FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Week 16 - Thoughts, Picks, and Other Stuff

Hey everybody!  Football comes early this week, as the majority of the games are being played on Saturday - I really feel for all the folks that will be caught up in shopping malls....this week's action should be pretty damn compelling.  While most of the playoff qualifiers have been determined, there is still plenty of positioning to sort out.  Not to mention, the Winners of the NFC East and AFC West still haven't emerged going into this week's action.  How's that for drama?  Anyhow, let's do this..... 







Last week: 2-2
Against the Spread: 2-2

For the Season:
Straight Up: 23-12
Against the Spread: 14-18-2

Minnesota Vikings (2-12) vs. (-7) Washington Redskins (5-9)

Although both of these proud franchises are having tough years, they are playing at opposite ends of the hot/cold spectrum.  While Minnesota has suffered through breaking in a rookie quarterback, Washington has suffered through a season of turning the ball over.  That notwithstanding, The Redskins are playing some darn good ball.  Certainly good enough to take care of the Vikings at home.  Washington covers.

Cleveland Browns (4-10) vs. (-13) Baltimore Ravens (10-4)

On paper, this game shouldn't even be close.  The Browns are suffering through a down year, while all the Ravens need to do to Win the AFC North is run the table.  There's too much on the table for Baltimore to give this one away, but my feeling is that Cleveland puts up more of a fight than anyone expects.  Ravens still Win, but I do like Cleveland to beat the spread.

Oakland Raiders (7-7) vs. (-3) Kansas City Chiefs (6-8)

I remember this game for being the best rivalry in the AFC (nowadays that distinction belongs to the AFC North's Baltimore-Pittsburgh rivalry ).  Although they've been inconsistent as hell, the Raiders have had a pretty good year.  But lately, they just can't seem to really get it together, which makes Winning in KC monumentally difficult.  After Sunday's huge Win, it's hard to go against the Chiefs in Arrowhead.  Therefore, I won't do it.  I truly wanna take the Raiders in this one, but I won't.  Kansas City is just too strong at home.  But the Raiders do beat the spread.

Chicago Bears (7-7) vs. (-12) Green Bay Packers (13-1)

This should be memorable.  The Bears really need the game.  They REALLY need the game.  They really need the game!  The question is, do they get it?  I really believe that Chicago is going to go into Lambeau Field and bring the fight straight to the Packers, but will that be enough?  Since the Bears have been playing without their quarterback, they have put themselves in a position where they're on the outside looking in, concerning the playoff picture.  Green Bay, on the other hand,  has famously been on a season long tear through the league.  Although that streak ended in Week 15, the Packers are no less formidable.  Chicago beats the spread; Green Bay Wins the game.

There you have it, folks.  Holiday football at it's best!  Enjoy the games, and stay away from those malls!!

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Week 15 - Thoughts, Picks, and Other Stuff

Sorry I missed last week folks.  I'll get myself back on schedule, just bear with me.  While I was away, we entered the make or break point for the pack of playoff contenders.  This week's games will certainly clear up a lot of the pile -- well at least separate the trash from the heap.  Sooooo, without further ado, let's make it happen!











Last week: 3-0
Against the Spread: 0-3 (ouch!)

For the Season:
Straight Up: 21-10
Against the Spread: 12-16-2

(-71/2) Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) vs. St. Louis Rams (2-11)

This would've been a nice battle of Midwestern teams...in September!  As it stands now, the Rams are out of it, while the Bengals are squarely in the mix.  Seriously, this shouldn't be much of a game.  St. Louis has found new ways to lose seemingly every week.  And the funny thing is that I expected to see them take a big step forward this year.  Too bad.  Conversely, the Bengals have surprised everyone outside of the city of Cincinnati with their exciting, cardiac kids, come-from-behind style of football.  They are having quite the year, and I expect it to continue.  St. Louis hasn't put up too much fight in '11, so I've got Cincy Winning the ballgame.  I just don't think they'll cover the spread.

