Week 5 Picks

What kind of celebrity sends naked pictures of themselves to people? Oh yeah, professional athletes. First Santonio Holmes, then Greg Oden, now the rumor of...Brett Favre? Aw, thats like granny porn. Just kidding, but seriously, on to what really matters...

Denver (+7) over BALTIMORE

I like the Ravens to win this one but Denver has been better than I’ve been giving them credit for. Although he may not do it Sunday, Kyle Orton’s been tearing it up and oddly enough he has some good receiving threats in career underachievers Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal and Brandon Lloyd. The Ravens are riding high after beating the Steeler’s and Joe Flacco is 5-0 in his career against AFC West opponents. Chalk up another one Flacco.

Jacksonville (+1.5) over BUFFALO

How could the Bills be favorite’s in any game they play this year? This team literally has nothing going for them, they’re dead last in the league in points allowed and 25^th in points scored. I know the Jags aren’t anything to write home about but they’re two losses have come to the Chargers on the road and Michael Vick, who was playing MVP football until he went down last week. I know it’s a low spread but the Bills shouldn’t be beating anybody, anytime soon.

INDIANAPOLIS (-7) over Kansas City

Lots of speculation heading into this game. Are the Colts still an AFC powerhouse? Are the Chiefs as good as their undefeated record? After losing on a 59-yard field goal last week I can’t see the Colts dropping two straight, especially when their upcoming schedule looks like @ Washington, Houston, @ Philadelphia, Cincinnati, @ New England, San Diego, Dallas, @ Tennessee. I’m sorry for giving you the Colts schedule in full but you get my drift. This is a must win for Indy and Peyton.

St. Louis (+3) over DETROIT

My Rams hate has come to a halt after wins over Washington and pretender Seattle. Bradford’s looking better every game and Steven Jackson’s healthier than he was last week, when he still had 25 touches. I like the Rams pass rush against Shaun Hill, and if the defense hasn’t given up more than 17 points in a game why should they against the winless Lions? This has to be the game Lions fans have been pumped up for, but every team that’s underestimated the Rams this season has been unpleasantly surprised. I’m taking the Rams to cover, maybe even win.

Atlanta (-3) over CLEVELAND

Still hate the Browns even after beating the Bengals. Atlanta toughed out a big win against the Niners week 4, and showed me that they’re a really good team. I know, how does it make sense that a team that only led for 80 seconds of a game is a really good team? San Francisco didn’t score after they recovered a punt block for a touchdown with over four minutes to go in the FIRST QUARTER! And above that, good teams find a way to win games, just like bad teams find ways to lose them. Nate Clements would have gotten down after picking off Matt Ryan with under two minutes and the game seemingly wrapped up in the fourth quarter, but he didn’t, and Roddy White made a hustle play to get that ball back, the really good team won, the bad team lost. If San Francisco is bad, the Browns are horrible and will lose by more than 3 points to one of the NFC’s best.

Tampa Bay (+6.5) over CINCINNATI

I think the Bengals will bounce back from their disappointing loss to the Browns to beat the Bucs at home, but I think this game will be a shootout. The Bucs are definitely on the come up, and the Bengals look like they aren’t quite a playoff team. Not to say the Bucs are better than the Bengals, because they’re definitely not better than more than about five teams or so, but the Bengals need to have a statement game Sunday and they won’t because they’re not that good.

CAROLINA (-3) over Chicago

Home game for the Panthers against Todd Collins, I like it. Not to say that Todd Collins is incapable, but I don’t see the Bears offense functioning as highly with Jay Cutler out. Then again, maybe this is Chicago’s chance to see how awful Cutler really is and Todd Collins chance to head a team. Ha-Ha, just kidding…sorta.

WASHINGTON (+2.5) over Green Bay

Running game, running game....where are you? Sorry, I was just channeling my inner Mike McCarthy. Although the one dimension of the Packers offense is great, the Packers offense has been very one-dimensional without Ryan Grant, and I don’t know that Aaron Rodgers has enough to beat a good Redskins defense. I never thought the Redskins would be so excited to lose Clinton Portis for a few games but all I’m hearing is that Ryan Torain is perfect for the Redskins offense, especially against the 24^th ranked rush-defense of the Packers. Coach Mike Shanahan on his new back “he’s a top back in the National Football League. There’s no question about it.” If anyone knows backs it’s that guy.

HOUSTON (-3) over NY Giants

It’s hard to pick against the Giants especially after blowing up the Bears the way they did Sunday night. I just don’t like their chances against such a complete offense. Arian Foster isn’t slowing down, and has proven that he doesn’t only bruise, but he catches passes. This is a big game for both teams, and if the Giants show up, will be one of the best of the weekend.

New Orleans (-7) over Arizona

I know you don’t need to go to a big program to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, but can Max Hall really be a starting quarterback in the NFL? No undrafted quarterback has started a game in the first five weeks of their rookie season since 1987 when replacement players were used. And no BYU quarterback has had any success since Steve Young! Arizona’s line stinks, and Hall is in for hell going from playing Utah State and Wyoming to the Superbowl defending Saints. Saints win big.

San Diego (-6) over OAKLAND

No McFadden for Oakland, doesn’t really matter. Yet again the Raiders aren’t formidable and their best chance of being in games is hoping their opponents take them lightly. Rivers isn’t afraid of Asomugha and Mike Tolbert has emerged as a legit back. Bruce Gradkowski has filled up the stat sheets, we’ll see how he looks against the fourth ranked pass defense in football Sunday. The Raiders have been pretty good for a cover but I don’t like them this week.

