Pittsburgh Steelers def. Carolina Panthers
Heh, Carolina sucks.
Arizona Cardinals def. Dallas Cowboys
What? Are you kidding me Dallas? David Buehler's days as an NFL kicker may be numbered. I'm sure they still like him as a plus fifty yard kicker and on kickoffs, but if he can't make medium distance field goals and isn't reliable on extra points then he's not really worth it. They might do what they had done previously and keep two kickers on the team, but I get the feeling they didn't really like that approach.
New England Patriots def. Buffalo Bills
Who was I kidding, the Patriots always play like they have something to play for.
Chicago Bears def. New York Jets
Wow, did the Bears surprise me in this one. I'm not even so surprised that the Jets were able to exploit the holes in our defense, I am surprised in how effective we still were with basically no pass rush. I'm also surprised at how well we ran, fitting that the only player to rush for 100 yards in over a year on Buddy Ryan's son was a Bear. We're looking damn good right now, and even if it took sixteen weeks the sports media is finally starting to give us our due.
Baltimore Ravens def. Cleveland Browns
The Ravens weren't going to drop a game with so much riding on it.
Washington Redskins def. Jacksonville Jaguars
And this is why Jack del Rio's job is on the line, he can't pull his team through when they need it most. Two weeks removed from controlling their own destiny they now need Indy help to get into the playoffs, and I have a feeling they're not going to get it.
Kansas City Chiefs def. Tennessee Titans
The Chiefs are rolling right now, and I wouldn't want to be facing them early in the playoffs.
Detroit Lions def. Miami Dolphins
This played out exactly like I predicted. Miami had control of the game for a good while, I had even given up on Detroit winning, but they cannot win at home for some screwy reason.
St. Louis Rams def. San Francisco 49ers
Pulling down your pants in front of your team isn't the most auspicious way to start a coaching stint. One has to wonder where the Niners team of last year went, why they couldn't turn almost from last year into success this year and instead went the other way. In the end, it's on Mike's head. Still, the Rams and Sam Bradford weren't going to let this one slip away with the playoffs potentially on the line.
Cincinnati Bengals def. San Diego Chargers
I knew that San Diego wasn't going to be the late season juggernaut they usually are, but they are losing with a pretty easy schedule which is surprising.
Denver Broncos def. Houston Texans
What a mess of a game. Kubiak better get the boot, no way one injury should send your defense from one of the best to one of the worst in the league.
Indianapolis Colts def. Oakland Raiders
Peyton Manning looks unstoppable at the end of the season, I guess the Colts know when to turn up the pressure, and take advantage of some good fortune coming out of Jacksonville.
Green Bay Packers def. New York Giants
Oh Giants, where have you gone wrong?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers def. Seattle Seahawks
Like I said, Seattle got torched.
Minnesota Vikings def. Philadelphia Eagles
I don't mind being wrong here, as it gives my Bears a first round bye. I do find it very surprising that the Philly defense allowed so many points to a weak looking offense.
New Orleans Saints def. Atlanta Falcons
The Saints know when to turn it up, and made an impressive statement beating Atlanta at home.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
NFL Week Sixteen Predictions
Carolina Panthers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
I considered Carolina in this game with Polamalu out and the team finally finding some consistency, but in the end I don't think their defense can stop Mendenhall.
Prediction: Steelers
Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals
The Cards are looking as bad now as Dallas looked earlier in the season, or even worse.
Prediction: Cowboys
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
With nothing to really play for the Bills could pull off an upset, but we're talking Belichick's Pats here and not the Colts.
Prediction: Patriots
New York Jets @ Chicago Bears
I do think the Bears can beat the Jets, and even are in a good position to do so. However, the Jets finally got back on track and are fighting for their playoff lives. The biggest factors in this game, however, are going to be Revis and the line. I don't believe Cutler is going to be able to pass against the Jets, especially because I don't think our run game is going anywhere against them, and I don't think we're going to be able to pressure Sanchez, which is why I have to go with the Jets.
Prediction: Jets
Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
I can't pick against Baltimore here when they're still playing for a playoff berth.
Prediction: Ravens
Washington Redskins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
See above.
Prediction: Jaguars
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs
CJ2K isn't going to be able to win this one on his own.
Prediction: Chiefs
Detroit Lions @ Miami Dolphins
I don't really like Detroit here, but I have sworn off picking Miami at home. This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Lions
San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams
I can't believe that the Rams are going to get beat by these Niners again, much less at home. Troy Smith has played in a few more games, there's more film on him now, and the Rams know his tendencies now, so I have to go with the better QB in Sam Bradford.
Prediction: Rams
San Diego Chargers @ Cincinnati Bengals
I'm having a hard time believing the Bengals can produce against this San Diego defense, or that they can stop Phillip Rivers
Prediction: Chargers
Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos
Oh my god, this has to go down as the absolute worst matchup of the year. Denver is bad, bad, bad, and I don't know that they can stop Arian Foster. That Houston defense is just as bad though, and this could the point where the Denver offense finally picks up the win. I'd rather just bury my head in the sand and pretend this matchup won't ever take place, but since I have to pick a winner, Houston.
Prediction: Texans
Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders
Another receiver goes on IR, Dwight Freeney isn't participating in practice, and the Colts go up against a scary Raiders' passing offense. If you would have said at the beginning of the season that the Raiders are going to end the Colts' playoff hopes I'd have laughed you out of the country, but I say that's exactly what's going to happen. This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Raiders
New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers
Passing defense, I do not think the Packers are going to fare well against New York's. The Giants are generating a ton of pressure, which has been a sore sport for the Pack, and the Giants' offense is firing on all cylinders. The big question will be if they'll have another breakdown, but I doubt we'll see a repeat of last week.
Prediction: Giants
Seattle Seahawks @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are still fighting for playoff life (barely), and should torch a weak Seattle secondary.
Prediction: Buccaneers
Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles
All Minnesota is doing now is looking ahead to next year, the Eagles are in contention for a number two seed.
Prediction: Eagles
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
This is turning into a hot matchup. The Saints came within a field goal of beating the Falcons at the Superdome, and they are in a better position to win now. Their defense seems to be in a better position than Atlanta's, and their running game and offense are firing on all cylinders. The Birds don't lose at home, though. It's so hard to pick Atlanta to lose at home, but I have to go with the Saints here. This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Saints
I considered Carolina in this game with Polamalu out and the team finally finding some consistency, but in the end I don't think their defense can stop Mendenhall.
Prediction: Steelers
Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals
The Cards are looking as bad now as Dallas looked earlier in the season, or even worse.
Prediction: Cowboys
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
With nothing to really play for the Bills could pull off an upset, but we're talking Belichick's Pats here and not the Colts.
Prediction: Patriots
New York Jets @ Chicago Bears
I do think the Bears can beat the Jets, and even are in a good position to do so. However, the Jets finally got back on track and are fighting for their playoff lives. The biggest factors in this game, however, are going to be Revis and the line. I don't believe Cutler is going to be able to pass against the Jets, especially because I don't think our run game is going anywhere against them, and I don't think we're going to be able to pressure Sanchez, which is why I have to go with the Jets.
Prediction: Jets
Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
I can't pick against Baltimore here when they're still playing for a playoff berth.
Prediction: Ravens
Washington Redskins @ Jacksonville Jaguars
See above.
Prediction: Jaguars
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs
CJ2K isn't going to be able to win this one on his own.
Prediction: Chiefs
Detroit Lions @ Miami Dolphins
I don't really like Detroit here, but I have sworn off picking Miami at home. This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Lions
San Francisco 49ers @ St. Louis Rams
I can't believe that the Rams are going to get beat by these Niners again, much less at home. Troy Smith has played in a few more games, there's more film on him now, and the Rams know his tendencies now, so I have to go with the better QB in Sam Bradford.
Prediction: Rams
San Diego Chargers @ Cincinnati Bengals
I'm having a hard time believing the Bengals can produce against this San Diego defense, or that they can stop Phillip Rivers
Prediction: Chargers
Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos
Oh my god, this has to go down as the absolute worst matchup of the year. Denver is bad, bad, bad, and I don't know that they can stop Arian Foster. That Houston defense is just as bad though, and this could the point where the Denver offense finally picks up the win. I'd rather just bury my head in the sand and pretend this matchup won't ever take place, but since I have to pick a winner, Houston.
Prediction: Texans
Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders
Another receiver goes on IR, Dwight Freeney isn't participating in practice, and the Colts go up against a scary Raiders' passing offense. If you would have said at the beginning of the season that the Raiders are going to end the Colts' playoff hopes I'd have laughed you out of the country, but I say that's exactly what's going to happen. This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Raiders
New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers
Passing defense, I do not think the Packers are going to fare well against New York's. The Giants are generating a ton of pressure, which has been a sore sport for the Pack, and the Giants' offense is firing on all cylinders. The big question will be if they'll have another breakdown, but I doubt we'll see a repeat of last week.
