Last week: 11-4
Season record: 117-59
I have four words for you--NO MORE BYE WEEKS. Right as the fantasy postseason looms and the weather is getting colder in most NFL cities, we have a full slate of games the last five weeks of the season. And as one of football's great traditions, there will be games on Thanksgiving Day, which is tomorrow--three of them, and they are all NFC divisional rivalries. Oh yeah! So let's see what's on tap and how we expect the games to shake out....
Chicago at Detroit--I'm not sure what's more amazing. That the Lions have the fewest points allowed in the NFL (190) or that only four teams have scored fewer points (Oakland, Tennessee, Jacksonville, NY Jets). Seriously, a team with Calvin Johnson and Matt Stafford and Golden Tate and Reggie Bush and Joique Bell should not struggle to put up points, right? The Bears, they are a completely different story, and not a good one. Lions 23, Bears 17
Philadelphia at Dallas--As a Giants fan, my hatred for these two teams runs deep. It runs even deeper when they are both competing for the NFC East title and a first round bye. But this season, I hate the Eagles just a little less. Cowboys 34, Eagles 31
Seattle at San Francisco--The Richard Sherman/Michael Crabtree rematch. Both teams have struggled a little more than you'd expect after playing for the NFC title ten months ago, and while this one could go either way, I have this funny feeling about Kaepernick for tomorrow. Niners 26, Seahawks 24
Washington at Indianapolis--Wow, the Skins are a mess. RG3 has been benched for Colt McCoy, which means this Dan Snyder abomination has seen both RG3 and Kirk Cousins play themselves out of a job. Meanwhile, the Colts are set at the QB position for the next 15 years or so. Again. Colts 37, Redskins 20
Tennessee at Houston--Okay so there is a full slate of games, but this is one of them. Texans 24, Titans 13
Cleveland at Buffalo--I think it's still snowing in Buffalo. This game is technically the Snow Belt Bowl, but for the first time in years both teams have something to play for. Browns 19, Bills 16
San Diego at Baltimore--These teams are so evenly matched that they are both 7-4 and each have just one loss at home. Well, at least that makes it easy to pick this game. Ravens 27, Chargers 20
NY Giants at Jacksonville--Tom Coughlin returns to his old stomping grounds, and his Giants are playing so bad they may remind him of the Jags' expansion season. Jaguars 23, Giants 13
Cincinnati at Tampa Bay--The Bengals are clinging to the division lead in the AFC North at 7-3-1, while the Bucs are still in contention for a division title in the NFC South at 2-9! Two and NINE. There are seriously no words here. Bengals 24, Bucs 6
Oakland at St. Louis--The Raiders may be feeling frisky after beating the Chiefs for win number one last Thursday, but they will be lucky to put up any points at all against this Rams' D. Rams 17, Raiders 3
New Orleans at Pittsburgh--Well, the Saints can't blame the fact that their head coach was suspended. This time, they just aren't playing well, period. Or maybe they think they have a great shot at the NFC South title even if they win 6 games. Steelers 30, Saints 27
Carolina at Minnesota--I wonder if DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will still be the Panthers' backfield combo in 2027. Panthers 20, Vikings 16
Arizona at Atlanta--A classic clash of division leaders, yet the Cards have more than twice the number of wins (9) as the Falcons (4). Cards 16, Falcons 13
New England at Green Bay--The game of the week could be the game of the year, and a rematch of Super Bowl 31. Get your popcorn ready. For my money, Brady and Rodgers are the two best QBs in the game. Patriots 41, Packers 38
Denver at Kansas City--It would be awesome if KC followed up that loss to the Raiders with an upset of the Broncos. And you know what? I think it's more than possible. Chiefs 31, Broncos 27
Miami at NY Jets--I'm seriously taking privileges away from ESPN to carry Monday Night Football if they can't pick competitive games. They've had some of the most horrendous matchups of the season on MNF, prompting all of us to watch 2 Broke Girls instead. Dolphins 22, Jets 10
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
NFL picks--Week 12
Last week: 9-5
Season record: 106-55
In this wacky NFL season, it just doesn't get any easier to pick these games, does it? I did put a feather in my own cap for picking the Rams to beat the Broncos. From what I could tell, I was the only person in the civilized world that did. But I got five wrong last week too. My biggest blunder was taking the Browns over the Texans, but I wasn't the only one. And who saw the Bengals beating the Saints in the dome? Yikes. With that, let's have a look at Week 12 (another yikes, this season is going too fast for my liking).
