Sports Blog

GOLD

Michael Bush, OAK, RB, @ Kansas City
Forecast: 15 carries, 65 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Bush looked good running the ball against the Chargers on Monday night, totaling 60 yards and a touchdown on 13 touches. He is the power to Darren McFadden’s speed in Oakland’s 2-back rotation and this week they play the lowly Chiefs. I see him having at least the same production with good chance for even more.

Santana Moss, WAS, WR, Vs. St. Louis
Forecast: 7 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
The Redskins struggled on offense against the Giants, limiting Moss to only 2 catches for 6 yards. But the Rams are not the Giants and I see the offense getting on track this week. Moss should get a lot more space to operate. I see a big game for him this week.

Ben Roethlisberger, PIT, QB, @ Chicago
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 TO, 10 rushing yards (17 points)
The Steelers are no longer a running team. Not with the O-line that they currently have. So its safe to say that Big Ben is going to be throwing the ball around on Sunday because that’s the only way they can move the ball. The Bears defense is no push over but they can give up some big plays in the passing game. I see Ben going over 300 yards again with a couple TDs. He might have a couple turnovers too so beware.

Steve Smith, CAR, WR, @ Atlanta
Forecast: 8 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
People are panicking on Smith because of the horrible QB play that the Panthers are getting. Well calm down because he’ll show this week why you picked him as an elite WR. It’s not like they weren’t throwing the ball to him (13 targets). I see him going off for a big game against a secondary that is not as good as Philly.

Leon Washington, NYJ, RB, Vs. New England
Forecast: 15 carries, 75 rushing yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
The Patriots defense is not as strong as it was in years past so there is no reason to fear them. Fred Jackson had a big game against them on Monday and I see a trend forming when they play the Jets. The Jets have Thomas Jones to soften up the defense then Washington will explode for a big play. I see it working that way on Sunday in a surprise Jets win.

Bernard Berrian, MIN, WR, @ Detroit
Forecast: 5 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Finally healthy and practicing, I see him and Favre hooking up for some big gains against a horrible Lions defense.

Vernon Davis, SF, TE, Vs. Seattle
Forecast: 6 catches, 55 yards (8 points)
People have been waiting for him to blow up for a couple years now. It seemed like every year he was a sleeper pick. We’ll now with lowered expectations it looks like he is ready to be a solid contributor. I see him getting around 5 catches a game and even better he is probable the 49ers best red zone threat. Keep an eye on this guy.

Philip Rivers, SD, QB, Vs. Baltimore
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 Int (20 points)
Yes, the Ravens have a solid defense but I think they lost a lot in losing their coordinator and Bart Scott. Another big factor will be that LT might not play forcing the Chargers to rely more on Rivers. I see a good game. Start him with confidence.

COLD
Mike Bell, NO, RB, @ Philadelphia
Forecast: 12 carries, 43 rushing yards, 1 catch, 5 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Every body’s prize pick up of the week is in for a rude awakening. The Eagles are not the Lions and there is going to be little room for him to run. Even worse for him is that starter Pierre Thomas has been practicing this week and will probably play on Sunday. This will dig into Bell’s carries even more. I say Bell’s value is about to take a big hit so deal him if you can.

Roy Williams, DAL, WR, Vs. New York Giants
Forecast: 3 catches, 46 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Williams big game against the Buccs was a mirage when you see that 66 yards of his 86 came on one long blown coverage. Other than that he didn’t have that good of a game. Let’s see if he can do it against a real defense, which I don’t think he can.

DeSean Jackson, PHI, WR, Vs. New Orleans
Forecast: 3 catches, 22 yards, 1 carry, 14 yards (5 points)
If McNabb is out, which it looks like he is, Jackson will struggle. Last game he barley did any thing and aside from the long punt return it was a forgettable game. I see another one coming without his QB.

Julius Jones, SEA, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 20 carries, 49 yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TDs (6 points)
Jones had a huge game last week against the lowly Rams. We’ll the Niners are not the Rams and last week they shutdown the high power Cardinals offense. Their running game could do nothing against the 49ers defense and I see them shutting that down again.

Tin Hightower, ARI, RB, @ Jacksonville
Forecast: 12 carries, 44 yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 0 TDs (7 points)
Last weeks 12 catch game will not happen again any time soon. That was a product of hurt receivers and good pressure on Warner for the 49ers defense. With the WRs getting health I see them throwing the ball to them a lot more this weekend, hurting Hightower’s production.

