tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25716652947304963872024-03-14T05:16:19.637-05:00Kevin's BaconWhere "Footloose" takes a back seat for Football(and other interesting stuff)Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-20668618709255729032011-12-15T12:33:00.001-06:002011-12-15T13:04:11.207-06:00Week 15 NFL Picks/MVP Watch<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jacksonville (4-9) @ Atlanta (8-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Atlanta is on the road to a 5 seed in the NFC if they can win their remaining games, which are all against weak opponents.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Atlanta 31 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jacksonville 10</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas (7-6) @ Tampa Bay (4-9)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If the Cowboys blow this one, they may as well kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tampa is looking like one of the worst teams in the league at this point.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas 34 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tampa Bay 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Miami (4-9) @ Buffalo (5-8)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Speaking of one of the worst teams in the league, the Buffalo Bills have gone from contenders halfway through the year, to a team who will be picking high in the draft.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Miami 28<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buffalo 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Seattle (6-7) @ Chicago (7-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Seahawks have come out of nowhere and are now in the hunt for a wildcard spot.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But it won’t be easy flying across the country for this one. And even though the Bears defense choked against the Broncos last week, they should hold up against Seattle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Chicago 16 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle 7</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina (4-9) @ Houston (10-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Is Houston QB T.J. Yates for real?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He will be for another week as he and the rest of the Texans potent offense go up against a bad Panthers defense.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston 27 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carolina 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee (7-6) @ Indianapolis (0-13)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s almost over, Colts fans.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee 24 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Indianapolis 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay (13-0) @ Kansas City (5-8)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Packers also want the regular season to be over already, but for different reasons.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay 37<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kansas City 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans (10-3) @ Minnesota (2-11)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Saints playing for a two seed in the NFC and a first round bye means they will punish the Vikings, who are a lock for the #2 or #3 selection in the draft.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans 32 Minnesota 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Washington (4-9) @ NY Giants (7-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">These are the kind of emotional letdown games that the Giants always seem to lose.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But you would think they could gather up enough energy to beat the Redskins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Giants 30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Washington 10</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cincinnati (7-6) @ St. Louis (2-11)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Rams continue to shock people with how big of a backwards step they’ve taken this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cincinnati 24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>St Louis 6</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit (8-5) @ Oakland (7-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tough to side with the Raiders right now, after they went on the road and embarrassed themselves in Miami and Oakland.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit 24 Oakland 21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cleveland (4-9) @ Arizona (6-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There is really nothing good to say about this game other than props to the Cardinals for making a late season run.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Arizona 23 Cleveland 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England (10-3) @ Denver (8-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There’s no effing way Tebow..</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England 27 Denver 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Jets (8-5) @ Philadelphia (5-8)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have a feeling that the Eagles that everyone thought we’d see this year will show up in these last few weeks of the season when the team is already out of playoff contention, and save Andy Reid’s job in the process.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia 27 NY Jets 24</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore (10-3) @ San Diego (6-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Ravens need to keep winning to hold off the Steelers for the AFC North title.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore 24 San Diego 22</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh (10-3) @ San Francisco (10-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not sure if Roethlisberger will be able to play this game or not…if so, he obviously won’t be 100 per cent and facing a stingy Niners defence will cause him problems.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Francisco 23 Pittsburgh 20</b></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">MVP Watch<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(Last week’s rank in brackets)</p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"></b><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">5. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Matthew Stafford<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(5)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Detroit<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3754 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>29 TD 14 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Lions looking like they may sneak into a wildcard spot in the NFC.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4. Tom Brady (4)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>4273 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>33 TD 11 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">He keeps bailing out his defense every single game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>4368 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>32<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Needs 717 yards in the final three weeks to break Dan Marino’s single season passing yardage record.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That would be an average of 239 yards a week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So in other words, it’s happening.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">2. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(3) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3573 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>15 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13 rushing TD<br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If Andy Dalton wins offensive Rookie of the Year over Newton, it would be an absolute joke.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1. Aaron Rodgers (1) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4125 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>39 TD 6 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">His star receiver, Greg Jennings, went down last week which begs the question..is it time to rest Rodgers before he becomes the next one being carted off? </p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-24961776373007758222011-12-01T14:35:00.000-06:002011-12-01T14:36:05.795-06:00Week 13 NFL Picks/MVP Watch<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> 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priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia (4-7) @ Seattle (4-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vince Young has played better in two games than Michael Vick has all year, which will raise Young’s stock as he looks for a starting job next year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And assuming LeSean McCoy plays, the Eagles should roll on Thursday night.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia 27<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle 9</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee (6-5) @ Buffalo (5-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bills are looking like a team that may not win one more game this year, while the Titans need to win because with Houston’s quarterback circus, Tennessee still has a legit shot at the AFC South Crown.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee 24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buffalo 21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Kansas City (4-7) @ Chicago (7-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Speaking of fallen quarterbacks, here are two teams who have also lost their starters for the year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The difference here is Chicago’s run game and defense.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Chicago 20 Kansas City 6</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Atlanta (7-4) @ Houston (8-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nobody knows who’s starting at quarterback for the Texans but much like the Bears, I see Houston’s run game and defense stealing this game away from Atlanta.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now let’s just hope that T.J Yates/Kellen Clemens/Jake Delhomme can manage the game well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston 23 Atlanta 19</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oakland (7-4) @ Miami (3-8)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I need Oakland to lose this game to keep San Diego’s slim playoff hopes alive.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So that means they’ll probably win.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oakland 16<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Miami 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Denver (6-5) @ Minnesota (2-9)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s not Tebow who keeps winning these games. It’s the defense who keeps winning these games</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Denver 19<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Minnesota 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Indianapolis (0-11) @ New England (8-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">.........</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England 42<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Indianapolis 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cincinnati (7-4) @ Pittsburgh (8-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Really don’t like Andy Dalton’s chances coming into Heinz Field.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh 24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cincinnati 20</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina (3-8) @ Tampa Bay (4-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Horrendous game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Give me the home team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tampa Bay 22 Carolina 19</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Jets (6-5) @ Washington (4-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rex Grossman won a game last week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s against the rules of football for Rex to have two good games in a row.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Jets<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Washington 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore (8-3) @ Cleveland (4-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I would actually laugh if the Ravens blew yet another winnable road game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They can’t do it again, can they?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore 33 Cleveland 10</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas (7-4) @ Arizona (4-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anybody who’s not in buying into the Cowboys should give their head a shake.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas 28<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Arizona 16</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay (11-0) @ NY Giants (6-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If Eli’s a top 10 quarterback like everyone seems to think, he wins this game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>NY Giants 21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">St. Louis (2-9) @ San Francisco (9-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I actually just spent five minutes trying to think of something to write about for this game…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Francisco 25<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>St. Louis 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit (7-4) @ New Orleans (8-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Just like it was for the Giants last Monday, it is gonna be a looooong night for Matthew Stafford and company.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans 34 Detroit 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego (4-7) @ Jacksonville (4-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Chargers haven’t won since October 9<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If they lose this one, Norv HAS to be fired two seconds after the game clock hits 0.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego 29<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jacksonville 18</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(Last week’s rank in brackets)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">5. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Matthew Stafford<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(5)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Detroit<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3119 YDS, 26 TD 13 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The only reason his team still has a shot at the playoffs</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4. Tom Brady (4)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3627 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>28 TD 10 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tore apart the Eagles and now has the Colts this week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(3) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3093 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>12 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10 rushing tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another rushing TD against the Colts, two back of the QB record.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">2. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3689 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Absolutely flawless against the G-Men.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1. Aaron Rodgers (1) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>3475 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>33 TD 4 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The burning question is.. Do the Packers rest him at any point?</p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-47823155646808024032011-11-24T00:01:00.003-06:002011-11-24T00:10:39.539-06:00Week 12 NFL Picks/MVP Watch<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> 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0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay (10-0) @ Detroit (7-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Lions are the first team in NFL history to comeback from 17 point deficits three times in one season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This stat might impress some, however it doesn’t impress me one bit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If the Lions want to be taken seriously, continuously falling behind by huge margins needs to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They have no hope of ending the Packers undefeated season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Green Bay 35 Detroit 20</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Miami (3-7) @ Dallas (6-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Two teams on a three-game winning streak but I’m not expecting Dolphins QB Matt Moore to go into Texas Stadium on Thanksgiving Day and win.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Plus I think the Cowboys are a lot better than people think.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Dallas 34 Miami 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Francisco (9-1) @ Baltimore (7-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I still can’t envision the Niners winning a playoff game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Like for example, if the Saints or Cowboys come into San Fran during the divisional playoffs, I don’t see the Niners coming out victorious.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maybe because they’ve beaten up on garbage teams and wildcard playoff teams. Now they get to face a first place team. Baltimore wins this one and silences the people who are pumping the Niners tires right now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Baltimore 20 San Francisco 10</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Minnesota<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2-8) @ Atlanta (6-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No Adrian Peterson means no chance for the Vikings.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Atlanta 30 Minnesota 21</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cleveland (4-6) @ Cincinnati (6-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I really don’t believe in the Bengals…but the Browns are hopeless.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Cincinnati 23<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cleveland 10</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina (2-8) @ Indianapolis (0-10)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Watch the Colts win the week I finally pick against them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Carolina 27 Indianapolis 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston (7-3) @ Jacksonville (3-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With Matt Schaub now done for the year (and any Super Bowl aspirations for the Texans probably done for the year) the Matt Leinart experiment begins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Expect a hefty dose of Arian Foster on Sunday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Houston<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jacksonville<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Buffalo (5-5) @ NY Jets (5-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Any chance the Bills had in this one was dashed when they announced Fred Jackson won’t be playing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buffalo’s season is spiralling out of control and at least something’s spiralling in Buffalo, because Ryan Fitzpatrick’s throw sure isn’t.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">NY Jets<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27 Buffalo 10</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Arizona (3-7) @ St. Louis (2-8)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And the weekly NFC West coin toss goes to….the Rams!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">St. Louis 20 Arizona 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tampa Bay (4-6) @ Tennessee (5-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kind of a toss- up..two teams that nobody really knows what to expect from.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But as I’ve said over and over, the Bucs are a different team away from Tampa.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Tennessee<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tampa Bay 18</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Chicago (7-3) @ Oakland (6-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bears are not done yet despite Jay Cutler’s injury.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The defense should get the best of Carson Palmer in this game and Matt Forte will get the ball…a lot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Chicago 21<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oakland 13</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Washington (3-7) @ Seattle (4-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seattle gets the edge here because of their home field advantage, where every visiting team seems to have problems.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Seattle 24 Washington 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England (7-3) @ Philadelphia (4-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s face it..the Eagles got lucky last week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Vince Young was dreadful except for one drive and Eli Manning was just as bad. No matter who starts this game at QB for the Eagles, Young or Michael Vick, they will have a heck of a time stopping the Patriots, who appear, after a brief slip, to be the threat that we all thought they would be.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New England 27 Philadelphia 24</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Denver (5-5) @ San Diego (4-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If Denver wins this game, I’m done watching football for the year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Diego 24 Denver 21</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh (7-3) @ Kansas City (4-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So wait, why didn’t NBC flex this game out of the Sunday night spot?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Pittsburgh 30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kansas City 7</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Giants (6-4) @ New Orleans (7-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Elisha Manning comes home to New Orleans….and gets smoked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans 35<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>NY Giants 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(Last week’s rank in brackets)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">5. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Matthew Stafford <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(NR)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Detroit<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>2843 YDS, 25 TD 10 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Exploded for five touchdown passes against Carolina.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4. Tom Brady (4)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3266 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>25 TD 10 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Certainly didn’t light it up against the Chiefs but solid, nonetheless.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3. 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Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3326 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>23<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bye week</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1. 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priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Jets (5-4) @ Denver (4-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It appears that Tim Tebow just knows how to win…that is until he goes up against the stingy Jets defence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Expect Tebow to take a step back in this game, although it’s hard to be worse than two completions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Could I see him not completing a single pass..why not?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Jets 23 Denver 10</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cincinnati (6-3) @ Baltimore (6-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What are we gonna do with the Baltimore Ravens?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>One week they’re Super Bowl contenders, the next week they’re Suck for Luck contenders.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Ravens always seem to bounce back though after bad losses, and they always seem to be good within their division, so another Baltimore meltdown is not likely here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore 31 Cincinnati 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jacksonville (3-6) @ Cleveland (3-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew is better than every other player in this game combined.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jacksonville<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>22<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cleveland 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina (2-7) @ Detroit (6-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Lions get a breather after looking like a mess last week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27 <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carolina 22</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tampa Bay (4-5) @ Green Bay (9-0)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My biggest fear is when do the Packers start resting Aaron Rodgers for the playoffs because he’s my fantasy quarterback.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Probably not till they get to 12 or 13 wins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay 38<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tampa Bay 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Buffalo (5-4) @ Miami (2-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I kept saying the Bills were frauds and they’re showing us exactly that.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think a Dolphins team that is on fire puts another dagger in the hearts of those poor Bills fans.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Miami 19 Buffalo 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oakland (5-4) @ Minnesota (2-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The last time an AFC West team won in Minnesota was back in September of 1999.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do you really see Carson Palmer going into the Metrodome and coming out with a win?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Neither do I</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Minnesota 23 Oakland 18</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas (5-4) @ Washington (3-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You want a team who I think can compete with the Green Bay Packers?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Dallas Cowboys</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas 33<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Washington 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Arizona (3-6) @ San Francisco (8-1)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">San Fran is due for a terrible game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I think it comes against a streaking Cardinals team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Arizona 20<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>San Francisco 19</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Seattle (3-6) @ St. Louis (2-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Flipped a coin for this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">St. Louis 21<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee (5-4) @ Atlanta (5-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If it wasn’t for the bonehead coaching decision in overtime last week, the Falcons would be at the top of the NFC South right now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Atlanta will use all their offensive weapons in this one and get the win.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Atlanta 30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tennessee 21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego (4-5) @ Chicago (6-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s do or die for the Chargers in this one. And this is a team who does not give up on a season easily, as shown by their past records in the second halves of seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chicago has been winning games with their run game and defense in the last few weeks, and if the Chargers can shut down Matt Forte, then Rivers should have no problem carving the Bears secondary.