Were you a fool?

By Dan Rodgers

So I was at my buddies place watching the Chicago game thinking to myself, "Oh my gosh! What are all my readers going to do without my insightful posts regarding the NFL Playoffs?"

Well, all I can say is that I hope you weren't one of the suckers that fell into the Seattle trap. They faced another double digit spread, but this one wasn't the same as the last. Chicago has a much worse offense, but a defense that is world's better than the Saints. If you are a good decision maker, you wouldn't have bet on the game; HOWEVER, if you are an intelligent sports bettor then you would have placed a decent sized bet on the Bears to beat the crap out of the Seahawks.

Sure, it's easy for my to say this now you might think. I did pick the Bears in my personal NFL pool, and I would have "best bet" them if I wasn't more confident in the Pack (which I was).

The guy who is in first place (shocked it's not me?), thinks he is the man but this was an easy pick. He was riding the Seahawks until they didn't cover instead of taking a halfway decent look at the game. Seattle is just a downright bad team and last week was an absolute fluke. You might say, "Chicago is inconsistent, Cutler sucks a lot and QB's in their first playoff game in the last eight or so years are like 5-19."

WELL, I combat that by saying, Seattle is terrible. They are playing in freezing temperatures and the Bears are used to that. They are playing a good defense, something the Saints definitely didn't have. Seattle threw the kitchen sink at New Orleans because everyone was writing them off, but team's like Seattle can't continue to pull that out because they aren't good.

Whatever, Seattle sucks, Chicago will lose to Green Bay next week and the Pack will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl like I predicted in the preseason. Gosh it feels good to be right...

Rodgers That

Wow, it's Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Wow, I can't believe it is Sunday already. I'm sorry for letting this week slip by without a post. I obviously have been a bit out of it and had a rough night of work last night. I forgot to do the games to watch, so I am going to take care of that right now with the late games.


Game 1

Colts at Broncos - This isn't that good of a game because I think the Colts are going to come out, still upset over losing to Houston in week one, and just unload on Denver. Manning showed that the Colts hadn't lost a step by destroying his brother last week. Denver looked great last week killing Seattle. However, they are going against the cream of the crop in the AFC. If Denver wants to show they can compete with the best they will keep it within a touchdown, but I don't even think that will happen. Look for Addai/Brown to rush for over 100 yards combined and Manning to throw for over 300 yards.

My Prediction: Colts (-5.5) 34 Broncos 20

Game 2

Jets at Dolphins - This is a huge game for both teams. It is the Sunday night game and both teams are looking to make a statement. The Jets defense has looked phenomenal and looks to shut down the Dolphins dynamic running game, as well as big-play receiver Brandon Marshall. The Phins passing game hasn't amounted to much this year, but they will look to take advantage of a Jets defense that is without Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins and Darrelle Revis. Mark Sanchez looks to follow up a strong effort against the Pats, against a Miami defense that has allowed an average of 10 points per game. This should be a smashmouth game; look for some blood.

My Prediction: Jets (+2.5) 20 Dolphins 13

Game 3

Packers at Bears - This is without a doubt the game of the week. Chicago's offense has been on fire with new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. Jay Cutler looks like he did when he made the pro bowl back in Denver. However, they are going up against the Packers. Green Bay has one of the best offenses in the NFL with Aaron Rodgers and Greg Jennings being the main combo for them. They have a lot of talent on defense, but typically don't shut out their opponents so Chicago will be able to put up points. This should be a fairly high-scoring affair and it could come down to last possession.

My Prediction: Packers (-3) 31 Bears 27

Enjoy the late games, I'll be back later with a fantasy update.

Rodgers That

Fantasy Football, crazy first week

By Dan Rodgers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The final score was: Me - 120.6 Opponent - 120.2

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

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

Rodgers That

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

TNF is becoming a joke

By Dan Rodgers

In case some of you football fans are unaware of the Thursday night games so far this season, it is as if the NFL took some of the worst games each week and decided to put them on NFL Network. The level of competition in these games has been remarkably pathetic and at times I regret my purchase of the NFL Network.

