NFL Times

AFC Wildcard

2006-12-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

We are heading into week 14 of the NFL season with the playoffs right around the corner. The AFC Wildcard spots are going to be tough to get. Let's take a look at who is still in the running and who I think will represent the AFC.

Division winners are clear for now with the following winners:

AFC East: NE Patriots
AFC North: Bal Ravens
AFC South: Ind Colts
AFC West: SD Chargers

As for the wildcard spots, there are only two spots left with the following teams who are trying to qualify along with their remaining schedules:

NY Jets (Buf, @Min, @Mia, Oak)
Cin Bengals (Oak, @Ind, @Den, Pit)
Jax Jaguars (Ind, @Ten, NE, @KC)
KC Chiefs (Bal, @SD, @Oak, Jax)
Den Broncos (@SD, @Arz, Cin, SF)

All of these teams above have a 7-5 record with just four games left. Whoever can win at least three of the four is virtually guaranteed a spot. That is easier said than done, so we will start with the first team on the list, the NY Jets.

The NY Jets are the team I like most because their schedule is the most favorable. They should beat Buf at home considering Buf is 2-4 on the road. Then, heading into Min should not be tough, because Min is no longer strong and they have lost five of the last six games with the only win coming against Arz. The game at Miami might be tough because Mia is playing better as of late. Even if they lose this game, they still get Oak at home the week after, which should be a breeze for them. So, I see the Jets going 3-1 down the stretch.

I really like the Bengals making the playoffs, but they really have a tough schedule all year. The first game is a breeze with Oak coming into town. Next, they travel to Ind, which they have been able to play tough. I do not see them winning this game though, with Ind still having to play for home field advantage. Next, going to Den should be a tough battle, but Cin is more well rounded then Den and should pull this game off. Finally, they get Pit at home, and this is going to be a big revenge game for the Bengals. The team who eliminated them last year from the playoffs could do so again, but Palmer will be motivated to beat them since they injured him last year. So, I see the Bengals going 3-1 down the stretch.

The Jaguars are not playing like the team from last year. They have lost some crucial games against unworthy opponents, like Hou twice and Buf. Their first game against Ind will be a low scoring affair, and if Ind did not lose last week, I would have picked the Jags. However, I do not see Ind losing back to back, and they will beat the Jags in a very close game. Next, the Jags head into Ten, a team who is playing like the best team in the league right now. The Jags have not been playing well on the road this season and Ten will beat them. They face the Patriots the week after, and I can see the Jags winning this game. They play good at home against tough opponents. Finally, they go to KC and will find it tough to win at Arrowhead Stadium. They will lose this game also and go 1-3 down the stretch.

The Chiefs will face the Ravens first. They will get beaten up physically, but will find a way to win this game at home. Next, they face the Chargers in SD, they have no chance of winning this game. The Chargers D will be bringing the pressure, and KC will not be able to move the ball. Next, they go to Oak which will not be a breeze for them. Being that this is a division game, the Raiders always play the Chiefs tough, and this could be the game that prevents the Chiefs from making the playoffs. But nahhh, I see the Raiders blowing it and the Chiefs will come out alive. Finally, they get the Jags at home and I already picked the Chiefs in this one. So, the Chiefs will be 3-1 down the stretch.

The Broncos probably did everyone a favor by starting Cutler, thus ending their season early. I see them getting hammered at SD. Then, they will get by the Cards in Arz. They will lose to Cin as described above. Finally, they will beat SF, but a little too late. They will be 2-2 down the stretch.

This puts the Jets, Bengals, and Chiefs tied at 10-6 each to end the season. The tie breaker is simple, head to head, the Bengals beat the Chiefs in week 1 and the Chiefs also have the worst AFC record with both the Jets and Bengals better against AFC opponents. Thus, the AFC Wildcard spots will belong to the NY Jets, and Cin Bengals.

Week 12 Round up

2006-11-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I went three for three on the Thanksgiving games. The rest of the field predictions are below:

Baltimore over Pittsburgh
Cincinatti over Cleveland
San Francisco over St. Louis
Minnesota over Arizona
New York Jets over Houston
New Orleans over Atlanta
Carolina over Washington
Jacksonville over Buffalo
San Diego over Oakland
New York Giants over Tennessee
New England over Chicago
Indianapolis over Philadelphia
Seattle over Green Bay

Early season predictions

2006-11-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

I made the following predictions before the season started. Let's see how well I'm doing...

