NFL 2010 - Week 17 picks.....

The final week of the NFL season has arrived and we still have division titles up for grabs, three NFC teams fighting for the final Wildcard spot and much of the playoff seeding still in play. There are a few games with absolutely no meaning this week, but overall a good final Sunday of games on the slate.

As for the picks, I was 11-5 both against the spread and straight up win/loss. Picked up two games on Mike and come into the last week two games behind for bragging rights.

Below are the point spread games and following them are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and my wife, Morgan.

NFL Week 17 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

FALCONS (-14 1/2) over Panthers
BROWNS (+6) over Steelers
LIONS (-3 1/2) over Vikings
CHIEFS (-4) over Raiders
Dolphins (+2 1/2) over Patriots
Buccaneers (+8) over SAINTS
JETS (no line) over Bills
Bengals (+9 1/2) over RAVENS
Chargers (-3 1/2) over BRONCOS
PACKERS (-10) over Bears
COLTS (-8 1/2) over Titans
EAGLES (no line) over Cowboys
Cardinals (+6 1/2) over 49ERS
Giants (-3) over REDSKINS
TEXANS (-2 1/2) over Jaguars
Rams (-3) over SEAHAWKS

Week 16 picks: 11-5
2010 season: 127-100-13


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 17: my wife, Morgan

Week 16 results: Mike (9-7) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (8-8)
2010 season: Mike (152-88) / Sal (150-90) / Guest (135-105)

Week 17 picks:
--- Panthers at Falcons --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Steelers at Browns ---
Mike --- Vikings at Lions --- Sal / Morgan
Morgan --- Raiders at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Patriots --- Mike / Morgan
--- Buccaneers at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Morgan --- Bills at Jets ---Sal / Mike
--- Bengals at Ravens --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Chargers at Broncos ---
--- Bears at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Morgan --- Titans at Colts --- Sal / Mike
--- Cowboys at Eagles ---Sal / Mike / Morgan
--- Cardinals at 49ers --- Sal / Mike / Morgan
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Giants at Redskins ---
Morgan --- Jaguars at Texans --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike / Morgan --- Rams at Seahawks ---

NFL 2010 - Week 16 picks.....

We are down to the next to last week of the NFL season and one can only hope that the games are as good as what we saw in week 15. Will the Giants bounce back after their tough loss to the Eagles? Are the Jets back on the right track?

As for the picks, another positive week going against the spread, which keeps me over 20 games on the "plus side". For the straight win/loss picks, Mike again won the week and has a four game lead heading into these final two weeks.

Below are the point spread games and following them are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Tim.

NFL Week 16 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

STEELERS (-13) over Panthers
CARDINALS (+6 1/2) over Cowboys
BILLS (+8) over Patriots
BEARS (-2) over Jets
Ravens (-3) over BROWNS
Titans (-4 1/2) over CHIEFS
RAMS (-2) over 49ers
Lions (+4) over DOLPHINS
JAGUARS (-6 1/2) over Redskins
Chargers (-7) over BENGALS
BRONCOS (+3) over Texans
Colts (-2 1/2) over RAIDERS
PACKERS (-3) over Giants
BUCCANEERS (-6 1/2) over Seahawks
EAGLES (-14) over Vikings
Saints (+2) over FALCONS

Week 15 picks: 9-7
2010 season: 116-95-13


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 16: podcast listener, Tim

Week 15 results: Mike (11-5) / Sal (9-7) / Guest (10-6)
2010 season: Mike (143-81) / Sal (139-85) / Guest (127-97)

Week 16 picks:
--- Panthers at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Cowboys at Cardinals ---
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Patriots at Bills ---
--- Jets at Bears --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Ravens at Browns ---
--- Titans at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- 49ers at Rams --- Sal / Mike / Tim 
--- Lions at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- Redskins at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike / Tim --- Chargers at Bengals ---
Mike / Tim --- Texans at Broncos --- Sal
Sal / Tim --- Colts at Raiders --- Mike
Tim --- Giants at Packers --- Sal / Mike
--- Seahawks at Buccaneers --- Sal / Mike / Tim
--- Vikings at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Tim
Sal / Mike --- Saints at Falcons --- Tim

Fantastic Finishes - The SFB Podcast (12/21/2010).....

On Sunday, four NFL games were determined on the last play of the game (led by the Eagles comback over the Giants), while a few others were still up for grabs with a minute or so to go and all had some playoff implication attached to them. We'll look back at last week's games and discuss those great endings. Also a preview of the next to final week of the NFL season's schedule and a look at the playoff picture as it starts to get into better focus. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 15 picks.....

For the first time since 1992, I won't have to factor Brett Favre into the week's picks. Three games left on everyone's schedules and and only the Patriots have clinched a playoff spot. Quite a few nice match-ups this week and plenty of games with playoff and seeding implications. Who thought in week 15 the Colts could actually be knocked out of the playoffs?

As for the picks, the Redskins' holder and kicker helped Mike move ahead of me for the week and overall for the year. On the "spread" side, three "pushes" made the record nice, but I am getting tired of all these betting ties. Guess it is better than losses.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Len.

NFL Week 15 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

CHARGERS (-9) over 49ers
Browns (+1) over BENGALS
COWBOYS (-6) over Redskins
Texans (+1)over TITANS
COLTS (-5) over Jaguars
Chiefs (NL) over RAMS
Bills (+6) over DOLPHINS
Lions (+5) over BUCCANEERS
Cardinals (+2) over PANTHERS
Saints (+2 1/2) over RAVENS
GIANTS (-3)over Eagles
SEAHAWKS (+6 1/2) over Falcons
Jets (+6) over STEELERS
RAIDERS (-6) over Broncos
PATRIOTS (NL) over Packers
Bears (NL) over VIKINGS

Week 14 picks: 9-4-3
2010 season: 107-88-13


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 14: podcast listener, Len

Week 14 results: Mike (12-4) / Sal (10-6) / Guest (12-4)
2010 season: Mike (132-76) / Sal (130-78) / Guest (117-91)

Week 15 picks:
--- 49ers at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Len --- Browns at Bengals --- Mike
--- Redskins at Cowboys --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Texans at Titans ---
--- Jaguars at Colts --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Len --- Chiefs at Rams --- Mike
--- Bills at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Lions at Buccaneers --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Cardinals at Panthers ---
Sal / Len --- Saints at Ravens --- Mike
Mike / Len --- Eagles at Giants --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Len --- Falcons at Seahawks ---
--- Jets at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Broncos at Raiders --- Sal / Mike / Len
--- Packers at Patriots --- Sal / Mike / Len
Sal / Mike / Len --- Bears at Vikings ---

Now that's a Curveball! - The SFB Podcast (12/15/2010).....

As the baseball world was waiting for Cliff Lee to decide between the Yankees or Rangers, Lee threw the best curveball of his career and signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. Just a big "Wow!". Meanwhile, up in Boston they have a new leftfielder in Carl Crawford and a great looking lineup. Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss the Lee signing and all the latest moves around the majors and we take a look at this year's Hall of Fame ballot. Enjoy.

Paul on Twitter
Paul's website

The SportsFan Buzz: December 15, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Streak Stalled - The SFB Podcast (12/14/2010).....

After 297 straight starts in the regular season, Brett Favre was finally forced to miss a game. It has been a great run, one that started in 1992, and when we see all the players missing time each and every season, it just makes it even more amazing. As for the games on the field, the Patriots didn't suffer a letdown, but it looks like the Jets did. The Chiefs and Packers show they really need their starting QBs and it looks for sure like a team with a losing record will win the NFC West. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 14, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Weekend Happenings - The SFB Podcast (12/13/2010).....

While the NFL is king this time of the year, there are other sports and news from those sports going on at this same time. The Heisman Trophy was awarded to Cam Newton while the college football fans wonder if he will keep it. Urban Meyer leaves the Florida Gators and this time means it. The NBA and NHL are both over past the quarter-pole of their regular seasons and we are starting to see a few trends developing. We'll look at those stories, the upcoming NHL Winter Classic and a few pieces around the NFL as week 14 finishes up tonight. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 13, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 14 picks.....

We are down to the last quarter of the NFL season and there is still a large amount of good football and important football remaining. In the NFC it is starting to look like a very ggod team will miss the playoffs, while in the AFC we might be seeing the end of the Colts playoff run, but I for one will not bet against Peyton Manning until they are officially gone. As for the slate of games, it is good, but the game of the week will be the clash between the Patriots and Bears in Soldier Field.

As for the picks, Mike had a great week and we are tied going into these last four weeks. Should be fun on who gets bragging rights. For my picks against the spread, an even week is ok with me and keeps the record 14 games above the balance line for the season.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Cody.