Prediction: Giants
Seattle Seahawks @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are still fighting for playoff life (barely), and should torch a weak Seattle secondary.
Prediction: Buccaneers
Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles
All Minnesota is doing now is looking ahead to next year, the Eagles are in contention for a number two seed.
Prediction: Eagles
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
This is turning into a hot matchup. The Saints came within a field goal of beating the Falcons at the Superdome, and they are in a better position to win now. Their defense seems to be in a better position than Atlanta's, and their running game and offense are firing on all cylinders. The Birds don't lose at home, though. It's so hard to pick Atlanta to lose at home, but I have to go with the Saints here. This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Saints
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
NFL Week Fifteen Thoughts
This is the week the Bears won the NFC North, it is a good week indeed!
San Diego Chargers def. San Francisco 49ers
I think it's going to be bye-bye Singletary after this season, though they could still make the playoffs (yikes!)
Baltimore Ravens def. New Orleans Saints
There's nothing I hate more than not knowing whether or not the good team or bad team is going to show up on Sunday, Ravens have that dynamic.
Carolina Panthers def. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona should be mightily embarrassed.
Cincinnati Bengals def. Cleveland Browns
The Bengals are coming on at the end of the season. I haven't been very high on Mangini as a head coach since he was in New York, I think the Browns would be better off with Mike Holmgren running the show.
Dallas Cowboys def. Washington Redskins
Rex Grossman didn't look half bad, perhaps he's finally landed in a system he fits in. That Dallas defense is looking impressive late in the year, they could be due for a resurgence next year.
Indianaplois Colts def. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars missed some key opportunities here, but the Colts finally came out and proved they could get past their team troubles and finish a game. They look like they could be contenders if they make it in to the postseason, but I'm not so sure they can win out.
Buffalo Bills def. Miami Dolphins
Oh Miami, how did you let this one slip away? I'm starting to think they don't even want to win at home.
Philadelphia Eagles def. New York Giants
Jacksonville last week, Philly this week, seems I can't help but get burned by big punt returns at least once a week. That fourth quarter breakdown does not look good for the Giants heading into the playoffs, though they have gone from disappointing at the end of the season to playoff monsters in the past.
Kansas City Chiefs def. St. Louis Rams
This Chiefs team is looking pretty impressive, if they can have a good offseason we could be looking at new long-term favorites in the division.
Detroit Lions def. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I got this one right, but it played out just the opposite of what I thought it would. Detroit's run defense got torched (LeGarrette Blount is a beast), and Drew Stanton lit up the field. That Tampa defense is very young, too young for this team to be a legitimate contender, but a good draft and they could be back in contention. You know how it goes in the NFC South, every year they have a new division champion.
Tennessee Titans def. Houston Texans
I made the cardinal mistake of evaluating the Texans this year, never underestimate how atrocious their defense is.
Atlanta Falcons def. Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta is a hot team, the Seahawks are slumping.
Oakland Raiders def. Denver Broncos
Those Broncos are in dire straights, whoever they bring in as coach and/or to run personnel had better have their act together.
New York Jet def. Pittsburgh Steelers
Polamalu didn't play, but I am a little surprised at how easily Sanchez was able to handle their D. I think the Steelers got robbed by a no-call late in the fourth, but they still didn't get it done on subsequent plays.
New England Patriots def. Green Bay Packers
I'm a bit surprised at how well Matt Flynn did, although this Pats' defense can have sort of a Jekyll and Hyde dynamic to it.
Chicago Bears def. Minnesota Vikings
Okay, I know Webb was in there for a full half, but we played them damn well the whole game. No matter who was in the pocket we took them to the ground, we generated five turnovers, Hester set a new NFL record for return touchdowns (congrats!), and this offense took advantage where they could. Jay Cutler looked especially impressive, and I think things are looking up for this team. No matter what happens in the postseason, this season has been a success. With that being said, we're division champs and on the way to the playoffs, go Bears!
San Diego Chargers def. San Francisco 49ers
I think it's going to be bye-bye Singletary after this season, though they could still make the playoffs (yikes!)
Baltimore Ravens def. New Orleans Saints
There's nothing I hate more than not knowing whether or not the good team or bad team is going to show up on Sunday, Ravens have that dynamic.
Carolina Panthers def. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona should be mightily embarrassed.
Cincinnati Bengals def. Cleveland Browns
The Bengals are coming on at the end of the season. I haven't been very high on Mangini as a head coach since he was in New York, I think the Browns would be better off with Mike Holmgren running the show.
Dallas Cowboys def. Washington Redskins
Rex Grossman didn't look half bad, perhaps he's finally landed in a system he fits in. That Dallas defense is looking impressive late in the year, they could be due for a resurgence next year.
Indianaplois Colts def. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars missed some key opportunities here, but the Colts finally came out and proved they could get past their team troubles and finish a game. They look like they could be contenders if they make it in to the postseason, but I'm not so sure they can win out.
Buffalo Bills def. Miami Dolphins
Oh Miami, how did you let this one slip away? I'm starting to think they don't even want to win at home.
Philadelphia Eagles def. New York Giants
Jacksonville last week, Philly this week, seems I can't help but get burned by big punt returns at least once a week. That fourth quarter breakdown does not look good for the Giants heading into the playoffs, though they have gone from disappointing at the end of the season to playoff monsters in the past.
Kansas City Chiefs def. St. Louis Rams
This Chiefs team is looking pretty impressive, if they can have a good offseason we could be looking at new long-term favorites in the division.
Detroit Lions def. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I got this one right, but it played out just the opposite of what I thought it would. Detroit's run defense got torched (LeGarrette Blount is a beast), and Drew Stanton lit up the field. That Tampa defense is very young, too young for this team to be a legitimate contender, but a good draft and they could be back in contention. You know how it goes in the NFC South, every year they have a new division champion.
Tennessee Titans def. Houston Texans
I made the cardinal mistake of evaluating the Texans this year, never underestimate how atrocious their defense is.
Atlanta Falcons def. Seattle Seahawks
Atlanta is a hot team, the Seahawks are slumping.
Oakland Raiders def. Denver Broncos
Those Broncos are in dire straights, whoever they bring in as coach and/or to run personnel had better have their act together.
New York Jet def. Pittsburgh Steelers
Polamalu didn't play, but I am a little surprised at how easily Sanchez was able to handle their D. I think the Steelers got robbed by a no-call late in the fourth, but they still didn't get it done on subsequent plays.
New England Patriots def. Green Bay Packers
I'm a bit surprised at how well Matt Flynn did, although this Pats' defense can have sort of a Jekyll and Hyde dynamic to it.
Chicago Bears def. Minnesota Vikings
Okay, I know Webb was in there for a full half, but we played them damn well the whole game. No matter who was in the pocket we took them to the ground, we generated five turnovers, Hester set a new NFL record for return touchdowns (congrats!), and this offense took advantage where they could. Jay Cutler looked especially impressive, and I think things are looking up for this team. No matter what happens in the postseason, this season has been a success. With that being said, we're division champs and on the way to the playoffs, go Bears!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
What Grinds my Gears-Gridiron Edition
It's been a while since I've written anything that wasn't about picks, so at the end of the season I'm finally getting around to writing something substantial. There have been a lot of things that have been getting on my nerves this season, so I figure it's time I let loose.
I am now wholly convinced that the Bears are one of the most hated teams in the NFL, and the Packers one of the most loved. Why this is I do not know, though I have some theories. The first one is that the Packers have a playstyle that many fans like: high octane passing game, blitz-heavy defense. They can put up big stats on both sides of the ball, which is something I will get into in more detail later, but they can also be burned by opportunistic teams and injuries. They have Aaron Rodgers, they have Clay Matthews, that's enough to give most fantasy players a woody.
Speaking of which, this is the other reason I think the Packers are loved, the love affair that announcers seem to have with Favre. Green Bay is still benefiting from that, especially with another good, young QB having replaced Favre. Everyone is aware of the obsession John Madden had with Favre, if it wasn't readily apparent from watching a broadcast then Frank Caliendo has preserved his obsession for the ages with his impressions. Years after Madden's retirement, though, broadcasters are still gushing over Brett Favre. Listening to John Gruden during the Bears game last night was enough to give me diabetes. We get it, everyone loves Favre. The best thing about Favre's probable retirement after this season is going to be not having to listen to announcers gush over him, though I'm sure the borderline erotic praise will be lauded on him for a short while after his retirement at least.
