Not to brag (mabye a little, I went nearly undefeated last week with my picks, my only loss was an upset pick Jets over Browns)
Now we move on after a week where I am sure more teams will seperate themselves from the pack. On to the picks.
Thursday, December 13th 2007:
Denver Broncos @ Houston Texans:
Well I am very intrigued by this game. It truly does not have very serious playoff inplications, however both teams are coming off impressive wins last week. Denver was more impressive than Houston and I will choose them to outlast the boys in Texas.
Saturday, December 15th 2007:
Cincinnati Bengals @ San Franscisco 49ers:
Last week I picked the Bengals to beat the Rams...now I have to choose between the poor poor pitiful 49ers and the AFC Bust of 2007. Have to go with the Bengals here.
Sunday, December 16th 2007:
Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers:
It amazes me that so many people always pick the Panthers to be a top contender and since their last playoff apperance in 2005 they have been busts. With a QB who played high school football with Brett Favres dad going against the interception and sack happy Seattle I predict a long day in Carolina as Seattle destroys the Panthers.
Buffalo Bills @ Cleveland Browns:
I just dont know. I am sensing a downfall for the Browns, however how can I give the Bills respect for beating up on the J-E-T-S. I just can't go with the Bills here but I still feel the Browns will let me down. Cleveland wins.
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs:
I am trying to find a good reason to go with the home team. Sorry can't do it. Titans win.
Baltimore Ravens @ Miami Dolphins:
(snickers...laughs....side hurting) Who is their sane mind could pick the Fin's to Win? Not me....Ravens dismantle...hurt...embarass..the soon to be 0-16 Dolphins.
New York Jets @ New Engalnd Patriots:
This is where "SpyGate" started and if you don't think Bill will make a statement here then you just don't know football. Patriots clear the point spread plus 5.
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints:
The Saints are coming off a nice win against Atlanta. The Cards a 5 pick loss to Seattle. Arizona redeems themselves here. It will be a close game, but Cards walk off winners.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers:
This should be the Monday Night Game. I mean two fantastic teams facing off. The Jags are firing on better cylindars than the Steelers right now. I am just waiting for Pittsburgh to guarentee a win. Jags win in a semi-upset.
Green Bay Packers @ St. Louis Rams:
This is a game I would love to see the Rams win, why you ask (I want a #2 seed). I just dont see it happening. The Pack drops the Rams that much closer to a top 5 pick in the draft.
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Who cares who the QB is. Tampa rolls to a win.
Indianpolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders:
How is this fair to the Raiders, the get their ####handed to them by the Packers last week and now have to face the Colts. This will not be pretty.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys:
Dallas escaped the Lions with a last second touchdown, the Eagles seem to play good enough to lose by 3 or 4 in the 4th. I think it will be a closer game, but Dallas walks away with a win.
Detriot Lions @ San Diego Chargers:
Dont let the Lions performance fool you. This is a team that has lost several straight games. Chargers find a way to win....again.
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants:
The Giants found a way to win against Philly, look for them to repeat the feat against the Skins.
Monday, December 17th 2007:
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings:
The Bears start the Super Bowl losers curse all over. A team that will not make the playoffs this year. Against the Vikings things dont get easier. This is the hottest team in the NFC right now winning by large margins with their offense clicking. Vikes destroy the Bears.
Not to brag (mabye a little, I went nearly undefeated last week with my picks, my only loss was an upset pick Jets over Browns)
Now we move on after a week where I am sure more teams will seperate themselves from the pack. On to the picks.
Thursday, December 13th 2007:
Denver Broncos @ Houston Texans:
Well I am very intrigued by this game. It truly does not have very serious playoff inplications, however both teams are coming off impressive wins last week. Denver was more impressive than Houston and I will choose them to outlast the boys in Texas.
Saturday, December 15th 2007:
Cincinnati Bengals @ San Franscisco 49ers:
Last week I picked the Bengals to beat the Rams...now I have to choose between the poor poor pitiful 49ers and the AFC Bust of 2007. Have to go with the Bengals here.
Sunday, December 16th 2007:
Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers:
It amazes me that so many people always pick the Panthers to be a top contender and since their last playoff apperance in 2005 they have been busts. With a QB who played high school football with Brett Favres dad going against the interception and sack happy Seattle I predict a long day in Carolina as Seattle destroys the Panthers.
Buffalo Bills @ Cleveland Browns:
I just dont know. I am sensing a downfall for the Browns, however how can I give the Bills respect for beating up on the J-E-T-S. I just can't go with the Bills here but I still feel the Browns will let me down. Cleveland wins.
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs:
I am trying to find a good reason to go with the home team. Sorry can't do it. Titans win.
Baltimore Ravens @ Miami Dolphins:
(snickers...laughs....side hurting) Who is their sane mind could pick the Fin's to Win? Not me....Ravens dismantle...hurt...embarass..the soon to be 0-16 Dolphins.