AFC East
1. Miami2. New England3. Buffalo4. New York JTS
Let's see if Miami can keep it going.
AFC North
1. Cincinnati2. Baltimore3. Pittsburgh4. Cleveland
I don't see the Bengals catching the Ravens.
AFC South
1. Indianapolis2. Jacksonville3. Houston4. Tennessee
This division is too easy to predict.
AFC West
1. Denver2. San Diego3. Oakland4. Kansas City
LT, what the heck is going on??
NFC East
1. Dallas2. New York GTS3. Philadelphia4. Washington
Wow, this might actually be right too.
NFC North
1. Chicago2. Detroit3. Minnesota4. Green Bay
I don't think Detroit is gonna make a push anytime soon.
NFC South
1. Carolina2. Atlanta3. Tampa Bay4. New Orleans
Marques Colston from where, Hofstra? Drew Brees, can you keep it up.
NFC West
1. Seattle2. Arizona3. St. Louis4. San Francisco
Why didn't I know about the inconvenient truth before the seaon?

AFC East Champ
Miami(11 Wins)
AFC North Champ Cincinnati(10 Wins)
AFC South Champ
Indianapolis(12 Wins)
AFC West Champ
Denver(11 Wins)
NFC East Champ
Dallas(11 Wins)
NFC North Champ
Chicago(10 Wins)
NFC South Champ
Carolina(12 Wins)
NFC West Champ
Seattle(13 Wins)
AFC Wild Card #1
New England
AFC Wild Card #2
San Diego
NFC Wild Card #1
New York GTS
NFC Wild Card #2
Atlanta
AFC Wild Card Winner Team 1
New England
AFC Wild Card Winner Team 1
Cincinnati
NFC Wild Card Winner Team 1
New York GTS
NFC Wild Card Winner Team 1
Chicago
AFC Divisional Winner Team 1
Indianapolis
AFC Divisional Winner Team 2
Cincinnati
NFC Divisional Winner Team 1
Chicago
NFC Divisional Winner Team 2
Seattle
AFC Champ
Cincinnati
NFC Champ
Seattle
Pro Football Champion
Seattle

Thanksgiving

2006-11-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving around the corner, a new tradition of three games will be played. The NFL Network will be featuring their first NFL game live and more to come the rest of the season. Sometimes, a tradition should be broken. Much like the addition of a third game, the NFL needs to reconsider the tradition of Dallas and Detriot always playing on Thanksgiving. I'm not too enthusiastic about waking up to see the Lions take on the Dolphins even with the twist of Harrington playing his old team. It seems like every year this happens, so what is the big deal with all the free agency in the league??

Anyway, on to the afternoon game, what a bummer! We get to see the Cowboys take on a Tampa Bay team that offers no excitement whatsoever. Parcells himself tends to be very conservative and by this nature alone the game will be close. I do not see him attempting to blow out a team which he knows he can control and win just by playing the clock. The only hunch I have of Tampa pulling it out will be where Parcells was burned by Santana Moss on that classic MNF game where Brunell threw two late TD's while down 13-0 until midway of the 4th. Washington ended up winning 14-13. The correlation is with Galloway this time arond, because it seems like Gradkowski is finally getting him the ball. I guess we will wait until tomorrow to see if it happens.

As for the final game on Thanksgiving day, the Broncos head into Arrowhead Stadium. This will be a good game because it is a divisional matchup that features two playoff bound teams. When I think about the outcome, I really do not see Denver winning this game. The game they should have won was last week against the Chargers but they blew the lead and their load. The Chiefs fans are going to be rockin' and they will be a huge factor. Gonzalez should be healthy enough to come back, and if he is not effective, he surely will get a lot of attention to open things up for others. Meanwhile, the Broncos will have a QB controversy if they do lose this game, because they will fall from 1st to tied for second in the division. I can hear Jay Cutlers name already...

