For quite sometime, the Detroit Lions have been awful. They are the only franchise in history to finish a season 0-16 and haven’t won a playoff game since 1991. That’s probably why the casual NFL fan was happy to see them get off to such a great start this year. It wasn’t hard to cheer for a franchise that was finally winning after decades of ineptitude. As we reach halftime of the NFL regular season, the Lions supporters are dwindling, and it’s their own arrogant fault.
It all starts with their head coach, Jim Schwartz. In NFL circles, it’s widely accepted that Schwartz has a bit of a temper and coaches with a fiery passion that can sometimes cross the line. He’s been caught on national TV yelling obscenities at Dez Bryant and almost got in a fist fight with 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh in the post-game ‘pleasantries’. I will defend Schwartz regarding the Harbaugh incident as he was not the instigator, but he is one of only a few NFL coaches that would’ve ran after Harbaugh through a crowd of officials and security to try and get at him. As I said, it’s clear he coaches with an edge – and it’s working for the 6-2 Lions.
What isn’t working is the lack of respect they show for opponents both during the games, and after. If you turn on a Lions game I can almost guarantee that you will witness numerous occasions where Lions players will taunt their opponent after a tackle, try and insult them and get in their face as they walk back to the huddle, or take the occasional ‘extra’ shot after the whistle has gone. Ndamukong Suh continues to tell everyone that he isn’t a dirty player, but his numerous illegal hits on quarterbacks would suggest otherwise. Even this week, LB Stephen Tulloch got a sack on Tim Tebow and mocked him by “Tebowing” over him. While that was clearly all in good fun, what happened after the game was just uncalled for.
An ‘unnamed’ player told reporters after the game that Tebow was a ‘joke’ and reiterated "Come on – that’s your quarterback? Seriously?” Just goes to show what type of man that player is that he made the statement anonymously. Other players such as Chris Houston and Cliff Avril spoke out implying that Tebow doesn’t belong in the NFL. Whether they turn out to be right or wrong, the comments are unnecessary and show everyone just how immature the Lions really are.
If you think I’m being too harsh, ask yourself one question. If the Packers, Patriots or Steelers had pounded the Broncos in a similar fashion, do you think you would hear a peep from any of their players regarding Tebow other than “we made it tough on him out there today.” If you’re not a fan of the three teams I mentioned, just remember they’ve collectively won 6 of the last 10 Super Bowls. They must be doing something right. Those teams know that there is no sense in kicking a team or player when they’re down. I guess the Lions just haven’t won enough to know how to win with class.
As the bandwagon filled up this pre-season, I was happy for the Lions. Even though I thought Suh took it too far sometimes, he is a real treat to watch. I admire Stafford for coming back from injury to play as well as he has, and am happy that Calvin Johnson finally has been able to show how good of a receiver he really is. It’s a shame that all of this has me turning against the upstart Lions. You’d think a team so used to losing would appreciate what it’s like to be on the other side.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Week 8 Pick'em
Season Record 73-30
Indianapolis @ Tennessee
In their first two primetime games, the Colts had inspired outings. Last week against the Saints, they looked like a team that had lost all will to compete. This is a game they could surprise in but I can’t pick a team that looked as bad as the Colts did last week.
Pick: Titans
New Orleans @ St. Louis
The Rams might be without Sam Bradford again. Even if he plays, the Rams have had a really poor season and the Saints look like a team that is bound for the playoffs.
Pick: Saints
Miami @ New York Giants
The Dolphins had no business losing last week, unless Tim Tebow actually is the second coming. The Giants won’t need divine intervention at home with a number of key players returning from injury.
Pick: Giants
Minnesota @ Carolina
A matchup of rookie QB’s with Ponder and Newton. Advantage Newton. However, the Vikings have Adrian Peterson and are better everywhere else.
Pick: Vikings
Arizona @ Baltimore
The Ravens looked atrocious last week on Monday night in Jacksonville. Joe Flacco needs to get this offence going if they want to make any noise the playoffs. Expect a lot of Ray Rice today.
Pick: Ravens
Jacksonville @ Houston
The Texans are well on their way to a division title. An inspired performance on Monday night showed the nation that they can play against the best. Tough for a rookie QB to win a road game on a short week against a better football team.
Pick: Texans
Washington @ Buffalo
Ryan Fitzpatrick is the guy in Buffalo (6 year $59 million). The crowd will be charged up at Ralph Wilson and Washington comes in on a losing streak, looking like a team in disarray.