New York Jets @ New Engalnd Patriots:
This is where "SpyGate" started and if you don't think Bill will make a statement here then you just don't know football. Patriots clear the point spread plus 5.
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints:
The Saints are coming off a nice win against Atlanta. The Cards a 5 pick loss to Seattle. Arizona redeems themselves here. It will be a close game, but Cards walk off winners.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers:
This should be the Monday Night Game. I mean two fantastic teams facing off. The Jags are firing on better cylindars than the Steelers right now. I am just waiting for Pittsburgh to guarentee a win. Jags win in a semi-upset.
Green Bay Packers @ St. Louis Rams:
This is a game I would love to see the Rams win, why you ask (I want a #2 seed). I just dont see it happening. The Pack drops the Rams that much closer to a top 5 pick in the draft.
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Who cares who the QB is. Tampa rolls to a win.
Indianpolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders:
How is this fair to the Raiders, the get their ####handed to them by the Packers last week and now have to face the Colts. This will not be pretty.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys:
Dallas escaped the Lions with a last second touchdown, the Eagles seem to play good enough to lose by 3 or 4 in the 4th. I think it will be a closer game, but Dallas walks away with a win.
Detriot Lions @ San Diego Chargers:
Dont let the Lions performance fool you. This is a team that has lost several straight games. Chargers find a way to win....again.
Washington Redskins @ New York Giants:
The Giants found a way to win against Philly, look for them to repeat the feat against the Skins.
Monday, December 17th 2007:
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings:
The Bears start the Super Bowl losers curse all over. A team that will not make the playoffs this year. Against the Vikings things dont get easier. This is the hottest team in the NFC right now winning by large margins with their offense clicking. Vikes destroy the Bears.
Well Faithful NFL Fans like many of you I anticipate looking at the Power Rankings each week. It does baffel me how they choose who is the better team. I would like to review the top teams and where their Super Bowl hopes lie.
1. New England Patriots: Yes they are 12-0 a very impressive record. In their last two games they barely beat the Eagles and if it wasn't for the doomed Ravens coaching staff they would have heard the corks popping across the country as the '72 Dolphins celebrate. They are in one of the weakest divisions in the NFL (see my previous post) and while many see them as a post-season threat I would not be suprised to see them make an early exit in the playoffs. They have challenges this week against the Steelers who have allowed the lowest point total in the NFL face them.
2. Dallas Cowboys: Their only loss is to the above mentioned team. I had concerns about the Cowboys when they played (and almost lost) the Bills. Unlike the Pats they have been winning impressively in recent weeks. The only X Factor is can Tony Romo handle the pressure when it comes to the Playoffs? There is little doubt that he is one of the best QB's in the League, but it took Peyton many years before he reached the promised land.
3. Indianpolis Colts: They played the Pats well until the end. I see them as a dark horse against the Pats. Not alot of people are talking about the Colts who only have two losses this season. Watch out for them when it comes to the postseason. Manning has the #### off his back. No pressure. They have a great chance to make it to Glendale.
4. Green Bay Packers: I am almost thirty and I recall being in junior high watching Favre play in the NFL. There is little doubt he is in the twilight of his carrer, even though his playing does not reflect that. Favre is the second highest rated QB in the NFC, not too bad for a man who has a kid graduating high school. I hope regardless of where his Packers end this season he takes a lesson from John Elway and walks away on top, everyone will wonder what could have been if he stayed.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers: They are the top defensive team in the NFL and we all know defenses win championships. Don't be too suprised if you see the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game this year,
6. Jacksonville Jaguars: They are a great team as their record dictates, however they are aging. Fred Taylor can't have too many miles left in the tank and he is their number one go to guy. Add in the fact that regardless of what they do they cannot seem to get by the Colts and will need to to make their Super Bowl dreams a reality.
7. Seattle Seahawks: There is little doubt that this team is better than that one last year. They will most likely finish the season 3-1 posting an 11-5 record for the second best year they have ever had. As a Seahawk fan we expect more from them. Now don't forget they finished last year at 9-7 and were a field goal from the NFC Championship. Another dark horse who could threaten the NFC.
8. New York Giants: For Eli's sake they better hope that the Vikings dont grab the other wild card in the NFC, because if he faces them...game over. The Giants have a slim chance to make a serious run as they will more than likely have to play Dallas in the playoffs, that is if they get out of the first round.
9. Tampa Bay Buccanners: I regret to say that I have not followed them too much this year, all that aside this is the last NFC team to win the Super Bowl and Gruden is a great coach. I doubt the make it out of the first round.
10. Cleveland Browns: I never saw them coming. Derek Anderson is an emerging superstar and the Dawg Pound is again scary. They dont stand a chance against the Steelers in the playoffs (if they face).
Thursday’s Game: Chicago Bears @ Washington Redskins:
Wow! The Bears had me fooled (again) , just when you think you see glimpse of the 2006 NFC Champions and the defensive beasts that they were for a few years, they allow 14 points in the 4th and lose. Gotta go with Washington on this. Bears defense tires down just enough to let the other guy win.
