Thursday, December 11, 2008

Week 15 in the NFL

Back again for this weeks games as I tell you who the winners and losers will be this week.

New Orleans @ Chicago
Both teams struggling for playoff berths and a lose could mean the end for that team. The Saints are very inconsistent and lack a running game. However the Bears pass defense is not that good either. So Brees will shred the Bears threw the air. Saints take this one as the Bears will be virtually out of the playoffs. Saints win 27-18.

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Both teams in contention for the postseason and need this win, Atlanta more so. Matt Ryan having a very good rookie season and a dynamite running game and will look to do what the Panthers did to the Bucs on Monday Night. Atlanta continues the NFC South's trend of winning at home. Winning this one 30-28.

Washington @ Cincinnati
The Redskins had a little off the field beef with head coach and star running back Clinton Portis. They should be able to put that behind them as they can cure their woes against the terrible Bengals. Portis should run wild and have well over 100 yards rushing. The Skins need to win to stay in the hunt. Washington wins 24-9.

Seattle @ St. Louis
Two very disappointing teams both playing for nothing more than respect and their pay checks. Both teams torn apart by injury and bad bounces will try and get ready for next season. Seahawks on the road head into St. Louis and take care of the Rams. Seahawks win over the Rams 23-20.

San Fransisco @ Miami
Trying to knock off their second straight AFC East contender in consecutive weeks after beating the Jets. The Dolphins can remain tied with the Jets with a win and try to set up a season finale for possibly the division title in New York in week 17. Dolphins won't drop at home to the improving 49ers, Fins 34-17.

Buffalo @ New York Jets
The Bills keep reellying after a great promise to the season starting 5-1. The Jets need to win after dropping last weeks game. Jets have to much to play for and with veteran leadership on the team. New York Bretts 18-13.

Detroit @ Indianapolis
The Lions almost had their first win against the Vikings last week but couldn't hold on. The Colts still in the mist of a wild card slot in the AFC. Manning seems to be hitting their stride at the right time of the year and will role over the winless Lions. Colts big 41-16.

San Diego @ Kansas City
With just one more loss the Chargers will be sitting at home this post season unlike last season when they were only one game away from the Super Bowl. The Chiefs looking for the future to be near will have a top 5 draft pick to continue rebuilding their franchise. LT has not had many break out games this season and this is as good of time as any and I think he has one. Chargers win this one 30-10.

Green Bay @ Jacksonville
The Pack is eliminated from the post season in Aaron Rodgers' first season under the center but not much can be blamed on him. His underachieving, injured, and inexperienced defense was the story much of the season. The Jags much of the same from them. Super Bowl expectations and injuries and bad bounces have them looking forward to the off season as well. Both teams will play hard and the Pack gets a road win 27-23.

Tennessee @ Houston
Tennessee is getting closer and closer to clinching home field through out the playoffs and they should get even closer with a road win here. The running game and play action will dominate the Texans. Titans "winner winner chicken dinner" 34-14.

Minnesota @ Arizona
The Vikings and Cardinals both looking like players in January. This should be a battle in the desert with a lot of Adrien Peterson and more Kurt Warner. The Cards defense has been much improved from previous seasons and will play well in the postseason as well as Sunday. Fitzgerald and Boldin each get TDs and win at home. Cards sink the Vikes ship, 24-21.


Denver @ Carolina
Denver can clinch a playoff berth and still lose. Carolina can win Sunday and their final two games and end up with home field through out the playoffs. The Smash and Dash running game should repeat much of same as they did against Tampa Bay. Panthers over Broncos 40-17.

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore
The hardest hitting game all year to take place in Baltimore. These hated rivals have so much to play for. Baltimore can tie the Steelers and then ultimately take over the division lead. Playoffs, seeding, and hatred leads the headlines here and should be a fun game to watch and not play. Steelers have had so many tough games thus far this season and this will be another. Their experience will give them an edge and win on the road 23-22.