SCORING BENCHMARKS
QBs: 12+ fantasy points
RBs: 12+ fantasy points
WRs: 10+ fantasy points
TEs: 8+ fantasy points
*Scoring system:
4 PTs/Pass TD
1 PT/25 pass yards
6 PTs/Rush-Rec TD
1 PT/Reception
1 PT/10 Rush yards
1 PT/20 Rec yards
-2 PT/INT or FL

Last Week’s Results:
Gold
Leon Washington, NYJ, RB                                                                                 WIN
Forecast: 10 carries, 60 yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Actual: 15 carries, 60 yards, 4 catches, 24 yards (12.4 points)
Josh Morgan, SF, WR                                                                                           LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD ( 14 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 38 yards ( 4.9 points)
Robert Meacham, NO, WR                                                                                  WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD ( 10.5 points)
Cedric Benson, CIN, RB                                                                                        WIN
Forecast: 26 carries, 110 yards, 1 catch, 7 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 76 yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, 1 TD (19.2 points)
Anthony Fasano, MIA, TE                                                                                     LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 10 yards (2.5 points)
Julius Jones, SEA, RB                                                                                            WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 yards, 2 catches, 21 yards (13 points)
Actual: 19 carries, 117 yards, 2 catches, 19 yards, 1 TD ( 21.6 points)
Joe Flacco, BAL, QB                                                                                               WIN
Forecast: 205 passing yards, 17 rushing, 2 TD passes, 0 Int (17 points)
Actual: 307 passing yards, 18 rushing, 3 TD passes, 1 Int (24 points)
Shaun Hill, SF,QB                                                                                                    LOSS
Forecast: 230 passing yards, 15 rushing yards, 2 TD passes, 1 Int (16 points)
Actual: 209 passing yards, 1 TD pass, 1 lost fumble ( 10.4 points)
___________
Last Week: 5 - 3 ( 63%)
Season: 5- 3 (63%)
COLD
Jamal Lewis, CLE, RB                                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 43 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Actual: 11 carries 57 yards, 3 catches, 37 yards 0 TDs ( 10.5 points)
Dwayne Bowe, KAN, WR                                                                              LOSS
Forecast: 4 catches, 43 yards 0 TDs (6 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (12 points)
Terrell Owens, BUF, WR                                                                              WIN
Forecast: 5 catches, 55 yards, 0 TDs (7 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 46 yards, 0 Tds (4.3 points)
Eli Manning, NYG, QB                                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 180 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 Int (9 points)
Actual: 256 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 Int, 1 fumbles lost (10.2 points)
Clinton Portis, WAS, RB                                                                                WIN
Forecast: 20 carries, 57 yards, 2 catches, 12 yards, 0 Tds (7 points)
Actual: 16 carries, 62 yards, 1 catch, 10 yards, 0 Tds (7.7 points)
___________
  Last Week: 4 -1 (80%)
Season: 4 -1 (80%)

Image Source: Getty

The NFL season is upon us, so its time to see where teams stack up in their divisions. Today I will preview the AFC and tomorrow the NFC. It should be a great season but here is how I see it playing out:

AFC EAST:

1. New England Patriots
The Patriots were the class of the league till Tom Brady went down in game one last year. Well Brady’s back and he still has his weapons like Randy Moss and Wes Welker. They should resume their high scoring ways and be the top of the division. On the other side of the ball though, their defense is not as good as years past. This might cause for some exciting shootouts during the season, but in the end I see them having enough offense to win the division.

2. New York Jets
The Jets have got a new coach and new QB, I think that could make the deference this year. They still have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, but I think their defense will be improved with new coach Rex Ryan. They still have to worry about starting a rookie (Mark Sanchez) at QB, but they have a strong enough defense and running game to coupe with that. I see them as this years Ravens.

3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins went from worst to first in the division last year, this year they will take a step back. Last year they benefited from the Pats losing Brady and the Jets fading at the end but this year teams are going to be ready for them, especially for the Wildcat offense that teams had trouble tons stopping. A tougher division puts the Dolphins back in their place this year.

4. Buffalo Bills
From worst to worst! Yes the Bills got T.O. in the off-season, but I don’t think it will be enough to make a move in a division that will be better this year. Add missing Marshawn Lynch for three games, plus the recent firing of the Offensive Coordinator and I see a bad season coming.

