2006 has turned out to be very entertaining. WIth Chicago and Indianapolis getting off to fast starts. Baltimore returning to the form of circa 2000 and the collapse of so many teams, the playoffs this year should be fun to watch.
One would even think with so many twists and turns we have witnessed this season, the New York Giants may end up hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in Miami, as the NFC is the designated "home" team this year.
Chances for upsets this weekend? There are many. In fact, the lower seed could end up winning every wild card game this week. A look:
Saturday 4:30 PM Kansas City at Indy. The Colts can't stop the run and guess who is coming to town? If there was no LT, everyone would be agog over what Larry Johnson has done the last two seasons. More than 3,500 yards starting only 25 games!!! Throw in 37 touchdowns and 188 carries that netted a first down in those two seasons.. Indianapolis is a 6 1/2 point favorite.
Kansas City can also throw the ball. I would not be surprised in the least should the Chiefs try some play action passes deep down field early against the Colts.
Saturday 8:00 PM Dallas at Seattle. Not too very long ago the Cowboys enjoyed their status as the NFC's flavor of the moment. Romo goes to the Pro Bowl???? Seattle meanwhile has lost two straight home games and limped into the playoffs. Seattle's 12th man must be a major factor or the Cowboys could easily advance.
Sunday 1:00 PM New York Jets at New England. The Jets have already beaten the Patriots in Foxboro this year and had to win 5 of their last six games to make the post-season. Chad Pennington is the comeback player of the year. Of course the grass was replaced after that loss and New England hasn't lost at home since the Field-Turf was installed.
Sunday 4:30 New York Giants at Philadelphia. On paper,the one sure thing should be an Eagles victory. No team has had more MO going into the playoffs. In this topsy-tuvry season some New Yorkers must be thinking "we've got them right where we want them."
As my blogging pal and respected scribe Ricko would say, Thanks for taking the time to read.
Hollywood could not have written a better script for the Saints homecoming back in the Crescent City yesterday. The organization AND the City needed that win last night.
The White Sox were put out of their misery last night. Ozzie Guillen could not pull the Sox out of their slump as he did to close out 2005's magical season. Pitching let down the White Sox this year, but less apparent, yet all too real is the fact that the White Sox could not manufacture runs in 2006. Too reliant on the long ball, the Chisox didn't have the same chemistry this year and it ultimately cost them. Look for a lot of changes from the White Sox in 2007, most importantly, a centerfielder.
Chris Simms, get well soon. If anyone had suspected you were not tough enough for the NFL, you answered those crtics. Gladly, it was not by losing your life. If you are in serious pain, tell someone. It is still and always will be a game.
Shaun Alexander is out for several weeks. The NFL needs players like SA. He does his job in the relative anonymity of the great Northwest and does it with style.
On to the NFL Rankings after week three, last week's ranking in parenthsis.
1: Indianapolis Colts (1) An impressive victory over Jacksonville. Indy was beat up by the Jags defense, yet had just enough to pull out a victory. Games like these are wht true champions need to put in to the win column.
2: Cincinnati Bengals (4) Going in to Pittsburgh and coming away victorious was impressive. They need to stay at the top of their game with the Patriots coming to town this week.
3: TIE Chicago Bears (2) Seattle Seahawks (3) After Seattle pasted the Giants last week I was prepared to rank them numer 2, but losing the reigning MVP has to hurt the Seahwaks. Despite taking a huge step by winning in what has been a snake pit for several years, too many penalties and a lack of a running game caused the Bears to drop this week. Needless to say, what a great matchup this week as Seattle travels to the banks of Lake Shore Drive and an engagement with Chicago. It looks like a cog in the Bears new-found offense will be out for a while as Des Clark pulled up lame at Minnesota. Hopefully there is no damage to the small bones in the foot. It was that same type of injury that kept all-world Michael Jordan off the court early in his career.
5: San Diego Chargers (5): An early bye week may take it's toll later in the season, but the Chargers are serious contenders and could very well be playing deep into January.
6: Baltimore Ravens (9): Cleveland of Old vs the New Cleveland was quite an entertaining matchup last week and the better team prevailed. This is already a great rivalry and one must throw out the records any time thay play. Baltimore will be right there all year.
7: Jacksonville Jaguars (6): Never was the importance of all three units more evident than in the Jags loss to the Colts. Jacksonville had handcuffed the Colts offense until the Colts scored on a punt return. That swing in momentum prevented Jacksonville from knocking off the Colts.
8: Denver Broncos (12): An impressive victory going into New England and coming away with a convincing victory. Hats off to the Broncos.
9: Atlanta Falcons (7): Did the Saints uncover the way to stop the Vick led running game? Or was there no way the Falcons, or any other team could have won in New Orleans this week. Jury is still out on the Falcons college style offense.
10: New Orleans Saints (19): A 3-0 start. Who Dat Say Gonna Beat Them Saints... Yes, it has been a long time since the French Quarter heard that chorus. The Saints may not belong nor may they stay in the Top Ten, but this is my blog and I am taking a little artistic license to honor the team for what they did Monday night.
11: Minnesota Vikings (14): Yes they lost at home, but their defense grew up while losing to Chicago. If Brad Johnson continues to lead the team in the poised fashion he has shown in leading the Vikings to a 2-1 start, Minnesota will contend for a Wild Card.
Kudos to the New York Mets and Yankees. When was the last time both the Yanks and Shea Boys were the first teams to win their respective division's in the same season?
