NFL Week 16 Picks and Fantasy Championships

By Dan Rodgers

Well, I hope you're ready for some Saturday football. Let's jump right into the picks and I'll talk about fantasy after them.

Oak/KC 2.5 The Chiefs are fighting for the slim playoff lives... I think they pull this one out
Den 3/Buf The Bills have to be upset at the way they are finishing a season that looked so promising... I'm sure they will get up to play Tebow and be a spoiler BUF SU
Jax/Ten 7 Two really bad games in a row for the Titans, but it shouldn't matter who starts at QB. However, if your rookie is playing well, why not start him?
Pit 16/Stl With Charlie Batch starting, I think the Rams can keep this game within two touchdowns
Ari/Cin 4 Everyone thinks this is a trap game for Cincinnati, but I think they will be prepared because a loss would be devastating to their playoff dreams
Mia/NE 9.5 Now this is a trap game. Miami has been playing much better of late on both sides of the ball, and I look for Reggie Bush to have a huge game. Upset Alert
Cle/Bal 12.5 The Ravens owned the Browns last time and only won by 14. Cleveland has been playing well against the run since giving up 200+ to Rice and I think they stick around
NYG/NYJ 3 "The Fight Before Christmas"
Min/Was 6.5 We'll see if the Skins can put together two complete games in a row...
TB/Car 7.5 I hate that extra half point... and this is a divisional game... but TB is awful
SD/Det 2 The Lions are win and in today... I think they'll make it happen
SF 2/Sea A lot of people think this is a trap and I can't believe the line is so low after what SF did on MNF... the 49ers need to win this game to have a chance at a bye so I think they'll give it everything they've got
Phi/Dal 1.5 Since I have the Jets winning, the Eagles will certainly get up for this one... and win outright
Chi/GB 12 I originally had Chicago but I decided they are just too bad with Cutler and Forte gone...
Atl/NO 6.5 Five of the last six games between these two teams were decided by four points or less

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Week 9: 8-6 ATS 9-5 SU
Week 10: 9-7 ATS 9-7 SU
Week 11: 6-5-2 ATS 11-2 SU
Week 12: 8-7-1 ATS 12-4 SU
Week 13: 8-8 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 14: 9-6-1 ATS 12-4 SU
Week 15: 7-7-2 ATS 10-6 SU
Total: 124-91-8 ATS 155-68 SU

It's fantasy championship time in most leagues. If you aren't yet convinced, I made the playoffs in all five leagues and the championship in three leagues.

Unfortunately, I have Stafford and McCoy in one league and I'm facing them in another. If you think I must have had great drafts and not had any injuries, you are definitely wrong. I made a trade in one league: I traded Romo, Dez Bryant and Ray Rice for Stafford, LeSean McCoy, and Jordy Nelson. McCoy is having an MVP season and Stafford gives me a nice combo with Calvin Johnson. Not to mention, in that league I have Forte who recently got hurt and has been out and is still out. I had Mark Ingram on the bench but he's been hurt as well. I was able to pick up Roy Helu, who is been OK, but a Mike Shanahan running back is never a sure thing. Thankfully, my team is just so all-around good, I haven't had to worry about that... yet.

In another league, I've had QB issues all season and been going back and forth between Mark Sanchez and Andy Dalton. I also have Forte in that league, but I still have Rice and Ryan Mathews. However, there is a flex spot that has always been some crazy player for me. Today I have Kahlil Bell, the Bears third-string running back who is starting because of injury. I also have Roddy White and Antonio Gates, and I've been going back and forth on who to start today between Jeremy Maclin and Malcom Floyd. I'm leaning towards Floyd.

I have no idea how I made the championship in this last league. My starting QBs are Josh Freeman and Carson Palmer. My receivers are very good with Roddy White and Marques Colston, and my running backs have been hot recently: Chris Johnson and Ryan Mathews. Willis McGahee has been a pleasant surprise in the flex spot, and 49ers defense has played a huge role this season for me.

I know my stuff for fantasy football, but I will tell you that it has a lot to do with luck. In the first round of the playoffs, both teams in the other match-up scored more than my team and my opponent. However, I've come through in the end and hopefully I can bring at least one championship home. I hope you're rooting for me.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 15 Christmas Miracle Part 3

By Dan Rodgers

Before I go into this, just another quick congrats to Kellen Moore and the Boise State Broncos on their victory and Moore getting to 50 wins.

I did pick Houston on TNF because I figured they would dominate. TJ Yates looked decent and Foster had a great game. Somehow the Texans couldn't score and Indy made them pay. Now Baltimore is back in the driver's seat for the first-round bye.

Well, the night games followed suit. The Ravens were in prime position to go into San Diego and win on the road, further prove they are an elite team, and move one step closer to earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. However, they decided to suck and the Chargers looked like the 10-3 team looking for a first-round bye.

San Diego is 7-7 and somehow still alive in their division. Oh wait, they play in the AFC West, the worst division ever (biggest competition is the NFC East).

Well, the Ravens lost, which means the Steelers are in prime position to steal away the No. 1 seed in the playoffs because they would have a better record and the tiebreaker over the Pats. But wait, just when you expect the Steelers to take advantage of everyone else messing up, they get spanked (like I predicted they would).

The 49ers more than dominated the game and all but knocked the Steelers out of the division race. With Big Ben hurting, the Steelers probably won't try to aggravate the injury. Luckily for the wild card teams, the division winner they will face in the first round will be an apparently bad Texans team, and whichever terrible team represents the AFC West (probably Denver).

Events like week 15 are the reason the NFL is so incredibly popular. They aren't helping their cause with all of the stupid rules and the refs sucking, but the competition is incredible.

Not a good start to this week... I'll be getting my swag back the rest of the season since the semester is over.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 15 Christmas Miracle Part 2

By Dan Rodgers

We will start with my team for Part 2. The Jets were in prime position to make the playoffs after needing help, yet again. Just like two seasons ago, the Jets needed a lot of help to make the playoffs, and took advantage of the help they got.

A few weeks ago, Oakland, Cincinnati, and Tennessee lost to give the Jets the lead for the sixth seed. They controlled their own destiny to make the playoffs, but instead they felt like making it interesting by losing and giving the teams a chance. Not only did they lose to the Eagles, whom they've NEVER beaten (0-9), but they got incredibly embarrassed on offense and defense. Santonio Holmes got a taunting penalty after catching a touchdown to cut the lead to 28-10. All of this after the receiver let a ball go through his hands that was intercepted and fumbled the ball that was returned for a touchdown.

The Jets play the Giants in a game that will most likely decide both team's playoff fate. Surprisingly enough, the Jets still control their destiny based on a lucky tiebreaker with the Bengals. The Giants play the Cowboys in the final week of the season, if they win both games, they are playoff bound.

This madness was just the beginning of the late games. The Raiders scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to take a 13-point lead on the Lions. Matt Stafford led the Lions on a 71-yard drive in under three minutes to cut the lead to six. After forcing a punt, Shane Lechler did what he does best, and pinned the Lions at the two yard-line with just over two minutes to play. Unfortunately, that was way too much time for Detroit.

The game-winning touchdown drive included a 48-yard completion to Calvin Johnson. Megatron also caught the game-winning touchdown, his second on the day. The Lions left over a minute for the Raiders to attempt the tying field goal, which they did. Sebastian Janikowski attempted a 65-yard field goal, which was blocked. If Oakland had won the game, they would have the tiebreaker over the Jets, so New York caught another huge break.

The Cardinals were wetting the bed against Cleveland, but were able to come back and kick the game-winning field goal in OT. I'm not going to spend too much time on this, but it was an incredible game, and the Cards kept their playoff chances alive by getting to 7-7.

The final late game was Tom Brady vs. Tim Tebow, and the game did not live up to the hype. The Broncos actually took a 16-7 lead in the second quarter, but we all know that you can't kick field goals if you want to beat the Pats. After the 16-7 lead, the Pats responded with 20 unanswered points, with three Denver fumbles in the mix. The Denver offense isn't built for huge comebacks, especially when the defense is struggling to stop the opposition.

The Pats scored a touchdown in the third, and everyone thought it was "Tebow Time" when the Broncos cut the lead back to 11. Brady responded with a touchdown drive of his own that killed way too much clock. Tebow and two other Broncos lost fumbles, and the Pats didn't turn the ball over. I hate the Pats, but they shut up the Broncos, Tebow and all of his followers of Tebowism.

The night games only made everything else even more interesting... but we'll get to those tomorrow.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 15 Christmas Miracle Part 1

By Dan Rodgers

Week 15 in the NFL was absolutely out of control. Nothing too out of the ordinary happened in the two games before Sunday, but then things let loose.

Carolina went into Houston and just owned the Texans. There is no reason that the Texans, with a bye on the line, should have let down against a team that has made headlines all season.

Staying in the AFC South, the Indianapolis Colts played incredibly well against the Titans and will not be the second team ever to 0-16. Donald Brown dominated the Tennessee defense, including an 80-yard touchdown run.

Speaking of a one appearing in place of a zero, the Packers pursuit of perfection was put to an end by the... Kansas City Chiefs. I kid you not, the same team that lost to the Jets by more than 20 beat the previously undefeated Green Bay Packers.