Seattle Seahawks (6-7) vs. (-31/2) Chicago Bears (7-6)

Surprisingly (to me, at least) the Seahawks have battled their way back into the mix by taking care of business at home.  That's what good teams do, absolutely.  While Chicago has struggled mightily since suffering an injury to their quarterback.  But the Bears are a good team; better than a Seattle squad playing a road game.  This is an important game for both outfits, but I like Chicago.  They're better, and they need to get back on track after some dismal play that has backed them into a corner.  Seattle won't show up and lay down though.  Seahawks beat the spread.

(-12) Green Bay Packers (13-0) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (5-8)

The Champs are rolling, while the Chiefs are struggling.  This simply isn't a fair fight!  Even if Kansas City comes out swinging, how in the hell do they stay with the Pack?  The answer is they don't.  I'm not picking against Green Bay till somebody beats 'em!  And I won't pick against 'em today.  Green Bay covers.

(-3) Baltimore Ravens (10-3) vs. San Diego Chargers (6-7)

Baltimore has been looking good lately, while San Diego has really struggled.  This should be a really fun game to watch.  But I'll cut to the chase; I like the Chargers to pull the upset!  This is still a good team, although they've had a down year.  But it ain't over yet for these guys.  I expect San Diego to pull out a hard fought Win to keep their quickly fading playoff hopes alive.  Gotta take the home dog in this one.

Well football fans, that's who I've got this week.  I look forward to cheering on all of the action.  Who you got?

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Week 13 - Thoughts, Picks, and Other Stuff

Wassup all.  We're coming down to crunch time.  The outcomes of these games can likely be the difference between teams reaching their goals, and waiting until next year.  Knowing the tenor of the NFL these days, I still expect to see a team catch fire and remain hot well into January.  I don't think that a particular team has emerged yet this year, but perhaps we'll have a better idea of who it will be after the week's games.  You can bet I'll be watching.  Now, time for the picks!







Last week: 3-1
Against the Spread: 2-2

For the Season:
Straight Up: 18-10
Against the Spread: 12-13-2

Indianapolis Colts (0-11) vs. (-21) New England Patriots (8-3)

In what was once the must-see matchup of the entire season, this game still has plenty of intrigue; although not in determining which team will secure homefield advantage.  Sure, New England is squarely in the running for the homefield slot in the AFC.  But it does appear that Indy has decided to secure the 1st pick in the upcoming draft.  And this game should only strengthen each team's respective goals.  I like the Patriots all the way in this game.  Even with that 21 point spread!  Knowing how Bill Belichick plays the game, the Pats are likely to score 50 points!  New England Wins easily and covers that outrageous spread.

(-7) Green Bay Packers (11-0) vs. New York Giants (6-5)


Great matchup!  The defending Super Bowl Champions visit an NFC East power in a critical matchup (at least for the G-men).  Green Bay has certainly made a strong case for being the odds on favorite to repeat as league champs.  But can the Giants Win the toughest home game on their schedule?  Well, in order to keep their fading division and playoff hopes alive, they'll need to.  My feeling is that New York will drag the Pack into a nasty streetfight, but I still like Green Bay to Win.  They are young, talented, and playing with the swagger of a champion.  New York won't scare Green Bay - and they won't beat 'em either.

St. Louis Rams (2-9) vs. (-14) San Francisco 49ers (9-2)

I really don't have too much to say about this one.  St. Louis is having a pretty tough year, while San Fran has run away with the division.  The only real question is whether the Niners can cover that huge spread.  I say no.  San Francisco Wins, but the Rams will keep it close.

Okay folks!  Short sample this time around, but stay tuned.  Some interesting stuff is on the way....

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Week 12 - Thoughts, Picks, and Other Stuff

Ahhhh yes.  This is one of my favorite weeks of the year!  Not only because I love the Thanksgiving holiday, but there's also non-stop football over the course of the weekend.  What's better than that?  Nothing.  But there's one thing that comes close, and that's the picks!  So let's get to 'em.













