Week 16 Picks

I am posting my picks late, but I cyber pinkie promise that I did not change my picks as the day unfolded. In the craziness that was the holidays I forgot to post them before game days!

1. Steelers
2. Cardinals
3. Dolphins
4. Eagles
5. Jaguars
6. Rams
7. Buccs
8. Patriots
9. Bears
10. Ravens
11. Chiefs
12. Colts
13. Texans
14. Packers
15. Chargers
16. Saints

This week was a make it or break it week for a lot of teams. Many teams' hopes of playoffs depend on receiving help from many other teams. I will not go into all the different scenarios of who needs help from which team(s).

Biggest playoff win/lose game: 49ers @ Rams: Had the 49ers won, they would still be in the mix for a playoff spot. They lost today so they eliminated themselves. Now all that surrounds the 49ers is question marks. Coach? Quarterback? 2010-11 season? No one really knows what happened to this team that many thought would be a strong playoff contender this year. As far as the Rams are concerned, going into today's game, they had to win the next two games to head to the playoffs by securing the top spot in the NFC West. Now, they find themselves in a "Win and In" game against Seattle next week. Winner takes all and gets a playoff spot and one home playoff game. The Seahawks had a throw away game today, win they remained tied with the Rams; lose, which they did, they still have a chance to go into their home field and win to tie with the Rams, but would win out in a tie breaker.

The Patriots secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs today with their win over the Bills.

The Ravens secured their playoff spot today with their win over the Browns.

The Eagles, who did not play today due to weather conditions, won the NFC East. They will play the Vikings on Tuesday.

The Saints/Falcons game holds the Buccs playoff hopes hostage. The Saints need to lose in order for the Buccs to head to Louisiana next week to be in position to head to the playoffs if they can beat the Saints at home. If the Falcons cannot win tomorrow night, the Buccs are finished.

Next week, bubble teams are looking for some serious help from other teams. Will they get it? Stayed tuned to see!

Week 15

I am almost late in my picks, but it's been a crazy week. So here are my picks in this wild week that is full of "Must Watch" games.

1. Chargers
2. Rams
3. Texans
4. Colts
5. Cardinals
6. Bengals
7. Bills
8. Eagles
9. Cowboys
10. Buccs
11. Saints
12. Falcons
13. Steelers
14. Raiders
15. Patriots
16. Bears

#1 Game to watch: Eagles @ Giants. This is a divisional game with major implications. The winner of this game takes sole possession of the top spot in the NFC East. It should be a great game to watch and it's certainly the one that is on my television tonight.

Game #2: Saints @ Ravens: This game means something to both teams. Both teams are sitting squarely in the number 2 spot in their respected divisions and they need to keep winning to hold off other teams making a run for the wild card spots.

Game #3: Browns @ Bengals: This may be the game that the Bengals finally get another win under their belts. It has the potential to be a great game or a total bust.

Game #4: Texans @ Titans: After the near comeback win on Monday night, the Texans are looking for a win against the struggling Titans. I have a feeling that the Texans will own the W at the end of this one, but you really never know. I think the Titans are struggling in the quarterback spot more than they would care to admit. I don't think Collins is a better QB for the Titans than Young is. The Titans stripped Young of his starting title after his tantrum during the overtime loss to the Redskins. Either way, even if Young isn't the answer, Collins clearly isn't either as they have lost the last 3 with Collins at the helm.

Game #5: Chiefs @ Rams: The Rams are holding on to a small lead in the NFC West, but a win today over the AFC West leaders, would likely put the Rams in sole possession of the top spot since the Seahawks, who are just a half a game back, take on the red hot Falcons.

Week 14 Picks Are In

Well this week it appears as if I am putting a lot of stock into the visiting teams as 2/3 of my picks belong to the traveling teams.

1. Colts
2. Jaguars
3. Steelers
4. Patriots
5. Browns
6. Giants
7. Packers
8. Falcons
9. Buccs
10. Saints
11. 49ers
12. Jets
13. Broncos
14. Chargers
15. Eagles
16. Ravens

I am picking four games that I believe will either be good games to watch or have a pretty clear impact on standings.

1. Raiders vs Jaguars: Although the Raiders have let me down in recent weeks, last week they played hard. I did not pick them this week, but I think that the Jaguars will be a good opponent. It's about time for the Raiders to put up or shut up and prove doubters wrong with a win, on the road, to beat a team atop their division.
2. Dolphins vs Jets: This game has two teams that are in the middle. After the embarrassment that was last week's defeat against the Patriots, I am looking for the Jets to bounce back hard.
3. Eagles vs Cowboys: The Eagles are still red hot right now. However, the Cowboys have seen a resurgence under interim head coach, Jason Garrett. I'm pretty sure that the Eagles will win this one, but you never know what will happen in a Texas showdown.
   
