Super Bowl Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots - The Rematch

We are less than two hours before kickoff of Super Bowl XLVI and Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is officially active for the game, surprise-surprise...

This is the first Super Bowl in the history of the sport between two former Super Bowl MVPs. Tom Brady will try for the second time to join Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw as the only QBs to win the Super Bowl four times. This is also Brady's second try against the Giants (Super Bowl XLII).

New York offense:

The Giants' passing attack is just as explosive and difficult to defend as New England's; however, New York has a respectable running game that I expect them to utilize. I will be looking for Ahmad Bradshaw to have a big game because he is small, quick and elusive. He should be able to eclipse 100 total yards between rushing and receiving out of the backfield. If Brandon Jacobs doesn't start the game and show effectiveness, look for Coughlin to focus on Bradshaw. Jacobs is an incredible back when he runs downhill and straight ahead, but he is useless when he dances around and takes time on his cuts.

The Eli Manning-led passing attack is as good as any in the league because of the depth the Giants have at receiver. They lack a truly effective receiving tight end (unlike the Pats), but with Nicks, Cruz, Manningham and Bradshaw's ability out of the backfield, the Giants have numerous play-makers that New England's porous defense needs to account for today. Eli Manning has proved this season that he should be considered a top quarterback in the NFL, but he can cement his place as an elite QB with a victory.

New England offense:

The Pats are the same offensive team that they have been, with the exception of replacing Randy Moss with Rob Gronkowski. They rely on quick passes and timing. An effective way to get Brady out of his element is to get pressure with your four-man rush and clog the passing lanes by playing zone coverage. The Giants have one of the best defensive lines I've ever seen, and should be able to get pressure similar to that of Super Bowl XLII. However, unfortunately for the Giants, there might not be a better coach in the business at pregame planning and in-game adjustments than Bill Belichick. BB is even better when he gets to rematch a team he lost to earlier that season.

The Pats do an excellent job of using the pass to open up the run and are not afraid to rely on Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis if he is finding running room. The Law Firm is a big back and he doesn't fumble, which makes him an excellent complement to a Belichick-coached team. The Giants can't over-compensate for the pass or Green-Ellis will run all over them.

Recap:

I think the Giants will get a formidable amount of pressure on Brady and cause some problems. I also think that even though New England has the worst defense in the NFL, Belichick will have them ready. A lot of people think this one is going way over the total (53.5), but remember the total of the game played earlier this season was only (44, all scored in the second half).

I said it earlier and I'll say it again, if the Giants make the Super Bowl - they'll win it. I will stick by that.

Prediction:
New York Giants 27 (+3) New England Patriots 23

Enjoy the final game of the NFL season.

Rodgers That

NFL Championship Weekend Review

By Dan Rodgers

Well, I was wrong only for the second time this post-season. Sunday was a fairly frustrating day and I didn't even have my team involved.

First, the Pats/Ravens game looked perfect. They were within a score of each other the entire game, and the halftime total was on pace to go over in the teaser. However, a stupid attempted fourth down by the Ravens and a missed field goal at the end cost us the tease by a half point. Brady uncharacteristically threw two interceptions in the second half and couldn't convert a red zone possession into a touchdown. Joe Flacco added a second half interception and couldn't lead the Ravens to a touchdown after earning a short field when recovering a fumble on a kickoff.

So as you can tell, everything had to go perfectly wrong in this game. Brady got completely outplayed and posted his lowest passer-rating since the Pats 2009 Wild Card loss to the Ravens.

The 49ers/Giants game went relatively how I expected. I was hoping to see more from the 49ers' receivers due to the mediocrity of the Giants secondary; however, it was just Vernon Davis that torched the secondary. The 49ers defense was unable to contain Victor Cruz, and surprisingly, Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw had 70 yards on 20 carries, which is decent considering San Fran's run defense is superb. However, Bradshaw had six catches for 50 yards, including a 30-yarder.

The first turning point in the game was when Kyle Williams let a punt bounce and hit him in the leg. Apparently, Williams didn't know the ball hit him, made no attempt at a recovery, and the Giants recovered. On a short field, the Giants converted two third-downs on their way to scoring the go-ahead touchdown. San Fran did respond, but had to settle for a field goal after getting inside the 10-yard-line. Both teams traded punts for the rest of regulation and into overtime.

After the Giants advanced the ball just passed midfield, the 49er defense held strong and forced another punt. Kyle Williams, doing his best to screw his team over, had a five-yard return before once again being the cause of a turnover. The Giants were able to play it safe, get a little closer, and Lawrence Tynes once again kicked the Giants into a Super Bowl match-up with the New England Patriots.

