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 ---
Showing posts with label Dallas Cowboys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dallas Cowboys. Show all posts
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, November 5, 2010
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 ---
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 ---
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
NFL Week 3 review - The SFB Podcast (9/28/2010).....
Three weeks into the NFL season and we are left with only three undefeated teams (Pittsburgh, Kansas City and Chicago), and all three are quite the surprise. On the other side of the coin, there are five teams without a victory (Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Carolina and San Francisco), and only the Bills were really expected on this list. I'll take a look at all 16 games and give my thoughts about the how's and why's of the week that was. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 28, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 28, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
NFL Week 2 review - The SFB Podcast (9/21/2010).....
Yes, I was completely wrong in thinking Mark Sanchez and the Jets would not bounce back against the Patriots. As with almost every NFL week, there are just as many questions as answers after the games have been played. I'll take a look at each of the sixteen games from the weekend and give my thoughts about what went on in the games and what we might be able to take from the results. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 21, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
These actually count - The SportsFan Buzz (9/14/2010).....
The first week of the NFL season is in the books and while some teams followed the script that they presented during the pre-season (Cowboys O-Line), there were some others who did not match their pre-season rehearsals (Patriots defense). I'm looking back at the week 1 games to discuss what happened to the winners and losers and what if any of the first week trends look like solid indicators to some of the teams this upcoming season. Plus, more indications an 18 game season is not a good idea. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 14, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: September 14, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
NFL 2010 - Week 1 picks.....
AFC and NFC previews:
NFC: The SportsFan Buzz: NFC 2010
AFC: The SportsFan Buzz: AFC 2010
Playoff Team Predictions:
AFC: Patriots / Bengals / Colts / Chargers / Ravens* / Texans*
NFC: Cowboys / Packers / Saints / 49ers / Giants* / Vikings*
Super Bowl: Colts / Packers
2010 Champion: Packers
NFL Week 1 picks (Home Team in Caps)
SAINTS (-4 1/2) over Vikings
Rematch of the NFC Championship, but the Vikings have many questions entering the season. No Sidney Rice and how healthy is Brett Favre's ankle lead the list. The Superdome will be rocking and that helps Drew Brees and the Saints roll to a comfortable victory.
Panthers (+7) over GIANTS
I like the Giants to rebound but a touchdown is too much. The Giants will look different on offense with Ahmad Bradshaw now the starting running back. Was that pre-season "sack attack" by the Panther defense for real? New York wins, but the Panthers keep it close by running DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to help protect first year starter Matt Moore.
Dolphins (-3) over BILLS
Expect heavy doses of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams and look for Brandon Marshall to make a nice debut for his new team. Be interesting to see how much the Bills use CJ Spiller, but Buffalo does not have any other offense and that helps Miami get an opening day victory.
STEELERS (+2 1/2) over Falcons
Rashard Mendenhall for Pittsburgh and Michael Turner for Atlanta will get plenty of carries, so it will be a matter of which defense stops the run better. Look for the Steeler defense to step up and help while Dennis Dixon steps in for suspended Ben Roethlisberger.
BEARS (-6) over Lions
The Mike Martz / Jay Cutler marriage gets off to a good start against the Detroit defense that will be better with Ndamukong Suh anchoring the middle of that line. I like the Lion offense with Matthew Stafford be better, but he might see lots of Julius Peppers on Sunday.
Bengals (+4 1/2) over PATRIOTS
This has game of the week written all over it. Four great receivers on the field between Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. The Bengal running game and defense is better then New England and keeps it close. Could also be a straight upset.
Browns (+3) over BUCCANEERS
An ugly opening week game. Both teams in the full rebuilding mode, but Cleveland has just enough offense to beat Tampa Bay.
JAGUARS (-2 1/2) over Broncos
Two teams that are going to struggle mightily this year. Denver got really beat up during the pre-season and will struggle to score and put any pressure on the Jacksonville offense.
Colts (-2 1/2) over TEXANS
This is a very important game for the Texans, but it is still Peyton Manning on the other side of the field. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Mario Williams are ready to get Houston over the hump, but this Colt game will be a little detour to that destination.
TITANS (-6) over Raiders
The Raiders are an improved team, but the Titans have Chris Johnson and he is on a mission. Tennessee is looking to reverse the terrible start they had in 2009 and they should with a home victory over Oakland.