4. Seahawks vs 49ers: This game has serious implications for the NFC West. Currently the Rams are a half a game ahead of the Seahawks who are both 6-6. In order for the Rams to hold the top spot in the NFC West, the 49ers need to win. The Rams are taking on the Saints in New Orleans this week, while a win is not impossible, my money is on the Saints. A Seahawks win puts the Rams at a half a game back. Having family that loves both the Rams and the 49ers, I'm rooting for both, but I enjoy the Saints and root for them too. The only way to see all happy is a Saints win and a Seahawks loss. That would keep the Rams on top, the 49er fans in my life happy, and me happy!
   

Week 13 Picks

Last week started out amazing, but slowly drifted to okay status. I've made my picks for the week and they are as follows:

1. Eagles
2. Bills
3. Browns
4. Titans
5. Broncos
6. Giants
7. Bears
8. Packers
9. Saints
10. Falcons
11. Chargers
12. Seahawks
13. Colts
14. Rams
15. Ravens
16. Patriots

I know some people are going to be upset that I'm taking the Chargers over the Raiders, and all I can say is the Raiders let me down last week. The Chargers are hot right now, I can't help but to pick them.

Packers and 49ers game should be a good one to watch. The two seem to have a bit of a rivalry budding between them.

My favorite game to watch is Sunday Night Football Steelers @ Ravens. When these two teams play it's always a good and physical game.

Monday Night Football is going to be a good game between the Patriots vs Jets. The Jets have gotten lucky in their wins as of late. They will definitely have to pull out all the stops in order to pull off a win in Foxborough.

Week 12 Picks

Last week wasn't a bad week for me. I believe I only missed four picks, two of which were the games I was on the fence about.

Anyway, my picks this week, yet again, are not ready, but since tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there are three games on I have to make my picks today for tomorrow's games anyway.

Saints
Patriots
Jets ( This one I hesitate on because both teams are struggling, the Jets as of late, the Bengals have just been a disappointment all year long considering the build up of the TO/OchoCinco "marriage" that was all the rage this offseason. Not to mention the team wasn't horrible last year). The remaining picks will be made by Saturday.


So after going 3-0 on Thursday, I hope I can continue to pick well.

1. Falcons
2. Steelers
3. Browns
4. Giants
5. Redskins
6. Texans
7. Raiders
8. Chiefs
9. Eagles
10. Rams
11. Ravens
12. Colts
13. 49ers

There are a lot of good match-ups this week as 4 games taking place Sunday the opponents have matching records. Look for some great games this week end!

Week 11 Picks

I forgot to post this prior to Thursday Night Football. My apologies! I just forget about the game on Thursday's and that's my late day so by the time I get home the game has already started. Here are my picks for the week, and I apologize to certain people now, you know who you are and you know why! My picks will undoubtedly upset a few of my readers!

1. Bears (Yes, that is who I actually picked)
2. Steelers
3. Jets
4. Ravens
5. Redskins
6. Cowboys
7. Packers
8. Bengals
9. Browns
10. Chiefs
11. Saints
12. Falcons
13. 49ers
14. Colts
15. Eagles
16. Chargers

I have a hard time picking a few games this week. Sometimes you want to pick with your heart, but you have to go with your head instead.

The Jets have seen two consecutive weeks of near losses as they've managed to push games to overtime, on the road, and win. This week they are at home and maybe have their issues worked out. They have a tough opponent in the Texans though. The Texans started their season out on a promising note beating the Colts to kick off the season, it's been pretty much down hill since then. The last two weeks have not been kind to the Texans. Last week a game that should have gone into overtime ended in a crushing defeat on a freak play. So both teams have something to prove this game. It should be interesting.

After the debacle that was the Redskins on Monday night, they have the most to prove this week. They are taking on the Titans that also lost last week. The 'Skins, more so McNabb, needs to prove that he is worth the $78 million contract extension, of which $40 million is guaranteed. The Titans debut with Randy Moss was spoiled by Miami in a 29-17 loss.

I feel weird picking the Cowboys, but the Lions are not the same team without Stafford at the helm and the Cowboys played well against the Giants last week under the direction of their interim head coach. Can the luck continue?

I struggle to choose the 49ers against the Buccs because the Buccs are 6-3. The 49ers got their third win of the season last week in a 23-20 overtime win against the Rams. However, the play of Troy Smith is renewing the spirit in San Francisco. The Buccs and quarterback Josh Freeman, hope to get their first victory in San Francisco in 30 years.

My game of the week: Giants @ Eagles. The Giants fell to the Cowboys last week and are sitting at 6-3. The Eagles, with Michael Vick back at the helm, have won their last two games. After Vick's record setting night on Monday, the 6-3 Eagles look to prove they are for real.

Week 10 Review

Well, I fell to the bottom of the basement and am fully embarrassed by my picks for week 10, but I was sick so I wasn't thinking clearly! That's my story and I am sticking to it!

What to talk about. Well, there were a lot of good games this week.

For the second straight week the Jets took a game to overtime on the road with a 20-20 score to break. The results? Both ended with a Jets win, 23-20 and 26-20 respectively.

My surprise of the week? Well, that has to go to the Dallas Cowboys, who are under the guidance of interim head coach Jason Garrett, stunned Eli Manning and the Giants 33-20.

