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.

Week 3 2011 Picks

Sorry for the down to the wire post guys! It was parents' weekend this weekend, so I had to spend time with my rents. I just got back to my dorm. I haven't turned on any games/internet to look at the scores, so these are unbiased. Enjoy! 

Patriots (2-0) v. Bills (2-0)

Pick: Patriots (though I wish I had the guts to pick the Bills)

Lions (2-0) v. Vikings (0-2)

Pick: Lions

Giants (1-1) v. Eagles (1-1)

Pick: Eagles

Jaguars (1-1) v. Panthers (0-2)

Pick: Panthers

49ers (1-1) v. Bengals (1-1)

Pick: 49ers

Texans (2-0) v. Saints (1-1)

Pick: Saints

Dolphins (0-2) v. Browns (1-1)

Pick: Browns

Broncos (1-1) v. Titans (1-1)

Pick: Broncos

Chiefs (0-2) v. Chargers (1-1)

Pick: Chargers

Ravens (1-1) v. Rams (0-2)

Pick: Ravens

Jets (2-0) v. Raiders (1-1)

Pick: Jets

Packers (2-0) v. Bears (1-1)

Pick: Packers

Falcons (1-1) v. Buccaneers (1-1)

Pick: Falcons

Cardinals (1-1) v. Seahawks (0-2)

Pick: Cardinals

Steelers (1-1) v. Colts (0-2)

Pick: Steelers

Redskins (2-0) v. Cowboys (1-1)

Pick: Cowboys 

Week Two Wrap-up

Here is my take on five games of last week. I really haven't said enough about the Raiders Bills game, but am still in such awe of it, that I can't even put it into words. The Lions continue to be epic, as seems to be the theme this season. The other three games are just a few quick notes. I just wanted to touch on a few things, like the Vikings falling apart, Tony Romo's grit finally existing, and the 'Dream team's' first loss.

Also, last week for picks - 13-2-1 ^_^ (sorry about the New England / San Diego game-- it slipped through the crack for some reason.) 

Raiders v. Bills (35-38)

These are not last year’s Bills. Anyone who watched this game (and everyone should have), especially the fourth quarter, sees a team that has pulled itself together. Rather than falling apart at being down by multiple scores, the Bills rallied to put together a drive and win. Now I’m not saying that the Bills are Super Bowl worthy – yet . But I am saying that they are no longer a push over team.

Chiefs v. Lions (3-48)

As long as the Lions keep winning and putting up crazy numbers of points (ranked 3^rd in the NFL), I will continue writing about them. I think that the Lions will continue to thrive. They have the offense, they have the defense and they don’t need special teams because they never kick field goals. I’m slightly kidding there, but each piece is good. I don’t even think the Lions have a challenge until week 7 at Atlanta. We’ll see if I’m right. Keep rolling, Detroit.

Buccaneers v. Vikings (24-20)

Vikings fans, time to panic. The Buccs were down by 3 scores and came back to win. The Vikings laid down and gave it to them. Donovan was supposed to be the answer here. He’s not. A knock on him has always been his lack of pacing. He tends to slow down and lose momentum, which is exactly what happened here. A coach like Andy Reid could always get it out of him, but so far no other coach has been able to. But the defense also needs to take the heat for this one. Panic, Vikings fans. Now.

Cowboys v. 49ers (27-24)

Where were these Cowboys last week? 49ers fans, don’t start yelling yet. This was really won by Tony Romo’s grit, not your faults. Let poor Alex Smith be, okay? Tony Romo took control of this team and this game – finally. He played through what turned out to be a serious injury and led his team to a comeback and an overtime victory. With his receivers dropping left and right, he needs to remain as the leader of this offense. Maybe this is a sign of Jason Garret’s new attitude for the team? Or maybe dear Tony finally just ‘Cowboyed’ up? 

