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

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

The Chargers recently agreed to a deal with Wasserman Media Group to start marketing to Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Being the only NFL team in So. Cal this doesn’t seem that odd to start tapping into these two vacant lucrative markets, but the people of San Diego should start being worried. There is a real possibility that the Chargers could be on the move to LA very soon. Though Charger ownership has stated that this contract has nothing to do with the possibility of a move, this can just be a precursor of the things to come.

The Chargers have been looking to build a new stadium in San Diego for seven years now. Every time they find a site for the stadium, they just can’t get the funding from the county. Meanwhile in LA County they just approved of a $150 million bond for infrastructure improvements on a stadium site in the city of Industry. Factor that in with the fact that billionaire developer Ed Roski’s Majestic Real Estate Co. has a proposal ready to build an $800 million stadium at that site if a NFL team would agree to come there. Roski just happens to be good friends with Chargers owners, the Spanos family. The Chargers are also free to move out of San Diego County during the month of February if they pay the city $56 million to buy out the bond on their current stadium. In a time of a slumping economy this might be too good of a deal to pass up.

I personally don’t like when teams leave a city for another city, but this makes perfect business sense for all parties involved except San Diego. The NFL wouldn’t have to realign the divisions again, like they would if another team came in to LA (like let’s say Jacksonville), because the Chargers are already in the west. The NFL would also benefit financially by having a team in the second largest market. The Chargers would also benefit financially by playing in this market and have the brand new stadium that they have been asking for. Los Angeles would finally have a NFL team (a solid wining team at that) and a new stadium that would likely be a prime destination for hosting many upcoming Super Bowls. This would all bring in high revenue and excitement for the city. Everybody’s gaining here besides San Diego, which will be down to one professional team. But there’s still time for San Diego to get smart and agree to build the Chargers a new home and Charger ownership has stated that they will do everything they can to stay in San Diego County. But the longer that takes the closer The Los Angeles Chargers become to being a reality. So, San Diego step up and if you want to keep your team!

Source: DailyNews.com, NFL.com, AbcLocal.go.com

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.

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Fantasy Studs:

• Peyton Manning finally looked like his old self, tossing for 320-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Thomas Jones kept up with his great year, running for 104-yards and a touchdown.
• DeAngelo Williams scrapped for 120-yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin both had terrific days. Fitzgerald finished with 10 catches and 151-yards, while Boldin hauled in 13 passes for 186-yards.
• Joseph Addai finally did some good for his fantasy owners. His racked up 153 total yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Ryan Grant rushed for 145-yards and a touchdown for the Packers.
• Steve Slaton ran for 156-yards, including a 71-yard touchdown run.
• T.J. Houshmandzadeh grabbed 12 passes, a touchdown and 149-yards.
• Marshawn Lynch finally crossed the century mark finishing with 119-yards and 58 more receiving with a touchdown.
• Jonathan Stewart finished with 130-yards rushing and a touchdown.
• Kurt Warner racked up 395-yards in the air.

Fantasy Duds:

• Philip Rivers had a terrible day, finishing with only 159-yards and 2 interceptions.
• Earnest Graham had a whopping 3-yards before leaving with an injury.
• Lee Evans of the Bills couldn’t find a way to make it onto the stat sheet.
• Willis McGahee finished with only 25-yards.
• The Ravens defense was non-existent against the Giants, giving up 353-yards.
• The Bears defense wasn’t much better, giving up 427-yards.

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Photo Source.

NFL Shop  San Diego Chargers Gear

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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Fantasy Studs:

• Brett Favre had an amazing game for the Jets, throwing for 6 touchdowns and 289 yards!
• Stephen Jackson FINALLY had a good week, finishing with 110 yards rushing and a touchdown, including 78 yards receiving.
• Larry Johnson exploded for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns.
• Laveranues Coles was Favre’s favorite target, catching 3 touchdowns and 103 yards.
• Kurt Warner racked up 472 yards and 2 touchdowns, despite throwing 3 interceptions.
• Drew Brees passed for 363 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Greg Jennings hauled in 2 touchdowns and 109 yards against the Buccaneers.
• Tony Romo’s 3 touchdowns and 300 yards weren’t enough to help the Cowboys beat the Redskins.
• LaDanian Tomlinson had 109 yards on the ground and 2 touchdowns.

Fantasy Duds:

• Ryan Grant of the Packers could only come up with 20 yards and also lost a fumble.
• Michael Turner rushed for only 55 yards against the Panthers.
• Reggie Bush wasn’t able to do much, as he totaled 38 yards.
• Marion Barber had a total of 37 yards from scrimmage.

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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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The third time is the charm.

Just ask New York Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes, who missed two crucial field goals, including the 36-yarder that would have won the game for the Giants at the end of regulation. Tynes finally sealed the win for his team in overtime, splitting the uprights on a 47-yard field goal after a Corey Webster interception.

The Giants and Green Bay Packers game was everything you could ask for in a hard fought battle that saw two teams slugging it out at Lambeau with temperatures as cold as minus-27 with the wind-chill.

And then there was the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers in the AFC title game. I was really pulling for the Chargers, but after losing LaDainian Tomlinson early in the first quarter, I knew it’d be an even harder uphill battle. But they hung in there until the fourth quarter. If they had capitalized on a couple touchdowns instead of settling for field goals in the red zone, we may be talking about a Chargers upset. But in the end, everyone has 20/20 hindsight and the game ended like everyone assumed it would, with a Patriots win.

So now on to Arizona, where the Patriots are a heavy favorite over the Giants. Lets at least hope for a close game and I’m personally hoping for a Giants upset, or at the very least, a very competitive Super Bowl. If the Patriots are going to end the year with a perfect record, lets at least make them work for it.

Now, on to Glendale!

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Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys were one of the many teams upset this weekend in the second round of the NFL Playoffs. Since Romo couldn’t lead his team to the NFC Championship Game, he can now spend some more PDA filled evenings with his new sweetheart, Jessica Simpson. I wonder if her parents will tag along again.

Here are the players who helped out their team this weekend and some who didn’t:

New York Giants 24, Dallas Cowboys 17

• Eli Manning didn’t turn the ball over once and connected to Amani Toomer for two touchdown passes.

San Diego Chargers 28, Indianapolis Colts 24

• Philip Rivers tossed for three touchdowns despite a non-existent LaDainian Tomlinson, who left with a leg injury.
• Peyton Manning was his usual self with over 400-yards passing and four touchdowns, but it was his two interceptions in Charger territory that proved to be crucial.

New England Patriots 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 20

• Tom Brady only threw two incomplete passes, connecting on 26 passes and throwing three touchdowns.

Green Bay Packers 42, Seattle Seahawks 20

• Brett Favre and Ryan Grant each had three touchdowns, including 201 yards rushing for Grant.
• Seattle’s running game was pretty much non-existent, as Shaun Alexander led the Seahawks with 20-yards.

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