Week 8 PICKS

I was out really late last night (the joy of college) but hope these picks sound pretty good to you all. I see no wins for the Colts or Rams, and redemption for the Ravens. Let's see how right I am!

Colts (0-7) v. Titans (3-3)

Pick: Titans

Jaguars (3-4) v. Texans (4-3)

Pick: Texans

Cardinals (2-4) v. Ravens (4-2)

Pick: Ravens

Dolphins (0-6) v. Giants (4-2)

Pick: Giants

Vikings (1-6) v. Panthers (2-5)

Pick: Panthers

Saints (5-2) v. Rams (0-6)

Pick: Saints

Redskins (3-3) v. Bills (4-2)

Pick: Bills

Lions (5-2) v. Broncos (2-4)

Pick: Lions

Browns (3-3) v. 49ers (5-1)

Pick: 49ers

Bengals (4-2) v. Seahawks (2-4)

Pick: Bengals

Patriots (5-1) v. Steelers (5-2)

Pick: Patriots

Cowboys (3-3) v. Eagles (2-4)

Pick: Eagles

Chargers (4-2) v. Chiefs (3-3)

Pick: Chargers

BYES: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Jets, Raiders, Buccaneers

Week 7 Wrap-up

Sorry this is so late guys -- I just have had a lot of work recently and school does come first. But here's week 7, summarized for your enjoyment. From Tebow Magic, to London and back for Christian Ponder. 

Broncos v. Dolphins (18-15)

The Dolphins are on the hot seat. They’ve been losing games dating back to last season. And after this game the only thing I could think about them was that they’re finding new ways to lose games. Get it together Miami. Alright, to the topic everyone wants to hear about – Tim Tebow. Folks, let’s be honest here for the first 55 minutes of this game, he was horrible. Horrendous. No points scored, no offense. The Dolphins were winning, for Pete’s sake! But then during those last five minutes, he turned on the Tebow Magic. However, it was a little close for comfort. Before I see Tebow as the answer, I need to him to perform ‘Tebow Magic’ for a whole game against a team that hasn’t lost, what, it’s last ten games?

Chargers v. Jets  (21-27)

The Chargers were running away with this game and gave it back. After all the talk, they needed to come out and win it. The Chargers are rolling, but they really haven’t faced anyone really good yet and have the Raiders suddenly creeping up their backs. It worries me that the Chargers let the already down Jets jump back up into the fray. This is just a little too close to the Chargers teams of the past, who choke. Don’t be that team, San Diego. Push on. Also, could this be the spark that the Jets need to really get going? I hope not.

Bears v. Buccaneers (24-18)

I’m not actually that interested in what happened in this game –this game is only significant because it was played in London. The NFL insists on having a game in London every year. I have mixed feelings about this. I think it’s good for the game and a novelty, and quite honestly would love to attend one of these games. But if you look in the crowd you see a jersey from every team. Are these just displaced Americans, or are Londoners actually interested in this sport? Tough to tell. Rumors of a team in London are coming out--- that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Don’t do it NFL; our type of football may be a novelty over there, but it will never replace, or even compete with their futbol.

Packers v. Vikings (33-27)

This was one of the closest games the Packers have played all season. Though I never really doubted they would win, it is impressive how the Vikings stuck with them through most of the game, only really letting it get away in the second half. Though the Packers were bound to overpower the Vikings, the real story here is how rookie QB Christian Ponder performed. It wasn’t bad, especially considering that he played the defending champs in his first start out of the gate. People shouted during the draft that he was taken too high – but he played okay. Better than okay, really. It’s too early to tell, but I have a hunch that this Ponder kid might have been picked in the right spot.

Colts v. Saints (7-62)

Holy Bleep! The Saints opened up a whole can of Brees-just-beat-you-down on the Colts. Indy has been playing games close this season, but this was just an embarrassment on national television. It also put an end to the Colts’ streak of 10 win season. And probably the playoffs too. Not probably, actually. The Saints looked incredibly ready for what some might have called a ‘trap-game’ and impressed. They also took back the division lead from the Buccs, who lost. The bottom line is the Colts are the worst team in the league.

Ravens v. Jaguars (7-12)

There are no words, really. 

Week 7 Picks!

