Sports Blog

GOLD

Glen Coffee, SF, RB, VS. St. Louis
Forecast: 25 carries, 99 rushing yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
With Gore out for what could be a long time it’s time for Glen Coffee to shine. He has an excellent match-up this week against the Rams and you know the Niners like to run. They should have a comfortable lead in the second half and just pound the rock with Coffee. I see a big day in his first start.

Pierre Garcon, IND, WR, VS. Seattle
Forecast: 5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
With everyone focusing their attention on Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, Pierre has preformed well scoring a TD in two straight games. Peyton Manning has shown that he trusts Garcon and the way he is throwing the ball around I see his TD streak to continue.

Terrell Owens, BUF, WR, @ Miami
Forecast: 7 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
T.O. was shut out for the first time in 181 games. I don’t see that happening again this week especially against a Miami defense that has been prone to the big play. If T.O. can hold on to the ball I see him having a huge game. You know the Bills are going to at least try to give him the ball this game.

Carson Palmer, CIN, QB, @ Cleveland
Forecast: 276 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int (19 points)
Getting a break from the tough defenses(DEN,PIT,GB) that he has faced so far Palmer should have his breakout game this season. The Browns have been horrible all around and this could be just what the doctor ordered for Carson. Start him with confidence.

Cedric Benson, CIN, RB, @ Cleveland
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 rushing yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Benson has performed well this season no matter what the match-up. He is getting into the must start zone every week. He should have another big game against the Browns who have been ran all over by everybody. I see it happening again this season.

Vernon Davis, SF, TE, VS. St. Louis
Forecast: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD ( 15 points)
When Gore went down in Min the 49ers had to rely more on the passing game to move the ball. They used their most explosive player Davis well and he had a huge game. Well Gore is out again this week and I could see him having another big game as they might need to pass again.

Devin Hester, CHI, WR, VS. Detroit
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD
Detroit’s defense has been horrible against the pass and Hester has been surprisingly solid this year being a WR. I see him going off in a big way this week stretching the field deep.

Eli Manning, NYG, QB, @ Kansas City
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TD, 0 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
The Giants held the ball for most of the game last week so Eli was not needed as much to throw the ball around. This week it could happen again but I see him throwing it around a little more this week. Look for him to have a solid game with no turnovers this week.

COLD
Knowshon Moreno, DEN, RB, VS. Dallas
Forecast: 18 carries, 44 rushing yards, 2 catches, 7 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Dallas has been surprisingly solid against the run this season and Moreno is in a timeshare. I just don’t see him having the same production against a better defense. Lower your expectations this week.

Steven Jackson, STL, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 20 carries, 47 yards, 4 catches, 20 yards, 0 TD (9 points)
Yes you are probably starting him anyway but the 49ers have a solid defense against the run and the Rams will be behind for most of the game. I know he is there only option on offense but I wouldn’t count on him this week.

Marques Colston, NO, WR, VS. New York Jets
Forecast: 3 catches, 44 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
The Saints will throw the ball a ton every week but this week Colston has to deal with one of the NFL’s top cover corner, Darrelle Revis. He has previously shut down Randy Moss and Andre Johnson so I wouldn’t be surprised if he is shadowing Colston all day. I think he will be shutout of the end zone this week.

Brett Favre, MIN, QB, VS. Green Bay
Forecast: 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 Int (10 points)
Everybody has been going crazy about Favre just because of one throw, a great throw at that. But his numbers before that were just average and going in this week against a Green Bay team that leads the league in Ints I see a let down this week. Though it’s not going to be because he is not trying hard to beat his former team.

