NFL Week 5: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Week five has a ton of intriguing match ups and we're definitely in store for some upsets as no spread this week is double digits.

Game 1

Chiefs at Colts - Being the last undefeated team, the Chiefs have something to be proud of. However, they've only played three games. They have a tough match up this week against an Indy team who is beyond furious with the fact that they have two losses already. Look for Indy to come out firing on a weak KC defense. Don't count the Chiefs out though, Indy's defense is extremely weak and they could do some damage. Look for rookie Dexter McCluster to make some big plays for KC.

My Prediction: Colts 28 Chiefs (+8) 23

Game 2

Giants at Texans - This is going to be an extremely good game between a defense that sacked the QB 10 times last week and the No. 1 ranked...rushing offense? That's right folks, Houston leads the NFL in rushing yards, primarily because of the fast start Arian Foster has gotten of to. The Giants will have to slow down an explosive Texans, that will get WR Andre Johnson back this week, and hope to get Matt Schaub out of his comfort zone. The Giants will be missing their starting Center, Defensive End and Linebacker. The Giants might have a chance if they can put up the points, but don't count on that with LB Brian Cushing hopefully returning to the field for Houston. The Texans should improve to 4-1.

My Prediction: Texans (-3) 34 Giants 17

Game 3

Vikes at Jets - This is the MNF game and it has no shortage of storylines, including but not limited to:

• Brett Favre's return to New York
• Moss to the Vikings, will play 17 games this year
• Santonio Holmes returns from suspension
• Revis and Pace return from injury
• Jets 4-0 all-time at home against Vikings

As you can tell, tomorrow night will be a very exciting time in my life and football in general. I think this is a winnable game for the Jets. They are playing great football, while Minnesota struggled the first two weeks of the season. The Vikes haven't found their groove yet, and being in New York, I don't see how the Jets will lose. I like them to cover the spread handily in a revenge game for the Jets organization.

My Prediction: Jets (-4) 24 Vikings 13

Are You Ready for Some Football?

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Moss to Vikes, MNF vs. NYJ

By Dan Rodgers

Of course, the Minnesota Vikings trade for a HOF receiver the week before they play my NY Jets. I am not worried though because the Jets could be as close to full strength on Monday night as they'll get all season. Darrelle Revis, Calvin Pace and Santonio Holmes all should return to the lineup against the Vikings.

Revis, an All-Pro CB, signed with the team late and then pulled his aggrivated a hamstring against the Pats. The Jets have faired well without him, going 3-0, but he is clearly their best defender and need him back ASAP. Pace is the best pass rusher on the team, and he is desperately needed back on a Jets team who only has eight sacks in four games.

Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, is said to potentially the best player on the Jets offense and without a doubt their best receiver. It will be hard to live up to those expectations with the way Sanchez, Keller, Edwards and LT are playing, but I certainly look forward to him trying. Holmes has electrifying speed and accelerates to the ball. He is a fantastic deep threat and should add to Sanchez's success.

Wow, a lot was said about the Jets in a post that I thought was going to be about Randy Moss and the Minnesota Vikings. Basically, if Brett Favre keeps sucking, it won't matter whether they have Moss or not. Maybe all Favre needs is another weapon since Sidney Rice is injured, but I doubt Moss alone will turn the Vikes around.

Moss is second in Vikings history in just about every statistical category possible for receivers. He was essentially stolen away from the Pats for only a third round pick, practically nothing compared to what he can bring to a squad.

I don't think Moss will be enough to get the Vikings past the Jets, in New Jersey nonethless. However, if they were going to make a push (I know it's only week five), having Moss certainly won't hurt.

Side note: Moss will be only the second player in NFL history to play in back-to-back Monday night games...can you name the other?

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1/4 NFL predictions

By Dan Rodgers

So we are officially 25% done with the regular season, well, at least most teams have played four games by now.

There have been a few surprises this season and personally, I don't think too many of them will last:

• The Kansas City Chiefs, the last unbeaten team, are 3-0 heading into their week five game against the Colts.
• The Dallas Cowboys are 1-2 heading into their week five game against the Titans.
• The Colts are 2-2, with two divisional losses to the Texans and Jaguars, respectively.
• The San Francisco 49ers are 0-4 heading into their week five game against the Eagles.
• The Houston Texans are 3-1, off to the best start in franchise history, and now get star LB Brian Cushing back from suspension.
• The New York Jets are 3-1, only loss being by 1 pt. to the Ravens, get back LB Calvin Pace, CB Darrelle Revis, and WR Santonio Holmes going into a revenge game against Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings.
• Speaking of the Vikes, Favre has thrown six interceptions in three games (one shy of total of last season) and doesn't appear to have the magic of 2009.
  

The Chiefs should come down to Earth, while the Cowboys and Colts should both get back on track. Look for Houston to stay on track and have a good shot to make the playoffs, they'll give Indy a run for their money. The 49ers are arguably the biggest shock because many "experts" picked them to win the NFC West. Who knows what will happen with them...