Sunday’s Games:
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills:
Well I made a costly error last week (again) by picking the lowly ‘Fins to finally break their streak and win a game this season. A dismantling by the blah Jets forces me to not make the mistake again. Then there is Buffalo who was going against a team who was playing with a heavy heart and sneaked out a W in the end. Bills win this contest.
St. Louis Rams @ Cincinnati Bengals:
The Rams have been impressive lately, the Bengals…well lets say they have not been the team with all their offensive weapons that we thought they would be. Rams will not win in Cincinnati unfortunately. Believe me I hope they do, any time an NFC team beats an AFC team I am happy.
Dallas Cowboys @ Detroit Lions:
The way the Lions are playing right now they will not win the predicted 10 games until next season. I made the error of picking the Pack against the Boys. Romo will make the Lions look like they should be playing in Europe.
Oakland Raiders @ Green Bay Packers:
Oakland picked up an impressive win against the Broncos this week. Regardless of who starts for the Pack there is no way…let me say it again. No way that the Raiders win this game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Houston Texans:
The question for this game is….will Garcia be under center? If so, Tampa rolls to a win, if not they lose.
Carolina Panthers @ Jacksonville Jaguars:
Give it up to Carolina, an impressive win for their injury depleted team against the 49ers last week. Unfortunately their win streak ends at 1. Jags roll to a win.
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles:
Now that the QB controversy has gone away and McNabb should be back under center I predict a close game with the lowly Eagles coming up just short of winning another one....3 close games, 3 losses.
San Diego Chargers @ Tennessee Titans:
This is one of the harder games to pick this week. Both coming off wins and both played well enough to be applauded. LT played very well and I believe that his momentum will continue as he runs all over the Titans.
Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers:
Now o the flip side this is one of the easier games to pick. 49ers just plain stink, I wonder where all their fans are now? Vikings are on a roll, threw up 42 against the Lions and now they will face the 49ers. Watch AP add to his lead as he looks to capture the NFL Rushing Trophy, Offensive ROY. WOW.
Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks:
An impressive win by Arizona against the Browns, they are 3-1 against the AFC this year, unfortunately they cannot boast a similar record against what many call the weak NFC. Seattle is riding high coming off their fourth straight win, the last two coming down to final seconds. Both of these teams are my teams however my heart does remain in Seattle. Go Hawks!
Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos:
What is going on with the Broncos? Defeated by Oakland! Oh well things are going to get better for you. 1. You are playing the Chiefs. 2. It is December and your at home.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots:
The Steelers have been winning, just not very impressively, the same can be said for the Patriots last two as well. Many experts are picking the Steelers to win this one in an upset and while that would be awesome. Please take no offense TRUE Patriot fans, I just cant stand the guy who is a New England fan, but lives in Portland Oregon and has never been east of Idaho. I still have to go against the Steelers and pick the Pats to win. I hate guarentees.
Cleveland Browns @ New York Jets:
As the Browns got on the plane and headed home a couple of things went through their minds. “What happened?” and “Well no-one expected us to get this far”. I believe this to be the beginning of the end for Cleveland. D.A. is going to start feeling the pressure as the playoffs loom. My upset pick of the week is NYJ walking off the field winners of two in a row.
Indianapolis Colts @ Baltimore Ravens:
I just don’t know about the Ravens. I mean this is a team that many considered to be a threat in the AFC. Got to go with the Colts here.
Monday’s Game:
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons:
The Saints are seeing their playoff hopes disappear. Once NFC favorites and a popular pick to win it all this year they sit at 5-7, two games away from .500. This will help them rebuild a little confidence as they take on the Falcons. I guess beating up on a division rival who has nothing to look forward to except that their vacations begin in 4 weeks.
Well here we are again. Week 9, the season is officially half over. Now we have two teams that are evenly matched at medicore 4-3 records facing off. Both teams are suprises this season.
1. The Browns are a suprise because....well they are the Browns
2. Seattle is a suprise as they are 4-3 when they should be 5-2. Also they have an impressive defense and poor offense.
Lets Review.....
The Browns (4-3) are needless to say impressive this year. Two of their three loses are very understandable as they were to the Steelers in Week 1 a 34-7 beating and to New England in Week 5 when they hung in and only lost 34-17, now most would consider a 17 point loss substantial, but hey we are talking about the Pats right? Now to put things into perspective, the Browns have been the ONLY team to play New England this year that lost by 17 points, each and every team has lost by MORE POINTS. Then of course there is the flip side, they gave Oakland a win and their last two wins were against the Rams and Dolphins (the NFL's only remaining defeated teams) and allowed them to score 51 points combined. Now their other two victories come from within their division against the Ravens and Bengals. Now at the half way point the Bengals game does not look as spectacular as it did in Week 2 as the Bengals (2-5) are in the cellar.