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego 34<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chicago 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia (3-6) @ NY Giants (6-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have a feeling something strange happens in this one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Eagles seem to be always a different team in primetime and Eli never tears it apart at home as shown by his loss to Seattle this year, and his near losses to Miami and Buffalo.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>31 NY Giants<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Kansas City (4-5) @ New England (6-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was going to be a tough task for Matt Cassel to come into Foxboro and win. But now he’s injured.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Enter Tyler Palko.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England 29<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Kansas City 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(Last week’s rank in brackets)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">5. LeSean McCoy (NR) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>RB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Philadelphia<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>906 YDS, 12 total TD</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s forget about the Eagles struggles, this guy has been the best running back in the league.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He leads the league in touchdowns with 12 and is only 11 yards behind the league lead in rushing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4. Tom Brady (5)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3032 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>23 TD 10 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Appears to be back in form after a 3 touchdown performance against a tough Jets defence.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2605 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7 rushing tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">An awful performance against the Titans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">2. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(3)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3326 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>23<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another MVP-like performance from Brees in Atlanta this past week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1. 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name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oakland (4-4) @ San Diego (4-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This has all the makings of a classic Philip Rivers bounce-back home game under the lights at Qualcomm. Want proof? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rivers is 10-2 all-time at home in night games.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Plus, Carson Palmer is on the other side.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego 34<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oakland 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans (6-3) @ Atlanta (5-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First place in the NFC South on the line in this one.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>New Orleans has been brutal on the road this year, but they went into Atlanta last year and won the division so I don’t see why they can’t do it again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If they can get their running game/short passing game going with Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas, then the Falcons are going to have to go blow-for-blow with the Saints.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And judging from previous game results, Matt Ryan doesn’t bode well in shootouts (Falcons/Packers, last January)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans 30 Atlanta 26</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee (4-4) @ Carolina (2-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tough one to call here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cam Newton is playing out of his mind this year, but the Panthers always seem to find a way to blow games.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee 27 Carolina 25</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh (6-3) @ Cincinnati (6-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Like basically every other football fan, I don’t believe in the Bengals and Andy Dalton.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But here’s their first chance to prove all the doubters wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The only problem is you have a furious Steelers team coming to town that just got swept by their arch-rivals from Baltimore.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Expect some heads to roll in this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh 27 Cincinnati 10</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">St. Louis (1-7) @ Cleveland (3-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Browns might be the worst 3-5 team in the history of football.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Every week they step out on the field and look worse and worse.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Rams are better than 1-7 and Sam Bradford is due to get his first win as a starter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">St. Louis<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24 Cleveland 19</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Buffalo (5-3) @ Dallas (4-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was nice of you Buffalo to pretend you were a contender.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It made for a really good story.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now move over and let the big boys take charge. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>35<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buffalo<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jacksonville (2-6) @ Indianapolis (0-9)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well it’s now or never for the Colts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If they don’t beat the Jags at home, then they might go 0-16.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And plus if they manage to win this game, the Suck for Luck race gets a whole lot more interesting again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Indianapolis 31 Jacksonville 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Denver (3-5) @ Kansas City (4-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Who really knows what’s going to happen with the AFC West anymore?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The thought of Tim Tebow winning two straight NFL games doesn’t seem possible.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Kansas City 30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Denver 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Washington (3-5) @ Miami (1-7)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">John Beck comes back to Miami, a place where he once started, and gets a huge revenge win!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Best storyline of the week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Washington 21 Miami 20</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Arizona (2-6) @ Philadelphia (3-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Eagles season is still alive but they need to start winning right now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia 40<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Arizona 21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston (6-3) @ Tampa Bay (4-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tampa and Josh Freeman are a different team at home but I’ll take a chance with the Texans who might be playing the best ball the franchise and their fans have ever seen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston 36<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tampa Bay 20</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore (6-2) @ Seattle (2-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Will the Ravens blow another road game that they should have easily won?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They’ve already done it twice in games at Tennessee and at Jacksonville this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Time to smarten up Ravens.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You’ve swept the Steelers. Now prove you’re a Super Bowl contender already.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore 33<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit (6-2) @ Chicago (5-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once unable to even win a game on the road, the Lions now can’t lose away from home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And even though it appears the Bears are for real this year, the Lions offensive attack is a step better than Chicago’s and will make the difference in this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit 30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chicago 21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Giants (6-2) @ San Francisco (7-1)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If Eli can go into Foxboro and win, then he surely can go into Candlestick and come out with a win. In my opinion, the Niners are in the same boat as the Bengals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I just don’t believe in them yet, but a win this week might change things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the Giants need this game a LOT more because of the brutal schedule that lies ahead for them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Giants 27 San Francisco 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England (5-3) @ NY Jets (5-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think the Pats go back to their dominant ways(offensively) in this one because they know the Jets really really well, unlike the Steelers and Giants, who made Tom Brady look below normal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Brady knows the ins and outs of Revis Island and this experience puts the Pats back on top of the division.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New England 33<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>NY Jets 22</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Minnesota (2-6) @ Green Bay (8-0)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Packers are halfway home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Green Bay 35<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Minnesota 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> 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10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch (Last week's rank in brackets)<br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">5. Tom Brady (5)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>2703 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>20 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Led a late touchdown drive against the Giants and didn’t play that bad last week. He’s hanging on this list by a thread.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4. Matthew Stafford (4) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Detroit<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>2179 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>19 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bye Week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(3)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>3004 YDS<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bounce-back performance against the Bucs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Eyeing Dan Marino’s regular season yardage record.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">2. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2393 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>9 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7 rushing tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bye Week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1. Aaron Rodgers (1) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2619 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24 TD 3 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s a race for 2<sup>nd</sup> place.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Barring an unfortunate injury, Rodgers has virtually locked up the award.</p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-47982606637528879732011-11-05T15:33:00.002-05:002011-11-05T15:34:40.257-05:00Week 9 NFL Picks/MVP Watch<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> 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priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Jets (4-3) @ Buffalo (5-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The comeback against the Chargers two weeks ago might have smartened the Jets up once and for all after their mediocre 2-3 start.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Bills defense may have shut out the Redskins “offence” last week, but this defensive group has had their issues this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Sanchize needs to have a breakthrough game here if he wants to be taken seriously.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">NY Jets 27<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buffalo 10</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Seattle (2-5) @ Dallas (3-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Expect another outstanding game from newfound Cowboys phenom RB DeMarco Murray.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Dallas 35<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cleveland (3-4) @ Houston (5-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Texans won’t need Andre Johnson for this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Houston 29<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cleveland<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Atlanta (4-3) @ Indianapolis (0-8)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Imagine how fun it will be when the Colts finally win a game and I can say that I predicted it would happen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Indianapolis<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>23<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Atlanta<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Miami (0-7) @ Kansas City (4-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Despite what the Colts are doing, I still think the Dolphins are the favourite in the Suck for Luck derby.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Kansas City 27 Miami 16</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tampa Bay (4-3) @ New Orleans (5-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Usually when the Saints lay an egg like they did against the Rams, they come back the next week and obliterate their opponent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And with Josh Freeman and his horrific road play going into the Superdome, the Saints should show that they’re still the class of the NFC South.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New Orleans 34<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tampa Bay 13</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Francisco (6-1) @ Washington (3-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Remember when Rex Grossman guaranteed an NFC East title for the Skins?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Francisco 21<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Washington 18</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Denver (2-5) @ Oakland (4-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There’s no way Carson Palmer can be as bad as he was against the Chiefs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And even if he is, he has the king of the wounded duck, Tim Tebow, on the other side.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Oakland<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27 Denver<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cincinnati (5-2) @ Tennessee (4-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Andy Dalton has been good, but he hasn’t been great.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Look for a letdown against a decent Titans team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Tennessee<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>28<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cincinnati 16</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">St. Louis (1-6) @ Arizona (1-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So how’s that Kevin Kolb trade working out for you, Arizona?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ll give them the win because they’re at home.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Arizona 20<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>St. Louis 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Giants (5-2) @ New England (5-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Pats get revenge for Super Bowl XLII.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New England 31 NY Giants 24</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay (7-0) @ San Diego (4-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Certainly one of the Packers tougher tests this year, flying all the way out West to a place where the Chargers play well at.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s so tough to pick against the Pack right now, but would not be in the least bit surprised to see the perfect season come to an end.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Green Bay 30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>San Diego 27</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore (5-2) @ Pittsburgh (6-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Steelers have a much tougher test in the Ravens defence than they did in the Patriots defence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a Ravens defence that made Ben Roethlisberger look like a peewee quarterback in week 1.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In a game that will be decided on which team makes the most mistakes, the Ravens will come out on top again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Baltimore 21<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pittsburgh 20</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Chicago (4-3) @ Philadelphia (3-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m pretty confident the Eagles are going 12-4 this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia 35<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Chicago 14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> 5. Tom Brady (4)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2361 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>18 TD 8 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Could see himself off this list if he doesn’t return to form against the Giants.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4. Matthew Stafford (5) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Detroit<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>2179 yds,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>19 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Moves up a spot after he did what Drew Brees didn’t do.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dominate a game that you’re supposed to.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(3)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2746 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>19 TD <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Atrocious game against the Rams prevents him from moving up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">2. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2393 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>9 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7 rushing tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oustanding 3-TD game against the Vikings, only to watch the kicker blow the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1. Aaron Rodgers (1) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2372 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>20 TD 3 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bye last week.</p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-69444946155166495332011-10-29T12:46:00.001-05:002011-10-29T12:48:21.143-05:00Week 8 NFL Picks/MVP Watch<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> 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10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Arizona (1-5) @ Baltimore (4-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Joe Flacco usually follows up an atrocious game with a good game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Baltimore 29 Arizona 20</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Minnesota (1-6) @ Carolina (2-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Christian Ponder looked pretty good against the defending Super Bowl Champions last week and I believe he can carry that over to this week’s matchup against a mediocre Panthers defence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Minnesota 27 Carolina 24</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jacksonville (2-5) @ Houston (4-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Through seven games, the Texans have gone from contenders, to pretenders, and then back to contenders after last week’s demolishing of the Titans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Are they finally contenders to stay?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Houston 34 Jacksonville 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Miami (0-6) @ NY Giants (4-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eli Manning’s bread and butter is losing at home to pitiful teams (Seattle two weeks ago).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the Miami Dolphins are purposely losing games now, so even Eli should be able to get a win.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">NY Giants 31 Miami 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans (5-2) @ St. Louis (0-6)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How bad are the six games that kick off at noon this week?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I might have to turn it over to the CFL.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New Orleans 40<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>St. Louis 20</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Indianapolis (0-7) @ Tennessee (3-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Titans are in free-fall mode and Matt Hasselbeck is clearly showing the first three games of the season were a fluke. And it can only go up for the Colts after 62-7 last week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Indianapolis <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>28<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tennessee 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Washington (3-3) vs Buffalo (4-2)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>in Toronto</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So the Buffalo Bills get to play one of their “home” games at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, even though Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo is one of the toughest places to play for opposing teams.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And the Bills are 0-3 at the Rogers Centre in the last three years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Washington 20 Buffalo<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit (5-2) @ Denver (2-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not even God will help Tim Tebow win this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Detroit 30 Denver 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England (5-1) @ Pittsburgh (5-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pittsburgh’s defense ain’t what it used to be and Tom Brady might be salivating at this matchup.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New England 24 Pittsburgh 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cincinnati (4-2) @ Seattle (2-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seattle’s loud crowd helps them win this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Seattle 14<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cincinnati 13</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cleveland (3-3) @ San Francisco (5-1)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m still not completely sold on the Niners.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the Cleveland Browns….</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Francisco 24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cleveland 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas (3-3) @ Philadelphia (2-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another must-win for the dream team and I think they get a solid effort on both sides of the ball.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Philadelphia 28 Dallas 24</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego (4-2) @ Kansas City (3-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First place in the AFC West on the line and the Chargers will show why they’re a significant step ahead of the other teams in the division.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Diego 27 Kansas City 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">5. Matthew Stafford (NR)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Detroit<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>1912 yds,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 INT</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Despite losing two in a row, Stafford is proving himself as one of the rising stars in the NFL.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4. Tom Brady (3)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2163 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16 TD 8 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bye Week…Needs to have a big game against the Steelers on Sunday</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(4)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2477 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>18 tds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>8 int</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Torched the Colts for five touchdowns last Sunday.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">2. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2103 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>8 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>9 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7 rushing tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As long as he keeps getting passing and rushing touchdowns every week, he’s staying right here on my rankings.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1. Aaron Rodgers (1) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2372 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>20 TD 3 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Best quarterback in the National Football League.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You can’t argue it.</p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-62457000700434355332011-10-22T15:09:00.001-05:002011-10-22T15:10:14.711-05:00NFL Week 7 Picks/MVP Watch<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> 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priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Washington (3-2) @ Carolina (1-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now that Rex Grossman has finally imploded, we get to see John Beck start for the ‘Skins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not liking his chances against a hungry Panthers team who has been oh so close the last few weeks against teams like New Orleans and Atlanta.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina 26 Washington<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Seattle (2-3) @ Cleveland (2-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Cleveland has looked awful in their 3 losses and just as bad in their 2 wins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle proved, amazingly, that they can win on the road after they shocked the Giants.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Seattle 20 Cleveland 19</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Atlanta (3-3) @ Detroit (5-1)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Lions run D looked terrible against Frank Gore and Michael Turner should have a similar performance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Lions are starting to show that they are a breakable team, after their near losses to the Vikings & Cowboys, and their loss to San Fran last week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All the sudden, those people who had already pencilled Detroit in the playoffs might want to bring out the eraser.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But more importantly, who will Lions coach Jim Schwartz pick a fight with after his team loses their second straight?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Atlanta 29 Detroit 23</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Denver (1-4) @ Miami (0-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Andrew Luck will be the only one watching this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Miami 17 Denver 16</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego (4-1) @ NY Jets (3-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This has all the makings of a classic Jets bounce-back game against a good team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Except these aren’t the same old Jets.