Pick: Bills
Detroit @ Denver
I really want to pick Denver for Tebow magic. The Lions aren’t great against the run but the Broncos are without Willis McGahee. Even if Matt Stafford doesn’t play, the Lions should pull this one out. I will openly be cheering against myself in this one.
Pick: Lions
New England @ Pittsburgh
I don’t think I’ll ever bet against Bill Belichick coming off a bye week.
Pick: Patriots
Cleveland @ San Francisco
Jim Harbaugh has the 49ers playing inspired football. The Browns offence is outmatched against the 49ers defence.
Pick: 49ers
Cincinnati @ Seattle
Seattle has been hot and cold all season. Rookie QB Andy Dalton will have to be sharp today without Cedric Benson in the lineup. I think the loudest stadium in football will make the difference.
Pick: Seahawks
Dallas @ Philadelphia
It’s time for the Eagles to get back into the hunt. This’ll be a very entertaining night game for all football fans.
Pick: Eagles
San Diego @ Kansas City
The Chiefs are on a 3 game winning streak, but that will end against the Chargers. San Diego has played much better than usual this early in the season and have set themselves up for another division title.
Pick: Chargers.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Losers
You know what it’s like to lose. Everyone does. Even if you’ve never played competitive sports, you’ve experienced a similar feeling. It may have come from being passed over for a job promotion or watching the girl you like start dating someone else, but you’ve felt it and you know that as the stakes get higher, the feeling gets worse.
On Saturday, Texas Tech upset #1 ranked Oklahoma which will likely cause them to miss the BCS Championship game. The Oklahoma players were distraught, some in tears, many in disbelief, but none of them smiling. If you managed to stay up for conclusion of the 62-7 beat down New Orleans put on Indianapolis Sunday night, you would’ve witnessed a different scene. Within seconds of the final buzzer, Colts players were seen laughing and joking with Saints players on the field in what looked like a fraternity reunion. At midfield, Jeff Saturday and Drew Brees hugged, laughed and joked around right in front of the camera. I know that these guys worked together closely on the CBA as NFLPA reps, but this looked ridiculous. Here you are, a team that is used to winning ten games a season, sitting at 0-7 after a truly embarrassing loss on primetime television and you look like you couldn’t care whether you won or lost. As a side note, Peyton Manning was shown walking off the field with a scowl immediately following the game – talking to no one on the way out (funny that a guy not playing seemed to take the loss the hardest).
Look, I realize that these guys are all friends and some played college together, but there is a time and place for the niceties. Believe me the Colts aren’t the only ones who engage in ‘post-loss laughs’ (although having a ‘bro-out’ after getting professionally embarrassed is perhaps a bit worse). All season I’ve seen this type of post-game behaviour. As a fan, this would infuriate me. How could a loss seem to bother me more than the players I cheer for? I don’t condone the confrontation between Jim Schwartz and Jim Harbaugh last week, but at least we saw some raw emotion. Maybe that’s why their teams are a collective 10-3.
Jeff Saturday may be able to compartmentalize losing and move on immediately. He could be childhood friends with Drew Brees and may only get the opportunity to see him once a year. Even still, wait until the cameras are off and maybe tone down the giggles – for everyone’s sake. Supporters of NCAA football tend to argue that it’s more entertaining than the NFL because college players care more about winning and aren’t playing for money. I’m starting to agree…
On Saturday, Texas Tech upset #1 ranked Oklahoma which will likely cause them to miss the BCS Championship game. The Oklahoma players were distraught, some in tears, many in disbelief, but none of them smiling. If you managed to stay up for conclusion of the 62-7 beat down New Orleans put on Indianapolis Sunday night, you would’ve witnessed a different scene. Within seconds of the final buzzer, Colts players were seen laughing and joking with Saints players on the field in what looked like a fraternity reunion. At midfield, Jeff Saturday and Drew Brees hugged, laughed and joked around right in front of the camera. I know that these guys worked together closely on the CBA as NFLPA reps, but this looked ridiculous. Here you are, a team that is used to winning ten games a season, sitting at 0-7 after a truly embarrassing loss on primetime television and you look like you couldn’t care whether you won or lost. As a side note, Peyton Manning was shown walking off the field with a scowl immediately following the game – talking to no one on the way out (funny that a guy not playing seemed to take the loss the hardest).