So two games were gimmies and two were hard fought. The Browns are loving to play spolier this year and anything can happen. They have allowed over 200 points to be run up on them this season however they have also run up 194 which makes them the most offensive team in the division.
The Seahawks (4-3) have been less than impressive this year. They have lost games to Arizona (anyone who watched that game knows that shouldn't have happened), Pittsburgh, Seattles first shut out loss in 7 years, and New Orleans, who decided in Seattle to get their season going.
Their bright spots are Hasselbeck who is posting a near 90 QB rating and a stunning defense, they may allow yards, but stop them from scoring only allowing 108 points this year, that is third in the NFL only behind the Steelers and Colts. Branch should be back on the field on Sunday giving Matt his favorite target.
Seattle is coming of it's bye and Cleveland is recovering from a near loss to the Rams. With Seattle healthy they should pick up the win (crossed fingers) however the Browns again are suprising and I would not be left with my jaw touching the floor if they pulled out a win over Seattle.
You all know where my heart lies. Good Luck Hawks and bring your A Game to Lake Eerie.
In response to Adam's post I thought it would be better if we as the fans voted. Forget everyone else, lets focus on the division leaders.
New England Patriots: You know when I was a kid I remember when the Pats were a joke, my how things have changed. The Pats deserve a HUGE A++++. I mean come on, they are not just beating everyone, they are destroying them. Over 300 points this year, 30 TD passes by Brady!!! I am not a Patriot fan, but they deserve respect and to all the Pat fans I have one question..."Does it bother you that folks who have never been to New England claim to be Pat fans, you know the fair weather fans?"
Pittsburgh Steelers: After a joke of a season last year they have truly regained their Super Bowl Championship form of 2005. I mentioned in my previous posts that SteelerNation has my respect and with everyones focus on the Colts and Patriots, well the Steelers could surprise. Definite B+ for the season (I would give an A, but come on that was a bad loss to the Cards)
Indianpolis Colts: They have scored over double the points that they have allowed, their wins may not be as impressive as the Patriots, but alas they are the defending Super Bowl Champions and are 7-0. What better grade to give them than an A+. Now hold on Colt fans, there can only be one valavictorian in the NFL, you may have it after Sunday, but until then, be happy :)
Kansas City Chiefs / San Diego Chargers: These teams are both tied for the division I can only pick one, the team that will most likely win the division and that is the Chargers. LT seems to have found his grove and Rivers is playing much better. I give them a C , they are one game above .500.
Dallas Cowboys: What a season for The Boys, 6-1 their only lose to the Almighty Patriots (new name...whatcha think?) Romo has his money, now the big question is "now what" . He is a great QB when he wants to be and other times I am kicking a screaming (he is on my fantasy league). I give the Boys a solid A and it would be an A+, the only factor was the Bills game.
Green Bay Packers: Who can honestly say they saw this coming? Brett is amazing this year and they dont even have a running game. The plan should be simple, stop Favre and win. A+ for the Pack as most expected the washed up QB to falter and go quietly into the good night.
Carolina Panthers: While most experts picked them as an NFC threat, they have been anything but that. With key injuries and a 4-3 record this team will be lucky to finish over .500. I give them a D, not out of spite, but injuries. I expected this team to be much better.
Seattle Seahawks: Now onto my team. Dont worry fans I am going to give the Hawks a deserving grade. Hasselbeck has been good this year, not great. Their running game is non-existent, Shaun is on track for less than a 1,000 yards and 4 TD's, a far cry from his MVP year. Their brightside is their defense. They have held teams to 108 points total. That is the lowest in the NFC and 3rd in the NFL behind the Steelers and Colts. Defense gets an A, don't argue, that is deserved. Their offense gets a C minus. They will most likely win the NFC West and mabye (if they turn things areound) get out of the first round.
In response to Adam's post I thought it would be better if we as the fans voted. Forget everyone else, lets focus on the division leaders.
New England Patriots: You know when I was a kid I remember when the Pats were a joke, my how things have changed. The Pats deserve a HUGE A++++. I mean come on, they are not just beating everyone, they are destroying them. Over 300 points this year, 30 TD passes by Brady!!! I am not a Patriot fan, but they deserve respect and to all the Pat fans I have one question..."Does it bother you that folks who have never been to New England claim to be Pat fans, you know the fair weather fans?"
Pittsburgh Steelers: After a joke of a season last year they have truly regained their Super Bowl Championship form of 2005. I mentioned in my previous posts that SteelerNation has my respect and with everyones focus on the Colts and Patriots, well the Steelers could surprise. Definite B+ for the season (I would give an A, but come on that was a bad loss to the Cards)
Indianpolis Colts: They have scored over double the points that they have allowed, their wins may not be as impressive as the Patriots, but alas they are the defending Super Bowl Champions and are 7-0. What better grade to give them than an A+. Now hold on Colt fans, there can only be one valavictorian in the NFL, you may have it after Sunday, but until then, be happy :)
Kansas City Chiefs / San Diego Chargers: These teams are both tied for the division I can only pick one, the team that will most likely win the division and that is the Chargers. LT seems to have found his grove and Rivers is playing much better. I give them a C , they are one game above .500.
