2011 (2012) NFL Season, Week 17 predictions

So, I am going to squeeze in my last regular season predictions of the year 30 minutes before game-time.  It just so happens that the final week of the 2011 season falls over on the 2012 side of the boundary.  In years past, we'd already be deep in the playoffs by this point.

I don't have much time to analyze these choices, so I won't.  Suffice it to say that there are only four games I am interested in this time around.

1. Ravens v. Bengals is a good one with playoff implications.  This is a tough choice.  I like both teams.  I just think the veteran and slightly more talented Ravens will take this game.  They elevate for big games.
2. Lions v. Packers is very interesting now that the Packers have deactivated everybody.  The Lions want this game.  
3. Colts v. Jags is very, very import for purposes of determining the NFL Draft order in 2012.  The Colt management wants to lose this game.  Rumor has it that the players are not on board with that decision.  Rumor has it that the players chanting "Win one for Peyton!"  If they lose, Peyton's career in Indiana may be over.  If they win, the situation gets mighty damn complicated.  Effectively, the players can sabotage management's plans to replace Peyton by wining today.
4. Cowboys @ Giants is a one-game play-in bracket, just like those found in the NCAA basketball tournament.  Win and your in.  Loose and you are on the hot-seat.  Winner take all, baby.  Eli is more clutch than Romo, so I am picking the Giants.  This despite the fact that the Giants are a lousy home-team.

2011 NFL Season, Week 15 Results

Week 15... a week that will live in infamy.  A week of disgusting upsets.  Consequently, I had my worst week of the year at 7-8.  A loosing record for Christ's sake!  This never happens to me!  If it is any consolation, the dudes at ESPN didn't fare much better than I did.

I guess you can argue that the meek inherited the league (for one week) but now we must suffer all manner of rubbish discourse about whether the Chargers are actually the strongest team in the AFC.  We also have to suffer the remonstrations of Patriot bleeders who think the great pretenders of 2011 are the strongest team in the AFC.  'Taint so.

I want to make two things perfectly clear:

1. No learned, responsible, knowledgeable evaluator of the NFL expected the Chargers to be a powerhouse this season.  [Don't wave Michael Irvin around either; he was just being loyal to his old coach.]  Why?  Because they are not a powerhouse in 2011.  They have not been a powerhouse this season.  They've been chumps for the most part.  This is because of the odious actions of their GM A.J. Smith and their weak coaching staff.
2. The Patriots are dead meat in the playoffs.  I'm talking about a quick and easy out in the first round again.  They are going to be in and out like a pinche vato.  The Patriots are the great pretenders of the NFL.  You wanna crown their ass?  Then crown them, but they are who I think they are.  That's why their opponents should take the damn field.

I'm disgusted.

My brother from another mother, Kurt Warner, laid the jinx down on Green Bay during NFL Game Day Morning Edition on the NFL Network.  "The only way this team drops a game is if they all have that proverbial one-bad-game; the game where everyone comes out flat", said Warner.  He was a prophet and didn't know it.  The Packers came out and did precisely that, losing to a team they had absolutely no business losing too.

Pop the corks in Miami.  You remain the only undefeated team in the modern history of the league.  I am disappointed for the Pack.  I thought they would do it.  One loss won't stop them from going back-to-back, tho.

I don't know which was worse, the Patriots up-ending my Broncos, or the Chargers laying a once-in-a-blue-moon beat-down on the Ravens.  Don't read anything into it, art critics.  This performance is never again to be repeated.  Stick a fork in the Chargers, they are now done for the season.

At the end of the day, the Ravens will be the AFC Champs.  Broncos versus Ravens in Baltimore for the AFC title.

2011 NFL Season, Week 15 Predictions

There has been a substantial degree of unpredictability and noise in the system over the past two weeks.  We are encountering turbulence.  We are seeing some inconsistency from contenders, upsets from low-dogs, and even some remarkable perseverance from on contender.  That would be the Houston Texans.

If Jim Harbaugh were not a lock for NFL Coach of the year, I would say Gary Kubiak is the man.

