NFL Week 2: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Last week I was 2-1 in my "games to watch" predictions. This week, we have two great games and one interesting one.

Game 1

Ravens at Bengals - This game is very interesting because the Bengals played like crap in the first half last week and their defense got absolutely destroyed by the Pats. The Ravens also didn't look too good, but a pathetic Jets offense couldn't take advantage. The Ravens could to anything in the running game, so look for them to try and establish that early on. The Bengals should try and do what the Jets couldn't and attack a vulnerable Baltimore seconary. Look for the Cinci receiving core to have another good day if they can give Carson Palmer any protection. Baltimore's favored in this game, but I like Cinci to win straight up at home.

My Prediction: Bengals (+2.5) 27 Ravens 24

Game 2

Pats at Jets - This game is much more important to the Jets than the week one game against Baltimore. They face New England at home in an early season division game. The Pats came out last week and lit up the Bengals supposedly solid secondary. The Jets cornerbacks (minus Revis) got completely owned last week by an above average Ravens receiving core. Cromartie and rookie Kyle Wilson will have to step up against a Pats passing offense that boasts Randy Moss (to be stranded on Revis Island), Wes Welker, Julian Edelman (Welker Jr.), and the best tightend trio in the NFL (Crumpler, Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski). It will be interesting to see how the Jets' secondary plays in this game. Also, look for Mark Sanchez to try and open up the field a bit more against another suspect secondary.

My Prediction: Pats (-3) 23 Jets 16

^What I think will happen, what could happen?: Jets (+3) 17 Pats 16

Game 3

Giants at Colts - Oddly enough, the Colts have already been defeated in the 2010 season, while the Giants look to go 2-0. This is a battle of the Manning brothers and you better believe that Peyton is in F.U. mode. It doesn't matter that this game is against

his little brother, the Colts will bring it beyond anything we've seen from them recently. Coming off an embarrassing loss to the Texans, the Colts need to step up and show everyone who's boss. The Giants simply got unlucky, and they're not that good. They will probably try to run the ball given what Arian Foster did against Indy last week. It probably won't work since they focused on that this week in practice; hopefully that means Nicks gets a lot of touches for my fantasy team. Regardless, Peyton easily takes this matchup and the Colts get back in the win column.

My Prediction: Colts (-5) 38 Giants 23

Enjoy another wonderful Sunday in the NFL, and be sure to root for my fantasy!

Rodgers That

Fantasy Football, crazy first week

By Dan Rodgers

So, I never told you how my primary fantasy team did in week one. It was a controversial, yet victorious start for my bunch.

As you probably know, Matt Schaub didn't play too much a factor in the Texans game. He only got me about eight points, however, Texans starting RB Arian Foster racked up over 230 rushing yards and three touchdowns. By the way, that was over 50 points sitting on my bench (I know, shoot me now? just wait...)

Jay Cutler did exactly what I expected by throwing for just over 370 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. My bench quarterback, Josh Freeman, did get 20 points, so I have to feel good about that.

Rashard Mendenhall also had about 20 points because of a 50-yard game-winning touchdown run in overtime, but hey, I'll take whatever I can get. I already told you Foster was on my bench, as was Shonn Green and C.J. Spiller (thank gosh). That means that Reggie Bush was starting. I know what you're thinking, but he was projected to do well, and he is a great receiving threat (whatever).

My receivers played like crap considering Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Devin Hester combined for only 18.8 points. I had Hakeem Nicks on my bench (27.5 points), but it's because I have Cutler starting and I wanted the combo. Cutler threw for a ton of yards like I said, but never threw to Hester.

Tightends, Jason Witten and Greg Olsen, had a combined 7.9 points. Cooley was on the bench because of Olsen, but once again, Cutler didn't throw to him!

Mason Crosby was a huge factor with two FGs over 40 yards and three extra points.

49ers defense was pathetic as they got destroyed by a pedestrian Seahawks offense, and Jets defense is what won it for me (1 INT, 10 points, 2 recoveries, 2 sacks).

The final score was: Me - 120.6 Opponent - 120.2

I snuck away with this one, as he had Jahvid Best and Steve Breaston on his bench. Next week I will have to look deeper into my matchups and take some advice from the "experts". Hopefully, it won't be so close.

Please make any suggestions about my team, players to add/drop, or players to start etc...

Rodgers That

Jeter is no cheater

By Dan Rodgers

Last night in the New York Yankees game Derek Jeter was "hit" by a pitch. This is in quotes because it appears that the ball hit Jeter's bat and then his leg. That would, by rule, be a foul ball and Jeter would have to finish his at-bat. However, the homeplate umpire ruled that it hit him and Jeter was awarded first base. Of course, Curtis Granderson then hits the go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the seventh inning.

This would have become extremely controversial if the Yanks had held on for the win, but Phil Hughes gave up a two-run homer to Dan Johnson in the bottom of the inning. The Rays ended up holding for the 4-3 victory.

Given that Jeter's acting essentially didn't hurt the Rays, I don't think it's that serious. In fact, Jeter was just doing whatever it took to get on base. Without replay, we wouldn't have even known that he did it. Players could have been doing this for years and no one would know without replay. Players always look for the competitive edge in whatever sport they play, for example:

• Steroids (all sports)
  
• Corking bats (MLB)
  
• Stick 'em on receivers hands (NFL)
  
• Gloves for receivers, runningbacks (NFL)
• Receivers diving a scooping balls but acting like they caught it (same goes for outfielders)
  

Those were the only things I could think of off the top of my head, but I think you understand where I'm coming from.

In the Ravens vs. Jets game this past Monday, Braylon Edwards landed right next to Baltimore's kicker. The kicker put his foot down on Edwards' hand, looked down and saw he was right there after missing the block, and then fell down. A running-into-the-kicker penalty was called, and the Ravens ended up scoring a touchdown. That one call changed the entire game.

The fact of the matter is, most players would do something like this if the opportunity presented itself, but Jeter is getting called out because of his reaction. A lot of people felt it was obvious that it his the bat first. I feel like if someone in a game that was Royals vs. Indians, no one would even think twice about it.

Regardless, it has once again sparked the instant replay talks. We'll see if this play among the others we've seen this year play any impact on the future of replay.

Rodgers That

When will I see good football?

By Dan Rodgers

So the season starts with the Super Bowl champs against Adrian Peterson, and there is only 25 combined points. Then, the Skins battle Dallas on Sunday night where only 20 points are scored between the two clubs. Then, a game with arguably the top two defenses, and 19 points are scored between the two.

I can tell you for damn certain that the NFL did not sign up for these ugly, low-scoring, "bad football" games. The Saints chose not to try and score with their high-flying offense. Dallas and Washington both played like it was pre-season with penalties all over the place and no offense. The Jets and Ravens, an expected defensive struggle, play like we all thought. However, the Jets had well over 100 yards in penalties and just played ugly. The Ravens were almost as bad: Flacco looked flat, they turned the ball over and ran the ball 35 times for 49 yards.

Cromartie and Kyle Wilson were called for countless stupid penalties, primarily holding and pass interference. These guys need to look for the ball, it was ridiculous.

Let us talk about the refs for just a bit. If someone hits someone, it is a penalty. You might be thinking, "obviously". However, the Jets were called for one or two penalties like that and the Ravens were just as involved but weren't called for one. The refs can call whatever they want, all I ask for is consistency.

I'm currently watching the end of a surprisingly exciting game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs have a 21-14 lead with under two minutes to play. The Chargers have the ball inside the 10-yardline. I don't know why this is the most exciting game, but it is without a doubt.
UPDATE: Chargers had four plays inside the 10. Good defense, KC wins.

One quick note: This is week one, so let us analyze, but not think it is the end of the season with a loss.

One last note: If San Diego, Baltimore, Washington, Dallas, Minnesota, or NYJ come out and play like this next week...they will probably not have a good shot to win the game. Everyone of them was just fortunate that their counterpart also decided to suck at the same time.

Baltimore @ Cinci
Chicago @ Dallas
Miami @ Minnesota
Pats @ Jets
Houston @ Washington

As you can tell, every team plays a respectable opponent, two being division games. It will be interesting to see how each team responds to their sloppy play in week one.

Rodgers That

Previews, reviews and more

By Dan Rodgers

Sorry everyone for not posting again last night. I forgot I had a fraternity meeting to attend and didn't have time to write.

The first Sunday of the season didn't disappoint, here are a few notable headlines:

• Bears edge Lions on controversial non-touchdown catch by Calvin Johnson.
• Patriots show up, blowout Bengals in first half.
• Texans shock NFL, beat Colts by double digits.
• CJ2K doesn't disappoint, Titans blow out Raiders.
• Green Bay holds on against Vick-led Eagles, Kolb out with concussion.
• Seattle surprises San Fran, blows them out 31-6.
• Skins beat 'Boys in a SNF sleeper, 13-7.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

MNF has finally arrived and my Jets take on the Baltimore Ravens. This game is going to be a ground-n-pound, grind it out, hard-hitting contest. Mark Sanchez, better known as Nacho Taco (reference to him wearing a Taco Bell hat in "Hard Knocks"), looks to prove his doubters wrong by not making too many costly mistakes.

The Sanchise looks to take advantage of a supposedly-weakened Ravens secondary. This is the biggest key to the game. It will be the Ravens biggest weakness against the Jets biggest weakness, and whichever one can take advantage of the other should have a large advantage in this game. Both teams will look to run the ball effectively, but both teams will be passing situations eventually.

It will be interesting to see how the Ravens use their new acquisitions of WR T.J. Housh and CB Josh Wilson. Both players have only been with Baltimore for a few weeks, and will not be as familar with the playbook etc. Also, Flacco will not have the type of chemistry that would be ideal against a team with a good pass defense.

Personally, I think the Jets will win in a close one, but if they come out flat the Ravens could beat them handily.

My Prediction: Jets (-2.5) 20 Ravens 17

Watch Out For:

• Ray Rice and screen plays.
• Vernon Gholston to maybe make a tackle?
• Mark Sanchez, one mistake might lead to more?
• Jets secondary against a revamped Ravens receiving corps.
• Jets trying to run against the Ravens front seven.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 1: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Folks, that time of the year has finally arrived, NFL football is back!

Listed below are my three games to watch during the day. I'll also update how my fantasy teams are doing later on today.

Game 1

Bengals at Pats - This game is very intriguing to me and not just because I'm a Jets fan. This will be a big game for New England to prove that they haven't gone anywhere and are still the team to beat in the ACFE. The Bengals had a very good year last season with a powerful running game and a good defense. Carson Palmer is always dangerous and look for him to test his new toy (T.O.), but don't expect Cinci to stray too far from their running game. As for the Pats, a lot of people are writing them off and saying their defense isn't at all good. If the Pats can shut down the Bengals offense, it won't be a good sign for the rest of the AFC.

My Prediction: Bengals (+5) 24 Cheatriots 20

Game 2

Colts at Texans - This game five years ago would be a blowout. However, in recent seasons Houston has been slowly but surely improving. Last season was their first over the .500 mark, and I couldn't be happier for them. Peyton Manning looks to improve his record against the Texans to 16-1, and Houston looks to shock the football world by beating Manning. This could be the most important game in Texans history. They will be without Brian Cushing, due to suspension, and look for Manning to go after rookie CB Kareem Jackson. Schaub should have a good game, and look for surprisingly good numbers from Texan RB Arian Foster.

My Prediction: Texans (+2) 30 Colts 28

^Going for the upset pick here, more likely to happen is - Colts (-2) 30 Texans 24
Game 3

Packers at Eagles - A member of the Rodgers clan goes to work today. Aaron Rodgers should have a good day against what seems to be a weak Philly secondary. Look for Rodgers to eclipse the 300-yard mark with ease, and in doing so, Ryan Grant should have a good game. I'm very interested to see what Kolb can do in his first start. The Packers secondary got lit up to end their post-season run last year. Kolb will likely try to do the same considering his coach is Andy "I never run the ball" Reid. I don't see any reason why the Packers don't take this one handily.

My Prediction: Packers (-3) 34 Eagles 23


Should be a great first week since we have some intriguing matchups. Check back later for an update, fantasy update and SNF preview.

Rodgers That