Thursday, November 26, 2009

Predictions for Week 12

I was 12-3 last week, putting me at 84-48 for the season. I needed that boost pretty badly, let’s hope I do just as well this week. Normally I would explain my picks in the best detail I can, not this week though, mostly cause I am just too busy for that right now.

GB at DET Winner: GB
OAK at DAL Winner: DAL
NYG vs. DEN Winner: NYG
TB vs. ATL Winner: ATL
MIA at BUF Winner: MIA
WAS at PHI Winner: PHI

SEA at STL Winner: SEA
CAR at NYJ Winner: NYJ
CLE at CIN Winner: CIN
IND at HOU Winner: IND
KC at SD Winner: SD
JAC at SF Winner: SF
CHI at MIN Winner: MIN
ARI at TEN Winner: TEN
PIT at BAL Winner: PIT

NE at NO Winner: NO

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Hall of Fame Nominees Profile: Aeneas Williams

Aeneas Williams-Arizona Cardinals/St. Louis Rams-Southern-1991-2004


Aeneas Williams is a first-time eligible player who is caught in a rough position. He has the problem of being a first-time eligible with Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice. His numbers are clearly Hall of Fame worthy. He played for 14 seasons and amassed 55 interceptions during the course of those 14 years. Perhaps the thing that hurts his cause the most, even though it should help it the most is the fact he played mostly for the bad Cardinal teams of the 90s. This does take away from his image, but his play over that period should show that he was truly an individual star who could make a defense rather than a mere cog in a system. He also played well (though was well-past his prime) when he was with Rams for the last four years of his career. Comparatively Darrell Green, had 54 over a 20 year career. Green did have an interception in every year of his career, but he never surpassed 5 interceptions in a year, whereas Williams 5 seasons of 6 or more (including four straight seasons from 94-97 (9, 6, 6, 6,)). Also he returned 9 of his interceptions for touchdowns and 3 of the fumbles he recovered for touchdowns, making him a major scoring threat on the defensive side of the ball. It’s not likely that he’ll make it this year, but he is certainly a Hall of fame caliber with his 3 first-team All-Pro selections and 8 Pro Bowls. He’ll get in eventually and deservedly. 

Hall of Fame Nominees Profile: Andre Reed

Andre Reed-Buffalo Bills-Kutztown-1982-2000


To me, the fact that Andre Reed isn’t already a Hall of Famer is absolutely ridiculous. There is no argument that can deny his credentials, no legitimate argument anyway. However, for the sake of those who actually think that his stats are a product of a system or that he simply wasn’t dominant enough, let’s compare him to another receiver in the Hall of Fame. No, I will not make the oft made comparison to Michael Irvin, I believe to do so is unfair to Irvin who pales in comparison to Reed as a receiver. I am going to compare him to former all-time leading receiver in the NFL, James Lofton. IN comparing the two there are some things we do need to specify here. One is that Lofton played for to fewer seasons than Reed and did so for several teams while Reed played mostly for the Bills with his final season coming with the Redskins. With the exception of his first, last and an injury plagued 1995 season, Reed never failed to top 50 catches in a season. Lofton failed to achieve this feat in seven seasons. Lofton did have more career receiving yards (14,004 to 13,198) a higher overall yards per reception average (18.3 to 13.9) and 1000+ receiving yards seasons than Reed (6 to 4). However Reed had more receiving touchdowns by 12 (87 to 75), a ten touchdown season (which Lofton never had) and almost two hundred more receptions for his career. There was never a season where Andre Reed didn’t catch a touchdown pass, while Lofton had two such seasons. Reed did have 7 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and was 4-times an All-AFC receiver. One thing that many may complain about in this comparison is that Reed was more of a possession receiver while Lofton was a blazer. This is true enough, reflected in their stats, however being one or the other does not preclude one from the Hall of Fame. Reed suffers from being a part of the Bills team that went to four straight super bowls and all people remember of the Bills of that era is losing those games. This hinders Reed’s case as does the upcoming election of Jerry Rice and the further logjam created by Tim Brown, Cris Carter and Shannon Sharpe. This Logjam will hopefully be removed soon and allow Andre Reed to pass safely into the Hall. Note: to compare these receivers numbers or just look into other players, check out NFL.com, ESPN.com and http://www.pro-football-reference.com/ to get more great information about these and other players.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Predictions for Week 11

8-8 last week, including this past Thurdays game. that puts me at 72-45 for the season. Damn I need to stop getting lucky and start makign solid predictions.


