NFL Week 2 review - The SFB Podcast (9/20/2011).....

Second weekend of the season saw a couple of upsets, but mostly what it did was seem to put almost the whole league at 1-1. What we are seeing is a ton of offense. When will the defenses start to catch up, or are we at the start of a record setting offensive year? Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 20, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2011 (Week 2) - The SFB Podcast (9/16/2011).....

Week 2 of the NFL season. Below are my picks for the week, while the podcast will preview the week and breakdown my picks. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 16, 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 2011 - Week 2 picks (Home Team in CAPS)

BILLS (-3 1/2) over Raiders
SAINTS (-7 1/2) over Bears
Browns (-2 1/2) over COLTS
LIONS (-8 1/2) over Chiefs
Packers (-10 1/2) over PANTHERS
TITANS (+5 1/2) over Ravens
Buccaneers (+3 1/2) over VIKINGS
Jaguars (+10 1/2) over JETS
REDSKINS (-4 1/2) over Cardinals
STEELERS (-14 1/2) over Seahawks
Cowboys (+2 1/2) over 49ERS
Bengals (+5 1/2) over BRONCOS
Texans (-2 1/2) over DOLPHINS
Chargers (+6 1/2) over PATRIOTS
FALCONS (+2 1/2) over Eagles
Rams (+6 1/2) over GIANTS

Week 1: 9-6-1
2011 season: 9-6-1

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")
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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

NFL 2011 Preview - The SFB Podcast (9/7/2011).....

The NFL season starts tomorrow night with a match-up of the last two Super Bowl champions, when the Saints visit the Packers. After a summer of lockout talk, it is great to have real football so close. So, who will emerge from the 2011 season and become the champions. My pick is for the Packers to repeat adn I'll discuss why and who I think will join them in the playoffs. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: September 7, 2011 (right click to "save as target")
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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Well, #6 is Higher than #1 - The SFB Podcast (1/17/2011).....

We have seen #1 seeds go down in the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs, but not both top seeds in such convincing fashion. Aaron Rodgers had one of the best games ever by a playoff quarterback, while the Jet defense played the perfect game against the high scoring Patriot offense. Meanwhile the Steelers had a great second half in beating their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens. Then in Chicago, the Bears looked like a team off a bye week playing an inferior opponent in rolling the Seahawks. Mike joins me to go over the weekend's action and breakdown the games. Enjoy.

The SportsFan Buzz: January 17, 2011 (right click to "save as target)
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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)
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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.

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 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.

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

TV Viewing - Entourage & the NFL - The SFB Podcast (9/18/2010).....

Mike joins me on the podcast to gloat about last week's 12-4 record and to preview the second week of NFL action. We also talk about how the TV show "Entourage" redeemed itself this year and why watching football at home is better than being at the game. Enjoy.

Mike on Twitter

The SportsFan Buzz: September 18, 2010 (right click to "save as target)

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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

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.

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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Voice over talent provided by Morgan Thomas.

Best of the Decade - The SportsFan Buzz Podcast (12/30/2009).....

It is the end of the decade and Mike and I are covering the sports best players and the memorable events from the last ten years. In part one we discuss the NBA, the NHL, and some "fringe" sports. I also talk about an incident during the 2006 NHL Playoffs that will not get me on any Father of the Year lists. In the second part of the discussion, Mike and I cover the NFL and MLB, along with some sports fan tech.

Some highlights of the best and memorable that we discussed:
Golf: Tiger Woods
Tennis: Roger Federer and Serena Williams
NASCAR: Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt's death
Others: Michael Phelps, Lance Armstrong, World Cup Soccer

NBA: Kobe Bryant / Los Angeles Lakers / "The Brawl"
NHL: Nicholas Lindstrom / Martin Brodeur / Detroit Red Wings / The Lockout
MLB: Barry Bonds / Mariano Rivera / New York Yankees / steriods / many highlights
NFL: Peyton Manning / New England Patriots / many, many highlights

The SportsFan Buzz: December 30, 2009 (Part A)
The SportsFan Buzz: December 30, 2009 (Part B)


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