Look, I realize that these guys are all friends and some played college together, but there is a time and place for the niceties. Believe me the Colts aren’t the only ones who engage in ‘post-loss laughs’ (although having a ‘bro-out’ after getting professionally embarrassed is perhaps a bit worse). All season I’ve seen this type of post-game behaviour. As a fan, this would infuriate me. How could a loss seem to bother me more than the players I cheer for? I don’t condone the confrontation between Jim Schwartz and Jim Harbaugh last week, but at least we saw some raw emotion. Maybe that’s why their teams are a collective 10-3.
Jeff Saturday may be able to compartmentalize losing and move on immediately. He could be childhood friends with Drew Brees and may only get the opportunity to see him once a year. Even still, wait until the cameras are off and maybe tone down the giggles – for everyone’s sake. Supporters of NCAA football tend to argue that it’s more entertaining than the NFL because college players care more about winning and aren’t playing for money. I’m starting to agree…
Friday, October 21, 2011
Week 7 Pick'em
Season Record: 62-28
Seattle @ Cleveland
At first I was surprised the Seahawks didn’t go after Carson Palmer but after seeing the market price, they were smart to stay away. Cleveland had high hopes for this season, they will be lost if they lose this one.
Pick: Browns
Atlanta @ Detroit
The Falcons are a playoff team and Detroit may have a let down after last weeks highly charged affair. Game of the week for sure.
Pick: Falcons
Houston @ Tennessee
Big divisional game and the Texans will be without Andre Johnson. The Texans can’t let the gift of a Manning-less Colts season go to waste.
Pick: Texans
Denver @ Miami
It’s Tebow time in Denver. The Dolphins are athletic on defense but Matt Moore is less than inspiring.
Pick: Broncos
San Diego @ New York Jets
The Jets problems are real. Their offensive line is not nearly what it was two seasons ago and Greene is not the type of back to make plays on his own. Sanchez cannot carry the team through the air. Rivers can.
Pick: Chargers
Chicago @ Tampa Bay
The annual London game is actually important this year. The Bucs are a bit banged up on defense and Matt Forte has shown he is one of the top playmakers in the league. No Blount for the Bucs.
Pick: Bears
Washington @ Carolina
I’m really surprised the Redskins went to John Beck. Grossman had one bad game and got the hook. I don’t know what that does for team morale but I can tell you one thing – the Panthers know who their QB is and they are excited.
Pick: Panthers
Kansas City @ Oakland
The Carson Palmer Era begins in Raider Nation. Expect them to pound the rock and grind out a win. In a few weeks Palmer will be fine, but it is very difficult to get comfortable with receivers in a week.
Pick: Raiders
Pittsburgh @ Arizona
The Steelers are better than the Cardinals. Everywhere.
Pick: Steelers
St. Louis @ Dallas
I fully expect the Rams to play better as the season continues. A 7-9 record wouldn’t shock me but Dallas is a better team than their record indicates. They need this one in Jerry’s world.
Pick: Cowboys
Green Bay @ Minnesota
The Packers have a realistic chance at running the table this year. Minnesota is not a team that will derail them.
Pick: Packers
Indianapolis @ New Orleans
Breakout game for Mark Ingram as they will want to be more balanced to prevent Freeney and Mathis from wreaking havoc on Brees. Could Manning be the MVP this year?
Baltimore @ Jacksonville
Interesting to see how rookie Blaine Gabbert will respond to an amped up Ravens defense on Monday night.
Pick: Ravens
Seattle @ Cleveland
At first I was surprised the Seahawks didn’t go after Carson Palmer but after seeing the market price, they were smart to stay away. Cleveland had high hopes for this season, they will be lost if they lose this one.
Pick: Browns
Atlanta @ Detroit
The Falcons are a playoff team and Detroit may have a let down after last weeks highly charged affair. Game of the week for sure.
Pick: Falcons
Houston @ Tennessee
Big divisional game and the Texans will be without Andre Johnson. The Texans can’t let the gift of a Manning-less Colts season go to waste.
Pick: Texans
Denver @ Miami
It’s Tebow time in Denver. The Dolphins are athletic on defense but Matt Moore is less than inspiring.
Pick: Broncos
San Diego @ New York Jets
The Jets problems are real. Their offensive line is not nearly what it was two seasons ago and Greene is not the type of back to make plays on his own. Sanchez cannot carry the team through the air. Rivers can.