Week 7

Here are picks for week 7! Not a whole bunch of games that are super interesting... I'm sensing some blowouts. No game really jumps out at me, but maybe one does for you. Only upset I might see is Panthers over Redskins? 

Texans (3-3) v. Titans (3-2)

Pick: Texans

Seahawks (2-3) v. Browns (2-3)

Pick: Browns

Falcons (3-3) v. Lions (5-1)

Pick: Lions

Broncos (1-4) v. Dolphins (0-5)

Pick: Broncos

Chargers (4-1) v. Jets (3-3)

Pick: Chargers

Bears (3-3) v. Buccaneers (4-2)

Pick: Buccaneers

Redskins (3-2) v. Panthers (1-5)

Pick: Panthers

Chiefs (2-3) v. Raiders (4-2)

Pick: Chiefs

Steelers (4-2) v. Cardinals (2-3)

Pick: Steelers

Packers (6-0) v. Vikings (1-5)

Pick: Packers

Rams (0-5) v. Cowboys (2-3)

Pick: Cowboys

Colts (0-5) v. Saints (4-2)

Pick: Saints

Ravens (4-2) v. Jaguars (2-4)

Pick: Ravens

Byes: Bills, Bengals, Patriots, Giants, Eagles, 49ers

Week 6 Wrap-up

Everything from an undefeated season for the Packers to the handshake turned brawl. Everything you could ever want to relive from Week 6! Enjoy. 

49ers v. Lions (25-19)

The Lions proved that every week can’t be a comeback week. They really let this game get away from them in the fourth, something they haven’t done all year. I was a little surprised by that, but I know they’ll bounce back. You can’t win them all, really. The most controversial thing to come out of the game was the handshake/slap down by Harbaurgh and Scwartz. Jim Harbaurgh needs to learn to be a little bit more of a professional, calming down enough to shake and exchange words like a regular human. However, regardless of what happened, Scwartz shouldn’t have gone after him like that. Both a fiery guys, but I never would have expected this from two NFL coaches. Grow up, guys.

Cowboys v. Patriots (16-20)

The Cowboys almost won this game – which didn’t surprise me all that much. Though they now have a losing record, they were one stopped Tom Brady game away from being 3-2, and beating New England. This team has made huge strides from where they were a year ago. Garrett is the right fit, and just needs them to come out on top of a few more of the close ones. Dallas may not have a stellar record, but I think they are far from done. New England just does what they do best – give Tom Brady the ball with 2:00 left.

Saints v. Buccaneers (20-26)

Firstly, the Saints were one unfortunate pick away from winning this game, really. Don’t hate on New Orleans yet – though it was a division game, it won’t affect them in the long run. They’re still in the division hunt, which we knew was going to be close from day one.  Keep the faith, New Orleans. Tampa Bay is impressive here because they came back from a huge beat down by the 49ers just a week before this. Morris has this team in the right mind-set.  I need some time to figure out why they got their butts handed to them by the 49ers then could come out and beat the Saints. SEE ALSO, Bills v. Giants. What is the deal here?

Eagles v. Redskins (20-13)

The Eagles found the Rex Grossman everyone has been looking for all season – bad Rex. And it couldn’t have come at a better time for them. Because they were finally able to win a game, they are not yet down and completely out. They need to take a spark from this and continue to push through games. I wouldn’t count stick a fork in the Eagles yet. Give them time – looks like they are on the right track to righting the ship. The Redskins are the ‘skins we know from past years. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Is John Beck really the answer here? We’ll see.

Rams v. Packers (3-24)

I’m not writing about this game because of the failing Rams. I want to explore a possibility it may be a little bit early to talk about… an undefeated season for the Packers. I’m not necessarily talking about a Super Bowl (19-0) season, but perhaps an undefeated regular season. They look absolutely unbeatable and have all the missing pieces back from injury, even those like Grant and Finnley who had to miss all of last season. I may be crazy to bring this up so early, but I feel the need to talk about it. So here I am, saying it. And if they get the chance to do it, around 14-0 or so, they won’t lay down for the Jets (or any other team) and say that an undefeated regular season ‘isn’t an accomplishment’ and that resting the starters is key. The Packers have that killer instinct for it Go get it Green Bay. 