Anyhow, this is the best I can do for Week 15.  I have a queezy feeling in stomach about the following games:

1. Cowboys @ Bucs:  The Cowboys are doing their December Swoon thing again.
2. Dolphins @ Bills:  Predicting which tomato can will show up for work on Sunday is always difficult.
3. Panthers @ Texans:  Super Cam is coming to town.  The Texans have been surviving everything this season, so I am going to roll with them. However, Super Cam represents a sizable, credible threat.
4. Jets @ Eagles:  The Eagles are the NFL team that has pissed me off more than any other this season. If I was a betting man, I would have lost millions on them by now.  I cannot fathom when these little fuckers are going to get up and play, and when they won't.  Inconsistent and unpredictable dirty bastards...
5. Patriots @ Broncos:  This is the game of the week.  I heard Jim Rome prophesying in the Spirit on Friday.  He declared that if the Patriots got out to a lead, failed to put the Broncos down, and Tebow rallies them one more time, the Internet is going to break.  Nothing will contain the tidal wave of response.  Yup!  That's right.  The Internet is going down on Sunday evening.  Prepare for a huge outage of the World Wide Web.
6. Steelers @ 49ers:  Are the 49ers in a swoon?  With Roethlisberger play despite his numerous injuries?  There are a lot of uncertainties in this game.  One thing I know:  Roethlisberger is hurt, and you can't run on the 49ers in their house.

2011 NFL Season Week 13 and 14 results

I just realized that I need to catch-up on a little household accounting project here.  I failed to post my results from week 13 and 14.  Without further ado, here they are.

As you can see, I did not measure up to my own lofty standards.  On week 13, I scored an 11-5 record.  Whilst that is a winning record, it is not particularly impressive winning record.  I was very disapointed in myself on week 13.  I seldom see 5 losses.  However, I whupped the crap out of every prognosticator in the ESPN gang.  Have a look at it for yourself.  You can see it here.   As per usual, Mark Schlereth was the best man with a 10-6 record.  I beat him by one game

I was not so lucky or good on Week 14:

I failed to post my predictions before the Thursday night game, so I missed and easy and free victory.  Every half-assed guy picked the Steelers.  I would have also.  Still, my record was 10-5.  Some times you win, and sometimes you get your ass kicked in.

Many ESPN analysts beat me on Week 14.  Most of those were half-game victories, but Schlereth got me by 1.5 and Seth Wickersham busted me by 2.5 games.  I can't say it doesn't hurt.  I'm sore. I am accustomed to beating these guys.

I'm going to have to do a better job this week.  I need to tighten up and get right.  Overall, I am just 21-10 over the past two weeks.  That's a 67.74% winning percentage, but that's not so hot.  I want to get back into the 80% region.

2011 NFL Season, Week 14 Predictions

This is an easy week folks. That generally means boring football. There are a lot of mismatches on the board this week. There are only 3 genuinely interesting matches for us to examine.

The top match is Giants @ Cowboys. This the first in a two game series that will decide the Eastern Division of the NFC. How the East was won. This is tough match, but it boils down to one factor: November is over and December is hear. The Cowboys play like champs in November and then fold in December. The Giants are frequently the opposite. In any match of two nearly-even opponents, it usually comes down to the QB. I am going to take Eli over Tony.

The next interesting match is Colts @ Ravens... nah! Just pulling your leg.

Actually Falcons @ Panthers is a very interesting match-up. I think the Texans exposed the Falcons last week. As Marshall Faulk says, their should be wide-spread panic in Atlanta. They just lost to the Texans and their 3rd string QB. Now they have to face Super Cam. I'm going to bet on Super Cam again. At the rate he's producing , he's got to start winning some games.

The next interesting match is Raiders @ Packers... nah! Just pulling your leg. The Packers are going to take the Raiders down to the woodshed and sharpen the little shavers up with a leather strap.

Incidentally, if it seems that I have reversed myself on Cam Newton, I have to some extent. I never doubted the kids athletic ability. I doubted he would keep his nose clean and master the system. So far he has done very well on both points. If that's the way it's going to be, the kid's got a hell of bright future.

The last interesting match-up is the Texans @ Bengals. This is going to be an intriguing game. I am going to watch this one for sure. The Texans are down to their 3rd string QB and they are on the road. I am taking the Bengals based on QB and homefield advantage.

All I want for Christmas is to see the Broncos beat down the Patriots

...with savagery and ferocity!

Oh what a bleak season this would be for me if it were not for Tim Tebow and the Broncos.  This would be the winter of my discontent.  However, the story unfolding in Denver has made it glorious summer, and all the clouds lowered upon my house, in deep bosom of the ocean buried.

