Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Coming Soon
Alright, the preview is coming, and it'll get here before Sunday. Yeah, I know the season technically starts tomorrow, but whatever. That won't affect my preview. Also, in an exciting development, we may just have the preview in podcast form this year, because I don't feel like writing it. Also I have too much other writing to do. So look forward to that, probably on Saturday or so.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Picks at the Wire
Steelers over FALCONS
Patriots over BILLS
BENGALS over Panthers
Chargers over CHIEFS
DOLPHINS over Packers
JETS over Lions
Eagles over BUCS
Jags over TEXANS
Broncos over BROWNS
COLTS over Redskins
CARDS over Raiders
Vikings over SEAHAWKS
COWBOYS over Giants
Last week: 7-4 (Somehow I missed a couple of games last week)
Season: 58-27
Patriots over BILLS
BENGALS over Panthers
Chargers over CHIEFS
DOLPHINS over Packers
JETS over Lions
Eagles over BUCS
Jags over TEXANS
Broncos over BROWNS
COLTS over Redskins
CARDS over Raiders
Vikings over SEAHAWKS
COWBOYS over Giants
Last week: 7-4 (Somehow I missed a couple of games last week)
Season: 58-27
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Picks for Week Six
Let me just start out by saying that the Eagles game was hugely satisfying. Sure, I would have liked to see T.O. take a big hit, but it was almost as good to see him bring out the alligator arms across the middle when he heard Michael Lewis coming. Not to mention the Birds picked up a critical division win. I didn't get to see a lot of the games last week, since I was in Fort Wayne, but let's have a look at this week's matchups.
Giants over FALCONS
I need to see more dominant offense from the Falcons before I pick them against a decent team. Their defense is good, but I don't think they'll score much today. Of course, either that or they put up about 49 points.
COWBOYS over Texans
Bills over LIONS
If the Lions had any kind of defense, or if they'd proven they could win, I'd pick them here. But one of my rules of picking games is not to pick a winless team past week 4 until they pull one out. The opposite is true of undefeated teams, in case you're wondering.
RAMS over Seahawks
If Alexander is out, the Hawks have no prayer.
Eagles over SAINTS
Everyone is screaming "letdown game", but McNabb is just too good right now. If he keeps playing like he has been, there's no way they lose here. And the defense will have their hands full with everyone except Reggie Bush, but look for them to give up no more than 17 points.
RAVENS over Panthers
Could be a 3-0 game.
JETS over Dolphins
Boy, was I wrong about the Jets-Jags game. But there's no way they lose this one. The Dolphins are bad, and you'd better believe the Jets will put together a string of victories once they get some confidence back.
BRONCOS over Raiders
Oakland is horrendous.
STEELERS over Chiefs
I told you I had a feeling about that Arizona game last week, and they almost pulled it out. I'm only picking Pittsburgh here because they're at home and have a better coach. They don't have too much else going for them at this point. KC is also hurting without Larry Johnson.
Chargers over NINERS
Alex Smith is coming along nicely, but he'll likely get clobbered a few times against SD.
Bears over CARDINALS
How did Arizona end up on Monday night? They may score a field goal or two here, but that's about it. This one could get ugly. I'd say they had a chance, since the best teams usually lose to at least one bad team per year, but not on Monday night.
Last week: 11-3
Season: 51-23
Giants over FALCONS
I need to see more dominant offense from the Falcons before I pick them against a decent team. Their defense is good, but I don't think they'll score much today. Of course, either that or they put up about 49 points.
COWBOYS over Texans
Bills over LIONS
If the Lions had any kind of defense, or if they'd proven they could win, I'd pick them here. But one of my rules of picking games is not to pick a winless team past week 4 until they pull one out. The opposite is true of undefeated teams, in case you're wondering.
RAMS over Seahawks
If Alexander is out, the Hawks have no prayer.