Week 6 Picks

I'm not really feeling these picks this week -- a little unsure about a lot of games. We'll see how it goes. 

End of the day - Packers and Lions = only two undefeated teams? 

Panthers (1-4) v. Falcons  (2-3)

Pick: Falcons

Eagles (1-4) v. Redskins (3-1)

Pick: Eagles

Bills (4-1) v. Giants (3-2)

Pick: Giants

Colts (0-5) v. Bengals (3-2)

Pick: Colts

Jaguars (1-4) v. Steelers (3-2)

Pick: Steelers

49ers (4-1) v. Lions (5-0)

Pick: Lions

Rams (0-5) v. Packers (5-0)

Pick: Packers

Texans (3-2) v. Ravens (4-1)

Pick:  Ravens

Browns (2-2) v. Raiders (3-2)

Pick: Raiders

Saints (4-1) v. Buccaneers (3-2)

Pick: Saints

Cowboys (2-2) v. Patriots (4-1)

Pick: Cowboys

Vikings (1-4) v. Bears (2-3)

Pick: Bears

Dolphins (0-4) v. Jets (2-3)

Pick:  Dolphins

Byes: Cardinals, Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Seahawks, Titans

Week 5 Wrap-up

Here it is!  Week 5 wrapped up for your pleasure, in case you missed any of it. I had the joy of being home this weekend for fall break and getting to watch all the games on NFL RedZone. Who ever thought of that channel should be paid millions of dollars. Oh wait, they probably already are.

Eagles v. Bills (24-31)
Time to panic in Philly. I know I've been saying it for a while, but now, if they don't turn things around, they may miss the playoffs. IF things don';t improve both offensivley (mostly the line) and defensive (surprisingly, the secondary is one of the problems), they  may not even get a shot at the prize that they were awawred before teh season even began. The Bills, on the other hand, seem ot have put all the piecces together. To be fair, they caught a lot of breaks in this game,such as the two fluek interceptions. However, they got the 'W' and are leading their division. Who'd have thought?
Chiefs v. Colts (28-24)
How could Indy have let this one get away? I was watching it and thinking they had it in the bag,. The defense ket them down, but the offense's inability to score pointsi n the second hlaf was pretty detremtnal as well. Bold predicition - the Colts will ntio make the playoffs (not such a bold predictions) or win 10 games (more boldness). The Chiefs are doing as good job digging themselves out of the 0-3 start. Regardless, I don't see a repeat diviosn title for them either.
Jets v. Patriots (21-30) 
Congrats, New England, you've gotten over the hump? NBot wuite. The PAtriots played well and got the job done. Who knew they had a running game? But the etys are not the force they have been the last two years. Even with Mangold back at center, the Jets looked only marginally better. There's no running game, never really has been a passing game and the defense can't stop the run. For three weeks in a row. These Jets need to figure out who they are -- not who they want to be.
Packers v. Falcons (25-14)
First off, why was this game being played uin the dome for the third time in a year? Though the PAckers looked a little rough in the first half, they got it together and won. IT must also eb noted that the Falcons are not the great team they were klast year. They didn;'te vene have John Abraham to wrack havoc on the offensive line. The Falcons need to fix some major things before they can start thinking too far ahead, even about a repeat divison title. Is it too early to be talking about an undefeated season for Green Bay?
Bears v. Lions (13-24)
Detroit, you deserved this first Monday night game since 2001.  And, though there was a slow start, it became a show of how dominant Detroit can be. For the Bears, Jay Cutler should have put to rest any of those haters who are still talking about the NFC championship game last year. He played while Suh was in his face almost every play, didn't complain, didn't throw picks and really kept his team in the game. The defense really killed them here, giving up too many big plays. I knew the Lions were going to be a big play team -- how could they not with Megatron? The party is just beginning in Detroit, who is finally starting to mean something on the national stage. This game was key in the resurgence of both the team and the city. Roar on, Lions.

Other games of note:
Raiders v. Texans (25-20) - "Just Win Baby"
Chargers v. Broncos (29-24) - It's Tebow Time!!
Buccaneers v. 49ers (3-48) - Largest margin of victory for the 49ers since a super bowl.

Week 5 picks

Here they are! Week 5.... hope you enjoy the snippy comments I felt compelled to include... 

Last week, 13-3 

Just saying.... 

