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

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

Brett Favre has finally made his decision, he is going to stay retired instead of playing for the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings recruited Brett very hard this off-season but in the end he just felt that he didn’t have enough in him to play a full season. It was a very tough decision for Favre and it looks like this is finally it for him, although we know nothing’s ever for sure with Brett Favre. Here’s what he had to say about his decision: “It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. I didn’t feel like physically I could play at a level that was acceptable. I would like to thank everyone, including the Packers, Jets and Vikings — but, most importantly, the fans.”

Its always hard to see a star leave the game, but this was defiantly the right decision for Favre. Last year when he came back he faded down the stretch of the long season finally showing his age. Yes, he probably can still play, but over the long hall there is no way for him to stay health for a full season. With Favre making his decision, it now looks like the NFL and the Vikings can move on and focus on the season. This is good ’cause I’m tired of the only off-season stories being on whether Favre will play or not. Also, if I was the current quarterback of the Vikings, Tarvaris Jackson, I ‘d feel like nobody trusts my ability. I mean, the Vikings were going so hard after Favre was saying things like we need him to win the Super Bowl. This season will tell us a lot about Jackson on whether he is motivated by this, or he falls apart under the extra pressure now on him.

Source:  USA Today, AP Photo

If you are a sports fan you probably find yourself stricken with a wicked case of déjà vu right now.  Sadly it isn’t a dream and we aren’t stuck in a day that keeps repeating a la Groundhog Day.

No, the truth is much more grim.  Brett Favre is once again waffling on his retirement plans and appears to be intent on torturing the sports world with another summer of ‘will he or won’t he’ nonsense.

There had been murmurs of it for weeks, but it became official yesterday that Favre and Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress will meet at an “undisclosed location” to discuss the possibility of Favre coming back to spite the Green Bay Packers try and win another Super Bowl ring.  Even though I dread having to read/watch a million (only a slight exaggeration) stories over the coming weeks about the situation, there are a few things that make it more interesting than Favre’s usual melodrama.

For starters, prior to going to the New York Jets last year Favre indicated interest in playing for the Vikings.  Of course, with the Packers controlling his rights there was no way he was going to be lining up for a division rival.  Still, the interest was mutual and neither side seems to mind ruining former starter Tavaris Jackson’s confidence.

What I find most compelling is Favre, who multiple times said he had no interest in playing, had his agent request his release several weeks ago.  Why would a man content in retirement care which team held his rights?  Was he lying about his intent to stay retired or are we to believe that he has had a recent change of heart?

Daytime TV drama aside, there is still the question of whether or not the 39-year-old Favre can play.  After helping the Jets get off to an 8-3 start, Favre regressed as the season went on and looked completely out of sync (and breath) in the Jets final few games.

It is also difficult to believe he would risk further tarnishing his legacy by coming back and looking like an old Brett Favre instead of the old Brett Favre, but perhaps we are all underestimating how much bad blood there is between him and Packers general manager Ted Thomson.

For now all we are left with are questions. Will he come out of retirement?  Will fans turn on him more than they already have?  Will I lose my mind listening to up to the minute updates on ESPN?  It is too early to tell, but the smart money is a resounding yes on all three.

Image Source: thisisjuststupid.com

If you didn’t tune into the Philadelphia Eagles/Minnesota Vikings game yesterday, then shame on you. But also if you didn’t, you missed out on perhaps one of the best pancakes I’ve seen all season. Chris Clemons happened to bring the pain to Tarvaris Jackson.

Here is a short clip of why quarterbacks should only throw the ball and try not to tackle or block.

YouTube - Watch 

Photo Source.

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.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

This week in sports blogs and news:

• Former Viking would like to hit Brad Childress -Deadspin
• Other Selfless Acts by Good Citizen Tony Romo - The Sports Hernia
• Houston Police assault Donald Driver’s father - SportsByBrooks
• A pretty sweet double knockout - Larry Brown Sports

YouTube - Watch 
This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

•  “Anyone have any A-1!!?”
• Fantasy Football: Week 11 Fantasy Stats
• 5-Year-Old Milan Tuttle Shows Off Her Skills

Fantasy Studs:

• Peyton Manning passes for 254 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 2-point conversion.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers Defense racked up 7 sacks and 2 interceptions.
• Donovan McNabb led the Eagles with 349 yards and 2 touchdown passes.
• In the first start of his career, Tim Hightower rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown.
• Antonio Bryant caught 8 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
• Kurt Warner had 342 yards in the air and 2 touchdowns.
• Chris Johnson of the Titans had 89 yards on the ground, 72 receiving and a touchdown.
• Adrian Peterson tallied up 139 yards and a touchdown.
• The Giants’ Brandon Jacobs had 117 yards and touchdown.
• Owen Daniels caught 11 passes for 133 yards.

Fantasy Duds:

• Ben Roethlisberger left the game early Monday Night, finishing with only a rushing touchdown.
• Joseph Addai finished with only 42 total yards.
• Stephen Jackson managed only 17 yards on the ground for the Rams.
• Santana Moss caught only 2 passes for 14 yards.

Photo Source.

Photo Source.

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

Fantasy Studs:

• Denver’s Brandon Marshall had 18 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown.
• Adrian Peterson ran all over Indianapolis, gaining 160 yards.
• Anquan Boldin caught 6 balls for 140 yards and 3 touchdowns, including a 79 yard score.
• Jay Cutler passed for 350 yards and four touchdowns.
• Arizona’s Kurt Warner showed why Matt Leinart is on the bench with 361 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Aaron Rodgers had his first 3 touchdown game of his career and passed for 328 yards.
• Greg Jennings had 167 yards receiving.
• San Diego’s Philip Rivers had 377 yards and 3 touchdowns in a heart breaker to Denver.
• Calvin Johnson had 2 touchdowns and 129 yards for Detroit.
• Santana Moss had 164 yards receiving which including a game winning 67-yard touchdown reception.
• Rookie Darren McFadden ran all over the Chiefs, with 164 yards and a touchdown.

Fantasy Duds:

• LaDanian Tomlinson had only 40 all purpose yards for the Chargers.
• The Chiefs’ Larry Johnson ran for a dismal 22 yards.
• Indy’s Marvin Harrison managed only 1 catch for 16 yards.
• Randy Moss finished the day with only 2 catches and 22 yards.
• Jeremy Shockey lost a fumble and finished with only 2 catches.

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