The games have been absolutely pathetic; some have been just awful games between two subpar teams and others have just been bad football. The first game was one of the worst; week 10 the 49ers beat the Bears 10-6. Not to mention the fact that Jay Cutler threw five interceptions. The following week Miami edged Carolina 24-17 so you think it would be a good game. Besides the fact that the teams were bleh, it was just an ugly game of football to watch. The following week was Thanksgiving so you assume there has got to be some good football on television, right? Wrong, because the Lions are always on. They lost by three possessions to the Packers, the Cowboys embarrassed the Raiders, and the Broncos showed that the Giants are a mediocre team in their 26-6 win over the G-men.

After a disappointing holiday weekend, I got to watch my Jets on television and even though I thoroughly enjoyed their win over Buffalo, I can honestly say it was just bad football. To top it all off the defending Super Bowl champs, who had lost four in a row, were embarrassed in a 13-6 loss in Cleveland. I mean let's be honest, no one wants to watch the 49ers, Browns, Bills, Lions, or Raiders.

I can only ask myself one question here...why aren't the Vikings, Saints, Colts, etc on TNF?

Just so you know, the games the rest of the way are:

Week 15: Indy @ Jax
Week 16: Bolts @ Titans

Both of these are at least watchable games and could turn into interesting contests, but that surely doesn't make up for the games earlier in the year. Hopefully next year the NFL will do a better job creating the schedule.

Rodgers That

NFL Week 10: The Down and The Dirty

By Dan Rodgers

My sincerest apologies for this delayed post. However, it is going to published before the start of the Thursday game coming up: Miami @ Carolina

NFL Week Ten

“The Down”

Most football fans saw something this past Thursday night that we might not see ever again. Jay Cutler threw five interceptions. You might be asking why this is special? The reason it is special is because his five interceptions made it three consecutive weeks that a quarterback has thrown five picks. He did throw for just over 300 yards and the Bears actually did have an opportunity to win the game at the end. But, what do you know, that was when Cutler threw his fifth, final and game-ending interception.

Honorable Mentions:

QB Brady Quinn (CLE) – 13 of 31 for 99 yards and 2 INTs

WR Santana Moss (WAS) – 2 for 8 yards

RB Laurence Maroney (NE) – 10 for 31 yards 1 TD 1 FUM

RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) – 13 for 36 yards

“The Dirty”

This week’s “The Dirty” might be a little controversial if you look at the honorable mentions; however, it seems to me that the situation was enough to help the stats. Reggie Wayne had 10 receptions for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns. The reason he is the winner ahead of Moss is because Wayne’s second touchdown came with thirteen seconds left in the game. He dove to make the catch and there was a ton of contact between him and the defensive back. The game winning touchdown combined with stellar enough stats was enough for propel Wayne ahead of the players you see below.

Honorable Mentions:

RB Chris Johnson (TEN) – 26 for 132 yards and 2 TDs

QB Kurt Warner (ARI) – 29 of 38 for 340 yards and 2 TDs

WR Randy Moss (NE) – 9 for 179 yards and 2 TDs

WR Sidney Rice (MIN) –7 for 207 yards

Rodgers That

Thursday Night Football?

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, due to this unbelievably boring (apparently professional) football game on Thursday night, I just want to note a few things:

I really paid for the NFL Network for this?

Three interceptions, one missed field goal, 10 first half points. Seriously?

The NFL needs to do a better job scheduling these games or people, such as myself, will do homework or go out on Thursday nights.

To go along with the previous, no one wants to watch a 4-4 vs. 3-5 game when there are games (Cinci @ Pitt) that are at 1 o'clock that the nation would much rather watch.

By the way, I was about the publish this post, but then Jay Cutler threw his 3rd interception of the game. Wow.

This game = Weak Sauce.

Rodgers That