I was undefeated in non-prime time games last week and winless in primetime games. 13-3 still isn;t a bad addition to the record. I am now at 119-61, but now is when the picks get tougher, not knowing when the top teams are going to rest thier players or when the bottom-feeders will rise up to play the spoiler. Thursday's game is the perfect example of that.
IND at JAC Winner: IND
This pick is much trickier than most would think. Yes, I know that Jim Caldwell said that he was going to play all the healthy players and that they were prepping for this game the same way they have for all the games till now. The problem with that is that I don’t believe him. I think that if they’re up by more than touchdown in the late third and fourth quarter, he won’t hesitate for a second to yank his starters and sit them for the rest of the game. It doesn’t help that the Jaguars have a very strong runner in Maurice Jones-Drew and the Colts aren’t a great run defense. I’m still picking the Colts on the precaution that Caldwell was telling the truth, just with much trepidation.
DAL at NO Winner: NO
The Cowboys are likely playing without DeMarcus Ware. Is there any other reason I need to pick the Saints? Not having your best pass-rusher against Drew Brees is not the formula to upset the Saints.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Predictions for Week 14
NO at ATL Winner: NO
New Orleans is still red hot and, with Matt Ryan and Michael Turner among the offensive starters that are up in the air to start in this game, will likely run over the Falcons.
DET vs. BAL Winner: BAL
Baltimore gets a break from the slide they’ve been in recently. The Lions are growing and need help defensively, but this is all good experience for their young players. The Ravens will win and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
GB vs. CHI Winner: GB
Green Bay’s defense has been to force hurried and off- balance throw from even the best of QBs. Jay Cutler will be blamed for this loss, but there is so much more to it, just like the rest of the season.
SEA at HOU Winner: HOU
Houston is in trouble, there is no way around it. They need this win to help save Gary Kubiak’s job and the long-term stability of the team. Seattle has been hot and will threaten an upset, but Home Field edges this game to the Texans.
DEN at IND Winner: IND
While Denver’s defense seems to be back to form and it is the defensive scheme that has given Peyton Manning the most trouble through his career, Manning has been simply unstoppable during the course of the season and will pull this one out like he has so many others.
MIA at JAC Winner: MIA
Miami’s backs are against the wall, but they will not fade quietly into the winter. Jacksonville is the worst team in the league in sacking the quarterback, which means that Chad Henne will have all-day to pick apart the Jags secondary. This doesn’t make it easy, just easier.
BUF at KC Winner: BUF
Buffalo is playing hard, they might not being winning, but they are playing hard. Against the Chiefs, who are also playing hard, they should be able to make enough plays to pull out the victory.
CIN at MIN Winner: MIN
Minnesota’s run defense should be able to shut down the potent running attack of the Bengals. While their secondary has been hurt as of late, I do think that their ability to rush the passer will make it hard for Carson Palmer to get into a rhythm with Chad Ochocinco, especially when they are forced to forgo the play-action pass. Minnesota wins in a tight one.
CAR at NE Winner: NE
Whether it’s Matt Moore or Jake Delhomme, the Panthers will have a very difficult time passing on the Pets in this match-up. This will allow the Pats to load up the box and focus on stopping the powerful running of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. New England gets a much needed victory.
NYJ at TB Winner: NYJ
As weak as I think the Jets are without their young QB to sling it loose, there is one player who I think will make all the difference in this match-up, Darrelle Revis. He has been a great shut-down corner for the majority of the season and should shut down Antonio Bryant in this match-up. Add into this that Josh Freeman is a rookie Quarterback, then you have the combination for a long-day of defensive struggle.
STL at TEN Winner: TEN
Tennessee’s loss last week was understandable; they’d played an undefeated Colts team. St. Louis will likely have troubles keeping up with Chris Johnson, far less trouble than the Titans defense will have taking on Steven Jackson. Both Jackson and Johnson will likely eclipse 100+ yards, but Johnson (and the Titans in general) will have the better game.