No longer are there any win-less teams in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills defeated the Stafford-less Lions 14-12. Bad news is looming for Lions fans, who have seen their team suffer greatly in recent seasons, but come back and winning two games this season with Matthew Stafford at the helm. Now he's hurt yet again and the Lions are back to their losing ways. Unfortunately for Lions fans and Matthew Stafford, his most recent shoulder separation injury is going to sideline him for the rest of this season and could possibly end his career before it even got started. It's such a disappointment for all involved, as Stafford is a talented young quarterback that hasn't really had the chance to prove himself on the field.

Perhaps one of the best games to watch this week for competitive reasons was Thursday Night Football, Ravens at Falcons. I picked wrong, as was the case with so many other games, but the comeback mounted by the Ravens was admirable, but they left too much time on the clock and just didn't play defense and it led to a last second score by the Falcons to continue their dominance on their home field!

When you think rivalries, Steelers Patriots is one of the good ones. Many teams have rivalries with the Steelers, but these two teams just do not like each other. What was thought to be a highlight game taking place on Sunday Night Football, fell flat on so many levels. The Steelers, riddled with injuries to their offensive line, just couldn't put anything together falling, 39-26 to the Patriots.

My ARE YOU KIDDING ME (in my Jason Thompson-Sacramento Kings player voice) game has got to be the the Houston Jacksonville game. That game should have gone into overtime, but in a bizarre twist of fate and sheer stupidity really, Houston's Glover Quinn was trying to pull off a volleyball spike of the football, failed miserably and instead of driving the ball to the ground, he batted it into the hands of Mike Thomas.

One expected a battle in Monday Night Football. Donovan McNabb made his return to Philadelphia earlier this season and stole a win as now Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick was sandwiched near the goal line sending him to the sidelines for the remainder of that game and for a few games to follow. Of course I expected the Eagles to go in looking for revenge. The emotions were flowing early as both teams got into a pretty heated pre-game...commotion. The first play of the game took 18 seconds to end...with a HUGE exclamation point!!!! Vick connected with DeSean Jackson for an 88-yard touch down pass. It didn't stop there. The Eagles would go on to score three more touchdowns before the end of the quarter. The Redskins...couldn't even get a first down. To start the second quarter, just 9 seconds in, Vick connected with Jeremy Maclin for a 48-yard touchdown pass. The play was reviewed, but it was too close to tell if Maclin had skimmed out of bounds before rolling into the end zone, so the ruling on the field stood. Vick became the first player in NFL history to have at least 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, 4 passing touchdowns, and 2 rushing touchdowns. His performance was nearly flawless as the Eagles defeated the Redskins 59-28.

Week 10 Picks

I will fully amend this post in the next two days. I am not prepared to make all of my picks for the week, but since there is a game on tonight I have to at least post my pick for tonight's game.

I'm going to take the Ravens for tonight. Both teams are sitting atop their divisions at 6-2, let's see who comes out on top.

Amended Version:

1. Ravens
2. Lions
3. Bears
4. Jets
5. Colts
6. Titans
7. Buccs
8. Texans
9. Chiefs
10. Giants
11. Seahawks
12. Rams
13. Steelers
14. Eagles
    

This week is the first week to see Randy Moss with the Titans. Will he be a bust or will it work?

Vick and the Eagles look for revenge as the rematch with the Redskins is Monday Night Football's game to see!

Dallas comes in playing under new interim head coach. Will it matter? Will people be able to see a difference?

All I know is that this Rams 49ers game is big in my family. My mom is a Niner fan while my practical step-dad is a Rams fan...How does it work? I don't know since they play each other twice a year it could get a little dicey! Last year the Niners rolled the Rams both meetings, this year the Rams are looking much better than the Niners. But Stephen Jackson is listed as a day-to-day with his finger injury and he's a huge part of the Rams offense. We shall see which one of my parents comes away with bragging rights!

Last week I only missed three games! Best week of the season thus far though!

Week 9 Picks

Last week was a good rebound from week 7, with only 4 missed picks! I hope to have an even better week this week.

1. Falcons
2. Bears
3. Patriots
4. Jets
5. Cardinals
6. Saints
7. Ravens
8. Texans
9. Giants
10. Raiders
11. Eagles
12. Packers
    
13. Steelers

Notes for the week:

• Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been practicing with the team and is expected to make his return to the field for the first time since he received a concussion from the hit two weeks ago from Falcons Dunta Robinson.
• Eagles QB marry-go-round continues with Michael Vick expected to start this week over Kevin Kolb.
• Lions are looking for their third straight home win behind Matthew Stafford after last weeks thrilling victory against the Redskins.
• Oakland looks to continue their dominance against the Chiefs this week as they battle for position in the AFC West.
• Titans, although on a bye week this week, have acquired the services of recently traded and now waived Randy Moss.
  

Week 8 Picks

Last week looked as if I was going to be at the bottom of the pack for picks. Thankfully I climbed out of the basement and over the half way point.

The most notable game last week, Raiders @ Broncos! 59-14....COME ON MAN! That's just beyond a beat down! It's downright embarrassing for the Broncos, and on their home field too! It has many asking, "Where has that Raiders team been the past few years?" This week the Raiders take on the Seahawks. Can they continue to dominate?