It's week 14 this week, and the Broncos will host the Bears.  However, week 15 is coming, and the Patriots will visit the Broncos in Denver on week 15.  We should not overlook the Bears, but remember, this is a team that could only muster 3 points against the Chiefs.  I guess that is still three more points than my Rams scored.

Congradulations, Coach Fox!  You are the beneficiary of my Christmas wishes this holiday season.  All I want for Christmas is to see your Broncos Godzilla-press-slam the New England Patriots.  Give the following facts,

1. Robust, powerful defense.
2. A vicious straight-ahead running attack with Willis McGahee
3. Tim Tebow getting his passing confidence back.
4. Your franchise's remarkable and continued success in the 2 minute drill

 I see no reason why you shouldn't stick it to them good.  I want to see a repeat of Shannon Sharpe calling the President's office with a request for military intervention.  Why?  Because the Broncos are killing the Patriots.  Go for the jugular!  Don't call off the dogs!

Incidentally, a quick trivia question for you: Who was the top rated passer (by QBR) in the NFL on week 13 on the 2011 NFL Season? Nope, it wasn't Aaron Rodgers. It was Tim Tebow.  Aaron had a QBR of 106.159, which is fantastic, by the way.  On the other hand, Tebow shot 158.19.  He was a fraction away from the cap.  He almost had a perfect game.

I told you he could pass.  Beware:  Tim is getting his passing confidence back.  Y'all are in trouble now.

2011 NFL Season, Week 12 Results

So, I forgot to post my prediction results from last week slate of NFL games.  Here they are.  My record was 13-3, which is pretty good, but not sensational.

I still did very well, especially when compared with the ESPN crew.  However, they are catching up.  Mark Schlereth beat me with a record of 14-2.  Good job, Mark!  Both of us missed on the Rams, incidentally.  Several dudes managed to tie my record of 13-3. This would include Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter as well as the Pick'em gambling service.  You can see all the results here.

Hendry's coin did not fare very well this week.  Th coin was 9-7.  Yes, this is a winning record, but the coin did not beat a single human prognosticator at ESPN.  It got close to Golic, but he was still better by one game.  Here are the results of the coin toss.

2011 NFL Season, Week 13 Predictions & Picks

I want to issue a red tomato can alert this week.  There are some deadly traps on this weeks schedule for the would-be swammy and prognosticator.  The toughest picks on the board are the match-ups between the weaker teams.  Inconsistency among the week is the crucial key to our pick'em misery.  You have to figure out which tomato can is going to show up and play the best.

It's not easy.  Consider the Eagles and Seahawks.  These are two non-contenders who were both playoff teams last year.  Both have struggled this season, although they have a number of wins over quality teams.  Which tomato can is going to show up this week?  I am betting on Vince Young, and against the Seattle 12th man.  It's a dangerous gamble either way.

Consider the Panthers and Bucs.  The Bucs were a team I thought highly of this past off-season.  They are not enjoying this lost season.  They have really struggled, despite winning a few great upsets.  The Panthers have been greatly invigorated by Cam Newton, despite the fact that they haven't won much.  Which tomato can do you take?  It's a trap either way.  I think I will bet on Super Cam.

Consider the Chargers and Jags.  The Chargers have every reason to expect victory.  The Jags are a foundering ship, struggling with internal termoil right now.  The Chargers better win it, or Norv is toast, but will the Chargers win this game?  Which tomato can do you take?

Dave versus the Coin Toss, Week 12 Update

The Hendry's quarter may have beaten me on Thanksgiving day, but it didn't beat me today or this week.  For the second straight week, my victory over the coin is assured prior to the Monday Night finale.

My record is currently 12-3, and likely to go 13-3.  Hendry's quarter is currently 8-7, and likely to go 9-7.  We both have the Saints favored tomorrow night.  My error rate is less than half of the random coin toss. The quarter picked the Vikings, Jags, Bucs, Colts, Seahawks, Bears and Chiefs, all of whom lost.  This is a 5-7 record on Sunday.   On the other hand, I only missed on the Rams and Seahawks, giving me a 10-2 record on Sunday.

If I had simply continued to roll with my Ravens and if I had not been such a hommer with my Rams, I could have been 14-1 right now.  As you will recall, I was skeptical of my Rams, but I couldn't bring myself to pick the Cardinals.  That was too much to bare.  I made a mistake there.  Next time, grin and bare it like a bear.  It is what it is.