I couldn't get over the fact that KC won the game. Seriously, throughout the rest of the day and all day on Monday I was so stunned. The Packers just couldn't get anything going offensively and the Packers defense was bad enough to let the Chiefs score 19.

Lastly, the New York Giants decided to wet the bed after putting up impressive offensive performances against the Packers and Cowboys. In a game that would have put the Giants in great position to make the playoffs, they couldn't get it together at home against a below average Redskins team.

The Giants loss has set up an ever-so-important game on Christmas Eve. But we'll get into that in the next post.

RECAP: The only undefeated team lost and the only defeated team won. Two teams who could have used a win lost to below average teams.

All of this commotion is just what happened early on Sunday. Ugh... I lost on GB, HOU, and TEN...

Rodgers That

NFL Week 15 Picks

By Dan Rodgers

Well, I nailed Atlanta on Thursday night and Dallas looks good tonight. 2-0 is not a bad way to start the week before getting to Sunday.

I am out of town visiting family so I'm just going to post the lines and my picks and not get in to much else.

Was/NYG 6.5 The Skins suck, but they will play the Giants tough. NY SU
GB 13.5/KC The Jets beat KC by four possessions and there is no reason for the Packers to do less than that
NO 7/Min I can't quite figure out why this spread is only a touchdown, but I'll take it...
Sea/Chi 3.5 Clearly Chicago isn't at all good without Cutler and/or Forte, Seattle will at least keep it close if not pull this one out
Car/Hou 6 I have faith in T.J. Yates
Ten 7/Ind The Titans must be pissed about last week and the Colts are beyond lucky they covered last week
Cin 7/Stl Sources say Kellen Clemens is starting for the Rams, and you know Cincy will play their hearts out considering the heartbreaking loss last week (SURVIVOR 11-3)
Mia/Buf 1.5 I have no comment on this game...
Det 1/Oak The Lions are the better team and the Packers really exposed Oakland's defense
NE 7.5/Den I think that New England's defense is bad enough and Denver's defense is good enough to keep this game within a touchdown, but the Pats probably win
NYJ/Phi 3 I can't believe the Jets are underdogs... I love them in this spot
Cle/Ari 6.5 Cleveland is just a terrible team and Arizona is playing well, let's see how they respond as favorites
Bal 3/SD Flying across the country is always tough and Ravens don't do it well. See Seattle game earlier this season
Pit/SF 1 If Big Ben doesn't play, San Fran should take care of business

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Week 9: 8-6 ATS 9-5 SU
Week 10: 9-7 ATS 9-7 SU
Week 11: 6-5-2 ATS 11-2 SU
Week 12: 8-7-1 ATS 12-4 SU
Week 13: 8-8 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 14: 9-6-1 ATS 12-4 SU
Total: 117-84-6 ATS 145-62 SU

I love Arizona and Cincy this week... I also like Green Bay and New Orleans, but you will have to make a judgement call on whether their offenses will be on full blast.

Rodgers That

Reppin' 716

By Dan Rodgers

The New York Knicks have been busy in this brief time since the agreement of the new CBA. They pulled a deal with the defending champion Dallas Mavericks to get Tyson Chandler. One new clause in the CBA is called the "Amnesty Clause." Over the length of the deal (10 years), every team can cut one player without any of the usual financial repercussions to the salary cap, etc. The Knicks already used their amnesty on point guard Chauncey Billups (who has since been claimed by the Los Angeles Clippers). Billups was due over $14 million this season.

The New Orleans Hornets have been attempting to deal Chris Paul to any Los Angeles team, but the league (David Stern) apparently doesn't want Paul to go to L.A. There have been rumors linking Paul to the Knicks but nothing as of recent.

The Knicks made another temporary fix by signing Mike Bibby, who will likely split time with Toney Douglas. Second-year shooting guard Landry Fields will try to build off of successful first half last season, and the Knicks brought in more youth at guard by drafting former Georgia Tech shooting guard Iman Shumpert.

Of course, all of these signings are to complement superstars Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. If you haven't gotten the title yet: Melo is No. 7, Amar'e is No. 1 and TC is No. 6.

The Knicks made the playoffs last season but were swept by the Celtics. Now, with a revamped frontcourt, and a good mix of youth and experience at guard, the Knicks are hoping to battle it out with the Heat, Celtics, and Bulls to represent the Eastern Conference. The Hawks usually compete but they just aren't good enough. However, if the soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets keep Deron Williams and can workout a deal for Dwight Howard, they will more than likely contend.

It should be a crazy 66-game season, and I can't wait.

Rodgers That

Fantasy Football and Week 14 Picks

By Dan Rodgers

I hope everyone is ready because the fantasy football playoffs should be starting in your leagues. I am in the playoffs in all five leagues. Check out the video for more on fantasy football and some quick hits on this week's games.




Ind/Bal 16.5 I learned my lesson last week. Baltimore won't give up too much, but they probably won't do that much
Hou/Cin 3 I still have faith in Houston, especially after how badly Cincy got pounded last week
Oak/GB 11.5 The Packers can't lose, but they can't cover either as of recent
KC/NYJ 10.5 The Jets are a different team at home and shouldn't let up, I would be surprised if KC scored in the double digits SURVIVOR (10-3)
Min/Det 10 The Vikes will be able to score since Suh isn't playing... breakout game for Gerhart
NO 4/Ten Everyone says trap game, I say: big game for CJ but Brees doesn't let up
Phi/Mia 4 I said I would never pick Philly again...
NE 8/Was I don't think we will see a repeat of last week's backdoor cover
Atl 3/Car Atlanta needs this game to have any chance at the division, they want it more than Carolina
TB 3/Jax Two of the toughest teams to read because sometimes they play way above their ability and sometimes they just flat out suck
SF 4/Ari The 49ers are 10-1-1 ATS this season and they should want to knock the Cards out of the playoffs
Chi/Den 3 I think Marion Barber will be able to keep the Bears in the game; expect a big play from the defense and/or special teams
Buf/SD 7 I expect the Bolts to blow out the Bills
NYG/Dal 4.5 The biggest game of the season for the Giants, who knows if they'll show up...
Stl/Sea 10 The Rams suck

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Week 9: 8-6 ATS 9-5 SU
Week 10: 9-7 ATS 9-7 SU
Week 11: 6-5-2 ATS 11-2 SU
Week 12: 8-7-1 ATS 12-4 SU
Week 13: 8-8 ATS 10-6 SU
Total: 108-78-5 ATS 133-58 SU

The Jets won't lose to KC, this is the part of the season when they usually play their best ball (not by dominating, just by winning).

This is a huge game in my pick 'em book. I am in first by a game and the three people closest to me have at least eight games different from me this week. There are three games in which I have a team and the other three took the opponent (Jets, Bears, Rams). This is obviously the most important week in the book that I've had all season. As you can see by my record, I have not been anything other than average the past couple weeks, but I am 30 games over .500 so hopefully I'll have another breakout week.

My favorite picks this week are: 49ers -4/Chargers -7

Best value: Miami -3 (+100) and Atlanta -3 (+110)

@dhrodgers52

Rodgers That

Heisman: RGIII, No Luck, Montee and his TDs

By Dan Rodgers

Tonight, less than an hour ago, was the Heisman Trophy ceremony. QB Robert Griffin III won the prestigious award, the first Baylor player in history.

Below is the list of the first, second, and third place finishers for the award and their season statistics:

1. Robert Griffin III, QB 9-3 Baylor 3,998 p-yards 72.4% 36 TD 6 INT - 644 ru-yards 9 TD
2. Andrew Luck, QB 11-1 Stanford 3,170 p-yards, 70.0% 35 TD 9 INT - 153 ru-yards 2 TD
3. Trent Richardson, RB 11-1 Alabama 1,583 ru-yards 20 TD - 27 rec 327 rec-yards 3 TD

It appears that RGIII has the best statistical season of the three top vote-getters. However, for much of the season, Luck was playing with a few walk-on receivers and his tight end. Trent Richard "led" his team to a more-than-likely berth in the BCS National Championship game and had over 160 total yards in the team's only loss: 9-6 OT to LSU (the kicker missed multiple FGs). Take a look at two other players I feel were deserving of consideration:

Russell Wilson, QB 11-2 Wisconsin 2879 p-yards 72.5% 31 TD 3 INT - 320 ru-yards 5 TD
Montee Ball, RB 11-2 Wisconsin 1759 ru-yards 32 TD - 20 rec 255 rec-yards 6 TD

Wilson had a comparable season to RGIII, and the only reason his passing yards are so long is because Wisconsin often pulled him from the game when they were killing their opponent. They also would be playing for the National Championship had they not lost on a hail mary in back-to-back games. Even more impressive is the job Ball did carrying to load when Wilson need a pick-me-up. It is even scarier to think of what Ball's totals would be like if he did split some carries with James White, who stole over 600 yards and 6 TDs.

I am probably not as educated as I should be in Heisman voting, how they choose the top candidates, etc. I would like to think that each player is evaluated similarly. I would have expected the fact that RGIII didn't lead his team to a conference championship to hinder his chances. Baylor was blown out twice and RGIII was completely outplayed in one of the games. I guess the voters didn't feel as if the other players had a good enough season statistically speaking, for that to come in to play.

Look out tomorrow for NFL picks...

Rodgers That

Week 13 Picks

By Dan Rodgers

OK, so I was hoping to get this out earlier but the Towson game was nuts. As a Jets fan, I thought I had seen all of the possible ways of losing, but my Towson Tigers showed me something new.