IND at BAL Winner: IND


This was once a battle of epic offense versus epic defense. It’s now a matchup of an MVP QB in Peyton Manning leading his team against a reeling Ravens team. In spite of what it looked like in the game against the Browns, the offense was unable to pull away until late in the game and against the Colts, they may be unable to keep up with the Manning to Wayne connection. Colts win.

WAS at DAL Winner: DAL

Dallas hiccupped against Green Bay, but should be able to beat up on the suddenly confident Redskins.

CLE vs. DET Winner: DET

Detroit has been getting their talent going to a degree, while the Browns are a disappointingly poorly mismanaged team. The Browns could win this game if their offense can muster some points, their defense is pretty good. I still think that the Lions will get more points this time and get the win.

SF vs. GB Winner: GB

This is a tough game to call. Both teams are fairly middle of the road teams. Green Bay has a capable offense, but also protection problems and a young developing defense. San Fran has a strong running game and a fairly decent defense, but QB issues. I think Green Bay will hold on to their momentum from last week and pull out another victory. However if they don’t, San Fran will likely win.

BUF at JAC Winner: JAC

Jacksonville has been pulling themselves up by their bootstraps the past few weeks. While Maurice Jones-Drew has been piling up the touchdowns with regularity, Mike Sims-Walker has been giving the Jags a consistent passing target and keeping defenses honest during their run. Buffalo’s in disarray and will not be able to turn it around against the Jags.

PIT at KC Winner: PIT

Kansas City is still rebuilding, but is making strides. In this game, with their top receiver suspended, Pittsburgh will win, big time.

SEA at MIN Winner: MIN

Minnesota is a dominant team with a strong defense and offense. The Seahawks are injury-plagued and without a running game. Who tell me you is going to win.

ATL at NYG Winner: NYG

Atlanta is struggling some in this stretch. It will be a good way for them to learn to buckle down and fight for the wins. The Giants are coming off the bye and need to win to stay in the playoff race. The Giants will likely get this win, but don’t be too surprised if the Falcons pull the upset.

NO at TB Winner: NO

Tampa Bay is getting better each week since they started Josh Freeman. However, the Saints are going to make him struggle and out score the defense. Big win for the Saints.

ARI at STL Winner: ARI

Arizona is starting to catch its stride, while the Rams are still struggling. Steven Jackson will probably have a good game, but the Cardinals still win going away.

SD at DEN Winner: SD

Kyle Orton is out. Chris Simms hasn’t started since 2006. San Diego will definitely get the win.

NYJ at NE Winner: NE

The last time this two played, the Jets were able to pull of a big upset with the sensational rookie Quarterback Mark Sanchez. Since then, reality has set in for both teams. Sanchez has come crashing down to earth and is turning the ball over a fair amount. The New England defense has begun to really come together and with likely cause Sanchez to make numerous mistakes that cost the Jets the game. Patriots win going away.

CIN at OAK Winner: CIN

Cincinnati is one of the hottest and most well coached teams in the NFL right now. The Raiders are in constant disarray and have no chance of pulling themselves out of the gutter this season. Another win for the Bengals.

PHI at CHI Winner: PHI

Philly has been getting better with each passing game and their defense is excellent at getting pressure and causing turnovers off that pressure. With Jay Cutler’s history of making poor decisions in this season, (even though he has a two to one ratio of touchdowns to interceptions when the two 5 INT. games are taken away, so he hasn’t been nearly has bad has it seems) it leads to a win for the Eagles.

TEN at HOU Winner: HOU

Tennessee is red hot and has been getting their defense back up to snuff as more players are stepping up to fill the role of Albert Haynesworth as a pass rusher. Houston however, has been solid offensively and the defense is starting to mold into a solid D. I think Houston pulls it out, but it will be close.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thursday prediction

MIA at CAR Winner: CAR




Carolina has been getting the job done with a strong running game and Jake Delhomme minimizing his mistakes. Their defense does what it needs to do to keep winning. Miami has lost their main cog in Ronnie Brown. It’s doubtful they’ll make the playoffs without him, but they’ll still be competitive with Ricky Williams and Chad Henne making plays. This will be a good growing experience for Henne and should make him a better QB long-term. Carolina still wins.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Hall of Fame Nominees Profile: Russ Grimm