One step closer to blowing up the ship

So, in case you missed it, the Rams lost to the Cardinals 23-20 today.  This brings the Rams record to 2-8, {Editor's note:  We are actually 2-9.  I lost the count.  We've lost so many games, it's easy to do.} and gives us official control of the basement in the NFC West, the worst division in professional football.  We are officially one loss closer to blowing up the ship.

I said it last week, and I will say it again this week.  If we can't beat weak and rebuilding teams in our own pathetic division, we have plenary proof of abject failure.  The rebuilding project has failed.

The good news is that we remain in position to draft Justin Blackmon.  The bad news is we suck.  The good news is that we have one more victory than we did in 2009.  The bad news is that we have only one more victory that we did in 2009.

The boos are loud and continuous in Saint Louis

Well, the battle does not go well today.  The Cards are up 20-10 on the Rams right now.  The boos have been rather loud and continuous all game long.  Austin Pettis & Brandon Lloyd have both made catches that have brought the fans to their feet cheering, but these were only fleeting moments.  The chorus of boos have dominated these proceedings.  Not even in Indianapolis are the fans booing like this.

It's loud moments like these that make me think everyone is going to get fired at the end of this season.  I suspect we will do what the 49ers did at the end of last season.  We will clean and flush the coaching staff, but we will also blow-up the front office.  Just remember:  The prime suspect is Billy Devaney.  It's his draft decisions that have put us in this pathetic position.  If we don't get him out of there, we won't improve.  Hopefully, we will not flush and clean the roster.  This would be the second consecutive clean and flush without success.  I would hate that.

Dave vs. the Coin, Week 12

So, before we split from work on Wednesday, my buddy Hendry tossed the quarter for this week's pick.  Hendry is from Indonesia, so he is not much of a football fan.  You can't say he has a biased thumb or owns a biased quarter.

I was pretty astounded by the results of the coin toss.  The quarter was hot, and I knew it.  I didn't expect the quarter to beat me on Thanksgiving Day, but I knew the quarter was going to be tough.  We might have another octopus story here...  Remember the octopus that was undefeated in the World Cup last time around?

2011 NFL Season, Week 12 Predictions

So, be warned:  I have two totally unjustifiable homer picks on my slate today.  I picked my Rams against the Cardinals, even thought I am skeptical that we will win.  I pick the Broncos against the Chargers, even thought I think it's a 50/50 toss up.

The two big games on the horizon are the 49ers @ Ravens and Giants @ Saints.

The first is a game pitting the #2 and #3 ranked powers in the NFL... and the coaches are brothers too.  This should spoil Thanksgiving dinner for sure.  It's a tough pick, but I have to go with my gut on this one.  I think the 49ers prevail.  The Ravens are coming off another gutsy emotional win in the conference.  That means it's time for a let-down.  They also lack Ray Lewis in the middle.  I don't like any of these facts.  Although it pains me to do it, I must pick the 49ers here.

The second game pits the Giants and the Saints, and it's a game that may determine the top-wildcard birth in the NFC.  Although it pains me to say it, I think the Giants are going to lose their 3rd straight game.  I think the Saints and their home-field advantage will be overwhelming in this game.  Their loss to the Eagles really shook my confidence in the Giants.

The rest of the games are pretty straight up-and-down choices.

So Kroenke is planning to blow up the front office...?

Ryan Van Bibber of the Turf Show Times is reporting that Rams' owner Stan Kroenke is planning to blow up the front office and hire a new head coach.  That's the Rams' front office and the Rams' head coach, just to make sure we are clear.  Stan owns a lot of sports franchises.  Just wanted to avoid confusion there.

You can read about it here.

I place a question mark at the end of my title because I was unable to follow the trail of breadcrumbs back to the original source.  The links provided on this article point to the San Diego Union Tribune, and a piece detailing the Chargers' need for fresh blood in the management suites.

I do not deny the fact that both teams need new management.  I've been saying it for years.  I just couldn't find any reference to the Rams in that piece.  The piece is 3 pages long, and I grepped each page.  The word 'Rams' does not occur on any of the three pages. Since it is an online article, a revision and partial retraction may have been published.