Eagles over SAINTS
Everyone is screaming "letdown game", but McNabb is just too good right now. If he keeps playing like he has been, there's no way they lose here. And the defense will have their hands full with everyone except Reggie Bush, but look for them to give up no more than 17 points.
RAVENS over Panthers
Could be a 3-0 game.
JETS over Dolphins
Boy, was I wrong about the Jets-Jags game. But there's no way they lose this one. The Dolphins are bad, and you'd better believe the Jets will put together a string of victories once they get some confidence back.
BRONCOS over Raiders
Oakland is horrendous.
STEELERS over Chiefs
I told you I had a feeling about that Arizona game last week, and they almost pulled it out. I'm only picking Pittsburgh here because they're at home and have a better coach. They don't have too much else going for them at this point. KC is also hurting without Larry Johnson.
Chargers over NINERS
Alex Smith is coming along nicely, but he'll likely get clobbered a few times against SD.
Bears over CARDINALS
How did Arizona end up on Monday night? They may score a field goal or two here, but that's about it. This one could get ugly. I'd say they had a chance, since the best teams usually lose to at least one bad team per year, but not on Monday night.
Last week: 11-3
Season: 51-23
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Week 5: What is There to Talk About This Week? Hmmmm....
This will be the biggest sports week for me in recent memory. I've got TO coming back to Philly tomorrow, a televised UFC card on Tuesday, and a Pay-Per-View card on Saturday. In the meantime, the baseball playoffs are going on. Had the Phillies not once again yanked the rug out from under themselves to get into the postseason, I might be having a heart attack right now. So without further delay, let's get into this week's NFL games.
BEARS over Bills
The Bears made mincemeat out of the reigning NFC champs last week, and that was no fluke. But at the same time, that one had "letdown game" written all over it for the Hawks, and it was one the Bears wanted badly to prove they were legit. I still think the Bears are a better team than the Seahawks, and definitely the most impressive team in the league thus far, but they're not that much better than the upper echelon of the league. At least not yet. They should pound the Bills here, but this one has letdown game potential for Chicago. I think they pull it out at home, but it could be a close one.
Rams over PACKERS
Even when Favre is on target, which isn't as often as anyone would like to see, his defense is just hapless. Look for Bulger to carve the Pack to pieces.
COLTS over Titans
Unfortunately for Tennessee, they play in the same division as Peyton Manning. This one is going to be real ugly. Indy may look to just run all over the Titans and not make this any longer than it has to be.
VIKINGS over Lions
I tell you, if the Lions defense played every week like they played in week one, they'd have a chance here. But that was week one, which is more often the exception than the rule. It probably won't be a blowout, but the Vikings will take this one.
PATRIOTS over Dolphins
Miami is in a tailspin with Culpepper under center, and they probably won't pull out of it this season unless Joey Harrington really is better than he looked in Detroit. Pats should win big.
SAINTS over Bucs
The Saints' defense might or might not hold up down the road, but they won't need much of it against the Bucs. This is a division game, and anything can happen in a division game, but Tampa just seems lost right now.
Redskins over GIANTS
Washington is picking up momentum, and the Giants are losing it. They couldn't carry the momentum from their fluke win over the Eagles into Seattle, and they got blown out badly. They're entering the "dysfunctional" territory very early in the season, and that's not good for Tom Coughlin or anyone else. They need this win at home, or they could be in serious trouble. Meanwhile, the Redskins' offense is looking like a well-oiled machine, with Santana Moss playing the role of big time receiver. Old man Mark Brunell is holding his own, and I don't know how long that will last, but it'll last through this week. Skins win a close one, because the Giants can't help but play them close.
PANTHERS over Browns
Browns fans, don't get too excited about the win over Oakland. Cleveland had to make a comeback against the bar none worst team in the NFL. Be glad they won, but don't expect too many more until the schedule gets easier. Carolina needs this game to continue their roll after two straight division wins, and they should pick it up.
