Last week going 1-3 against the spread was pretty sad. Actually my two counterparts went 2-2 and 1-3, so I guess it was a bad week for all of us. I'm predicting I go 4-0 or 3-1 this week. Bold possibly...but doable. It is my feeling that the people you really think are going to win...will win. There won't be a lot of...well maybe there will be an upset...nope. The better teams will prevail this week. This could come back to haunt me, but...it's what I believe.
Arizona at New Orleans
In a dome...it'll be a shootout. Will told me a GREAT point the other day. Kurt Warner usually has 1 game every few where he turns the ball over and is just terrible. I'm going to believe that this game isn't quite that, but he's not throwing for 5 TDs.
Prediction: Arizona 27 New Orleans 38
Baltimore at Indianapolis
2 words...Peyton Manning.
Prediction: Baltimore 20 Indianapolis 27
Dallas at Minnesota
This will be an interesting game and probably the most interesting game this round. But Brett Favre has some sort of black magic on his side. I like it...probably just because he has the best first name in the history of first names.
Prediction: Dallas 17 Minnesota 24
New York at San Diego
Well...I picked against the Jets last weekend and look how that turned out. I'm going to pick against them again. Phillip Rivers = dynamite. One of the top 5 QB's in the game.
Prediction: New York 13 San Diego 20
-Brett
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Divisional Round
I'll be brief, because nothing annoys me about football more than excessive talk in the weeks leading up to later-round games.
Arizona @ New Orleans
As sure as the Sun will rise, people are going to look waaaaay too much into Kurt Warner's epic performance last week. But durrrr, Green Bay had such a good defense durrr. Yeah, against bad teams. They couldn't get it done against solid teams that still gave a shit all season, I can't believe I picked them to advance. Anyway, the Saints are much better than people think (somehow). Sure, they lost 3 in a row, but after Dallas, a good team, beat them, they looked like they lost their regular season drive. Now the times are different, and they will step up.
Prediction: Saints 41, Cardinals 24
Baltimore @ Indianapolis
Today I added cole slaw to the list of food I hate to eat using a spoon. Among the rest: mashed potatoes, vegetables of any kind, applesauce (to be fair, it's been like 10 years since I had it), stew, cake (except ice cream cake), and pineapple. If you can stab it, you can use a fork. Spoons are just stupid. If you use one for every meal, you probably wear a helmet.
I know a lot of people who root for the Ravens, but I just can't get excited about this game. Hell, I was more excited about Jets vs Bengals. Stover will make Baltimore sincerely regret his departure.
Prediction: Colts 26, Ravens 17
Dallas @ Minnesota
I'm banking on the Cowboys to win. I really don't want them to, but they probably will. I'm hoping the burden of expectations after finally winning a playoff game overwhelms them, and they revert back to postseason form. If not, I at least get to see Favre stab yet another city in the chest with his choke-tastic performance.
Cowboys 24, Vikings 20
New York @ San Diego
This is one of those standard "test" games where the favorite looks like they'll win 7 out of 10 times by a blowout, the game will be close in either favor twice out of 10, and 1 out of 10 produces an unbelievable result (like the Pats in the Super Bowl two years ago). Of all the remaining AFC teams, the Jets present the best matchup against the Chargers. Unfortunately for the Jets, they're also worse than the Ravens and Colts. It'll be interesting to see how Revis covers VJ, or if Gates will just have a monster day. I say Malcom Floyd turns out to be the most significant member of the Chargers on Sunday.
And before you try out the tired "Chargers can't stop the run or run the ball snarf snarf" argument, here's a list of top rushing / rush d teams the Chargers have beaten this season:
@ NYG, @ DAL, vs. PHI, vs. WAS (2nd string), vs. MIA, @ TEN.
One of the most misleading things about the Chargers is that despite getting under 1000 yards, LT still had 12 TDs. Turning 1st and goals into TDs is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, something that damns all losing teams. If the Steelers had LT, they'd be in the second round of the playoffs. As in hockey, but maybe to a lesser extent, stats become meaningless in the playoffs. Of course, sports media needs you to believe that analyzing stats and percentages will give you insider insight into games. And by extension of that, you should watch ESPN. The will to win trumps all, and few teams look more determined than the Chargers. The Jets' manic-depressive coach will again lose all hope in his players this week.
Chargers 34, Jets 20
Not brief after all. Whatever.
- Matt
Arizona @ New Orleans
As sure as the Sun will rise, people are going to look waaaaay too much into Kurt Warner's epic performance last week. But durrrr, Green Bay had such a good defense durrr. Yeah, against bad teams. They couldn't get it done against solid teams that still gave a shit all season, I can't believe I picked them to advance. Anyway, the Saints are much better than people think (somehow). Sure, they lost 3 in a row, but after Dallas, a good team, beat them, they looked like they lost their regular season drive. Now the times are different, and they will step up.
