Week 8 Predictions

Right again on my twitt-pic. Thursdays are just great. Let's see how I can do with the rest of the picks now that we're at the halfway point.

49ers v. Jaguars: 49ers.

Browns v. Chiefs: Chiefs. Now that Broncomania is over, the Chiefs are the last undefeated team standing. Who says bitterness can't carry you through. I may have to tune in just to see what Alex 'n' Andy have in their back pocket.

Dolphins v. Patriots: Patriots. Now that Tom Brady has his favorite target back, he and Gronkowski should hook up for tons of yardage and probably a TD or two. I think the Dolphins are spritely, but probably not good enough to beat the Patriots.

Bills v. Saints: Saints.

Cowboys v. Lions: Lions. I'm of the opinion that Romo is sure to choke when it counts. I also like the Megatron + Reggie Bush + Suh = a winning combo.

Giants v. Eagles: Giants. The Giants are a streaky team. They lose 6 in a row, then they win one, and their fans tell me they are headed for the playoffs.* The Eagles are picked to win, but I pick this as my upset.

Steelers v. Raiders: Steelers. The Steelers are on a "winning streak." So, I will go with them.

Jets v. Bengals: Bengals. Although it was really amazing watching the Jets beat the Patriots, I think that was more luck than anything.

Falcons v. Cardinals: Cardinals. The Falcons have been hugely disappointing, and it makes me sad that sexy sexy Tony Gonzalez won't be getting a ring before he retires. Pretty boys deserve rings, don't they? :)

Washington v. Broncos: Broncos. Although the Broncos are probably still smarting from that loss last week, I think they'll pull it out over RGIII.

Packers v. Vikings: Packers.

Seahawks v. Rams: Seahawks.





*Although, with the way the NFC East is looking, 9 wins may be enough to get in the playoffs.

Week 7 Predictions

Once again, my twitt-pic proves right. Although it wasn't really difficult picking out which bird would come out on top. So, let's get to the rest of the week.

Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta: Atlanta.

St. Louis v. Carolina: Carolina.

Cincinnati v. Detroit: Detroit. Let's talk about a tough call. Cincinnati has been good this year, but I still think Detroit is a rising star of the NFL. Also, Detroit is at home, and I still believe that there is something to be said about home-field advantage.

San Diego v. Jacksonville: San Diego.

Buffalo v. Miami: Miami. I'm loving the Bills' storyline so far, but I think that their time (and their wins) are soon to run out. But, this game could get very interesting if the Bills defense is making plays.

New England v. New York Jets: New England. Rob Gronkowski has been cleared by all doctors, so as near as I can tell, he'll be playing. He was one of my greatest weapons on fantasy football, and a favorite target of Tom Brady in real life. Sure, the Jets will play hard, but how they're going to beat New England is beyond me.*

Dallas v. Philadelphia: Dallas. Yet another team with QB drama, Vick is "injured." The fans and the team are starting to rally behind Nick Folles. But, may I echo NFL AM when I remind you that he's won two games in the NFL, and both of them were against Tampa Bay? Meanwhile, Vick -- ahem, healthy Vick is a clutch player. No matter. In the end, Romo is known to choke when it counts, and in this rival game, he will give Philly plenty of opportunity to win. I just don't think they'll capitalize on those opportunities.

Cleveland v. Green Bay: Green Bay. Yes, the Packers are rather injured in the receiver spot. Apparently we're down to just two. But, we finally have a credible running game! And anyone who pays attention to the depth chart knows that the Packers like to keep the rookies on point and ready to rock if the person ahead of them ever goes down. Winning will just be that much sweeter, knowing we did it with one hand tied behind our back.

Chicago v. Washington: Chicago. RGIII can't carry a team by himself. And I think Chicago's defense is good enough to smack the Washington O-line around.

San Francisco v. Tennessee: San Francisco.

Houston v. Kansas City: KC, obviously. But, did you hear the one about the QB who has thrown a pick 6 in the first 5 games of the season? And then part way through game 6 he was benched, and his back up went in the game and immediately threw a pick 6? Ouch, Houston. Ouch. Evidently, Matt Schaub will not get the opportunity to throw a pick 6 in game 7, because he will be warming the bench.

Baltimore v. Pittsburgh: Baltimore. Man, you used to see this game on the schedule and think -- woo boy. Somebody will be visiting the ER today. But it would appear that both of these teams have lost their grit. So ho-hum. Looks like it's time to engage in a little rebuilding.

Denver v. Indianapolis: Denver. Local Colts fans tell me that they've got Peyton's ticket. History tells me that no one is stopping Broncomania, emotional return home or not. Pfft.

Minnesota v. New York. New York Giants. Yes. They finally get a win, even if it's only because the Vikings are playing Russian Roulette with QBs. (And we've all seen how well that's been working out for Tampa Bay.) We'll see how Josh Freeman does as the 3rd QB for the team.*


*And probably beyond Rex Ryan, too.

**Looks like Josh found a rebound, doesn't it?

Week 6 Predictions

Right again on Thursday Night! Begrudgingly right, but right nonetheless. There's a lot of opportunity to get proven wrong, with so many teams having seasons that are totally opposite from last year. So, let's just get to it. Here are my heels-on-the-gridiron picks for this week.

Green Bay v. Baltimore: Green Bay. I'm told Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback. But all I can see are a Ravens team missing a whole lot of elements. For tomorrow, I go Green Bay. Tough game, but I'm picking the Packers all day.

Cincinnati v. Buffalo: Cincinnati. I like what Buffalo has been doing, but I'm not sure they've got the magic touch just yet.

Detroit v. Cleveland: Detroit. The Browns are having a great season for the time being, but I still can't say they are better than the Lions.

