes up against 2009’s last undefeated team. Although it would be awesome for Kansas City’s improbable run to continue, it will be nearly impossible for them to beat a pissed-off Manning led Colts team. This might be one of those games where Manning just won’t let them lose, no matter the injuries or adversity.

Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins (30-20)

What do we make of the Green Bay Packers? Once a trendy Super Bowl pick, they just look like another underachieving playoff hopeful. The loss of Ryan Grant has made their offense one dimensional, and the season ending injury suffered by MLB Nick Barnett hurts the defense. There are certain things powerful teams NEED to do, and that is to beat teams they’re better than (thanks captain obvious). I like this to be a statement game for the Pack as they walk into Fed-Ex field and put up thirty (as long as they don’t have eighteen penalties).

Chicago Bears @ Carolina Panthers (13-3)

Todd Collins is the starting quarterback…I don’t have anything funny to say, it’s just bad. After witnessing the atrocity that occurred Monday Night (Yes, the Giants were terrible to, they were fortunate to face an offensive line that couldn’t block a charging Yorkshire terrier), It’s hard to pick Chicago to win another game, ever. But….The Panther’s pass rush hasn’t exactly been awesome through four games, which should give Collins time back in the pocket to make some reads, and miss his receivers. For his sake, you better hope Matt Forte has a big game…which is like asking Randy Moss for a little loyalty (that’s the first of hundreds of cheap shots that will be thrown at Randy Moss over the next several months…I’m sorry, but its all part of the grieving process). In addition, Chicago, having one of the better run defenses in the NFL should be able to put a stop to Carolina’s greatest (only) strength. And with the loss of Steve Smith Carolina’s offense went from worst to worstest.

Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens (27-21)

Denver has the league’s most prolific aerial game, while the Ravens possess its most feared pass defense…something’s got to give. With literally no semblance of a running game, Denver will once again have to throw, throw, and throw. The Raven’s perceived weak secondary has far exceeded expectations yet has faced the feared quartet of Mark Sanchez (not the same man week one as he has been of late), Carson Palmer, Seneca Wallace, and Charlie Batch. Thus, it’s not a stretch to say they will face they’re toughest challenge yet against Orton and company. Denver has struggled mightily in the Red Zone this year, which could prove to be the difference in the game. Look for both teams to put up some serious yardage, yet for Baltimore to pull this one out based on Denver’s red zone woes, and the ability to run the ball (thus, control the clock).

New York Giants @ Houston Texans (24-16)

Is the Giants offense as ghastly as it looked Monday night, or was that merely a product of how stunned they were that they’re defense was resuscitated? I don’t know, but I’m sure Eli felt Cutler’s pain (I sure did). With Houston’s left tackle Duane Brown still completing his suspension, I don’t see them controlling New York’s fearsome front four. It won’t be nearly as ugly as it was against Chicago, but they will definitely put a lot of pressure on Schaub. And with the possibility that Andre Johnson misses the game, I see the Texan’s offense struggling. In addition, Houston has had the worst pass defense in the league, which could lead to Eli Manning having a big day. All this should lead to the Giants putting a clamp on a surging (yet undermanned) Texans team.

New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals (38-10)

Remember what I said about statement games for play-off teams? If New Orleans wants to rid themselves of the Super Bowl hang-over stink, a good first step would be to annihilate the abysmal Cardinals. After poor performances against the combined 0-8 49ers and Panthers, that’s exactly what should happen. I like the Saints to come out angry and quickly jump the Cardinals for a huge lead by half time. I think New Orleans will abuse recently named starter Max Hall (as Larry Fitzgerald continues to plead to Kurt Warner to return…just kidding, that’s not happening…as far as we know), and win BIG.

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders (35-24)

San Diego has won their last twelve meetings with the Raiders…no reason that should change this Sunday. The Chargers have so many advantageous matchups across the board, and are so vastly more talented that they should massacre Oakland.

Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys (30-17)

CJ2.5K needs to rush for 178.5 yards per game to reach his proclaimed mark of 2500. At his current rate he might not be able to do that in two seasons. With defenders putting extra men in the box to stop Johnson, it will be up to Vince to keep defenses honest with not only his arm, but his legs. Without a decent passing game, it’s just impossible for the running game to succeed, even with a back of Chris Johnson’s caliber. I don’t have enough reason to believe Vince can do that, and Dallas should be able to engineer a fearsome pass rush on the emotionally sensitive QB. As long as the Cowboy’s offense builds on its excellent offensive performance against Houston they will be fine, and coming off a bye week Dallas has the clear edge.

Philadelphia Eagles @ San Francisco 49ers (20-13)

Three things have really upset me this year: 1. the departure of Randy Moss (though I’m coming to terms) 2. The injury to Michael Vick; who was making an inspirational return to the NFL 3. The horrible play of the San Francisco 49ers. Two of those are in play for this game, which means I will be watching. With Vick out for at least another week, I think the 49ers will finally get a much needed win. I mean, did you see how Kevin Kolb played last week?...it wasn’t pretty. Also, did anyone else notice DeSean Jackson moping around towards the end of the game? I’m surprised he didn’t do this:

Will this be DeSean Jackson on Sunday?...it's definitely in play.


