Sports Blog

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

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.

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This week in sports blogs and news:

•  Michael Wilbon Says Kimbo Slice is a Fraud - Fanhouse
• Former Goalie Can’t Stop Hurting Himself, Shoots Self in Neck - Puck Daddy
• Women Show Their Support by getting Bikini Waxes - Deadspin
• Al Pacino Wants to Play Tommy Lasorda - Variety
• Minneapolis Radio Hosts Claims Magic Johnson Fakes AIDS - Sports By Brooks
• Top 7: LCS Moments of the Decade - Joe Sports Fan
• Book Review: Josh Hamilton Beyond Belief with Tim Keown- Larry Brown Sports
• Gregg Popovich… - The Sports Hernia

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “YMCA!”
• Fantasy Football: Week 5 Fantasy Stats
• Eli Manning is a Slacker, Lives in an Automated House
• Funny Videos: Keep Your Eye on the Ball…
• Kimbo Slice’s Son Took His Father’s Loss Hard

Eli Manning Jerseys  NFL Shop

I already hated Eli Manning, and now that hatred has just grown.

Since I’m an Eagles fan and he’s the quarterback of the New York Giants, the hate was bred into me, but now that I found out he has the ultimate, lazy man’s house, I want to  smack that dumb smirk off his face.

Manning’s renovated, 3,000 square foot New Jersey condo is fully automated electronically. I think you can even push a button from the living room to flush the toilet in case you forgot. Hey, it happens.

Some features of the home include having full control of the motorized shades, the lighting schemes, the multi-room audio, and a stealth motorized pillar that unveils the top-shelf bar selections.

I wonder if it also comes with the Man’s Kitchen designed by Tim “the Tool Man” Taylor.

YouTube - Watch 

Source.

Fantasy Studs:

• DeAngelo Williams had 3 total touchdowns and 123 yards rushing.
• Brandon Jacobs rushed for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Giants
• Lee Evans finished with only 2 receptions, but for 100 yards, including a 87-yard touchdown.
• Randy Moss finally did some good on Sunday, catching a touchdown to go along with 111 yards.
• The Dolphins’ Ronnie Brown went over 100 yards again (125) and 1 touchdown.
• Michael Turner rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown against the Packers.
• Kurt Warner aired out 250 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Chris Cooley racked up 109 yards receiving and a touchdown.
• Big Ben Roethlisberger passed for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Washington Redskin Clinton Portis ran for 145 yards and a touchdown.
• Roddy White caught a touchdown to go with 132 yards.
• Aaron Rodgers’ 313 yards and 3 touchdowns wasn’t enough to push the Packers to victory

Fantasy Duds: 

• Larry Johnson racked up a whopping 2 yards from scrimmage.
• Santana Moss didn’t record a single catch or yard this weekend.
• Marvin Harrison once again disappointed, having only 4 catches for 32 yards.
• Fred Taylor rushed for only 19 yards.
• Tony Gonzalez finished with 3 catches and 17 yards.

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Tell us what you’d say!

New York Giants  NFL Shop  Plaxico Burress Jerseys

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

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It wasn’t nearly as dramatic as the Brett Favre fiasco, but I’d be lying if I wasn’t a little interested.

And also unlike Favre’s drama, this lasted all but one day.

So without further ado, this just in: Michael Strahan is going to stay retired. And I couldn’t agree more with him, not that it even matters. Despite the millions he could make coming back for another season (around $8 million), he can still make a nice chunk of change off the field ($2 million). You see, Strahan is already signed on to be an NFL analyst for FOX. So despite his on-field talent, apparently he has enough brains to do something off it.

And what about defending their Super Bowl title?

He’s got a ring. Why come back and risk more wear on his body for a repeat that is very unlikely to happen? He’s leaving at the top of his game. Something very few players have ever had the chance of doing. I’m not a Giants fan, so it’s hard for me to even acknowledge the talent Strahan provided to the Giants line. He’s accomplished all he can. Time to move on.

And I like how Strahan was honest about his reasons for not coming back. He just couldn’t dedicate himself to the work involved in playing in the NFL. Some players would sign the multimillion dollar contract and play half-heartedly. Strahan is a class-act. He turned it down in respect to himself and the New York Giants. He couldn’t perform at the same level they’re accustomed too.

And because he couldn’t, his next stop won’t be on the field, but in Canton.

Source: SI

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This week in sports blogs and news:

• Michael Phelps will have a challenger in 2012: 13-year-old Dwayne Benjamin Didon - Yahoo Sports
• Charles Barkley to get a reality TV show? - SportsByBrooks
• Tom Coughlin Survives Extortion Attempt - The Big Lead
  
• Get your Yankees news from the Yankees Chick - Yankees Chick
• The Spectrum: By the Numbers - The Sports Hernia
• Top 7: Gigantic NBA Players - Joe Sports Fan
• Manny Ramirez finall gets a haircut - Deadspin
• Stephon Marbury going to Italy? - NY Post

This week on the Smarter Sports Blog we covered:

• “I’m not going in there!”
• Aaron Rodgers Gets Hurt When Kids Curse at Him
• Madden 2009 is Finally Here!
• Stuart Scott Shows Off His Vocals, Karaoke Style
• Bruce Springsteen to Perform at Next Year’s Super Bowl
• NBC’s Andrea Joyce Makes Alicia Sacramone Cry

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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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