John Carlson, SEA, TE, @ Indianapolis
Forecast: 3 catches, 42 yards, 0 TD (5 points)
The Colts have been pretty solid against TE’s this year and I see them doing it again this week. The Seahawks will be down and forced to pass but I see them throwing it more to the WR this week if S.Wallace is still at QB

SCORING BENCHMARKS
QBs: 12+ fantasy points
RBs: 12+ fantasy points
WRs: 10+ fantasy points
TEs: 8+ fantasy points
*Scoring system:
4 PTs/Pass TD
1 PT/25 pass yards
6 PTs/Rush-Rec TD
1 PT/Reception
1 PT/10 Rush yards
1 PT/20 Rec yards
-2 PT/INT or FL

Week 3 Results:
GOLD
Antonio Gates, SD, TE, VS. Miami                                                                              WIN
Forecast: 8 catches, 113 yards, 2 Tds (25 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 64 yards, 0 TD (8.4 points)
Tim Hightower, ARI, RB, VS. Indianapolis                                                                LOSS
Forecast: 17 carries, 96 rushing yards, 3 catches, 21 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Actual: 9 carries, 22 rushing yards, 5 catches, 39 yards, 0 TD, 1 lost Fum (7 points)
Matt Forte, CHI, RB, @ Seattle                                                                                          WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 yards, 3 catches, 22 yards, 1 TD (21 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 66 yards, 6 catches, 40 yards, 0 TD (14.6 points)
Brandon Jacobs, NYG, RB, @ Tampa Bay                                                                     WIN
Forecast: 22 carries, 115 rushing yards, 1 catch, 8 yards, 2 Tds (24 points)
Actual: 26 carries, 96 rushing yards, 1 TD (15.6 points)
Brent Celek, PHI, TE, VS. Kansas City                                                                            WIN
Forecast: 6 catches, 76 yards, 1 TD (15 points)
Actual: 8 catches, 104 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Mario Manningham, NYG, WR, @ Tampa Bay                                                            LOSS
Forecast: 6 catches, 96 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 55 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Felix Jones, DAL, RB, VS. Carolina                                                                                   LOSS
Forecast: 17 carries, 98 yards, 2 catches, 17 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
Actual: 9 carries, 94 yards, 1 catch, 20 yards (11.4 points)
Byron Leftwich, TB, QB, VS. New York Giants                                                              LOSS
Forecast: 305 passing yards, 3 Tds, 2 Int, 10 rushing yards (21 points)
Actual: Yikkes 22 passing yards, 1 Int (-2 points)
___________
Week: 4 -4 (50%)
Season: 12 -12 (50%)

COLD

Willie Parker, PIT, RB, @ Cincinnati                                                                         LOSS
Forecast:15 carries, 38 rushing yards, 0 Tds (3 points)
Actual: 25 carries, 93 yards, 2 catches, 36 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB, VS. San Francisco                                                     WIN
Forecast: 24 carries, 47 rushing yards, 1 catch, 8 yards, 1 TD (11 points)
Actual: 19 carries, 85 yards, 2 catches, 14 yards, 0 TD (11 points)
Darren McFadden, OAK, RB, VS. Denver                                                                 WIN
Forecast: 14 carries, 43 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 12 carries, 45 yards, 2 catches, 3 yards, 0 TD (6.5 points)
Hines Ward, PIT, WR, @ Cincinnati                                                                         WIN
Forecast: 4 catches, 41 yards, 0 TD (6 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 82 yards, 0 TD (8 points)
Brandon Marshall, DEN, WR, @ Oakland                                                               LOSS
Forecast: 3 catches, 37 yards, 0 Tds (4 points)
Actual: 5 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
 _____________
Week: 3 -2 (60%)
Season: 9-6 (60%)

Source Image: AP

GOLD

Michael Bush, OAK, RB, @ Kansas City
Forecast: 15 carries, 65 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Bush looked good running the ball against the Chargers on Monday night, totaling 60 yards and a touchdown on 13 touches. He is the power to Darren McFadden’s speed in Oakland’s 2-back rotation and this week they play the lowly Chiefs. I see him having at least the same production with good chance for even more.

Santana Moss, WAS, WR, Vs. St. Louis
Forecast: 7 catches, 95 yards, 1 TD (17 points)
The Redskins struggled on offense against the Giants, limiting Moss to only 2 catches for 6 yards. But the Rams are not the Giants and I see the offense getting on track this week. Moss should get a lot more space to operate. I see a big game for him this week.