Well, have fun this Thanksgiving watching football all day, and like Gonzalez said on his commercial "Don't forget to bring the stuffing."

Super Bowl XL Sunday February 5, 2006

2006-02-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here we are, finally at the conclusion of another epic football season. This is the game that everyone comes to watch, some for the game, some for the commercials. As we sit back and enjoy the company around us and the game, us football fanatics also have this sick sort of disgust that we will not see another game for 7 months. This is the time where everyone feels like a gambler too. From office pools to straight bets, the Super Bowl is the most wagered on single event in the world, recording somewhere in the billions of dollars.

Well, as for the game, I really see this game going either way. There is no clear cut favorite, although Vegas is bluffing a Wildcard team as a four point favorite. What is ironic is the actual Super Bowl games themselves I can never seem to remember. I can recall the regular season and playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl much better. The collective gathering of a bunch of hooligans to watch a game distorts the memory of what actually happens and the focus is more on the party at the house and the commercials that stuck out.

Pittsburgh is coming into this game cocky and with high emotions. From Bettis playing his last game in Detriot to the terrible towel fans who follow them everywhere, they speak with a sense of assurance that there is no other ending aside from the one with them holding the Vince Lombardi trophy at the end of the day. Added to that, the backing of the oddsmakers with a four point favorite to really screw with peoples minds to make them think, will they win by four? The whole thought of Seattle winning is out the door at this point. Seattle who? Is that their opponent? Seattle, on the other hand is just making their first Super Bowl appearance ever with good talent on both sides of the field. What I really liked was how Hassleback took over and won that Washington game without Alexander. I believe his performance in that game will be indicative of how the Super Bowl will be played out. If Pittsburgh stuffs the run, which I think they are capable of, then Hassleback has shown us the courage to make it happen through the air against a stout defense before. As for the Steelers, the only drawback I see to them winning this game is they rested an extra week. It's like waking up with a cold shower after a good dream, you sit back and reflect on that dream before you play it out. When it comes down to it, Roethlisberger is still going to manage the game and keep the lead or keep them close the whole game. The question is can they fall behind by two scores, because if they do, they are not a good comeback team. I do not trust Roethlisberger in a come from behind game, I can see him throwing it away by trying to make things happen, rather than taking what is given to him when they are in the lead. Just as they have struggled to run in the playoffs, I see Pittsburgh trying to force feed Parker, Bettis, and Haynes the football. Boy I hope they do not have the lead cause this game will be boring, a la Ottis Andersen and the NY Giants in their Super Bowl win against the Bills.

My prediction is Pittsburgh 27 Seattle 24.

Have fun watching the game, and see you all next season!

Playoff Pick' em

2006-01-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

Look for a good matchup here in the early game. They both love to run the football but when your playing in Mile High, the gas runs pretty short and the bus might be left stranded. I like the Broncos over the Steelers in a defensive struggle 16-10.

When the two NFC opponents duke it out this will be a heavyweight bout of the strongest survives. With a first round punch on Alexander again, look for him to throw in the towel early. As for Steve Smitty he will continue to throw punches late in the final rounds racking up some huge points in a decision. The Panthers D will hold its own as for the Seattle D, they will fall asleep on a couple plays allowing just enough difference for the Panthers to defeat Seattle 23-21.

Playoff Pick' em

2006-01-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

Last week's playoffs were good. This week's games should be great. I went 3-1 last week, missing the Bengals game. Boy, if only Carson did not get injured who would have known? Check out this week's pick' em which should be really exciting.

Seahawks over Redskins
Patriots over Broncos
Colts over Steelers
Panthers over Bears

Have fun watching the games.

Look back at the 2005 season prognostications

2006-01-07T23:05:00.000-08:00

Back in Week 4 I had already made my predictions for the year. For those who do not remember I will attach it below along with updated comments on how I did.

This week, I will separate the teams in particular categories of who to look out for that are surprises this year, the usual contenders, pretenders, and the teams that have no chance. We are a quarter of the way through the NFL season.

LOOK OUT FOR...