Kansas City at Oakland--Oh how I wanted to pick the Raiders here. They haven't won a game since like last October, but division games are always strange, and the Raiders haven't exactly shit the bed every game. Okay, maybe a few turds. But then I realized that Andy Reid will have his hot KC team ready and I wised up. Chiefs 27, Raiders 17
Cleveland at Atlanta--So now that the DIVISION LEADING Falcons smell blood, they may actually start playing better. Otherwise, let's face it, a 6-10 team could make the playoffs. The Browns came back down to earth last Sunday against Houston but this defense will not scare them like one with JJ Watt and that Clowney fella. And Josh Gordon is back. Browns 23, Falcons 20
Tennessee at Philadelphia--The Titans made things interesting against Pittsburgh, and we'll see if Mark Sanchez last week just had a bad game or if he's still the same buttfumbler the Jets let go of. Eagles 37, Titans 13
Detroit at New England--This is a tough one. The Patriots are positively on fire, but the Lions have the NFL's best defense. Not only that, they are number 1 against the rush and number 1 against the pass. That is scary. But I can't bet against Brady and Belichick at home. Patriots 26, Lions 20
Green Bay at Minnesota--The cold on Minnesota's frozen tundra isn't much different than Green Bay's. Packers 40, Vikings 24
Jacksonville at Indianapolis--After that rude awakening against New England, at least the Colts have a lay up here. Colts 33, Jaguars 9
Cincinnati at Houston--The way things are going, we could very easily see these two mediocre teams meet in the playoffs again. I wish they could both lose this game. Texans 21, Bengals 17
NY Jets at Buffalo--Did I hear correctly that there are six FEET of snow in Buffalo? Holy crap. If they actually get to play this one, it won't be very entertaining, so why bother? Bills 20, Jets 10
Tampa Bay at Chicago--Don't think Lovie Smith didn't circle this one on his calendar. Bucs 27, Bears 24
Arizona at Seattle--It's been a nice season for the Cards, but this is a major test and I don't think they pass it. Seahawks 19, Cards 16
St. Louis at San Diego--Don't be fooled by some of the upsets the Rams have dished out. They are still the Rams. Chargers 23, Rams 13
Miami at Denver--There sure are a lot of games I don't care about this week. On paper, the Dolphins' D may give Peyton fits, but a few Omahas and he'll be good to go. Broncos 30, Dolphins 17
Washington at San Francisco--Oh boy, here are two teams with some locker room issues. At least the Niners are winning. The Redskins have a serious QB dilemma and it seems to not matter who coaches this team, there are always issues and losses mounting. Niners 31, Redskins 10
Dallas at NY Giants--I just don't get why NBC didn't flex out of this one, so now I get to watch my Giants lay another egg on national TV. Get your popcorn ready. Cowboys 41, Giants 24
Baltimore at New Orleans--Wait, does New Orleans play any road games? Saints 26, Ravens 23
Season record: 106-55
In this wacky NFL season, it just doesn't get any easier to pick these games, does it? I did put a feather in my own cap for picking the Rams to beat the Broncos. From what I could tell, I was the only person in the civilized world that did. But I got five wrong last week too. My biggest blunder was taking the Browns over the Texans, but I wasn't the only one. And who saw the Bengals beating the Saints in the dome? Yikes. With that, let's have a look at Week 12 (another yikes, this season is going too fast for my liking).
Kansas City at Oakland--Oh how I wanted to pick the Raiders here. They haven't won a game since like last October, but division games are always strange, and the Raiders haven't exactly shit the bed every game. Okay, maybe a few turds. But then I realized that Andy Reid will have his hot KC team ready and I wised up. Chiefs 27, Raiders 17
Cleveland at Atlanta--So now that the DIVISION LEADING Falcons smell blood, they may actually start playing better. Otherwise, let's face it, a 6-10 team could make the playoffs. The Browns came back down to earth last Sunday against Houston but this defense will not scare them like one with JJ Watt and that Clowney fella. And Josh Gordon is back. Browns 23, Falcons 20
Tennessee at Philadelphia--The Titans made things interesting against Pittsburgh, and we'll see if Mark Sanchez last week just had a bad game or if he's still the same buttfumbler the Jets let go of. Eagles 37, Titans 13
Detroit at New England--This is a tough one. The Patriots are positively on fire, but the Lions have the NFL's best defense. Not only that, they are number 1 against the rush and number 1 against the pass. That is scary. But I can't bet against Brady and Belichick at home. Patriots 26, Lions 20
Green Bay at Minnesota--The cold on Minnesota's frozen tundra isn't much different than Green Bay's. Packers 40, Vikings 24
Jacksonville at Indianapolis--After that rude awakening against New England, at least the Colts have a lay up here. Colts 33, Jaguars 9
Cincinnati at Houston--The way things are going, we could very easily see these two mediocre teams meet in the playoffs again. I wish they could both lose this game. Texans 21, Bengals 17
NY Jets at Buffalo--Did I hear correctly that there are six FEET of snow in Buffalo? Holy crap. If they actually get to play this one, it won't be very entertaining, so why bother? Bills 20, Jets 10
Tampa Bay at Chicago--Don't think Lovie Smith didn't circle this one on his calendar. Bucs 27, Bears 24
Arizona at Seattle--It's been a nice season for the Cards, but this is a major test and I don't think they pass it. Seahawks 19, Cards 16
St. Louis at San Diego--Don't be fooled by some of the upsets the Rams have dished out. They are still the Rams. Chargers 23, Rams 13
Miami at Denver--There sure are a lot of games I don't care about this week. On paper, the Dolphins' D may give Peyton fits, but a few Omahas and he'll be good to go. Broncos 30, Dolphins 17
Washington at San Francisco--Oh boy, here are two teams with some locker room issues. At least the Niners are winning. The Redskins have a serious QB dilemma and it seems to not matter who coaches this team, there are always issues and losses mounting. Niners 31, Redskins 10
Dallas at NY Giants--I just don't get why NBC didn't flex out of this one, so now I get to watch my Giants lay another egg on national TV. Get your popcorn ready. Cowboys 41, Giants 24
Baltimore at New Orleans--Wait, does New Orleans play any road games? Saints 26, Ravens 23
Friday, November 14, 2014
NFL picks--Week 11
Last week: 8-5
Season record: 97-50
Okay, so I'm slipping and slacking a bit. Slipping in my pick-age and slacking that I am getting these up a day late. Regardless, let's see....I should first say I would have picked Miami last night. Last week I told you I would have picked Cincinnati so you know I would not cheat. So, with that, let's see what the rest of the slate looks like.
