Last week (2 weeks ago): 2-0
Postseason record: 5-5
Green Bay vs. Pittsburgh--So here we are. All the marbles, the whole enchilada and all that as Jon Gruden would say. Or at least I'm thinking of Gruden who said all that in some commercial for Monday Night Football. Anyway, we've come to this. The Green Bay Packers against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl 45, the first time these two storied franchises have met for the title.
The Packers are explosive on offense, but much better on defense than they typically get credit for. The Steelers are one of the best defensive teams in the NFL, and their offense is no slouch, either. In fact, you could say the Steelers don't get the credit they deserve for their offense. So we have an explosive offense vs. a stingy defense on one side; and an underrated offense against an underrated defense on the other. Could this game be decided by special teams? Quite possibly, and if that's the case, I'll take my chances with Green Bay's Mason Crosby over Pittsburgh's Shaun Suisham in a heartbeat. And I'll use that for the basis of my pick--Packers 20, Steelers 17
Enjoy the game, everyone, and please, if you have a few cocktails at a party, don't get behind the wheel.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
NFL Picks: Championship Sunday
Wow, we're getting down to the end of the NFL season, and what a sad, sad time that is. But let's enjoy this weekend's games and the Super Bowl before crying in our beer.....
Last week: 2-2*
Playoffs record: 3-5
*Remember that I only chose the Ravens last week to stay consistent with my preseason Super Bowl pick of Ravens/Packers, but that I thought the Steelers would win. Then again, that's like saying Calvin Johnson didn't score a touchdown to beat the Bears in that first game. Oh wait....
Green Bay at Chicago--It's mind-blowing to think that these teams haven't met in the playoffs in 70 years. SEVENTY. This is going to be a beauty, maybe a lot like the season finale in Green Bay but with colder temps and more hitting. Lots of hitting. There is a serious differential between Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler, and between Green Bay's receivers and Chicago's. Other than that, the teams are pretty evenly matched, and most folks talk about Chicago's defense but forget the Packers' unit is pretty amazing too. Packers 17, Bears 14
NY Jets at Pittsburgh--The first game is a defensive undercard to this one. The Jets and Steelers are built on defense first, though both teams have weapons on offense and good quarterbacks. Yes, Mark Sanchez is good.....look what he did these last two games. But then, Big Ben's experience in big games might wind up being the difference here, and the emergence of rookie Antonio Brown gives him an extra weapon. Of course, that doesn't mean either team will score a touchdown. Steelers 9, Jets 6
Last week: 2-2*
Playoffs record: 3-5
*Remember that I only chose the Ravens last week to stay consistent with my preseason Super Bowl pick of Ravens/Packers, but that I thought the Steelers would win. Then again, that's like saying Calvin Johnson didn't score a touchdown to beat the Bears in that first game. Oh wait....
Green Bay at Chicago--It's mind-blowing to think that these teams haven't met in the playoffs in 70 years. SEVENTY. This is going to be a beauty, maybe a lot like the season finale in Green Bay but with colder temps and more hitting. Lots of hitting. There is a serious differential between Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler, and between Green Bay's receivers and Chicago's. Other than that, the teams are pretty evenly matched, and most folks talk about Chicago's defense but forget the Packers' unit is pretty amazing too. Packers 17, Bears 14
NY Jets at Pittsburgh--The first game is a defensive undercard to this one. The Jets and Steelers are built on defense first, though both teams have weapons on offense and good quarterbacks. Yes, Mark Sanchez is good.....look what he did these last two games. But then, Big Ben's experience in big games might wind up being the difference here, and the emergence of rookie Antonio Brown gives him an extra weapon. Of course, that doesn't mean either team will score a touchdown. Steelers 9, Jets 6
Friday, January 14, 2011
NFL Picks: Divisional Round Weekend
Last week: 1-3
Playoff record: 1-3
Yikes. Last weekend I picked New Orleans, Indy, Kansas City and Green Bay, and only hit on Green Bay. But really, I know I wasn't the only one to pick New Orleans, and Indy lost to the Jets by one point and because of poor clock management by their coach. It was the KC game that I was way off on, and I realize that was dumb on my part anyway, because my preseason Super Bowl pick was Green Bay/Baltimore. So that's it....i'm sticking with my earlier projections from here on out!
