Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Power Rankings
2. Cowboys – The thumping they put on the Jets for Skanksgiving was exactly what they should have done, they are the best in the NFC right now no doubt about it....until they play Thursday however.
3. Packers – This team is playing like a machine, the defense has been playing at a level that no other team is playing right now. this Thursdays game is a great one...
(Lets take a time out to get pissed off at teh NFL network, the NFL for some reason has decided they dont make enough money. So they try to incorporate the NFL Network, a all NFL all the time channel. It isnt a terrible idea, they could make some money off that but to deny football fans the chance to see games because they want more money is absurd. Same goes for the Cable networks but i can't really fault them since the NFL is expecting a premium for presenting the channel that the networks cant give unless they package it at a higher pay.)...AWFUL)
4. Jaguars – They will beat the Colts this weekend, they have the running, and Garrard has been a great QB this year. Amazing call to drop Leftwhich and start the guy who has Zero int's this year. very exciting team to watch.
5. Colts – Their injuries are killing them. I would not be suprised in the least to see Garrard and the Jags run over the colts. Jacksonville may be too much for them
6. Steelers – You cant really do much about that game Monday night, what a mess. Although having a guy like Willie Parker should have countered that a little. but it was a mess. Pats Steelers will be a great game when that finally comes.
7. Chargers – took care of business last weekend, did what they should have done and blown out their opponent. Rivers also took a swing at the crowd telling them to shut up before halftime...that cant be good, QB is yelling at the crowd to stop booing them...
8. Browns – Took care of business with the Texans coming in, this team just looks great. Anderson is playing like a champ and is getting great play out of Braylong Edwards and Kellen Winslow. Winslow has finally arrived....about time
9. Buccaneers – They have the division locked up. Earnest Graham is playing well, although Garcia looked a little iffy with the back thing (problems of starting an old QB) but I still like this team.
10. Giants – The loss to the Vikings was terrible, Manning looked awful throwing 4 interceptions three running back for touchdowns. he looked like Daunte Culpepper throwing to Moss out there...they need to bounce back since they have a pretty tough schedule left. They will still make the playoffs but they have no chance at the division now.
11. Seahawks – They barely got away with a win last week, Branch came back and had a good game receiving for 98 yards and a TD but they were playing the Rams, who are also much improved with Steven Jackson much healthier.
12. Lions – Due to weakness of the NFC they still have a full game lead in the race for the WC. they are going to need to win some important games to stay ahead of the curve
13. Titans - Their losses are piling up, it may be over for this bunch. VY has been a bust this year.
14. Redskins – Their loss to Tampa was harsh, but they were the lesser team. The loss of Sean Taylor is awful. It is a terrible thing for a man as young as he was. Our deepest thoughts go out to his family and friends.
15. Denver – Loss to Chicago may have sent them back to the doghouse. What a great game though.
honorable mention. - this section is a little different since these teams played well but has no chance of getting into the playoffs, no real order.
Philly – What a great game plan Andy Reid came up with, it was smart and exploited weaknesses in the Patriots team.
San Fran – Frank Gore finally came out to play. 116 rushing 2 tds and 98 receiving...Fantasy owners better hope that continues.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Power Rankings Week 12
1. Patriots – Best defense ever, definitely not. Best offense ever, probably not. Best football team ever, probably.
2. Cowboys – T.O. is happy through week 11. I have to think that will carry him into the post-season. Romo is on fire and the defense has stepped up their game. Scary.
3. Colts – Due to the injury factor I am going to drop team MasterCard down for the first time all season.
4. Steelers – Choke-job. They had a chance to snatch the number 3 spot and missed it. Also, missed a slim shot at home-field advantage.
5. Packers – I thought we would have seen “pick-happy” Favre at some point this season, if only for one game. He is in there somewhere.
