Pro Football Today™

2010 NFL Season - Week 12

2010-11-25T04:34:00.000-08:00

Thursday Games - winning picks in red

New England at Detroit

Cincinnati at NYJets

New Orleans at Dallas

2010 NFL Season - Week 11

2010-11-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday Games - winning picks are in red

Baltimore at Carolina - Baltimore has the upper edge because Carolina's defense is poor, poor, poor

Buffalo at Cincinnati - Buffalo will be taking the sweet smell of victory with them to Cincinnati

Detroit at Dallas - This is the worse time for downtrodden Detroit to be meeting a regenerated Dallas

Cleveland at Jacksonville - Just don't think Jacksonville will be able to withstand Cleveland's punishing playing

Arizona at Kansas City - KC back at home and hopefully will put the 2 road losses behind them

Green Bay at Minnesota - This game will probably be the final nail in Childress and Favres coffin this year

Houston at New York Jets - Jets have been lucky last few games, seems like there not firing on all cylinders and they probably won't need them this week either

Oakland at Pittsburgh - West coast to East coast thingy will not work out for Raiders this year

Washington at Tennessee - Washington is a flop again this year and now even more so because you have a undermotitaving QB with a guaranteed 5 year contract not seeing eye to eye with your coach

Seattle at New Orleans - 2 road wins for Seattle, is this a miracle team in the making?

Tampa Bay at San Francisco - TB out to the west coast although this time to a comfy SF home team

Atlanta at St Louis - St Louis plays very well at home except they just can't seem to get past 20 points

Indianapolis at New England - Since they're my team I wish the COLTS well this game, but damn them injuries are heavy this year...

Sunday Night Game:

New York Giants at Philadelphia - Only hope for NYG is to try and get at Vick, other than that I don't think they will fare well - - BONUS: NYG 29 - Eagles 34

Monday Night Game:

Denver at San Diego - If Denver can start scoring early they might have a chance

2010 NFL Season - Week 10

2010-11-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

Sunday Games - winning picks are in red

Detroit at Buffalo - Both team are chomping at the bit for this game to come, can Detroit pull a rabbit out of the hat????

New York Jets at Cleveland - Not sure what is happening but Jets are having defense problems and Cleveland is playing big time football

Minnesota at Chicago - Minnesota has only beaten Detroit, Dallas and Arizona and them were at home

Cincinnati at Indianapolis - Are the Colts injuries finally catching up with them? So far they have been able to withstand the pressure pretty good and at home this week they should hold on one more time

Houston at Jacksonville - Jacksonville will sink at home after two games on the road

Tennessee at Miami - Tennessee road games 29.5 vs 18.2 - Miami home games 19.7 vs 31.7

Carolina at Tampa Bay - Only thing I can say about this match-up is TB can score higher in games at times then Carolina can

Kansas City at Denver - Denver has to loosey goosey of a defense this year

Seattle at Arizona - Seattle on the road still play lousy and even worse in domes

Dallas at New York Giants - Dallas is totally lost, way to much confusion

St Louis at San Francisco - St Louis is becoming another Seattle

Sunday Night Game

New England at Pittsburgh - Grass will help Pittsburgh - - BONUS: NE 18 Pittsburgh 23

Monday Night Game

Philadelphia at Washington - Just seems like Vick will be the upper hand again

Leaning against the Goal Post - Thursday Edition

2010-11-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

Well we start Thursday Night Football this week which reminds us that the season is winding down and the big time holidays are coming soon...

Week nine we had: 7 home teams winning, 6 away teams winning, 10 high percentage pick teams winning and 3 underdog teams winning...

Thursday Night Game - winning pick in red

Baltimore at Atlanta - Baltimore scores an avg. of 14.2 pts and allows their opponents to score 15.2 pts on the road. Atlanta scores an avg. of 30.7 pts and allows their opponents to score 18.5 pts at home. An added stat is that Baltimore for some reason turns the ball over more on the road then they do at home...

Catch you all tomorrow with the rest of my picks for the week and enjoy your day, as I watch Wade Phillips look for a new job while leaning against the goal post...

2010 NFL Season - Week 9

2010-11-05T04:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday Games - winning picks are in red

Chicago at Buffalo - Buffalo has been on the edge for most of their games, look for Chicago's TOs this week to give Buffalo a win

Miami at Baltimore - Baltimore's defense was weakening a bit before they went on bye so the rest should bring them back

Tampa Bay at Atlanta - TB isn't a bad team but 2 weeks on the road and that hard battle last week against Arizona will takes its toll

New Orleans at Carolina - Does anybody else get the feeling that NO will not play well here this week for some strange reason?

New England at Cleveland - Won't be too easy for NE but easy enough

New York Jets at Detroit - Just want to throw a few stats out for you all: For 2010 season Jets on the road have avg. 31 pts and allowed an avg of 19 pts per game - Lions at home have avg 37.7 pts and allowed an avg of 22 pts per game, Detroit will not be a push-over

San Diego at Houston - Sometimes grass can help a team

Arizona at Minnesota - Through all the troubles Minnesota has had, for the most part they have kept a even keel on offensive pts while Arizona pts go up at home and down on the road

New York Giants at Seattle - Will 2 weeks on the road and against a team that would be in the Superbowl every year if all their games were at home take a little toll on NYG - CORRECTION: The previous statement and Seattle pick to win was based on Hasselbeck playing, with "I haven't tossed a pass in 4 years Whitehurst" playing, it is a far different ending

Kansas City at Oakland - Beware KC, be very aware

Indianapolis at Philadelphia - Vick or no Vick, opponents passing game is what has hampered Philadelphia in many games and who does the Colts have??????

Sunday Night Game -

Dallas at Green Bay - I can't believe Wade Phillips is still coach, JJ must be getting soft in his ol' age - LOL ----- BONUS: Dallas 20 - Green Bay 23

Monday Night Game -

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati - Cincinnati's defense is very porous and more so in last 3 games

Leaning against the Goal Post

2010-11-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking for awhile on this post, my last post was OCTOBER 13th

So what has the Neutral Football League been up to as far as pick wise?

Week 6 we had 8 home teams winning, 6 away teams winning, 9 high percentage pick teams winning and 5 underdog teams winning

Week 7 we had 8 home teams winning, 6 away teams winning, 10 high percentage pick teams winning and 4 underdog teams winning

This Week 8 we had 9 home teams winning, 4 away teams winning, 7 high percentage pick teams winning and 6 underdog teams winning

So through the half way mark of the season we find playing at home (68) has a distinct advantage over playing on the road (49). Also it does seem like the public's favorite picked team (68) each week comes out ahead of the underdog teams (50)

For myself I stand at 65 winning picks out of 117 games giving me a mediocre 55% pick average :-(

Yet with all them stats we still have teams sitting with 1 and 6 records that with just a slight turn of events these next 8 weeks and they could actually make it to the playoffs. Go Figure...

