Showing posts with label NFL Picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL Picks. Show all posts
Week 14 Picks
12/09/2010 | Posted by
Devin
About halfway through this season, I decided to stop writing full-blown picks articles and focus more on the upcoming Bills game. This was a solid strategy but when it comes to a week like this it's borderline impossible. I've sat here at the computer for well over an hour trying to come up with a good Bills vs Browns preview. Here is what I've been able to come up with so far:
1. The Bills offensive line is a mess and might get destroyed on Sunday
2. The weather will be really bad
3. Jake Delhomme sucks
4. Peyton Hillis is going to plow through the Bills horrendous run defense
That's it. That's all I've been able to come up with. There is no possible way I can write a full preview when every thought I have centers around those four ideas. So I decided, at least for this week, that I would revert back to old form and just pick all the games and throw a few lines up about each game instead.
Picks are in bold.
Indianapolis @ Tennessee
- For the NFL wanting to showcase Thursday night football games and hold it against cable companies because they don't have the games, they are sure picking some awful matchups. Granted it isn't their fault and they can't predict the future, but these have been some crap games. The Falcons/Ravens game was a nice start, but it's been pure garbage since then, this game included. Next week we have San Diego and San Francisco. (How does San Francisco get so many primetime games?!?) The following week it's Carolina/Pittsburgh on Thursday and Dallas/Arizona on Saturday. I have a feeling some Time Warner executive is sitting back cackling about this and the NFL's demands to carry the network. Regardless, I'm glad I have them because sometimes any football is better than no football.
Back to the game though. I can't see any possible way that the Colts lose this game. For the first time that I can remember, their back is against the wall and their playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy. On top of that, Peyton Manning has been pure garbage for the past three weeks and he's going to eventually rebound in a big way. Luckily for all of us fantasy players, it's happening around fantasy playoff time. This is a huge change from previous years where Manning owners were carried to the playoffs and then screwed over as Indianapolis rested their starters.
On top of that, the Titans have fallen into the tank and are finished for the season. They are two games back in the division with games against the Colts, Texans, Chiefs, and Colts. There isn't an easy game remaining on the slate. Vince Young is finished for the season, Kerry Collins is showing his age, and Rusty Smith is Rusty Smith. All of this must be affecting CJ2K because he's rushed for 58 yards in the last two games combined. All of this leads to my one big question about Tennessee. At what point do people start pointing the finger at Jeff Fisher? There seems to be constant character issues in Tennessee and to be quite honest, what exactly has he done? He's been the coach for almost 20 years with only one Super Bowl appearance to date.
Cleveland @ Buffalo
- As I highlighted above, Peyton Hillis is going to run all over the Bills. If the reports are true and Buffalo does get a huge blizzard, I expect even more running and an even bigger day for Hillis. As if he isn't hard enough to tackle, now do it when the conditions suck and it's freezing outside. The only hope I have right now is that Hillis turns the ball over a few times and the Bills are able to hang with them and make it close. For a game that I thought was a definite win earlier in the season, I have little hope at this point and don't expect a whole lot.
Green Bay @ Detroit
- Crazy thought of the day. If the season were to end today, the Packers would not make the playoffs. A large part of this is because the awful NFC West will get a team in no matter what, but also because Chicago has a full game lead on Green Bay and the tie-breaker as of now. Because of all this, Green Bay is full must-win mode for the final four games of the season. They face the Giants and Bears in the final two weeks, the two teams ahead of them in the wild card and division. Combine this with the fact that they are playing Detroit, and there is no way Green Bay can lose this game.
New York Giants @ Minnesota
- If there was one annoying thing about last week's Vikings/Bills game, it was the whole "Tarvaris Jackson is good" idea that kept getting thrown out there. Listen, he wasn't good at all. His one touchdown was a toss-up to Sidney Rice, who made a great catch to pull it down in between two Buffalo defenders. But let's not get crazy. I could've thrown that pass. It wasn't Jackson's great pass at all; it was Rice's tremendous effort. On top of that, Jackson threw three interceptions to a defense that had four going into the day. The reason Minnesota won was because A)Adrian Peterson ran all over the league's worst run defense and B) The Bills turned the ball over five times, including twice that gave Minnesota the ball in the red zone and once on the one yard line where they were poised to score.
With all of the above in mind, the Giants will win this game. Their defense is much better than Buffalo's and they are a much more desperate team. They need to win this game to keep pace and setup a division deciding matchup next week against Philadelphia. Good teams don't lose the easy ones.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
- When doing a little research on the Steelers, I came across one really impressive stat. Rashard Mendenhall has 1007 yards and nine touchdowns on the season. Normally that wouldn't be very impressive given the fact that he is good and the Steelers are also good, but it's amazing given the offensive line he has in front of him. This says a lot coming from a Bills fan, but the Steelers have the worst offensive line I've seen in a long time. The Bills have one of the worst defenses in recent memory and they were consistently putting pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. On top of that, the few times they were protecting him well was because they were always holding. I'm saying this as unbiased as I can, I have no idea how they are going to win in the playoffs with such a horrendous offensive line. They should win at least three of the next four games, but it will be interesting to see how this is addressed in the playoffs.
Tampa Bay @ Washington
- Tampa Bay pretty much blew their shot at the playoffs last week when they lost to Atlanta. Right now they are 7-5 and trail the Giants and Packers for the wild card. They would actually need a collapse from both teams (not happening) to gain the sixth seed. Even more of a long shot is to hope either New Orleans or Atlanta flop in the final four weeks and allow them to creep in. I've mentioned this before, but we can thank the awful NFC West for this, because as of now, the 6-6 St. Louis Rams would be hosting a playoff game. I addressed a similar issue in my fantasy league for next season; the NFL may want to do the same.
Atlanta @ Carolina
- When I was recently asked about how I'd pick for the Super Bowl, I said I'd have to pick Atlanta in the NFC if they have home-field throughout the playoffs. The formula is simple: the Falcons almost never lose at home. In three seasons, Matt Ryan has lost once inside the Georgia Dome. That is a crazy stat, but 100% true. Now that we know that, also know that the Falcons control their own destiny for the top seed in the NFC and have games against Carolina, Seattle, New Orleans, and Carolina. Three easy wins on that list and the hard game against New Orleans, it's at home. In other words, the Falcons have pretty much wrapped up home field throughout the playoffs.
Oakland @ Jacksonville
- I realize that Jacksonville is in first place in the AFC South and in the driver's seat to make the playoffs, but I refuse to believe they're a good team. They have exactly zero wins against teams with a record above .500. Their losses on the other hand, have come against teams with records of 6-6, 8-4, 5-7, 8-4, and 8-4. Do you see the point I'm making here? They play bad teams, they win. They play good teams, they lose. Sometimes it's really that simply. If the Jags somehow hold onto the South lead and host a playoff game, not only will it not sell out, but they'll be one and done for sure. Mark it down. The Jaguars are a joke.
Seattle @ San Francisco
- I have to think Seattle is going to win this game because right now they are dead-locked in first place at 6-6 with the Rams. That's my only reasoning. Well that and the 49ers aren't very good. Seattle beat them 31-6 on opening day and I don't see any reason why it would be different this week.
St. Louis @ New Orleans
- As of now, this would be a first round preview. Yikes. The Rams are much improved over past years, but they aren't beating the Saints on the road. To their credit though, the line is -8.5 for New Orleans and I think the Rams will at least cover the spread.
New England @ Chicago
- If we've learned one thing over the years, it's to not piss the Patriots off. The Jets pissed them off by constantly running their mouth without accomplishing anything and look what happened last Monday night. This week, Brian Urlacher came out and said the Bears are the best team in the NFL right now. I'm just guessing, but I don't think Tom Brady and company will respond very well to that.
Miami @ NY Jets
- While last week's loss to New England was certainly deflating for the Jets playoff hopes, they still have a wild card berth nearly locked up so hope is still high in Jersey. The key to this game will be how well the Jets run the ball because cold weather + important game = Mark Sanchez implosion when he's forced to throw the ball. Speaking of running the ball, LaDainian Tomlinson has slowed down a bit in recent weeks. I wrote about this earlier in the season but I was of the mind that his body and age would slow him up and he wouldn't keep up his hot start. He's gone over 100 yards this season one time. The last time he even ran for more than 60 yards was in Week Five. Look, all I'm trying to say is that Tomlinson is old and washed up.
Denver @ Arizona
- Interim coaches are 2-0 this season in their debut, which is the sole reason for me picking Denver. Seriously. I have no other reasoning.
Kansas City @ San Diego
- If San Diego loses this game, they will be eliminated from winning the AFC West. They won't be out of the wild card "mathematically," but believe me they'll be out of it. Crazy to think at how they've done with the amount of talent they have. Also worth noting in this game, Matt Cassel had an emergency appendectomy this week. I'm no medical expert, but I can't imagine him playing very well on such short rest after a rather major operation. And if he doesn't play, it appears to be Brodie Croyle under center. Not looking good for Kansas City this Sunday.
Philadelphia @ Dallas
- Dallas has been much improved since Jason Garrett took over for Wade Phillips, which further proves that Dallas had simply quit on Phillips. If Jerry Jones had made the move sooner, I bet we'd be discussing the playoff chances for Dallas. But for as well as they've played, I don't think they'll keep up with Philadelphia. The Eagles might be the fastest team in the league and their NFC leading 344 points prove that point. Ironically, for as good as the Eagles have been, they are only 8-4 and tied for first place. Without a win against the Giants earlier this season, the Eagles would actually be out of the playoffs because of an opening day loss to Green Bay. I find this all very interesting because as good as they are; they are one slip-up away from golfing on wild card weekend.
Baltimore @ Houston
- This game is a combination of Baltimore losing, Baltimore being angry, and Houston not being very good. It's shaping up for a blowout in Baltimore's favor. But don't worry, Houston still won't fire Gary Kubiak. They still have hope for finishing 9-7 and out of the playoffs yet again.
Last Week: 12-4
Entire Season: 123-69
Scott's Picks:
Indianapolis @ Tennessee
Cleveland @ Buffalo
Green Bay @ Detroit
New York Giants @ Minnesota
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay @ Washington
Atlanta @ Carolina
Oakland
@ Jacksonville
Seattle
@ San Francisco
St. Louis @ New Orleans
New England @ Chicago
Miami @ NY Jets
Denver @ Arizona
Kansas City @ San Diego
Philadelphia @ Dallas
Baltimore @ Houston
Last Week: 12-4
Entire Season: 118-74
1. The Bills offensive line is a mess and might get destroyed on Sunday
2. The weather will be really bad
3. Jake Delhomme sucks
4. Peyton Hillis is going to plow through the Bills horrendous run defense
That's it. That's all I've been able to come up with. There is no possible way I can write a full preview when every thought I have centers around those four ideas. So I decided, at least for this week, that I would revert back to old form and just pick all the games and throw a few lines up about each game instead.
Picks are in bold.
Indianapolis @ Tennessee
- For the NFL wanting to showcase Thursday night football games and hold it against cable companies because they don't have the games, they are sure picking some awful matchups. Granted it isn't their fault and they can't predict the future, but these have been some crap games. The Falcons/Ravens game was a nice start, but it's been pure garbage since then, this game included. Next week we have San Diego and San Francisco. (How does San Francisco get so many primetime games?!?) The following week it's Carolina/Pittsburgh on Thursday and Dallas/Arizona on Saturday. I have a feeling some Time Warner executive is sitting back cackling about this and the NFL's demands to carry the network. Regardless, I'm glad I have them because sometimes any football is better than no football.