Tennessee (+7) over DALLAS

I don’t know who’s going to win this game, and I’m eager to see what the Cowboys look like coming of their bye, but I just don’t think the Titans can lose this game by seven points. I don’t feel I need more analysis for this one, just don’t like the Titans losing big against a team that doesn’t like to run the ball. They reportedly are game-planning to get Felix Jones more touches, I’ll believe it when I see it.

SAN FRANCISCO (-3) over Philadelphia

This is a pretty tough one. I know I said last week if the Niners don’t win or cover I won’t pick them again, and while they blew getting their first win, they sure did cover. This game is a who do you believe in more game, Kevin Kolb, who couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat last week against the Redskins, or San Francisco to get their first win even though they legitimately look like one of the worst teams in football. I don’t want to pick either of these teams, but the Eagles offense has looked worse than JV with Kolb this year and the Niners NEED this one.

NY JETS (-4) over Minnesota

I am so pumped up for this one. How could anyone like the Vikings? Brett Favre’s doing a pretty good job completing passes this year, to both teams! Brett has a 61.9 completion percentage, but a 2:6 touchdown to interception ratio. Revis or not, I love the Jets to get good pressure on Favre and force some turnovers. Unless Favre has really gotten himself together with the bye week and the addition of Randy Moss, I figure Rex Ryan has to be excited to unleash his defense the way the New York media is unleashing their reporters on the 40-year old in the hot seat. Favre is pretty good for tuning out everything off the field when he plays, be he’s not going to be able to tune out the Jets pass rush. Oh yeah, the returns of Revis, Holmes, and Pace = JETS JETS JETS!

Last week 7-7 (not very good)

Week 4 Picks

I’m abandoning the D’Antoni style pick ems for now, there’s just too much to say to explain my picks…especially after going an impressive 9-7 last weeks. Alright, so 9-7 isn’t that great, but it’s good enough to get you into the playoffs most seasons…alright on to the picks

(Lines as of Friday evening, home team in caps, picking against spreads)

TENNESSEE (-6.5) over Denver

I really don’t like Denver much at all. Kyle Orton played his best game in blue and orange last week and they still lost by 14 to the Colts. The Bronco’s have absolutely no running game and the Titans have the fifth best pass defense in the league. The Titans have looked good so far and know they can’t lose to teams they’re better than if they want to make the playoffs in their division. Josh McDaniels may have to release his ball and juice (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/04/25/tebow-mcdaniels-made-instant-connection/) and go with a new quarterback before he loses his job.

Baltimore (+2.5) over PITTSBURGH

I’m loving the Steelers this year, I think they’re the best team in football and I think they will play for the Superbowl. However, I think this week Baltimore cashes in on the big talk checks that were written for them before the season started. The Ravens have lost three of their last four against Pittsburgh, the only game they won was the one game Ben Roethlisberger didn’t play in. Look for the Ravens to take advantage again Sunday and give Mike Tomlin a reassuring reason to get Roethlisberger back in ASAP.

Cincinnati (-3) over CLEVELAND

The Browns showed heart on the road against Baltimore last week, but this team still stinks. The potential for Jake Delhomme to come back is the best thing they have going for them…that’s like looking forward to going home and playing solitaire. Not to hate on solitaire, but depending on a washed up quarterback to make your team respectable is bleak to put it nicely. Carson Palmer has a chance to get it together against a weak spot in their tough schedule.

GREEN BAY (-14) over Detroit

I hate taking such big favorites, but they’re at home, they’re coming off of a loss, and Detroits just waiting to get on the field with St. Louis next week to get their impossible first quarter of a season together. I mean, does Roger Goodell have a heart? At Chicago, home against the Eagles, at Minnesota, at Green Bay. I know they have to play Chicago, Minnesota and Green Bay twice each, but to load up such a young and fragile-minded team just isn’t fair to them. OK, I’m over it, but Green Bay’s still going to smoke these guys.

NEW ORLEANS (-13.5) over Carolina

After a tough loss to the Falcons I’m still sold that the Saints are the class of the NFC. They actually would have won had they not been the latest of good teams to be plagued with bad kickers, I mean I could probably knock down a 29 footer. I digress. Carolina’s bad, New Orleans is still great, I’ll take them by two scores plus.

San Francisco (+7) over ATLANTA

I know, I keep picking the 49ers. This is it for them. If they don’t win or cover I give up on them. I mean it. I’ll pick the Rams, Cardinals, even the Raiders if San Francisco can’t show up in this game. Not to take anything away from Atlanta, but to start a season 0-4, even with their easy schedule, isn’t something a division winner does. Atlanta should come out fired up at home after beating the Saints…you know, why am I even going with San Fran?

Seattle (-1) over ST. LOUIS

I picked against Seattle last week, after picking them the week before, and I was wrong both times. I guess the moral of the story is pick anyone instead of the Rams? Steven Jackson got hurt last week, and somebody has to win the NFC West for God’s sakes! Seattle has enough talent to do it if San Francisco won’t, and they cannot lose to the Rams.

NY Jets (-5.5) over BUFFALO

Ok, my last few picks haven’t exactly been made with rational decision making, more process of elimination. This one’s a no-brainer. The Jets really got up for their last two games after living up to the naysayers expectations against Baltimore. I know Mark Sanchez is still a question mark, and that’s fair, but if he’s had such success against the two good teams in the division, it’s fair to expect him to play well against the Bills minus Terence McGee. They’ll have Braylon Edwards for a full game, and there’s no way Brian Schottenheimer will allow Sanchez to throw 5 picks again! This really is a statement game for the Jets. Heading into Minnesota for Monday Night Football with a 3-1 record would be a real confidence builder.