Speaking of Minnesota, they are not so great outside of the Metrodome, which is heresy for a Midwest team. The Minnesota players were whining and complaining all week before the game that they actually had to play *gasp* outdoors. Perhaps the numerous injuries they sustained, including one to Old Man Favre on a sack by rookie Corey Wooten, should be a confirmation of their worries, but the Bears didn't seem to suffer any ill effects from the weather or the field. Now Vikings owner Zigy Wilf is lobbying for an outdoor stadium, the first decent thing he's done since taking over. Look out babies, you might finally have to survive outside of your crib.
This is something that is driving me absolutely insane, stadium deals with the cities. I don't know exactly when this tradition started, but it is the most insane idea to me that these teams that are making millions upon millions of dollars each year are actually going to cities and demanding money to build stadiums. The Cubs threatened to pull out of Arizona if they didn't get a new multi-million dollar stadium built for them despite the entire state being in dire straights, Minnesota isn't much better and the Vikings are asking for money for a new field, the Cubs are asking the city of Chicago, which is knee deep in red ink, for money for stadium renovations, am I going insane here? Go to the Chicago Tribune online and read any article about preserving programs that help people in need, preserving education funding, preserving union jobs, and you get some ideological argument riddled with accusations of leeching and excessive use of the term "entitlement." Read an article about the Cubs wanting a new stadium and everyone talks about how it's common practice, about how we don't want them to leave (apparently), about how the Bears got money to renovate Soldier Field. I don't care if it HAS been done, it shouldn't be done. There are people in need, and they should take priority in receiving government funds over pro sports franchises that are extremely well off to being with. On top of all of this, ticket prices are enormously high. You would think the least these owners could do for people who build them stadiums is keep prices low, but fans get gouged from the parking lot to the ticket window to the concession stand. It's fucking bullshit, if people want to make a huge deal about government overspending and free market principles then they should start by demanding that pro sports franchises build their own goddamned stadiums.
We're getting to progressively hotter topics for me, and this one is really been getting to me lately. Fantasy football is ruining fans' brains. Fans today are so concerned about stats, they are so concerned about people making huge plays, that they forget that this game is more than stats. Everywhere I go I see fans making predictions based on win/loss records, talking teams down because they don't have a QB with MVP numbers or talking teams up simply because they have a productive fantasy player. The really strange thing is you would think they could look at the top fantasy players each year and realize that many times they don't play on winning teams. You would also think that they would be more easily able to look at a team like Detroit and realize that players that might put up big fantasy numbers but were injured could be affecting that record. That's one thing these fans aren't able to see, is the quality of play. For teams like Detroit and Buffalo quality play hasn't exactly translated into victories, but that doesn't mean they aren't a decent teams with a lot of potential. Anyone can watch the way those two teams, or other maligned teams such as Washington, have played this season and know they are on the cusp, but the fantasy-minded see only numbers.
Then you get to this new trend of fantasy analysts some networks are hiring, and they are by far the douchiest, know-nothingest bunch of obnoxious charlatans on TV this side of Fux News. They have absolutely no concept of breaking down a team, of looking at different stats, of evaluating how certain teams and players respond in certain conditions. They look at numbers, numbers, numbers and then go out in front of a camera and do their tired sports nerd machismo bit, playing up the teams and players with flashy numbers and attempting to emasculate those without. As if sports fans need any more machismo. Look, this is a team game, it takes 53 players to get to the playoffs and beyond. Obviously not every team has 53 all-pros, and not every team can be full to the teeth of fantasy standouts. This is what the fantasy generation cannot comprehend, is that teams with mediocre stats, or that excel in certain areas but not others, can remain competitive. I said it before the season started, this is a league of parity. You can look at teams like the Browns beating teams like the Patriots, at the Colts falling off after just one season,at the Bengals sweeping their division last season and going back to the bottom this season. Look at the way the Chiefs and Rams have turned things around, how the Raiders and Jaguars are hanging in there after seasons of fizzling out. Hell, forget the records and look at the way teams like the Lions, Bills, and Redskins are playing, look at the margin of victory, look at some of the good teams they've beaten or come close to beating. This is a league of parity, any team can win on any given Sunday, and that makes this league great. I don't really care if fantasy brains (and I use that word loosely) can't understand that, they just need to stop acting like they're experts when they can't get their heads around the core concepts of this league. If stats were all that mattered then why even play 16 games, why not play four or five and let statistical simulations dot he rest? At this time of year with the playoffs approaching, the fantasy brains are already anointing winners and losers based on stats and playmakers, but what they forget is that you haven't won squat until you actually go out there and win it. At this point in the year, regardless of strength of schedule or any other meaningless excuse used to disparage certain teams, every single team that is still alive has the chance and the ability to win the big one, and any real football fan wouldn't have it any other way.
I am now wholly convinced that the Bears are one of the most hated teams in the NFL, and the Packers one of the most loved. Why this is I do not know, though I have some theories. The first one is that the Packers have a playstyle that many fans like: high octane passing game, blitz-heavy defense. They can put up big stats on both sides of the ball, which is something I will get into in more detail later, but they can also be burned by opportunistic teams and injuries. They have Aaron Rodgers, they have Clay Matthews, that's enough to give most fantasy players a woody.
Speaking of which, this is the other reason I think the Packers are loved, the love affair that announcers seem to have with Favre. Green Bay is still benefiting from that, especially with another good, young QB having replaced Favre. Everyone is aware of the obsession John Madden had with Favre, if it wasn't readily apparent from watching a broadcast then Frank Caliendo has preserved his obsession for the ages with his impressions. Years after Madden's retirement, though, broadcasters are still gushing over Brett Favre. Listening to John Gruden during the Bears game last night was enough to give me diabetes. We get it, everyone loves Favre. The best thing about Favre's probable retirement after this season is going to be not having to listen to announcers gush over him, though I'm sure the borderline erotic praise will be lauded on him for a short while after his retirement at least.
Speaking of Minnesota, they are not so great outside of the Metrodome, which is heresy for a Midwest team. The Minnesota players were whining and complaining all week before the game that they actually had to play *gasp* outdoors. Perhaps the numerous injuries they sustained, including one to Old Man Favre on a sack by rookie Corey Wooten, should be a confirmation of their worries, but the Bears didn't seem to suffer any ill effects from the weather or the field. Now Vikings owner Zigy Wilf is lobbying for an outdoor stadium, the first decent thing he's done since taking over. Look out babies, you might finally have to survive outside of your crib.
This is something that is driving me absolutely insane, stadium deals with the cities. I don't know exactly when this tradition started, but it is the most insane idea to me that these teams that are making millions upon millions of dollars each year are actually going to cities and demanding money to build stadiums. The Cubs threatened to pull out of Arizona if they didn't get a new multi-million dollar stadium built for them despite the entire state being in dire straights, Minnesota isn't much better and the Vikings are asking for money for a new field, the Cubs are asking the city of Chicago, which is knee deep in red ink, for money for stadium renovations, am I going insane here? Go to the Chicago Tribune online and read any article about preserving programs that help people in need, preserving education funding, preserving union jobs, and you get some ideological argument riddled with accusations of leeching and excessive use of the term "entitlement." Read an article about the Cubs wanting a new stadium and everyone talks about how it's common practice, about how we don't want them to leave (apparently), about how the Bears got money to renovate Soldier Field. I don't care if it HAS been done, it shouldn't be done. There are people in need, and they should take priority in receiving government funds over pro sports franchises that are extremely well off to being with. On top of all of this, ticket prices are enormously high. You would think the least these owners could do for people who build them stadiums is keep prices low, but fans get gouged from the parking lot to the ticket window to the concession stand. It's fucking bullshit, if people want to make a huge deal about government overspending and free market principles then they should start by demanding that pro sports franchises build their own goddamned stadiums.
We're getting to progressively hotter topics for me, and this one is really been getting to me lately. Fantasy football is ruining fans' brains. Fans today are so concerned about stats, they are so concerned about people making huge plays, that they forget that this game is more than stats. Everywhere I go I see fans making predictions based on win/loss records, talking teams down because they don't have a QB with MVP numbers or talking teams up simply because they have a productive fantasy player. The really strange thing is you would think they could look at the top fantasy players each year and realize that many times they don't play on winning teams. You would also think that they would be more easily able to look at a team like Detroit and realize that players that might put up big fantasy numbers but were injured could be affecting that record. That's one thing these fans aren't able to see, is the quality of play. For teams like Detroit and Buffalo quality play hasn't exactly translated into victories, but that doesn't mean they aren't a decent teams with a lot of potential. Anyone can watch the way those two teams, or other maligned teams such as Washington, have played this season and know they are on the cusp, but the fantasy-minded see only numbers.