NFL Week 14 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

Colts (-2) over TITANS
Browns (+1 1/2) over BILLS
Packers (-6 1/2) over LIONS
Giants (+1) over VIKINGS
STEELERS (-9) over Bengals
REDSKINS (+1) over Buccaneers
Falcons (-7) over PANTHERS
JAGUARS (-4 1/2) over Raiders
SAINTS (-9 1/2) over Rams
Seahawks (+4) over 49ERS
Patriots (-3) over BEARS
Dolphins (+6) over JETS
Broncos (+5 1/2) over CARDINALS
CHARGERS (-7) over Chiefs
COWBOYS (+3) over Eagles
Ravens (-3) over TEXANS

Week 13 picks: 8-8
2010 season: 98-84-10


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 14: podcast listener, Cody

Week 13 results: Mike (13-3) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (12-4)
2010 season: Mike (120-72) / Sal (120-72) / Guest (105-87)

Week 14 picks:
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Colts at Titans ---
Sal / Cody --- Browns at Bills --- Mike
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Packers at Lions ---
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Giants at Vikings ---
--- Bengals at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Buccaneers at Redskins --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Falcons at Panthers ---
--- Raiders at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike / Cody
--- Rams at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Sal --- Seahawks at 49ers --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Cody --- Patriots at Bears --- Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Jets --- Mike / Cody
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Broncos at Cardinals ---
--- Chiefs at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Cody
Mike / Cody --- Eagles at Cowboys --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Cody --- Ravens at Texans ---

Baseball "Hot Stove" -The SFB Podcast (12/8/2010).....

How much money did Jason Werth get? Yikes. Guess the agents for Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford are happy, while the teams pursuing them need to find some more cash. Plus, we have had a few nice trades, including the movement of Adrian Gonzalez from San Diego to Boston. Also, the Dodger ownership possibly got messier. Paul Lebowitz will join me to discuss all of this and more as we look around the major leagues. Enjoy.

Paul on Twitter
Paul's website

The SportsFan Buzz: December 8, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Patriot Pounding - The SFB Podcast (12/7/2010).....

I have been down on the Jets this year, despite their 9-3 record, but no way did I see a 42 point beating happening. Question is, how did the Jets let this happen? I'll look back at the action from week 13 and look at the playoff possibilities as teams play their final four games, many of which are match-ups between many of these playoff contenders. Also, while all the attention was on the AFC early in the year, the NFC has moved up to the NFL big boys' table. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 7, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Homecoming King - The SFB Podcast (12/3/2010).....

LeBron James' return to Cleveland did not play out anything like Cavalier and Cleveland sport fans wanted it to and was probably the worst scenario possible. Blowout Heat win, James scoring 38 and seeing his former teammates joking with him has to feel like a punch in the gut to Cavs' fans. I'll give my impressions of "The Return" and the spotlight around it. Also last night, the Eagles and Michael Vick needed a 4th quarter comeback to beat the Houston Texans, and the NCAA says Cam Newton won't be punished for his dad, Cecil Newton's mistakes. Think Reggie Bush and USC raised an eyebrow? Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 3, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

College Football 2010 (Championship Week).....

College football has finally arrived at its final week with a few rivalry match-ups and the conference championship games. Auburn and Oregon are sitting with the BCS championship in front of them, but they can't trip up looking forward to January 10, 2011 and forget about this week's opponents. By Sunday night we will know the match-ups for the BCS games and all the other postseason bowl games.

Week 14 games:

ARIZONA (#23) over Arizona State
Auburn (#2) over South Carolina (#19) --- SEC Championship
Virginia Tech (#15) over Florida State (#21) --- ACC Championship
Oklahoma (#9) over Nebraska (#13) --- Big 12 Championship
Oregon (#1) over OREGON STATE
USC over UCLA

Week 13: 2-4
2010 season: 49-25

NFL 2010 - Week 13 picks.....

More good match-ups this week, especially in the Sunday and Monday night games as four of the best five AFC teams will be meeting to see who jumps into the division leads and top two seeds for the AFC after the week is completed. Last week gave us a very good Green Bay / Atlanta match-up and we can only help the two AFC offereings are as good.

As for the picks, good weeks against the spread and just straight winners (jumping ahead of Mike for the season), but I will not hurt my arm patting my back as it can change very quickly to negative side.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Travis.

NFL Week 13 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

Texans (+7) over EAGLES
Saints (-6 1/2) over BENGALS
Bears (-3 1/2) over LIONS
PACKERS (-9 1/2) over 49ers
TITANS (NL) over Jaguars
Broncos (+6 1/2) over CHIEFS
Browns (+5 1/2) over DOLPHINS
Bills (+6 1/2) over VIKINGS
Redskins (+8) over GIANTS
CHARGERS (-12 1/2) over Raiders
SEAHAWKS (-6 1/2) over Panthers
Falcons (-2 1/2) over BUCCANEERS
Rams (+3) over CARDINALS
COLTS (-5) over Cowboys
RAVENS (-2 1/2) over Steelers
PATRIOTS (-3) over Jets

Week 12 picks: 11-5
2010 season: 90-76-10


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 13: podcast listener, Travis

Week 12 results: Mike (10-6) / Sal (13-3) / Guest (11-5)
2010 season: Mike (107-69) / Sal (109-67) / Guest (93-83)

Week 13 picks:
--- Texans at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Saints at Bengals ---
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Bears at Lions ---
--- 49ers at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Mike / Travis --- Jaguars at Titans --- Sal
--- Broncos at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Browns at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Bills at Vikings --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Redskins at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Raiders at Chargers --- Sal / Mike / Travis
--- Panthers at Seahawks --- Sal / Mike / Travis
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Falcons at Buccaneers ---
Sal / Mike / Travis --- Rams at Cardinals ---
Mike --- Cowboys at Colts --- Sal / Travis
Mike --- Steelers at Ravens --- Sal / Travis
Mike --- Jets at Patriots --- Sal / Travis

Hot in Cleveland - The SFB Podcast (12/1/2010).....

It may be around 32 degrees in Cleveland tomorrow, but the return of LeBron James will make it the hottest day in Cleveland history. NBA Security and the Cleveland police are working together to try and keep the peace and the NBA is expecting huge TV numbers. Will Cleveland "stay classy" or will we have a "black eye" event?

Plus, I'll look back at some of the big games from week 12 and look ahead to the two primetime clashes set for week 13. Also, some other NFL news and what is going on around the baseball off-season. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: December 1, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

College Football 2010 (Week 13).....

Last full weekend of games before we get to the conference championship weekend and there is a nice full slate of games (five overall) involving ranked teams. Plus there are quite a few rivalry games as the regular season winds down these next couple of weeks. With the holiday, quite a few of these games take place on Friday, so instead of fighting those shopping crowds, grab some leftovers and find the couch and your clicker.

Week 13 games:

ALABAMA (#9) over Auburn (#2)
OREGON (#1) over Arizona (#20)
Boise State (#3) over NEVADA (#19)
ARKANSAS (#12) over LSU (#6)
Oklahoma State (#10) over OKLAHOMA (#14)
North Carolina State (#21) over MARYLAND

Week 12: 5-1
2010 season: 47-25

NFL 2010 - Week 12 picks.....

Thanksgiving week starts the unofficial "turn for home" of the NFL season as we are down to the final six weeks of the season. A very good slate of games this week with many interesting match-ups that will effect the playoffs and possibly seeding, especially on the NFC side. Still no consensus best team, and that's ok, as it will make these final weeks even better.

As for the picks, hooray for the win/loss choices, but my work against the spread needs some more fine tuning.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Scott.

NFL Week 12 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

Patriots (-7) over LIONS
Saints (-1) over COWBOYS
Bengals (+9) over JETS
Packers (+1) over FALCONS
Steelers (-5) over BILLS
BROWNS (NL) over Panthers
Jaguars (+9) over GIANTS
Vikings (+3) over REDSKINS
TEXANS (NL) over Titans
SEAHAWKS (+1) over Chiefs
Dolphins (NL) over RAIDERS
Rams (+5) over BRONCOS
BEARS (+3 1/2) over Eagles
RAVENS (-6) over Buccaneers
Chargers (+3) over COLTS
CARDINALS (+2 1/2) over 49ers

Week 11 picks: 7-8-1
2010 season: 79-71-10


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 12: podcast listener, Scott

Week 11 results: Mike (8-8) / Sal (12-4) / Guest (9-7)
2010 season: Mike (97-63) / Sal (96-64) / Guest (82-78)

Week 12 picks:
Sal / Mike / Scott --- Patriots at Lions ---
Sal / Mike / Scott --- Saints at Cowboys ---
--- Bengals at Jets --- Sal / Mike /Scott
Sal --- Packers at Falcons --- Mike / Scott
Sal / Mike /Scott --- Steelers at Bills ---
--- Panthers at Browns --- Sal / Mike / Scott
--- Jaguars at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Scott
Sal --- Vikings at Redskins --- Mike / Scott
--- Titans at Texans --- Sal / Mike / Scott
Scott --- Chiefs at Seahawks --- Sal / Mike
Sal --- Dolphins at Raiders --- Mike / Scott
Sal --- Rams at Broncos --- Mike / Scott
Sal / Mike / Scott --- Eagles at Bears ---
--- Buccaneers at Ravens --- Sal / Mike / Scott
Sal --- Chargers at Colts --- Mike / Scott
Sal / Mike / Scott --- 49ers at Cardinals ---

Baseball "Hot Stove" - The SFB Podcast (11/24/2010).....