Anyway, I am actually supposed to be in Virginia right now because I'm going to the Jets @ Redskins game today. I couldn't find my wallet so I couldn't leave last night, but I finally found it so I'm going to spit out my picks and then hit the road for some tailgating and football.

Ten/Buf 2.5 It's games like this you think the Titans would be favored...
KC/Chi 7 This SHOULD be a slaughter, but we saw what happened with Pittsburgh
Oak/Mia 3 You might be thinking, "Why isn't Oakland favored?" You're about to find out why
Cin/Pit 6.5 Cincy didn't play that well last week against Cleveland and I think Pittsburgh will rebound from last week's game
NYJ 3/Was Huge letdown spot for the Jets, but if they want to make their late season playoff push, they will get the job done
Atl 3/Hou Good team playing with rookie QB, look for the defense to step up big: Houston SU
Car/TB 3 Freeman is better than Newton, even if he isn't playing that way
Den/Min 1 I can't wait to see how many people took Denver in my book
Ind/NE 20 I didn't think I would ever pick a team favored by this much, but Indy takes losing to a whole new level... (SURVIVOR 9-3)
Bal 6.5/Cle I can't believe I'm picking the Ravens, on the road, against a bad team
Dal 5/Ari For some reason, everyone loves Arizona here. This is a huge game for Dallas as they can pull ahead of the Giants by two games...
Stl/SF 13 This matchup isn't even fair
GB 7/NYG This is why the Cowboys can go ahead by two games... I can't believe this line is so low considering how good Green Bay looked against Detroit, how bad NY looked, and the extra time to prepare for the Pack
Det/NO 9 I can't pick against Brees when he is as on fire as he is, the defense better step up
SD 3/Jax New owner, new coach, the team should get up for this game on MNF: JAX SU

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Week 9: 8-6 ATS 9-5 SU
Week 10: 9-7 ATS 9-7 SU
Week 11: 6-5-2 ATS 11-2 SU
Week 12: 8-7-1 ATS 12-4 SU
Total: 100-70-5 ATS 123-52 SU

You can tell that I didn't feel like actually picking a survivor, so I just went with New England...

As you can tell, the last time I had a solid week was back in Week 7. I have a good feeling about this week though.

Rodgers That

Week 12 Review, 13 Preview

By Dan Rodgers

OK, sorry this is out so late, but I can give you any number of people as proof that I had Seattle. It should also be proof that I said a few weeks ago that I was never picking Philly again.

First off, Thanksgiving started out decent and ended awfully. Even though the Pack covered with ease, my fantasy players in the game didn't accomplish much. Then, the Cowboys let the recently relentless Dolphins stick around long enough to get the cover. And at night the 49ers offense can't do anything and the Ravens only needed 16 points for the win and cover.

So I started off 1-2 ATS and 2-1 SU.

Then on Sunday, I forgot that whenever I pick the Rams, they suck... especially against the Cards. For the second time this season, the amazing Patrick Peterson had a punt return touchdown against St. Louis. This was incredibly frustrating.

Then the Jets game: they won, so I don't care...

I read the battle of Ohio game perfectly. However, due to the Browns being stupid enough to attempt a 55-yard field goal with less than two minutes left and the game tied, the Bengals almost got the push with an awesome play by AJ Green. Thankfully, he was pushed out at the 2-yardline and the Browns held Cincy to a field goal. Cleveland easily should have won the game as they outplayed Cincy the whole game, but at least I got the cover. The Houston game was easy even though Leinart got hurt and they played with their third-string quarterback. Carolina and Tennessee went back and forth, but I came out on top.

In my book, I had Atlanta at 9.5 but on here I have them at 10. That is frustrating considering the Falcons were owning Minnesota the whole game and out of no where it was a three point game. The Chicago game was just as frustrating. I don't remember Caleb Hanie sucking so much in last season's NFC championship. Of course, the Bears should have won outright but missed the cover by a point. Seattle was playing fairly well. Washington got a 50-yard bomb on third and forever. The momentum immediately shifted and Seattle was screwed.

New England and Denver were easy choices and I even got Denver SU. Pittsburgh's defense played extremely well and forced a ton of turnovers, but the offense looked really out of sync and couldn't capitalize on anything. New Orleans destroyed New York.

The covers I missed, I was fairly close and seemed to get screwed on a few instances. It was really frustrating.

Philly sucks and had to travel on a short week. Seattle is a tough place to play and Lynch absolutely owned the Philly run defense.

A few notables this week:

• The Patriots are favored by more than 20 points over the Colts, and this is only the tenth time since 1989 that a team has been a favorite of 20 or more. Favorites in the previous nine contests are 2-7 ATS. However, Indy is so unbelievably terrible I don't know if I can pick them.
  
• There are four teams favored even though they are playing a team with a better record, three of them are at home.
• 13 of the 16 games this week have a line of a touchdown or less.
• The 49ers can clinch the division this week with a win over the Rams.
• Could we have an 0-12 and 12-0 team?

A few games I think are interesting:

• I know Houston lost two quarterbacks but they are still at home. Teams that play their first game with their backup quarterback usually try to play well for them. I think they will beat Atlanta outright.
  
• I know Detroit has been struggling but I was surprised to see New Orleans favored by nine. I will definitely have to do some research that game because that is a big spread for a team in the Lions who scores a lot.
• San Francisco is coming back home and has extra rest. The defense played great against Baltimore and now they face divisional foe St. Louis. They are only favored by 13 and they should cover easy.
  
• My favorite game is Green Bay vs. New York. The Giants are clearly in their usual late-season tailspin. The Packers are still on fire and there is no reason they shouldn't win by 20, just like New Orleans did last week. For some reason, the Pack is only favored by 6.5 and I like them to cover that from the first quarter through the game.
  

I'll post my picks tomorrow before I go to the Towson vs. Lehigh game. I'm pumped for the game because it is the first meaningful game since I've been at school.

Rodgers That

The Rest of Week 12

By Dan Rodgers

OK, so I didn't give you my Thanksgiving recap, but I'll include that with the rest of the games early this week. Unfortunately, I didn't have a lot to be thankful for, football-wise.

Ari/Stl 2.5 For some reason, whenever there is a battle of bad teams, I just have to go with the home team
Buf/NYJ 9.5 The spread is probably big because of the last game between the teams, so let's hope for a repeat
Cle/Cin 7 Cleveland plays these games tough and this will probably be a push
Hou 6.5/Jax Houston will win this easy because they will want to show they can compete without Schaub
Car 4/Ind The Colts are awful, I just can't pick them...
TB/Ten 3.5 Tampa sucks, hopefully we will see Jake Locker again
Min/Atl 10 No AP, not All-Day... Falcons win easy
Chi/Oak 4 Caleb Hanie is starting, but I think the Bears defense will step up
Was/Sea 3.5 Washington sucks, they played Dallas tough because that's what they do, but it's always difficult to play in Seattle SURVIVOR (9-2)
NE 3.5/Phi I told you I wasn't taking Philly, even though I can't describe to you how much I hate that extra half point
Den/SD 6 Denver has been playing well, the last game was decided by 5 and Rivers is struggling
Pit 10.5/KC Repeat of last week's game against NE, Steelers win big
NYG/NO 7 The Giants had a huge let down last week against Philly, I think they'll have a hard time rebounding against the Saints

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Week 9: 8-6 ATS 9-5 SU
Week 10: 9-7 ATS 9-7 SU
Week 11: 6-5-2 ATS 11-2 SU
Total: 92-63-4 ATS 111-48 SU

These lines are interesting because you've got the Jets coming off an embarrassing loss who are almost double digit favorites, and Houston just lost their starting quarterback and they are on the road in the division and favored by just under a touchdown. I don't care about the extra half point, the Steelers need to make a statement and the Chiefs are a good team to do it against. If Orton plays then I won't feel as good, but Tyler Palko sucks. Unfortunately, there are a ton of lines with an extra half point, but most of them aren't changing my opinion (i.e. Seattle, Tennessee).

The fantasy playoffs are right around the corner, and I'm going to be in them in every one of my leagues (I think). One league I'm dominating and in first place, and I'm just in the mix in the rest. Don't hesitate to ask any fantasy football questions.

@dhrodgers52

Rodgers That

Happy Thanksgiving

By Dan Rodgers

So, in my eyes, I've been struggling with my picks. I've been around .500 the last few weeks which is below average in my mind because I know what I'm capable of doing. I hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving because this is one of the greatest American traditions, eat as much as possible and watch football from noon until midnight. I'll post today's games now and the rest tomorrow or Saturday.

Green Bay Packers -6 at Detroit Lions

The Pack is unstoppable... offensively. Fortunately for the Lions, their defense is suspect at best. A mediocre Josh Freeman and LaGarrett Blount kept it relatively close against Green Bay last week, who at two separate times in the fourth quarter cut the lead to two points. I think that it is tradition for the Lions to play, and lose, on Thanksgiving. While Detroit's offense looked good in the second half last week, they aren't going up against a defense as bad as Carolina's. Also, keep in mind that Detroit gave up 35 points to Cam Newton and Steve Smith. I think that means we are looking at about 50 points from Aaron Rodgers, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley... (and the list goes on).