Russ Grimm-Washington Redskins-Pittsburgh-1981-1991


Russ Grimm was a All-Decade guard for the 1980s. A four time All-Pro and Pro-Bowler, Grimm has been selected as a Hall of Fame finalist four times, As a member of “The Hogs,” Grimm helped lead the Redskins to four Super Bowl appearances and three Super Bowl victories. He was an amazingly important cog in the offensive line that helped John Riggins build his Hall of Fame career. The only things that seem to go against him are the fact that he was a guard, a non-glamour position, and the fact that the “Hogs” were a well-known GROUP of offensive linemen. Regarding the first, it is a sad truth that certain positions in the NFL simply don’t get the kind of recognition that they deserve. Guards are one of those positions. The second argument falls into a similar vain as one of the worst arguments against certain players making the Hall of Fame, that there are too many from that team already in. There is no legitimacy to making that kind of comparison because, simply put, it’s impossible to tell how good any of these lineman would have been away from the others. Either way, he was a Hall of Famer then, and is still a Hall of Famer now. He should get in soon, however it is easy to see him getting over-looked simply because he was a guard and not a glamour position player.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Predictions for Week 10

ATL at CAR Winner: ATL




While Carolina has been able to rediscover some of their offensive prowess in their running game and DeAngelo Williams, the Falcons have a more balanced offense and a defense that should be able to hold the one dimensional Panthers.





TB at MIA Winner: MIA



Tampa surprised many with their victory over the Packers and looked like they could muster a much more explosive offense with Josh Freeman at the helm. That being said, Miami is still a much better team, they win on their rushing game.



DET vs. MIN Winner: MIN



Detroit is still working to find themselves and that’s not gonna help them against the much better Vikings.



JAX vs. NYJ Winner: NYJ



The Jets are coming of a bye week and still have some life left in them, which is the main reason I picked them to win. That being said, without Kris Jenkins this game could go either way. These teams are basically of the same caliber so….Jacksonville could easily upset.



CIN at PIT Winner: PIT



This is going to be a close game. This could easily be the wrong pick to go with. However, the break down for me is simple, Keith Rivers, one of the Bengals young defensive stars is out and he Steelers have their running game going. Look for them to target that side of the field with short passes and running plays to exploit this weakness.



NO at STL Winner: NO



Saints are not being stopped by the rebuilding Rams.



BUF at TEN Winner: TEN



Buffalo is coming off a bye week, however they run into the red hot titans with a winner in Vince Young. Titans win at home.



DEN at WAS Winner: DEN



Denver has looked flat recently and do have to travel cross country. That being said, they are better than the Redskins.



KC at OAK Winner: KC



This is a bit of an upset pick, but the Raiders are in even more disarray than normal. Kansas City will win this one.



SEA at ARI Winner: ARI



Arizona is still the big front runner in the west. They should win this home game with a strong passing attack.



DAL at GB Winner: DAL



Dallas should be able to pressure Aaron Rogers into a number a mistakes and win the game.



PHI at SD Winner: PHI



Philadelphia should be able to handle the overrated Chargers easily.



NE at IND Winner: IND



New England has been winless against Indy since Ty Law left the team 2004. Indy wins



BAL at CLE Winner: BAL



Cleveland’s disarray and talent mismanagement has lead to them being one of the worst teams in the league. Brady Quinn will probably have a hard time being successful in his return to the starter role.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Hall of Fame Nominees Profile: Dick LeBeau

Dick LeBeau-Detroit Lions-Ohio State-1959-1972


Dick LeBeau had only two seasons with less than 3 interceptions, his very first and very last. In the seasons between, he had one season of three interceptions, four with four, three with 5, two with six and one each with 7 and 9 interceptions, all amounting to 62 career interceptions over a 14 year career. That’s ten more than first ballot Hall of Famer Darrell Green, in less of a career. He played during a period where the Lions were still a contender, just beginning to fall into the muck of mediocrity. The main argument against his induction will be that he played across from two Hall of Famers, Dick “Night Train” Lane and Lem Barney. In this case, there may be some credence to the argument in reference to Lane. However, the continued excellence during the years with Lem Barney can be interchanged. There can be not telling how good either would have been without the other so, I find this argument invalid. Also, part of the argument about why certain wide receivers shouldn’t be in the hall is that the proliferation of the west coast offense inflated offensive numbers. If this is the case, then, if Darrell Green is a Hall of Famer, then so is LeBeau. LeBeau played in 124 fewer games than Green and got 8 more career interceptions, in an era where they threw less. Looking at all of these reasons, he is long-overdo for induction and needs to be put in NOW!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Hall of Fame Nominees Profile: Pat Swilling

Pat Swilling-New Orleans Saints/Detriot Lions/Oakland Raiders-Georgia Tech-1986-1998



A 5-Time Pro Bowler and 6-Time All-Pro and former defensive player of the year, Pat Swilling’s candidacy for the Hall of Fame is hurt mostly by the fact that he played for the Saints. However when you look at the Saints record during the time in which he and the “Dome Patrol” played, it can be seen that this was the most success that the franchise ever had until recently. Swilling himself produced more than 1,300 tackles and 107.5 sacks. He was a true speed rusher, who was able to cause a fair number of fumbles during his career, 36 to be precise. Personally, I would put him in for his effect as a pass-rusher, however, he will likely not get in because he played across from Rickey Jackson; whom I will discuss later.

