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!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
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
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
10 Best Football Games-Thanksgiving weekend!
Thanksgiving weekend, and what a feast of football to dine on while dining on all of the delicious food. The NFL has six games which I could choose from which are good games, while college features a plethora of rivalry games. Some of which mean something as far as conference or division, the others just for pride. This weekend is all about the three f's: food, family, and football. Granted, you could put in shopping as another one, with black Friday, however, that's for some, but not for most. Anyway, here are 10 of the best football games this weekend, with two NFL games featured tomorrow.
NFL
Green Bay at Detroit, 12:30, Fox
Many people have been criticizing the NFL the past few seasons for giving the Lions a showcase game on Thanksgiving day despite the Lions being one of the worst teams in the league. But, the league kept on giving it to them, just like they have every year since 1936. Now, this game could be considered the best of the three on Thanksgiving day, with division rivals competing, and one having an undefeated record.
This game also is probably the best "measuring stick" for the Lions so far this season, as it will pit them against the best football team in the league thus far this season. Can the Lions actually pull off the upset? Maybe. It depends, this game may turn into a shootout, as last week did with the Lions, 49-35. The Lions will need their defensive line to bring pressure to Aaron Rodgers, they'll need to control the wide array of Packers receivers, and finally control the clock. Detroit has the ability to do it, but I don't think that Kevin Smith can come back and have the week like he did last week (more than 200 yards from scrimmage).
Pick: Green Bay 42, Detroit 31
San Francisco at Baltimore, 8:30, NFL Network
This is the battle of the Harbaugh brothers, and has been anticipated since the beginning of the season, whether or not the 49ers were any good or not. But, turns out this is an attractive game because both teams are very good. San Francisco is the number two seed in the NFC currently, while the Ravens would be the number two in the AFC. Baltimore seems to play to the level of their opponents, as evidenced by their losses to Jacksonville and Seattle. San Francisco just plays well as a team, and has won in the eastern time zone despite their five trips out east. Now, the fact that they've been able to win all five of those games is a testament to how well they've been prepared. But, since the 49ers are playing on a short week and having to travel, I'll give the edge to Baltimore, solely because they're at home. Otherwise, both teams are very evenly matched.
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Francisco 14
Chicago at Oakland, 4, Fox
If this game was played a week ago, it'd be a doozy of a game probably. However, becaue Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler is now out at least for the rest of the regular season due to a broken thumb, this game suddenly became a lot less interesting. But, Chicago also has what many consider to be the MVP of the NFL in Matt Forte, and the best returner of all time in Devin Hester, plus Chicago has been playing some lights out defense. Oakland is seeming to come together as a team and control their own destiny in the lousy AFC West. But, they're slowly getting the old Carson Palmer back and having a defense which is stepping up to the plate. This will be a good game, and giving the edge to Oakland because they're at home and they can have a chance to unload on new quarterback Caleb Hanie, which nobody ever heard of before last year's NFC championship game.
Pick: Oakland 23, Chicago 10
New England at Philadelphia, 4:15, CBS
Philadelphia gave fans a glimmer of hope in reviving their season last week in their big win over the Giants in New Jersey. Now, this week, the Eagles season will definitely be dead. Philadelphia is facing the best team they have faced the entire season in the Patriots. Granted, the Patriots defense isn't all that good, but their offense with Tom Brady and his talented tight ends more than make up for it. Rob Gronkowski and aaron Hernandez will have a field day against the weak Eagles linebackers and the Patriots will roll.
Pick: New England 45, Philadelphia 13
New York Giants at New Orleans, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
New York is coming off a bad loss at home to rival Philadelphia, while New Orleans finally had a week off in week 11 and now will have a crowd behind them. New Orleans controls their destiny in the NFC South, while New York will need help in the NFC to even make the playoffs, but they're still a very good team. I think that the Saints will roll here though because they are playing at home, and they're really good at home, then they are coming off a bye week.