CARDINALS over Chiefs
This pick makes no sense. Just call it a gut feeling.
49ERS over Raiders
I don't think the Raiders will go winless this year; the bad teams who only have a couple of wins usually pick up a fluke or two over a good team that drops its guard. The Niners have some semblance of offense, and if Oakland can put together a few drives, we might have a mini-shootout. I wouldn't count on it though. This will probably be another ugly one.
Jets over JAGS
The Jets have been killed by the schedule, but don't count them out in any game. I told you they'd make a game out of the Colts loss last week. I would have loved it had they been able to pull off a touchdown from that last play. That went on way longer than it should have, and it was great. I think they're due for a win here, and the Jags are hurting a little bit.
CHARGERS over Steelers
Behold, the demise of last year's mighty Super Bowl champions…..okay, maybe that's a bit premature. But they're certainly not the team they were last year. I don't think Ben Roethlisberger is going to be himself this year at all, much to the chagrin of all those who have been waiting for him to get back to last year's form. I just don't see it happening. The Chargers, on the other hand, are going to be playing at home, and they're going to be angry. Philip Rivers is turning out not to be such a huge dropoff at quarterback, and if he hits a good stride, the Chargers could live up to what I expected them to be last year.
BRONCOS over Ravens
It's only a matter of time before the Ravens are exposed for having no offense. McNair can't keep playing well for 5 minutes per game and have Baltimore continue to win. I think Denver calls the hype into question this week.
Which brings us to….
EAGLES over Cowboys
It's the game I've been waiting for since finding out you-know-who signed with Dallas. Seriously, it wouldn't have been fitting if Owens just went over to the AFC and we didn't hear from him again. We need to play his team twice a year. And it needs to be the team that the hated Bill Parcells coaches. And the team that the hated Jerry Jones owns. With the hated star on the helmet. I just can't wait for this. It should be a close game with the Eagles' secondary banged up a bit, and without Stallworth, and without Westbrook at 100%. And still, I see the Birds taking it. Dallas will look to pound the ball early to set up the pass, and it won't work. They may have a good first drive, as has been the MO for the defense this year (for whatever reason), but I don't see them having much success on a consistent basis. The front four is too good for the Eagles, and I don't think Jim Johnson will blitz quite as much as he usually does. The defensive line will be able to get to the flat-footed Drew Bledsoe and put him on his back. And when they do blitz, look for Dawkins to get in the backfield before you can say "sack". The man is ageless, and he plays like a man possessed every week. He's one of the most thrilling defensive players in the league, and I can't wait to see him knock TO's head off when he runs one of those crossing routes across the middle. I can hardly type I'm so excited. The last time Owens met an Eagles safety from an opposing standpoint, he ended up with a broken collarbone. And that was before…you know.
As for the offense, I can tell you that no one is any match for Donovan McNabb right now. No one. When he hits his stride like he has so far, he's the best quarterback in the league. Show me another QB that befuddles defenses and makes plays happen like McNabb does. The Dallas defense will have its moments, but it will be Donovan's day.
(And by the way, Terry Glenn will have more impact than you-know-who.)
Well, that felt good. It's nice to be able to write a column again.
Last Week: 9-5
Season: 40-20
BEARS over Bills
The Bears made mincemeat out of the reigning NFC champs last week, and that was no fluke. But at the same time, that one had "letdown game" written all over it for the Hawks, and it was one the Bears wanted badly to prove they were legit. I still think the Bears are a better team than the Seahawks, and definitely the most impressive team in the league thus far, but they're not that much better than the upper echelon of the league. At least not yet. They should pound the Bills here, but this one has letdown game potential for Chicago. I think they pull it out at home, but it could be a close one.
Rams over PACKERS
Even when Favre is on target, which isn't as often as anyone would like to see, his defense is just hapless. Look for Bulger to carve the Pack to pieces.