Then you get to this new trend of fantasy analysts some networks are hiring, and they are by far the douchiest, know-nothingest bunch of obnoxious charlatans on TV this side of Fux News. They have absolutely no concept of breaking down a team, of looking at different stats, of evaluating how certain teams and players respond in certain conditions. They look at numbers, numbers, numbers and then go out in front of a camera and do their tired sports nerd machismo bit, playing up the teams and players with flashy numbers and attempting to emasculate those without. As if sports fans need any more machismo. Look, this is a team game, it takes 53 players to get to the playoffs and beyond. Obviously not every team has 53 all-pros, and not every team can be full to the teeth of fantasy standouts. This is what the fantasy generation cannot comprehend, is that teams with mediocre stats, or that excel in certain areas but not others, can remain competitive. I said it before the season started, this is a league of parity. You can look at teams like the Browns beating teams like the Patriots, at the Colts falling off after just one season,at the Bengals sweeping their division last season and going back to the bottom this season. Look at the way the Chiefs and Rams have turned things around, how the Raiders and Jaguars are hanging in there after seasons of fizzling out. Hell, forget the records and look at the way teams like the Lions, Bills, and Redskins are playing, look at the margin of victory, look at some of the good teams they've beaten or come close to beating. This is a league of parity, any team can win on any given Sunday, and that makes this league great. I don't really care if fantasy brains (and I use that word loosely) can't understand that, they just need to stop acting like they're experts when they can't get their heads around the core concepts of this league. If stats were all that mattered then why even play 16 games, why not play four or five and let statistical simulations dot he rest? At this time of year with the playoffs approaching, the fantasy brains are already anointing winners and losers based on stats and playmakers, but what they forget is that you haven't won squat until you actually go out there and win it. At this point in the year, regardless of strength of schedule or any other meaningless excuse used to disparage certain teams, every single team that is still alive has the chance and the ability to win the big one, and any real football fan wouldn't have it any other way.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
NFL Week Fifteen Predictions
San Francisco 49ers @ San Diego Chargers
San Fran is going to be making me second guess myself for the rest of the season, but I think the Chargers are good enough to beat them.
Prediction: Chargers
New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens
It's hard to predict which talented team will have the signature breakdown this week. The Ravens are better running the ball, but the Saints are dominant on both sides of the ball passing. Both teams have been prone to letdowns, but the Ravens have struggled since losing to the Steelers and the Saints are making a push.
Prediction: Saints
Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers
The battle of two bad teams. The Cardinals have been improving slithgly in the past few weeks, especially running the ball where Carolina is most vunerable.
Prediction: Cardinals
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland looks a little better in terms of stats. It'll be tough stopping Peyton Hillis, but Cleveland is just as bad as Cincy in rush defense. The Browns have struggled in recent weeks, and the Bengals have played hard against good teams. I like the Bengals to bounce back.
Prediciton: Bengals
Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys
Wahsington is the team that sent Dallas into its downward spiral at the start of the season, now the boys are out for revenge. The key could be who can run the ball better, and Dallas has the edge defending the run. Ryan Torain is the Skins' ace in the hole, but the Dallas running back by committee and John Kitna make me think they have the edge.
Prediction: Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianaplois Colts
Last time these two teams faced off I had the Colts as a lock, and the Jaguars showed up in a huge way. That was before the Colts ran into injuries and other problems, and now the Jaguars look like the superior team. The Colts have a way of winning the games everyone predicts they'll lose, though, so you can't count them out based on intangibles. How about this stat, the Colts are 29th in the league in stopping the run, the Jaguars are second in the league running the ball. I think the Jaguars match up well here.
Prediction: Jaguars
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
A lot of people are picking Buffalo as an upset here, but Miami is playing well again. I know they're horrendous at home, but the Bills are an easy win for any team who can remained focused, like I think Miami will.
Prediction: Dolphins
Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants
What a matchup, both teams are just about dead even rushing the ball. On defense, the Giants have a very slight edge against the run. On the passing side of the ball, the Ealges have an edge on offense and the Giants on defense. The Bears showed a gameplan for how to beat the Eagles with the same base scheme the Giants run, DeSean Jackson and other Eagles receivers are out, and the Giants receivers are getting a bit healthier. I think that equals a bounceback for the Giants. This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Giants
Kansas City Chiefs @ St. Louis Rams
The Rams have really dropped off rushing the ball, while the Chiefs have improved in that aspect. While the Chiefs are good defending the run, the Rams are better. The key to this game could be Matt Cassel, but if the Chiefs can control the ball like I think they will they'll win this game. This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Chiefs
Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This could be a surprisingly good game. The Lions were very effective against Aaron Rodgers last week and have been very effective against the run all season, and I think will give a lot of trouble to Josh Freeman. A lot of the Lions' playmakers are back, but the deciding factor could be whether or not Shaun Hill plays. He's listed as questionable, so I think he plays and the Lions beat the Bucs. This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Lions
Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans
The Titans are bad without Vince Young. The Texans should be able to pass all over the Titans.
Prediction: Texans
Atlanta Falcons @ Seattle Seahawks
The Falcons are pushing, the Hawks are struggling, this is a no-brainer.
Prediction: Falcons
Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders
The Broncos are BAD right now, and Tim Tebow starting isn't going to turn them around.
Prediction: Raiders
New York Jet @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Mark Sanchez is struggling and he's going up against Troy Polamalu, Troy wins this battle.
Prediction: Steelers
Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots
The Pats are at home, they are on a roll, they're playing well on both sides of the ball, Green Bay is struggling on both sides, and they're without Aaron Rodgers. No way they win this game.
Prediction: Patriots
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings
Rookie Joe Webb is starting, they're not playing in the dome, and the Bears are this close to winning the division. Bears should take this one.
Prediction: Bears
San Fran is going to be making me second guess myself for the rest of the season, but I think the Chargers are good enough to beat them.
Prediction: Chargers
New Orleans Saints @ Baltimore Ravens
It's hard to predict which talented team will have the signature breakdown this week. The Ravens are better running the ball, but the Saints are dominant on both sides of the ball passing. Both teams have been prone to letdowns, but the Ravens have struggled since losing to the Steelers and the Saints are making a push.
Prediction: Saints
Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers
The battle of two bad teams. The Cardinals have been improving slithgly in the past few weeks, especially running the ball where Carolina is most vunerable.
Prediction: Cardinals
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland looks a little better in terms of stats. It'll be tough stopping Peyton Hillis, but Cleveland is just as bad as Cincy in rush defense. The Browns have struggled in recent weeks, and the Bengals have played hard against good teams. I like the Bengals to bounce back.
Prediciton: Bengals
Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys
Wahsington is the team that sent Dallas into its downward spiral at the start of the season, now the boys are out for revenge. The key could be who can run the ball better, and Dallas has the edge defending the run. Ryan Torain is the Skins' ace in the hole, but the Dallas running back by committee and John Kitna make me think they have the edge.
Prediction: Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianaplois Colts
Last time these two teams faced off I had the Colts as a lock, and the Jaguars showed up in a huge way. That was before the Colts ran into injuries and other problems, and now the Jaguars look like the superior team. The Colts have a way of winning the games everyone predicts they'll lose, though, so you can't count them out based on intangibles. How about this stat, the Colts are 29th in the league in stopping the run, the Jaguars are second in the league running the ball. I think the Jaguars match up well here.
Prediction: Jaguars
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
A lot of people are picking Buffalo as an upset here, but Miami is playing well again. I know they're horrendous at home, but the Bills are an easy win for any team who can remained focused, like I think Miami will.
Prediction: Dolphins
Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants
What a matchup, both teams are just about dead even rushing the ball. On defense, the Giants have a very slight edge against the run. On the passing side of the ball, the Ealges have an edge on offense and the Giants on defense. The Bears showed a gameplan for how to beat the Eagles with the same base scheme the Giants run, DeSean Jackson and other Eagles receivers are out, and the Giants receivers are getting a bit healthier. I think that equals a bounceback for the Giants. This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Giants
Kansas City Chiefs @ St. Louis Rams
The Rams have really dropped off rushing the ball, while the Chiefs have improved in that aspect. While the Chiefs are good defending the run, the Rams are better. The key to this game could be Matt Cassel, but if the Chiefs can control the ball like I think they will they'll win this game. This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Chiefs
Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This could be a surprisingly good game. The Lions were very effective against Aaron Rodgers last week and have been very effective against the run all season, and I think will give a lot of trouble to Josh Freeman. A lot of the Lions' playmakers are back, but the deciding factor could be whether or not Shaun Hill plays. He's listed as questionable, so I think he plays and the Lions beat the Bucs. This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Lions
Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans
The Titans are bad without Vince Young. The Texans should be able to pass all over the Titans.
