Now on to part two of the 10 Best Football games, as now it's time for the NFL portion of the blog. As noted in part one, 13 of the 16 games this week have playoff implications, either with seeding or getting into the playoffs. There are still three divisions up for grabs, and those are the AFC North and West, as well as the NFC East, whose winner will have less than 10 wins for the first time since the strike shortened 1982 season where the Redskins won 8 games.
Dallas at New York Giants, 8:30, NBC
Both teams haven't been very good in the second half of the season, and the Giants only two wins in the second half have come against the Cowboys and city rival Jets to eliminate the Eagles. The Cowboys have lost three of their past four, with the only win coming against the lowly Bucs. Plus, the Cowboys will have an injured Tony Romo at quarterback, due to his hand being inflammated. But, if this game is anything like the last one, it could be another chokejob by the Cowboys and a very close game.
Pick: New York 34, Dallas 33
Kansas City at Denver, 4:15, CBS
Guest - Will Rush
The debate of polarizing figure Tim Tebow has come to it's boiling point - and just in time - as the Kansas City Chiefs travel to Denver for a matchup filled with drama. Tim Tebow vs. Kyle Orton. Tim Tebow vs. John Elway. Tim Tebow vs. Critics. Tim Tebow vs....well, the world. In a game where Tebow is playing for his football career - expect Tebow to have his emotions on his sleeve all game. Hopefully winning the game - and more importantly - the commitment of the Denver Broncos for him as future quarterback. I wouldn't bet against him.
Denver 24 - Kansas City 13
San Diego at Oakland, 4:15, CBS
Oakland needs this game along with a Denver loss to clinch the Western division. But, the Raiders can still get a wild card spot with a whole bunch of other things happening which is just insanely confusing. But, Oakland somehow still has a shot at the playoffs shockingly enough with their starting quarterback, Jason Campbell gone since week eight and they've also been without star running back Darren McFadden for 10 of the 16 games so far this season. Plus, Oakland is about to commit the most penalties of any team in any season if they commit three on Sunday.
But, San Diego has been playing well this season with the exception of the six game stretch in the middle of the season where they decided to lay down and nap through six games. But, with the exception of those, the team hasn't been too bad. And, they may be out to save Norv Turner's job as well as avenging their loss to Oakland when they were in the middle of their nap.
Pick: San Diego 24, Oakland 17
Baltimore at Cincinnati, 4:15, CBS
Cincy has been a definite surprise team this season, and they need this game in order to secure aspot in the playoffs. Cincy also will actually have fan support for this game, as this will be only their second sellout of the season. Cincy has a very good defense made up of a bunch of no names essentially, being in the top 12 in passing defense as well as rushing defense. But, the real surprise has been Any Dalton to A.J. Green as that combo has been lighting up the league so far.
Baltimore also needs this game in order to preserve themselves the AFC North title as well as the second seed in the AFC. Baltimore has been an excellent team at home so far this season, going 8-0 at home while only going 3-4 on the road. Baltimore has been a team of unexpected surprises so far this season, and they may have another surprise here and allow the Bengals to get into the playoffs.
Pick: Cincy 28, Baltimore 24
Detroit at Green Bay, 1, Fox
Detroit needs this game to maintain their spot as the five seed in the NFC, and that would probably be their best positioning, as they have already beaten the Cowboys in Cowboys Stadium this season in week four. Plus, the roof should be closed, and they are used to domes. Detroit may not have to face the probable MVP of the league either, as Green Bay has already clinched the number one seed in the NFC.
Pick: Detroit 34, Green Bay 21
Have a very happy and prosperous new year!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
10 Best Football Games-Week 18! Part 1
The final week of the NFL regular season has plenty of games which can determine seeding and two division champions will be crowned this final week. The biggest game of the weekend is obvious, and that game is the Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants to determine the division championship. Then, in the AFC, only one of the eight games which are happening, that being the Indianapolis-Jacksonville game does not have playoff implications. Meanwhile, in the NFC, there are four other games which have some effects on the playoffs. So, it is one eventful week in the NFL as well as in college. As New Year's Day falls on a Sunday this year, all six of the normal games which fall on New Year's has been pushed back to the 2nd. Also, I will be doing a separate blog on January 2nd's sporting events, which has those six bowl games, 5 of which feature ranked teams. Then, there is the NHL Winter Classic, which features the hometown Philadelphia Flyers, 10 NBA Games, four other NHL games, and a plethora of NCAA basketball games. Now, on to the picks!
Bowls
Champs Sports Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Florida State, 5:30, Thursday, ESPN
This game is a throwback to the mid-90s when both teams were excellent. Going into this season, both teams expected to go to BCS Bowls. Notre Dame consistently shot themselves in the foot in the beginning of the season, losing their first two games by blowing leads and turning the ball over a lot. Then, ND won their next four, and were looking very good doing it. But, then they shot themselves in the foot again against USC, where they turned the ball over another three times, which turned the entire momentum of the game around. Notre Dame then won another four straight before completely stinking against Andrew Luck and Stanford.
Florida State also was good, but never really could live up to expectations, mainly because of youth, as their biggest playmakers are freshmen. So, this game could be a big springboard for their season next year. Florida State also has a stout defense that will try and stop the running game of Cierre Wood and the passing game with dynamic receiver Michael Floyd, who has been in beast mode throughout the season. This will be a very good game, but just so long as Notre Dame doesn't shoot themselves in the foot, they should win.
Pick: Notre Dame 24, Florida State 20
Valero Alamo Bowl
Washington vs. Baylor, 9, Thursday, ESPN
This game should be a shootout, as neither team has a very good defense, and both teams have great quarterbacks. The one, most already know in Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III, whereas most have never heard of Keith Price, who replaced the 8th overall pick in last year's NFL draft, Jake Locker. Well, Price could be as good or better than Locker. Both quarterbacks are dynamic and dual threats with both their arms and legs. So, expect a lot of points, and perhaps even more than yesterday's Toledo-Air Force Military Bowl.
Pick: Baylor 54, Washington 52
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
BYU vs. Tulsa, noon, Friday, ESPN
Now these may be the two best teams which are not ranked, as BYU is playing its first season as an independent after spending the past 14 in the Mountain West conference. Then, Tulsa was second in the C-USA's West division, their only loss coming against eventual winner Houston, who was undefeated at the time. Tulsa also had all four of its losses to a team which was ranked in the top 10 when they played them. Those four losses? The aforementioned Houston, Boise State, Oklahoma State and their season opener against Oklahoma. So, this team is pretty good. BYU meanwhile is very much like a pro style team, possessing a balanced offense which averages over 30 points a game, and only giving up a little over 20 a game. This should be one very competitive as well as entertaining game.
Pick: Tulsa 31, BYU 27
Hyundai Sun Bowl
Georgia Tech vs. Utah, 2, Saturday, CBS
There is primarily one reason I'm featuring this game, and that is because it is actually on network television! This is only one of four which is featured on network tv, the others being the Outback Bowl, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. This game also is rather intriguing, as Utah comes into the game on a hot streak, going 4-1 down the stretch. They also had a shot to win the PAC-12's woeful South division before losing to Colorado in their season finale. Utah won primarily because of an easier schedule, with only one of their victories coming against a team which is bowl bound, and that's only because of a special waiver by the NCAA in November to allow them to play in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
Georgia Tech meanwhile started off the season 6-0, then proceeded to lose four of their next six. Now, they're playing in the Sun Bowl as a consequence. Now that Utah has had time to prepare for this game, they should win, as when teams have time to prepare for the infamous triple option of Tech.
Pick: Utah 31, Tech 23
Chick-Fil-A Bowl
Auburn vs. Virginia, 7:30, Saturday, ESPN
This is a good matchup between fairly overacheiving teams, but I will go with the Tigers, who really overacheived moreso than the Cavaliers.
Pick: Auburn 26, Virginia 13
Bowls
Champs Sports Bowl
Notre Dame vs. Florida State, 5:30, Thursday, ESPN
This game is a throwback to the mid-90s when both teams were excellent. Going into this season, both teams expected to go to BCS Bowls. Notre Dame consistently shot themselves in the foot in the beginning of the season, losing their first two games by blowing leads and turning the ball over a lot. Then, ND won their next four, and were looking very good doing it. But, then they shot themselves in the foot again against USC, where they turned the ball over another three times, which turned the entire momentum of the game around. Notre Dame then won another four straight before completely stinking against Andrew Luck and Stanford.
Florida State also was good, but never really could live up to expectations, mainly because of youth, as their biggest playmakers are freshmen. So, this game could be a big springboard for their season next year. Florida State also has a stout defense that will try and stop the running game of Cierre Wood and the passing game with dynamic receiver Michael Floyd, who has been in beast mode throughout the season. This will be a very good game, but just so long as Notre Dame doesn't shoot themselves in the foot, they should win.