COLTS over Titans
Unfortunately for Tennessee, they play in the same division as Peyton Manning. This one is going to be real ugly. Indy may look to just run all over the Titans and not make this any longer than it has to be.
VIKINGS over Lions
I tell you, if the Lions defense played every week like they played in week one, they'd have a chance here. But that was week one, which is more often the exception than the rule. It probably won't be a blowout, but the Vikings will take this one.
PATRIOTS over Dolphins
Miami is in a tailspin with Culpepper under center, and they probably won't pull out of it this season unless Joey Harrington really is better than he looked in Detroit. Pats should win big.
SAINTS over Bucs
The Saints' defense might or might not hold up down the road, but they won't need much of it against the Bucs. This is a division game, and anything can happen in a division game, but Tampa just seems lost right now.
Redskins over GIANTS
Washington is picking up momentum, and the Giants are losing it. They couldn't carry the momentum from their fluke win over the Eagles into Seattle, and they got blown out badly. They're entering the "dysfunctional" territory very early in the season, and that's not good for Tom Coughlin or anyone else. They need this win at home, or they could be in serious trouble. Meanwhile, the Redskins' offense is looking like a well-oiled machine, with Santana Moss playing the role of big time receiver. Old man Mark Brunell is holding his own, and I don't know how long that will last, but it'll last through this week. Skins win a close one, because the Giants can't help but play them close.
PANTHERS over Browns
Browns fans, don't get too excited about the win over Oakland. Cleveland had to make a comeback against the bar none worst team in the NFL. Be glad they won, but don't expect too many more until the schedule gets easier. Carolina needs this game to continue their roll after two straight division wins, and they should pick it up.
CARDINALS over Chiefs
This pick makes no sense. Just call it a gut feeling.
49ERS over Raiders
I don't think the Raiders will go winless this year; the bad teams who only have a couple of wins usually pick up a fluke or two over a good team that drops its guard. The Niners have some semblance of offense, and if Oakland can put together a few drives, we might have a mini-shootout. I wouldn't count on it though. This will probably be another ugly one.
Jets over JAGS
The Jets have been killed by the schedule, but don't count them out in any game. I told you they'd make a game out of the Colts loss last week. I would have loved it had they been able to pull off a touchdown from that last play. That went on way longer than it should have, and it was great. I think they're due for a win here, and the Jags are hurting a little bit.
CHARGERS over Steelers
Behold, the demise of last year's mighty Super Bowl champions…..okay, maybe that's a bit premature. But they're certainly not the team they were last year. I don't think Ben Roethlisberger is going to be himself this year at all, much to the chagrin of all those who have been waiting for him to get back to last year's form. I just don't see it happening. The Chargers, on the other hand, are going to be playing at home, and they're going to be angry. Philip Rivers is turning out not to be such a huge dropoff at quarterback, and if he hits a good stride, the Chargers could live up to what I expected them to be last year.
BRONCOS over Ravens
It's only a matter of time before the Ravens are exposed for having no offense. McNair can't keep playing well for 5 minutes per game and have Baltimore continue to win. I think Denver calls the hype into question this week.
Which brings us to….
EAGLES over Cowboys
It's the game I've been waiting for since finding out you-know-who signed with Dallas. Seriously, it wouldn't have been fitting if Owens just went over to the AFC and we didn't hear from him again. We need to play his team twice a year. And it needs to be the team that the hated Bill Parcells coaches. And the team that the hated Jerry Jones owns. With the hated star on the helmet. I just can't wait for this. It should be a close game with the Eagles' secondary banged up a bit, and without Stallworth, and without Westbrook at 100%. And still, I see the Birds taking it. Dallas will look to pound the ball early to set up the pass, and it won't work. They may have a good first drive, as has been the MO for the defense this year (for whatever reason), but I don't see them having much success on a consistent basis. The front four is too good for the Eagles, and I don't think Jim Johnson will blitz quite as much as he usually does. The defensive line will be able to get to the flat-footed Drew Bledsoe and put him on his back. And when they do blitz, look for Dawkins to get in the backfield before you can say "sack". The man is ageless, and he plays like a man possessed every week. He's one of the most thrilling defensive players in the league, and I can't wait to see him knock TO's head off when he runs one of those crossing routes across the middle. I can hardly type I'm so excited. The last time Owens met an Eagles safety from an opposing standpoint, he ended up with a broken collarbone. And that was before…you know.
