So I apologize for not writing. My sister's wedding was this weekend and I have final exams this week. There has been a lot going on, but now that finals finish up this week and winter break begins, the amount of posts should definitely increase.
I am still feeling crappy from the Jets pathetic loss on Sunday. Not really feeling anything write now, just watching MNF with Abe because he's a Ravens fan.
Packers at Vikes - This game has to be on the list due to the ever-popular Brett Favre factor. However, it should be different from how it was last season when Brett came out and played like a champ. The Vikings have been struggling all season and Green Bay is starting to get into a rhythm. Look for A-Rod to put up big numbers as usual, but especially because the Packers aren't a running team and Minnesota's strength on defense is against the run. Brett will probably do what we expect and throw two INTs. Look for Jennings to catch a deep ball or two.
My Prediction: Packers (-3) 27 Vikings 16
Game 2
Indianapolis at New England - This is clearly the game of the week, as it has been every season for a while. Some how, even though these teams aren't in the same division, they manage to play every season. Brady vs. Manning is what everyone wants to see. Personally, Manning is a much better QB, but Brady has benefitted more from a better team and especially a better defense. Manning would have at least two more rings if his defense had been decent. Today is an interesting matchup because Brady doesn't have Moss and have of the Colts team is on the IR. Manning will have to win this on his own, but he has won five of the last six.
My Prediction: Pats 30 Colts (+3.5) 28
Game 3
Giants at Eagles - I'm going to keep this one short. New York played awful last week against a disgraceful Dallas team. Philly set records in a rout of the Redskins last week; Vick is playing out of his mind. The Eagles are at home, and they're going to win. Period, the end.
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...
So, since the Jets are on a bye, I figured I would take one as well.
Actually, that isn't true. I worked an event for CBS Radio this morning, Lot O as we call it. I was at the parking lot working, so I didn't get home until 3 p.m. (highly unfortunate) I also didn't get home from my other job last night until 1:30 a.m. so I got almost no sleep.
I apologize for not putting up any games, but last week I was awful and this week my picks were fairly bad again. I definitely need to study better, so I won't let you down. I have to admit I have been slacking a bit. I'm going out of town this coming week for my girlfriend's birthday and I'm going to the Jets vs. Packers game on Halloween.
I do want to throw in my prediction for the SNF.
The Packers have something to prove after suffering consecutive overtime losses to teams that weren't supposed to be on their level. The Vikings are coming off a win in the game called the "win or go home." Brett Favre has a ton of drama going on right now, and the Packers are playing at home in a much needed revenge game. They got swept by Minnesota last year and have probably been waiting for this game all season.
Look for Favre to make his typical mistake at some point in the game. It will prove costly against a Green Bay defense that likes to make big plays.
So we have reached week six, which means: Big Ben is back, Favre is injured, and we have some do-or-die games...
Game 1
Ravens at Pats - I will thoroughly enjoy watching this game because if all goes well, the Pats will fall to 3-2. I understand they are at home, but the loss of Randy Moss combined with a weak defense should be enough for a loss. The Ravens have been playing fairly well, nothing super impressive, but enough to win the game. Boldin and Heap should have nice days against the Pats defense and that will likely open up some holes for Ray Rice. I wouldn't be surprised if the Pats were able to sneak away with the win at home, but in order to do that Brady will most likely have to have a big day. It is not unheard of, as others have semi-exploited the Ravens secondary, but he will need some time in the pocket against their vicious pass rush.
My Prediction: Ravens (+2.5) 24 Pats 20
Game 2
Falcons at Eagles - This game isn't as intriguing as it should have been because if Vick was playing it would be interesting to see his reception in Atlanta. However, he isn't playing, so you can take away the emotional aspect of the game. Due to that, Atlanta should take care of business. Philly has been decent, but Kolb hasn't developed that chemistry with his receivers yet to really take advantage of the ATL secondary. Don't be surprised if speedsters DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin grab a couple deep balls though. I still like Atlanta to take care of business on the road.
My Prediction: Falcons (+2.5) 27 Eagles 21
Game 3 after I get some lunch...
Game 3
Cowboys at Vikes - This game is labeled "You lose, your season's over." Basically, these two 1-3 teams face off in a 2009 playoff rematch. The loser will have a 5 % chance of making the post-season. I believe it's been six years since a 1-4 team has made the playoffs. I think that 1-4 team will be the Vikings. While they showed signs of life against the Jets, Favre is hurt and Big D has something more to prove. Look for a convincing win by Dallas as they look to turn their season around.
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.
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?
So out of depression I'm not going to talk too much about this one. The Saints won 14-9.
They did nothing but throw the ball in the first half. The game showed promise as New Orleans scored in two minutes on their opening drive. Brees threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Devery Henderson. Minnesota responded with a field goal in the second quarter, and then a touchdown to Shiancoe with under a minute to play in the half (XPT blocked).