Minnesota at Chicago--For me this conjures up memories of Chuck Foreman and Walter Payton, and these teams had some epic games in the '70's. Alas it's 2014 and both of them are tumbling. Bears 20, Vikings 17
Houston at Cleveland--A letdown would be natural for the Browns after they absolutely destroyed the Bengals in Cincinnati, where the home team almost never loses. But these Browns are different and I'm rooting for them. Browns 20, Texans 13
Atlanta at Carolina--Talk about teams that are tumbling. Wow, there are some disappointments this year, and also some feel good stories like the Browns. Panthers 21, Falcons 20
Cincinnati at New Orleans--The Bengals were #1 in a lot of power rankings a few weeks ago. The Saints were a preseason Super Bowl pick for many. Now it's a game between two mediocre teams possibly going in opposite directions. Oh, and Jimmy Graham....that was dumb. I can say that knowing you're a couple thousand miles away. Saints 31, Bengals 17
Tampa Bay at Washington--Wait, is RG3 still the QB? Is Kirk Cousins still a Redskin? Is Lovie Smith a bad coach or was he dealt a crappy team? These are the things I think about when I have nothing else to think about. Redskins 34, Bucs 20
Denver at St. Louis--My boy Drew Magary accurately said in his column on Deadspin yesterday that Peyton Manning loses big games because he unravels when things don't go exactly his way. This is so true. On Sunday, Jeff Fisher's Rams are going to give Manning all the defense he can handle, just like Seattle did in the Super Bowl. Oh yeah, upset city. Rams 23, Broncos 20
San Francisco at NY Giants--Oh Giants, why do you torture me so? Well he's the good news. The Niners are back in the hunt and the Giants are not, so there are no expectations on my team anymore. Just get a good draft pick. Niners 37, Giants 24
Seattle at Kansas City--The Seahawks are vulnerable on the road, and the Chiefs are pretty good at home. You can see where I'm going here, though I'm having a hard time actually pulling the trigger. Chiefs 20, Seahawks 19
Oakland at San Diego--Since Tony Sparano took over for Dennis Allen, the Raiders are what, 0-4? He's about to match Allen's record in 2014. So much for burying that football before his first game. Chargers 27, Raiders 10
Detroit at Arizona--Holy moly, the late games (except for the one above this) are awesome. This game could quite possibly be a preview of the NFC title game. Cards 19, Lions 16
Philadelphia at Green Bay--Holy moly, this game could also quite possibly be a preview of the NFC title game. Packers 41, Eagles 38
New England at Indianapolis--A few years ago, my buddy Dave and I went to Indy for the Pats/Colts game when they were both 7-0 or something. It was Manning vs. Brady in one of the most epic games of that rivalry and New England won. We sat next to James Sanders' (S for Pats) family and were high-fiving his parents. Why do I say this? Because this could quite possibly be a preview of the AFC title game, and Luck vs. Brady is pretty freaking cool too. Colts 30, Patriots 27
Pittsburgh at Tennessee--And then we have yet another Monday night clunker. Look at this slate of games in Week 11. You mean to tell me you guys couldn't have picked a better one? Sheesh. Steelers 26, Titans 17
Season record: 97-50
Okay, so I'm slipping and slacking a bit. Slipping in my pick-age and slacking that I am getting these up a day late. Regardless, let's see....I should first say I would have picked Miami last night. Last week I told you I would have picked Cincinnati so you know I would not cheat. So, with that, let's see what the rest of the slate looks like.