WAS at OAK Winner: WAS
While Oakland’s win against Pittsburgh was impressive, I don’t think they will have the same success against the resurgent Redskins. The Redskins should be able to trick Gradkowski into making a litany of mistakes against a strong secondary, even though DeAngelo Hall (their best cover man) is out.
SD at DAL Winner: SD
San Diego is undefeated in December since appointing Phillip Rivers as the starting QB. The Cowboys have won only a quarter of their December games over the last decade. You figure out why I am making this pick.
PHI at NYG Winner: NYG
This pick simply comes down to where it’s being played. The Meadowlands has always been a hard place to play, particularly in the cold and wind of December. The Eagles won’t be able to pull off their big plays that consistently saves them in close games, putting the Giants in position to pull the upset.
ARI at SF Winner: ARI
The Cardinals have found their wings again. The 49ers haven’t been able to keep their momentum in the past two games, leading to close losses. I do think the 49ers should be able to keep the game relatively close, but will probably lose it late.
New Orleans is still red hot and, with Matt Ryan and Michael Turner among the offensive starters that are up in the air to start in this game, will likely run over the Falcons.
DET vs. BAL Winner: BAL
Baltimore gets a break from the slide they’ve been in recently. The Lions are growing and need help defensively, but this is all good experience for their young players. The Ravens will win and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
GB vs. CHI Winner: GB
Green Bay’s defense has been to force hurried and off- balance throw from even the best of QBs. Jay Cutler will be blamed for this loss, but there is so much more to it, just like the rest of the season.
SEA at HOU Winner: HOU
Houston is in trouble, there is no way around it. They need this win to help save Gary Kubiak’s job and the long-term stability of the team. Seattle has been hot and will threaten an upset, but Home Field edges this game to the Texans.
DEN at IND Winner: IND
While Denver’s defense seems to be back to form and it is the defensive scheme that has given Peyton Manning the most trouble through his career, Manning has been simply unstoppable during the course of the season and will pull this one out like he has so many others.
MIA at JAC Winner: MIA
Miami’s backs are against the wall, but they will not fade quietly into the winter. Jacksonville is the worst team in the league in sacking the quarterback, which means that Chad Henne will have all-day to pick apart the Jags secondary. This doesn’t make it easy, just easier.
BUF at KC Winner: BUF
Buffalo is playing hard, they might not being winning, but they are playing hard. Against the Chiefs, who are also playing hard, they should be able to make enough plays to pull out the victory.
CIN at MIN Winner: MIN
Minnesota’s run defense should be able to shut down the potent running attack of the Bengals. While their secondary has been hurt as of late, I do think that their ability to rush the passer will make it hard for Carson Palmer to get into a rhythm with Chad Ochocinco, especially when they are forced to forgo the play-action pass. Minnesota wins in a tight one.
CAR at NE Winner: NE
Whether it’s Matt Moore or Jake Delhomme, the Panthers will have a very difficult time passing on the Pets in this match-up. This will allow the Pats to load up the box and focus on stopping the powerful running of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. New England gets a much needed victory.
NYJ at TB Winner: NYJ
As weak as I think the Jets are without their young QB to sling it loose, there is one player who I think will make all the difference in this match-up, Darrelle Revis. He has been a great shut-down corner for the majority of the season and should shut down Antonio Bryant in this match-up. Add into this that Josh Freeman is a rookie Quarterback, then you have the combination for a long-day of defensive struggle.
STL at TEN Winner: TEN
Tennessee’s loss last week was understandable; they’d played an undefeated Colts team. St. Louis will likely have troubles keeping up with Chris Johnson, far less trouble than the Titans defense will have taking on Steven Jackson. Both Jackson and Johnson will likely eclipse 100+ yards, but Johnson (and the Titans in general) will have the better game.
WAS at OAK Winner: WAS
While Oakland’s win against Pittsburgh was impressive, I don’t think they will have the same success against the resurgent Redskins. The Redskins should be able to trick Gradkowski into making a litany of mistakes against a strong secondary, even though DeAngelo Hall (their best cover man) is out.
SD at DAL Winner: SD
San Diego is undefeated in December since appointing Phillip Rivers as the starting QB. The Cowboys have won only a quarter of their December games over the last decade. You figure out why I am making this pick.