I think we are all at the point now where we have rejected Billy Devaney's eye for talent.  More specifically, we don't think he's got one.  The thought of Devaney running another draft makes the hair on my neck stand on end.  The dude can't draft a wide receiver to save his life, and this is precisely the player we need the most.  I think we are all hoping that a transition will be accomplished quickly after the season ends.

However, with that said, they don't call him Silent Stan for nothing.  As far as I know, Silent Stan has been silent on this subject.  I would not expect him to telegraph his punch in this situation.

I sure hope Van Bibber is correct about this, but the prospect also fills me with some dread.

I had a lengthy conversation about this with some fellow Ram-fans at work, and we discussed the implications of firing the EVP and GM in some detail.  I am a fan of Spagnuolo's, and would prefer to see him stay on.  However, we know that this is bloody unlikely if both the EVP and GM are fired, as need be.

When you appoint a new Team President, EVP and/or GM, you almost always delegate the authority to remake and remodel the team.  Some owners can and do established protected players and coaches, but this can interfere in the rebuilding process.  Generally, you don't bring in a man at the rank of President/GM unless you are ready to trust him with the reigns of power, and the right to select his coaching staff.

More precisely, it would be unwise to talk Dick Vermeil into accepting the job of Team President, and then tie his hands by now allowing him to pick his coaching staff.  You have to allow Coach Vermeil to remake the organization in his own image.  Preferably, something a bit more like the good 'ole days of the Greatest Show on Turf.

All of this implies that we can't get rid of Demoff and Devaney without also sacking coach Spagnuolo.  Many will be glad to see him go.  I will not.  I have admired his defense mind for some time now.  I like what he has done with our defense.  Unfortunately, offensive power has been Priority-Z under his administration, and we have shown very little of it.

I am afraid that a lack of attention to scoring offense is going to cost another defensive HC his position.  It's an age-old story.  I have seen it many times before.  Names like George Allen, Chuck Knox, John Robinson, and Marty Schottenheimer come to mind.  All of these men have been hired and fired many times because of their strong defensive minds, and their offensive conservatism.

Dave versus the Coin-Toss, Update 1

So the slate of games just ended for the day.  My record with one game left to play is 9-3, or 75%.  My trusty quarter didn't do very well.  The coin's record is 5-7, or 41.66%.  My victory over the coin is mathematically assured, regardless of what happens tomorrow night.

I am glad I am able to say--without boasting--that I am substantially more accurate than a random coin toss.

2011 NFL Season Week 11 Predictions

It's pretty easy slate of choices in week #11.  There is some room for disagreement here, mostly with the small potatoes.  We have only one marque match-up between contenders this week:  Bengals @ Ravens.  Every other game is either a small fry match-up or a mis-match.