JACKSONVILLE (+7) over Indianapolis

Last season the Colts beat the Jaguars in both of their meetings, by a combined a 6 points. Jacksonville laid an egg last week against Michael Vick and although it’s Peyton Manning, they’ll be at ease not chasing that dog (ha…ha) around this Sunday. And Maurice Jones-Drew has 0 touchdowns at this point. He’s run for at least 90 yards in his last four games against the Colts. Jacksonville will try to control the clock, and will definitely keep this game within 7.

Houston (-3) over OAKLAND

The Raiders have the second best pass defense in the NFL this season, but the 24^th best run defense. Too bad for Oakland the Texans are as deadly on the ground as they are through the air. Houston’s a little banged up, but they, like Tennessee, know that they have to win games against the trash of the league if they want to contend for a playoff spot. The Raiders are on the right track, minus their owner, coach, and quarterback, but at least the Jamarcus Russell era’s over. Sorry Chez.

Arizona (+8.5) over SAN DIEGO

I hate this game more than any other game this week. I really don’t like the Cardinals, and I may pick against them almost every week, but the Chargers have disappointed me pretty much every game this year. They easily won their only other game at home, but I think this one could get ugly. I think a lot of points will be scored and that Arizona will stay within eight and a half points.

Washington (+5.5) over PHILADELPHIA

I keep going against the Iggles, and I think I have to this week too, as a personal pick. I know it’s unprofessional, but I like Donovan McNabb so much and I think this is the most important game he’s ever played in. I think his team likes him enough that they want to win this game for him, and I think the Redskins are about as good as the Eagles if not better. Ron Mexico really has been the x-factor for the Eagles, and he’s been pretty damn good, but the Eagles should beat Detroit and Jacksonville. The Redskins got trapped last week, but they showed up for their first two games, and I don’t think they’ll miss this afternoon delight.

Chicago (+3.5) over NY GIANTS

What reason do I have to pick the Giants? The defense hasn’t been there and the Bears are trying to be this season’s new offense juggernaut. The Giants really need this one, and being at home under the big lights can’t work against them, but the Bears defense looks legit and the Giants O-line hasn’t been overly impressive. Eli’s been good, but he needs to put the team on his back and utilize his talented receivers, and stop throwing left-handed flip passes on the goal line. Idiot.

New England (-1) over MIAMI

Really big game for both teams. Loser starts the season 1-2 in the division, so who wants it more? I think the Pats have a good enough front 7 to contain the Dolphins, and if Sanchez looked like college Mark Sanchez against the Fins, Tom Brady’s going to look like 2007 Tom Brady against them. I’m just not buying the Dolphins.

Enjoy and feel free to post your picks and try to go one-on-one with the penman (not my nickname but it makes sense, right?).

NFL Week 3

Just wanted to touch on a few things and give you guys my NFL Week 3 Picks

First…

Please God, don’t allow Carmelo Anthony to go the Nets. I really shouldn’t hate the Nets, but as a Knicks fan it would be the equivalent to A-Rod being traded to Boston, then really being traded to the Yankees, to a Red Sox fan. Yuck that was a gross 2 seconds imagining myself as a Red Sox fan. Anyway, as I was telling a friend, this is the ultimate tell-all of what kind of guy Carmelo really is. If he gives the Nuggets the green light to trade him to the Nets and signs an extension with them, it’s just proof that he doesn’t want to win, but he wants to work near where his wife works. Wanting to go to the Nets without Derrick Favors or Devin Harris is better than staying in Denver and trying to win with Chauncey and the same team he led to the conference finals in 2009? If he wanted to play with the talent that the Nets currently have I’d get it, but to have Brook Lopez as the only other piece, like really, he would be it, is not a good look for Melo’s career or legacy. Then again, he could be like his peers and not give a crap about legacy and just have his own motives, not that that would be wrong of him, but he’d completely lose me. This can't happen! I mean, what’s so wrong with Randolph, Curry, and a first round pick….in 2014?

Tulo

Holy crap! Troy Tulowitzki has had a better September than the rest of his 2010 season combined. Tulo had a breakout August hitting .351 with 3 homers, 16 RBI, with a .521 slugging percentage. In September he’s hitting .326 with 14 homers (12 since Sept 5^th), 35 RBI, and a .884 slugging percentage! The Rockies are 13-8 this month and 3.5 games out of the Wild Card spot. Tulo’s cooled off a bit this week, but as a baseball fan whose rooting interest is in the American League I really hope this guy has some juice left in him and can help Carlos Gonzalez get the Rockies into the playoffs. Big 3-game home stand against division-leading San Francisco this weekend.

The Iggles

Are you kidding me? You get rid of Donovan McNabb for Kevin Kolb, and he isn’t even your starter week 3 when he’s healthy? I’m not a Kolb advocate, rather a McNabb advocate, and I’m glad the Redskins are looking like a contender and the Eagles are on the spectrum. Vick has looked great so far this season, like as good as he’s ever looked in his career, but he isn’t the guy the Eagles looked to all summer, and he isn’t the guy that this team rationalized getting rid of possibly the best player they’ve ever had for. I’m not an Eagles fans, and Eagles fans that I’ve spoken to are excited about Vick, but what if Aaron Rodgers got hurt in his first game as a Packer and Matt Flynn had a couple of good games and we never heard from Rodgers again? I know I’m being extreme, but how do you go in a different direction, after your last direction was really a positive direction, and then switch to another different direction after TWO GAMES?!? It’s not the wrong thing to let a guy play when he deserves to play, which Vick has proven he does, but I just don’t understand how the Eagles could dedicate themselves to rebuilding around Kolb and then not be playing him in the third game of the season when he’s clear to play.