Minnesota at Chicago--For me this conjures up memories of Chuck Foreman and Walter Payton, and these teams had some epic games in the '70's. Alas it's 2014 and both of them are tumbling. Bears 20, Vikings 17
Houston at Cleveland--A letdown would be natural for the Browns after they absolutely destroyed the Bengals in Cincinnati, where the home team almost never loses. But these Browns are different and I'm rooting for them. Browns 20, Texans 13
Atlanta at Carolina--Talk about teams that are tumbling. Wow, there are some disappointments this year, and also some feel good stories like the Browns. Panthers 21, Falcons 20
Cincinnati at New Orleans--The Bengals were #1 in a lot of power rankings a few weeks ago. The Saints were a preseason Super Bowl pick for many. Now it's a game between two mediocre teams possibly going in opposite directions. Oh, and Jimmy Graham....that was dumb. I can say that knowing you're a couple thousand miles away. Saints 31, Bengals 17
Tampa Bay at Washington--Wait, is RG3 still the QB? Is Kirk Cousins still a Redskin? Is Lovie Smith a bad coach or was he dealt a crappy team? These are the things I think about when I have nothing else to think about. Redskins 34, Bucs 20
Denver at St. Louis--My boy Drew Magary accurately said in his column on Deadspin yesterday that Peyton Manning loses big games because he unravels when things don't go exactly his way. This is so true. On Sunday, Jeff Fisher's Rams are going to give Manning all the defense he can handle, just like Seattle did in the Super Bowl. Oh yeah, upset city. Rams 23, Broncos 20
San Francisco at NY Giants--Oh Giants, why do you torture me so? Well he's the good news. The Niners are back in the hunt and the Giants are not, so there are no expectations on my team anymore. Just get a good draft pick. Niners 37, Giants 24
Seattle at Kansas City--The Seahawks are vulnerable on the road, and the Chiefs are pretty good at home. You can see where I'm going here, though I'm having a hard time actually pulling the trigger. Chiefs 20, Seahawks 19
Oakland at San Diego--Since Tony Sparano took over for Dennis Allen, the Raiders are what, 0-4? He's about to match Allen's record in 2014. So much for burying that football before his first game. Chargers 27, Raiders 10
Detroit at Arizona--Holy moly, the late games (except for the one above this) are awesome. This game could quite possibly be a preview of the NFC title game. Cards 19, Lions 16
Philadelphia at Green Bay--Holy moly, this game could also quite possibly be a preview of the NFC title game. Packers 41, Eagles 38
New England at Indianapolis--A few years ago, my buddy Dave and I went to Indy for the Pats/Colts game when they were both 7-0 or something. It was Manning vs. Brady in one of the most epic games of that rivalry and New England won. We sat next to James Sanders' (S for Pats) family and were high-fiving his parents. Why do I say this? Because this could quite possibly be a preview of the AFC title game, and Luck vs. Brady is pretty freaking cool too. Colts 30, Patriots 27
Pittsburgh at Tennessee--And then we have yet another Monday night clunker. Look at this slate of games in Week 11. You mean to tell me you guys couldn't have picked a better one? Sheesh. Steelers 26, Titans 17
Friday, November 7, 2014
NFL picks--Week 10
Last week: 9-4
Season record: 89-45
okay so since I didn't get these picks up on Thursday, let me just say for the record that I absolutely would not have picked the Browns to win. Not that I gave them no chance, but the Bengals are usually money at home. But I'm sure going to be interested in the Browns and more likely to pick them after that utter annihilation. On to the rest of the games.....
Kansas City at Buffalo--Halfway home, these two teams are 5-3, and the Browns are 6-3. I just checked out my window and the sky isn't falling. Chiefs 20, Bills 17
Miami at Detroit--The Lions are quietly leading the AFC North at 6-2 despite Calvin Johnson being injured. This is definitely a team to watch. The Dolphins at 5-3 are also a team to watch. (nope, sky is still in its place). Lions 19, Dolphins 13
Dallas vs. Jacksonville at London--Will Tony Romo and his broken back bones play? It appears there is a good chance, but I really really find it hard to believe. And if he doesn't play (or if he does and is terrified of getting hit), I gotta be honest--the Jags are going to steal this game. Jaguars 23, Cowboys 20
San Francisco at New Orleans--Okay, so one place the sky may really be falling is San Francisco. At 4-4 and coming off a devastating loss to the Rams at home, they now go into the Superdome as the Saints have woken up. Saints 31, Niners 27
Tennessee at Baltimore--The Titans visit the LAST PLACE Ravens, who are 5-4 and will soon be 6-4 to kick the 5-3-1 Bengals into last place. Yikes. Ravens 31, Titans 10
Pittsburgh at NY Jets--This is just the kind of game the Jets will fall backwards into a win. Then again, nahh. Steelers 24, Jets 14
Atlanta at Tampa Bay--The 2-6 Falcons have lost five straight since beating the Bucs 56-14. And so, guess what? The Bucs will return the favor. Well, maybe not by scoring 56 points. Bucs 27, Falcons 26
Denver at Oakland--This game may be surprisingly close, but let's face it--the Raiders are 0-8 and the Broncos cannot afford another loss. Broncos 27, Raiders 16
St. Louis at Arizona--Two stout defenses and the Rams are surprising folks and turning heads with wins over Seattle and San Fran. But the Cards' D is too good for St. Louis. Cards 16, Rams 6
NY Giants at Seattle--Oh yikes. My Giants are looking flat awful lately, and now they get to visit the defending champs. Seattle may be vulnerable lately, but let's be real here--this is gonna be ugly. Seahawks 38, Giants 17
Chicago at Green Bay--The Bears are falling fast and it's going to be cold on Sunday night at the Tundra. Packers 41, Bears 24
Carolina at Philadelphia--Mark Sanchez? Yes, and he's going to win another one and maybe more. Which is going to have Jets' fans really pulling their collective hair out. Eagles 30, Panthers 17
Season record: 89-45
okay so since I didn't get these picks up on Thursday, let me just say for the record that I absolutely would not have picked the Browns to win. Not that I gave them no chance, but the Bengals are usually money at home. But I'm sure going to be interested in the Browns and more likely to pick them after that utter annihilation. On to the rest of the games.....