Pick: New Orleans 38, New York 21
College
#3 Arkansas at #1 LSU, 2:30 Friday, CBS
CBS is thrilled to have the SEC especially this year, as they've already had a 1 vs. 2 game in LSU/Alabama and now they've got a 1 vs. 3 game. This game should be a lot different than the LSU/'Bama game as Arkansas doesn't have nearly the defense that Alabama did. Plus, Arkansas already lost big to Alabama at Alabama. If Arkansas has any shot at beating LSU, they'll need to figure out a way to solve LSU's defense, which has been stellar all season. But, I just don't think they have enough.
Pick: LSU 43, Arkansas 24
#2 Alabama at #24 Auburn, 3:30, CBS
Auburn won last year's game after being down 24-0 at one point, then came roaring back to win 28-27 in Alabama. Now, there are many folks on Alabama's team which was there last season, and they didn't forget. So, they will be out to grab the victory and do it big time against a young Auburn team.
Pick: Alabma 51, Auburn 21
#5 Virginia Tech at Virginia, 3:30, ABC or ESPN2
This game will determine who will face Clemson in the ACC title game next week. Virginia Tech seems to be ranked fifth solely based on their reputation, not based on the quality of their opponents or how they've beaten them. Granted, their only loss came against Atlantic division winner Clemson, but they don't really have any other signature victories. Mike London has done amazing things at Virginia, which really isn't the best place to succeed in football. But, they've been in anonymity this season in the ACC.
Pick: Virginia 24, Virginia Tech 21
#19 Penn State at #16 Wisconsin, 3:30, ESPN
Penn State is shockingly still in the hunt for the Leaders division title, and the winner of this game will win the Leaders division and play in the inaugural Big Ten title game in Indianapolis. Penn State will need to stop Wisconsin running back Montee Ball and be able to score more than 20 to win this game. Ball has accounted for 30 touchdowns this season, which to give you an idea is more than the University of Kentucky has scored this football season. That is how important it is to stop Ball in this game. Plus, Penn State will need to try and score some points again, which has been very hard for them to do.
Pick: Wisconsin 31, Penn State 16
#22 Notre Dame at #6 Stanford, 8, ABC
Stanford looked sluggish in their win last week over Cal, but eventually pulled away in the second half. Stanford still has Andrew Luck and a good defense to win, with their only loss coming at home against a very fast and athletic Oregon team. But, they are now facing a depleted Notre Dame team, which is coming into this game without their leading rusher Jonas Gray, who now has a torn ACL. Granted, Notre Dame still has a talented group of receivers, but Gray was an integral part of their offense. Then they need to also rely on their defense to contain Luck and Stanford's tight ends. But, I don't think they can.
Pick: Stanford 34, Notre Dame 28
Finally, enjoy the weekend, enjoy tomorrow, and take time to really step back and think what you're thankful for. Personally, it's Jesus, who decided to save me, and die for me.
NFL
Green Bay at Detroit, 12:30, Fox
Many people have been criticizing the NFL the past few seasons for giving the Lions a showcase game on Thanksgiving day despite the Lions being one of the worst teams in the league. But, the league kept on giving it to them, just like they have every year since 1936. Now, this game could be considered the best of the three on Thanksgiving day, with division rivals competing, and one having an undefeated record.
This game also is probably the best "measuring stick" for the Lions so far this season, as it will pit them against the best football team in the league thus far this season. Can the Lions actually pull off the upset? Maybe. It depends, this game may turn into a shootout, as last week did with the Lions, 49-35. The Lions will need their defensive line to bring pressure to Aaron Rodgers, they'll need to control the wide array of Packers receivers, and finally control the clock. Detroit has the ability to do it, but I don't think that Kevin Smith can come back and have the week like he did last week (more than 200 yards from scrimmage).
Pick: Green Bay 42, Detroit 31
San Francisco at Baltimore, 8:30, NFL Network
This is the battle of the Harbaugh brothers, and has been anticipated since the beginning of the season, whether or not the 49ers were any good or not. But, turns out this is an attractive game because both teams are very good. San Francisco is the number two seed in the NFC currently, while the Ravens would be the number two in the AFC. Baltimore seems to play to the level of their opponents, as evidenced by their losses to Jacksonville and Seattle. San Francisco just plays well as a team, and has won in the eastern time zone despite their five trips out east. Now, the fact that they've been able to win all five of those games is a testament to how well they've been prepared. But, since the 49ers are playing on a short week and having to travel, I'll give the edge to Baltimore, solely because they're at home. Otherwise, both teams are very evenly matched.
