By: Kevin Cottrell Jr. 

Just A Thought…NYY State of Mind: Wednesday night the New York Yankees captured their 27^th World Series pennant. Fans marveled at their collection of talent this season and in their franchise history. Many say this is the best franchise ever while others may argue it’s the best franchise “money can buy”. Either way the Yankees have managed to do one thing consistently over the years WIN. In the 20s they won 3 titles, 5 in the 30s, 4 in the 40s, 6 in the 50s, 2 each in the 60s and 70s, 3 more in the 90s and finally capping off the first decade in the 2000s with their second pennant. So while its true the Yankees brass shell out a lot of money in order to outbid other teams for the best players around the fans of New York can only love their organization for attempting to produce a winner on a yearly basis. Regardless of whether or not you love or hate the Yankees for how they run their team always remember this, in life and in sports: One would rather be HATED for who they are than to be LOVED for who they are not. The Yankees are winners and to the average fan you have to Love that state of mind.

NFL: PICK 6! WEEK 9 Predictions: As we approach the halfway point in the NFL season only 2 teams remain undefeated. One resides in New Orleans (Saints) and the other is led by a New Orleans Native (Colts, Peyton Manning). Indy boasts the #1 passing offense (316.3 ypg) and the Saints have the most balanced attack with the #1 total offense (428.7 ypg). The two teams won’t meet during the regular season but one could only hope to see the two high powered offenses meet in Miami in February…unless you’re a fan of the other 30 teams in the L. Well enough about those two let’s kick off another week of predictions around the NFL.  Bye Week: Bills, Browns, Jets, Raiders, Rams and Vikings.

1. (4-3) RAVENS @ (5-2) BENGALS- Currently 1 game separates the two in their AFC North standings but come Sunday nothing will come between the two but the crisp air in Cincinnati. The key to winning will be rushing the ball and stopping the run, easier said than done since the Bengals & Ravens rank 9^th & 10^th rushing and the Ravens are 4^th against the run while the Bengals are surprisingly rank 5^th against the run. So what gives? The passing game! At a glance many will tip their caps in favor of Carson Palmer but the numbers show that the Bengals have troubled stopping teams from passing the ball allowing 253 ypg (30^th). If the Bengals are going to contend in the AFC they must protect their home field. The Bengals should be sharp coming off their bye week but the Ravens should have the momentum after dismantling the previously unbeaten Broncos last week. Keep in mind these two teams do not like each other and the Bengals one round 1 earlier in the season and the Ravens will seek revenge. Prediction: RAVENS by 4

2. (5-3) TEXANS @ (7-0) COLTS- Quick what’s the Texans record? Okay you looked! Had I not posted their record many of you may have been scratching your head because Houston is quietly 2 games above .500. They’ve managed to do so with their quick strike offense with Schaub & Andre Johnson. As for the Colts one may be quick to point out the fact that they have the #1 passing “O” in the L but a big reason for their unblemished record is because they hold their opponents to 13.0 ppg, also a #1 ranking. So while many may believe this game will be a shootout the fact that Peyton Manning is such a game manager he’ll do his best to attack Houston in a variety of ways keeping Schaub and company on the sidelines watching a more polished offense maneuver up and down the field. The first half of this game may be entertaining but in the end the #1 QB in the NFL will find a way to prevail. Prediction: COLTS by 7

3. (3-4) DOLPHINS @ (5-2) PATRIOTS- In the first few weeks of the season the Patriots offense struggled to find its rhythm but in the couple of weeks leading to its bye week they seemed to find the rhythm that allowed them to set records back in 2007. As for the Dolphins they continue to set a trend of their own with the wildcat offense. The Dolphins attempt to play defense on offense by playing the “time of possession” game. The longer Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are on the field the less time their opponents have to strike back. While the equation sounds simple enough they still have a 3-4 record and in the famous words of the ‘Fins boss (Bill Parcells) “you are what your record says you are.” Look for New England to come out firing with hopes of forcing the Dolphins to be a one-dimensional team. Belichick faced the ‘Fins and their dynamic offense twice last season so rest assured that the Pats’ coaching staff used their extra week off to prepare for assignment football against the Wildcat offense. Even if the ‘Fins have added a few wrinkles to their playbook if they don’t find a way to get to Tom Brady and stop his aerial attack then they’ll simply notch another W in the highlights and another L in the loss column. Then again you are what your record says you are. Look for the Pats to continue to be winners. Prediction: PATRIOTS by 3

4. (4-3) CHARGERS @ (5-3) GIANTS: The Chargers & Giants seem to be moving in two totally different directions. The Chargers started out slow losing 3 of 5 before winning their last 2 games whereas the Giants began the season 5-0 before dropping their last 3 games. So which team will continue their trend? The Chargers are currently 2-1 on the road with their lone loss coming on the East Coast (at Steelers). As for the Giants its tough to pin point what exactly is the problem but one could start with the play of their offense. The G-Men need their backs to get the ball moving to make things easier downfield for baby Manning and his receivers. Both teams will be fighting for their lives in order to escape the ranks of mediocrity. With the game being so evenly matched I myself would have to lean in favor of the home team. Prediction: GIANTS by 1