Miami Dophins: This team has a realistic chance of winning their division. Their defense has remained solid from previous years and they have an offense to boot. They have become an exciting story for the Dolphins fans thur far. Wow, I was almost right on this one. The Dolphins were winners of their last six games and next year might be their year. I can't believe they ended one game from the Patriots and a possible division title. Overall, good prediction.

Cincinatti Bengals: Wow, what a cinderella story this has become. Marvin Lewis is displaying his true genious this year as he has the Bengals playing at their highest level. I see no reason their success will fade considering they are dominating the field on both sides. Hit this one right on as the Bengals ended up winning their division. Although I am a bit concerned about how their defense dropped down the stretch which will hurt them in the playoffs.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Right now they are hovering around in the middle of the pack. But they are not a team you want to face any given week because of their physical play and I rest their fate on the arms of Leftwich. Their defense is solid but they will only go as far as the health of their young quarterback. Very good call once again. The Jags were very exciting this year ending at 12-4. Although their quarterback did go down, they still found ways to win.

San Diego Chargers: I put them in this category because I feel many people wrote them off after a shaky 0-2 start. I knew they would be dangerous and it seems as if this giant has awaken. Look for them to win the AFC West once again. Well, you can not be right on everything. The Chargers had their chances but just could not win the big games. Very disappointing year for this club, probably the best team ever to not make the playoffs.

New York Giants: They are a team with a whole new look with Plaxico in the lineup. He spreads the field and opens things up for Shockey and company. Eli is coming into his own and will take this team far. Hit it right on the spot once again as the NY Giants ended up winning the division. They were a huge surprise this year and played well enough to win a competitive division.

Carolina Panthers: After a year absence from the playoffs, the Panthers look solid once again. They are in a very tough division, but they have experience on their side. The offense has all their key players back and the defense is holding its ground. Right on! The Panthers tied the Buccs at 11-5 but lost the division title due to a tiebreaker. However, they did make the playoffs and are a very tough team to play against.

Seattle Seahawks: Although they will be without the two starting receivers this week, the Seahawks benefit from a soft schedule. They should be able to run the tables in their division. The defense has been playing better lately and Alexander is back to form. Could not have put it any better as the Seahawks went 13-3 and clinched homefield advantage throughout. I really like the Seahawks especially playing at home.

THE CONTENDERS...New England (correct as they won the division), Pittsburg (correct as they made the playoffs), Indianapolis (correct as they clinched homefield advantage throughout), Denver (correct as they won their division and got a first round bye), Philadelphia (incorrect, wow I would have never guessed how much of a distraction the loss of TO made to this team as they kept falling one by one with McNabb and Westbrook going on IR), Tampa Bay (correct since they won their division and went 11-5). and Atlanta (incorrect, boy did they blow it going down the stretch losing key divisional games and three straight to end the season at 8-8).

THE PRETENDERS...

Buffalo Bills: Until coach Mularkey realizes that Losman is not the right guy this team is just a pretender. The prospect of putting in Holcomb will dramatically raise the value of this team because Holcomb can air it out like he did in his days at Cleveland. (Hit the spot right on as Buffalo just tanked down the stretch going 5-11. Not only did Losman hurt them early on, McGahee was horrible to end the season).

Baltimore Ravens: No passing game, no go. Everything else is well tuned aside from the brain of this team which is the quarterback. Not even the return of Boller will help them. (Right on since Baltimore went 6-10 and missed the playoffs. They need some help in the draft this year to even make them an average team next year).

Kansas City Chiefs: I called this one too. After they crushed the Jets and beat the high powered Raiders in Oakland, I knew this team was still a fluke at 2-0. Right after they were blown out on Monday Night against Denver and blew a huge lead at home against Philly. The collapse has started earlier than I thought. (I pride myself on picking this one right because year in and year out people think the Chiefs will be contenders. They are nothing more than pretenders and have never won the big games when they counted as they missed the playoffs at 10-6).

Washington Redskins: This team is undefeated now at 3-0 but just like last year I see them going on a skid of many losses in a row. To start, they have two tough away games at Denver and Kansas City, I will reevaluate their character after that. (Well, well, well, the Redskins needed to win five straight to make the playoffs and they did just that. I give them credit because I was wrong here thinking they would have crumbled).