Baltimore at Pittsburgh--Well, what, did you think I was going back on my word? Nevermind that I think in my heart of hearts that the Steelers will win. This pick is merely to tell myself, "Self, "I told you so." Ravens 16, Steelers 13
Green Bay at Atlanta--I realize the Falcons are the 1-seed and they are near impossible to beat at home. But the Packers could easily be 17-0 right now. That, and they bring that vaunted passing attack in to face the 22nd ranked pass defense. Note to Falcons' D--watch the play action, because Greg Jennings will run right past you. Packers 31, Falcons 27
Seattle at Chicago--By all accounts, the Seahawks should not be here, yet for as scared as Bears' fans must be right now, they also have to be more afraid of the Saints. Then again, this Hawks' team is armed and extremely dangerous right now, and they will make Chicago sweat despite frigid temps. Bears 20, Seahawks 17
NY Jets at New England--You know, the Jets were one of two teams to beat New England this season, the other being Cleveland. That is not a misprint. Then, the Patriots embarrassed the Jets 45-3 on Monday Night Football in early December for the so-called Game of the Year. But this one is for a shot at the AFC title, so no way do the Jets lie down like dogs this time. That doesn't mean, however, that they will win. Patriots 27, Jets 20
Playoff record: 1-3
Yikes. Last weekend I picked New Orleans, Indy, Kansas City and Green Bay, and only hit on Green Bay. But really, I know I wasn't the only one to pick New Orleans, and Indy lost to the Jets by one point and because of poor clock management by their coach. It was the KC game that I was way off on, and I realize that was dumb on my part anyway, because my preseason Super Bowl pick was Green Bay/Baltimore. So that's it....i'm sticking with my earlier projections from here on out!
Baltimore at Pittsburgh--Well, what, did you think I was going back on my word? Nevermind that I think in my heart of hearts that the Steelers will win. This pick is merely to tell myself, "Self, "I told you so." Ravens 16, Steelers 13
Green Bay at Atlanta--I realize the Falcons are the 1-seed and they are near impossible to beat at home. But the Packers could easily be 17-0 right now. That, and they bring that vaunted passing attack in to face the 22nd ranked pass defense. Note to Falcons' D--watch the play action, because Greg Jennings will run right past you. Packers 31, Falcons 27
Seattle at Chicago--By all accounts, the Seahawks should not be here, yet for as scared as Bears' fans must be right now, they also have to be more afraid of the Saints. Then again, this Hawks' team is armed and extremely dangerous right now, and they will make Chicago sweat despite frigid temps. Bears 20, Seahawks 17
NY Jets at New England--You know, the Jets were one of two teams to beat New England this season, the other being Cleveland. That is not a misprint. Then, the Patriots embarrassed the Jets 45-3 on Monday Night Football in early December for the so-called Game of the Year. But this one is for a shot at the AFC title, so no way do the Jets lie down like dogs this time. That doesn't mean, however, that they will win. Patriots 27, Jets 20
Friday, January 7, 2011
NFL Picks: Wildcard Weekend
Last Week: 9-7
Season Record: 151-105
Well folks, it's been an interesting season to say the least. Lots of wacky outcomes and even some wacky playoff scenarios. Now let's hope there is football in 2011. Meanwhile, we have some playoff games to play, so let's go.....
New Orleans at Seattle--Hey, stranger things have happened. But seriously, this is a bad dream, right? Saints 38, Seahawks 17
NY Jets at Indianapolis--The Jets have all this swagger and their coach is a big reason why. But the Colts have been good for a long time and they won't lose to the Jets this time around. Colts 23, Jets 16
Baltimore at Kansas City--I picked the Ravens to go to the Super Bowl before the season started, but I see a few too many holes now, and I really like this young Chiefs' team. Chiefs 27, Ravens 24
Green Bay at Philadelphia--Michael Vick vs. Aaron Rodgers. Or, should we say, those two guys against the other teams' defense. I picked the Packers to go to the Super Bowl and this is one I'm not backing down on. Packers 30, Eagles 28
Season Record: 151-105
Well folks, it's been an interesting season to say the least. Lots of wacky outcomes and even some wacky playoff scenarios. Now let's hope there is football in 2011. Meanwhile, we have some playoff games to play, so let's go.....