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They looked flat in games against New England and Baltimore this year and somehow beat the Cowboys. The fact is they have yet to play good against a good team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Revis Island is still dangerous but the Chargers are relying heavily on RB Ryan Mathews to pierce the Jets run D just like everyone else has this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How does it feel to be under .500, Rex Ryan?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego 28 NY Jets 16</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Chicago (3-3) @ Tampa Bay (4-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The annual Wembley Stadium game takes away a home game for Josh Freeman and the Bucs who, away from Tampa, are an atrocious team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Chicago 21<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tampa Bay 20</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston (3-3) @ Tennessee (3-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">How pissed must Peyton Manning be right now? If he were playing, the Colts would be running away with this division.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The division-leading Titans are average at best after the Steelers destroyed them and the Houston Texans are starting to look like their usual selves yet again. Let’s go with the Texans on the road here as Arian Foster has done more in three games than Chris Johnson has done all year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston 30 Tennessee 20</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh (4-2) @ Arizona (1-4)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s amazing that two of the last three Super Bowl matchups take place this week (this one and New Orleans/Indy) and both games are awful ones. The Steelers better be careful here but the Ben/Wallace combo should tear apart the Cards this week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh 22<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Arizona<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Kansas City (2-3) @ Oakland (4-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So wait, Carson Palmer is starting for the Raiders even though he just joined the team 4 days prior and hasn’t played a game since December 2010? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Oh sorry, they’re going to go Kyle Boller instead….. Give me the Chiefs please.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Kansas City 24 Oakland 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> St. Louis (0-5) @ Dallas (2-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Remember when the Rams drafted Sam Bradford first overall in 2010?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Because first overall in 2012 is not out of the question.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then what do they do?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Trade Bradford and draft Luck?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pass over Luck? </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas 36<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>St. Louis 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay (6-0) @ Minnesota (1-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vikes QB Christian Ponder must be on his hands and knees begging coach Leslie Frazier to give him his first career start next week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay 31 Minnesota 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Indianapolis (0-6) @ New Orleans (4-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After six straight weeks of picking the Colts, I can’t do it anymore.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans 27 Indianapolis 24</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore (4-1) @ Jacksonville (1-5)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another Monday Night fiasco.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore 22 Jacksonville 10</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch</b> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> 5. Fred Jackson (NR)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>RB<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Buffalo<span style="mso-tab-count:2"> </span>601 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>6 tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A new name in the rankings, Jackson is emerging as one of the best backs in the league this year, as he’s averaging just over 100 YDS rushing and a touchdown per week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(4)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2152 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13 tds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>8 int</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Rough week against the Bucs as he threw three picks. But he was still well over 300 yards passing, and almost led the team back from a big deficit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3. Tom Brady (3)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2163 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16 TD 8 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Cowboys made him look average last Sunday, but Brady still performed best when it mattered on the final drive of the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">2. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1847 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>6 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>6 rushing tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The rookie quarterback’s first really bad week against the Falcons. Yet because everyone behind him on these rankings had average weeks as well, Newton remains my #2.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">1. Aaron Rodgers (1) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2031 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>17 TD 3 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No mistakes from this guy. His lead in the MVP race is lengthening. </p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-50462738967124036522011-10-15T11:09:00.004-05:002011-10-15T11:30:03.625-05:00Week 6 NFL Picks/MVP Watch<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:relyonvml/> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> 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0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina (1-4) @ Atlanta (2-3)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Falcons proved that they are a long way from being NFC Super Bowl contenders after they lost to the Packers yet again last week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But they’re not exactly bottom feeders either and a win at home against Carolina shouldn’t be too much to ask for.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Atlanta 31 Carolina 19</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jacksonville (1-4) @ Pittsburgh (3-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was really stupid of everyone to doubt the Steelers and call them washed up among other things.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They still have this game, 2 against the Bengals, 2 against the Browns, and games against the Cardinals, Rams, and Chiefs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That’s eight more wins right there which basically equals a playoff spot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>28<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jacksonville 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia (1-4) @ Washington (3-1)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m not confident in a Redskins team just coming off the bye against a desperate Eagles team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If the Eagles lose this game, they’re not going 9-1 the rest of the way, which would get them to 10-6.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The real Dream Team will show up in this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia 36 Washington 13</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">St. Louis (0-4) @ Green Bay (5-0)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are no words.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay 35<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>St. Louis 10</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Buffalo (4-1) @ NY Giants (3-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m pretty sure the Bills are two completely different teams at home and on the road.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not expecting the Giants to blow another winnable home game like they did last week against Seattle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Giants 29<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buffalo 7</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Francisco (4-1) @ Detroit (5-0)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Frank Gore will get destroyed by Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Niners fall back to reality this week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27 San Francisco 19</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Indianapolis (0-5) @ Cincinnati (3-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">They will win one day…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Indianapolis 33<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cincinnati 10</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cleveland (1-3) @ Oakland (3-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“Win one for Al” lasts one more week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oakland<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24 Cleveland 17</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston (3-2) @ Baltimore (3-1)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is just a gut feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think this game will be decided by the offences and I like Matt Schaub, even without Andre Johnson, over Joe Flacco anyday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston 26 Baltimore 21</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans (4-1) @ Tampa Bay (3-2)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Saints play their third straight road game against one of the worst 3-2 teams in recent memory. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If Alex Smith and the Niners can put up 48, then Drew Brees and the Saints should have no problem putting up AT LEAST 30 points.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>33 Tampa Bay 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas (2-2) @ New England (4-1)<br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I'm expecting Tony Romo to have a bounce-back game and at least keep this one close but the fact is the Patriots rarely ever lose at Foxboro.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New England 23 Dallas 20</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Minnesota (1-4) @ Chicago (2-3)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">At the beginning of the year, I thought the Vikes were an 8-8 team. And I still think they are. Yeah, last week's win was against Arizona but sometimes a win is a win, and that first win should finally give this Minnesota team some confidence moving forward. Especially with Jared Allen and the Vikings d-line having the chance to feast on the O-line of the Bears.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Minnesota 26 Chicago 20</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami (0-4) @ NY Jets (2-3)</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I don't think too highly of the Jets, but they're good enough not to let Dolphins QB Matt Moore beat them on national television on a Monday night.<br /><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>NY Jets 28 Miami 16</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch (Last week's rank in brackets)<br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">5. Wes Welker <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(5)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>WR <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>45 rec 740 yds 5 tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">He has an astounding 499 yards receiving in the last three weeks. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">4. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(4)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1769 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>12 tds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5 int</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Brees seems to be under the radar this year, maybe because he hasn't had a huge 400-yard, 4 TD performance yet.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">3. Tom Brady (2)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1874 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14 TD 6 INT<span style=""><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">He 's slowed down the last few weeks after that blazing start he got out to.<br /><b style=""><span style=""></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">2. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(3) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1610 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>6 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5 rushing tds</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">His 7 passing TD’s are so-so but factor in his 5 rushing TD’s (league leader has 6), and Newton is good for 2-3 touchdowns per week so far.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">1. 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priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Orleans (3-1) @ Carolina (1-3)</span><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">It's too bad the Panthers don't have a defence, because if they did, this game would be a classic. Unfortunately for Carolina, Drew Brees is going to control the game again, and Cam Newton will try to keep up, but the rookie quarterback will make one or two mistakes that will cost the team in the end.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New Orleans 33 Carolina 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Kansas City (1-3) @ Indianapolis (0-4)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">What's it going to take for the Indianapolis Colts to play not two, not three, but FOUR quarters of consistent football? The Chiefs might be that answer.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Indianapolis 30 Kansas City 21</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Philadelphia (1-3) @ Buffalo (3-1)<br /></span><br />After the Bills meltdown against the Bengals, the bandwagon is a lot emptier this week. So much so, that the 1-3 Eagles are favoured by 2.5 points on the road over the 3-1 Bills. This is an absolute must-win for Philly and don't be surprised if Michael Vick (coming off his best statistical game of the year) puts together one of those 50-point fantasy performances on the Bills bumbling defence.<b style=""><br /></b><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Philadelphia 46 Buffalo 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Seattle (1-3) @ NY Giants (3-1)<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">There are three guarantees in life: Death, taxes, and the Seattle Seahawks losing a road game on the East Coast.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">NY Giants 33<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Cincinnati (2-2) @ Jacksonville (1-3)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Time for Jags QB Blaine Gabbert to get his first win as a starter. Because this might be his only realistic chance.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Jacksonville 20 Cincinnati 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Tennessee (3-1) @ Pittsburgh (2-2)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">This is the classic scenario where an overachieving team goes on the road to play a proven team that has been underachieving during the year. And then the underachieving team smartens up and gets the victory. Matt Hasselbeck is due for a bad game. There's a reason why Seattle cut him in favour of Tarvaris Jackson in the summer.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Pittsburgh 24 Tennessee 19</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Oakland (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Texans are for real.<b style=""> </b>Finally.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Houston 31 Oakland 16</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Arizona (1-3) @ Minnesota (0-4)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Vikings have actually looked decent in their two previous home games, taking 17-point and 20-point leads in halftime. Of course, they fell apart and lost those games, but if they can build a big lead on the Cardinals, then there's no way that Arizona comes back.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Minnesota 24 Arizona 20</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Tampa Bay (3-1) @ San Francisco (3-1)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">These two teams have to be two of the least impressive 3-1 teams in a long time. As long as the Niners shut down LeGarrette Blount, I have no confidence in Josh Freeman, whatsoever. This guy might be the most overrated quarterback<b style=""> </b>in the league right now.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Francisco 20 Tampa Bay 19</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">NY Jets (2-2) @ New England (3-1)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">This game is definitely not as enticing as it was a few weeks ago, when the Jets were actually a good team. Now it's all coming apart for Rex's crew. And even though they've had recent success against New England, its up to Mark Sanchez to keep up with Tom Brady. That's the same Mark Sanchez who put up a 30.4 QB rating last week.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New England 34 NY Jets 23</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Diego (3-1) @ Denver (1-3)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">The good news for Charger fans: Even though the team has looked less than impressive in their first four games, they've done what they couldn't do in previous Septembers/Octobers...Win football games. <br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The sort of bad news for Charger fans: Their wins have come against teams with a combined 1-11 record this year.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Now the really good news for Charger fans: The 1-3 Denver Broncos are up next.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Diego 36 Denver 10</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Green Bay (4-0) @ Atlanta (2-2)<br /><br /></span>The Falcons have never looked the same since the Packers walked into Atlanta last January and destroyed them. And I don't expect them to erase those demons anytime soon, especially with the way Aaron Rodgers is playing right now. Is it too early to start saying the words "unbeaten season"?<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Green Bay 31 Atlanta 22</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Chicago (2-2) @ Detroit (4-0)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm impressed that the Lions are 4-0. I'm not impressed that they've been down 20 and 24 points in the last two games. The comebacks are good and all, but one day they're gonna trail big and the comeback won't be possible. The Lions are not for real until they play four quarters of solid football. Fortunately for the Lions, Jay Cutler has never played four quarters of solid football on the road.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit 27 Chicago 18</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">MVP Watch (Last week's rank in brackets)</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""> 5. Wes Welker <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(3)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>WR <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>40 rec 616 YDS 5 TDS<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Another strong showing against Oakland last week, the guy might hit 1000 yards before this year is half over.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">4. Drew Brees<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(2)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1410 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10 tds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 int</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">He drops a few spots because he could have done a lot more against a pitiful Jacksonville defence. But he still got the win.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">3. Cam Newton <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(5) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1386 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 rushing tds</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Throw away the Panthers 1-3 record for a second. The guy is transforming Carolina's offence into one of the most elite in the league, something that could hardly be said a year ago.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">2. Tom Brady (1)<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1553 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13 TD 5 INT<span style=""><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="">Bounced back from his 4-INT debacle against Buffalo, with a solid performance at Oakland.</span><b style=""><span style=""></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"><br /></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">1. Aaron Rodgers (NR) <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1325 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>12 TD 2 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2 rushing tds</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm embarrassed to say I didn't have this guy ranked last week. 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Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Detroit (3-0) @ Dallas (2-1)</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Cowboy defense looked pretty deadly against the Redskins on Monday led by DE DeMarcus Ware.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If they can put pressure on Matthew Stafford, it might be a rough day for the young quarterback of the Lions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I’m not convinced Stafford can go on the road in front of 90,000+ people and win a game over a good football team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Especially against a quarterback in Tony Romo who is on a mission right now.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Dallas 30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Detroit 22</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New Orleans (</span>2-1) @ Jacksonville (1-2)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span>The record for most passing yards in one game is 554 by a guy named Norm Van Brocklin back in 1951. Am I the only one that thinks Drew Brees can break that this week?</span></span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">New Orleans 36 Jacksonville 16</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Tennessee (2-1) @ Cleveland (2-1)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">How does a player miss a game with strep throat? RB Peyton Hillis of the Browns did it last week. Seems odd. But it's not that odd when you remember that Hillis graced the cover of Madden '12.. Madden Curse!!</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Tennessee 26<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Cleveland 14</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Buffalo (3-0) @ Cincinnati (1-2)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Bills play the Eagles next week but first they play this one against Cincy. This is a typical look-ahead/trap game. I'm expecting the Bills offense to take a few steps back in this one. They're not for real. They're not for real. They're NOT FOR REAL!</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Cincinnati 24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buffalo 22</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Washington (2-1) @ St. Louis (0-3)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Redskins pretty much proved on Monday that they won't be a threat. When you hold the Cowboys to 0 touchdowns and still lose the game...you need some work.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">St. Louis 20<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Washington<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>19</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">San Francisco (2-1) @ Philadelphia (1-2)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Can't wait to see what kind of injury Michael Vick gets this week! </span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Philadelphia 27<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>San Francisco 7</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Minnesota (0-3) @ Kansas City (0-3)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Vikings blew a 17-7 lead in Week 1, a 17-0 lead in Week 2, and a 20-0 lead in Week 3. Yep, they blow.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Kansas City<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Minnesota<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>19</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Pittsburgh (2-1) @ Houston (2-1)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Can we take the Houston Texans seriously if they lose this game? With all the hype around this team, if they lose another game to a contender..then why should we believe in the Texans? Having said that, the Texans ability to go score for score with the Saints last week was downright impressive..while the Steelers struggling to beat Curtis Painter and the Colts....not so impressive.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Houston<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>30 Pittsburgh<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Carolina (1-2) @ Chicago (1-2)<br /><br /></span><span>Cam Newton goes into Soldier Field and gets a win.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>23 Chicago<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>20</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Atlanta (1-2) @ Seattle (1-2)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If the Falcons can't beat the Seahawks, then all the Super Bowl hype must stop immediately.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Atlanta<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>34<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">NY Giants (2-1) @ Arizona (1-2)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Eli keeps me proving me wrong which is really starting to annoy me.</span><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">NY Giants 29 Arizona 17</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Denver (1-2) @ Green Bay (3-0)<br /></span><span><br />This might be the lock of the year.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>42<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Denver<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">New England (2-1) @ Oakland (2-1)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Poor Tom Brady. Because his defence is a trainwreck, he will be forced to put up 30+ points every week. Can you imagine if the Oakland Raiders beat the New York Jets and New England Patriots in back-to-back weeks? Yeah, neither can I.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>40 Oakland<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami (0-3) @ San Diego (2-1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>Wow, I love this easy schedule for the Chargers. By the way, those who had 2 games in the "What week will Bob Sanders go on IR" pool are jumping for joy.</span><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">S<span style="font-weight: bold;">an Diego</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">34</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">10</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NY Jets (2-1) @ Baltimore (2-1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Joe Flacco continues his pattern of good game, bad game, good game, horrendous game after the stinker against the Titans was answered by the rebound over the Rams last week. So if Flacco sticks to the pattern, he should have a bad game on Sunday night. But bad games don't necessarily mean losses. The Ravens have Ray Rice, the Jets don't. The way the Jets let Darren McFadden run all over them last week, expect another dominating performance by a running back this week.<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baltimore</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">20</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">NY Jets</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">18</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Indianapolis (0-3) @ Tampa Bay (2-1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">It's Curtis Painter time. And I'm sticking with the same mindset that I mentioned last week. The Colts are going to win when we least expect it. They're getting better every game.<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Indianapolis 26 Tampa Bay 13</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Last Week: 9-7<br /><br />Season: 26-22<br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">MVP Watch</b></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">5. Cam Newton<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1012<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 INT<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2 rushing tds</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Quite possibly the story of the season so far, he’s the only rookie ever to throw for 400 yards in his first two games.