Back to the game though. I can't see any possible way that the Colts lose this game. For the first time that I can remember, their back is against the wall and their playoff hopes are in serious jeopardy. On top of that, Peyton Manning has been pure garbage for the past three weeks and he's going to eventually rebound in a big way. Luckily for all of us fantasy players, it's happening around fantasy playoff time. This is a huge change from previous years where Manning owners were carried to the playoffs and then screwed over as Indianapolis rested their starters.
On top of that, the Titans have fallen into the tank and are finished for the season. They are two games back in the division with games against the Colts, Texans, Chiefs, and Colts. There isn't an easy game remaining on the slate. Vince Young is finished for the season, Kerry Collins is showing his age, and Rusty Smith is Rusty Smith. All of this must be affecting CJ2K because he's rushed for 58 yards in the last two games combined. All of this leads to my one big question about Tennessee. At what point do people start pointing the finger at Jeff Fisher? There seems to be constant character issues in Tennessee and to be quite honest, what exactly has he done? He's been the coach for almost 20 years with only one Super Bowl appearance to date.
Cleveland @ Buffalo
Green Bay @ Detroit
- Crazy thought of the day. If the season were to end today, the Packers would not make the playoffs. A large part of this is because the awful NFC West will get a team in no matter what, but also because Chicago has a full game lead on Green Bay and the tie-breaker as of now. Because of all this, Green Bay is full must-win mode for the final four games of the season. They face the Giants and Bears in the final two weeks, the two teams ahead of them in the wild card and division. Combine this with the fact that they are playing Detroit, and there is no way Green Bay can lose this game.
New York Giants @ Minnesota
- If there was one annoying thing about last week's Vikings/Bills game, it was the whole "Tarvaris Jackson is good" idea that kept getting thrown out there. Listen, he wasn't good at all. His one touchdown was a toss-up to Sidney Rice, who made a great catch to pull it down in between two Buffalo defenders. But let's not get crazy. I could've thrown that pass. It wasn't Jackson's great pass at all; it was Rice's tremendous effort. On top of that, Jackson threw three interceptions to a defense that had four going into the day. The reason Minnesota won was because A)Adrian Peterson ran all over the league's worst run defense and B) The Bills turned the ball over five times, including twice that gave Minnesota the ball in the red zone and once on the one yard line where they were poised to score.
With all of the above in mind, the Giants will win this game. Their defense is much better than Buffalo's and they are a much more desperate team. They need to win this game to keep pace and setup a division deciding matchup next week against Philadelphia. Good teams don't lose the easy ones.
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
- When doing a little research on the Steelers, I came across one really impressive stat. Rashard Mendenhall has 1007 yards and nine touchdowns on the season. Normally that wouldn't be very impressive given the fact that he is good and the Steelers are also good, but it's amazing given the offensive line he has in front of him. This says a lot coming from a Bills fan, but the Steelers have the worst offensive line I've seen in a long time. The Bills have one of the worst defenses in recent memory and they were consistently putting pressure on Ben Roethlisberger. On top of that, the few times they were protecting him well was because they were always holding. I'm saying this as unbiased as I can, I have no idea how they are going to win in the playoffs with such a horrendous offensive line. They should win at least three of the next four games, but it will be interesting to see how this is addressed in the playoffs.
Tampa Bay @ Washington
- Tampa Bay pretty much blew their shot at the playoffs last week when they lost to Atlanta. Right now they are 7-5 and trail the Giants and Packers for the wild card. They would actually need a collapse from both teams (not happening) to gain the sixth seed. Even more of a long shot is to hope either New Orleans or Atlanta flop in the final four weeks and allow them to creep in. I've mentioned this before, but we can thank the awful NFC West for this, because as of now, the 6-6 St. Louis Rams would be hosting a playoff game. I addressed a similar issue in my fantasy league for next season; the NFL may want to do the same.
Atlanta @ Carolina
- When I was recently asked about how I'd pick for the Super Bowl, I said I'd have to pick Atlanta in the NFC if they have home-field throughout the playoffs. The formula is simple: the Falcons almost never lose at home. In three seasons, Matt Ryan has lost once inside the Georgia Dome. That is a crazy stat, but 100% true. Now that we know that, also know that the Falcons control their own destiny for the top seed in the NFC and have games against Carolina, Seattle, New Orleans, and Carolina. Three easy wins on that list and the hard game against New Orleans, it's at home. In other words, the Falcons have pretty much wrapped up home field throughout the playoffs.
Oakland @ Jacksonville
- I realize that Jacksonville is in first place in the AFC South and in the driver's seat to make the playoffs, but I refuse to believe they're a good team. They have exactly zero wins against teams with a record above .500. Their losses on the other hand, have come against teams with records of 6-6, 8-4, 5-7, 8-4, and 8-4. Do you see the point I'm making here? They play bad teams, they win. They play good teams, they lose. Sometimes it's really that simply. If the Jags somehow hold onto the South lead and host a playoff game, not only will it not sell out, but they'll be one and done for sure. Mark it down. The Jaguars are a joke.
Seattle @ San Francisco
- I have to think Seattle is going to win this game because right now they are dead-locked in first place at 6-6 with the Rams. That's my only reasoning. Well that and the 49ers aren't very good. Seattle beat them 31-6 on opening day and I don't see any reason why it would be different this week.
St. Louis @ New Orleans
- As of now, this would be a first round preview. Yikes. The Rams are much improved over past years, but they aren't beating the Saints on the road. To their credit though, the line is -8.5 for New Orleans and I think the Rams will at least cover the spread.
New England @ Chicago
- If we've learned one thing over the years, it's to not piss the Patriots off. The Jets pissed them off by constantly running their mouth without accomplishing anything and look what happened last Monday night. This week, Brian Urlacher came out and said the Bears are the best team in the NFL right now. I'm just guessing, but I don't think Tom Brady and company will respond very well to that.
Miami @ NY Jets
Denver @ Arizona
- Interim coaches are 2-0 this season in their debut, which is the sole reason for me picking Denver. Seriously. I have no other reasoning.
Kansas City @ San Diego
- If San Diego loses this game, they will be eliminated from winning the AFC West. They won't be out of the wild card "mathematically," but believe me they'll be out of it. Crazy to think at how they've done with the amount of talent they have. Also worth noting in this game, Matt Cassel had an emergency appendectomy this week. I'm no medical expert, but I can't imagine him playing very well on such short rest after a rather major operation. And if he doesn't play, it appears to be Brodie Croyle under center. Not looking good for Kansas City this Sunday.
Philadelphia @ Dallas
- Dallas has been much improved since Jason Garrett took over for Wade Phillips, which further proves that Dallas had simply quit on Phillips. If Jerry Jones had made the move sooner, I bet we'd be discussing the playoff chances for Dallas. But for as well as they've played, I don't think they'll keep up with Philadelphia. The Eagles might be the fastest team in the league and their NFC leading 344 points prove that point. Ironically, for as good as the Eagles have been, they are only 8-4 and tied for first place. Without a win against the Giants earlier this season, the Eagles would actually be out of the playoffs because of an opening day loss to Green Bay. I find this all very interesting because as good as they are; they are one slip-up away from golfing on wild card weekend.
Baltimore @ Houston
- This game is a combination of Baltimore losing, Baltimore being angry, and Houston not being very good. It's shaping up for a blowout in Baltimore's favor. But don't worry, Houston still won't fire Gary Kubiak. They still have hope for finishing 9-7 and out of the playoffs yet again.
Last Week: 12-4
Entire Season: 123-69
Scott's Picks:
Indianapolis @ Tennessee
Cleveland @ Buffalo
Green Bay @ Detroit
New York Giants @ Minnesota
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay @ Washington
Atlanta @ Carolina
Oakland
@ Jacksonville
Seattle
@ San Francisco
St. Louis @ New Orleans
New England @ Chicago
Miami @ NY Jets
Denver @ Arizona
Kansas City @ San Diego
Philadelphia @ Dallas
Baltimore @ Houston
Last Week: 12-4
Entire Season: 118-74
Bills/Vikings Preview & Week 13 Picks
12/02/2010 | Posted by
Devin
When the NFL schedule was first released for this season, the game this week against Minnesota was the second most highly anticipated one for me personally. The first being last week's game against Pittsburgh since I live in a city that tries to act like Pittsburgh's little brother.
While it may seem odd that a game against an NFC North team would draw my interest, it should be no surprise to those who know me. For one, I know enough Vikings' fans personally to generate a tiny rivalry with them, so it's always fun when the Bills take on the Vikings. Second, the Bills get to face Brett Favre, who is my version of the devil when it comes to NFL players. I've made no secret when it comes to my feelings on Favre so I would really enjoy watching him fall flat on his face against my team. And third, I really want to see Stevie Johnson rebound from the last game and especially do it against Cris Carter's former team. It would be that much sweeter if he did.
Before the season I predicted that both of these games would be losses and joked that nothing good comes my way in terms of sports. While the latter is mostly true, I don't think a Bills victory this week is very far-fetched anymore. The Vikings have been a disaster this season and while the Bills have only won two games, they are easily the best 2-9 team I've ever seen. The one advantage Minnesota has on Buffalo is Adrian Peterson against the worst rushing defense in the NFL. Luckily for the Bills, if Peterson even plays at all, odds are he won't be 100% for the game.
Since the last time I wrote a preview, the Bills have won two out of three games and probably should've won the third. This included a home win against Detroit that I was in attendance for and a second half thrashing of the Bengals. I will say without a doubt that Buffalo fans don't always get the credit they deserve. I'd like to see what other group of fans would fill a stadium for the most part (it was still blacked out) for their 0-8 team facing the 2-6 Lions on a rainy November afternoon and still make the same amount of noise and impact on the game. I was so proud to be a Bills fan that day.
And since I've been gone for most of November, let's see what I've missed during that time.
Ryan Fitzpatrick has continued his steady play and has pretty much ruled out the possibility of drafting a QB in the first round. In my opinion, I don't think Fitzpatrick is the answer in terms of a franchise QB. However, I do think he could hold down the job for a year or two while a second or third round pick learns the ropes from him.
Fred Jackson has now rushed for 621 yards, which is truly amazing considering the fact that he was barely used for the first four weeks of the season. Last season, Jackson had a career high 1062 rushing yards on the season. He would have to average 88 yards per game for the final five to eclipse that number, which is a definite possibility.
Stevie Johnson has 59 receptions, 796 yards receiving, and nine touchdowns so far. A few points of interest on Stevie's season so far. According to my research, Eric Moulds holds the franchise record for receptions in one season with 100 in 2002. Stevie would have to haul in 8.2 per game to tie that mark. It's a long shot, but it isn't out of the question just yet. Eric Moulds also holds the franchise record for receiving yards in a season, with 1368 in 1998. Stevie would need 114.4 per game to tie that mark. I think that is out of the question personally. But who knows? Maybe a huge 200 yard day puts it more within reach. Finally, Bill Brooks holds the franchise record for receiving touchdowns in a season with 11 in 1995. That record is by far the most attainable and could even be tied this weekend in Minnesota. One franchise record would be awesome. Two would be even better, but all three would be downright amazing.