Ben Roethlisberger, PIT, QB, @ Chicago
Forecast: 301 passing yards, 2 TDs, 2 TO, 10 rushing yards (17 points)
The Steelers are no longer a running team. Not with the O-line that they currently have. So its safe to say that Big Ben is going to be throwing the ball around on Sunday because that’s the only way they can move the ball. The Bears defense is no push over but they can give up some big plays in the passing game. I see Ben going over 300 yards again with a couple TDs. He might have a couple turnovers too so beware.

Steve Smith, CAR, WR, @ Atlanta
Forecast: 8 catches, 120 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
People are panicking on Smith because of the horrible QB play that the Panthers are getting. Well calm down because he’ll show this week why you picked him as an elite WR. It’s not like they weren’t throwing the ball to him (13 targets). I see him going off for a big game against a secondary that is not as good as Philly.

Leon Washington, NYJ, RB, Vs. New England
Forecast: 15 carries, 75 rushing yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (20 points)
The Patriots defense is not as strong as it was in years past so there is no reason to fear them. Fred Jackson had a big game against them on Monday and I see a trend forming when they play the Jets. The Jets have Thomas Jones to soften up the defense then Washington will explode for a big play. I see it working that way on Sunday in a surprise Jets win.

Bernard Berrian, MIN, WR, @ Detroit
Forecast: 5 catches, 113 yards, 1 TD (16 points)
Finally healthy and practicing, I see him and Favre hooking up for some big gains against a horrible Lions defense.

Vernon Davis, SF, TE, Vs. Seattle
Forecast: 6 catches, 55 yards (8 points)
People have been waiting for him to blow up for a couple years now. It seemed like every year he was a sleeper pick. We’ll now with lowered expectations it looks like he is ready to be a solid contributor. I see him getting around 5 catches a game and even better he is probable the 49ers best red zone threat. Keep an eye on this guy.

Philip Rivers, SD, QB, Vs. Baltimore
Forecast: 265 passing yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 Int (20 points)
Yes, the Ravens have a solid defense but I think they lost a lot in losing their coordinator and Bart Scott. Another big factor will be that LT might not play forcing the Chargers to rely more on Rivers. I see a good game. Start him with confidence.

COLD
Mike Bell, NO, RB, @ Philadelphia
Forecast: 12 carries, 43 rushing yards, 1 catch, 5 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Every body’s prize pick up of the week is in for a rude awakening. The Eagles are not the Lions and there is going to be little room for him to run. Even worse for him is that starter Pierre Thomas has been practicing this week and will probably play on Sunday. This will dig into Bell’s carries even more. I say Bell’s value is about to take a big hit so deal him if you can.

Roy Williams, DAL, WR, Vs. New York Giants
Forecast: 3 catches, 46 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Williams big game against the Buccs was a mirage when you see that 66 yards of his 86 came on one long blown coverage. Other than that he didn’t have that good of a game. Let’s see if he can do it against a real defense, which I don’t think he can.

DeSean Jackson, PHI, WR, Vs. New Orleans
Forecast: 3 catches, 22 yards, 1 carry, 14 yards (5 points)
If McNabb is out, which it looks like he is, Jackson will struggle. Last game he barley did any thing and aside from the long punt return it was a forgettable game. I see another one coming without his QB.

Julius Jones, SEA, RB, @ San Francisco
Forecast: 20 carries, 49 yards, 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TDs (6 points)
Jones had a huge game last week against the lowly Rams. We’ll the Niners are not the Rams and last week they shutdown the high power Cardinals offense. Their running game could do nothing against the 49ers defense and I see them shutting that down again.

Tin Hightower, ARI, RB, @ Jacksonville
Forecast: 12 carries, 44 yards, 3 catches, 15 yards, 0 TDs (7 points)
Last weeks 12 catch game will not happen again any time soon. That was a product of hurt receivers and good pressure on Warner for the 49ers defense. With the WRs getting health I see them throwing the ball to them a lot more this weekend, hurting Hightower’s production.