Well that is it for this week as I go back watching the circus they call the NFL while leaning against the goal post...

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

2010 NFL Season - Week 8

2010-10-29T04:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday Games - winning picks are in red

Miami at Cincinnati - talk about 2 backwards teams, Miami plays better on road and CinCin can't get it together yet

Jacksonville at Dallas - Both teams are poor, poor, poor but if I had money on this match up i would go Dallas's way

Washington at Detroit - These 2 teams always put on a good game and I giving Detroit one more chance to show me they have changed...

Buffalo at Kansas City - KC has 2 losses which were to better teams and Buffalo does not rank as a better team this year

Green Bay at New York Jets - Jets more then likely will be going to the Superbowl and GB is not going to slow that movement down

Denver at San Francisco - San Francisco plays better at home although they still lose, Denver plays away just as bad as at home

Carolina at St Louis - have to favor Big Lou at home over a sad Carolina

Tennessee at San Diego - First trip to west coast for Tenn. this year and will not be fruitful

Tampa Bay at Arizona - read Buffalo/KC above except change team names

Minnesota at New England - Please why is Farve still playing besides just to pacify his big ego

Seattle at Oakland - Seattle is still bad on road no matter what happened 2 weeks ago in Chicago

Sunday Night Game -

Pittsburgh at New Orleans - NO is finding out how hard it is to try and be a top NFL team year after year and they're not doing very well - - BONUS: Pittsburgh 24 - New Orleans 18

Monday Night Game -

Houston at Indianapolis - Battle #2 this year and I really don't think Mr. Manning will be forgetting what happened in battle #1 and will correct that problem just fine...

2010 NFL Season - Week 7

2010-10-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

This not going to be my usual pick mode this week as I have studying to do and Nov. is coming which means I will be slowly picking up more tax studys/classes and working my way to tax season...

Sunday Games - winning picks are in red

Cincinnati at Atlanta

Buffalo at Baltimore

San Francisco at Carolina

Washington at Chicago

Jacksonville at Kansas City

Pittsburgh at Miami

Cleveland at New Orleans

Philadelphia at Tennessee

St Louis at Tampa Bay

Arizona at Seattle

Oakland at Denver

New England at San Diego

Sunday Night Game;

Minnesota at Green Bay - - BONUS: Minnesota 28 - Green Bay 25

Monday Night Game;

New York Giants at Dallas

2010 NFL Season - Week 6

2010-10-15T03:52:00.000-07:00

Sunday Games - Winning picks are in Red

Seattle at Chicago – Seattle is still a lousy road team and Chicago even without Cutler should be able to handle them for another win

Miami at Green Bay - GB has not had a hard team to play at home yet and just barely beat the ones they did play; Miami has won on the road against NFC North

Kansas City at Houston – Houston has a very loose defense and if KC can make the right offensive plays and defense plays like it has been, they should come out victors even though it is their 2nd week on the road

Baltimore at New England – Baltimore’s defense is tops, their offense can play up or down, New England looks like they have it together now but it might have been just the teams they’ve played

Detroit at New York Giants – Yes Detroit is pumped from last week but have they turned the corner? Giants last two games have been solid playing with wins, only downfall I see is if NYG take Detroit lightly

Atlanta at Philadelphia – Atlanta has a knack this year of winning close ones and Philadelphia’s only losses this year have been at home

Cleveland at Pittsburgh – Cleveland is equal on both sides of the ball with low scoring, Pittsburgh has done very good without Big Ben but he does come back this week

San Diego at St Louis - St Louis will be trying to overcome their terrible showing against Detroit and SD should provide what they need to do it, since they haven’t won on the road yet this season

New Orleans at Tampa Bay – This match up is interesting considering you have one team who plays down to their opponents level and another team who has only played one good team this year

New York Jets at Denver – Denver lost to the Colts at home and the Jets are 10 times better then the Colts this year

Oakland at San Francisco – Oakland has a chance to maybe get to play-offs if they put the playoff hopes of SF to rest this week

Dallas at Minnesota – Two sad teams, playing sad players, being watched by a sad crowd and sadly Mr Favre should have just stayed retired instead of going out like this

Sunday Night Game:

Indianapolis at Washington – Just remember in every ones eyes Washington actually beat Houston - Bonus: Redskins 23 - Colts 21

Monday Night Game:

Tennessee at Jacksonville – Lets just say deja-vu from 2009 shall strike Tennessee

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

Leaning against the Goal Post

2010-10-13T05:18:00.000-07:00

Day late and a dollar short with posting this week - - -

Another wacky week in the Neutral Football League where for some unseen reason the
little man in the closet wants all the teams as close to equal as possible.

I ended up winning 4 out of 14 and it don't even matter why I did because IMO what matters is what's taking shape in the league.

WEEK 1 - teams came out like stormtroopers with 12 home teams winning, 4 away teams winning, 9 high percentage pick teams winning and 7 underdog teams winning

12 - 4 - 9 - 7

WEEK 2 - NO! NO! NO! that will not do - The little man in the closet tells them to tone it down; 8 home teams win, 8 away teams win, 10 hpp teams win and 6 underdogs win

8 - 8 - 10 - 6

WEEK 3 - We must become more neutral on the field says little closet man; 8 home teams win, 8 away teams win, 8 hpp teams win and 8 underdog teams win

8 - 8 - 8 - 8

WEEK 4 - Nice says the little closet man, lets try to stay in them boundaries during the bye weeks; 8 home teams win, 6 away teams win, 7 hpp teams win and 7 underdog teams win

8 - 6 - 7 - 7

WEEK 5 - AHHHHHHHHHH! how wonderful closet man says while sipping tea and enjoying feng seng music; 7 home teams win, 7 away teams win, 7 hpp teams win and 7 underdog teams win

7 - 7 - 7 - 7

I can hardly wait to see what this week will bring because somewhere during the remaining season, the little man needs to boost the numbers up for the away and underdog teams

Anyways, that just my take of the whole thing while leaning against the goal post...

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

2010 NFL Season - Week 5

2010-10-08T04:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday Games - Winning picks are in Red

Denver at Baltimore - 2nd week on road and against a tough defensive team

Jacksonville at Buffalo - We know what Buffalo can do at home but we really don't know what Jags can do on road since they only have had one road trip and that was a loss. Both teams though have lousy defenses.