The defense has also come around lately. Granted they still allow a ton of yards, the point totals have decreased which has really allowed the Bills to be in almost every game. After a string of five games early in the year allowing 30+ points, the Bills have gone on to allow 13, 22, 12, 31, and 19. The 31 is misleading because that game was against the Bengals where Fitzpatrick gift wrapped seven points, so in reality that was a 24 point performance for the defense. Like I said, not great, but a definite improvement over what they were earlier in the year.
Because I'm A) a huge homer and B) really liking this Bills team, I'm picking them to upset the Vikings this Sunday. It also helps that I have money riding on this game with a fellow Vikings fan.
Here are my other Week 13 picks, along with Scott's picks.
Houston @ Philadelphia
New Orleans @ Cincinnati
Chicago @ Detroit
San Francisco @ Green Bay
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Denver @ Kansas City
Cleveland @ Miami
Washington @ NY Giants
Oakland @ San Diego
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
Carolina @ Seattle
St. Louis @ Arizona
Dallas @ Indianapolis
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
NY Jets @ New England
Entire Season: 111-65
SCOTT'S PICKS
Houston @ Philadelphia
New Orleans @ Cincinnati
Chicago @ Detroit
San Francisco @ Green Bay
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Denver @ Kansas City
Cleveland @ Miami
Buffalo @ Minnesota
Washington @ NY Giants
Oakland @ San Diego
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
Carolina @ Seattle
St. Louis @ Arizona
Dallas @ Indianapolis
Pittsburgh
@ Baltimore
NY Jets @ New England
Entire Season: 106-70
Before the season I predicted that both of these games would be losses and joked that nothing good comes my way in terms of sports. While the latter is mostly true, I don't think a Bills victory this week is very far-fetched anymore. The Vikings have been a disaster this season and while the Bills have only won two games, they are easily the best 2-9 team I've ever seen. The one advantage Minnesota has on Buffalo is Adrian Peterson against the worst rushing defense in the NFL. Luckily for the Bills, if Peterson even plays at all, odds are he won't be 100% for the game.
Since the last time I wrote a preview, the Bills have won two out of three games and probably should've won the third. This included a home win against Detroit that I was in attendance for and a second half thrashing of the Bengals. I will say without a doubt that Buffalo fans don't always get the credit they deserve. I'd like to see what other group of fans would fill a stadium for the most part (it was still blacked out) for their 0-8 team facing the 2-6 Lions on a rainy November afternoon and still make the same amount of noise and impact on the game. I was so proud to be a Bills fan that day.
And since I've been gone for most of November, let's see what I've missed during that time.
Fred Jackson has now rushed for 621 yards, which is truly amazing considering the fact that he was barely used for the first four weeks of the season. Last season, Jackson had a career high 1062 rushing yards on the season. He would have to average 88 yards per game for the final five to eclipse that number, which is a definite possibility.
Stevie Johnson has 59 receptions, 796 yards receiving, and nine touchdowns so far. A few points of interest on Stevie's season so far. According to my research, Eric Moulds holds the franchise record for receptions in one season with 100 in 2002. Stevie would have to haul in 8.2 per game to tie that mark. It's a long shot, but it isn't out of the question just yet. Eric Moulds also holds the franchise record for receiving yards in a season, with 1368 in 1998. Stevie would need 114.4 per game to tie that mark. I think that is out of the question personally. But who knows? Maybe a huge 200 yard day puts it more within reach. Finally, Bill Brooks holds the franchise record for receiving touchdowns in a season with 11 in 1995. That record is by far the most attainable and could even be tied this weekend in Minnesota. One franchise record would be awesome. Two would be even better, but all three would be downright amazing.
The defense has also come around lately. Granted they still allow a ton of yards, the point totals have decreased which has really allowed the Bills to be in almost every game. After a string of five games early in the year allowing 30+ points, the Bills have gone on to allow 13, 22, 12, 31, and 19. The 31 is misleading because that game was against the Bengals where Fitzpatrick gift wrapped seven points, so in reality that was a 24 point performance for the defense. Like I said, not great, but a definite improvement over what they were earlier in the year.
Because I'm A) a huge homer and B) really liking this Bills team, I'm picking them to upset the Vikings this Sunday. It also helps that I have money riding on this game with a fellow Vikings fan.
Here are my other Week 13 picks, along with Scott's picks.
Houston @ Philadelphia
New Orleans @ Cincinnati
Chicago @ Detroit
San Francisco @ Green Bay
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Denver @ Kansas City
Cleveland @ Miami
Washington @ NY Giants
Oakland @ San Diego
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
Carolina @ Seattle
St. Louis @ Arizona
Dallas @ Indianapolis
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
NY Jets @ New England
Entire Season: 111-65
SCOTT'S PICKS
Houston @ Philadelphia
New Orleans @ Cincinnati
Chicago @ Detroit
San Francisco @ Green Bay
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Denver @ Kansas City
Cleveland @ Miami
Buffalo @ Minnesota
Washington @ NY Giants
Oakland @ San Diego
Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
Carolina @ Seattle
St. Louis @ Arizona
Dallas @ Indianapolis
Pittsburgh
@ Baltimore
NY Jets @ New England
Entire Season: 106-70
Bills vs Bears Preview/NFL Picks
11/05/2010 | Posted by
Devin
Are the Chicago Bears the worst four win team in the NFL right now?
(Nodding head)
Ok, maybe they aren't the worst in the league. Thanks to parity in the NFL, there are actually nine teams with four wins right now, so it's tough to argue that Chicago is the worst of the bunch, but they should definitely be in the discussion. Let's take a look at their schedule so far.
Chicago beat Detroit in Week One, 19-14, thanks to the crazy ruling on Calvin Johnson's non-touchdown. Basically, they stole a win, and I highly doubt Chicago fans would argue that point. They then traveled to Dallas in Week Two, which was impressive at the time, until we all realized how terrible the Cowboys are this year. Next was a victory against the Packers in the "chuck it up and pray for pass interference game" that Green Bay handed the Bears.
(For the record, I wrote about the Lions and Packers game after it happened and felt the same way at that time as well.)
Chicago then got their first loss against the Giants, where Jeff George v2.0 was sacked 10 times and eventually knocked out of the game. Da Bears bounced back with a 23-6 win over Carolina, who I've already established as one of the worst teams in the league. In that game, Matt Forte ran for 166 yards, which is the only game this season where a Bears' running back eclipsed the 100 yard mark. To be fair, nobody for the Bills has accomplished that yet. BUT, in that same game, backup QB Todd Collins only threw for 32 yards, 22 of those going to Forte. I actually had no idea that was possible. In the last two games, Chicago lost two home games to Seattle and Washington, while gaining a high of 31 yards and 41 yards in each game.
So here they sit. 4-3 and a half game out of first place in the NFC North. I suppose two advantages Chicago has this week is that they had a full two weeks to prepare for the only winless team remaining in the NFL and that the game will be played on a neutral field. Other than that, I've got nothing.
As you may have read in my Bills and Chiefs review, was the Bills alarming lack of turnovers. Well, if there is a week for them to break out of that, it's this week against Chicago. Jay Cutler has thrown for seven touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, so it's not like they'll be facing an elite QB. Of course, they somehow failed to pick Matt Cassel off, so I guess I shouldn't assume anything anymore with the Bills' secondary. Still, there isn't a whole lot that has me enamored with the Bears right now.
In two fewer games; Ryan Fitzpatrick has 283 fewer passing yards, five more touchdowns and two fewer interceptions than the above mentioned Jay Cutler. Advantage: Bills
With 90 rushing attempts this season, Matt Forte has accumulated 352 yards to Fred Jackson's 297 in 75 carries. Advantage: Push
Chicago's leading wide receiver, Johnny Knox, has 24 receptions and one touchdown on the season. Buffalo has three receivers (Evans, Parrish, Johnson), who all have more receptions and touchdowns individually. Ok, Parrish only has the one touchdown, so he's tied with Knox. Johnson and Evans have six and four respectively though. Advantage: Bills
Chicago's Robbie Gould is 12/14 on field goal attempts this season, while Rian Lindell is 9/12, so that advantage goes to Chicago. Although, they'll be kicking in a dome so who really cares.
Buffalo and Chicago both have returners who can break a kick or punt all the way, but Chicago currently employs the best in the league and maybe ever in Devin Hester (The U!), so Chicago also gets this advantage. For the record, I'm full blown scared of Hester. If Lindell wanted to kick every ball out of bounds and give Chicago the ball at the 40, I wouldn't have a problem with it.
The Bears have forced way more turnovers than the Bills, but I think we've already established time and time again that the Bills defense is one of the worst ever. No surprise there. However, the Bills' pass defense is statistically better in terms of average yards allowed per game, so that should count for something. Still, Chicago has the better defense.
It will be interesting to see how one of the worst running offenses in the league matches up with the league's worst run defense. I have no idea what will happen. Buffalo could actually stop them and look competent. Chicago could run wild and tease Forte's fantasy owners. The Earth could literally explode. Everything is in play with this one.
Overall, I'm picking the Bills to win. They're due. They've gone to overtime in both of the last two weeks and fell just short to much better teams than Chicago. There will be no weather affecting the teams, which is a much bigger advantage for Fitzpatrick than it is for Cutler. My only hesitation in picking Buffalo is the fact that they haven't won a regular season game in Toronto since this whole debacle started a few years ago. And really, if that's the only thing stopping me from picking Buffalo, then I'm picking Buffalo. As bad as I want the number one pick in the draft (which I absolutely do), I want Buffalo to get that one win so we can't stop debating if they'll actually go 0-16. One win isn't going to kill their chances. Just do it. Now. Please. I'm begging.
Here are my other Week 9 picks:
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
New England @ Cleveland
NY Jets @ Detroit
Arizona @ Minnesota
New Orleans @ Carolina
Miami @ Baltimore
San Diego @ Houston
NY Giants @ Seattle
Kansas City @ Oakland
Indianapolis @ Philadelphia
Dallas @ Green Bay
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Last Week: 7-6
Season: 69-48
Scott's Picks:
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Chicago @ Buffalo (TOR)
New England @ Cleveland
NY Jets @ Detroit
Arizona @ Minnesota
New Orleans @ Carolina
Miami @ Baltimore
San Diego @ Houston
NY Giants @ Seattle
Kansas City @ Oakland
Indianapolis @ Philadelphia
Dallas @ Green Bay
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Last Week: 8-5
Season: 70-47
(Nodding head)
Ok, maybe they aren't the worst in the league. Thanks to parity in the NFL, there are actually nine teams with four wins right now, so it's tough to argue that Chicago is the worst of the bunch, but they should definitely be in the discussion. Let's take a look at their schedule so far.
Chicago beat Detroit in Week One, 19-14, thanks to the crazy ruling on Calvin Johnson's non-touchdown. Basically, they stole a win, and I highly doubt Chicago fans would argue that point. They then traveled to Dallas in Week Two, which was impressive at the time, until we all realized how terrible the Cowboys are this year. Next was a victory against the Packers in the "chuck it up and pray for pass interference game" that Green Bay handed the Bears.
(For the record, I wrote about the Lions and Packers game after it happened and felt the same way at that time as well.)
