Sports Blog

This past weekend in sports was one of the most eventful of the year. It was the first weekend of the NBA season, the midway point of the NFL season, the start of the MLS postseason, and the final stretch of the MLB season. Sprinkle in some big games in college football, international soccer, and the NHL and there was really too much to watch on this Halloween weekend.

However, for those that did find the time to take in all the wonderful sports action it will be a weekend they will not soon forget. And for those who were not able to catch all the excitement, here is a quick recap of the weekend’s three biggest stories.

World Series: The New York Yankees inched their way closer to their 27th championship and first since 2000. Joba Chamberlain gave the Yankees a scare Sunday night when he allowed the Philadelphia Phillies to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth, but a three run top of the ninth started by an amazing at bat by Johnny Damon propelled the Yankees to a 7-4 victory and 3-1 series lead. A.J. Burnett will take the mound in game five for the Yankees tonight against Cliff Lee and attempt to close out the series in Philadelphia.

NFL: The Denver Broncos entered week eight of the NFL season as one of three undefeated teams in the league. Unfortunately for Broncos fans, the team will not enter week nine with the same status following a 30-7 blowout at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. The Indianapolis Colts remained undefeated after narrowly beating the fading San Francisco 49ers and the league’s other unbeaten team, the New Orleans Saints, is host to Atlanta tonight on Monday Night Football.

Arguably the biggest NFL story of the weekend, though, was Brett Favre’s return to Lambeau Field to face his former team. Although he already beat the Green Bay Packers earlier this year, it was the first time he has played at Lambeau Field as a visitor since leaving the team to play for the New York Jets last season. He was booed heavily in the beginning of the game, despite there being a fair number of purple jerseys in the crowd, but received the last laugh as he led the Minnesota Vikings to a 38-26 victory.

NBA: Finally, the NBA season is here and opening weekend did not disappoint. We saw some of last years playoff teams take care of business (the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic are all undefeated) and others come out of the gate struggling (the Cleveland Cavaliers are 2-2 and the Chicago Bulls and New Orleans Hornets are 1-2). What is more interesting (although we shouldn’t be surprised) is how some of last years bad teams are seemingly worse than they were before.

The New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors are a combined 0-17. It is not as though any NBA analyst was predicting these teams to make it to the NBA finals this season, but their play so far has been less than encouraging for fans hoping they would make a strong push to get into the playoffs and possibly cause some damage.

What do you think was the biggest story of the weekend? Any predictions for next weekend?

Image Source: Guardian.co.uk

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

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

This week in sports blogs and news:

• The life story of Todd Marinovich - Deadspin
• Chris Paul may become a Maverick - SportsByBrooks
• $800 Million for Citi Field and the water doesn’t work - Larry Brown Sports
• Danny Ainge has a heart attack - Fox Sports
• Adrian Gonzalez… -The Sports Hernia
• Top 7: Non-baseball streaks of the past 20 years -Joe Sports Fan
  

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Is it too late to tell the Broncos I’m sorry” 
• Joe Frazier Says God Gave Ali Parkinson’s Disease
• Greg Paulus Works Out for the Green Bay Packers
• Packers, Now the Wolverines: Paulus to Michigan?
• Goodbye: John Madden Retires from Broadcasting

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Tell us what you’d say

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:

• 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

Oh the power of Facebook.

You never know who’s reading what you write.

One comment cost a longtime Philadelphia Eagles employee his job, when he merely stated how he was feeling at the time.

Dan Leone, a game-day worker at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field was fired after he posted the update, “Dan is (expletive) devastated about Dawkins signing with Denver…Dam Eagles R Retarted!!”

The Eagles fired Leone over the phone, saying the he could not be trusted and the comment made the team look bad.

I wonder if it was the “expletive” that embarrassed the Eagles or that one of their employees was not a very good speller (See “dam and retarted”).

Source.

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This week in sports blogs and news:

• Terrell Owens doesn’t like Keyshawn “Sheshawn” Johnson - Deadspin
• Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson spotted selecting engagement rings - SportsByBrooks
• Helio Castroneves forgot to pay $5 million in taxes to U.S. - IndyStar
• Anquan Boldin’s viscious hit to the helmet - Larry Brown Sports
• Top 7: Division Series Moments - Joe Sports Fan
• New New York Rangers beat writer is loved by the fans - The Sports Hernia
• Beat the crap out of G.I. Joes with this Kimbo Slice Doll - Yahoo Sports
• Two George Mason Final Four rings for sale - The Big Lead
  

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “Times Were Tough on the Spice Girls”
• Fantasy Football: Week 4 Fantasy Stats
• Let’s Rejoice! Ricky Williams Says No to Drugs!
• Globe Apologizes for Photo of Kevin O’Connell’s “Secret”
• Former Bronco Travis Henry Busted in Cocaine Deal
  

If you haven’t heard it by now, let me fill you in.

Travis Henry is an idiot.

Why?

Because the idiot just got busted by the DEA for buying a whole butt-load of cocaine with intent to distribute.

For someone who signed a five year contract worth $22.5 million in 2007, only an idiot would now want to be a drug dealer. I think Henry and Ricky Williams went to the same charm school. They’d both rather do drugs then remain millionaires.

Although he was released by the Denver Broncos earlier this year, the man could have signed with another team had he’d been able to stay clean of drugs. Plus, I’m sure he has some cash left over from a year ago before he was released, so why turn to drugs.

Such a waste of talent.

Maybe he picked up this “side-job” in hopes to  help support the rumored nine children he has with nine different women.

Something tells me he won’t be back in the NFL or on his way to a Daddy of the Year award anytime soon.

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Source: SI

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Fantasy Studs:

• RONNIE BROWN! The Dolphins running back had 5 touchdowns, with 113 yards rushing. One of the touchdowns was a pass.
• Falcon Michael Turner finished with 104 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Reggie Bush did it all for the Saints, rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown, while also catching a TD on 75 yards receiving.
• Larry Fitzgerald hauled in a 62-yard touchdown pass from Kurt Warner, totaling 109 yard.
• Philip Rivers passed for three more touchdowns on Monday night against the Jets.
• Roddy White caught a 70 yard touchdown passed on his way to 109 yards.
• Brandon Marshall had another great week for the Broncos, catching six balls for 155 yards and a touchdown.
• Drew Brees passed for 420 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort.
• Marion Barber had 142 yards rushing and one touchdown for the Cowboys.
• Brett Favre had three touchdowns on Monday night, but also threw two interceptions

Fantasy Duds:

• Willie Parker could only come up with 20 yards against the Eagles.
• T.O. was shutdown against the Packers, catching only two passes for 17 yards.
• Andre Johnson finished with two catches for 29 yards.
• Matt Cassel can’t seem to find Randy Moss. The wideout finished with only four catches for 25 yards.
• Brian Westbrook only had 12 yards before leaving the game early with an ankle injury.
• The New England Patriots Defense gave up 461 yards and five touchdowns to Ronnie Brown.

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