Eagles v. Falcons (31-35)

Here are the Falcons everyone wanted to see. A power offense, with a questionable defense. Michael Turner needs to get going this season, regardless of Matt Ryan's numbers. Now Eagles fans should worry a little bit. You lost because Vick was out. Hope this is just a one time thing. Vince Young is no Michael Vick, though many times he has been hailed as the natural successor. Lightning won't strike twice here, Philly. All I'm gonna say about this 'dream team' is that the Redskins are leading this division. Fix it, now. 

Week 2 Game Picks

Here they are! Week 2 game picks for your viewing / snippy comments. I was 11-5 last week... not bad for an opening weekend. 

Chiefs (0-1) v. Lions (1-0)

Pick: Lions

Seahawks (0-1) v. Steelers (0-1)

Pick: Steelers

Raiders (1-0) v. Bills (1-0)

Pick: Bills

Packers (1-0) v. Panthers (0-1)

Pick: Packers

Ravens (1-0) v. Titans (0-1)

Pick: Ravens

Browns (0-1) v. Colts (0-1)

Pick: Browns

Buccaneers (0-1) v. Vikings (0-1)

Pick: Buccaneers

Cardinals (1-0) v. Redskins (1-0)

Pick: Redskins

Bears (1-0) v. Saints (0-1)

Pick: Saints

Jaguars (1-0) v. Jets (1-0)

Pick: Jets

Cowboys (0-1) v. 49ers (1-0)

Pick: Cowboys

Bengals (1-0) v. Broncos (0-1)

Pick: Broncos

Texans (1-0) v. Dolphins (0-1)

Pick: Texans

Eagles (1-0) v. Falcons (0-1)

Pick: Eagles

Rams (0-1) v. Giants (0-1)

Pick: Giants 

Week One Wrap

This is just something I wanted to start doing. I'm just going to go through a few of the major games this weekend, or ones that surprised me. Basically any thing I have a snippy comment about, I'll try to put in here. I've started with five games (including the opener). Let me know what you think!!

Saints v. Packers (34-42)

A national TV audience didn’t learn much they didn’t already know from this game. Green Bay and New Orleans are still powerhouse offensive teams with an illusion of a running game. Both these defenses surprised me—I hadn’t expected them to give up nearly so many points. Probably just rusty. The NFL couldn’t have hoped for a more exciting game to open 2011.

Steelers v. Ravens (7-35)

Seriously, was there anyone who didn’t watch this and walk away floored? There are two teams who have combined for a margin of victory of only 25 total points in the last six games. The margin of victory for this single game was 28. The Ravens came out and played not only like they had something to prove (which they did), but like the expected to beat down the Steelers. For a team who spent the whole off season saying things like it wasn’t a rivalry because the Ravens didn’t win enough or that Flacco can’t win a Super Bowl, this was the worst thing that could happen. One Steelers’ player said that they were beat like dogs. Good, now maybe they’ll shut the hell up. Take a bow Baltimore.

Lions v. Buccaneers (27-20)

These are the Lions I’ve been expecting to see for years. For now, when healthy, they are as good as hyped. Many said that the Buccs were supposed to win the division this year (though I never said that). This is no cream-puff team the Lions beat. The score isonly as close as it is because the Buccs got a TD with 1:35 left. Up to that point, it was 27-13. Lookout Kansas City—the Lions are coming.

Bills v. Chiefs (41-7)

Whether the Bills are really good or the Chiefs are just that bad remains to be seen. But I think that the Bills are just that good. They weren’t a push-over team last year, despite what everyone thought. Now, executing the small things, they’ve become good. Still no chance of winning the division though. But not quite a miserable season in store this year. However, Chiefs fans should be panicking. The situation in Kansas City is getting worse every game they play.

Giants v. Redskins (14-28)

Please don’t get excited Redskins’ fans. Please don’t. One game does not mean you’re good. Remember last year, they beat the Cowboys who turned out to be bad. I believe this might be a similar case. The Giants looked good on the first drive, but not afterwards. Eli’s pick six made this game for the Skins. Don’t forget that Rex Grossman would show flashes of good play then have terrible games. Celebrate this one – it’ll be one of the only ones.