Pick: Baltimore 24, San Francisco 14
Chicago at Oakland, 4, Fox
If this game was played a week ago, it'd be a doozy of a game probably. However, becaue Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler is now out at least for the rest of the regular season due to a broken thumb, this game suddenly became a lot less interesting. But, Chicago also has what many consider to be the MVP of the NFL in Matt Forte, and the best returner of all time in Devin Hester, plus Chicago has been playing some lights out defense. Oakland is seeming to come together as a team and control their own destiny in the lousy AFC West. But, they're slowly getting the old Carson Palmer back and having a defense which is stepping up to the plate. This will be a good game, and giving the edge to Oakland because they're at home and they can have a chance to unload on new quarterback Caleb Hanie, which nobody ever heard of before last year's NFC championship game.
Pick: Oakland 23, Chicago 10
New England at Philadelphia, 4:15, CBS
Philadelphia gave fans a glimmer of hope in reviving their season last week in their big win over the Giants in New Jersey. Now, this week, the Eagles season will definitely be dead. Philadelphia is facing the best team they have faced the entire season in the Patriots. Granted, the Patriots defense isn't all that good, but their offense with Tom Brady and his talented tight ends more than make up for it. Rob Gronkowski and aaron Hernandez will have a field day against the weak Eagles linebackers and the Patriots will roll.
Pick: New England 45, Philadelphia 13
New York Giants at New Orleans, 8:30, Monday, ESPN
New York is coming off a bad loss at home to rival Philadelphia, while New Orleans finally had a week off in week 11 and now will have a crowd behind them. New Orleans controls their destiny in the NFC South, while New York will need help in the NFC to even make the playoffs, but they're still a very good team. I think that the Saints will roll here though because they are playing at home, and they're really good at home, then they are coming off a bye week.
Pick: New Orleans 38, New York 21
College
#3 Arkansas at #1 LSU, 2:30 Friday, CBS
CBS is thrilled to have the SEC especially this year, as they've already had a 1 vs. 2 game in LSU/Alabama and now they've got a 1 vs. 3 game. This game should be a lot different than the LSU/'Bama game as Arkansas doesn't have nearly the defense that Alabama did. Plus, Arkansas already lost big to Alabama at Alabama. If Arkansas has any shot at beating LSU, they'll need to figure out a way to solve LSU's defense, which has been stellar all season. But, I just don't think they have enough.
Pick: LSU 43, Arkansas 24
#2 Alabama at #24 Auburn, 3:30, CBS
Auburn won last year's game after being down 24-0 at one point, then came roaring back to win 28-27 in Alabama. Now, there are many folks on Alabama's team which was there last season, and they didn't forget. So, they will be out to grab the victory and do it big time against a young Auburn team.
Pick: Alabma 51, Auburn 21
#5 Virginia Tech at Virginia, 3:30, ABC or ESPN2
This game will determine who will face Clemson in the ACC title game next week. Virginia Tech seems to be ranked fifth solely based on their reputation, not based on the quality of their opponents or how they've beaten them. Granted, their only loss came against Atlantic division winner Clemson, but they don't really have any other signature victories. Mike London has done amazing things at Virginia, which really isn't the best place to succeed in football. But, they've been in anonymity this season in the ACC.
Pick: Virginia 24, Virginia Tech 21
#19 Penn State at #16 Wisconsin, 3:30, ESPN
Penn State is shockingly still in the hunt for the Leaders division title, and the winner of this game will win the Leaders division and play in the inaugural Big Ten title game in Indianapolis. Penn State will need to stop Wisconsin running back Montee Ball and be able to score more than 20 to win this game. Ball has accounted for 30 touchdowns this season, which to give you an idea is more than the University of Kentucky has scored this football season. That is how important it is to stop Ball in this game. Plus, Penn State will need to try and score some points again, which has been very hard for them to do.
