Sports Blog

GOLD

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. St. Louis
Forecast: 25 carries, 99 rushing yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
With Gore out for what could be a long time it’s time for Glen Coffee to shine. He has an excellent match-up this week against the Rams and you know the Niners like to run. They should have a comfortable lead in the second half and just pound the rock with Coffee. I see a big day in his first start.

Pierre Garcon, IND, WR, VS. Seattle
Forecast: 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
With everyone focusing their attention on Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, Pierre has preformed well scoring a TD in two straight games. Peyton Manning has shown that he trusts Garcon and the way he is throwing the ball around I see his TD streak to continue.

Terrell Owens, BUF, WR, @ Miami
Forecast: 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
T.O. was shut out for the first time in 181 games. I don’t see that happening again this week especially against a Miami defense that has been prone to the big play. If T.O. can hold on to the ball I see him having a huge game. You know the Bills are going to at least try to give him the ball this game.

Carson Palmer, CIN, QB, @ Cleveland
Forecast: 276 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int (19 points)
Getting a break from the tough defenses(DEN,PIT,GB) that he has faced so far Palmer should have his breakout game this season. The Browns have been horrible all around and this could be just what the doctor ordered for Carson. Start him with confidence.

Cedric Benson, CIN, RB, @ Cleveland
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 rushing yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Benson has performed well this season no matter what the match-up. He is getting into the must start zone every week. He should have another big game against the Browns who have been ran all over by everybody. I see it happening again this season.

Vernon Davis, SF, TE, VS. St. Louis
Forecast: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD ( 15 points)
When Gore went down in Min the 49ers had to rely more on the passing game to move the ball. They used their most explosive player Davis well and he had a huge game. Well Gore is out again this week and I could see him having another big game as they might need to pass again.

Devin Hester, CHI, WR, VS. Detroit
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Detroit’s defense has been horrible against the pass and Hester has been surprisingly solid this year being a WR. I see him going off in a big way this week stretching the field deep.

Eli Manning, NYG, QB, @ Kansas City
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
The Giants held the ball for most of the game last week so Eli was not needed as much to throw the ball around. This week it could happen again but I see him throwing it around a little more this week. Look for him to have a solid game with no turnovers this week.

COLD
Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. Dallas
Forecast: 18 carries, 44 rushing yards, 2 catches, 7 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Dallas has been surprisingly solid against the run this season and Moreno is in a timeshare. I just don’t see him having the same production against a better defense. Lower your expectations this week.

Steven Jackson, STL, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 20 carries, 47 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Yes you are probably starting him anyway but the 49ers have a solid defense against the run and the Rams will be behind for most of the game. I know he is there only option on offense but I wouldn’t count on him this week.

Marques Colston, NO, WR, VS. New York Jets
Forecast: 3 catches, 44 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
The Saints will throw the ball a ton every week but this week Colston has to deal with one of the NFL’s top cover corner, Darrelle Revis. He has previously shut down Randy Moss and Andre Johnson so I wouldn’t be surprised if he is shadowing Colston all day. I think he will be shutout of the end zone this week.

Brett Favre, MIN, QB, VS. Green Bay
Forecast: 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 Int (10 points)
Everybody has been going crazy about Favre just because of one throw, a great throw at that. But his numbers before that were just average and going in this week against a Green Bay team that leads the league in Ints I see a let down this week. Though it’s not going to be because he is not trying hard to beat his former team.

John Carlson, SEA, TE, @ Indianapolis
Forecast: 3 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
The Colts have been pretty solid against TE’s this year and I see them doing it again this week. The Seahawks will be down and forced to pass but I see them throwing it more to the WR this week if S.Wallace is still at QB

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

Week 3 Results:
GOLD
Antonio Gates, SD, TE, VS. Miami                                                                              WIN
Forecast: 8 catches, 113 yards, 2 Tds (25 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 64 yards, 0 TD (8.4 points)
Tim Hightower, ARI, RB, VS. Indianapolis                                                                LOSS
Forecast: 17 carries, 96 rushing yards, 3 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Actual: 9 carries, 22 rushing yards, 5 catches, 39 yards, 0 TD, 1 lost Fum (7 points)
Matt Forte, CHI, RB, @ Seattle                                                                                          WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 yards, 3 catches, 22 yards, 1 TD (21 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 66 yards, 6 catches, 40 yards, 0 TD (14.6 points)
Brandon Jacobs, NYG, RB, @ Tampa Bay                                                                     WIN
Forecast: 22 carries, 115 rushing yards, 1 catch, 8 yards, 2 Tds (24 points)
Actual: 26 carries, 96 rushing yards, 1 TD (15.6 points)
Brent Celek, PHI, TE, VS. Kansas City                                                                            WIN
Forecast: 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD (15 points)
Actual: 8 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Mario Manningham, NYG, WR, @ Tampa Bay                                                            LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 55 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Felix Jones, DAL, RB, VS. Carolina                                                                                   LOSS
Forecast: 17 carries, 98 yards, 2 catches, 17 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
Actual: 9 carries, 94 yards, 1 catch, 20 yards (11.4 points)
Byron Leftwich, TB, QB, VS. New York Giants                                                              LOSS
Forecast: 305 passing yards, 3 Tds, 2 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
Actual: Yikkes 22 passing yards, 1 Int (-2 points)
___________
Week: 4 -4 (50%)
Season: 12 -12 (50%)