Picks for the week:

1. 49ers (Game in London)
2. Jaguars
3. Redskins
4. Jets
5. Rams
6. Dolphins
7. Chiefs
8. Titans
9. Cardinals
10. Raiders
11. Patriots
12. Saints
13. Colts

I have a few questionable picks this week I realize. I am picking a few games on my heart rather than my head, which could lead to a little bit of trouble! So let me explain some of my choices.

The Cowboys started out Monday night's game on a high note. Energy was up, things were going well as Eli Manning threw two quick interceptions to give the Cowboys 10 quick points. The first quarter was going all Dallas' way; but in true Cowboys fashion, everything went wrong. The biggest blow to the Cowboys was delivered by Giants linebacker Mihttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4740832728670288285chael Boley, who with a hard, but clean hit, broke Romo's left clavicle. This put back up quarterback, Jon Kitna, at the helm. He hadn't seen regular season action in over two years and his rust showed. It is the fact that the Cowboys just aren't good to begin with, but with a backup quarterback who has little practice time with his first string, I just have to go with the Jaguars.

I took the Dolphins over the Bengals for one reason and one reason only. The Dolphins are 3-3, their 3 wins have happened on the road and they are visiting Cincinnati this week. The Bengals have been more than disappointing this season as well.

My friends might kick me in the butt for picking the Raiders this week, especially if they lose. But after the high of the way they played last week, the Seahawks still aren't an unbeatable team. They are still mediocre even behind Carroll.

I took the Saints over the Steelers and I have no logic for doing so. This is a classic, heart leading my head in choices. I am almost sure that the Steelers will win this game, but I really just don't want to pick against the Saints. I know they have been struggling as of late, but they are at home playing a top team, I just have to think that they have their act together and can pull off a win.

The Colts are facing the Texans and they have an ax to grind after their loss to them this season. It was a devastating loss for Peyton and the Colts, look for them to come out guns a blazing!

***Notes***

• Stafford returns to action for the Lions this week after being out with a shoulder injury
• R. Bush will not return to the Saints as he had hoped
• Favre is possible to start Patriots; Moss makes his return to his former team this week

Week 7 Picks

Last week I did well! I only missed 4 games! But that was the only thing really good about last week.

Last week the only thing memorable is the amount of violent hits that receivers took, notably Eagles' wide receiver, DeSean Jackson. It was this hit, that I believe, really sparked the need for the NFL to take action against these violent hits. To read more about what happened and what is now being done about it, read the last post on this blog, Helmet to Helmet Hits.

Week 7 Picks:

1. Steelers
2. Falcons
3. Chiefs
4. Eagles
5. Bears
6. Saints
7. Ravens
8. 49ers
9. Rams
10. Seahawks
11. Patriots
12. Broncos
13. Packers
14. Giants

This week I think there is really only that is worthy of the "must see" tag. The Vikings @ Packers is the one. Favre is returning to Green Bay and that's always a mixed emotion for the Cheese Heads. Expect a lot of cheers and a lot of boos, especially with the way he's been playing lately! I think that for the sole reason of Favre's play that the Packers can take the win here. Favre is still playing distracted over the sexting incident and his elbow issues as well.

There are some honorable mentions this week.

Bengals @ Falcons: This game has the potential to be a really good game. The Bengals have been letting me down in terms of expectations this year so I am not really calling them worthy right now.

Giants @ Cowboys: This game will likely not be a great football game. It has the potential to be very one sided. The Cowboys have a lot to prove and are in the position where they are moving closer and closer to that true state of panic. They were anticipating going to the Super Bowl in their own brand-new, multi-million dollar facility. That idea is far from becoming a reality and is on the brink of fantasy at this point.

In other news, Colt McCoy looks to make his second NFL start in as many weeks with the Browns. Although on a bye week, Matthew Stafford is set to return for the Lions after being sidelined with his shoulder injury. Kolb is still listed as the Eagles starter in the absence of Vick due to his rib injury. However, Reid has said that when Vick's injury is not longer a question the starting spot is his.

So far this year, this blog has been dedicated strictly to the NFL. I do have another blog dedicated to NBA's Sacramento Kings and I have yet to decide if this will remain strictly football come Wednesday's NBA tip off extravaganza! We all know where my heart truly lies, but I will try not to slip in at least my picks for the week on here!

Helmet to Helmet Hits

I will be the first to admit that more than half the reason I enjoy watching football is because of those "OHHHH!" moments when someone gets laid out on a hard hit. I can't help it. It's the same reason so many people watch NASCAR (for the wrecks). No one wants to see someone seriously hurt by them though.

This weekend has spurred the NFL to seriously review the rules regarding some of these egregious hits. While watching the games it seemed like between my Twitter timeline and in-game scrolls every other game had a player listed as "return questionable" "out" due to head injury. The biggest hit seen and heard around the world was to Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson by Falcons' Dunta Robinson. The hit left both players sidelined the rest of the game with concussions. If you haven't seen this video, click here to view.