Prediction: Saints 41, Cardinals 24
Baltimore @ Indianapolis
Today I added cole slaw to the list of food I hate to eat using a spoon. Among the rest: mashed potatoes, vegetables of any kind, applesauce (to be fair, it's been like 10 years since I had it), stew, cake (except ice cream cake), and pineapple. If you can stab it, you can use a fork. Spoons are just stupid. If you use one for every meal, you probably wear a helmet.
I know a lot of people who root for the Ravens, but I just can't get excited about this game. Hell, I was more excited about Jets vs Bengals. Stover will make Baltimore sincerely regret his departure.
Prediction: Colts 26, Ravens 17
Dallas @ Minnesota
I'm banking on the Cowboys to win. I really don't want them to, but they probably will. I'm hoping the burden of expectations after finally winning a playoff game overwhelms them, and they revert back to postseason form. If not, I at least get to see Favre stab yet another city in the chest with his choke-tastic performance.
Cowboys 24, Vikings 20
New York @ San Diego
This is one of those standard "test" games where the favorite looks like they'll win 7 out of 10 times by a blowout, the game will be close in either favor twice out of 10, and 1 out of 10 produces an unbelievable result (like the Pats in the Super Bowl two years ago). Of all the remaining AFC teams, the Jets present the best matchup against the Chargers. Unfortunately for the Jets, they're also worse than the Ravens and Colts. It'll be interesting to see how Revis covers VJ, or if Gates will just have a monster day. I say Malcom Floyd turns out to be the most significant member of the Chargers on Sunday.
And before you try out the tired "Chargers can't stop the run or run the ball snarf snarf" argument, here's a list of top rushing / rush d teams the Chargers have beaten this season:
@ NYG, @ DAL, vs. PHI, vs. WAS (2nd string), vs. MIA, @ TEN.
One of the most misleading things about the Chargers is that despite getting under 1000 yards, LT still had 12 TDs. Turning 1st and goals into TDs is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT, something that damns all losing teams. If the Steelers had LT, they'd be in the second round of the playoffs. As in hockey, but maybe to a lesser extent, stats become meaningless in the playoffs. Of course, sports media needs you to believe that analyzing stats and percentages will give you insider insight into games. And by extension of that, you should watch ESPN. The will to win trumps all, and few teams look more determined than the Chargers. The Jets' manic-depressive coach will again lose all hope in his players this week.
Chargers 34, Jets 20
Not brief after all. Whatever.
- Matt
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Unreal
I'm not sure if this is awesome or terrible:
[Deadspin]
Oh hell, I'll go with awesome. Looking up Max Talbot on youtube gives you two results: goofy commercials starring him, and him scoring a championship-clinching goal. LT's basically a cheerleader when the ball is between the 20s these days, so why not relax the mood of a choke-prone team?
- Matt
[Deadspin]
Oh hell, I'll go with awesome. Looking up Max Talbot on youtube gives you two results: goofy commercials starring him, and him scoring a championship-clinching goal. LT's basically a cheerleader when the ball is between the 20s these days, so why not relax the mood of a choke-prone team?
- Matt
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Mood in Boston
Here are two opinions of friends in Boston:
Haha...what is there to say? the game was over b4 i even made it to the bar! the ravens said 'bend over' and the pat's said 'hell yea we will. is this far enough?' -Kate
The pink hat crowd (fair weather fans) is like devastated the reasonable half like myself knew they were terrible. -Matt
I love hearing Pat fans upset...makes my day better.
-Brett
Haha...what is there to say? the game was over b4 i even made it to the bar! the ravens said 'bend over' and the pat's said 'hell yea we will. is this far enough?' -Kate
The pink hat crowd (fair weather fans) is like devastated the reasonable half like myself knew they were terrible. -Matt
I love hearing Pat fans upset...makes my day better.
-Brett
Wild Card Recap
I went 1-3...what does that mean? Every week that I make these picks if you're a betting man you should bet against me. I was able to watch 3 out of 4 games (missed the Ravens game...the ONE game I picked right). Let's start with my flawed analysis.
Jets at Bengals
Looks like Rex Ryan will have to hold off his "Yay the season is over all you can eat buffet marathon" for at least one more week. Somehow...my counterparts saw this...the Jets beat the Bengals. I blame Chris Henry...too soon? Regardless...here is how I saw the game.
In my Wild Card preview I said that CIN would put 8 men in the box, crowd the line of scrimmage, and make Sanchez win this game. I figured that would be the downfall of the Jets. Well I was right in some aspect of that. The Bengals crowed the line and the Jets ran. However...the Jets ran all over the Bengals. Greene was a beast rushing for 135 yards on 21 carries. With the Jets commitment to the run it allowed Brian Schottenheimer to dial up the play action extremely effectively.