Prediction: Texans
Atlanta Falcons @ Seattle Seahawks
The Falcons are pushing, the Hawks are struggling, this is a no-brainer.
Prediction: Falcons
Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders
The Broncos are BAD right now, and Tim Tebow starting isn't going to turn them around.
Prediction: Raiders
New York Jet @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Mark Sanchez is struggling and he's going up against Troy Polamalu, Troy wins this battle.
Prediction: Steelers
Green Bay Packers @ New England Patriots
The Pats are at home, they are on a roll, they're playing well on both sides of the ball, Green Bay is struggling on both sides, and they're without Aaron Rodgers. No way they win this game.
Prediction: Patriots
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings
Rookie Joe Webb is starting, they're not playing in the dome, and the Bears are this close to winning the division. Bears should take this one.
Prediction: Bears
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
NFL Week Fourteen Thoughts
Indianapolis Colts def. Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is bad without Vince Young.
Buffalo Bills def. Cleveland Browns
Fitz ain't great, but he's good enough to be a starter for a 3-10 team.
Atlanta Falcons def. Carolina Panthers
This one was over before it began.
Detroit Lions def. Green Bay Packers
When am I happy to be wrong? When I pick the Packers to win. Make no mistake, Detroit is a good team. I think I said they'd get a division win this year, I might've even said it would come against the Pack. Still, the way the season was playing out I thought that was one pre-season prediction I'd be wrong about. The bigger story, though, is that the Packers have now lost to two opponents that the Bears beat and the Bears themselves. I hope this finally establishes the Bears as the better team this season. Don't blame this one on Rodgers being gone, either, the Lions were pummeling him before he exited the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars def. Oakland Raiders
I do hate being wrong, but I hate it even more when I'm wrong because the team I picked blew a late lead because of bad kick coverage and one huge run. It looked like the Raiders were going to pull this one off, then two plays later they lose. This is why despite looking impressive at times, the Raiders are not a playoff-caliber team.
Pittsburgh Steelers def. Cincinnati Bengals
Big Ben may be the quarterback, buck Troy Polamalu is the key to their success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers def. Washington Redskins
I'm really surprised at the manner in which Tampa won, Washington had this game and gave it away (a high school kicker could've done a better job than Gano). One thing's for sure, though, Ryan Torain is a beast.
New Orleans Saints def. St. Louis Rams
Bradford is good, he outshined Drew Brees in the stat column. New Orleans is the better team, though.
San Francisco 49ers def. Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco is quickly becoming my least favorite team to pick this year, they always end up doing the complete opposite of what I expect. Seattle is almost as bad, so it's no wonder this turned out to be a matchup from hell for me.
Arizona Cardinals def. Denver Broncos
I should've gone with my gut instinct, Denver is bad.
New England Patriots def. Chicago Bears
This loss looked worse than it really was. If not for some offensive turnovers that lead to New England scores and a breakdown on the last play of the half, this game could've at least been a lot closer than it was. It also seemed like our gameplan was off, it looked like the coaches expected New England to keep to the ground and instead Brady came out and lit the place up. Still, New England outplayed us. They're a better team, I'll go so far as to call them he beast in the league right now, and they beat us. I'm not trying to make excuses, I'm just saying that people despairing about our playoff chances should find some hope despite the lopsided score.
New York Jets def. Miami Dolphins
Mark Sanchez and that offense are looking pretty pathetic right about now.
San Diego Chargers def. Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel not being there made a big difference, but with the way the score ended up it's no guarantee he would've changed the outcome.
Philadelphia Eagles def. Dallas Cowboys
Philly's playmakers really tore it up, and Jackson's little celebration was pretty entertaining.
New York Giants def. Minnesota Vikings
The only thing holding the Giants back this season is injuries, and unfortunately they have even more at the receiver position after this game.
Baltimore Ravens def. Houston Texans
Baltimore's starting to let leads slip away with regularity, not a good thing heading into the playoffs. Baltimore's defense is still a hell of a lot better than Houston's.
Tennessee is bad without Vince Young.
Buffalo Bills def. Cleveland Browns
Fitz ain't great, but he's good enough to be a starter for a 3-10 team.
Atlanta Falcons def. Carolina Panthers
This one was over before it began.
Detroit Lions def. Green Bay Packers
When am I happy to be wrong? When I pick the Packers to win. Make no mistake, Detroit is a good team. I think I said they'd get a division win this year, I might've even said it would come against the Pack. Still, the way the season was playing out I thought that was one pre-season prediction I'd be wrong about. The bigger story, though, is that the Packers have now lost to two opponents that the Bears beat and the Bears themselves. I hope this finally establishes the Bears as the better team this season. Don't blame this one on Rodgers being gone, either, the Lions were pummeling him before he exited the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars def. Oakland Raiders
I do hate being wrong, but I hate it even more when I'm wrong because the team I picked blew a late lead because of bad kick coverage and one huge run. It looked like the Raiders were going to pull this one off, then two plays later they lose. This is why despite looking impressive at times, the Raiders are not a playoff-caliber team.
Pittsburgh Steelers def. Cincinnati Bengals
Big Ben may be the quarterback, buck Troy Polamalu is the key to their success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers def. Washington Redskins
I'm really surprised at the manner in which Tampa won, Washington had this game and gave it away (a high school kicker could've done a better job than Gano). One thing's for sure, though, Ryan Torain is a beast.
New Orleans Saints def. St. Louis Rams
Bradford is good, he outshined Drew Brees in the stat column. New Orleans is the better team, though.
San Francisco 49ers def. Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco is quickly becoming my least favorite team to pick this year, they always end up doing the complete opposite of what I expect. Seattle is almost as bad, so it's no wonder this turned out to be a matchup from hell for me.
Arizona Cardinals def. Denver Broncos
I should've gone with my gut instinct, Denver is bad.
New England Patriots def. Chicago Bears
This loss looked worse than it really was. If not for some offensive turnovers that lead to New England scores and a breakdown on the last play of the half, this game could've at least been a lot closer than it was. It also seemed like our gameplan was off, it looked like the coaches expected New England to keep to the ground and instead Brady came out and lit the place up. Still, New England outplayed us. They're a better team, I'll go so far as to call them he beast in the league right now, and they beat us. I'm not trying to make excuses, I'm just saying that people despairing about our playoff chances should find some hope despite the lopsided score.
New York Jets def. Miami Dolphins
Mark Sanchez and that offense are looking pretty pathetic right about now.
San Diego Chargers def. Kansas City Chiefs
Matt Cassel not being there made a big difference, but with the way the score ended up it's no guarantee he would've changed the outcome.
Philadelphia Eagles def. Dallas Cowboys
Philly's playmakers really tore it up, and Jackson's little celebration was pretty entertaining.
New York Giants def. Minnesota Vikings
The only thing holding the Giants back this season is injuries, and unfortunately they have even more at the receiver position after this game.
Baltimore Ravens def. Houston Texans
Baltimore's starting to let leads slip away with regularity, not a good thing heading into the playoffs. Baltimore's defense is still a hell of a lot better than Houston's.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
NFL Week Fourteen Predictions
Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is bad without Vince Young. Indy may have a dismal run defense, but Tennessee has gotten by all season by having their offense hang in there and score as many points as their defense has given up. With Indy that's probably not going to happen, Peyton will get over the hump against that Tennessee secondary. Kerry Collins, meanwhile, is going to be taken apart by an Indy pass D that is in the top five in the league.
Prediction: Colts
Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills
With the Bills sitting at dead last in rushing defense and Peyton Hillis taking snaps for the Browns, Cleveland is a mighty tempting pick. However, the Bills are no slouches in pass defense, while Cleveland sits at 20th in the league. Most of Cleveland's linebackers are also listed as out or questionable, so I have to go with the Bills in this one, for the first time this year I believe.
Prediction: Bills
Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers
I think I'll take a chance on the Falcons in this one.
Prediction: Falcons
Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
Nothing would make me happier than to see the Packers upset by the Lions, but with their third string QB going up against Aaron Rodgers I just can't see Detroit winning this one.
Prediction: Packers
Oakland Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Oakland has the Jaguars outclassed in passing defense. The Jaguars' running game is flying under the radar this season and David Garrard could put on a show against Oakland, but I think the Jaguars run into an Oakland gameplan that keeps the ball out of their hands and puts points on the board.