Thursday prediction

7-6 again. Man, I am strgguling to stay above water right now at 64-37. Let's get in the early prediction for the Thursday game.


CHI at SF Winner: SF




The 49ers, in spite of no wins in the last four games, still have the feel of an up and coming team. They have a great tight end in Vernon Davis, who has bloomed into a premier player and a solid defense who has suffered from being somewhat over matched in some of the previous games. Against a struggling defense in Chicago, who are showing how much they miss the leadership and play of Brian Urlacher. Their offense is effective, if developing. However, they’ll not be able to score enough points against the 49ers defense to make up for the failures of their defense.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Predictions for Week 9

Last week, I was 7-6, putting me at 57-30 for the season. I need a good week this week.




WAS at ATL Winner: ATL



In DeAngelo Hall’s return to the Georgia Dome, Atlanta should be able to take down the ineffective Redskins. The Washington D plays well enough, however the offense is extremely inconsistent which will lead to their downfall.



ARI at CHI Winner: CHI



The battle of the who? What exactly are these teams? Some weeks, both look like some of the leagues top teams and other weeks they look like some of the most average. This game is more important to Arizona who is fighting for another division title; however Chicago’s D is getting Tommie Harris back which could make all the difference. It’s really a toss up, but I’m going with the home team in a cold snap.



BAL vs. CIN Winner: CIN



Baltimore hasn’t shown that they can stop Cedric Benson this season. They looked really good against Denver, and they might have hit their stride in that game. However, until I see it done, I’m not picking against the Bengals in this matchup.



HOU vs. IND Winner: IND



Houston has been playing well the past couple of weeks. However, Indianapolis has had their number through the majority of the Texans existence. The Colts will prevail in this matchup yet again.



KC at JAX Winner: JAX



Jacksonville is quite the enigma. Some weeks they look like a playoff contender and other weeks they look absolutely inept. However, in spite of the Jags ups and downs, the Chiefs are consistently down. In this matchup, I think the Jags will run over the chiefs.



MIA at NE Winner: NE



Miami has looked very good at times, but is still a bit too inconsistent for me to pick them over the red hot Pats. On a fantasy note, Ronnie Brown and Rickey Williams would be good starts in this game.



GB at TB Winner: GB



Tampa Bay is giving the reigns to a rookie quarterback. This doesn’t bode well for their season this year, but they have looked terrible all season either way so, it does make sense to give the rookie some experience. Green Bay wins big.



CAR at NO Winner: NO



Carolina has looked their best when the run the ball effectively. New Orleans’ defense thrives on getting turnovers, notably in the passing game. It’ll be a interesting matchup to watch those two units face off. However, there are two more units in the game, and that matchup isn’t even remotely close. The Panthers D won’t be able to keep up with the New Orleans offense and this should be a blowout.



DET at SEA Winner: DET



I normally don’t go with upsets like this, but I think that Detroit is starting to establish an identity for their team and will be able to pull of the upset.



SD at NYG Winner: NYG



In this matchup, I think the Giants will be able to over come some of their previous problems and be able o pull this game out. This pick is based on the Giants being able to pressure and frustrate Phillip Rivers. I do expect Vincent Jackson to have a good game against the somewhat lacking Giants secondary, however it won’t be enough for the Chargers to overcome the Giants.



TEN at SF Winner: SF



San Fran’s defense was able to hold the Colts offense to a mere 18 points and not allow a passing touchdown from Peyton Manning. Against Tennessee, I expect see something similar. Vince Young, however, is very different from Peyton Manning. Tennessee could pull the upset, but I expect San Fran to win.



DAL at PHI Winner: PHI



Philadelphia has far better corners than the last two teams that the Cowboys have played. They will likely be able to shutdown Miles Austin and thus cut off the big plays from Tony Romo and the Dallas offense.