Minnesota Vikings @ New York Jets (20-14)

The most interesting game of the season thus far. So many things are in play…does Moss open up the Vikings offense enough to allow All Day to run roughshod?...do Favre and Moss immediately connect and create the prolific passing attack Vikings fans everywhere are imagining?...does Brett Favre fire Brad Childress? Two and a half extremely viable occurrences…we’ll see how it plays out. That’s what makes this game so challenging to call, on one hand the Moss acquisition will make it difficult for the Jet’s defense to game plan, but on the other its impossible to know how the Minnesota offense will perform. Based on the past three games I’ll go with the hot hand…your New York J-E-T-S

Last Week: 9-5

Overall: 25-21 (better, better)

Lock of the week: Dallas Cowboys OVER Tennessee Titans

Upset of the week: New York Giants OVER Houston Texans

Pounding of the week: New Orleans Saints OVER Arizona Cardinals

We're all gonna' die!

What's going on? The Colts are 2-2, the Chiefs are 3-0, Randy Moss is disgruntled (oh wait, that's normal), and the Redskins are mediocre (oops, I can't help myself). Is this it, is judgement day upon us? Has the guy up stairs decided to use the strangest football season in recent memory to signal the advent of Armageddon? Maybe...but probably not.

Parity, defined as close or exact equivalence is the holy grail of sports. Who wants to watch three or four teams continuously dominate their league? If you trash all your team associations and devotion, you will realize that singular dominance is boring; especially if they’re never even challenged. Thankfully, in the 21st century parity in the National Football League has become greater than it ever has before. And threw the first four weeks of the 2010-2011 NFL season the parity is particularly stunning and so, so palpable. It’s truly anyone’s game.


As week four comes to a close, one team remains undefeated: The Kansas City Chiefs. If you took a poll before the season between what do people think is more likely: The Chiefs starting 3-0, or the Colts 2-2, what would people vote for? Probably no one, because they would call you a moron. But in today’s National Football League, with talent so close and injuries such a real threat, crazy things happen. As with salary constraints, free agency, better scouting, and greater player influence it is getting harder and harder for super bowl winning teams to stay together.

Although parity has been a reality in the NFL more than any other sport in the past forty years, dynasties still emerge, and teams continue to dominate. For every decade there is a team that clearly lies above the pack (Patriots of the 2000’s. Cowboys of the 90’s, 49ers of the 80’s, Steelers of the 70’s), but in this new decade who will it be, or better yet, will there be one? It’s a valid question in this new era of sports, and one not easily answered.

But enough with the philosophical questions (don’t want to ramble too much); a better topic is this season. With no clear cut contenders to have emerged over the first quarter of the season (no, the Chiefs aren’t super bowl contenders), parity seems to be at its greatest yet. It’s very early in the season; I realize this, but look at how seasons over the past decade have started. They all follow a similar pattern, and at least one sure fire Super Bowl contender emerges in the first four weeks nearly every time. Let’s look at last season, in which five teams started the season 4-0 (all reached 6-0), with two of them (Colts, Saints) remaining undefeated until weeks fifteen and fourteen, respectively. With high flying offenses and MVP caliber quarterbacks the Saints and Colts were jockeying for spots one and two on power rankings across the country.

Maybe last year was the outlier, but the point remains that threw four weeks there is NO dominant team. Sure, five or six have shown bright, but unlike last year and previous ones there is no clear emerging favorite.

Look at the favorites that have emerged in the first four weeks over the last three years:

2009: Saints (4-0, outscored opponents 144 to 66; won Super Bowl), Colts (4-0, Manning=1,336 passing yards, beat three quality opponents), Vikings (4-0, Favre completes the team to everyone’s surprise on his way to arguably his best season as a pro)

2008: Titans (4-0, hold opponents to 11.5 ppg), Giants (Manning has one of the hottest four game streaks of his pro career: 1,032 yards, 6 TDs-1 interception, 64% completions), Cowboys (3-1, two big NFC wins puts them in command of the division)

2007: Patriots (4-0, 37 ppg, Brady=13 TDs-2 picks; lost in Super Bowl), Colts (4-0, two big division wins, second best offense behind Pats), Cowboys (4-0, outscore opponents 151-72, Romo on fire), Packers (4-0, Favre is on fire)

Some pretty dominant teams reared their heads over the first quarter season right? Already, a picture was forming of who would contend for a spot in the big game within each conference. This year, things are much hazier. Who would you pin as dominant? Most would say the Steelers, but they are by no means dominant. They have a tremendous defense, but still have big questions along the O-line and at the receiver position. The Saints? After nearly losing to two of the five worst teams in the league, who can say they’re contenders? The Patriots? So many question marks along the young defense…The Colts? They are banged up and have already lost to two divisional rivals…The Ravens? Although they have emerged from they’re recent vegetative offensive state, they’re secondary is questionable and Flacco hasn’t necessarily lived up to expectations.

