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...

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NFL history made, good or bad?

By Dan Rodgers

The Sunday night football game was left open so that the NFL could put whatever game they wanted there based on how important it was. Well, the game that was moved was the St. Louis Rams @ Seattle Seahawks. The winner of the game would win the division and the loser would go home.

To my surprise, Seattle played fairly well and their defense came to life. The Rams couldn't do much on offense, even though it didn't look like they even tried. It wasn't an offensive explosion or anything, but the game was still exciting because of what it meant.

Many people were rooting for St. Louis because if they had won the game they would have finished 8-8. However, because Seattle won the game, they finished the season 7-9 and won the division. This is the first time in NFL history that a sub-.500 team has made the playoffs. Twice before an 8-8 team won their division.

Due to this, talk has emerged regarding reorganizing the divisions (this would never happen); there has also been talks about where the Wild Card games are played. There are discussions about allowing whichever team has a better record host the game. I would definitely not be opposed to that.

Saints @ Seahawks 4:30 Sat. NBC
Jets @ Colts 8:00 Sat. NBC

Ravens @ Chiefs 1:00 Sun. CBS
Packers @ Eagles 4:30 Sun. Fox

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Week 9: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, so after some time off we're bringing back some games to watch. We are passed the half way point in the season and the divisional races are getting interesting.

Game 1

Chargers at Texans - This game is huge for both teams because Houston has fallen to third in the division. The Chargers are in a bigger mess at 3-5, they are two and a half games back in a weak AFC West. The Chargers NEED this win to have a decent shot in the division, but KC and Oakland play each other so they won't fall too far back. Houston might need this game even more because Tennessee just picked up Randy Moss and Indy is well, Indy. Look for Houston to try to have a balanced offense, but they will air it out if necessary. Rivers will have a big game as usual, look for him to close in on 400 passing yards.

My Prediction: Chargers (-3) 30 Texans 24


Game 2

KC at Oakland - This is a huge divisional game. Didn't think I would be saying that at the beginning of the year. KC leads Oakland by one in the AFC West, but while KC is squeaking out close ones, the Raiders have looked very good as of recent. I like the Raiders to win and make this division even closer. Both teams will be rooting for Houston to beat SD, but need to take care of their own business. I like McFadden to have a decent game, and don't expect much from KC's passing offense.

My Prediction: Raiders (-1) 24 Chiefs 17


Game 3

Indy at Philly - For some reason the Eagles are favored by three points in this game. That technically means the spread makers feel like these teams are evenly matched. That is very interesting due to how well the Colts have been playing and the fact that the Eagles have been hurt. Vick and DeSean Jackson come back from injury today, and expect big things from them. Peyton should have his way as usual and I'm confused as to why the Colts aren't favored. I would stay away from this game because of the weird spread, but the Colts are probably the safe bet. However, one of my philosophy's is if the spread is weird in one teams direction, take the team you wouldn't typically take. Usually, I would take the Colts, since the spread is weird, the Eagles might be the pick.

My Prediction: Colts (+3)2 28 Eagles 30

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Moss officially waived

By Dan Rodgers

Former Minnesota Vikings WR Randy Moss has officially been waived by his twice former team and can be claimed as soon as Wednesday.

There are numerous reports as to reasons why he was waived, including but not limited to:

• Insulting teams catering
• Insulting random people around teammates
• Alienating teammates
• Showing praise to former coach and team that just beat him

Basically, Moss is back to his former ways. He was an outspoken jerk when he used to play for the Vikings, and has now reverted back to that. When with New England, he was winning, happy and quiet. He was not going to get resigned by the Pats after his contract was up after this season, so they unloaded him for a pick. Minnesota is going nowhere fast and Brad Childress should be fired.

I'll write more about this when Moss gets picked up; here are 10 teams who I think might be interested, in order of their chance (waiver order, team with worst record/best chance at top):

• Dallas Cowboys - Why wouldn't they want to bring in a high profile receiver...haha
  
• Denver Broncos - Coach Josh McDaniels had Moss when he was in NE
  
• San Diego Chargers - With Vincent Jackson's future past this year up in the air...
  
• Washington Redskins - They have no receivers over 5'10"
  
• St. Louis Rams - Bradford is playing well, could use a big target...weak division
  
• Oakland Raiders - Playing well and had Moss a few years back
  
• Seattle Seahawks - Playing well and didn't have Moss a few years back
  
• Chicago Bears* - Cutler could use Moss-like receiver
  
• Tennessee Titans* - See above, insert Young for Cutler
  
• Kansas City Chiefs - Surprising a lot of people, could use a big offensive weapon

*Coin flip to determine order

It will be interesting to see who takes him...he has a lot of issues but there is no doubt that he is a great receiver. I suspect that someone off this list will claim him, but wouldn't be surprised if a team that wasn't put in a claim. Moss is a guy that a lot of teams probably wouldn't mind having because he is a game-changer. Let's see what happens...

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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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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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When will I see good football?

By Dan Rodgers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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...

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