Pick: Chargers
Chicago @ Tampa Bay
The annual London game is actually important this year. The Bucs are a bit banged up on defense and Matt Forte has shown he is one of the top playmakers in the league. No Blount for the Bucs.
Pick: Bears
Washington @ Carolina
I’m really surprised the Redskins went to John Beck. Grossman had one bad game and got the hook. I don’t know what that does for team morale but I can tell you one thing – the Panthers know who their QB is and they are excited.
Pick: Panthers
Kansas City @ Oakland
The Carson Palmer Era begins in Raider Nation. Expect them to pound the rock and grind out a win. In a few weeks Palmer will be fine, but it is very difficult to get comfortable with receivers in a week.
Pick: Raiders
Pittsburgh @ Arizona
The Steelers are better than the Cardinals. Everywhere.
Pick: Steelers
St. Louis @ Dallas
I fully expect the Rams to play better as the season continues. A 7-9 record wouldn’t shock me but Dallas is a better team than their record indicates. They need this one in Jerry’s world.
Pick: Cowboys
Green Bay @ Minnesota
The Packers have a realistic chance at running the table this year. Minnesota is not a team that will derail them.
Pick: Packers
Indianapolis @ New Orleans
Breakout game for Mark Ingram as they will want to be more balanced to prevent Freeney and Mathis from wreaking havoc on Brees. Could Manning be the MVP this year?
Baltimore @ Jacksonville
Interesting to see how rookie Blaine Gabbert will respond to an amped up Ravens defense on Monday night.
Pick: Ravens
Friday, October 14, 2011
Week 6 Pick'em
Season Record: 52-25
Carolina @ Atlanta
I want to pick the Panthers here, but the Falcons are just too good of a team to drop a must win game at home.
Pick: Falcons
Indianapolis @ Cincinnati
The Colts have entered a downward spiral. They battled hard in their tough primetime matchups during weeks 3 and 4, but gave up a lead late last week against the Chiefs. The Bengals are simply playing better football right now.
Pick: Bengals
San Francisco @ Detroit
Everyone expected the Lions to be good but not this good. No one expected the Niners to be good. New week, same question, who can cover Megatron?
Pick: Lions
St. Louis @ Green Bay
Trap game for the Packers but they are too good to let this one get away from them. If you bet vs. the spread, take the Rams. Coming off the bye week, with a healthy Steven Jackson, the Rams will be much tougher going forward.
Pick: Packers
Buffalo @ New York G
The Bills constantly amaze me and beating the Eagles last week (who were desperate) was a real statement. Should be an ugly weather day in Jersey.
Pick: Giants
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh
Just like the Rams game, if the Steelers were on the road, I’d be tempted to pick the Jags. Steelers, at home, with a rookie QB usually is auto-victory territory for the Steelers. They just haven’t seemed completely like themselves yet this year…
Pick: Steelers
Philadelphia @ Washington
Last time Michael Vick played against the Redskins he put on a clinic. He won’t repeat that performance but the reality is the Eagles are at the point where they NEED to win this game. If not, the division will likely go to someone else. Can Grossman take control of the NFC East?
Pick: Eagles
Cleveland @ Oakland
West coast road trip for the Browns. Contract disputes with Hillis. Raiders first home game since the passing of Al Davis.
Pick: Raiders
Houston @ Baltimore
The Ravens are coming off a bye week, with a home game. Houston is reeling after last weeks loss to the Raiders and are missing two of their best players in Andre Johnson and Mario Williams.
Pick: Ravens
Dallas @ New England
I think Dallas is still way under the radar. Sure they played very poorly in the second half against the Lions, but Detroit is a 5-0 ball club. The Boys beat the Niners who are 4-1. Close battle but the Pats are at home. In Jerry’s world it’d be a different story.
Pick: Patriots
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay
If the Bucs simply lost to the Niners last week I’d have more faith. They got blown away. Darren Sproles is much more effective than Reggie Bush ever was.
Pick: Saints
Minnesota @ Chicago
The Vikings have a solid pass rush and Adrian Peterson. The Bears O-line is atrocious and they let Jahvid Best run through them last week.
Pick: Vikings
Miami @ New York J
Miami is awful and Brandon Marshall is already talking about getting ejected in the 2nd quarter. If Matt Moore leads the Fins to a road win over Rex Ryan’s defense he might resign.
Pick: Jets
Carolina @ Atlanta
I want to pick the Panthers here, but the Falcons are just too good of a team to drop a must win game at home.