PHI at NYG Winner: NYG
This pick simply comes down to where it’s being played. The Meadowlands has always been a hard place to play, particularly in the cold and wind of December. The Eagles won’t be able to pull off their big plays that consistently saves them in close games, putting the Giants in position to pull the upset.
ARI at SF Winner: ARI
The Cardinals have found their wings again. The 49ers haven’t been able to keep their momentum in the past two games, leading to close losses. I do think the 49ers should be able to keep the game relatively close, but will probably lose it late.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Prediction for Thursday's Game
8-7 last week putting me at 106-58 for the season. Two-to-one winning percentage isn’t bad, but more padding is needed before teams start resting their starters at the last minute during the last several weeks of the season.
PIT at CLE Winner: PIT
Pittsburgh has suffered defensively without Troy Polamalu. However they should be able to get back on track against the Browns. Don’t be surprised if the Browns put up a good fight though, they have been steadily more competitive as the season has progressed and could be a threat if the Steelers don’t take them seriously.
PIT at CLE Winner: PIT
Pittsburgh has suffered defensively without Troy Polamalu. However they should be able to get back on track against the Browns. Don’t be surprised if the Browns put up a good fight though, they have been steadily more competitive as the season has progressed and could be a threat if the Steelers don’t take them seriously.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Predictions for Week 13
14-3 last week, including this past Thurdays game. that puts me at 98-51 for the season. With the playoff picture starting to become more and more clear, Another strong push this week would help as teams start considering the possibility of resting starters in the final weeks.
PHI at ATL Winner: PHI
Philly has been playing very over the past few weeks, in-spite of losing Brian Westbrook. Atlanta has been up and down, but is generally playing alright. The main matchup to look for in this game is the play of both passing games. Atlanta has the 27th ranked passing defense, highlighted by having only 8 interceptions to this point in the season. The Eagles on the other hand ranks 9th in pass defense and have 18 total interceptions. That being said, DeSean Jackson and Matt Ryan are both missing this week’s game for their respective teams. This hurts both passing games and means their will be a heavy reliance on LeSean McCoy and Jason Snelling (Michael Turner is unlikely to play). Ultimately I see the Eagles wining in a hard fought game.
CAR at TB Winner: TB
Carolina is starting Matt Moore due to Jake Delhomme’s finger injury and turnover problems. Their strong running game would normally have me picking them for the win however, Tampa Bay has been able to pressure QBs and score points behind Josh Freeman’s better than expected play. I think Freeman will lead the Bucs to their second win.
STL vs. CHI Winner: CHI
St. Louis has had a very hard time scoring points. Chicago should have an easy time passing on them. Steven Jackson is also likely to have a big game, but it won’t be enough.
DET vs. CIN Winner: CIN
Detroit is still trying to pull themselves together. Cincinnati has discovered a strong trio of runningback in Cedric Benson, Larry Johnson and Bernard Scott. They should win this game by a big margin.
TEN at IND Winner: TEN
This is probably a big upset but when you look at the numbers it makes sense. They are 14th in rush defense facing one of the strongest running games in the game. Chris Johnson will run all over the Colts defense, giving Vince Young just enough of a distraction to complete the passes he needs to complete. Titans win as long as they stick to this formula and control the clock.
HOU at JAC Winner: HOU
Houston has been far more explosive in their games than has Jacksonville. The Jags lack of a pass-rush will give Houston all the time they need to pick apart the Jags secondary.
DEN at KC Winner: DEN
Denver looked like they found their mojo again in the Thanksgiving game against the Giants. While playing in Arrowhead Stadium usually gives them problems, Denver Should be able to pull out a win against the rebuilding Chiefs.
NE at MIA Winner: MIA
New England simply can’t win on the road and their defense is rebuilding. Miami is playing well and can pull the upset.
OAK at PIT Winner: PIT
Pittsburgh needs a win to maintain position within the Wildcard race. Against the Raiders, they should get the medicine they need.
NO at WAS Winner: NO
New Orelans is scoring too many points and DeAngelo Hall, the Redskins best corner is not likely to play. Blowout.