Dallas Cowboys: This is a good team now, but the season is 16 weeks long. Bledsoe has gotten off to fast starts before, but once he stumbles there is no turning back for him. Sorry tuna, this ship is starting to sink. (I was right on here. Bledsoe did begin to struggle and the Cowboys missed the playoffs).

The Whole NFC North Division: Chicago has no quarterback. (Incorrect, I guess someone had to win the division right? Grossman coming back will help them immensely). Detriot can not be taken seriously with Harrington. (Correct, perfect call as even some of his teammates criticized him as being the cause this year). Minnesota is a shell of their former self. (Correct since the Vikings struggled this year, even though they got some life back when Brad Johnson stepped in but it was too little too late). Green Bay is old and plagued by injuries, with Ahman Green being the latest victim. (Correct, perhaps the biggest disappointment this year with Favre throwing 26 interceptions, ouch).

NO CHANCE:NY Jets, Cleveland, Tennessee, Houston, Oakland, New Orleans, St. Louis, Arizona, and San Francisco. (Correct on ALL of these teams. Wow, from Week 4 on, none of these losers surprised us and continued to be horrible the rest of the year, some teams got even worse than they were).

Well, I hope you enjoyed the 2005 season, and as I mentioned before no matter how much things change they still are the same in the NFL. I was right on for all but 6 teams, but the sad part is the teams that sucked I was perfect on. Those were the teams that I hoped would have surprised me and made things interesting, however, they all just rolled over.

Playoff Pick' em

2006-01-07T22:59:00.001-08:00

To end the regular season I went 11-5 in Week 17. That put my overall mark to 186-70. The playoffs are here. Take a look at my picks for the playoffs.

Washington over Tampa Bay
New England over Jacksonville
Carolina over NY Giants
Cincinnati over Pittsburgh

Good luck to all.

Week 17 Pick' em

2005-12-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

After going 13-3 last week, I am now 175-65 overall. This is the final week of the regular season and games are not necessarily ended the way they should because many teams are resting their starters. Let's see how it goes.

Chargers over Broncos
Giants over Raiders
Colts over Cardinals
Ravens over Browns
Bills over Jets
Panthers over Falcons
Vikings over Bears
Chiefs over Bengals
Steelers over Lions
Patriots over Dolphins
Buccs over Saints
49ers over Texans
Jaguars over Titans
Packers over Seahawks
Redskins over Eagles
Cowboys over Rams

Well, it has been a great season. The postseason should only get more exciting as the quality of the teams who made it this year is very good competitive. Should make for an excellent finish.

Week 16 Pick' em

2005-12-23T23:25:00.000-08:00

Last week I went 12-4. My overall total is now 162-62. Check out this weeks picks.

Buccs over Falcons
Bengals over Bills
Panthers over Cowboys
Lions over Saints
Jaguars over Texans
Redskins over Giants
Steelers over Browns
Chiefs over Chargers
Rams over 49ers
Dolphins over Titans
Cardinals over Eagles
Seahawks over Colts
Broncos over Raiders
Bears over Packers
Ravens over Vikings
Patriots over Jets

There you go.

Week 15 Pick' em

2005-12-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

Well, last week was another great week going 14-2. My overall total is now 150-58. Take a look at this weeks picks.

Patriots over Buccs
Giants over Chiefs
Broncos over Bills
Cardinals over Texans
Panthers over Saints
Redskins over Cowboys
Dolphins over Jets
Steelers over Vikings
Colts over Chargers
Seahawks over Titans
Jaguars over 49ers
Bengals over Lions
Raiders over Browns
Rams over Eagles
Bears over Falcons
Ravens over Packers

Good luck to all this week.

Week 14 Pick 'em

2005-12-10T17:02:00.000-08:00

Here are the week 14 picks. Last week I went 13-3, so I am currently at 136-56.

Steelers over Bears
Bengals over Browns
Titans over Texans
Colts over Jaguars
Patriots over Bills
Jets over Raiders
Vikings over Rams
Panthers over Buccs
Giants over Eagles
Seahawks over 49ers
Redskins over Cardinals
Broncos over Ravens
Cowboys over Chiefs
Chargers over Dolphins
Packers over Lions
Falcons over Saints

Week 13 Pick' em

2005-12-04T00:03:00.000-08:00

After going 12-4 last week, I stand at 123-53. This week poses some tough matchups with many divisional battles.