New Orleans at Seattle--Hey, stranger things have happened. But seriously, this is a bad dream, right? Saints 38, Seahawks 17
NY Jets at Indianapolis--The Jets have all this swagger and their coach is a big reason why. But the Colts have been good for a long time and they won't lose to the Jets this time around. Colts 23, Jets 16
Baltimore at Kansas City--I picked the Ravens to go to the Super Bowl before the season started, but I see a few too many holes now, and I really like this young Chiefs' team. Chiefs 27, Ravens 24
Green Bay at Philadelphia--Michael Vick vs. Aaron Rodgers. Or, should we say, those two guys against the other teams' defense. I picked the Packers to go to the Super Bowl and this is one I'm not backing down on. Packers 30, Eagles 28
Friday, December 31, 2010
NFL Picks: Week 17
Last week: 9-7
Season record: 142-98
Well the regular season is coming crashing to a close, which is good for all of us who are tired of playoff scenarios. But it's not good if you love football, and especially with the uncertainty hanging over the 2011 season. Anyway, here are the Week 17 prognostications....
Carolina at Atlanta--The Falcons are mostly lethal at home and here they get to beat up on their little brother division rival. Look away from the TV, folks. Falcons 31, Panthers 10
Cincinnati at Baltimore--Do you get the feeling Carson Palmer was auditioning for his next job last week? Ravens 20, Bengals 16
Pittsburgh at Cleveland--Do you get the feeling Eric Mangini is auditioning for his next job this week? Steelers 30, Browns 20
Minnesota at Detroit--The Vikings have a brighter future because of two people--Leslie Frazier (assuming the ownership does the right thing), and Joe Webb. Vikings 21, Lions 17
Chicago at Green Bay--If the Falcons win, and you can't possibly argue that they won't, the Bears will be locked in to the 2 seed. But they have a chance here to knock the Packers out of the postseason party, and they have to want to do that. Right? But they won't. Packers 24, Bears 20
Jacksonville at Houston--The Texans' defense makes me scratch my head. I know Mario Williams is on IR, but you have Brian Cushing and Amobi Okoye, and yet you can't seem to tackle anyone. Heads are gonna roll. Jaguars 27, Texans 20
Tennessee at Indianapolis--This is probably Jeff Fisher's last game as HC of the Titans. That's a shame, but wouldn't it be funny if he beat Indy going away? Colts 34, Titans 17
Oakland at Kansas City--The Chiefs have clinched the AFC West but can move up to the 3-seed. Pick your poison, the Ravens or Jets. Yikes. Chiefs 28, Raiders 14
Miami at New England--The Dolphins are world beaters away from home (6-1), but the Pats are not likely to take their foot off the gas. Patriots 27, Dolphins 13
Tampa Bay at New Orleans--The Bucs have an outside shot at making the playoffs, if the Giants and Packers both lose and they win. The Saints are already the 5 seed. Hmmm. Bucs 23, Saints 20
Buffalo at NY Jets--The Jets get a playoff tune-up, and you know their fans expect them to do it right. Jets 19, Bills 16
Dallas at Philadelphia--The Eagles are locked in to the 3-seed in the NFC, but they sometimes struggle against Dallas, even when Dallas isn't good. Still....Eagles 31, Cowboys 26
NY Giants at Washington--The Giants, no matter how bad they look at times, just seem to have the Skins' number. Giants 23, Redskins 20
San Diego at Denver--How the mighty have fallen. Broncos 27, Chargers 20
Arizona at San Francisco--Blech. Cardinals 16, Niners 13
St. Louis at Seattle--This is the Sunday night game and the regular season finale. And it's blasphemous that the 6-9 Seahawks can win the division and the 4-seed in the NFC with a win. But there it is. Then again, the Rams might have something to say about that. Rams 24, Seahawks 21
Happy New Year everyone!
Season record: 142-98
Well the regular season is coming crashing to a close, which is good for all of us who are tired of playoff scenarios. But it's not good if you love football, and especially with the uncertainty hanging over the 2011 season. Anyway, here are the Week 17 prognostications....
