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).
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.
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.
_______________________________________
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.
______________________________________________ _
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???
I am a native of the Pacific Northwest. My Grandfather was a very small minority owner of the Seahawks and even owned the land the original Kingdome was built on, he sold his portion to the Nordstrom family in 1979.
With that being said I was born a fan and was less than a two weeks old when I went to my first Hawks game on Dec. 3rd 1978 when the Hawks played the Browns.
As a kid my family moved to Arizona where things changed in sports, becoming a Phoenix sports fan is bittersweet, just like being a Seattle fan. Combined the two cities have two championships . 1979 Sonics and 2001 Diamondbacks.
I am now living in SoCal with my wife and two children, with one little future Seahawk on the way.