New England @ Oakland
Not much to say here, the Patriots need this one and the Raiders, well have nothing to play for. Cassel wins it with 350+ yards passing and route the Raiders. Pats 38-12.

New York Giants @ Dallas
Another top notch game in the NFC East. Dallas has to win and needs it but the Giants have been struggling as well. Sunday Night in Big D with the stage set, sounds like TO is saying, "Getcha Popcorn Ready." I will have mine ready and watch as the Giants, too physical and not as much controversy on their sidelines win 27-21.

Cleveland @ Philadelphia
Monday Night Football in the city of Brotherly Love, the Browns a disappointing season and cannot wait until it is over with while the Eagles are still in contention for a January berth. Watch McNabb dominate and win over the Browns, 29-16.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Championship Saturday in College Football

College Football's conference championship games are under way this Saturday. The biggest games with much controversy behind them. The SEC Championship in the Georgia Dome, the Big XII Championship in Arrowhead, and the ACC Championship in the Orange Bowl. It should be a great Saturday of games.

Boston College vs. Virginia Tech
The ACC title is a rematch from last years game. Same two teams with different names under the helmets. Matt Ryan last year led the Golden Eagles to the title game there last year and they managed to make it back there this year in a weak ACC conference. Virginia Tech always has a good defense and excels on special teams, especially at blocking kicks. Boston College not necessarily glad to be there but they should be. Va. Tech wins their second straight ACC title.

Missouri vs. Oklahoma
The game that has the most controversy surrounding it is the Big XII Championship. OU or Texas or even Texas Tech to some extend for the past week has had the entire college football nation scratching their heads after this unbelievable three way tie amongst the top to the Big XII South. OU beat out the Longhorns to make into the Title game and with a win will advance to the BCS Championship game. The Sooners offense has been stellar and the defense at times has looked average. Not going to matter here, Sam Bradford playing hurt will prevail and have a big game. Sooners win over the Tigers 54-27.

Florida vs. Alabama
Finally, the SEC Championship. The game with so much hype and so many quality players on both sides of the ball. A hard hitting game will surely be on the menu here. Also two contrasting styles taking on one another as Florida likes to spread the defense out and Alabama likes to smash the ball down your throat and throw it to their talented young freshman receiver, Julio Jones. It should be the best of the three championship games on Saturday and will surely be good to watch. Without Percey Harvin the Gators may be shorthanded, but I like the Gators coming out on top. Closer than the experts think. Florida wins 26-19.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Week 14 in the NFL

Well after taking the Thanksgiving holiday off to rest up and spend time with my family that I am grateful for I am back to give to you thoughts on the upcoming NFL slate of games. The overview of this week has many teams looking to secure playoff spots that they for better or for worse will eventually get regardless. The Giants can possibly clinch the NFC East, Arizona Cardinals can lock up their first playoff spot since the Jake Plummer run they had. Also they can clinch their first divisional title in 33 years. With a win and a loss by the San Diego Chargers the Denver Broncos can clinch a spot as well. Now let's dive into this weeks of games. Also last Sunday road teams went an outstanding 10-2.

Oakland @ San Diego
This week's Thursday Night flex game has two struggling teams. San Diego playing for their playoff lives to live another week and stay alive until the season's finale against division leading Denver. With a loss and a Broncos' win they will be eliminated from playoff contention. So in other words this is a "Must Win Game" for the Chargers. LT has not shown many flashes of greatness this season and if there was a time to start it would be now. San Diego needs this one, they are at home, and Phillip Rivers is due for a great game at home. His QB rating is a whopping 113.5 at home and look for him to continue his dominance at home against the Raiders. San Diego wins on the NFL Network 27-12.

Jacksonville @ Chicago
After being embarrassed and losing at division rival Minnesota on Sunday Night the Chicago Bears need to win to stay within striking distance of division leader Minnesota. The Jaguars are out of playoff contention and have been for quite some time but still playing for pay checks and respect will show up under Coach Del Rio but it will not matter. The Bears know time is running out and Devin Hester is well over due of scoring on a return this season. Maybe Sunday he finally gets into the end zone via punt return in a Chicago route winning against the Jags 26-13.