Carolina at Atlanta--The Falcons are mostly lethal at home and here they get to beat up on their little brother division rival. Look away from the TV, folks. Falcons 31, Panthers 10
Cincinnati at Baltimore--Do you get the feeling Carson Palmer was auditioning for his next job last week? Ravens 20, Bengals 16
Pittsburgh at Cleveland--Do you get the feeling Eric Mangini is auditioning for his next job this week? Steelers 30, Browns 20
Minnesota at Detroit--The Vikings have a brighter future because of two people--Leslie Frazier (assuming the ownership does the right thing), and Joe Webb. Vikings 21, Lions 17
Chicago at Green Bay--If the Falcons win, and you can't possibly argue that they won't, the Bears will be locked in to the 2 seed. But they have a chance here to knock the Packers out of the postseason party, and they have to want to do that. Right? But they won't. Packers 24, Bears 20
Jacksonville at Houston--The Texans' defense makes me scratch my head. I know Mario Williams is on IR, but you have Brian Cushing and Amobi Okoye, and yet you can't seem to tackle anyone. Heads are gonna roll. Jaguars 27, Texans 20
Tennessee at Indianapolis--This is probably Jeff Fisher's last game as HC of the Titans. That's a shame, but wouldn't it be funny if he beat Indy going away? Colts 34, Titans 17
Oakland at Kansas City--The Chiefs have clinched the AFC West but can move up to the 3-seed. Pick your poison, the Ravens or Jets. Yikes. Chiefs 28, Raiders 14
Miami at New England--The Dolphins are world beaters away from home (6-1), but the Pats are not likely to take their foot off the gas. Patriots 27, Dolphins 13
Tampa Bay at New Orleans--The Bucs have an outside shot at making the playoffs, if the Giants and Packers both lose and they win. The Saints are already the 5 seed. Hmmm. Bucs 23, Saints 20
Buffalo at NY Jets--The Jets get a playoff tune-up, and you know their fans expect them to do it right. Jets 19, Bills 16
Dallas at Philadelphia--The Eagles are locked in to the 3-seed in the NFC, but they sometimes struggle against Dallas, even when Dallas isn't good. Still....Eagles 31, Cowboys 26
NY Giants at Washington--The Giants, no matter how bad they look at times, just seem to have the Skins' number. Giants 23, Redskins 20
San Diego at Denver--How the mighty have fallen. Broncos 27, Chargers 20
Arizona at San Francisco--Blech. Cardinals 16, Niners 13
St. Louis at Seattle--This is the Sunday night game and the regular season finale. And it's blasphemous that the 6-9 Seahawks can win the division and the 4-seed in the NFC with a win. But there it is. Then again, the Rams might have something to say about that. Rams 24, Seahawks 21
Happy New Year everyone!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
NFL Picks: Week 16
Last week: 9-7
Season record: 133-91
So I thought I'd give you the Week 16 predictions in full since tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas everyone!
Thurday, Carolina at Pittsburgh--Wow, you think the NFL Network asked if they could have this choice back? Steelers 23, Panthers 0
Saturday, Dallas at Arizona--Merry Freaking Christmas, NFL fans. Another game equivalent to a lump of coal, but at least it's football on Christmas day. Cowboys 27, Cardinals 17
New England at Buffalo--You mean this one wasn't an option for Christmas? Then again, the Bills usually play the Pats well. Not this time. Patriots 38, Bills 16
NY Jets at Chicago--This is not easy, but it appears the Jets need it more. Jets 13, Bears 9
Baltimore at Cleveland--Has it really been 15 years since Art Modell moved the Browns to Baltimore? Ravens 20, Browns 17
Washington at Jacksonville--This time, Rex is going to have 4 interceptions instead of 4 TDs. Jaguars 21, Redskins 14
Tennessee at Kansas City--Hang on to your hats, Chiefs fans. You might get that elusive playoff berth this year. Chiefs 22, Titans 17
Detroit at Miami--The Dolphins are 6-1 on the road, 1-6 at home. Hmmm. Lions 17, Dolphins 16
Minnesota at Philadelphia--After the Bears scored 40 on the Vikes in the cold of Minnesota, I'm afraid of what Michael Vick might do to them. Eagles 45, Vikings 14
San Francisco at St. Louis--Please, please, Steve Spanguolo. Don't let the 5-9 Niners have any more ridiculous postseason aspirations. Rams 20, Niners 17
Seattle at Tampa Bay--The Bucs will prove why the Seahawks also should not have ridiculous playoff aspirations. Bucs 24, Seahawks 14
Houston at Denver--The underachieving Texans should be able to go into Denver and beat the just plain awful Broncos. Texans 34, Broncos 20
Indianapolis at Oakland--When I heard the Colts could win out and win the division, I was like, "Well, duh!" Colts 27, Raiders 23
NY Giants at Green Bay--The colors of blue and green will be trumped by the red on Tom Coughlin's nose. Giants 24, Packers 23
San Diego at Cincinnati--The Chargers are fighting for a playoff spot, the Bengals are fighting for....well, wait, remind me of what they're playing for. Oh yeah, a high draft pick and coach Marvin Lewis' job. Chargers 31, Bengals 13
New Orleans at Atlanta--Once and for all, we get to see who the real Saints are and who the real Falcons are. Saints 27, Falcons 24
Season record: 133-91
So I thought I'd give you the Week 16 predictions in full since tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas everyone!