5. (5-2) COWBOYS @ (5-2) EAGLES: The difference between the two 5-2 teams is simple: the ‘Boys win ugly and the Eagles doing it with style. Romo seems to always find a way to get the ball to unsung heroes such as Miles Austin & Sam Hurd whereas McNabb seems to connect with DeSean Jackson 50+ yards in the air on every TD. Regardless of their contrasting styles both teams have the same record and needs the victory to take a half game lead in their division above the Giants. The Cowboys have 3 talented running backs whereas Philly has a banged up Brian Westbrook (expected to play) and a rookie backup that’s dynamic but struggles against the blitz. The difference in the game will be the Special Teams. DeSean Jackson add that dynamic to a team whereas he threatens to hit a home run every time he touches the ball and if nothing else he will give McNabb and the offense great field position. This NFC battle will be exciting as always but the QB that stays off the turf the longest will come out with the Win. The Eagles’ blitz happy D will prevail. Prediction: EAGLES by 5

6. (5-2) STEELERS @ (6-1) BRONCOS: In the first half of the season the Steelers struggled to consistently play at their Super Bowl form. As for the Broncos they’ve exceeded expectations in the first half with a perfect 6-0 start before being brought back down to reality by another AFC North opponent. Denver will look to get things back on track starting with their #1 ranked defense. The Broncos goal will be to stop the Steelers from pounding them at the line and force the Steelers into third and long situations with hopes that Big Ben will turn the ball over. As for the Steelers their defense will be flying all over the field giving Orton various looks in an attempt to confuse the QB and force him out of his comfort zone in the pocket. Both teams live and die by their defense and the unit to win the turnover battle will notch another win in their belt. Prediction: STEELERS by 7

NFL: QUICK PICKS (For the Office Pool Players!)

**SURE FIRE PICKS**

PACKERS OVER BUCCANEERS

FALCONS OVER REDSKINS

SAINTS OVER PANTHERS

**EVEN STEVENS**

CARDINALS OVER BEARS

JAGUARS OVER CHIEFS

SEAHAWKS OVER LIONS

49ERS OVER TITANS

NBA: Starting 5: My weekly take on the best of the best on the hardwood!

1. Best Team: CELTICS, at 6-0 this team has been affectionately named the Boston “D” Party, holding opponents to 79.8 ppg!
2. Best Player: CARMELO ANTHONY, ‘Melo is playing with a chip on his shoulder averaging 34.5 ppg and has is team currently the only undefeated squad in the West!
3. Best Rookie: BRANDON JENNINGS, the rookie in Milwaukee caught flack for bypassing college for a year in Italy, but it appears his stint in Europe taught him more than a new language. In his first NBA game he posted 17 pts 9 reb 9 asst.
4. 6^th Man: JAMAL CRAWFORD, seems to be meshing with his new mates in Atlanta quite well averaging 15.8 points (in 25 minutes) off the bench. Something this young Hawks squad needed to compete with the elite.
5. Most Improved: ANDREA BARGNANI, the 7-foot Italian Stallion expected to be another role player on the Raptors, has gotten off to a hot start averaging 22.0 ppg. That’s 7 points up from his average last season.

FREE-THROWS!: Weekly News & Notes

Rush to Judgment?: After fumbling the ball for the 5^th time this season the Texans benched RB Steve Slaton in favor of Ryan Moats and he responded last week with 100+ yards. Still no word on whether Moats will remain the starter but if Slaton is your fantasy RB look for his touches to drop this week.

Practice?: If Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin is speaking out about a new contract he’s probably speaking about a nagging injury. Two weeks ago he suffered a high ankle sprain and has set out practice the past two weeks because of it. But when Boldin was approached about his status vs. Bears he responded: “I’ll never be 100% healthy this season…” yet he still plans to play at Soldiers Field. If the Bears front 7 can get after Warner like they did Derek Anderson last week Boldin’s health won’t be a factor.

Heir Jordan: Marcus Jordan, son of Michael Jordan, refuses to wear Adidas while playing at the University of Central Florida (who has an Adidas contract). As a result, Adidas has stated that they will never sponsor the University again. Hopefully Heir Jordan will bring in enough J’s to go around (the whole Athletic Department).

Chief Concern: Believe it or not, RB Larry Johnson is 75 yards away from surpassing Priest Holmes as the all-time leading rusher in Chiefs history. Believe it or not, the Chiefs fans want things to stay that way. There has been an online petition started by the fans in Kansas City with hopes that the Chiefs will deactivate Johnson for the remainder of the season because he’s been “a black eye” to the entire organization. As of Wednesday night there are at least 1,400 signatures collected on the petition. I wonder if number 1 on the list is signed Priest Holmes?  

ROMO MEET ROY.. Even though the Cowboys currently have a 5-2 record WR Roy Williams isn’t happy. The receiver thought to be the “Number 1 option” or T.O. replacement says he and Tony Romo are not on the same page. Which is weird since they’ve studied the same playbook since last year. When asked what the problem was, Roy stated he was doing what the #1 should do but the #2 is just getting all the balls. Well if you wanted to be technical Roy you’re not #1 or 2 or 3 for that matter. Here’s how Romo’s distribution chart looks (passes thrown) Witten: 48, Austin: 42, Crayton: 39, Williams: 37. So sorry Roy don’t be mad about being the #1 who isn’t getting the ball because in Romo’s eyes you’re his #4 so be the best #4 you can be!

SAY WHAT!!! (Tweets of the Week)

@reggie_bush Congrats to the Yankees winning the World Series!

@blakegriffin hideki matsui was a beast tonight (pause)

@QBKILLA Just Landed congrades Yankees on # 27!!! Good job

@Lfitzgerald11Even though my hometown twins didn't win it I can't hate on the yanks getting it done.Congrats 2 the yankees!

@ SportsVentz Yankees= Best Franchise in all of Sports! They've won at least 2 WS in every decade since the 20s (except in the 80s)... Congrats NYY