SD at CLE Winner: SD
Cleveland is starting to pull itself together. It’s slow but noticeable. Let’s see if it continues in this contest against the Chargers, which they will lose.
DAL at NYG Winner: DAL
Dallas is still struggling to maintain consistency. Their passing game is only explosive when Miles Austin plays well. Their pass rush has come around however, I still think they will have a hard time maintain success into the playoffs. The Giants are struggling even more right now so I think they’ll lose this game but wouldn’t be surprised if they won.
SF at SEA Winner: SF
Seattle is beginning to find a running game with Justin Forsett’s strong running. However, the 49ers are a stronger team and should pound the Seahawks.
MIN at ARI Winner: MIN
Minnesota’s strong running game and potent defense should shut down the Cardinals. Minnesota is simply the stronger team.
GB at BAL Winner: GB
Joe Flacco is struggling and Charles Woodson is the running leader in defensive player of the year race. Flacco will gain experience from this, but it still will result in a loss for the Ravens.
PHI at ATL Winner: PHI
Philly has been playing very over the past few weeks, in-spite of losing Brian Westbrook. Atlanta has been up and down, but is generally playing alright. The main matchup to look for in this game is the play of both passing games. Atlanta has the 27th ranked passing defense, highlighted by having only 8 interceptions to this point in the season. The Eagles on the other hand ranks 9th in pass defense and have 18 total interceptions. That being said, DeSean Jackson and Matt Ryan are both missing this week’s game for their respective teams. This hurts both passing games and means their will be a heavy reliance on LeSean McCoy and Jason Snelling (Michael Turner is unlikely to play). Ultimately I see the Eagles wining in a hard fought game.
CAR at TB Winner: TB
Carolina is starting Matt Moore due to Jake Delhomme’s finger injury and turnover problems. Their strong running game would normally have me picking them for the win however, Tampa Bay has been able to pressure QBs and score points behind Josh Freeman’s better than expected play. I think Freeman will lead the Bucs to their second win.
STL vs. CHI Winner: CHI
St. Louis has had a very hard time scoring points. Chicago should have an easy time passing on them. Steven Jackson is also likely to have a big game, but it won’t be enough.
DET vs. CIN Winner: CIN
Detroit is still trying to pull themselves together. Cincinnati has discovered a strong trio of runningback in Cedric Benson, Larry Johnson and Bernard Scott. They should win this game by a big margin.
TEN at IND Winner: TEN
This is probably a big upset but when you look at the numbers it makes sense. They are 14th in rush defense facing one of the strongest running games in the game. Chris Johnson will run all over the Colts defense, giving Vince Young just enough of a distraction to complete the passes he needs to complete. Titans win as long as they stick to this formula and control the clock.
HOU at JAC Winner: HOU
Houston has been far more explosive in their games than has Jacksonville. The Jags lack of a pass-rush will give Houston all the time they need to pick apart the Jags secondary.
DEN at KC Winner: DEN
Denver looked like they found their mojo again in the Thanksgiving game against the Giants. While playing in Arrowhead Stadium usually gives them problems, Denver Should be able to pull out a win against the rebuilding Chiefs.
NE at MIA Winner: MIA
New England simply can’t win on the road and their defense is rebuilding. Miami is playing well and can pull the upset.
OAK at PIT Winner: PIT
Pittsburgh needs a win to maintain position within the Wildcard race. Against the Raiders, they should get the medicine they need.
NO at WAS Winner: NO
New Orelans is scoring too many points and DeAngelo Hall, the Redskins best corner is not likely to play. Blowout.
SD at CLE Winner: SD
Cleveland is starting to pull itself together. It’s slow but noticeable. Let’s see if it continues in this contest against the Chargers, which they will lose.
DAL at NYG Winner: DAL
Dallas is still struggling to maintain consistency. Their passing game is only explosive when Miles Austin plays well. Their pass rush has come around however, I still think they will have a hard time maintain success into the playoffs. The Giants are struggling even more right now so I think they’ll lose this game but wouldn’t be surprised if they won.