As for the offense, I can tell you that no one is any match for Donovan McNabb right now. No one. When he hits his stride like he has so far, he's the best quarterback in the league. Show me another QB that befuddles defenses and makes plays happen like McNabb does. The Dallas defense will have its moments, but it will be Donovan's day.
(And by the way, Terry Glenn will have more impact than you-know-who.)
Well, that felt good. It's nice to be able to write a column again.
Last Week: 9-5
Season: 40-20
Sunday, October 01, 2006
No Big Column This Week; Just Picks
I’ll eventually get back to writing a full-length NFL column weekly, but for now, here’s some more picks (home team in caps):
ATLANTA over Arizona
Minnesota over BUFFALO
Dallas over TENNESSEE
KANSAS CITY over San Francisco
Indy over NY JETS (but they’ll make a game out of it…more than you think)
New Orleans over CAROLINA (Panthers are totally uninspired right now)
San Diego over BALTIMORE (Should be a good one)
HOUSTON over Miami
ST. LOUIS over Detroit
CINCINNATTI over New England (and it won’t be close)
Cleveland over OAKLAND (in the ugliest game of the week—the teams’ own fans might not even be able to watch this one)
Jacksonville over WASHINGTON
CHICAGO over Seattle
PHILLY over Green Bay (Jon Kitna lit up the Packers last week. Donovan is going to be ridiculous)
Last Week: 8-6
Season: 31-15
ATLANTA over Arizona
Minnesota over BUFFALO
Dallas over TENNESSEE
KANSAS CITY over San Francisco
Indy over NY JETS (but they’ll make a game out of it…more than you think)
New Orleans over CAROLINA (Panthers are totally uninspired right now)
San Diego over BALTIMORE (Should be a good one)
HOUSTON over Miami
ST. LOUIS over Detroit
CINCINNATTI over New England (and it won’t be close)
Cleveland over OAKLAND (in the ugliest game of the week—the teams’ own fans might not even be able to watch this one)
Jacksonville over WASHINGTON
CHICAGO over Seattle
PHILLY over Green Bay (Jon Kitna lit up the Packers last week. Donovan is going to be ridiculous)
Last Week: 8-6
Season: 31-15
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Quick Week 3 Picks
I didn't have time to do my NFL column this week with UFC 63 going on, but here's my picks for the week (and no, I'm not going to comment on the fluke that was the Eagles-Giants game last week. It was the beginning of the end when the Giants recovered the fumble in the end zone, and every Eagle fan knew it. And what's it mean? Nothing. The Eagles smacked the Giants around easily for three quarters and then fell apart. It means nothing. And they'll be fine without Kearse...it's the secondary that I'm more worried about. But i digress. Home teams in caps):
TEXANS over Redskins
Jets over BILLS
LIONS over Packers
Jags over COLTS
VIKINGS over Bears
Titans over DOLPHINS
Bengals over STEELERS
Panthers over BUCS
Ravens over BROWNS
SEAHAWKS over Giants
CARDINALS over Rams
Eagles over 49ERS
Broncos over PATS
SAINTS over Falcons
Last week's record: 12-4
Season: 23-9
TEXANS over Redskins
Jets over BILLS
LIONS over Packers
Jags over COLTS
VIKINGS over Bears
Titans over DOLPHINS
Bengals over STEELERS
Panthers over BUCS
Ravens over BROWNS
SEAHAWKS over Giants
CARDINALS over Rams
Eagles over 49ERS
Broncos over PATS
SAINTS over Falcons
Last week's record: 12-4
Season: 23-9
Saturday, September 16, 2006
NFL Week 2 and a Bit of Baseball
Week one is over, and we know a few things. A few. Not much, because the first three weeks of the season mean slightly more than the preseason. That having been said, there are plenty of division games this week, and division games always mean something. I’ll pass on my observations as I make my picks for this week (home team in caps, winners in bold).