Bill Simmons on PTI?

Why? I hate watching this guy on TV. I don’t understand how someone who does nothing but write based on convenience has had so much success. Bill Simmons is like the sportswriter equivalent of Family Guy. Really funny and different at first, but lack of depth and too much New England bias got really old, really fast. I mean seriously, I think he’s a great writer, and I think he has a very eclectic sense of humor, I see what the appeal is. I don’t think he has a television like personality though, it’s like watching a rapper or an athlete make a special appearance on a tv show. I’m probably just jealous because if I could close my eyes and live anyone’s life as my dream it would probably be his, but he does nothing but write anti-New York, Celtics/Patriots/Red Sox (his home teams), and Clippers (his new home team) pieces. If he doesn’t write about those teams anymore, I’m sorry, I stopped reading him about three years ago. He literally this minute (5:52 PM, Friday) said on PTI he thinks the Jets are going to just throw their game Sunday night against the Dolphins when asked how many catches he thinks Braylon Edwards will have. I couldn't have scripted that any better. Stay off my PTI!

And lastly…

Hockey Preseason’s back!

Just kidding.

On to my NFL picks…

Last week I did my first ever pick ems, and after much harassment from my readers…I figured it was a good idea to do them again! This week I’m doing them D’Antoni style though, seven words or less. A wiseman (or fictional character) once told me (through television) that everything you need to say can be said in seven words or less. Let’s give it a shot.

(Lines as of Friday night, home teams in caps)

Tennessee (+3) over NY GIANTS

Chris Johnson equals Addai times ten.

NEW ENGLAND (-14) over Buffalo

Fitzpatrick over Edwards? Really? Why?

BALTIMORE (-10.5) over Cleveland

Browns stink, Flacco finally has huge game.

Pittsburgh (-2.5) over TAMPA BAY

Sorry Bucs, Steelers are very elite.

Cincinnati (-3) over CAROLINA

Good luck Clausen, Bengals continue to roll.

NEW ORLEANS (-4) over Atlanta

Champs at home beat good Falcons team.

San Francisco (-3) over KANSAS CITY

Niners playing better, Chiefs not so much.

MINNESOTA (-11) over Detroit

If Favre loses three straight, Vikings crumble.

Dallas (+2.5) over HOUSTON

Texans should’ve lost last week, desperate Cowboys.

Washington (-3.5) over ST. LOUIS

Rams stink, Redskins roll, spread’s too low.

Philadelphia (-2.5) over JACKSONVILLE

MJD (one word) may not be healthy, Vick is.

Indianapolis (-5.5) over DENVER

Emotional Broncos don’t match elite Colts.

San Diego (-5) over SEATTLE

Jared ate his words on both teams.

Oakland (+4.5) over CARDINALS

Like road dogs, like Gradkowski, seriously.

NY Jets (+2.5) over MIAMI

You better believe I’m going over 7 words on this one. The question has to be asked. How much will Braylon Edwards see the field Sunday night? Deactivating him may be the morally correct thing to do, but Edwards joins a list including Ronnie Brown, Joey Porter, Rey Maualuga, Will Allen, Gerard Lawson, and Quinton Ganther, all players to be arrested for DWI, not one of them had been suspended or deactivated for their next game. The NFL’s current collective baragaining agreement states that no player can be suspended or deactivated for a first-time DUI or DWI charge. This is an NFL league problem. Is this a Jets problem? Yes, but the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night are the Jets biggest problem. It’s terrible that Edwards showed such a lapse of judgment especially when the NFL offers a car service to prevent these things from happening, and it’s even more terrible that Edwards responded to the question as to why he didn’t use the NFL’s service by saying he has his own service. Edwards gave the Jets a black eye this week, and it’s one that they didn’t need. But it can be partially righted if they come out and play the way they played last week. Dustin Keller has been the Jets best receiver, most receptions, receiving yards, and targets, so if Braylon has to sit for the first half or beyond it shouldn’t be the end all for the Jets. They really have to come out and play well on defense. They saw the wildcat last year in their first meeting, and they saw the wildcat destroy them. If they can’t stop the Dolphins trick plays then Chad Henne will probably have a huge day, especially with two-four on the sidelines in sweats. Yeah Brandon Marshall caught 18 balls in a game against Antonio Cromartie and the Chargers, but Cromartie wasn’t playing man-to-man the whole game, and he did a pretty incredible job against Randy Moss last week. Oh yeah, and that was one single game three seasons ago. Moving on, I think the Jets are a better team and have looked better in two games against good teams than the Fins have looked against the Bills and Brett Favre. The Dolphins secondary looks great, Jason Allen had 2 picks against the old Allen Iverson of the NFL (chucks up bad shots, doesn’t really seem too emotionally invested, has ugly neck tattoos) and Vontae Davis did a great job hurting himself during his celebration dance. C’mon son! The media’s loving Miami in this one, but homer Jared’s sticking with his boys. No excuses.

Green Bay (-3) over CHICAGO

Bears haven’t beaten anyone good, Packers = great.

Last Week 7-8-1 (Yikes!)

Feel free to leave your picks in my comments section. Enjoy the festivities.

NFL Week 2 Picks

Kansas City (+2) over CLEVELAND

Even if they're the home team, how could the Browns be a favorite in any game they play this season? My guess is it's because starting quarterback Jake Delhomme's out and Seneca Wallace is in. But seriously, I'll probably pick against the Browns in every game this season, and it doesn't help that they're playing a team with top-notch coaching, up-and-coming talent, and the team that I think will win the AFC West this year.