Pick: Notre Dame 24, Florida State 20
Valero Alamo Bowl
Washington vs. Baylor, 9, Thursday, ESPN
This game should be a shootout, as neither team has a very good defense, and both teams have great quarterbacks. The one, most already know in Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III, whereas most have never heard of Keith Price, who replaced the 8th overall pick in last year's NFL draft, Jake Locker. Well, Price could be as good or better than Locker. Both quarterbacks are dynamic and dual threats with both their arms and legs. So, expect a lot of points, and perhaps even more than yesterday's Toledo-Air Force Military Bowl.
Pick: Baylor 54, Washington 52
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl
BYU vs. Tulsa, noon, Friday, ESPN
Now these may be the two best teams which are not ranked, as BYU is playing its first season as an independent after spending the past 14 in the Mountain West conference. Then, Tulsa was second in the C-USA's West division, their only loss coming against eventual winner Houston, who was undefeated at the time. Tulsa also had all four of its losses to a team which was ranked in the top 10 when they played them. Those four losses? The aforementioned Houston, Boise State, Oklahoma State and their season opener against Oklahoma. So, this team is pretty good. BYU meanwhile is very much like a pro style team, possessing a balanced offense which averages over 30 points a game, and only giving up a little over 20 a game. This should be one very competitive as well as entertaining game.
Pick: Tulsa 31, BYU 27
Hyundai Sun Bowl
Georgia Tech vs. Utah, 2, Saturday, CBS
There is primarily one reason I'm featuring this game, and that is because it is actually on network television! This is only one of four which is featured on network tv, the others being the Outback Bowl, the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, and the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic. This game also is rather intriguing, as Utah comes into the game on a hot streak, going 4-1 down the stretch. They also had a shot to win the PAC-12's woeful South division before losing to Colorado in their season finale. Utah won primarily because of an easier schedule, with only one of their victories coming against a team which is bowl bound, and that's only because of a special waiver by the NCAA in November to allow them to play in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
Georgia Tech meanwhile started off the season 6-0, then proceeded to lose four of their next six. Now, they're playing in the Sun Bowl as a consequence. Now that Utah has had time to prepare for this game, they should win, as when teams have time to prepare for the infamous triple option of Tech.
Pick: Utah 31, Tech 23
Chick-Fil-A Bowl
Auburn vs. Virginia, 7:30, Saturday, ESPN
This is a good matchup between fairly overacheiving teams, but I will go with the Tigers, who really overacheived moreso than the Cavaliers.
Pick: Auburn 26, Virginia 13
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
10 Best Football Games-Week 17!
The Bowl games are gearing up for much better match ups and there are starting to be schools which folks have actually heard of this coming week, like Boise State, Arizona State, Texas, and Mizzou. There are six bowls coming up this week, and I'm only previewing five, as really, please tell me who really is excited for the Little Caesars Bowl between Western Michigan and Purdue, a very mediocre MAC school and a poor Big Ten school.
Then, in the NFL, there are several clinching scenarios, which involve home field and division and playoff implications. Some of those scenarios in the NFC include Dallas clinching the East with a win and a Giants loss, Green Bay clinching home-field advantage throughout with a win, San Francisco clinching a first round bye with a win, and Atlanta and Detroit clinching playoff spots with a win.
Then, in the AFC, some of the clinching scenarios include: New England clinching a first round bye with a win and Houston loss, Baltimore clinching the North with a win and Pittsburgh loss, and Denver clinching the West with a win and Oakland loss. So, there are a lot of clinching scenarios, and some pretty good games heading into the penultimate weekend of the regular season. Now, on to the picks!
Bowls
Maaco Bowl Las Vegas
Arizona State vs. #7 Boise State, Thursday, 8, ESPN
Boise State should roll over the Sun Devils in this game due to a multitude of factors. The first being that Boise is first of all, is a much better team than ASU. Secondly, Kellen Moore is looking to become the first quarterback in the history of division 1-A football to reach 50 victories, and should be a second round draft choice like Andy Dalton. Thirdly, Arizona State just fired their coach, so they don't have much momentum heading into this game.
Pick: Boise 51, ASU 12
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Nevada vs. #21 Southern Miss, Saturday, 8, ESPN
Nevada is not the same team it was last year, when it beat Boise State for the WAC title and had a master of the pistol offense in Colin Kapernick. But, they fared decently in a depleted WAC, finishing second in total defense, only averaging 372 yards a game. The Wolf Pack are led by defensive tackle Brett Roy, who led the WAC in sacks and tackles for loss. Southern Miss meanwhile, stopped Houston's run towards a BCS berth and got the C-USA title in the title game, at Houston. So, they have momentum on their side, and a fantastic offense, led by second leading passer Austin Davis in the C-USA, and Davis has passed the legendary Brett Favre in all passing categories at Southern Miss, which is an impressive feat. This game should be close, and a good way to close out your football Christmas Eve.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313582572
Pick: Southern Miss 27, Nevada 21
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, LA
Mizzou vs. North Carolina, 5, ESPN2
This is a game between two very middling teams in their respective conferences, Mizzou in the Big 12, and North Carolina from the ACC. Mizzou is going to have a very tough time next season in the SEC, after their transfer from the Big 12. Both schools had trying seasons, with Mizzou losing its running back, Henry Josey tore two ligaments. Josey was a great back, as he ran for nearly 1200 yards and nine touchdowns. Mizzou also lost its head coach, Gary Pinkel for a game, due to a drunken driving charge.
North Carolina meanwhile, had to deal with all of the headaches that came with all of the allegations that were laid upon them. That forced the firing of Butch Davis, who was leading the school on the up and up in the ACC. North Carolina has two very good skill position players in running back Giovanni Bernard and wide receiver Dwight Jones. So, this will be a good matchup, should feature a lot of offense.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313600153
Pick: North Carolina 26, Mizzou 24
Belk Bowl, Charlotte, NC
Louisville vs. NC State, 8, ESPN, Tuesday
This game is rather easy for me to pick, as NC State is essentially playing a home game, and coming from a much better conference than Louisville in the ACC over the Big East. Therefore, gotta go with the Wolfpack.
Pick: NC State 28, Louisville 23
Bridgepoint Holiday Bowl
Cal vs. #24 Texas, 8, ESPN, Wednesday
This bowl has traditionally been one of the better bowls headed into the New Year, normally between two ranked teams. But, as the Pac-12 was down this year, and Cal was a prime example of that, only going 7-5 on the season. Texas also was down this year, only going 7-5 as well. Texas has had its difficulties choosing which quarterback to start in some games, whether it be Case McCoy or David Ash. Texas started out very strong, going 4-0, but has gone 3-5 since, finishing up yet another disappointing season. Cal, on the other hand, has gone 3-1 in its final four games, led by the backfield of Zach Maynard and Isi Sofele. Those two have definitely been helping Cal finish out the season strong, and with them playing in their home state, go with the Bears.
Pick: Cal 31, Texas 21
NFL
Note: All Games previewed are on Saturday, unless otherwise noted.
New York Giants at New York Jets, 1, Fox
Both of these teams need this win, otherwise, they're essentially eliminated from playoff contention. The Giants need it more though, as if they lose, and Dallas wins, as mentioned above, they are eliminated from playoff contention. The Jets still could get in if Cincy loses and they win next week. Both teams are coming off bad losses, the Jets last week to the suddenly fighting Eagles, and the Giants lost to the woeful Redskins. The Giants have also been going on their seemingly annual second half collapse, going 1-5 in their past six games. However, they have been tough losses, sans for last week. I think the Giants will have enough to pull it out though, and eliminate the Eagles from playoff contention for good.
Pick: NYG 32, NYJ 30
Oakland at Kansas City, 1, CBS
Both teams need this win, in order to keep their slim AFC West hopes alive. Kansas City has less of a chance than Oakland does, as they need to win, Denver to lose at Buffalo, and San Diego needs to lose to Detroit. The latter is more possible than the former, but it's still possible. Oakland just needs Denver to lose. Oakland hasn't fared too well the past three games, losing each one, and last week's was especially painful, losing to Detroit on a last effort 98-yard drive. So, all of the wind may be gone from their sails. Kansas City meanwhile, is coming off a great win, handing Green Bay their first loss of the season.
Pick: Kansas City 17, Oakland 13
San Diego at Detroit, 4, CBS
Detroit is looking to go to the playoffs for the first time since 1999, and all they need is a win at home in order to do it. My guess is that even though they're facing a suddenly resurgent San Diego team, just coming off their win versus the AFC North leaders in Baltimore. But, as Detroit has shown resiliency throughout the season, I think they pull this off in what is essentially their home playoff game.