6. Jaguars – Great running game + great defense + getting QB back = Playoffs…this equation is still true.
7. Giants – There is probably a large drop-off in ability between 6 and 7. Especially with Kiwanuka done for the season, and every RB hurting. Lucky for them they get an Adrian Peterson-less Vikings team at home. The Lions are very good at home, that truly was a quality win for the G-Men.
8. Titans – Who would have thought that the first time VY showed up to play QB the Titans would lose? It looks like they will miss out on the playoffs now due to their schedule. They really need the Browns to choke.
9. Chargers – Tough loss, but Jax is a better team which is why they don’t get dropped too far. The NFC West is going to be a roller-coaster to the end. I am really looking forward to it. (Why am I giving the Chargers a 9 ranking?...I think I would take them over any of the following teams this week)
10. Browns –The cupcake schedule is still in tact. The Browns just need to go out and take of business and they will be in.
11. Buccaneers – They have the division locked up. They are now playing to position themselves for the WC round.
12. Seahawks – Seahawks are getting some sort of consistency going which could make them a lot more dangerous in the playoffs.
13. Lions – Due to weakness of the NFC they still have a full game lead in the race for the WC. They will need to take at least one from the Pack.
14. Redskins – One of their two games with Dallas down and one to go. My prediction would be a dog fight between the Skins and Lions for the final playoff spot. At Tampa this week is a must win.
15. Denver – A dishonorable mention team from last week, but they saved their season on MNF. They don’t have to get over .500 to make the playoffs but they will have to sweep the last three games with their division. (Yes, I have moved them out of the grave, but judging where I ranked the Chargers you can tell I don't expect them to be breathing for long, lets just call Monday night's game "Night of the Living Dead")
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dishonorable Mentions
Philly – The second dishonorable mention from last week moves into striking distance with a Redskins and Lions loss. Normally a surging team within 1 game of the WC spot would make the "living" cut. But logic would indicate they are still done…at NE and at Dal is too big a hill to climb. McNabb has gotten injured again in November (did he break the record for that?...instead of just his ankles).
Saints – The Saints are all but done in the chase for the playoffs. They have to win out. Which isn’t as impossible as it sounds, they have to beat Tampa at home in two weeks. Then it is smooth sailing until week 16 with the Eagles (who might be done at that point) at home.
Chiefs – The Chiefs are done.
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Predictions for Skanksgiving Day:
Green Bay (-3)
Dallas (-14)
Indy (-11.5)
In the Mix
However, Mix had a very strong preseason for the Giants and actually saw some time early in the season when Plax was down. He has freakish size and length and decent hands but for some reason never completely caught on. He will be reunited with his college QB, Jason Campbell in Washington. Judging by the amount of injuries and lack of production in the red-zone for the current Skins WRs, Anthony Mix is a long shot to have an impact this year. But someone to keep your eye on for next season.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Picks Week 11
Philly -9.5
SD +3.0
Cle -2.5
No -1.5
Tampa -3
GMen +2.5
GB -9.5
KC +14.5
Pitt -9.5
St. Loo -3.0
Seattle -5.5
Dal -11
NE -16
Tenn +2
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Power Rankings - Whats left of the NFL
1. Patriots – Bye weeks are like wins in the NFL this season.
2. Colts – Peyton was terrible, that is not something you can count on every week. However, the loss of Freeney is going to be a factor for the remainder of the season. The Colts are still the #2 team in the NFL, but the drop off in talent comes before them now, instead of after them.
3. Cowboys – Everyone was talking about the improvements of the Giants defense from week 1 to week 10. But the Cowboys got a lot better too. They are even a better team than the one that played the Pats. Good enough to beat them…probably not. But no one will get accused of running up the score.
4. Steelers – Who really trusts Big Ben on a week to week basis…not me. If Ben continues to improve and the defense continues to make the big plays, they can beat anyone, anywhere.
5. Packers – It looks like the game at Dallas 2 weeks from today will be for home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. It could spell disaster for Dallas, if they have to go to Lambeau.