COLD

Willie Parker, PIT, RB, @ Cincinnati                                                                         LOSS
Forecast:15 carries, 38 rushing yards, 0 Tds (3 points)
Actual: 25 carries, 93 yards, 2 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB, VS. San Francisco                                                     WIN
Forecast: 24 carries, 47 rushing yards, 1 catch, 8 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
Actual: 19 carries, 85 yards, 2 catches, 14 yards, 0 TD (11 points)
Darren McFadden, OAK, RB, VS. Denver                                                                 WIN
Forecast: 14 carries, 43 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 12 carries, 45 yards, 2 catches, 3 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Hines Ward, PIT, WR, @ Cincinnati                                                                         WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 41 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 82 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Brandon Marshall, DEN, WR, @ Oakland                                                               LOSS
Forecast: 3 catches, 37 yards, 0 Tds (4 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
 _____________
Week: 3 -2 (60%)
Season: 9-6 (60%)

Source Image: AP

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

By now you’ve heard the news involving Cleveland Browns receiver Donte Stallworth and how he struck and killed a pedestrian with his Bentley on March 14.

New evidence now shows that the victim, Mario Reyes, wasn’t in a crosswalk at the time of the accident and that Stallworth had actually flashed his lights to Reyes to warn him. At 7:15 in the morning.

Stallworth was going 50 mph in a 40 mph zone and it’s still being determined if alcohol played a factor. The 911 calls of the witnesses has also been released, detailing what happened that morning.

Although this is a tragedy, something tells me that Stallworth could have done a little more to avoid the collision. You know. Like, use your horn. Swerve out of the way. Brake.

Flashing your lights in broad daylight seems to be the last thing I would do.

Source.

Looks like there’s some controversy in the Cleveland Browns’ locker room.

So far, all of this is rumors, but in one corner stands defensive end Shaun Smith, who weighs in at 325-pounds, while in the other corner is pretty, boy and franchise quarterback Brady Quinn at 235-pounds. Apparently Smith had clocked Quinn. Ouch.

No word yet on what may have started this fight, but if I were Quinn, he should use that new cast on his surgically, repaired hand to make up the difference in weight. Stay tuned for more updates.

Source.

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Fantasy Studs:

• Peyton Manning tossed 3 touchdowns and 277-yards.
• Philip Rivers tossed 3 touchdowns of his own and 217-yards.
• Antonio Bryant went off for 200-yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 catches.
• Brandon Marshall caught 11 passes for 91-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Brian Westbrook did it again, rushing for 131-yards, a touchdown and catching a TD for 72-yards.
• The Panthers’ Jonathan Stewart had 2 touchdowns on 115-yards.
• Titans’ rookie Chris Johnson ran 19 times for 136-yards and a touchdown.
• Wes Welker caught 12 passes for 134-yards.
• Roddy White caught 10 passes for the Falcons and 164-yards.
• DeAngelo Williams had 186-yards rushing and 2 touchdowns.

Fantasy Duds:  

• Jamal Lewis had only 10 total yards for the Browns.
• Antonio Gates didn’t have any catches or stats on Sunday.
• Tony Romo had three costly interceptions in Dallas’ loss.
• Willie Parker managed only 25-yards rushing.

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This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

• Shaq needed a ride to his truck, so this fan gave him a life - InsideHoops
• Steve Lyons asks woman to show him her breasts - Deadspin
• Cincinnati Bengals cut Chris Henry - Fox Sports
  
• LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux rolls with strippers, calls a waiter “Osama” - Larry Brown Sports
• Top 7 - Famous Fast Starters in Baseball - Joes Sports Fan
• Brett Favre is not coming out of retirement - Sports Illustrated
• Cleveland Browns cornerback Kenny Wrights tries to run from cops. Gets busted - Sports By Brooks

And in Smarter Sports we talked about:

• Inmates Number One Through Six, Please Turn to Your Right
• Final Four to Feature All Number One Teams for First Time
• Alex Rodriguez Trade to the Yomiuri Giants in Japan
• Dustin Carter Wrestles with No Arms or Legs
• Chris Henry Arrested Again. Charged with Assault
  

Check out and see who made an impact this week in the NFL for your fantasy football teams:

• Jaguars running back Fred Taylor had 147 yards rushing and a touchdown.
• Marques Colston had 8 receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown.
• Jamal Lewis ran all over the Bills for 163 yards to help the Browns to the victory.
• The Philadelphia Eagles Defense was responsible for the win over the Cowboys, holding them to 6 points and sacking Tony Romo four times and nabbing three interceptions.
• The Patriots Defense was just as good, contributing 5 sacks, a blocked punt and interception for a touchdown and a fumble recovery.
• Stephen Jackson had 143 yards rushing, including a 43-yard touchdown run for the Rams.
• Despite not recording a touchdown, Brian Westbrook still had a strong game with 81 yards rushing and 63 yards receiving.
• Kurt Warner tossed 3 touchdowns in a losing effort for the Cardinals.
• Clinton Portis rushed for a touchdown and 126 yards.
• Portis’ counterpart Brandon Jacobs had 130 yards in a losing effort for the Giants.
• The San Diego Chargers had a field day running on the Detroit Lions. LaDainian Tomlinson had 116 yards and 2 touchdowns while Darren Sproles had 122 yards and 2 touchdowns of his own.
• The Miami Dolphins finally won a game behind the arm of Cleo Lemon, who threw for 315 yards and a touchdown.
• Aaron Stecker ran for 95 yards and had 2 touchdowns for the Saints, taking place of Reggie Bush.
• David Garrad threw for 3 touchdowns as did Ben Roethlisberger, but it was Garrad who came away with the win over the Steelers.
• Frank Gore broke loose for 138 yards.

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Here are those who made a difference this weekend. For once, there won’t be Patriots player on this list, only because they play tonight.

• Tony Romo helped put the Cowboys above the rest in the NFC by defeating the Packers with 309 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• Terrell Owens chipped in 7 catches for 156 yards and a touchdown.
• Adrian Peterson didn’t show any signs of rust after missing a few games, rushing for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Andre Johnson of the Texans caught 9 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
• Stephen Jackson had a good overall game with 96 yards on the ground with a touchdown and 71 yards receiving.
• Looks like that hamstring didn’t bother Braylon Edwards at all, catching 7 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown.
• LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 177 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Kevin Curtis caught 6 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles in a losing effort.
• Despite having no touchdown grabs, Joey Galloway hauled in 7 passes for 159 yards.
• Hines Ward had 11 catches for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Falcons receiver Roddy White had 10 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown.
• The San Diego Chargers Defense had 3 interceptions and 8 sacks, including 3 from Shawne Merriman.
• Eagles running back Brian Westbrook did it all against the Seahawks, running for 93 yards and a touchdown, returning a punt for 64 yards and 46 yards receiving.
• Peyton Manning passed for 4 touchdowns and connected with Reggie Wayne for 2 of those who also finished with 158 yards receiving.
• Tony Gonzalez finished with 10 catches and 140 yards for the Chiefs.

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Here are the best of the best in NFL action yesterday. And surprisingly, Tom Brady wasn’t the most dominant player this weekend.

• In a heartbreaking loss to the 49ers, Kurt Warner tossed for a staggering 484 yards and 2 touchdowns, but it was his costly fumble in the end zone that lost the game for the Cardinals.
• Frank Gore did it all for the 49ers, running for 116 yards with 2 touchdowns and catching 11 passes for 98 yards.
• Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald hauled in 9 passes for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Colts signal caller Peyton Manning was back this week with 3 touchdown passes and 272 passing yards.
• Despite not having any touchdown grabs, Patriot Wes Welker caught 13 passes for 149 yards.
• Antonio Gates caught 6 passes for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns for the San Diego Chargers.
• The Viking Defense had an awesome game with 3 out of their 4 interceptions being returned for touchdowns and 3 sacks.
• Bronco Jay Cutler passed for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Brett Favre was up there with Kurt Warner in terms of stats, but led the Packers to a win with 381 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Kellen Winslow caught 10 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.
• Drew Brees threw for 3 touchdowns and rushed for another one in a win over Carolina.
• Chad Johnson had 3 touchdowns and 103 yards receiving on 12 catches.
• Tom Brady passed for 380 yards and only 1 touchdown.

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• It’s beginning to sound repetitive, but Tom Brady had another 5 touchdowns this week. But this time, he changed it up a bit: he went for 3 in the air and ran into the end zone for 2 more. His season touchdown total is now at 32 through eight games.
• Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne took advantage of Marvin Harrison’s day off with 7 receptions, 168 yards and a touchdown.
• Marques Colston hauled in 3 touchdown passes and 85 yards for the Saints.
• The Patriots Defense: They recovered 3 fumbles, had an interception, 3 sacks and scored a touchdown, whooping Washington 52-7.
• Joseph Addai runs in 2 touchdowns and catches another on 100 yards rushing.
• Saints QB Drew Brees tossed 4 touchdowns for 336 yards.
• Browns receiver Braylon Edwards hauls in 8 catches for 117 yards and two scores.