Pick: Detroit 37, San Diego 34
Philadelphia at Dallas, 4:15, Fox
The Eagles need to win their final two games and need New York to lose this week, and win next week for the Eagles to backdoor their way into the playoffs for the 11th time in the 13 years that Andy Reid has been there. Do I have faith that the Eagles can do it? As picked above, no. Granted, the Eagles completely shell shocked the Cowboys following their bye week a few weeks ago, but this team cannot be trusted whatsoever. Dallas meanwhile, has lost two of their past three, with the only win being at a Tampa team which has been reeling since week 7. But, as mentioned, can't trust the Eagles, and playing at Dallas, really don't trust them.
Pick: Dallas 44, Philly 21
Atlanta at New Orleans, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
New Orleans has been one of the hottest teams in the NFL this season, winning seven of the past eight games, with the only loss, an aberration to the Rams. New Orleans also has been one of the best offenses this season, not only throwing the ball, as Drew Brees is only a little over 300 yards away from breaking Dan Marino's 27 year old passing yards record, which most though would never be broken. But, also rushing, as New Orleans ranks in the top quarter of the league in rushing as well, due to the trio of Chris Ivory, Mark Ingram, and perhaps their most valuable pickup of the offseason, Darren Sproles, who has fit into the Reggie Bush role quite well.
Atlanta meanwhile has also been a very hot team, winning four of their past five, with the only loss being at Houston, which isn't a bad loss at all. Atlanta has been following the formula that won them the division last year. That formula is: rely on Michael Turner, allow Matt Ryan to manage the game well, and have a solid defense. Granted, they haven't been as good as last season, but they've still played very well throughout the season.
However, since New Orleans has a chance to clinch the division, and at home, I think they'll pull it out.
Pick: New Orleans 35, Atlanta 27
Allow us to remember the true reason for the season, Jesus, and Him humbly becoming a man and stepping down to Earth from his throne as God. May you all have a very Merry Christmas with your friends and family!
Then, in the NFL, there are several clinching scenarios, which involve home field and division and playoff implications. Some of those scenarios in the NFC include Dallas clinching the East with a win and a Giants loss, Green Bay clinching home-field advantage throughout with a win, San Francisco clinching a first round bye with a win, and Atlanta and Detroit clinching playoff spots with a win.
Then, in the AFC, some of the clinching scenarios include: New England clinching a first round bye with a win and Houston loss, Baltimore clinching the North with a win and Pittsburgh loss, and Denver clinching the West with a win and Oakland loss. So, there are a lot of clinching scenarios, and some pretty good games heading into the penultimate weekend of the regular season. Now, on to the picks!
Bowls
Maaco Bowl Las Vegas
Arizona State vs. #7 Boise State, Thursday, 8, ESPN
Boise State should roll over the Sun Devils in this game due to a multitude of factors. The first being that Boise is first of all, is a much better team than ASU. Secondly, Kellen Moore is looking to become the first quarterback in the history of division 1-A football to reach 50 victories, and should be a second round draft choice like Andy Dalton. Thirdly, Arizona State just fired their coach, so they don't have much momentum heading into this game.
Pick: Boise 51, ASU 12
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Nevada vs. #21 Southern Miss, Saturday, 8, ESPN
Nevada is not the same team it was last year, when it beat Boise State for the WAC title and had a master of the pistol offense in Colin Kapernick. But, they fared decently in a depleted WAC, finishing second in total defense, only averaging 372 yards a game. The Wolf Pack are led by defensive tackle Brett Roy, who led the WAC in sacks and tackles for loss. Southern Miss meanwhile, stopped Houston's run towards a BCS berth and got the C-USA title in the title game, at Houston. So, they have momentum on their side, and a fantastic offense, led by second leading passer Austin Davis in the C-USA, and Davis has passed the legendary Brett Favre in all passing categories at Southern Miss, which is an impressive feat. This game should be close, and a good way to close out your football Christmas Eve.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313582572
Pick: Southern Miss 27, Nevada 21
AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl in Shreveport, LA
Mizzou vs. North Carolina, 5, ESPN2
This is a game between two very middling teams in their respective conferences, Mizzou in the Big 12, and North Carolina from the ACC. Mizzou is going to have a very tough time next season in the SEC, after their transfer from the Big 12. Both schools had trying seasons, with Mizzou losing its running back, Henry Josey tore two ligaments. Josey was a great back, as he ran for nearly 1200 yards and nine touchdowns. Mizzou also lost its head coach, Gary Pinkel for a game, due to a drunken driving charge.
North Carolina meanwhile, had to deal with all of the headaches that came with all of the allegations that were laid upon them. That forced the firing of Butch Davis, who was leading the school on the up and up in the ACC. North Carolina has two very good skill position players in running back Giovanni Bernard and wide receiver Dwight Jones. So, this will be a good matchup, should feature a lot of offense.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313600153
Pick: North Carolina 26, Mizzou 24
Belk Bowl, Charlotte, NC
Louisville vs. NC State, 8, ESPN, Tuesday
This game is rather easy for me to pick, as NC State is essentially playing a home game, and coming from a much better conference than Louisville in the ACC over the Big East. Therefore, gotta go with the Wolfpack.
Pick: NC State 28, Louisville 23
Bridgepoint Holiday Bowl
Cal vs. #24 Texas, 8, ESPN, Wednesday
This bowl has traditionally been one of the better bowls headed into the New Year, normally between two ranked teams. But, as the Pac-12 was down this year, and Cal was a prime example of that, only going 7-5 on the season. Texas also was down this year, only going 7-5 as well. Texas has had its difficulties choosing which quarterback to start in some games, whether it be Case McCoy or David Ash. Texas started out very strong, going 4-0, but has gone 3-5 since, finishing up yet another disappointing season. Cal, on the other hand, has gone 3-1 in its final four games, led by the backfield of Zach Maynard and Isi Sofele. Those two have definitely been helping Cal finish out the season strong, and with them playing in their home state, go with the Bears.
Pick: Cal 31, Texas 21
NFL
Note: All Games previewed are on Saturday, unless otherwise noted.
New York Giants at New York Jets, 1, Fox
Both of these teams need this win, otherwise, they're essentially eliminated from playoff contention. The Giants need it more though, as if they lose, and Dallas wins, as mentioned above, they are eliminated from playoff contention. The Jets still could get in if Cincy loses and they win next week. Both teams are coming off bad losses, the Jets last week to the suddenly fighting Eagles, and the Giants lost to the woeful Redskins. The Giants have also been going on their seemingly annual second half collapse, going 1-5 in their past six games. However, they have been tough losses, sans for last week. I think the Giants will have enough to pull it out though, and eliminate the Eagles from playoff contention for good.
Pick: NYG 32, NYJ 30
Oakland at Kansas City, 1, CBS
Both teams need this win, in order to keep their slim AFC West hopes alive. Kansas City has less of a chance than Oakland does, as they need to win, Denver to lose at Buffalo, and San Diego needs to lose to Detroit. The latter is more possible than the former, but it's still possible. Oakland just needs Denver to lose. Oakland hasn't fared too well the past three games, losing each one, and last week's was especially painful, losing to Detroit on a last effort 98-yard drive. So, all of the wind may be gone from their sails. Kansas City meanwhile, is coming off a great win, handing Green Bay their first loss of the season.
Pick: Kansas City 17, Oakland 13
San Diego at Detroit, 4, CBS
Detroit is looking to go to the playoffs for the first time since 1999, and all they need is a win at home in order to do it. My guess is that even though they're facing a suddenly resurgent San Diego team, just coming off their win versus the AFC North leaders in Baltimore. But, as Detroit has shown resiliency throughout the season, I think they pull this off in what is essentially their home playoff game.
Pick: Detroit 37, San Diego 34
Philadelphia at Dallas, 4:15, Fox
The Eagles need to win their final two games and need New York to lose this week, and win next week for the Eagles to backdoor their way into the playoffs for the 11th time in the 13 years that Andy Reid has been there. Do I have faith that the Eagles can do it? As picked above, no. Granted, the Eagles completely shell shocked the Cowboys following their bye week a few weeks ago, but this team cannot be trusted whatsoever. Dallas meanwhile, has lost two of their past three, with the only win being at a Tampa team which has been reeling since week 7. But, as mentioned, can't trust the Eagles, and playing at Dallas, really don't trust them.
Pick: Dallas 44, Philly 21
Atlanta at New Orleans, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
New Orleans has been one of the hottest teams in the NFL this season, winning seven of the past eight games, with the only loss, an aberration to the Rams. New Orleans also has been one of the best offenses this season, not only throwing the ball, as Drew Brees is only a little over 300 yards away from breaking Dan Marino's 27 year old passing yards record, which most though would never be broken. But, also rushing, as New Orleans ranks in the top quarter of the league in rushing as well, due to the trio of Chris Ivory, Mark Ingram, and perhaps their most valuable pickup of the offseason, Darren Sproles, who has fit into the Reggie Bush role quite well.