Dallas Cowboys: What a season for The Boys, 6-1 their only lose to the Almighty Patriots (new name...whatcha think?) Romo has his money, now the big question is "now what" . He is a great QB when he wants to be and other times I am kicking a screaming (he is on my fantasy league). I give the Boys a solid A and it would be an A+, the only factor was the Bills game.
Green Bay Packers: Who can honestly say they saw this coming? Brett is amazing this year and they dont even have a running game. The plan should be simple, stop Favre and win. A+ for the Pack as most expected the washed up QB to falter and go quietly into the good night.
Carolina Panthers: While most experts picked them as an NFC threat, they have been anything but that. With key injuries and a 4-3 record this team will be lucky to finish over .500. I give them a D, not out of spite, but injuries. I expected this team to be much better.
Seattle Seahawks: Now onto my team. Dont worry fans I am going to give the Hawks a deserving grade. Hasselbeck has been good this year, not great. Their running game is non-existent, Shaun is on track for less than a 1,000 yards and 4 TD's, a far cry from his MVP year. Their brightside is their defense. They have held teams to 108 points total. That is the lowest in the NFC and 3rd in the NFL behind the Steelers and Colts. Defense gets an A, don't argue, that is deserved. Their offense gets a C minus. They will most likely win the NFC West and mabye (if they turn things areound) get out of the first round.
Not a great week for me last week, not a bad week as well. As I am wrting this I am 8-5 with one game to play (Buffalo and Dallas)...I picked Dallas :) Time to move on a pick week six....
St. Louis -vs- Baltimore: Just when you though the Rams would break free and win one, well they lose and just when you think the Ravens could lose, they win. The Ravens extend their win streak to 2 with the destruction of the Biggest Bust on Turf.
Minnesota -vs- Chicago: Minnesota is coming off a bye and Chicago (defense aside) played a great game against the once undefeated Packers. Now I should have seen this coming, The Pack have one offensive weapon (the passing game), the Viking have one offensive weapon (the running game). I am waiting to see Adrian Peterson run wild, he has shown potential. Vikes win a close game.
Miami -vs- Cleveland: Well we have a defeated team against the team that loves to play spoiler. Cleveland impressed me with scoring 17 points against the Pats, but then again you have to realize that this is the team that lost to Oakland....I can't back the Fish here, with the lose of Green (blessing in disguise?) Cleveland walks all over them.
Washington -vs- Green Bay: The Redskins impressed the hell out me last week, a very appropriate beating to let the Lions remember that they are the Lions. Green Bay has Favre and he is the best, but Campbell...hmmm...Redskins win a close battle.
Houston -vs-Jacksonville: With the lose of Trent Green Houston was just barely able to hold of the Miami surge...barely. The Jags handled KC (the team that beat up SD two weeks ago). I am not sold on Garrard quite yet though he display a great performance yesterday. I will go with the Jags picking up a close win.
Cincinnati -vs- Kansas City: This is probably the hardest game I will have to pick this week, I cannot think of any good reason to pick either team to win..I will pick off the records. KC wins.
Philadelphia -vs- NYJ: The Jets lost a battle to the Giants this weekend and the Eagles are getting off their bye after being destroyed by the Giants two weeks ago. I look for McNabb to rebound and pick up the slack. Eagles win.
Tennessee -vs- Tampa Bay: This is the game of the week. Vince Young vs Jeff Garcia. In the end I think The Bucs after their lose will prevail over the Titans.
Carolina -vs- Arizona: Matt is gone for the foreseeable future which means the Cards future now lies on the shoulders of Kurt Warner, who has been playing better than Matt in recent weeks. The Panthers went through all of their quaterbacks last week. I look for Arizona to win this game, by how much...anyones guess.
New England -vs- Dallas: Whew....I guess I have to pick one...right. I will go with experience then, New Engalnd over Dallas, calm down Cowboy fans I would rather you win, but my gut tells me probably not. It will be a much closer game than the Pats have faced before and will expose weaknesses to both teams. This will be an education for the NFL. Take notes.
Oakland -vs- San Diego: San Diego is coming off their most impressive win of the season and the Raiders are coming off their bye. Chargers win.
New Orleans -vs- Seattle: The way the Seahawks offense played last week was horrible, never seen anything so horrific in my life, for a worn out defense they played well holding the Steelers to 21 points. The Saints can't seem to find their grove. I have to give the win to Seattle since it is at home even though as a Hawk fan I want to give it to the Saints for the Hawks embarrasing display on Sunday.
NYG -vs- Atlanta: Wow so this is what Monday night has come to....Giants will win a close game with the always reliable Joey Harrington :) giving the Giants are few scares.
