The NFL has released the 2009-2010 season Pro Bowl Selections
Most notably left off of either side was A BENGAL. The AFC-North conference champion did not have one player garner a Pro Bowl selection. Shocking. Johnathan Joseph should have made it at cornerback over Champ Bailey, and Cedric Benson would have easily made this team had he stayed healthy. This is the type of story that can really make this Bengals team scary come playoff time. If this team could stretch the field with their passing game they would be contenders.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Viking Shakeup
-With the Vikings loss to the Bears on Monday night, the NFC Playoff picture has drastically changed. What looked like a New Orleans and Minnesota 1,2 seeding, now has turned into something different. With the loss to Chicago, the Eagles get the #2 seed with a win in Dallas. Making it even more interesting would be another Minnesota loss. If the Vikings lose to the Giants in their regular season finale, the Eagles, Cowboys, or Cardinals will get the #2 seed with a win. I think the Eagles will win in Dallas, which means they lock up the #2 seed and secure at least one home game during the playoffs, while the Vikings would get the #3 or #4 seed.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Week 16 Selections
Straight Up Winners in BOLD
ATS winners in ( )
San Diego @ Tennessee (-3) - Doesn't it concern you that Vegas has the TITANS favored here? Rumors along the Charger front are that the starters will play at least the first half and part of the second half. I am anticipating Rivers, LT, Gates, and Jackson all to be off the field in the fourth quarter. This game bears no significance to the Chargers playoff standing. They will be the #2 seed, have a bye in the first week, and play a home game in the divisional round. End of story. The starters have to play at least the first half to keep their game sharp, but anyone that is banged up a bit (Merriman, Phillips, Weddle) will definitely get some time to heal up over the next two weeks of the regular season and into the first week of the playoffs. The Chargers are much more dangerous with healthy players than they are with a record of 13-3 vs 12-4 or 11-5. That being said, I think the Titans offense will throw the kitchen sink at the Chargers defense. Chris Johnson will get plenty of touches, and VY will make things happen in and out of the pocket. The Titans are a dangerous team, and when Jeff Fisher has never won against the Chargers, wouldn't this be a bit of a Cinderella win for him. I think so. TITANS over the CHARGERS 30 - 24.
Seattle (+14) @ Green Bay
Oakland (+3) @ Cleveland
Kansas City @ Cincinnati (-14)
Buffalo @ Atlanta (-9)
Houston (+3) @ Miami
Carolina @ New York Giants (-7)
Tampa Bay (+14) @ New Orleans
Jacksonville (+8) @ New England
Baltimore (+3) @ Pittsburgh
St. Louis @ Arizona (-14)
Detroit (+12) @ San Francisco
Denver @ Philadelphia (-7)
New York Jets (+6) @ Indianapolis
Dallas @ Washington (+7)
Minnesota (-7) @ Chicago
ATS winners in ( )
San Diego @ Tennessee (-3) - Doesn't it concern you that Vegas has the TITANS favored here? Rumors along the Charger front are that the starters will play at least the first half and part of the second half. I am anticipating Rivers, LT, Gates, and Jackson all to be off the field in the fourth quarter. This game bears no significance to the Chargers playoff standing. They will be the #2 seed, have a bye in the first week, and play a home game in the divisional round. End of story. The starters have to play at least the first half to keep their game sharp, but anyone that is banged up a bit (Merriman, Phillips, Weddle) will definitely get some time to heal up over the next two weeks of the regular season and into the first week of the playoffs. The Chargers are much more dangerous with healthy players than they are with a record of 13-3 vs 12-4 or 11-5. That being said, I think the Titans offense will throw the kitchen sink at the Chargers defense. Chris Johnson will get plenty of touches, and VY will make things happen in and out of the pocket. The Titans are a dangerous team, and when Jeff Fisher has never won against the Chargers, wouldn't this be a bit of a Cinderella win for him. I think so. TITANS over the CHARGERS 30 - 24.
Seattle (+14) @ Green Bay
Oakland (+3) @ Cleveland
Kansas City @ Cincinnati (-14)
Buffalo @ Atlanta (-9)
Houston (+3) @ Miami
Carolina @ New York Giants (-7)
Tampa Bay (+14) @ New Orleans
Jacksonville (+8) @ New England
Baltimore (+3) @ Pittsburgh
St. Louis @ Arizona (-14)
Detroit (+12) @ San Francisco
Denver @ Philadelphia (-7)
New York Jets (+6) @ Indianapolis
Dallas @ Washington (+7)
Minnesota (-7) @ Chicago
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Power Rankings
Here are my power rankings for team's with playoff hopes entering Week 16:
1. Indianapolis Colts (14-0) - Will they rest their players or will they play for history? I think a very physical first half from the Jets this week may force the Colts into resting Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne. It is not worth it for them to risk injury to their star players when their goal is to win the Super Bowl.
2. San Diego Chargers (11-3) - One of the hottest teams in the NFL. 17 straight December wins. Phillip Rivers is a beast.
3. New Orleans Saints (13-1) - They lost to the Cowboys...They lost to the Cowboys in New Orleans...I did not predict that to happen. I believe the Saints have been exposed.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) - Too hot too handle. DeSean Jackson is the MVP of the NFC-East. Eagles are a dangerous team.
5. Arizona Cardinals (9-5) - The Cardinals have the explosive offense, a running game in the works, and a defense that shows up for the big games. I like that mix.
6. Minnesota Vikings (11-3) - Finally the media has attacked the Vikings offensive line. Their is nothing wrong with AP or Brett Farve, the problem exists in the 5 in front of them. Didn't anyone think it was weird in week 3 to have 6 and 7 guys stay in to protect on 3rd downs for the Vikings? A contender must have a strong offensive line to challenge for the Super Bowl. Not so much here.
7. New England Patriots (9-5) - The experience will begin to shine through as the Patriots will try to lock up the #3 seed.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5) - How much will the mourning of a fellow teammate and friend affect the Bengals the rest of the way.
9. New York Giants (8-6) - The power running game was back on Monday night. If the Giants are able to play with that type of physical nature the rest of the way, they would be a tough team to play in January.
10. Baltimore Ravens (8-6) - Perfect time for Ray Lewis and company to heat up.
11. Dallas Cowboys (9-5) - Tony Romo has had a tremendous season, if they fall short he is not the one to blame.
12. Denver Broncos (8-6) - The great teams beat the good teams. Therefore, the Broncos should lose this week to the Eagles.
13. Green Bay Packers (9-5) - Green Bay has had a good season, but they are 2-4 against playoff contenders this season.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) - Huge last-second victory against Green Bay. But I think 9-7 won't be enough for the Steelers.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-7) - This team plays every game close. Houston and Pittsburgh at home are both possible wins for this club.
16. Tennessee Titans (7-7) - What a remarkable turnaround for a team that start 0-6.
17. New York Jets (7-7) - Someone let Rex Ryan know that the Jets still have a heartbeat for the playoffs.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) - An upset over Indy would have been huge, but the loss dropped the Jags to 7-7 and most likely out of the playoffs.
19. Houston Texans (7-7) - The Texans still have life, but they need to win in Miami and against New England, and they also need a lot of other things to happen.
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All other teams will miss the playoffs
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1. Indianapolis Colts (14-0) - Will they rest their players or will they play for history? I think a very physical first half from the Jets this week may force the Colts into resting Peyton Manning and Reggie Wayne. It is not worth it for them to risk injury to their star players when their goal is to win the Super Bowl.
2. San Diego Chargers (11-3) - One of the hottest teams in the NFL. 17 straight December wins. Phillip Rivers is a beast.
3. New Orleans Saints (13-1) - They lost to the Cowboys...They lost to the Cowboys in New Orleans...I did not predict that to happen. I believe the Saints have been exposed.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4) - Too hot too handle. DeSean Jackson is the MVP of the NFC-East. Eagles are a dangerous team.
5. Arizona Cardinals (9-5) - The Cardinals have the explosive offense, a running game in the works, and a defense that shows up for the big games. I like that mix.
6. Minnesota Vikings (11-3) - Finally the media has attacked the Vikings offensive line. Their is nothing wrong with AP or Brett Farve, the problem exists in the 5 in front of them. Didn't anyone think it was weird in week 3 to have 6 and 7 guys stay in to protect on 3rd downs for the Vikings? A contender must have a strong offensive line to challenge for the Super Bowl. Not so much here.
7. New England Patriots (9-5) - The experience will begin to shine through as the Patriots will try to lock up the #3 seed.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (9-5) - How much will the mourning of a fellow teammate and friend affect the Bengals the rest of the way.
9. New York Giants (8-6) - The power running game was back on Monday night. If the Giants are able to play with that type of physical nature the rest of the way, they would be a tough team to play in January.
10. Baltimore Ravens (8-6) - Perfect time for Ray Lewis and company to heat up.
11. Dallas Cowboys (9-5) - Tony Romo has had a tremendous season, if they fall short he is not the one to blame.
12. Denver Broncos (8-6) - The great teams beat the good teams. Therefore, the Broncos should lose this week to the Eagles.
13. Green Bay Packers (9-5) - Green Bay has had a good season, but they are 2-4 against playoff contenders this season.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7) - Huge last-second victory against Green Bay. But I think 9-7 won't be enough for the Steelers.
15. Miami Dolphins (7-7) - This team plays every game close. Houston and Pittsburgh at home are both possible wins for this club.
16. Tennessee Titans (7-7) - What a remarkable turnaround for a team that start 0-6.
17. New York Jets (7-7) - Someone let Rex Ryan know that the Jets still have a heartbeat for the playoffs.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) - An upset over Indy would have been huge, but the loss dropped the Jags to 7-7 and most likely out of the playoffs.
19. Houston Texans (7-7) - The Texans still have life, but they need to win in Miami and against New England, and they also need a lot of other things to happen.
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All other teams will miss the playoffs
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Week 16 Info
-Very interested to see Brett Farve's press conference. All of this nonsense about the heated talk with Brad Childress, the newly-dubbed "Chilly", has sparked all kinds of craziness in Minnesota. Beyond this waste of a story is the fact that the Vikings offense line is finally being exploited and the Vike's are looking more and more like a 1 and out team.
-Bengals players and coaches, as well as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, attended the services for the late Chris Henry. May he rest in peace.
-The Giants win against Washington on Monday night was huge for the G-Men but it also made them nervous for the fact that the Skins host the Cowboys this week. And after a performance like that last night, does anyone have faith in the Skins taking down the Boys?
-The AFC Playoff picture is still being calculated...it's ridiculous how many teams are still alive.
-After Week 6 the Titans sat at 0-6 and everyone and their grandmother believed Jeff Fisher's 15 year career as Titans head coach would be finished. If the Titans are able to upset the Chargers this week and beat the Seahawks in Week 17, regardless of making the playoffs, it is very possible Jeff Fisher will receive a vote or two for coach of the year. Crazy to fathom it, but it is true.
-Bengals players and coaches, as well as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, attended the services for the late Chris Henry. May he rest in peace.
-The Giants win against Washington on Monday night was huge for the G-Men but it also made them nervous for the fact that the Skins host the Cowboys this week. And after a performance like that last night, does anyone have faith in the Skins taking down the Boys?
-The AFC Playoff picture is still being calculated...it's ridiculous how many teams are still alive.
-After Week 6 the Titans sat at 0-6 and everyone and their grandmother believed Jeff Fisher's 15 year career as Titans head coach would be finished. If the Titans are able to upset the Chargers this week and beat the Seahawks in Week 17, regardless of making the playoffs, it is very possible Jeff Fisher will receive a vote or two for coach of the year. Crazy to fathom it, but it is true.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Week 15 Recap
A quick recap to Week 15 and some playoff notes:
-The Saints lost a pivotal NFC showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints are now 13-1 and have already secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs. With the loss to Dallas, the Saints now may be inclined to rest some of their stars in Week 16 and Week 17. On the flip side, the Cowboys got a huge win that puts them right back into contention with the Eagles in the East, and it also gets the "December Monkey" off of their back.
-The Colts won the game-of-the-week against Jacksonville on a huge pass and catch from Manning to Wayne in the final minutes of the 4th quarter. The Colts remained undefeated and have the Jets and Bills left on their schedule. It will be interesting to see how things are played out with this Indianapolis team and how their players are used, or not used.
-The Vikings have secured the NFC-North with the Packers loss on Sunday. But, with their loss to Carolina, the Vikings have opened the door to the Eagles. If the Eagles win their final two games, and the Vikings lose one of their final two, the Eagles move into 2nd place in the NFC. The Vikings are banged up, but I wouldn't expect them to rest their players, they need to secure the bye and the home field divisional game. I think the Week 17 matchup against the Giants will be a very tough home game for the Vikings. If the Vikings were to lose a game, the Eagles win out, and if the Vikings advanced to play Philly they would be heading into trouble. Vikings head coach Brad Childress is 0-2 against his former team (Philly) and the Vikings haven't won in Philly since 1985.
-The Eagles host Denver this week and then travel to Dallas in Week 17. Week 17 could be a preview of round one of the playoffs; it is possible that both the Packers @ Cardinals and Eagles vs Cowboys matchups could also be the wild card round matchups. A few things can rearrange the games, but there is a good chance they could play each other on back to back weeks.
-If the Cowboys lose to Philly in Week 17 and the Giants win out, the Giants get the playoff birth as the Giants swept the Cowboys this season.
-The AFC Playoff picture is crazy. Two teams have clinched; the Chargers and Colts, and 10 other teams still have a chance to make it in. The Jets, Titans, Texans, and Steelers have the least likely chance to advance due to their conference records, but all of them plus Jacksonville, Denver, Baltimore, Miami, Cincinnati, and New England all can get in. The Patriots and Bengals just need to win a game, while the Broncos and Ravens have very high chances with one win as well.
-With wins this week, the Patriots, Dolphins, Ravens, Colts, and Chargers would all but eliminate 5 teams in the AFC hunt. I do not foresee an 8-8 team advancing, even though it is mathematically possible. Their is a possibility that as many as 8 teams in the AFC could finish 9-7.
-Quick Prediction- I think the Patriots and Bengals win this week and clinch a playoff birth. (The Patriots clinch the AFC-East division with a win this week). I think the Jets, Dolphins, Jaguars, Titans, and Texans all finish 7-9 or 8-8. I think the Ravens and Broncos get into the playoffs and the Steelers are nipped in the end due to their poor conference record. Therefore, the Ravens would get the 6th seed, Broncos the 5th, Patriots the 4th, Bengals the 3rd, Chargers the 2nd, and the Colts have already locked up the #1 seed.
-The Saints lost a pivotal NFC showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. The Saints are now 13-1 and have already secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs. With the loss to Dallas, the Saints now may be inclined to rest some of their stars in Week 16 and Week 17. On the flip side, the Cowboys got a huge win that puts them right back into contention with the Eagles in the East, and it also gets the "December Monkey" off of their back.
-The Colts won the game-of-the-week against Jacksonville on a huge pass and catch from Manning to Wayne in the final minutes of the 4th quarter. The Colts remained undefeated and have the Jets and Bills left on their schedule. It will be interesting to see how things are played out with this Indianapolis team and how their players are used, or not used.
-The Vikings have secured the NFC-North with the Packers loss on Sunday. But, with their loss to Carolina, the Vikings have opened the door to the Eagles. If the Eagles win their final two games, and the Vikings lose one of their final two, the Eagles move into 2nd place in the NFC. The Vikings are banged up, but I wouldn't expect them to rest their players, they need to secure the bye and the home field divisional game. I think the Week 17 matchup against the Giants will be a very tough home game for the Vikings. If the Vikings were to lose a game, the Eagles win out, and if the Vikings advanced to play Philly they would be heading into trouble. Vikings head coach Brad Childress is 0-2 against his former team (Philly) and the Vikings haven't won in Philly since 1985.
-The Eagles host Denver this week and then travel to Dallas in Week 17. Week 17 could be a preview of round one of the playoffs; it is possible that both the Packers @ Cardinals and Eagles vs Cowboys matchups could also be the wild card round matchups. A few things can rearrange the games, but there is a good chance they could play each other on back to back weeks.
-If the Cowboys lose to Philly in Week 17 and the Giants win out, the Giants get the playoff birth as the Giants swept the Cowboys this season.
-The AFC Playoff picture is crazy. Two teams have clinched; the Chargers and Colts, and 10 other teams still have a chance to make it in. The Jets, Titans, Texans, and Steelers have the least likely chance to advance due to their conference records, but all of them plus Jacksonville, Denver, Baltimore, Miami, Cincinnati, and New England all can get in. The Patriots and Bengals just need to win a game, while the Broncos and Ravens have very high chances with one win as well.
-With wins this week, the Patriots, Dolphins, Ravens, Colts, and Chargers would all but eliminate 5 teams in the AFC hunt. I do not foresee an 8-8 team advancing, even though it is mathematically possible. Their is a possibility that as many as 8 teams in the AFC could finish 9-7.
-Quick Prediction- I think the Patriots and Bengals win this week and clinch a playoff birth. (The Patriots clinch the AFC-East division with a win this week). I think the Jets, Dolphins, Jaguars, Titans, and Texans all finish 7-9 or 8-8. I think the Ravens and Broncos get into the playoffs and the Steelers are nipped in the end due to their poor conference record. Therefore, the Ravens would get the 6th seed, Broncos the 5th, Patriots the 4th, Bengals the 3rd, Chargers the 2nd, and the Colts have already locked up the #1 seed.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Week 15 Selections
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville (+3.5) - Prediction: Indy 24 - Jags 21
Dallas @ New Orleans (-7.5) - Prediction: Saints 31 - Cowboys 20
Miami (+??) @ Tennessee - Prediction: Titans 20 - Miami 17
New England @ Buffalo (+7.5) - Prediction: Patriots 20 - Buffalo 14
Arizona (-12) @ Detroit - Prediction: Arizona 38 - Detroit 20
San Francisco @ Philly (-??) - Prediction: Eagles 24 - 49ers 10
Atlanta @ New York Jets (-???) - Prediction: Jets 10 - Falcons 0
Chicago @ Baltimore (-11) - Prediction: Ravens 28 - Bears 14
Cleveland (+1.5) @ Kansas City - Prediction: Browns 17 - Chiefs 13
Houston (-??) @ St. Louis - Prediction: Texans 42 - Rams 14
Cincinnati @ San Diego (-7) - Prediction: Chargers 24 - Bengals 13
Oakland @ Denver (-14) - Prediction: Denver 27 - Oakland 6
Green Bay (+1) @ Pittsburgh - Prediction: Packers 20 - Steelers 16
Tampa Bay @ Seattle (-7) - Prediction: Seahawks 30 - Buccaneers 17
Minnesota (-9) @ Carolina - Prediction: Vikings 28 - Panthers 10
New York Giants (-3) @ Washington - Prediction: Giants 30 - Redskins 24
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