Of course, I'm praying that my Jets stay on fire. They have already won more games in the division this year than they did all of last. They get to face a banged up Minnesota team this coming week, and they'll look to make a statement on national television.

Season Predictions:

AFC East: 2 Representatives - Jets and Pats
AFC North: 1(2) Representative(s) - Ravens and/or Steelers
AFC South: 1(2) Representative(s) - Colts and/or Texans
AFC West: 1 Representative - Chargers

Three out of four teams between the Ravens, Steelers, Colts and Texans will advance to the playoffs.

NFC East: 1 Representative - Giants
NFC North: 2 Representatives - Bears and Packers
NFC South: 2 Representatives - Falcons and Saints
NFC West: 1 Representative - Rams or Cardinals

The Rams or the Cards will win the division with a mediocre record, the other won't make the playoffs.

Even though we have only experienced a small sample of this NFL season, it has still proven to be crazy...over the next 13 weeks we will see if the ship will right itself for some teams or they can shock the NFL world.

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HBO's Hard Knocks: starring Sexy Rexy

By Dan Rodgers

Week one of HBO's Hard Knocks premiered this evening. Let me tell you it was beyond cool seeing this different aspect of the NFL and of my team in particular.

However, it was weird hearing all the players and coaches curse so much and talking so inappropriately. To us fans they are just players and coaches playing football, but it was interesting to see that human side of all of them.

The Jets, since I was born, haven't really gotten a lot of media attention because they haven't been good or done anything crazy/media worthy. All that has changed now that "Sexy Rexy", as the players call him, has taken over. Coach Ryan is very outspoken and not afraid to make predictions about anything regarding the Jets.

There were a few things involving Revis; Rex made a joke looking for him in his dorm room. Mike T also saw his commercial and seemed to deeply miss the All-Pro defensive back; encouraging news for us. However, we saw the frustration Mike T was experiencing after the meeting with Revis' agents.

A funny aspect involved the various fines that were handed out to players and coaches for random things. For example, Rex received a one-dollar "snack fine" for eating a snack that was not healthy for him. One of the coaches brought in tanning spray and was jogging without his shirt on, so he received a few five-dollar fines.

On the other hand, HBO captured the heart-breaking aspect of training camp, showing the Jets releasing two undrafted free agents. One of the two was released after performing very well in the first few days in camp. Doctors had informed Jets personell that he didn't have good knees and would most likely not have a long, productive career.

Week two (Wednesday at 10) should make for a great episode after a phenomenal introduction episode. Look for a possible Revis-update, maybe another player getting released, a Sanchez update, and hopefully some "Rexedy" (Rex induced humor).

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It's not crazy, it's just sports

By Dan Rodgers

We will start with the only sport that is currently in season and run down the important things that have happened recently.

MLB

• Yanks 3B Alex Rodriguez hits his 600 career homer.
• Nolan Ryan and Mark Cuban enter a bidding war for ownership of the Texas Rangers.
• Old people traded at deadline to try and get W.S. ring (note: Berkman, Oswalt)

NFL

• Favre says good chance he will play if ankle is healthy.
• Allegations have Favre "sexting" to a member of the Jets personnel.
  
• Jets CB Revis holds out from training camp, wants big money.
• Albert Haynesworth fails conditioning test...again and again...
• Big Ben suspended for 4-6 games.
  

NBA

• John Wall to D.C.
• Amar'e travels to the Knicks...looks for playmate.
• King James joins Bosh and Wade in Miami.

NHL

• Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup.
  
• Caps to face Pens in Winter Classic...at Heinz Field.
• League rejects 17-year deal for Kovalchuk.
  

Moves around the NFL

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, this post is solely going to be about relatively significant moves made around the NFL, and my opinion about them if I feel necessary.

1. If you didn't know Donovan McNabb was a Redskin by now, quit life. If you were trying to ignore the fact that he wants T.O. to join him in D.C. I can't blame you. The Skins are bad enough, imagine that plus Owens...
2. The Broncos dealt Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins so he could get lost on Revis Island. At least the Broncos made out well getting a second round pick in this and next year's draft.
   
3. The Eagles acquired LB Ernie Sims from Detroit, sent a late round pick to the Broncos, who then sent TE Tony Scheffler to Detroit. Hmm, kind of confusing...Eagles easily got the best end in a good young backer.
   
4. Jason Taylor to the Jets...in the words of the Mighty Ducks, "Just because you wear the uniform, doesn't mean you're a real Duck."
   
5. Rams trade DT Adam Carriker to Skins...who cares?
6. Pats sign WR Holt...ugh, just the Pats bringing another old guy who is going to look like a pro-bowler in that offense?
7. Steelers bring back Byron Leftwich...enough said

I'll post any more as they happen

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Another big name WR on the move

By Dan Rodgers

For the second consecutive summer the Denver Broncos have traded away one of their best players. They shipped WR Brandon Marshall to the Miami Dolphins for a second-round pick in this years draft and next years draft. Are you kidding me? Marshall is worth so much and the Broncos nearly gave him away for two good OLBs? Two second round picks for one of the best receivers in the game. He is only 26 by the way! Ah!