PIT at DEN Winner: PIT



Last week showed what happens when the young Denver team plays an experienced team. Pittsburgh’s defense is far more experienced and should be able to destroy the Denver offense.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Halfway through the season awards

Halfway Awards




MVP: Peyton Manning (Indianapolis)

Offensive Player of the Year: Drew Brees (New Orleans)

Defensive Player of the Year: Elvis Dumervil (Denver)

Comeback Player of the Year: Cedric Benson (Cincinnati)

Free Agent of the Year: Darren Sharper (New Orleans)

Offensive Rookie or the Year: Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jarius Byrd (Buffalo)

Executive of the Year: Brian Xanders (Denver)

Coach of the Year: Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati)



Individual Team MVP



Arizona Cardinals: Kurt Warner

Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan

Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice

Detroit Lions: Matt Stafford

Green Bay Packers: Ryan Grant

Minnesota Vikings: Brett Favre

Chicago Bears: Jay Cutler

Washington Redskins: Albert Haynesworth

New York Giants: Eli Manning

Philadelphia Eagles: Donovan McNabb

Dallas Cowboys: Jason Witten

San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Davis

Seattle Seahawks: Matt Hasselback

St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson

Carolina Panthers: DeAngelo Williams

New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Aqib Talib

Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Rothelisberger

Cleveland Browns: Josh Cribbs

Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Benson

Buffalo Bills: Paul Pozluzny

New York Jets: Thomas Jones

Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown

New England Patriots: Tom Brady

San Diego Chargers: Vincent Jackson

Denver Broncos: Elvis Dumervil

Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe

Oakland Raiders: Zach Miller

Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning

Houston Texans: Matt Schaub

Jacksonville Jaguars: Maurice Jones-Drew

Tennessee Titans: Chris Johnson

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Predictions for Week 8

Two weeks ago I was 9-5, putting me at 50-24 for the season. Time to get back on the horse and try again.




SEA at DAL Winner: DAL



In recent weeks, Dallas has been able to do exactly what was their problem in previous weeks. Rushing the passer, causing turnovers and getting big plays in the passing games. They should continue this trend against the mediocre Seahawks.





DEN at BAL Winner: DEN



Baltimore has been having a rough time later in the season holding back opponent’s offenses, particularly in the running game. Their offense has been unable to keep up enough to make up for the somewhat porous defense. I think Denver’s streak will continue.



MIA vs. NYJ Winner: NYJ



Miami has been better than advertised. While the Jets have had some crippling injuries hit their team recently, particularly the loss of Kris Jenkins. That loss should cause the Jets to lose because it is a drastic loss for their run defense. However, I think that the loss of CB Will Allen will show in this game and that the Jets will pull out the win in a minor upset.



SF vs. IND Winner: IND



The Niners D was solid early on, however they have looked like they are unable to play with the big boys in their games with such teams to this point. Indy is a big boy, and should route them easily.



CLE at CHI Winner: CHI



Cleveland still lacks direction. Chicago may not be as good as they have looked at times, but they are still far better than the woefully mismanaged Browns.



STL at DET Winner: DET



Detroit is probably the best bad team in the NFL right now. They consistently play hard and, though they lose, find ways to keep games competitive. St. Louis plays like they’re in a daze. Detroit should win easily.



NYG at PHI Winner: NYG



I know the Giants have looked bad the last two weeks; however I think it would be bad to underestimate them and their talent. The Eagles will suffer from the loss of Brian Westbrook, tipping the win to the Giants.



HOU at BUF Winner: HOU



Houston’s offense has exploded recently and has given me no reason to think that this isn’t the team that they can be on a consistent basis. The Bills have gotten a roll going recently; however, they haven’t done enough to make me think that they are better than the Texans right now.



JAC at TEN Winner: JAC



Jacksonville is looking more and more like what they were in their hay-day, strong running game with just enough plays from the passing game. Tennessee is still trying to find itself and I expect them to have a rough go of it against the Jags. Jacksonville for the win.



OAK at SD Winner: SD



Oakland is terrible. Period. San Diego wins.





MIN at GB Winner: MIN



Green Bay is nothing but a middle of the road team. They can beat the majority of the teams, but aren’t able to keep up with the better teams in the NFL. Minnesota is one of the short list of NFC title contenders at this time so….I’m going with them to win in Favre’s return to Lambeau.





CAR at ARI Winner: ARI



Carolina is going to have a rough season, just for those who didn’t know. They’re running game is good and they have a solid defense. But Jake Delhomme, for as good as he has been for them in previous seasons, he is just a liability now. The Cardinals have been able to get themselves back into shape in recent weeks and should be able to give Kurt Warner all the time he needs to pick apart the Panthers D. Look for big turnovers as well, as the Cardinals have some good defensive playmakers.



ATL at NO Winner: NO



Atlanta is still a growing team. Their lack of a consistent running game has hurt them in recent weeks. The Saints aren’t a team that can be beaten when your offense and defense aren’t at their best. I’ll say right now that the Saints won’t be able to compete in the playoffs. I’ve never seen teams whose defenses rely so heavily on turnovers to win, instead of actually stopping teams when it matters, last. But that is besides the point. They should win this game.