Saints (3-1) v. Panthers (1-3)

Pick: Saints

Eagles (1-3) v. Bills (3-1)

Pick: Eagles (week the Eagles get back on track?)

Bengals (2-2) v. Jaguars (1-3)

Pick: Bengals

Seahawks (1-3) v. Giants (3-1)

Pick: Giants

Titans (3-1) v. Steelers (2-2)

Pick: Steelers

Raiders (2-2) v. Texans (3-1)

Pick: Raiders (“Just win baby”)

Chiefs (1-3) v. Colts (0-4)

Pick: Colts (Curtis Painter what?!)

Cardinals (1-3) v. Vikings (0-4)

Pick: Vikings

Buccaneers (3-1) v. 49ers (3-1)

Pick: 49ers

Chargers (3-1) v. Broncos (2-2)

Pick: Chargers

Jets (2-2) v. Patriots (3-1)

Pick: Patriots

Bears (2-2) v. Lions (4-0)

Pick: Lions (The Lions, on Monday night football?!?)

Week 4 Wrap-up

Sorry that this is so late... my computer is now fixed, so this shouldn't happen again! I hope you guys still enjoy it, regardless. Week 5 picks will be up tomorrow! 

 LIONS LIONS LIONS....

Lions v. Cowboys (34-30)

The Cowboys let this one slip away. Tony Romo – possibly the most talked about quarterback since Brett Favre – was two different players in this game. Matthew Stafford got the Lions offense running late for the umpteenth comeback. He’s proving why he was a number one overall pick all those years ago.  Calvin Johnson, who is doing likewise, should be MVP. He takes the Lions in his hands and always seems to have the critical catch. These Lions are riding on a cloud. They’re catching all the breaks they missed over the past few years. Keep flying Detroit. And Dallas, lay off Tony Romo.

Bills v. Bengals (20-23)                                                           

So the Bills lost a game. To the Bengals. Andy Dalton came in and did what he had to do to win. For the Bills, don’t be crushed. You’re leading the division, knocked off the Patriots last week and now your emotions can calm down. You’d better stop playing all these close games, otherwise Chan Galiey will have a heart attack. The Bengals are still not doing enough to win the division, though I must admit they are not the train wreck I thought they would be. Marvin Lewis may keep his job.

49ers v. Eagles (24-23)

Who are these 49ers? Alex Smith seems to now be passable, though I must admit I haven’t seen him play a ton. He doesn’t seem to be losing them games anymore though. Harbaugh, like his brother in Baltimore four years ago, seems to have put things back on track. The 49ers are now leading the division, which although it is a bad one, is still an accomplishment. The Eagles, on the other hand, are last. Eagles fans, panic. Panic now. Which it sounds like you already are. Vick is right – the rest of the season’s games are ‘must-wins’.

Jets v. Ravens (17-34)

The Ravens doubled up the Jets. And pretty much made Mark Sanchez cry. That being said, the Ravens offense did pretty much nothing, though they did have the only offensive touchdown in this game. However, this game showed that the defense can still take control and win games. Don’t ever call Ray Lewis and Ed reed old. The Jets tried to be a team they’re not – a passing team. Mark Sanchez is not a passer, really. He manages the game. Though he’s gonna have trouble doing even that if the offensive line can’t improve.

Colts v. Buccaneers (17-24)

Curtis Painter didn’t stink as badly as I thought he would. In fact, he was almost good. Almost. But once again, almost doesn’t get you anything in the NFL. Colts fans, prepare to not make the playoffs this year. I can think of at least 6 teams in the AFC who are better (Ravens, Texans, Jets, Patriots, Bills, Chargers). Josh Freeman isn’t putting up the number he did last year, but remains a good 4^th quarter comeback quarterback. He’s winning games, with Blount’s help, which is all that really matters in Tampa. 

Week 4 Picks

Here they are, week 4 picks, for your awesome enjoyment! Pardon me if some of the records are wrong (though I don't see any to my eye that are).
Last week I was 10-6, sort of an off week for me. Though I must say that I did want to pick the Bills, just not have enough guts to do it. I had a inkling and should have followed it.

Overall, I'm 34-13, which is not bad.