Prediction: Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers
I don't know what's worse, the Steelers' 23rd-ranked passing defense or the Bengals' 24th-ranked running defense. This game seems ripe for an upset, but with Rashard Mendenhall taking snaps I can't go against the Steelers.
Prediction: Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Redskins
Every week people are picking Tampa to beat playoff-caliber teams, every week they come up just shy. This week they play a non-playoff caliber team, and they should win. Washington does have players coming back from injury, but I don't believe they can keep up with this Bucs' offense.
Prediction: Buccaneers
St. Louis Rams @ New Orleans Saints
Would you believe I actually had to go to the stats with this one? The Rams are certainly making an improvement over the past few seasons. It looks like Pierre Thomas is finally going to make his return, though, which makes the running back committee for New Orleans look very formidable. The Rams have quietly been in the upper half of the league in run defense, with the Saints being right there with them in the same category. I don't know that I can rightly give the advantage to either quarterback even with the slew of weapons Brees has, so this one comes down to passing D. The Saints are head and shoulder better than the Rams in this department, so I have to go with the favorite. Still, this is my game of the week.
Prediction: Saints
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Mike Singletary is benching Troy Smith after the way he's played over the past few games? This season has really turned into a disaster for him. The Niners have the talent to win this game, but I think the Seahawks are the overall better team.
Prediction: Seahawks
Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals
When I heard that McDaniels was fired I thought that Studesville was going to break the trend of interim coaches getting their first win in their first game, then I saw who the Broncos were playing and changed my mind.
Prediction: Broncos
New England Patriots @ Chicago Bears
This is a good matchup, both teams have strengths and weaknesses the other can exploit. The Bears have been good on defense against formidable passing attacks, but New England has just the right offense to exploit the cover-2. The Patriots are near dead last in the league in passing defense, but rookie Devin McCourty is dangerous and could end up costing Cutler some picks. On the ground, New England is just in the bottom half of the league on defense while Chicago's run game is just getting going. On the flip side, Chicago is second in the league against the run while the Patriots don't do anything special on offense. Statistically the Bears should be able to pull out the win, though the Patriots have been finding ways to win games where they seem overmatched all season. I wouldn't count the Patriots out of anything, but after their big win last week I think they're due for a comedown. This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Bears
Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets
These teams are pretty evenly matched, but where Miami has most of their defensive stars listed as questionable it seems like New York is due to get most of their injured players back this week. I have to take the Jets in a close one.
Prediction: Jets
Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers
No Matt Cassel, no chance for the Chiefs
Prediction: Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
There are a lot of people choosing the Cowboys as an upset and I will admit the intangibles seem to favor them. However, the Eagles have the defense on both sides of the ball to keep this game under their control. As long as they can keep the Cowboys from establishing offensive rhythm they should be able to pull out a win.
Prediction: Eagles
New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
Despite the talk about the injuries to the Giants' line, Eli Manning hasn't been sacked since he played the Cowboys in week seven. He has thrown a ton of interceptions, though, and Nicks and Smith are still listed as questionable. Minnesota hasn't been great in generating takeaways, but their sack numbers have improved in recent weeks. The Giants are just as formidable, though, and have an electric secondary. I am right on the fence on this one and could easily take the Vikings, but I'm barely looking at New York as favorites in this one. This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Giants
Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans
I'd like to take the Texans as an upset here, but their biggest advantage is their running game and Baltimore's run game is just as good. The Texans are absolutely atrocious in pass defense, and I can't rightly pick them to win a game against a team with a quarterback like Joe Flacco.
Prediction: Ravens
Tennessee is bad without Vince Young. Indy may have a dismal run defense, but Tennessee has gotten by all season by having their offense hang in there and score as many points as their defense has given up. With Indy that's probably not going to happen, Peyton will get over the hump against that Tennessee secondary. Kerry Collins, meanwhile, is going to be taken apart by an Indy pass D that is in the top five in the league.
Prediction: Colts
Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills
With the Bills sitting at dead last in rushing defense and Peyton Hillis taking snaps for the Browns, Cleveland is a mighty tempting pick. However, the Bills are no slouches in pass defense, while Cleveland sits at 20th in the league. Most of Cleveland's linebackers are also listed as out or questionable, so I have to go with the Bills in this one, for the first time this year I believe.
Prediction: Bills
Atlanta Falcons @ Carolina Panthers
I think I'll take a chance on the Falcons in this one.
Prediction: Falcons
Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
Nothing would make me happier than to see the Packers upset by the Lions, but with their third string QB going up against Aaron Rodgers I just can't see Detroit winning this one.
Prediction: Packers
Oakland Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Oakland has the Jaguars outclassed in passing defense. The Jaguars' running game is flying under the radar this season and David Garrard could put on a show against Oakland, but I think the Jaguars run into an Oakland gameplan that keeps the ball out of their hands and puts points on the board.
Prediction: Raiders
Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers
I don't know what's worse, the Steelers' 23rd-ranked passing defense or the Bengals' 24th-ranked running defense. This game seems ripe for an upset, but with Rashard Mendenhall taking snaps I can't go against the Steelers.
Prediction: Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Redskins
Every week people are picking Tampa to beat playoff-caliber teams, every week they come up just shy. This week they play a non-playoff caliber team, and they should win. Washington does have players coming back from injury, but I don't believe they can keep up with this Bucs' offense.
Prediction: Buccaneers
St. Louis Rams @ New Orleans Saints
Would you believe I actually had to go to the stats with this one? The Rams are certainly making an improvement over the past few seasons. It looks like Pierre Thomas is finally going to make his return, though, which makes the running back committee for New Orleans look very formidable. The Rams have quietly been in the upper half of the league in run defense, with the Saints being right there with them in the same category. I don't know that I can rightly give the advantage to either quarterback even with the slew of weapons Brees has, so this one comes down to passing D. The Saints are head and shoulder better than the Rams in this department, so I have to go with the favorite. Still, this is my game of the week.
Prediction: Saints
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Mike Singletary is benching Troy Smith after the way he's played over the past few games? This season has really turned into a disaster for him. The Niners have the talent to win this game, but I think the Seahawks are the overall better team.
Prediction: Seahawks
Denver Broncos @ Arizona Cardinals
When I heard that McDaniels was fired I thought that Studesville was going to break the trend of interim coaches getting their first win in their first game, then I saw who the Broncos were playing and changed my mind.
Prediction: Broncos
New England Patriots @ Chicago Bears
This is a good matchup, both teams have strengths and weaknesses the other can exploit. The Bears have been good on defense against formidable passing attacks, but New England has just the right offense to exploit the cover-2. The Patriots are near dead last in the league in passing defense, but rookie Devin McCourty is dangerous and could end up costing Cutler some picks. On the ground, New England is just in the bottom half of the league on defense while Chicago's run game is just getting going. On the flip side, Chicago is second in the league against the run while the Patriots don't do anything special on offense. Statistically the Bears should be able to pull out the win, though the Patriots have been finding ways to win games where they seem overmatched all season. I wouldn't count the Patriots out of anything, but after their big win last week I think they're due for a comedown. This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Bears
Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets
These teams are pretty evenly matched, but where Miami has most of their defensive stars listed as questionable it seems like New York is due to get most of their injured players back this week. I have to take the Jets in a close one.
Prediction: Jets
Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers
No Matt Cassel, no chance for the Chiefs
Prediction: Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
There are a lot of people choosing the Cowboys as an upset and I will admit the intangibles seem to favor them. However, the Eagles have the defense on both sides of the ball to keep this game under their control. As long as they can keep the Cowboys from establishing offensive rhythm they should be able to pull out a win.
Prediction: Eagles
New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
Despite the talk about the injuries to the Giants' line, Eli Manning hasn't been sacked since he played the Cowboys in week seven. He has thrown a ton of interceptions, though, and Nicks and Smith are still listed as questionable. Minnesota hasn't been great in generating takeaways, but their sack numbers have improved in recent weeks. The Giants are just as formidable, though, and have an electric secondary. I am right on the fence on this one and could easily take the Vikings, but I'm barely looking at New York as favorites in this one. This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Giants
Baltimore Ravens @ Houston Texans
I'd like to take the Texans as an upset here, but their biggest advantage is their running game and Baltimore's run game is just as good. The Texans are absolutely atrocious in pass defense, and I can't rightly pick them to win a game against a team with a quarterback like Joe Flacco.
Prediction: Ravens
NFL Week Thirteen Thoughts
Philadelphia Eagles def. Houston Texans
It's amazing how one missing player can have this big an impact on what used to be viewed as one of the more formidable defenses in the league. Losing Dunta Robinson in the offseason didn't help any, either.
