NFL 2011 - Week 5 picks.....

So what have we learned after 4 weeks of the NFL season? We know the offenses are good. Real good. But at the end of the day, it will be defense that separates the good from the great teams. The Lions and Packers are the only undefeated teams, while the Colts, Dolphins, Vikings and Rams still have not won yet this year. Think about that for a minute. We have the Lions undefeated, while the Colts are winless. It is bizarro world.

Second losing week in a row puts us close to the breakeven level for the year. It is the start of the "bye weeks", so we have an abbreviated schedule.

NFL 2011 - Week 5 picks (Home team in CAPS)

Eagles (-2 1/2) over BILLS - Everything points towards the Bills keeping the misery going in Philadelphia, but I think the Eagles win a shootout to get back on the winning track. Last week's loss to the 49ers might have been the wake-up call Philadelphia needed, while the Bills suffered their first loss in Cincinnati. Nice running back match-up with LeSean McCoy and Fred Jackson.
Bengals (+2 1/2) over JAGUARS - Battle of the rookie QBs in Blaine Gabbert and Andy Dalton. Which one makes the least mistakes to win the game. Cincinnati is playing better defense than Jacksonville and it will help lead them to the road victory over the Jags.
Titans (+7 1/2) over STEELERS - Seattle didn't want Matt Hasselbeck for what reason? Who had the Titans at 3-1, while being last in rushing offense? This would be a statement win for Tennessee. I think the Steelers win, but it is a real scrap.
COLTS (-2 1/2) over Chiefs - Only because the game is in Indy. The Chiefs have looked a little better the past couple of weeks, but the Colts have too many vets and will get on the winning side of the ledger for the first time in 2011.
Raiders (+6 1/2) over TEXANS - No Andre Johnson for the Texans and Darrin McFadden's running for Oakland, means a very close game. Overall Houston is the better team and must win these type of games at home to be considered a post season threat. Arian Foster should get plenty of carries to offset the lessened passing game for the Texans.
VIKINGS (-2 1/2) over Cardinals - Beanie Wells running well for the Cardinals, but the other running back in the game is the best in the league. When are the Vikings just going to keep giving the ball to AP and just see what happens? Maybe this week so they can finally get that goose egg out of the win column.
Saints (-5 1/2) over PANTHERS - I've been seeing one as the "upset special" of the week and I just don't see it. Yes, the Panthers have been better this year, but that Saint offense can put up 35 points almost every game and will do so against Carolina.
GIANTS (-9 1/2) over Seahawks - Everything says this is a letdown game for New York after they snuck out of the dessert last week with the win. I just love their defensive line up against the Seattle offense, plus quietly Eli Manning is doing a very good job this year with a depleted receiving group.
Buccaneers (+1 1/2) over 49ERS - I did not see both of these teams at 3-1 after the first quarter of the season. Neither will blow an opponent out and use their running games led by LeGarrette Blount and Frank Gore to control clock. In the end, Josh Freeman just seems to get wins and I have more confidence in him than Alex Smith.
Chargers (-4 1/2) over BRONCOS - This should be a no-brainer with the small spread, but San Diego always seem to be in close games against lesser opponents. Rivers may have no Gates or Jackson this week, but in the end, if the Chargers want to be considered "elite" in the AFC they must win big against a poor Bronco team.
Jets (+9 1/2) over PATRIOTS - I have not like this Jet team all year, but Rex Ryan will have them up for their rivals in New England. Normally I would expect Brady & Belichick to get revenge for last year's playoff loss and blowout New York, but the Patriot defense is so poor, it will be a close score at the end.
Packers (-5 1/2) over FALCONS - Atlanta escapes Seattle last week and have many questioning what is going on with this team picked by many to challenge for the NFC crown. Does not get any easier with Aaron Rodgers and the Packer offense coming to town. Green Bay remains undefeated and repeats last year's playoff beatdown.
LIONS (-5 1/2) over Bears - I keep on wanting to go against Detroit, but it will not be this week. Poor Chicago and Jay Cutler get to deal with a raucous crowd excited for a Monday Night game, which will make the Lion pass rush that much quicker and better. It could get ugly for Cutler and the Chicago offensive line.

Week 4: 7-9
2011 season: 33-30-1

NFL Week 1 review - The SFB Podcast (9/13/2011).....

The opening weekend of the NFL season is in the books and while some will be jumping to conclusions, I'll just review the games from the weekend and only large step to some conclusions after only one game. If the first week is any indication, those of you who like offense, will love this year. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 13, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL Divisional Weekend picks.....

I am really looking forward to this Divisional Playoff round, especially the matchups on the AFC side with both games being the third game of the year between the divisional foes. On the NFC side, they are also rematch games that were both three point affairs.

As for my Wildcard weekend picks, I was 3-1 against the spread (lost with the Colts), but only 2-2 overall in picking the winners (0-2 Saturday and 2-0 on Sunday), with me thinking the Seahawks would keep it close, but never expecting them to pull off the victory.