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And with the complete disappearance of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, Newton is having to do it on the ground as well.<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">4. Matthew Stafford<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>QB<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Detroit<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>977 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>9 TD<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>2 INT</p><p class="MsoNormal">Just stay healthy...just stay healthy...just stay healthy<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">3. Wes Welker <span style="mso-tab-count:2"> </span>WR<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>31 rec<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>458 yards<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>4 tds</p><p class="MsoNormal">A wide receiver has never won the AP NFL MVP, which may make this inclusion kind of surprising. But how can you ignore 16 catches for 217 yards against the Bills<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">2.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Drew Brees<span style="mso-tab-count:2"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New Orleans<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1059<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>9 TD 2 INT</p><p class="MsoNormal">It seems like Brees is able to just flick a switch and score whenever he feels like.<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">1.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tom Brady <span style="mso-tab-count:2"> </span>QB <span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>New England<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>1327 yds<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>11 td<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>5 INT</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We'll ignore the 4 interception performance, because Brady rarely puts up performances like that. But future pick-filled performances will drop him down our radar. He's still on pace for almost 60 touchdowns and almost 7000 yards.</span><br /></p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-4796536569902633882011-09-22T15:41:00.006-05:002011-09-23T15:27:19.821-05:00Week 3 NFL Picks<span style="font-weight: bold;">Jacksonville (1-1) @ Carolina (0-2)<br /><br /></span>See ya later, Luke McCown. Hello, Blaine Gabbert. After McCown put up a 1.8 quarterback rating against the Jets, his time as a starter is done and Gabbert, the rookie from Missouri, will get his first NFL start. But all the talk is surrounding another rookie in this game, Carolina QB Cam Newton, who has done everything through his first two weeks except win a football game. That will change against the lowly Jaguars. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Carolina 27 Jacksonville 23<br /><br /><br />Detroit (2-0) @ Minnesota (0-2)<br /><br /></span>Things sure do change in a year. Last season, the 0-2 Lions came into Minneapolis Week 3 and were heavy underdogs against the Vikings, ultimately losing. This year, the Lions are 2-0 and head to the dome as favourites against a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Vikings team that has blown considerable leads the last two weeks. The Lions confidence is sky-high right now, while the same can't be said about the Vikes.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Detroit 28 Minnesota 26<br /><br /><br />San Francisco (1-1) @ Cincinnati (1-1)<br /><br /></span>Well it looks like we have our"Nobody is watching this game unless they have fantasy implications in it" game of the week.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">San Francisco 21<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cincinnati<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miami (0-2) @ Cleveland (1-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Oops, I guess I spoke too soon.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Miami 20<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cleveland<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>17</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">New England (2-0) @ Buffalo (2-0)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This might be the biggest game that's taken place in Buffalo since the Doug Flutie days of the late 90's. The Ryan Fitzpatrick-led Bills have torched oppositions offensively this year, albeit weaker oppositions, and look like they're not the same old Bills. But it's going to take a miracle, or a Tom Brady torn ACL, to stop this Patriots offense from going off on teams. This Bills "dream season" is going to fall back to reality, starting with this weeks ass-whupping by the Pats.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">New England 42 Buffalo 13</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NY Giants (1-1) @ Philadelphia (1-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Regardless of whether Michael Vick plays or not, the Eagles are winning this game. Giants QB Eli Manning doesn't seem to fare well in hostile road environments, and he will have another average game as his stock continues to drop and he continues to look more and more like an average quarterback<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span>and NOT the superstar QB that he proclaimed to be in the offseason.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Philadelphia<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>31 NY Giants 24 </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Denver (1-1) @ Tennessee (1-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One of the biggest mysteries in the NFL so far this year has been Chris Johnson's atrocious numbers through two games. He's due for a big week and if it doesn't happen here, then it's time to start worrying.</span> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Tennessee 27 Denver 17</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston (2-0) @ New Orleans (1-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It's the Texans first chance to prove that they are a legit contender this season. I believe they are but Matt Schaub is not much better than Jay Cutler, and we saw how Cutler fared in the raucous Superdome last week. Drew Brees should have another ridiculous day passing the football, but the Texans will impress enough people by keeping this one close.</span><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">New Orleans 30 Houston 27</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">NY Jets (2-0) @ Oakland (1-1)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Probably going to be a close one as Mark Sanchez will turn the ball over about 600 times like he normally does, but the Jets defense will be the difference in this one. If they can shut down Darren McFadden, then the Raiders are going to have a tough time through the air against the Jets secondary.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">NY Jets 24 Oakland 16</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baltimore (1-1) @ St Louis (0-2)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I don't know what to think of Joe Flacco. One week he looks like Joe Montana and the next week he looks like Ryan Leaf. The Rams look like a team on a downward spiral though, and Sam Bradford is likely not going to pick apart an angry Ravens defence.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Baltimore 33<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>St Louis 21</p><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Kansas City (0-2) @ San Diego (1-1)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span>Basically every important player for the Chiefs is out for the year. Maybe the Chargers can put the finishing touches on Kansas City's season and end Matt Cassel's year.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />San Diego 30 Kansas City 17<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Atlanta (1-1) @ Tampa Bay (1-1)<br /></span></span><br />After going down 31-21 to the Eagles last week in the 4th quarter and in danger of going 0-2, the Falcons clawed back and won the football game. That Eagles game appeared to wake Atlanta up, and for a team as good as the Falcons, they're going to remain awake for awhile after an early season scare.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Atlanta 38<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Tampa Bay 23</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Arizona (1-1) @ Seattle (0-2)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">After not getting past midfield until the 4th quarter last week, I think the Seahawks will be satisified just by getting on the scoreboard in this one.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Arizona 20 Seattle 13</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Green Bay (2-0) @ Chicago (1-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Congratulations to Bears QB Jay Cutler for setting an NFL record for most career temper-tantrums as he berated his offensive line last week. Even though I can't stand him, he has a point. The Bears can't block, and it won't get any easier against the Packers intimidating defense.</span><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Green Bay 34 Chicago 10</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pittsburgh (1-1) @ Indianapolis (0-2)<br /><br /></span>How can you be this bad, Indianapolis?? Why not give Curtis Painter a try at quarterback then. I find it hard to believe that one person (Peyton Manning) made this much difference on a football team. If he made that much pf a difference, he should be given the title of Greatest Athlete of All-time. I mean, my god. Why isn't Joseph Addai getting it going on the ground? Why aren't Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark catching pass after pass? You know what, screw it. One of these days, the Colts are going to win when we least expect it. So I'm going to pick them until they win. They're not this bad!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Indianapolis 23 Pittsburgh 17</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Washington (2-0) @ Dallas (1-1)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'd rather take Tony Romo with a punctured lung than a perfectly healthy Rex Grossman on the road.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Dallas 33 Washington 14</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Last Week: 9-7</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Season: 17-15<br /></p>Kevin 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mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">East</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">15. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Florida Panthers- </b>Despite basically bringing in an entirely new team (Fleischmann, Versteeg, Kopecky, Upshall, Brian Campbell, Theodore, Bergenheim), it will be the same old results for the Florida Panthers who haven’t made the playoffs since 2000. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jose Theodore is the starting goalie!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With this line-up of all second and third line guys, the Panthers are on track to be picking first overall in the draft next June.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And maybe that’s a good thing for this team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A few young stars along with all these vets might lead to future success for the Panthers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">14.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> Ottawa Senators- <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>The only reason I don’t have them dead last behind the Panthers is because their goaltender Craig Anderson may steal a few games.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But as for where this team’s scoring is going to come from?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I really have no idea.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This team has Jason Spezza….and that’s it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Why Daniel Alfredsson is still playing is a mystery because he has taken about 10 strides back in the last few years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Panthers and Sens will duke it out all year for that first overall draft pick next year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">13. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Jersey Devils- </b>We can officially say that Martin Brodeur is an average goaltender now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This team does have the scoring (Kovalchuk, Parise) but this was a squad for the last decade that would make playoff runs in the East because of their defense and goaltending.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now…Marty’s days are numbered, and their top 6 defensemen might be the worst group in the league.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">12.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> Winnipeg Jets- </b>True North’s agenda was packed this summer as they had to draft players, name the team, design a jersey/logo, and a whole bunch of other things all in the span of three months. Unfortunately, they forgot to do one important thing. Improve their team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Jets were a playoff team for the entire first half of last season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They then slipped way down the standings and had an awful second half.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With a few acquisitions (some sort of veteran presence, goal scorers), this team might have been ready to make the climb into the top eight.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the crazy Winnipeg fans will just have to be patient for now.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">11. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New York Islanders- </b>Getting a healthy Mark Streit back is massive for this team who otherwise, is not very good on the back end. With a stud like John Tavares, and guys like Kyle Okposo, Matt Moulson, and Michael Grabner, who all should have very productive years this year, the Islanders upward climb continues.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And if Evgeni Nabokov can play up to this potential in net, who knows?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">10. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Carolina Hurricanes- </b>Depth seems to be a problem for this team that, other than Eric Staal and Jeff Skinner, has a weak group of forwards and a defense headlined by Tomas “My name should not really be on the Cup” Kaberle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If goalie Cam Ward does not stand on his head and turn in a Vezina-like performance, this team will not have a chance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>9. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Toronto Maple Leafs- </b>Oh, the Leafs. The scoring is there, surprisingly.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But I actually think goaltending will be this team’s downfall and keep them out of the playoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There’s no way that James Reimer repeats in net what he did last season. And all these 9<sup>th</sup>, 10<sup>th</sup>, 11<sup>th</sup> place finishes for this club are no good and something needs to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No playoffs this year should mean no more Brian Burke and Ron Wilson.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> 8. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tampa Bay Lightning-<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>I think this team takes a step back. Defense wins championships and this team has none of it. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Dwayne Roloson is a fossil in the net, and while this team probably should have upgraded their goaltending, they didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yes, he was awesome in the playoffs, but are we supposed to believe a 42- year old goaltender can do it again?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">7.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> Pittsburgh Penguins- </b>Remember, this team was one of the best in the league last year without Crosby and Malkin for almost half the year. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And then they collapsed in the playoffs. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I believe the real Penguins are the squad that blew a 3-1 lead to the Lightning in last year’s playoffs and not the team that thrived in the regular season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have always said that Marc-Andre Fleury is an average goaltender and he continues to prove me right. Malkin’s probably going to get injured at some point again and with the uncertainty of Crosby, this team is destined for another first-round playoff exit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Montreal Canadiens-<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>Exciting times for a team who has one of the best goaltenders in the league (Carey Price) and one of the best young defencemen in the league (P.K Subban).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite adding Erik Cole and getting back a healthy Max Pacioretty, size is still a bit of an issue on this team.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Boston Bruins- </b>Maybe one of the luckiest Stanley Cup wins of all-time?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well considering they were the only team to win THREE Game 7’s in one playoff year, then I think you could argue that for sure. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Goalie Tim Thomas will drop off a little this year. He certainly can’t get any better than last year. Still a very deep team and a very physical team as well.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New York Rangers- </b>They landed Brad Richards, the prize of the free-agent market, and if Marian Gaborik can finally get going this year, this team is going to score a ton of goals.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Lots of young talent too with guys like Brandon Dubinsky, Derek Stepan, Ryan Callahan adding what should be 20-goal seasons this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the main reason I have them so high is because of King Henrik Lundqvist, one of the top 5 goalies in the game.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Buffalo Sabres- </b>Okay Buffalo.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In my mind, you have the best goaltender in the league (Ryan Miller).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You’re getting a healthy Derek Roy back.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You added key pieces in Ville Leino and Christian Ehrhoff.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You have one of the deepest forward crops in the league.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You should be good enough to win the Northeast Division.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Washington Capitals- </b>Like him or hate him, Alex Ovechkin is bouncing back after having a medicore year by his standards last year. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And the Caps better hope Mike Green bounces back in a big way after last year’s debacle.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The signing of goaltender Tomas Vokoun is absolutely vital for this team who has long suffered with goaltending issues. This might be the last kick at the can for the core of Backstrom, Ovechkin, and Semin because if they end up with anything less than a trip to the conference final, someone’s leaving town.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1-<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia Flyers- </b>When you heard that this team got rid of Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on the same day, I’m sure the common thought was that the Flyers were heading for a rough year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But then we started to hear what they got back in those trades.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, Brayden Schenn. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Great acqusitions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And then they went out and brought back Jaromir Jagr to the NHL. And it’s clear that after watching him at the World Championships in the spring, he’s still got it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But most importantly, the goaltending circus that haunted this team a year ago will be no more.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ilya Bryzgalov.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Signed and sealed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This team finally has their goalie. 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mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">15. Phoenix Coyotes- </b>If this team makes the playoffs again, I’ll never watch hockey again. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are just so bad on paper. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The last two years, I have picked this team to be last in the West, and the last two years, they have made the playoffs. But I’m crediting those playoff berths to goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, who has since left the Coyotes and has been replaced by…….Mike Smith.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Gulp. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And when your best forwards are Shane Doan and Ray Whitney, and your leading scorer is a defenseman (Keith Yandle), you’re probably going to be in for a long year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">14. Colorado Avalanche- </b>Another team that has a few stars at the top (Duchene, Stastny) but then nobody to help them out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maybe in a few years we can take this team seriously if their draft picks pan out. But for now, it’s going to be another rough year in Denver.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">13. Minnesota Wild- </b>We’ll see what Dany Heatley can do but this team’s weakness year in and year out is scoring and they were in the playoff race last year until the last few weeks but couldn’t keep pace with other teams.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Goaltender Niklas Backstrom is in for a tough year, I believe.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And what were the Wild thinking getting rid of Brent Burns? </p> <p class="MsoNormal">12. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Nashville Predators- </b>The fun and games are over in Nashville.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You finally made it to the second round of the playoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So now it’s time to just take a step back and stay out of the playoffs so we don’t have to watch your boring team play anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>You think the Preds are happy having to pay Shea Weber $7.5 million a year?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are some problems internally with this franchise and when Sergei Kostitsyn is your leading scorer, that’s not going to help matters.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">11.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Edmonton Oilers- </b>This team has so much young talent that they had to start getting rid of some of it in the offseason (Cogliano traded).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bringing in veteran Ryan Smyth is a good thing to help the young guys (are you listening, Winnipeg?) and the Oilers are going to be exciting to watch this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But unfortunately they have the worst goaltending situation the league.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I can guarantee you that Nikolai Khabibulin didn’t get any better sitting in a jail cell.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">10. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Columbus Blue Jackets-</b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This team is one year away from making the playoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski are great pick-ups and it’s a team that should have no problem scoring with guys like Nash, Umberger, Vermette.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the West is just too strong for the Jackets to make that next step.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">9. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Calgary Flames- </b>Just when you thought they were headed for the basement, the Flames almost made the playoffs last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It appears that Jarome Iginla still has a few big years left in him and if this team can get guys like Olli Jokinen, Alex Tanguay and Brendan Morrison to unexpectedly continue producing, then they should contend for a playoff spot again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">8. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas Stars- </b>Everyone thinks they’re done because Brad Richards is gone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the Stars have so many underrated guys on their team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jamie Benn, Loui Eriksson, Mike Ribiero, Brendan Morrow. All guys that put up numbers but are never talked about.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As long as Kari Lehtonen plays well in net, this team should be back in the playoffs after a few years of missing out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Anaheim Ducks- </b>Basically four guys got all this teams points last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Getzlaf, Perry, Selanne and Visnovsky.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Need more from the rest of the team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But even if that doesn’t happen, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>a team with superstars like Getzlaf and Perry should make the playoffs anyways.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">6. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit Red Wings- </b>I think this team is slowly on the decline.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They’ve been unable to get far in the playoffs the last few years, and the age of this team is catching up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But this team still has enough top-notch talent up front to get them a spot in the playoffs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">St. Louis Blues-<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My surprise team of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They made maybe the best trade of the year last season going out and getting Chris Stewart and Kevin Shattenkirk from the Avalanche, guys who are going to have huge years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Throw in some more young guys (Backes, Perron, Berglund, Steen, Oshie) with some prdocutive veterans (McDonald, Arnott) and we have ourselves a dangerous team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Los Angeles Kings</b>-<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone thinks this is the year the Kings make the next step.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I agree, sort of.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They’ve been 6<sup>th</sup> and 7<sup>th</sup> the last two years, and the acquisition of Mike Richards should be enough to make this a team a top four-team in the West and a playoff series win. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But I think there’s a lot of ego on this team that may cost them in the end . We all know the Doughty situation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mike Richards was traded from Philly because he thought he was better than the rest of the Flyers by breaking the no-liquor policy the team had.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And Jonathan Quick, prove to me that you can win big games before I actually pick your team to go further than the second round.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">3. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Vancouver Canucks-<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think they had their best chance last year and they blew it big-time and I don’t see them ever getting that close again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But they’re still a great team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Sedins and Luongo are great regular-season players.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the Finals catastrophe last year is still going to linger with this team and I don’t see them going past the second round.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">2. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Chicago Blackhawks- </b>A year after winning the Cup, they were a Dallas Stars win away from missing the playoffs last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They’re going to be back with a venegeance.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jonathan Toews is getting better every year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They probably should have beaten the Canucks in the playoffs last year but it didn’t turn out that way in the end and after the Stanley Cup hangover last year,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the Hawks will be dangerous once again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">1.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Jose Sharks- </b>This is their year to win the West.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski headline a talented group of forwards that got great production from rookie Logan Couture last year and get even better this year with the addition of Martin Havlat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They also got better on the blueline by picking up Brent Burns.