Minnesota @ Detroit
With a few off the field controversy looming in the clouds in Minneapolis the win less Lions may have finally found their break they have been looking for all season. The will they or won't they be suspended up in the air over the Pro Bowl caliber defensive tackles Kevin and Pat Williams (no relation) the Lions may be able to take one from the Vikes and win their first game of the season. Another note to this game Daunte Culpepper gets a shot to knock off his old team and get back at his former team for trading him. Adrien Peterson leads the NFL in rushing but it could be another young star in Calvin Johnson stealing the show in this game if the Lions want to win this game. I may be completely off on this one but I feel something crazy happening in Detroit on Sunday, Lions end the streak and win against Minnesota 20-16.

Houston @ Green Bay
The final game in the NFC North this week has the Houston Texans making their first ever trip to the "Frozen Tundra" of what is Lambeau Field. It is now finally the "Frozen Tundra" everyone in the state of Wisconsin waits for. Football played in the way it was made to be played. The Packers have lost back to back games against the NFC South and should have won last week against Carolina but could not make a tackle on a kickoff nor a DeAngelo Williams carry. Giving up 5 rushing touchdowns the Pack's D has for surely been hurting since Nick Barnett's injure and also combing that with Cullen Jenkins injury earlier this season the defense has been anything but disappointing. A-Rod needs to rally the troops and especially Ryan Grant needs to have a big game running the ball to control the clock to keep their own defense off the field and take pressure off of Rodgers. Rodgers' makes his first start for the Pack with snow on the ground and frigid temperatures needs to play not only well but smart in a "Must Win" for the Pack. The Green and Gold will look to take this one 27-19.

Cleveland @ Tennessee
The Titans almost having the South wrapped up needing only a loss by the Colts will do that, still looking for home field advantage throughout host the Browns who are without their top two QB's. Ten days to focus on the Browns is another key for the Titans who not only got rest and recovery from nagging injuries also got all of the film on Ken Dorsey needed to pressure him and confuse him. The Titans should be able to rush their "Smash and Dash" combo tailbacks and set up their playaction passes that they have done all year en route to another victory. Titans win at home 34-10.

Cincinnati @ Indianapolis
Peyton Manning and the Colts found a way to win last week against the Browns without scoring an offensive TD. Manning will likely get back on track and get his share of TD passes to both Harrison and Wayne. The run game will get some work in for both Addia and Rhodes both having big games racking up the rush yards in the second half. The Bengals are getting ready to play on the clock as they are looking to lock up a top 5 pick in next years NFL Draft in April. The Colts running away with this one 38-13.

Atlanta @ New Orleans
The Falcons staying right in the heat of things in the Wild Card and NFC South races with only 4 games to go in the season at 8-4. The Saints at 6-6 need a miracle to make the postseason this year and have not done much on defense to help out its offense. Drew Brees is likely to shatter Dan Marino's record for pass yards in a season but without the "W's" it won't mean anything for the team. Michael Turner looks to have a big game against a less than impressive defense and Matt Ryan should hook up with Pro Bowl probable wide out in Roddy White. The ATL locks in another win on the road and becomes one step closer to getting into the postseason with a 31-22 victory.

Philadelphia @ New York Giants
The Giants continue to roll against everyone and anyone. Even with the Plaxico Burress situation getting more and more interesting each and everyday the Giants do not seem to care about it. They have faced adversity before and probably will again this season. Each time they have reacted in a positive way that usually made their team more prepared and ready to whip their next opponent. The Eagles have not looked like a playoff team and will miss them again this year for the second straight time, but they will put up a fight against the defending Champs. Eli and the running game will be too much and dominate the Eagles. G-Men win even with all the distractions, 30-16.