The Saints punched it in again on a one-yard run by Pierre Thomas. Thomas got the bulk of the carries but Reggie had two carries and five catches.
Jon Vilma intercepted Favre on a play in which Brett got destroyed (see left). The INT didn't lead to any points because Hartley missed the field goal (46 yards). He missed another one in the second half (32 yards). Uh oh, issues in the kicking game?
Favre completed three passes in the second half, all on their final drive of the fourth quarter which amounted to no points. He was forcing balls into coverage and didn't seem to move around the pocket too well. It will be interesting to see if Favre continues to throw the ball 25+ times per game if he is having issues. AP only had 87 yards on 19 carries and three catches for 14 yards. Peterson will most likely see an increase in workload as the season progresses. Bodes well for fantasy owners.
Brees seemed to be mostly on point with his receivers. Checked down quite a bit but didn't take too many risks. He made a few really nice throws down field. One thing I did notice, the Saints had 25 carries. They seemed to want to pound the rock a bit more often than last season. It is a solid formula for victory, but they won't cover too many spreads that way.
Well, the rest of my week one picks end up a bit better than that.
Okay folks, the time has finally arrived! Opening night of the NFL season minutes from going underway and I couldn't be more excited. I have a few more days to wait until my Jets play the opening MNF game, but I just love football in general.
Spread: Saints -5.5 Over/Under: 48.5
The Saints are opening the 2010 NFL season at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Since the Super Bowl champs started consistently hosting the opening game in 2004, they haven't lost. I don't think New Orleans will break that trend.
Vikes: A lot of people are saying that the Viking defense is going to bring some payback for the beating that Brett Favre took during the NFC Championship game. I don't think too much will happen outside of the ordinary. In terms of the offense, don't be surprised to see a lot of Adrian Peterson. This means you could expect a lot of fumbles, we'll have to wait and see if AP made the necessary adjustments.
Nawlins: The Saints are coming off of the first Super Bowl in franchise history. They have a high-flying offense and a big-play defense. Their offense is compiled of Brees, and he just makes everyone better. There is no one special, Colston is a damn good receiver and they have other talented players. Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, Robert Meachem are nothing to brag about but Brees' ability increases their value. The same goes with their defense. Jon Vilma and Will Smith are good players but it's the big play they make that changes games. They don't shut teams down, they just force turnovers when necessary.
I like the Saints to repeat what they did in the NFC Championship game, just with a bit more authority. Look for the Saints to try to strip the ball like they did last season. The game will be a big test for AP. The Saints should cover the spread, but I think the over/under will be close because the odds maker people are good at their job.
Call it what you want, loyalty, fashion, honor, fanaticism, whatever.The odds are if you are reading this blog, you most likely own at least one, probably multiple sports jerseys. I bet each one cost a lot more than the shirt you are wearing now. Unless you are wearing a jersey now, if so, bravo!
The whole thought of jerseys and their cost came to mind today because of the Lebron James circus and secondly, because Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov announced he is changing his number from 40 to 1.Those events made me think of all the people with James’ Cavaliers jersey, and the masses of people who own jerseys of teams that they love, with player names on them that have changed numbers or moved on long ago. My twitter feed is going nuts with Caps fans complaining about owning a Varlamov #40.
I remember the feeling of buying my first jersey. It was a Caps jersey, the white one with the Eagle on the front, and I was so proud to have #55 and Sergei Gonchar on the back.I picked him because everyone had Jagr or Bondra at the time, and I figured Gonchar would be around for a while and my wife already had a Kolzig.
I was a new partial plan holder and I wanted something to wear to the games.Less and four months later Gonchar was a Bruin, and I was initiated into the club of people who now had “throwback” jerseys.My situation got worse because Gonchar then went and signed with Pittsburgh, whom I can’t stand, so the jersey went to the back of the closet.
I feel for the millions of folks who spent their hard earned money on Lebron James jerseys, both authentic and replicas.Just think, you can sell it on Ebay for 1/3 of what you paid for it. Lord knows you should try and get some of that small fortune back. Most of those costs are licensing fees and profit.
The New Jersey Devils were selling authentic jerseys at their equipment sale a few weeks ago for $100, which is considered a deal for a jersey with no name or number, but has the heavy material and fight strap that a replica lacks.
Basketball and football jerseys are the same way, if you want the nice ones with the names and numbers stitched on, you better be prepared to part with several hundred dollars.Heck even the replicas with silkscreened names and numbers still go for over one hundred dollars, and are wrecked after several trips through the washing machine.
Players these days are so superstitious or are just plain head cases, but we love sports and are more than willing to pay the price for a jersey with their name on it. Take a look on Ebay, you can find almost any jersey you can think of there.The folks who rushed to buy Brett Favre Jets jerseys also come to mind today, heck I saw people with Brett Favre Vikings jerseys before he even announced he was going to play there.Crazy.