Thanksgiving: 2-1
Against the Spread: 2-1

For the Season:
Straight Up: 16-9
Against the Spread: 10-12-2

Buffalo Bills (5-5) vs. (-91/2) New York Jets (5-5)

This is a pivotal AFC East matchup.  At different points throughout the year, both teams had an opportunity to wrestle the division away from New England and failed to take advantage of it.  Now they square off with wild-card playoff implications on the line.  Although the loser of this game won't be totally out of the picture, they will lose the ability to fully control their own destiny.  I like New York at home.  They are the veteran team, and the Jets have proven themselves to be a good late season squad.  They should Win, but Buffalo will beat the spread.

Cleveland Browns (4-6) vs. (-7) Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)

The battle for Ohio, round 2, may not be very compelling this week.  The Bengals really have a good young team, while the Browns appear to be playing for next year already.  This is still a division matchup, so I expect Cleveland to show some fight.  But I don't expect them to go into Cincinnati and pull out a Win.  I like the Bengals to take care of business in this one.  They'll pull away late and cover the spread.

Arizona Cardinals (3-7) vs (-3) St. Louis Rams (2-8)

It's interesting that realignment puts these two teams in the same division.  For generations, St. Louis was a Cardinals town (baseball & football), while the Rams were a west coast team.  How ironic it is that they not only switch places, but become division rivals to boot!  Anyhow, I believe the Rams' season quickly got away from them because of a murderer's row schedule in the first half of the season, but I also think they have an up-and-coming team.  Clearly, they won't go anywhere this year, but neither is Arizona.  As far as the ballgame is concerned, I'm going with St. Louis (the new St. Louis).  My money's on the Rams to surprise some people in the 2nd half of the season.

Chicago Bears (7-3) vs. (-3) Oakland Raiders (6-4)

I think this one will be loads of fun!  Clearly, it would've been a better matchup had the Bears not lost their quarterback, but I expect Chicago to show up in Oakland swinging.  The Raiders still have a share of first place in their division, so they need to hold serve at home.  As a spectator, this should make for an interesting, hard-hitting, competitive contest.  I like the Raiders to prevail.  Maybe it would be a different story if Chicago was at full strength, but the Silver and Black is back.  This week is their chance to prove it versus a quality opponent.  Oakland covers.

This week should be fun guys.  Enjoy the games!

Thanksgiving Day Football: Week 12 - Thoughts, Picks, and Other Stuff

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!  I definitely hope that everyone enjoys their holiday feast; I know I will!  Of course the best part about the holiday is spending time with family.  I really do cherish the opportunity to get with all of my relatives and catch up.  I'm sure many of you feel the same way.


But without a doubt, the Thanksgiving Day holiday just wouldn't be the same without the ballgames!  So without further ado, let's pick 'em!











Last week: 3-1 (Skins broke my heart!)
Against the Spread: 3-0-1 (Baltimore pushed)

For the Season:
Straight Up: 14-8
Against the Spread: 8-11-2

(-6) Green Bay Packers (10-0) vs. Detroit Lions (7-3)

I expect this to be a damn good game, but I like Green Bay to prevail.  Detroit looks like they've turned into a legitimate team, but they just don't have enough a beat the Pack.  The Champs are on a roll, and they remember their defeat in Motown last year.  Green Bay covers the spread.

Miami Dolphins (3-7) vs. (-7) Dallas Cowboys (6-4)

The cowboys were lucky they didn't lose last week.  No such luck this time around.  Miami's hot and will shock the world today.  Happy Holidays everyone -- Miami Wins!!!

BONUS TIME: 

I like the Baltimore Ravens to beat the San Francisco 49ers in the nightcap.  The Westside Harbaugh's luck runs out tonght.  Book it.  Enjoy the feast and I'll see ya on football friday.

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Week 11 - Thoughts, Picks, and Other Stuff

The past couple of weeks have been crazy.  For instance, I barely got this post up in time to go on record.  Therefore, there's no time to waste; let's go to the picks!