New Orleans Saints def. Cincinnati Bengals
You're kidding me, the Bengals almost won? They stayed in the game for all four quarters, they ran and threw the ball on the Saints, their secondary gave Drew Brees problems? Where has this Bengals team been all season?
Chicago Bears def. Detroit Lions
I know the Bears didn't play their best half in the first, but make no mistake, this Lions team is good. There's no shame in getting beat big by players like Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson. I'm especially surprised at how well their line played, if they have another draft like last year they're going to end up being the worst team favored heavily to make the playoffs.
Green Bay Packers def. San Francisco 49ers
Singletary could've helped out his old team if he had been able to hold on to his lead and given the Bears a two game lead in the division. I know Green Bay is a good team, but if the Niners hadn't let this one slip away they could've upset them. That alone tells me that Green Bay isn't as good as everyone makes them out to be (even if they're still good). In fact, Green Bay caused my stomach to churn when on Monday morning I saw a story on the front page of NFL.com talking solely about Green Bay wearing their throwback jerseys. Seriously guys, remove your lips from the Packers' overrated asses.
Kansas City Chiefs def. Denver Broncos
Denver is in dire straits, when you think Eric Studesville is a better option than your current head coach and are willing to make him the third head coach you'll be paying this year then you know something is wrong. I don't foresee Denver having the same success that Minnesota and Dallas enjoyed after dumping their embattled head coaches.
Cleveland Browns def. Miami Dolphins
I don't know what to make of this one. Of course, Miami always plays worse at home than on the road, but I'm surprised that they couldn't contain the Browns' offense. They let Jake Delhomme pass for 217 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions? For shame.
Minnesota Vikings def. Buffalo Bills
This played out almost exactly as I expected, except for Tavaris Jackson finally coming off the bench. Earth to Frazier, bench the old man already. You want to test T-Jack down the stretch to see what you have for next year. Favre isn't going to be back next year anyways, the bigger concern should be the long-term plans for this team.
New York Giants def. Washington Redskins
Not surprised at all.
Jacksonville Jaguars def. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are bad without VY, Jacksonville is starting to show that they're a legitimate contender.
Oakland Raiders def. San Diego Chargers
I've been saying all along that San Digeo's problems go deeper than just a slow start, but I didn't expect them to revert to the form of last season of giving away points on turnovers and special teams.
St. Louis Rams def. Arizona Cardinals
The Cards are officially the new Rams. Props to Derek Anderson for telling that reporter off, the press definitely blows things like that out of proportion on a regular basis and the guy deserved what he got. It almost goes down as the best post-game outburst in Cardinals' history, but you still can't beat Denny Green. "You wanna crown their asses, then crown their asses!" Priceless.
Dallas Cowboys def. Indianapolis Colts
Manning is definitely struggling and deserves some of the blame for what the Colts have been going through. I still say that people who put it all on him aren't paying attention, though, those receivers are blowing a ton of routes.
Seattle Seahawks def. Carolina Panthers
Panthers suck.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers def. Atlanta Falcons
Lotta people took Tampa here, but I wasn't fooled. It's like I keep saying, they're a young team and that defense is especially green.
Pittsburgh Steelers def. Baltimore Ravens
So much for the Ravens executing better. Both the call to pass at the end of the game and the coach defending and not defending his coordinator at the same time made me facepalm.
New England Patriots def. New York Jets
I guess the Jets aren't who we thought they were. They're going through a transition in the secondary and New England matches up pretty well, this shouldn't be that much of a surprise.
It's amazing how one missing player can have this big an impact on what used to be viewed as one of the more formidable defenses in the league. Losing Dunta Robinson in the offseason didn't help any, either.
New Orleans Saints def. Cincinnati Bengals
You're kidding me, the Bengals almost won? They stayed in the game for all four quarters, they ran and threw the ball on the Saints, their secondary gave Drew Brees problems? Where has this Bengals team been all season?
Chicago Bears def. Detroit Lions
I know the Bears didn't play their best half in the first, but make no mistake, this Lions team is good. There's no shame in getting beat big by players like Jahvid Best and Calvin Johnson. I'm especially surprised at how well their line played, if they have another draft like last year they're going to end up being the worst team favored heavily to make the playoffs.
Green Bay Packers def. San Francisco 49ers
Singletary could've helped out his old team if he had been able to hold on to his lead and given the Bears a two game lead in the division. I know Green Bay is a good team, but if the Niners hadn't let this one slip away they could've upset them. That alone tells me that Green Bay isn't as good as everyone makes them out to be (even if they're still good). In fact, Green Bay caused my stomach to churn when on Monday morning I saw a story on the front page of NFL.com talking solely about Green Bay wearing their throwback jerseys. Seriously guys, remove your lips from the Packers' overrated asses.
Kansas City Chiefs def. Denver Broncos
Denver is in dire straits, when you think Eric Studesville is a better option than your current head coach and are willing to make him the third head coach you'll be paying this year then you know something is wrong. I don't foresee Denver having the same success that Minnesota and Dallas enjoyed after dumping their embattled head coaches.
Cleveland Browns def. Miami Dolphins
I don't know what to make of this one. Of course, Miami always plays worse at home than on the road, but I'm surprised that they couldn't contain the Browns' offense. They let Jake Delhomme pass for 217 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions? For shame.
Minnesota Vikings def. Buffalo Bills
This played out almost exactly as I expected, except for Tavaris Jackson finally coming off the bench. Earth to Frazier, bench the old man already. You want to test T-Jack down the stretch to see what you have for next year. Favre isn't going to be back next year anyways, the bigger concern should be the long-term plans for this team.
New York Giants def. Washington Redskins
Not surprised at all.
Jacksonville Jaguars def. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are bad without VY, Jacksonville is starting to show that they're a legitimate contender.
Oakland Raiders def. San Diego Chargers
I've been saying all along that San Digeo's problems go deeper than just a slow start, but I didn't expect them to revert to the form of last season of giving away points on turnovers and special teams.
St. Louis Rams def. Arizona Cardinals
The Cards are officially the new Rams. Props to Derek Anderson for telling that reporter off, the press definitely blows things like that out of proportion on a regular basis and the guy deserved what he got. It almost goes down as the best post-game outburst in Cardinals' history, but you still can't beat Denny Green. "You wanna crown their asses, then crown their asses!" Priceless.
Dallas Cowboys def. Indianapolis Colts
Manning is definitely struggling and deserves some of the blame for what the Colts have been going through. I still say that people who put it all on him aren't paying attention, though, those receivers are blowing a ton of routes.
Seattle Seahawks def. Carolina Panthers
Panthers suck.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers def. Atlanta Falcons
Lotta people took Tampa here, but I wasn't fooled. It's like I keep saying, they're a young team and that defense is especially green.
Pittsburgh Steelers def. Baltimore Ravens
So much for the Ravens executing better. Both the call to pass at the end of the game and the coach defending and not defending his coordinator at the same time made me facepalm.
New England Patriots def. New York Jets
I guess the Jets aren't who we thought they were. They're going through a transition in the secondary and New England matches up pretty well, this shouldn't be that much of a surprise.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
NFL Week Thirteen Predictions
Houston Texans @ Philadelphia Eagles
It might seem like it's late, but I posted my pick elsewhere before the game. No way the Texans' defense is going to be able to stop Philly's high-octane offense.
Prediction: Eagles
New Orleans Saints @ Cincinnati Bengals
Their schedule doesn't do the Bengals any favors, but they've still fallen off a great deal. With the Saints in the playoff chance I would be surprised if they let this one slip away.
Prediction: Saints
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions
This one won't come down to the last play of the game, Detroit's fallen off too much to be able to pull this one out. Drew Stanton and Maurice Morris going up against the Chicago D? Hah!
Prediction: Bears
San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers
I almost thought about seriously contemplating giving this one to San Francisco when I looked at some of their defensive numbers. Still, they're at Green Bay and any success they might have in holding the Packers will probably be offset by not being able to score on offense.
Prediction: Packers
Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs
Looking at this one on paper it would seem like the Chiefs would have a hard time containing the Broncos' passing game, but after seeing Denver get bullrushed by the Rams last week I have no confidence picking them.
Prediction: Chiefs
Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins
I believe in the Miami defense in this one. Their passing D is enough to wreak havoc on Jake Delhomme and their running D should be enough to keep the game out of the Browns' hands, especially if Hillis doesn't play.
Prediction: Dolphins
Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings
Vikings are fifth in the league in rushing defense, Bills are dead last. Seeing the Steelers getting beat up on by Buffalo through the air last week makes me cautious about this, but I say the resurgent Vikings get another win under Leslie Frazier. This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Vikings
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants
No way New York should lose this game.