The Giants won the game outright, which I said I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The Giants obviously covered the tease, but I was still disappointed that I picked San Fran, and in my opinion, they should have won and covered the two. Well, at least the games were eventful.

Disappointing fact: The Ravens (my girlfriend and friends' team) and Jets (my team) have lost in the AFC Championship game each of the last four seasons. Ravens '08, '11 - Jets '09, '10

I don't know about you, but I didn't want this Super Bowl. However, it should at least be an exciting one with a lot of story-lines.

Rodgers That

NFL Championship Weekend

By Dan Rodgers

Well, we're down to the Final Four and while many could have predicted the AFC's participants before the season started, not many people had the 49ers and Giants in mind to be the NFC's final two participants.

The spreads for both games have been moving since they were first released last week. However, I don't think it has changed my opinion on them. If you aren't listening to me by now, you probably never will. However, if you are, you are experiencing quite a successful post-season thus far. I am 7-1 ATS, including 4-0 this past weekend.

I'll admit I was having a tough time reading the games when the lines were first released. I have a better feel now, and you'll find my thoughts below.

Early Game
(2) Baltimore Ravens (+7) at (1) New England Patriots

This is clearly a game between two polar opposites. The Ravens love to play defense, and the Pats love to play offense. However, the Patriots put together a very complete game last week in their 45-10 drubbing of the Denver Broncos. The Ravens didn't look very good on offense against the Texans second-ranked defense, but didn't commit any penalties or turnovers. Baltimore should obvious find more success against an abysmal New England defense, but their lack of execution leaves me wanting more.

I think Ravens fans need to recognize a lack of execution and stop putting the sole blame for the offensive woes on O-Coordinator Cam Cameron. If the Ravens can execute today, the Pats will struggle to stop them due to their balance. With a top running back and receivers that can stretch the field, we will likely see an offensive battle in this game. I think there is no question that the Ravens should cover, pending a crazy amount of turnovers, penalties, or injuries (of course), but coming away with a trip to Indianapolis will solely rely on the offensive execution.

Of course, if the Ravens can't stop the unique combination of Welker and Gronkowski, it will take at least 30 points to beat Brady and the Pats. However, I have faith that Baltimore can at least slow down Brady. The key to stopping Brady is getting pressure with the front four. If the Ravens can effectively rush Brady with their d-line and drop seven into coverage, it will clog the passing lanes and should frustrate Brady. We've seen evidence of this against the Steelers this season and the Jets in the playoffs last season.

Unfortunately, I think the Patriots are too good on offense and their defense will step up in this big game. It should be a close one though, and it would not at all surprise me if Baltimore won outright.

Prediction:
New England Patriots 31 Baltimore Ravens 27 (+7)

Late Game
(4) New York Giants at (2) San Francisco 49ers (-2)

I'm much less confident on this game. I think that the 49ers will win, but if the Giants do, they'll win the Super Bowl. Both teams have very good defenses, but both offenses have played very well as of recent. In my opinion, the Giants are the hottest team in the playoffs, but the 49ers are the most complete team.

The Giants defensive line is the best I've ever seen. All of the players: Tuck, Umenyiora, Pierre-Paul, Kiwanuka, etc. are all strong, athletic, and fast off the line. They are the reason the Giants are so successful. If they can't get pressure, any above average quarterback should be able to pick apart their mediocre secondary. However, the 49ers love to play physical and should give the Giants d-line all they can handle. San Fran likes to run the ball should have no problem using multiple tight end sets to help block.

There is nothing special about the 49ers offense. They like to methodically move the ball down the field, focusing on the run game. I see this game being decided by offense because both defenses should find success. I think Eli Manning is clearly the superior QB, but Alex Smith has been playing well and doesn't make many mistakes.

Like I said earlier, I think the 49ers will win, but wouldn't be surprised if the Giants pulled it out. I'm picking San Fran to cover, but the real play with this game is teasing the Giants to +8.5.

Prediction:
San Francisco 49ers 23 (-2) New York Giants 20

Money teaser: 6.5-tease Ravens +13.5, OVER 43.5 (Bal/NE), Giants +8.5 (5 units)

Enjoy what should be another fantastic weekend of playoff football. Make sure you set your NFL Playoff Fantasy Challenge lineups!

Rodgers That

NFL Divisional Round Picks: Sunday

By Dan Rodgers

Early Game
(3) Houston Texans (+9) at (2) Baltimore Ravens

This is a very interesting game, and fortunately for the Ravens, they get to face a very talented Texans team whose without their starting quarterback and best defensive player. Even so, Houston was able to dominate last week against Cincinnati. I think the Texans will need to get their running game going if they want to have any success. Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 190 against a good Cincy defense, and they'll need to find their holes to open up the passing game for Yates. The Ravens typically feast on rookie quarterbacks, but they don't usually face rookies with such a strong supporting cast.

