2012 Week 17 Picks

It's the last week of the season and anything can happen. I think the return of their coach, Chuck Pagano, will help the Colts defeat the Texans, who have never won at their stadium. The Bills will show up against the hopeless Jets and the Lions will show us why they were good last year. All of the three teams mentioned above play teams on the decline. And yes, I did pick the Redskins over the Cowboys.

Ravens (10-5) vs. Bengals (9-6)
Pick: Ravens   S: Ravens
Panthers (6-9) vs. Saints (7-8)
Pick: Saints   S: Saints
Jaguars (2-13) vs. Titans (5-10)
Pick: Titans   S: Titans
Buccaneers (6-9) vs. Falcons (13-2)
Pick: Falcons   S: Falcons
Eagles (4-11) vs. Giants (8-7)
Pick: Giants   S: Giants
Jets (6-9) vs. Bills (5-10)
Pick: Bills   S: Jets
Texans (12-3) vs. Colts (10-5)
Pick: Colts   S: Texans
Browns (5-10) vs. Steelers (7-8)
Pick: Steelers   S: Steelers
Bears (9-6) vs. Lions (4-11)
Pick: Lions   S: Bears
Packers (11-4) vs. Vikings (9-6)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Dolphins (7-8) vs. Patriots (11-4)
Pick: Patriots   S: Patriots
Cardinals (5-10) vs. 49ers (10-4-1)
Pick: 49ers   S: 49ers
Rams (7-7-1) vs. Seahawks (10-5)
Pick: Seahawks   S: Seahawks
Raiders (4-11) vs. Chargers (6-9)
Pick: Chargers   S: Chargers
Chiefs (2-13) vs. Broncos (12-3)
Pick: Broncos  S: Broncos
Cowboys (8-7) vs. Redskins (9-6)
Pick: Redskins   S: Redskins 

2012 Week 16 Game Picks

By the end of the day expect many of the playoff spots to be filled. The only one that probably won't be is the NFC East. Who's in that division again? We never talk about them....

Bills (5-9) vs. Dolphins (6-8)
Pick: Dolphins   S: Dolphins
Bengals (8-6) vs. Steelers (7-7)
Pick: Steelers   S: Steelers
Redskins (8-6) vs. Eagles (4-10)
Pick: Redskins   S: Redskins
Titans (5-9) vs. Packers (10-4)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Rams (6-7-1) vs. Buccaneers (6-8)
Pick: Rams   S: Buccaneers
Raiders (4-10) vs. Panthers (5-9)
Pick: Panthers   S: Panthers
Saints (6-8) vs. Cowboys (8-6)
Pick: Cowboys   S: Saints
Patriots (10-4) vs. Jaguars (2-12)
Pick: Patriots   S: Patriots
Vikings (8-6) vs. Texans (12-2)
Pick: Texans   S: Texans
Colts (9-5) vs. Chiefs (2-12)
Pick: Colts   S: Colts
Chargers (5-9) vs. Jets (6-8)
Pick: Chargers   S: Chargers
Browns (5-9) vs. Broncos (11-3)
Pick: Broncos   S: Broncos
Giants (8-6) vs. Ravens (9-5)
Pick: Ravens   S: Ravens
Bears (8-6) vs. Cardinals (5-9)
Pick: Bears  S: Bears
49ers (10-3-1) vs. Seahawks (9-5)
Pick: 49ers   S: 49ers

2012 Week 15 Picks

Some good games this week and some not good games this week (woe is to those who have to watch Chiefs/Raiders.) I believe that the Ravens could beat the Broncos, but also can't ignore the statistic that Peyton Manning has beaten the Ravens over 8 straight times. The Colts might be able to pull one out against the Texans, but I wouldn't hold out for it. And ghee, aren't we all excited for Monday Night football to be Jets/Titans...oh wait....

Denver (10-3) vs. Ravens (9-4)
Pick: Broncos   S: Broncos
Redskins (7-6) vs. Browns (5-8)
Pick: Redskins   S: Redskins
Buccaneers (6-7) vs. Saints (5-8)
Pick: Saints   S: Buccaneers
Giants (8-5) vs. Falcons (11-2)
Pick: Giants   S: Falcons
Vikings (7-6) vs. Rams (6-6-1)
Pick: Vikings   S: Vikings
Packers (9-4) vs. Bears (8-5)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Jaguars (2-11) vs. Dolphins (5-8)
Pick: Dolphins   S: Dolphins
Colts (9-4) vs. Texans (11-2)
Pick: Texans    S: Texans
Panthers (4-9) vs. Chargers (5-8)
Pick: Panthers   S: Chargers
Lions (4-9) vs. Cardinals (4-9)
Pick: Lions   S: Lions
Seahawks (8-5) vs. Bills (5-8)
Pick: Seahawks    S: Seahawks
Chiefs (2-11) vs. Raiders (3-10)
Pick: Chiefs   S: Raiders
Steelers (7-6) vs. Cowboys (7-6)
Pick: Steelers   S: Steelers
49ers (9-3-1) vs. Patriots (10-3)
Pick: Patriots   S: Patriots
Jets (6-7) vs. Titans (4-9)
Pick: Jets    S: Titans

2012 Week 14 Picks

I am very excited for the Battle of the Beltway (Ravens v. Redskins) today! Though I think the Ravens will triumph, I think it will be a good game. I believe that both the Monday Night and Sunday Night games will be close as well. The Lions will put up more of a fight than you think. PS Hey Jets, here's a hint: you had it right last week -- bench Mark Sanchez.

Falcons (11-1) vs. Panthers (3-9)
Pick: Falcons  S: Falcons 
Titans (4-8) vs, Colts (8-4)
Pick: Colts   S: Colts
Rams (5-6-1) vs. Bills (5-7)
Pick: Rams   S: Bills
Chargers (4-8) vs. Steelers (7-5)
Pick: Steelers   S: Steelers
Eagles (3-9) vs. Buccaneers (6-6)
Pick: Buccaneers   S: Buccaneers
Jets (5-7) vs. Jaguars (2-10)
Pick: Jets   S: Jets
Chiefs (2-10) vs. Browns (4-8)
Pick: Browns  S: Browns
Cowboys (6-6) vs. Bengals (7-5)
Pick: Cowboys   S: Bengals
Bears (8-4) vs. Vikings (6-6)
Pick: Bears   S: Bears
Ravens (9-3) vs. Redskins (6-6)
Pick: Ravens   S: Ravens
Dolphins (5-7) vs. 49ers (8-3-1)
Pick: 49ers   S: 49ers
Cardinals (4-8) vs. Seahawks (7-5)
Pick: Seahawks   S: Seahawks
Saints (5-7) vs. Giants (7-5)
Pick: Giants   S: Giants
Lions (4-8) vs. Packers (8-4)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Texans (11-1) vs. Patriots (9-3)
Pick: Texans   S: Patriots

2012 Week 14 Thursday Night Pick

Is this even a question? I would recommend watching this game just to see how Peyton plays. Maybe Carson Palmer could take some lessons tonight...

Broncos (9-3) vs. Raiders (3-9)
Pick: Broncos

What Can We Do For Each Other? The cost of life in the NFL

Once again, a tragedy in the NFL raises major questions about the sport.

The suicide and murder committed by Jovan Belcher, a starting linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, this past weekend has set the NFL into shock. Though the game was played on Sunday, which ended up being a rare win for the Chiefs, it is important to remember that this rises far above the base of winning and losing. Everyone is asking themselves what went wrong? How could a man, who by all accounts seemed normal and happy, turn a gun on himself and his girlfriend, leaving their three month old daughter parentless?

Football is a demanding, year round, sport. It takes an enormous toll both mentally and physically, as both players and coaches must put in long hours, often as many as 60 a week. It is not unusual for players and coaches to arrive at the facility around nine in the morning and not leave until after nine at night. We all admire the stories about coaches working so late that they simply sleep in their offices. But what many people don't see is the toll this isolation and dedication takes on the coaches and players themselves. They are human and all the time spent away from family and friends can damage important relationships. Many of us know the story about Urban Meyer, who walked away from coaching because his family was denigrating  Before he returned to coaching, his daughter made him sign a contact that included many items such as not working past certain hours, being home with his family for dinner and not letting the team and the drive to win take over their family life. Urban Meyer is a public example of what happens behind the scenes.

Even away from the spotlight, these demands are present. I remember this Halloween, which fell on a Wednesday this year, after practice when I had just finished my work with film. One of the coaches had asked about my progress, so I went across the hall to tell him I was done. When I arrived, I saw he seemed unusually quiet. When I asked what was wrong, he simply replied, "My daughters are out trick or treating right now." Coaching, and on the NFL level when players begin to have their own families, takes away these simple events that many take for granted.

Besides the time commitment, for players, the mental cost is well documented, coming to light recently last year when former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau committed suicide without warning. Unfortunately, this is an all too common event among former players. If you trail back through NFL history, you'll find suicides and major mental damages going back as long as the sport has been played. More and more, concussions and other brain damage acquired while playing football has been understood to cause these problems later in life. Seau requested that his brain be studied for post playing damage. Even in the last collective bargaining agreement, the players union demanded that one million dollars be set aside for research on the subject.