GREEN BAY (-13) over Buffalo

If you're in a survivor pool this is a clear pick, if you're picking against the lines I'm not totally convinced but I gotta go with the Pack. I don't think Buffalo is awful so I don't know that they'll lose by 13. The Bills strength is their defense so we'll see how much of a juggernaut this Packer offense really is, especially with Brandon Jackson taking the place of Ryan Grant for the rest of the season.

Baltimore (-2) over CINCINNATI

Try the veal, child...I think Ochocinco was better in FX's horrid show about fantasy football "The League" than he will be in the actual league on Sunday. We didn't see how banged up the Ravens secondary actually is when they dominated the vertically challenged Jets offense in Week 1, but at the same time we didn't exactly get to see how good their offense can be either. This will be one of the better games on a Sunday filled with tough match-ups, but I think Baltimore wins by more than 2.

Pittsburgh (+5) over TENNESSEE

Let me make this pick clear, I think the Titans will win this game, but not by 5 points or more. I really like both of these teams this year and if Roethlisberger was playing I'd probably go black and gold on this one, but he's not and Jeff Fisher's defense is too good to lose to Dennis Dixon. In the same respect, Mike Tomlin will not allow Dixon to go out and lose the game for his team. I expect this one to be close with the edge going to the more complete Titans. I know both of these teams were overhyped in 2009, but they could meet up again in the AFC championship game...real talk.

DETROIT (+6) over Philadelphia

Not only do I like the Lions to cover, I like them to win. I wasn't impressed with the Eagles in week 1 and them losing their starting quarterback can't help their gameplan. While I think Michael Vicks performance last week was the best story of the weekend, he carried his team on his back against a team that wasn't prepared for him. The Eagles run a pass heavy offense that I just don't think Vick can operate the way Andy Reid wants him to. And let's not forget that the Lions would be 1-0 instead of 0-1 had Calvin Johnson not made that bonehead mistake. Even with Shaun Hill I'm jumping on the bandwagon, let's go Lions!

Chicago (+7.5) over DALLAS

In a week of tough picks, this might be the toughest (for me at least). I don't think Dallas will beat the Bears by more than 7 points, but at the same time it's hard to fathom this team losing their home opener to start the season 0-2...or is it? I think the Bears will get good pressure on Tony Romo and unless the Cowboys run the ball I think they will in fact lose. I really don't like either of these teams, but I don't understand all of the hype around the Cowboys when they're a team that has proven nothing, full of guys that have proven nothing. I'm going upset and I'm going with Da Bears.

Tampa Bay (+3.5) over CAROLINA

I know I'm going with a lot of upsets, I really want nothing to do with this game. I think Carolina's the better team and it's not like losing Matt Moore is insurmountable, but I think the Bucs are playing with confidence and the Panthers aren't. I've been impressed with Josh Freeman, who threw for 321 yards the last time he faced Carolina, and Tampa's a team that can only get better. I think the Panthers best bet would be to do nothing but run the football.

ATLANTA (-6.5) over Arizona

It's year three for Matt Ryan and this is a game he can't allow his team to lose, almost a statement game even. I don't like the Cardinals and if Atlanta wants to show the league they're a playoff team this is the week to do it.

MINNESOTA (-5.5) over Miami

Two good teams facing off, but Minnesota can't start the season 0-2. Favre wasn't overly impressive in his season debut last year either, but really started to get going week 2. I think we'll see more of that this year, and another impressive showing by the Minny defense, and the Vikes will come away with a win. However, my money wouldn't be on them covering the spread.

OAKLAND (-3.5) over St. Louis

I don't care what anybody says, both of these teams are turrrrible! Sam Bradford looked more than serviceable in his debut and even set the record for pass attempts for a rookie in week 1, that however didn't get his team a win. The Raiders are the slightly better team and will win at home.

Seattle (+3.5) over Denver

While the Jim Mora era in Seattle was nothing to write home about, there's a new regime in Starbucks town and the team is playing with a new identity. According to my west coast guy, he's never seen a team as pumped up as the Seahawks were during their week 1 upset of division favorite San Francisco. I think the Seahawks could win the NFC West and they'll prove themselves Sunday in Denver. This is of course if Matt Hasselbeck can stay healthy.

WASHINGTON (+3) over Houston

Was there a more impressive team week 1 than the Texans? We already know they can air it out, and seeing big, bad, bruising Arian Foster demolish the Colts defense makes us think this Houston team is ready to take it to the next level. With that said, I could probably run for 100 yards against the Colts. The Redskins defense looked great against Dallas and I think the Shanahan-McNabb duo will tame the Texans and start the season 2-0.

Jacksonville (+7) over SAN DIEGO

I like Jacksonville to cover and I think they can pull the upset special against a flat looking Chargers team. I hate to bet against a perennial contender, at home, trying to avoid an 0-2 start, but I think the Jags are a tough out and Phil Rivers is starting to lose confidence in his teammates, coaches, and management. I don't like the Chargers this year, even in a weak division, and I can't see them beating a hard-nosed team like Jacksonville by 7 or more points.

New England (-2.5) over NY JETS

I don't think I hate writing anything in the world more than that. I'd rather write Jared Mintz is an idiot Bart Simpson style than pick the Pats over the Jets. I have to hope the Jets come out pumped after getting killed not only by the media this week, but by the Ravens on Monday Night Football. If the Jets secondary looked so bad against the Ravens, they'll probably get eaten alive by Brady, Welker and company. I'm leaving the Revis/Moss situation alone, but I fear Belichick is licking his chops with Sanchez. As a Jets fan I'm scared, but not hopeless.