Last week: 3-1 (Shouldn't have taken Indy)
Against the Spread: 2-2

For the Season:
Straight Up: 11-7
Against the Spread: 5-11-1

Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) vs. (-7) Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

In what has become a surprisingly compelling matchup, the upstart Bengals travel to Baltimore to tangle for 1st place.  I'm impressed by what this young Cincy team has been able to accomplish, but the Ravens aren't going to concede the division lead to these guys on their home field.  The Ravens will Win the game, but not by more than a touchdown.

Oakland Raiders (5-4) vs. (-1) Minnesota Vikings (2-7)

This one is a slam dunk.  Sure the Raiders have had a few hiccups this year.  And this could certainly be one of them.  But I don't think so.  Minnesota has been known to be tough at home through the years, but I don't see it in this game.  The season is careening down the home stretch and Oakland needs this one bad.  I think they get it.  I like the Raiders to Win.

(-8) Dallas Cowboys (5-4) vs. Washington Redskins (3-6)

I couldn't pass this one up!  This is still the best rivalry in the history of the NFL.  This year Washington's having a tough season, while the cowboys are starting to surge.  The standard line is that dallas should be fine this week.  BUT I have seen plenty of these matchups, and strange things happen when these old rivals get together.  This time around, I like Washington to pull of the upset!  

San Diego Chargers (4-5) vs. (-4) Chicago Bears (6-3)

When the schedules were released, this matchup looked like a prime time ballgame.  Although it lacks some of its pre-season luster, this should still be must see TV.  Bottom line, I expect the Bears to Win.  Chicago has begun to assert itself, while San Diego has been slipping the past few weeks.  The Chargers can still Win the AFC West, but that will have to happen in the coming weeks.  San Diego leaves the Midwest with a 4-6 record.

There it is.  Next week will be back to normal.  Enjoy the games everyone!

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Week 10 - Thoughts, Picks, and Other Stuff

Happy Veteran's Day everyone!  If you know anybody who's served in the military, I would strongly recommend that you tell them you appreciate their service.  Let's face it - everybody likes to be recognized. So do the right thing and recognize them.

So how's your Friday treating you?  Mine is spectacular!  After a busy week, I actually have a chance to post the picks at a reasonable hour.  Sorry for not posting sooner, but like I said, it has been a busy one.  For sure, I am glad to get back to the blog though.  I missed you guys (does that count as an apology?).


I'm in a really good mood today, so here's a little something to make you laugh.

That damn thing gets me every time!!  Now back to business.


Yoooo....how 'bout those picks last week, eh?  Not too bad.  I'm starting to feel like I'm getting into a grove here.  The Ravens really impressed me with their big Win.  And its not that I felt they couldn't do it, but I really felt like the Steelers would split with them.  Surprising.  And I must say, Denver surprised me too.  But that's why they play them ballgames.  Otherwise, the calls were on point.  So let's follow last week up with a strong showing in Week 10.  On to the picks!










Last week: 3-2
Against the Spread: 3-2

For the Season:
Straight Up: 8-6
Against the Spread: 3-10-1 (Tampa Bay did NOT beat the spread!)

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6) vs. (-3) Indianapolis Colts (0-9)

Jacksonville is coming off their bye week after a tough road loss in Houston and I expect them to be hungry. Indy...well, let's just say they're having a tough year.  I can understand they are not the same team without Peyton Manning, but a goose-egg?  Startling.  Jacksonville is definitely not the worst team in the AFC South this year.  The Colts are.  BUT I'm taking the Colts to get off the mat this week!  Those vets need to start showing some pride, and I believe they will.  Not to mention, the Colts have to know that this week may represent their best opportunity to Win this season.  The Jags are bringing a Rookie Quarterback to town, so I expect to see Indianapolis take advantage of this scenario.  Apparently, so do the oddsmakers.  I like Indy to cover.  