Thurday, Carolina at Pittsburgh--Wow, you think the NFL Network asked if they could have this choice back? Steelers 23, Panthers 0
Saturday, Dallas at Arizona--Merry Freaking Christmas, NFL fans. Another game equivalent to a lump of coal, but at least it's football on Christmas day. Cowboys 27, Cardinals 17
New England at Buffalo--You mean this one wasn't an option for Christmas? Then again, the Bills usually play the Pats well. Not this time. Patriots 38, Bills 16
NY Jets at Chicago--This is not easy, but it appears the Jets need it more. Jets 13, Bears 9
Baltimore at Cleveland--Has it really been 15 years since Art Modell moved the Browns to Baltimore? Ravens 20, Browns 17
Washington at Jacksonville--This time, Rex is going to have 4 interceptions instead of 4 TDs. Jaguars 21, Redskins 14
Tennessee at Kansas City--Hang on to your hats, Chiefs fans. You might get that elusive playoff berth this year. Chiefs 22, Titans 17
Detroit at Miami--The Dolphins are 6-1 on the road, 1-6 at home. Hmmm. Lions 17, Dolphins 16
Minnesota at Philadelphia--After the Bears scored 40 on the Vikes in the cold of Minnesota, I'm afraid of what Michael Vick might do to them. Eagles 45, Vikings 14
San Francisco at St. Louis--Please, please, Steve Spanguolo. Don't let the 5-9 Niners have any more ridiculous postseason aspirations. Rams 20, Niners 17
Seattle at Tampa Bay--The Bucs will prove why the Seahawks also should not have ridiculous playoff aspirations. Bucs 24, Seahawks 14
Houston at Denver--The underachieving Texans should be able to go into Denver and beat the just plain awful Broncos. Texans 34, Broncos 20
Indianapolis at Oakland--When I heard the Colts could win out and win the division, I was like, "Well, duh!" Colts 27, Raiders 23
NY Giants at Green Bay--The colors of blue and green will be trumped by the red on Tom Coughlin's nose. Giants 24, Packers 23
San Diego at Cincinnati--The Chargers are fighting for a playoff spot, the Bengals are fighting for....well, wait, remind me of what they're playing for. Oh yeah, a high draft pick and coach Marvin Lewis' job. Chargers 31, Bengals 13
New Orleans at Atlanta--Once and for all, we get to see who the real Saints are and who the real Falcons are. Saints 27, Falcons 24
Friday, December 17, 2010
NFL Picks: Week 15
Last week: 11-5
Season record: 125-84 (including last night)
New Orleans at Baltimore--Everyone is focused on Giants/Eagles, but this one is a beauty too. Saints 23, Ravens 20
Arizona at Carolina--Really? Who will be watching this? Probably Panthers' fans to see if they can finally win one, and Cards' fans to see if Jay Feely can beat the Panthers. Panthers 20, Cards 13
Cleveland at Cincinnati--Just when the Bengals thought they could give up on winning any games the rest of the way, in comes Eric Mangini. Bengals 13, Browns 10
Washington at Dallas--Jason Garrett's fiery team is going to just smack Mike Shanahan's team all over the field. Cowboys 26, Redskins 10
Jacksonville at Indianapolis--Do you think the Colts are pissed about that 59 yard field goal Josh Scobee nailed to beat them last time? I think they're just pissed that they're looking up at the Jags right now in the standings. Colts 27, Jags 24
Buffalo at Miami--The only reason for them to play this game is that I have the Dolphins' D in the fantasy playoffs. Dolphins 17, Bills 9
Philadelphia at NY Giants--The Giants are done being charitable to the Eagles. Giants 33, Eagles 27