Divisional Round Weekend:

STEELERS (-3) over Ravens
Many consider this the best rivalry in the NFL, myself included, and NFL fans gets to see it for the third time this season and eighth time in the past three seasons. Unlike the last time they played in the 2008 AFC Championship Game where both teams played the prior week, this matchup has the Steelers coming off the bye week and I think that is an advantage for Pittsburgh. I look for at least one or two big plays by Ben Roethlisberger outside the pocket to the speedy wide receivers, Mike Wallace or Emmanuel Sanders, being the difference in this game. The Ravens need Ray Rice to have a big game running the ball and that will be difficult against this Steeler defense.
Steelers 23
Ravens 19

Packers (+3) over FALCONS
Atlanta beat Grren Bay with a last second field goal back in week 12 and we can only hope for a game with as much drama in this matchup. The Falcons are the #1 seed, but are the quiet team in this matchup as all the talk is about how well the Packers are playing,coming off their victory last week in Philadelphia. Atlanta plays solid football and at home they are a great team, but the Packers are a team that matches up well with them, especially when they spread the field in four and five receiver sets. Atlanta will need to control the ball for more than 35 minutes in order to keep the Green Bay offense in control and are capable of doing that, but in the end Aaron Rodgers gets the best of the Falcons and keeps the Packers moving forward.
Packers 24
Falcons 20

BEARS (-10) over Seahawks
There sure seems to be quite a few "Seattle can make some noise" statements and articles this week after they knocked out the New Orleans Saints last week. Well, if the Seahawks were this good as being said this week, shouldn't they have finished with a record better than 7-9 for the season? Seattle got the perfect opponent last week in a Saint team that overlooked them and played their worst defensive game of the season. An overlooked fact is the the Saints made it to the red zone seven times and scored each of those times. Chivago is rested and the overall better team. Unless the Bears play their worst defensive game, i don't see how Seattle pulls off this upset. Yes, Seattle won in Chicago during the regular season, but that was in week 6 and the Bears are much better than that early season team. My fear is the "bad" Jay Cutler shows up, and while that is possible, that Cutler hasn't been around for a couple of months and i don't think he makes an appearance this week.
Bears 31
Seahawks 14

Jets (+9) over PATRIOTS
There is a large part of my thinking that leans towards a blowout for New England in this matchup as the bye week and the third game against the same opponent is the perfect formula for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick to take advantage of, but something just says to me that this game is closer than the large spread. I think the Patriots win this game, but the Jets will and must run the ball to stay with New England and will find enough success doing so to keep this a low scoring matchup. If New York decided to put the ball in Mark Sanchez's hands, then that plays into New England's hands and then we could see a double digit blowout. This Patriot team is different than the 2007 team as it has gotten better over the season, while that 2007 team was not as good coming into the playoffs. They take the Jets best shots at the Patriots, but in the end Tom Brady shows why he his this year's NFL MVP and leads New England to the AFC Championship.
Patriots 27
Jets 19

Wildcard weekend record: 3-1


Win/Loss picks:
Wildcard weekend: Sal (2-2) / Mike (3-1)

--- Ravens at Steelers --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Mike --- Packers at Falcons ---
--- Seahawks at Bears --- Sal / Mike
--- Jets at Patriots --- Sal / Mike

Divisional Playoff Weekend - The SFB Podcast (1/13/2010).....

This weekend's Divisional Playoff games are all rematches from the regular season, with the AFC games being the third game between divisional foes and the NFC games taking place on the same field as the regular season matchups. Mike joins me to preview the four games and some other news from around the sports world, including the BCS Championship and the new format for the NHL All-Star Game. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: January 13, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Wild NFL weekend - The SFB Podcast (1/10/2010).....

What a great playoff weekend with three of the four games coming down to the final possessions, while the Raven - Chief game was close for three quarters before Kansas City imploded. Who had the Seahawks as the only home winner this weekend? Not many. Mike joins me to take a look at the four games from the weekend and why they were won or lost. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: January 10, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL Wildcard Weekend picks.....

Mike beat me by two games in picking the winners straight up for the 2010 season. On my picks against the spread, I was on the winning side of the ledger and that is all I can ask for after 256 games. Now it is onto the playoffs and hopefully I can stay on the positive side of the tote board. Enjoy.

Week 17 picks: 7-8-1
2010 season: 134-108-14

Win/Lose picks:
Week 17 results: Mike (11-5) / Sal (11-5) / Guest (10-6)
2010 season: Mike (163-93) / Sal (161-95) / Guest (145-111)


Wildcard Weekend:

SEAHAWKS (+11) over Saints
The Saints start their Super Bowl defense against a Seattle team that many believe don't belong in the playoffs. Well, the Seahawks are here and they will not be the pushover many think on Saturday afternoon. The key to Seattle will be feeding off the excitement of a home playoff game and not allow New Orleans to jump to an two score early lead. The lack of a running game (both Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory are out), a short week with long travel and the Seattle crowd will add up to a game closer than many think, but in the end Drew Brees and the Saint offense will find enough holes in the Seahawk defense to get the victory and move forward in defending their crown.
Saints 26
Seahawks 17