Pick: Wisconsin 31, Penn State 16
#22 Notre Dame at #6 Stanford, 8, ABC
Stanford looked sluggish in their win last week over Cal, but eventually pulled away in the second half. Stanford still has Andrew Luck and a good defense to win, with their only loss coming at home against a very fast and athletic Oregon team. But, they are now facing a depleted Notre Dame team, which is coming into this game without their leading rusher Jonas Gray, who now has a torn ACL. Granted, Notre Dame still has a talented group of receivers, but Gray was an integral part of their offense. Then they need to also rely on their defense to contain Luck and Stanford's tight ends. But, I don't think they can.
Pick: Stanford 34, Notre Dame 28
Finally, enjoy the weekend, enjoy tomorrow, and take time to really step back and think what you're thankful for. Personally, it's Jesus, who decided to save me, and die for me.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
10 Best Football Games-Week 12!
This week's slate in both college and the NFL is pretty bad to be quite honest, as there are a lot of mismatches. You've got teams playing well against teams which have been faltering lately in the NFL, i.e. Chargers at Bears. Then, in college, you've only got two games between ranked teams, and those don't even impact conference or national championship races. So, therefore, this is going to be a fairly short post, just because of how little there is to dissect.
College
USC at #4 Oregon, 8, ESPN3.com or ABC, check local listings.
USC isn't ranked despite being 8-2 because they are on NCAA probation, and can't win the abysmal PAC-12 south for the exact same reason. But, they are a really good team. They've got the speed and athleticism to compete with Oregon and derail Oregon's chances of a national title for good. But, they don't have the depth to be able to rotate players in and out to compete with Oregon's speed and SC will wear down over the course of the game. So, in the fourth quarter, expect Oregon to pull away with this one.
Pick: Oregon 48, USC 31
#21 Penn State at Ohio State, 3:30, ABC
Ohio State has one of their best receivers from last season, DeVier Posey coming back from a 10 games suspension for this game. So, that will help Braxton Miller in the passing game. Penn State played a truly inspired game last weekend on senior day and for Joe Paterno. Plus, that was a better team they played and lost to in Nebraska. This week, the Nittany Lions head into the "shoe", where they've historically had a bad performance. But, I think that Penn State will pull it out and head into their game next week against Wisconsin with everything on the line.
Pick: Penn State 14, Ohio State 12
#5 Oklahoma at #22 Baylor, 8, ESPN3.com or ABC
Oklahoma has rebounded thoroughly from their embarrassing loss at home against Texas Tech a few weeks ago. Since that loss, they've outscored their next two opponents 99-42, and one of those was a top ten team at the time in Kansas State. So, can't say blame it on the competition, because the competition was good. Oklahoma also had a bye week last week to prepare for Robert Griffin III and Baylor. Baylor has had a penchant for turnovers, and Oklahoma should be capitalizing on it.
Pick: Oklahoma 51, Baylor 27
#2 Oklahoma State at Iowa State, Friday, 8, ESPN
Iowa State has had a few surprising performances this season, beating in-state rival Iowa in overtime as well as beating Texas Tech the week after their victory against Oklahoma. Iowa State will also try to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2009 with a win this week. But, it's not going to happen. Oklahoma State has just been too good, they've got two weeks then to prepare for "Bedlam" with Oklahoma, so they can't look past Iowa State. Oklahoma State just seems like it's on a mission and will continue with it until the national title game.
Pick: Oklahoma State 59, Iowa State 27
Southern Methodist at #11 Houston, 3:30
Allow me to rant on Houston in this game. Houston is undefeated, and yet still ranked outside the top 10. They are not being discussed for the national title game at all. But, if they go and beat down SMU, Tulsa, and then a previously ranked Southern Miss team in the Conference USA title game, they would still be undefeated and probably not gain an ounce of traction in the national title game. But, last I checked, zero losses are less than one loss. So, Houston should play in the national title game then if either Oklahoma State or LSU loses in any of their next few games. Granted, Houston does play in a bad conference, which I understand, BUT, if Houston does go undefeated and does not get a chance at the national title game, then this whole "every game counts" slogan the BCS uses should be thrown out the window, as clearly, every game did not count with Houston. Houston has a Heisman candidate in Case Keenum, who has broken every single passing record there is to break in NCAA history, but won't be considered because he comes from a weak conference. But, he's still good and has allowed Houston to succeed.