What else Rex Ryan's D made Carson Palmer look like Trent Edwards. Palmer didn't look comfortable at ALL back there. Numerous times overthrowing his receiver. He never looked confident back there either. When you allow the opposing team to run the ball effectively and your QB sucks as badly as Palmer did...it's a recipe for disaster. The Jets played a perfect road game...gotta give it to them.
Game Ball: Brian Schottenheimer. He protected his rookie QB and called a very good game.
Side note: I've heard many members in the media make light of the fact that Rex Ryan only wears a long sleeve t and a sweater vest. They say that it shows how tough he is. Can anyone just be honest...he's FAT! If I had that much body fat keeping me warm I'd probably only be wearing a sweatervest too. And I'd spend my winters in Antarctica. Actually...can we raise money to buy Rex Ryan a one-way ticket there? I'll even throw in a bag of cheetos for the trip there. Anyone with me??
Eagles at Cowboys
At least I didn't say the score would be Eagles 172 Cowboys 4.
But the Cowboys finally made a statement and won a playoff game! I didn't realize this...but it was their first playoff victory since 1996. Looks like Wade will be keeping his job. And honestly...if I were the Vikings I'd be nervous. They looked solid. Did it surprise anyone else that McNabb barely had any passing yards until the second half? I'm wondering if his time in Philly is done. They have Kolb, an option to re-sign Vick...I'm wondering if they should trade McNabb...say...to the Bills?
Game Ball: Felix Jones...he's a game changer.
Ravens at the Patriots
LOL at Tom Brady and Belichick. Yes...I just said LOL like a schoolgirl...but that's how happy I am that the Patriots lost in the first round. I'll say it again...LOL!
Unfortunately I did not get to witness this raping...I was on a date. If the Pittsburgh police call me for information...unfortunately I cannot give a statement. However I think I heard the collective sobbing from the city of Boston. LOL (I swear it's my last one).
Looking at the stats however Flacco had 34 yards passing, which leads me to one conclusion. Jon Harbaugh reads our blog!!! I mentioned the way to win this game: "If Cam Cameron and Harbaugh realize a basic formula of running the ball will work...they'll win."
So Jon as you're reading this if you ever need someone else on your coaching staff I would be willing to take a leave of absence from M&T and come work with you. That or convince your brother to go coach the Bills. He's my #2 choice behind Russ Grimm. I'm really not on the Leslie Frazier train...I know Will says it's a "smart" hire...but I want an offensive HC. I digress...
Game Ball: Joe Flacco...yes yes yes 34 passing yards. But Will told me he's hurt and can barely walk. Guts...just guts. He's 3-1 in the playoffs...can't argue with that.
Packers at Cardinals
I didn't realize they instituted the shootout in football. It's been pretty successful in hockey. The Sabres and Colorado went to an 11 round shootout the other night. It was the highlight of the game...some say they hate the shootout...others love it. I hate it...but I love it. There's nothing better to watch than a good old fashioned shootout. (Note...the Sabres lost).
I'm glad Will, Matt, and I took the under in this game. People should listen to us...Brandon Lang ain't got NOTHIN on us!
This was my "sure thing" pick of the week. I'm glad I don't have a house that I could've bet on this game because I'd be sleeping in the vestibule at work. Interesting note...my boss told me a homeless person was sleeping there when he came into work on Saturday. I'm going to keep politics out of this and keep my mouth shut on homelessness.
4...that's the number of incompletions Warner had out of 33. If Kurt Warner retires at the end of the season the Cardinals are going to have their work cut out for them. As I tried to make a case for Russ Grimm and his o-line, Will stated...it's all Warner. I could not argue with that. It's hard to root against Kurt Warner. His story...well we've all heard it, so I won't repeat it, but I'm just saying it's hard to root against him.
Brett Favre who? Aaron Rodgers put on his OWN damn pair of Wranglers yesterday. Again...why the hell did I say Trent Edwards was going to have more passing yards than Rodgers? Has my admiration for Buffalo completely seeped into my brain and caused permanent damage? I sure hope not. Regardless...LOL (ok I lied) at San Fran for taking Alex Smith in 2005...that's really worked out well.
Game Ball: Kurt Warner...5 TDs and 4 incomplete passes.
Later on in the week...Division Round Predictions. I swear...pick against me and you'll do great. You can call me Brett the Greek and I won't make any racial comments about the black athlete either!
-Brett
Jets at Bengals
Looks like Rex Ryan will have to hold off his "Yay the season is over all you can eat buffet marathon" for at least one more week. Somehow...my counterparts saw this...the Jets beat the Bengals. I blame Chris Henry...too soon? Regardless...here is how I saw the game.