St. Louis v. Houston: Houston. At least, it should be Houston if Matt Schaub can keep the uniform colors straight.

Oakland v. Kansas City: Kansas City. I'm still riding the revenge and bitter train with Alex 'n' Andy.

Carolina v. Minnesota: Minnesota. The Vikings will be playing harder than they've ever played in honor of AP's son. Tragedy often brings out the fight in people.*

Pittsburgh v. NY Jets: Jets. Something is just off with the Steelers.

Philadelphia v. Tampa Bay: Philadelphia. Apparently Tampa Bay is still suffering from the drama that is getting a new girlfriend.

Jacksonville v. Denver: Denver.

Tennessee v. Seattle: Seattle.

New Orleans v. New England: I'm going with New England -- but only because I'm told that the Patriots is to Drew Brees as the Cowboys were to Brett Favre. Just oddly unbeatable, even if they have the better team.

Arizona v. San Francisco: San Francisco.

Washington v. Dallas: Dallas. In my super qualified medical opinion, RGIII came back just too soon -- and Washington is suffering because of it.

Indianapolis v. San Diego: Indianapolis.




*Side note? There's a special place in hell for people who kill babies.

Bad Break-ups

Okay really. What's really going on with Tampa Bay? If ever there was a time I wanted to know the back story it's now. In case you haven't heard, last week, Josh Freeman was released from Tampa Bay. But it resembled more of a college break-up than a simple employment termination.

The Buccaneers apparently decided that they needed to see other people last season. And instead of being a man about it, they brought in the new girlfriend (rookie Mike Glennon) to parade around as their 3rd round draft pick. Then, in protest, scorned woman Josh refused to show up for the team picture.* They tried a "break" early into the season, with Tampa Bay taking the new girlfriend to the big dance. But instead of giving Mike his own date, he got Josh's spot in the front seat. Josh was forced to sit in the suite (aka, take his own car) to the dance. In the end, in a very public Kim Kardashian style break up, the two have ended their relationship. Josh has been released and has signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

Speaking of the Vikings, they may be having their own drama. Sure, they say that Ponder is injured and therefore can't play -- but that seems like a nicer way to break up and help Ponder save face. Meanwhile, Minnesota has a backup in Matt Cassel** but signed Josh Freeman anyway. I sense some drama coming in the very near future.

All of this over one QB...who, if memory serves, actually brought Tampa Bay out of the doldrums of mediocrity and into the category of better-than-average.

In any event, all of this football drama is but a few steps (and player retirements) from a reality show on MTV. And I? Cannot wait!!! (Hashtag the new T.O. and Ochocinco I hope).



*This seems to be as big of a deal as changing your Facebook status to "it's complicated"

**See: Epically Overrated 1st Round Draft Picks

Week 5 Predictions

My winning streak on Thursday nights continue. If you checked me out @pumpsnpigskins you saw that I picked the Browns. Who, by the way, are number one in the AFC North right now. Who woulda thought!? Congratulations to the Browns!

And now, for everyone else:

Patriots v. Bengals: Patriots. When in doubt, go with Tom Brady.

Lions v. Packers: Packers. Did you know that the Packers have won the last 21 meetings against the Lions at Lambeau.

Seahawks v. Colts: Colts.

Ravens v. Dolphins: Dolphins. The Dolphins seem to have a new energy about them...meanwhile, the Ravens seem to have slipped into a rebuilding year.

Saints v. Bears: Saints. Listen, this is going to be a tough game and a close one. But when it comes right down to it, I've got Brees over Cutler, all day, everyday.

Eagles v. Giants: Giants. My resident Giants fan tells me this is the one. THIS is the game where the Giants turn things around. My resident Eagles fan tells me that the Eagles are rarely dependable. So, Giants it is...with a skeptical eyebrow raise.

Chiefs v. Titans: Chiefs. I think the Alex 'n' Andy bitterness carries them through this game.

Jaguars v. Rams: Rams.

Panthers v. Cardinals: Cardinals.

Broncos v. Cowboys: Broncos. Why do I even have to say it anymore? Broncomania continues. Should be interesting to watch, if for no other reason than these are 2 of the 4 remaining undefeated teams. Cowboys soon to leave that elite club.

Texans v. 49ers: Texans. Remember the sophomore slump I was telling you about? Looks like it has paid Kap a visit.

Chargers v. Raiders: Chargers. I'm told that Philip Rivers is playing the best he's ever played right now.

Jets v. Falcons: Falcons. C'mon. Falcons at home? All day. I don't care what kind of crazy energy the Jets have.

Parity

The NFL has the most parity of any professional sport, hands down. This is amazing for several reasons. First, that means Monday Night Football isn't plagued with completely boring games. Second, it means no one's safe, and it's anyone's game. Third, it means that the teams with the most money won't constantly dominate the playoffs and the Super Bowl (*cough cough Lakers, Yankees, Celtics cough cough*).

So, how is it that football has come to be so evenly matched? Well, a little thing I like to call revenue sharing and a salary cap and floor. Very quickly, the salary cap and the floor keep teams from gambling with their picks and their season by either a) out-spending other teams; or b) spending very little to intentionally run the team into the ground (while owners still turn a profit). The revenue sharing deal means that all the teams share in the TV money equally, and the gate tickets are also split, 60/40 home team and visiting team. So what does this mean? Rich teams and poor teams, big teams and little teams, everyone is in it together.*

But none of us are getting the money, so why do we care? Well, we care because this means the talent is spread among all the teams. And that sometimes, a team that was in obscurity in one year (like the Bengals) can then be in the playoffs the next year. It also means that I have legitimate hopes for the Dolphins against the Saints on Monday night. (Grant it, they lost -- but both teams were undefeated going in last Monday).


*Conversely, baseball teams are often accused of trying to run the opposing teams out of business.