Tennessee Titans (4-4) vs. (-31/2) Carolina Panthers (2-6)

Here's an interesting matchup: the Titans have really been up-and-down this season, while the rebuilding Panthers have had plenty of sizzle on Offense, but a lack of  game success (as far as the W's are concerned).  Tennessee really needs this game if they plan on seriously factoring into the AFC South race.  But the Panthers are pretty tough in Charlotte.  They are entirely capable of zapping the Titans.  It should make for compelling football.  I like Tennessee to Win this game to stay in the AFC mix.  I do believe in Cam, but he needs more help to consistently be a threat.  

Detroit Lions (6-2) vs. (-3) Chicago Bears (5-3)


In what I consider the best division in football this year, this has become a must-see matchup.  Chicago is starting to come into their own after that huge Monday Night Win against Philadelphia.  And Detroit got plenty of rest with a bye after their Week 8 beatdown of Denver.  The Lions appear to be a legit factor in the NFC, so this game may ultimately become a tiebreaker for playoff positioning. All that  said, I like the Bears to Win and cover the spread.  This is a payback game for Chicago, and Detroit has to prove that they are good enough to beat division opponents on the road in crucial games.

Minnesota Vikings (2-6) vs (-14) Green Bay Packers (8-0)

Who in the NFL is going to stop the Packers?  Not Minnesota, THAT's for sure!  Green Bay is on a season long tear, and Minnesota needs to retool a bit.  This game just isn't a fair fight.  Rookie Christian Ponder will have his work cut out for him in his first visit to the frozen tundra.  On Monday Night, no less!  But these are division opponents, and 14 points is a LOT to give a division rival with a veteran defense.  Look, the Vikings won't Win, but they beat that ridiculous spread.

Now you have the Week 10 picks.  Please use them responsibly.  And I will definitely be a little more consistent in my posts for this upcoming week.  Catch ya later.

The Defining Moment

The New Face of the Baltimore Ravens

Most NFL observers believe that the Baltimore-Pittsburgh matchup is the best rivalry in the league right now.  I am one of those observers.  When the Ravens and Steelers get together, you know there's going to be two teams that hate each other, trying to beat the crap outta one another for 60 minutes straight.  And when each combatant has that tough guy, east coast, blue collar swagger well, it just makes the storyline that much more compelling.  And that's only the background to the story.

These teams aren't just division rivals, these two teams are arch rivals: Bmore & the Burgh are considered the top 2 defenses in the league, AFC powerhouses, and legitimate Super Bowl Contenders.  And they hate each other!  

As a Maryland resident, I can tell you with 100% certainty that there are only three sporting events that really matter -- that's Maryland-Duke basketball, Redskins-Cowboys, and Ravens-Steelers football.  People remember how local players perform in these games.  And it DOES matter.  These matchups move the needle.  Every time.

On that note, I've heard from countless Ravens fans over the years how Joe Flacco was less than stellar.  And local criticism of the guy bordered on being downright hateful at times.  This derision coming from Ravens fans, no less!  The dominant theme was that Flacco lacked the late-game heroics of the Steeler QB, Ben Rothlisberger.  No doubt Bmore fans got sick and tired of this guy beating them.  So Beating Rothlisberger became the litmus test for Joe.

Then, a funny thing happened.  He did beat Pittsburgh on a game Winning final drive, on their field!  But most fans remained unsatisfied.  The line of reasoning was that beating the hated Steelers was good, but he bested their backup--not their main man Rothlisberger.  And to add insult to injury, those same steelers late in the year came to Baltimore and beat the hometown Ravens, with Flacco being sacked and fumbling in the critical final stretch.  Further, Pittsburgh beat the Ravens AGAIN in Pennsylvania to end Baltimore's season in the playoffs.  These developments took place last season.

Fast forward to this year, with Baltimore hosting the hated rivals to open the season.  Finally, they stuck it to 'em pretty good.  Ravens fans loved it!  But they were expected to hold serve at home.  All of the neutral observers figured that those Pittsburghers circled the Week 9 rematch, and were ready to sock the Ravens some serious payback.