While better helmets and procedures do help, the culture has not changed. Players continue to hide concussions and the culture of play through pain is rampant on every level of football. In players' minds, there is always something to be gained by playing, no matter what the cost. A college scholarship, a bigger contract or a starting spot. As long as there are gains, players will continue to hide injuries. This damage cannot be reversed.

No one will ever truly know what snapped in Jovan Belcher's head. Whether it was one of the two causes above, or something else entirely, no one will ever know. And perhaps even knowing wouldn't bring comfort. It can't bring back the two lives that were lost. All that those grieving can do is try to slowly heal. People say that football is a game. It is not. It is a lifestyle, a commitment and a demand. Yet, it should be just a game. I've worked in football programs for five seasons, both on the high school and collegiate level. I see the strain it puts on everyone involved; the long hours, travel time and effort involved. All levels of football need to step back and ask themselves, "Is it worth it?"

I believe Brady Quinn summed it up the best. In the post game conference he told the media, "I know when it happened, I was sitting and, in my head, thinking what I could have done differently. When you ask someone how they are doing, do you really mean it? When you answer someone back (with) how you are doing, are you really telling the truth? We live in a society of social networks, with Twitter pages and Facebook, and that's fine, but we have contact with our work associates, our family, our friends, and it seems like half the time, we are more preoccupied with our phone and other things going on instead of the actual relationships that we have right in front of us." In today's modern society, even beyond football, everyone should step back and ask themselves this.

In a time when everyone is asking why, the NFL needs to step up as a league and attempt to decide if the rising costs are worth it. Asking the players to come in for more and more off season meetings, driving the coaches to work longer hours or putting winning above the people who play, are these things worth the cost?  Belcher, Seau and their predecessors are trying to send a message and no one seemed ready to listen. Why? Because it costs money? Because it might cost quality of the league? Because no one wants to admit that the league isn't flawless?

Food for thought in a world that constantly asks 'what can you do for me?' rather than 'what can we do for each other?'.



If you would like to read more about the Chiefs' story and how they coped, this is an excellent article. The Chiefs Cope

2012 Week 13 Picks

Here are the picks for this week! I find it interesting that the games between the bad teams are getting more difficult to pick -- and also more interesting. I suppose teams with closer records and skill will play closer games. Also, in light of the tragedy yesterday morning, I do not believe that the Chiefs and Panthers game should be held, especially because the game is at arrowhead. It is not respectful of the grief of the coaches, families and players, especially those who witness the event. Sometimes the NFL needs to take a step back and realize it's about more than the money.


Cardinals (4-7) vs. Jets (4-7)
Pick: Jets   S: Jets
Jaguars (2-9) vs. Bills (4-7)
Pick: Jaguars   S: Bills
Seahawks (6-5) vs. Bears (8-3)
Pick: Bears   S: Bears
49ers (8-2-1) vs. Rams (4-6-1)
Pick: 49ers   S: 49ers
Patriots (8-3) vs. Dolphins (5-6)
Pick: Patriots  S: Patriots
Vikings (6-5) vs. Packers (7-4)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Colts (7-4) vs. Lions (4-7)
Pick: Lions   S: Colts
Panthers (3-8) vs. Chiefs (1-10)
Pick: Panthers   S: Panthers
Texans (10-1) vs. Titans (4-7)
Pick: Texans    S: Texans
Buccaneers (6-5) vs. Broncos (8-3)
Pick: Broncos   S: Buccaneers
Bengals (6-5) vs. Chargers (4-7)
Pick: Bengals   S: Bengals
Browns (3-8) vs. Raiders (3-8)
Pick: Browns   S: Browns
Steelers (6-5) vs. Ravens (9-2)
Pick: Ravens   S: Ravens
Eagles (3-8) vs. Cowboys (5-6)
Pick: Cowboys   S: Cowboys
Giants (7-4) vs. Redskins (5-6)
Pick: Giants  S: Giants

2012 Week 13 Thursday Night Game Pick

Tonight is Falcons, Saints, round two. I have extremely mixed feelings about this game. On the one hand, the Saints are fighting for their season. They pretty much need to win this game to not see their playoff win close completely. But that being said, it didn't help them show up last week in the Dome against the 49ers. On the other hand, the Falcons tend to fold in big games. This would be just such a big game. It's really a toss up for me. Either the Saints or the Falcons could win this game. But I think it will be a close game.

That being said...
Saints (5-6) vs. Falcons (10-1)
Pick: Saints

I feel bold today!

2012 Week 12 Game Picks

These were some tough picks this week. Games to watch would be the Falcons/Buccs, Bills/Colts and Saints/49ers. Enjoy!

Falcons (9-1) vs. Buccaneers (6-4)
Pick: Buccaneers  S: Falcons
Titans (4-6) vs. Jaguars (1-9)
Pick: Titans   S: Titans
Seahawks (6-4) vs. Dolphins (4-6)
Pick: Seahawks   S: Seahawks
Steelers (6-4) vs. Browns (2-8)
Pick: Steelers  S: Steelers
Raiders (3-7) vs. Bengals (5-5)
Pick: Bengals   S: Bengals
Vikings (6-4) vs. Bears (7-3)
Pick: Bears   S: Bears
Broncos (7-3) vs. Chiefs (1-9)
Pick: Broncos   S: Broncos
Bills (4-6) vs. Colts (6-4)
Pick: Colts   S: Colts
Ravens (8-2) vs. Chargers (4-6)
Pick: Ravens   S: Ravens
49ers (7-2-1) vs. Saints (5-5)
Pick: Saints   S: Saints
Rams (3-6-1) vs. Cardinals (4-6)
Pick: Rams   S: Cardinals
Packers (7-3) vs. Giants (6-4)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Panthers (2-8) vs. Eagles (3-7)
Pick: Panthers  S: Eagles

2012 Thanksgiving Game Picks

Alright it's another Thanksgiving -- which means not only turkey, but three football games! Two of which are staring teams that have been playing on Thanksgiving for years; the Lions and the Cowboys. Though both of these teams have fallen a little bit on hard times lately, the games should still be good. I would like to hope that the Lions could rebound, but last year I picked them to no avail. So without further ado, here are the picks!

Texans (9-1) vs. Lions (4-6)
Pick: Texans   S: Texans
Redskins (4-6) vs. Cowboys (5-5)
Pick: Cowboys    S: Cowboys
Patriots (7-3) vs. Jets (4-6)
Pick: Patriots   S: Patriots

2012 Week 11 Game Picks

Cardinals (4-5) vs. Falcons (8-1)
Pick: Falcons
Buccaneers (5-4) vs. Panthers (2-7)
Pick: Buccaneers
Eagles (3-6) vs. Redskins (3-6)
Pick: Redskins
Jets (3-6) vs. Rams (3-5-1)
Pick: Rams
Jaguars (1-8) vs. Texans (8-1)
Pick: Texans
Packers (6-3) vs. Lions (4-5)
Pick: Packers
Bengals (4-5) vs. Chiefs (1-8)
Pick: Chiefs
Browns (2-7) vs. Cowboys (4-5)
Pick: Cowboys
Saints (4-5) vs. Raiders (3-6)
Pick: Saints
Colts (6-3) vs. Patriots (6-3)
Pick: Patriots
Chargers (4-5) vs. Broncos (6-3)
Pick: Broncos
Ravens (7-2) vs. Steelers (6-3)
Pick: Ravens
Bears (7-2) vs. 49ers (6-2-1)
Pick: 49ers

Week 11 Thursday Night Football Pick

Tonight's game is against the Dolphins and the Bills. Believe it or not, it should be a good game. Both teams have offered a surprising starts -- especially the Dolphins.
However, the Bills have trouble finishing games. They tend to be in them until the end, even last week against New England when Fitz threw a pick in the endzone. The Dolphins got shockingly blown out last week and will rebound and win tonight!

2012 Week 10 Picks

Yes, I picked the Saints over the Falcons. I still think the Falcons are a lot of hype and that the Saints are much more driven to achieve this win. And it's in New Orleans. I've got the Lions over the Vikings, but it'll be a close game for sure. Cowboys Eagles will be a good game and I would like to think that the Eagles will win, but I doubt it. Finally, for Bears and Texans I think defense will win out. (Also, I forgot to ask Steven for his picks yesterday, so that's why it's just me this week.)