Chicago then got their first loss against the Giants, where Jeff George v2.0 was sacked 10 times and eventually knocked out of the game. Da Bears bounced back with a 23-6 win over Carolina, who I've already established as one of the worst teams in the league. In that game, Matt Forte ran for 166 yards, which is the only game this season where a Bears' running back eclipsed the 100 yard mark. To be fair, nobody for the Bills has accomplished that yet. BUT, in that same game, backup QB Todd Collins only threw for 32 yards, 22 of those going to Forte. I actually had no idea that was possible. In the last two games, Chicago lost two home games to Seattle and Washington, while gaining a high of 31 yards and 41 yards in each game.
So here they sit. 4-3 and a half game out of first place in the NFC North. I suppose two advantages Chicago has this week is that they had a full two weeks to prepare for the only winless team remaining in the NFL and that the game will be played on a neutral field. Other than that, I've got nothing.
As you may have read in my Bills and Chiefs review, was the Bills alarming lack of turnovers. Well, if there is a week for them to break out of that, it's this week against Chicago. Jay Cutler has thrown for seven touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, so it's not like they'll be facing an elite QB. Of course, they somehow failed to pick Matt Cassel off, so I guess I shouldn't assume anything anymore with the Bills' secondary. Still, there isn't a whole lot that has me enamored with the Bears right now.
In two fewer games; Ryan Fitzpatrick has 283 fewer passing yards, five more touchdowns and two fewer interceptions than the above mentioned Jay Cutler. Advantage: Bills
With 90 rushing attempts this season, Matt Forte has accumulated 352 yards to Fred Jackson's 297 in 75 carries. Advantage: Push
Chicago's Robbie Gould is 12/14 on field goal attempts this season, while Rian Lindell is 9/12, so that advantage goes to Chicago. Although, they'll be kicking in a dome so who really cares.
Buffalo and Chicago both have returners who can break a kick or punt all the way, but Chicago currently employs the best in the league and maybe ever in Devin Hester (The U!), so Chicago also gets this advantage. For the record, I'm full blown scared of Hester. If Lindell wanted to kick every ball out of bounds and give Chicago the ball at the 40, I wouldn't have a problem with it.
The Bears have forced way more turnovers than the Bills, but I think we've already established time and time again that the Bills defense is one of the worst ever. No surprise there. However, the Bills' pass defense is statistically better in terms of average yards allowed per game, so that should count for something. Still, Chicago has the better defense.
It will be interesting to see how one of the worst running offenses in the league matches up with the league's worst run defense. I have no idea what will happen. Buffalo could actually stop them and look competent. Chicago could run wild and tease Forte's fantasy owners. The Earth could literally explode. Everything is in play with this one.
Overall, I'm picking the Bills to win. They're due. They've gone to overtime in both of the last two weeks and fell just short to much better teams than Chicago. There will be no weather affecting the teams, which is a much bigger advantage for Fitzpatrick than it is for Cutler. My only hesitation in picking Buffalo is the fact that they haven't won a regular season game in Toronto since this whole debacle started a few years ago. And really, if that's the only thing stopping me from picking Buffalo, then I'm picking Buffalo. As bad as I want the number one pick in the draft (which I absolutely do), I want Buffalo to get that one win so we can't stop debating if they'll actually go 0-16. One win isn't going to kill their chances. Just do it. Now. Please. I'm begging.
Here are my other Week 9 picks:
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
New England @ Cleveland
NY Jets @ Detroit
Arizona @ Minnesota
New Orleans @ Carolina
Miami @ Baltimore
San Diego @ Houston
NY Giants @ Seattle
Kansas City @ Oakland
Indianapolis @ Philadelphia
Dallas @ Green Bay
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Last Week: 7-6
Season: 69-48
Scott's Picks:
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Chicago @ Buffalo (TOR)
New England @ Cleveland
NY Jets @ Detroit
Arizona @ Minnesota
New Orleans @ Carolina
Miami @ Baltimore
San Diego @ Houston
NY Giants @ Seattle
Kansas City @ Oakland
Indianapolis @ Philadelphia
Dallas @ Green Bay
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Last Week: 8-5
Season: 70-47
Bills vs Ravens Preview/NFL Week 7 Picks
10/21/2010 | Posted by
Devin
"It's gonna be rough on Buffalo." – Ray Lewis
Baltimore heads into this week at 4-2 and rather angry, as you can tell by the above quote. I have a
problem with the quote itself, which I suppose I can address right now.
I understand it's because Baltimore is angry for blowing a 10 point lead in the fourth quarter at New England. I understand that. But the fact that Ray Lewis immediately called out Buffalo reminded me of what a bully would do to the losers in high school. Maybe Lewis would've been better off saying, "We couldn't handle New England, AGAIN, so we're gonna come home and beat down on the lowly Bills so we can feel better about ourselves." Essentially that's what he said. But whatever. I guess that's what happens when you're one of the worst teams in the league. Hold on while I go beat up a 10 year old and steal his lunch money.
Okay, I'm back. Baltimore might be one of the best 4-2 teams in the league considering their schedule so far. They've lost the two games by a combined eight points. Also, both losses were on the road. Among their wins were road victories against the Jets and Steelers, two of the best teams in the league. I don't know who makes these schedules but someone slighted Baltimore with two home games and four away to start the season. Then again, with a home game against Buffalo, it all evens out.
We might have forgotten this over the bye week, but Buffalo returns to the field with virtually no strengths. As if I needed a reminder on this, I read this quote on Wednesday from an article on Buffalo Rumblings about Buffalo's Heavy-Front Run Defense:
So let me get this straight. The Bills developed a "new" defensive "strategy" specifically aimed at stopped the run and somehow still allowed 216 yards rushing. AND it will continued to be used going forward? Gee, I wonder why the Bills will be drafting first overall this April.
This game will also rub a little salt in the wound for bitter Bills fans as Baltimore currently employs Haloti Ngata and Michael Oher. For those that may not remember, the Bills passed on Ngata for the opportunity to draft the biggest mouth on Twitter. Oher was taken in the first round in 2009, but Buffalo opted to draft Aaron Maybin instead. That sound you hear is the city of Buffalo throwing up right now.
Despite all the Bills bashing I did above, the game might be a little closer than people think. The Vegas line is currently at -13 for Baltimore, which I think is a little high. The Ravens have only won one game by more than 10 points this season. The others were by one, three and seven. The game against Cleveland was by seven, which makes me believe the Bills can at least keep this somewhat close.
I know that the Ravens have the reputation as a great defensive team, but this isn't the same Baltimore team that took home the Lombardi Trophy based on their defense. In their game against Cleveland, the Ravens allowed Peyton Hillis to run for 144 yards on 22 carries. Last week against New England, Danny Woodhead ran for 63 yards on 11 carries. I'm no expert, but couldn't Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller chew up some yardage and clock against this defense?
Here is where the game will get ugly. The Bills are dead last in the league, allowing an average of 182.4 yards per game on the ground. I foresee a huge day for Ray Rice and when he's tired, go ahead and toss Willis McGahee into the game. Willis isn't the back he was in the past, but don't you think he'll be a little amped up for this game? If you think he doesn't still hate Buffalo, you're fooling yourself. Both of these backs are going to go off on Sunday.
Buffalo hasn't been great against the pass either, but luckily for them, Joe Flacco isn't exactly lighting up opposing defenses this year. Flacco has yet to eclipse the 300 yard mark in a game this season, which puts him in perfect company with every Bills QB from the past three years. In fact, Flacco has thrown for 1401 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions in six games this season. In half the amount of games, Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for 595 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
With all of this being said, the Bills still aren't going to win the game. In fact, I think I just spent the previous four previous paragraphs convincing myself that Buffalo will simply cover the spread. What can I say? It's been a fun 2010 season for Buffalo so far.
Prediction: Baltimore 31, Buffalo 20.
My other NFL Picks (in bold):
Cincinnati @ Atlanta
Washington @ Chicago
Philadelphia @ Tennessee
Jacksonville @ Kansas City
Pittsburgh @ Miami
Cleveland @ New Orleans
St. Louis @ Tampa Bay
San Francisco @ Carolina
Arizona @ Seattle
New England @ San Diego
Oakland @ Denver
Minnesota @ Green Bay
NY Giants @ Dallas
Last Week: 8-6
Entire Season: 52-36
Scott's Picks:
Cincinnati @ Atlanta
Washington @ Chicago
Philadelphia @ Tennessee
Jacksonville @ Kansas City
Pittsburgh @ Miami
Cleveland @ New Orleans
St. Louis @ Tampa Bay
San Francisco @ Carolina
Buffalo @ Baltimore
Arizona @ Seattle
New England @ San Diego
Oakland @ Denver
Minnesota @ Green Bay
NY Giants @ Dallas
Last Week: 9-5
Entire Season: 53-35
Fantasy Update: Thanks to Jeff Fisher, Chris Johnson and the other Titans for running up the score in a blowout; I'm now losing 2-1 in our fantasy bet. That's right; Scott beat me in the one league we're close in because the Titans had to go for it on 4th and 5 with under two minutes remaining in a 23-3 game. Whatever.
Baltimore heads into this week at 4-2 and rather angry, as you can tell by the above quote. I have a
problem with the quote itself, which I suppose I can address right now. I understand it's because Baltimore is angry for blowing a 10 point lead in the fourth quarter at New England. I understand that. But the fact that Ray Lewis immediately called out Buffalo reminded me of what a bully would do to the losers in high school. Maybe Lewis would've been better off saying, "We couldn't handle New England, AGAIN, so we're gonna come home and beat down on the lowly Bills so we can feel better about ourselves." Essentially that's what he said. But whatever. I guess that's what happens when you're one of the worst teams in the league. Hold on while I go beat up a 10 year old and steal his lunch money.
Okay, I'm back. Baltimore might be one of the best 4-2 teams in the league considering their schedule so far. They've lost the two games by a combined eight points. Also, both losses were on the road. Among their wins were road victories against the Jets and Steelers, two of the best teams in the league. I don't know who makes these schedules but someone slighted Baltimore with two home games and four away to start the season. Then again, with a home game against Buffalo, it all evens out.
We might have forgotten this over the bye week, but Buffalo returns to the field with virtually no strengths. As if I needed a reminder on this, I read this quote on Wednesday from an article on Buffalo Rumblings about Buffalo's Heavy-Front Run Defense:
In a Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Buffalo Bills unveiled a new "heavy" run defensive front designed to help shore up the league's worst run defense. Though the Jags still ran for 216 yards in a 36-26 victory, the heavy package will apparently remain a part of coordinator George Edwards' defensive arsenal moving forward.WHAT?!?!
So let me get this straight. The Bills developed a "new" defensive "strategy" specifically aimed at stopped the run and somehow still allowed 216 yards rushing. AND it will continued to be used going forward? Gee, I wonder why the Bills will be drafting first overall this April.
This game will also rub a little salt in the wound for bitter Bills fans as Baltimore currently employs Haloti Ngata and Michael Oher. For those that may not remember, the Bills passed on Ngata for the opportunity to draft the biggest mouth on Twitter. Oher was taken in the first round in 2009, but Buffalo opted to draft Aaron Maybin instead. That sound you hear is the city of Buffalo throwing up right now.
Despite all the Bills bashing I did above, the game might be a little closer than people think. The Vegas line is currently at -13 for Baltimore, which I think is a little high. The Ravens have only won one game by more than 10 points this season. The others were by one, three and seven. The game against Cleveland was by seven, which makes me believe the Bills can at least keep this somewhat close.