1. Raiders @ Vikings is basically a mis-match.  If Carson Palmer shoots a QBR of 152.6 in the first half of this game, the competitive phase will be over quickly.  This game might be close, but I think the Raiders have every advantage except homefield.
2. Bills @ Dolphins is a real head-ache.  The Bills are now officially in a tailspin after getting humiliated in Dallas.  I still don't feel confident in picking the Dolphins because of Sparano's situation there.  I also feel that the Bills have better talent.  They say you never bet against the streak, and the Bills are on a losing streak.  However, there comes a time when all streaks end.  I take the Bills.
3. Jags @ Brows is another major headache.  This is a small-fry match-up.  I find it difficult to pick the Browns after the way they lost ugly to my Rams, who won even uglier.  Still, the Browns have homefield and the Jags are nothing to write home about.  You have to hold your nose and pick one of them.  I take the Browns.
4. Bengals @ Ravens is the key match of the week.  This is the game we will all be watching.  The Ravens are inconsistent, and the Bengals are young.  Both teams are very good, but I think the veteran Ravens are much more talented.  The Raven offense is struggling, and the Bengal defense is good.  The Bengal offense is going to either miss A.J. Green or deal with a hobbled A.J..  This isn't good when you face the Raven defense.  The Bengals can win this game, but percentage-wise, I think the Ravens are more likely.
5. Panthers @ Lions is another headache galore.  The Lions are talented but slumping, and their QB has a busted finger on his passing hand.  Super-Cam has made the Panthers competitive in most games.  What happens here?  I think the Lions get up off the carpet and re-assert themselves.  Still this verdict is hard to justify when their QB has a busted finger and nobody to carry the mail for him.
6. Bucs @ Packers looks like a serious mismatch.  They say you never bet against the streak, but there comes a time when all streaks end.  I remember a time, not so long ago, when a very similar Viking team visited Tampa Bay with a 9-0 record.  The Vikings had a high-powered offense and a leaky defense.  They had a QB playing MVP caliber football.  The Bucs snapped that streak.  This time it is a little bit different.   I think the Packers will go 10-0
7. Cowboys @ Redskins also looks like a mismatch.  The Cowboys already won the first match at a time when the Redskins were playing much higher quality football.  Further, the Cowboys are surging now that Tony Romo has a little bit of time to throw the football.  The Redskins' offense looks like a basket case.  I just don't think the 'skins can score enough to win.  I take the Cowboys.
8. Cardinals @ 49ers...  This is a mismatch and the 49ers have homefield.  Forget about it.
9. Seahawks @ Rams... Awe those pesky Seahawks!  They have no shot at the playoffs or doing anything at all, but they are intent upon upsetting people, especially their fans who wish they were in a position to draft Andrew Luck.  No such Luck.  Matches between tomato cans are more difficult to pick than match ups between high-caliber teams.  Inconsistency is the key to pick'em difficulty.  I am going to roll with my Rams, our home-field advantage our better QB, our better RB, and our singular receiver.  Our defense is much-maligned, but the criticism is overstated.  If the offense could have stayed on the field for more than 3 downs during the first 5-6 games of the season, our defense would be ranked much higher.
10. Titans @ Falcons... oh those pesky Titans!  They are a rebuilding franchise and they don't want to admit it.  Although they are 5-4, and equal to the Falcons in record, I honestly don't believe these Titans have a significant shot at the post-season.  I do expect the Texans to fall-forward and take the single playoff spot from the AFC South.  On the other hand, the Falcons remain a contender for a playoff birth, and I think they are a much more talented team.  I'm taking the Falcons... and they better not let me down, or I'll fly to Atlanta and whup...
11. Chargers @ Bears might be the game that costs Nov Turner his job as head coach.  They say never bet against the streak.  Philip Rivers is on a big-interception streak, and so to are Bears.  The Bears defense is ball-hawking like crazy and the Chargers are very accommodating in this regard.  This spells doom for the Chargers if you ask me.
12. Eagles @ Giants is unlikely to be one for the ages.  The NFL Network has been doing it's utmost to remind us of some of the historically great matches between these two teams, but this just won't be one of them.  The Eagle D is struggling like hell, and now their offense will be minus Michael Vick and Jeremy Maclin.  Forget about it!  The Giants will probably come out foaming at the mouth after losing to the 49ers.  I think the Eagles will take a butt-whooping here.  They can take it any which way they want to take it, but they are going to take it.
13. Chiefs @ Patriots:  I concur with Tom Waddles' statement about this game.  This is like Mike Tyson well out of his prime facing Butter Bean. 'Nuff said.  

2011 NFL Season, Week 10 Results

It was an absolutely dreadful week.  My record was a paltry 8-7, just one game above .500!  Unbelievable!

It wasn't a good weekend for the ESPN crew either.  Eric Allen beat me with a record of 10-6, and Wickersham edged me with a record of 9-7, but nobody else did.  All our prediction records took a hit this weekend.  Mike Golic brought up the rear with a record of 5-11.  You can see their scores here.

So why the disaster this weekend?  Because we had a few major upsets and some very difficult choices to make this week.  Nobody but nobody expected the Seahawks to beat the Ravens.  Nobody but nobody expected the Cardinals to beat the Eagles in their crib.  Few expected the Broncos to win, but I did.  I don't know why you would pick the Chiefs these days.

There were also tough choices like the Saints vs. Falcons, Jets vs. Patriots, Cowboys vs. Bills, and 49ers vs. Giants. Now the Cowboy game turned out to be shockingly lopsided, and so was the Patriot game, but other than that, we saw close fights.

I will return to my high-percentage ways this coming week, I assure you of that.

Oooppppsss! 2001 Season Week 9 Outcomes

I just realized that I forgot to publish my results from Week 9 of the 2011 NFL Season.  She-yit!  How did I managed to do this?  Well... last week was very busy.  I guess I just forgot.