Kansas City @ Denver
Denver can lock up the West and make it back into the postseason under Coach Shanahan once again. The Chiefs have nothing to play for except that they "Play to win the game, you don't play to just play" as Herm Edwards would put it. Young gun slinger in Tyler Thigpen have played his way to their starter next season but that may be their only bright spot on the season. Denver has not played exceptional ball this year but have squeaked out games here and there and this week will be no different. Rivals for many years they reacquaint themselves with one another this Sunday and the Broncos look to remind the Chiefs who is exactly going to be playing to win game as Denver wins 33-22.

Miami @ Buffalo
Miami travels to play the struggling Bills in the frigid temperatures and weather of Toronto? Yes, this game in going to be played in a Dome in Toronto as a home game for the reeling Bills. They have been 1-5 since starting 5-1 this year and don't look now but Miami may be playing for a playoff spot one year after only winning 1 game. Out of their last 4 games including this one they may end up with 10 or even 11 wins. Only the season finale against the Jets may leave them on the outside looking into the January games. The Bills will have to try again next season and hope for a better finish to next season to Circle the Wagons. Dolphins win in Toronto 27-24.

New York Jets @ San Fransisco
The Jets control their own destiny out East and possibly a first round bye in the AFC. They dropped one last week to the Broncos and will probably take out their frustrations of that game on the 49ers. Thomas Jones looks to have a big game in helping Brett Favre pitch and chuck the pigskin around to his weapons up and down the field. Big game for the J-e-t-s out West and win big. 41-13.

New England @ Seattle
The Pats tied with Miami in the division and one game back of the Jets. They need to win to keep pace or break even with a tie. Cassel and company, mainly Randy Moss, had awful games last week at home against the Steelers. Moss dropped several passes including a touchdown in the 33-10 lose. The struggling Seahawks may be just what the doctor ordered to help their ailing offense playmakers. No problem for the Pats against Seattle, as they cruise to victory 24-6.

St. Louis @ Arizona
Don't look at the standings in the NFC West, but the Cardinals, Yes! the Cardinals can clinch the West title with a win or a loss by the 49ers. It would be their first divisional title in 33 years. Boldin, Fitzgerald, and Breaston will be running wild in the desert against the Rams' secondary and MVP candidate Kurt Warner will get them the ball and put up some points in this game. The Cardinals played poorly on Thanksgiving will rebound and get ready for the push and into the playoffs as they run over the Rams, 34-16.

Dallas @ Pittsburgh
Arguably the game of the week is on in the "Steel City." Pittsburgh seems to have the game of the week each week over the past two months. Games that included: home against the Giants, home against Indianapolis, home against San Diego, at New England and now home to Dallas. They went 2-2 in those games and now look to go above .500 and beat the Cowboys. Tony Romo has been on track since returning to the lineup and T.O. is happy once again. This will be a hard hitting game as 2 of the power houses of the 90s renew their rivalry and do battle in the place where the "Terrible Towels" wave from start to finish. In a close defensive game, Pittsburgh gets it done down the stretch. Steelers prevail 23-20.

Washington @ Baltimore
Two defensive minded teams do battle in Baltimore where each team looks to make a run at bonus football. The Redskins may be without All-Pro Running Back in Clinton Portis and have been struggling as of late. The Ravens can possibly tie the Steelers for the divisional lead with some help with the Cowboys and by winning themselves. Rookie QB Joe Flacco has played outstanding to this point and will try and continue his play. The Ravens can smell blood in the Redskins and look to take this one at home. Baltimore wins at home 23-15.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina
This weeks Monday Night game has us watching the top two teams in the NFC South and arguably the top two teams in the NFC not named the Giants. Both teams sitting at 9-3 tied at the top of the South. Carolina has won ugly on several occasions this season and Tampa has not been married to a QB for the entire season and Gruden is only a few bad series to divorce Garcia and propose to another one of his potential brides on the bench. This will be a hard hitting smash mouth football game in Charlotte. The home team has won ugly and this could be an ugly game. Carolina "winner winner chicken dinner" winning 27-23.