6. Jaguars – Great running game + great defense + getting QB back = Playoffs.
7. Titans – When will VY show up? It better be before the playoffs or they are gonna be an easy out. Judging by the Browns schedule (see below) they may need him sooner than that.
8. Giants – They got beat by a better team at home. Somehow that leads to every sports writer in NY slaughtering Eli Manning. The big reason this team won 6 in a row, and is better than they were last year is because they are healthier and they commit fewer penalties. They are not good enough to overcome themselves. Both the offense and the defense need to show up to beat Detroit at home.
9. Lions – Amazing at home, brutal on the road. If the Giants do not get to Kitna he is going to tear the defense apart. This game has a chance to be a blow out either way. Who can make more big plays?
10. Chargers – Huge, huge win. That erases last week’s loss to Minny. The Chargers have a tough road ahead, but the conference is in their hands.
11. Browns – This team is a real threat to the Titans and Jaguars for the final WC spot. They have a cupcake schedule left. Please do not be surprised if this team finishes 12-4 or 11-5, the latter will be necessary to make the playoffs as a WC in the AFC.
12. Buccaneers – The Bucs have lost all of their games to strong teams and taken care of the bad ones. The best team on the reminder of their schedule is Wash at home. I present you with your NFC South Champion.
13. Seahawks – Seahawks sans Shaun Alexander > Seahawks with Shaun Alexander.
14. Redskins – This team has literally set the record for second half collapses for the last 3 years. Congrats. They are still in the WC hunt with NYG and Det. But with two games against Dal remaining, in addition to one @ Tampa, they are the long shot.
15. Saints – Disappointing loss for them. 5-4 and 4-5 is a huge difference right now in the NFC. They are just not consistent enough on offense or defense to compete.
16. Chiefs – Losing LJ was the end of their season. They have @Indy, @Denver and SD remaining which makes their scheduled one of the toughest in the playoff hunt.
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Dishonorable Mentions
Denver – Still have a shot at the division. But they are an average-at-best football team.
Eagles – They made a run like this last year, and they are getting healthy enough to make people remember that. However, the schedule sets up brutally with @ NE and @ Dallas sprinkled in.
What does it all mean:
AFC Byes: Indy, Pats
NFC Byes: Boys, Pack
AFC 1st Rd Matchup: Charger at Steelers
AFC 1st Rd Matchup: Titans at Jax (although I need VY to show up soon so my 3 AFC South teams in the playoffs prediction will come true. Right now they are even money with the Browns)
NFC 1st RD Matchup: NYG at Tampa
NFC 1st RD Matchup: Detroit at Seattle
Soon to come - NYG at Detroit breakdown.
NFL Lines - Buy or Sell. (Note: Last week was omitted due to terrible matchups... know when to hold'em know when to fold'em)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday Night has become the worst night for fball
Talk about a boring couple of hours, even though my fantasy week came down to that game i could only pay attention for a half, and that was a lot. San Fran is possibly in the worst place in all of the NFL right now. Yes they are heading into a game with St Louis and should be able to handle them, I wouldnt bet on it. SJax is back and cooking and the San Fran offense cannot get points, yards, or even hold the ball for more than three plays and punt (thats on a good possession). They are only running the ball up the middle with an offensive line that can't buckle down for one yard, which was their only chance for scoring the entire game. Frank Gore has been a bust this year not scoring a touchdown for 6 weeks now. Alex Smith's talent has been brought to light and SF should find a way to get into the Donovan McNabb conversation soon. The only positive for the entire game last night was watching Hasselbeck work, he was impressive now that they no longer have Shaun Alexander in the game. Once Branch gets back this should be an impressive team to watch, but they were not the most exciting game in football last week, not by a long shot.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Mayhem at the Meadowlands
As ESPN has documented ad-nauseum the Giants have improved on defense, they are getting more consistent pressure on QBs and the secondary is playing much better since Aaron Ross moved into the starting role and Corey Webster has been designated for nickel situations. Kiwanuka has made improvements in the rush and run game but is still a concern in pass coverage, in fact, all of the Giants linebackers are suspect in pass coverage which is something that Dallas exploited in game 1 and should look to do again.
