WEEK 2
How do you follow up a week full of big injuries and upsets?
JAGS(-5)over Bills -Bills arent facing a jet-lagged team this week.
Packers (-3) over LIONS - either the Lions really suck or the Falcons are going to the Super Bowl.
RAMS (+8.5) over Giants - surprise.
SEAHAWKS (-7) over Niners -
Dolphins (+6.5) over CARDS
Patriots (-1) over JETS - too easy to write off the Pats now that Brady's gone.
TEXANS (+4.5) over Ravens
CHIEFS (-3.5) over Raiders
BRONCOS (+1.5) over Chargers
Steelers (-6) over BROWNS
Eagles (+7) over COWBOYS
last week: 10-5
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunday, September 07, 2008
WEEK 1 PREDICTIONS
Ok, Thursday night football with these timezones, very difficult. For the record I was mildly surprised the Jints didn't perform an Openng night post-world champion flop. Nor was the defense as bad as presumed. Or, more likely, the Skins are just not ready for primetime.
Bengals (-1.5) over RAVENS
Joe Flacco, zero to hero in one pre-season? Nah. Hard to pick for the Bengals, a team forever rotting on the inside but even 9-7 covers.
Lions (-3) over FALCONS
Another rookie QB another loss. Yes Michael Turner could rush for 189 yards and yes both teams will proably run the ball like Woody Hayes' old OSU teams but this too will be a low scoring affair and the passing edge must go to the Lions.
Jets(-3) over DOLPHINS
So many good stories here: Two QBs with new teams, Fat Parcells back, Ricky Williams from bong hit to starting running back. Jets have reloaded and know Pennington's flaws and patterns. He will probably complete 20 dink passes and Ricky might even score but the Dolphin D is not up to the task. Favre is still learning the Jets O but seriously, would you rather rely on Pennington as your starting QB? I didn't think so.
PATRIOTS (-16.5) over Chiefs
Easy pickings. Mystery shrouds Tom Brady in first start back since Super Stunner '08. The Chiefs are the right team to come back against. Not unlike throwing against tackling dummies. My only concern is that the Pats jump to an early 5 TD lead and Brady comes out. Still, Chiefs can't score. Or defend. Herm Edwards? Nah.
Texans (+6.5) over STEELERS
I'm not convinced Big Ben is worth his significant paycheck. The Texans are in the second year of a good new coach and will be greatly improved. This will be closer than it should be.
TITANS (+3)over Jaguars
Alot of people like the Jags to the Super Bowl but is Gerrard is not capable of doing it on his own and the O line is too banged up to help the run. Is this Vince Young's season in the sun?
SAINTS (-3.5) over Bucs
Yes the Bucs beat the Saints twice last season but Nawlins survived the latest hurricane wave and this Saints team might well be Super. The Bucs won't outscore them.
NINERS (+2.5) over Cardinals
Neither team has a settled QB situation. The Cards are crap on the road and Frank Gore will roll.
BILLS (-1) over Seahawks
The Bills might well be the best team that doesn't make the playoffs this season. The Seahawks are going to be jet-lagged all day and the nucleus of that surprise team of a few years ago is like faded wallpaper.
EAGLES (-7.5) over Rams
Donovan McNabb is ready for one last hurrah. The Rams will struggle all season not to be the worst team in the NFL.
Panthers (+9) over CHARGERS
Week one is where the Panthers make their comeback statement now that Delhomme is finally back. They always field a tough D. Don't be shocked by an upset here, even on the road and despite SD's potentest of offensive attacks.
Cowboys (-5.5) over BROWNS
The Browns are a mess. There are big expectations which will make that mess all the bloodier. The Boys on the other hand will win the NFC East and won't choke til Round 2 of the payoffs.
Bears (+9.5) over COLTS
Lots of questions for Peyton, shown up by his kid brother and banged up. Unlike Brady and the Chiefs, da Bears are not the D you want to get the rust off against.
PACKERS (-2.5) over Vikings
If Favre were the Messiah everyone says he is, the Pack would have won more tan one Super Bowl. The Pack are a strong team and Aaron Rodgers has waited a long time to get here-he won't disappoint. The Vikes? The wanted Favre so wHat does that say about their current QB? Vikes D is good but they can't stop the O froM turning the ball over.
Broncos (+3) over RAIDERS
This is Jay Cutler's breakout season -it'd better be - he's my starting fantasy team QB. Da Raiders will be better this year than last year but tht's like saying AIDS isn't as bad as the ebola virus.
Ok, Thursday night football with these timezones, very difficult. For the record I was mildly surprised the Jints didn't perform an Openng night post-world champion flop. Nor was the defense as bad as presumed. Or, more likely, the Skins are just not ready for primetime.
Bengals (-1.5) over RAVENS
Joe Flacco, zero to hero in one pre-season? Nah. Hard to pick for the Bengals, a team forever rotting on the inside but even 9-7 covers.
Lions (-3) over FALCONS
Another rookie QB another loss. Yes Michael Turner could rush for 189 yards and yes both teams will proably run the ball like Woody Hayes' old OSU teams but this too will be a low scoring affair and the passing edge must go to the Lions.
Jets(-3) over DOLPHINS
So many good stories here: Two QBs with new teams, Fat Parcells back, Ricky Williams from bong hit to starting running back. Jets have reloaded and know Pennington's flaws and patterns. He will probably complete 20 dink passes and Ricky might even score but the Dolphin D is not up to the task. Favre is still learning the Jets O but seriously, would you rather rely on Pennington as your starting QB? I didn't think so.