SF at SEA Winner: SF
Seattle is beginning to find a running game with Justin Forsett’s strong running. However, the 49ers are a stronger team and should pound the Seahawks.
MIN at ARI Winner: MIN
Minnesota’s strong running game and potent defense should shut down the Cardinals. Minnesota is simply the stronger team.
GB at BAL Winner: GB
Joe Flacco is struggling and Charles Woodson is the running leader in defensive player of the year race. Flacco will gain experience from this, but it still will result in a loss for the Ravens.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Prediction for Thursday's Game
NYJ vs. BUF Winner: NYJ
Should the Jets stick to their ground game in the most critical situation and don’t put the pressure on Mark Sanchez to not turn the ball over, they should win this game. Buffalo can pull the upset, but it would take a lot of things going right in a season when everything has gone wrong. They will at least play with some fire though.
Should the Jets stick to their ground game in the most critical situation and don’t put the pressure on Mark Sanchez to not turn the ball over, they should win this game. Buffalo can pull the upset, but it would take a lot of things going right in a season when everything has gone wrong. They will at least play with some fire though.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Hall of Fame Nominees Profile: John Randle
John Randle-Minnesota Vikings/Seattle Seahawks-Texas A&I-1990-2003
I kinda understand why he isn’t in already, however that doesn’t mean it should have happened. In his first year of eligibility, he was competing for votes with the all-time sacks leader Bruce Smith, senior committee nominee Claude Humphrey, fellow dominant defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy and pass-rushing demon linebacker Derrick Thomas. With only five spots available for the modern-era candidates and the prevailing theory that no more than two at a position (in this case, pass-rushers) should be inducted in any given class, there was only a slim chance that he would be inducted in that particular class. The main part of this reasoning that I find to fail is that you could only put in at most 2 persons at any position or specialty at one time. Those players who aren’t going in are no better later than they are now. Regardless, as the man who sacked the quarterback more than any other player at the defensive tackle position (137.5), he is an obvious Hall of Famer. A member of the 1990s All-Decade team, seven time Pro Bowler and six time All-Pro, Randle recorded double digit sacks (including a league leading 15.5 in 1997) nine times (including an eight season streak of double digit sacks between 1992 and 1999). These are excellent numbers for a defensive tackle whose main job is normally to stop the running game. The main points of his career that would hurt his chances is the fact that he was a bit of a character. He was known for how much “barking” he did during the course of the game. However, in watching the videos, he was much like Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary and future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. He talks to help vent his intensity and passion for the game. Another point that hurts his cause is the lack of championship, meaning Super Bowl. Again, this is a poor argument because football is a team game. He will likely get into the hall soon and he better. His numbers speak for themselves.
I kinda understand why he isn’t in already, however that doesn’t mean it should have happened. In his first year of eligibility, he was competing for votes with the all-time sacks leader Bruce Smith, senior committee nominee Claude Humphrey, fellow dominant defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy and pass-rushing demon linebacker Derrick Thomas. With only five spots available for the modern-era candidates and the prevailing theory that no more than two at a position (in this case, pass-rushers) should be inducted in any given class, there was only a slim chance that he would be inducted in that particular class. The main part of this reasoning that I find to fail is that you could only put in at most 2 persons at any position or specialty at one time. Those players who aren’t going in are no better later than they are now. Regardless, as the man who sacked the quarterback more than any other player at the defensive tackle position (137.5), he is an obvious Hall of Famer. A member of the 1990s All-Decade team, seven time Pro Bowler and six time All-Pro, Randle recorded double digit sacks (including a league leading 15.5 in 1997) nine times (including an eight season streak of double digit sacks between 1992 and 1999). These are excellent numbers for a defensive tackle whose main job is normally to stop the running game. The main points of his career that would hurt his chances is the fact that he was a bit of a character. He was known for how much “barking” he did during the course of the game. However, in watching the videos, he was much like Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary and future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. He talks to help vent his intensity and passion for the game. Another point that hurts his cause is the lack of championship, meaning Super Bowl. Again, this is a poor argument because football is a team game. He will likely get into the hall soon and he better. His numbers speak for themselves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