On offense the Giants seem to have slowed down a bit, they will be without Steve Smith and Derek Ward this game both of whom contributed last game. However, Plaxico practiced on Wednesday for the first time since the preseason. Jacobs is healthy again and looks to increase his consecutive 100 yards games to 4.
For the Giants to win:
- Establish Jacobs early, even if there is minimal success, Jacobs is the type of player that will wear out a defense. He is probably the only RB in the NFL who can have minimal success but still demand extra defensive players in the box because he requires multiple people to get him down, this will get Eli into play-action. The numbers say Eli is an elite QB when operating out of play-action.
- Plaxico had a field day last game and there is no doubt he will see 2 and sometimes 3 defenders. Toomer has to be effective early and often. Steve Smith will sorely be missed in this contest. Hopefully, the coaching staff can cook up something to get skat-receiver Sinorice Moss the ball in space.
- On defense they need to slow down TO. TO kills the Giants in the red-zone because of his physical attributes, keeping him out will frustrate him and the entire offense.
- The Cowboys have yet to show that they will be committed to beating anyone with the run. Focusing on that would be a mistake but neglecting it completely would be fatal.
- As always the Giants defense is built on pressuring the quarterback, expect Osi, Stray, Tuck and Kiwi to be flying through the line all day. The game will be won and lost here.
The key player for the Cowboys who was not a part of game one is Greg Ellis. He has provided a huge spark for their defense in many ways. He takes pressure of Demarcus Ware and gets to the QB himself, it isn’t mentioned as much by pundits but Greg Ellis is great in the run game as well.
Mayhem at the Meadowlands has NFC game of the year written all over it. The Giants organization has called for a red-out and the stadium will undoubtedly be thunderously loud. If the Giants can pull of the upset they cement themselves as a top 3 NFC East team with the Boys and Pack which will let them contend for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. With a win the Cowboys set themselves up perfectly for not only home-field advantage but all a couple of weeks of rest. The dome team needs to be more concerned about having to go to Lambeau in January.
This Sunday will be clear skies in the mid-40s. Cowboys 27, Giants 30.
Offensive Player of the game: Brandon Jacobs
Defensive Player of the game: Gibril Wilson
Red Out?
Sadly, I will not be in attendance but I will be wearing red while watching the game from my couch.
A full breakdown of "Mayhem at the Meadowlands" soon to come.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Quarter Back Rankings
Peyton
Brady
Quality (Win a lot and/or put up good numbers)
Romo – Romo can cement his team as #1 in the NFC with wins at Giants and home against Favre.
Drew Brees – From Basement to High Quality in 4 weeks…What a difference a month makes.
Big Ben – Big Ben is the key to this team. If Ben plays great they have a chance to beat anyone…anywhere. See what I am getting at?
Brett Favre – "My Brett Favre's back and your defense is in trouble…"
Decent (Secure jobs, will win some games, spots of stupidity)
Eli Manning – Just decent. The last 8 games of the season will tell you where Eli stands.
Jeff Garcia – Gruden said, "Every coach needs a patient wife, a loyal dog, and a good quarterback. And we got a helluva quarterback." Touche Grudes…touché.
Jon Kitna – Call him Kitnadamus.
WTF? (Can't believe these guys are relevant, either because their teams are winning too many games or their stats are too high... or both)
Derek Anderson – It's week 10 and I still can't believe what this guy is doing.
Brother to Mr. Elizabeth Hasselbeck – Seattle 4 wins and is in first place in the NFC West. I guarantee the Bills, Texans and Ravens throw up a little in their mouth every time they see Seattle in the playoffs.