Now, on to the game itself. ESPN's college gameday will be in Houston, so that alone should be enough to help propel Houston past SMU.
Pick: Houston 70, SMU 52
NFL
Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1, CBS
This game is the best game on the schedule believe it or not. Both teams are 6-3, both coming off losses. Baltimore to Seattle, in Seattle, which makes it a little bit more acceptable. However, Cincinnati held in there against Pittsburgh last week at home. Cincy isn't the best team, but hangs in there in games. Baltimore is coming back home and will want to establish themselves as contenders again after their horrific loss to Seattle.
Pick: Baltimore 27, Cincy 21
Tennessee at Atlanta, 4:15, CBS
Atlanta lost last week at home against New Orleans, when they made a stupid decision to go for the first down at their own 29 in overtime against New Orleans. So, they'll be looking to rebound against a fairly weak Tennessee team. Granted, Tennessee just whooped Carolina, but then again, Carolina is no good outside of Cam Newton. Tennessee is good, and wanting to improve their record and try to get back into the AFC South race, but it's just not going to happen.
Pick: Atlanta 31, Tennessee 20
San Diego at Chicago, 4:15, CBS
San Diego has lost four consecutive games since their uncharacteristc hot start. Luckily for them, they play in a pretty weak division. But, they're 1-3 on the road, and playing a fairly good Bears team. Chicago is playing great defense and also using Matt Forte to the best of their ability and he's been racking up the yards from scrimmage the entire year. I don't expect that to stop in this game.
Pick: Chicago 27, San Diego 21
Philadelphia at New York Giants, 8:30, NBC
Now, can the Eagles win seven straight after the way they've played in their first seven games? I don't think so. Some of their players have been playing up to their potential, like Jason Babin and LeSean McCoy, but the rest of the team hasn't been gelling together as a team. New York on the other hand just lost a close game to a great San Francisco team in San Fran. New York will just pound the ball with Ahmad Bradshaw because the Eagles run defense is just that bad.
Pick: New York 41, Philadelphia 17
Kansas City at New England, 8:30, ESPN
New England woke up last week and handily beat the Jets in New York. Kansas City has fallen back to earth after winning four straight games. Kansas City isn't good without Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry. New England will exploit that with their amazing tight ends in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski along with their small receivers. Tom Brady will just carve up the Kansas City defense like a great turkey.
Pick: New England 38, Kansas City 24
College
USC at #4 Oregon, 8, ESPN3.com or ABC, check local listings.
USC isn't ranked despite being 8-2 because they are on NCAA probation, and can't win the abysmal PAC-12 south for the exact same reason. But, they are a really good team. They've got the speed and athleticism to compete with Oregon and derail Oregon's chances of a national title for good. But, they don't have the depth to be able to rotate players in and out to compete with Oregon's speed and SC will wear down over the course of the game. So, in the fourth quarter, expect Oregon to pull away with this one.
Pick: Oregon 48, USC 31
#21 Penn State at Ohio State, 3:30, ABC
Ohio State has one of their best receivers from last season, DeVier Posey coming back from a 10 games suspension for this game. So, that will help Braxton Miller in the passing game. Penn State played a truly inspired game last weekend on senior day and for Joe Paterno. Plus, that was a better team they played and lost to in Nebraska. This week, the Nittany Lions head into the "shoe", where they've historically had a bad performance. But, I think that Penn State will pull it out and head into their game next week against Wisconsin with everything on the line.
Pick: Penn State 14, Ohio State 12
#5 Oklahoma at #22 Baylor, 8, ESPN3.com or ABC
Oklahoma has rebounded thoroughly from their embarrassing loss at home against Texas Tech a few weeks ago. Since that loss, they've outscored their next two opponents 99-42, and one of those was a top ten team at the time in Kansas State. So, can't say blame it on the competition, because the competition was good. Oklahoma also had a bye week last week to prepare for Robert Griffin III and Baylor. Baylor has had a penchant for turnovers, and Oklahoma should be capitalizing on it.