That’s not to say any of the afore mentioned teams can’t assert themselves (I’m sure someone eventually will), it just breaks some major trends that through four weeks of football, the big picture remains so hazy.

Some team will make a run…the Chiefs? I don’t think so…

Randy freakin' Moss

As I try to get over the loss of the best receiver I’ve ever seen play (do they have therapy for this?), I thought I would jot down some thoughts on the man known as “The freak”.


1. You were guaranteed at least 10 “holy crap, I can’t believe my own eyeballs, didn’t realize that was humanly possible, did he just do that?" plays per season.

2. Made for some of the most breathtaking and suspenseful moments ever when Brady would drop back and throw the sixty yard bomb to Moss…

3. Drew so much attention from defenses (especially when he was playing up to his full potential, see: 2007), that an undrafted cast off had three straight 100 reception seasons.

4. Had some of the most unintentionally hilarious post game conferences of all time.

5. Gave football fans the most exciting 16 games of offense ever seen on the grid-iron.

6. Had one of the most inexplicable career paths in football history: drafted by the Vikings in 1998 and went on to catch 90 touchdown passes in 109 games. After realizing how much of a headache the guy was, and despite his transcendent talent, Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 2005. In one of the clearest examples of a player not trying ever seen by man, Randy caught 11 touchdowns and accumulated 1, 558 receiving yards in two seasons with the Raiders… he eclipsed both those totals in 2003. Then, before the 2007 season the Patriots grabbed him up for a fourth round draft pick and promptly rampaged through the league in the greatest 16 game performance in any sport ever. The rest, as they say, is history…

7. Wore some of the strangest outfits... I have ever seen…
 


8. For every ludicrous catch this guy made, he would flub a few others…

9. One of the greatest football afros of all time…


10. Was one of the five most exciting players I have ever seen play football…the Patriots will be a little more boring without him…

Losing a player of this caliber hurts…next to Brady he was the most important player on the team, the guy that made the vaunted Patriots spread offense tick. It’s certainly a matter of opinion if this trade was worth it…but at first glance, a 3rd round draft pick does not seem to compensate for the loss of a sure-fire hall of famer.

But it certainly was a trade of inevitability…it was either watch a sulky Moss half a$$ the rest of the season, or roll the dice with the electric Brandon Tate (A funny side note: rumor has it that Belicheck and Moss had an extremely tense relationship weeks leading up to the trade, and even had “words” after the Monday night game. Can you imagine a heated argument between the always stoic Bill Belicheck and loud, obnoxious Randy Moss? Could there be two more opposite people in the world?). With the loss of Randy, it seems the Pat’s spread offense has died with it. Who knows, maybe Tate will fill the deep threat void, but he can’t replicate the coverage that Moss would draw, which would in turn open up other wide receivers.

We have seen the offense shifting over the last several games from the spread (4-5 wide receivers, 0-1 HB’s) to double tight end sets with a HB and two WR’s lined up along the outside. They’ve shown a greater commitment as a whole to establishing the run, and Brady has been working intermediary routes with greater frequency rather than the deep post routes to Moss the league has become accustomed to. As a life- long Pats fan, it hearkens back to the pre-07’ days of Brady throwing to work man like receivers (and in 2006-homeless people) backed up by a strong running game. But of course those teams had strong defenses (as I curl myself into a ball, and repeat that losing Moss won’t kill the strength of the team…it will be okay…please let it be okay…please…).

An additional interpretation of the trade is that the Patriots wanted to get more of their young wide receivers on the field, which they simply could not do with Randy Moss on the roster and the increased usage of double tight end sets. I’m talking players such as Julian Edelman (who has barely seen the field), Taylor Price (who has been inactive threw the first four games), and of course Brandon Tate, who has been used more as a kick return threat but will now have a greatly increased responsibility. All in all, this Pats organization has set themselves up to build a fantastic young core around Tom Brady, and guys like Randy Moss just don’t fit into the equation. With this trade, New England has almost complete control over next year’s draft as they own 2 picks in each of the first four rounds.

One thing that is certain is this team will take their lumps…but with bright young players to build around, and a heap of draft picks, the future and present look bright…

Ok, that felt good…I’ve now successfully talked myself into the trade of one of the five best players in Patriot’s history!

Moss...to Vikings?

.....Wow.....more on this tomorrow if rumors are true...

Week 4 Picks...

San Francisco 49er’s @ Atlanta Falcons

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills

Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams

Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders

Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles

Arizona Cardinals @ San Diego Chargers

Chicago Bears @ New York Giants

New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

Last week: 7-9

Overall: 16-16 (yay for mediocrity!, I’m just like the Cowboys!)

Lock of the week: Tennessee Titans OVER Denver Broncos

Upset of the week: Cleveland Browns OVER Cincinnati Bengals

Pounding of the week: Green Bay Packers OVER Detroit Lions