There is a new rule effective immediately that says that these types of flagrant hits to a player's head will result in the suspension of the offender, without pay. For how many games? I don't know I suppose it would depend on the nature of the hit. This rule may have some fearing mass suspensions and player union disputes, but I do not foresee this being anything like that of the NBA's new enforcement of technical foul rules. Football is a tough, aggressive, and dangerous sport. I do not think that the league will be using this new rule in abundance. Thankfully, we do not see these types of hits every game. The fact that at least three of these type of hits were made this weekend is a bit of an anomaly. Hard hits are going to happen, and more often than not they are good, clean hits. Players who do not purposely intend to hit a guy so hard that it sends his head popping off his shoulders like a game of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots should be okay here.

The NFL has made a lot of changes lately to rules to protect players. I am not against seeing the league suspend players for excessive force if you will. These type of hits can very easily become career-enders as a "best-worse case" scenario, but it can also cause a player to lose their life. When the safety of your players is being threatened beyond the scope of the game, it becomes an issue. These type of hits are unnecessary and although there is no way to tell how bad these hits will be when you are heading full speed at a guy, the intent to "rock him" and create a big play and momentum, there has to be a better way. As you can see from the Robinson hit on Jackson, no one benefited from that hit; both teams lost their players for at least the remainder of the game, the Eagles will more than likely be without Jackson next week, as it would be a real stretch for him to come back and play, sure Jackson dropped the ball and the Falcons eliminated the gain, but it cost them 15 yards. It was later given back only 2 plays later when the Eagles' Dunlap was flagged for a personal foul 15 yards. The scoring drive ended with a missed Eagles field goal.

How do you think this new rule will change the game? It has been suggested that instead of the rule that all players wear mouth guards as this is an equipment problem as much as it is a sportsmanship issue. It has also been suggested that the NFL widen their field to match the Canadian Football League field dimensions.

I completely disagree with the widening of the field suggestion! That would change the whole game and not for the better!

Week 6 Picks

Week 6 finally holds more than one "must see" game! Hooray! First my picks:

• Chargers
• Texans
• Ravens
• Saints
• Eagles
• Giants
• Bears
• Packers
• Steelers
• Jets
• 49ers
• Vikings
• Colts
• Titans

I have a problem picking the Chargers over the Rams. Yes, it is true that the Rams lost in true epic failure fashion to the Lions! Yes, that is right! I said LIONS! The score was 44-6, it was a slaughter! All this after 2 solid games and big wins for the Rams they drop one to the Lions. I just do not know what to say about it. The Chargers are not really playing much better. They had some serious issues on special teams last week against the Raiders.

Now for my "must see" games.

1. Ravens @ Patriots: This is game one without go to man, Randy Moss in New England. Who will step up to take on that number one receiver role? I have to take the Ravens still. I think this is one of those classic rivalries that are only appreciated by sports fans who have teams involved in those epic, heated rivalries! I'm pulling for Ray Lewis and the Ravens.
2. Falcons @ Eagles: While many were hoping to see Vick start due to the fact that the Eagles are hosting Vick's former team. However, Kolb is set to start. Many Eagles fans are still hoping to see Vick clock some time though. I still maintain that the Eagles are a better team with Vick at the helm. Either way, it should be interesting to watch. I do worry though that the Falcons do not have what it takes to pull out these wins on a regular basis. They have been barely coming out on top for the last two weeks and they wait until late to do it. Yes, a win is a win, but at some point you won't be able to dig yourself out of a whole.
3. Browns @ Steelers: This game isn't a "must see" for the match-ups. It is going to be the first chance to see the Browns' rookie quarterback Colt McCoy start. It is also the return of Big Ben for the Steelers following his 4-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy. I feel for McCoy in this game. Your first start shouldn't have to be against the brutal defense that is the Steelers' defensive line. I hope that his offensive line can protect him, otherwise I am not sure what other options are available with your first and second string quarterbacks injured! A part of me would love to think that a Cinderella win is possible, but that's living in Never Never Land!
4. Raiders @ 49ers: The Battle of the Bay! What Bay Area fan doesn't look forward to this game. It's a classic battle that is reminiscent of the gladiator days! Well, I can only imagine! The Raiders are coming off of a great win last week. The 49ers, well they are still looking to not be worse than the Lions! For the first time in 31 years that the Niners have been this bad! I wasn't even alive when they were this bad! My mom, a die hard Niner fan, was only 15 when they were this bad! I do not understand how a team that finished the year 8-8 can come out so flat! Fans were so excited for this year because they thought they could climb from the mediocre ranks and into a top tier team. If that hope is to stay alive they had better start winning some games.
   
5. Cowboys @ Vikings: Why you ask? Because this game is almost the make it or break it game for each team. Both have started out 1-3! The Cowboys, yeah well I could have expected this from them since they have pretty much crushed the hearts of their fans for years! But the Vikings? I think it's funny personally because I do not like Favre, but that's on a personal level. Professionally, he's a talent that no one can argue! But his constant indecisiveness with his retirement really rubbed me the wrong way. I think he is playing a dangerous game of Russian Roulette given his age, his injuries, and the game. He's old for football age and the wear and tear that this game puts on its players, especially its quarterbacks, is starting to show on Favre. Forget the latest scandal swirling around any discussion anyone could hope to have about him and the game, it is all about these supposed sex-ting photos he sent to a former Jets reporter. So this game means something to each team. A loss could easily mean the end of a teams season given their respected divisions!
   