So will the Yankees really play hardball with Derek Jeter? Are there any hints where the top free agents might land? Who won the year-end rewards and did they deserve them? Before we hit the Thanksgiving turkey, Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss what has been going on the first few weeks of the baseball off season. Enjoy.

Paul on Twitter
Paul's website

The SportsFan Buzz: November 24, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL Week 11 review - The SFB Podcast (11/23/2010).....

Ten games down for each of the NFL teams and we still don't have a team that we can point to and say they are the best of the bunch. Know what? It's ok as we have many good teams and that will make these last six weeks of games very entertaining for those of us who like jockeying of teams as the playoffs get near. We might get a little better feel of the NFC teams with the Packer / Falcon and Eagle / Bear match-ups this weeks. As for week 11, how great is it when the Colts and Patriots get together and did we see the last meaningful game that involved Brett Favre? Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: November 23, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Weekend Chase - The SFB Podcast (11/19/2010).....

NASCAR must wish the calender said 2005, instead of 2010 as they have the last race of the season with its 4 time champion, Jimmie Johnson, chasing the upstart in Denny Hamlin, while Kevin Harvick sits behind both of them with a chance to win it all and nobody is noticing the excitement. Well, I'm noticing (albeit late in the season) and will look at the final race for the NASCAR championship. Plus there will be college football games in both Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field this Saturday and a look at the awards given out so far this baseball off-season. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: November 19, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

College Football 2010 (Week 12).....

The craziness of the BCS just keeps on giving as TCU is now being "punished" because their victory over an undefeated Utah team two weeks ago has been written off after Utah got stomped at Notre Dame. No, we don't need a playoff (Very good article about a football playoff in last week's Sports Illustrated.). Many of the top teams are off this week, as we only have four match-ups involving Top 25 teams and none with both teams higher than eighteen. What we do have starting this week are the traditional year-end rivalry match-ups.

Week 12 games:

Ohio State (#8) over IOWA (#21)
Nebraska (#9) over TEXAS A&M (#18)
Arkansas (#13) over MISSISSIPPI STATE (#22)
Virginia Tech (#14) over MIAMI (#24)
Stanford (#7) over CALIFORNIA
North Carolina State over NORTH CAROLINA

Week 11: 4-2
2010 season: 42-24

NFL 2010 - Week 11 picks.....

The bye weeks are done and all teams have now played the same amount of games as we start the seven week home stretch. It is impossible to name a top team this year without finding flaws that make you question the selection. New England whips Pittsburgh after looking bad in losing to Cleveland. Dallas fires its coach, then goes into New York, knocks them around and looks like the team with thought they would be at the start of the season. Now we have Philadelphia looking like the kings of the NFL. Guess we will see.

As for the picks, I also did the impossible by being 3 games better against the spread than in straight picking of the winner. Hard to do.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Casey.

NFL Week 11 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

DOLPHINS (-1 1/2) over Bears - Short week with a new starting quarterback does not look good for Miami, but they didn't have to travel so they have a slight advantage. The key will be if the Dolphin defense can put pressure on Jay Cutler to cause turnovers.
BENGALS (-4 1/2) over Bills - Buffalo finally got their first victory last week and look for two in a row against a reeling Cincinnati team. At home I expect the Bengals to show a little pride in their season and get a much needed victory.
COWBOYS (-7) over Lions - The only team without a home win this season resides in Dallas, but that will change this week as the Cowboys keep up the good play for new coach Jason Garrett and go into their Thanksgiving game on a little winning streak.
TITANS (-6 1/2) over Redskins - Washington seems to be a mess and were embarrassed last week by Michael Vick and now they get Chris Johnson and Randy Moss. Tennessee has two beat up quarterbacks, but whoever is back there needs to find Moss to help stretch the defense for Johnson.
Cardinals (+7 1/2) over CHIEFS Kansas City loses a tough one to the Raiders then gets blown out by Denver. They look to get back to the friendly confines of Arrowhead and back in the win column. Chiefs win, but the Cardinals give them a scare.
Packers (-2 1/2) over VIKINGS - A part of me wants to give Minnesota one more shot to gather themselves, but they get a Green Bay team coming off the bye and starting to get healthy. The Packers take advantage of the rest and help bury the Vikings for the season.
JETS (-5) over Texans - Houston's defense has been one of the worst in the league and their offense has not been as productive as prior years. New York has been sluggish the past 4 games, but will get healthy this week at home against the struggling Texans.
Raiders (+9) over STEELERS - Oakland has been a pleasant surprise and have been doing it behind the running of Darren McFadden. That will be tough against the Steeler running defense. Pittsburgh is coming off getting whipped by New England and will bounce back,but the Raiders will keep it close.
Ravens (-10) over PANTHERS - Carolina is down to their 3rd string quarterback against a Baltimore defense that can get after their opponents. The Ravens were stung in losing late last week to Atlanta, but had ten days off since then to get right. Expect a big game from Ray Rice.
Browns (+3) over JAGUARS - Cleveland loses a heartbreaker to the Jets, while Jacksonville wins on a deflected "Hail Mary". Have been very impressed by Colt McCoy managing of the Brown offense. The Browns have been playing tough and will take advantage of the Jaguars poor running defense with the big armed Peyton Hillis.
Falcons (-3) over RAMS - I so wanted to back St. Louis here, but I just couldn't pull the trigger. Again, the ten day layoff that Atlanta received is a plus this late in the season that they will take advantage of against the Rams.
SAINTS (-12 1/2) over Seahawks - The defending champions are "under the radar" sitting a game behind Atlanta in the NFC South. They are also coming off their bye week, getting Reggie Bush back and just getting healthy in general. Seattle has been poor on the road and it won't get any better against the rested Saints in the Superdome.
Buccaneers (+4) over 49ERS - I have been very late getting on Tampa Bay, while holding on to San Francisco. That gets reversed this week as I think the Buccaneers are playing well enough to go cross country and keep up this surprising season. The Bucs defense will be the reason they keep it close and could get the win.
PATRIOTS (-3) over Colts - Not a fan of giving points to Peyton Manning, even in New England, but the Colts are still beat up and will have a tough time against Tom Brady and the Patriots. New England rides their offensive success from last week at Pittsburgh to outscore Manning and the Colts.
EAGLES (-3) over Giants - Don't like be a "prisoner of the moment", but last week's results have to give you pause. While I think the Giants are not as bad as they looked or the Eagles as good, Philadelphia will ride momentum and the home field advantage to move to the top of the NFC East standings. Key for Michael Vick will be to avoid the big hitters on the Giant defense.
Broncos (+9 1/2) over CHARGERS - Are we seeing another San Diego late season surge in the making? Sure looks that way and they are being led by MVP candidate, Philip Rivers. The Charger offense is still without Antonio Gates, but will be getting Malcom Floyd back for the game and Vincent Jackson returns next week. Denver can score points and will score enough to keep this close, but the Chargers get the home win.

Week 10 picks: 9-5
2010 season: 72-63-9


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 11: podcast listener, Casey

Week 10 results: Mike (7-7) / Sal (6-8) / Guest (6-8)
2010 season: Mike (89-55) / Sal (84-60) / Guest (73-71)

Week 11 picks:
--- Bears at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Bills at Bengals --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Lions at Cowboys --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Redskins at Titans --- Sal / Mike / Casey
--- Cardinals at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal / Casey --- Packers at Vikings --- Mike
Mike / Casey --- Texans at Jets --- Sal
--- Raiders at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Ravens at Panthers ---
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Browns at Jaguars ---
Sal / Mike / Casey --- Falcons at Rams ---
--- Seahawks at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Sal --- Buccaneers at 49ers --- Mike / Casey
Mike --- Colts at Patriots --- Sal / Casey
--- Giants at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Casey
Casey --- Broncos at Chargers --- Sal / Mike

Mid-season NFL review - The SFB Podcast (11/17/2010).....

The NFL is back on track as the bye weeks are done and all teams have now played the same amount of games. One thing that has been proven this year is that anytime you think you have a grasp on what is going on with the teams and the league, the Sunday games get played and you are left scratching your head. I am joined by new daddy Mike (hopefully he stays awake for the whole podcast) to give our thoughts on the first half surprises and disappointments and to look into our cloudy crystal balls about what is yet to come this season. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: November 17, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

College Football 2010 (Week 11).....

Well, things are starting to get clearer with regards to the possible BCS champion at the end of this season. It looks like it is down to seven possible teams with Auburn and Oregon controlling their own paths to the championship game, while TCU and Boise St. wait and hope for one of the top two to fall and let them in. Then sitting further on the outside, LSU, Ohio St., and Wisconsin's only hope it a complete collapse from those top four teams.

Very slow week as there are only two match-ups this week that involve Top 25 teams and all those teams are outside the Top 10.