I know that the Ravens have the reputation as a great defensive team, but this isn't the same Baltimore team that took home the Lombardi Trophy based on their defense. In their game against Cleveland, the Ravens allowed Peyton Hillis to run for 144 yards on 22 carries. Last week against New England, Danny Woodhead ran for 63 yards on 11 carries. I'm no expert, but couldn't Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller chew up some yardage and clock against this defense?
Buffalo hasn't been great against the pass either, but luckily for them, Joe Flacco isn't exactly lighting up opposing defenses this year. Flacco has yet to eclipse the 300 yard mark in a game this season, which puts him in perfect company with every Bills QB from the past three years. In fact, Flacco has thrown for 1401 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions in six games this season. In half the amount of games, Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown for 595 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
With all of this being said, the Bills still aren't going to win the game. In fact, I think I just spent the previous four previous paragraphs convincing myself that Buffalo will simply cover the spread. What can I say? It's been a fun 2010 season for Buffalo so far.
Prediction: Baltimore 31, Buffalo 20.
My other NFL Picks (in bold):
Cincinnati @ Atlanta
Washington @ Chicago
Philadelphia @ Tennessee
Jacksonville @ Kansas City
Pittsburgh @ Miami
Cleveland @ New Orleans
St. Louis @ Tampa Bay
San Francisco @ Carolina
Arizona @ Seattle
New England @ San Diego
Oakland @ Denver
Minnesota @ Green Bay
NY Giants @ Dallas
Last Week: 8-6
Entire Season: 52-36
Scott's Picks:
Cincinnati @ Atlanta
Washington @ Chicago
Philadelphia @ Tennessee
Jacksonville @ Kansas City
Pittsburgh @ Miami
Cleveland @ New Orleans
St. Louis @ Tampa Bay
San Francisco @ Carolina
Buffalo @ Baltimore
Arizona @ Seattle
New England @ San Diego
Oakland @ Denver
Minnesota @ Green Bay
NY Giants @ Dallas
Last Week: 9-5
Entire Season: 53-35
Fantasy Update: Thanks to Jeff Fisher, Chris Johnson and the other Titans for running up the score in a blowout; I'm now losing 2-1 in our fantasy bet. That's right; Scott beat me in the one league we're close in because the Titans had to go for it on 4th and 5 with under two minutes remaining in a 23-3 game. Whatever.
NFL Picks – Week Six
10/16/2010 | Posted by
Devin
Quick Disclaimer: Like the power rankings, the weekly NFL picks are going to be retired after this week. Starting next week I will be previewing the upcoming matchup for the Bills in horrific detail. Along with those previews, I will give my weekly picks, along with Scott's picks and our fantasy bet update. I simply won't be writing something about each game because as you can see below, some games are better left ignored completely.
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears – I tried to come up with something for this game but I really have nothing. I hope it's low scoring so the NFL Redzone channel doesn't show any of it. (Seattle)
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots – It's funny how the Patriots work. They got rid of a bad locker room presence in Randy Moss for a 3rd round pick. Then they give up a 4th round pick for ex-Patriot Deion Branch who is probably the happiest person alive to come from Seattle and back home to New England, where he had the most success of his career. And yet, the Patriots somehow prosper from the entire deal. Amazing. However, it doesn't help their horrendous defense so I see a big day for Joe Flacco and the gang. (Baltimore)
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants – The Giants are in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East at 3-2. I had to look that up as I was typing it because it sounded crazy. They are rolling right now though and in my opinion, the best of the bunch in the East. They should easily beat Detroit and improve to 4-2, setting up a showdown with Dallas where I'm sure they will be looking to completely bury the Cowboys. (NY Giants)
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles – As of now, I don't think Michael Vick is playing in this game, therefore I'm picking Atlanta. I know this sounds crazy, but I'm thinking Atlanta might be the best team in the NFC right now. If Vick plays, Philly has a legit chance, but I don't like their odds with Kolb. He looked decent against San Francisco but I need to see it against a real team before I'm sold. (Atlanta)
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Poor Colt McCoy. He finally gets his first NFL start and he is going to get annihilated by Pittsburgh's defense. I would be surprised if the Browns even mustered six points in this game. McCoy could end up having a promising NFL career, but this game will most likely derail it. (Pittsburgh)
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers – After getting their first two wins on the road and starting out 2-0, Miami fell back down to pretender status with two straight home losses (to division teams). Maybe it's a good thing Miami goes back on the road, but this game will really depend on whether or not Aaron Rodgers plays. If he doesn't, the Packers are screwed. I'm also not a fan of Green Bay's running game right now. But hey, good thing they held out for Marshawn Lynch. I'm picking Miami but I still think they are a pretender in the grand scheme of things. (Miami)
San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams – I don't like the Rams in this game at all. They are improving but they showed last week in Detroit that they're still a long ways away. San Diego has struggled once again to start this season and I'm sure they'll be looking to take it out on the Rams after last week's debacle against Oakland. (San Diego)
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Super Bowl hangover + Madden cover = Trouble in New Orleans. Tampa Bay literally stole a win last week against the Bengals thanks to crappy Carson Palmer. I have to give credit where it's due though – Josh Freeman made some nice plays to get them in position for the win. I like Tampa Bay with the home upset this week. (Tampa Bay)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans – Houston has crashed back down to Earth after their hot start. I expected a loss against Dallas but I didn't expect the lifeless performance they gave against the Giants. I can see the Chiefs still being a playoff team thanks to their schedule, but they really aren't that good and Houston should win this game. In fact, they NEED to win this game or I'll file them under the 'pretender' status along with the Dolphins. (Houston)
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers – Did anybody see the 49ers owner send out the message that they will still win the NFC West? Normally I'd say he's crazy because the Niners are 0-5 and no team has ever come back from that kind of start to win a division, but…they are playing in the NFC West. A three game deficit to Max Hall and the Cardinals isn't impossible at all. It should make things interesting to watch. I'll be rooting for San Francisco to grab some wins so they don't steal a QB away from Buffalo in the draft. In the meantime, they will be going 0-6 with a loss to Oakland. (Oakland)
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos – I might have been wrong on the Jets. Mark Sanchez wasn't great on Monday night in the elements, but he also refrained from throwing any interceptions and helped the Jets win. It's basically the opposite of what happened last season. My favorite part of that Monday Night game was Revis Island getting toasted by Percy Harvin. Fun times in Jersey. Ouch, my hamstring hurts. (NY Jets)
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings – I know I'm stating the obvious but whoever loses this game is finished when it comes to the playoffs. Both are on the ropes and both need to start winning now. If Minnesota loses, Brett Favre might sit a few games out because "his elbow hurts." I find that excuse awfully convenient. It didn't seem to hurt when he was racing down the field to celebrate with Randy Moss. Did anybody notice how Minnesota totally botched a two point conversion attempt during the game? They had to actually call a timeout to get things straight. It's the year 2010 for crying out loud. Ten year old kids play Madden and know when to go for two. This is getting embarrassing. It's called common sense, not a "when to go for two" conversion chart. (Dallas)
Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins – I have a rule of thumb that I don't pick against the Colts in a night game (unless it's the Super Bowl). The Redskins have been interesting because I don't think they are very good, yet they are 3-2 and have defeated Dallas, Philly and Green Bay; all quality opponents. They could go a long way towards establishing themselves if they can win this, but I don't see it. (Indianapolis)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars – How the Jaguars got a home primetime game is beyond me. Combine that with the fact that San Francisco has already had two and I'm convinced that the primetime schedule is made by TV executives throwing darts during the offseason. It makes no sense. (Tennessee)
Last Week: 6-8
Entire Season: 44-30
Scott's Picks –
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers
San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Last Week: 7-7
Entire Season: 43-31
Fantasy Update: We're still splitting both of our leagues and Scott has the 2-1 lead thanks to the BZ Staff League. We're both 4-1 in that league, but Scott has well over 100 points total over me for the tie-breaker. We play each other in that league so this is my chance to take the 2-1 lead and supremely piss Scott off.
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears – I tried to come up with something for this game but I really have nothing. I hope it's low scoring so the NFL Redzone channel doesn't show any of it. (Seattle)
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots – It's funny how the Patriots work. They got rid of a bad locker room presence in Randy Moss for a 3rd round pick. Then they give up a 4th round pick for ex-Patriot Deion Branch who is probably the happiest person alive to come from Seattle and back home to New England, where he had the most success of his career. And yet, the Patriots somehow prosper from the entire deal. Amazing. However, it doesn't help their horrendous defense so I see a big day for Joe Flacco and the gang. (Baltimore)
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants – The Giants are in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC East at 3-2. I had to look that up as I was typing it because it sounded crazy. They are rolling right now though and in my opinion, the best of the bunch in the East. They should easily beat Detroit and improve to 4-2, setting up a showdown with Dallas where I'm sure they will be looking to completely bury the Cowboys. (NY Giants)
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Poor Colt McCoy. He finally gets his first NFL start and he is going to get annihilated by Pittsburgh's defense. I would be surprised if the Browns even mustered six points in this game. McCoy could end up having a promising NFL career, but this game will most likely derail it. (Pittsburgh)
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers – After getting their first two wins on the road and starting out 2-0, Miami fell back down to pretender status with two straight home losses (to division teams). Maybe it's a good thing Miami goes back on the road, but this game will really depend on whether or not Aaron Rodgers plays. If he doesn't, the Packers are screwed. I'm also not a fan of Green Bay's running game right now. But hey, good thing they held out for Marshawn Lynch. I'm picking Miami but I still think they are a pretender in the grand scheme of things. (Miami)
San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams – I don't like the Rams in this game at all. They are improving but they showed last week in Detroit that they're still a long ways away. San Diego has struggled once again to start this season and I'm sure they'll be looking to take it out on the Rams after last week's debacle against Oakland. (San Diego)
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Super Bowl hangover + Madden cover = Trouble in New Orleans. Tampa Bay literally stole a win last week against the Bengals thanks to crappy Carson Palmer. I have to give credit where it's due though – Josh Freeman made some nice plays to get them in position for the win. I like Tampa Bay with the home upset this week. (Tampa Bay)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans – Houston has crashed back down to Earth after their hot start. I expected a loss against Dallas but I didn't expect the lifeless performance they gave against the Giants. I can see the Chiefs still being a playoff team thanks to their schedule, but they really aren't that good and Houston should win this game. In fact, they NEED to win this game or I'll file them under the 'pretender' status along with the Dolphins. (Houston)
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers – Did anybody see the 49ers owner send out the message that they will still win the NFC West? Normally I'd say he's crazy because the Niners are 0-5 and no team has ever come back from that kind of start to win a division, but…they are playing in the NFC West. A three game deficit to Max Hall and the Cardinals isn't impossible at all. It should make things interesting to watch. I'll be rooting for San Francisco to grab some wins so they don't steal a QB away from Buffalo in the draft. In the meantime, they will be going 0-6 with a loss to Oakland. (Oakland)
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos – I might have been wrong on the Jets. Mark Sanchez wasn't great on Monday night in the elements, but he also refrained from throwing any interceptions and helped the Jets win. It's basically the opposite of what happened last season. My favorite part of that Monday Night game was Revis Island getting toasted by Percy Harvin. Fun times in Jersey. Ouch, my hamstring hurts. (NY Jets)
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings – I know I'm stating the obvious but whoever loses this game is finished when it comes to the playoffs. Both are on the ropes and both need to start winning now. If Minnesota loses, Brett Favre might sit a few games out because "his elbow hurts." I find that excuse awfully convenient. It didn't seem to hurt when he was racing down the field to celebrate with Randy Moss. Did anybody notice how Minnesota totally botched a two point conversion attempt during the game? They had to actually call a timeout to get things straight. It's the year 2010 for crying out loud. Ten year old kids play Madden and know when to go for two. This is getting embarrassing. It's called common sense, not a "when to go for two" conversion chart. (Dallas)
Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins – I have a rule of thumb that I don't pick against the Colts in a night game (unless it's the Super Bowl). The Redskins have been interesting because I don't think they are very good, yet they are 3-2 and have defeated Dallas, Philly and Green Bay; all quality opponents. They could go a long way towards establishing themselves if they can win this, but I don't see it. (Indianapolis)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars – How the Jaguars got a home primetime game is beyond me. Combine that with the fact that San Francisco has already had two and I'm convinced that the primetime schedule is made by TV executives throwing darts during the offseason. It makes no sense. (Tennessee)
Last Week: 6-8
Entire Season: 44-30
Scott's Picks –
Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears
Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots
Detroit Lions @ New York Giants
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Miami Dolphins @ Green Bay Packers
San Diego Chargers @ St. Louis Rams
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kansas City Chiefs @ Houston Texans
Oakland Raiders @ San Francisco 49ers
New York Jets @ Denver Broncos
Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts @ Washington Redskins
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Last Week: 7-7
Entire Season: 43-31
Fantasy Update: We're still splitting both of our leagues and Scott has the 2-1 lead thanks to the BZ Staff League. We're both 4-1 in that league, but Scott has well over 100 points total over me for the tie-breaker. We play each other in that league so this is my chance to take the 2-1 lead and supremely piss Scott off.