Pre-season has begun in the NHL, but has anyone noticed? Pittsburgh rookie Evgeni Malkin was injured yesterday on a play that made the news. A brutal hit that was accidental. Hope the injury is not serious.
Speaking of the NHL; For those of you that don't know, the NHL stands for the Now Hidden League!!! Please tell me the NHL isn't being televised on OLN this year. And if OLN still has television rights, will anyone know?
I used to enjoy hockey. Growing up in Chicago I was glued to the TV when the Blackhawks played (at least for road games). Bobby Hull, Stan Makita, Tony Esposito. Those were the days. Unfortunately, for Chicago hockey fans, no championships are forthcoming and we can only hope for someone to buy the team from the current owner. Only then will the Hawks return to glory. Rumors are swirling the Donald Trump has an interest in purchasing the Chicago Cubs. Perhaps he can save hockey in Chicago and buy the Blackhawks as well.
On to the NFL and STATEMENT SUNDAY!!!! After picking the winners in 9 of 12 games in week one, I tried my hand with the entire week two schedule with good results. I went 12-4 in week two (21-7 for the year). Against the spread I finished 11-5.
Week 3 (Byes; Dallas, Kansas City, Oakland, San Diego
Chicago 2-0 (-3) at Minnesota 2-0
Great matchup of two undefeated divisional foes. Chicago player's are letting their play on the field do the talking and haven't disappointed. Chicago's QB Rex Grossman has made an impressive start giving Viking coaches something to ponder. Do they (like other teams) continue to put 8 and 9 players in the box and make #8 beat them, or do they drop more defenders in coverage. Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson are both looking for opportunities to have a big day. Brad Johnson is a veteran QB that has practiced against some of the best cover-2 defenses going back to his Super Bowl days at Tampa. Chicago won't say they want revenge for what Minnesota did in last year's finale when the Vikings tore through Chicago's second and third stringers and ended up losing the number one ranking in defense last year, but the first string defense is looking to make a statement. Chicago wins another road and division game.
Green Bay 0-2 (+6.5) at Detroit 0-2
If it weren't for contractual obligations, Fox probably wouldn't be televiding this game. Detroit was embarrassed in Chicago and Green Bay has just been embarrassing. Brett Favre only needs 20 more interceptions to be the all time leader. Green Bay's rookie linemen will have their hands full as Shaun Rogers should be in the Packers backfield most of the day. Take the Lions to cover.
NY Jets 1-1 (+5.5) at Buffalo 1-1
After starting the season splitting two road games against divisional opponents, the Bills look to be one of this season's early surprises. The Jets tried to come back against the Pats, but had dug too deep a hole. Buffalo has a difference maker in Willis McGahee.
Carolina 0-2 (-3)at Tampa 0-2
Carolina, or Coach Fox simply gave last week's game away. That won't happen this week. One team has to get off the carpet while the other can already say wait until next year. Carolina wins and covers.
Cincinnati 2-0 (+1) at Pittsburgh 1-1
Another STATEMENT GAME. Great divisional matchups this week continue with Bengals vs. Steelers. Cincinnati wants to make their statement but have 12 players on the injury report. I think Cincy wins, but I would not wager on this game.
Jacksonville 2-0 (+7) at Indianapolis 2-0
This could be an ugly game from an offensive viewpoint. After bullying Pittsburgh and only allowing 153 total yards (26 rushing), can the Jags pull the reigns in on the best aaerial show in the NFL? Yes, Jacksonville pulls another upset.
Tennessee 0-2 (+11) at Miami 0-2
A few years ago, Chicago Bears' GM Jerry Angelo courted Nick Saban, who turned down the coaching gig. The Dolphins were highly overrated coming in to the 2006 season and if the Titans pull of a huge upset this week, Saban will be on the hot seat. Miami should win but no pick here ATS.
Baltimore 2-0 (-6.5) at Cleveland 0-2
Baltimore is only giving 6.5. Lay money on the Ravens before the line changes.
Washington 0-2 (-4) at Houston 0-2
Another year, another slow start by the Redskins. The Skins get off the mat and put their first game in the victory column. Give the 4 points.
NY Giants 1-1 (+3.5) at Seattle 2-0
Seattle was extremely shaky in the season opener, but seemed to get back on track at home last week putting a workman like 341 yards of total offense on the board. If the Giants are behind in the 4th quarter this week, the 12th man and Seattle's defense won't let Eli steal the show this week. I will take Seattle to win but I won't wager on the spread.
St. Louis 1-1 (+4.5) at Arizona 1-1
The Cards christened their new stadium with a win on opening day. The sold-out crowd will be in great form and the Cards impress. Arizona giving the 4.5.
Philadelphia 1-1 (-7) at San Francisco 1-1
A seven point road favorite. Hard to spot a home team that many points. Philly should come home victorious, but I would stay away from a line wager.
Denver 1-1 (+7) at New England 2-0
When will Denver's offense wake up? Denver's offensive woes won't continue, but they still won't have enough against the Pats this week. Give the points and take the Patriots
Atlanta 2-0 (-3) at New Orleans 2-0
I spent two and 1/2 years in New Orleans back in the mid-eighties. My heart is with the Saints, but I would never go near this game if I were wagering. GEAUX SAINTS
Growing up in the Chicago suburbs the son of a Bears season ticket holder, I have been a Bear fan my entire life. Through good and bad I am, and will always be, a Bear Fan. Although I may write about other sports topics, my main focus will be on the NFL in general, but specifically the Chicago Bears.