Kansas City at Buffalo--Halfway home, these two teams are 5-3, and the Browns are 6-3. I just checked out my window and the sky isn't falling. Chiefs 20, Bills 17
Miami at Detroit--The Lions are quietly leading the AFC North at 6-2 despite Calvin Johnson being injured. This is definitely a team to watch. The Dolphins at 5-3 are also a team to watch. (nope, sky is still in its place). Lions 19, Dolphins 13
Dallas vs. Jacksonville at London--Will Tony Romo and his broken back bones play? It appears there is a good chance, but I really really find it hard to believe. And if he doesn't play (or if he does and is terrified of getting hit), I gotta be honest--the Jags are going to steal this game. Jaguars 23, Cowboys 20
San Francisco at New Orleans--Okay, so one place the sky may really be falling is San Francisco. At 4-4 and coming off a devastating loss to the Rams at home, they now go into the Superdome as the Saints have woken up. Saints 31, Niners 27
Tennessee at Baltimore--The Titans visit the LAST PLACE Ravens, who are 5-4 and will soon be 6-4 to kick the 5-3-1 Bengals into last place. Yikes. Ravens 31, Titans 10
Pittsburgh at NY Jets--This is just the kind of game the Jets will fall backwards into a win. Then again, nahh. Steelers 24, Jets 14
Atlanta at Tampa Bay--The 2-6 Falcons have lost five straight since beating the Bucs 56-14. And so, guess what? The Bucs will return the favor. Well, maybe not by scoring 56 points. Bucs 27, Falcons 26
Denver at Oakland--This game may be surprisingly close, but let's face it--the Raiders are 0-8 and the Broncos cannot afford another loss. Broncos 27, Raiders 16
St. Louis at Arizona--Two stout defenses and the Rams are surprising folks and turning heads with wins over Seattle and San Fran. But the Cards' D is too good for St. Louis. Cards 16, Rams 6
NY Giants at Seattle--Oh yikes. My Giants are looking flat awful lately, and now they get to visit the defending champs. Seattle may be vulnerable lately, but let's be real here--this is gonna be ugly. Seahawks 38, Giants 17
Chicago at Green Bay--The Bears are falling fast and it's going to be cold on Sunday night at the Tundra. Packers 41, Bears 24
Carolina at Philadelphia--Mark Sanchez? Yes, and he's going to win another one and maybe more. Which is going to have Jets' fans really pulling their collective hair out. Eagles 30, Panthers 17
Thursday, October 30, 2014
NFL picks--Week 9
Last week: 11-4
Season record: 80-41
Last weekend, there was a point explosion. Fantasy owners were either happy or mortified, and the casual NFL fan was treated to a great block of games overall. This week, six teams are on bye again, so we only have thirteen games, meaning Red Zone will be more manageable with less split screens for the early games. It's the little things, I tell you. Now, let's have a look at that slate.....
New Orleans at Carolina--The, um, world beater Saints bring their 3-4 record to division leading Carolina (3-4-1). Are both of these teams that mediocre? We may find out tonight. Panthers 24, Saints 23
Tampa Bay at Cleveland--This is the rubber match of Cleveland's trio of games against crappy teams. They lost to Jacksonville, beat Oakland and now take on the hapless Bucs at home. And LeBron has that city energized. Browns 27, Bucs 16
Arizona at Dallas--I wonder if Jerry Jones will make Tony Romo take the field and risk paralyzing his investment. Cowboys 20, Cardinals 14
Philadelphia at Houston--Texans are improved, but not this much. Eagles 30, Texans 23
NY Jets at Kansas City--Wow, the Jets are horrible. I mean, really horrible. Chiefs 20, Jets 10
Jacksonville at Cincinnati--I can't figure this Bengals team out, can you? I can, however, figure the Jags out. Bengals 26, Jaguars 6
San Diego at Miami--Why do I feel like these teams just played each other? Dolphins 23, Chargers 20
Washington at Minnesota--There is a weird QB controversy in DC, and it's hard to believe Kirk Cousins was the darling of football fans and fantasy owners everywhere just a few weeks ago. Now he's lost his gig to Colt McCoy with RG3 almost ready to return. You can't make this stuff up. Vikings 21, Redskins 17
St. Louis at San Francisco--In a wacky division, it's still pretty clear that the Rams aren't equipped to beat any of their division foes on the road. Unless of course Jeff Fisher calls fake punts all game. Niners 28, Rams 13
Denver at New England--Same as it ever was, Brady vs. Manning. The 6-1 Broncos vs. the 6-2 Patriots. I don't think anyone would argue Denver has the better team, but Brady at home is pretty close to money in the bank. Patriots 37, Broncos 35
Oakland at Seattle--So it looks like we have one decent game in the late slot, and it's not this one. Seahawks 27, Raiders 3
Baltimore at Pittsburgh--Is it just me, or have the Steelers played like four straight home games? Ravens 19, Steelers 17
Indianapolis at NY Giants--Andrew Luck's neck beard comes to New Jersey to face a rested Giants team that truly struggles against good teams. This will be no exception. Colts 38, Giants 31
Season record: 80-41
Last weekend, there was a point explosion. Fantasy owners were either happy or mortified, and the casual NFL fan was treated to a great block of games overall. This week, six teams are on bye again, so we only have thirteen games, meaning Red Zone will be more manageable with less split screens for the early games. It's the little things, I tell you. Now, let's have a look at that slate.....