In any case, my record was 9-5.  Nothing to boast about, but only Eric Allen of ESPN managed to match my record of success.  Everybody else was less accurate than me and Eric.  You can see their picks here for the record.  I am proud that I called both of the big games correctly.  I nailed Ravens v. Steelers and also the Giants v. Patriots.

One of these days I hope to hear from the NFL Network about that software management position.  They can use my gaming-calling skills as an added free bonus.

2011 NFL Season, Week 10 Predictions

Week 10, the most difficult week of the year thus far, if you ask me.  There are a number of very interesting games on tap for this Sunday.  This schedule should make for some pretty good television drama.  This will truly be a shake-out weekend.

This is not a bye-week.  All 32 teams have been or will be in action.  The first game went down on Thursday night, and I think you all know that Carson Palmer won that game in fairly spectacular fashion for the Oakland Raiders.  Of course, I am too late to the betting window for that game, so here is my slate of picks.

1. Bills @ Cowboys is an interesting match of two fading teams.  Most experts expect the Cowboys to prevail because the Bills are fading-out.  Believe me, they are not the only ones fading-out.  At the moment, the Bills are ahead of the Cowboys on total-defense and total-offense based on points.  I am going to have to roll with that, picking the Bills against the Cowboys' home-field advantage.
2. Titans @ Panthers.  The Titans are fading, and they are struggling to score points now.  The Panthers are getting better, and they have not struggled much offensively, due to the horsepower Cam Newton provides.  I am taking the Panthers based on better scoring offense and home field.
3. Texans @ Bucs is a pretty easy pick if you ask me.  The Bucs are struggling in many ways.  The Texans are beginning to hit on all cylinders.  I am taking the Texans on general superiority.
4. Jaguars @ Colts.  The Colts have transformed from a an aerial circus offense directed by Peyton Manning to an erstwhile power-running team under Curtis Painter.  The problem is that they can't run.  The Colts are 27th in points scored, a place they never dwell.  Now the Jags are dead-last in points scored, but they also feature the #8 defense by points.  Honestly, if the Colts are going to win one this year, this might be the game, but I don't think they can score enough to win against the #8 defense.
5. Cardinals @ Eagles is a big mismatch, and the Eagles have home-field also.  The Eagles are anything but the dream team, but the Cardinals are a whole lot worse, especially on the offensive line.
6. Saints @ Falcons is the first meeting between these NFC South rivals this year.  One team will exit this match-up a contender, the other team will suffer damage to their playoff standing.  If you ask me this is the toughest game to pick on the entire board.  I almost punted by saying "Pick'em".  However, the Falcons are missing their crucial Left-Tackle Sam Baker.  He is out with a back injury.  I think this will be the difference.  I take the Saints.
7. Rams @ Browns is a match-up of small-fries, and it is very difficult to pick because of that.  Most experts believe the Rams have to be favored because the Browns are suffering the #30 ranked defense against the run.  The Rams have a good line (for the run, at least) and Steven Jackson.  The reason for the Browns defensive problems is obvious.  They have not mastered team defense.  Their gap-discipline breaks down quickly.  They over-pursue a lot.  I am leery of this choice because the Brown are ranked higher than the Rams in points scored and points allowed, but I will make the homer-choice and pick my Rams.
8. Redskins @ Dolphins features the DOA Redskin offense against a newly resurgent Dolphin defense.  I just don't believe the Redskins can score enough to win in this game.  I take the Dolphins and their home field advantage.
9. Broncos @ Chiefs features my son, Tim Tebow, against the little girl with the curl. I don't think I have ever seen a Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde team quite like these Kansas City Chiefs.  When they are good, they are very, very good.  When they are bad, they are horrid.  This is the most inconsistent football team in the entire NFL.  They just laid a stinker against the Dolphins last week, and I cannot pick them with any degree of comfort this week.  I think Tebow wins again.
10. Steelers @ Bengals.  Quick reality check for you:  Did you know the Bengals are currently the #1 seed in the AFC tournament at this stage of the season?  They have the #3 ranked defense, and they have a rookie QB/WR tandem that is the best in NFL history.  I think the Bengals are going to step up this week and make a political statement at home.
11. Ravens @ Seahawks seems like a mismatch, but we have seen the Ravens look exhausted after victory over the Steelers before this season.  I worry about this match up because of the tremendous home field advantage the Seahawks enjoy in Qwest Field.  However, the Seahawks are a vastly inferior football team when compared to the Ravens.  I still believe the Ravens are the most powerful football team in the AFC.  I am taking the Ravens.
12. Lions @ Bears is a really pesky match-up.  Those Bears... those fricken' pesky Bears...  They don't seem set to do anything this season, but they hang around and upset people who should beat them.  I believe the Lions are a vastly better team, so I am taking the Lions, but I will be monitoring this one closely.
13. Giants @ 49ers is the game of the week if you ask me.  I doubt the Saints and the Falcons can match up with the Packers.  For some reason, I expect the Packers' chief rival for the NFC crown to emerge from this football game.  It seems like old times.  The Giants and the 49ers were once a premiere match up back in the 1980s and early 1990s.  Now it is again.  This game could go either way, but I expect the 49ers to prevail because of their [H]ardcore defense.  Did you know that the 49er defense is #1 in the league by points allowed.  Furthermore, Matt Millen says they have the best front-seven in the league.  Expect a low-scoring brutal grudge-match reminding us all of the 1990 NFC championship game.
14. Patriots @ Jets is a rematch, and the final meeting between these two in the regular season.  In the first game, the Patriots prevailed 30-21.  I do not believe the Patriots have what it takes to sweep the Jets, and not on their home field.  I am taking the Jets.
15. Vikings @ Packers is another mis-match.  I am taking the Packers in the easiest choice on the board.