Atlanta meanwhile has also been a very hot team, winning four of their past five, with the only loss being at Houston, which isn't a bad loss at all. Atlanta has been following the formula that won them the division last year. That formula is: rely on Michael Turner, allow Matt Ryan to manage the game well, and have a solid defense. Granted, they haven't been as good as last season, but they've still played very well throughout the season.
However, since New Orleans has a chance to clinch the division, and at home, I think they'll pull it out.
Pick: New Orleans 35, Atlanta 27
Allow us to remember the true reason for the season, Jesus, and Him humbly becoming a man and stepping down to Earth from his throne as God. May you all have a very Merry Christmas with your friends and family!
Friday, December 16, 2011
10 Best Football Games-Week 16!
Bowling starts this week, and no, I'm not in a bowling league, talking about the best 3 weeks of the year: college Bowl games, and all of the wacky names and companies associated with the 35 bowl games this year. Some of the wackier: Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Ticketcity Bowl, Belk Bowl, Beef O' Brady's Bowl and Military Bowl-Presented by Northrop Grumman. There are other names too which are kind of out there if you will, like the AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl, TaxSlayer.Com Gator Bowl, and BBVA Compass Bowl. But, there are these names because of the magnitude of bowls and for the companies to get their names out there. Since there are so many bowls, and many of them I will not be able to preview, but will preview the best ones, and go until Wednesday of the following week as far as what Bowls I will preview.
This week in the NFL, it's not very exciting, with many games featuring playoff bound teams against teams which aren't very good, or two teams just preparing for next season. There are two exciting games, but that's about it. Now, on to the preview.
Bowls
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Temple vs. Wyoming, Saturday, 2, ESPN
This is a game between two rather surprising mid-major conference teams, who both posted 8-4 record, and are deserving of bowl bids. Temple closed out the regular season with three consecutive victories, led by elusive back Bernard Pierce, who is coming back next year to try and put up even gaudier numbers than his 1381 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, which is more touchdowns that Heisman candidate Trent Richardson. Temple also has a good defense to go along with Pierce and the rushing game, only allowing slightly less than 14 points per game. Wyoming meanwhile, could be the front runner for next year's Mountain West conference, as Boise State could be leaving for the Big East and TCU is already jettisoning for the Big 12. Wyoming finished third in the MWC behind those two schools, and are led by freshman quarterback, and freshman of the year in the MWC Brett Smith, who finished the season with nearly 2500 yards passing and 18 touchdowns. This game should be a good one, and could be rather low scoring.
Info obtained from: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313512751
Pick: Wyoming 23, Temple 14
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Boise, Idaho
Ohio vs. Utah State, 5:30, Saturday, ESPN
Ohio lost in the MAC championship game, to finish 9-4 on the season, now they have to travel two thirds across the country to Boise, for their bowl game. Utah State finished a pedestrian 7-5 in the WAC, but that was only one game back of conference winner Louisiana Tech, so they could be a contender next season in an even more depleted WAC, as Fresno State leaves the conference. Ohio won five consecutive games to win the East division of the MAC and advance to the championship game before losing to Northern Illinois. Ohio has a very potent offense, led by quarterback Tyler Tettleton, who passed for over 3,000 yards, and were averaging over 400 yards a game in their five consecutive victories. Utah State is very much a rushing attack, and kind of like a throwback offense, a lot of running, and not a whole lot of passing. As Utah State ranks in the bottom third for passing in division 1-A. This should be an offensive shootout.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313510328
Pick: Utah State 38, Ohio 36
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
San Diego State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, Saturday, 9, ESPN
San Diego State suffered no ill effects after their coach, Brady Hoke, who led them back to some prominence last season left for Michigan, and are going to back to back bowl games for the first time since the '60s. The Ragin' Cajuns are making their first trip to any bowl since 1970. This game will essentially be a home game for the Cajuns, as it's only a short drive from Lafayette. The Cajuns will have to deal with senior running back Ronnie Hillman, who, while not receiving too much attention like other running backs like Montee Ball and Trent Richardson and LaMichael James, he is a very good back, ranking third in the nation averaging 138 yards a game. The Cajuns meanwhile, rely on passing and two main receiving threats in Javone Lawson and Ladarius Green, who caught 15 of quarterback Blaine Gautier's 20 touchdown passes. This again should be rather high scoring, with Louisiana-Lafayette's poor defense down the stretch.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313510309
Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette 41, SDSU 27
Beef O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg
Florida International vs. Marshall, Tuesday, 8, ESPN
FIU was a respectable 8-4 and finished fourth in a top heavy Sun Belt, while Marshall shouldn't be here, with a 6-6 record. FIU has been having a rise in its football program, started just a decade ago in 2002. The eight wins are a school record, and this is thanks to coach Mario Cristobal, who has turned this program around, from a 0-12 team in 2006 to the now 8-4 squad in 2011. FIU also has one of the most dynamic receivers in the nation in T.Y. Hilton, who is blazing fast and has nearly 1,000 yards on the season. Marshall meanwhile finished 2nd in the Conference USA East division, behind eventual conference champ Southern Miss. Marshall has a great defense, creating 28 turnovers on the year, and led by defensive end Vinny Curry, who has 21.5 tackles for loss, with 11 of those being sacks. This should be a decent game, but with FIU coming out on top.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313540276
Pick: FIU 21, Marshall 10
San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, San Diego
#18 TCU vs. Louisiana Tech, Wednesday, 8, ESPN
TCU had an excellent closing to their season, winning seven straight, and their two losses were by a combined nine points. Plus, the one was to Heisman winner Robert Griffin III. TCU is moving on from their mid-major status next season and moving into a power conference in the Big 12 next season, where they could be a conference title contender. TCU has a focused running game, mainly because of losing star quarterack Andy Dalton to the NFL. Now, they're averaging over 200 yards a game on the ground. Louisiana Tech won the WAC and are headed to their first bowl since the 2008 Independence Bowl. But, since TCU is coming from a tougher conference and since they beat a top 10 team in Boise State, go with the Horned Frogs.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313552348
Pick: TCU 45, La. Tech 20
NFL
Detroit at Oakland, 4, Fox
Oakland is trying to break back into the race for the AFC West, with them still only one game behind the Broncos, who are playing the Patriots this week. Oakland has not been very good the past few weeks, losing big to Miami and Green Bay, but have three very winnable games left, beginning with this one. Oakland needs to get back to playing stout defense and they need Carson Palmer not to be imploding, as he has done the past two weeks. Then, Detroit needs to just play their game and not make stupid penalties and mistakes, then they'll win, as that has been their achillies heel this season. Detroit also has Ndamukong Suh coming back for this game, so they should be motivated to get this win and continue on their quest for the playoffs.
Pick: Detroit 28, Oakland 22
New England at Denver, 4:15, CBS
This is the first really big test for the Broncos and Tim Tebow as a team, as last week, Tebow faced the best defense he had faced, now the Broncos defense faces a huge test in Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. Everyone has been crowing about Tebow, but really, the key to this whole turn around by the Broncos has been the defense, led by linebackers Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, only giving up more than 15 points in three of the eight games. Tebow and the Broncos will be relying on the running game and the option game, as the Patriots strength is in their secondary. But, I think New England is too much and has too many weapons for the Broncos to cover.
Pick: New England 37, Denver 23
New York Jets at Philadelphia, 4:15, CBS
Yes, Amazingly enough, the Eagles still have a shot at the division title, as if the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles all finish 8-8, the Eagles win the division. But, kiss those dreams goodbye Eagles fans, as the Jets are too good on defense and can wreak havoc on Mike Vick and LeSean McCoy. The Jets have also been climbing back into the AFC playoff picture, thanks to Cincy's collapse and the Jets just playing better on offense, thanks mainly to Shonn Greene, who has been a key piece of the running game the past few weeks.
Pick: New York Jets 24, Philly 10
Baltimore at San Diego, 8:30, NBC
Baltimore has been very much in charge of the AFC North the entire season, only slipping a few times, losing three games, they probably shouldn't have. San Diego meanwhile, may have found their step again, after losing six consecutive games, after starting the season 4-1. San Diego has won their past two, thanks to Philip Rivers finding his passing game again. Baltimore, though, has been doing very well, thanks to star running back Ray Rice, who has been tearing up the league. Baltimore has also been putting up stellar numbers on defense as usual.