New Orleans at Carolina--The, um, world beater Saints bring their 3-4 record to division leading Carolina (3-4-1). Are both of these teams that mediocre? We may find out tonight. Panthers 24, Saints 23
Tampa Bay at Cleveland--This is the rubber match of Cleveland's trio of games against crappy teams. They lost to Jacksonville, beat Oakland and now take on the hapless Bucs at home. And LeBron has that city energized. Browns 27, Bucs 16
Arizona at Dallas--I wonder if Jerry Jones will make Tony Romo take the field and risk paralyzing his investment. Cowboys 20, Cardinals 14
Philadelphia at Houston--Texans are improved, but not this much. Eagles 30, Texans 23
NY Jets at Kansas City--Wow, the Jets are horrible. I mean, really horrible. Chiefs 20, Jets 10
Jacksonville at Cincinnati--I can't figure this Bengals team out, can you? I can, however, figure the Jags out. Bengals 26, Jaguars 6
San Diego at Miami--Why do I feel like these teams just played each other? Dolphins 23, Chargers 20
Washington at Minnesota--There is a weird QB controversy in DC, and it's hard to believe Kirk Cousins was the darling of football fans and fantasy owners everywhere just a few weeks ago. Now he's lost his gig to Colt McCoy with RG3 almost ready to return. You can't make this stuff up. Vikings 21, Redskins 17
St. Louis at San Francisco--In a wacky division, it's still pretty clear that the Rams aren't equipped to beat any of their division foes on the road. Unless of course Jeff Fisher calls fake punts all game. Niners 28, Rams 13
Denver at New England--Same as it ever was, Brady vs. Manning. The 6-1 Broncos vs. the 6-2 Patriots. I don't think anyone would argue Denver has the better team, but Brady at home is pretty close to money in the bank. Patriots 37, Broncos 35
Oakland at Seattle--So it looks like we have one decent game in the late slot, and it's not this one. Seahawks 27, Raiders 3
Baltimore at Pittsburgh--Is it just me, or have the Steelers played like four straight home games? Ravens 19, Steelers 17
Indianapolis at NY Giants--Andrew Luck's neck beard comes to New Jersey to face a rested Giants team that truly struggles against good teams. This will be no exception. Colts 38, Giants 31
Thursday, October 23, 2014
NFL picks--Week 8
Last week: 12-3
Season record: 69-37
The kid is rounding into form. 12-3 is definitely more like it and would have been better had the Browns not laid an egg in Jacksonville. Anyway, here we go....
San Diego at Denver--I wanna say this will actually be a good game on Thursday Night Football. But it wouldn't surprise me if the Broncos jump out to a 21-0 lead in the first 10 minutes like they seem to do every game. Broncos 38, Chargers 24
Detroit vs. Atlanta at London--This is the breakfast special. Seriously, a game at 9:30am Eastern time. I don't have a problem with it, mind you, but it's kind of weird. Lions 26, Falcons 20
Minnesota at Tampa Bay--Being that Tampa is 0-3 on the road already, you have to doubt Mike Glennon's Bucs can win one here. But lucky for them the Vikings are pretty bad as well. Bucs 20, Vikings 17
Buffalo at NY Jets--I think this is one of those games the Jets may not be favored in but that they will have one of their occasional good games. And Buffalo still feels inconsistent despite their magic weapon Kyle Orton playing like Aaron Rodgers. Okay, maybe not. Jets 21, Bills 14
Chicago at New England--I'd be wary of an upset here too, but then again that Chicago locker room is a bit of a mess. Patriots 31, Bears 24
Seattle at Carolina--Ooh boy, the Hawks are 3-3 and looking very beatable these days. The Panthers are actually leading the NFC South at 3-3-1. Can I predict a tie? No? Okay. Seahawks 27, Panthers 26
Miami at Jacksonville--The Jags had a taste of victory, the Dolphins continue to play better on the road than at home. Dolphins 23, Jaguars 16
Baltimore at Cincinnati--The Bengals seem to play the Ravens better than any other team does. And they are pissed that they got embarrassed against Indy....especially because it's not even playoff time yet. Bengals 20, Ravens 17
Houston at Tennessee--The Titans are starting some dude at QB I have never heard of. JJ Watt just may end up eating that guy. Texans 24, Titans 19
St. Louis at Kansas City--I wonder if Andy Reid will try to out-Fisher Jeff Fisher and do some crazy fakes or crazy plays. You just know he's concocting something behind that mustache of his. Wait, are we talking about Reid or Fisher? Chiefs 27, Rams 17
Philadelphia at Arizona--The Eagles are rested but that doesn't mean this AZ defense won't bottle up LeSean McCoy enough to give them chances to tee off on Nick Foles. Cards 23, Eagles 20
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh--Boy, this Colts team is becoming more frightening every week. And I'm not just talking about Andrew Luck's half-man, half-monster voice. Colts 30, Steelers 20
Oakland at Cleveland--The Browns need to get back on track, and the schedule gods seem to be favoring that to happen. Browns 20, Raiders 13
Green Bay at New Orleans--Another pretty good game for a Sunday nighter. Aaron Rodgers is in the zone, but the Saints are tough to beat in that dome. Saints 28, Packers 26
Washington at Dallas--Another pretty bad game for a Monday nighter. At least we can be entertained listening to Gruden spaz out like he did about that reverse for a left-handed TD pass by Antonio Brown last week. Cowboys 41, Redskins 17
Season record: 69-37
The kid is rounding into form. 12-3 is definitely more like it and would have been better had the Browns not laid an egg in Jacksonville. Anyway, here we go....