Labels:
NFL Picks
NFL Picks – Week Five
10/08/2010 | Posted by
Devin
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills - When I started realizing that the Bills had a real shot at going 0-16, I quickly looked up the schedule again to see if there were any potential wins remaining. I saw two. Jacksonville and Cleveland. Again, potential wins, not definite. Of course, all of this was before the Jaguars defeated the Colts last week. I know for a fact that the Bills wouldn't even be able to hang with the Colts, let alone beat them. That changed my mind on this game dramatically. The only way the Bills have a shot in this game is if they knock out David Garrard early and Captain Checkdown comes into play. That's my best case scenario for this game. (Jaguars)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals - I'm sure how I can explain the Begansl losing to Cleveland. This team is simply not a contender, despite a wealth of talent on the offensive side of the ball. I'd be hard pressed to argue that few QBs in the NFL have regressed quite like Carson Palmer has. He is a far cry from the player he was five years ago. (Bengals)
Atlanta Falcons @ Cleveland Browns - If the Falcons want to win the NFC South, they will need to win the winnable games. I know, sound logic. They are tied with New Orleans at 3-1 but currently have the tie-breaker. There is no way they continue that lead or build on it by losing to Cleveland. Nobody will take them seriously if that happens. It's bad enough they struggled against San Francisco and got bailed out by Nate Clements. (Falcons)
St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions - The Rams bottomed out for two straight years but they got their franchise QB in the process. Sam Bradford has been crazy good so far in the first four weeks. He has the Rams at 2-2, tied for first in the NFC West and he's doing it with really no good receivers around him. I find it especially impressive. (Rams)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts - I was going to say that the Chiefs will be brought back down to Earth this week as they are currently the lone remaining undefeated team, but I don't think anybody believes that they are for real anyways. For further proof, please see that the line for this game has Indianapolis favored by 8.5 points. In case you're wondering, that is the biggest line of the week. (Colts)
Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins - I have no idea what happened in the NFC East but it's suddenly turned into a giant pile of mediocrity. Washington is 2-2 and tied for first place. With three other 2-2 teams. It's like they're competing with the NFC West to see who can be worse and still make the playoffs. And just for the record, the 2-2 Rams already blew away the Redskins. That should tell you all you need to know. (Packers)
Chicago Bears @ Carolina Panthers - The Bears just aren't as good as their 3-1 record would indicate, but luckily for them, Carolina is worse. Personally, I'm shocked that Jimmy Clausen has struggled so far in the NFL. I thought for sure he would be a star after going to the greatest college EVER. (Bears)
Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens - I just want to thank Baltimore personally for taking down the Steelers at Heinz Field last Sunday. It was a little too close, considering the fact that the Steelers were starting Chaz Batch, but a win is a win. They need to keep the momentum rolling and steamroll the Broncos. (Ravens)
NY Giants @ Houston Texans - Thanks to Jacksonville, the Texans are alone in first place heading into Week Five. It's uncharted territory for Houston and they absolutely need to keep it going. The Jags aren't going to be any threat as the season goes on, so they need to hold on to the 1.5 game lead they have over Indianapolis. (Texans)
New Orleans @ Arizona Cardinals - Last season, New Orleans pounded the Cardinals 45-14 in the playoffs. Flash forward to this year, where the Cardinals are without Kurt Warner and are significantly worse, and yes, this game has blowout written all over it. Adding to the equation, the Cardinals are starting Max Hall at QB. Oh boy. (Saints)
San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders - This game will probably be closer than it should be, but mostly because the Chargers are the hardest team to get a handle on. I have no idea what to make of them right now. I'll answer that question in December. For now, they're on a week-to-week basis with me. (Chargers)
Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys - I'm pretty sure the Titans are the better team, but they're on the road and Dallas has had two full weeks to prepare for the game. (Cowboys)
Philadelphia Eagles @ San Francisco 49ers - I have no way to explain my logic behind this pick. Just a gut feeling, nothing more, nothing less. (49ers)
Minnesota Vikings @ NY Jets - Minnesota's trade for Randy Moss can go in a few different directions. One, it will give Minnesota fans a reason to dig through their closet and put on their old Moss jersey. I know I enjoyed this when the Bills brought back Peerless Price. Two, it will give the Vikings' offense someone to draw attention away from Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin. Three, Brett Favre, a QB who historically likes to close his eyes and bomb the football, now has a receiver who can make plays on the other end and bail him out. Four, Moss flames out, the Vikings are without a third round pick in next year's draft and Brett Favre cashes his $20MM check while chuckling to himself on the farm. (NY Jets)
Last Week: 8-6
Entire Season: 38-24
Scott's Picks:
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals
Atlanta Falcons @ Cleveland Browns
St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions
Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts
Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins
Chicago Bears @ Carolina Panthers
Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens
NY Giants @ Houston Texans
New Orleans @ Arizona Cardinals
San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders
Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles @ San Francisco 49ers
Minnesota Vikings @ NY Jets
Last Week: 9-5
Entire Season: 36-26
Fantasy Update:
Scott is now up 2-1. I'm clearly ahead of him in my league and he is the same in his league. Our BZ Staff League has gone back and forth and while we're both 3-1, he has scored way more points than me and took the lead by virtue of that tie-breaker.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals - I'm sure how I can explain the Begansl losing to Cleveland. This team is simply not a contender, despite a wealth of talent on the offensive side of the ball. I'd be hard pressed to argue that few QBs in the NFL have regressed quite like Carson Palmer has. He is a far cry from the player he was five years ago. (Bengals)
Atlanta Falcons @ Cleveland Browns - If the Falcons want to win the NFC South, they will need to win the winnable games. I know, sound logic. They are tied with New Orleans at 3-1 but currently have the tie-breaker. There is no way they continue that lead or build on it by losing to Cleveland. Nobody will take them seriously if that happens. It's bad enough they struggled against San Francisco and got bailed out by Nate Clements. (Falcons)
St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions - The Rams bottomed out for two straight years but they got their franchise QB in the process. Sam Bradford has been crazy good so far in the first four weeks. He has the Rams at 2-2, tied for first in the NFC West and he's doing it with really no good receivers around him. I find it especially impressive. (Rams)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts - I was going to say that the Chiefs will be brought back down to Earth this week as they are currently the lone remaining undefeated team, but I don't think anybody believes that they are for real anyways. For further proof, please see that the line for this game has Indianapolis favored by 8.5 points. In case you're wondering, that is the biggest line of the week. (Colts)
Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins - I have no idea what happened in the NFC East but it's suddenly turned into a giant pile of mediocrity. Washington is 2-2 and tied for first place. With three other 2-2 teams. It's like they're competing with the NFC West to see who can be worse and still make the playoffs. And just for the record, the 2-2 Rams already blew away the Redskins. That should tell you all you need to know. (Packers)
Chicago Bears @ Carolina Panthers - The Bears just aren't as good as their 3-1 record would indicate, but luckily for them, Carolina is worse. Personally, I'm shocked that Jimmy Clausen has struggled so far in the NFL. I thought for sure he would be a star after going to the greatest college EVER. (Bears)
Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens - I just want to thank Baltimore personally for taking down the Steelers at Heinz Field last Sunday. It was a little too close, considering the fact that the Steelers were starting Chaz Batch, but a win is a win. They need to keep the momentum rolling and steamroll the Broncos. (Ravens)
NY Giants @ Houston Texans - Thanks to Jacksonville, the Texans are alone in first place heading into Week Five. It's uncharted territory for Houston and they absolutely need to keep it going. The Jags aren't going to be any threat as the season goes on, so they need to hold on to the 1.5 game lead they have over Indianapolis. (Texans)
New Orleans @ Arizona Cardinals - Last season, New Orleans pounded the Cardinals 45-14 in the playoffs. Flash forward to this year, where the Cardinals are without Kurt Warner and are significantly worse, and yes, this game has blowout written all over it. Adding to the equation, the Cardinals are starting Max Hall at QB. Oh boy. (Saints)
San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders - This game will probably be closer than it should be, but mostly because the Chargers are the hardest team to get a handle on. I have no idea what to make of them right now. I'll answer that question in December. For now, they're on a week-to-week basis with me. (Chargers)
Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys - I'm pretty sure the Titans are the better team, but they're on the road and Dallas has had two full weeks to prepare for the game. (Cowboys)
Philadelphia Eagles @ San Francisco 49ers - I have no way to explain my logic behind this pick. Just a gut feeling, nothing more, nothing less. (49ers)
Minnesota Vikings @ NY Jets - Minnesota's trade for Randy Moss can go in a few different directions. One, it will give Minnesota fans a reason to dig through their closet and put on their old Moss jersey. I know I enjoyed this when the Bills brought back Peerless Price. Two, it will give the Vikings' offense someone to draw attention away from Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin. Three, Brett Favre, a QB who historically likes to close his eyes and bomb the football, now has a receiver who can make plays on the other end and bail him out. Four, Moss flames out, the Vikings are without a third round pick in next year's draft and Brett Favre cashes his $20MM check while chuckling to himself on the farm. (NY Jets)
Last Week: 8-6
Entire Season: 38-24
Scott's Picks:
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals
Atlanta Falcons @ Cleveland Browns
St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions
Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts
Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins
Chicago Bears @ Carolina Panthers
Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens
NY Giants @ Houston Texans
New Orleans @ Arizona Cardinals
San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders
Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles @ San Francisco 49ers
Minnesota Vikings @ NY Jets
Last Week: 9-5
Entire Season: 36-26
Fantasy Update:
Scott is now up 2-1. I'm clearly ahead of him in my league and he is the same in his league. Our BZ Staff League has gone back and forth and while we're both 3-1, he has scored way more points than me and took the lead by virtue of that tie-breaker.