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Diego 13
Pittsburgh at San Francisco, Monday, 8:30, ESPN
This is a great interconference game, matching up two 10-3 teams, and both having Super Bowl aspirations. Pittsburgh, probably has a much better shot at the Super Bowl than San Francisco, based simply because they've been there, and they've been able to score touchdowns in the red zone, while San Francisco has been awful in the red zone, more often than not, getting field goals rather than touchdowns. That has proven to be their downfall in their losses, with a perfect example being last week's loss against Arizona, getting four field goals, rather than touchdowns. San Francisco has a very stout defense, but they probably can't stop the Steelers offense.
Pick: Pittsburgh 34, San Francisco 26
This week in the NFL, it's not very exciting, with many games featuring playoff bound teams against teams which aren't very good, or two teams just preparing for next season. There are two exciting games, but that's about it. Now, on to the preview.
Bowls
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Temple vs. Wyoming, Saturday, 2, ESPN
This is a game between two rather surprising mid-major conference teams, who both posted 8-4 record, and are deserving of bowl bids. Temple closed out the regular season with three consecutive victories, led by elusive back Bernard Pierce, who is coming back next year to try and put up even gaudier numbers than his 1381 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns, which is more touchdowns that Heisman candidate Trent Richardson. Temple also has a good defense to go along with Pierce and the rushing game, only allowing slightly less than 14 points per game. Wyoming meanwhile, could be the front runner for next year's Mountain West conference, as Boise State could be leaving for the Big East and TCU is already jettisoning for the Big 12. Wyoming finished third in the MWC behind those two schools, and are led by freshman quarterback, and freshman of the year in the MWC Brett Smith, who finished the season with nearly 2500 yards passing and 18 touchdowns. This game should be a good one, and could be rather low scoring.
Info obtained from: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313512751
Pick: Wyoming 23, Temple 14
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Boise, Idaho
Ohio vs. Utah State, 5:30, Saturday, ESPN
Ohio lost in the MAC championship game, to finish 9-4 on the season, now they have to travel two thirds across the country to Boise, for their bowl game. Utah State finished a pedestrian 7-5 in the WAC, but that was only one game back of conference winner Louisiana Tech, so they could be a contender next season in an even more depleted WAC, as Fresno State leaves the conference. Ohio won five consecutive games to win the East division of the MAC and advance to the championship game before losing to Northern Illinois. Ohio has a very potent offense, led by quarterback Tyler Tettleton, who passed for over 3,000 yards, and were averaging over 400 yards a game in their five consecutive victories. Utah State is very much a rushing attack, and kind of like a throwback offense, a lot of running, and not a whole lot of passing. As Utah State ranks in the bottom third for passing in division 1-A. This should be an offensive shootout.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313510328
Pick: Utah State 38, Ohio 36
R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
San Diego State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, Saturday, 9, ESPN
San Diego State suffered no ill effects after their coach, Brady Hoke, who led them back to some prominence last season left for Michigan, and are going to back to back bowl games for the first time since the '60s. The Ragin' Cajuns are making their first trip to any bowl since 1970. This game will essentially be a home game for the Cajuns, as it's only a short drive from Lafayette. The Cajuns will have to deal with senior running back Ronnie Hillman, who, while not receiving too much attention like other running backs like Montee Ball and Trent Richardson and LaMichael James, he is a very good back, ranking third in the nation averaging 138 yards a game. The Cajuns meanwhile, rely on passing and two main receiving threats in Javone Lawson and Ladarius Green, who caught 15 of quarterback Blaine Gautier's 20 touchdown passes. This again should be rather high scoring, with Louisiana-Lafayette's poor defense down the stretch.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313510309
Pick: Louisiana-Lafayette 41, SDSU 27
Beef O' Brady's Bowl St. Petersburg
Florida International vs. Marshall, Tuesday, 8, ESPN
FIU was a respectable 8-4 and finished fourth in a top heavy Sun Belt, while Marshall shouldn't be here, with a 6-6 record. FIU has been having a rise in its football program, started just a decade ago in 2002. The eight wins are a school record, and this is thanks to coach Mario Cristobal, who has turned this program around, from a 0-12 team in 2006 to the now 8-4 squad in 2011. FIU also has one of the most dynamic receivers in the nation in T.Y. Hilton, who is blazing fast and has nearly 1,000 yards on the season. Marshall meanwhile finished 2nd in the Conference USA East division, behind eventual conference champ Southern Miss. Marshall has a great defense, creating 28 turnovers on the year, and led by defensive end Vinny Curry, who has 21.5 tackles for loss, with 11 of those being sacks. This should be a decent game, but with FIU coming out on top.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313540276
Pick: FIU 21, Marshall 10
San Diego Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl, San Diego
#18 TCU vs. Louisiana Tech, Wednesday, 8, ESPN
TCU had an excellent closing to their season, winning seven straight, and their two losses were by a combined nine points. Plus, the one was to Heisman winner Robert Griffin III. TCU is moving on from their mid-major status next season and moving into a power conference in the Big 12 next season, where they could be a conference title contender. TCU has a focused running game, mainly because of losing star quarterack Andy Dalton to the NFL. Now, they're averaging over 200 yards a game on the ground. Louisiana Tech won the WAC and are headed to their first bowl since the 2008 Independence Bowl. But, since TCU is coming from a tougher conference and since they beat a top 10 team in Boise State, go with the Horned Frogs.
Info: http://espn.go.com/ncf/preview?gameId=313552348
Pick: TCU 45, La. Tech 20
NFL
Detroit at Oakland, 4, Fox
Oakland is trying to break back into the race for the AFC West, with them still only one game behind the Broncos, who are playing the Patriots this week. Oakland has not been very good the past few weeks, losing big to Miami and Green Bay, but have three very winnable games left, beginning with this one. Oakland needs to get back to playing stout defense and they need Carson Palmer not to be imploding, as he has done the past two weeks. Then, Detroit needs to just play their game and not make stupid penalties and mistakes, then they'll win, as that has been their achillies heel this season. Detroit also has Ndamukong Suh coming back for this game, so they should be motivated to get this win and continue on their quest for the playoffs.
Pick: Detroit 28, Oakland 22
New England at Denver, 4:15, CBS
This is the first really big test for the Broncos and Tim Tebow as a team, as last week, Tebow faced the best defense he had faced, now the Broncos defense faces a huge test in Tom Brady and the Patriots offense. Everyone has been crowing about Tebow, but really, the key to this whole turn around by the Broncos has been the defense, led by linebackers Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, only giving up more than 15 points in three of the eight games. Tebow and the Broncos will be relying on the running game and the option game, as the Patriots strength is in their secondary. But, I think New England is too much and has too many weapons for the Broncos to cover.
Pick: New England 37, Denver 23
New York Jets at Philadelphia, 4:15, CBS
Yes, Amazingly enough, the Eagles still have a shot at the division title, as if the Cowboys, Giants and Eagles all finish 8-8, the Eagles win the division. But, kiss those dreams goodbye Eagles fans, as the Jets are too good on defense and can wreak havoc on Mike Vick and LeSean McCoy. The Jets have also been climbing back into the AFC playoff picture, thanks to Cincy's collapse and the Jets just playing better on offense, thanks mainly to Shonn Greene, who has been a key piece of the running game the past few weeks.
Pick: New York Jets 24, Philly 10
Baltimore at San Diego, 8:30, NBC
Baltimore has been very much in charge of the AFC North the entire season, only slipping a few times, losing three games, they probably shouldn't have. San Diego meanwhile, may have found their step again, after losing six consecutive games, after starting the season 4-1. San Diego has won their past two, thanks to Philip Rivers finding his passing game again. Baltimore, though, has been doing very well, thanks to star running back Ray Rice, who has been tearing up the league. Baltimore has also been putting up stellar numbers on defense as usual.
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Diego 13
Pittsburgh at San Francisco, Monday, 8:30, ESPN
This is a great interconference game, matching up two 10-3 teams, and both having Super Bowl aspirations. Pittsburgh, probably has a much better shot at the Super Bowl than San Francisco, based simply because they've been there, and they've been able to score touchdowns in the red zone, while San Francisco has been awful in the red zone, more often than not, getting field goals rather than touchdowns. That has proven to be their downfall in their losses, with a perfect example being last week's loss against Arizona, getting four field goals, rather than touchdowns. San Francisco has a very stout defense, but they probably can't stop the Steelers offense.