The Ravens offense will need to make sure they have a balanced attack and don't forget to get their best offensive player, Ray Rice, the touches he deserves. The Texans must pressure Joe Flacco and force him into check downs to make sure they don't get burned by Torrey Smith or Lee Evans. Stretching the defense will be a key for Ray Rice to find some running room.

I think if Ray Rice gets 17-23 carries and a few catches, the Ravens should be balanced enough to move the ball against Houston. While I don't see the Ravens shutting Houston down, unless Haloti Ngata and the Ravens defense can't contain Foster, I think Baltimore will pull this one out and makes their second AFC Championship game in four years. This will be a close one though.

Prediction:
Baltimore Ravens 20 Houston Texans 16 (+9)

Late Game
(4) New York Giants (+8) at (1) Green Bay Packers

The Packers are, by record, the NFL's best team this season, and they were a let down against Kansas City away from going 16-0. This game is a rematch of a game in New York earlier this season. The game was before the Giants hit their stride, but they did keep the game close before losing by a field goal.

The Giants pass rush is what makes their defense so effective. They should be able to get pressure on Rodgers, and while he is a good scrambling QB, it will have some impact. New York's run defense is fairly irrelevant because the Packers don't run much, but they have to make sure they don't let Ryan Grant or James Starks break a long run. The Packers offensive effectiveness will be determined by the protection. If the Giants rush is ineffective, this game will probably turn into a blowout. However, like I said earlier, don't expect that to happen.

You can throw away the regular season statistics for the Giants offense because they are playing extremely well. They rushed for over 170 yards and Eli Manning threw three touchdowns in last week's blowout win against Atlanta. They should find success against a weak Packers defense. However, Green Bay's defense does have a knack for making big plays when it matters most, so expect them to come up with a big stop late in the game.

I think this will be an exciting game and the Giants should be able to stick with the Pack most of the way.

Prediction:
Green Bay Packers 30 New York Giants 23 (+8)

Enjoy what looks to be an awesome weekend of the Divisional Round Playoffs.

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: 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

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

Ugh, Jets...

By Dan Rodgers

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.

Ravens 14 Texans 0 5:23 in 2Q

Giants 21 Vikings 3 2:46 in 3Q

Rodgers That

NFL Week 11: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Game 1

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.

My Prediction: Eagles (-3) 34 Giants 23

Rodgers That

Romo out, Cowboys done

By Dan Rodgers

Tony Romo, on a hit by Michael Boley, broke his collarbone. He will be out 10 weeks, so basically the rest of the season because the Cowboys are as good as eliminated from post-season play. Jon Kitna takes over the starting job. Kitna isn't a terrible QB as he never really had any talent around him when he started for Detroit. He just isn't good enough to bring Big D back from this sh!t storm of a mess.

The Giants would be in prime position to win the division at 5-2 even though they would only be one game up on the 4-3 Eagles and Redskins. The Skins are sneaking away with wins when other teams are making tons of mistakes and the Eagles have been extremely inconsistent; who knows if Vick will be back starting again.

The Giants have scored 17 unanswered points (and are driving) since the 'Boys took a 20-7 lead following the Dez Bryant punt-return touchdown.

Note: Great play by Mario Manningham to score the touchdown. 31-20 Giants

Rodgers That

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?

Rodgers That

NFL Week 2: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Last week I was 2-1 in my "games to watch" predictions. This week, we have two great games and one interesting one.

Game 1

Ravens at Bengals - This game is very interesting because the Bengals played like crap in the first half last week and their defense got absolutely destroyed by the Pats. The Ravens also didn't look too good, but a pathetic Jets offense couldn't take advantage. The Ravens could to anything in the running game, so look for them to try and establish that early on. The Bengals should try and do what the Jets couldn't and attack a vulnerable Baltimore seconary. Look for the Cinci receiving core to have another good day if they can give Carson Palmer any protection. Baltimore's favored in this game, but I like Cinci to win straight up at home.

My Prediction: Bengals (+2.5) 27 Ravens 24

Game 2

Pats at Jets - This game is much more important to the Jets than the week one game against Baltimore. They face New England at home in an early season division game. The Pats came out last week and lit up the Bengals supposedly solid secondary. The Jets cornerbacks (minus Revis) got completely owned last week by an above average Ravens receiving core. Cromartie and rookie Kyle Wilson will have to step up against a Pats passing offense that boasts Randy Moss (to be stranded on Revis Island), Wes Welker, Julian Edelman (Welker Jr.), and the best tightend trio in the NFL (Crumpler, Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski). It will be interesting to see how the Jets' secondary plays in this game. Also, look for Mark Sanchez to try and open up the field a bit more against another suspect secondary.