It should be a better game than we've seen in recent years, but I don't think Detroit will be able to have the offensive success they had last week to the tune of 49 points. I wouldn't be surprised to see a backdoor cover by either team.

Packers (-6) 31 Lion 23

Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys -7

I'll start by saying that the Miami Dolphins have won three games in a row. That in itself is absolutely amazing, but let us consider the competition (Kansas City, Washington, Buffalo). Dallas played down to their opponent last week as it took overtime and a few missed field goals to beat Washington. However, the Cowboys always get up for Thanksgiving and Tony Romo is 4-0 ATS on Thanksgiving. For some reason, they are the anti-Lions. While the Lions stink it up every year, we can always count on Dallas to take care of business. This year shouldn't be any different. While Dallas' defense might have some issues with Miami's newly impressive passing game, there is no way Miami can stop Romo, Murray, Bryant and Witten.

I like DeMarco Murray to have a good game even though Miami has played well against the run recently. Also, Brandon Marshall is in for a big day because Dallas' secondary has been decimated by injuries.

Cowboys (-7) 34 Dolphins 24

San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens -3.5

I will be at this game, and it should be a great one. Of course, it has been dubbed the Harbaugh Bowl, or the Harbowl, or whatever you want to call it. The first game in NFL history where the teams are coached by brothers. In my opinion, the NFL shafted the 49ers this week, similar to how they did the Jets last week. The 49ers have to travel from coast to coast (already very difficult), and now they have to do it on a short week.

San Fran has been outstanding this year defensively. They have yet to give up a rushing touchdown, and that will most definitely be put to the test tonight as they face off against Ray Rice. This game will be determined by whether or not San Fran's offense can do anything against Baltimore's defense. This should be a low-scoring affair, but I don't expect sloppy football. Whichever way it goes, it won't be a happy Thanksgiving in the Harbaugh home.

X-Factor: Whether or not Ray Lewis plays tonight.

San Francisco (+3.5) 20 Ravens 17

Once again, enjoy your Thanksgiving and all of the games today.

@dhrodgers52

Rodgers That

NFL Week 11: Quickie

By Dan Rodgers

Unfortunately, I have a project for school that I have to do from 10 a.m. until around game time, so I have to throw my picks in now because I wasn't able to earlier in the week. I will only have my picks and I'll do post-game analysis.

Obviously I took the Jets at -6 because I forgot they feel like sucking as of recent.

Buf 1.5/Mia Buffalo is reeling and Miami is playing well, they will win outright at home
Cin/Bal 7 This will be a defensive game and like most Ravens games, it will be a possession game
Jax/Cle 1 Jacksonville is playing their third straight road game, Cleveland will get it done SURVIVOR (8-2)
Oak/Min PK The Vikes are coming off a pounding from GB and can't get up for Oakland
Car/Det 7 So much offense, expect a ton of points... Carolina should keep it close
TB/GB 14 Green Bay is amazing, Tampa is no match for them
Dal 7/Was Washington is terrible and Dallas has been playing really well as of late
Ari/SF 9.5 I know this is a division game but San Fran is too good and Arizona is not as good as they played last week
Sea/Stl 2.5 Both teams suck so the home team gets it done
SD/Chi 3.5 The Chargers need this game so I wouldn't be surprised if they got it done
Ten/Atl 6 Atlanta is better than Tennessee who has struggled
Phi/NYG 6 I told you I am done picking the Eagles
KC/NE 14.5 The Pats will absolutely destroy KC... Tyler Palko sucks

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Week 9: 8-6 ATS 9-5 SU
Week 10: 9-7 ATS 9-7 SU
Total: 86-58-2 ATS 100-46 SU

Note to self:

The Philadelphia Eagles suck, so stop picking them to cover.

NFL Week 10: picks and preview

By Dan Rodgers

Last week was frustrating because of all the backdoor covers and terrible play by some of the teams. I still ended up over .500 ATS and SU. So far, I'm picking about 60% ATS and 70% SU. I would like to up both of those by at least five percent by season's end.

The reason I'm posting the games so early is because there was a death in the family and I will be out of town. I'm not sure if I will be able to post or update these, but this is how I feel about them right now.

Oak/SD 7 So this game was last night, but honestly I thought San Diego was going to cover ... They clearly suck
Hou 3/TB I'm hearing a lot of mixed opinions on this game, but I think Tampa is so inconsistent and Houston is the better team...
Ari/Phi The line has yet to be released for this game, but it doesn't matter because the Eagles should kill the Cards (SURVIVOR 8-1)
Was/Mia 4 The Skins have shown their true colors recently and I think Miami gets two in a row
Den/KC 4 This is divisional game in a division that sucks and is sometimes tough to predict. Denver SU
Jax 3/Ind Another awful game this weekend that people have mixed opinions about. This is one of four games left that I think Indy has a chance to win... but they won't
Buf/Dal 5.5 I love the Cowboys in this game. Buffalo is coming off a bad loss and is not good on the road
Stl/Cle 3 As I said right above, another awful game. I think St. Louis is going to be pissed about last week and will take this one SU.
NO 1/Atl Finally, a better game... people have mixed opinions on this one as well. I think Atlanta needs to get back on track at home
Ten/Car 3 Tennessee doesn't have much going for them and I think Carolina should take care of business at home... Cam makes plays
Pit 3/Cin While this is a good game, it is tough to read. Cincy has only played one good team, a 5-point loss to San Fran... I think Pittsburgh is too good for them
Det/Chi 3 I was confused by this because Detroit is young and talented and the Bears are inconsistent. I think it will be a close game and I like the upset Detroit SU
NYG/SF 3.5 The 49ers are playing fairly well and I think the Giants are a bit overrated. I think San Fran will pull this one out
Bal 7/Sea Seattle usually plays tough at home and Baltimore might come out flat after an emotional last second win against Pittsburgh... Ravens SU
NE/NYJ 1 A lot of people are not sure why the Jets are favored here, but New England is struggling and the Jets are playing well... I think they take the division lead
Min/GB 13 Last time these two played Minnesota came back and only lost by six, and I think they play them tough again. The Packers defense isn't that good GB SU

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Week 9: 8-6 ATS 9-5 SU
Total: 77-51-2 ATS 91-39 SU

This is a tough week for survivor, but the Philly spread should be more than seven and I think they are safe even though they are struggling. Arizona is just plain bad, which I am surprised by, but they've be consistently bad so we must take advantage of that.

This should be an interesting week and unfortunately, I don't feel too confident. We shall see.

@dhrodgers52

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NFL Week 9

By Dan Rodgers

So last week was another sub-par week by my own standards. However, I'm feeling another weird week this week because a lot of the lines seem off from what you might have thought they would be.

Atl 6.5/Ind I was giving the Colts some respect and they have been tough to read this season, but Matty Ice should get it done by at least a touchdown.
TB/NO 8.5 I can't believe the Saints are favored by over a touchdown after Tampa beat them earlier and they let down against the Rams. NO SU
Cle/Hou 10.5 Houston is a much better team, but you know how I feel about double-digit spreads Houston SU (SURVIVOR 7-1)
NYJ/Buf 2.5 Do or die for the Jets, and the Bills need this win to prove they are legit Jets SU
Mia/KC 4 Kansas City has come to play this season (not including the first few games)
SF 4/Was This is by far the most awkward line of the afternoon, but it's not enough to make me sway from San Fran
Sea/Dal 11 I hate Seattle, but you know how I feel about double-digit lines
Den/Oak 7.5 Divisional game should be within a touchdown Oakland SU
Cin/Ten 2.5 The Bengals are the better team so I like them as an underdog Cincy SU
Stl/Ari 3 This is a battle of backups and AJ Feeley proved he is a decent backup. Rams SU
NYG/NE 8.5 Rematch of the 2007 Super Bowl, the Giants should keep it close and watch for the upset if Manning can pick apart the New England secondary
GB 5.5/SD Rivers is clearly not in his element and the Packers are healthier coming off the bye
Bal/Pit 3 The Steelers are playing well and want to prove week 1 was a fluke
Chi/Phi 8 I'm not sure about this one yet because Philly is playing well and sometimes Chicago is tough to read

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 8: 7-6 ATS 9-4 SU
Total: 69-45-2 ATS 82-34 SU

Survivor: Obviously now that I already messed up, I'm killing it and even though I'm picking Cleveland, Houston should have no problem winning. Unfortunately (for my fantasy team) Andre Johnson is still out, but that shouldn't matter.

Week 9 bold prediction: Wow... I picked 11 road teams to cover...

@dhrodgers52

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MLB MVP races

By Dan Rodgers

They haven't announced awards yet, but I'm going to offer my soon-to-be-considered expert opinion.

So, in my soon-to-be-considered expert opinion, pitchers should not be eligible for the Most Valuable Player award. The MVP award goes to the most outstanding, or valuable, player in each league. The Cy Young award is to honor the best pitcher in each league. Why should pitchers be eligible for both awards when there is no MVP-type award specifically for position players.

NOTE: The Hank Aaron Award is given to the player with the best offensive season, but was initially introduced in 1999 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hank Aaron surpassing Babe Ruth and becoming the home run king. I don't think of this award on the same level as the MVP or Cy Young Award.

Because of my feelings on this, I will not be including pitchers in the decision for MVP.