INDIANAPOLIS (-5.5) over NY Giants

Other than the Carolina/Tampa game (seriously) this one took me the longest to choose. Scientifically speaking I like the Giants. They have a solid run game, an explosive passing game, and a pretty good pass-rush. Then you have to throw in the intangibles. Peyton Manning is a freak of nature who hasn't started a season 0-2 since his rookie season, and the Giants haven't showed up for a big game since Superbowl 42. This one should be fun and could really go either way. All I know is the Colts don't want to start the season 0-2 and in the cellar of the AFC South.

New Orleans (-5.5) over SAN FRANCISCO

Defending champs who are probably most complete team in football and still feel they have a lot to prove, or team everyone wants to pick to win weakest division in football, who have passed their window to be surprise team by 2 years now and are led by quarterback with smaller hands than most 9-year olds. Done and done.

Enjoy the festivities.

No reason for pessimism if you’re a Jets fan

Rex Ryan and the Jets have one goal, to win a SuperBowl. You know who else has that goal? Every other coach and team in the NFL. If the Jets don’t win a SuperBowl are they a disappointment? You’re kidding right?

We’re talking about a team that went 9-7 and finished 5^th in the AFC last season right? A team with a second year quarterback and a second year coach, not to mention a backfield comprised of a second year running back and a sure fire hall of famer on the downwards slope of his career. And lest we forget, we’re talking about the New York football Jets.

I’m not saying this to ease the pain if the Jets lose their season opener Monday night, or if they flop this season. I’m saying this because even though expectations are high, Jets fans cannot get caught up in the hoopla that’s been the Jets preseason. It is fair to expect this team to make the playoffs, but it’s not fair to consider this season a bust if they don’t get to the SuperBowl or dare I say win the SuperBowl. They have tons of talent and they may end up fielding the best defense to ever play in the NFL, they have that kind of potential, but the games are decided on the field. They’re not decided when a coach is asked how he feels about his team and he responds by saying “my team’s the best.”

The Jets had the best defense in the NFL in 2009, did they win the SuperBowl? No. They weren’t the first team to have the best defense and not produce a championship, and they won’t be the last, but if they do it again this season, as Jets fans, lets enjoy the accomplishment.

Regardless of how good the Jets can be, there are still a lot of good teams in the NFL, and if the Jets can have an exceptional season and win in the playoffs then they will absolutely earn their keep and make good on their goals. If they can’t get by the Patriots, or the Colts, or the Saints even, it’s not a disappointment. Maybe to the coaching staff and the team it’s a disappointment, but we have to enjoy the good while we have it.

I’m in my mid 20’s and this is definitely the most excited I’ve ever been about a Jets team. Would I love a championship? Absolutely! But as long as they don’t fall flat on their face, which they won’t because they have a very good defense, then it’ll be a good season to be a Jets fan.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, only one team can be the best, and finishing in the top percent of the 32 teams gunning for that top spot isn’t anything to be disappointed in. As long as you root for a team that comes out and plays hard every week, and doesn’t dog it, consider yourself a lucky fan. The one prediction that I can make about my team heading into their season…is that they’ll make me feel like a lucky fan. Go Jets.

NFL Week 1 Rewind

So before you think I cheaped out on my NFL Season Preview (smart writers wait until after Week 1 people!), let me recap the first weekend of the 2010 NFL season and tell you what caught my attention.

Saints 14 – Vikings 9

Everybody’s talking about how amazing the defense was, well, what did you expect? While both teams have explosive offenses, the Vikings have had a top-5 defense in the league the past three seasons, and the Saints were the only team last season that could stop Peyton Manning. Drew Brees was as amazing as he was in 2009 and the Saints look like a legit threat to repeat. Don’t be fooled though, Brett Favre will work off his rust and the Vikings will be there down the stretch too.

Buccaneers 17 – Browns 14

The Bucs are starting the season 1-0 for the first time since 2005, a season they finished 11-5. Well, this team will definitely not finish 11-5 but Josh Freeman looked good despite Micheal Spurlock being his best receiving option. In other news, the Browns still stink.

Dolphins 15 – Bills 10

The Bills were one of only 3 home teams to lose Sunday afternoon, and showed their fans that they’ll probably be doing some more losing as the season progresses. They were out-rushed 132 to 50, and with Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson, and C.J. Spiller all being talented backs you have to hope that the ‘Fins just have an incredible run-defense. Brandon Marshall caught eight balls in his Dolphins debut and Chad Henne didn’t lose the game against an underrated defense. Hang in there Chan.

Patriots 38 – Bengals 24

Why won’t these guys just go away? This was the one season that there was speculation that maybe the Pats were in rebuilding mode, that they weren’t the same team that went 18-1 just three years ago. They’re not, they’re faster on defense and barring injuries will only get better and wiser under a season of Belichick tutelage. Carson Palmer hit his two diva receivers for a combined 17 receptions, 241 yards and a score, and we’re just waiting for them to combust (I know, too soon).

Texans 34 – Colts 24

As a Jets fan who considers it the best moment of his life everytime the Jets beat the Patriots, Texans fans I feel you! Houston ran for a franchise record 257 yards, led by Arian Foster’s franchise record 231 rush yards…but where was the vertical game? Matt Schaub threw for 107 yards, his lowest tally since 2007, which begs the question…is this a new era in Texans football? Has the ground and pound hit Houston? With Andre Johnson threatening opposing secondaries I’m going to guess no, but the Texans are talented and have new-found confidence, which combine to make a dangerous football team. Oh yeah, Peyton Manning threw for 433 yards and 3 touchdowns, Jim Caldwell better get his defense together before number 18 decides to play both sides of the field (obviously that won’t happen, just saying).