San Diego at Denver--I wanna say this will actually be a good game on Thursday Night Football. But it wouldn't surprise me if the Broncos jump out to a 21-0 lead in the first 10 minutes like they seem to do every game. Broncos 38, Chargers 24
Detroit vs. Atlanta at London--This is the breakfast special. Seriously, a game at 9:30am Eastern time. I don't have a problem with it, mind you, but it's kind of weird. Lions 26, Falcons 20
Minnesota at Tampa Bay--Being that Tampa is 0-3 on the road already, you have to doubt Mike Glennon's Bucs can win one here. But lucky for them the Vikings are pretty bad as well. Bucs 20, Vikings 17
Buffalo at NY Jets--I think this is one of those games the Jets may not be favored in but that they will have one of their occasional good games. And Buffalo still feels inconsistent despite their magic weapon Kyle Orton playing like Aaron Rodgers. Okay, maybe not. Jets 21, Bills 14
Chicago at New England--I'd be wary of an upset here too, but then again that Chicago locker room is a bit of a mess. Patriots 31, Bears 24
Seattle at Carolina--Ooh boy, the Hawks are 3-3 and looking very beatable these days. The Panthers are actually leading the NFC South at 3-3-1. Can I predict a tie? No? Okay. Seahawks 27, Panthers 26
Miami at Jacksonville--The Jags had a taste of victory, the Dolphins continue to play better on the road than at home. Dolphins 23, Jaguars 16
Baltimore at Cincinnati--The Bengals seem to play the Ravens better than any other team does. And they are pissed that they got embarrassed against Indy....especially because it's not even playoff time yet. Bengals 20, Ravens 17
Houston at Tennessee--The Titans are starting some dude at QB I have never heard of. JJ Watt just may end up eating that guy. Texans 24, Titans 19
St. Louis at Kansas City--I wonder if Andy Reid will try to out-Fisher Jeff Fisher and do some crazy fakes or crazy plays. You just know he's concocting something behind that mustache of his. Wait, are we talking about Reid or Fisher? Chiefs 27, Rams 17
Philadelphia at Arizona--The Eagles are rested but that doesn't mean this AZ defense won't bottle up LeSean McCoy enough to give them chances to tee off on Nick Foles. Cards 23, Eagles 20
Indianapolis at Pittsburgh--Boy, this Colts team is becoming more frightening every week. And I'm not just talking about Andrew Luck's half-man, half-monster voice. Colts 30, Steelers 20
Oakland at Cleveland--The Browns need to get back on track, and the schedule gods seem to be favoring that to happen. Browns 20, Raiders 13
Green Bay at New Orleans--Another pretty good game for a Sunday nighter. Aaron Rodgers is in the zone, but the Saints are tough to beat in that dome. Saints 28, Packers 26
Washington at Dallas--Another pretty bad game for a Monday nighter. At least we can be entertained listening to Gruden spaz out like he did about that reverse for a left-handed TD pass by Antonio Brown last week. Cowboys 41, Redskins 17
Thursday, October 16, 2014
NFL picks--Week 7
Last week: 9-6
Season record: 57-34
Week 7??? Man, this is what I hate about the NFL season. If you don't stop and enjoy it while it's here, it's over before you can exhale. So hey, let's stop and enjoy it while there are still 11 weeks of regular season to go....