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I think we can all agree that Antii Niemi is actually a good goaltender.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They’ve gone far in the playoffs the last two years and this year is when they take that final step.</p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stanley Cup Playoffs</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">East</span><br /><br />Philadelphia over Tampa Bay<br />Washington over Pittsburgh<br />Buffalo over Montreal<br />NY Rangers over Boston<br /><br />Philadelphia over NY Rangers<br />Washington over Buffalo<br /><br />Philadelphia over Washington<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">West</span><br /><br />San Jose over Dallas<br />Chicago over Anaheim<br />Vancouver over Detroit<br />Los Angeles over St. Louis<br /><br />San Jose over Los Angeles<br />Chicago over Vancouver<br /><br />San Jose over Chicago<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stanley Cup Final<br /><br /></span><span><span><span><span><span>Philadelphia Flyers over San Jose Sharks</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-30288370945399151512011-09-15T13:38:00.004-05:002011-09-16T12:39:51.114-05:00Week 2 NFL Picks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> 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10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Seattle (0-1) @ Pittsburgh (0-1)<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Remember how bad Super Bowl XL was between these two teams five years ago? Well this game will be worse. Seattle might be the worst team in the league and the Pittsburgh Criminals are not a happy bunch after last week's fiasco in Baltimore.<br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Pittsburgh 30<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle <span style="mso-tab-count:1"></span>14</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Oakland (1-0) @ Buffalo (1-0)<br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yep, one of these sad-sack franchises is gonna start the season 2-0. And despite how flawless the Bills looked against the Chiefs last week, I'm not ready to anoint this team as a sleeper just yet. Darren McFadden should run wild against the Bills. And by the way, is there a better punter-kicker duo in football than Shane Lechler + Sebastian Janikowski of the Raiders?</span><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Oakland<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27 <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Buffalo <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>17 </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Arizona (1-0) @ Washington (1-0)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">See the paragraph above: (One of these sad-sack franchises will start the season 2-0). The burning question in this game is if Redskins RB Tim Hightower will make the Cardinals regret cutting him in the off-season. But seriously, when has Tim Hightower made anybody regret anything? There's a reason the Cardinals kept Beanie Wells over Hightower. And </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">not many people are buying into Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb even though he had a solid performance against Carolina last week. The Cards are back, baby.</span><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Arizona 23 <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Washington 19</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tampa Bay (0-1) @ Minnesota (0-1)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><span><span>Just when the Vikings thought they had their problems at quarterback figured out, Donovan McNabb throws for 39 yards last week...Time to panic...Well it would be time to panic for most teams. But most teams don't have a running back like Adrian Peterson. This has all the makings of a huge day for Peterson at the dome in Minnesota. And for the last time...the Bucs are not for real.</span></span><br /></span> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Minnesota<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>26<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Tampa Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>20</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span>Jacksonville (1-0) @ NY Jets (1-0)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Jets are officially the luckiest team in football. They've won so many squeakers over the last two years and in a game they had no business winning on Sunday against the Cowboys, they escaped w</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ith a victory. It doesn't matter if the team they're playing is mediocre (eg. Jacksonville)..the Jets always seem to win by a tight margin. Expect the Jags to keep it somewhat close.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">NY Jets<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Jacksonville<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicago (1-0) @ New Orleans (0-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm a little scared that the Bears are actually a good team once again even though I thought the complete opposite before the season. But the Saints at home...in the dome....a must-win game to avoid dropping to 0-2...Jay Cutler trying to run his offense with 70,000 people screaming at him..</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">New Orleans 29<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span> Chicago<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Green Bay (1-0) @ Carolina (0-1)</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You never would have known that the Panthers actually LOST their opening week game after all this week's talk of Cam Newton's outstanding performance in his first game. Newton's good..but he's a long way from becoming Aaron Rodgers, who threw three touchdown passes on the Packers first three drives against the Saints.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Green Bay<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>34<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baltimore (1-0) @ Tennessee (0-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Titans looked like garbage last week. Chris Johnson resembled a 3rd string running back on a high school football team. Matt Hasselbeck looked clueless. Not a good sign as they go up against a Ravens D which was frightening against the Steelers last week. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Baltimore<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Tennessee<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kansas City (0-1) @ Detroit (1-0)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Even though I hate them, there's no way the Chiefs are as bad as their performance against Buffalo. Now they run into a Lions team whose bandwagon is so big right now that the wagon is about to tip over and dump everyone off.. Not yet though..</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span> </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Detroit<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>28<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Kansas City<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>27</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cleveland (0-1) @ Indianapolis (0-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kerry Collins was bad last week. He almost looked like a quarterback who had been retired but was brought out of retirement right before the season started....Oh that's right, he was. Meanwhile, the Browns who might have been the most disappointing team of Week 1 after laying an egg against the Bengals, is somehow favoured in this game on the road. These are still the Indianapolis Colts everybody..and you know what...these are still the Cleveland Browns..</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Indianapolis<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>30<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Cleveland 7</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dallas (0-1) @ San Francisco (1-0)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">The Cowboys looked really good for 45 minutes last week before their 4th quarter meltdown against the Jets. Fortunately for Tony Romo and company, it's virtually impossible to melt down against a team as bad as the 49ers. </p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Dallas 33<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>San Francisco <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>17</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Cincinnati (1-0) @ Denver (0-1)<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I'm just starting to realize that a lot of these Week 2 matchups are awful.<br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Denver<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Cincinnati<span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>19</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">San Diego (1-0) @ New England (1-0)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Wow, a good game finally. Tom Brady's stock is at an all-time high right now after his performance against Miami. Everyone in the media can't stop talking about the Patriots and Brady. Well last time I checked, Philip Rivers is nearly as good as Brady, the Chargers have better receivers, a better tight end, and a better defense. </span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">San Diego 24<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>New England <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>23</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Houston (1-0) @ Miami (0-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Texans get starting RB and last year's leading rusher Arian Foster back. Look out.</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Houston 39<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Miami<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>20</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Philadelphia (1-0) @ Atlanta (0-1)</p><p class="MsoNormal">What's more likely? A) Michael Vick runs for 2 touchdowns and leads his current team to a victory over his former team or B) Michael Vick runs for his life after the dogs he used to dogfight are let loose after him.<br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'll say A..</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Philadelphia 27<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Atlanta<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21</p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">St. Louis (0-1) @ NY Giants (0-1)</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Why does Monday Night Football, one of the longest traditions in football television history, always have the one of the worst games of the week?</span><br /></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">NY Giants<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24 <span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>St. Louis<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>10</p><br />Last Week: 8-8<br /> Season: 8-8Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-77887307676858273372011-09-08T14:38:00.003-05:002011-09-08T14:44:06.071-05:00Week 1 NFL Picks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> 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mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans @ Green Bay</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The defending Super Bowl Champion has opened the season at home on Thursday Night every year since 2004.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The home team’s record in those games?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>7-0.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Going back even further, the last time a defending Super Bowl Champion has lost their opening game was in 1999 when the Denver Broncos (playing their first game without recently-retired QB John Elway) lost to the Miami Dolphins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The New Orleans Saints are one of the top three teams in the NFC and will have as good a shot at ending the streak mentioned above.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But this is a Packers team who is better than the squad that walked out of Cowboys Stadium with the Super Bowl in February.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If this team stays healthy, it’s going to be hard for anybody to beat them</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Green Bay 31 New Orleans 26</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Atlanta @ Chicago</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After Bears QB Jay Cutler wimped out of last year’s NFC Championship game, it’s really tough to believe that he can help win the Bears a second consecutive NFC North title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m almost thinking we’re going to see the 2009 Jay Cutler this year. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That was the Cutler who threw 26 interceptions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s not an easy start as they play an Atlanta Falcons team who is still stinging from that meltdown against Green Bay in last year’s postseason.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Look for Matt Ryan to tear apart the Bears secondary in this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Atlanta 33 Chicago 18</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Indianapolis @ Houston</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Colts QB Peyton Manning has been ruled out of this one, and it’s impossible for the Colts to win.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Or is it….</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kerry Collins is not a bad quarterback at all.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He started a few games for the Titans last year and actually beat the Texans in one of those games.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And the Colts have so many great receivers that it should be no trouble for Collins to find them on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is a Texans team that has collapsed the last few years under high expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now, EVERYBODY is picking them to win the AFC South.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As long as Gary Kubiak is head coach in Houston, this team is going to fail to live up to the hype.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Don’t get me wrong, I think the Texans are a good football team and I believe they’ll make the playoffs as a wildcard.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But they’re not ready to win a division title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Now they did beat the Colts with Peyton Manning in Week 1 of the 2010 season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But unlike last year’s game, they are expected to win this year’s matchup and quite handily.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">This might be the biggest game in Houston Texans history.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Feel confident picking this Texans team?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I sure don’t.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Indianapolis 24 Houston 23</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Buffalo @ Kansas City</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Chiefs begin the season by sticking to the same formula that won them an AFC West title last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Beating up on horrible teams. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Kansas City 29<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Buffalo 13</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee @ Jacksonville</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before Jacksonville released their QB David Garrard on Tuesday, I thought this team was going to win 5 or 6 games anyways.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now they cut Garrard and Luke McCown will start at QB on Sunday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let me repeat that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Luke McCown will start at QB on Sunday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Tennessee<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Jacksonville 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cincinnati @ Cleveland</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This might be the worst game of Week 1.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Don’t see these teams doing anything this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But Browns QB Colt McCoy gets the edge over Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Cleveland<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>17<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Cincinnati<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia @ St. Louis</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This decade’s version of the Greatest Show on Turf heads to the place where the former Greatest Show on Turf used to play.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s actually seemed like the hype for this Eagles team has died down in the last few weeks. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Which is weird because I STILL BELIEVE THE HYPE!!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>This team is scary good.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So why are all the experts picking the Rams to be a popular upset pick in Week 1??<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is a 7-9 team from last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Eagles roll.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Philadelphia 36<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>St. Louis 14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh @ Baltimore</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s the biggest game of the year in the NFC North.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I believe the winner of this game will win the division.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This game is enormous for both teams, but especially for the Ravens, who cannot afford to lose to their rivals at home in the first week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Baltimore 20<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pittsburgh 19</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit @ Tampa Bay</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Bucs were in great shape to make the playoffs last year heading into a Week 15 matchup where they hosted the Detroit Lions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">A Detroit Lions team who had lost on the road 26 consecutive times!<span> </span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">All the Bucs had to do was win and they would basically be stamping their ticket to the postseason.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So the Bucs went out and lost to the Lions.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Somebody tell me why everyone thinks the Bucs are gonna be good this year?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Detroit 27<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Tampa Bay 19</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Minnesota @ San Diego</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Philip Rivers quest for 5000 yards begins Sunday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Diego 31<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Minnesota<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Giants @ Washington</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another popular upset pick by the experts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They’re saying that the Skins, led by QB Rex Grossman, are going to knock off the Giants.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Giants went 2-0 against the Skins last year, outscoring them 48-21. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">NY Giants 28<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Washington<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>13</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina @ Arizona</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now here’s a real upset pick.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Panthers rookie QB Cam Newton returns to the stadium where he won a National Championship with Auburn last year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Carolina<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Arizona<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>22</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Seattle @ San Francisco</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I love everything about NFL Sundays except for the 3:15 NFC West games. I see alot of huge gains by Frank Gore in this one<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">San Francisco 20<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Seattle<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>14</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas @ NY Jets</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jets coach Rex Ryan got the best of his brother Rob last year, when Rob was the defensive co-ordinator in Cleveland.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now Rob has moved on to the same position in Dallas.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Time for Rob’s Revenge.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Dallas 24<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>NY Jets<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England @ Miami</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tom Brady vs. Chad Henne.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">New England 40<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Miami 17</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><br /></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oakland @ Denver</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is the latest game of the season as it will kick-off at 9:15 pm CT and end somewhere around 12:30 am.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Expect 75% of viewers to doze off by 11:00 pm.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oakland 27<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Denver<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>21</b></p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-86429720155981097882011-08-30T17:33:00.003-05:002011-08-30T17:36:33.311-05:00NFL Preview 2011<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-CA</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> 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mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]-->Everyone take a big sigh of relief. <p class="MsoNormal">That’s because the NFL is back and he won’t have to worry about wondering what life is like without football.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As early as mid-July, I was worried that this blog post was going to be a “Top 10 ways to survive the NFL Lockout”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But thankfully, it is an NFL Preview blog. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here is what I think will go down in the 2011 NFL season.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">AFC EAST</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New England</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New York Jets</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Miami</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Buffalo</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">It didn’t take long for Jets coach Rex Ryan to make another bold guarantee after his team lost to the Steelers in last year’s AFC Championship game.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>About a month after the team’s loss, he came out and said “"I believe this is the year we're going to win the Super Bowl” at the Scouting Combine. </p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The fact is that he’s said this same statement for a couple years now, and the Jets have been not been able to make it that far.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Who does this guy think he is?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Hey, Rex, take a good long look in the mirror and ask yourself why your team went down 24-0 in the first half of that game against the Steelers?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Maybe it was your fault for not having your team ready to play that game? </p><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>The Jets will never win a Super Bowl with Rex as their coach, and will never win one with that anemic offence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I don’t even think they’ll be in the playoffs this year. <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The Patriots do not have an anemic offence and are poised to replicate that 14-2 regular season of last year except with a better finish (lost to the Jets in the playoffs).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Remember, Tom Brady was the first player to unanimously win the MVP award last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The big question is if Chad OchoCinco and Albert Haynesworth can regain their old form as they start over in a Patriots uniform.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Patriots have a history of bringing in guys who looked like they were done, only to see them turn in superior seasons (Corey Dillon, Randy Moss). <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Expect OchoCinco and Haynesworth to have solid seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Pats will win the AFC East. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Key game: NY Jets @ New England October 5<sup>th</sup>- </b>The Jets walked into Foxboro last January and shocked the 14-2 Patriots.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Don’t expect Bill Belichick’s crew to repeat that same embarrassing performance. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">AFC NORTH<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Baltimore</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Pittsburgh (Wildcard)</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cleveland</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Cincinnati</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">The Pittsburgh Steelers are the NFL’s version of a soap opera.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First, Hines Ward gets caught drinking and driving in the offseason.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Not smiling so much anymore, are you Hines? Then James Harrison goes on a rant and rips everybody from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, to his own QB, Ben Roethlisberger for playing a bad Super Bowl game last year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And after Harrison ripped the commissioner of the NFL, it seems the league punished the Steelers by giving them a pretty hard start to the season (@ Baltimore, vs Seattle, @ Indianapolis, @ Houston).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Steelers could easily be 1-3 after the first quarter of the season.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And you can bet there are still some issues in the Steelers room, even though they’ll say that everything is fine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">With the Steelers soap opera potentially having a crippling effect on their season, it’s time for the Baltimore Ravens to step up.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We might be seeing one of the final times that this defence can be one of the most feared in the league with guys like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed getting up there in the age department.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Ravens should have beaten the Steelers in last year’s playoffs, building a 21-7 lead in the first half before letting it slip away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And as much as I don’t trust Joe Flacco in a big game, I’ll give the Ravens the division, with the Steelers snagging a wildcard berth. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Key Game: Pittsburgh @ Baltimore- September 11<sup>th</sup>- </b>Basically, whoever wins this game wins the division.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Can you imagine losing to your division rival in the very first week of the season?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How do you bounce back from something like that?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Edge to the Ravens here because it’s in Baltimore. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">AFC SOUTH</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Indianapolis</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Houston (Wildcard)</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tennessee</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Jacksonville</b></p>Peyton Manning is breaking down and we can all write off the Colts, right? Not so fast.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>First of all, Manning said on national television that his goal is to play Week 1 of the season, meaning his neck surgery might not be as bad as we all thought.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Second, when Manning plays, the Colts do well.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Even last year, when Manning basically had guys off the street posing as his receivers,
<br />the Colts won the division title.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m not worried about the Colts like a lot of people are.