Chicago at Carolina - I am going to treat last week as just a fluke game for Chicago and should get back to winning against a team that so far this season plays poor at home

Tampa Bay at Cincinnati - Tampa Bay is rested and Cincinnati needs to focus on the game at hand in order to win games, they should this week after letting Cleveland get over them last week

Atlanta at Cleveland - Don't take Cleveland lightly like Cincinnati did, they not that bad and don't be surprised when they win by a point

St Louis at Detroit - It ain't going to happen this week for Detroit either, St Louis is getting in their groove and Detroit is Detroit so close but no cigar

New York Giants at Houston - NYG needs to start scoring points. Houston has a very, very loose defense,the trouble for NYG is Houston also can score points to overcome

Kansas City at Indianapolis - OH! this is a tough pick, because KC can run the ball and Colts do not have good run defense and I love the Colts over all other teams but...

Green Bay at Washington - Washington will be ready for this close, close match-up

New Orleans at Arizona - NO defense has been playing like the teams they play against and they have just barely escaped with wins in some games, Arizona's downfall is bad defense against a high passing QB

Tennessee at Dallas - Dallas is rested and finally looks like they might be coming around and just in the nick of time before Ol' JJ starts kicking

San Diego at Oakland - Will be a good game but SD will continue adding to their win stats vs Oakland

Sunday Night Game:

Philadelphia at San Francisco - McNabb is gone, Vick is hurt and SF needs a big win - BONUS; SF 24 - Phil. 20

Monday Night Game:

Minnesota at New York Jets - Moss will not make a difference this week for his new/old team and I'm afraid the Jets are real deal this year

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

Leaning against the Goal Post

2010-10-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

Week 4 is over and again I question myself as to why I even bother doing this especially when I read others who say I pick teams by what color uniforms they wears or I just flip a coin and they end up like 14 out of 16 right, LOL. I went 7 -7 for the week (makes 36 out of 62 games) and wasn't even close on some, why?why?why? do I torture myself... I blame my poor picking this week on my blasted head cold that I can't get rid of.

Cleveland was a complete surprise to me, never even seen that win coming over Cincinnati

Green Bay did not play as well as I thought they would against Detroit

I knew Baltimore /Pittsburgh was going to be rough and tumble but looks like I guessed wrong as to which team had the edge offensively

Seattle continue losing on the road like I thought they would

Oakland played tough against Houston just came up short on points to pull off a win for me.

Colts, Colts, Colts - it was a nice kick but they should never had allowed Jags to get to that position, still a poor defense this year...

Chicago looked POOR, very POOR, at times it seemed like the offense didn't know what to do or who to block, like first year high schooler's out there

Miami started great, so I went to bed and woke up to find that NE whipped their butts good after I stopped watching and so it was a fitting end to a horrible picking week for me

Maybe next week I'll just pick teams by what letter comes first in the alphabet

Basic stats for advantages:

14 TEAMS TOTAL:

8 teams won at home this week

6 teams won on the road this week

7 teams won who were picked as favorites

7 underdog teams won

That's a wrap for this week and I'm going to go keep warm, drink my fluids, take my vitamins and continue to search the field for the ultimate pick week, while leaning against the goal post

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

2010 NFL Season - Week 4

2010-10-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday Games - Winning picks are in Red

San Francisco at Atlanta – West coast/East coast thingy with a team that is in 2nd week of road travel and still trying to gel together this season against a good run defense

New York Jets at Buffalo – Jets coming in on 2nd week of road travel and Buffalo seems good with new quarterback last week but Jets defense should handle the job. Just beware that Jets could suffer a let down in 2nd half…

Cincinnati at Cleveland – Cincinnati is coming on strong this season while Cleveland has not played terrible but they have played without the eye of the tiger…

Detroit at Green Bay – Yeah right, after last week good luck in GB being this will be 2nd week on road for a weary, confused team already…

Carolina at New Orleans – Carolina after this week will be 4-0 and IMO out of the playoffs already…

Baltimore at Pittsburgh – Both teams have allowed their opponents so far this season very few points, Pittsburgh though has a slight offensive edge. Should be a close, tough and tumble game…

Seattle at St Louis – OK, what have we learned so far this season boys and girls with one of these teams that have continued their old ways?

Denver at Tennessee – Defense and Denver traveling from high to low will win it this week for Tennessee…

Indianapolis at Jacksonville – One team is going upwards and one team seems to be going downwards…

Houston at Oakland – Houston’s defense is lousy this season; they lucked out against Washington by rattling their FG kicker at the last minute but not against the Cowboys. Oakland played tough against Arizona. Hint: Oakland did beat Houston in an even year gone past…

Washington at Philadelphia – Here’s the question is Green Bay as good or equal as Dallas and Houston?

Arizona at San Diego – Arizona is poor and San Diego is looking like one of them plays better at home teams…

Chicago at New York Giants – Although it does not look like it when you watch them but, Chicago has played close, solid, full 60 minutes games with a defense that has not allowed more then 20 points in a game. NYG have bungled and bopped their way into a 1 & 2 record so far and they stand 19th versus aerial attacks, and have just two sacks since the opener… BONUS: Bears 24 – Giants 20

Monday Night Game:

New England at Miami – Mr Hoody and crew will not do much down in Florida, they have lousy defense this year and they have only beaten Buffalo and a lackluster beginning of the season Cincinnati team…

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

Leaning against the Goal Post

2010-09-28T03:29:00.000-07:00

Week 3 of the season has closed and closed with a squeaker on Monday Nite with my pick coming through for me by a hair, giving me a total of 11 out 16 right this week. Makes me 29 out of 48 for 60%, still some climbing for me to do to reach my goal of 80/85%

Some of my analysing came very close and some were right on: 2010 NFL Season - Week 3

Others were way off, like I had thought that Detroit just by chance, because of last weeks game vs Philadelphia, was getting it together and with them going against an lackluster Favre/Minnesota team I thought they could pull out a victory, HA! same ol' Lions we all have come to love, jeez what a mess of a team...

Dallas came on in a big way this week and probably kept Jerry Jones from firing the whole team.

I knew the Atl. vs NO game was going to be tough and close, but I thought that NO would come out on top in the end, but again another lost for a another team because of un-stabled Field Goal kicking. Seeing more and more of that this year.

Looks like M.Vick has found his old style at Philly and will have to look at their future games as to how my picks go.

As for Washington, this was their first road game and if it was an indicator of rest of season instead of just a one week fluke, then it looks like Washington might not be a very good road team. Which is good tid-bit worth knowing about some teams...

And that leads me to the basic stats for advantages:

16 TEAMS TOTAL:

8 teams won at home this week

8 teams won on the road this week

8 teams won who were picked as favorites

8 underdog teams won

That will take care of this week of football and as usual somewhere, someplace, sometime you'll find me leaning against the goal post, Knobby

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

2010 NFL Season - Week 3

2010-09-24T03:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday Games - Winning Picks in Red

Cleveland at Baltimore – Both teams have started season poorly. In this match–up Cleveland will end up on the short side in a low scoring battle.