The National League MVP is really only between two players: Matt Kemp, OF Los Angeles Dodgers and Ryan Braun, OF Milwaukee Brewers.

Braun: .332 BA 33 HR 111 RBI 33 SB .397 OBP .597 SLG 58 BB 93 SO - 1 E
Kemp: .324 BA 39 HR 126 RBI 40 SB .399 OBP .586 SLG 74 BB 159 SO - 5 E

As you can see, they have very similar statistics. A few things stand out to me, Braun has a higher average, less strikeouts and less errors. Clearly the differences aren't much, but that combined with Braun leading his team to the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and their first division title in over a decade makes me lean in his direction. Don't get me wrong, Kemp is a great player, but I think the Dodgers finishing in third in one of baseball's less competitive divisions is going to hurt his chances.

NOTE: Given that Matt Kemp has now won the 2011 Hank Aaron Award, chances are he will not win the MVP.

NL MVP: Ryan Braun, OF Milwaukee Brewers

The American League MVP is a bit more competitive. The Yankees have two candidates (Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson), the Red Sox have two more (Jacoby Ellsbury and Adrian Gonzalez), and the Blue Jays have one more (Jose Bautista). That's five alone in the AL East. The last candidate is Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers.

Granderson: .262 BA 41 HR 119 RBI 25 SB .364 OBP .552 SLG 85 BB 169 SO - 3 E
Cano: .302 BA 28 HR 118 RBI 8 SB .349 OBP .533 SLG 38 BB 96 SO - 10 E
Ellsbury: .321 BA 32 HR 105 RBI 39 SB .376 OBP .552 SLG 52 BB 98 SO - 0 E
Gonzalez: .338 BA 27 HR 117 RBI 1 SB .410 OBP .548 SLG 74 BB 119 SO - 4 E
Bautista: .302 BA 43 HR 103 RBI 9 SB .447 OBP .608 SLG 132 BB 111 SO - 6 E
Cabrera: .344 BA 30 HR 105 RBI 2 SB .448 OBP .586 SLG 108 BB 89 SO - 13 E

As you can see, all of the candidates had phenomenal seasons. Most voters take into consideration whether or not the player's team made the playoffs and how they did. The Red Sox and Blue Jays did not make the playoffs, and Boston's historic collapse might hinder the chances of Ellsbury and Gonzalez. Cabrera and Cano both had respectable postseasons, offensively, and Granderson made a few game-saving catches that kept the Yanks in it.

NOTE: Jose Bautista won the Hank Aaron Award for the AL, and Jacoby Ellsbury was named the Comeback Player of the Year so neither of them will probably win MVP.

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, 1B Detroit Tigers

@dhrodgers

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NFL Week 8: Double digits

By Dan Rodgers

Note to self: If you want, look at trends and the opinions of "experts," but always make the final decision for yourself.

OK, now I'll explain that: Double digit underdogs cover the spread more often than not. I tried to find loopholes involving unbeaten and winless teams. Then, the Packers allowed a backdoor cover and the Ravens just flat out sucked. So we're looking into it. I'm coming up with a system similar to that of picking survivor teams. I'll let you know more about it next week because I'm testing it this week since there are so many big spreads.

In case you were wondering, I'm in first place in my

Ind/Ten 8.5 Tennessee has not been playing very well since they lost Kenny Britt, the Colts should keep it within single digits.
Jax/Hou 9.5 The Texans performed as expected last week against the Titans and Jacksonville gave the Ravens everything they had and won't get up for Houston.
Min/Car 3 Carolina is decent and Newton makes plays, they should win at home.
NO 14.5/Stl Ugh, another massive spread... I think we might get a backdoor cover from St. Louis - not a fan of the extra half point.
Ari/Bal 13 The Ravens were so terrible last week that I'm going to give themselves a chance for redemption. They better not mess it up.
Mia/NYG 10 The Giants should destroy Miami. They get Justin Tuck back and Miami won't do much in the cold.
Was/Buf 6 (in Toronto) I think Washington is decent enough to stick with the Bills. Teams have been flat coming off the bye.
Det 3.5/Den I think we're getting value because Denver came back to win and the Lions looked bad against Atlanta. Detroit should get back to work if Stafford plays.
NE 3.5/Pit The Steelers usually don't beat Tom Brady but they should at least keep it within a field goal.
Cle/SF 9 I love this game. I can't see the 49ers not killing Cleveland since San Fran is at home. SURVIVOR (6-1)
Cin 2/Sea Awkward spot for Cincy, coming off a bye and playing in Seattle doesn't bode well for them. Seattle SU
Dal/Phi 3 Philly is on their way to getting back on track and should win a nationally televised game at home.
SD 4/KC The Chiefs always seem to play San Diego tough... should be within a field goal and look for the upset.

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Week 7: 9-3-1 ATS 10-3 SU
Total: 62-39-2 ATS 73-30 SU

Survivor is pretty easy this week because San Fran is playing well and they are at home against a team that is mediocre at best. Not much else to talk about.

There are six spreads of over a touchdown. That is pretty crazy considering two of those are division games and one is a road team. Everyone talks about the awesome thing that is the NFL, "Any given Sunday." So it's surprising to see so many big lines.

Week 8 bold prediction: The Packers stay undefeated and the Dolphins, Colts and Rams stay defeated? Obviously I'm not feeling creative.

@dhrodgers52

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NFL Week 7: Bouncing back

By Dan Rodgers

Just as I suspected, last week I bounced back fairly well from my dreadful week 5. If you're not yet convinced of my talent, I'm going to try to find the numbers for my previous seasons so you can see my consistency.

NCAA: Rough week for Top 25 as seven teams went down, including four to unranked opponents and two top 10 teams. Unfortunately, I was hit by a few of those because I didn't expect Wisconsin to only play in the first and fourth quarters

Chi 1.5/TB (in London) No home team, the Bucs got up last week for New Orleans and Chicago is playing better
Was/Car 3 Should be able to take care of business at home assuming Philly showed Washington's true colors last week
SD/NYJ 1 Weird spread and movement all week, Jets play well at home
Sea/Cle 3 Seattle still sucks and is a road team...
Hou/Ten 3 Curious spread, I think Houston is just the better team
Den 1/Mia Crazy movement in this line, and rightfully so...Denver should kill them
Atl/Det 3 This line dropped but I still like Atlanta, Detroit SU
KC/Oak 4.5 Who knows what the Raiders are getting from their QB, possible upset, Oakland SU
Pit 4.5/Ari Pittsburgh should be more than 4.5 points better than Arizona, weak SB rematch
GB 12/Min Aaron Rodgers is amazing (it comes with the last name)
Stl/Dal 14 Rams are defeated, so that allows me to take Dallas here SURVIVOR (5-1)
Ind/NO 13.5 Even though Indy is defeated, I think they'll cover, wish I had the extra half point though... NO SU
Bal 10/Jax There is a time and place for EVERY rule to be broken and this is it... There is no reason for the Ravens to not win this game by 30+ points

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Week 6: 10-3 ATS 10-3 SU
Total: 53-36-1 ATS 63-27 SU

I just realized I took nine out of 13 road teams to cover, that's pretty wild. Of course I'll probably go 16-1 with survivor but who cares because I screwed myself!

Anyway, this is an interested week because there are a lot of double digit spreads (4) and spreads of a field goal or less (7). I think it's about time we see some separation and the good teams rise to the top. I hate letting mediocre teams (Buffalo/Washington) hang around.

Week 7 bold prediction: The Broncos, Packers, Cowboys and Ravens all win by at least three touchdowns.

@dhrodgers52

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NFL Week 6: Paying the bills

By Dan Rodgers

OK, well that warning in the last post about a last week was coincidentally in reference to last week. It was one of the worst football weeks of my entire life.

The Giants started the party by sucking against a team that is so terrible on the road, it's ALMOST a guaranteed win for their opponents. The Seahawks this season, before the Giants game, were 2-0 ATS at home and 0-2 ATS on the road. But that trend isn't just this season, they have been known for being terrible on the road and competitive at home. But of course, since I picked the Giants in every way possible, they lost...

Joining the party were the two backdoor covers in the late games. New England and San Diego both kicked late field goals in their respective games to cover the spread, if you got it late in the week. The Pats opened at -9.5 and won by 9, but they closed at -7. The Chargers were -6 to open the week, but closed at 4.5 and they won by 5. So basically, it was just a whole big mess.

In terms of the headline, "Paying the bills," is in reference to my need to pay my bills. Usually, I am beyond against it, but I am working during the early games this Sunday. The Ravens (girlfriend's team) don't play until 4 and the Jets play MNF. *I know, bring on the boos

So you'll get a video right now for Sunday and I'll throw in some college:



These are my picks for now, but I'm going to review them tonight or tomorrow and possibly make some changes so check back.