<br />
<br />And make no mistake about it;<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the Houston Texans are a good football team.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have them as the other wildcard in the AFC.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But I don’t know if they can overtake the Colts yet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just getting to the playoffs would be a huge accomplishment for this team, especially considering all the hype around this team in the last few years, only to see one disappointing finish after another.<span style="mso-tab-count:1">
<br />
<br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Key Game:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Houston @ Indianapolis<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>December 22nd- </b>The Texans have never beaten the Colts in Indianapolis.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This game might be for the division title, and for the Texans to prove they are for real they have to win at Lucas Oil Stadium. <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:18.0pt"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">AFC WEST</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Diego</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Kansas City</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Oakland</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Denver</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The San Diego Chargers will not get off to another horrific start this year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s been the same old story the last few years as the Bolts start 1-3, or 2-4, or in last year’s case 2-5, before they battle back and have an outstanding second half of the season and win the division.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Last year, even though they fought back and finished with a 9-7 record, it wasn’t enough to catch Kansas City.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I would not be shocked if this team comes out and just destroys the opposition in their first 5 games, (vs. Minnesota, @ New England, vs. Kansas City, vs. Miami, @ Denver).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s a really easy schedule, minus the visit to Foxboro.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And a really dangerous offence, led by a leading candidate for MVP this year, Philip Rivers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Key game- Kansas City @ San Diego- September 25<sup>th</sup> – </b>The Chiefs went into San Diego last year and lost 31-0.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Chargers will hammer the Chiefs yet again and prove they are the class of the division. </p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>NFC EAST<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Philadelphia</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Dallas (Wildcard)</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NY Giants</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Washington</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:18.0pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The common opinion among many was after the Eagles spending spree in the offseason, that they’re the odds-on Super Bowl favourite.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wouldn’t go that far, but they are clearly the team to beat in the NFC East.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There are going to be some hard-fought games in this division, and I think the Cowboys, with new defensive co-ordinator Rob Ryan, are a team who will have a monster bounce-back year and snap up a wildcard berth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And by the way, Giants QB Eli Manning has to stop throwing 20 picks a year if he wants to be considered an elite NFL quarterback.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That will be tough against the Eagles and Cowboys secondary.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Key game- Philadelphia @ NY Giants<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>November 20<sup>th</sup>-<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></b>The scene of last year’s epic Eagles comeback (trailed 31-10 with 8 minutes left and won 38-31 in regulation) capped off by a last-play DeSean Jackson punt return TD.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Giants will be ready for this one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NFC NORTH</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Green Bay</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Detroit</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Minnesota</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Chicago</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The defending Super Bowl champions won last year with a whole bunch of guys on IR.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This year, they’ve got everyone back healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Look out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Aaron Rodgers has to be the pre-season favourite for the MVP.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The surprise team might be the Detroit Lions who will be above .500 if they can keep everyone healthy, including the NFL’s equivalent of Buck Pierce, Lions QB Matthew Stafford.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think the Lions will just fall short of the playoffs, but 6 teams make it in the NFC, and I think the Lions will be a very close 7<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(P.S.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I didn’t mention the Bears because I think Jay Cutler bombs hard this year) </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Key Game:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Green Bay @ Detroit- November 24<sup>th</sup>- </b>When’s the last time a Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit actually meant something to the home town team?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It just might this year, with the Lions expected to be a good team and the defending champs coming to town. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">
<br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NFC SOUTH</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">New Orleans</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Atlanta (Wildcard)</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Carolina</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Tampa Bay</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Falcons showed us who they really were last year when the Packers went into Atlanta and destroyed them in the playoffs, 48-21.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’m not saying Atlanta is a bad team, but I don’t think they are a Super Bowl contender just yet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They’ll snap up a wildcard berth.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The New Orleans Saints are looking to bounce back after a comical loss to the Seattle Seahawks in last year’s playoffs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Saints were still 11-5 last year and should have that many wins, if not more, this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Key game- Atlanta @ New Orleans- December 26<sup>th</sup>- </b>This Boxing Day battle will be anything but a defensive slugfest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Still, it might determine the winner of the division.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NFC WEST</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Arizona</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">San Francisco</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">St. Louis</b></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo8"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Seattle</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:18.0pt">One thing I know for sure about this horrid division, the winner will not be under .500 like last year’s division champion 7-9 Seattle Seahawks.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Cardinals have a decent QB again in Kevin Kolb, and it should be the determining factor in winning this division over three other mediocre teams.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Key game- Arizona @ San Francisco- November 20<sup>th</sup>- </b>Whatever….</p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">AFC Championship: San Diego over New England</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NFC Championship: Green Bay over Philadelphia</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Super Bowl XLVI- Green Bay over San Diego</b></p>
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mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">With Winnipeg’s annual rock festival, Rock on the Range taking place tomorrow, I thought it would be fitting to introduce something I’ve wanted to write about for quite some time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">MY dream music festival, appropriately titled HirschStock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">For this festival, I have selected 10 rock bands that I would want at my festival, but also, which version of that band I would want to perform.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">(Example for all you non-rockers…would you rather have 2000 Britney Spears or 2011 Britney Spears performing? Exactly.)<span style="">
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I want this to be the best of the best.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">And maybe with the way technology is moving these days, we’ll be <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>able to bring some of these rockers back from the dead and straight to Hirschstock, which would be in Winnipeg, of course.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s look at the Hirschstock lineup in order from the opening band to the headliner:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">10.<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The Trews<span style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </span>(2011)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Maybe this is a bit of an overreaction, considering it was the last concert that I attended, but the band from Antigonish put on an awesome show at SuperSpike at Maple Grove Rugby Park.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Might have been the best 20 bucks I have ever spent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have always been a HUGE supporter of Canadian rock and in my opinion, the Trews are, right now, the best rock band in the country and have many more great albums down the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">9.<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>The Doors (1970)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">No need to get into how crazy lead singer Jim Morrison was during the band’s heyday, because we've all heard and seen it for ourselves. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But I’ve said it before, when I fork out money to watch a concert, I want to see a damn good show. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jim Morrison made sure to do that every time he went up on stage. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As long he holds off on the indecent exposure, this would be an awesome band to play HirschStock.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">8.<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Pink Floyd (1980)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It’s a rare sight when Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters and guitarist David Gilmour are together on the same stage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s happened only a handful of times in the last 25 years, and despite a lot of bands burying the hatchet and reuniting for cross-country tours, Pink Floyd is one band who have never really thought about doing that. Hirschstock would have the 1980 version of this band (right after "The Wall" was released) when they still got along enough that they could actually play a show together.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">7. Foo Fighters (2011)</b> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I believe the Foo Fighters are the best rock band in their prime right now and their newest album “Wasting Light” disproved the theory that bands get worse with age.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Coming off easily one of their top three albums, this band is taking over the rock world, led by their superior front man Dave Grohl.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Just one problem, WHY WON’T THEY COME TO WINNIPEG THIS YEAR? <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>Hirschstock would solve that.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">6. The Beatles (1969)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Those who know me are aware that I’m not the biggest Beatles fan. But let’s make something perfectly clear here.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I dislike the Beatles stuff pre-1967 (“I Want to Hold Your Hand, “She Loves You”) but am actually a big fan of albums post-1967 such as “Sgt Pepper” and “Abbey Road”. And what would make this performance at Hirschstock even more special?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Well as most people know, they never performed live after 1966 (except on a roof that one time), which would make Hirschstock the site of history.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5.</span><span style="mso-tab-count:1"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Tragically Hip (1998)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In my opinion, 1998’s ”Phantom Power” was their last superior album. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So imagine a setlist with those songs + songs from “Fully Completely”, “Day for Night”, and "Road Apples".<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"></span>I’m drooling as I write this.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And also, 1998 Gord Downie was a lot more rowdy than 2011 Gord Downie.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">4.<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Rush (2004)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Many hardcore Rush fans would want to see this band in their late 70’s-early 80’s, but after watching the 2004 DVD "R30", I was left in awe at how heavy Rush sounded. Yes Rush, the same band whose fan base is sterotypically linked to geeks and nerds. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Their last few albums have them going back to their hard rock style that helped them get noticed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And really, how much synthesizer do I want at my festival?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">3.<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Metallica (1999)</b></p>Many devoted Metallica fans would disagree and would rather see a show with Cliff Burton as their bassist.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But there was nothing wrong with Jason Newsted who played bass for the band from 1986-2001.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My selection is also based on the fact that James Hetfield’s voice from 1996-rehab(2001) was the best it’s ever been (see the 1999 "S&M" DVD). 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mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-fareast-language:EN-US;} </style> <![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="mso-bidi- mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;font-family:Calibri;" ><span style="mso-list:Ignore">
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<br />2. </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Led Zeppelin (1973)</b> <p class="MsoNormal">They’re the greatest rock band ever, no questions asked.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But now the bigger debate is when I would want to see them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Give me 1973, right after they released Houses of the Holy, my favourite Zeppelin album.
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<br />1. </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">The Who (1971)</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Roger Daltrey. Pete Townsend. John Entwistle. Keith Moon. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">This band was an absolute gongshow (a good gongshow) on stage, from explosions, to guitar smashing, to microphone swinging, to windmills. And of course, unreal musicianship.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don’t think I could ask for anyone else to headline HirschStock.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p>
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<br /></b>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-74623377955712728462011-08-11T11:11:00.003-05:002011-08-11T11:25:49.067-05:00Take it Easy Swaggerville<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gZr2zhLQlKOm8Hbzgb4xmIoe9FHbdjsNJapanWH0525GsfJK_aY5zXs4I2_S8yG4D5r5pJMiEnF4D8BPurjIZQJTwfjB5FsLoAeEAmuRFjx5he49-Vt19OTqY5y42OMi3D7phC7bZSae/s1600/Swaggerville.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gZr2zhLQlKOm8Hbzgb4xmIoe9FHbdjsNJapanWH0525GsfJK_aY5zXs4I2_S8yG4D5r5pJMiEnF4D8BPurjIZQJTwfjB5FsLoAeEAmuRFjx5he49-Vt19OTqY5y42OMi3D7phC7bZSae/s200/Swaggerville.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639632720826263138" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Should a CFL team with a 16-26 record over the last three years be making nicknames for their defence and selling $25 t-shirts with that nickname on it?
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<br />That’s the question I’ve been asking myself for the last couple of days.
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<br />Yes, just when it looked the Bombers would be pushed aside on the local sports scene this summer due to the return of the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeggers and Manitobans have caught a case of Swaggerville fever after their beloved Blue Bombers have gotten off to a scorching 5-1 start.
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<br />And a huge reason for the surprising start has been because of the superb play of the defence, who are calling themselves “Swaggerville”.
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<br />It’s an age-old tradition in sports. Superior defences, and lethal offences, are given nicknames by the media, the fans, or in the Bombers case, themselves.
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<br />For example:
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<br />The Big Blue Wrecking Crew: </b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A name that might have worked for the current Bombers squad, the New York Giants defence of the 1980s was given this name.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Led by Lawrence Taylor, the 3-4 defence is still considered one of the greatest of all time after they won two Super Bowl Championships in five years. <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">The Purple People Eaters- </b>Just an awesome nickname given to the 1970s Minnesota Vikings, who made 4 Super Bowls on the strength of their defensive unit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">The Steel Curtain- </b>Maybe the most notable defensive nickname ever.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers defence was so deadly that in 1978, the NFL made rule changes specifically for offences to help contain “The Steel Curtain”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Steelers won 4 Super Bowls in the 1970s and four members from that defence, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Joe Greene, and Mel Blount, are in the Hall of Fame.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">Swaggerville- </b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>16-26 record from 2009-2011.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>No playoff appearances.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yet to beat the Alouettes and the Stampeders, considered the class of the CFL.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now which one of those doesn’t belong in that list. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Listen, let’s give the Bombers some credit first.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The team has won more games (5) than they did all of last year (4) and when Buck Pierce and the offense is nowhere to be found, the defence holds down the fort and has been the main reason for most of the Bombers wins this year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But I have a few issues with this whole “Swaggerville” thing. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first issue being the list of nicknames that we just went through.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each of those three defences, along with many others not named here (Doomsday Defense, Orange Crush, Monsters of the Midway) had success for a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">considerable</b> period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Each of those teams went to Super Bowls and most of them won one and even multiple championships.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">But to give your defence a nickname after <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">6 </b>games?!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And even worse, it was almost always the media who gave those defences their nicknames.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But the Bombers have given this moniker to themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Can you say cocky?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Which leads me to my next issue.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s always good to be confident and a little bit cocky.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Confidence is a huge part of how football teams and any team in any sport succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But to go as public as the Bombers have had with this nickname is something that they may regret down the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">BC Lions DE Brent Johnson was the first to speak out on Swaggerville saying in an interview on Vancouver radio, “I think they should sell some t-shirts while they can”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And I can guarantee you that Brent Johnson is not the only player around the CFL who is not a fan of Swaggerville.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A few years back, Brent Johnson was part of a BC Lions defence that was easily the most dominant in the league.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Lions could have come up with a nickname of some sort for their ferocious defence.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But they let their playing do the talking and from 2004-2008, the team won 4 Western Division titles, and made 2 Grey Cups, winning in 2006. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Winnipeg Blue Bombers on the other hand, have been dysfunctional<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>over the last couple of years.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yet the defence has no problem talking trash to the rest of the CFL.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What the Bombers have done here is put a target on their backs.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now every time they play, the opposing team will probably be more motivated than they usually are.
<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">The opposing offence will be raring to go and ready to try and tear apart “Swaggerville”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">.
<br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And the opposing defences will want to prove that they are better than Swaggerville and will come out angrier than ever which, I hate to say it, might put Bombers QB Buck Pierce even more in the line of danger.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You can say all you want on how this nickname was made to pump up Bomber fans and Bomber players.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And it definitely has done that, but it has also pumped up the rest of the CFL, which might mean trouble for the Blue and Gold. Swaggerville has pretty much gone mainstream after the Bombers convincing win over the previously undefeated Edmonton Eskimos last Friday.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The rest of the league is now ready to welcome in Swaggerville.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And the first Swaggerville test comes Saturday night against Brent Johnson and the BC Lions. The Lions are 1-5 and you can bet the Bombers will be walking into Empire Field with a little swagger in their step, no matter how “humble” their coach seems to think they are.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Lions are coming off their first win of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>BC will be fired up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Lions are playing at home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>BC will be fired up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Arland Bruce III joins the Lions receiving corps.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>BC will be fired up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">All signs point to a Lions win on Saturday. (The Lions even opened as 1 point favourites) </p><p class="MsoNormal">If you’re a contender, and if you’re a superior defence, then when the odds are against you, you step up and play out of your minds.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In my opinion, this is the Bombers biggest test of the year to date because of the whole Swaggerville phenomenon taking off.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you want to give yourself nicknames, Bombers D, then you better shut down a Lions offence which looks like it could be lights-out for the rest of the year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are currently in the midst of the longest Grey Cup drought among current CFL teams.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It’s been 21 years since this team was crowned CFL champions.