Up and coming (Show signs of life, but don't quite put it all together week to week)
Matt Schaub – Needs all of his weapons.
Kellen Clemens – Has looked very impressive throwing the ball against Baltimore and Washington's D.
Underachievers (Very disappointing week in and week out. Frequently freak out and make horrible decisions. Should be winning more with team around them and with what they have done in the past)
D-Nabb – McNabb is not the only problem with the Eagles. That said, he is done in Philly… Minnesota, Chicago, Atlanta, let the bidding begin.
Jason Campbell – I have never seen any QB check down as quickly as JC. That is not what you want from a QB who is built to see the field and fire the ball deep.
Palmer – Palmer has not been nearly as accurate as he has in the past. His attitude isn't helping either.
Vince Young – The Titans are winning despite what VY brings to the table. It hasn't killed them yet, but he cannot play that way in the playoffs.
Mr. E ….Where the E is short for Enigma
Trent Edwards/JP Losman – I wonder if the Bills considered having these two run into each other at full speed to see if they can mesh together to make one really good QB.
Overrated - Not as good as people want to think they are. Have good supporting casts but really are not good enough to lead them.
Jay Cutler – Pre-Cutler success + high expectations + lack of offensive weapons = Cutler not nearly getting the amount of forgiveness that Favre had.
Philip Rivers – After Norv Turner, Philip Rivers is the weak link in the SD chain. His sophomore slump is very reminiscent of what Big Ben went through last year.
Damon Huard – The hopes were too high for Huard coming into this season but he is a very good backup. As soon as the Chiefs are eliminated from the playoffs they should try to see what they got in Brodie.
Basement- These teams need to just hand the ball off.
Alex Smith – This arm injury may have made him into the new Chad Pennington, just a matter of time until he cant throw outs and gets picked off three times a game. O RIGHT he wasnt able to throw the out patterns and he WAS picked off three times a game...welcome to Jet Hell SF fans.
Brian Griese - wait, what is this guy doing on an NFL team...this makes no sense, just because Bob Griese was able to play football doesnt mean all Griese's can
Vinny T/ David Carr - This is still brutal.
Josh McCown – He deserves to be the starter of the Raiders but that isn't saying much. (See: Poll for when JaMarcus gets the nod, makes you wonder if JaMarcus would have been at training camp if he would already be starting.)
Mark Bulger - You gotta give props to Bulger for playing through pain but he has been terrible all season
Steve McNair - McNair is officially done. He will most likely bring Billick down with him
Andre Woodson/Matt Ryan Sweepstakes (No one really knows who is trotting out there and no one cares.)
Cleo Lemon (the Miami Dolphins are to bad what the New England Patriots are to good.)
Arizona job opening (Warner can't even keep their head above water in the horrific NFC West)
John Joseph or Byron Leftwich (With 2 wins they look like they are out of the hunt for the #1 pick or even the #1 QB. But they might get Andrew Woodson who looks NFL ready)
Tarvaris Jackson (Below the basement/Worst QB in the history of the NFL)
Tarvaris Jackson - He can't even stay healthy. Minny is so desperate they signed Koy Detmer this week, they should be placing daily calls to McNabb.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Tom Brady Suspension / failed drug test
"Tom Brady was suspended for failing a drug test - NOT! It was just a joke by a couple of morning radio show personalities in Boston (some other small stations may have picked up the rumor and reported as true, as well), but many people bit the hook and "Tom Brady suspension" became the most searched for news headline. Tom Brady has not been suspended, he has not failed a drug test and he is in good health.
If Tom Brady was actually suspended, for any reason, it would have become the biggest headline of the week and you wouldn't have to search the web to learn more. Bottom line - Tom Brady has NOT been suspended for failing a drug test or any other reason (yet). New England fans - relax, Colts fans - nice try."
http://www.ogpaper.com/news/news-01232.html
Power Rankings
1. Patriots – WOW, that was a close one, for Patriots standards that might be as close as you get. They won the SuperBowl 41.5 so they are still on top.