Cincinnati at Carolina – This match–up sees two teams still searching in the 3rd week of season to find a pattern on both side of the ball. Sad to say Carolina has not got the same potential as in years past.

Dallas at Houston – In my book Houston lost last week, but that is neither here or there, but they are an explosive team which is going against a floppy team.

San Francisco at Kansas City – IMO Kansas City is looking like the real deal this season. I had high hopes for SF but so far they seem to be searching for meshing abilities

Detroit at Minnesota – GUT reaction at moment is Detroit is going to pull a winner out of the hat this week and I’m sticking to it

Atlanta at New Orleans – Pick polls have NO as about 87% favorites, I see a much closer, tougher game but still a Saints win

Tennessee at New York Giants – Giants return home after a resounding beat on by big brother and his crew last week, but they’re still allowing to many points and I have a feeling Tennessee will take advantage of that although it will end up close

Buffalo at New England – Bills playing at New England after Mr. Hoody lost to Jets, good luck Buffalo I will feel your pain

Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay - Both teams are 2 and 0 but one team has wins against Atlanta and Tennessee while the other team has victories against Cleveland and Carolina. Which team do you think ranks better with their victories?

Philadelphia at Jacksonville - Philadelphia in their 2nd week on the road after ALMOST losing in Detroit, going to Jacksonville at home.

Washington at St Louis – We will see how Washington plays on the road this week after 2 home stands. St Louis seems like a very even team, not much scoring on offense but not allowing much scoring either, although they’ve only played Arizona and Oakland so far.

Oakland at Arizona – Two evenly matched struggling teams and in this case you have to just go with the home advantage over a uncertain team who might end up having 3 different QBs play this week…

Indianapolis at Denver – This game scares me for 2 reasons. #1 is I just don’t know if the same Colts defense from last week will show up this week on the road. #2 Denver can put up numbers at home. The only saving grace is Denver hasn’t ran the ball very well so far.

San Diego at Seattle – This is the old game of we’re here and you’re there and we’re there and you’re here. Like I said last week, Seattle has always played pretty good at home

New York Jets at Miami – Jets are getting it all together tightly while Miami looks good on paper but in reality only has victories against a poor, poor Buffalo team and a vastly confused Brett Favre team – EXTRA = Jets 28 - Dolphins 12

Monday Night Game

Green Bay at Chicago – Lots of hype about this game between 2 teams who have played either poor and/or mis-guided teams with losing records. GB has played 2 teams with a combine W/L record so far this year of 1-3. Chicago has played 2 teams with a combine W/L record so far this year of 0-4. Of the 4 opposing teams Chicago has played the tougher 2 of the 4, but only by a hair.

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

Leaning against the Goal Post

2010-09-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

Week 2 of the NFL season is done, with some surprises that I'm sure you all are aware of by now. I came very close on some of the games, especially my Washington pick (ah, for a better FG kicker). Detroit is looking good and as I said in a previous post "Detroit has new talent and has to mesh yet", right now I am tossing it over about picking them come this Sunday against a very lackluster Viking team... We shall see when I post my picks Friday...

Overall so far this season I stand at: 18 out of 32 for a 56% pick average. I am trying my best to have a consistent 80 to 85 pick percentage this year...

As to the basic stats for advantages:

16 TEAMS TOTAL:

8 teams won at home this week

8 teams won on the road this week

10 teams won who were picked as favorites

6 underdog teams won

That's it for this Tuesday and if you look hard you'll find me leaning against the goal post, Knobby

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

2010 NFL season – week 2

2010-09-17T03:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday Games - Winning picks in Red

Arizona at Atlanta – Atlanta returns homes while this makes 2nd week away for Arizona. Some teams play better at home then those who are road weary.

Tampa Bay at Carolina - Carolina has better offense and they’re home.

Baltimore at Cincinnati – Cincinnati came on strong at the end last week, Baltimore to me just seems out of sorts and with this being 2nd week on road won’t help.

Kansas City at Cleveland – 2 teams that are still trying to make people believe in them, KC should after this week.

Chicago at Dallas – the 5 million offensive plays of Martz vs the old, the injured and the brave.

Philadelphia at Detroit – Detroit had their chance last week and came away the worse for the wear.

Buffalo at Green Bay – I just don’t see the buffalos stampeding on this field.

Miami at Minnesota – Favre and Vikings at home. It will be interesting to see if they have what it takes this year.

Pittsburgh at Tennessee – Pittsburgh may have won last week against Atlanta but Tenn. At home is a whole different ball of wax.

Seattle at Denver – OK, I made the mistake last week of forgetting that Seattle is very good at home and very lousy on the road.

St Louis at Oakland – For me this is a toss up, either one has potential and when in doubt always go home.

Jacksonville at San Diego – It is still early in season to see if Jacksonville has it together enough to win at home and away but SD looked very soft against KC last week.

New England at New York Jets - For last 2 years these teams have played close on Jets turf and on New England’s turf also. Jets can do it in this even year again if they stop losing the ball.

Houston at Washington – Both teams coming off of HUGE victories last week, IMO book Washington’s victory was bigger and more meaningful and that will carry on this week.

New York Giants at Indianapolis – Poor Colts, but I knew it was going to be a tough season for them. If Giants decide to rush more then pass the Colts will be hard pressed again this week. – EXTRA = COLTS 28 – NYG 24

Monday Game -

New Orleans at San Francisco – Well after last weeks lack of everything on San Francisco part this pick is easy.

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

Leaning against the Goal Post

2010-09-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

So the first week of NFL football is done and over with and I ended up with a pick record of 8 & 8. Others I know did better and some others did worse, it's all in how the ball bounces.

Just a quick rundown of how the teams did compared to their arrangements on the pick polls...

16 TEAMS TOTAL:

12 WON AT HOME

4 WON AWAY

Of the teams that had the highest pick percentage - 9 WON with 7 underdog team winning

For up - to - date daily NFL news during the week go to Mac's Football Blog

I'll post week 2 picks this coming Friday and as always you'll find me leaning against the goal post, Knobby

Week 1 - 2010 Season - Sunday/Monday Games

2010-09-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

Well The Vikings sure went FLAT in the 2nd half, hope this isn't a prelude to how my picking season will be going. LOL

I had about 60/61 percent winning avg. last season...

Lets see if I can do any better with the remaining 15 games this week: Again this is the first week of the season and no one really knows how teams will be playing...