Saints (2-1) v. Jaguars (1-2)
Pick: Saints 
Vikings (0-3) v. Chiefs (0-3)
Pick: Vikings 
Panthers (1-2) v. Bears (1-2)
Pick: Bears
Titans (2-1) v. Browns (2-1)
Pick: Titans
Steelers (2-1) v. Texans (2-1)
Pick: Texans
49ers (2-1) v. Eagles (1-2)
Pick: 49ers 
Redskins (2-1) v. Rams (0-3)
Pick: Rams
Bills (3-0) v. Bengals (1-2)
Pick: Bills
Lions (3-0) v. Cowboys (2-1)
Pick: Lions
Giants (2-1) v. Cardinals (2-1)
Pick: Giants
Falcons (1-2) v. Seahawks (1-2)
Pick: Falcons 
Broncos (1-2) v. Packers (3-0)
Pick: Packers
Patriots (2-1) v. Raiders (2-1)
Pick: Patriots
Dolphins (0-3) v. Chargers (2-1)
Pick: Chargers
Jets (2-1) v. Ravens (2-1)
Pick: Ravens
Colts (0-3) v. Buccaneers (2-1)
Pick: This pick depends on if Collins starts for me, (among other things), so I'll post it tomorrow afternoon when more is announced)
Pick: Buccaneers (with Painter behind center, I really don't think that the Colts can win a single game ever. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d822b3bfa/article/caldwell-confirms-painter-will-start-for-colts-on-monday )

Week 3 Wrap-up

Here's week 3! Sorry it took so long -- my laptop has decided to die on me. Typical. So now I'm at Swem posting this. I mean, doing actual college work. 

Anyway, enjoy this! I also wanted to thank you guys for 300 pageviews... it means a lot to know that people are actually reading this. You guys rock!

Patriots v. Bills (31-34)

Whoa.

Just whoa.

I’m not going to say that the Bills are a Super Bowl contender yet. Remember a few years ago when Miami beat New England with the new wildcat? Let’s not get carried away. However, this is the second big comeback for the Bills in two weeks. At the very least, the Bills have shown that adversity won’t beat them down like last year. The difference in these Bills is that they finish games now. Patriots fans, don’t panic here. The Bills just played a little bit better. You’ll get another chance – you might even see them in the playoffs.

Lions v. Vikings (26-23 OT)

Minnesota, if the games were 30 minutes, you’d be undefeated. But they’re not. So you’re not. Detroit ha yet another comeback under their belts – and the first division road win in 3 years. The Lions, completely healthy now, have seen the light and are giving Detroit hope. They don’t keep anything stop them… Now they’re tired for a lead with the Packers for the division. What? What? Lions? Lions?! Yes, and this had once again convinced me that the Lions are finally for real. Well done Jim Schwartz.

Giants v. Eagles (29-16)

Eagles’ fans, I’m sorry to say that there seems to be a problem in paradise. I wouldn’t say its panic time. Yet. However, Mike Vick lashing out at the media is usual. And he does have a point. Some of the hits on him should be flagged. If that was Brady back there, they would be. I’m not sure what can be done about this –perhaps more awareness by the officials. But with defensive players so touchy about these issues now, it’s tough to crack down. Please try not to lose it, Philly, it’s still early in the season.

Steelers v. Colts (23-20)

The Colts almost won this game. But almost doesn’t count in the NFL. If Collins had stayed in, perhaps they could have eeked it out. But even though they didn’t get the ‘W’, there are large signs of improvement here. I don’t think the season is yet lost for the Colts, though I think now they have trouble winning the division. Life without Peyton is tough, but it’s also a reality check for the future. Peyton is not immortal. He himself pretty much put the end date at 5 years, including this season, from now. Don’t cry yet Indy, but get the tissue box ready.

Redskins v. Cowboys (16-18)

Dallas won without scoring a touchdown. No lie. That really happened. Honestly, neither of these teams really deserved to win. This was a fat cry from the great Redskins/Cowboys games of old. Just because the score was close, doesn’t mean the game was good. In fact, it was downright painful. The best player in this game was rookie kicker Bailey (Dallas). Six field goals! Neither quarterback played well. However, Romo is injured, but playing through. The offense is losing pieces and that showed on Monday night. Though the Cowboys came away with the win, both teams are searching for answers.