2. Colts – They lost SuperBowl 41.5 so they have to stay below. Although, they still looked unbelievably good and when they get Harrison and the rest of their hurt players back it may be a whole new game.
3. Cowboys – Despite Hurricane Britney, the Cowboys rocked the Eagles at home. Dallas looks like they have just about everything going for themselves right now; pass-rush, running game, passing game, and the defensive secondary continues to get healthy. This is clearly the best team in the NFC, and with the schedule they have remaining, are lock for a first round bye. Plus they are getting stronger at the DT position with Tank being activated this week.
4. Steelers – Wow, the Steelers looked like they might be a team that could threaten the Pats. The amount of pressure that was on McNair made the game completely lopsided. As Mike Greenberg put it, "James Harrison had a great month [on Monday Night]". 10 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 INT. If this team can stay healthy on offense and Ben can limit mistakes they should be able to give the Pats a good game (which is more than I can say for anyone else on the Pats remaining schedule). If it wasn't for a game at Zona where Whisenhunt new every play in the playbook the Steelers would be in the convo for stealing Indy's bye.
5. Packers – Going to KC and handling that team, is to me, the most impressive win the Packers have this year. Don't look now but GB's games at Detroit on Thanksgiving will not only be an offensive shootout but will have NFC North and WC implications. Followed-up on the very next Thursday with a huge game at Dallas.
6. Jaguars – I know they lost in the city of Rebirth this weekend, but I really like their defense, and running game. They brought in Grady Jackson to fill in for Marcus Stroud while he is suspended. If they can get Garrard back soon they will stay in this spot through the end of the season.
7. Titans – VY has regressed, there is no argument about it. But they have the grittiest defense in the NFL right now (just edging out Jax), Lendale White looks like he can run the ball a bit. I have started to hear some pundits talk about White > Bush, which is just heinously inaccurate and premature. The Titans have continued to win in spite of Vince which just means they will be all that more dangerous when he snaps out of it.
8. Giants – They have the momentum and should be healthier coming off a bye. Still, they don't have much of a chance against Dallas this week.
9. Lions - Kitna is not just a story about a bad halloween costume...hes also a prophet, this team is legit.
10. Chargers – Norv strikes again. The Chargers looked completely unprepared for AD. Peterson should not be a surprise to anyone in the league anymore, and with no QB to speak of he should be the focal point of every defense. The fact that Norv missed this is reprehensible. With the talent they have this team is still dangerous but they must win in spite of their coach. Norv Turner should not have a HC job in the NFL next year, I bet he could get his job back with SF.
11. Browns – This team continues to impress, Derek Anderson should become a household name pretty soon. Best part of his story is that he was with the Ravens last year and they tried to put him on the practice squad this year, although before he cleared waivers he was picked up by the Browns with a $150 waiver fee. For that they got 2,108 pass yards 17 Passing TD's and a passer rating of 91.7, not bad for 150 dollars.
12. Buccaneers – Garcia and Co. continue their surge. Earnest Graham had another good week with 124 rushing, 13 receiving and 1 rushing TD. Thats not bad for a 3rd string replacement. It will be interesting to see if he continues to start after the bye when Michael Pittman is expected to be healthy again.
13. Chiefs – Losing LJ might be the end of their season. They need every game they have left and Priest Holmes is doubtful to produce the likes of what Larry was doing.
14. Seahawks – Shaun Alexander runs with NBA effort, its actually sickening to watch.
15. Redskins – When will the defense play to its potential, when will JC play to his potential. Reports say that the coaching staff is extremely disappointed with his sloppiness although they really have nowhere else to turn. Joe Gibbs and the assistant coach Hall of Fame have been there for 3+ years. Campbell will be making his 16 th start. This team is running out of excuses quickly.