Sunday Games - Winning picks in Red

Miami at Buffalo - Miami is improving, Bills have a good defense

Detroit at Chicago - Detroit has new talent and has to mesh yet, Chicago with changes but not drastic

Indianapolis at Houston - this will be the first test of how Colts offense/defense is and whether Houston has improved enough in order to move out of Colts shadow

Denver at Jacksonville - west coast to east coast thingy never really works especially playing against Jacksonville

Cincinnati at New England - Cincinnati has dynamo and IMO N.E. is crumbling at the edges

Carolina at the New York Giants - as long as Giants defense hold up they'll be fine

Atlanta at Pittsburgh - Atlanta new talent, Pittsburgh without Big Ben

Cleveland at Tampa Bay - Cleveland's growing while Tampa Bay has solid base

Oakland at Tennessee - Another west to east thingy and we'll see if Tenn. defense is good

Green Bay at Philadelphia - GB very good offense still - Philly has new quarterback

San Francisco at Seattle - SF is one team that should go far this season

Arizona at St Louis - Question on both side of ball so we shall see

Dallas at Washington - Washington new people again - Dallas old people already banged up EXTRA: Washington 16 - Dallas 12

Monday Games -

Baltimore at New York Jets - Jets could be trouble this year for a lot of teams

San Diego at Kansas City - Kansas improving, SD missing players

Week 1 - 2010 Season

2010-09-07T03:56:00.000-07:00

Well I hope everyone enjoy their Labor Day holiday and summer because it's time to get back to NFL football. As usual though the first few weeks will mostly be picks without much added opinions because no matter what takes place during summer and drafts, etc. the true nature of a team and its players for a new season is really not revealed until 3 or 4 games are played...

This year though should be an exciting one and lots and lots of hopeful teams out there. In fact I would say some of the old top teams, especially like New England or Colts might be in for a rough year.

My picks of teams to watch for this year are - St Louis, Tennessee, San Francisco, Jets and Detroit might have some surprising up-sets...

Let's get on with the season -

Thursday Night Game:

MINNESOTA (0-0) AT NEW ORLEANS (0-0)

Again the problem for the first few weeks of a new season is that there are no decisive
Offensive Statistics or Defensive Statistics, just well they could do this or well they should be strong here, etc.etc.etc. The one thing you can question from last season is whether some teams will continue to be good on the road and at home or will some teams just be good road teams or just good at home..

This game is a re-hash of last seasons Championship game where Favre took a pounding! and still came up smiling... although the Vikings lost...

The Vikings last year had 4 losses - all away games, The Saints had 3 losses all at the end of the season when it didn't really matter... Right at the moment Vikings are somewhere between 3.5 and 4.0 underdogs....

I think they will top the Saints in this game only for the fact that Favre needs to if nothing else...

My Pick: Vikings 26 - Saints 24

Sunday games I'll have come Friday

Be seeing you, Knobby

SUPER BOWL 2009 NFL SEASON

2010-01-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

So here we are, at the Super Bowl and according to past games & stats will be played by 2 of the last remaining teams still standing - New Orleans Saints & Indianapolis Colts.

I have hear wild predictions so far as to scores being 45 to 24, 42 to 28, 52 to 45 and then there some more reasonable predictions 31 to 28, 31 to 27, 38 to 31 etc...

As I have noticed through this season for the most part whenever you had 2 high -offense teams meet, it always seemed like you ended with a low scoring game - reason? defense!

So lets start this puppy...

New Orleans Saints vs Indianapolis Colts

First off, it doesn't matter which team has been chosen to be home team. In my book this is away game for both teams.

Colts - looking at their away game stats minus the last Buffalo game (which they were not trying to win very hard) they come in at 218 PF & 121 PA in 7 games. That averages out to 31.1PF & 17.3 PA per game.

Saints - their away game stats are 246PF & 146PA in 7 games. That averages out to 35.1PF & 20.9PA per game. NOW, if you add in the last away game at Carolina they had (which some people say they were trying to win, others say different) then you have 256PF & 169PA in 8 games. That averages out to 32PF & 21.1PA per game.

There is where the difference is folks - in my books this is going to be a brutally close game. The only way I see this as not being close is if one team or both teams come in playing like 1st time High School football kids. The other outside reason would be bad official calling like they had during the Saints/Viking game. ( calling a TD when the guy is down 3 ft from the goal line????)

That's it! you can ponder this, you can ponder that, you can figure till you're blue in the face or read every possible stat there is, but the bottom line will be - how will the teams show up to play after 2 weeks off?

I'm betting on a close game, with COLTS winning 26 to 24...

Be seeing you, Knobby

Week 20 - Conference Championships - 2009 Season

2010-01-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

Woo Woo! Woof Woof who lets the dogs out! 4 out 4 last week in picks!!! As in the words of Yogi Berra, that's like getting all of them right...

So here we are at the Championship Games - lets take a look see at what we got...

N.Y.Jets @ Indianapolis Colts - Following the Jets and their progress these last several weeks I have noticed that they are getting weery and defense although tops is ruffling around the edges.

This last game against SD, they came on top by a slim margin, because SD field goal kicker missed 3 FGs and Jets did not play sharp like they did against Cincinnati. Road travel getting to them? 4 roads game in 5 weeks!

Check some stats and you'll see that out of 5 meaningful games Jets have played on road (N.O., Miami, N. Eng., Cinn.,S.D.) against better teams the defense is not to tops. 114 total pts. gave up for an avg of 22.8 per game.

Colts defense looked good against Baltimore. Peyton and offense IMO was a little off, especially on some of his long throws. Other than that it seems like the resting did actually help the Colts this year.

Looking at their 5 meaningful home games against some top teams (Houston, N. Eng., Tenn., Denver, Baltimore) and you get a defense that has gave up only 87 total pts. for an avg. of 17.4 per game. Not to shabby...

I stand with my Colts and I do believe the travel will hit the Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium > Colts 26 - - Jets 18

Minnesota @ New Orleans - most people think this is a match up of two high flying teams, when IMO it's just one. I don't believe either will score in the 40's or 50's and only one will probably reach 30 pts.

Defense as usual in all these games will be the key and N.O. has a better defense by a slight margin. Minnesota has not played well on the road all year and after the few weeks of rest that N.O. had, it seems like they were back in form against Arizona.

As much as I would like to see Brett Favre make it this year I just don't think it will happen. Minnesota defense will not be able to contain Brees to any hopeful point. Although I don't see either team blowing the other out, I do believe N.O. will come out on top.

I might add this little disclaimer: that this game more so than the Jets/Colts game could go either way, NO by upright win or Minn. with a few lucky ticks at the right moment > New Orleans 30 - - Minnesota 25

Be seeing you, Knobby...

Week 19 - 2009 Playoffs

2010-01-11T06:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to week 19 of NFL 2009 season!