Pick: Oklahoma 51, Baylor 27
#2 Oklahoma State at Iowa State, Friday, 8, ESPN
Iowa State has had a few surprising performances this season, beating in-state rival Iowa in overtime as well as beating Texas Tech the week after their victory against Oklahoma. Iowa State will also try to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2009 with a win this week. But, it's not going to happen. Oklahoma State has just been too good, they've got two weeks then to prepare for "Bedlam" with Oklahoma, so they can't look past Iowa State. Oklahoma State just seems like it's on a mission and will continue with it until the national title game.
Pick: Oklahoma State 59, Iowa State 27
Southern Methodist at #11 Houston, 3:30
Allow me to rant on Houston in this game. Houston is undefeated, and yet still ranked outside the top 10. They are not being discussed for the national title game at all. But, if they go and beat down SMU, Tulsa, and then a previously ranked Southern Miss team in the Conference USA title game, they would still be undefeated and probably not gain an ounce of traction in the national title game. But, last I checked, zero losses are less than one loss. So, Houston should play in the national title game then if either Oklahoma State or LSU loses in any of their next few games. Granted, Houston does play in a bad conference, which I understand, BUT, if Houston does go undefeated and does not get a chance at the national title game, then this whole "every game counts" slogan the BCS uses should be thrown out the window, as clearly, every game did not count with Houston. Houston has a Heisman candidate in Case Keenum, who has broken every single passing record there is to break in NCAA history, but won't be considered because he comes from a weak conference. But, he's still good and has allowed Houston to succeed.
Now, on to the game itself. ESPN's college gameday will be in Houston, so that alone should be enough to help propel Houston past SMU.
Pick: Houston 70, SMU 52
NFL
Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1, CBS
This game is the best game on the schedule believe it or not. Both teams are 6-3, both coming off losses. Baltimore to Seattle, in Seattle, which makes it a little bit more acceptable. However, Cincinnati held in there against Pittsburgh last week at home. Cincy isn't the best team, but hangs in there in games. Baltimore is coming back home and will want to establish themselves as contenders again after their horrific loss to Seattle.
Pick: Baltimore 27, Cincy 21
Tennessee at Atlanta, 4:15, CBS
Atlanta lost last week at home against New Orleans, when they made a stupid decision to go for the first down at their own 29 in overtime against New Orleans. So, they'll be looking to rebound against a fairly weak Tennessee team. Granted, Tennessee just whooped Carolina, but then again, Carolina is no good outside of Cam Newton. Tennessee is good, and wanting to improve their record and try to get back into the AFC South race, but it's just not going to happen.
Pick: Atlanta 31, Tennessee 20
San Diego at Chicago, 4:15, CBS
San Diego has lost four consecutive games since their uncharacteristc hot start. Luckily for them, they play in a pretty weak division. But, they're 1-3 on the road, and playing a fairly good Bears team. Chicago is playing great defense and also using Matt Forte to the best of their ability and he's been racking up the yards from scrimmage the entire year. I don't expect that to stop in this game.
Pick: Chicago 27, San Diego 21
Philadelphia at New York Giants, 8:30, NBC
Now, can the Eagles win seven straight after the way they've played in their first seven games? I don't think so. Some of their players have been playing up to their potential, like Jason Babin and LeSean McCoy, but the rest of the team hasn't been gelling together as a team. New York on the other hand just lost a close game to a great San Francisco team in San Fran. New York will just pound the ball with Ahmad Bradshaw because the Eagles run defense is just that bad.
Pick: New York 41, Philadelphia 17
Kansas City at New England, 8:30, ESPN
New England woke up last week and handily beat the Jets in New York. Kansas City has fallen back to earth after winning four straight games. Kansas City isn't good without Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry. New England will exploit that with their amazing tight ends in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski along with their small receivers. Tom Brady will just carve up the Kansas City defense like a great turkey.
Pick: New England 38, Kansas City 24
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