Falcons (8-0) vs. Saints (3-5)
Pick: Saints
Titans (3-6) vs. Dolphins (4-4)
Pick: Dolphins
Chargers (4-4) vs. Buccaneers (4-4)
Pick: Buccaneers
Raiders (3-5) vs. Ravens (6-2)
Pick: Ravens
Giants (6-3) vs. Bengal (3-5)
Pick: Giants
Lions (4-4) vs. Vikings (5-4)
Pick: Lions
Broncos (5-3) vs. Panthers (2-6)
Pick: Broncos
Bills (3-5) vs. Patriots (5-3)
Pick: Patriots
Jets (3-5) vs. Seahawks (5-4)
Pick: Seahawks
Cowboys (3-5) vs. Eagles (3-5)
Pick: Cowboys
Rams (3-5) vs. 49ers (6-2)
Pick: 49ers
Texans (7-1) vs. Bears (7-1)
Pick: Bears
Chiefs (1-7) vs. Steelers (5-3)
Pick: Steelers

Thursday Night Football Pick, week 10

Tonight I am picking the Colts over the Jags, though it is worth nothing that the Jags only win of the season was against the Colts.

2012 Week 9 Picks

A few tough picks this week. I feel like the Bills could upset the Texans, but don't think they can go four quarters. The Lions are hitting a stride and could be fully back on track this week. Packers Cardinals could also be interesting, as well as Dolphins Colts. The Monday Night game between the Eagles and the Saints will be good -- and when I say good I mean full of offense. Also, if the Redskins win this weekend, the trend is that the incumbent will win the election. Food for thought.

Cardinals (4-4) vs. Packers (5-3)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Ravens (5-2) vs. Browns (2-6)
Pick: Ravens   S: Ravens
Dolphins (4-3) vs. Colts (4-3)
Pick: Dolphins   S: Dolphins
Lions (4-3) vs. Jaguars (1-6)
Pick: Lions   S: Lions
Broncos (4-3) vs. Bengals (3-4)
Pick: Broncos   S: Broncos
Bears (6-1) vs. Titans (3-5)
Pick: Bears  S: Bears
Panthers (1-6) vs. Redskins (3-5)
Pick: Redskins   S: Redskins
Bills (3-4) vs. Texans (6-1)
Pick: Texans   S: Texans
Vikings (5-3) vs. Seahawks (4-4)
Pick: Vikings   S: Vikings
Buccaneers (3-4) vs. Raiders (3-4)
Pick: Buccaneers   S: Buccaneers
Steelers (4-3) vs. Giants (6-2)
Pick: Giants   S: Giants
Cowboys (3-4) vs. Falcons (7-0)
Pick: Falcons   S: Falcons
Eagles (3-4) vs. Saints (2-5)
Pick: Saints   S: Eagles

Thursday Night Football Pick

There's a game tonight! 

Both the Chargers and the Chiefs are barley treading water. As always, Norv Turner is on the hot seat. However, I think the Chargers will rally as they are apt to do and win tonight. I'm not saying that the Chargers are going to turn it around starting tonight, but they will win and put the Chiefs in an even deeper hole. 

Pick: Chargers

2012 Week 8 Picks

Here are the week 8 picks! I forsee an upset (sort of?) for the Falcons. I don't believe they will win every game this year, so a loss today would take some of the pressure off. The Dolphins and Jets game should also be a good game, though I hope the Dolphins repeat last year and make the Jets completely fall apart. Also, keep an eye out for the Patriots vs. Rams game -- they're playing in London!

Falcons (6-0) vs. Eagles (3-3)
Pick: Eagles   S: Falcons
Dolphins (3-3) vs. Jets (3-4)
Pick: Dolphins   S: Jets
Patriots (4-3) vs. Rams (3-4)
Pick: Patriots   S: Patriots
Redskins (3-4) vs. Steelers (3-3)
Pick: Steelers   S: Steelers
Seahawks (4-3) vs. Lions (2-4)
Pick: Seahawks   S: Seahawks
Chargers (3-3) vs. Browns (1-6)
Pick: Chargers   S: Chargers
Panthers (1-5) vs. Bears (5-1)
Pick: Bears   S: Bears
Colts (3-3) vs. Titans (3-4)
Pick: Colts   S: Titans
Jaguars (1-5) vs. Packers (4-3)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Raiders (2-4) vs. Chiefs (1-5)
Pick: Raiders   S: Raiders
Giants (5-2) vs. Cowboys (3-3)
Pick: Giants   S: Giants
Saints (2-4) vs. Broncos (3-3)
Pick: Broncos   S: Broncos
49ers (5-2) vs. Cardinals (4-3)
Pick: 49ers   S: 49ers

2012 Week 7 Picks

Here they are -- week 7 picks! Not too many surprises this week and only three disagreements!

Cardinals (4-2) vs. Vikings (4-2)
Pick: Vikings
S: Vikings
Ravens (5-1) vs. Texans (5-1)
Pick: Ravens
S: Texans
Browns (1-5) vs. Colts (2-3)
Pick: Colts
S: Colts
Redskins (3-3) vs. Giants (4-2)
Pick: Giants
S: Giants
Titans (2-4) vs. Bills (3-3)
Pick: Bills
S: Bills
Saints (1-4) vs. Buccaneers (2-3)
Pick: Saints
S: Buccaneers
Packers (3-3) vs. Rams (3-3)
Pick: Packers
S: Packers
Cowboys (2-3) vs. Panthers (1-4)
Pick: Cowboys
S: Cowboys
Jaguars (1-4) vs. Raiders (1-4)
Pick: Jaguars
S: Raiders
Jets (3-3) vs. Patriots (3-3)
Pick: Patriots
S: Patriots
Steelers (2-3) vs. Bengals (3-3)
Pick:  Steelers
S: Steelers
Lions (2-3) vs. Bears (4-1)
Pick: Bears
S: Bears

2012 Week 6 Picks

There's a large difference of opinion this week, which I find interesting. I think a lot of teams will surprise! Notably  Browns will get their first win, Colts will continue the momentum and the Lions will get back on track!

Bengals (3-2) vs. Browns (0-5)
Pick: Browns  S: Bengals
Colts (2-2) vs. Jets (2-3)
Pick: Colts  S: Jets
Rams (3-2) vs. Dolphins (2-3)
Pick: Rams  S: Dolphins
Raiders (1-3) vs. Falcons (5-0)
Pick: Falcons  S: Falcons
Chiefs (1-4) vs. Buccaneers (1-3)
Pick: Buccaneers  S: Chiefs
Lions (1-3) vs. Eagles (3-2)
Pick: Lions  S: Eagles
Cowboys (2-2) vs. Ravens (4-1)
Pick: Ravens  S: Ravens
Bills (2-3) vs. Cardinals (4-1)
Pick: Cardinals  S: Cardinals
Patriots (3-2) vs. Seahawks (3-2)
Pick: Patriots  S: Patriots
Vikings (4-1) vs. Redskins (2-3)
Pick: Vikings  S: Vikings
Giants (3-2) vs. 49ers (4-1)
Pick: 49ers  S: 49ers
Packers (2-3) vs. Texans (5-0)
Pick: Texans  S: Texans
Broncos (2-3) vs. Chargers (3-2)
Pick: Broncos  S: Broncos

2012 Week 5 Picks

Week 5 picks! I've got a few upsets in here, notably the Redskins over the Falcons and Panthers over the Seahawks. I also think Manning will come out on top of Brady -- he's got the better defense behind him, I believe, and that will make the difference in the game.

Falcons (4-0) vs. Redskins (2-2)
Pick: Redskins   S: Falcons
Ravens (3-1) vs. Chiefs (1-3)
Pick: Ravens   S: Ravens
Eagles (3-1) vs. Steelers (1-2)
Pick: Steelers   S: Eagles
Dolphins (1-3) vs. Bengals (3-1)
Pick: Bengals   S: Bengals
Packers (2-2) vs. Colts (1-2)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Browns (0-4) vs. Giants (2-2)
Pick: Giants   S: Giants
Bears (3-1) vs. Jaguars (1-3)
Pick: Bears   S: Bears
Seahawks (2-2) vs. Panthers (1-3)
Pick: Panthers   S: Seahawks
Titans (1-3) vs. Vikings (3-1)
Pick: Vikings   S: Vikings
Bills (2-2) vs. 49ers (3-1)
Pick: 49ers   S: 49ers
Broncos (2-2) vs. Patriots (2-2)
Pick: Broncos   S: Patriots
Chargers (3-1) vs. Saints (0-4)
Pick: Saints   S: Chargers
Texans (4-0) vs. Jets (2-2)
Pick: Texans   S: Texans

Thursday Night Game Pick

Tonight the Cardinals and the Rams will be playing.
And I have a feeling the Rams could win. I'm going to go out on a little bit of a limb here and say that they might, and in fact, pick them to win! I think that the Cardinals have to lose at some point and the Rams have been playing pretty well lately. Football is all about trends, about momentum. So here we are.

Cardinals (4-0) vs. Rams (2-2)
Pick: Rams

2012 Week 4 Picks

Here are the week four picks! Same format as previous weeks, of course! I almost wanted to pick the Bills over the Patriots, remembering last year, but just couldn't. That being said, Go Bills!