Jaguars 24 – Broncos 17

Booooorrrrrrrrinnggggg. Tim Tebow carried the ball twice for two yards. To be fair, these are two teams that will spend 2010 upsetting playoff plans for better teams, but as the famed Officer Barbrady would say “nothing to see here.”

Steelers 15 – Falcons 9

In my opinion these are two playoff teams who played one of the closer games we’ll see this season. I think the Steelers will really return to prominence once Ben Roethlisberger finishes his 4-game suspension, and I think the Falcons have everything except for a pass defense. Luckily for them, the Steelers didn’t have their usual pass offense in Week 1. Dennis Dixon was more than serviceable, but a Roethlisberger lead Steelers would probably have had this game put away in the third quarter. Ugly game but an important win for the Steelers.

Titans 38 – Raiders 13

The Raiders actually recorded four more first downs than the Titans, it’s too bad that statistic isn’t what determines the outcome of a football game. Jason Campbell reminded the silver and black what a quarterback looks like and Darren McFadden showed the NFL what he’s capable of, but it was all Tennessee on Sunday. Efficient is the best word to use when describing how the Titans looked as Vince Young completed all but four passes (2 TDs, 0 INT). Javon Ringer will be an incredible spell back for Chris Johnson, who put in another day at the office with 150 all-purpose yards and two scores. The AFC South will be the best division in the NFL this season, we’re talking scary good.

Giants 31 – Panthers 18

Plaxico Burress you have been replaced. If it wasn’t enough that Steve Smith caught 107 balls last season, second-year product Hakeem Nicks has emerged as the red-zone, big-bodied threat that Eli Manning needs to thrive in this offense. Manning and Nicks got together for three touchdowns as the Giants were able to overcome four turnovers and win the first regular season game played at New Meadowlands Stadium. Trailing at halftime, the G-Men came out in the second half and outscored Carolina 17-2. It doesn’t help that Carolina turned the ball over 5 times, and starting QB Matt Moore was knocked out of the game in the fourth quarter after being hit by the Giants impressive pass rush. The Giants played sloppy on Sunday but avenged their embarrassing loss in 2009 in the last game they were to play at the old Giants’ Stadium.

Bears 19 – Lions 14

The Lions were wronged. Or were they? Calvin Johnson nabbed what looked like the game-winning touchdown with just 25 seconds to go in regulation, until it was ruled an incomplete pass as Megatron let the ball go in celebration as he hit the ground. It’s hard to rationalize losing a game in which the opposing quarterback threw for 372 yards, and the opposing running back gained a total of 201 yards. The Bears offense looked good with Mike Martz calling the plays but the Lions proved they won’t lie down for anyone. Detroit’s’ offense wasn’t overly impressive, but they played without franchise quarterback Matt Stafford, who went down with a shoulder injury in the first quarter after being hit by newly acquired Bear Julius Peppers. A writer from the Detroit Free Press tweeted Sunday that Stafford’s injury “doesn’t look good”

Cardinals 17 – Rams 13

Another snoozer. The Cardinals let the Rams stay in this game until the clock expired and if Sam Bradford had a legit receiver they may even have lost this one. Derek Anderson did things Matt Leinert couldn’t dream of, but at the same time Cardinals’ fans will absolutely miss Kurt Warner this season. Not many teams don’t miss a Hall of Fame quarterback after he retires, but the Cardinals will not be a playoff team this season and that’s saying a lot considering they play in the worst division in the NFL. Bradford threw for 253 yards but was picked off three times.

Packers 27 – Eagles 20

I don’t think there could be a bigger story or more significant game than this one was. In their first game after the Donovan McNabb era, the Eagles came out and picked up 3 first downs and netted 49 total yards in the first half. Kevin Kolb played a miserable first half and his day only got worse as he left the game with a concussion at halftime. Trailing 20-3 in the third quarter, Michael Vick took over the Eagles offense, and when I say took over, I mean he took over. Vick looked better than he looked with the Falcons, this was like Virginia Tech Michael Vick. Vick threw for 175 yards and ran for 83 yards in the second half, including runs of 31 and 23 yards, and this is against the top run defense in the NFL last season.

Although the Eagles weren’t able to pull off the comeback, it was a moral victory. Michael Vick looked great and did a way better job of making the Eagles faithful forget about McNabb than McNabb’s supposed predecessor did, but more impressively is that he did it against an elite team. I was ready to get on my blog and absolutely destroy the Eagles for letting McNabb go because they were so sure they were better off without him. I’m a huge fan of McNabb and he did nothing but give his all to the city of Philadelphia. I understand sometimes you have to move in a different direction, but I don’t think the Eagles shortcomings were because of McNabb and I think he makes pretty much any team better. This story will unfold as the season plays out, and Andy Reid said if Kolb is cleared to play in week 2 he will start. So maybe I’ll yell about the Eagles next week instead.

Seahawks 31 – 49ers 6

The surprise of the day without a doubt. I know it’s only week 1, but waiting for this San Francisco team to turn the corner is getting old. It’s never easy to play at Qwest Field, but this was the first time that this Seahawks team under Pete Carroll was playing in a real game, and the Niners should have come out more prepared. Alex Smith was woeful and first-round fantasy pick Frank Gore was ineffective. I’d like to give Carroll credit and say he really turned this team around, but a) it’s only week 1, and b) the Niners went into the season as the division favorite and they came out and laid an egg! Matt Hasselbeck looked great and the Seahawks seamed pumped to play for their new coach. Who knows? Maybe the Seahawks are the team to beat in the NFC Less, I mean NFC West.