Well folks that is Week Six. As always comments are appreciated and I love seeing a good conversation about why your team will win and why their team will not. These are my personal picks, I would prefer some games go the other way, as a true football fan my loyalties lie:
1. Seahawks
2. NFC WEST
3. NFC
Cool fact for fans, who is the only team to play in the AFC and NFC Championship games? The Seahawks.
Not a great week for me last week, not a bad week as well. As I am wrting this I am 8-5 with one game to play (Buffalo and Dallas)...I picked Dallas :) Time to move on a pick week six....
St. Louis -vs- Baltimore: Just when you though the Rams would break free and win one, well they lose and just when you think the Ravens could lose, they win. I do not see this game as being an upset, the Rams eventually will have to win one game...right??? The Ravens extend their win streak to 2 with the destruction of the Biggest Bust on Turf.
Minnesota -vs- Chicago: Minnesota is coming off a bye and Chicago (defense aside) played a great game against the once undefeated Packers. Now I should have seen this coming, The Pack have one offensive weapon (the passing game), the Viking have one offensive weapon (the running game). I pick Chicago to win this game. Their defense is beat up, but they can hold one scheme.
Miami -vs- Cleveland: Well we have a defeated team against the team that loves to play spoiler. Cleveland impressed me with scoring 17 points against the Pats, but then again you have to realize that this is the team that lost to Oakland....I can't back the Fish here, with the lose of Green (blessing in disguise?) Cleveland walks all over them.
Washington -vs- Green Bay: The Redskins impressed the hell out me last week, a very appropriate beating to let the Lions remember that they are the Lions. Green Bay has Favre and he is the best, but Campbell...hmmm...Redskins win a close battle.
Houston -vs-Jacksonville: With the lose of Trent Green Houston was just barely able to hold of the Miami surge...barely. The Jags handled KC (the team that beat up SD two weeks ago). I am not sold on Garrard quite yet though he display a great performance yesterday. I will go with the Jags picking up a close win.
Cincinnati -vs- Kansas City: The Bengals needed a rest. I believe that they will run all over KC in their return. Too many offensive weapons.
Philadelphia -vs- NYJ: The Jets lost a battle to the Giants this weekend and the Eagles are getting off their bye after being destroyed by the Giants two weeks ago. I look for McNabb to rebound and pick up the slack. Eagles win.
Tennessee -vs- Tampa Bay: This is the game of the week. Vince Young vs Jeff Garcia. In the end I think The Bucs after their lose will prevail over the Titans.
Carolina -vs- Arizona: Matt is gone for the foreseeable future which means the Cards future now lies on the shoulders of Kurt Warner, who has been playing better than Matt in recent weeks. The Panthers went through all of their quaterbacks last week. I look for Arizona to win this game, by how much...anyones guess.
New England -vs- Dallas: Whew....I guess I have to pick one...right. I will go with experience then, New Engalnd over Dallas, calm down Cowboy fans I would rather you win, but my gut tells me probably not. It will be a much closer game than the Pats have faced before and will expose weaknesses to both teams. This will be an education for the NFL. Take notes.
Oakland -vs- San Diego: San Diego is coming off their most impressive win of the season and the Raiders are coming off their bye. Chargers win.
New Orleans -vs- Seattle: The way the Seahawks offense played last week was horrible, never seen anything so horrific in my life, for a worn out defense they played well holding the Steelers to 21 points. The Saints can't seem to find their grove. I have to give the win to Seattle since it is at home even though as a Hawk fan I want to give it to the Saints for the Hawks embarrasing display on Sunday.
NYG -vs- Atlanta: Wow so this is what Monday night has come to....Giants will win a close game with the always reliable Joey Harrington :) giving the Giants are few scares.
Well folks that is Week Six. As always comments are appreciated and I love seeing a good conversation about why your team will win and why their team will not. These are my personal picks, I would prefer some games go the other way, as a true football fan my loyalties lie:
1. Seahawks
2. NFC WEST
3. NFC
Cool fact for fans, who is the only team to play in the AFC and NFC Championship games? The Seahawks.
As you all know I am a major Seahawks fan and that game was by far the hardest thing I have had to endure this year.
I have to give respect where respect is earned and that is to The Pittsburgh Steelers. They dominated on both sides of the ball, had great time management. I mean come on Seattle played three downs in the 3rd quarter, that is not an excuse for losing, that is football and it was played perfectly by Pittsburgh.
I want good sportsmanship on my posts. I encourage Seahawk fans (the true ones) to give their respect to Steelers fans (the true ones).
Congrats to the Black and Gold. You will win your division as long as you can continue to display that kind of dominace and clock control, I would be scared if I were the Pats and Colts today.
As we head into Week Five, we don't have quite the potential for upset picks as we did last week. Anyway I found a couple that have the making of upset, now just because I am saying that an upset could happen does not mean that I am picking them to win:
Game #1:
Colts -vs- Bucs: The Colts have a weird habit of winning at least their first 10 games so I doubt that an upset will happen, but then again records are meant to be broken. The Colts are missing some key players for this matchup then again so are the Bucs (and they dont have Peyton Manning leading their offense). If the Bucs can pull an upset then it will be by less than a touchdown.