In my Wild Card preview I said that CIN would put 8 men in the box, crowd the line of scrimmage, and make Sanchez win this game. I figured that would be the downfall of the Jets. Well I was right in some aspect of that. The Bengals crowed the line and the Jets ran. However...the Jets ran all over the Bengals. Greene was a beast rushing for 135 yards on 21 carries. With the Jets commitment to the run it allowed Brian Schottenheimer to dial up the play action extremely effectively.
What else Rex Ryan's D made Carson Palmer look like Trent Edwards. Palmer didn't look comfortable at ALL back there. Numerous times overthrowing his receiver. He never looked confident back there either. When you allow the opposing team to run the ball effectively and your QB sucks as badly as Palmer did...it's a recipe for disaster. The Jets played a perfect road game...gotta give it to them.
Game Ball: Brian Schottenheimer. He protected his rookie QB and called a very good game.
Side note: I've heard many members in the media make light of the fact that Rex Ryan only wears a long sleeve t and a sweater vest. They say that it shows how tough he is. Can anyone just be honest...he's FAT! If I had that much body fat keeping me warm I'd probably only be wearing a sweatervest too. And I'd spend my winters in Antarctica. Actually...can we raise money to buy Rex Ryan a one-way ticket there? I'll even throw in a bag of cheetos for the trip there. Anyone with me??
Eagles at Cowboys
At least I didn't say the score would be Eagles 172 Cowboys 4.
But the Cowboys finally made a statement and won a playoff game! I didn't realize this...but it was their first playoff victory since 1996. Looks like Wade will be keeping his job. And honestly...if I were the Vikings I'd be nervous. They looked solid. Did it surprise anyone else that McNabb barely had any passing yards until the second half? I'm wondering if his time in Philly is done. They have Kolb, an option to re-sign Vick...I'm wondering if they should trade McNabb...say...to the Bills?
Game Ball: Felix Jones...he's a game changer.
Ravens at the Patriots
LOL at Tom Brady and Belichick. Yes...I just said LOL like a schoolgirl...but that's how happy I am that the Patriots lost in the first round. I'll say it again...LOL!
Unfortunately I did not get to witness this raping...I was on a date. If the Pittsburgh police call me for information...unfortunately I cannot give a statement. However I think I heard the collective sobbing from the city of Boston. LOL (I swear it's my last one).
Looking at the stats however Flacco had 34 yards passing, which leads me to one conclusion. Jon Harbaugh reads our blog!!! I mentioned the way to win this game: "If Cam Cameron and Harbaugh realize a basic formula of running the ball will work...they'll win."
So Jon as you're reading this if you ever need someone else on your coaching staff I would be willing to take a leave of absence from M&T and come work with you. That or convince your brother to go coach the Bills. He's my #2 choice behind Russ Grimm. I'm really not on the Leslie Frazier train...I know Will says it's a "smart" hire...but I want an offensive HC. I digress...
Game Ball: Joe Flacco...yes yes yes 34 passing yards. But Will told me he's hurt and can barely walk. Guts...just guts. He's 3-1 in the playoffs...can't argue with that.
Packers at Cardinals
I didn't realize they instituted the shootout in football. It's been pretty successful in hockey. The Sabres and Colorado went to an 11 round shootout the other night. It was the highlight of the game...some say they hate the shootout...others love it. I hate it...but I love it. There's nothing better to watch than a good old fashioned shootout. (Note...the Sabres lost).
I'm glad Will, Matt, and I took the under in this game. People should listen to us...Brandon Lang ain't got NOTHIN on us!
This was my "sure thing" pick of the week. I'm glad I don't have a house that I could've bet on this game because I'd be sleeping in the vestibule at work. Interesting note...my boss told me a homeless person was sleeping there when he came into work on Saturday. I'm going to keep politics out of this and keep my mouth shut on homelessness.
4...that's the number of incompletions Warner had out of 33. If Kurt Warner retires at the end of the season the Cardinals are going to have their work cut out for them. As I tried to make a case for Russ Grimm and his o-line, Will stated...it's all Warner. I could not argue with that. It's hard to root against Kurt Warner. His story...well we've all heard it, so I won't repeat it, but I'm just saying it's hard to root against him.
Brett Favre who? Aaron Rodgers put on his OWN damn pair of Wranglers yesterday. Again...why the hell did I say Trent Edwards was going to have more passing yards than Rodgers? Has my admiration for Buffalo completely seeped into my brain and caused permanent damage? I sure hope not. Regardless...LOL (ok I lied) at San Fran for taking Alex Smith in 2005...that's really worked out well.
Game Ball: Kurt Warner...5 TDs and 4 incomplete passes.
Later on in the week...Division Round Predictions. I swear...pick against me and you'll do great. You can call me Brett the Greek and I won't make any racial comments about the black athlete either!
-Brett
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Patriots = Stunned
The goat is shopping around for a better QB.
I'll let Will/Brett elaborate on the game. First, I'm on the phone with the Pittsburgh police for the rape I witnessed in New England.
- Matt
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