Packers (-3) over EAGLES
A tough test for the Kevin Kolb era in Philadelphia against Green Bay. He catches a break with Al Harris missing the first six weeks, but Aaron Rodgers shows why he is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL as the Packer offense rolls against a suspect Eagle defense.
49ers (-3) over SEAHAWKS
Pete Carrol starts his Seattle coaching debut against the team favored to win the NFC West. While Seattle is improved, the 49ers will be much better and that starts showing here in week 1. Frank Gore starts off what could be a huge year for one of the league's best running backs.
Cardinals (-4) over RAMS
Derek Anderson leads the Cardinals, replacing the retired Kurt Warner, and the lowly Rams is the perfect foe to help get off to a good start. St. Louis fans get to see Sam Bradford's first NFL start and can hope it is the start of a bright future.
Cowboys (-4) over REDSKINS
The Cowboy offensive line looked terrible during the pre-season, but with the Redskins not sure about Albert Haynesworth's playing time, Tony Romo and the O-line dodge a week one problem. Not sure if Donovan McNabb and the Redskin offense can score enough against a tough Cowboy defense lead by DeMarcus Ware.
Ravens (+2 1/2) over JETS
The pre-season hype is over for the Jets and it is time to play the games for real. The Ravens have really improved their offense with the addition of Anquan Boldin and Ray Rice running the ball and will not be afraid to attack the Darrelle Revis led New York defense. The Ravens are beat up in the secondary, but their front seven is still excellent and will harass Mark Sanchez into mistakes.
Chargers (-5) over CHIEFS
Kansas City will run the ball with Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles at that Charger defense, but can they be effective in the air? Philip Rivers has his own new weapon in Ryan Mathews to hand off to, and the Charger passing game (even minus Vincent Jackson) will be too much for the Chiefs and propel San Diego to an opening night divisional victory.
NFC: The SportsFan Buzz: NFC 2010
AFC: The SportsFan Buzz: AFC 2010
Playoff Team Predictions:
AFC: Patriots / Bengals / Colts / Chargers / Ravens* / Texans*
NFC: Cowboys / Packers / Saints / 49ers / Giants* / Vikings*
Super Bowl: Colts / Packers
2010 Champion: Packers
NFL Week 1 picks (Home Team in Caps)
SAINTS (-4 1/2) over Vikings
Rematch of the NFC Championship, but the Vikings have many questions entering the season. No Sidney Rice and how healthy is Brett Favre's ankle lead the list. The Superdome will be rocking and that helps Drew Brees and the Saints roll to a comfortable victory.
Panthers (+7) over GIANTS
I like the Giants to rebound but a touchdown is too much. The Giants will look different on offense with Ahmad Bradshaw now the starting running back. Was that pre-season "sack attack" by the Panther defense for real? New York wins, but the Panthers keep it close by running DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to help protect first year starter Matt Moore.
Dolphins (-3) over BILLS
Expect heavy doses of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams and look for Brandon Marshall to make a nice debut for his new team. Be interesting to see how much the Bills use CJ Spiller, but Buffalo does not have any other offense and that helps Miami get an opening day victory.
STEELERS (+2 1/2) over Falcons
Rashard Mendenhall for Pittsburgh and Michael Turner for Atlanta will get plenty of carries, so it will be a matter of which defense stops the run better. Look for the Steeler defense to step up and help while Dennis Dixon steps in for suspended Ben Roethlisberger.
BEARS (-6) over Lions
The Mike Martz / Jay Cutler marriage gets off to a good start against the Detroit defense that will be better with Ndamukong Suh anchoring the middle of that line. I like the Lion offense with Matthew Stafford be better, but he might see lots of Julius Peppers on Sunday.
Bengals (+4 1/2) over PATRIOTS
This has game of the week written all over it. Four great receivers on the field between Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. The Bengal running game and defense is better then New England and keeps it close. Could also be a straight upset.
Browns (+3) over BUCCANEERS
An ugly opening week game. Both teams in the full rebuilding mode, but Cleveland has just enough offense to beat Tampa Bay.
JAGUARS (-2 1/2) over Broncos
Two teams that are going to struggle mightily this year. Denver got really beat up during the pre-season and will struggle to score and put any pressure on the Jacksonville offense.