NY Jets at New England--You know that since the Patriots should annihilate the Jets at this stage based on the last two weeks' games, the opposite will happen. But then again, the Jets have scored only 96 points and have given up 158. Yikes. And Brady is pissed again, so look out. Patriots 31, Jets 17
Minnesota at Buffalo--Is anyone else slightly weirded out by the Vikings playing home games outdoors? Of course, this game is in Buffalo, but I digress. Bills 27, Vikings 23
Miami at Chicago--Which one of these teams is more mediocre than the other? Bears 24, Dolphins 16
New Orleans at Detroit--So the Lions' offense is supposedly modeled after the Saints, but they've given up the fewest points in the league so far so are winning with defense. The Saints, meanwhile, are underachieving. Lions 29, Saints 26
Carolina at Green Bay--It's pretty clear that the Packers are crap without Aaron Rodgers, no? Packers 24, Panthers 20
Cincinnati at Indianapolis--This one appears to be one of this week's marquee games. And the Bengals sort of appear mortal. Colts 27, Bengals 21
Seattle at St. Louis--Finally the Hawks' defense has a good match up to dominate against, but 2014 has been so strange and the Rams have been strange for a few years now under Jeff Fisher. Go with the champs here. Seahawks 27, Rams 13
Tennesssee at Washington--It's amazing the talk of RG3 returning is getting louder. Redskins 28, Titans 14
Cleveland at Jacksonville--It would be just like the Browns to lose this game, but alas, under Mike Pettine this Browns team seems like they are for real. Browns 35, Jaguars 20
Atlanta at Baltimore--Wait, Joe Flacco threw for how many touchdowns last week? Five, and they were damn near all in the first quarter. And he faces another generous NFC South team this Sunday. Ravens 37, Falcons 24
Kansas City at San Diego--This is my upset special this week. The Chiefs had an extra week to prepare and the Bolts are due for a letdown. Chiefs 26, Chargers 24
NY Giants at Dallas--This is an exercise in contrast. Romo, Witten and Dez have beat up on the Giants before, but they are playing at another level now, and actually have a defense. Cowboys 41, Giants 17
Arizona at Oakland--Maybe the Raiders are more competitive under Tony Soprano (yeah I know that's not how you spell it but it's more fun this way), but this AZ team is in first place in maybe the toughest division in the NFL. Cardinals 22, Raiders 19
San Francisco at Denver--Shades of Montana vs. Elway in the Super Bowl. Okay, maybe not. Broncos 34, Niners 31
Houston at Pittsburgh--If Miami/Chicago is the Mediocrity Bowl, this one is Mediocrity Bowl II. I would like to formally apply for the position of picking which games to air on Monday Night Football. Steelers 19, Texans 16
Season record: 57-34
Week 7??? Man, this is what I hate about the NFL season. If you don't stop and enjoy it while it's here, it's over before you can exhale. So hey, let's stop and enjoy it while there are still 11 weeks of regular season to go....
NY Jets at New England--You know that since the Patriots should annihilate the Jets at this stage based on the last two weeks' games, the opposite will happen. But then again, the Jets have scored only 96 points and have given up 158. Yikes. And Brady is pissed again, so look out. Patriots 31, Jets 17
Minnesota at Buffalo--Is anyone else slightly weirded out by the Vikings playing home games outdoors? Of course, this game is in Buffalo, but I digress. Bills 27, Vikings 23
Miami at Chicago--Which one of these teams is more mediocre than the other? Bears 24, Dolphins 16
New Orleans at Detroit--So the Lions' offense is supposedly modeled after the Saints, but they've given up the fewest points in the league so far so are winning with defense. The Saints, meanwhile, are underachieving. Lions 29, Saints 26
Carolina at Green Bay--It's pretty clear that the Packers are crap without Aaron Rodgers, no? Packers 24, Panthers 20
Cincinnati at Indianapolis--This one appears to be one of this week's marquee games. And the Bengals sort of appear mortal. Colts 27, Bengals 21
Seattle at St. Louis--Finally the Hawks' defense has a good match up to dominate against, but 2014 has been so strange and the Rams have been strange for a few years now under Jeff Fisher. Go with the champs here. Seahawks 27, Rams 13
Tennesssee at Washington--It's amazing the talk of RG3 returning is getting louder. Redskins 28, Titans 14
Cleveland at Jacksonville--It would be just like the Browns to lose this game, but alas, under Mike Pettine this Browns team seems like they are for real. Browns 35, Jaguars 20
Atlanta at Baltimore--Wait, Joe Flacco threw for how many touchdowns last week? Five, and they were damn near all in the first quarter. And he faces another generous NFC South team this Sunday. Ravens 37, Falcons 24
Kansas City at San Diego--This is my upset special this week. The Chiefs had an extra week to prepare and the Bolts are due for a letdown. Chiefs 26, Chargers 24
NY Giants at Dallas--This is an exercise in contrast. Romo, Witten and Dez have beat up on the Giants before, but they are playing at another level now, and actually have a defense. Cowboys 41, Giants 17
Arizona at Oakland--Maybe the Raiders are more competitive under Tony Soprano (yeah I know that's not how you spell it but it's more fun this way), but this AZ team is in first place in maybe the toughest division in the NFL. Cardinals 22, Raiders 19
San Francisco at Denver--Shades of Montana vs. Elway in the Super Bowl. Okay, maybe not. Broncos 34, Niners 31
Houston at Pittsburgh--If Miami/Chicago is the Mediocrity Bowl, this one is Mediocrity Bowl II. I would like to formally apply for the position of picking which games to air on Monday Night Football. Steelers 19, Texans 16
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