Stl/GB 14 I have a new rule to always take the underdog in a double-digit spread, but the exception is if the favorite is undefeated...
Jax/Pit 12 The Steelers aren't undefeated (see above)
Phi 1.5/Was I have to give the Eagles a shot... they lose here and they're done
SF/Det 4 San Fran is playing very well, but I think the Lions can take care of business at home
Car/Atl 4 While Carolina covers all the time, I think Matty Ice will get back on track at home
Ind/Cin 7 The Bengals are way more than 7 points better than Indy... especially at home
Buf/NYG 3 I hate the Giants, but they should rebound at home
Hou/Bal 7.5 The Ravens catch Houston without Andre and Mario...plus Schaub is banged up SURVIVOR (4-1)
Cle/Oak 6.5 Oakland had an emotional win last week and they will have another one at home this week
Dal/NE 6.5 Dallas has a good enough offense to keep up with New England...possible upset but not likely
NO 4.5/TB I LOVE THE SAINTS IN THIS GAME! Tampa might not be as good as everyone thought... the Saints will show that
Min/Chi 3 Interesting game...if Chicago's defense can't get back on track Minnesota can take this SU and AP will have a field day
Mia/NYJ 7 The Jets must win to stay alive and they will cover if Brandon Marshall stays true to his word on getting ejected

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 5: 6-7 ATS 7-6 SU
Total: 43-33-1 ATS 53-24 SU

Survivor: I know I got knocked out because of the stupid Giants, but if you're still in, now is the time to take the Ravens. They are a solid favorite and facing a Texans team that is very beat up and missing two of their best players. Baltimore should be able to capitalize in a big way.

Week 6 bold prediction: Should be a big week for the favorites...at least 10 of them cover

Twitter: @dhrodgers52

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NFL: Let's Vent

By Dan Rodgers

Are the New York Giants serious? Eli Manning throws three interception and the team fumbles three times, losing two of them.

They were playing the Seattle Seahawks. Let us review this. Don't even try to tell me the interception in the red zone wasn't Manning's fault. He led Victor Cruz way too much and Cruz was forced to reach out for the ball. There was still over a minute left and they were inside the 10; there was no reason to not run the ball.

Regardless, New York should have killed them because the Seahawks are terrible away from home; not to mention they had to travel to the east coast for an early game! This had all the makings for the Giants to kill them and of course, they suck. Seattle has gotten killed on the road and had five sacks in four games, but today they had three on Manning.

I should have been smarter and realized that 10 people, including myself, picked the Giants for survivor and I should have stayed away. I admit, I was probably a bit lazy and picked New York because they were the blatantly obvious choice, but the thing with me is that I'm smarter than that. Usually. Today I wasn't and it cost me big time. I hate the Giants now...

On to the Jaguars... This game went relatively how I expected. The Jags scored more than I thought, but when it came down to it, I was still in perfect position to win. Blane Gabbert fumbled while driving for a potential win (they were at midfield), and Cincy tried to run the ball out but turned it over on downs with like 10 seconds left. The Jags completed a pass and did the whole b.s. lateral thing to try to make something happened, and someone on the Bengals picked up the loose ball and ran it in for a TD. You should be able to guess why I'm upset that the total score went from 43 points to 50.

Lastly, I should have been smarter with the Houston game. They beat Pittsburgh last week which was huge for them and they are playing an Oakland team that is pissed about under-performing at home against New England and is emotional about the passing of Al Davis.

Early games: 4-4 ATS 5-3 SU

UGH.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 5: keep it going

By Dan Rodgers

I feel like the lines this year have been tougher than in recent years. I've been picking in my pool for over four years now, and it just seems like there are a ton more close spreads this season. It doesn't seem to matter as I had an average (in my opinion) week ATS but owned SU.

I'm going to give you the disclaimer now: At some point, like everybody else, I will probably have a terrible week... Just remember, there's always next week (or next season)

KC/Ind 2.5 Indy is still terrible and KC started to score last week KC SU
Ari/Min 3 AP should go off today, I expect some points
Phi 3/Buf Philly needs this one badly, they're down but not out
Oak/Hou 5 A bit high considering Oakland as shown life, but I like Schaub at home
NO 7/Car Higher than expected considering Carolina has shown they can score, but Brees is too good
Cin/Jax PK Incredible value with Cincy here, they are 3-1 and playing a weak Jags offense, love the under
Ten/Pit 3 I know they're beat up, but only three points for Pittsburgh AT HOME...
Sea/NYG 10 Seattle has proved they can play at home, but flying across the country for an early game will be tough SURVIVOR PICK (4-0)
TB/SF 3 Don't like this game but I like WalterFootball and he likes Tampa TB SU
NYJ/NE 7 I might be a homer but I think we always try to get up for the Pats and this is a big spread for a division game- Jets offer tremendous value for the line pays +100 and SU is +290 NYJ SU
SD 4.5/Den Denver's home advantage is unlike most teams (a la Seattle) Look for the upset Denver SU
GB 7/Atl This spread is big because Atlanta blew a big lead at Seattle and Green Bay destroyed Denver, I think the Pack is a little overvalued here but they are still amazing
Chi/Det 6 Chicago likes blowing leads and Detroit likes coming back...

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 4: 9-7 ATS 13-3 SU
Total: 37-26-1 ATS (59%) 46-18 SU (72%)

You see that right above? Jump on the bandwagon while there is still room...

SURVIVOR: To be honest, the Giants are the only viable option this week. Even if I could use a team I've already used, I would go with the Giants. Even though Seattle has been playing fairly well in their last two, both have been at home. Seattle is 0-2 ATS on the road, getting outscored 17-57. The Giants offense has been playing incredibly well and I don't think Seattle can give them enough problems on defense to threaten the cover, let alone the win. 21 of 35 have been knocked out of my pool, 14 the first week and seven between the last two weeks.

Week 5 bold prediction: We will still have at least two defeated teams (0-5)

Also, I'm going to start posting this on Friday or Saturday so you actually have time to read and possibly use this gold that I'm posting. Look for a midweek video on fantasy. I'm 4-0 in two leagues and 3-0-1 in another...

Follow me on Twitter: @dhrodgers52

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Sports Video Blog: NFL Week 4: On a roll

By Dan Rodgers

OK, we enter this week on a roll in picks and fantasy, so let's keep it going. Finally, I have another video for you.

There are a lot of great games this week and a few that should be blowouts...but remember: Any Given Sunday

Det/Dal 1.5 Strange spread, Detroit is better team...look for points - Det SU
NO 8/Jax Saints should absolutely destroy them, look for over 30 points from NO
SF/Phi 9.5 San Fran has been playing well, Eagles need this one badly - Philly SU
Was 2.5/Stl The Rams aren't as bad as last week showed - St. Louis SU
Ten 1.5/Cle Cleveland should take care of business at home - Cleveland SU
Buf 4/Cin UPSET SPECIAL! Cincy SU
Min 3.5/KC KC finally has a decent week at home - Kansas City SU
Car/Chi 7 If all is right in the world, Chicago will blow them out...
Pit/Hou 3.5 If Pittsburgh plays like they did last week, Schaub will throw for over 400
Atl 6/Sea Seattle sun isn't hot enough to melt Matty Ice
NYG 3/Ari Hate this game...
Mia/SD 7 San Diego is just plain better, and at home... SURVIVOR PICK (3-0)
Den/GB 13 Super Bowl champs should win by at least 20 points
NE 6/Oak Possible upset...Brady is out for blood though... NE SU
NYJ/Bal 3.5 Should be a 3-point game in either direction... Ravens SU
Ind/TB 10 Freeman finally breaks out this year and his fantasy owners celebrate a comeback win

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU
Week 3: 11-4-1 ATS 10-6 SU
Total: 28-19-1 ATS 33-15 SU



SURVIVOR: I've been cutting it close with survivor, but in my mind, that's what has to be done... I got away with the Titans last week even though they played terribly and CJ2K has yet to break out. I think San Diego is too good to lose at home to a miserably 0-3 Miami team. Rivers is going to be looking to have a big bounce back week after struggling big time last week against KC. I like the Chargers to cover the spread but I'm not too confident in that. Miami has kept it close the past three weeks.

Fantasy Review: I have been tearing it up in fantasy football thus far. In the leagues that matter, I am: 3-0, 3-0, 2-0-1, 2-1, 1-2... So as you can see, I am only struggling in one league. In that league, I have Arian Foster (finally playing this week) and Rashard Mendenhall (disappointment thus far). In the other leagues, I have a mix of players like: Ray Rice (2 leagues), Matt Forte (2), Roddy White (2), Calvin Johnson (2), Mike Wallace (1), Jermichael Finley (3), Vernon Davis (1), Andre Johnson (1).

So as you can tell, I have a ton of players that have been playing really well this season and this is just to name a few. If you aren't yet convinced of my ability, ask me questions about picks or fantasy...let me prove it to you.

Week 4 bold prediction: At least 8 road teams will win this week

Remember, follow me on Twitter: @dhrodger52

Rodgers That

Betting basics and more

By Dan Rodgers

I figured now would be as good a time as any to go over the betting basics for those of you who might be less familiar.

First of all, you've seen me post stuff like: Stl/NYG 6

In simple terms, this means that the St. Louis Rams are playing at the New York Giants and the Giants are favored by six points. The fact that NYG is bold means that is my pick. Traditionally, you will see something like this:

Favorite         Line        Underdog         Total
At Giants        -6             Rams            43.5

This is the way you will see it on FootballLocks.com.

