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

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

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What would you say? Write us your caption and post them in our comments!

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This week in sports blogs and news:

• Angels pitcher killed in car accident after debut - Fox Sports
• Michael Jordan still thinks he can still play - Deadspin
• Bears Fund 4-Year-Olds Flight to Heart Surgery - SportsByBrooks
• Jennifer Aniston is after David Wright - Larry Brown Sports
• ESPN needs some better grammar - Sports Hernia
• Top 7: Baseball Streaks of the Past 20 Years - Joe Sports Fan
  

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “I want to be on his rehab program”
• Shots Fired at Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen Wedding
• National Champions: UNC Tar Heels
• Cheryl Miller and Scott Pollard Feud on NBA TV
• Jack Elway, Son of John Elway, Quits ASU Football
• John Daly Selling Merchandise from Bus on PGA Tour

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This week in sports blogs and news:

• Jay Cutler traded to Chicago Bears - Fox Sports
• Cleveland is a hot mess right now - SportsByBrooks
• Kevin Love glass cleaner…no really - Larry Brown Sports
• Norm McDonald’s ESPY monologue of 1998 - Deadspin
• Top 7 Matches in Westlemania history - JoeSportsFan

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “I don’t understand Spanish!”
  
• Coach K and Bobby Knight Play Guitar Hero
• Twitter Mania: First Shaw, Now Paul Pierce
• MMA Video: Michael Westbrook Beats Up a Bully
• April Fools Joke! Hasheem Thabeet Pranks on Twitter

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.

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NFL Shop  San Diego Chargers Gear

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.

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This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

• Derek Jeter is all over Maxim’s Top 100 list - Deadspin
• Judge Orders Michael Vick to pay Canadian Bank $2.4 Million - Fox Sports
• College Junior Enters the NBA Draft, Has No Basketball Experience - The Inquisitr
• Passenger on Benson’s boat claims he was abused - Fox Sports
• Video of Cedric Benson’s arrest - Sports by Brooks
• Unbreakable Modern Era Records - Joe Sports Fan
• Charles Oakley to get his own cooking show - Deuce of Davenport
• The Sports Hernia’s funny take on when A-Rod has fainted - The Sports Hernia
• Phlashback Phriday - Timmah! - We Should Be GMs

And in the Smarter Sports Blog we talked about:

• “The other toilet was out of order”
• Peyton and Eli Manning Just Wants Daddy to Love Them
• Bullet Casings Linked to Marvin Harrison?
• Buzzer Beater: He Shoots, He Scores!
• Funny Video Clips: Charles Barkley Pulls a Ron Burgundy

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After watching this video this morning, I can see why I have never seen it before. It’s dreadful.

I don’t know how any team could not learn from the Chicago Bears and their Super Bowl Shuffle, but apparently the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t learn a thing when they decided to go through with their own music video in 1988.

Check out Jerome Brown dressed up in red leather. He looks like an oversized Michael Jackson from the Thriller video.

YouTube - Watch 

Source: BallHype

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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.

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