Panthers (1-2) vs. Falcons (3-0)
Pick: Falcons   S: Falcons
Vikings (2-1) vs. Lions (1-2)
Pick: Lions   S: Vikings
Patriots (1-2) vs. Bills (2-1)
Pick: Patriots  S: Patriots
Titans (1-2) vs. Texans (3-0)
Pick: Texans   S: Texans
Seahawks (2-1) vs. Rams (1-2)
Pick: Rams   S: Seahawks
49ers (2-1) vs. Jets (2-1)
Pick: 49ers   S: 49ers
Chargers (2-1) vs. Chiefs (1-2)
Pick: Chargers   S: Chargers
Bengals (2-1) vs. Jaguars (1-2)
Pick: Bengals   S: Bengals
Dolphins (1-2) vs. Cardinals (3-0)
Pick: Cardinals   S: Cardinals
Raiders (1-2) vs. Broncos (1-2)
Pick: Broncos   S: Broncos
Saints (0-3) vs. Packers (1-2)
Pick: Packers   S: Packers
Redskins (1-2) vs. Buccaneers (1-2)
Pick: Buccs    S: Redskins
Giants (2-1) vs. Eagles (2-1)
Pick: Giants   S: Giants
Bears (2-1) vs. Cowboys (2-1)
Pick: Cowboys  S: Cowboys

2012 Week 3 Picks

Here are week three picks! Same deal as the last two weeks. I wanted to pick the Browns, but got burned last week doing so. I also secretly want to pick the Dolphins, but know the Jets have a pretty good defense that will contain Reggie Bush. Saints will get their first win, Redskins will win, Eagles may win... who knows?


Bills (1-1) vs. Browns (0-2)
Pick: Bills     S: Bills
Buccaneers (1-1) vs. Cowboys (1-1)
Pick: Buccaneers      S: Cowboys
Rams (1-1) vs. Bears (1-1)
Pick: Bears    S: Bears
49ers (2-0) vs. Vikings (1-1)
Pick: 49ers    S: 49ers
Jets (1-1) vs. Dolphins (1-1)
Pick: Jets    S: Jets
Chiefs (0-2) vs. Saints (0-2)
Pick: Saints    S: Saints
Jaguars (0-2) vs. Colts (1-1)
Pick: Colts     S: Colts
Lions (1-1) vs. Titans (0-2)
Pick: Lions   S: Lions
Bengals (1-1) vs. Redskins (1-1)
Pick: Redskins    S: Bengals
Falcons (2-0) vs. Chargers (2-0)
Pick: Falcons   S: Falcons
Eagles (2-0) vs. Cardinals (2-0)
Pick: Eagles   S: Eagles
Texans (2-0) vs. Broncos (1-1)
Pick: Broncos    S: Broncos
Steelers (1-1) vs. Raiders (0-2)
Pick: Steelers   S: Steelers
Patriots (1-1) vs. Ravens (1-1)
Pick: Ravens    S: Ravens
Packers (1-1) vs. Seahawks (1-1)
Pick: Packers    S: Packers

Thursday Night Football Pick

Tonight, the Panthers and the Giants play. Despite the Panthers beating New Orleans, I don't think they can come back and beat the Giants. New Orleans has shown that they are a floundering team without Payton and co. With the Giants amazing fourth quarter performance against the Buccs last weekend, I think they have regained some momentum. I believe they will win this game.

Giants (1-1) vs. Panthers (1-1)
Pick: Giants

2012 Week 2 Picks

Same deal as last week. Last week we tied, which was interesting. I'm still searching for that perfect week, which I've never had as long as I've been doing picks -- but I feel really good about this week! I have some upsets in there, notably Rams and Browns. They came so close last year, and always play well against each other. Remember all the first picks are mine.

Cardinals (1-0) vs. Patriots (1-0)
Pick: Patriots       Pick: Patriots
Buccaneers (1-0) vs. Giants (0-1)
Pick: Giants        Pick: Giants
Raiders (0-1) vs. Dolphins (0-1)
Pick:  Raiders     Pick: Raiders
Saints (0-1) vs. Panthers (0-1)
Pick: Saints    Pick: Saints
Vikings (1-0) vs. Colts (0-1)
Pick: Vikings    Pick: Vikings
Texans (1-0) vs. Jaguars (0-1)
Pick: Texans   Pick: Texans
Browns (0-1) vs. Bengals (0-1)
Pick: Browns   Pick: Bengals
Ravens (1-0) vs. Eagles (1-0)
Pick: Ravens   Pick: Ravens
Chiefs (0-1) vs. Bills (0-1)
Pick: Bills   Pick: Bills
Cowboys (1-0) vs. Seahawks (0-1)
Pick: Cowboys    Pick: Cowboys
Redskins (1-0) vs. Rams (0-1)
Pick: Rams   Pick: Redskins
Jets (1-0) vs. Steelers (0-1)
Pick: Steelers   Pick: Steelers
Titans (1-0) vs. Chargers (1-0)
Pick: Titans   Pick: Chargers
Lions (1-0) vs. 49ers (1-0)
Pick: 49ers   Pick: 49ers
Broncos (1-0) vs. Falcons (1-0)
Pick: Broncos  Pick: Broncos 

Thursday Night Football (early in the season!)

I'm not sure how they managed to wing Thursday night football this early in the season. I'm not a huge fan of Thursday Night football for a few reasons. 1. It's a school night and as a college student I do actually have homework to do. 2. It can only be seen on NFL network, a network I don't get at school and many people don't get in their homes.  3. A game like Packers/Bears is a game that most hardcore football fans would like to see and by limiting it the NFL is doing the fans a disservice.

All of that being said, I do think the Packers will bounce back and win tonight. They had a tougher test in Week 1 than the Bears did and are unlikely to lose two games at home.

Bears (1-0) vs. Packers (0-1)
Pick: Packers

2012 Week 1 Picks

Here's the deal for picks this year. For the first week, my boyfriend Steven and I are going head to head and you all get to watch. Hopefully, I represent well and beat him. (In interest of fairness, we picked completely separately from each other, which is easy because we live in different states right now.) The first pick of each game is my pick. The second is his. Because each team is undefeated, I haven't put records in like I normally would have. Enjoy! I've also provided a link here to the "experts" picks. NFL.com "Offical" picks

Colts vs. Bears
Pick: Colts    Steven: Bears
Falcons vs. Chiefs
Pick: Falcons   Steven: Falcons
Eagles vs. Browns
Pick: Eagles   Steven: Eagles
Redskins vs. Saints
Pick: Saints    Steven: Saints
Rams vs. Lions
Pick: Lions   Steven: Lions
Patriots vs. Titans
Pick: Patriots   Steven: Patriots
Jaguars vs. Vikings
Pick: Vikings   Steven: Vikings
Bills vs. Jets
Pick: Bills   Steven: Jets
Dolphins vs. Texans
Pick: Texans   Steven: Texans
Seahawks vs. Cardinals
Pick: Cardinals   Steven: Seahawks
49ers vs. Packers
Pick: Packers   Steven: Packers
Panthers vs. Buccaneers
Pick: Panthers  Steven: Panthers
Steelers vs. Broncos
Pick: Broncos   Steven: Steelers
Bengals vs. Ravens
Pick: Ravens   Steven: Ravens
Chargers vs. Raiders
Pick: Chargers  Steven: (Update) Chargers

AFC West 2012 Predictions

Denver Broncos
Goodbye Tim, Hello Peyton.

Kansas City Chiefs
May the force be with you, Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles.

San Diego Chargers
Dear Philip, please throw to the team with the same decal on their helmets as you have on yours.

Oakland Raiders
The silver and black will be back on the right track…in a year or two.

AFC South 2012 Predictions

Houston Texans
The Texans finally broke through last year, for a franchise first playoff appearance and win. That success should continue this year, especially with the permanent departure of Peyton from this division. Schaub will be back, hopefully for the whole season. Though I wouldn’t lose faith if T.J Yates had to jump in and start again. After all, he does have the only playoff win in Texans’ history under his belt. Arian Foster must remain healthy, as must Andre Johnson, both of whom had issues last year. And there aren’t that many concerns on the defense—they let Mario Williams, their 1st overall pick, go. J.J Watt and new LB Bradie James, among Brian Cushing, Brooks Reed and Glover Quinn anchor the unit. They were the 2nd ranked defense last year! They’ll sweep through this division and into the playoffs without a problem.

Indy Colts
I believe in Andrew Luck. This is my daring pick for the AFC. They probably won’t make playoffs, but they will have a much better record. He is the real deal. He has good receivers around him, mostly Reggie Wayne. The offensive line is newly composed of new players (Samson Satele, Mike McGlynn and Winston Justice) who will try to protect the Luck. Maybe Donald Brown and Mewelde Moore will put together some form of a running game. The biggest change here will be Chuck Pagano’s arrival because he will improve the defense. Many of the pieces are already there and maybe the new additions of Vontae Davis and Tom Zbikowski in the secondary will help generate more coverage sacks. Except the Colts to surprise this year!