Panthers over Falcons
Bills over Dolphins
Steelers over Bengals
Giants over Cowboys
Bears over Packers
Ravens over Texans
Jaguars over Browns
Vikings over Lions
Buccs over Saints
Colts over Titans
Cardinals over 49ers
Rams over Redskins
Chiefs over Broncos
Patriots over Jets
Chargers over Raiders
Seahawks over Eagles

Week 12 Pick' em

2005-11-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

Last week was a terrible week. I went 8-8 to take my overall record to 111-49. Let's make this a better week.

Falcons over Lions
Cowboys over Broncos
Bengals over Ravens
Panthers over Bills
Buccs over Bears
Vikings over Browns
Chiefs over Patriots
Chargers over Redskins
Titans over 49ers
Rams over Texans
Jaguars over Cardinals
Raiders over Dolphins
Eagles over Packers
Seahawks over Giants
Jets over Saints
Colts over Steelers

Week 11 Pick' em

2005-11-19T22:42:00.000-08:00

Last week I was 10-4. My overall record stands at 103-41. Take a look at this weeks pics.

Redskins over Raiders
Dolphins over Browns
Steelers over Ravens
Cowboys over Lions
Jaguars over Titans
Rams over Cardinals
Patriots over Saints
Giants over Eagles
Falcons over Buccs
Panthers over Bears
Seahawks over 49ers
Broncos over Jets
Chargers over Bills
Bengals over Colts
Chiefs over Texans
Packers over Vikings

Good luck to all this week.

No more Bye Weeks

2005-11-16T22:53:00.000-08:00

We can finally get back to a full schedule of football. At this point in the season, any team with a winning record is playing in a must win situation. All the playoff spots are starting to get defined and some "used to be good teams" are showing signs of wear and tear. Most notably the Philadelphia Eagles who had the best choke job interpretation of the Monday night game earlier in the year by their opponent, the Cowboys. Must of felt sweet for Parcells to get that win back, the one against Washington that they lost in the last minutes.
On another note, I do not want to hear the initials T.O. the rest of this season unless it is to announce he joined another team. I've never seen one player in any sport ever receive so much publicity, it is amazing. He has already accomplished what he wanted without even playing football, he has his name out there so everybody knows who he is even if you do not watch football.
What do I think about this weeks games? I really love the matchup between Indy & Cincy. I remember in 2003 when the red hot Chiefs went into Cincinnati with a record of 9-0 and I called the upset of Cincinatti winning. I have that same feeling two years later with a more potent Colts team coming to town, but I still like the Bengals coming off a bye week well prepared to take on the Colts and that electric crowd to keep the rush going and motivate Cincinnati to a win. Carolina versus Chicago is another game I love. What a matchup between two teams headed in the right direction. The only mute point is the Bears passing attack, but they will play conservatively on offense. I think Steve Smith will burn the tough Chicago secondary but Chicago will also take some back the other way as Delhomme is known to throw a pick or two. Another great game is Tampa Bay at Atlanta. I do not see Atlanta losing back to back games at home. Additionally, I do not see Tampa Bay coming back to their senses after pulling off a victory that they should not have had, not to mention the gutsy call by Gruden to go for the win with a two point conversion rather than tie it with less than a minute to go.
Who would I put my money on this week? Nobody really. But I do have some hunches that could bring home some money with little down taking some dogs. I'd take the Titans +4 against Jax cause they seem to struggle against teams they should put away. Take the Dolphins +2 against the Browns, because the Dolphins should control the clock and run all over Cleveland. I love the 49ers +11 1/2 against the Seahawks, and I might even suggest the moneyline at +650. The Seahawks just won the biggest game of their season and are feeling a bit comfortable while the 49ers are playing some good defensive football, especially at home. Finally, the Texans +6 1/2 against the Chiefs at home on Sunday night. Just seems like they have something to prove while the Chiefs are fitting into my prediction just well, falling apart as I suggested. Nothing will seal the deal more than not being able to handle a miserable 1-8 Texans team on the road. Go ahead, put some money down and just tip me when you win.