Pick: Pittsburgh 34, San Francisco 26
Friday, December 9, 2011
10 Best Football Games-Week 15!
Wow, another mess the national championship game is, the SEC is guaranteed a sixth consecutive BCS national title, and the rematch is on. Plus, the BCS picked an inexplicable match up in the Sugar Bowl, with Michigan versus Virginia Tech. The match up is horrible, considering Virginia Tech just got completely blown out by Clemson who came into the ACC title game losing three of its past four, and Michigan not even making it to its own conference title game. But, alas, this is what the BCS has become of late. Then, there are some of the other 35 bowl games out there, like the TicketCity Bowl, featuring a high octane offense in Houston matched up against a stealth defense in Penn State, so that should be a fun game to watch. Plus, there is Temple, which is going to yet another bowl game, this time the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, where they face a Wyoming team which can hang in there against a few opponents. Don't forget, there is the College Bowl Mania pick 'em league with friends of PJ's blog. Here is the link: http://games.espn.go.com/college-bowl-mania/en/group?groupID=4618&selGrp=4618&entryID=78550. The game is confidence mode, so this is how it goes, if you have the utmost confidence in a certain game, you will put 35 next to that game, and if you don't have much confidence in a certain game, you put a 1 next to that game. Please join me in playing!
Now, since there is only one division 1-A college game this week, Army vs. Navy, that is the only college game I'm picking, as well as nine pro games. There actually are a lot of games with playoff potential as well.
College
Army vs. Navy, in Washington, D.C., 2:30, CBS
This annual game has been completely dominated by Navy over the past decade, with Navy winning every game since 2002, and with the Black Knights continuing to falter, I don't see how they can pull out a victory in this game. Navy still has the potent triple option game led by Alexander Teich, who has been vital in the triple option game that both service academies deploy. Navy has also won two of their past three games.
However, the game doesn't really matter as much as remembering what these young men will be doing after the football field, and that is protecting our country, and that is to be commended, plus the excellent discipline each person has both on the field and in the classroom, with most achieving GPA's of 3.5 or higher.
Pick: Navy 24, Army 21
NFL
Houston at Cincinnati, 1, CBS
Houston played very well last week against a good Atlanta team, and came out with a victory, and that's even without having star receiver Andre Johnson for half the game. Houston will be without the services of Johnson once again in this game, as last week he injured his other hamstring while running a post pattern in the third quarter. Cincy played horribly last week at division rival Pittsburgh, and it has caused them to now be hanging on to the final wild card spot in the AFC by a thread. Cincy can ill afford to lose games in the home stretch, as they are tied for the wild card lead with a few other teams and own the tiebreaker, so that will be the key down the stretch for them. Currently, Houston should win this game based on their running game and defense, which has been stellar.
Pick: Houston 20, Cincy 10
Minnesota at Detroit, 1, Fox
Detroit is needing this victory to get back into the playoff picture in the NFC, as they are currently on the outside looking in. There are a few things which help Detroit in this game. Those being that Christian Ponder, who has been decent, Adrian Peterson could just be returning from his leg injury, and the Lions are at home, where they've been good. So, with those things combined, put Detroit in for the victory.
Pick: Detroit 23, Minnesota 13
New Orleans at Tennessee, 1, Fox
New Orleans needs this win to continue to try and win the NFC South, and they need a victory and an Atlanta loss to seal the deal. Tennessee also is tied with Cincy for the last wild card spot, and could use this victory as well to try and propel themselves into the playoffs. Chris Johnson has gotten back on track the past two weeks, averaging over 170 yards in those games, and he should continue to do well this week, but not all that well, as New Orleans is averaging only 114 yards per game given up per game thus far. New Orleans also wants to prove to the naysayers that they can win on the road, and outdoors in December and January, and this will be a perfect time to do that.
Pick: New Orleans 31, Tennessee 17
Kansas City at New York Jets, 1, CBS
New York is yet another team tied with Cincy for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC, and they have a relatively easy game this week, unlike the others, which should help prop them into the sixth seed, which is right where they'd like to be. New York has gone to the AFC title game the past two seasons coming from the sixth seed. New York has been coming around as of late, and that should make them a contender.
Pick: New York 24, Kansas City 10
New England at Washington, 1, CBS
New England will torch the Washington secondary, just like they did with most other teams this year.
Pick: New England 38, Washington 14
Chicago at Denver, 4, Fox
This is a very interesting game, as this will be Tebow's first game against a great defense. But, then again, Denver has been playing some pretty good defense of its own this season, and that should help them against a weakened Chicago team which doesn't have Jay Cutler or Matt Forte in the backfield. I'm expecting this game to be rather low scoring, as both teams do feature pretty good defenses, and Tebow isn't all that good passing yet. But, since Denver is at home, and competing for the AFC West division title, go with the Broncos.
Pick: Denver 13, Chicago 10
San Francisco at Arizona, 4, Fox
San Francisco may have just clinched the NFC West, but they want a first round bye as well, and going against a up and down Arizona team which they killed earlier in the season, it's no match.
Pick: San Francisco 41, Arizona 21
Oakland at Green Bay, 4:15, CBS
Oakland just got destroyed by the Dolphins last week in Miami, and now they're going to face the best team in the NFL, who still haven't put together a complete 60 minute game, which is scary. Go with Green Bay to continue in their quest for an undefeated season.
Pick: Green Bay 45, Oakland 24
New York Giants at Dallas, 8:30, NBC
This game is the first of two in the final four weeks of the regular season between these two clubs, and this could help decide the NFC East, as Dallas is sitting one game ahead of the Giants with four games remaining. New York needs this game to help themselves from being two down with three to go. Plus, with the way New York played last week, inspired, they should go down and beat Dallas.
Pick: New York 27, Dallas 23
Now, since there is only one division 1-A college game this week, Army vs. Navy, that is the only college game I'm picking, as well as nine pro games. There actually are a lot of games with playoff potential as well.
College
Army vs. Navy, in Washington, D.C., 2:30, CBS
This annual game has been completely dominated by Navy over the past decade, with Navy winning every game since 2002, and with the Black Knights continuing to falter, I don't see how they can pull out a victory in this game. Navy still has the potent triple option game led by Alexander Teich, who has been vital in the triple option game that both service academies deploy. Navy has also won two of their past three games.
However, the game doesn't really matter as much as remembering what these young men will be doing after the football field, and that is protecting our country, and that is to be commended, plus the excellent discipline each person has both on the field and in the classroom, with most achieving GPA's of 3.5 or higher.
Pick: Navy 24, Army 21
NFL
Houston at Cincinnati, 1, CBS
Houston played very well last week against a good Atlanta team, and came out with a victory, and that's even without having star receiver Andre Johnson for half the game. Houston will be without the services of Johnson once again in this game, as last week he injured his other hamstring while running a post pattern in the third quarter. Cincy played horribly last week at division rival Pittsburgh, and it has caused them to now be hanging on to the final wild card spot in the AFC by a thread. Cincy can ill afford to lose games in the home stretch, as they are tied for the wild card lead with a few other teams and own the tiebreaker, so that will be the key down the stretch for them. Currently, Houston should win this game based on their running game and defense, which has been stellar.
Pick: Houston 20, Cincy 10
Minnesota at Detroit, 1, Fox
Detroit is needing this victory to get back into the playoff picture in the NFC, as they are currently on the outside looking in. There are a few things which help Detroit in this game. Those being that Christian Ponder, who has been decent, Adrian Peterson could just be returning from his leg injury, and the Lions are at home, where they've been good. So, with those things combined, put Detroit in for the victory.
Pick: Detroit 23, Minnesota 13
New Orleans at Tennessee, 1, Fox
New Orleans needs this win to continue to try and win the NFC South, and they need a victory and an Atlanta loss to seal the deal. Tennessee also is tied with Cincy for the last wild card spot, and could use this victory as well to try and propel themselves into the playoffs. Chris Johnson has gotten back on track the past two weeks, averaging over 170 yards in those games, and he should continue to do well this week, but not all that well, as New Orleans is averaging only 114 yards per game given up per game thus far. New Orleans also wants to prove to the naysayers that they can win on the road, and outdoors in December and January, and this will be a perfect time to do that.
Pick: New Orleans 31, Tennessee 17
Kansas City at New York Jets, 1, CBS
New York is yet another team tied with Cincy for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC, and they have a relatively easy game this week, unlike the others, which should help prop them into the sixth seed, which is right where they'd like to be. New York has gone to the AFC title game the past two seasons coming from the sixth seed. New York has been coming around as of late, and that should make them a contender.
Pick: New York 24, Kansas City 10
New England at Washington, 1, CBS
New England will torch the Washington secondary, just like they did with most other teams this year.
Pick: New England 38, Washington 14
Chicago at Denver, 4, Fox
This is a very interesting game, as this will be Tebow's first game against a great defense. But, then again, Denver has been playing some pretty good defense of its own this season, and that should help them against a weakened Chicago team which doesn't have Jay Cutler or Matt Forte in the backfield. I'm expecting this game to be rather low scoring, as both teams do feature pretty good defenses, and Tebow isn't all that good passing yet. But, since Denver is at home, and competing for the AFC West division title, go with the Broncos.