OK, now I'm going to list some of the possible terms that might be included in sports betting and their respective definitions:

• Favorite: The team that is favored to win the game
  
• Underdog: The team projected to lose the game
• Point Spread (aka Line): The number of points that one team is projected to win or lose by, "-" denotes the favorite and "+" denotes the underdog
• Total: The projected points scored in the game, also referred to as the Over/Under
• Moneyline: The odds that the team will win or lose, Ex. -270 or +230
• Odds: The payout; in a sports book: -110 means if you bet $110 you win $100, in the situation that the team is favored (-), you have to bet the odds to payout $100, but in the situation that the team is the underdog (+), you have to bet $100 to payout the odds, Ex. +300 means if you bet $100 you win $300
• Straight Bet: A straight bet is exactly how it sounds, it simply a bet with one item, be it a total, moneyline, point spread, etc.
  
• Parlay: Betting on two or more point spreads, totals, or moneylines in a single bet. Parlay odds are approximately as follows if betting on point spread or totals: 2-team pays 2.6 to 1, 3-team pays 6 to 1, 4-team pays 10 to 1, 5-team pays 25 to 1 and so on and so forth...
• Teaser: Similar to a parlay because you have to have two or more items, but pays out less because you adjust the point spread or total in your favor. Every place is different but you can adjust the line anywhere from 3 to 10 points with half points, Ex. a 6-point teaser would take the Giants from 6-point favorites to zero, so they would only be required to win the game.
  

There are many other options, such as: progressive parlays, if bets, pleasers, and so much more. However, for the sake of understanding, this is already a lot of information and a good place to start.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

*This is simply information; I am in no way endorsing or encouraging gambling, especially through illegal platforms.

I hope all of you enjoyed the final night of the baseball season...I know I did. Playoff time it is; go Yankees!

Rodgers That

NFL Week 3: Steelers suck

By Dan Rodgers

This will be a short post because I really just need to update the Dallas/Washington line.

Dallas has opened at -4, but I've found it interesting that the line has already moved to Dallas -2.5 and I won't pick the game until tomorrow night. The spread is freaking me out and I want to see how the public reacts to everyone betting the Skins this hard. I'll update this post later with my thoughts on the game...if I have any.

UPDATE: I've decided I like the Skins tonight. I've been reading up on some things and I think they will stay competitive enough to cover the four points. Dallas has enough injuries that Washington should be able to at least keep it close. Also, a fun fact is that the road team has covered in six of the previous seven meetings. Make sure you root for Tim Hightower so I can lock it up in fantasy this week.

As for the Pittsburgh Steelers... they can go to hell. They come out firing and they look phenomenal in the first quarter, and then they just suck the rest of the game. I don't understand if an 85-yard bomb to Mike Wallace worked once, it should work again. Also, how do you not change your protection scheme when Freeney and Mathis are feasting on your offensive line? Big Ben is partly at fault, but Tomlin needed to put extra tight ends or something to help block. The Colts get rocked week one by Houston and couldn't keep up with Cleveland, but the Steelers allow them to drive right down the field on them for the tie?

Anyway, the Steelers are overrated and I will not fall for that one again. The Ravens performed as expected. Tennessee didn't cover, but they won so I'm still alive. It was a crazy week because Detroit, Tennessee, Carolina, San Diego and Pittsburgh all played close games and were choices in survivor. Only three of 21 people were eliminated this week: New England (road and divisional), Arizona (road) and a guy who didn't pick.

Next week, an early look-ahead: the only two games I'm even considering are Chicago at home against Carolina and Green Bay at home against Denver.

Be back with more on the MNF game later. CHECK UP TOP.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 3 Picks and more

By Dan Rodgers

I know you're disappointed that I'm not doing a video again this week. However, you should have been happy that last week I was 10-6 ATS and 13-3 SU.

I'm starting to get into a groove and you don't want to fall behind, but before I get too cocky/confident, this week has a ton of close games that could go either way. Fortunately, I feel pretty solid about the games.

SF/Cin 2.5 Weird spread...have to go with Cincy
NE 7/Buf NE SU, wouldn't be surprised by Buffalo
Hou/NO 4 Houston isn't quite ready to battle with the big boys
NYG/Phi 8.5 Division games are tough, Eagles SU
Mia/Cle 2 Miami SU
Den/Ten 7 Will CJ2K ever get going? SURVIVOR PICK (2-0)
Det 3/Min Lions 3-0?
Jax/Car 3 Newton gets his first win
KC/SD 14 Hate this game, Gates is out...SD SU
NYJ 3/Oak Letdown game for Jets...stay away
Bal 4/Stl Ravens rebound strong
Atl/TB 1.5 Matty Ice melts in the Florida sun
Ari 3.5/Sea Seattle SU, 12th man
GB 4/Chi SB Champs
Pit 10.5/Ind Colts suck for Luck

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU
Week 2: 10-6 ATS 13-3 SU - Expect this kind of success throughout the season. I know what I'm doing and it will show. Everyone has rough weeks, but winners come out on top in the end.

OK, this is an interesting week. You have three spreads over a touchdown and six that are three points or less. Usually, I like to take the underdog in massive spreads because it's so difficult to cover. However, in the Steelers case, they showed that they are actually good last week by shutting out Seattle and the Colts are just terrible. So, I feel comfortable with Pittsburgh.

However, for the Eagles and Chargers, both games are against divisional opponents and anything can happen in division games. KC has lost by over 30 points in consecutive weeks, but you can bet your ass they will get up for this one. The Chargers lost to New England last week and you know they wanted that game. They will also be without Antonio Gates.

Remember: Survivor picks are only straight up... I know Tennessee kind of breaks the rule of picking a bad team, but they played well against Baltimore so they should take care of business against a terrible Denver squad. Hopefully, CJ2K will finally get going and look for the Titans defense to force the Broncos to be one-dimensional.

The two spreads I love the most:

Steelers -10.5: The Steelers proved the Ravens game was a fluke and they can still play. Indy is terrible without Peyton: He is to the Colts as LeBron James was to the Cavs...

Ravens -4: This spread is so wrong. Baltimore was terrible last week, so everyone is thinking they aren't that good. Well, they weren't as good as everyone thought after the Steelers game. For some reason, even though the Rams couldn't score touchdowns against the Giants injured defense, people think the Rams can score on the Ravens? No. Ravens by two touchdowns.

Week 3 bold prediction: The NFC North and AFC East will be the only divisions with undefeated teams and both will have two.

Lastly, I only went 3-3-1 in fantasy this past week. Fortunately, two of the losses were in free leagues and the other loss was to the guy who scored the most points last week. And yes, I did tie last week: 126.52-126.52 I couldn't believe it. The only guy I had left was Mike Sims-Walker and I was down 9.2 points. He had 92 receiving yards (not a PPR league). He made a garbage catch but there was holding on the play. I'm experiencing pretty decent success and I'm not 0-2 in any league that matters.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 2: Picks but No Video

By Dan Rodgers

So, there is no video this week because I didn't get one done before Friday and now I'm in Jersey. My girlfriend and I drove to my sister's place in Lancaster yesterday and came to Jersey today for my cousin's engagement party. Thankfully, the Jets are home this week and a bunch of us are going to the game. I'm going to try to get a video of the inside of the stadium.

Below are my picks, just like last week: The bold team is my pick and the favored team has the number (spread) next to them.

Chi/NO 6.5 Saints straight up
KC/Det 8.5
Jax/NYJ 9
Ari/Was 4
Bal 7/Ten
Sea/Pit 14.5 SURVIVOR PICK* (1-0)
GB 11.5/Car
TB/Min 3 Bucs SU as well
Cle 2/Ind
Oak/Buf 3.5
Dal 4/SF 49ers SU as well
Cin/Den 3.5 Don't touch
SD/NE 7 Pats SU
Hou 3.5/Mia
Phi 2.5/Atl Don't touch
Stl/NYG 6

Week 1: 7-9 ATS 10-6 SU, Last week was rough because it was the first week after a lockout shortened offseason. I think around .500 is decent enough.

Games with notes next to them mean I wouldn't touch the game or I picked the underdog to cover so I'm specifying if I also like them to win (straight up/SU) as well.

I'm going to start giving explanations on the Jets games because I try to not let fanhood get in the way. This week it's simple, I think they'll score like they did last week but give up less because the Jags offense isn't as good as Dallas'.

*Keep in mind survivor pick is strictly who will win the game, no spreads involved:
Pittsburgh was an easy survivor pick because of last week. They were absolutely embarrassed by the Ravens and there won't be a game they are more prepared for than this one. If they lose this week they should just forfeit the season. The 49ers crushed them last week and if they couldn't move the ball against San Fran, they definitely won't be able to against Pittsburgh. Other considerations were the Jets (but I'm trying to not pick them) and the Lions (I want to know if they are for real).

I like to use most of the advice from WalterFootball, who recommends that you do a few things while picking your survivor team:

1. Never take a road team (That's why I'm not considering Packers/Ravens this week)
   
2. Never take a team in a divisional game
3. Never take a bad team
4. Never choose an underdog (as determined by the spread)

He also says to never save teams and always take your best option. If everyone listened to him, everyone would be taking the Steelers this week because they are the clear-cut best option. Hopefully, they'll take care of business and we'll see upsets elsewhere to knock some people out. Last week, out of the 35 people in my pool, 14 were knocked out. Cleveland and Kansas City were the teams that did (or maybe didn't do) damage last week, so who will be that team this week?