AFC NORTH:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers
The defending champs will be right there again. This team has all the pieces in place to repeat just can they stay health. Another thing they need to worry about is their O-line that was horrible last year in blocking for the run game or protecting Big Ben. This could catch up to them this year if they don’t improve.

2. Cincinnati Bengals
I see the Bengals making a come back this year, that is if Carson Palmer can stay healthy. The Bengals defense was very under rated and they improved it in the off-season through the draft and free agency. If their offense could get back to where it was, then I see them as a surprise team this year. Again, the key lies with Palmer.

3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will always have a solid defense as long as Ray Lewis and they will again this season. On offense Joe Flaco had a great season as a rookie leading them to the playoffs and even winning a couple games. Can he do it again? I going to say he struggles a little bit this season, but the ravens should still be good with their defense either way.

4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns might be improved this season but it won’t be enough to move up in the division. They still haven’t decided who the QB will be to start the season. That’s not good for a team that needs direction.

AFC SOUTH:

1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts made it through a slow first half to start rolling at the end of the season. Then that had to play the Chargers a team that has had their number in recent years to end their season. Healthy this year, I see them taking back the division lead. It’s going to be a tough division but the Colts are still the class.

2. Houston Texans
It seems like this team has been picked as a sleeper for a couple years now only to disappoint. They have shown glimpse of the team they could be and this year I think they finally put it together. Their offense will be solid, but can their defense step it up?

3. Tennessee Titans
Surprising many to being the top team in the AFC, this team does it with a strong defense and a solid running game. They will try to use that again, but I see teams being ready for them this season. Their lack of passing offense might hurt them more this year.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars
A few years ago the Jaguars were right there with the Colts competing for the division title, now injuries have forced them to an after though. I think they will still have a solid team and might surprise, but in a tough division it will be hard for them to move up.

AFC WEST:

1. San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are by far the class of the AFC West this season. They have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, and now the will have Shawn Merriman back to rep havoc on QB’s. Getting of to a good start will be key this season as they started off slow the past two years. If they do start fast they could end up with the best record and home field advantage in the playoffs.

2. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have talent to compete, but a lose of their QB and a disgruntled WR has this year looking very bleak. There is talk that players are already feuding with the new coach witch can’t be good to start the season.

3. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders will be the Raiders this season, which is not very good. They have talent but no leadership to lead them. I don’t see the Raiders being good until Al Davis gives up the team. With that being said the could be in some games because of a solid defense but how far they grow on offense will be as far as this team goes.

4. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are going to be in a rebuilding year this season. Even worse their starting QB Matt Cassell hurt his knee and will be out for some time. It doesn’t look pretty for the up coming season.

Image Source: AP

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.

Here are the most noteworthy players from around the league who posted up some good numbers this past weekend. If you had one of these guys on your team, chances are you did alright this weekend.

• Tom Brady continued on with his touchdown tear this weekend by throwing 5 touchdowns, going 31 for 46, 388 yards. Brady’s touchdown total after yesterday, is now up to 21, putting him on pace to beat Peyton Manning’s single season record.
• Adrian Peterson ran wild on the Chicago Bears, tallying 224 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. He finished with runs of 67, 73 and 35 yards.
• LaDanian Tomlinson looked like he was back in his MVP form by rushing for 198 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• Baltimore Ravens Defense: 5 interceptions, 4 sacks and a fumble recovery.
• Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson passed for 18 for 25 for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown.
• Wes Welker had a 11 catches for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns. On top of that he had 55 kick return yards and 37 punt return yards.

Photo Source.

You know you just have way too much money on your hands when you’re off buying ridiculously huge vehicles.

For instance, take a look at what Chris McAlister of the Baltimore Ravens pulled up into training camp in this week.

I got this photo from our friends over at 100% Injury Rate. I guess the roads must be really rough for him to need such a huge ride. It kind of looks like Ironhide from Transformers.

I wonder if there is some kid driving around there in a yellow Camaro claiming his truck is alive.

If so, run Chris. Run very far away.

Source: 100% Injury Rate.

Steve McNair was arrested for a second DUI charge. Except this time he wasn’t driving.

McNair was in the passenger seat of his own truck when Nashville police pulled over the vehicle for speeding. It was then that the police found the driver to be intoxicated and they arrested both individuals, charging McNair with a minor DUI.

According to Tennessee misdemeanor statutes, the owner of the vehicle is to be arrested and charged if they allow an intoxicated person drive their vehicle.

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