Bucs vs. FALCONS
This is a tougher one to call than I thought. I didn’t catch much of either game these teams played in last week, but I can’t help but think that the outcome of the Falcons-Panthers game would have been slightly different had Steve Smith been healthy. It’s still too early to know, of course, whether the Ravens offense is for real with McNair at the helm, but I would imagine that if the Bucs couldn’t stop them, they won’t be able to stop the seemingly reborn Michael Vick. This game should tell us a lot about both teams.
Lions vs. BEARS
Was the Lions’ defense for real against Seattle last week? Was the Bears’ offense for real against the awful, awful Packers? I’m more inclined to believe the former, as Seattle’s offense is more likely to be good than Green Bay’s defense is. I caught quite a bit of the Lions-Seahawks game last week, and they were playing with a little extra something that they haven’t had over the past few years. They’ll be worth keeping an eye on, and quite honestly I could see them pulling the upset here, but I can’t bring myself to pick them.
Browns vs. BENGALS
Man, Cincy looked good last week against the Chiefs. They will smash the Browns this week.
Saints vs. PACKERS
I really do like Brett Favre. He’s always been fun to watch, and he’s been portrayed throughout his career as a likeable guy. But it sure is over, man. And it has been for a couple of years now. He’d be alright on a team with receivers that could jump up and grab those crazy hail Mary’s, but there is no support for him on this team. Seriously no bright side. The Saints, on the other hand, looked pretty good last week. Let’s see how they look against another bad team. Reggie Bush is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Texans vs. COLTS
Colts-Giants was a good game. This will not be such a good one. The Texans are better this year, but they still have a ways to go.
Bills vs. DOLPHINS
Honestly, I have no idea here. I didn’t see enough of the Bills to form an opinion, but Miami has a decent defense, and if Culpepper can not lose the game, they should be able to pull it out. On the other hand, if the Bills play the same way they did against New England last week, they may blow Miami out. Maybe. That’s just an assumption, because I didn’t see it.
Panthers vs. VIKINGS
For some reason, I like the Vikings. They’re playing with confidence and no real expectations from anyone but themselves, while the Panthers are only playing with expectations (and maybe without Steve Smith again). I think the Panthers will get on a roll as the season moves on; maybe once they feel “disrespected” enough, but I think the Vikes take this one at home
Giants vs. EAGLES
Key to the Eagles winning will be stopping Tiki Barber. That guy kills me. And the Eagles. Can I just say I’m extremely excited for this game? It’s one of those that means as much as a game in week two can mean. Key to the Giants winning will be stopping McNabb, but they just won’t be able to. The Eagles are too strong on the offensive line, and if McNabb even has a little time, he’s got enough weapons to take advantage of the Giants’ secondary. Watch for LJ Smith, Brian Westbrook, and Correll Buckhalter to have big games. This will be a breakout game for Buck, who (if he can stay healthy) is a lock for comeback player of the year.
Raiders vs. RAVENS
Oh man, are the Raiders bad. Week one or not, they looked completely hapless against the Chargers. Baltimore’s defense isn’t as good as they think they are, but they’re going to eat Oakland for freaking breakfast. Aaron Brooks might not get one pass off. It would be no surprise at all to see the Ravens get their second straight shutout to open the season. And if they do, let the hype begin.
Rams vs. 49ERS
San Francisco is better this year than they were last year, but that’s not saying much. I think Alex Smith will show that he doesn’t suck, but they still need help running the ball and everywhere on defense. I’m not ready to jump on the Rams bandwagon just yet, but they’re definitely worth watching.