Colts (-2 1/2) over TEXANS
This is a very important game for the Texans, but it is still Peyton Manning on the other side of the field. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson and Mario Williams are ready to get Houston over the hump, but this Colt game will be a little detour to that destination.
TITANS (-6) over Raiders
The Raiders are an improved team, but the Titans have Chris Johnson and he is on a mission. Tennessee is looking to reverse the terrible start they had in 2009 and they should with a home victory over Oakland.
Packers (-3) over EAGLES
A tough test for the Kevin Kolb era in Philadelphia against Green Bay. He catches a break with Al Harris missing the first six weeks, but Aaron Rodgers shows why he is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL as the Packer offense rolls against a suspect Eagle defense.
49ers (-3) over SEAHAWKS
Pete Carrol starts his Seattle coaching debut against the team favored to win the NFC West. While Seattle is improved, the 49ers will be much better and that starts showing here in week 1. Frank Gore starts off what could be a huge year for one of the league's best running backs.
Cardinals (-4) over RAMS
Derek Anderson leads the Cardinals, replacing the retired Kurt Warner, and the lowly Rams is the perfect foe to help get off to a good start. St. Louis fans get to see Sam Bradford's first NFL start and can hope it is the start of a bright future.
Cowboys (-4) over REDSKINS
The Cowboy offensive line looked terrible during the pre-season, but with the Redskins not sure about Albert Haynesworth's playing time, Tony Romo and the O-line dodge a week one problem. Not sure if Donovan McNabb and the Redskin offense can score enough against a tough Cowboy defense lead by DeMarcus Ware.
Ravens (+2 1/2) over JETS
The pre-season hype is over for the Jets and it is time to play the games for real. The Ravens have really improved their offense with the addition of Anquan Boldin and Ray Rice running the ball and will not be afraid to attack the Darrelle Revis led New York defense. The Ravens are beat up in the secondary, but their front seven is still excellent and will harass Mark Sanchez into mistakes.
Chargers (-5) over CHIEFS
Kansas City will run the ball with Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles at that Charger defense, but can they be effective in the air? Philip Rivers has his own new weapon in Ryan Mathews to hand off to, and the Charger passing game (even minus Vincent Jackson) will be too much for the Chiefs and propel San Diego to an opening night divisional victory.
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.
You can subscribe to have The SportsFan Buzz delivered to your inbox.
The SportsFan Buzz is on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
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 ---
The SportsFan Buzz: September 9, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
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 ---
NFC Preview 2010 - The SFB Podcast.....
Can the Saints follow up their marvelous Super Bowl season with another run at the championship? Now in his third full season as the starter, can Aaron Rodgers take the Packers deep in the playoffs? Will the Cowboys become the first team to play a Super Bowl on their home field? Is Brett Favre and the Viking healthy enough to compete again this year? Or is their another team out there lurking to be this year's surprise of the NFC. I will look at all sixteen NFC teams in this team by team preview. Enjoy.
NFC Preview 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
NFC Preview 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
In a haze - The SFB Podcast (7/27/2010).....
Cowboys' rookie, Dez Bryant, decided he didn't want to be part of the NFL "ritual" of being hazed by the veterans (even if it was only carrying pads) and just wants to concentrate on football. While that is great to see/hear from the rookie, dissing the veterans may not have been so great. I'll look at the incident and whether hazing still should be allowed by NFL players anymore. Plus it's Alex Rodriguez's 35th birthday. Is becoming the all-time home run king still a "lock"? Also, Andre Dawson has some tough words for today's players, one more no-hitter in the majors and another "celebration" injury. Enjoy.
The SportsFan Buzz: July 27, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
The SportsFan Buzz: July 27, 2010 (right click to "save as target)
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 on Facebook.
Follow The SportsFan Buzz on Twitter.
Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.
Monday, January 18, 2010
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
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
Friday, November 27, 2009
This & That (Black Friday Edition 11/27/09).....
Hope all of you had a great Thanksgiving with family and/or friends. If you decided to go out and do physical shopping on "Black Friday", hopefully you were able to purchase the items you targeted and didn't see too much bodily harm from shoppers in the stores.
--- The NFL version of Thanksgiving Football was a three course meal of complete turkeys. The heavily favored Packers and Cowboys won their games in easy fashion during the afternoon action. While in the NFL night cap, the Giants went to Denver to face the Broncos, and looked like they wanted to be anyplace but playing football on their holiday.