I hope I can do better than 50% on my picks! I'm stuck at the .500 mark for the past 2 weeks now!

Week 4 Review Week 5 Picks

Okay, I promised to post by Monday at the latest and I'm late! Sorry! It's been one of those weeks. Here were my picks for last week:

• Titans
• Ravens
• Bengals
• Packers
• Saints
• Falcons
• Seahawks
• Jets
• Colts
• Texans
• Chargers
• Eagles
• Bears
• Dolphins

My results: 7/14 50% that's not good!

My biggest upset of the week is definitely the Bengals loss to the Browns! This game was my "give me" game! Boy was I wrong. The Bengals were supposed to be a top team this year with the addition of T.O. with Chad Ochocinco, but thus far they are just 2-2 like many other teams in the league, but they dropped to the then 0-3 Browns. But as they say, "Any given Sunday!"

Is there any bigger surprise than the Rams coming out and winning two in a row? They are tied with Arizona and sit right along next to them at the top of the NFC West, although a tie breaker goes to Arizona since they beat the Rams already. But come on! Did anyone expect the Rams who couldn't win a game last year to save their lives to come out and go 2-2? I know I didn't! Nor did I expect the decent 49ers team from last season to come out 0-4 just like the Lions have.

In what I believe is the biggest blow out thus far this season the now 2-2 Dolphins lost to the Patriots at home 41-14. I thought for sure that after losing to the Bears last week at home that the Dolphins would come out and at least be competitive. Chad Henne threw for four interceptions in that game! It was pretty ugly.

Week 5 Predictions:

This week has a few games that my picks are made, but my heart is not in them due to injuries of what I consider to be key players in either the offense or defense. So some of these picks are made half heartily.

• Ravens
• Jaguars
• Colts
• Rams
• Falcons
• Bengals
• Panthers
• Packers
• Giants
• Saints
• Chargers
• Cowboys
• 49ers
• Jets

This week marks the end of Big Ben's 4-game suspension for violation of the NFL's personal conduct policy. Although the Steelers have a bye week this week it can definitely shake things up in week 6 picks.

The Eagles vs 49ers game is a tough call for me because I do not think that the Eagles are as good of a team without Vick as their quarterback. I think Kolb is a bad fit for that team and with no official word on Vick's return due to the rib cartilage injury he suffered against the Redskins last week, I just don't know. Not to mention the 49ers have to have a fire lit under them after coming out 0-4, that's unacceptable to their fans and taking on a shaken up offense of the Eagles in San Francisco this week, well one can only hope. I realize that the Chiefs are the sole undefeated team left in the league, but I didn't pick them this week. They are taking on the struggling Colts on the road. I have faith in Peyton and think he will pull out the win for his team allowing the '72 Dolphins to pop that champagne very early this year!

Week 4

Okay! I did so much better than week 2 with my week 3 picks! I think I only missed 5 games! Still striving for the perfect week. I don't have the paper I made my picks on with me currently and won't have it until Sunday. So I can't list my picks today but I will on Sunday and I will not cheat I promise! If I happen to go well, I will take a picture of my picks and post it not that there's a date on the paper, but yeah! I'd go back and make them again right now, but I am not sure who I picked in some crucial "on the fence games" and I want to go with my first picks and not have anything changed!

As far as week 3 games went. Were there any big surprises? I'd have to go with the biggest surprise...The Rams beating the Redskins. I've been telling people picking against the Rams thus far to watch out...that they would sneak up and surprise you as they really aren't as bad as they were last year. Their games this year have been close games. No major blow outs, no catastrophes. Things started to look like they were going to go down hill towards half, but the second half was all St. Louis. They ended up beating Donovan McNabb and the 'Skins 30-16 with a rookie quarterback that looks to have an amazing season!

Another game that if you missed, you missed either an equally bad game or a good game with bad moments in the Raiders game...I go with catastrophe since the Raiders missed 2 field goals in the game that would have given the lead and missed a kick on the final play of the game and lost to the Cardinals by 1 point. Those 1 point losses in both football and basketball are truely heart breaking losses for players and fans alike!

If you missed the Falcons/Saints game you missed a good one. I took the Saints...but I was wrong! The Falcons redeemed themselves after a missed field goal cost them a win in Pitsburgh this season. Saints missed a game winning field goal and sent the game to overtime. Both teams had a chance to end it early, but it took nearly the full 15:00 minutes to finally end the game. Had the Saints not iced the kicker at the end, they would have gotten the ball back and had a chance to win it since the Falcons' kicker missed the field goal attempt. But, a timeout was called first, hind sight is always 20/20.


Post to be made on Sunday or Monday at the latest! good luck with your picks this week!

Week 3

Okay, this week cannot possibly be worse than last week pick wise! To say last week was abysmal is putting it nicely I think! I did bad ladies (and guys)! In news related to Week 2:

Do you want the good news or the bad news first?

Bad news Saints fans, Reggie Bush suffered from a fractured fibula in Monday's game against the 49ers and is out 4-6 weeks. After being off to a 2-0 start this has fans in "Who Dat" nation a little worried about the ability to slide someone into Reggie's spot. They used to be three deep, but now they have only one man to really fill in that spot; no disrespect to him either, but Reggie Bush's shoes aren't going to be easy to fill.

Now for some good news (if you want to call it that): Eagles name Michael Vick starting quarterback for at least one game. This week when the Eagles take on the Jaguars Vick will be starting. His performance last week had Eagles fans and sports reporters around the league wondering why he wasn't the starter to begin with. Perhaps the stigma attached to his name with the dog fighting incident will finally begin to subside and he can play football again and earn the respect back that he once so proudly carried, but only time will tell.

Now on to my week 3 picks, which for my sake better be more fortuitous than last week because my 1 year old niece could have probably done a better job than my 7/16 picks.

• Giants
• Patriots
• Ravens
• Steelers
• Bengals
• Saints
• 49ers
• Vikings
• Cowboys
• Redskins
• Eagles
• Colts
• Chargers
• Cardinals
• Jets
• Bears

There are about 4.5 games I am on the fence with. But I'm not going to share which! I think the only game that really sparks a strong interest for me this week is the Falcons @ Saints game. I think that even without Bush in the rotation that the Saints can get it done! How can you beat a "Who Dat" Nation crowd? I think that the 49ers @ Chiefs game could be a good one to watch if week 2 49ers show up in week 3 and not the week 1 team. I guess I can give one hint as to an "on the fence" game: I took the Cowboys thinking there is no way they will drop 0-3 right? Who knows though!

Week 2

This week I find only one game worthy of being labeled as "MUST SEE". Sunday Night Football: Giants vs Colts; Manning vs Manning! It doesn't get more exciting than this! This is a game that happens just once every four years, so consider it the February 29th of the NFL (in case you missed what I meant it's like Leap Year). Big brother Peyton plays host to little brother Eli and his Giants as the Colts try to rebound from a disappointing debut game against the Texans last week. Game starts at 5:20 PST.

Week 2 Picks: (some I am on the fence with for sure but here goes)

• Chiefs
• Pakers
• Ravens
• Titans
• Eagles
• Cowboys
• Panthers
• Falcons
• Vikings
• Raiders
• Seahawks
• Redskins
• Jaguars
• Patriots
• Colts
• Saints

So this week I am making up my picks to my friends and upsetting others. I took the Raiders this week because they are taking on the Rams, BUT I saw a Rams team that was not the same as it was last year and it was a closer game than I thought it would be last week against the Cardinals! So Raiders, I hope you are prepared because the Rams aren't dead with Bradford at the helm. I have to say sorry to the fans from the other Bay Area team. I took the Saints. I have to! One, I love the Saints! Secondly, 49ers played like armatures against the Seahawks last week and I just don't know how that is going to work hen taking on Super Bowl champs! It will hopefully be a good game though!

Week 1 in Review

Okay, I didn't do half bad considering I did not watch any preseason games really. I was 10/16 on my picks. I beat everyone in my family and most of my friends! Not half bad. There were some great games to watch this week and some that I could have done without!

First, the topic buzzing all over the sports world...Should the rule that recalled Calvin Johnson's reception be changed? This rule, known as the Bert Emanuel Rule, is not new to the league or its players, but it is in constant questioning because of the way it can change a game. Had Johnson's reception been ruled complete the Lions would have won their third game in two seasons. Does the rule prevent receptions from being called complete after aid from the ground or does a great catch get negated because of it? The only thing that is known about this rule is that if anything will be changed about it, it will have to wait until March to even be a topic of real discussion!

A rather refreshing turn of events happened up in Seattle with Pete Carroll's return to the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks played division rival 49ers and to say that they owned the boys from the Bay is an understatement! In a game that started out looking good for the 49ers, that changed quickly! The Seahawks beat the 49ers 31-6! Seattle fans weren't the only ones to see great things from their formally disappointing team. Those in attendance getting soaked in Kansas City's New Arrowhead Stadium saw their team charge the Chargers in a 21-14 win. I think of all the games I watched on Sunday/Monday the Chiefs' fans were definitely the loudest.

The Jets and Giants both hosted teams in their new stadium. Results: 1-1. The Giants beat Carolina 31-18 while the Jets dropped their opener to the Ravens in a mistake ridden 10-9 loss. The most entertaining part of the Jets game was probably the fireman in charge of rallying Jets' fans in the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS! chant! That and the fact that good ol' Ray Lewis rocked a Jet or two for some classic Ray Lewis hits!

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the week was that the Indianapolis Colts dropped a game to the Texans for just the second time 34-24. This has many questioning what is happening in Indy?

Week 2 predictions to come later this week!