SCORING BENCHMARKS
QBs: 12+ fantasy points
RBs: 12+ fantasy points
WRs: 10+ fantasy points
TEs: 8+ fantasy points
*Scoring system:
4 PTs/Pass TD
1 PT/25 pass yards
6 PTs/Rush-Rec TD
1 PT/Reception
1 PT/10 Rush yards
1 PT/20 Rec yards
-2 PT/INT or FL

Last Week’s Results:
Gold
Leon Washington, NYJ, RB                                                                                 WIN
Forecast: 10 carries, 60 yards, 5 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (19 points)
Actual: 15 carries, 60 yards, 4 catches, 24 yards (12.4 points)
Josh Morgan, SF, WR                                                                                           LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD ( 14 points)
Actual: 3 catches, 38 yards ( 4.9 points)
Robert Meacham, NO, WR                                                                                  WIN
Forecast: 3 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD (14 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD ( 10.5 points)
Cedric Benson, CIN, RB                                                                                        WIN
Forecast: 26 carries, 110 yards, 1 catch, 7 yards, 1 TD (18 points)
Actual: 21 carries, 76 yards, 4 catches, 32 yards, 1 TD (19.2 points)
Anthony Fasano, MIA, TE                                                                                     LOSS
Forecast: 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD (13 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 10 yards (2.5 points)
Julius Jones, SEA, RB                                                                                            WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 103 yards, 2 catches, 21 yards (13 points)
Actual: 19 carries, 117 yards, 2 catches, 19 yards, 1 TD ( 21.6 points)
Joe Flacco, BAL, QB                                                                                               WIN
Forecast: 205 passing yards, 17 rushing, 2 TD passes, 0 Int (17 points)
Actual: 307 passing yards, 18 rushing, 3 TD passes, 1 Int (24 points)
Shaun Hill, SF,QB                                                                                                    LOSS
Forecast: 230 passing yards, 15 rushing yards, 2 TD passes, 1 Int (16 points)
Actual: 209 passing yards, 1 TD pass, 1 lost fumble ( 10.4 points)
___________
Last Week: 5 - 3 ( 63%)
Season: 5- 3 (63%)
COLD
Jamal Lewis, CLE, RB                                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 23 carries, 43 yards, 1 catch, 4 yards, 0 TDs (5 points)
Actual: 11 carries 57 yards, 3 catches, 37 yards 0 TDs ( 10.5 points)
Dwayne Bowe, KAN, WR                                                                              LOSS
Forecast: 4 catches, 43 yards 0 TDs (6 points)
Actual: 4 catches, 40 yards, 1 TD (12 points)
Terrell Owens, BUF, WR                                                                              WIN
Forecast: 5 catches, 55 yards, 0 TDs (7 points)
Actual: 2 catches, 46 yards, 0 Tds (4.3 points)
Eli Manning, NYG, QB                                                                                   WIN
Forecast: 180 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 Int (9 points)
Actual: 256 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 Int, 1 fumbles lost (10.2 points)
Clinton Portis, WAS, RB                                                                                WIN
Forecast: 20 carries, 57 yards, 2 catches, 12 yards, 0 Tds (7 points)
Actual: 16 carries, 62 yards, 1 catch, 10 yards, 0 Tds (7.7 points)
___________
  Last Week: 4 -1 (80%)
Season: 4 -1 (80%)

Image Source: Getty

This is how I would rank the top teams (record wise) taking into account how they have been playing recently:

1. Los Angeles Angels 63-40
The Angels won 17 of their last 20 games. They have just been tearing the cover off the ball, leading the Majors in July with a .316 team average and 185 runs scored. That is with out their two best hitters Torii Hunter and Vladimir Guerrero who have been on the DL with injuries. Looking at their line up they have 7 guys batting over .290 and if you add Hunter and Vlad it makes 9. They have been hitting so well that it has masked their starting pitching woes and overall team ERA being near the bottom of the league. Their pitching needs to improve if they want to win in the playoffs, but they have a good shot at the AL best record and home field advantage.