 Fast forward to this game.  Sure, it was tooth and nail; when these two teams play, it always is.  Then predictably, the Rothlisberger led Steelers get their go-ahead touchdown late to seal it.  Or so it seemed.  The Ravens got the ball with little more than 2 minutes left in the contest, and Joe Flacco had his shining moment.  The guy was simply amazing!  On that drive, he became the man he was brought to Baltimore to be.  He looked poised, sure, and played the role of the clutch quarterback.

Beating Rothlisberger in Pittsburgh is the game changer.  Joe is now the man in town.  He finally slayed the dragon, and I for one, am happy for the guy.  In order for the Ravens to eventually reach the pinnacle, they had to scale this obstacle.  And everyone associated with the Baltimore organization knew it.

Now victorious, will #5 get his due?  He's done what was asked of him in spectacular fashion.  Which might just be the springboard to big things.

The Big Game -- Afterthoughts

Wow.  What a ballgame!  On the real, its just not too often these days where there's a hype-filled defensive matchup that lives up to the billing.  But this game between LSU and Alabama did exactly that.  I'm happy that this clash of the Titans was every bit as good as advertised.

I do feel that the better team Won, but I'm also surprised that Saban's Tide Wasted so many opportunities.  Yes, the kicking game proved to be the difference.  And that's exactly where the Bengal Tigers' key advantage manifested itself.

Yes, I am that impressed with LSU's kicking game.  Between the way they control field position AND play defense, there simply isn't a team in college football good enough (and talented enough) to beat these guys.

Consider what I personally felt was the difference in the game.  LSU was backed up, ready to punt the ball inside their own 20.  I think the Crimson Tide punt returner was standing at about his own 35, poised to run towards the impending punt to field it.  From the scenario, Alabama had every expectation of receiving the football, and with little or no return, beginning their possession right around midfield.  A huge opportunity, given the low-scoring tone of the game.  What happened?  The Tigers' punter ended up punting the ball (with a fortuitous roll) to almost the Alabama 20 yard line!  I felt the punter deserved serious consideration for Player of the Game for that effort; LSU doesn't Win without that play.

There were easily a half-dozen key special teams plays through the game that the Tigers consistently 'Won'.  Again, there's the hidden element of a sound kicking game paying crucial dividends on the road.  Simple and plain, if the Crimson Tide had executed on special teams during the game, they're the #1 team in college football tonight.  But LSU did, and that is why they still are #1.

Tonight, we saw exactly why LSU will Win the National Championship.  They can beat you a number of ways, but they KNOW they can beat anyone by pinning an opponent deep in it's own territory, play tough defense (since driving down a long field and scoring consistently on this defense is very unlikely), and slowly bend teams into submission in grind-em-out style ballgames.  That playing style doesn't make you as popular as the spread offensive scheme teams, but it does make you damn near impossible to beat.

Them Louisiana Boys just proved it.

The State of the Skins

Once again, we have reached that point.  To Washington fans, this is all too familiar:  The Redskins start off hot outta the gate, start to sputter around mid-season, only to nosedive during the homestretch.  And apparently, I'm not the only one who believes this.  Not only is it awful (and gut wrenching), but oh so fuckin predictable.  Every year the same ole bullshit!  But today, I will not rant. Nope.  Today, the day before gameday, we're gonna take the temperature of the DC region.  I am rather curious to know what's out there.  Aren't you too?  Good!  Let's take a little ride...

First stop is to TV Land...or better yet, the network's sports site.  This is a clip of cbssports.com handicapping San Francisco's looming visit to Washington.  This is the most impartial treatment The Skins are gonna get from the National level press corps.

Any astute Redskins observer can regard the above statements as a pretty acurrate analysis of where the team is at right now.  These are challenging times for The Burgundy and Gold.

Nationally, there are a few other observers out there that have offered some reasonable analysis of the team.  The sports xchange also questions whether the team will slide.  And Dan Graziano of ESPN's NFC East blog comments that The Skins' recent struggles are due to a thin offensive line.  Pretty much everybody else is looking at the score of the Buffalo game and laughing.