Week 11 games:

ALABAMA (#11) over Mississippi State (#17) - Alabama gets knocked out of the National Championship debate in losing to LSU. Have to wonder if they will be up for MSU, but I think that Nick Saben gets them ready and back on the winning path.
FLORIDA (#24) over South Carolina (#22) - The battle for the SEC East crown. Coach Spurrier would love to get the victory over his old team in The Swamp, but coming off the bye will be a plus for the Gators and they take down the Gamecocks and get their season back on a positive note.
Oregon (#1) over CALIFORNIA - Now it is just up to Oregon to keep rolling and while early in the season this looked like it could be trouble, this now looks like it could get ugly.
AUBURN (#2) over Georgia - Auburn must make sure they don't look ahead to their Black Friday meeting against Alabama and if this game was on the road, I might be worried, but because it is a home game, Cam Newton and the Tigers roll over a disappointing Georgia team.
Iowa (#13) over NORTHWESTERN - Iowa can look back at two tough losses on the road to a "what could have been", but they need to take this Northwestern team seriously as they play tough Big Ten football. The Hawkeye defense is just too tough and they get the road victory.
Virginia Tech (#16) over NORTH CAROLINA - This is not the same Virginia Tech team that came out of the gate 0-2 and while North Carolina has played respectfully despite all their problems, they are missing too much talent to keep up with the Hokies.

Week 10: 2-4
2010 season: 38-22

NFL 2010 - Week 10 picks.....

Finally, the last of the "bye" weeks is this weekend, but at the same time the NFL now starts those terrible Thursday night games where teams must handle those short turnarounds. As for the teams, we will see if the Cowboys have learned anything this week after they got Wade Phillips fired, while in Washington the Donovan McNabb / Mike Shanahan show gets back on the field after a very strange bye week.

As for the picks, let's just say they were not good.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Greg.

NFL Week 10 picks (Home Team in Caps)
Bye Week: Chargers, Packers, Raiders, Saints

Ravens (+1) over FALCONS - After last week's game, the Ravens finally looked like the offense we expected at the start of the season and that is because Ray Rice got the ball running and catching. While Atlanta is considered one of the top teams in the NFC and Matt Ryan is 13-1 at home as a starter, Baltimore will step up to this challenge and get a tough road victory.
Lions (+3) over BILLS - Detroit lost a tough one last week and also Matthew Stafford at the same time. This would seem to set up for the Bills to get their first victory, but Buffalo fans get teased again as the Lion defense steps up and help backup Shaun Hill lead Detroit to the win.
Jets (-1) over BROWNS -The "Ryan" battle has been the storyline, but the Jets can't overlook that the Browns have been playing well each week with rookie Colt McCoy as their starter and the running game led by Peyton Hillis. This should be a low scoring game, and I think the more talented Jets and older brother Rex (by 5 minutes) get the win.
Vikings (-1) over BEARS - Can this soap opera in Minnesota get any crazier? We'll see as the veterans seem to be taking control of this team and could make a run at the playoffs, but that only starts if they can beat the Bears in Chicago. The Viking defense bothers Jay Cutler and causes him into turnovers that helps Minnesota to the win.
BUCCANEERS (-7) over Panthers - Tampa Bay a touchdown favorite? Yes, and Raheem Morris has this team believing, even after a tough loss in Atlanta last week. Carolina is back with Jimmy Clausen as their starter after Matt Moore was lost for the remainder of the season and are also hurting at running back. This looks like a very long remainder of the season for the Panthers.
Texans (+3) over JAGUARS - After the first two weeks of the season, Houston looked like they had matured, but 2-4 since then raises many questions. The Texans need to get it going and should do so against their division foe, Jacksonville. Arian Foster has been the bright spot for the Texans and I think he has a big roll in the victory.
Bengals (+8) over COLTS - Another soap opera destination could be Cincinnati as the Bengals are floundering at 2-6, despite all their talent. On the other side, the Colts are so beat up Peyton Manning must introduce himself to his teammates, but he keeps the Indy machine moving. The Colts win, but the Bengals keep it close and suffer another dissappointment.
DOLPHINS (+1) over Titans - Randy Moss gets to play with his third team of the season, while for Miami Chad Pennington gets the start at quarterback. Miami needs to get its run game going and that will be tough against the Tennessee defense. The difference in Miami winning will be Pennington not turning the ball over and getting the Dolphins into the end zone as opposed to the field goals they have been settling for this season.
Chiefs (-2 1/2) over Broncos - A tough loss for Kansas City last week in Oakland and now they travel to Denver. The Chief defense was not good in the second half of that game, but they get back into form against the Broncos. Denver has had its problems the last few weeks and are hoping they fixed them over the bye week, but that quick KC defense will make it difficult.
Cowboys (+13 1/2) over GIANTS - New York got past their "west coast letdown" last week in beating up on Seattle and now get the lowly Cowboys with new head coach, Jason Garrett. Seems to cry blowout, but I will give the Cowboys one more chance to show they can play like professionals as they keep this game close and give the Giants a scare.
CARDINALS (-3) over Seahawks - Fully admit that I have no confidence in this game on one side or the other. The Cardinals blow the 14 point lead last week against Minnesota, while Seattle got beat up and down the field at home last week aginst the Giants. Cardinals playing at home is the only reason I can see in giving them the edge in this matchup against their divisional foes.
Rams (+5) over 49ERS - San Francisco sits after eight games at 2-6, but only two games out of the divisional lead. St. Louis sits ahead of them and has suceeded expectations so far this season. The Rams will keep this close, but in the end the 49ers,behind their horse in Frank Gore, will get the win and really put this division into a four team royal rumble for the second half of the year.
Patriots (+4 1/2) over STEELERS - Pittsburgh loses another offensive lineman for the year when Max Starks was lost last week to a neck injury. Meanwhile the Patriots took it on the chin with Cleveland running all over them last Sunday. A battle of two of the top AFC teams and while I think the Steelers will sneak out the victory, it will be a close game that gets won late in the 4th quarter.
Eagles (-3) over REDSKINS - Another NFL soap opera with the Donovan McNabb / Mike Shanahan storyline of the past two weeks. That will not be the reason why Philadelphia gets this Monday Night road win. It will be the improved quarterback play of Michael Vick, who makes this Eagle team an "X factor" as we look for the top team in the NFC. The Eagles get revenge for the early season loss in that took place in Philadelphia.

Week 9 picks: 5-7-1
2010 season: 63-58-9


Win / Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 10: podcast listener, Greg

Week 9 results: Mike (11-2) / Sal (7-6) / Guest (10-3)
2010 season: Mike (82-48) / Sal (78-52) / Guest (67-63)

Week 10 picks:
Sal / Greg --- Ravens at Falcons --- Mike
Sal --- Lions at Bills --- Mike / Greg
Sal / Mike / Greg --- Vikings at Bears ---
Sal / Greg --- Jets at Browns --- Mike
--- Panthers at Buccaneers --- Sal / Mike / Greg
Sal / Mike / Greg --- Texans at Jaguars ---
--- Bengals at Colts --- Sal / Mike / Greg
Mike / Greg --- Titans at Dolphins --- Sal
Sal / Greg --- Chiefs at Broncos --- Mike
--- Cowboys at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Greg
--- Seahawks at Cardinals --- Sal / Mike / Greg
--- Rams at 49ers --- Sal / Mike / Greg
--- Patriots at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Greg
Sal / Mike / Greg --- Eagles at Redskins ---

NFL Week 9 review - The SFB Podcast (11/9/2010).....

The hammer finally fell of Wade Phillips and after that atrocious effort on Sunday night, he just had to go as Jerry Jones could not fire all the players mid-season. In the same division we might have the two best NFC teams with the Eagles and Giants, while the Falcons just keep on winning. In the AFC there are many good teams and it looks like a fun second half of the season as these teams play each other and work out their "slots" in the hierarchy. I'll take a look back at week 9 and look forward to the week 10 schedule. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: November 9, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Tournament No Shows - The SFB Podcast (11/8/2010).....

Florida State kept their top women soccer players home and did not send them to the ACC Tournament because they wanted to be fresh for the NCAA Championship. It cost them money and a scolding from the ACC "higher-ups", but I wonder in the big picture if FSU was wrong in their thinking and will other teams maybe do this, but maybe not in such blatant ways.

Plus, I will admit that I have been just browsing the NASCAR races and the standing as they wrap up their season, but after yesterday's race in Texas they have gotten my attention. Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton got into a fight and Jimmie Johnson replaced his pit crew in the middle of the race. I'll take a look at what I have been missing this NASCAR season. Plus another college football weekend is in the books and the baseball free agency period started. Did you notice? Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: November 8, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 9 picks.....

OK, not even the most ardent "Cowboy hater" would have predicted the Dallas Cowboys to be 1-6 (0-4 in The Palace) after eight weeks of this NFL season. Plus we have the Chiefs and Buccaneers sitting atop their divisions with 5-2 records. So should we say these are no longer aberrations, but how these teams really will look at season's end? The next few weeks should start to tell that story better as we head into November games and really separate pretenders from contenders.