16. Saints – They are back in a big way. Brees has finally started playing like he did all of last year and they are back in the hunt. From Gregg Easterbrook's TMQ "The past two Sundays, Drew Brees is a combined 66-for-88 for 781 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions."
And we're done with 07/08 contenders------------------------------------------------
17. Bills – How good is this team at home!?!? I love it. They have no shot this year but have put themselves in great shape for the near future. Assuming they stick with Trent Edwards, Losman is a one-trick pony.
18. Vikings – The QB situation prevents them from having a real shot this year. But they are one player away from making the NFC North one of the toughest divisions in football. Enter Donovan McNabb (see: "Is McNabb Done in Philly").
19. Eagles – This game was just ugly. The Eagles have no down field threat and even if they did it was unlikely that McNabb was going to hit him with the pressure that he had all game. Andy Reid should get out of the "Drug Emporium" and stop sniffing the glue.
20. Broncos - They got beat bad, their pass defense is lacking big time which is amazing considering they have the best corner in the game.
21. Baltimore - Ravens got destroyed on Monday night, getting their hurt players back did absolutely nothing positive for this team, their defense still is nasty but their offense is just so bad that they are losing points...Billick should just punt on first down every time and hope his defense gets him points.
22. Cardinals – This team SHOULD be in the QB FA/Draft discussion. After losing Leinert and having Warner start, they need help and fast.
23. Panthers – See above, same problems only insert Testaverde and Carr plus Carr's mysterious white gloves...fairy...
24. Bears – The Bears look like they are a QB away from being one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC. McNabb is originally from Chi-Town so that makes him a logical choice. They will be in a bidding war with the Vikings which just about ensures one of these teams will over-pay. Other possible QBs include; Chad Pennington, JP Losman, Damon Huard, David Carr.
25. Texans - They need Schaub and Andre Johnson back, without those two guys this team just does not work. They are one year away from being a contender and they should use that year to get better at the Offensive line positions.
26. Bengals – Bungles. Really glad Chad Johnson is okay, but he is done in Cincy. They are gonna need that cap room to sign a big-time defensive draft pick and defensive free agents.
27. Jets – Kellen Clemens looked great against a strong Washington defense this weekend, and he did it without L. Coles. If this OLine can get their act together and they can make some key moves on defense they may be able to compete next year. Although, having to play NE twice and once at Buffalo next year, will really make the playoff hurdle into a mountain.
28. Raiders – For the first time in recent memory I can actually give an identity on both sides of the ball to the Raiders. They play good pass defense and no run defense. They can run the ball on offense but don't have the QB to get it done in the passing game. If JaMarcus turns out to be worthy of his #1 draft pick selection the Raiders may not be far away from really competing in the struggling AFC West.
29. 49ers – I thought this was going to be the year that SF could take advantage of the terrible NFC West and get to the playoffs. The injuries have hurt but that is not an excuse for being this bad. Without their #1 pick in the draft this year it looks like they may not get the playoffs this decade.
30. Falcons – The Falcons have no immediate prospects. They need to get back to work from the top down. It will be a couple years before this team can really compete again it's probably in their best interest to draft a QB instead of making a run at McNabb or another Free Agent.
31. Rams – It is going to be very interesting to see what the Rams do with their draft pick. Their seem to be set at QB, RB and WR. The logical thought will be OLine, but with this draft you could probably trade down and get two for the price of one.
32. Dolphins – This team has an aging defense and holes everywhere on offense. A complete make-over is in order. Andre Woodson, Dennis Dixon, Brian Brohm, Matt Ryan????
Friday, November 2, 2007
Predictions...Week 9
San Diego at Minnesota, +7.0
Both of these defenses are pretty good...nay, damn good. But Minny's D isn't good against the pass and that is how you have to hurt the Bolts, by making Rivers pay for his mistakes. Moreover, I am gonna sell that LDTv2.0 is better than the LDTv1.0. Finally, I have documented more than once that Tavaris Jax is the worst starting QB I have ever seen. All that said, I like the Chargers to cover in a big way away from home.