Pick: Denver 13, Chicago 10
San Francisco at Arizona, 4, Fox
San Francisco may have just clinched the NFC West, but they want a first round bye as well, and going against a up and down Arizona team which they killed earlier in the season, it's no match.
Pick: San Francisco 41, Arizona 21
Oakland at Green Bay, 4:15, CBS
Oakland just got destroyed by the Dolphins last week in Miami, and now they're going to face the best team in the NFL, who still haven't put together a complete 60 minute game, which is scary. Go with Green Bay to continue in their quest for an undefeated season.
Pick: Green Bay 45, Oakland 24
New York Giants at Dallas, 8:30, NBC
This game is the first of two in the final four weeks of the regular season between these two clubs, and this could help decide the NFC East, as Dallas is sitting one game ahead of the Giants with four games remaining. New York needs this game to help themselves from being two down with three to go. Plus, with the way New York played last week, inspired, they should go down and beat Dallas.
Pick: New York 27, Dallas 23
Friday, December 2, 2011
Bowl Mania!
ESPN has a game where you can pick the winners of each and every one of the 35 bowl games, and I'm inviting you, the readers of my blog to join me in picking the winners. The game can either be played with "confidence" picks or just straight up and picking the winners. I chose confidence, where you pick the winner, and choose how confident you are in that pick. So, please join me in this game! The link is below, and it's public, so anyone can join.
http://games.espn.go.com/college-bowl-mania/en/group?groupID=4618&selGrp=4618&entryID=78550
http://games.espn.go.com/college-bowl-mania/en/group?groupID=4618&selGrp=4618&entryID=78550
10 Best Football Games-NCAA Championship Week!
The college football season has flown by seemingly and it is now time for the conference championships to be decided. There are seven conference championship games, however, I will only be previewing four, as the MAC and PAC-12 title games are being played as I'm typing. The four I'm previewing are: C-USA, ACC, Big Ten, and SEC title games. I will also preview what is known as "Bedlam" in Oklahoma between Oklahoma ans Oklahoma State.
But, allow me not to forget about the NFL, as there are some very intriguing games with some playoff bound teams and could affect seeding in the playoffs. Allow me to get to the games.
College
C-USA Championship
#24 Southern Miss at #6 Houston, noon, ABC
Conference USA is one of the two conferences which allows the team with the better record to host the conference championship game, the other is the PAC-12. Houston should have a nice advantage due to being at home, and because they are playing for a chance to go to a BCS game. Not the National Championship game, but I digress and ranted on that a few weeks ago. But, Houston has proven to the nation that nobody on their schedule can stop them, as they have scored at least 35 points in each of their 12 games thus far. So, this team can easily get into a shootout, and they've been able to hold some teams in check as well, such as a prolific SMU team to just 7, and a decent Tulsa team to just 16.
Southern Miss meanwhile has had one great season as well, only losing two games, with those two games being very puzzling losses, one to a 6-6 Marshall team and the other to just a downright awful UAB squad. But, they are going to have to pick off Case Keenum and try and create turnovers to have a chance in this game. However, tomorrow just isn't their game.
Pick: Houston 47, Southern Miss 23
SEC Championship, Atlanta
#1 LSU vs. #14 Georgia, 4, CBS
Georgia has done very well since their opening two losses, at home to a very good Boise State squad, and at home to what was at least at one time, a pretty potent South Carolina team. Georgia has since turned it around and won ten consecutive games, granted, it has been against lesser competition, but still, it has done very well. Georgia has also a good run defense, and that could help them out versus a run oriented LSU squad. The Bulldogs also have a vetern quarterback in Aaron Murray which can help.
This may as well be an away game for LSU though, as the Georgia Dome is merely 90 minutes away from Sanford Stadium in Athens where Georgia plays. But, it won't matter, as LSU has beaten every single opponent on their schedule, and most quite handily. LSU has beaten every team whether at home, away, or at a neutral site. LSU has beaten the probable champions of two BCS conferences as well, in Oregon and West Virginia. So, I have zero doubts that this team will roll into Atlanta and roll out with the conference championship.
Pick: LSU 51, Georgia 31
ACC Championship, Charlotte
#5 Virginia Tech vs. #20 Clemson, 8, ESPN
These two teams met before, in Blacksburg, but, it was when Clemson still cared and was playing their best football in early October. Since then, Tech has gone undefeated, and Clemson has lost 3 of their past 4 games. Clemson has just dropped like a rock, and just not shown up to play these past few weeks, losing to an average Georgia Tech team, a bad NC State team and a rival. Plus, it is hard to beat a team twice in the same season, especially in Championship games.
Virginia Tech has won using their dynamic quarterback Logan Thomas, who is much like Cam Newton, a big man who can dish out the punishment both rushing and passing. Tech also has a good running back in David Wilson, who has run for nearly 1600 yards so far on the season. Plus, with "Beamerball" making some key plays on special teams and defense.
Pick: Virginia Tech 30, Clemson 17
Big Ten Championship, Indianapolis
#15 Wisconsin vs. #13 Michigan State, 8, Fox
This game is another rematch, and a classic rematch as well, this game in the latter half of October ended on a Hail Mary and one tough catch and push by Keith Nichol. Both teams since then have gone 4-1, with Michigan State's only loss coming at Nebraska the following week, and Wisconsin continuing their hangover by losing at Ohio State the following week. Both teams have fantastic running games, with Michigan State having a platoon with Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell, who have combined for over 1400 yards. Then, they've got a good quarterback in Kirk Cousins and a solid defense, which has only given up a little over 15 yards per game.
Wisconsin meanwhile has had a Heisman candidate in transfer Russell Wilson, and a new one emerge in running back Montee Ball, who will look to break Barry Sanders record of 39 in the next two games. Ball currently has 34, and can easily do it behind Wisconsin's massive offensive line, which averages over 6'4" and 300 pounds, so in reality, this is an NFL offensive line. Then, with Russell Wilson, he is a tranfer graduate student, who has done exceptionally well in his only season in Madison, having a greater than 7-1 touchdown to interception ratio.
So, this game is a battle between two really closely matched teams, and essentially is a coin flip, but go with Wisconsin to make it back-to-back trips to the Rose Bowl due to the first game being in East Lansing, and the revenge factor.
Pick: Wisconsin 37, Michigan State 35
#10 Oklahoma at #3 Oklahoma State, 8, ABC
This is the de facto Big 12 championship game, as this will decide which of these two teams gets the automatic bid to the BCS. This game could also help decide if Oklahoma State even has a sliver of hope of getting into the National Championship game with winning this game, and winning it big. Oklahoma lost its best wide receiver a few weeks ago, and that probably cost them against Baylor, losing at Baylor.
Oklahoma State really hasn't had any injuries, and their only loss came at Iowa State two weeks ago, after their women's basketball coach died in a plane crash after doing some recruiting. Plus, Iowa State actually, isn't all that bad. Oklahoma State will want to rebound after that tough loss in double overtime and try and blowout Oklahoma to reach the title game.
Pick: Oklahoma State 54, Oklahoma 34
NFL
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1, CBS
Pittsburgh is continuing to try and fight for the AFC North title while hoping that Baltimore loses at some point. Cincinnati meanwhile has lost hope on the division title, but are very capable of taking one of the two wild card spots in the AFC, and are in position to do that currently, being a game ahead of Denver at the moment. But, while Cincy has been good, they haven't been all that good, and may even be overtaken by Denver after this weekend. As Cincy lost the first meeting between these two clubs and it was at Cincy just four weeks ago.
Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Cincy 14
Atlanta at Houston, 1, Fox
This game looked very attractive just four weeks ago, now, it is still attractive, just much less because Houston is now down to their third string quarterback and sign cast offs like Kellen Clemens and Jake Delhomme to fill out their roster due to the season ending injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. Now, the Texans have to resort to the first ever starting quarterback from the football factory which is North Carolina in T.J. Yates. Yates filled in admirably for Leinart after he got hurt, going 8/15 for 70 yards. The good news for Yates is that he has a Pro Bowl running back in Arian Foster behind him as well as a very good team defense to help him out. Yates also has a Pro Bowl wide receiver in Andre Johnson to help him in his maturation.
However, Atlanta has the exact same thing, but a much better and veteran quarterback in Matt Ryan, and as most know in the NFL, quarterbacks are the key to winning games.
Pick: Atlanta 27, Houston 20
Tennessee at Buffalo, 1, CBS
Tennessee now has a chance to catch Houston, now that they are down to their third string quarterback. Tennessee also has the fortune of facing a team in free fall like the Bills, who, after their 5-2 start, have lost fur straight, with only one of them even being close in last week's thriller versus the Jets. Buffalo just hasn't been good the past few games, while Tennessee has been average, and that is good enough to beat this hapless Bills team.