My prediction for the game is for the Colts to come out victorious 28-10.
Game #2:
Seahawks -vs- Steelers: Why are the Steelers favored? Well they have scored more points than the Seahawks, they have allowed less points than the Seahawks and it is a Home Game for them. Willie Parker was not impressive last week against the Cards (16th ranked defense) averaging 1.9 yards per carry, Ben also had a couple of key picks. The Seahawks have a great defense this year and will be a challenge for the Steelers. I see Ben making some key mistakes with even the possibility of the Seahawks even scoring a defensive touchdown. It will be a close game and the Seahawks will come out with a win. 23-20 Seahawks.
Game #3:
Browns -vs- Patriots: The Browns have had two impressive victories this year (one against the Ravens and one against the Bengals). The funny thing is that both of those wins were upsets, so how do we not feature this game as a POSSIBLE upset??? The Pats are getting healthy on defense (scary) and Tom Brady is on track to have 52 touchdown passes (that wouldn't suprise me). I don't see the Browns picking apart the Pats. Pats win 38-6.
I am hoping for a great week of football and hopefully a couple of upsets. I would not be upset if the Colts and Pats lost (please hold your anger New England and Indianpolis fans), I am not a fan, you support your team and I will support mine. I really want the Steelers to lose :)
Your thought on the potentials and mabye some other games that I did not mention??
SOME THINGS THAT I DID NOT WRITE IN MY OTHER POST.....I HAVE READ ALL THE COMMENTS ARE THERE ARE SOME THAT WANT TO THROW AROUND STATS.....WELL LETS TALK STATS:
Yes The Steelers have the upper hand on the YARDS PER GAME. However if we are going to throw out stats, well….
The Steelers are ranked 25th in the league in passing, while Seattle is ranked 8th. What that says is force the Steelers to throw and they are screwed.
The Steelers defense against the run is only 20 yards less than what the Hawks are averaging, so that will not be a big blow to the offense.
Now the real DEFENSE that matters is the TOTAL points per game. In that case Seattle and Pittsburgh are virtually tied, with the 5th and 3rd ranked defenses in the NFL.
Now in the Steelers games against the 49ers they shut down Frank Gore for only 39 yards, then again he only took 14 attempts. The 49ers passed for over 200 yards. Also the 49ers were able to keep the almighty Willie Parker out of the end zone.
WHAT about the Cardinal game where Willie was held to 1.9 yards per carry against the 16th ranked defense in the NFL?
Also lets talk QB comparisons. You would have to be an #### to think that Ben is better than Matt. Matt has a higher rating and more yards. Plus his growing relationship with Deion Branch will make him more of a force this year.
One thing I have learned in almost 30 years of being an NFL fan is this. On any given Sunday any team can send you home crying. Don’t ever believe that since your team has the upper hand on some stats that they will walk away winners. If that is the case you might as well hand the Pats the Lombardi Trophy right now.
Is there anyone other than myself who believes that this game will dictate the season???
The Seattle Seahawks (3-1) and The Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) face off in the long awaited rematch since Pittsburgh came out winners in Super Bowl XL.
Before commented on this post I do have a couple of requests from both Seahawk fans and Steeler fans.
1. Super Bowl XL is history. Even Steeler fans agree (like everyone in the sports world) that the game was badly officiated, no need to bring that up. Lets focus on the game at hand and Super Bowl XLII.
2. I don't want to hear about the Steelers five championships. I don't care, well because last time I checked the COLTS are defending CHAMPS.
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Where do we stand?
Seahawks are entering this game with the 5th ranked defense in the NFL. They have not been too impressive on offense. They are the leaders in the NFC West by 1 game. Let's look at their games this year shall we:
Game 1: Tampa Bay: The Bucs were talking about how great they were going to be in 2007, they scored the first six points and came up blank as Seattle went on a 20-0 run, eventually winning the game. 20-6. The Bucs have since won their last three games and currently reside at 3-1 on top of their division.
Game 2: Arizona: There is no doubt that Arizona does have offensive weapons and many possible Pro-Bowlers. A muffed hand off secured the win for the Cards and prevented Seattle from starting 2-0.
Game 3: Cincinnati: I saw all the news broadcasts about how Carson threw for 6 TD's and still loses a game and that they would look to rebound against Seattle. The Hawks defense stepped up and the Bengals made several mistakes that allowed Seattle to win this battle. Now I stated in my previous post that that this game would be a hard fought battle and it was that.
Game 4: San Francisco: The Hawks crushed Alex Smith and that in turned killed San Fran. A great game with Seattle winning 20-3, would have been better had it been 20-0. Seattle is up 3-1.
Pittsburgh Steelers are entering at 3-1 as well with the 3rd ranked defense in the NFL. On offense I would throw them into the same category as Seattle. They have allowed 47 points this season, very impressive.