Kansas City at St. Louis--Who would have thought the battle of Missouri would have major postseason implications? Rams 21, Chiefs 17
Detroit at Tampa Bay--The Bucs need this one more, so they will prevail. But an upset would not surprise me in the least. Bucs 22, Lions 17
Houston at Tennessee--There are two reasons and two reasons only to watch this one--Corland Finnegan and Andre Johnson. Texans 24, Titans 20
Atlanta at Seattle--This could be a knockout punch to the Seahawks' playoff hopes. Oh wait, they play in the NFC West. Falcons 30, Seahawks 14
Denver at Oakland--Have the Broncos begun rebuilding yet? Raiders 24, Broncos 10
NY Jets at Pittsburgh--This would have been a great game if the Jets' offense didn't go missing after Week 8. Well, it'll still be a good game. Steelers 16, Jets 14
Green Bay at New England--Poor Matt Flynn. Poor any defense trying to stop Tom Brady these days, no matter where, when or in what weather conditions. Patriots 31, Packers 13
Chicago at Minnesota--Bring your long johns! This is how mother nature intended for football to be played in December, on some frozen tundra. But man, I sure wouldn't want to be there. Bears 10, Vikings 9
Season record: 125-84 (including last night)
New Orleans at Baltimore--Everyone is focused on Giants/Eagles, but this one is a beauty too. Saints 23, Ravens 20
Arizona at Carolina--Really? Who will be watching this? Probably Panthers' fans to see if they can finally win one, and Cards' fans to see if Jay Feely can beat the Panthers. Panthers 20, Cards 13
Cleveland at Cincinnati--Just when the Bengals thought they could give up on winning any games the rest of the way, in comes Eric Mangini. Bengals 13, Browns 10
Washington at Dallas--Jason Garrett's fiery team is going to just smack Mike Shanahan's team all over the field. Cowboys 26, Redskins 10
Jacksonville at Indianapolis--Do you think the Colts are pissed about that 59 yard field goal Josh Scobee nailed to beat them last time? I think they're just pissed that they're looking up at the Jags right now in the standings. Colts 27, Jags 24
Buffalo at Miami--The only reason for them to play this game is that I have the Dolphins' D in the fantasy playoffs. Dolphins 17, Bills 9
Philadelphia at NY Giants--The Giants are done being charitable to the Eagles. Giants 33, Eagles 27
Kansas City at St. Louis--Who would have thought the battle of Missouri would have major postseason implications? Rams 21, Chiefs 17
Detroit at Tampa Bay--The Bucs need this one more, so they will prevail. But an upset would not surprise me in the least. Bucs 22, Lions 17
Houston at Tennessee--There are two reasons and two reasons only to watch this one--Corland Finnegan and Andre Johnson. Texans 24, Titans 20
Atlanta at Seattle--This could be a knockout punch to the Seahawks' playoff hopes. Oh wait, they play in the NFC West. Falcons 30, Seahawks 14
Denver at Oakland--Have the Broncos begun rebuilding yet? Raiders 24, Broncos 10
NY Jets at Pittsburgh--This would have been a great game if the Jets' offense didn't go missing after Week 8. Well, it'll still be a good game. Steelers 16, Jets 14
Green Bay at New England--Poor Matt Flynn. Poor any defense trying to stop Tom Brady these days, no matter where, when or in what weather conditions. Patriots 31, Packers 13
Chicago at Minnesota--Bring your long johns! This is how mother nature intended for football to be played in December, on some frozen tundra. But man, I sure wouldn't want to be there. Bears 10, Vikings 9
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