Tennessee Titans 
Chris Johnson’s poor year last year was a major concern and shock to many. What if it continues this year? Have defenses figured him out? Defenses probably won’t have a hard time figuring out Jake Locker as the QB. Britt and Washington are decent receivers, but nothing superb. If Johnson performs as he should, he could make or break Locker’s first season as the starter. The defense has its moments, but will remain in the middle of the pack as they were last year. That pretty much describes the whole Titans team—middle of the pack.

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are perhaps the NFL’s most floundering franchise. Blaine Gabbert has not even come close to performing at an NFL level. The return of MDJ will make all the difference for this team, though Rashard Jennings could be a very nice surprise as the year goes on. Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson are the new receiving core. Marcedes Lewis could return to the form he had in 2010, but that remains to be seen. The defense (ranked 6th last year, believe it or not) needs to produce more sacks and pressure to contain the quarterbacks and running backs in this division. But William and Mary’s very own Derek Cox leads the secondary, boosted by the arrival of Aaron Ross from New York. Rebuilding isn’t even a good enough term for what’s going to happen to the Jags this year.

AFC East 2012 Predictions

New England Patriots
The Patriots will win this division. I do not believe they will go on to win, or even necessarily play in, the Super Bowl this year. Their offense, full of Brady, Lloyd, Welker and Gronkowski will blow people out of the water. However, I’m concerned about the running game. The leading career rusher on the roster right now is Tom Brady. Who is not a running quarterback. The defense should be better, but not great. It ranked 31st last year—people tend to forget that. There haven’t been too many changes either. Just the additions of Dont’a Hightower (LB) and Steve Gregory (FS). Kyle Arrington is also around, but how much playing time he’ll see is up for debate. A soft schedule should be kind to this unit. Playoffs for sure.

Buffalo Bills
Ryan Fitspatrick needs to return to the form of his first half season last year. The talent around him needs to help him once again rise—they need to be coherent as a unit. However, if Fred Jackson can stay healthy, I believe they have a shot to do just that. I believe in the Bills. I just do, for some reason I can’t even really put into words. A revamped defense, including Mario Williams, should help take some pressure off the offense. Is Mario Williams the Reggie White of today? Can his arrival change the outlook of a whole franchise? He will certainly help them in the division, containing Sanchez, Tebow and Tannehill. It’s the third year in the system—look for the Bills as a whole to put together some more consistent performances.

New York Jets
Honestly, I wish I had the guts to put the Jets in the bottom of this division. I really do, but I won’t. The defense will keep them afloat, in a manner of speaking. Tebow and Sanchez cannot co-exist. That was the one move this off-season that made no sense to me (for the Broncos it did). Sanchez will play badly because he has no receivers and very little running game and then the whole of New York will cry Tebow. Ryan probably won’t cave, but it certainly won’t help Sanchez’s confidence. The defense remains the same, however, with the exceptions of Laron Landry (SS) and Yeremiah Bell (FS) in the secondary. The hope is that second year player Muhammad Wiklerson matures to put some pressure on the opposing QBs. This ship is sinking fast, however.

Miami Dolphins
Can Joe Philbin lead this team back to a place of prominence in a city where the Heat also reside? We’ll see. However, people forget that though he was in the background in Green Bay, the players loved him. And players that love their coach are more likely to put more effort into making him look good. Soft spoken doesn’t always mean poor leadership. Speaking of leadership, Ryan Tannehill must take control of this team. He must instill a sense of hope in the players around him. A revamped offensive line hopes to keep him upright and able to find targets such as Reggie Bush and Davone Bess. The defense is nothing to write home about, but is home to several noteable players, such as Cameron Wake and Karlos Dansby, who might surprise. People hate the term rebuilding year, but this is certainly one for Miami.

AFC North 2012 Predicitions

Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have been the strongest team in this division since the Harbarugh/Flacco era started five years ago. They were one missed kick away from going to the Super Bowl last year and that playoff game showed how Flacco has matured as a quarterback. The defense will be strong as long as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are on the field, though the absence of Suggs for most, if not all of the season, will hurt them. Paul Kruger and Jameel McClain are going to have to pick up the slack. A new kicker should almost erase the memories of last year…almost.

Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have had some rare drama this off-season. After getting bummed from the playoffs last year, they endured a lengthy holdout with wideout Mike Wallace and have running back issues. Todd Haley and Roethlisberger have to get on the same page, which has been fairly well documented throughout the off season. The defense is always good under Dick LeBeau, so that isn’t a huge concern, though injuries do. James Harrison is already a “game time decision” for this weekend’s opener. The schedule isn’t too brutal, but they need to put together a new look offense.

Cincinnati Bengals
The sophomore curse is coming after Andy Dalton and A.J Green. And by sophomore curse, I mean a killer schedule. Also, BenJarvis GreenEllis isn’t the back that Cedric Benson was. Last year, they had the advantage of surprise – no one expected them to burst onto the scene. This year, there’s no trickery involved; in other words defenses will be ready for what’s coming. And in this division, that means Baltimore and Pittsburgh are coming. Cincy’s defense itself is pretty good, ranked 7th overall. They didn’t make any huge acquisitions however, so nothing has really changed. Last year was a blip on the radar for these Bengals.

Cleveland Browns
The Browns still don’t know what they want from their team. Who are they? Who do they want to be offensively and defensively? After a failed experiment with Colt McCoy, they went out and drafted 28 year old Brandon Weeden. His age will be an advantage here because of the maturity that comes with it, something this team has lacked for a long time. The larger addition of Trent Richardson is more important for this team to finally find some offense. A good running game can cover a lot of other problems. A revamped DL with John Hughes and Frostee Rucker will attempt to reign in the quarterbacks of this division. However, the rest of the division is just too strong for the poor Browns.

NFC West 2012 Predictions

San Francisco 49ers
This is the team that took everyone by surprise last year. Though they won’t sneak up on anyone this year, they won’t lose a step, especially in a division that is notoriously weak. Harbarugh did what no other coach has been able to do – understand Alex Smith. That made all the difference. Great teams are the ones that understand their strengths and use them to their advantage. The 49ers wrote the book on this last year. Now with the addition of Randy Moss, they have a proven big play receiver besides Vernon Davis. All of the defensive starters return—an unheard of phenomenon in today’s age of free agency. With Patrick Willis in the center, leading this unit, look for them to continue their dominance.

Arizona Cardinals
I’m putting the Cardinals above the Seahawks here because of their schedule. I also believe they’re a huge sleeper team. John Skelton will be the quarterback here—he has earned it. He has Larry Fitzgerald and Todd Heap to throw to, as well as Beanie Wells (RB), who has continued to develop. The defense was middle of the pack—literally, they were ranked 18th. But that doesn’t mean they lack for talent. Darnell Docket, Patrick Peterson, Adrian Wilson, William Gay and Calais Campbell are the heart of this defense. They needed a year to adjust to the 3-4, but should be more confident now. They’re my sleeper pick for the playoffs. Playoffs?!?!

Seattle Seahawks
I have never been sold on Pete Carroll and his methods. I don’t like Russell Wilson, even though he is from Wisconsin, as a rookie starting quarterback, especially over Matt Flynn. We’ll see if he doesn’t get benched for Flynn at some point. This team lacks a big receiver. Yes, they have Sidney Rice, but he hasn’t had a big year since he played with Brett Favre. Marshawn Lynch is a beast but he can’t carry this team through this schedule by himself. The defense is stronger than most people think (ranked 9th last year), but can’t hold up against Green Bay, Carolina, New England, Detroit, Chicago and San Francisco (twice). They’ve got an exceptional pair of CBs but that’s about it on the defensive side.

St. Louis Rams
The poor Rams. Sam Bradford needs to develop, or finish developing. He just kind of stalled last year. Steven Jackson is once again back to help and truly be the offense. They’ve added Steve Smith and tried to bolster the offensive line. They’ve also revamped the defense by adding six new starters, Michael Brockers, Kendall Langford, Mario Haggan, Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins. With Jeff Fisher at the helm now, you never know. My prediction is that in TWO years, the Rams might contend seriously for a division title again. But Fisher was thrown for a little bit of a loop when he lost his defensive coordinator in Greg Williams. But Fisher knows how to turn around bad teams—give him time, he’ll get there with these guys too.

NFC South 2012 Predictions

New Orleans Saints
Yes, “bounty-gate” happened to the Saints. Yes, Sean Payton is gone for the season. But let’s be honest with ourselves here. The Saints are one of those teams that pretty much can handle itself. There’s a reason that Drew Brees is the most prolific quarterback in the league over the last five years he’s been in New Orleans. The offense has all its parts returning. The defense will be improved, with Steve Spagnuolo at the helm. Don’t be fooled by his tough stint in St. Louis – New Orleans is full of much more talent that St. Louis was. Curtis Lofton was brought in to replace Jonathan Vilma—he has the ability to do so. Don’t count New Orleans out – if a team can respond well to adversity, it’s this one.

Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta for me is a team that can get close, but never step through the door. The offense is pretty good, lead by Matt Ryan, who is always consistent. Michael Turner is a good back who has also been consistent. But that’s the thing about Atlanta—they’re consistent, not innovative. Even when they gave up their entire draft for Julio Jones two years ago, they didn’t turn his acquisition into an innovation, or even big plays. All of this doesn’t make Atlanta a bad team, they are to me the definition of a good vanilla team. Which makes them easy for a good coach to take apart, such as Spagnuolo or Tom Coughlin. Asante Samuel gives them a good chance to containing Brees and Newton—they could contend for the title here, but I can’t see them keeping up with New Orleans, though they have a favorable schedule.

Carolina Panthers
I was very vocal last year about how I wasn’t sold on Cam Newton. I’m still not convinced that I was 100% wrong, because only time will really tell how good he can be. But he was good. However, he was almost all of their offense last year. Deangelo Williams didn’t really show up like he has before, but part of that may have been Newton’s own running ability. Steve Smith is a solid receiver and the offense has plenty of firepower potential. What sunk this team last year was the defense. They sucked—28th in the league. The return of injured linebacker, and captain, Jon Beason should help, as well as the first round addition of Luke Kuechly. But I’m not sure they can make the leap to shut down in just a year—even the year before with Beason intact they weren’t stellar. In this division, you’ve got to be able to play defense as well as score points.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa, you’re back to your losing ways. And it looks like you’re going to stay there for a while. While everyone else in your division has strived to make progress, you’ve actually gone backwards. Josh Freeman, after a surprisingly good rookie season, regressed in a major way in his second year. However, I like the replacement of Raheem Morris, who was just too relaxed. Players need some gentle discipline, and Greg Schiano should provide that. If Freeman and Williams can return to form and integrate Vincent Jackson, they might have some offense. But it will take time for the complete mental change that needs to take place here. The defensive line needs to play up to its potential, though the secondary is anchored by Aqib Talib and the ever young Ronde Barber. The team has taken a step in the right direction for the future, but for right now, the going will be slow and rough.

NFC East 2012 Predictions

New York Giants
Please stop discounting the current Super Bowl champions. Yes, we all laughed at Eli last year when he said he was as good as a Tom Brady. Turns out he’s better and that you can’t spell elite without Eli. Victor Cruz set a Giants receiving records last year and shows no signs of slowing down. The running game is a concern, with the departure of Brandon Jacobs. After watching the game tonight I am concerned about the defense, but know they will get it together for the rest of the season.

Philadelphia Eagles
I believe in the Eagles, but I’m not sure they can stay healthy. I think Michael Vick is a good QB, if he can stay healthy. That’s a huge if, even if his back up played well in the preseason. Preseason is not regular season. The receiving core is intact, refocused and was always above average. LeShawn McCoy is a brilliant running back who can handle a full load for the Eagles by himself. Despite the turnover problems that the offense and Vick had, the defense should have been a lot better than it was. Second year coordinator Juan Castillo should have things a little more together this season. Nnamdi Asomugha needs to come back to the form he had in Oakland. They should contend for this division title.

Dallas Cowboys
I’m not sure if I agree about the window for the Cowboys closing –only because I’m not sure how open it ever was. The NFC is much stronger than the AFC, and they play in one of the stronger divisions. Tony Romo is a good quarterback. Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten are good receivers. DeMarco Murray Is a good running back. Health and off the field issues have hurt the offense. Tony Romo getting sacked has hurt the offense. Rob Ryan’s defense proved to be too much for last year’s players. Most of the players are returning, but a few key additions hope to try to shut down Eli and Vick. Those notable additions would be the two CBs, Brandon Carr and rookie Morris Claiborne. We’ll see if Dallas can make that leap to the playoffs, though  I’m not 100% sold on Jason Garrett as a head coach.

Washington Redskins
I do not believe in RGIII. I do not believe in Mike Shanahan. I do not believe in the Redskins. They have no offensive weapons. Santana Moss is old. Can you even name another receiver on that team? They cut Tim Hightower, which I believe was a mistake. Roy Helu at least needs a back-up, though I don’t believe he can carry the load of Mike Shanahan’s run focused offense. The defense has been consistently upper middle of the pack in the league. They just can’t score points. In a such a powerful division, even strong defensive players like London Fletcher, Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo can’t save this team from the basement.

NFC North Predictions

Green Bay Packers
How can anyone not have the Packers once again leading this division? We all know about the fire powered offense that almost no one could contain last year. All the main pieces are back, supplemented by the new additions of Jeff Saturday (C) and Cedric Benson (RB). What sunk this team last year was a defense that was in the bottom of the league. However, Tramon Williams is back from injury and they added another strong LB in Nick Perry in the draft to take some pressure off of Clay Matthews. They won’t be a top defense in the league, but they will be better.

Detroit Lions
Hey remember that year Matthew Stafford threw for 5,000 yards and didn’t make the Pro Bowl? Oh yeah that was last year. The league will not ignore Matthew Stafford this year. In his first fully healthy year, he proved why he deserved to be a number one overall pick. With Calvin Johnson to throw to, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be just as productive this year. Look for rookie Mikel Leshoure to possibly help a depleted running game here as well. But as the Packers, what killed this unit last year was the defense. The secondary couldn’t stop anyone. Anyone. Ever. I’m not sure the problem has been solved either. The release of Aaron Berry hurt this unit. We’ll have to see if Bill Benthley, the new rookie CB can help.

Chicago Bears
The Bears finally realized that they had no actual wide receivers. No Devin Hester, you don’t count. So they went out and got Brandon Marshall and drafted Alshon Jeffery. Marshall and Cutler appear to be glad to be back together once again and will help this offense generate more big plays and take some pressure off Matt Forte, who got paid this offseason. The offensive line must product Jay Cutler, though there is no front runner at left tackle. The defense is always pretty good, though hasn’t been notable in the last few years. An injury to Brain Urlacher is a concern, though he claims he’ll be back for the opener against Indy. Look for improvement, but there’s no way they can keep up with the Lions and the Packers. They might sneak into the playoffs as a wild card however.

Minnesota Vikings
Vikings fans, there’s a lot that needs fixing here. Christain Ponder will improve in his second year, there is no doubt of that. It is his first year as the outright starter and all reports from training camp say that he has more confidence and poise, not to mention a greater knowledge of the offense. It helps that Adrian Peterson is back from his torn ACL/MCL and will be in the back field to help him. The addition of Jerome Simpson, best known for his leap in Week 16 last year, will help his awkward receiving core. The defense has been mediocre, middle of the pack, with the exception of Jared Allen who is one of the best defensive players in the league. Still, this division is too high powered for Minnesota to have a chance.

Let's Build a Bridge -- 2012 Season Opener

The Giants will win this game. The last thirteen Super Bowl winners have won their season openers. They are playing the Cowboys. In New York. They will win. Let's briefly state why, no matter what Jerry Jones thinks, the Giants will win this game.
Eli Manning is better than Tony Romo. Besides the obvious reasons of two Super Bowl rings, Eli is clutch. Romo has shown that he can be (see the 49ers game last season), but he has also proven many times that he has a tendency to fall apart (see the Lions game last season). As far as other offense weapons, the Cowboys have a better running back in DeMarco Murray, but the Giants have better receiving options. They also have a stronger offensive line, which will be key in protecting Eli from DeMarcus Ware. Not only do the Giants have an edge on offense, but also on defense.
The Cowboys' scheme is so complex that most of the players couldn't even pick it up successfully last year. A second year in the system will do wonderfully for the players that are returning, but the Cowboys have also added several new pieces, notably Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne, to the secondary. These will probably be good moves in the long run, but they both have only had an off season to pick up Ryan's scheme and one is a rookie. Eli may have a field day, but I don't expect him to run all over them. But almost all of New York's defense is returning from that Super Bowl team, which is unusual (many players are normally lost to free agency after winning a Super Bowl). The whole defensive line is intact which has always been the strongest part of this unit. They will take advantage of the Cowboys suspect offensive line and have Tony Romo running all night.

Overall, the Giants are a stronger, more complete team. I'm not saying all of this means they will repeat as Super Bowl champions, but I do believe it means that they will beat the Cowboys tonight. Their slogan for the season is "Build the Bridge." The first brick falls tonight.

New Coach, New Uniforms

Will Bill Parcells coach the Saints in Payton's absence?

People are hailing it as a bad decision for all parties involved, but I'm not as sold. He's close to Payton--he won't come in a try to usurp Payton's hopeful return in 2013. He can get a taste of coaching Brees and an elite team, without having to worry about the long term. He's shown in the past that he can turn a team into a winner quickly -- what would he do with a team that's already elite? Bringing in a completely random outside hire, or even promoting an assistant coach, could throw the team off. It could disrupt everything that that Saints have worked for since Brees and Payton got there. (Speaking of which, they better hurry up and sign Brees.)
I really think this wouldn't be a terrible idea, despite what the media and bloggers are saying. It in a strange way could be a stabilizing factor for a team in distress.  Payton's suspension won't be overturned this week. Not a chance, with the new audio of Williams telling his players to go out and get Frank Gore in January.
(Check out a summery of the limited audio available here Williams' Speech Details.)
Moreover, who else is there? Who else comes to mind who would want to be a head coach for a year and then give it up willingly? Who else is close to Payton and understands how his team runs? Who else's hand is strong enough to hold the team, without a GM, and keep everyone in line? Does it matter for the legacy? Only if he screws it up.