The only way to avoid being in this situation is to not buy jerseys at all, and that will never happen, so frame that LaDanian Tomlinson powder blue Chargers jersey, and if you are lucky he’ll get into the Hall of Fame and you won’t feel so bad.
Brock Lesnar completed one of the most difficult comebacks in recent memory on Saturday night as he took on Shane Carwin in Las Vegas at UFC 116.Lesnar, the reigning heavyweight champion, hadn’t fought in over a year and was hospitalized with a hole in his intestine that was leaking into his body.There were questions as to if Lesnar would survive, much less fight again.
Brock not only made a full recovery, but he got back to training and got back in the octagon on Saturday night.Lesnar’s opponent was interim heavyweight champion Shane Carwin.Carwin was 12-0 and had NEVER been taken out of the first round. Lesnar damn near fell victim to Carwin early as his lack of experience almost cost him as Carwin rocked him and dove on him early in the fight.
Lesnar did just enough defending to keep the referee satisfied and eventually emerged from underneath a worn out Carwin.It was at that point that we all knew that Carwin was in trouble.It didn’t take long into the second round before Carwin was on the ground and Lesnar submitted him with an arm-bar. The heavyweight title had been successfully defended.
I’ve seen Brock Lesnar fight three times, and all three times he looked dominant.I honestly don’t know who in the UFC can beat him. He’s only going to get better as he gets more experienced. I’m looking forward to see where he goes from here.
The rest of the fight card was exceptional.It was the first time in a long time that I can remember all of the fights, including the free prelims, being entertaining.There were knockouts, submissions, and judges decisions.You can’t ask for more than that.
UFC 117 will be held on Aug. 7 from Oakland, California.
Note from Dan: I got to watch some of the fight and I thought for damn certain Carwin had the fight in hand when he was pounding Brock into the ground. However, that was clearly not the case.
P.S. Did you know Brock Lesnar tried out for the Minnesota Vikings but got cut?
Hey all, I'm 20 years old now and I don't feel any different, oh what a surprise. I will be in Tennessee this weekend for a Bar Mitzvah so I am not sure if I will be back in time to write before the games.
NFC
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints (-3.5)
The Saints offense proved last week that they didn't miss a beat after benching their starters and having a bye week. Even though Arizona's defense has been dreadful, you have to execute against bad defenses before you can do so against the good ones. Minnesota's defense was as good as can be against Dallas last week but I think Drew Brees can find any holes that might be in the defense. The Vikes have been stopping the run fairly easily so I see Brees throwing at least 45 times including an attempt to utilize Reggie Bush's unique ability in space by throwing some screen passes. Due to the Brett Favre factor the game will be close, but I do like the Saints to cover the spread in a game that might look closer than it is.
My prediction: Saints (-3.5) 27 Vikings 23
AFC
New York Jets (+8) @ Indianapolis Colts
The Jets have been hot as hell and with San Diego/Dallas out of the mix, they look to be the hottest team. The Colts looked mediocre last week against Baltimore, but came away with a win due to the ineffectiveness of the entire Ravens team. I look for the Jets to run the heck out of the ball not only to move it down the field but also to keep Peyton on the sideline. They should have a good day since Indy isn't to good at stopping the run, but might be in trouble if they have to throw. Sanchez has been playing well but the Colts have filled in their injury-shaken secondary nicely. Look for the Jets to cover the spread and the Colts to get demolished in the time-of-possession statistic. Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones should both surpas 75 yards while Peyton will throw a touchdown or two.
Ugh, not exactly "on" with my picks involving the NFC. This has been a pretty frustrating post-season because a team might show up one week and then just blank the very next without reason. The Cowboys were outplayed in every aspect of the game and shot themselves in the foot numerous times when they were unable to convert in their opponents territory. Tony Romo threw an interceptions and lost two of his three fumbles. Favre had another good game picking up the slack from AP. He threw for four touchdowns, three of them to Sidney Rice. They play the Saints on Sunday for the NFC crown.
New York (+7) 17 San Diego 14
My prediction: Jets 20 Chargers 24
So I was definitely on target with my Jets covering the spread, but they did one better...the won the game straight up. I'll be damned it was quite remarkable if you ask me. Down seven at half, the Jets showed poise and allowed the Bolts to make the majority of the mistakes so Gang Green could capitalize. Mark Sanchez turned the ball over for the first time in three weeks, but responded well by throwing the go-ahead touchdown pass to Dustin Keller. Shonn Greene had another great game scoring on a Jets franchise record 53-yard touchdown pass that nearly put the game out of reach. However, the game truly over when Nate Kaeding missed his third field goal of the day in an attempt to cut the lead to seven. Kaeding also missed the potential game winning field goal in a 2004 playoff game against the Jets. I guess we're his kryptonite.
The Jets head to Indy to face the NFL's MVP. Should make for a great match up.
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