Labels:
NFL Picks
NFL Picks – Week Four
9/30/2010 | Posted by
Devin
Before we get to the picks, just a quick disclaimer. This past week was the last week my power rankings will be posted. I've had fun writing them for the better part of four years, but I need to turn my focus to writing more Bills and Sabres specific articles (since that is the focus of this site). Plus, I can only make the same jokes about Brett Favre, Ben Roethlisberger and the NFC West over and over again before they get old. Now with that out of the way, here are our picks for Week Four.
San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons - As a Bills fan, I know that if there is one key to success in the regular season, it's firing the offensive coordinator very early into the season. If you couldn't tell, that last sentence is dripping in sarcasm. To put it lightly, the 2010 campaign for the 49ers has been a total disaster so far. They were a team picked to win the awful NFC West (crap, I did it again) and have so far failed to even appear competent in two of the three games. In fact, before the season I would've pegged them to start out 2-1, with the one loss being against New Orleans. I guess this shows how much I know about football
because the game against New Orleans was the only game the 49ers even came close to winning. If San Francisco continues to lose this season, might I suggest that they finally cut ties with Alex Smith and draft a new QB this April? Word on the street is that there will be three or four good QBs available.Atlanta comes into this game with a 2-1 record after beating the Super Bowl champs on the road. Their lone loss on the season came on the road at Pittsburgh, against a ridiculously good defense. Really, there's no shame in that. When given the opportunity against a lesser team, Atlanta throttled the Cardinals to the tune of 41-7. I don't think this game will be that big of a blowout, but I also don't think the Niners stand chance. (Atlanta)
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills – Speaking of teams that don't stand a chance, the Bills are hosting the Jets this Sunday. I got a kick out of the news that the Jets had put a waiver claim in on Trent Edwards this week. With Kellen Clemens and Mark Brunell already on the roster, why in the world would the Jets need Trent Edwards? The answer is simple really; to get information about the Bills the week they play them. It's a sad statement for the Jets. They are clearly a better team and they shouldn't need any help beating the Bills. If anything, this kind of tells me that maybe the Jets aren't quite as good as we think they are. Then again, maybe I'm looking too much into it.
In the department of making me look like an idiot, The Sanchize has thrown for 476 yards, six touchdowns and zero interceptions in the past two weeks. Not much I can say about him this week. As my mom always told me; if you can't say anything nice to someone, don't say anything at all.
I'm lying. That's just an old saying. My mom never told me that. (NY Jets)
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns – The Bengals might be the least impressive 2-1 team I've seen this season. Carson Palmer has a ton of weapons on offense and has done next to nothing with them. Besides the game on opening day where Palmer racked up a ton of garbage stats, his numbers have been very Trent Edwards like in the past two weeks. I had hope for Palmer going into the season and even picked him up on a few fantasy teams as a solid #2 guy, but I'm rethinking that strategy now. In fact, if he doesn't do something impressive in the next two weeks, I'm done with him. (Cincinnati)
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers – So let me get this straight. The Lions haven't won a road game since Ronald Regan was president. The Packers are one of the five best teams in the league. The Lions are still starting Shaun Hill at QB. Jahvid Best is questionable and might not even play. Yeah, this is going to end will for the Lions. (Green Bay)
Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans – I would probably be picking the Titans over the Broncos no matter where it was played, but having the game in Tennessee just seals the deal with me. I've never been too crazy about West Coast teams traveling east for the early game on Sunday. I know it's not a full proof theory, but I'm going with it. (Tennessee)
Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams – Just stop. I've had enough of this division. I can't take it anymore. (Seattle)
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints – The Saints should be 3-0 but I guess you're bound to lose a few games when you have a crappy kicker. All that aside, they get Carolina at home and I'm like 99.9% certain that they will take their frustrations out on Jimmy Clausen and turn this game into a 20+ point blowout. Speaking of Clausen, his debut didn't go exactly as planned as he finished 16 for 33 with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Then again, after looking at Brady Quinn's numbers; that seems to be standard for Notre Dame QBs. (New Orleans)
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers – I'm not sure what the over/under is on this game, but I would bet my life savings on the under. I can't see this game having more than 23 points total. As we saw in Week One when the Ravens faced the Jets, in a low scoring defensive game, it's the team with the better QB that usually comes out on top. For that reason, I'm picking the Ravens on the road. Joe Flacco hasn't been that impressive so far this season, but I would pick him 10 out of 10 times against Chaz Batch. (Baltimore)
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Finally. I've made my living as a writer constantly making fun of the Jaguars for their awful home crowds. I was starting to tire out from it and was in desperate need of some new disparaging material against Jacksonville. Then they claimed Trent Edwards off waivers. (Indianapolis)
Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders – This has trap game written all over it. I don't need to go back and look it up but every season the Raiders steal at least one victory at home against a far superior team. Because
I can't see the Texans losing another game this early and the fact that Oakland hosts Miami later in November, this probably isn't that game. Or at least I hope not. I need to keep my picks going. Did you realize last year after three weeks I was 34-14 at this point? I'm actually getting worse. What the…I thought I was getting better. (Houston)Arizona Cardinals @ San Diego Chargers – Arizona might be the worst 2-1 team on the planet. They beat the Rams and Sam Bradford on opening day by four points. Then they defeated Oakland at home by one point, benefitting from Sebastian Janikowski missing THREE field goals. So in theory, they should have lost by eight points. I have little to no doubt that my favorite college team (The U) would beat Arizona by at least 20 points on the road. The only way the Chargers lose this game is if Phillip Rivers tries to play QB and WR at the same time. (San Diego)
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles – And here we are, the game everybody will be talking. Former Eagle Artis Hicks makes his return to Philadelphia, this time as a member of the Washington Redskins. It will be very interesting to see how the fans react to his return. My guess is they will cheer. Philadelphia fans are a tough crowd, but they should appreciate his time spent in Philly and now looking back on it, they must feel a little bad about the way it ended. However, the star of this game will be Michael Vick, as he continues his impressive play. He's going to garner a lot of attention this offseason. As he was getting out of prison, I was against him coming to Buffalo because in the past I was never impressed with his overall style of QB play. But this looks like a different guy all together and I have to admit, I would be very excited if the Bills had this version of Michael Vick on their team. If I were running the Bills, one option might be signing Vick for two years and drafting a QB with the top pick and allowing him to learn the game slowly instead of throwing him to the wolves. I don't know, just an idea. (Philadelphia)
Chicago Bears @ New York Giants – I always get super irritated with the Bears. I don't know what it is about them but they bug the hell out of me. Part of it probably stems from the fact that they are the luckiest team alive. I mean seriously, they made it to the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman as their QB. Now they have Jay Cutler, who is much better than Grossman, but 10 times more unlikeable. About the only thing I like on Chicago is Devin Hester. Partially for his name, partially because he represents The U. That's right, I got The U in this picks article twice. Get over it. (NY Giants)
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins – Bleh. I had the hardest time picking this game. On paper, the Patriots are the far superior team. But in the past five seasons, the Patriots are a combined 4-8 in Miami since the 1998 season. Adding that in with the atrocious New England secondary and this game is prime for a Miami upset. I still don't think they're a legit playoff contender though. (Miami)
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 30-18
Scott's Picks –
San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans
Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders
Arizona Cardinals @ San Diego Chargers
Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles
Chicago Bears @ New York Giants
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins
Last Week: 10-6
Season: 27-21
Here are the updated standings for mine and Scott's fantasy bet. I'm still up in 2 of the 3 leagues, despite Scott scoring way more points than me in the BZ Staff League. On the bright side for Scott, he pretty much has it wrapped up in his league because my team is a steaming pile of garbage.
BZ Staff League | ||
| Inebriaters v4.0 (Devin) | 3-0 | 245 |
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 2-1 | 338 |
It's Just Pretend | ||
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 3-0 | 377 |
| Buffalo Blaze (Devin) | 0-3 | 265 |
Lake Erie Football League | ||
| Buffalo Blizzard (Devin) | 3-0 | 413.5 |
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 2-1 | 331 |
Labels:
NFL Picks
NFL Picks – Week Three
9/24/2010 | Posted by
Devin
San Francisco 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs – After their loss to New Orleans on Monday, Frank Gore came out and said that the Saints couldn't hang with them. Those are some pretty big words considering the defending champs are 2-0 and the Niners are 0-2. I halfway agree with him because the Saints barely pulled it out and the Niners shot themselves in the foot several times throughout the game. Nevertheless, good teams don't make those mistakes, the Niners did and quite frankly, they aren't that good. Put them in any other division besides the NFC West and I think that would become evident. That being said, this game is very winnable for them.
The Chiefs have had some breaks go their way to far. For one, the schedule. They could very well be 3-0 at the bye week or at worst, 2-1. Still remaining on their schedule are games against Jacksonville, Buffalo, Oakland (2x), Arizona, Seattle and St. Louis. I wouldn't be shocked at all if they finished the season 9-7 or 10-6 with a slate of games like that.
I'm going with the 49ers but I'm very hesitant to do so. San Francisco struggled on the road in Week One because Alex Smith couldn't get the plays in time due to Seattle's insanely loud crowd. Arrowhead is just as difficult to play in and it will present the same challenges. It was reported on Monday night that he is now wearing a wristband with the plays on it, but who knows if it will make a difference. I guess we'll find out Sunday. (San Francisco)
Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens – I was going to write this long paragraph about how the Ravens only lost to the Bengals by five points, despite losing the turnover battle 4-0. But honestly, it's not needed. It's their home opener and they are playing the Browns. Unless Josh Cribbs contributes 21 points by himself, the Browns are losing this game. (Baltimore)
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings – In the immortal words of Dennis Green, Brett Favre is who we thought he was. He's a turnover machine and unless every circumstance is absolutely perfect (like it was last season), he's going to struggle big time. On top of that, he doesn't even look like he wants to be playing at this point. You can see that much on his face. He and the Vikings get a break with Detroit this week and an early bye next week, but then the season pretty much comes crumbling down. (Minnesota)
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots – This game is going to be such a blowout that I don't even need to discuss it. At the very least, barring injury, I won't be subjected to three hours of Trent Edwards this Sunday. That's the highlight for me. Hey, maybe they'll even score some points and make things exciting for two or three quarters. It's about all I can hope for anymore. (New England)
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints – The Falcons looked pretty bad on the road in Pittsburgh and pretty good at home against Arizona. I see a developing trend with this. If they want to prove that theory wrong, they might want to play well and beat the Saints. It would go a long way in proving themselves as a legit contender. Unfortunately for the Falcons, I don't see it happening.