Redskins 13 – Cowboys 7

Great way to end the first Sunday of the NFL season. It was a gritty game that relied on defense and breaks. At the end of the night, the Redskins got the bigger breaks and McNaShanahan got their first win together. Alright, I’ll never call them McNaShanahan again, but Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan really fed off of each other well and as Trent Williams matures and the team grows familiar with each other, the Redskins look like they could be a playoff contender. Tony Romo threw for 282 yards and the Cowboys outgained the ‘Skins by 130 total yards, but in the second quarter DeAngelo Hall fumble return touchdown turned out to be the determining factor in the game. The Cowboys shot themselves in the foot again as left-tackle Alex Baron was called for a holding penalty to not only end the Cowboys’ final drive, but end the game as well. It was an ugly game but it was exciting to see two teams with so much at stake in the first game of the season.

I don’t want to say that Dallas can’t be a championship contender this year, but I don’t have faith in these guys. Tony Romo’s good but there are at least four quarterbacks who are better than him (Brees, Peyton, Rodgers, Brady), and 5 guys probably about as good as him (Rivers, Eli, McNabb, Palmer, Matt Ryan). And these are all guys who are trying to win a championship! What else do the Cowboys have going for them? Their coach? Please. You can almost eliminate any team being coached by Norv Turner, Eric Mangini, and Wade Phillips just because they’re led by men who are not leaders. They may know football, but if you’re coaching in the NFL of course you know football, you have to know how to motivate, how to gain respect, and how to lead, and I don’t see those qualities in any of the three men I listed before. The Cowboys have a good defense, but good offenses continuously beat their defense. Last season Minnesota rang 34 on them, and the Giants put up 31 and 33 in their two respective meetings. The Cowboys get the new-look Bears and the Texans the next two weeks. Those two games really will show us if this Dallas team is a contender or a pretender.

The Best Story in Sports this year not named the Saints

Before the 2010 Major League Baseball season started, who’d you think would be the best team in the National League? The Phillies for a third straight season? How about Colorado with their upstart rotation and hot bats? Was this going to be the year the Dodgers or Mets got it together? I mean, the Cardinals would definitely be there at the end of the season, right? Try the Cinci-freaking-nnati Reds!

After going a combined 152-172 in his first two seasons in the Nati, Dusty Baker has his breakout pitching staff and crafty veteran-based lineup 7 games up in the N.L. Central with just a month left in the season. You had to figure if Dusty was the sane guy that managed the Giants to the World Series, and was good enough to take on the misery that is the Cubs, there had to have been a special opportunity with the Reds…and in season three we’re finding out just how special they are.

Look at this lineup for one; Scott Rolen, Laynce Nix, Johnny Gomes, Jim Edmonds, Orlando Cabrera, Ramon Hernandez, Miguel Cairo! Guys either way past their prime or career role players that are bonding together with stars like Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto (leading the NL in batting average and RBI and is tied for third in home runs, yes he’s THAT serious), and up-and-comers like Jay Bruce, Paul Jannish and Drew Stubbs. They don’t have the flair that the Rays had back in 2008, but this is quite a compilation of ball players, and not to mention a well-managed clubhouse that’s hungry to win some games.

These are guys who have never won anything, aside from O-Dog at least, yet their manager has more wins than all but four active managers in the game today, they want to win together and they want to win now. All-star second baseman Brandon Phillips in the midst of an August series against St. Louis, told the media how sick of his division rivals he was. Phillips was confronted by Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina at his next plate appearance, this confrontation incited a bench-clearing brawl in a game that the Reds went on to lose. Since that August 10^th brawl, the Reds have gone 13-5, the Cardinals 6-12. Phillips, the leader of the team for the last 5 seasons, brought his team together and it seems they’re really hitting stride at an important part of the season.

And it’s not just that the Reds have hit stride, it’s that they seem to be getting better as scary of a thought as this is. With a solid rotation consisting of veterans like Bronson Arroyo, Aaron Harang, and yes he’s a veteran now Johnny Cueto, youngsters Travis Wood, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey have held their own and really provided the Reds with a spark. Nick Masset and Daniel Ray Herrera have been solid, and Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Cordero have been the glue for the youngsters around them in the bullpen.

And this might be too soon, but last night the Reds brought up rookie Cuban import Aroldis Chapman and if Stephen Strasburg didn’t debut the way he did, Chapman would be the most impressive debut we’ve seen in 2010. Chapman pitched an eight-pitch eighth, with six of his eight pitches being clocked at over 98 miles per hour, four of them over 100. The knock on Chapman has been his control, but last night he looked flat out filthy. We're talking 2007 Joba Chamberlain times 5.

This is a team that may not win a World Series this year, but barring a Mets-like collapse (had to get it in there), they’re looking like a playoff team, and possibly one with home-field advantage through the playoffs. So why aren’t they getting more attention? Why do I hear about the Yankees-Rays, White Sox-Manny-Ozzie, Roger Clemens, I even hear more about the Cardinals still than I’m hearing about the Reds.

They’re tied for the best record in baseball, they have a very legitimate Triple Crown candidate (and MVP for that matter), and they haven’t shown any signs of slowing down! Come on, who doesn’t like Dusty and who isn’t sick of seeing the Cardinals win the Central every season? The parity is great for baseball, and it’s nice to see a team as unique as the Reds have the success they’re having. Best of luck Cincinnati, that is unless you end up in New York.