Pick: Falcons
Indianapolis @ Cincinnati
The Colts have entered a downward spiral. They battled hard in their tough primetime matchups during weeks 3 and 4, but gave up a lead late last week against the Chiefs. The Bengals are simply playing better football right now.
Pick: Bengals
San Francisco @ Detroit
Everyone expected the Lions to be good but not this good. No one expected the Niners to be good. New week, same question, who can cover Megatron?
Pick: Lions
St. Louis @ Green Bay
Trap game for the Packers but they are too good to let this one get away from them. If you bet vs. the spread, take the Rams. Coming off the bye week, with a healthy Steven Jackson, the Rams will be much tougher going forward.
Pick: Packers
Buffalo @ New York G
The Bills constantly amaze me and beating the Eagles last week (who were desperate) was a real statement. Should be an ugly weather day in Jersey.
Pick: Giants
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh
Just like the Rams game, if the Steelers were on the road, I’d be tempted to pick the Jags. Steelers, at home, with a rookie QB usually is auto-victory territory for the Steelers. They just haven’t seemed completely like themselves yet this year…
Pick: Steelers
Philadelphia @ Washington
Last time Michael Vick played against the Redskins he put on a clinic. He won’t repeat that performance but the reality is the Eagles are at the point where they NEED to win this game. If not, the division will likely go to someone else. Can Grossman take control of the NFC East?
Pick: Eagles
Cleveland @ Oakland
West coast road trip for the Browns. Contract disputes with Hillis. Raiders first home game since the passing of Al Davis.
Pick: Raiders
Houston @ Baltimore
The Ravens are coming off a bye week, with a home game. Houston is reeling after last weeks loss to the Raiders and are missing two of their best players in Andre Johnson and Mario Williams.
Pick: Ravens
Dallas @ New England
I think Dallas is still way under the radar. Sure they played very poorly in the second half against the Lions, but Detroit is a 5-0 ball club. The Boys beat the Niners who are 4-1. Close battle but the Pats are at home. In Jerry’s world it’d be a different story.
Pick: Patriots
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay
If the Bucs simply lost to the Niners last week I’d have more faith. They got blown away. Darren Sproles is much more effective than Reggie Bush ever was.
Pick: Saints
Minnesota @ Chicago
The Vikings have a solid pass rush and Adrian Peterson. The Bears O-line is atrocious and they let Jahvid Best run through them last week.
Pick: Vikings
Miami @ New York J
Miami is awful and Brandon Marshall is already talking about getting ejected in the 2nd quarter. If Matt Moore leads the Fins to a road win over Rex Ryan’s defense he might resign.
Pick: Jets
Friday, October 7, 2011
Week 5 Pick'em
Season Record: 45-19
Philadelphia @ Buffalo
It appears that the Bills have peaked and I don’t think it’s possible for the Eagles to do any worse. Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie are great man defenders but struggle in zone. The Eagles love their zone blitzes but need to adjust to put their talent in better, more comfortable positions.
Pick: Eagles
New Orleans @ Carolina
Going into the season most people thought this would be an easy W for the Saints. It won’t be easy but they should come away with the win. That being said, teams should now understand that Newton has the ability to beat anyone in the league on any given day.
Pick: Saints
Oakland @ Houston
The Raiders are the worst travelling team over the last few years. Andre Johnson is lost but the defense is playing much better and the Texans will just have to lean on the running game a bit more.
Pick: Texans
Kansas City @ Indianapolis
The Chiefs got their first win last week. The Colts get there’s this week. Indy has been competitive against two quality opponents in the last two weeks. The Chiefs are passing more with Jamaal Charles out, and the Colts D thrives against the pass.
Pick: Colts
Cincinnati @ Jacksonville
Another matchup of two rookie quarterbacks. Since when did the Bengals beating the Bills ever mean anything about how good either team was? What a crazy year it’s been.
Pick: Bengals
Arizona @ Minnesota
The Vikings could easily be 3-1 if they didn’t have a coaching staff. Arizona struggles on the road and their run defense is suspect.
Pick: Vikings
Seattle @ New York G
The Seahawks were competitive last week against the Falcons. They run into one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. Tarvaris Jackson will be running for his life from the Giants pass rush.
Pick: Giants
Tennessee @ Pittsburgh
The Steelers are banged up, the Titans and especially Matt Hasselbeck have looked great. I want to take the Titans but based on history I have to take the Steelers at home. If they drop this one it will be very clear they are declining.