2011 NFL Season, Week 9 Predictions

Week 9 features a bunch of easy choices, and a select handful of very, very difficult dilemmas.  I found myself stuck hanging on twin horns in several of these match-ups.

Let's skip the easy ones and focus on the tough matches.

1. Bucs @ Saints is the first of the tough matches.  The Bucs already shocked the Saints once this season in Tampa.  However, the Saints have them in the Super Dome this time around.  Unfortunately, Drew Brees' protection is breaking down around him.  Walking into the Ram game, the Saints had already allowed 13 sacks.  My Rams scored 6 sacks against Brees and harassed him all game long.  The Bucs have a good and young defensive line who can get after it, which means more problems for Brees.  Still, I think the Saints awesome homefield advantage will help carry them to a get-healthy victory.  This is not an easy choice, and I think it can go the other way,
2. Broncos @ Raiders.  Some think this is a laugh-in victory for the Raiders.  I can't understand why.  Surely, nothing about the Bronco football team is working with a high degree of efficiency.  The Raiders are better both defensively and in the special teams.  However, when it comes to offense... well... let's just say that the Raiders have their problems with the QB position as well.  I would like to see a show of hands:  How many of you believe Carson Palmer will truly be ready this weekend?  I don't.This is a hard game to figure out.  If Tebow goes ballistic, the Raiders will have a difficult time out-scoring them.  However, I think I too will have to pick the Raiders.
3. Giants @ Patriots is very interesting match up of two lesser playoff contenders.  Most authorities are expecting a solid victory by the Patriots at home.  I am pleased to announce my upset special of the week.  Understand that the Patriots have the #32 defense in the league against the pass, and Eli is passing very, very well right now.  Understand that Tom Brady, just like Drew Brees, is having issues with his protection right now.  Understand that the Giant defense features a very mean pass rush right now.  I think this spells out a recipe for upset.  I am taking the Giants.  The Patriots are the great pretenders of 2011.
4. The Ravens @ The Steelers is the NFL game of the week.  Now we have come to the most difficult game of the week to pick.  The Steelers' offense is playing extremely well right now, but the Ravens' defense is elite &devastating.  The Steeler defense is playing very well right now, but they have a plethora of injury problems to cope with.  The Raven offense was dying for a little while, but they seemed to find themselves and right the ship in the 2nd half against the Cardinals.  This is a very, very, very complex picture.  Most authorities do not believe the Ravens can sweep the Steelers.  I do.  I'm rolling with the Ravens.
5. Bears @ Eagles is pisser of a game, matching two very inconsistent teams.  Forgive me, but I am not feeling as dreamy as a lot of analysts out there.  I have no where near the level of confidence in the Eagles that many seem to have developed.  I do think the Bears can beat them.  However, if the Eagles don't turn the ball over, they should score at least one more point than the Bears do.  Logically, I have to chose the Eagles, but this is the most uncomfortable pick of the week.  What happens if the Eagle turnover machine cranks up the horsepower in this game?