Sports Blog

GOLD

Jerome Harrison, CLE, RB, @ Buffalo
Forecast: 22 carries, 84 yards, 5 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
Injuries in the Browns backfield have left Harrison as the last man standing and this has been good for the both of them. Thrown into the starting lineup against a tough Bengals D he preformed well going for over 100 yards rushing. Harrisons best asset is that he is a good receiver witch will help when the Browns are down.

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. Atlanta
Forecast: 25 carries, 77 yards, 4 catches, 26 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Gore will be out again leaving the 49er running game to the very capable Coffee. The Falcons have not been that strong stopping the run so I can see Coffee having another solid day. Even better I see him getting in the End Zone this week

David Garrard, JAX, QB, @ Seattle
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 2 TD, 1 Int, 20 rushing yards (18 points
Garrard has been very solid at QB and this week he is going against a weak defense. He can beat teams on the ground and in the air and he has been pretty good at not turning the ball over. He should have another solid game right here.

Tashard Choice, DAL, RB, @Kansas City
Forecast: 17 carries, 77 yards, 5 catches, 44 yards, 1 TD (22 points)
If Barber is limited or not playing then these numbers could be even bigger. Choice has been solid when given the opportunity to play and going against a weak defense, he will be the prime Choice in the Dallas backfield.

Nate Washington, TEN, WR, VS. Indianapolis
Forecast: 6 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Washington has scored in three straight weeks and has become the Titians #1 receiver. I see them having to throw the ball a lot in this one to keep up with the Colts offense.

John Carlson, SEA, TE, VS. Jacksonville
Forecast: 6 catches, 50 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
The return of Matt Hasselbeck should help Carlson greatly. I see him getting back to being one of the better TE options in fantasy football. Going against Jacksonville should be just what the doctor ordered.

Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. New England
Forecast: 18 carries, 83 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards (13 points)
Knowshon has scored in two straight games and is fast becoming the main option in the Denver backfield. He doesn’t have a great match-up this week but I still see him having a good game.

Braylon Edwards, NYJ, WR, @ Miami
Forecast: 4 catches, 60 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
I know this is a big reach but I could see the Jets throwing to Edwards right away. The Dolphins have been bad against the deep ball and that is just Braylon’s specialty. Look for them to go deep at least a couple times in this game.

COLD
Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 4 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD ( 6 points)
The 49ers have been very good against opposing TE’s this season. They have very athletic LB’s that can cover. Look for him to have lower numbers this week.

Steve Smith, NYG, WR, VS. Oakland
Forecast: 3 catches, 34 yards, 0 TD (4 points)
With Eli doubtful for the game and going against one of the best corners in the league it will be hard for Smith to keep up his excellent play this week.

Joseph Addai, IND, RB, @ Tennessee
Forecast: 12 carries, 37 yards, 4 catches, 21 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Addai had a good week last week but I don’t see it happening again this week. He is in almost a 50-50 split with Donald Brown making big weeks more and more rare. Now he has to go up against the Titians tough running defense.

Thomas Jones, NYJ, RB, @ Miami
Forecast: 16 carries, 45 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Another player in a time share going against a tough running defense, I don’t see a big game from Jones this week. Without that TD run last week he really didn’t do anything.

Michael Turner, ATL, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 25 carries, 59 yards, 1 catch, 6 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Follow the trend? Three straight weeks owners should lower their expectations going against the tough 49er defense. This week is even worse because Turner is no threat in the passing game.

Week 4 Results
GOLD
Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. St. Louis                                                                           WIN
Forecast: 25 carries, 99 rushing yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 24 carries, 74 rushing yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, 0 TD (12.9 points)
Pierre Garcon, IND, WR, VS. Seattle                                                                    LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 3 catches, 71 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Terrell Owens, BUF, WR, @ Miami                                                                       LOSS
Forecast: 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 60 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Carson Palmer, CIN, QB, @ Cleveland                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 276 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int (19 points)
Actual: 230 passing yards, 2 TD,1 Int, 20 rushing yards (17.2 points)
Cedric Benson, CIN, RB, @ Cleveland                                                                LOSS
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 rushing yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 18 carries, 74 rushing yards, 1 catch, 12 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Vernon Davis, SF, TE, VS. St. Louis                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD ( 15 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 43 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
Devin Hester, CHI, WR, VS. Detroit                                                                    INJ
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Actual: 1 catch, 2 yards, (INJURED)
Eli Manning, NYG, QB, @ Kansas City                                                               WIN
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
Actual: 292 passing yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 1 lost Fum (19. 6 points)
______________________
Week 4: 4-3-1injured (57%)
Season: 16-15 (55%)
COLD
Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. Dallas                                                               LOSS
Forecast: 18 carries, 44 rushing yards, 2 catches, 7 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 14 carries, 65 yards, 2 catches, 11 yards, 1 TD, 1 lost FUM (12 points)
Steven Jackson, STL, RB, @ San Francisco                                                               WIN
Forecast: 20 carries, 47 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Actual: 23 carries, 79 yards, 3 catches, 6 yards, 0 TD (11 points)
Marques Colston, NO, WR, VS. New York Jets                                                    WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 44 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 33 yards, 0 TD (3.5 points)
Brett Favre, MIN, QB, VS. Green Bay                                                                        LOSS
Forecast: 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 Int (10 points)
Actual: 271 passing yards, 3 TD, 0 Int (22.8 points)
John Carlson, SEA, TE, @ Indianapolis                                                               WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 39 yards, 0 TD (6.9 points)
___________________
Week 4: 3-2 (60%)
Season: 12-8 (60%)

source image: Getty

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

It appears former USC star and current New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is already on pace to break some NFL records.  According to a New York Times blog, Reebok has confirmed the No. 5 overall pick and his No. 6 jersey is the current top seller among all rookies, ahead of first overall pick Matthew Stafford (also a quarterback, drafted by the Detroit Lions).