Cardinals vs. SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks should be angry this week, and they’ll probably score a lot of points. But it wouldn’t surprise me to see Arizona make a game out of this one.
Chiefs vs. BRONCOS
Once again, the Broncos are a mystery wrapped in an enigma to me. And who is the perfect quarterback to lead that kind of team? Jake Plummer, of course. This pick is a total guess. I need to see more of the AFC West, but I’m already doubting my picks in that division.
Patriots vs. JETS
So wait. I pick the Jets to finish last in the AFC East, and now I’m picking them to be first after two weeks? Makes no sense, does it? Well, I can’t defend my gut, and that’s what my gut is telling me. I don’t think the Jets will last, but they’ll beat the Pats this week in a good game.
Titans vs. CHARGERS
San Diego bulldozes Tennessee this week. I’m looking forward to seeing them play a good team.
Redskins vs. COWBOYS
I hate the Cowboys. But they’ll win this one. Both offenses leave something to be desired (namely a quarterback), but Dallas’ defense is better. That’s what wins the game for them.
Steelers vs. JAGUARS
I can’t see Charlie Batch beating the Jags’ defense like he did to the Dolphins. This should be a good game, but Jax pulls it out.
Last Week’s Record: 11-5
Baseball
The Phillies are doing it again. They’re way out of the division race (and have been since the beginning of the season), but they’re making a serious run at the Wild Card. Last year, they finished second in the Wild Card race by one game. They do this every year, but usually they wouldn’t have started their run so soon (about mid-August), and they’d be fading by now. So what’s different this year? Honestly, I can’t think of a factor bigger than Ryan Howard. The Phils are a game and a half out right now, and they’re not showing any sign of fading. It’s been frustrating in that whenever they get this close, they seem to freeze, but I really think they have a chance this year of making the playoffs. I don’t have illusions of winning it all this year, but it sure would be nice to see a playoff series after 13 years of frustration and apathy. There are 14 games left. Here’s hoping the past doesn’t repeat itself this year (that’s about the most optimistic statement I can muster to close). Go Phils!
Bucs vs. FALCONS
This is a tougher one to call than I thought. I didn’t catch much of either game these teams played in last week, but I can’t help but think that the outcome of the Falcons-Panthers game would have been slightly different had Steve Smith been healthy. It’s still too early to know, of course, whether the Ravens offense is for real with McNair at the helm, but I would imagine that if the Bucs couldn’t stop them, they won’t be able to stop the seemingly reborn Michael Vick. This game should tell us a lot about both teams.
Lions vs. BEARS
Was the Lions’ defense for real against Seattle last week? Was the Bears’ offense for real against the awful, awful Packers? I’m more inclined to believe the former, as Seattle’s offense is more likely to be good than Green Bay’s defense is. I caught quite a bit of the Lions-Seahawks game last week, and they were playing with a little extra something that they haven’t had over the past few years. They’ll be worth keeping an eye on, and quite honestly I could see them pulling the upset here, but I can’t bring myself to pick them.
Browns vs. BENGALS
Man, Cincy looked good last week against the Chiefs. They will smash the Browns this week.
Saints vs. PACKERS
I really do like Brett Favre. He’s always been fun to watch, and he’s been portrayed throughout his career as a likeable guy. But it sure is over, man. And it has been for a couple of years now. He’d be alright on a team with receivers that could jump up and grab those crazy hail Mary’s, but there is no support for him on this team. Seriously no bright side. The Saints, on the other hand, looked pretty good last week. Let’s see how they look against another bad team. Reggie Bush is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Texans vs. COLTS
Colts-Giants was a good game. This will not be such a good one. The Texans are better this year, but they still have a ways to go.