PATRIOTS (-16.5) over Chiefs
Easy pickings. Mystery shrouds Tom Brady in first start back since Super Stunner '08. The Chiefs are the right team to come back against. Not unlike throwing against tackling dummies. My only concern is that the Pats jump to an early 5 TD lead and Brady comes out. Still, Chiefs can't score. Or defend. Herm Edwards? Nah.
Texans (+6.5) over STEELERS
I'm not convinced Big Ben is worth his significant paycheck. The Texans are in the second year of a good new coach and will be greatly improved. This will be closer than it should be.
TITANS (+3)over Jaguars
Alot of people like the Jags to the Super Bowl but is Gerrard is not capable of doing it on his own and the O line is too banged up to help the run. Is this Vince Young's season in the sun?
SAINTS (-3.5) over Bucs
Yes the Bucs beat the Saints twice last season but Nawlins survived the latest hurricane wave and this Saints team might well be Super. The Bucs won't outscore them.
NINERS (+2.5) over Cardinals
Neither team has a settled QB situation. The Cards are crap on the road and Frank Gore will roll.
BILLS (-1) over Seahawks
The Bills might well be the best team that doesn't make the playoffs this season. The Seahawks are going to be jet-lagged all day and the nucleus of that surprise team of a few years ago is like faded wallpaper.
EAGLES (-7.5) over Rams
Donovan McNabb is ready for one last hurrah. The Rams will struggle all season not to be the worst team in the NFL.
Panthers (+9) over CHARGERS
Week one is where the Panthers make their comeback statement now that Delhomme is finally back. They always field a tough D. Don't be shocked by an upset here, even on the road and despite SD's potentest of offensive attacks.
Cowboys (-5.5) over BROWNS
The Browns are a mess. There are big expectations which will make that mess all the bloodier. The Boys on the other hand will win the NFC East and won't choke til Round 2 of the payoffs.
Bears (+9.5) over COLTS
Lots of questions for Peyton, shown up by his kid brother and banged up. Unlike Brady and the Chiefs, da Bears are not the D you want to get the rust off against.
PACKERS (-2.5) over Vikings
If Favre were the Messiah everyone says he is, the Pack would have won more tan one Super Bowl. The Pack are a strong team and Aaron Rodgers has waited a long time to get here-he won't disappoint. The Vikes? The wanted Favre so wHat does that say about their current QB? Vikes D is good but they can't stop the O froM turning the ball over.
Broncos (+3) over RAIDERS
This is Jay Cutler's breakout season -it'd better be - he's my starting fantasy team QB. Da Raiders will be better this year than last year but tht's like saying AIDS isn't as bad as the ebola virus.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
NFL POWER RANKINGS
1. New Orleans Saints- avoiding more hurricane disasters is the 1st sign of les bons temps to come. This is potentially the most fearsome offense of 2008-09.
2. New England Pats- last year`s Super Bowl flop was the harbinger of doom to come, or at least that`s what most of us cling to after the 18-0 run. The demise will liely be slow coming.
3. Dallas Cowboys- until the playffs anyway, a formidable team.
4. San Diego Chargers- when or if all the heavies are healthy, they could go all the way.
5. Indy Colts- Peyton's brother won it all faster. Peyton's leaky line will not keep him healthy forever.
6. NY Giants-mild super hangover and injury means the Dwill fall somewhat short.
7. Carolina Panthers-Jake is back. That should suffice.
8. Baltimore Ravens-must be crazy to go this high with an aging defensive nucleus, rookie coach and rookie QB but they'll limp to the top of their division by season's end,
9. Jax Jags-still not good enough to win the division but still a teamno one fancies playing
10. NY Jets-even with Broadway Brett and millions in aging free agents still only 2nd best team in Jersey.
11. Chicago Bears-run, run, run. Don't let any of the QBs pass.
12. Tennessee Titans- will start strong then fade, just missing the playoffs.
SUPER BOWL:Logically, given the above, Saints v. Pats but Pats will not even make it to the AFC final. Final score: Chargers 23 Saints 20.
1. New Orleans Saints- avoiding more hurricane disasters is the 1st sign of les bons temps to come. This is potentially the most fearsome offense of 2008-09.
2. New England Pats- last year`s Super Bowl flop was the harbinger of doom to come, or at least that`s what most of us cling to after the 18-0 run. The demise will liely be slow coming.
3. Dallas Cowboys- until the playffs anyway, a formidable team.
4. San Diego Chargers- when or if all the heavies are healthy, they could go all the way.
5. Indy Colts- Peyton's brother won it all faster. Peyton's leaky line will not keep him healthy forever.
6. NY Giants-mild super hangover and injury means the Dwill fall somewhat short.
7. Carolina Panthers-Jake is back. That should suffice.
8. Baltimore Ravens-must be crazy to go this high with an aging defensive nucleus, rookie coach and rookie QB but they'll limp to the top of their division by season's end,
9. Jax Jags-still not good enough to win the division but still a teamno one fancies playing
10. NY Jets-even with Broadway Brett and millions in aging free agents still only 2nd best team in Jersey.
11. Chicago Bears-run, run, run. Don't let any of the QBs pass.
12. Tennessee Titans- will start strong then fade, just missing the playoffs.
SUPER BOWL:Logically, given the above, Saints v. Pats but Pats will not even make it to the AFC final. Final score: Chargers 23 Saints 20.