I am clearly unhappy because I think Marshall is an absolute monster and now he is playing for, pending a physical, a division rival of mine. Once again, Revis to the rescue...hopefully. I can only hope that Marshall gets lost on Revis Island like the other top receivers in the game. That doesn't change the fact that he is a game changer and someone who you have to plan around.

The reason I don't like this move, from an unbiased standpoint, is because Miami is not a big passing team. They have shown they can be successful with a short/middle passing game and an extremely effective running game.

We will see what happens but now Revis' schedule, along with the Jets, just got a whole lot more difficult. Marshall is expected to sign one of the most lucrative wide receiver contracts in NFL history. Check back later for any updates.

Rodgers That

UPDATED: Jets add CB, Bears get spicy

By Dan Rodgers

Other signings/trades so far:

• Brandon Manumaleuna also signs with Chicago
• Nate Burleson and Kyle Vanden Bosch sign with the Lions
• Dunta Robinson expected to sign with Falcons by Sunday
• Anquan Boldin traded to Baltimore for a third and fourth round pick.
• Fins bolster defense with the addition of Karlos Dansby
• Giants steal Antrel Rolle from the Cards in free agency
• Jets get ripped off, deal S Kerry Rhodes to Cards for a fourth and seventh round pick.
• Jaguars agree to terms with Pro-Bowl pass rusher Aaron Kampman
• Chiefs being in veteran Thomas Jones to mentor young stud Jamaal Charles
• Report: Bengals pass on T.O. and sign Antonio Bryant
  

The Jets made a splash right before free agency began last night. Gang Green traded a conditional third round pick to San Diego in return for the 25-year-old Antonio Cromartie.

Vastly looked upon as a highly athletic, yet troubled player, Cromartie comes to New York looking for a fresh start. As a Jets fan, I couldn't be happier with the situation. The 2011 draft pick at best would become a second rounder depending on Cromartie's performance this coming season. Cro' has displayed incredible athletic abilities and should complement Darrelle Revis well. The Jets already displayed the number one pass defense last season, but were exposed in the AFC Championship game. Peyton Manning shredded the other defensivebacks in the second half, one reason the Jets felt the need to bring in an established corner. This should solidify their defense and allow them to focus on drafting a pass rusher. AFC offenses beware...

The other big move on free agency Friday was the signing of Julius Peppers. The Bears signed the big name defensive end to a six-year deal worth as much as $91.5 million. Peppers should restore some of the Chicago defense that we are used to seeing, but keep in him: he is 30. The Bears also added former-Viking Chester Taylor to the backfield. He will compete with Matt Forte for time, after Forte had a sophomore slump following his impressive rookie campaign. Obviously, you can't go wrong with J-Pepp, but the Bears should focus a bit more on finding Jay Cutler a target (cough Brandon Marshall cough) instead of bringing in a two 30-year-old players.

Check back for more signings...

Rodgers That

Looking ahead: NFL Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Cowboys (+2.5) at Vikings

This is an interesting game because, I can't believe it's actually true, it's playoff time and the Dallas Cowboys are red hot. Besides the Chargers I think Dallas is the hottest team in the NFL right now. Right now Tony Romo is playing very well and even Roy Williams is getting into the mix. Miles Austin is having a break out season (sucks for the Jets who chose not to sign him) and the Cowboys are using all three running backs very effectively. The defense, led by DeMarcus Ware, is playing very well as they were second in the NFL in points per game (15.6). The Vikes are winning games but not playing their best football. The defense is playing well as expected but I don't see how they can slow down the Dallas offense which is ranked in the top 10 in passing and rushing. I like Dallas to edge out the Vikes in a game that will have more offense than expected. Look for Brett the...Viking...to turn the ball over a time or two.

My prediction: Cowboys (+2.5) 27 Vikings 20

Jets (+7) at Chargers

The Jets come into this game winning six out of their last seven, impressive right? Well, it would be if the team they were facing hadn't closed out the season winning their last 11 in a row. The Chargers momentum might have been slowed due to the bye week, but that doens't mean that they aren't playing great football. They are my AFC Super Bowl pick. Unfortunately that means they will have to go through my Jets which is going to be devasting for me. I can be realistic though and and see right now that the Chargers are the better team. However, don't be surprised to see my Jets put up a hell of a fight because they match up so well. They play stellar pass defense which is San Diego's strong point. The Chargers aren't too good at stopping the run (117.8 ypg) and the Jets lead the league in rushing with over 170 yards per game. The primary match up is going to be Phillip Rivers combined with his three targets of six foot four inches or taller against Darrelle Revis and the Jets undersized defensive backs. However, also keep an eye on Mark Sanchez and his ability to pass the ball and potentially stretch the field with Braylon Edwards.

My preciction (unfortunately): Jets (+7) 20 Chargers 24

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