<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And if this team wants to head back to the Grey Cup, taking place in Vancouver later this year, then Swaggerville might want to quit talking and just start playing football.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Or else this weekend’s trip to Vancouver will be their only trip to Vancouver this year. </p> Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-6388027374521495332011-06-20T11:03:00.004-05:002011-06-20T12:12:37.675-05:00ROR-ing to the Top<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1J_kZKF0yupwMb85UPJZr5o73Mr2Hs36o0IKV67tm-QYGm0nufgjALLpsuCYsObHpksteGNtE9tavI0iINpflgRkz20Z6fuF8eKSZ32fsros_25Q6C74szY8fPjDEj7e2ynwj1Ki46jw/s1600/rorymcillroy2006_630.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620348372109857346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1J_kZKF0yupwMb85UPJZr5o73Mr2Hs36o0IKV67tm-QYGm0nufgjALLpsuCYsObHpksteGNtE9tavI0iINpflgRkz20Z6fuF8eKSZ32fsros_25Q6C74szY8fPjDEj7e2ynwj1Ki46jw/s200/rorymcillroy2006_630.jpg" /></a>Many people will remember June 19, 2011 as the beginning of Rory McIlroy's superstar golfing career as he took home his first Major Championship, winning the US Open at Congressional Golf Course by 8 strokes, and also set a record by finishing the tournament at -16, the lowest that anyone has gone in a US Open.<br /><br />But had a few things gone his way in the last year, yesterday's so-called beginning to a career of greatness, might have actually been the finishing touch on a Rory McIlroy Grand Slam.<br /><br /><br /><strong>A Rare F</strong><strong>eat</strong><br /><br />Winning the Grand Slam consists of winning all four Major Championships in the same calendar year. The Masters, US Open, British Open, and the PGA Championship.<br /><br /><br />Now nobody has ever won all four in one year, but these four tournaments have not always been considered the four majors.<br /><br /><br />Bobby Jones won the US Open, British Open, US Amateur, and British Amateur in 1930 and that time, this was considered the Grand Slam. The amateur tournaments were considered majors in 1930. The first Masters Tournament was not played until 1934, and the PGA Championship was just another tournament, not yet recognized as a major.<br /><br />Six golfers have completed the "career" Grand Slam, which means they have won all four tournaments at some point in their career. Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Gene Sarazen, and Tiger Woods.<br /><br />Woods was the only golfer to come anywhere close to the Grand Slam when in the year 2000, he won the US Open, British Open, and PGA Championship. Three out of four ain't bad. So the next year, Tiger came to the 2001 Masters at Augusta National Golf Course and claimed the green jacket. Technically, this wasn't considered the official Grand Slam, since he hadn't won all four in one year. But the fact was that Woods held all four championships at one point. So people dubbed this as the "Tiger Slam".<br /><br /><strong>A McIlroy Slam?</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />We may never see a Grand Slam, or a "Tiger" Slam, again in golf. But what a lot of people don't realize is how close we were to a "Rory" Slam. And throw in the fact that he's 22 years old.<br /><br />Let's take a look at the last four majors and see how the Rory Slam almost came to be:<br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>2011 US Open</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />McIlroy leads from the beginning of the tournament on Thursday to the end of the tournament on Sunday, going wire-to-wire, and winning by a commanding 8 strokes. There was never any doubt he would win this one as he set numerous scoring records and put on one of the more dominating performances in Major Championship history.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-wISzsQNlG8?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-wISzsQNlG8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="325" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>2011 Masters</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />McIlroy leads after the first three rounds, and goes into Sunday at Augusta with a four shot lead. And even after a rough front nine, he still held a share of the lead heading into the back nine. But in one of the more shocking collapses in Masters history, McIlroy shot triple bogey-bogey-double bogey on the next three holes, and then drove his tee shot on 13 into the water. He ended the day shooting an 80, and finishing 10 shots back of the lead.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q_zxBqtCXWs?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q_zxBqtCXWs?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="325" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>2010 PGA Championship</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Everyone will remember this tournament for Dustin Johnson's fatal grounding of his club in a bunker, but many people may not remember the logjam at the top of the leaderboard in the final round. Seven players all held the lead at one point on Sunday, and McIlroy was one of those players. It came down to 18 where Rory needed to hole a 15-foot birdie putt to join Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson in a playoff, but McIlroy missed and ended up finishing the tournament tied for 3rd.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0nPIJf306v4?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0nPIJf306v4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="325" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong>2010 British Open</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />McIlroy explodes out of the gate, shooting a 9-under 63 to lead after the first round. But in Friday's second round, McIlroy was troubled by a strong wind at the St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland, and shot a disappointing 80. That was the end for McIlroy, but he quietly posted two solid rounds, a 69 and a 68, on the weekend, finishing the tournament tied for third place.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="325"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LhsBzokxVG8?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LhsBzokxVG8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="325" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />I know a lot of people hate resorting to "what-if's" but what if McIlroy had kept it steady at Augusta? What if the Irish youngster holes the very makeable putt on 18 at the PGA Championship? What if the Scotland winds hadn't destroyed McIlroy in the 2nd round at the British Open?<br /><br />Had the luck of the Irish been on Rory's side for those last three tournaments, we'd be talking today about one of the greatest accomplishments in sports history. But the way things are looking right now, there may be a few more brushes with a Rory Slam down the road.<br /><br />We've had a Tiger roaring for nearly a decade at the top of the golf world, but now we have ourselves a new "Ror" at the top. And we might have to get used to this roar for quite a while.Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-43156812444993200922011-06-16T13:52:00.007-05:002011-06-16T14:51:15.098-05:00Habs Fans: Don't Jump!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 351px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618905749461783378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukb9bCUoMOEZHgZAO-vh4YMlXlEn8qG0bJqh2_qbXsk1czhMe-nMwJ-Ie52jXbNlqBkOFwlLc2mxF8myQBFGiCjlr6BdgA2_WFczeu85qyyavWwL5LYjGTQwLG6MP0nhkCy1ZV7WajcOM/s200/617439-montreal-fans-riot-ice-hockey.jpg" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>You’re a Montreal Canadiens fan.<br /><br />One of your biggest rivals just won their first Stanley Cup in 39 years.<br /><br />You watched as Zdeno Chara, the same guy who tried to decapitate one of your best prospects, lift the Stanley Cup high above his head.<br /><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uyhQ508qYrA?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uyhQ508qYrA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br />It doesn’t get much worse than this.<br /><br />But if you think about it, there’s a bright side to the events of last night.<br /><br />Here are 10 reasons why you don’t need to be depressed if you’re a Montreal Canadiens fan.<br /><br /><strong>1. We were the only team to give the Boston Bruins serious grief this year. 13 times the two teams met during the regular season and the playoffs. The Montreal Canadiens won 7 of those meetings.</strong><br /><br />(Note: Watch Chara flip his lid after this goal)<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="349"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dJRu8F_dlco?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dJRu8F_dlco?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="349" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>2. The Stanley Cup Champions needed overtime of Game 7 to beat us.<br /></strong><br /><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RGL2B3UEcN4?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RGL2B3UEcN4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><strong>3. We continue to be the last Canadian team to have won the cup (1993)<br /><br /></strong><br /><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QcGsHvjMS00?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QcGsHvjMS00?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><strong>4. The Conn Smythe Trophy Winner got ragdolled by our goalie<br /><br /></strong><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BHXAGtWHQvw?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BHXAGtWHQvw?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>5. Tim Thomas is 37 years old, his days are numbered.<br /><br /></strong><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5FTOHK5f-gg?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5FTOHK5f-gg?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>6. Alex Burrows didn’t win a Stanley Cup.<br /><br /></strong><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SxmZWIX0278?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SxmZWIX0278?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>7. We only riot when we win.<br /><br /></strong><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PvlkAzsGHUw?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PvlkAzsGHUw?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>8. At least our captain isn’t a psychopath sasquatch.<br /><br /></strong><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/K_rZr2yA-Ss?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/K_rZr2yA-Ss?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>9. We get four easy wins next year against the Winnipeg Jets. (Ouch)<br /></strong><br /><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2SM-2KKH7P8?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2SM-2KKH7P8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>10. At least the Leafs didn’t win.<br /><br /></strong><br /><object width="360" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QkHdxhI7zIY?version=3&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QkHdxhI7zIY?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="360" height="300" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-36238304351573692842011-06-15T13:37:00.008-05:002011-06-15T14:13:10.681-05:00History Repeats Itself..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbrB2uVbmfmw-lpV2yavj7d-Ow9Wy4tRjAUobYtkNdIU3oa_2GWvTXuQgasiogsuS2aijN-F4IHz3UovHqaztKGvOCouVh8_h1Dxm0kaRUUmHwMsa-j58_texemCa92PTLrbGU7uIENkX/s1600/Stanley-cup.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618517801728070434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbrB2uVbmfmw-lpV2yavj7d-Ow9Wy4tRjAUobYtkNdIU3oa_2GWvTXuQgasiogsuS2aijN-F4IHz3UovHqaztKGvOCouVh8_h1Dxm0kaRUUmHwMsa-j58_texemCa92PTLrbGU7uIENkX/s200/Stanley-cup.gif" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />They say anything can happen in Game 7.<br /><br />They say it’s unpredictable.<br /><br />One lucky bounce could be the determining factor in who takes home Lord Stanley’s Cup.<br /><br />So if we’re led to believe that Game 7 is so unpredictable, why then have we seen a very similar pattern among the 15 other Stanley Cup Finals that have gone to a Game 7<br /><br />Let’s take a look at the previous Game 7’s in Stanley Cup Finals History: (Home team on right side):<br /><br />1942: Detroit 1, TORONTO 3<br />1945: TORONTO 2, Detroit 1<br />1950: NY Rangers 3, DETROIT 4 (OT)<br />1954: Montreal 1, DETROIT 2 (OT)<br />1955: Montreal 1, DETROIT 3<br />1964: Detroit 0, TORONTO 4<br />1965: Chicago 0, MONTREAL 4<br />1971: MONTREAL 3, Chicago 2<br />1987: Philadelphia 1, EDMONTON 3<br />1994: Vancouver 2, NY RANGERS 3<br />2001: New Jersey 1, COLORADO 3<br />2003: Anaheim 0, NEW JERSEY 3<br />2004: Calgary 1, TAMPA BAY 2<br />2006: Edmonton 1, CAROLINA 3<br />2009: PITTSBURGH 2, Detroit 1<br /><br />For most people, this list probably looks like a bunch of random scores, but take a closer look and we can find ourselves three pretty consistent similarities between these games which may tell us who wins tonight’s clash between the Boston Bruins and the Vancouver Canucks.<br /><br />********************************************<br /><br />1. <strong>Home Team Domination </strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>This has to be the stat that stands out the most. Home teams are 12-3 in Game 7’s of the Stanley Cup Final. Home ice advantage in hockey was just beginning to become a bit overrated, as in recent years, road teams kept winning important playoff games (see: 2010 Playoffs, Road teams 4-0 in Game 7’s)<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618518399536745170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDrmoFroVxwyCgYBan2lgWeQLbeC5vcCgsmKa5lEBeQopf5wU8RfEAQuTRL0wUs_uY1RpDRI-1Pl4sQ7hdWdaKBQreadXlrcVmA9y6l3FsbElWgE2_RCG0_mbpC3qwDvBfavJaTECIOqB/s200/stanley-cup-bruins-canucks-2011-6-1-21-0-41.jpg" /><br /><br />But this year, we’ve seen home ice become very important yet again as home teams are 5-1 in Game 7.<br /><br />And if you didn’t believe it is making an impact, just look at what we’ve seen in this 2011 Stanley Cup Final. A road team has yet to win a game. So a lot of things are going in favour of Vancouver here.<br /><br />Now let’s take a look at the road teams and some of the players on those teams who managed to win Game 7’s away from home. The 1945 Toronto Maple Leafs, the 1971 Montreal Canadiens, and the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins.<br /><br /><br /><strong>1945 Leafs<br /></strong>Sweeney Schriner- HHOF (Hockey Hall of Fame)<br />Ted Kennedy -HHOF<br />Babe Pratt -HHOF<br />Frank McCool- Calder Trophy Winner<br /><br /><strong>1971 Habs<br /></strong>Jean Beliveau- HHOF, Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy<br />Henri Richard-HHOF<br />Jacques Lemaire-HHOF<br />Yvan Cournoyer- HHOF<br />Frank Mahovlich-Calder Trophy, HHOF<br />Jacques Laperriere-Calder Trophy, Norris Trophy, HHOF<br />Guy Lapointe-HHOF<br />Serge Savard-HHOF<br />Ken Dryden-5-time Vezina Trophy Winner, Calder Trophy, HHOF<br /><br /><strong>2009 Pens<br /></strong>Sidney Crosby-Hart Trophy, Art Ross Trophy,<br />Evgeni Malkin-Art Ross Trophy<br /><br />My point is that those three teams had unreal talent on their teams. The Boston Bruins do not have unreal talent. They have 1 (maybe) future hall of famer in Mark Recchi.. The Bruins did not have anyone score more than 65 points this year. David Krejci, their leading scorer, is certainly not Sidney Crosby. Zdeno Chara is nowhere near Guy Lapointe. And Tim Thomas should not even be mentioned in the same breath as Ken Dryden.<br /><br />The Bruins are a bunch of hard working players (the “lunch pail gang” as former coach Don Cherry called them) who get their noses dirty in the corners and throw their weight around. But as history shows, teams like these usually come up short in Game 7 of the Finals due to the lesser amount of talent.<br /><br />And when they want to be, The Canucks are easily the more talented team in this series.<br /><br /><strong></strong>***********************************<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>2. Low scoring/close games </strong></div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618519820162075730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0Z_rdwEqMKylTKxhV8LslNmPUwaunHrM3K4t7srSEWcxz6GLvfsSCdJLcNiVr3OemnqaWApQgyBJ5xt1kJJci_EGyiw_wjkyn_47iKMcvSgrTTt07UKyRyEQ-Mdglm6rxhrNV3jPeun9/s200/nhl_g_luongo_thomas_b1_576.jpg" /><br />Roberto Luongo will not puke all over himself again tonight. At least, that’s what history says. Expect both goaltenders to be on their "A" games tonight. Only once in 15 Game 7 Finals has there been more than 5 goals total. As you see above, the common score tends to be 2-1, 3-1, 3-0.<br /><br />The last Finals Game 7 was the Penguins/Wings 2009 clash, and believe it or not, I recall this game being a real snoozer. The shot totals for both teams were very low, and it appeared that everyone was scared to make that crucial mistake and become the goat. (Detroit’s Brad Stuart was the eventual goat, giving the puck away which led to Pittsburgh’s first goal)<br /><br />And as history shows us, this pattern will continue tonight.<br /><br />Also, look at the margins between scores. 12 of the 15 games are decided by 2 goals or less, including 7 one-goal games. Basically, expect the team to score first tonight to just go into lockdown mode and play extremely defensive hockey.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>**************************************</p><strong>3. An unexpected hero </strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 151px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618520675029826018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq46mb-6rf3IqFsZXp5egDZfbvwYRPbh3A3Vb11huN1ZL4skZAwG5jk-BYQgyTCuci-2l1ley_nrrd9nShhEhrv3Cqo63WYayAhhIVPRCSg_GnMeuW6angO_n0FrzOAqfPJrTAEuv1WY8m/s200/raffi.bmp" /><br /><br />Expect the game winning goal to be scored tonight by some 3rd/4th line grinder.<br /><br />Or at least that’s what history tells us.<br /><br />I just finished saying how the teams with more skill usually win these games. And yes, that’s still usually the case, but for whatever reason, it will usually be a lesser known individual who will be the Stanley Cup hero in Game 7.<br /><br />Here are the names of some players who have scored game-winning goals in Game 7<br /><br />Pete Langelle-1942<br />Pete Babando-1950<br />Tony Leswick-1954<br />Alex Tanguay-2001<br />Mike Rupp-2003<br />Ruslan Fedotenko-2004<br />Frantisek Kaberle-2006<br />Max Talbot-2009<br /><br />Who are these guys????<br /><br />The last 5 game 7’s all have pretty average guys scoring game-winners. (Yes, Alex Tanguay is very average…)<br /><br />Basically, over half of the time, we see some plug who really hasn’t done a lot in the playoffs step up at the right time. And, ironically, there are a lot of plugs on both the Bruins and Canucks tonight.<br /><br />Can anyone say Raffi Torres??<br /><br />***************************************<br /><br />If history has any effect on tonight’s game, the home team Vancouver Canucks will win a low scoring and close 2-1 game, with a game-winner from either Raffi Torres, Maxim Lapierre, or Victor Oreskovich and take home the franchise’s first Stanley Cup.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-15726727317294728722011-04-11T13:44:00.009-05:002011-04-13T09:08:32.029-05:00NHL Round 1 Playoff PreviewI've watched the Stanley Cup Playoffs for basically my entire life, and every year at the beginning of the postseason, there's usually one or two clear-cut favourites to win the Stanley Cup, usually the 1 or 2 seeds in the conferences.
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<br />Last year, everyone rode the Capitals and the Hawks pretty hard. Two years ago, the Bruins and the Sharks were the popular picks. These were teams who had very few weaknesses and were expected to rise to the top and represent their conferences in the finals.
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<br />Fast forward to the start of the 2011 playoffs and tell me there's a clear cut favourite.
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<br />There's not.
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<br />Normally a popular pick would be the President-trophy winning team, this year being the Vancouver Canucks. But the biggest question for the Canucks is can they avenge their past demons against a team (Chicago) that backed into the playoffs. If this team was a favourite, everybody would be picking them to handle Chicago with ease. But when a team has demons, it's hard to consider them a Stanley Cup favourite.
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<br />Same goes for the 1 seed Capitals in the East. Does this team look like a 1 seed? Hell no. Last year, this team has one of the most lethal offences ever, and they still can't get past the 1st round. Now their offense production has dramatically decreased and you're telling me they're a Stanley Cup favourite? No way.
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<br />The Flyers? Goaltending issues
<br />The Sharks? Average year for their big scorers. Will they show up in the playoffs? The Wings? Too old.
<br />The Bruins? Remember last year?
<br />The Penguins? Crosby and Malkin out.
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<br />How can we annoint any of these teams as favourites? We really can't.
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<br />Which is why for the first time in as long as I can remember, we have one of the most wide open Stanley Cup races ever. And that usually creates tons and tons of excitement. NHL, get your History Will be Made Commercials ready to go, I have a feeling that this year's postseason has more than a few moments waiting to happen.
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<br /><strong>East </strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>
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<br />1. Washington</strong> <strong>
<br />8. NY Rangers</strong>
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<br />So we're expected to believe that this Capitals team has changed for the better by adopting a defensive style that will help them in the long run. The team's offensive production has dropped dramatically with guys like Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Semin, once Art Ross candidates, now guys who struggled to stay in the top 30 in scoring all year.
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<br />Wait a minute..why should I be impressed by this defence again? John Carlson is really the only bright spot on the blueline. They've got Mike Green, who has been the biggest bust of the year, Scott "Pylon" Hannan, and their big trade deadline acquistion Dennis Wideman, out for the first round.
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<br />Now it's taken me a while to buy in this Rangers team, but their forward depth and defense depth is clearly a lot deeper than the Crapitals.
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<br />Who would ya rather have on your 3rd line? Artem Anisimov & Wojtek Wolski (NYR) or Boyd Gordon & Marcus Johansson (WSH)?
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<br />Who would ya rather have as your 3 and 4 defenseman? Bryan McCabe & Steve Eminger (NYR) or Scott Hannan & Jeff Schultz (WSH)? The Rangers are deeper.
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<br />Now it's bad enough that the Caps offense is struggling but remember what happened when the Caps went up against a hot goalie last year? Jaroslav Halak shut them down and the Caps got frustrated. Now they go up against Henrik Lundqvist, who is 15 times better than Halak and King Henrik has been lights out down the stretch.
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<br />Remember this speech from 24/7?
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<br />That's nothing compared to what Boudreau will be like when his team is down 1-0 in the series and trailing game 2, 3-1 at the 2nd intermission. And if you thought last year's debacle was bad, just wait til 2 weeks from now.
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<br />This Caps team is gonna explode in a bad way, and it's gonna be ugly.
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<br /><strong>NY Rangers in 4</strong> <strong></strong><strong>
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<br />2. Philadelphia</strong> <strong>
<br />7. Buffalo</strong>
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<br />Aaahhh...a trip back into my childhood.