New Nike Uniforms
Well, they came out. Turns out all the uniforms that the world was panicking about online were fakes, or rejects. Who knows if they were old ideas that Nike floated out to see what everyone thought? If that is in fact the case, I'm glad they listened. Because they were awful. But I digress back into reality.
Here they are. Details about all 32 new uniforms (and pictures).
Nothing has majorly changed for most teams, with the notable exception of the Seahawks. But let's be honest, the Seahwaks' uniforms have never been particularly stunning. Nike was just trying to improve on a bad situation. Not sure they quite did, but it was an attempt. Other teams, such as the Panthers, have words on the inside of the collar. For the Panthers, it's "Keep Pounding", words uttered by cancer victim LB Sam Mills.
But Nike is really trying to tote them as state of the art. New fabric, new design, brighter colors. They say that the new uniforms will prevent holding, slip back into form easily after contact. All that film we see of players sticking their shoulder pads back into their jerseys will be gone. New V-shaped neck line, which appears looser but isn't. (That's a good thing.) Players are excited, or at least seem to be. The new uniforms are supposed to encourage a greater range of motion, be lighter and drier (good luck!).
However, the Packers are rejecting the new uniforms. They have requested that their uniforms remain the same in every way, fabric, colors, look and feel. The only change will be the Nike logo. Full Article on Packers' Decision. Overall, for a franchise steeped in history, it's not surprising. They might change their tune, but who cares? They're the Green Bay Packers, who basically invented football. They have said they are open to revisiting the idea after this season, but I'm glad for one that they aren't jumping on the Nike bandwagon. Because of my work, I've had a great deal of experience with Nike football gear. Nothing has ever jumped out at me as being better by far than the other equipment. That being said, I don't have the privilege of using most of it, but I do talk to the guys about it. I'll be interested to hear what the players say as the season gets under way.
Here's a complete break down team by team of the changes (or lack thereof.) Team By Team Breakdown.

Tebow, Saints, Manning oh my!

So much has happened in the football world in the last few days that I've hardly have had time to catch my breath. But let's see if we can break this down.
Starting with the Saints. 
Punishment handed down by the NFL:

• Greg Williams suspended indefinitely. 
• Sean Payton suspended for a year. 
• Mickey Loomis (Saints GM) suspended for 8 games. 
• Joe Vitt (assistant Head Coach of the Saints) suspended for 6 games. 
• Fined $500,000.
• Lose second round picks for the next two years. 
• Players' punishments not released yet.

These punishments are deserved for the bounties. Let's start with Greg Williams. He was the mastermind of this, the instigator, and the source. Without him this probably wouldn't have happened, or would have at least stopped when the league warned them. He needed to rightfully bear the brunt of this and clearly will. He's probably feeling it right now, but even Jeff Fisher said the punishment was deserved. Williams is probably kicking himself for this, but it's not like no one saw this coming. Besides, his suspension doesn't affect the Saints currently -- he had left them at the end of the season regardless.
Sean Payton's suspension is a concern for the Saints. Not only does the team not have Drew Brees under contract, but these punishments won't help him come back. Sean Payton is the mastermind behind the whole team, the revival, the championship. He and Brees are on the same page and are one of the great head coach tandums in the league. This will hurt the Saints more than anything else, even the fine and the other suspensions. If I'm the Saints, I'm hating this right now and am concerned about next years' season.
Mickey Loomis and Joe Vitt are minor players in this. Though Loomis is high level management, which makes it a bigger deal, they are both still bit players. Their suspensions are to emphasize that no one in any way involved with this (as far as upper level management and coaches) will go unpunished. No one is immune.
The money and the draft picks would hurt more if the Saints were a franchise in a bad place, like Jacksonville or Carolina. But they should bounce back from those and continue to thrive. The Saints are a team much like New England was after spygate -- they are a good team at the core and have an identity and a strong fan base. What makes them different from the Spygate New England team is the fact that they will lose their head coach. We'll see if they can have a good year next year without Sean Payton. And if he comes back to the Saints after that.

Now, to Peyton. Manning that is. 
He signed with the Broncos, which I didn't think was the best choice (I was rooting for the 49ers), but I understand why he did it. A great young defense, John Elway over his shoulder and a team that made a playoff run with a bad (sorry) quarterback. There's a lot of hope in Denver and the coaching staff will give him plenty of room to be in charge of the offense. Their offense was structured around Tebow, though all that really amounts to is no structure at all. Peyton will bring that stability. As much as I hate to see him in orange, there are so many worse places he could have ended up. He'll hopefully do well in Denver and finally give that city what they haven't had since Elway. They deserve it and all the other teams in that division want to die. The Texans are jumping for joy. Tom Brady just wishes he could have gone out of the conference. Could you imagine a Peyton v. Brady Super Bowl?
Also, he didn't go to the Dolphins so he didn't have to play Brady twice a year. You can't tell me that wasn't part of it. Can you blame him?

Finally, to the ever continuing Tebow show. 
Listen. He's not a great quarterback. He's an icon. But as far as actually being a great quarterback, he's far from that. He could learn a lot sitting behind Manning. A lot. If I'm Tim Tebow, I don't necessarily want to be traded quite yet. This would be an invaluable experience for him. His trade value would be very high if he sat   behind Manning for a year.
Secondly, the Jets? Really? Really? You consented to go to the Jets? Though I'm pretty sure you had no choice in the matter. Mark Sanchez is about to run back off to California. He's tired of this. The last thing he wants is Tebow coming to his show. Not only do the fans already hate him, they would be shouting for Tebow right away. He's never had any real competition behind him, so this would be a change. Not sure he can handle the pressure, or that he wants it. So far he hasn't done a great job of performing under pressure.
But if you're Tebow, I can't see this being a good thing. The Jets are the biggest show in the NFL, and not in a good way. It's not the kind of atmosphere that you want to be around. After all that's been said about that locker room, it's hard to believe that Tebow would actively want to go there. However, rumor has it he picked them over the Jags, which I can understand. But he's not going to start -- he'll probably sit behind Sanchez. Why not just sit behind Peyton? It would be better, not worse, for him. Infinitely better. This trade makes little sense from either side to me -- unless the Jets think he can be a calming presence in their locker room. I could easily see the Jets dealing Tebow again.

Super Bowl XLVI Wrap

What a game.

Super Bowl XLVI certainly lived up to the hype – yet the end result was the same.

The Giants outplayed the Patriots in the clutch. I’m not even going to touch the specifics of the game right now for several reasons. I haven’t looked at the game film and ESPN and co. have dealt with it plenty. I probably will go through it at some point.

Rather, I would like to discuss the ramifications of this game – basically what it all means.

Firstly, the question now needs to be raised ‘Are the Giants a dynasty in the making?’ Let me elaborate. Over the course of the last five Super Bowls, the Giants have won two of them. Once knocking off the ‘perfect’ Patriots through superior play in the clutch, something New England used to be known for. If Eli and Coughlin win one more in the next three or four years, I think the topic needs to come up.

On a similar subject, Eli had become ELIte. Leave him alone. I know many people don’t like him because of the way he acted on draft day. That was eight years ago. And it looks like a pretty good decision now, doesn’t it? Regardless of how one personally feels about him, one must admit that he has turned elite. I’m not a huge fan of Brady, but will admit that he is an elite quarterback. Between setting the record for 4^th quarter touchdowns and beating Green Bay, Sand Francisco and the Patriots (all on the road), in the playoffs when it mattered most, Eli had proven he needs to be in the conversation. Big bro Peyton may have four NFL MVPS, but Eli had two Super Bowl MVPs and rings. Both against New England, Peyton’s kryptonite.

Tom Coughlin—now the oldest coach to ever win a Super Bowl—has also changed the way he will be viewed in NFL history. He has now won as many Super Bowls as greats such as Lombardi and Parcells. He has survived New York. He has prepared his team under pressure. He has adapted to the new NFL, yet maintained enough of the ‘old’ coaching style. He had proved that the way to win Super Bowls is the way coaches have for years—quiet preparation, not big talk. He is not Rex Ryan. He controls his team, but not with an iron fist like he used to. And he had maintained a winning atmosphere  

Now, on to New England’s Head Coach and Quarterback.

Let me start by saying that I understand both Brady and Belichick are first ballot hall of famers. Nothing will change that. What I’m  talking about is how they’re viewed. Basically the legacy effect.

Here’s what it comes down to—for Brady more than Belichick.

They won their three Super Bowls in a small window of time—just four years. Yes, dynasty. No doubt. But long term, they didn’t have dominant success. Yes, the 16-0 season, but Indy gave theirs up two years later and Green Bay almost had one this year. And because they did lost the super Bowl that year, it becomes a novelty in NFL history. A what if statement. Then followed several years of regular season success and playoff disappointment. This year, they once again fell short on the big stage.