My Prediction: Pats (-3) 23 Jets 16

^What I think will happen, what could happen?: Jets (+3) 17 Pats 16

Game 3

Giants at Colts - Oddly enough, the Colts have already been defeated in the 2010 season, while the Giants look to go 2-0. This is a battle of the Manning brothers and you better believe that Peyton is in F.U. mode. It doesn't matter that this game is against

his little brother, the Colts will bring it beyond anything we've seen from them recently. Coming off an embarrassing loss to the Texans, the Colts need to step up and show everyone who's boss. The Giants simply got unlucky, and they're not that good. They will probably try to run the ball given what Arian Foster did against Indy last week. It probably won't work since they focused on that this week in practice; hopefully that means Nicks gets a lot of touches for my fantasy team. Regardless, Peyton easily takes this matchup and the Colts get back in the win column.

My Prediction: Colts (-5) 38 Giants 23

Enjoy another wonderful Sunday in the NFL, and be sure to root for my fantasy!

Rodgers That

A post for JP

By Dan Rodgers

This post is for my boss at Towson University, JP. He asked me about my blog and such but wanted to know when I was going to start writing more about football. So here it is, a football post just for him...who knows if he'll see it.

I figured I would touch on a few things, including: the preseason and the potential of an 18-game season.

We'll start with the preseason. Week one is over and I enjoy reading various opinions about the "experts" posts. So many people comment and say that preseason is completely worthless and you can't take anything from it. I think those people couldn't be more wrong. I mean I don't like the preseason, but you can certainly learn a lot from it.

Players don't just go into the games and not try at all. These are, for the most part, world class athletes and they always want to win and do their best. For example, in the Jets/Giants game, I learned that the Jets don't have a lot of depth in their secondary. However, the run defense was great, even the backups played well up front.

In general, as long as it is the first team offense against the first team defense, you can get an idea of how your team is performing.

On to the idea of an 18-game season...I HATE it...

First off, an 18-game season would immediately shatter every record (good and bad) in the entire book. Passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards, touchdowns, sacks, interceptions, tackles, receptions, etc. Personally, I like the fact that the legends of years ago have records that the stars of today and trying to break.

Not to mention, it would most likely never get approved by the NFL Players Association. The players would have shorter careers with two more games each season, their bodies would take more of a beating, and teams would rest players for more games (skew playoff seeding more).

Basically, people hate the preseason and if they have to pay for the tickets, they want to see games that matter. I think a better solution would be a light scrimmage or two, two preseason games, and the regular 16-game season. People spend less on their tickets with two less preseason games, and the players are happy that the season stays the same.

If something drastic changes, watch out for another post...because it will be a hot topic in the NFL the entire season.

Rodgers That

Is it really that difficult?

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, so I woke up and my friends tell me, "Dude, LT just raped some 15-year old girl." I said in response, "You mean, he allegedly raped someone?" Of course, that is just me being me because unless he is convicted, you gotta give the guy the benefit of the doubt...right?

Well hold on a second. Rewind. Someone told me that LT raped someone. Shouldn't I ask which LT it is:

• In my opinion, the greatest linebacker in NFL history, Lawrence Taylor... OR
  
• Current New York Jets running back, and first ballot Hall of Famer, LaDanian Tomlinson...

I'll tell you why I didn't ask. Because one of them was addicted to cocaine at one point during his career and has been known to get into trouble. And the other LT, humbly goes about his business with the first peep he makes is that he isn't enough of the offense in San Diego.

It was pretty easy to come to the conclusion of which LT it was. We don't know what is gonna happen to Taylor (I'm only calling him that because there are two LT's in this article) because other facts were released from this case making it much more wet then just a cut and dry rape case.

That isn't the point though, I want to know why it is so difficult for these mutli-millionaires to make smart decisions. Better yet, not make stupid decisions. Taylor is 51...the girl isn't older than 20 at the most. What is he doing?!

I have a decent head on my shoulders...or at least I like to think so...but of course I don't have the G-d given talent that these guys possess. It's just not fair, is all I'm saying. I don't have sex with underage people, I don't do drugs, I don't break the law (well, you know what I mean).

I just don't understand why athletes are handed this unbelievable ability to make plays on the field and screw up their lives off the field. Below are other athletes of the top of my head who messed up:

• Pacman Jones
• The late Chris Henry
• Michael Vick
• Ben Roethlisberger
• Ron Artest
• Antonio Cromartie
• Plaxico Burress
• Tiger Woods
  
• and the list goes on...

However, real quick before I go...notice a trend of football players more so than any other sport...I know baseball players with steroids, but that is more of a issue within the sport I think and less about drugs/murder etc.

Rodgers That