Pick: Tennessee 21, Buffalo 10
Green Bay at New York Giants, 4:15, Fox
New York, like Buffalo has been in somewhat of a free fall, losing their past three, including last Monday's debacle against the Saints. New York has some good news and some bad news this week, the good news is that they now have their tandem of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs back, as Bradshaw has been out the past few weeks. The bad news is that they still don't have Osi Umenyiora, which would help a lot against Aaron Rodgers, who has been on fire this season, putting together a runaway MVP type season. And, with the way the Packers played last Thursday, they can't be stopped.
Pick: Green Bay 38, New York 24
Detroit at New Orleans, 8:30, NBC
Detroit is without a big weapon in defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who inexplicably stomped on a players arm in the Lions loss last week, and has subsequently been suspended for this game and the following week. Detroit is also playing at New Orleans, which is one tough place to play, just ask New York last week. New Orleans continues to play phenomenal football, and should continue to pass the football with ease against a fairly weak Detroit secondary.
Pick: New Orleans 45, Detroit 27
But, allow me not to forget about the NFL, as there are some very intriguing games with some playoff bound teams and could affect seeding in the playoffs. Allow me to get to the games.
College
C-USA Championship
#24 Southern Miss at #6 Houston, noon, ABC
Conference USA is one of the two conferences which allows the team with the better record to host the conference championship game, the other is the PAC-12. Houston should have a nice advantage due to being at home, and because they are playing for a chance to go to a BCS game. Not the National Championship game, but I digress and ranted on that a few weeks ago. But, Houston has proven to the nation that nobody on their schedule can stop them, as they have scored at least 35 points in each of their 12 games thus far. So, this team can easily get into a shootout, and they've been able to hold some teams in check as well, such as a prolific SMU team to just 7, and a decent Tulsa team to just 16.
Southern Miss meanwhile has had one great season as well, only losing two games, with those two games being very puzzling losses, one to a 6-6 Marshall team and the other to just a downright awful UAB squad. But, they are going to have to pick off Case Keenum and try and create turnovers to have a chance in this game. However, tomorrow just isn't their game.
Pick: Houston 47, Southern Miss 23
SEC Championship, Atlanta
#1 LSU vs. #14 Georgia, 4, CBS
Georgia has done very well since their opening two losses, at home to a very good Boise State squad, and at home to what was at least at one time, a pretty potent South Carolina team. Georgia has since turned it around and won ten consecutive games, granted, it has been against lesser competition, but still, it has done very well. Georgia has also a good run defense, and that could help them out versus a run oriented LSU squad. The Bulldogs also have a vetern quarterback in Aaron Murray which can help.
This may as well be an away game for LSU though, as the Georgia Dome is merely 90 minutes away from Sanford Stadium in Athens where Georgia plays. But, it won't matter, as LSU has beaten every single opponent on their schedule, and most quite handily. LSU has beaten every team whether at home, away, or at a neutral site. LSU has beaten the probable champions of two BCS conferences as well, in Oregon and West Virginia. So, I have zero doubts that this team will roll into Atlanta and roll out with the conference championship.
Pick: LSU 51, Georgia 31
ACC Championship, Charlotte
#5 Virginia Tech vs. #20 Clemson, 8, ESPN
These two teams met before, in Blacksburg, but, it was when Clemson still cared and was playing their best football in early October. Since then, Tech has gone undefeated, and Clemson has lost 3 of their past 4 games. Clemson has just dropped like a rock, and just not shown up to play these past few weeks, losing to an average Georgia Tech team, a bad NC State team and a rival. Plus, it is hard to beat a team twice in the same season, especially in Championship games.
Virginia Tech has won using their dynamic quarterback Logan Thomas, who is much like Cam Newton, a big man who can dish out the punishment both rushing and passing. Tech also has a good running back in David Wilson, who has run for nearly 1600 yards so far on the season. Plus, with "Beamerball" making some key plays on special teams and defense.
Pick: Virginia Tech 30, Clemson 17
Big Ten Championship, Indianapolis
#15 Wisconsin vs. #13 Michigan State, 8, Fox
This game is another rematch, and a classic rematch as well, this game in the latter half of October ended on a Hail Mary and one tough catch and push by Keith Nichol. Both teams since then have gone 4-1, with Michigan State's only loss coming at Nebraska the following week, and Wisconsin continuing their hangover by losing at Ohio State the following week. Both teams have fantastic running games, with Michigan State having a platoon with Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell, who have combined for over 1400 yards. Then, they've got a good quarterback in Kirk Cousins and a solid defense, which has only given up a little over 15 yards per game.
Wisconsin meanwhile has had a Heisman candidate in transfer Russell Wilson, and a new one emerge in running back Montee Ball, who will look to break Barry Sanders record of 39 in the next two games. Ball currently has 34, and can easily do it behind Wisconsin's massive offensive line, which averages over 6'4" and 300 pounds, so in reality, this is an NFL offensive line. Then, with Russell Wilson, he is a tranfer graduate student, who has done exceptionally well in his only season in Madison, having a greater than 7-1 touchdown to interception ratio.
So, this game is a battle between two really closely matched teams, and essentially is a coin flip, but go with Wisconsin to make it back-to-back trips to the Rose Bowl due to the first game being in East Lansing, and the revenge factor.
Pick: Wisconsin 37, Michigan State 35
#10 Oklahoma at #3 Oklahoma State, 8, ABC
This is the de facto Big 12 championship game, as this will decide which of these two teams gets the automatic bid to the BCS. This game could also help decide if Oklahoma State even has a sliver of hope of getting into the National Championship game with winning this game, and winning it big. Oklahoma lost its best wide receiver a few weeks ago, and that probably cost them against Baylor, losing at Baylor.
Oklahoma State really hasn't had any injuries, and their only loss came at Iowa State two weeks ago, after their women's basketball coach died in a plane crash after doing some recruiting. Plus, Iowa State actually, isn't all that bad. Oklahoma State will want to rebound after that tough loss in double overtime and try and blowout Oklahoma to reach the title game.
Pick: Oklahoma State 54, Oklahoma 34
NFL
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1, CBS
Pittsburgh is continuing to try and fight for the AFC North title while hoping that Baltimore loses at some point. Cincinnati meanwhile has lost hope on the division title, but are very capable of taking one of the two wild card spots in the AFC, and are in position to do that currently, being a game ahead of Denver at the moment. But, while Cincy has been good, they haven't been all that good, and may even be overtaken by Denver after this weekend. As Cincy lost the first meeting between these two clubs and it was at Cincy just four weeks ago.
Pick: Pittsburgh 24, Cincy 14
Atlanta at Houston, 1, Fox
This game looked very attractive just four weeks ago, now, it is still attractive, just much less because Houston is now down to their third string quarterback and sign cast offs like Kellen Clemens and Jake Delhomme to fill out their roster due to the season ending injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. Now, the Texans have to resort to the first ever starting quarterback from the football factory which is North Carolina in T.J. Yates. Yates filled in admirably for Leinart after he got hurt, going 8/15 for 70 yards. The good news for Yates is that he has a Pro Bowl running back in Arian Foster behind him as well as a very good team defense to help him out. Yates also has a Pro Bowl wide receiver in Andre Johnson to help him in his maturation.
However, Atlanta has the exact same thing, but a much better and veteran quarterback in Matt Ryan, and as most know in the NFL, quarterbacks are the key to winning games.
Pick: Atlanta 27, Houston 20
Tennessee at Buffalo, 1, CBS
Tennessee now has a chance to catch Houston, now that they are down to their third string quarterback. Tennessee also has the fortune of facing a team in free fall like the Bills, who, after their 5-2 start, have lost fur straight, with only one of them even being close in last week's thriller versus the Jets. Buffalo just hasn't been good the past few games, while Tennessee has been average, and that is good enough to beat this hapless Bills team.
Pick: Tennessee 21, Buffalo 10
Green Bay at New York Giants, 4:15, Fox
New York, like Buffalo has been in somewhat of a free fall, losing their past three, including last Monday's debacle against the Saints. New York has some good news and some bad news this week, the good news is that they now have their tandem of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs back, as Bradshaw has been out the past few weeks. The bad news is that they still don't have Osi Umenyiora, which would help a lot against Aaron Rodgers, who has been on fire this season, putting together a runaway MVP type season. And, with the way the Packers played last Thursday, they can't be stopped.
Pick: Green Bay 38, New York 24
Detroit at New Orleans, 8:30, NBC
Detroit is without a big weapon in defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who inexplicably stomped on a players arm in the Lions loss last week, and has subsequently been suspended for this game and the following week. Detroit is also playing at New Orleans, which is one tough place to play, just ask New York last week. New Orleans continues to play phenomenal football, and should continue to pass the football with ease against a fairly weak Detroit secondary.
Pick: New Orleans 45, Detroit 27
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