2. New York Yankees 63-42
The Yankees have been going good since A-Rod returned. Since July 1st they have gone 19-10, 3 loses though came at the hand of the Angels and is why they aren’t #1. They have a good chance to win the AL East and the best record overall if they keep playing this way but its going to be tough with Red Sox, who the play this week and have not beaten this season, only a half a game behind them. This weeks series with the Sox will go a long way to determine the race in the East.

3. Los Angeles Dodgers 65-40
The Dodgers still have the best record in baseball and big 7 game lead in the NL West, but their play of late has been just mediocre. Maybe being at home will help them beak out of their stale play as they return from a long road trip. This team still has everything (pitching, hitting and defense) to end the season with the best record and compete for the Championship.

4. Philadelphia Phillies 59-44
The defending champs just got better in making the trade for Cliff Lee. Now, with their pitching and heavy hitting lineup, they are strong contenders to repeat. They should also be able to cruise to the playoffs in the week NL East, something that could hurt them in the end.

5. Boston Red Sox 62-42
The Red Sox improved their lineup greatly by adding Victor Martinez. This should give them the fire power they need to battle the Yankees in the AL East. Big series this week with the Yankees as Boston tries to regain first place.

The rest of the top 10 goes as follows:

6. Texas Rangers 59-44
7. St. Louis Cardinals 58-50
8. Tampa Bay Rays 57-48
9. Detroit Tigers 54-49
10. Colorado Rockies 58-47

Honorable Mention: San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox

Image Source:  AP Photo

N.L. EAST
1. Philadelphia 48 - 38
2. Florida 46 - 44
3. Atlanta 43 - 45
4. NY Mets 42 - 45
5. Washington 26 - 61

Supposedly, one of the strongest divisions going into the season, the N.L. East has been a big disappointment.  Philadelphia coming off a championship season has had a potent offense but have struggled to find consistent pitching.  Look for them to make a big deal at the trade deadline, possibly Roy Holliday, to further separate themselves from the rest of the division.  The Mets have been loaded with injuries and have been forced to play with many people out of position.  Good news could be on the way, however, because Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado might be back to start the second half of the season.  That will give them a chance to compete for the division in the second half.  Florida has been solid all season but the question is: will management make a move to help them seriously compete for the division?   It doesn’t look like it going to happen.  Atlanta’s close too but I don’t see them staying there in the second half.

Predicted Finish: Philadelphia, NY Mets, Florida, Atlanta, Washington

N.L. CENTRAL
1. St. Louis 49 - 42
2. Milwaukee 45 - 43
3. Chicago 43 - 43
4. Houston 44 - 44
5. Cincinnati 42 - 45
6. Pittsburgh 38 - 50

St. Louis has been the class of the division, with Albert Pujols, for the first half.  Its been sort of a surprise that they have been this good.  They are going to have to keep playing good baseball if they want to stay in first because four other teams are within striking distance to start the second half.  Milwaukee and the disappointing Cubs have the best shot at catching them for the division and could make a big deal to put them ahead in the race.  I think it will be a fun race to watch with the second place team possibly winning the Wild Card.  Houston and Cincinnati are close but a bad start to the second half could make them both sellers at the trade deadline.

Predicted Finish: Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Houston, Pittsburgh

N.L. WEST
1. LA Dodgers 56 - 32
2. San Francisco 49 - 39
3. Colorado 47 - 41
4. Arizona 38 - 51
5. San Diego 36 - 52

The Dodgers have been the best team in baseball, with or without Manny Ramirez, for the first half.  Good news is that they will have Manny for the whole second half.  Their pitching has been surprisingly solid so far, as it was looked upon as a weakness to start the season.  If they keep playing the way they are, the second place team in the division can only hope for the Wild Card.  Speaking of the Wild Card, San Francisco and Colorado are first in second in that race at the break.  San Francisco’s pitching has been unbelievable and they are a bat away from becoming a very dangerous team for the playoffs.  Colorado has a solid all around team that is capable of going on long wining streaks.  It will be a fun race till the end.

Predicted Finish: LA Dodgers, San Francisco(Wild Card), Colorado, Arizona, San Diego

Image Source: AP Photo