Some good games played last week, I ended up 2 for 2 winning my Jets & Arizona picks and losing my New Eng. & Phil. picks

First, I want to give you a couple of little playoff history tidbits here: In the last 6 playoff seasons 2003 - 2008 there has been a home team and/or a bye week team play in the Super Bowl.

2003 - New England { #1 defense AFC & over-all } - Home team adv. & bye week - won SB - - Carolina { #3 defense NFC & #6 over-all } lost SB but had home field 1 time & no bye week.

2004 - New England { #2 defense AFC & over-all } - Home team adv. & bye week - won SB - - Philadelphia { #1 defense NFC & #3 over-all } lost SB but had home field adv and bye week.

2005 - Seattle { #3 defense NFC & #7 over-all } - Home team adv. & bye week - lost SB - - Pittsburgh { #2 defense AFC & #4 over-all } won SB, played all 3 playoff game away & no bye week.

2006 - Chicago { #1 defense NFC & #3 over-all } - Home team adv. & bye week - lost SB - - Colts { #6 defense AFC & #11 over-all } won SB and had home field 2 times & no bye week.

2007 - New England { #3 defense AFC & #4 over-all } - Home team adv. & bye week - lost SB - - NYG { #6 defense NFC & #12 over-all } won SB played all 3 playoff games away & no bye week.

2008 - Pittsburgh { #1 defense AFC & #1 over-all } - Home team adv. & bye week - won SB - - Arizona { #6 defense NFC & #12 over-all } had home field 2 times & no bye week.

Defense can win Games! Be it strong, lucky, skilled or any and all 3, Defense can win Games.

Not a 100 % sure bet, but close. The odds of a better defense team winning and moving on during season, playoffs are in their favor more than not.

My winning picks are in the usual RED...

Saturday Games:

Arizona @ New Orleans - Arizona ranks 4th defense in NFC & 10th over-all among the playoff teams. New Orleans ranks 6th defense in NFC & 12th over-all.

New Orleans has rested they hurt while Arizona has gotten new hurts. Warner & crew played well against GB but their defense was slowly fading as it got further & further into game.

I think we will see a re-new N. O. team and they will give the home fans a little something to cheer about...

Baltimore @ Indianapolis - Baltimore ranks 2th defense in AFC & 3rd over-all among the playoff teams. Indianapolis ranks 5th defense AFC & 7th over-all.

Let me first say that I hope Colts management knows what their doing by what they have done!

Anyways, Baltimore came out fast and played hot against N..Eng. but N. Eng. seemed to be missing alot of alot like motivation, tackles, spunk, drive, etc.

Colts all season had a nick-knack paddy whack for somehow, somewhere pulling wins out of the hat. Hopefully their players are rested and not out of sinc. I stand by them again this week as usual...

Sunday Games:

Dallas @ Minnesota - Dallas ranks #1 defense NFC & #2 over-all among playoff teams. Minnesota ranks #3 defense in NFC & #8 over-all.

Well Dallas has surprise me, they've played really well, much better than I thought they would in the last several weeks. But they head to Minnesota where Mr. Favre is Mr. Perfect.

Dallas defense has gotten stronger in last weeks of play and Minnesota's has been good all along.

Only thing you have to look for is strength of opposing teams and could they be the reason for an improving defense or a seemly strong one. Looking at games for both teams Minnesota has a slight edge in playing stronger teams. I just don't think Dallas can carry it for another week.

N. Y. Jets @ San Diego - Jets rank #1 defense AFC & overall among playoff teams. S.D. ranks #6 AFC & 9th over-all.

Jets looked damn good against Cincinnati and why not they had motivation, defense, etc. and like I said last week I like the way the Jets look - good American football.

San Diego has been on a terror streak these last 11 weeks and alot of people are saying they could win SB. They haven't played the Jets yet!

For the Pro Football U-pickem gang - - Jets 22 - SD 20

See you all later, Knobby

Week 18 - 2009 Playoffs

2010-01-04T12:51:00.000-08:00

Well now we begin the tense weeks of football where if your favorite team loses than that is it! done, gone, finished for season...

I, myself & me finished the regular season picking with 154 right out of 256 games giving me a 60% pick avg. Which means I'm average - lol, some out there picked worse and some picked a way lot better, but it's all for fun, right???????

Saturday Games:

N.Y.Jets @ Cincinnati - A re-do of what we just saw yesterday. I was impressed with the Jets yesterday, good tough playing. I like Jets Defense, in last 6 games (not including these last 2 with Colts,Cincinnati) Jets have allowed 87 pts which works out to 14.5 a game. Cincinnati in the same game span has allowed 107 pts or 17.8 a game.

Taking all into consideration - I believe the Jets will hold tight, have momentum on their side and squeak out a win, be it ever so close...

Philadelphia @ Dallas - Another re-do game of yesterday. Oh, what a mystery game Mr. Reid can play with his players. If for one moment Dallas thinks they scored something yesterday, they are in for a surprise come this game. Dallas needed that game yesterday, Phillips needed that game yesterday, Jerry Jones needed that game yesterday - Mcnabb did not, Reid did not, Eagles did not, but they need this game and will get it...

Sunday Games:

Baltimore @ New England - Check the back records of N.Eng and you will see that although Baltimore has improved and I like them as a team, they just are not going to have what it takes to take down New England on their own turf...

Green Bay @ Arizona - Another re-do game - let say this, Green Bay did not play Arizona yesterday, almost all of Arizona's first-team defense played only one possession and Kurt Warner sat after one quarter. Aaron Rodgers played three quarters, mostly against Arizona reserves.

Look at GB's losses, most of their losses have all came at the hands of high passing teams. Out of GB's 5 road wins, 4 have been against St. Louis, Detroit, Chicago and Arizona reserves, hardly record breaking teams there.

On the other hand Arizona has not played good at home and their wins at home have been over weak teams (Houston, Seattle, St. Louis) and their win over Minnesota was because Minnesota plays as bad on the road as Arizona does at home.

Still looking at a tough game but my edge is going to a full Arizona team this week...

Week 17 - Sunday Games - 2009 Season

2010-01-02T07:05:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the last regular week of NFL football - this week will be like throwing darts at balloons with the wind blowing. Some teams are still in the hunt for playoff spots, while others are just going to try to end on a positive note or two. So picking winners this week is guessing which teams will do what with their starters, which teams are good enough to win with 3rd string players, etc, etc,.

As usual my winning picks are in that fabulous color RED!

COLTS

Jacksonville

New Orleans - I am changing this pick over to Carolina, because NO staff have decided to sit the big kids. Don't want them hurt over a silly little game, now do we???

Dallas

Detroit

Houston

Miami

Minnesota

N.Y. Jets

San Francisco

Atlanta

Arizona

Baltimore

Washington

Denver

Tennessee 24 - Seattle 17

See you next week for the playoffs!!!!! Knobby...