Game 1: Cleveland: You would have have been impressed in Week One with this win for the Steelers, you have to be now with the Browns at 2-2 and tied for 2nd in their division.
Game 2: Buffalo: Most high school teams could keep pace with the Bills. Not impressive.
Game 3: San Francisco: The 49ers kept pace with them for sometime. I do question the fact that they allowed them to score 16 points.
Game 4: Arizona: Many mistakes were made by the Steelers here. The Cards are a team to watch in 2007.
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Breakdown: The Seahawks have their work cut out for them as do the Steelers. This will not be an easy victory for either team. With two of the best defenses in the league I am expecting this to be a low scoring game and the winner will be the one who wants it more. Experience is on Seattles side, coaches and players. They also have Charlie Frye who was on the other end of Pittsburghs game against Cleveland and will give insight as to this years Steelers.
I am predicting Seattles defense to win this game for the Hawks and go 2-0 against the almighty AFC. This will be an upset win. Neither team has faced any huge challenges this year. This is the biggie.
Go Hawks and please show respect to the Steelers, they are a premier team, and where would we be without good sportsmanship???
This week shows some interesting match ups. I hope that I am able to go 11-3 again, but we will see.
Miami @ Houston - Both teams were less than impressive last week. Miami is just horrible, allowing five TD's by one player is insane. Houston redeems their lowly loss to Atlanta by beating the Dolphins.
Jacksonville @ Kansas City - The Chiefs are starting to put things togther, however so it Jacksonville coming off a bye the Jags are poised to make a statement to the rest of the NFL and hand Kansas City a loss.
Cleveland @ New England - The Browns could play spoilers to anyone in the NFL, their offense is so unpredictable.....wait they are playing the Patriots in Foxborough. I am going to go out on a limb and say New Englands wins.....BIG.
Carolina @ New Orleans - New Orleans needs all the help they can get. I hope that the bye week they are coming off of helps them regain form. New Orleans gets their first win of the season over Carolina.
Jets @ Giants - The Battle of New York. Who do I pick? The team that got humilated by the Bills or the team that destroyed the Eagles...hmmmm....Giants win.
Seattle @ Pittsburgh - Since Seattle is my team I am picking them to win in an upset. We need revenge from XL!! Go Hawks.
Arizona @ St. Louis - Arizona has been very impressive and I believe with the way the Rams have been playing this will not help fix their woes. Arizona wins this game.
Atlanta @ Tennessee - Atlanta played well last week, but not good enough to take down the Vince Young led Titans. Titans win by 7.
Detroit @ Washington - The way Kitna led the Lions in the 4th quarter scared me. The Lions are for real this year. Lions win a great game.
Tampa Bay @ Indianapolis - This could have an upset in the making. I dont know if I can go out on a limb and pick Tampa Bay to win. Indy wins a close one.
San Diego @ Denver - The Broncos melt down in the second have was humorous. San Diego was not impressive again. LT is crying alot, Rivers cant hit the broad side of a barn. Culter leads his Broncos to victory.
Baltimore @ San Francisco - With Smith out this week there is no way the Dilfer led 49ers will prevail here. Baltimore redeems themselves with a victory.
Chicago @ Green Bay - As impressive as Favre has been it is difficult to go against him and the 4-0 Packers. Packers win.
Dallas @ Buffalo - Wow we get to watch a Monday night slaughter of Buffalo. Dallas wins easily.
Who thinks I am crazy? Who thinks I am dead on? I did this last week and only was off by one game (Arizona against Baltimore). Heck that is better than the 'experts' on Fox.
Week 4:
Houston @ Atlanta - Since Houston kept it close against Indy until the second half I have to go with Matt talking it to his former team. Texans win.
Jets @ Bills - The Bills have not shown me anything this year, which is why they will probably win (can't get you butt kicked all year long right?)
Baltimore @ Cleveland - This could be seen as an upset pick as I am taking Cleveland to win this game. Baltimore has shown the ability to win close games and almost lost to Arizona (who knows what could have happened had Warner played the whole game).
Rams @ Cowboys - Winless Rams vs The Undefeated (Kicking A**) Cowboys, hmmm...tough one..Cowboys demolish the Rams.
Chicago @ Lions - Lions are impressive, Bears not so impressive. The quarterback change is intriguing, but I think the Lions walk away victorious.
Oakland @ Miami - This is scary. Culpepper will have something to prove and I think he will come up short just like he did in Miami. Miami gets their first win of the season.
Packers @ Vikings - It is in Minnesota and the Vikings play Green Bay tough there. Favre is so far in MVP form (give it time). I still think Favre and Co. win this battle.
Tampa @ Carolina - Two teams top in their division. Tampa is coming off two impressive wins and they will prevail. Tampa is a force this year with Garcia at the helm.
Seahawks @ 49ers - I cannot go against the Hawks (they are my team) and they are better. Seattle is
