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

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

Quincy Carter was once a respected NFL quarterback, who called the plays for the Dallas Cowboys.

Boy, how things change.

Carter is now the quarterback for the new minor league arena football league team, the Abilene Ruff Riders. Instead of a nice paycheck ($455,000 a year) he was making in the NFL, Carter will now only make about $200 a game, but a $50 bonus if they win! Man, what a deal.

If you don’t remember, Carter was kicked out of the league for repeated drug offenses and a DUI.

Well, at least one things for certain. He won’t be buying much drugs and alcohol on his new salary.

Source.

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This week in sports blogs and news:

• Michael Strahan puts a tracking device on girlfriend’s car - SportsByBrooks
• Terrell Owens to the Niners? - Inside Bay Area
  
• Brian Bosworth busted for DUI - TMZ
• AHL player suspended for slashing official - Fox Sports
• Jim Edmonds is hosting a pole dancing party - Larry Brown Sports
• Mushin Muhammad’s house for sale on eBay - Deadspin
• KC Royals are off to a sizzlin’ 2009 start - The Sports Hernia

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “I see me!!!”
• Hockey Video: A Different Kind of Hockey Brawl
• Usain Bolt Can Run Faster Than His Honda Accord
• Deuce McAllister and Bankruptcy, Owes Nissan $7 Million
• So Long: Terrell Owens to be Cut by the Dallas Cowboys

The Terrell Owens era in Dallas is apparently now over.

Reports are saying the perennial headache is going to be cut from the Dallas Cowboys. Something that didn’t seem to be a reality when owner Jerry Jones hinted Owens wasn’t going anywhere.

Looks like someone had a change of heart.

Owens has been a cancer for every team he’s played for and has had a feud of some sorts with every quarterback he’s had, including Tony Romo last season, when he claimed Romo didn’t look his way enough.

I have a funny feeling he’ll end up in Oakland. Al Davis has a thing for overpaying talented receivers to cause a locker room ruckus. It wouldn’t hurt either, they’re already at the bottom anyways. Owens might as well get paid.

Somewhere, I picture Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb eating popcorn and watching Sportscenter, saying “I told you so.”

Source.

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.

Photo Source.

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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.

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This week in sports blogs and news:

• The Philadelphia Phillies are headed to the World Series! - Sports Illustrated
• Top 7: Bad Sports Decisions - Joe Sports Fan
• What is Terrell Owens wearing? - Shutdown Corner
• Brett Favre’s Green Bay home is up for sale - The Sports Hernia
• Jim Zorn likes road kill - Sports by Brooks
• Reggie Bush runs as fast as Usain Bolt? - Larry Brown Sports

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Pay Attention Phelps!!!” 
• Fantasy Football: Week 6 Fantasy Stats
• Football Videos: Clip of 9-Year-Old Ben Wilson
• Basketball Video: Devin Harris Gets Schooled
• Tony Romo Wants to Play Sunday, Avoiding Jessica Simpson
  

Up to the this point of my relatively short life, I’ve seen and heard of men taking on extra shifts at work just to avoid their wives or girlfriends. They’ve even taken on some new hobbies to get out of the house. Sad, I know, but sometimes they’d rather just make a little more money than be nagged at home.

For some reason, I’m thinking that must be the case for Tony Romo.

Despite having a broken pinkie, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback is still hoping he can play on Sunday. He didn’t participate in a full practice session yesterday, but did do some throwing drills.

Romo must really want to get away from Jessica and the rest of the wacky Simpson family if he’s willing to try to play despite the broken digit. You know Romo has seen all the episodes of Newlyweds and doesn’t want to get driven nuts like Nick Lachey was. It’s no secret Simpson isn’t much for conversation, but better used for as eye-candy.

I wonder if one of Romo’s favorite phrases around the house is, “shush Jessica. Just stand there and look cute.”

And is it just me, but does Jessica look evil in the picture above?

Source: Fox Sports

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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.

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