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<br />These teams had a few playoff series back in the 90's which were very rough and remembered for moments like these. This year, don't expect that, mainly because the Flyers could easily rag doll the Sabres if they wanted to. Yeah, it's been a nice little run for the Sabres to get into the playoffs. But the Flyers depth at forward and defense is more than enough to contain 5'6" Nathan Gerbe. Can you imagine the sight when Gerbe and Pronger go into the corner together? Or when any Sabre goes into the corner with any Flyer? All bets are that it will look something like this.
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<br />Yeah. Give me the Flyers.
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<br /><strong>Philadelphia in 6</strong> <strong></strong></strong><strong>
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<br />3. Boston</strong> </strong><strong>
<br />6. Montreal</strong>
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<br />For the 896th time in playoff history, it will be Habs/Bruins. And as a Habs fan, I feel worse and worse about this series as we get closer to Game 1. Looking at this Bruins team, I feel they have the best lineup in the playoffs right now. And being the hockey expert that I am, I'm going with my head on this one and saying there's no way the Habs find a way to get out of this one.
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<br /><strong>Boston in 4</strong>
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<br />But wait...
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<br />this isn't just any old playoff series....this is Habs/Bruins. It doesn't matter how much better one team is than the other. And let me just say a few things about the Boston Bruins team.
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<br />-Montreal beat Boston 4 out of 6 times this year
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<br />-In the games between the Habs and Bruins, I watched Boston goalie Tim Thomas make a bonehead play in almost all of them. The guy's unorthodox style is gonna bite him in the butt soon enough. And his shady puck handling skills have disaster written everywhere.
<br />
<br />-The Habs crowd is going to be bonkers, to say the least. The Bruins will get rattled.
<br />
<br />-The Bruins are coming off the biggest choke in professional sports history in last year's playoffs. They're still thinking about it for sure.
<br />
<br />-If the Butler Bulldogs can make an incredible cinderella run two years straight, then so can the Montreal Canadiens.
<br />
<br />-Face it Bruins fans, the Habs OWN you in the playoffs. Remember 2002? 2004? What about 2008? 1977? 1978? 1979? 1953? We could go on and on and on. It's the same story. Habs win. Habs win. Habs win.
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<br />So even though my head says the Bruins, my heart is in other places....
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<br />
<br />
<br />4. Pittsburgh</strong> <strong>
<br />5. Tampa Bay</strong>
<br />
<br />Which Lightning team will strike in this series? They're as confusing a bunch to figure out as anybody. One week they're losing games to the Panthers, and the next week they're beating up some of the league's best.
<br />
<br />The Penguins are anything but inconsistent this year, which is very surprising due to the loss of Crosby and Malkin. And whatever coach Dan Bylsma's been telling this bunch, it's been working, and there's no reason to believe that it won't work against goalie Dwayne Roloson and the Lightning.
<br />
<br />Give this Lightning team another year and they'll be deadly. But for now, the Penguins have this winning vibe that an inconsistent team like the Lightning won't be able to stop.
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<br />And as for Crosby possibly returning in the first round...
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<br />Stay home and get better, Sidney. They won't need you this round.
<br />
<br /><strong>Pittsburgh in 7</strong> <strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />WEST</strong> <strong>
<br />
<br />1. Vancouver </strong><strong>
<br />8. Chicago </strong><strong></strong>
<br />
<br />Other than the Habs beating the Bruins, the sight I would most want to see in the first round of the playoffs would be the Canucks looking cluelessly around the ice as the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a 3rd consecutive series win over them.
<br />
<br />All kinds of hilarity.
<br />
<br />The look on Canucks coach Alain Vigneault's face when he realizes he's probably getting fired before he gets back to the dressing room. The look on the Sedins face after they once again disappear in the playoffs. The look on Roberto Luongo's face after he realizes he's actually one of the most overrated goalies of all-time. I would pay large sums of money to see this happen.
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<br />Unfortunately, I dont think it will.
<br />
<br />It's soooo tough for a team that revamped half their roster to achieve the same success as the previous year, and the Blackhawks have showed us how important guys like Sopel, Ladd, Versteeg and Byfuglien were as the team backed into the playoffs due to a Dallas Stars loss. And now they go up against a loaded Canucks team, who have to be chomping at the bit to get this Hawks team. There's no way they're letting this Hawks team beat them three straight years. And if they do, the entire city of Vancouver may explode in a fit of rage. The Hawks team is lacking in offense after their top 6, and there has to be a little bit of doubt surrounding goalie Corey Crawford.
<br />
<br />The Nux are not lacking in any department right now and goalie Roberto Luongo is going to have to play like Rory McIlroy on Sunday at the Masters for the Hawks to have a chance of winning.
<br />
<br />Take a deep breath Canucks fans. If you get through this series..your demons are past you. And then the sky's the limit.
<br />
<br /><strong>Vancouver in 7</strong> <strong>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />2. San Jose</strong> <strong>
<br />7. Los Angeles</strong> <strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong>
<br />
<br />The common thought among many at the beginning of the season was that these two teams current playoff seeds might be reversed at this time. A 2 seed LA against a 7 seed San Jose. The Kings were expected to contend for the Pacific Division title and get a top 3 seed, while the Sharks were expected to sink lower down the Western Conference ladder. But the Kings, surprisingly, could not take that next step forward and the Sharks confirmed that they're not done yet.
<br />
<br />It's just not a very impressive Kings team right now minus Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams questionable to play. And right now, the Sharks are too hot at the moment for the Kings to pull any sort of upset. The Sharks have as solid a top six forward crew as any in the league (Marleau, Thornton, Heatley, Pavelski, Couture, Clowe) and even though they might not have put up numbers like they've done in years past, it's still a team that can score. And with Stanley Cup winner Antii Niemi showing he's not a one-year wonder in net, expect big things for the Sharks.
<br />
<br />Remember, this isn't the same old Sharks team. This team won two rounds and made a conference final run last year. They've finally gone on that deep playoff run and with the uncertainty in the West, is this the year they take that final push forward?
<br />
<br /><strong>San Jose in 5</strong> <strong>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />3.Detroit</strong> <strong>
<br />6.Phoenix</strong>
<br />
<br />Somehow, the Coyotes did it again. With a subpar roster on paper, they claim a playoff berth and get a six seed only to match up with the high-flying Wings in the first round. But let's remember something here. These two teams squared off last year in Round one and the Wings BARELY beat an inexperienced Coyotes team before getting manhandled by San Jose in round two. This is the same Wings team, plus Mike Modano......
<br />
<br />The Coyotes have seven different guys who have scored at least 15 goals. It speaks volumes about their depth and not many teams can say they have that many 15 goal scorers. Their depth gets overlooked quite a bit, including on the back end,where they boast solid presences like Yandle, Morris, Aucoin, Jovanovski. And let's not forget the calm, cool, and collected Ilya Bryzgalov in net. Without him, the Coyotes are not in the playoffs these last two years.
<br />
<br />This Wings team has the feel of a classic Wings squad from the 2000s that had the marvelous regular season, only to flop in the first round. There's nothing scary about this Wings team. A banged up Henrik Zetterberg? An aging Nik Lidstrom and Brian Rafalski on defense? A giant question mark in Jimmy Howard between the pipes? I'm not convinced.
<br />
<br /><strong>Phoenix in 5</strong> <strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />4.Anaheim</strong> <strong>
<br />5.Nashville</strong> <strong></strong><strong></strong>
<br />
<br />You could argue that it's one of the best teams on paper (Anaheim) taking on one of the worst teams on paper (Nashville). Other than Shea Weber and Ryan Suter(two defencemen)this team is loaded with a bunch of unknown and unproven guys. Case in point, when Sergei Kostitsyn is your leading scorer, you've got issues.
<br />
<br />And I dont know about you, but there seems to be something special about this Ducks team. They've been pretty magical as of late.
<br />
<br />Randy Carlyle= Gordon Bombay
<br />Ryan Getzlaf= Charlie Conway
<br />Corey Perry= Adam Banks
<br />
<br />See where I'm going with this? That's right. This team has the feel of the amazing Disney Mighty Ducks teams from the early 1990s. Hell, let's keep it going.
<br />
<br />Ray Emery= Greg Goldberg
<br />George Parros= Dean Portman
<br />Lubomir Visnovsky= Fulton Reed
<br />Jason Blake= Connie Moreau
<br />
<br />Alright, that's enough Disney Mighty Ducks talk. But an epic video wouldn't hurt.
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<br /><strong>Anaheim in 4</strong> Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-74830532617896799852011-04-10T19:34:00.009-05:002011-04-10T22:13:54.378-05:00Now that's drama..<a href="http://iphone.usatoday.com/image/index/wtkb4xKEN7XbrBaNpoyI6eGqINjLoN2WvyvpEbfvElnbdgDOk65Ihx7pMMDDepnn4Z14Z647iv26Wwca6S14v0krHcJHfC-Q59K4SOLl-fGLE_VHK7E5eGY6veyI_M4s7JuYizVhu0xmd9Ev1j0lZEO2L4FvX_C-ihtizHnQRScwpp65TJetiN4arjvx"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 298px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 219px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://iphone.usatoday.com/image/index/wtkb4xKEN7XbrBaNpoyI6eGqINjLoN2WvyvpEbfvElnbdgDOk65Ihx7pMMDDepnn4Z14Z647iv26Wwca6S14v0krHcJHfC-Q59K4SOLl-fGLE_VHK7E5eGY6veyI_M4s7JuYizVhu0xmd9Ev1j0lZEO2L4FvX_C-ihtizHnQRScwpp65TJetiN4arjvx" /></a> What's one of the easiest ways to piss me off? Tell me that golf is boring to watch... I dare you. I just finished watching the final round of the 2011 Masters, which was won by South African Charl Schwartzel. And yet again in the final round of a major, there were more twists and turns in those round than an episode of a television drama series. <br /><br />Former World #1 Tiger Woods made a dramatic push to the top of the leaderboard after starting the day 7 shots back and held a share of the lead late in the day. <br /><br />Take that, Grey's Anatomy. <br /><br />8 different players....8!!!... held the lead or at least a share of the lead during the final 9 holes on Sunday, something rarely ever seen at a major championship. <br /><br />Top that, Lost. <br /><br />The best part..Unlike all those tv shows, this Masters drama was unscripted. As is all other final round golf drama. <br /><br />It wasn't the greatest final round I've ever seen, but it definitely cracked the top 10 and maaaybe top 5 on my list. <br /><br />And here is my unofficial guide to what constitutes an amazing final round of golf. <br /><br /><strong>1. There has to be some sort of epic choke/meltdown</strong> <strong></strong><br /><br />We saw one of the biggest meltdowns in recent major memory as 21 year old Rory McIlroy crapped his pants on about six different occasions on Sunday and after coming in to the day leading by 4 shots(!!!), he shot an 80 and fell to 15th place. Now I love watching golfers make great shots and strategically pick apart a professional golf course, but I like it even more when golfers choke and implode. Come on guys, you're professionals! Why should we feel bad for you..you make thousands of dollars every time you play. And while most people probably felt bad for little Rory, I couldn't help but chuckle. <br /><br /><strong>2. There has to be uncertainty as to who is going to be the </strong><strong>winner</strong> <br /><br />Most memorable tournaments usually are born when we have absolutely no idea who is going to win the tournament. There were 11 different guys who could have won this tournament today and it took until about 5:15 central time (45 minutes before the end of the round) before we actually had some sort of idea as Adam Scott and Charl Schwartzel pulled away from the rest of the field. <br /><br /><strong>3. A good golfer has to win the tournament</strong> <br /><br />One of my biggest pet peeves as a golf fan, and as a sports fan, is the sight of no-names winning. I can't stand it. And the tournaments usually become forgettable if Shaun Micheel or Ben Curtis or Mike Weir wins. (Sorry Mike...you were never that good.) Now you're probably thinking that Charl Schwartzel is a no-name, but he's not. If you follow the sport of golf at all, you would have heard Schwartzel's name before. My rule for a "good golfer" winning the tournament is that the golfer has to be among the top 50 in the world rankings at the time of their victory. And heading into this week, Schwartzel was ranked 29th. He's good. <br /><br /><strong>4. There has to be a defining shot/moment.</strong> <br /><br />It was looking like Tiger Woods' roar to the top was going to be something historic, but it wasn't enough to claim his 5th Masters title. The winner, Charl Schwartzel had a few defining shots/moments on Sunday. The chip in for birdie at 1 and his hole-out for eagle on the 3rd. But the defining moment has to be the way Schwartzel ended his round. 4 straight birdies on 15,16,17, and 18 to lock up the green jacket. That's unheard of on the grounds at Augusta National on a Masters Sunday. <br /><br />Will people remember this tournament for Schwartzel's heroics or McIlroy's barfing all over himself? And speaking of barfing, that's what most people would rather do than watch a round of golf on television. It's the sad truth. But after today's events at Augusta, can we please put an end to this myth that golf resembles watching paint dry?Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-43549419403305944962011-04-04T16:29:00.003-05:002011-04-04T16:44:25.300-05:00Bacon Bits: Looking Back at 2 years of Kevin's BaconMy boss at 4 Seasons Chinese Food, who reads my blog once in a while (or so she says), recently asked me "You know Kevin Bacon is an actor, right?" <br /><br />Yes I know, boss. <br /><br />That's why just over a year and a half ago when CreComm started, I named my blog "Kevin's Bacon". It was a bad attempt at a funny name. <br /><br />And you could argue that alot of the posts on this blog have been a bad attempt at being funny. <br /><br />But that's Kevin's Bacon. <br /><br />Now that CreComm is done at the end of the week, our weekly blog assignments that we were required to do for school are no more. And that means a lot of students will part ways with their blog. <br /><br />Not me. <br /><br />Kevin's Bacon will still be cooking after CreComm, focusing mostly on my thoughts on the world of sports. Blogging has been a fun experience for myself during the time in CreComm. And I have learned that I want to keep doing it. <br /><br />So by no means is this a "farewell to the blog" post. It's just a "best of.." this blog so far...<br /> <br />Here are some of my favourite posts from the last year and a half: <br /><br />1. This one is from September 2010 during the civic election when one of our journalism assignments was to go in one of the electoral wards around the city, and talk to people. <a href="http://kevinsbacon.blogspot.com/2010/09/thanks-for-memories-daniel-mcintyre.html">Here were the results ... </a><br /><br />2. Car flags made an appearance around the city during last year's World Cup. <a href="http://kevinsbacon.blogspot.com/2010/07/car-flags-dos-and-donts.html">Here are my do's </a>and don'ts when you decide to put a car flag on your car. <br /><br />3. <a href="http://kevinsbacon.blogspot.com/2010/07/rock-bands-from-z-my-list-is-better.html">I am a huge fan of rock music</a>, and made an epic list this past summer of my favourite rock bands from A-Z. <br /><br />4. A<a href="http://kevinsbacon.blogspot.com/2010/06/2010-stanley-cup-playoffs-what-hell.html"> retrospective</a> of last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. <br /><br />5. I was also once a big fan of professional wrestling, but <a href="http://kevinsbacon.blogspot.com/2010/01/when-monday-night-ruled.html">I discuss here</a> why I lost interest. <br /><br />6. A<a href="http://kevinsbacon.blogspot.com/2009/12/holiday-look-at-nfl-season.html"> holiday-themed look</a> at the NFL season during December of 2009.Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2571665294730496387.post-58185868373908284462011-03-28T22:45:00.003-05:002011-03-28T23:23:41.285-05:00Canada loses a legend...Canadian comedy lost an icon this weekend as former member of the Royal Canadian Air Farce, Roger Abbott died after losing a battle with leukemia on Saturday. <br /><br />Now, the Air Farce was Canada's version of Saturday Night Live, so whenever election time came up, all the federal party leaders would be impressively portrayed by the Air Farce cast members. <br /><br />Fellow cast member Don Ferguson did an amazing Lucien Bouchard, Paul Martin, and Preston Manning. <br /><br />And Abbott did an unbelievable Jean Chretien. <br /><br />It's too bad that the original Air Farce cast could not get together for one more election special, which in all likelihood, would have happened in the next month.<br /><br />Here's Abbott in his prime.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_z2pRMuOUs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_z2pRMuOUs</a>Kevin Hirschfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01899237513158073729noreply@blogger.com0