Jacksonville at New Orleans, -3.0
New Orleans has earned the right to be favored in this game, they have looked really good the last three weeks. But this is a terrible matchup for them, Jax's D is too tough for them to get away with anything and their weakness on run defense will be exploited. I am putting the Fred Tayler + MJD line at combined 300 yds. Also, this could Marcus Stroud's last game before he has to serve his 4 game suspension, he is going to leave it all on the field. Jax.
Washington at NY Jets, +3.5
Judging by Joe Gibbs' comments before and after the Pats game it is clear that they didn't even bother preparing for that game. Washington knows this game is crucial because there schedule quickly becomes riddled with good teams and divisional foe. I am gonna go against all logic and the fact that the only Jets player with heart (Coles) will be out and say the "trap game corollary" is never wrong twice in a row. J-E-T-S Jets? Jets? ah what the hell... JETS!
Arizona at Tampa Bay, -3.5
This gets the nod as my most favorite line of the week (would have been Jax but Quinn Grey is terrible). Tampa to cover at home for all the reasons you already know.
San Francisco at Atlanta, -3.0
Both of these teams can't seem to do anything right. Normally, that would lead me to take the home team. However, Mike Nolan has said he will be using Frank Gore a lot, also, the Falcons are in a bad state mentally. SF to cover...if you have to take someone.
Cincinnati at Buffalo, -1.0
Buffalo at home has been money for me all season and there is no way I am going away from it now ...it's only getting colder up their. Is their any argument that the Bills don't have the best fans in the NFL? Bills.
Denver at Detroit, -3.0
If Denver can't defend the pass against GB there is no way they will get it done at Detroit. I think at the half-way mark Jon Kitna leads the league in surprises, with 2. One outlandish prediction that seems to be coming to fruition and one hysterically original Halloween costume. Det-riot.
Carolina at Tennessee, -4.0
Tennessee is like the Joakim Noah of the NFL to me, it's never pretty but they find ways to win. If that's not enough, Carolina is going to bring David Carr to the table...he wears white gloves. What would Kenny Chesney pick?
Green Bay at Kansas City, +2.0
Brett Favre is like a werewolf... only instead of full moons he has Monday nights and instead of becoming a werewolf he becomes a J-U-G-S machine. This game is not on Monday night and that KC crowd is tough to play against. This is my upset special...KC.
Seattle at Cleveland, -1.5
This is a great matchup for Cle because Seattle doesn't do anything impressive on defense. On offense they don't do anything too fancy. Rightfully so, the Browns are favored in this game and thanks to the easiest second half schedule I have ever seen Cleveland should be going to the playoffs.
Why can't the Seattle front office give Holmgren something to work with? Anything? Is there any coach who has got more out of less talent over the last 4 years?
Houston at Oakland, -3.0
Oakland is FAVORED? Why? Glitch in the system? Daunte's career is finally over? They cut Mike Williams? Sage Rosenfels? ...I am buying it. Go Silver and Black.
New England at Indianapolis, +5.5
NE
Dallas at Philadelphia, +3.0
2 Words...Hurricane Britney. Not only is Britney rumored to be the newest Romosexual. She has somehow drawn the seldom seen scorn of Wade Philips. Wade claims that Hurricane Britney stole his daughters choreography for her newest video. In doing so Wade has committed three cardinal mistakes 1) Getting involved with Brit-Brit in any fashion 2) Letting the world know he has a hot dancer daughter. 3) Admitting he watches Britney Spears videos.
The Pats/Colts has stole the spotlight from what is my favorite story. TO's re-return to Philly. I am personally setting up a D-battery consession stand outside the Linc. Philly is gonna win this game and make the NFC East a complete cluster.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh, -9
Baltimore will cover this only because the final score will be 7-3.