Now what's the local take?  These Washington Post columnists provide a glimpse: Jason Reid says that now is the time for Coach Shanahan to lead.  Tracee Hamilton has a sober assessment of the talent level of the team.  She observes that there is still work to be done on the roster.  I happen to agree with the analyses offered.  Washington ain't there yet, but that's certainly no excuse for poor performance.  It's up to Coach to do something.

Here is the outright criticism.   Dan Daly of The Washington Times is not wearing rose-colored glasses anymore.  Rich Tandler of the Real Redskins has taken issue with the personnel switch.  Rick Snider of the Washington Examiner believes a Snyder intervention is in order.  You should get the idea by now.  These are some of the voices that are sick of seeing Redskins seasons unravel like flimsy thread.  Yes, once again, we are at that point of the season.

With all of the aforementioned considered, a big Washington Win followed by a road trip to Miami, capped off with Dallas Week could have the season turn on a dime.  Yes, anything is possible.  But for this to be a year that's different from the same ol'-same ol', beating the San Francisco 49ers would change the death march immediately.  Only one more day 'till we find out.

FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Week 9 - Thoughts, Picks, and Other Stuff

Helloooo Friday!  I sure did miss ya.  How's everybody doing?  Hopefully, all is well.  As you may have noticed, I made a few changes around here.  I think it looks better, but how about you?  I am pretty sure that it's not the appearance that is most important, but being easy on the eyes never hurt nothing.  


As for the football picks, I'm happy to say that I improved a little in week 8, but this prognostication stuff is tricky business.  I'm beginning to feel more love for the experts.  Imagine that.  Now let's get to it.








Last week: 3-2
Against the Spread:   1-3-1 (Houston pushed!!)

For The Season
Straight Up: 5-4
Against the Spread: 1-7-1 (ouch - it's early though)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3) vs. (-81/2) New Orleans Saints (5-3)

This is a great matchup!  Tampa Bay has a great young team that is going to be a power in the NFC South long-term.  But New Orleans is still the top dawg in these parts.  After a surprising upset to lowly St. Louis last week, I expect to see some fireworks in the game.  Tampa surprised New Orleans in the first one, so on top of this being a huge midseason test, this also turns out to be a revenge game.  I like New Orleans in this one, but the Bucs fight 'em till the end & beat the spread. 

Denver Broncos (2-5) vs. (-71/2) Oakland Raiders (4-3)

The Tebow circus shows up in Northern California for a road division game against the hated Raiders.  If he pulls this one off, I'm sure Broncos fans would start talking about erecting a statue in the guy's honor.  Not gonna happen.  Yes, Oakland has trouble at Quarterback, but they've still got McFadden running wild out of their backfield.  And I just don't believe the Broncos are good enough to beat any decent quality teams this year.  I'll take Oakland to cover the spread.  

New York Giants (5-2) vs. (-9) New England Patriots (5-2)

In what could be an inter-conference clash between division champions, this game has the makings of a potential Super Bowl preview.  The G-men represent the always rugged NFC East, while the Patriots still hold the mantle of the AFC East, respectively.  I have no doubt that the P-men want a little payback after that upset for the title a few years back: sure there's been roster turnover in both locker rooms, but you better believe Brady and those vets emphasized how important it is to settle the score on the field.  Now here's the shocker -- I don't think they get it!  Yup, I'm taking New York in another upset.  I got a funny feeling Eli Manning wants to prove something about his own legacy.  Either way, the Giants beat the spread.

Baltimore Ravens (5-2) vs. (-31/2) Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)

I don't even have a dog in this race, but I sure do love this matchup!  Living in Maryland, I can tell you that these two teams really do hate each other; that's not just for the cameras guys.  When the Ravens meet the Steelers, the streets go quiet around here.  Not only is it the most physical game in football, but their matchups almost always decide the division championship.  Sorry B-more, but I got the Steelers by a field goal this time.  Nothing against the Ravens, but it is incredibly difficult to sweep a top quality opponent.  Sure Pittsburgh ain't what they used to be, but they are good enough to hold serve at home.  Now the real question is who Wins the rubber game???