As for the picks against the spread, we'll take anything on the winning side of the ledger.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Aaron.

NFL Week 9 picks (Home Team in Caps)
Bye Week: 49ers, Broncos, Jaguars, Rams, Redskins, Titans

Buccaneers (+9 1/2) over FALCONS - Tampa Bay's 5-2 record is a bunch of "smoke & mirrors", but they are an improved team. I think they keep it close against Atlanta.
BILLS (-1) over Bears - Chicago is off a bye week and Buffalo is playing the game in their second home of Toronto. The Bills have been close to getting their first win the past couple of weeks and finally pull it out this week against Jay Cutler and the Bears.
Patriots (-6 1/2) over BROWNS - Cleveland has been playing close games and have looked ok at times, but I have a strange feeling that if given the opportunity, Patriots' coach Bill Belicheck takes it to his former division rival Eric Mangini and his Browns.
Jets (-3 1/2) over LIONS - The first meeting between the top two quarterbacks taken in last year's draft. There is a part of me that want to take the Lions and maybe even outright, but I just can't pull the trigger on Detroit. Will be interesting to see how the Lions' front four does against the New York offensive line.
VIKINGS (-8) over Cardinals - The Minnesota defense has to take advantage of playing against an offense led by Derek Anderson and without a healthy Beanie Wells. Not sure who will catch the ball for the Vikings, but I hear their running back is pretty good.
Saints (-6 1/2) over PANTHERS - I give the Panthers a second chance last week and they dive on me. The Saints gets a huge push from that victory over the Steelers and start a roll back to the front of the NFC line.
Dolphins (+7) over RAVENS - Miami and Baltimore both play tough football by trying to run the ball and play good defense. Even though the Ravens are home and off the bye, that formula of running and defense should make for a closely played game.
TEXANS (-1 1/2) over Chargers - I am not thrilled picking the Texans here as it seems like they peaked when they beat the Colts in week one, but the Chargers are too beat up and with Antonio Gates joining that injury list it points to a Houston home victory.
Giants (-5) over SEAHAWKS - The New York defense gets after the quarterback and that will make for a long day for new starter Charlie Whitehurst. The long trip from coast to coast can be a speed bump, but the Giants are coming off their bye and that should negate that effect.
Chiefs (+3) over RAIDERS - Both teams have been running the ball real well and that has been the biggest reason for their respective turnarounds. The Kansas City defense is a little better against the run and quicker than the Raiders, and those advantages help lead the Chiefs over their rivals from Oakland.
Colts (+2 1/2) over EAGLES - Michael Vick comes back this week and could give the Indianapolis defense some trouble, but Peyton Manning will bother the Philadelphia defense even more.
Cowboys (+9 1/2) over PACKERS - Dallas is a train wreck, but the Packers are coming off a good road win over the Jets and have a much needed bye week in front of them. Those factors lead to a game that is still a Green Bay win, but closer than many expect.
Steelers (-3 1/2) over BENGALS - Last year Cincinnati swept the AFC North games in taking the division, while this year they are fighting for their season in week nine. Pittsburgh took a loss last week in New Orleans and will look to get back on track and get a little payback at the same time.

Week 8 picks: 8-5
2010 season: 58-51-8


Win/Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 9: podcast listener, Aaron

Week 8 results: Mike (7-6) / Sal (9-4) / Guest (7-6)
2010 season: Mike (71-46) / Sal (71-46) / Guest (57-60)

Week 9 picks:
--- Buccaneers at Falcons --- Sal / Mike / Aaron
Mike / Aaron --- Bears at Bills --- Sal
Sal / Mike / Aaron --- Patriots at Browns ---
Sal / Mike / Aaron --- Jets at Lions ---
--- Cardinals at Vikings --- Sal / Mike / Aaron
Sal / Mike / Aaron --- Saints at Panthers ---
Sal --- Dolphins at Ravens --- Mike / Aaron
--- Chargers at Texans --- Sal /Mike / Aaron
Sal / Mike / Aaron --- Giants at Seahawks ---
Sal --- Chiefs at Raiders --- Mike / Aaron
Sal / Aaron --- Colts at Eagles --- Mike
--- Cowboys at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Aaron
Sal / Mike / Aaron --- Steelers at Bengals ---

College Football 2010 (Week 10).....

This is really turning out to be a very fun college football season and the Oregon Ducks are leading the way with how they attack opposing defenses with all their offensive weapons. Then we have Cam Newton leading the Heisman race while leading the Auburn Tigers towards the top of the rankings. The Tigers match-up with Alabama later this month looms large and will greatly influence the final BCS standings.

Who were those impostors in the Spartan green jerseys? Michigan State gets knocked out of the conversation by getting smacked down by a good Iowa team. I thought they had some magic on their side this season, but that was quickly smothered by that Hawkeye defense.

Another great slate of games this week as we will have five match-ups of top 25 teams, including two non-BCS teams facing off when TCU travels to Utah.

Week 10 games:

North Carolina State (#23) over CLEMSON - Living here in Raleigh for most of the last 18 years, I have followed the Wolfpack pretty closely and this sets up as a "break your heart" game for Packer Backers, but I'll put my faith in them to keep this good season rolling.
Baylor (#22) over OKLAHOMA STATE (#19) - Big win for Baylor over Texas in Austin and this is another big test on the road. I like their quarterback Robert Griffin to have another big game.
SOUTH CAROLINA (#18) over Arkansas (#17) - Steve Spurrier knows something about quarterbacks and keeps the Razorback offense in check to get another tough SEC victory.
ALABAMA (#5) over LSU (#12) - I still think Alabama is the best all-around team in the country and they put LSU to the side as they march their way towards that showdown with Auburn alter in the month.
STANFORD (#10) over Arizona (#13) - Arizona has been quietly winning games and now has this showdown with the Stanford Cardinal. This would be one of the biggest wins in recent Wildcat history, but I think the Stanford offense is better with Andrew Luck and will get the PAC 10 victory.
TCU (#4) over UTAH (#6) - A knockout game for one of these two "BCS-buster" teams. Even though they are traveling, TCU is used to this "big game" atmosphere with their recent history and keeps the Utes offense under control to squeak out a close victory.

Week 9: 3-3
2010 season: 36-18

Giant World Series - The SFB Podcast (11/3/2010).....

Well, that was a quick World Series. The Giants pitching completely shut down the Ranger bats in taking the World Series in a quick five games. Paul Lebowitz joins me on the podcast to break down the Giants' championship and what went right/wrong for the two teams. We'll also cover the Mets finding their General Manager, possible expansion of the playoffs and a quick look at the Hot Stove League. Enjoy.

Paul on Twitter
Paul's Website

The SportsFan Buzz: November 3, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 8 picks.....

Another NFL week, another round of scratching your head wondering what is happening this NFL season. The Bills bringing the Raven to overtime, in Baltimore, while the Super Bowl champs look like chumps in losing at home to Cleveland by 20 points and now have the Steelers coming to town. This week we send the Broncos and 49ers to London for the NFL's annual trip "over the pond". Why are we punishing the English?

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker and podcast listener, Shaun.

NFL Week 8 picks (Home Team in Caps)
Bye Week: Bears, Browns, Eagles, Falcons, Giants, Ravens

Dolphins (+3) over BENGALS
COWBOYS (-7) over Jaguars
LIONS (-1 1/2) over Redskins
CHIEFS (-7 1/2) over Bills
Panthers (+3) over RAMS
Packers (+4 1/2) over JETS
Broncos (+1) over 49ERS
CHARGERS (-4) over Titans
RAIDERS (-2) over Seahawks
PATRIOTS (-4) over Vikings
CARDINALS (-3) over Buccaneers
SAINTS (-1) over Steelers
COLTS (-5) over Texans

Week 7 picks: 7-7
2010 season: 50-46-8


Win/Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 8: podcast listener, Shaun

Week 7 results: Mike (9-5) / Sal (6-8) / Guest (6-8)
2010 season: Mike (64-40) / Sal (62-42) / Guest (50-54)

Week 8 picks:
Sal / Mike / Shaun --- Dolphins at Bengals ---
--- Jaguars at Cowboys --- Sal / Mike / Shaun
Mike / Shaun --- Redskins at Lions --- Sal
--- Bills at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike /Shaun
Sal --- Panthers at Rams --- Mike / Shaun
Sal --- Packers at Jets --- Mike / Shaun
Sal / Shaun --- Broncos at 49ers --- Mike
Mike / Shaun --- Titans at Chargers --- Sal
--- Seahawks at Raiders --- Sal / Mike / Shaun
Mike --- Vikings at Patriots --- Sal / Shaun
Mike / Shaun --- Buccaneers at Cardinals --- Sal
Mike /Shaun --- Steelers at Saints --- Sal
--- Texans at Colts --- Sal / Mike / Shaun

College Football 2010 (Week 9).....