NFL Week #1 Pick-Em

Ok so here's my plan, I will see how it goes and continue or discontinue based on responses, I plan to give my picks for the winners of each game of the week and see how well I can do! So here's my first shot at it! I think I'm just going to list the winners as it may get time consuming to put the game and my choice. But I can adjust later if it suits the readers!

Week #1 Winners:

• Saints
• Giants
• Dolphins
• Falcons
• Bears
• Bengals
• Buccs
• Jaguars
• Colts
• Titans
• Eagles
• 49ers
• Cardinals
• Redskins
• Ravens
• Chargers

I will post a comment or a new post giving my over all percentage at the end of each week! Wish me luck!

Leinart Signs 1-Year Deal

The glory days are far behind Matt Leinart. A once top-ranked quarterback, the former college star was released September 4, 2010, from the Arizona Cardinals. During his career with the Cardinals, Leinart started only 11 times. His performances showed mixed results. Upon former starting quarterback Kurt Warner's retirement, it was presumed that Leinart would finally win the starting position. However, during training camp, Leinart lost the starting spot to Derek Anderson. Once released, it did not take long for another team to snag the quarterback up. He has signed a 1-year deal with the Texans, but it is unclear if he will start.

My question is this. Is Matt Leinart the truly talented individual we thought he was during his USC years or did his teammates at USC make him look better than he actually is?

NFL Kickoff Week

This Thursday marks the beginning of the 2010-11 NFL season! After reviewing the match-ups for the week there are a few games that I consider interesting and need to watch games.

Thursday:

Saints @ Vikings 8:30 pm

• Superbowl champions and it's the first game of the season

Sunday:

Bengals @ Patriots 1:00 pm

• Two reasons to watch this game: 1) The new look Bengals with T.O. and Ochocinco 2) The swirling questions surrounding Tom Brady's abilities on the field.

Broncos @ Jaguars 1:00 pm

• Tim Tebow's official debut in a regular season game. Does he start? Does he choke?

Falcons @ Steelers 1:00 pm

• How will the Steelers fair without their leader Roethlisberger?

Raiders @ Titans 1:00 pm

• Will the Raiders make it out of the gate this year? Preseason games showed real promise.

Cardinals @ Rams 4:15 pm

• Two reasons to watch this game 1) Cardinals under guidance of a "new" QB 2) Sam Bradford: Does he start? Does he choke? Is he worthy of the #1 draft pick and the heavty price tag $$$$? Some STL fans are wondering.

49ers @ Seahawks 4:15 pm

• Family and friends would never forgive me for leaving the SF off this list, but they are an up and coming team worthy of watching!

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:

Ravens @ Jets 7:00 pm

• Always enjoy watching Lewis play, plus it's the first MNF of the season!

Chargers @ Chiefs 10:00 pm

• Again, it's MNF!

Did your favorite team make the list? If not tell me why they should have!

***All times are represented in EST***

Kick Off Tip Off

How many times have you been a room watching any sporting event and you feel like you are the only woman actively participating in the game? I think a common misconception about women who watch sports is that they have no idea what is actually going on in the game and they are watching just to make an impression on some guy. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am here to put an end to the misconception of the female sports fan. This idea was started by a radio show comment I heard recently about women and football. The hosts (one man one woman) were discussing an upcoming season of college football and she mentioned how she did not know much about the game and was confused about the scoring. Well, her co-host made it seem like women knew nothing about the game and the next morning's segment was to be set around the concept of "The Woman's Guide to all Things Football". I was a little annoyed because I can go out right now and find men that I can school in the knowledge of football, baseball, and basketball!

When I was in high school I was in a math class where half of the students were not only male, but all but 2 were athletes. We used to have a sub in that class because our teacher was the girls golf coach and often our discussions were less related to trigonometry and more the score of the basketball game or what players were performing well, etc. We had the same sub all the time and I remember him saying to me after a lengthy discussion about basketball that, "Damn, you actually know what you are talking about!" I have always been a sports fan. I am the only girl in my family (child wise) my brother is 3 years older than I am and he was always in sports. It was mostly baseball but for a short time early on he was a football player and played middle school basketball. I have been exposed to sports my whole life and I know the ins and outs of virtually every rule and concept of the game no matter what it is. My sport of choice is basketball, and if you read my other blog you know I'm a Kings girl! When it comes to football, I admit not having a team. I enjoy watching just about every team play and come Sunday I pick someone depending on the game I am watching. My mom is a 49ers fan, her boyfriend a Rams fan, my brother well last I knew he was a Cowboys fan but that was a good 7 years ago. I appreciate the game of football and to me there is little better than the sound of a tough hit on the field!

So this is dedicated to all female sports fans! Whether you know a lot or a little about the game, this is for you! Comment if you have questions I will gladly explain what I am talking about if you don't know already. This is a woman's perspective on the game...not who looks better in tight pants or pinstripes! So whether you are waiting for kickoff or tip off...Let the games begin!

Important Dates:

NFL Season begins: September 9th

NBA Pre-Season begins: October 3rd

NBA-Regular Season begins: October 26th

***Thank you to Jason Sharp for the title inspiration***