Pick: Steelers
Tampa Bay @ San Francisco
The surprise 49ers and the young Bucs should produce a great game. In a league that relies on quarterback play I’ll take Josh Freeman over Alex Smith all day, everyday.
Pick: Buccaneers
San Diego @ Denver
The Broncos are not a very good team. Kyle Orton has been inconsistent (something he was NOT last year). Rivers gift to his division rival Broncos is putting them one week closer to Tebow time.
Pick: Chargers
New York J @ New England
The Patriots will be out for revenge after they were bounced from the playoffs last year by the Jets. The Patriots defense is the worst in the league but they are good at stopping the run. With Nick Mangold not at 100% the Jets will be forced to put the ball in the air. Brady can outduel Sanchez.
Pick: Patriots
Green Bay @ Atlanta
Another playoff rematch in Atlanta. The Packers are playing better than anyone right now. I just have a feeling the Falcons will want this one more. They are behind the eight-ball already, at home, on a Sunday night.
Pick: Falcons
Chicago @ Detroit
A key divisional matchup on Monday night. Throw out everything and ask yourself one question. How do you stop Megatron?
Pick: Lions
Philadelphia @ Buffalo
It appears that the Bills have peaked and I don’t think it’s possible for the Eagles to do any worse. Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie are great man defenders but struggle in zone. The Eagles love their zone blitzes but need to adjust to put their talent in better, more comfortable positions.
Pick: Eagles
New Orleans @ Carolina
Going into the season most people thought this would be an easy W for the Saints. It won’t be easy but they should come away with the win. That being said, teams should now understand that Newton has the ability to beat anyone in the league on any given day.
Pick: Saints
Oakland @ Houston
The Raiders are the worst travelling team over the last few years. Andre Johnson is lost but the defense is playing much better and the Texans will just have to lean on the running game a bit more.
Pick: Texans
Kansas City @ Indianapolis
The Chiefs got their first win last week. The Colts get there’s this week. Indy has been competitive against two quality opponents in the last two weeks. The Chiefs are passing more with Jamaal Charles out, and the Colts D thrives against the pass.
Pick: Colts
Cincinnati @ Jacksonville
Another matchup of two rookie quarterbacks. Since when did the Bengals beating the Bills ever mean anything about how good either team was? What a crazy year it’s been.
Pick: Bengals
Arizona @ Minnesota
The Vikings could easily be 3-1 if they didn’t have a coaching staff. Arizona struggles on the road and their run defense is suspect.
Pick: Vikings
Seattle @ New York G
The Seahawks were competitive last week against the Falcons. They run into one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. Tarvaris Jackson will be running for his life from the Giants pass rush.
Pick: Giants
Tennessee @ Pittsburgh
The Steelers are banged up, the Titans and especially Matt Hasselbeck have looked great. I want to take the Titans but based on history I have to take the Steelers at home. If they drop this one it will be very clear they are declining.
Pick: Steelers
Tampa Bay @ San Francisco
The surprise 49ers and the young Bucs should produce a great game. In a league that relies on quarterback play I’ll take Josh Freeman over Alex Smith all day, everyday.
Pick: Buccaneers
San Diego @ Denver
The Broncos are not a very good team. Kyle Orton has been inconsistent (something he was NOT last year). Rivers gift to his division rival Broncos is putting them one week closer to Tebow time.
Pick: Chargers
New York J @ New England
The Patriots will be out for revenge after they were bounced from the playoffs last year by the Jets. The Patriots defense is the worst in the league but they are good at stopping the run. With Nick Mangold not at 100% the Jets will be forced to put the ball in the air. Brady can outduel Sanchez.
Pick: Patriots
Green Bay @ Atlanta
Another playoff rematch in Atlanta. The Packers are playing better than anyone right now. I just have a feeling the Falcons will want this one more. They are behind the eight-ball already, at home, on a Sunday night.
Pick: Falcons
Chicago @ Detroit
A key divisional matchup on Monday night. Throw out everything and ask yourself one question. How do you stop Megatron?
Pick: Lions
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 4 Pick'em
Season Record 34-14
Carolina @ Chicago
Newton won his first game but looked a lot more like a rookie than he did in the first two weeks. Chicago's defence at home will be his toughest test yet.