Week 16 - 2009 Season - Sunday/Monday Games

2009-12-27T06:16:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend - not much posting for me, Grandkids have been keeping me busy. I will say, in my picking the pros game, I did pick SD to beat Tenn on Friday. So hey, I'm one up for the week.

Oh, last week was a disaster - 5 right out 16 games - but, as Bob Dylan would sing, it's all good!

As for todays games and Monday nite game my picks to win are:

Atlanta

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Green Bay

Houston

N. Y. Giants

N. England

New Orleans

Baltimore

Arizona

Detroit

COLTS

Philadelphia

Sunday Nite Game: Dallas 24 - Washington 16

Monday Nite Game: Minnesota

Enjoy the rest of the weekend and go out and do something with family and friends.

Be seeing you, Knobby

Week 15 - 2009 Season - Sunday/Monday Games

2009-12-20T05:41:00.000-08:00

WoW! NO lost last nite! I bet they're ALOT of angry betters out there this morning - LOL Good job Dallas for stepping up and proving critics wrong...

On to todays games and MNF game.

My picks to win are in Red:

Arizona at Detroit - Poor Poor Detroit, someday though, right?? Their house will land on the wicked witch of the west and they will live happilly ever after in OZ. Just not this week though...

Atlanta at New York Jets - Good game here and Jets should sneak a win out

New England at Buffalo - Buffalo plays NEng tough, came within a hair of beating them first game of season. NEng seems to be messed up this season. I'm going out on a limb and well you know it's just me, it's all for fun anyways, right?

Chicago at Baltimore - I think Chicago finally made it, jeez talk about bad scheduling of travel plans...

Cleveland at Kansas City - I don't think the Brown players like their coach and will make sure he doesn't come back next year...

Houston at St Louis - I think half of St Louis has the flu, hard to play when your throwing up

Miami at Tennessee - Yes, Young is suppose to return and play, but IMO Miami will handle the situation

San Francisco at Philadelphia - Ok, I going to crawl out on another limb here and only because I like Mike Singletary. I think the 49'ers will be a force to reckon with in 1 to 2 more years...

Cincinnati at San Diego - All reports that I'm seeing is that Cincinnati players are all with-drawn over Chris Henrys death and probably visiting SD won't help matters

Oakland at Denver - Nope, Denver is mile high...

Green Bay at Pittsburgh - Now here is an interesting game, what the heck has happened to Steelers?????? Can they come back this week? I know one thing and that is their secondary has been beaten by lesser offensive teams then GB.

Tampa Bay at Seattle - Come on Seattle, put a win together for the old gipper before he leaves town!

Minnesota at Carolina - Now that NO has shown weakness, I hope Mr Favre has a run at the big one.. for you pick & Play ppl -> Minnesota 28/Carolina 19

New York Giants at Washington - My 2nd big upset of week, Giants will fold again for some unknown reason..

You all have a good one!

Peace & Love, Knobby

Week 15 - 2009 Season - Saturday Night Game

2009-12-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

Way to go Colts! good game all around... Now on to tonites game:

Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans Saints - I just don't see Cowboys doing it tonite - I have looked for any angle that might lead me to believe they can win tonite and I can't come up with one. Trust me, being the risk taker in picks that I am I would pick them if there was anything other then just luck. The only thing I can come up with is I read where NO defense has played very tired in last 2 games, so maybe that might play to Cowboys advantage but, other then that all I got is they win by a fluke or something happens to Brees, etc

Take care, Knobby

Week 15 - 2009 Season - Thursday Night Game

2009-12-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Hey Hey - we're getting close to the end of regular season and playoff time.

Last week I went 12 -4 making me 130/208 for 62% right so far this season.

COLTS @ Jacksonville - Lots of questions surrounding this game this week. Will they, can they, maybe, wait and see, etc. The Colts with their win over Denver cliched home field advantage for all playoff games, which is good. They also have a bye the first week of playoffs, which might be good or might be bad depending on how and who plays these next 3 games.

The reason I say that is because Dungy was a firm believer in resting players at the end of season games and most of the time they would end up losing during playoffs while teams that fought the whole season through were more playoff ready. I call it 'getting out of sinc' - any sport and especially ones where there is alot of physical activity like football, mountain biking (my field), skiing, etc. and you sit for extended periods of time not doing and it does not take long to get out of sinc, having to regroup and regain momentum.

So far all that I have read Caldwell will not be letting up, as by these statements:

"We're going to approach the 14th game exactly like we did one through 13. We're going to prepare just like we did for the first 13 and we're going to play just like we did the first 13," Caldwell said. "The only thing that would deter anyone from playing is a health issue.

"We're not going to assign numbers, in terms of plays, for anybody. We didn't do that for the first 13 games, and we're not going to do it for No. 14, either."

So time will tell and we will see how true to his word Caldwell will be come tomorrow night. But I think in the back of the Colts mind there is no doubt that they would love to surpass what the Patriots achieved in 2007 by going 16-0, then sweeping through the playoffs and actually winning the championship.

P.S. Thanks to IndySportsNation.com for Peyton Manning pic.

Week 14 - 2009 Season - Sunday/Monday Games

2009-12-13T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hello, yes I missed posting Thursday game and this post will be short. Not feeling really great again and alot of things going on this week...

For thoses interested I did pick Steelers to win Thursday and as we all know, they could not even beat Cleveland - how the mighty have fallen this year...

I'm just going to list my winners here for this week:

New Orleans

Baltimore

Kansas City

New England

Green Bay

Minnesota

COLTS

Houston

Miami

New York Jets

Oakland

Tennessee

San Diego

Sunday Night Game: New York Giants - 21 to 17 over Phildelphia

Monday Night Game: San Francisco

Week 13 - 2009 Season - Sunday/Monday Games

2009-12-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

UPDATE -SUNDAY 11AM

I'm changing my pick prediction on the New Eng. vs Miami game - due to more reading and that Bookies are now pulling the game off the books and the recent rumors of Brady finger being hurt - something is in the air that I'm not liking... So new prediction is Miami 23 - New Eng. 17

Also Tampa Bay vs Carolina is being changed too. I am now picking TB to win with news that RB DeAngelo Williams, WR Dwayne Jarrett, FB Tony Fiammetta and others are all inactive today...

This past Thursday night game didn't go as I suspected it would as the Bills defense lapsed for several minutes in the closing first half which ended up being the difference in the game. As they keep saying you have to play the full 60 and the coaches have to have a starting game, a middle game and an exit game.

My picks to win are in RED -

Philadelphia at Atlanta - If McNabb shows up for this game Philadelphia should do good...

SEE UPDATE ABOVE - - - Tampa Bay at Carolina - Carolina should have game plan in place already for this match-up. Even with Delhomme out it won't matter as this will be a running game to win.