All I’m saying is that a lot of the credit for New England’s success in those years (2001-2004) went to Brady. Though he was good during those years, the Patriots of today have shown that there was more going on there than just a good quarterback. Those teams proved attitude, that a team first mentality can win championships without dominant players and create a dynasty. Players on those teams say that this mentality was the key to their success –it helped them stay together in times of trouble and have faith they could win the tough games. Those Patriots teams were great—there is no doubt. All I want to raise here is how much of a role Brady truly played. Widen the scope on those teams. Next time you want to say Brady is better than Manning look closer at the talent around each of them. Compare the mentality of the teams. Anyway, that is a discussion for a later time. It appears now that Brady and Belichick have lost the magic.

Over all, this Super Bowl was good for the Giants’ legacy, yet a blemish on New England’s long term picture. It will go down as a great Super Bowl, though not as epic as the first match-up. After all, you only get a chance to make a team go 18-1 once. 

Super Bowl XVLI

Let’s talk about the Super Bowl.

Firstly, I was right in thinking it would be rematch of a fairly recent Super Bowl. I was just about seven years too early. On a later date, I’ll address the conference championship games. Right now, it hurts too much for us poor, 35 yard field goal victims.

So it’s Giants vs. Patriots in the Super Bowl. A rematch of the infamous Super Bowl XLII—the one that changed how the recent Patriots were seen for a long time and still does today. And this one could have similar ramifications. Here they are.

If the Giants win:

Tom Coughlin will be seen as an elite coach.

Eli will be “Elite Eli”, as he claimed he was before the season started.

The Giants pass rush, their entire defense, will go down as a unit that performs well under pressure and as one of the elite units, if it isn’t already.

The Patriots’ legacy will be challenged – except for Belichick’s. (More on this later).

If the Patriots win:

Belichick will go down in history s the modern Walsh, with Tom Brady as his Montana, unequaled in the last fifteen years.

The Patriots will prove that they don’t choke in the big games, playoff games, in recent memory.

Defense doesn’t need to win championships.

However, I think the Giants will win. Here’s why – defense still wins championships.

They’ve already beaten New England once this season. It will be a close game, don’t get me wrong. But Eli will pull it out, like he has all season, setting the record for fourth quarter touchdowns this season. The Giants are their best under pressure and there is no greater pressure than the Super Bowl.

New England has offense, but several key players are banged up. Notably “Gronk” and Matt Light. Those two players could tip the balance in favor of the Giants if they don’t play well. And the Giants are fairly healthy. Advantage – Giants.

But I really feel that the Giants’ defense will tip this game for New York. They’ve got great players n every level—defensive line, linebackers and secondary. Because their front four can bring so much pressure, so consistently, they will throw Brady off, out of rhythm. This takes the pressure off the ‘backers and the secondary. The secondary is opportunistic, and many of them were here for the last Super Bowl—notably, Webster, the leader. They will not waste any misfires by Tom Brady. And there will be some, with all the pressure brought in the trenches.

With ‘Gronk’ hobbled, the pressure will rest on the shoulders of the other receivers and running backs. Wait, they have other offensive players? The Giants need to be careful of Welker, always a threat, but manageable with their big linebackers to jam him on the line of scrimmage. Just don’t let him out into the flat. He’ll kill you out there.

All this being said, I think that it will be a low scoring, close game.

23-20 Giants.

Bring it Super Sunday. 

Conference Championships

Here we are, basically two weeks away from the Super Bowl. Now, let me begin by saying I'm proud to report that both of my Super Bowl picks are still in the game. That's better than last year, when they both got knocked out in the second round. I think both championships this year will be good, close games, but here's who will come out on top and why. 

Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots
In my bracket, I have the Ravens in the Super Bowl. So I can't exactly back down now. I've said all along that I'm not scared of New England. Baltimore has won playoff games on the road there before. They key for the Ravens in this game is simply to run the ball. It will take clock away, keeping Brady and company off the field, and exploit one of the Patriots' major weaknesses -- one of the worst run defenses in the league. Also, Joe Flacco has to play well. He's been under heavy fire, from both inside the locker room and out, being called the weak link on a team that has a star running back and defense. If you're going to believe in the Ravens, you must believe in Joe Flacco. And Cam Cameron's ability to call runs - lots of them. Ray Rice can make up the difference if Flacco struggles. Yes, Tom Brady is formidable. But the defense isn't. And they say defense wins championships. It'll be a good game, regardless of who wins. But I think it's the Ravens' game to lose.

New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers
This is an interesting game, one no one would have predicted at the beginning of the season, featuring another one of my Super Bowl bracket picks -- the Giants. San Francisco is a great story. Rookie Coach, redeemed first round quarterback. But right now I believe that's where the story rends. Alex Smith is not Eli Manning. When both defense are as stellar as these two, then to get the result of the game, one must look at the respective offenses. Yes, the 49ers have Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. But the Giants have Bradshaw, Jacobs, Cruz and Eli. For all the Eli haters out there, you must admit that he has at least gotten it together at the end of the season and in the playoffs. I'm not saying that the Giants are going to blow them out -- but I do believe they will win with a combination of hot offense and stingy defense.


Conclusion? 
Super Bowl XLVI will be Ravens v. Giants, a rematch of Super Bowl XXXV. 

Divisional Round 2011

So, here are the picks for this weekends playoff games.

Saints over 49ers. The spread is 3.5, in favor of the Saints and I would take the Saints.
Reasoning -- at the very least, the Saints will win by a touchdown. They say offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. That principle has had a lot of influence on the picks this week, because several of these match ups show a heavily offensive team with a heavily defensive one. Regardless, I think the Saints offense is too much for the 49ers defense in this case. Saints by a touchdown.

Patriots over Broncos. The spread is 13.5 in favor of the Patriots. I want to say Denver will beat the spread.
Reasoning -- Tim Tebow. If he can continue the upward trend, he has a chance to keep this game close. The defense will have to play better than they did in the last meeting. Remember, Denver owned the first quarter last time. They did fall apart, but they showed they have the potential. Don't be surprised if Denver wins this one -- the Patriots haven't won a playoff game since 2007.

SUNDAY GAMES
Ravens over Texans. The spread is 9, in favor of the Ravens. Take the Ravens. TJ Yates is going to have a long day.
Reasoning -- The Ravens are playing at home. They're strongest there. TJ Yates is a rookie quarterback, who has definitely impressed me, but he's still a rookie. He's got a lot of learning to do here, and it's not going to be pretty. With a week off, Baltimore is rested and prepared for this.

Giants over Packers. The spread is the Packers favored by 8. Take the Giants.
Reasoning -- Remember 2007. Please. This Giants team reminds me so much of that one. Yes, the Packers are an offensive powerhouse. But the Giants can bring the pressure like no one else in the NFC. I would not be surprised to see them win, as they almost did in week 13. So, I'm just going to go out on a limb and pick them. Sorry, Packers nation.

Playoffs Round 1

Alright here's the second set of playoff picks for wild card weekend. Giants over Falcons (NY giant beat spread 3). Steelers over Broncos but Broncos beat spread (9 or 8.5). Wasn't so great on spread picks yesterday, but got both winners.

Playoffs day one

Just wanted to throw a quick post up here about the playoffs!
I'm taking the Saints over the Lions, but think the Lions will beat the spread (10.5). Then hoping the Texans can pull it out like last time. So, what the heck, Texans. Cincy to beat the Spread (3).

Let it begin!

Week 17 Picks!

Here are the final picks of the 2011 season, though they are ironically the first picks of 2012. Playoffs are on the line for a lot of the teams here. Ravens and Giants win their respective divisions. Denver loses, but gets in. Whatcha think? Wish I could say the Bills would knock off New England...

Ravens (11-4) v. Bengals (9-6)

Pick: Ravens

Lions (10-5) v. Green Bay (14-1)

Pick: Lions

49ers (12-3) v. Rams (2-13)

Pick: 49ers

Jets (8-7) v. Dolphins (5-10)

Pick: Dolphins

Bears (7-8) v. Vikings (3-12)

Pick: Bears

Bills (6-9) v. Patriots (12-3)

Pick: Patriots 

Panthers (6-9) v. Saints (12-3)

Pick: Saints

Redskins (5-10) v. Eagles (7-8)

Pick: Eagles

Colts (2-13) v. Jaguars (4-11)

Pick: Colts

Titans (8-7) v. Texans (10-5)

Pick: Texans

Buccaneers (4-11) v. Falcons (9-6)

Pick: Falcons

Steelers (11-4) v. Browns (4-11)

Pick: Steelers

Chiefs (6-9) v. Denver (8-7)

Pick: Chiefs

Chargers (7-8) v. Raiders (8-7)

Pick: Chargers

Seahawks (7-8) v. Cardinals (7-8)

Pick: Seahawks

Cowboys (8-7) v. Giants (8-7)

Pick: Giants