Last Saturday marked the third week in a row where the #1 team in the country lost a road conference game. The latest victim was Oklahoma dropping their game to an undefeated Missouri team. This week it is Oregon on top of the polls traveling to face USC, while the BCS #1 is Auburn and take it to the road against Mississippi State.

Now let's see if I don't fall off the perch after last week's 6-0 record.

Week 9 games:

Oregon (#1) over USC (#24)
Auburn (#3) over Mississippi State
Michigan State (#5) over Iowa (#18)
Nebraska (#14) over Missouri (#7)
Florida State (#16) over North Carolina State
Michigan over Penn State

Week 8: 6-0
2010 season: 33-15

More NFL Craziness - The SFB Podcast (10/27/2010).....

This NFL season has been as confusing as any I can remember and I am not sure if it we will see "normal" this year, or maybe this craziness is this year's "normal". The Ravens needing overtime to beat the winless Bills and giving up 30+ points in the process, while in New Orleans, the Saints lost to the Browns. I'll take a look back at week 7 and a glance forward at week 8.

Plus tonight is Game 1 of the World Series between the Rangers and Giants. Also, the NBA season got under way last night and we already know the Heat will not go undefeated. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: October 27, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Rangers and Giants, Oh My! - The SFB Podcast (10/25/2010).....

Baseball is down to two teams as the World Series starts on Wednesday. Now, raise your hand if you had either the Texas Rangers or the San Francisco Giants before the season started. Didn't think so. Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss how the Giants and Rangers got through each LCS and what we think will happen in their match-up. Plus a look at the front office and manager movement going on around baseball. Enjoy.

Rangers over Giants in 7 - Been behind the Rangers the whole post-season and I will ride them again to get their first Word Series title. The Giants will be with them the whole way, but I just think the Ranger bats will produce enough offense against this very good Giant staff to lead them to the four victories. San Francisco gets an advantage by having the four home games as that will keep Vladimir Guerrero on the bench for Texas, but there are enough bats in the Ranger lineup to overcome it. Meanwhile the Rangers will have Cliff Lee starting off the series for them and hope it just keeps doing what he has been doing. Plus at the end, who doesn't want to see (besides Giant fans) Nolan Ryan up on the championship podium?

Paul on Twitter
Paul's Website

The SportsFan Buzz: October 25, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Big Hits / Smaller League - The SFB Podcast (10/23/2010).....

NFL looking at big hits has been the most covered story this week. Is the NFL going too far or are they correct? Personally, I think a little of both. Also, we have one World Series team in the Texas Rangers, while the NL team will be determined this weekend. Plus, the NBA commissioner is talking about salary reductions and possibly contracting teams. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: October 23, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 7 picks.....

Got back on the winning side with my picks last week, but four of the games ended in ties with the point spreads. Those are losses in Vegas, but just tie games for me here on the blog. Week 7 is filled with a very interesting slate of good match-up games. Enjoy.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker, Nate Heldman. Nate is a gaming buddy of mine who works in the inner city of Chicago. A good man.


NFL Week 7 picks (Home Team in Caps)
Bye Week: Colts, Jets, Lions, Texans

Bengals (+5 1/2) over FALCONS
Redskins (+3) over BEARS
TITANS (-3) over Eagles
CHIEFS (-1) over Jaguars
DOLPHINS (+2 1/2) over Steelers
SAINTS (-11 1/2) over Browns
Rams (+3) over BUCCANEERS
49ers (-3) over PANTHERS
RAVENS (-12) over Bills
SEAHAWKS (-3) over Cardinals
BRONCOS (-7) over Raiders
Patriots (+3) over CHARGERS
Vikings (+3) over PACKERS
COWBOYS (-3) over Giants

Week 6 picks: 8-2-4
2010 season: 43-39-8


Win/Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 7: Nate Heldman

Week 6 results: Mike (11-3) / Sal (11-3) / Guest (7-7)
2010 season: Mike (55-35) / Sal (56-34) / Guest (44-46)

Week 7 picks:
Sal --- Bengals at Falcons --- Mike / Nate
Sal / Mike /Nate --- Redskins over Bears ---
--- Eagles at Titans --- Sal / Mike / Nate
--- Jaguars at Chiefs --- Sal / Mike / Nate
Mike / Nate --- Steelers at Dolphins --- Sal
--- Browns at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Nate
Sal / Nate --- Rams at Buccaneers --- Mike
Sal / Mike / Nate --- 49ers at Panthers ---
--- Bills at Ravens --- Sal / Mike / Nate
Nate --- Cardinals at Seahawks --- Sal / Mike
--- Raiders at Broncos --- Sal / Mike / Nate
Sal --- Patriots at Chargers --- Mike / Nate
Sal / Mike / Nate --- Vikings at Packers ---
Mike --- Giants at Cowboys --- Sal / Nate

College Football 2010 (Week 8).....

For the second week in a row we saw the #1 team in college football fall. Wisconsin made sure Ohio St. didn't get comfortable at the top of the heap and ran all over the Buckeye defense. Now Oregon is the top team in the land, but will they hold it, or will we see another upset at the top? Plus another week of good top 25 match-ups.

Week 8 games:

Oregon (#1) over UCLA
Oklahoma (#3) over Missouri (#18)
Auburn (#5) over LSU (#6)
Michigan St. (#8) over Northwestern
Wisconsin (#10) over Iowa (#13)
Nebraska (#14) over Oklahoma St. (#17)


Week 7: 3-3
2010 season: 27-15

Sorry Agent - The SFB Podcast 10/19/2010

Josh Luchs tells us he decided to open up to Sports Illustrated so that his reputation was not defined by his suspension of his agent's license. He seems to be sweeping under the rug his 20 years of breaking rules and feels he did right to provide for his family. After reading his account, I come away with a much different feeling as to why he told his story.

Plus for the second straight week the top college team lost as Ohio State fell to Wisconsin and now it's Oregon's turn at #1, while Boise St. just waits its turn for the big boys to fall. Also a look at the MLB League Championship series through the first few games. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: October 19, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 - Week 6 picks.....

Well, I hope you followed my advice and did not bet the house, because if you did, you are reading this in a cardboard box. Only 4 wins for the week against the spread? Yikes. Well, we wipe the slate and move forward to week 6. Some interesting match-ups this week, including the battle of the two unlikely 1-3 teams when the Cowboys visit the Vikings. Plus the two worst teams in the NFL (Bills and Panthers) get the week off. Enjoy.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker, childhood friend and podcast listener, Joe Cuomo.

NFL Week 6 picks (Home Team in Caps)
Bye Week: Bengals, Bills, Cardinals, Panthers

BEARS (-7) over Seahawks
Dolphins (Even) over PACKERS
Chargers (-7 1/2) over RAMS
Ravens (+3) over PATRIOTS
GIANTS (-8) over Lions
EAGLES (-3) over Falcons
STEELERS (-13) over Browns
Saints (-4) over BUCCANEERS
TEXANS (-4) over Chiefs
Jets (-3) over BRONCOS
49ERS (-7) over Raiders
VIKINGS (-1 1/2) over Cowboys
Colts (+3) over REDSKINS
Titans (-3) over JAGUARS

Week 5 picks: 4-10

2010 season: 35-37-4


Win/Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 6: Longtime friend and listener, Joe Cuomo

Week 5 results: Mike (6-8) / Sal (6-8) / Guest (6-8)
2010 season: Mike (44-32) / Sal (45-31) / Guest (37-39)

Week 6 picks:
--- Seahawks at Bears --- Sal / Mike / Joe
Sal / Mike --- Dolphins at Packers --- Joe
Sal / Mike / Joe --- Chargers at Rams ---
Sal / Mike / Joe --- Ravens at Patriots ---
Sal / Mike / Joe --- Saints at Buccaneers ---
--- Lions at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Joe
--- Falcons at Eagles --- Sal / Mike / Joe
--- Browns at Steelers --- Sal / Mike / Joe
Joe --- Chiefs at Texans --- Sal / Mike
--- Raiders at 49ers --- Sal / Mike / Joe
Sal / Mike / Joe --- Jets at Broncos ---
Joe --- Cowboys at Vikings --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike / Joe --- Colts at Redskins ---
Sal / Mike --- Titans at Jaguars --- Joe

Baseball LCS predictions - The SFB Podcast (10/15/2010).....

The Division Series are in the books and I am happy with picking three of the four series correctly, but upset that the Twins were my one incorrect choice. Paul Lebowitz picked the same teams and joins me on the podcast to review the Divisional playoffs and look ahead to the League Championship Series match-ups. Plus we cover the General Manager search for Paul's New York Mets. Enjoy.

Below is a quick recap of my predictions, with a detailed look at each series in my discussion with Paul.

Phillies over Giants in 6 - This is a classic series to me as I love good starting pitching and this series has a ton of it on both teams. The Phillie offense is a little better than the Giants, but I am not overly confident for either team to score many runs against the other's staff. Scores of 3-2 and 4-3 will dominate the series. Philadelphia matches the "Wiz Kids" and win their third straight NL Championship.