Bills vs. DOLPHINS
Honestly, I have no idea here. I didn’t see enough of the Bills to form an opinion, but Miami has a decent defense, and if Culpepper can not lose the game, they should be able to pull it out. On the other hand, if the Bills play the same way they did against New England last week, they may blow Miami out. Maybe. That’s just an assumption, because I didn’t see it.
Panthers vs. VIKINGS
For some reason, I like the Vikings. They’re playing with confidence and no real expectations from anyone but themselves, while the Panthers are only playing with expectations (and maybe without Steve Smith again). I think the Panthers will get on a roll as the season moves on; maybe once they feel “disrespected” enough, but I think the Vikes take this one at home
Giants vs. EAGLES
Key to the Eagles winning will be stopping Tiki Barber. That guy kills me. And the Eagles. Can I just say I’m extremely excited for this game? It’s one of those that means as much as a game in week two can mean. Key to the Giants winning will be stopping McNabb, but they just won’t be able to. The Eagles are too strong on the offensive line, and if McNabb even has a little time, he’s got enough weapons to take advantage of the Giants’ secondary. Watch for LJ Smith, Brian Westbrook, and Correll Buckhalter to have big games. This will be a breakout game for Buck, who (if he can stay healthy) is a lock for comeback player of the year.
Raiders vs. RAVENS
Oh man, are the Raiders bad. Week one or not, they looked completely hapless against the Chargers. Baltimore’s defense isn’t as good as they think they are, but they’re going to eat Oakland for freaking breakfast. Aaron Brooks might not get one pass off. It would be no surprise at all to see the Ravens get their second straight shutout to open the season. And if they do, let the hype begin.
Rams vs. 49ERS
San Francisco is better this year than they were last year, but that’s not saying much. I think Alex Smith will show that he doesn’t suck, but they still need help running the ball and everywhere on defense. I’m not ready to jump on the Rams bandwagon just yet, but they’re definitely worth watching.
Cardinals vs. SEAHAWKS
The Seahawks should be angry this week, and they’ll probably score a lot of points. But it wouldn’t surprise me to see Arizona make a game out of this one.
Chiefs vs. BRONCOS
Once again, the Broncos are a mystery wrapped in an enigma to me. And who is the perfect quarterback to lead that kind of team? Jake Plummer, of course. This pick is a total guess. I need to see more of the AFC West, but I’m already doubting my picks in that division.
Patriots vs. JETS
So wait. I pick the Jets to finish last in the AFC East, and now I’m picking them to be first after two weeks? Makes no sense, does it? Well, I can’t defend my gut, and that’s what my gut is telling me. I don’t think the Jets will last, but they’ll beat the Pats this week in a good game.
Titans vs. CHARGERS
San Diego bulldozes Tennessee this week. I’m looking forward to seeing them play a good team.
Redskins vs. COWBOYS
I hate the Cowboys. But they’ll win this one. Both offenses leave something to be desired (namely a quarterback), but Dallas’ defense is better. That’s what wins the game for them.
Steelers vs. JAGUARS
I can’t see Charlie Batch beating the Jags’ defense like he did to the Dolphins. This should be a good game, but Jax pulls it out.
Last Week’s Record: 11-5
Baseball
The Phillies are doing it again. They’re way out of the division race (and have been since the beginning of the season), but they’re making a serious run at the Wild Card. Last year, they finished second in the Wild Card race by one game. They do this every year, but usually they wouldn’t have started their run so soon (about mid-August), and they’d be fading by now. So what’s different this year? Honestly, I can’t think of a factor bigger than Ryan Howard. The Phils are a game and a half out right now, and they’re not showing any sign of fading. It’s been frustrating in that whenever they get this close, they seem to freeze, but I really think they have a chance this year of making the playoffs. I don’t have illusions of winning it all this year, but it sure would be nice to see a playoff series after 13 years of frustration and apathy. There are 14 games left. Here’s hoping the past doesn’t repeat itself this year (that’s about the most optimistic statement I can muster to close). Go Phils!
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