Prediction: Giants
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans
I don't much care if Kerry Collins is playing or not, the Titans don't have much of a chance. The Jaguars have been quietly lighting it up against teams like the Giants, Texans, and Colts.
Prediction: Jaguars
Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are playing their best football, they aren't making the mistakes they were near the beginning of the season, they're playing at home, and the Raiders shouldn't sneak up on them this time.
Prediction: Chargers
St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals
Rams are playing some good football, and they should be able to outduel whichever quarterback Arizona starts. I don't have a true upset this week so I'll call this one my upset of the week.
Prediction: Rams
Dallas Cowboys @ Indianapolis Colts
I'd love to pick the Boys to get the upset, but that passing defense is way below what it needs to be to take on Peyton Manning.
Prediction: Colts
Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks
No way the Hawks should lose this one.
Prediction: Seahawks
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are good, but the Falcons are better. I don't know how anyone can second-guess the Falcons after their performance last week.
Prediction: Falcons
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
There's one deciding factor in this game, the Ravens are executing better than the Steelers. The Steelers have been struggling lately, and I think the Ravens take a crucial division game.
Prediction: Ravens
New York Jets @ New England Patriots
This Patriots' secondary is turning it up and getting some picks, it could be time for Sanchez to come down from his recent run. This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Patriots
It might seem like it's late, but I posted my pick elsewhere before the game. No way the Texans' defense is going to be able to stop Philly's high-octane offense.
Prediction: Eagles
New Orleans Saints @ Cincinnati Bengals
Their schedule doesn't do the Bengals any favors, but they've still fallen off a great deal. With the Saints in the playoff chance I would be surprised if they let this one slip away.
Prediction: Saints
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions
This one won't come down to the last play of the game, Detroit's fallen off too much to be able to pull this one out. Drew Stanton and Maurice Morris going up against the Chicago D? Hah!
Prediction: Bears
San Francisco 49ers @ Green Bay Packers
I almost thought about seriously contemplating giving this one to San Francisco when I looked at some of their defensive numbers. Still, they're at Green Bay and any success they might have in holding the Packers will probably be offset by not being able to score on offense.
Prediction: Packers
Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs
Looking at this one on paper it would seem like the Chiefs would have a hard time containing the Broncos' passing game, but after seeing Denver get bullrushed by the Rams last week I have no confidence picking them.
Prediction: Chiefs
Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins
I believe in the Miami defense in this one. Their passing D is enough to wreak havoc on Jake Delhomme and their running D should be enough to keep the game out of the Browns' hands, especially if Hillis doesn't play.
Prediction: Dolphins
Buffalo Bills @ Minnesota Vikings
Vikings are fifth in the league in rushing defense, Bills are dead last. Seeing the Steelers getting beat up on by Buffalo through the air last week makes me cautious about this, but I say the resurgent Vikings get another win under Leslie Frazier. This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Vikings
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants
No way New York should lose this game.
Prediction: Giants
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans
I don't much care if Kerry Collins is playing or not, the Titans don't have much of a chance. The Jaguars have been quietly lighting it up against teams like the Giants, Texans, and Colts.
Prediction: Jaguars
Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are playing their best football, they aren't making the mistakes they were near the beginning of the season, they're playing at home, and the Raiders shouldn't sneak up on them this time.
Prediction: Chargers
St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals
Rams are playing some good football, and they should be able to outduel whichever quarterback Arizona starts. I don't have a true upset this week so I'll call this one my upset of the week.
Prediction: Rams
Dallas Cowboys @ Indianapolis Colts
I'd love to pick the Boys to get the upset, but that passing defense is way below what it needs to be to take on Peyton Manning.
Prediction: Colts
Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks
No way the Hawks should lose this one.
Prediction: Seahawks
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs are good, but the Falcons are better. I don't know how anyone can second-guess the Falcons after their performance last week.
Prediction: Falcons
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
There's one deciding factor in this game, the Ravens are executing better than the Steelers. The Steelers have been struggling lately, and I think the Ravens take a crucial division game.
Prediction: Ravens
New York Jets @ New England Patriots
This Patriots' secondary is turning it up and getting some picks, it could be time for Sanchez to come down from his recent run. This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Patriots
Saturday, December 4, 2010
NFL Week Twelve Thoughts
New England Patriots def. Detroit Lions
Hard to tell if Detroit's losing it or if New England is turning it on, but it seems to me like it's a combination of both.
New Orleans Saints def. Dallas Cowboys
New Orleans is good once it gets that running game going, and Chris Ivory looks like he can be a dependable complement to PT down the road.
New York Jets def. Cincinnati Bengals
No surprise here, Bengals fell off big time this season.
Atlanta Falcons def. Green Bay Packers
I. Told. You. So.
Pittsburgh Steelers def. Buffalo Bills
Hard to believe the Bills almost won this won, harder yet to believe they should have.
Cleveland Browns def. Carolina Panthers
Another game where it was hard to believe how close it was, I guess this is the time of the year where bad teams decide they want to start winning games.
Houston Texans def. Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is sunk without Vince Young.
New York Giants def. Jacksonville Jaguars
The weak point of the Jaguars is their defense.
Minnesota Vikings def. Washington Redskins
The Vikings' defense showed up, but only against the Redskins' offense.
Miami Dolphins def. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders can be a hard team to figure out at times. Henne's turning into a quarterback who only plays well down the stretch, which is usually good but you want him to play slightly better in the beginning of the season than he did.
Kansas City Chiefs def. Seattle Seahawks
What did I say about KC at the beginning of the season? Run game.
Baltimore Ravens def. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I won't say that Tampa is overrated, okay maybe a little, but they're a young team and they weren't going to stop a hot Ravens' offense.
Chicago Bears def. Philadelphia Eagles
An authoritative victory for the Bears. Their defense let up a bit in the fourth quarter, but the biggest thing is they allowed fewer points than their offense scored.
St. Louis Rams def. Denver Broncos
Hard to figure these teams out at times. It looked like the Rams were going to run away with it for a while, which was unexpected, but that hot Broncos' offense finally showed up, only too little too late.
San Diego Chargers def. Indianapolis Colts
Colts are really struggling, and I don't blame injuries. They won games this season despite injuries, the problem seems to be that teams are getting wise on how to beat them. With no run game, defenses can just drop their players into coverage and make it impossible for Peyton to work his magic.
San Francisco 49ers def. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are really in a tailspin, and they desperately need a quarterback.
Hard to tell if Detroit's losing it or if New England is turning it on, but it seems to me like it's a combination of both.
New Orleans Saints def. Dallas Cowboys
New Orleans is good once it gets that running game going, and Chris Ivory looks like he can be a dependable complement to PT down the road.
New York Jets def. Cincinnati Bengals
No surprise here, Bengals fell off big time this season.
Atlanta Falcons def. Green Bay Packers
I. Told. You. So.
Pittsburgh Steelers def. Buffalo Bills
Hard to believe the Bills almost won this won, harder yet to believe they should have.
Cleveland Browns def. Carolina Panthers
Another game where it was hard to believe how close it was, I guess this is the time of the year where bad teams decide they want to start winning games.
Houston Texans def. Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is sunk without Vince Young.
New York Giants def. Jacksonville Jaguars
The weak point of the Jaguars is their defense.
Minnesota Vikings def. Washington Redskins
The Vikings' defense showed up, but only against the Redskins' offense.
Miami Dolphins def. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders can be a hard team to figure out at times. Henne's turning into a quarterback who only plays well down the stretch, which is usually good but you want him to play slightly better in the beginning of the season than he did.
Kansas City Chiefs def. Seattle Seahawks
What did I say about KC at the beginning of the season? Run game.
Baltimore Ravens def. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I won't say that Tampa is overrated, okay maybe a little, but they're a young team and they weren't going to stop a hot Ravens' offense.
Chicago Bears def. Philadelphia Eagles
An authoritative victory for the Bears. Their defense let up a bit in the fourth quarter, but the biggest thing is they allowed fewer points than their offense scored.
St. Louis Rams def. Denver Broncos
Hard to figure these teams out at times. It looked like the Rams were going to run away with it for a while, which was unexpected, but that hot Broncos' offense finally showed up, only too little too late.
San Diego Chargers def. Indianapolis Colts
Colts are really struggling, and I don't blame injuries. They won games this season despite injuries, the problem seems to be that teams are getting wise on how to beat them. With no run game, defenses can just drop their players into coverage and make it impossible for Peyton to work his magic.
San Francisco 49ers def. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are really in a tailspin, and they desperately need a quarterback.
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