The Saints have been less than spectacular during their two wins this season, but still, they are winning those games. If the Saints can get past Atlanta, they could very well be 8-1 heading into the bye. Not a bad situation to be in if you're the defending champs. (New Orleans)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Going into the season, a 2-2 start would've been ideal for Pittsburgh. At this rate, not only are they going to start at least 3-1 or maybe even 4-0, but Dennis Dixon got himself injured and there won't be one single Pittsburgh fan disappointed with the return of Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers offense in general has been less than impressive which should be great news for Ben, but they are winning the games because they don't have to play from behind and their defense is just that good. It's the perfect storm in Pittsburgh right now. I'm going to go pour myself a drink. (Pittsburgh)
Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers – The Bengals offense hasn't been very good so far, which is slightly surprising considering the weapons they have at their disposal. They have three easy games coming up though, and should be able to work out the kinks in time for the important games. For Carolina, it's already the start of the Jimmy Clausen era. It looks like it will be an ugly year for the Panthers which probably means late season speculation on John Fox's job and whether or not Bill Cowher will return to coaching. I can't wait. (Cincinnati)
Philadelphia Eagles @ Jacksonville Jaguars – The Eagles made waves this week by announcing that Michael Vick will be the starter, despite the health of Kevin Kolb. Part of me applauds the decision because if Vick is playing well, he should stay in the game and give the Eagles the best chance to win. The other part feels that Kolb is getting shafted. After being handed the keys to the Eagles offense, he barely got time to drive before getting kicked out. Losing your job to injury is always tough. I have a feeling that we haven't seen the last of him this season though. (Philadelphia)
Washington Redskins @ St. Louis Rams – If the Redskins want to make a push for the playoffs this season, they need to take advantage and win games like this one. For instance, after this week, Washington faces Philadelphia, Green Bay and Indianapolis in consecutive weeks. See what I mean? (Washington)
Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos – The Colts got back on track last week and should continue rolling right through Denver. At this point, there isn't much that impresses me about Denver. I made fun of the Bills and their usage of C.J. Spiller so far, but the Broncos shouldn't be exempt from the same treatment. They blew a first round pick on Tim Tebow and so far he has had zero pass attempts and two carries for two yards. Considering the fact that he wasn't drafted to necessarily be the next franchise QB, one can only assume that picking him where they did was an awful use of a draft pick. (Indianapolis)
Oakland Raiders @ Arizona Cardinals – Wow. Nothing about this game seems even remotely appealing. (Oakland)
San Diego Chargers @ Seattle Seahawks – Sometimes I wish the Bills played more late afternoon games so I wouldn't be subjected to so many NFC West teams. Unless Seattle is playing one of their division rivals, I have a hard time picking them. (San Diego)
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins – Tough game to pick. On one side, the Jets are supposed to be really good and showed that last week by beating down on the Patriots. On another side, the Jets still have Mark Sanchez and regardless of one game, I still think he sucks.
For Miami, they looked more than mediocre in their opening day win at Buffalo and I'm not sure they looked any better against Minnesota. They got a turn of turnovers courtesy of Brett Favre and still almost found a way to lose. On the other hand, they are 2-0 and both games were played on the road. That isn't an easy thing to do in the NFL, regardless of who you're playing.
I've got to go with the Jets though. Their defense is still really good and should be able to shut down the vaunted Dolphins offense, led by future Hall of Famer Chad Henne. The Dolphins defense is good but unless they plan on shutting out the Jets, I don't think it will be enough to get the win. (NY Jets)
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears – I realize people want to jump on the Chicago bandwagon after their 2-0 start, but I urge you to think about it first. So far this season, Chicago has defeated teams that are a combined 0-4. On top of that, their leading rusher, Matt Forte, has a total of 71 yards rushing in the two games.
Now to be fair, the Packers opponents have been 1-3, including the worst team in the league last week. However, it's my picks article and I don't have to be fair.
I guess my whole point here is that the Packers are looking like the team we thought they were and I really don't think the Bears are for real. (Green Bay)
Last Week: 11-5
Season: 20-12
Scott's Picks –
San Francisco 49ers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Cleveland Browns @ Baltimore Ravens
Dallas Cowboys @ Houston Texans
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings
Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
Tennessee Titans @ New York Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers
Philadelphia Eagles @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Washington Redskins @ St. Louis Rams
Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos
Oakland Raiders @ Arizona Cardinals
San Diego Chargers @ Seattle Seahawks
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Last Week: 8-8
Season: 17-15
As always, here is the updated standings for mine and Scott's fantasy bet. I had a pretty good week and I'm now up in 2 of the 3 leagues. Maybe it's time to go jersey shopping.
BZ Staff League | ||
| Inebriaters v4.0 (Devin) | 2-0 | 169 |
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 1-1 | 240 |
It's Just Pretend | ||
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 2-0 | 268 |
| Buffalo Blaze (Devin) | 0-2 | 178 |
Lake Erie Football League | ||
| Buffalo Blizzard (Devin) | 2-0 | 269 |
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 1-1 | 219 |
Labels:
NFL Picks
NFL Picks – Week Two
9/17/2010 | Posted by
Devin
Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons looked bad enough last Sunday at Pittsburgh that it has many people reconsidering whether or not they are a playoff team. I have confidence in my pick that they can contend for the NFC South title, despite one poor showing on opening day. It's merely a matter of how they bounce back at home against a very beatable Arizona team. Let's be honest, the Cardinals are a terrible team right now. For the first time since I've seen Larry Fitzgerald play, I thought he was actually going to blow a gasket on the sideline. The Cardinals escaped St. Louis with a victory and that says a lot about the team they have this year. (Atlanta)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns – When a team is as bad as Cleveland is, they need to pick up the easier wins when they have the opportunity. This is exactly what they failed to do last Sunday when they faced Tampa Bay. Now they are 0-1 and face the upstart Chiefs, who just upended the Chargers on the late Monday night game. The Chiefs have a short week and they travel, but I expect them to keep the momentum rolling with a relatively easy win in the Dawg Pound. If the Browns can't pick up a win on Sunday, I'd be shocked if they didn't start out at least 0-9. After Kansas City, take a look at their schedule. At Baltimore, Cincinnati, Atlanta, at Pittsburgh, at New Orleans, New England and NY Jets. Looks like the Bills might have some competition for the first overall pick. (Kansas City)
Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys – Dallas did look horrible on Sunday night but they aren't that bad in reality. Despite their win on opening day, Chicago is a horrible team in reality. I would be astonished if the Cowboys didn't hammer the Bears and get the hype machine up and rolling again. (Dallas)
Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions – How do you know by week two that your fantasy season might be going down the tubes? When you're starting Michael Vick already. This is what happens when you draft Kevin Kolb to be your starter and your backup QB faces Baltimore this week. I can only hope Vick tears up Detroit like he did against Green Bay as the game wore on last week. Honestly, I kind of expect it. (Philadelphia)
Buffalo Bills @ Green Bay Packers – This game is going to be a massacre. The Bills struggled to score any points against a mediocre Miami team at home so I have no reason to believe it will be any better on the road against a Super Bowl contending team. While the Bills secondary is their one strong point, covering the tight end is clearly not. Against the Dolphins, the one touchdown the Dolphins scored was set up by a 21 yard pass from Chad Henne to Anthony Fasano. You know who is better than Henne and Fasano? Aaron Rodgers and Jermichael Finley. I'll be shocked if the Packers don't have a double digit lead by halftime. I'd bet the house even if the line was Green Bay by 20. (Green Bay)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans – I'm not falling for the trap that Pittsburgh is going to put together some kind of miracle run with Dennis Dixon at QB. He's started two NFL games now and he hasn't looked very good in either one. He's had his moments, but overall, I wouldn't be too excited if I were a Pittsburgh fan. Granted the Titans faced the Raiders, but they completely throttled them. Dating back to last year when Vince Young took his starting spot back, the Titans are 9-2. I like those odds. I also like Chris Johnson running all over the Steelers vaunted defense. (Tennessee)
Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings – I wouldn't normally be so quick to pick Minnesota, but Miami did nothing to show me that they are better than 8-8 this season. Meanwhile, Brett Favre gets the comfort of the home dome this week and has plenty of rest leading up to this game. The Dolphins got their gift win last week, I doubt it happens again. (Minnesota)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers – I'd be lying if I said I had any interest in this game. Neither team excites me and there might be one player combined that holds any fantasy interest for me. When in doubt, go with the home team. (Carolina)
Seattle Seahawks @ Denver Broncos – At first glance, I was really tempted to pick Seattle in this game. Then I talked myself back down and realized I don't want to be jumping on the Seattle bandwagon after one blowout win against a fellow NFC West team. Denver should be able to bounce back and win their home opener. If they don't, they might be a lot worse than any of us thought. (Denver)
New England Patriots @ New York Jets – It might seem odd that I'd pick the Jets for this game when I've bashed the Sanchize for pretty much his whole entire NFL career and I've boosted the Patriots to the second spot in my power rankings. However, I have a method to my madness. The Jets played the Patriots pretty well last year at home and I expect more of the same. Randy Moss will surely be a non-factor because he's either pouting on the sideline or being shut down by Revis Island. The Patriots defense is a far cry from the Ravens defense so even an inept QB should be able to manage at least one touchdown. I expect a 16-13 Jets win. (NY Jets)
Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Diego Chargers – The Chargers flopped in their opening game like they were Paul Pierce during the NBA Finals. Luckily for them, their division is still pretty weak and they really have no reason to worry. The Jaguars simply aren't very good and I've never been too keen on East Coast teams traveling out West for games. (Chargers)
Houston Texans @ Washington Redskins – Fine, I'll bite, I'm on the Texans bandwagon for at least this week. I'm not totally sold on Houston as a playoff team just yet, but they'll have plenty to prove this week after last Sunday's huge upset. If the Texans fall to Washington in this game, all of the doubters will come back out and assume this is the same old up and down Houston team. There is more at stake than a lot of people realize. (Texans)
New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts – I'm so excited for another Manning Bowl that I can barely stand it. For some reason I get the feeling that we're headed for an NFL with 32 different Mannings running each team and clones of Archie Manning sitting in each press box. First step in the NFL, next is world domination. Don't say I didn't warn you. As for this game, I see Peyton lashing out on his little brother over his 0-1 start and evening things up. (Indianapolis)
New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers – The Niners had their chance to start the season out right and instead threw it out in the window. Good thing Alex Smith didn't personally throw it out the window or it would've been intercepted. Mike Singletary wasted no time and immediately called out several players during a team meeting the minute the plane landed. Good times are gonna be had in San Francisco this year. (New Orleans)
Last Week: 9-7
Season: 9-7
Scott's Picks –
Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals
Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns
Chicago Bears @ Dallas Cowboys
Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions
Buffalo Bills @ Green Bay Packers
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans
Miami Dolphins @ Minnesota Vikings
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
Seattle Seahawks @ Denver Broncos
St. Louis Rams @ Oakland Raiders
New England Patriots @ New York Jets
Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Diego Chargers
Houston Texans @ Washington Redskins
New York Giants @ Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints @ San Francisco 49ers
Last Week: 9-7
Season: 9-7
Now that we're done with the picks, below are the updated fantasy standings after one week of football. The total points scored won't matter once the season is actually over, but for now it's a nice way to see who is actually winning the bet. Hint: it's not me.
BZ Staff League | ||
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 1-0 | 129 |
| Inebriaters v4.0 (Devin) | 1-0 | 76 |
It's Just Pretend | ||
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 1-0 | 152 |
| Buffalo Blaze (Devin) | 0-1 | 62 |
Lake Erie Football League | ||
| Buffalo Blizzard (Devin) | 1-0 | 152 |
| NC Ninjas (Scott) | 1-0 | 111.5 |
Labels:
NFL Picks
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