Week 10 Pick 'em

2005-11-12T21:10:00.000-08:00

Last week was the best week of the year, going 13-1 with an overall record of 93-37. So much for picking Green Bay to upset Pittsburg. Take a look at this weeks picks.

Detriot over Arizona
Jacksonville over Baltimore
Indianapolis over Houston
Buffalo over Kansas City
NY Giants over Minnesota
New England over Miami
Chicago over San Francisco
Denver over Oakland
Carolina over NY Jets
Atlanta over Green Bay
Seattle over St Louis
Washington over Tampa Bay
Pittsburgh over Cleveland
Philadelphia over Dallas

Good luck.

Week 9 Pick' em

2005-11-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

I went 10-4 last week putting my overall mark to 80-36. Here are this weeks picks with two big upsets.

Atlanta over Miami
Carolina over Tampa Bay
Cincinnati over Baltimore
Minnesota over Detriot
Jacksonville over Houston
Kansas City over Oakland
San Diego over New York Jets
Cleveland over Tennessee
Chicago over New Orleans
New York Giants over San Francisco
Seattle over Arizona
Green Bay over Pittsburgh
Washington over Philadelphia
Indianapolis over New England

Good luck.

Week 8 Pick 'em

2005-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Last week I was an average 8-6 taking my overall record to 70-32.

Cowboys over Cardinals
Lions over Bears
Texans over Browns
Bengals over Packers
Jaguars over Rams
Panthers over Vikings
Raiders over Titans
Giants over Redskins
Chargers over Chiefs
Saints over Dolphins
Broncos over Eagles
Buccs over 49ers
Patriots over Bills
Steelers over Ravens

Good luck this week.

Turning Point Games

2005-10-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Week 8 provides five key games that could turn the season around for some teams.

1. Washington @ New York Giants
This division features four teams with winning records. New York, Philadelphia and Washington all stand at 4-2 while Dallas is 4-3. The winner of this game will get an early edge for the inside track lead in this division. The win is more crucial if Washington is victorious. The Giants are expected to win at home, and a loss could be more devastating to them, considering they still have to play at FedEx Field. The Redskins are looking really impressive at this point. The addition of Santana Moss has resurrected Brunell's career, considering how Coles last year did not help Brunell's cause at all. Meanwhile, the New York football Giants are now the talk of the town with Eli being a great hero. I can't believe I am saying this, but this game will be good. They are no longer running teams, we will see an aerial attack in this game.

2. Chicago @ Detriot
This divisional matchup will finally produce a winner with a winning record. Both teams come in at 3-3 with Minnesota at 2-4 and Green Bay at 1-5. I am starting to like both teams. The irony here is they are both defensive teams. Chicago is playing really good defensive football setting up a short field for their offense. Jones is running great, allowing Orton to play conservative and win football games. Detriot is doing really good against the run. They also have some ball hawks who pick off passes and take them to the house, just ask the Buccs. The return of Garcia will make this team a contender. Look for the winner of this game to be in the drivers seat, especially if the Bears win.

3. Kansas City @ San Diego
I have no problem picking the winner of this game, it will be San Diego hands down. Now let's take a look at the division with Denver at 5-2 Kansas City at 4-2 San Diego at 3-4 and Oakland at 2-4. Denver proved how vulnerable they are away from Mile High. Kansas City has been catching all the breaks, but they are in for a bumpy ride in San Diego. If Kansas City wins, they will make it a two team race. However, if San Diego wins, I see them being the more stable team down the stretch. Look out for the super chargers.

4. Philadelphia @ Denver
Two winning football teams in competitive divisions. Philly can not afford to lose because their rivals have all caught up with them. They also have five more division games left to go, so each game in the second half of their season is that much more crucial. The Broncos can not afford to lose at home because that is their comfort zone. If they lose this game also, they have allowed the division doors open, and who knows, maybe the Raiders can even move back into the picture with only four losses if they play like they did against Buffalo.