It points out the obvious (New York has a bigger fan base) and gives the obligatory mention to Brett Favre.  It also mentions the sales are on pace to outsell last years hottest seller, Darren McFadden of the Oakland Raiders.

Then it got me thinking…where are the best places to buy cheap football equipment and jerseys?  I took a look over at Smarter.com’s NFL’s shop and, after overcoming a bout with sticker shock, I found my way to today’s deal of the day.

Over at the Fansedge.com, they have some great deals like Tom Brady’s Reebok Super Bowl XLII New England Patriots Jersey for only $34.99 (originally $89.99).

Their spring savings are up to 70 percent off and include such awesome items as a two-pair of Atlanta Falcons panties for $17.99. After all, what girl doesn’t want a Falcons logo stitched onto her special place?

Image Source: NYJetsFan.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for Mark Sanchez jerseys.
Discounts on NFL gear.

We watched him for years on Monday Night Football and now NBC’s Sunday Night Football is never going to be the same.

John Madden, the Hall of Fame coach and NFL broadcaster, is hanging up his mic one last time and retiring. The 73-year-old former Raiders coach has spent nearly 40 years involved in the NFL and has won 16 Emmy Awards for his work in the booth.

I’m not going to lie. When I first heard Madden was going to retire, I broke down and cried for a good 5 minutes. Then I read further and saw that it was just from the broadcast booth and that his video games would continue.

For a second there, I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life from the hours of 11 AM to midnight.

Source.

Photo Source.

Lane Kiffin has been making headlines at every stop he’s made along his coaching career.

First it was his comments in Oakland that had Al Davis fire him and now apparently, Kiffin’s words in Tennesse have made headlines.

During his recruiting of wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey, Kiffin took off the gloves and tried to scare Jeffrey from signing with rival South Carolina. When it became clear that Jeffrey was going to sign with the Gamecocks, he said Kiffin told him:

If he chose the Gamecocks, he would end up pumping gas for the rest of his life like all the other players from that state who had gone to South Carolina.

Pretty bold statement.

Hopefully Kiffin’s comments won’t get him fired from this job or he’ll be the one at a fill-up station.

Unleaded sir?

Source.

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.

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.

NFL Shop  NFL Jerseys

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This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

• Darren McFadden should be able to support all his children, signs contract with Raiders - Fox Sports
• Top 7: Baseball “What if” Stories - Joe Sports Fan
• Evander Holyfield’s house is in foreclosure - Larry Brown Sports
• Packers running back puts burglar on IR - Deadspin
• Michael Irvin wants you to visit his “new house!” - Sports by Brooks
• Get your New York Yankees news for the week - The Yankees Chick
• UNC’s Ty Lawson Arrested for DUI - The Big Lead
  
• Nothing like a good ol’ baseball brawl: Devil Rays vs. Red Sox - Fox Sports, YouTube

YouTube - Watch 

And in the Smarter Sports Blog we talked about:

•  “The strike was apparently hard on Eva”
• Denver Broncos Release Travis Henry for Lack of Commitment
• Ray Allen is Nostradamus, Predicted Kobe’s Demands
• Yankees News: Joba Not So Great in Yankee Starter Debut
• Stanley Cup News: Detroit Red Wings Win the Cup
• Smarter’s Dad’s & Grad’s Gift Guide
  

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This week in news and sports blogs around the Net:

• Randy Johnson ties Rogers Clemens for second on all-time strikeouts list - SI
• Kristen Bell likes her some Chris Osgood - Deadspin
• The stressful job of numbering baseball cards - Joe Sports Fan
• Saluting the handsome ones - Larry Brown Sports
• Top 100 Valuable Sports Blogs - Juiced Sports Blogs
  
• Red Auerbach and the practice of flopping - Sports by Brooks
• Get your weekly Yankees news from the Yankees Chick
• Mariah Carey can’t throw a pitch - YouTube

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And in the Smarter Sports Blog we talked about:

• “Peekaboo!”
• NFL Rumors: Terrell Owens to the Raiders in 2009?
• Kobe Video: Kobe Bryant Jumps Over a Pool of Snakes
• NFL Gossip: Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson Back On?
• NBA Gossip: Kobe’s Alleged Other Woman, Vanessa Curry

When I read that headline this morning, I didn’t take it too seriously at first. I mean how could I? The Oakland Raiders haven’t had a winning season in how long and Terrell Owens loves to win. But he, as we all know, loves money too.

But diving deeper into the possibility, a offense with Darren McFadden, Jamarcus Russell and Owens sounds pretty enticing. And why is this rumor coming up now? Well, it’s just a theory by Cam Inman, but with Owens’ contract expiring after this season and since the Dallas Cowboys didn’t throw a contract extension at him this offseason (at least not yet), then why not go to the Raiders who are looking for star receiver. Sure, they picked up Javon Walker, but the guy isn’t a Terrell Owens and with his recent injuries, he’s not as reliable as the sculpted Owens.

It’s doubtful, yet still a possibility, that Owens will end up in a silver different uniform. I actually would hope he does go to Oakland and away from the Cowboys. I’m a big Philadelphia Eagles fan and nothing would make me more happy than to see him on a losing team and NOT competing against the Eagles. The Raiders are going to need a lot more than a loud mouthed receiver to bring them out of the cellar.

Source: Contra Coasta Times

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