Green Bay's offense was moving right along in their 34-12 victory over the Detroit Lions. Donald Driver was the offensive star with his 142 receiving yards and one TD catch. The Packer did was solid all day, and seemed to show no ill effects from the injuries they have suffered on that side of the ball.
In an off the field story, Packer defensive back Charles Woodson donated $2 million to the new University of Michigan hospital. Bravo to Woodson for his giving back to his alma mater.
While in Dallas, the Cowboys' offense seemed to wake from their two week nap by gained 195 yards on the ground and Tony Romo playing mistake free football in rolling over the Raiders 24-7. The "bad" Oakland team showed up for this game, but they did manage to gain 124 yards on the ground against the Cowboy defense.
The Giants traveled to Denver to face the Broncos, but looked like they never really got off the plane. Denver looked like the team who started the season 6-0, in whipping New York 26-6. The Broncos dominated every facet of the game and look to be back on track, while the Giants look like they are in serious trouble with only 5 games remaining.
---The best game of the day was the college rivalry match-up between the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies. In a game that brings Texas a step closer to the BCS Championship game, the Longhorns beat the Aggies 49-39 in a good old fashioned shootout. The performance by Colt McCoy firmly moved him up the Heisman discussion, and to me I think he is the leader of the race with Florida's Tim Tebow and Alabama's Mark Ingram just behind the Texas QB.
The concern coming out of the game if you are a Longhorn fan, is giving up 39 points and 542 yards to the Aggies' offense. While Nebraska's offense isn't as explosive, I'm sure Coach Mack Brown will look for the defense to tighten up and play better before facing Huskers in the Big 12 title game.
Alabama faces Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Friday, while Florida hosts Florida State on Saturday, and if both clear those hurdles, it will set up the December 5th SEC Championship game as a "semi-final" to see who will be one half of the championship game participants.
Wonder what the rest of the holiday weekend sports has in store for us? Hopefully, I will be better then my zero for three turkey in picks on Thanksgiving Day.
--- The NFL version of Thanksgiving Football was a three course meal of complete turkeys. The heavily favored Packers and Cowboys won their games in easy fashion during the afternoon action. While in the NFL night cap, the Giants went to Denver to face the Broncos, and looked like they wanted to be anyplace but playing football on their holiday.
Green Bay's offense was moving right along in their 34-12 victory over the Detroit Lions. Donald Driver was the offensive star with his 142 receiving yards and one TD catch. The Packer did was solid all day, and seemed to show no ill effects from the injuries they have suffered on that side of the ball.
In an off the field story, Packer defensive back Charles Woodson donated $2 million to the new University of Michigan hospital. Bravo to Woodson for his giving back to his alma mater.
While in Dallas, the Cowboys' offense seemed to wake from their two week nap by gained 195 yards on the ground and Tony Romo playing mistake free football in rolling over the Raiders 24-7. The "bad" Oakland team showed up for this game, but they did manage to gain 124 yards on the ground against the Cowboy defense.
The Giants traveled to Denver to face the Broncos, but looked like they never really got off the plane. Denver looked like the team who started the season 6-0, in whipping New York 26-6. The Broncos dominated every facet of the game and look to be back on track, while the Giants look like they are in serious trouble with only 5 games remaining.
---The best game of the day was the college rivalry match-up between the Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies. In a game that brings Texas a step closer to the BCS Championship game, the Longhorns beat the Aggies 49-39 in a good old fashioned shootout. The performance by Colt McCoy firmly moved him up the Heisman discussion, and to me I think he is the leader of the race with Florida's Tim Tebow and Alabama's Mark Ingram just behind the Texas QB.
The concern coming out of the game if you are a Longhorn fan, is giving up 39 points and 542 yards to the Aggies' offense. While Nebraska's offense isn't as explosive, I'm sure Coach Mack Brown will look for the defense to tighten up and play better before facing Huskers in the Big 12 title game.
Alabama faces Auburn in the Iron Bowl on Friday, while Florida hosts Florida State on Saturday, and if both clear those hurdles, it will set up the December 5th SEC Championship game as a "semi-final" to see who will be one half of the championship game participants.
Wonder what the rest of the holiday weekend sports has in store for us? Hopefully, I will be better then my zero for three turkey in picks on Thanksgiving Day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