Three potentials: 49ers (+4), Chargers (+7), Rams (+6)

Week 2 Bold Prediction: Three (6 total) teams in the AFC East and NFC North will be 2-0

Last but not least, I went 5-2 in my seven fantasy leagues. One I lost, it's a B.S. one that I didn't attend draft and it's only for fun and the other is because the dumb experts told me to start Deangelo Williams over Ben Tate. I lost by 8 points, and Tate had 11 more points than Williams. But, I'm not here to make excuses, business will be taken care of this week.

Rodgers That

Sports Video Blog: NFL Week One: United We Stand

By Dan Rodgers

In this video I talk briefly about a few more fantasy teams and then go into today and tomorrow's games.

Before I get into more, I want to take a second to write about 9/11. Today is the 10-year anniversary, and we are lucky enough to have football (and baseball) today. If not for the men and women that risk their lives, we wouldn't have football, or fantasy football, or anything involving this game we love. We need to always remember those that lost their lives 10 years ago, and I hope you remember this while you're cheering for boys. Respect, first, and foremost.



Below are the games, away team is one the left and home team is on the right. The team is favored if the spread is next to them. PK denotes there is no spread and you pick the game straight up. The bold teams are my picks.

Pit/Bal PK
Atl 2.5/Chi
Cin/Cle 7.5
Ind/Hou 9
Ten/Jax PK
Buf/KC 5.5
Phi 4.5/Stl
Det/TB PK
Car/Ari 7.5 SURVIVOR PICK (0-0)
Min/SD 8.5
Sea/SF 5.5
NYG 3/Was
Dal/NYJ 6
NE 7.5/Mia
Oak/Den 3

Enjoy the games, remember 9/11, follow me on Twitter: @dhrodgers52, good luck in fantasy...

Rodgers That

NFL Season Opener

By Dan Rodgers

I know I haven't posted anything in a while. I hope everyone stayed safe during the hurricane and the other terrible weather. Also, hopefully you got power back before me.

This will be a short game preview and prediction and I will finish some fantasy teams and further talk about the NFL in my next video.

Saints @ Packers

Line: Packers by 4

In case you don't understand spreads and other gambling terminology, I'll be posting a video about that.

The Packers won this past Super Bowl, the Saints won the one before that. Both teams got there and won with an explosive offense and a play-making defense. We will start by taking a look at both offenses.

Both of these quarterbacks are top five in the NFL, and they make the players around them better. Aaron Rodgers didn't waste the years he sat on the bench behind Brett Favre, and won the Super Bowl is just his third year as a starter. Drew Brees proved the Chargers wrong by leading the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history.

Brees is getting old and on the way down (don't get me wrong, he is still a great QB). He is lacking the necessary playmakers on offense to truly attack the Packers defense. The Saints will hope rookie Mark Ingram will turn into their every-down running back, and tight end Jimmy Graham continues to work off of last season's success. However, the wide receivers have yet to develop as the Saints probably hoped.

The Packers on the other hand have proven stars on offense (Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, etc.) that Rodgers makes even better. Green Bay doesn't really need their running game, however, Ryan Grant is an above average back who is coming off of an injury and James Starks filled in nicely. Rodgers has been on point during the preseason, and the Pack look to be in prime position to defend their title.

I think the Saints offense will keep them within fighting distance, but their defense probably won't do them any favors tonight. Their defense continues to age as well and have never been that good. They do make big plays, but Rodgers is too good to let that beat him.

The Packers defense has been top five in the league since Dom Capers joined them two seasons ago. They look to continue that run against the Saints offense and get redeem themselves for the 51-29 loss the year before Capers took over.

Prediction: Packers (-4) 27 Saints 21

Rodgers That

Sports Video Blog: Fantasy Draft 1

By Dan Rodgers

This video is of my first fantasy draft of the year which took place last night. We're using FoxSports.com and the breakdown and my roster are as follows:

Starters: 2 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 2TE 1 K, 2 DEF Bench 10 any position

Keeper 1: Andre Johnson, Hou
Keeper 2: Arian Foster, Hou
Keeper 3: Rashard Mendenhall, Pit
Round 1: Mike Wallace, Pit
Round 2: Ben Roethlisberger,Pit
Round 3: Vernon Davis, San Fran
Round 4: Dez Bryant, Dal
Round 5: Dustin Keller, NYJ
Round 6: Mark Sanchez, NYJ
Round 7: Detroit Defense
Round 8: Atlanta Defense
Round 9: DeAngelo Williams, Car
Round 10: Sidney Rice, Sea
Round 11: Heath Miller, Pit
Round 12: Hines Ward, Pit
Round 13: San Francisco Defense
Round 14: Alex Smith, San Fran
Round 15: Matt Bryant, Atl
Round 16: Ryan Grant, GB
Round 17: Visanthe Shiancoe, Min
Round 18: DeMarco Murray, Dal
Round 19: Jake Locker, Ten



I'll be posting other drafts I have later on as they come up, so let me know what you think and if there is someone else I should target, etc.

Rodgers That

Sports Video Blog: NFC QBs by Division

By Dan Rodgers

Below you should find my video on NFC QBs. Like in the AFC video, I break down each division and the quarterback situation for each team.




Coming soon: My fantasy teams from my upcoming drafts.

Rodgers That

The Terrible Franchise that is the Oakland Raiders

By Dan Rodgers

You might wonder why I would dedicate an entire post to the Oakland Raiders. Well, I'm not too sure ... maybe Al Davis makes everyone that listens stupider.

The NFL held their annual supplemental draft on Monday. The only player that was selected was former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor. Considering this post is about the Raiders, you can assume that Pryor was drafted in the third round by Oakland.

In case you're not familiar with the supplemental draft, this will help you out:
Players that didn't file for the NFL draft or were for some reason ineligible are allowed to enter the supplemental draft. Teams must submit a "bid" for a player when the round arrives that they want to select them. However, they must forfeit their pick in that round in the following year's draft. For example, the Raiders selected Terrelle Pryor in the third round. Now they have to forfeit their third-round pick in the 2012 draft. The Raiders don't have a second- or fourth-round pick in next year's draft, so they selected Pryor in the third round and didn't risk another team selecting him in the fourth.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Fun fact: Oakland has drafted the player with the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine in Indianapolis the past three years.

I understand Al Davis has a history with the NFL, dating as far back as the AFL, but he is over 80 years old and has not successfully run the franchise for a few years. It seems like all he is interested in is the most athletically-gifted players. He over-drafted Darrius Heyward-Bey a few years ago, took Terrelle Pryor as I mentioned above, drafted Jacoby Ford (incredible speed), Darren McFadden and the list goes on...

The NFL needs to step in and do something about this problem if the franchise doesn't turn around soon. The QBs on the roster are Jason Campbell, Kyle Boller, Trent Edwards and Pryor when the sign him. That is utterly pathetic. Campbell could have been a quality starter but got stuck in a terrible situation in Washington before going to Oakland.

Basically, I would give the Raiders a few "probationary" years to get the franchise in better shape. Then, I would require minority owners in the team to devise a plan for ownership and decision-making within the franchise. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy laughing at them, but the Raiders struggles are not good for the game.

They differ from the Bills, Lions, Rams and other teams that might be struggling. Clearly the Lions and Rams are on the up-tick. The Bills are terrible but make decent personnel moves and attempt to bring in proven talented players to help the team.

However, while the Raiders want to suck, I'll gladly take one more game against a lesser opponent on the Jets schedule.

Rodgers That

Sports Video Blog: AFC QBs by Division

By Dan Rodgers

OK, this has been a summer from hell for me. I know that is no excuse but I promise I will pick up the pace. I have two videos to post that I did last week. I will do NFC QBs as soon as possible and get that posted as well.







Rodgers That

Sports Video Blog: NFL Chaos and Then Some

By Dan Rodgers

I haven't written anything in between, but I'll get to it. The NFL has been hectic recently and the video discusses that, along with the Pirates v. Braves debacle, and a tip of the cap to Tim Tebow.





Rodgers That

Sports Video Blog, Debut

By Dan Rodgers

This video is just an introduction and isn't too organized. In future videos I will get more specific.





Rodgers That

YouTube Channel

By Dan Rodgers

I just got back from an excellent weekend at the beach. I want to let everyone know that I am starting a video blog on YouTube. I will either post the link or upload the video directly. I will be looking at, ideally, one or two posts per week and I am not sure if I will be writing as much. Stay tuned...

Rodgers That

MLB All-Star Weekend

By Dan Rodgers

I know it's been a while. This post is going to discuss the baseball all-star festivities.

Major League Baseball has a lot to offer in regards to the all-star festivities, but it is missing one huge aspect: a skills competition. Other sports have them and baseball's all-star festivities is one of the more popular ones in terms of fan interest.

I got bored and started to think of things that would be cool to see at a skill competition:

• Outfielders throw and try to land the ball in a bucket at home plate - tests arm strength and accuracy
• Pitchers try to hit a bull's-eye behind the plate - tests accuracy
• Pitchers try to throw a ball with the most break, in inches - tests nothing really, just fun
• Keep the derby, everyone loves it
• First basemen stand at first and scoop balls - tests fielding ability, scoops can be impressive

There are dozens more that could be thought up and fun to watch for the fans. Major League Baseball needs to make more of an event out of the all-star break and come up with events that will spark fan interest.

On a side note, the game shouldn't determine home field advantage for the World Series. It should be determined by record and then come up with tiebreakers. These guys are professionals and they are going to want to win regardless of whether the outcome actually means anything.

Rodgers That