5. Buffalo @ New England
Wow, do I love this game. Another matchup for the lead in the division. I will give you the outcome again, hands down New England. This division features New England at 3-3 Buffalo at 3-4 Miami at 2-4 and New York Jets at 2-5. The only guarantee is that the Jets are out so far. The Bills will continue to play .500 football and the Pats seem to be in the drivers seat again. Too bad its in Gillete Stadium, Buffalo does not stand a chance. If the Bills do pull off a win, they still only go up half a game and make it an exciting race, but that is a big IF.

News & Notes

2005-10-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been able to download and watch complete games of the NFL without commercial delay. Some important things I learned from watching these "other" games each week that are not televised is how exciting some of them really are. Additionally, how little time the athletes actually play the game, roughly 23 minutes of constant game time that does not include the time between the huddles where they are inactive. Some things I learned from watching these games will be listed below. These items I feel are important in considering the true outcome of a football game.

* Penalties: After watching countless games, I am in awe of how many bonehead penalties have caused crucial drives to stall, important defensive stands to be cancelled out, huge offensive plays to be called back. The saying is true, the teams with the worst records are the ones who committ the most penalties. Some of these penalties are worse than turnovers, cause they continue to reoccur and shoot the same team in the foot. I don't know if you blame the players or yell at the coaches for stressing the importance of each and every penalty. Prime example: the Raiders. They should not be allowed to play another game unless they keep their penalties under double digits, otherwise they are putting themselves at a big handicap.

* Blown calls: The official NFL standings would be nothing like they are now if you consider how many ill advised calls are made that change the complexion of a game. Secondly, I have seen play after play where the refs give an unusual spot on the same drive that results in a punt because of a 4th and 1. These are spots that are a couple yards off that do not get reviewed because the coaches are afraid of losing their timeouts. Also, how many horrific calls that are made that result in the outcome of a game. Example: Lions at Buccs week 4. The tight end for Detriot clearly scores a touchdown at the end of the game as he is sitting on the ground with possession of the ball then slides out and the initial call was a touchdown. I saw no irrefutable evidence to suggest why the ref overturned the call.

* Clock management: Considering these games are so quick and easy to watch you can give more of a focus on other things, simple things as how well the clock is managed. You will be so shocked to see how many times on kickoffs or after timeouts or through penalties the clock manager forgets to start the clock immediately when the player catches the ball on a kick return, etc. Literally, it happens four or five times a game with each infraction being about five to ten seconds.

Well, I just want to leave my readers with some information I thought was vital to each games outcome. Knowing that they say the NFL is a game of inches and how each and every second counts, don't you think they should be more consistent during the game to make sure the inches and seconds are being counted properly?

Week 7 Pick 'em

2005-10-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

After completing a terrific 13-1 week last time, my overall mark is now at 62-26. Check out this weeks picks:

Dolphins over Chiefs
Browns over Lions
Packers over Vikings
Colts over Texans
Saints over Rams
Bengals over Steelers
Eagles over Chargers
Redskins over 49ers
Seahawks over Cowboys
Bears over Ravens
Raiders over Bills
Broncos over Giants
Cardinals over Titans
Falcons over Jets

Have a great week.

Week 6 Pick' em

2005-10-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

This weeks pick' em hopefully is better than last weeks results. I had 7 picks right last week.

Pittsburg over Jacksonville
Chicago over Minnesotta
Tampa Bay over Miami
Dallas over NY Giants
Baltimore over Cleveland
Carolina over Detriot
Cincinatti over Tennessee
Kansas City over Washington
Atlanta over New Orleans
Buffalo over NY Jets
Denver over New England
San Diego over Oakland
Seattle over Houston
Indianapolis over St Louis

Good Luck this week.

Week 5 Pick' em

2005-10-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

Another good performance last week going 10-4 has put my mark at 42-18. Check out this week's picks.

Lions over Ravens
Bears over Browns
Dolphins over Bills
Patriots over Falcons
Packers over Saints
Rams over Seahawks
Buccs over Jets
Texans over Titans
Colts over 49ers
Panthers over Cardinals
Eagles over Cowboys
Broncos over Redskins
Jaguars over Bengals
Chargers over Steelers

Good luck and see you next week.