Pick: Bears
Buffalo @ Cincinnati
The Bills are off to a hot start, the Bengals could stay in the thick of the AFC North race with a win.
Pick: Bills
Tennessee @ Cleveland
Two teams that are hard to get a read on. The Browns will be tough at home and with Hillis returning. The Titans need a big game from Chris Johnson now that Kenny Britt is lost for the season.
Pick: Browns
Detroit @ Dallas
Big time game for the Lions as they face a Cowboy team that needs a win to keep pace within the division. Megatron will need to dominate, as he has this season.
Pick: Lions
Minnesota @ Kansas City
The Vikings have lost two games because of awful play-calling in the 2nd half. The Chiefs just don't have the same talent as the Vikings and I think AP will run wild with a lot of touches.
Pick: Vikings
Washington @ St. Louis
The Rams have really disappointed so far this year. I like the way the Skins are playing but Bradford can't go to 0-4. He just can't.
Pick: Rams
San Fran @ Philadelphia
Dream team needs to wake up and stop dreaming. It's time.
Pick: Eagles
New Orleans @ Jacksonville
Brees vs Gabbert. The Saints should blow the Jags away.
Pick: Saints
Pittsburgh @ Houston
Could be a playoff preview in Houston. The Texans had a chance for a statement win last week in New Orleans. They get another chance this week.
Pick: Houston
New York G @ Arizona
Both secondaries are awful. Expect a shootout that the Giants win.
Pick: Giants
Atlanta @ Seattle
Falcons are a contender, Seahawks are not.
Pick: Falcons
Denver @ Green Bay
See previous explanation.
Pick: Packers
New England @ Oakland
The Pats rarely lose back to back games. They aren't terrible against the run either.
Pick: Patriots
Miami @ San Diego
Tony Sparano is likely out of a job soon. The Chargers are still gaining momentum but the injury to Gates is troubling.
Pick: Chargers
New York J @ Baltimore
Should be a good old fashioned slobberknocker. Jets not running the ball well
Pick: Ravens
Indianapolis @ Tampa Bay
Bucs need to win the easy ones. Colts D will need another inspirational performance.
Pick: Bucs
Carolina @ Chicago
Newton won his first game but looked a lot more like a rookie than he did in the first two weeks. Chicago's defence at home will be his toughest test yet.
Pick: Bears
Buffalo @ Cincinnati
The Bills are off to a hot start, the Bengals could stay in the thick of the AFC North race with a win.
Pick: Bills
Tennessee @ Cleveland
Two teams that are hard to get a read on. The Browns will be tough at home and with Hillis returning. The Titans need a big game from Chris Johnson now that Kenny Britt is lost for the season.
Pick: Browns
Detroit @ Dallas
Big time game for the Lions as they face a Cowboy team that needs a win to keep pace within the division. Megatron will need to dominate, as he has this season.
Pick: Lions
Minnesota @ Kansas City
The Vikings have lost two games because of awful play-calling in the 2nd half. The Chiefs just don't have the same talent as the Vikings and I think AP will run wild with a lot of touches.
Pick: Vikings
Washington @ St. Louis
The Rams have really disappointed so far this year. I like the way the Skins are playing but Bradford can't go to 0-4. He just can't.
Pick: Rams
San Fran @ Philadelphia
Dream team needs to wake up and stop dreaming. It's time.
Pick: Eagles
New Orleans @ Jacksonville
Brees vs Gabbert. The Saints should blow the Jags away.
Pick: Saints
Pittsburgh @ Houston
Could be a playoff preview in Houston. The Texans had a chance for a statement win last week in New Orleans. They get another chance this week.
Pick: Houston
New York G @ Arizona
Both secondaries are awful. Expect a shootout that the Giants win.
Pick: Giants
Atlanta @ Seattle
Falcons are a contender, Seahawks are not.
Pick: Falcons
Denver @ Green Bay
See previous explanation.
Pick: Packers
New England @ Oakland
The Pats rarely lose back to back games. They aren't terrible against the run either.
Pick: Patriots
Miami @ San Diego
Tony Sparano is likely out of a job soon. The Chargers are still gaining momentum but the injury to Gates is troubling.
Pick: Chargers
New York J @ Baltimore
Should be a good old fashioned slobberknocker. Jets not running the ball well
Pick: Ravens
Indianapolis @ Tampa Bay
Bucs need to win the easy ones. Colts D will need another inspirational performance.
Pick: Bucs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)