Rangers over Yankees in 6 - AJ Burnett hit the backstop and two of his teammates in a simulated game and he is scheduled to start Game 4. Never thought I would say the Texas Rangers have the better pitching staff, but in this match-up they do. The Mariano Rivera against Neftali Feliz match-up in the closer role does scare me, but I think the Rangers hit enough to not have Rivera be the deciding factor of the series.

Paul on Twitter                    Paul's website

The SportsFan Buzz: October 15, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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College Football 2010 (Week 7).....

A rough week for some college football favorites last week, including South Carolina knocking off the top team in the nation, Alabama. Major kudos to Steve Spurrier for getting his Gamecock team back to the ready after their heartbreaking loss to Auburn. Plus for the second week in a row both Florida and USC lost on the same weekend. Yikes.

Week 7 games:

Ohio St. (#1) over Wisconsin (#20) - I thought Alabama was going to run the table, but after their loss, I started to wonder if we might see even more shuffling at the top of the rankings. Don't think it happens this week and the Buckeyes protect their #1 ranking. Key for the Buckeyes is to keep the Badger running game contained and I think their defense is good enough to do it.
Nebraska (#5) over Texas - Nebraska's revenge game, but they won't even breathe a word of it. Texas is on a down year and will get run over by this tough Husker team.
Auburn (#8) over Arkansas (#12) - I am leary making this choice, but the Tigers look strong and seem to be getting better each week. Ryan Mallett needs to step up for the Razorbacks to get the victory and I'm not sure he has it in him on the road in a tough envirnment.
Iowa (#15) over Michigan (#18) - The Wolverine offense was shut down by the Michigan ST. defense last week and Iowa has a better defense than the Spartans.
North Carolina State at East Carolina - NC State looking to get back into the Top 25 and a non-conference win against an in-state rival will boost them back into that position. Tom O'Brein has a healthy Wolfpack team and is showing what the fan base expected when he first arrived in Raleigh.
USC over California - Just because I can't see Lane Kiffin suffering a three game losing streak. The offense is good and I think dad tweaks the defense enough to get the win.


Week 6: 2-4
2010 season: 24-12

NFL Week 5 review - The SFB Podcast (10/12/2010).....

The Saints lose to a team with a free agent rookie starting at quarterback that does not score a running or passing touchdown? Tampa Bay comes back on the road against a Bengal team is getting terrible quarterbacking from Carson Palmer. The Raiders block two punts and hand another loss to the Chargers, while in Dallas, the Cowboys rack up over 500 yards, but still lose to the Titans and fall to 1-3. What is going on here in the NFL. I'll try to make sense of this confusing year. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: October 12, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Down goes Alabama - The SFB Podcast (10/11/2010).....

So there is some life with the "Ol' Ball Coach", as Steve Spurrier coached his South Carolina Gamecocks to an upset victory over #1 Alabama. Ohio St. now takes the top spot, but will they be on top of next week's first BCS ranking? Anyone have Florida and USC losing again on consecutive Saturdays? I'll take a look at the college games from this weekend.

Plus, the Yankees and Phillies have advanced after each swept their Divisional Sereis, but for me the Yankees advancing was a "yawn". Will anyone but Yankee fans care if they keep moving forward? Also, besides ratings for Fox, are the Yankees winning good for baseball? We'll explore. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: October 11, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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NFL 2010 - Week 5 picks.....

Four weeks down for most of the NFL (sans the Cowboys, Vikings, Chiefs and Buccaneers who had last week's bye), so the kinks need to be out as we head into the second quarter of the season. Plus we now have Randy Moss moving from New England to Minnesota, which could shake up division races and the power of each conference.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker, podcast listener Mark Felty.

NFL Week 5 picks (Home Team in Caps)
Bye Week: Dolphins, Patriots, Seahawks, Steelers

Jaguars (-1) over BILLS
BENGALS (-5 1/2) over Buccaneers
Falcons (-3) over BROWNS
LIONS (-3) over Rams
Chiefs (+7 1/2) over COLTS
Packers (-1) over REDSKINS
Bears (-3) over PANTHERS
Broncos (+6) over RAVENS
TEXANS (-3) over Giants
Saints (-7 1/2) over CARDINALS
COWBOYS (-5 1/2) over Titans
Chargers (-5) over RAIDERS
49ERS (-3) over Eagles
Vikings (+6 1/2) over JETS


Week 4 picks: 7-6-1
2010 season: 31-27-4

Win/Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 5: SportsFan Buzz listener, Mark Felty

Week 4 results: Mike (6-8) / Sal (9-5) / Guest (6-8)
2010 season: Mike (38-24) / Sal (39-23) / Guest (31-31)

Week 5 picks:
Sal / Mike / Mark --- Jaguars at Bills ---
Mark --- Buccaneers at Bengals --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike / Mark --- Falcons at Browns ---
Mark --- Rams at Lions --- Sal / Mike
Mark --- Chiefs at Colts --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike --- Packers at Redskins --- Mark
Sal / Mark --- Bears at Panthers --- Mike
--- Broncos at Ravens --- Sal / Mike / Mark
--- Giants at Texans --- Sal / Mike / Mark
Sal / Mike / Mark --- Saints at Cardinals ---
--- Titans at Cowboys --- Sal / Mike / Mark
Sal / Mike / Mark --- Chargers at Raiders ---
Mark --- Eagles at 49ers --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike --- Vikings at Jets --- Mark

College Football 2010 (Week 6).....

Alabama sure looks like the best team in college football as they crush their rival Florida Gators, while my favorite team to watch are the very exciting Oregon Ducks. Meanwhile Denard Robinson is turning into a player I want to watch and normally I don't look at individual players in the college game. Four match-ups of ranked teams this week, including a couple of in-state rivalries and two SEC match-ups.

Week 6 games:

Alabama (#1) over South Carolina (#19) - Maybe the "Old Ball Coach" can have his Gamecocks pull the upset over Alabama, but after seeing the Tide dismantle Florida last week, I think it will take a perfect effort and I just don't see it happening.
Michigan (#18) over Michigan State (#17) - What a game for the state of Michigan as both teams come in ranked and undefeated, which not many predicted at the start of the season. This will be another video game shootout with both offenses going up and down against these defenses. Denard Robinson makes the plays to lead the Wolverines over Sparty.
Miami (#13) over Florida State (#23) - Another in-state rivalry game, but Miami has too much speed on both sides of the ball and handles the Seminoles.
Notre Dame over Pittsburgh - Notre Dame has been looking good on offense and gets a win in a game that should be close and entertaining.
Florida (#14) over LSU (#12) - Both teams have been shaky all year, but more so for LSU and I think this is the game they finally get their first loss of the year. Florida bounces back from getting whipped last week against Alabama.
Stanford (#16) over USC - The USC defense is young and a little slow. Not a good match-up against a Stanford team that is hurting after blowing a 21-3 lead and getting outscored 49-10 the rest of the game against Oregon.


Week 5: 4-2
2010 season: 22-8

Dropping the Puck - The SFB Podcast (10/7/2010).....

The NHL season kicks off this afternoon with the Hurricanes facing the Wild in Helsinki and then four more games tonight. Will the Blackhawks, after moving multiple players to get under the cap, be able to make a run at repeating? Will the Capitals make up for last year's playoff disaster and make the finals? Or maybe it is Sidney Crosby and the Penguins again, or how about the Sedin brothers in Vancouver?

Plus Randy Moss gets traded, the baseball playoffs have started, college football is cranking along and the NBA preseason has started, which means the hype surrounding the Heat just starts getting louder. Enjoy.

As for my NHL predictions, for me it is very much "chalk" with my picks. I think hockey fans get Sidney Crosby and the Penguins against Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals in the Eastern finals, while in the west, we get those Sedin brothers taking on Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and the Blackhawks. In the end, I think the Penguins once again lift the Cup in a great series against the Vancouver Canucks.

The SportsFan Buzz: October 7, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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MLB Playoff Predictions & Award winners.....

It has been another good year for baseball and we even had to wait for game 162 until we found out the NL West and Wildcard winners.  There were also quite a few great player performances this year. Well, here is what my crystal ball says as we start the playoffs and also who I think should get the year end awards.

Overall, I think the Philadelphia Phillies will be Word Series champs for the second time in three years.

NL Divisional Series:
Giants over Braves
Phillies over Reds

While neither team knocks the cover off the ball, I think the Giants have more offense than the Braves and better starting pitching and closer. As for the Phillies / Reds, I just can't see a way for Cincinnati to stay with Philadelphia unless the Phillies' starting pitching completely comes off the rails in this series.

AL Divisional Series:
Twins over Yankees
Rangers over Rays

Both of this series predictions are more of gut feelings. Common sense says the Rays and Yankees were the best of the AL all year and should meet in the ALCS, but there is something about the Twins and Rangers that draws me towards them to move forward. The Twins overcoming the loss of their long time closer, Joe Nathan, at the start of the year and and then losing Justin Morneau in July, while still playing at such a high level. For the Rangers, it is Nolan Ryan being the face of an organization that just three months ago was facing bankruptcy and the story of Josh Hamilton's comeback never gets old to me.