COLTS (-3) over Jets
A rematch of last year's AFC Championship game and both teams are different from twelves months ago. While the Colt offense is less explosive without Dallas Clark and Austin Collie, the Jet defense is not as dominant as last year and gives up more passing yard and points than in 2009. At the end of the day it is just hard to go against Peyton Manning, especially at home. I would feel more comfortable if Clark or Collie was available, but Joseph Addai is there and that will help Manning keep the offense balanced. New York needs to run the ball and the Indianapolis defense has been better against the run the last quarter of the season and will need a big game from Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson to help keep Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis away from Mark Sanchez.
Colts 27
Jets 20

Ravens (-3) over CHIEFS
The veteran Baltimore team against the young Kansas City squad. While I think the Ravens have the best shot of the AFC teams this weekend to make the Super Bowl, this is a match-up that is the worst one that could have happened for the Ravens. The Chiefs have more speed than the Ravens and that is the one area where Baltimore is vulnerable. While I fully expect the Ravens to pound the Chiefs with Ray Rice and Joe Flacco using play action, it would not surprise me to see this a game where the Kansas City speed bothers Baltimore enough to keep it close. Plus add in the Arrowhead crowd, where the Chiefs only lost once this season, and Kansas City has the goods to be able to pull the upset. In the end though, one of those veterans on the Raven defense steps up and helps put away Kansas City.
Ravens 23
Chiefs 19

Packers (+3) over EAGLES
Green Bay was my preseason Super Bowl pick and I will not be changing now that the playoffs have started. Andy Reid is a great coach when he has time to prepare his team and by taking last week off against Dallas, manufactured a bye week and much needed rest for Michael Vick. The Packers will attack Vick with defensive back blitzes (most likely Charles Woodson) from one side and Clay Matthews from the other, so it will be up to Vick to stay in the pocket and find DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin with Packers flying at him. The Green Bay defense has enough speed to keep up with the Eagle speed and could upset Vick enough to where he tries to force the issues. On the other side, while the Packers will try to run the ball, Aaron Rodgers will be the key to getting the victory and his ability to beat the Philadelphia biltzes. Rodgers, with his receivers Greg Jennings and Donald Driver will expose the Eagle secondary and get Rodgershis first playoff win.
Packers 30
Eagles 17


Win/Lose picks:
Sal / Mike --- Seahawks at Saints ---
Mike --- Jets at Colts --- Sal
Sal / Mike --- Ravens at Chiefs ---
Sal / Mike --- Packers at Eagles ---

Wildcard Weekend - The SFB Podcast (1/7/2011)

The NFL Playoffs start on Saturday and we are down to 12 teams looking to win the Super Bowl. Will the Saints repeat as Super Bowl champions or do we get a new team holding the Lombardi trophy? Mike joins me to preview the four games and give our thoughts on who will move on to the Divisional Round. Plus we discuss the Baseball Hall of Fame voting and the NHL Winter Classic. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: January 7, 2011 (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.

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.

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 ---

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.

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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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2010 Kickoff - The SFB Podcast (9/9/2010).....

It is the start of the NFL season and I am joined by Mike to go over the week 1 games and give our thoughts about who will be the playoffs teams at the end of the season. Also, we start a segment of picking the winners of each week's games and also invite a "guest" to pick with us each week. This week, Mike's wife Kerri sent me her winners for week 1 in the NFL. If you would like to be the "guest", just contact us and we will set it up. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 9, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Week 1 picks:
Mike / Kerri --- Vikings at Saints --- Sal
--- Panthers at Giants --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Dolphins at Bills ---
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Steelers at Falcons ---
--- Lions at Bears --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal --- Bengals at Patriots --- Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike --- Browns at Buccaneers --- Kerri
Kerri --- Broncos at Jaguars --- Sal / Mike
Sal / Kerri --- Colts at Texans --- Mike
--- Raiders at Titans --- Sal / Mike / Kerri
Sal / Kerri --- Packers at Eagles --- Mike
Sal --- 49ers at Seahawks --- Mike / Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Cardinals at Rams ---
Sal / Kerri --- Cowboys at Redskins --- Mike
Sal / Mike --- Ravens at Jets --- Kerri
Sal / Mike / Kerri --- Chargers at Chiefs ---

AFC Preview 2010 - The SFB Podcast.....

Will all the off-season publicity and signings push the Jets to their second Super Bowl appearance? Will Tom Brady and the Patriots regain their past glory? Will the Ravens offense be better than their talented defense? How does Pittsburgh survive the start of the season without Ben Roethlisberger and does the defense again play like "Steeler D"? Will the Chargers contract problems with some of their stars hold this very talented team back from greatness? Or in the end will everyone again be chasing Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts? Enjoy.

AFC 2010 Preview (right click to "save as target)

You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
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The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Divisional Round Review - The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (1/17/2010).....

Mike and I review the four NFL Divisional Playoff games and discuss the New York Jets upset victory over the San Diego Chargers. And yes, I was 0-4 on my picks. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: January 17, 2010

You can find and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is also on Facebook.

Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas