Sports Blog

GOLD

Jermichael Finley, GB, TE, vs. Detroit
Forecast: 5 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Finley should be in line for a big game this week. Detroit has given up 6 TD’s to Tight Ends this year and should have trouble covering all of Green Bay’s weapons. If the Lions focus on the WRs then Finley should have a huge day over the middle.

Nate Burleson, SEA, WR, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 7 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
One of the most underrated WRs in the league is set to have another big game at home. He has 22 catches, 281 yards and 3 TDs in 3 games. Look for this to continue against a Cardinals team giving up plenty yards in the air.

Matt Hasselbeck, SEA, QB, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 10 rushing yards (23 points)
Like I said Arizona can be beat in the air and Seattle has plenty of weapons to do it with. Look for Matt to spread the wealth again for another big week.

Pierre Thomas, NO, RB, vs. NY Giants
Forecast: 16 carries, 96 yards, 2 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Thomas has been great since his return from his knee injury. With teams keying on Brees and the passing game, Thomas has dominated on the ground averaging 106 yards and a TD. Even better is he can also catch the ball. Keep riding the wave.

Todd Heap, BAL, TE, @ Minnesota
Forecast: 5 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Minnesota has allowed the most fantasy points to TEs this so Heap should be the next TE to go off against them. Don’t be surprised if he scores this week.

LaDainian Tomlinson, SD, RB, vs. Denver
Forecast: 20 carries, 72 yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Tomlinson has scored in 6 straight MNF games. And even though the Denver D is improved I see him keeping that streak alive especially after coming off a bye week.

Jake Delhomme, CAR, QB, @ Tampa Bay
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int (20 points)
Jake should have his best game of the year this week going against the bad Tampa Bay defense. This is one week that he is actually ok to start so take advantage if you need a QB this week

Vincent Jackson, SD, WR, vs. Denver
Forecast: 6 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
Jackson has been good all season and I see that continuing especially with the Chargers coming off a bye. Start him with confidence.

COLD

Julius Jones, SEA, RB, vs. Arizona
Forecast: 13 carries, 38 yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
The way to beat Arizona is in the air, they actually have a pretty good run defense. So this week I don’t see Jones having a good game especially when he is splitting with Edge.

Eddie Royal, DEN, WR, @ San Diego
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Royal finally broke out this year, the thing is how long will it continue. I don’t see it happening again this week against a mad SD defense

Michael Bush, OAK, RB, vs. Philadelphia
Forecast: 16 carries, 35 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
There is no reason to start any Raiders this game against a great Eagles defense.

Jamal Lewis, CLE, RB, @ Pittsburgh
Forecast: 15 carries, 44 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Last weeks surprise big game won’t happen again this week when the Steelers are ready for it.

Steve Smith, NYG, WR, @ New Orleans
Forecast: 4 catches, 45 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Saints surprisingly pretty good in pass coverage and Eli could be hurt. Downgrade expectations.

Last weeks results:
GOLD
Jerome Harrison, CLE, RB, @ Buffalo                                                        LOSS
Forecast: 22 carries, 84 yards, 5 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Actual: 8 carries, 21 yards, 0 catches, 0 TD (2 points)

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. Atlanta                                                                    WIN
Forecast: 25 carries, 77 yards, 4 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 12 carries, 45 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD (15.5 points)

David Garrard, JAX, QB, @ Seattle                                                            LOSS
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 20 rushing yards (18 points
Actual: 188 passing yards,0 TD, 1 rushing yard (7.5 points)

Tashard Choice, DAL, RB, @Kansas City                                                 WIN
Forecast: 17 carries, 77 yards, 5 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD (22 points)
Actual: 8 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD (15.5 points)

Nate Washington, TEN, WR, VS. Indianapolis                                 LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 37 yards, 0 TD (4.5 points)\

John Carlson, SEA, TE, VS. Jacksonville                                           LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 31 yards, 0 TD (2.5 points)

Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. New England                               WIN
Forecast: 18 carries, 83 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards (13 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 88 yards, 4 catches, 36 yards,1 lost Fum (12.5 points)

Braylon Edwards, NYJ, WR, @ Miami                                                WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 64 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
                                                                                                      ___________

                                                                                   Week:        4-4(50%)

COLD
Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE, @ San Francisco                                 WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD ( 6 points)
Actual: 6 catches, 55 yards, TD (8 points)
Steve Smith, NYG, WR, VS. Oakland                                               WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 70 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Joseph Addai, IND, RB, @ Tennessee                                               LOSS
Forecast: 12 carries, 37 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Actual: 14 carries, 27 yards, 10 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Thomas Jones, NYJ, RB, @ Miami                                                  LOSS
Forecast: 16 carries, 45 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 13 carries, 42 yards, 2 TD (16 points)
Michael Turner, ATL, RB, @ San Francisco                                 LOSS
Forecast: 25 carries, 59 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 22 carries, 97 yards, 3 TD (27 points)
_____________

                                                                                           WEEK: 2-3(40%)

look to previous weeks for scoring benchmarks

Image source: AP

Yesterday, I previewed the AFC and as you can see, there are going to be some competitive division battles. Well, the NFC is no different. It seems like every division has a couple teams that can conceivably win the division.

NFC EAST

1. New York Giants
The Giants where the class of the NFC last season till they faded down the stretch and where bounced out of the playoffs in their first game. That team had to deal with the loss of Plaxico Burress, who’s absence hurt the teams focus on the field, and injuries to the defense. Well this year they don’t have to worry about Plaxico, he’s gone, and their defense got some upgrades to an already solid unit. I see them using their power running game in order to become the class of the NFC again this year. They need to finish the season strong though if they want to go to the Super Bowl.

2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles where close to going to the Super Bowl last year and this year they should be right there competing again. They got some steals in the draft, Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy, that should upgrade an already explosive offense. The key to this team will be how the defense performs with a new coordinator and already some key injuries. If they ‘re solid than this could be a Super Bowl team.

3. Dallas Cowboys
No team disappointed more than the Cowboys last year. There team was just falling apart and despite all of it still had a chance of making the playoffs before getting blown out by the Eagles. They still have some talent, but I think the loss of a true number 1 receiver will really hurt their offense. They need to run the ball more if they want to be competitive this season. If they can’t, than this could be another disappointing season.

4. Washington Redskins
The Redskins will be improved this season, but in a tough division, its going to be hard to move up. Their defense will be pretty good so its up to the offense to carry this team as far as it can go.

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay Packers
After a step back last season, I see the Packers returning to the top of the division. Their first team has been tearing it up in the preseason and they look ready for the season. I think they will get off to a good start with Aaron Rodgers leading the way. This team has a ton of talent on both sides of the ball.

2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have a great defense with a great running game. Add Brett Favre at QB and this team is thinking Super Bowl. The only thing is that’s what the Jets though till age caught up to Favre and he and the team faded down the stretch. Even before signing, Favre said that he didn’t think his body could take a full season, now he’s supposed to take a team to the Super Bowl. I don’t think so. This team will be solid, but I don’t see Favre lasting the season.

3. Chicago Bears
The Bears finally got the QB they’ve always wanted, or so they think. Yes, Jay Cutler has talent, but he hasn’t won anything in college or NFL. Even worse he is the first person to complain when things go bad. With their defense not being as strong as years past I don’t see this team advancing in the division just yet.

4. Detroit Lions
The Lions are in a rebuilding year all the way. They are just looking for some positives to jump start them into next year.

NFC SOUTH

1. New Orleans Saints
Nobody has to worry about the offense as long as Drew Brees is at the helm. But it’s the defense that needs to improve dramatically if this team wants to make a Super Bowl run. The defense doesn’t have to be great, just solid. The good thing about the Saints is that they will never be out of a game with their offense so that should lead to some exciting games.

2. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers surprised some people last year with how good they were. They have an great running game with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, and a solid defense. They are like the Giants, in that respect, except they don’t have an elite QB. I see this team competing for the division title all season. They need to have a good season from Jake Delhomme if they want any hope at a Super Bowl.

3. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons went from worst to first last season behind good defense and rookie QB Matt Ryan. I see them falling back down this season because of a defense that wont be very good. Their defense will cost them games all season making this a disappointing season.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Though they don’t want to admit it, this is a rebuilding year for Tampa Bay. They are just average on both sides of the ball which doesn’t make for a good season.

NFC WEST

1. San Francisco 49ers
In a division that is open for any team to take, I see the 49ers grinding it out. They already have a solid defense and if they run the ball and control the game, I think they can have a solid season. All Shaun Hill does is win games, and he is very underrated in doing it. To me, he is the perfect QB to lead what Singletary wants to do.

2. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals rode a great offense to the Super Bowl last year surprising many. I think they will be very good again, but can Kurt Warner hold up. I’m not total sold on that which is why I think they will finish second in the division this season. They will still be fun to watch though as long as Kurt is the QB.

3. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle improved a lot in the off-season and are still under the radar. That could be the perfect storm for this sleeper team to make a run at the division. After all, they don’t have exactly world beaters in front of them.

4. St. Louis Rams
The Rams will be competing with the Lions for worst in the NFC. They are rebuilding right now, but they have some good talent for the future.

Source Image: AP

The NFL can be cruel to players on the north side of 30.  Just ask former Arizona Cardinals running back Edgerrin James.

That’s right, the Cardinals released the 30-year-old James on Tuesday, a move that was expected after he requested to be let go at the beginning of the free agency period.  After the team selected Chris “Beanie” Wells in last weekends draft, James became expendable and was finally given his request.

There were a few factors that played into the decision to send James his walking papers.  The Cardinals are still hoping to sign disgruntled wide receiver Anquan Boldin to an extension, as well as a few of their defensive stand outs, and James was due to make five million dollars this year.  The Edge was also frustrated with his increasingly shrinking role with the team last year after then rookie Tim Hightower saw his playing time rise throughout the season.

Now we will have to wait and see if James can land a gig somewhere else, which will be difficult considering most teams have shored up their needs through the draft and free agency already.  His age combined with his decline in production since going to Arizona from Indianapolis (he has not had more than 3.9 yards per carry in Arizona and last year he had the fewest rush attempts and yard in his entire career) are going to make him a tough sell to the few teams still looking for a back.

For people who still want to see him play and prove he still has gas left in tank, lets hope he can avoid the fate of Shaun Alexander, who just a couple years removed from a MVP season struggled to find work and rushed for a pathetic 24 yards last year.

Image Source:  Zimbio.com

This week in sports blogs and news:

• Brad Pitt and Steven Soderbergh to make “Moneyball” movie on Billy Beane - Variety
• USA Swimming Suspends Michael Phelps for 3 months - ESPN
• Patriots put the franchise tag on Matt Cassell: $14.65 million -Fox Sports
• Top high school prospect may choose CFL over NCAA - SportsByBrooks
• Anquan Boldin wants out of Arizona - Larry Brown Sports
  

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Champions” 
• Santonio Holmes Catch Makes the Steelers Champions
• Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers: No Thanks
• Kevin Costner to Bring Baseball to Illinois Suburbs
• Prank Gone Bad: Peyton’s Joke on Cutler Backfires
  

This year’s big game looks like its going to be a good one!  We got the high powered offense of the Arizona Cardinals, led by Kurt Warner, and the hard hitting defense of the Pittsburg Steelers, led by Troy Polamalu. The Steelers are a (-7) favorite right now.  I’m kind of surprised the line hasn’t moved down from there, since a recent ESPN poll says people think the games a toss up (51% Cards, 49% Steelers).  Maybe people don’t have money to gamble in this economy!  Who knows!  But if I were betting on the Cards I would take the 7 points now because as it gets closer to the game I think the line will be in the 3-5 rage.

My prediction:

I think the NFC will make it two upsets in a row. The Cards are not even supposed to be playing, but they still are.  They have really come together as a team and are just playing lights out!  The big surprise in this game will be the way their defense plays to shutdown the Steelers’ offense. This will be the difference in a close game.

Final Score:

Cards 27
Steelers 20
MVP: Kurt Warner

Betting line picks:
Cards (+7)
Over (46 ½)

If you know Kurt Warner, then you know he’s a fairly religious man. Hey, more power to him. I’m down with J.C. too.

Apparently he felt the need to draw what he thought God looked like. I’m not going to bash him on his artistic skills, only because I’m afraid to have a bolt of lightning strike me between the eyes, but lets just say Warner is much better throwing touchdowns then creating masterpieces. His rendition of God looks like the drummer from Def Leopard.

OW! There’s that lightning bolt.

I wonder when Warner prays at night, which Jesus does he prays too? If it’s adult Jesus or Little Baby Jesus in his little golden, fleece diapers.

YouTube - Watch 

For those of you not familiar with my “Little Baby Jesus” reference, here you go.

YouTube - Watch 

Fantasy Studs:

• Lendale White came back from a rough week to run for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• The Cowboys Defense filled up the stat sheet with 7 sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception.
• Michael Turner still ran for 120-yards, despite losing a fumble.
• Donovan McNabb didn’t get benched this week, throwing for 4 touchdowns and 260-yards.
• Despite only running for 74-yards, DeAngelo Williams still had 4 touchdowns.
• Larry Fitzgerald hauled in 2 touchdown passes on Sunday.
• The Steelers Defense had 3 fumble recoveries,  5 sacks and 2 interceptions.
• Brian Westbrook did it all, catching 2 touchdown passes and rushing for another 2 with 110 yards.
• Bernard Berrian finished with 122-yards, including a 99-yard touchdown reception.
• Adrian Peterson racked up 131-yards and a touchdown.
• Aaron Rodgers threw for 3 touchdowns and 298-yards.
• Tony Romo’s pinky looked fine, throwing for 331-yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Houston’s Steve Slaton rushed for 2 touchdowns and 130-yards.
• The Titans’ Chris Johnson ran for 130-yards and 2 touchdowns.

Fantasy Duds: 

• Ryan Grant finished with only 39-yards.
• Matt Cassel was sacked five times, lost a fumble twice and threw 2 interceptions.
• Laveranues Coles caught only 2 passes for 2 yards.
• Peyton Manning had only 126-yards passing and 2 touchdowns.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

Fantasy Studs:

• Peyton Manning finally looked like his old self, tossing for 320-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Thomas Jones kept up with his great year, running for 104-yards and a touchdown.
• DeAngelo Williams scrapped for 120-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin both had terrific days. Fitzgerald finished with 10 catches and 151-yards, while Boldin hauled in 13 passes for 186-yards.
• Joseph Addai finally did some good for his fantasy owners. His racked up 153 total yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Ryan Grant rushed for 145-yards and a touchdown for the Packers.
• Steve Slaton ran for 156-yards, including a 71-yard touchdown run.
• T.J. Houshmandzadeh grabbed 12 passes, a touchdown and 149-yards.
• Marshawn Lynch finally crossed the century mark finishing with 119-yards and 58 more receiving with a touchdown.
• Jonathan Stewart finished with 130-yards rushing and a touchdown.
• Kurt Warner racked up 395-yards in the air.

Fantasy Duds:

• Philip Rivers had a terrible day, finishing with only 159-yards and 2 interceptions.
• Earnest Graham had a whopping 3-yards before leaving with an injury.
• Lee Evans of the Bills couldn’t find a way to make it onto the stat sheet.
• Willis McGahee finished with only 25-yards.
• The Ravens defense was non-existent against the Giants, giving up 353-yards.
• The Bears defense wasn’t much better, giving up 427-yards.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

Fantasy Studs:

• Peyton Manning passes for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 2-point conversion.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers Defense racked up 7 sacks and 2 interceptions.
• Donovan McNabb led the Eagles with 349 yards and 2 touchdown passes.
• In the first start of his career, Tim Hightower rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown.
• Antonio Bryant caught 8 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
• Kurt Warner had 342 yards in the air and 2 touchdowns.
• Chris Johnson of the Titans had 89 yards on the ground, 72 receiving and a touchdown.
• Adrian Peterson tallied up 139 yards and a touchdown.
• The Giants’ Brandon Jacobs had 117 yards and touchdown.
• Owen Daniels caught 11 passes for 133 yards.

Fantasy Duds:

• Ben Roethlisberger left the game early Monday Night, finishing with only a rushing touchdown.
• Joseph Addai finished with only 42 total yards.
• Stephen Jackson managed only 17 yards on the ground for the Rams.
• Santana Moss caught only 2 passes for 14 yards.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

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Fantasy Studs:

• Andre Johnson went nuts for 178-yards receiving and a touchdown.
• Thomas Jones rushed for 2 touchdowns and 65-yards, including one more touchdown reception.
• Correll Buckhalter filled in nicely for the injured Brian Westbrook, rushing for 93-yards and a touchdown and receiving for 85-yards.
• Steve Breaston had 8 receptions for 102-yards and a touchdown.
• Peyton Manning finally had a great game, tossing for 3 touchdowns and 271-yards.
• Reggie Wayne caught 8 balls for 118-yards and a touchdown.
• Bernard Berrian took in 8 passes for 131-yards, including an 86-yard touchdown reception.
• Aaron Rodgers passes for 2 touchdowns and another on the ground.
• Clinton Portis rushed for 129-yards and 2 touchdowns in a losing effort.
• Drew Brees erupts for 320-yards and 3 touchdowns for the Saints.
• Marion Barber rushed for 45-yards and received 128 yards with a touchdown for the Cowboys.
• Tony Romo passed for 3 touchdowns and 321-yards.
• The Jags’ Maurice Jones-Drew ran for 125-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Philip Rivers passed for 306-yards and 3 touchdowns.

NFL Shop  Dallas Cowboys Gear

Fantasy Duds:

• Joseph Addai left the game early for the Colts, with only 3-yards.
• Roy Williams caught only two balls for 23-yards.
• Michael Turner only racked up 54-yards on Sunday.
• Edgerrin James rushed for 23-yards.
• Terrell Owens caught only four passes for 36-yards.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.