NL MVP: Joey Votto (Reds)
AL MVP: Josh Hamilton (Rangers)
NL Cy Young: Roy Halladay (Phillies)
AL Cy Young: Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
NL Rookie of Year: Buster Posey (Giants)
AL Rookie of Year: Neftali Feliz (Rangers)

I am of the belief that MVP does mean most valuable player, so I do not consider great individual years for players who were on teams never in contention during the year. That is why both Votto and Hamilton got my picks. Votto leading the surprising Reds to the NL Central crown get the nod over Albert Pujols, while despite missing the last month of the season, Josh Hamilton meant everything to Texas as they reached first place in the AL West and then ran away with the division.

Roy Halladay was a pretty easy choice for Cy Young in the National League. While Ubaldo Jimenez and Adam Wainwright had very good years, Halladay was simply the best. In the American League, I had to go back to "who was the best pitcher"? When looking at everything, that best pitcher was Felix Hernandez. His 13-12 record will be questioned by many, Hernandez was the best pitcher and had better stats than David Price, CC Sabathia, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz in all categories except for the number of wins.

For the Rookie of the Year choices, I added the fact that both of my choices also played for division winners, and while Jason Heyward was in the Atlanta lineup all year, while Posey came up at the end of May, it was Posey catching the Giant pitching staff along with the offense he put up that put him over Heyward in my opinion. Same thought for Neftali Feliz, as his 40 saves for the Rangers was an important and unexpected part of this year's success.

NFL Week 4 review - The SFB Podcast (10/5/2010).....

A quarter of the season is complete for most teams and I am not sure that we have more answers than questions still after 4 games. One of my questions is, "are we seeing good football"? Week 4 was the first of the seven bye weeks, so we did not have a full slate of 16 games, but we still had games. I'll take a look a what happened in week 4 and how things are looking as we head into the second quarter of the season. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: October 5, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Baseball Playoffs & Ichiro - The SFB Podcast (10/4/2010).....

It is October, and that means playoff baseball. Paul Lebowitz joins me to discuss how the final weeks of the season played out as the Braves, Padres and Giants battled until the final day. We also let you know who we think should get the year end awards and will preview the playoffs and give our predictions. Plus we will discuss Paul's article where he takes on Ichiro Suzuki. Enjoy.

Paul on Twitter
Paul's website

The SportsFan Buzz: October 4, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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NFL 2010 - Week 4 picks.....

Three weeks are done and we have three surprising teams at 3-0. Teams that needed wins (Dallas and Minnesota) got them and now a bye week to get their teams in order, while one (San Francisco) took a tough loss and doesn't see its path getting easier with a cross country trip to Atlanta on tap. As for the picks, week three was a hard week on my picking record and my ego.

Below the point spread games are the win/lose picks of Mike, myself and our guest picker, Cassie (my daughter who better not show up daddy).

NFL Week 4 picks (Home Team in Caps)
Bye Week: Buccaneers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Vikings

49ers (+6 1/2) over FALCONS
Atlanta got a huge win against the Saints last week on the road and now they gets a struggling San Francisco team who looks like the team we expected coming into the season. While I think the Falcons win this game, I think there will be a bit of a letdown from last week and they allow the 49ers to keep it close before pulling out the victory.

Jets (-4 1/2) over BILLS
This seems like a small number for two teams on opposite ends of the NFL "good scale". Jets will be without Darrelle Revis again this week, but it will not matter against the anemic Bills' offense. Expect a big day from LaDainian Tomlinson as New York pounds the ball against the Buffalo defense.

Bengals (+3) over BROWNS
The Bengal offense has been terrible and you have to wonder if it is all on Carson Palmer's shoulders? This week will be the test as the Cincinnati offense should be able to move the ball against a Browns team that gave up three TD passes through the air last week. Bengals' offense does get on track and they roll Cleveland.

PACKERS (-14 1/2) over Lions
This is a huge number, but the Packers gave Monday night's game to the Bears with multiple penalties and mental breakdowns and they take out their anger on the Lions' defense. Long day for Detroit at Lambeau Field as Aaron Rodgers leads a Packer team that knows they let one slip away against the Bears.

Broncos (+8 1/2) over TITANS
The Denver offense has been moving the ball well through the air, but need to put more points on the board. Tennessee has not looked great the last two weeks, despite the win against the Giants, and this game is close until the Titans pull off the victory late in the fourth quarter.

Seahawks (-1 1/2) over RAMS
There is a part of me that wants to give more love to the Rams after their first victory last week, but I just can't pull the trigger on them unless Steven Jackson is 100% healthy. Seattle needed two kickoff returns to beat the Chargers, but they were tough when needed in keeping the San Diego offense out of the end zone. Seahawks have enough to get the win and take early control of the bad NFC West.

SAINTS (-13) over Panthers
Carolina is a mess and Jimmy Clausen will have to learn on the job. That lesson will be tough against an opportunistic Saints defense. The New Orleans defense was exposed the last two weeks with both the 49ers and Falcons running against them, but because they won't be afraid of Clausen, they will stack the line and stuff DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Drew Brees has a big game and the Saints get back into the win column.

Ravens (+3) over STEELERS
Pittsburgh is playing with "house money" as they sit at 3-0 coming into the last game of the Ben Roethlisberger suspension. The Steeler defense has been great, but the Raven offense is better than any of the first three Pittsburgh has faced and they will put up enough points to get a tough divisional victory on the road.

Texans (-2) over RAIDERS
Houston looked like the Dallas team they were facing last week as they made mistakes that cost them chances and possibly the victory on Sunday. The Raiders suffered a tough loss in Arizona when the game winning field goal was pushed left by Sebastian Janikowski. Oakland has been running the ball well with Darren McFadden and will try to shorten the game against an explosive Texan offense. Some concern over Andre Johnson's ankle, but the Texans have too much for the Raiders.

Colts (-7) over JAGUARS
Jacksonville has been a turnover machine the last two weeks and having Peyton Manning and the Colts coming in will not make things easier for them as a shootout is not how the Jaguars want to play the game. Colts defense came up big when Denver threatened them last week and will step up to frustrate David Garrard and the Jag offense.

Redskins (+6 1/2) over EAGLES
Donovan McNabb returns to Philadelphia and it will be interesting to see how the Philly fans greet him. Washington did not look good in losing to the Rams, while the Eagles are riding Michael Vick sparking the offense, but it should be tempered a little as it has been the Jags and Lions the past two weeks. Eagles win, but the Redskins keep it close.

CHARGERS (-8) over Cardinals
The "slow start" curse has again hit the Chargers after their loss up in Seattle. Ryan Mathews should be back this week which will help San Diego balance their offense. The Cardinals ran the ball more with the return of Beanie Wells to help Tim Hightower and will probably try it against a suspect Charger running defense. Look for Philip Rivers and the offense to get the ball into the endzone more and get back to even for the season.

Bears (+3) over GIANTS
Does this Chicago team have the look of the 2006 team? A defense that is good and takes advantages of their opponents mistakes, while the offense does enough to put up the points to get victories. This Giant team is the perfect foe for them as they have been terrible protecting the ball and have self-destructed the past two weeks. New York needs to get back on track, but it may not happen against a Bear team still riding their early season success.

DOLPHINS (Even) over Patriots
Miami hurt themselves with a few defensive breakdowns against the Jets, especially against Dustin Keller and on third downs. Not a good combination against a Tom Brady led offense his passing weapons. On the flip side, the Dolphin offense moved the ball very well against the New York defense and the New England defense is nowhere nearly as good. Look for another big game from Brandon Marshall as the Dolphins take advantage against the young Patriot secondary.

Week 3 picks: 7-9
2010 season: 24-21-3

Win/Lose picks:
Guest picker for week 4: Cassie (my daughter)

Week 3 results: Mike (9-7) / Sal (8-8) / Guest (7-9)
2010 season: Mike (32-16) / Sal (30-18) / Guest (25-23)

Week 4 picks:
--- 49ers at Falcons --- Sal / Mike / Cassie
Sal / Mike / Cassie --- Jets at Bills ---
Sal / Mike / Cassie --- Bengals at Browns ---
--- Lions at Packers --- Sal / Mike / Cassie
Sal / Cassie --- Broncos at Titans --- Mike
Sal / Mike / Cassie --- Seahawks at Rams ---
--- Panthers at Saints --- Sal / Mike / Cassie
Sal --- Ravens at Steelers --- Mike / Cassie
Sal / Mike --- Texans at Raiders --- Cassie
Sal / Mike / Cassie --- Colts at Jaguars ---
Sal --- Redskins at Eagles --- Mike / Cassie
Cassie --- Cardinals at Chargers --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike --- Bears at Giants --- Cassie
--- Patriots at Dolphins --- Sal / Mike / Cassie