BONUS TIME!!

College Game Of The Year:

#1 LSU Tigers (8-0) vs. (-5) #2 Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0)

I have been looking forward to this football game for a month!  (sidebar: how good is the SEC? This isn't even the only Top 10 matchup in conference tomorrow! Damn, cuz.)  Not only did neither team spoil the quality of the contest by losing to an inferior opponent, they've both beat the crap out of some pretty high quality competition.  Head Coach Nick Saban appears to be the reincarnation of Bear Bryant, by the way the Tide steamrolls people.  But I have been awfully impressed with LSU's unrivaled dominance of their opponents.  They beat THREE ranked teams on the road, and some of those games weren't even close!  That's the most impressive feat I've seen in college ball in a few years.  Based largely on that feat, I got LSU in the 'upset' in Tuscaloosa.  No disrespect to Alabama, but Louisiana State University's football team appears to be on a mission.  I don't see anyone stopping the juggernaut this year.  But if 'Bama runs the table otherwise, they deserve a rematch.  It should be fun.

There it is folks.  Print it out, put it up on the wall & shoot spitballs at it.  Those are the picks for week 9.  AND I gave ya the NCAA Football National Champion.  No Charge...but I do accept tips.  ;-)

Comments are always welcome.

My Midseason Division Predictions (AFC)

Howdy folks.  Since we're at the midway point of the year, instead of handing out props for 1st half performances (at least in this post), I figured it'd be fun to take a look ahead.  In fact, since I haven't done it yet, I'll post my predictions for the Winners of each division in the NFL.  Let's get right to it!

1) AFC EAST - Gotta go with the New England Patriots.  Although the rest of the division has closed the gap, I don't think this is the season that the Pats' dominance ends.  Great veteran leadership, Brady playing at a high level again, and their hated rival (New York) simply doesn't have their shit together to seriously challenge for the crown.  And Buffalo's having a great year, but not great enough to snatch the division outta the Boston region's grip.  I like the Patriots for one more year.

2)AFC NORTH - The pic says it all.  This comes down to the Ravens and Steelers, just like it seems to every year.  In fact, I'll go on record and say that this year's division Winner will secure home field advantage in the playoffs, too.  But I've gotta be honest; I think a very credible case can be made for either squad.  Yes, they'll both be in the playoffs, but which is the top dawg?  Surprisingly, the Cincinnati Bengals will decide that question.  My take is that whichever team fares better vs Cincy will Win the crown.  This go 'round, I give the edge to the Baltimore Ravens.  They have a scheduling advantage down the homestretch, and I think this is their time.

3)AFC SOUTH - The Houston Texans have finally caught those Colts...largely by benefitting from Peyton Manning's injury complications.  But props are due, because these guys definitely took advantage of their favorable circumstances and beat up on the division.  Not only have they made a strong statement this season about who's boss in the South, but they have shifted the balance of power in the division going forward.  Just ask Tennessee.  I like Houston.  Not just this year, but going forward for the foreseeable future.  Even if Manning plays football again.

4)AFC West - The West could be pretty wild this year.  That Phillip Rivers fumble has the power to alter the complexion of the entire division race.  I believe it could be that big.  Football can be a funny game.  But here's the twist: although that meltdown in KC could sink the Bolts, I don't think it will.  I expect Rivers to be on fire down the stretch, and deliver another division title to the San Diego Chargers.  Kansas City has played quite well lately, which makes up for their slow start.  And Oakland looks to have lost a bit of steam with a big injury to their quarterback.  I do see the Raiders being a tough out all year, but not tough enough to seriously contend for the AFC West Title.  Chargers take it one more time.

And there you have it.  My picks for the 2011-12 AFC Divisional Champions.  The only thing left to do now is to sit back and watch it unfold.  Should be fun!

Stay tuned for the NFC Divisional Champions post soon...