St Louis at Chicago - Here's a up-set - I think St.Louis is going to come in and surprise Mr. Smiths team, which will not be good for him staying at Chicago..

Detroit at Cincinnati - I wish Detroit the best and hope they can pull an up-set off, but I'm not holding my breath...

Denver at Kansas City - Denver has to be on top of game here, because as shown in past KC can get ya and beat you if you let them.

Houston at Jacksonville - Houston is favored in this game - I don't see it happening. Jacksonville plays good at home and I think Houston will be dragging their mental thoughts from a disappointing loss to the Colts last Sunday with them to this game

Tennessee at Indianapolis - Scared is the word here for me, I know it will not be the end of the world if Colts lose but darn I would like to see them go 16 - 0 for the season... We will see how this seasons Colts rope-a-dope playing, plays out against Mr. Fisher, Mr. Young and team...

SEE ABOVE UPDATE ------ New England at Miami - Miami will make it tough but I see NE lasting long enough to win (NE 24 - Miami 16)

New Orleans at Washington - If NO comes into this game with a ho-hum attitude they could end up on the losing end. Washington has nothing to lose and everything to gain with a victory so NO better not be thinking easy come - easy go with Washington...

Oakland at Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh needs to get back in gear and should be able to do so with Oakland in town...

San Diego at Cleveland - Only factor I see here is the COLD might affect SD playing attitude...

Dallas at New York Giants - As you know Eli has a foot problem which is now complicated by a stress reaction, let me post a quote here from Eli - "In the games it doesn't bother me and I don't think about it. This is not something I am overly concerned with," Manning said. "It has been the same for probably the last three to four weeks, it's nothing new. I can go out and practice and do all I need to do." Hello! you've lost 5 of your last 6 games and JUST barely beat Atl. 2 weeks ago.... face it It's a problem for you and the team.

San Francisco at Seattle - Seattle lost the first time round this season and I don't think Seattle has it again this time around.

Sunday Night Game: Minnesota at Arizona - To many problem going on in Warners head and Favre is on a mission this year with a team that can carry that mission through.

Monday Night Game: Baltimore at Green Bay - Baltimore has a problem with teams that have good passing and if GB sticks to the plan and does not try to out run Baltimore they'll come up victors...

Be seeing you, Knobby.........

PS - Don't forget the 'Red kettle' bell ringers are out - carry a few extra dollar bills in your pocket to give so as to help, TY

Also if you can - PLEASE Donate to your local food bank or pantry today! Even just a small bag of staples or groceries can make a big difference in someones life, TY

Week 13 - 2009 Season - Thursday Night Game

2009-12-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Hello to all! Hope all is well with family, friends and life....

Last week my picks started good and ended mediocre - I went 13 and 3 which actually is very,very good, (total for year is 109 out of 176) it's just my Sunday night went sour on me. But, I did learn that New Orleans is a much better team than what I thought they would be against New Eng. or N. Eng is a much poorer team than we all thought...

That was a game where ppl should have said that New Eng. was being 'manhandled' instead of everyone ganging up on the Colts after their first quarter with Houston. I knew what Houston was trying to do and I also now know what the Colts strategy is in games... kinda of like Mohammad Alis 'rope-a-dope' let the opponent wear themselves out early and than pounce on them in the end...

Only 2 upsets last week which brings us back down to a avg. of 4.5 ea. wk. we also had 1 game that was pegged at 50/50

Thursday Night Game in Toronto, Canada

NY Jets vs Buffalo Bills - Both team came away with wins last week, both QBs looked better and also both defenses look real good. Right at the moment Jets are favored 56-57% to Buffalos 43-44% to win. To me there both pretty much even - with the edge going to Buffalo. Fitzpatrick being the better QB and last 2 weeks him and TO seem to be on the same path. This game will more than likely come down to turn-overs/interceptions. In their earlier meeting Buffalo INT. Sanchez 5 times, while Jets only had 1 against Fitzpatrick. Look for Bills defense to stepped up this week again as they did last week against Miami

Have a good one and I'll be back sometime Friday evening with this weekends picks...

PS - Don't forget the 'Red kettle' bell ringers are out - carry a few extra dollar bills in your pocket to give so as to help, TY

Also if you can - PLEASE Donate to your local food bank or pantry today! Even just a small bag of staples or groceries can make a big difference in someones life, TY

Week 12 - 2009 Season - Sunday/Monday Games

2009-11-27T06:51:00.000-08:00

Hope all of you had a fine Thanksgiving Day? With my picks going 3 for 3 mine was great... lol

This Sunday and Monday games we're seeing some tough match-ups, which means some games might have up-sets of the unexpected kind.

My picks to win are in RED -

Tampa Bay at Atlanta - a match-up of 2 teams who I presume had high hopes for the year and have failed miserably. TB is bad on both sides of the ball, while Atl. at moments can muster a good run or two offensively.

Miami at Buffalo - Buffalo in earlier games looked like they were going to bust out and make a season, but last 3 games due to high injuries, changed of QB, new mid-season coach -they have sunk into a pit. Even with Miami losing some players, they have shown depth. Look for Ricky Williams to star again this week.

Carolina at New York Jets - Jets started out a power house in first 3 games of season and then went South winning only at Oakland in the last 7 games. Panthers - started poorly and then have gone up, down, almost, etc. Even though most odds are favoring Jets to win - I see it differently... Look for close game though.

Cleveland at Cincinnati - This is game where one team should really just have to stand on the field and win - but we know from last week that is not the case in all games. Just know also that even though these two should be different as day and night, this is going to be a close game.

Indianapolis at Houston - Could happen you know, Houston winning this one, but for some reason the COLTS have found a way to win each game this year, even by the tiniest of margins.

Washington at Philadelphia - Not going to be the same type game we saw last week against Dallas

Seattle at St Louis - St Louis can't buy a win, although Detroit did help them one week to look good. They can play tough at home. Seattle can't play on the road - they are a terrible road team... They have played well against poor teams. Look for change in St. Louis QB not helping, they will be losing what little consistency they were building.

Jacksonville at San Francisco - tough and close game with many peak moments but, look for Gore to hold it together for SF.

Kansas City at San Diego - Please don't look for KC to do this week what they did last week. Although this game will be closer than the score was the first time these two met...

Arizona at Tennessee - I have look and look and look at stats for these teams, trying to figure out where the key point is for this game. I found it - Arizona has lost one game this year and it was because the opposite team had a running game and ran circles around Arizonas defense. Look for Tenn. to do the same with Young being a added element of surprise.

Chicago at Minnesota - Favre and crew at home against a team that continues to let their QB get hit, hit and hit...

Sunday Night Game - Baltimore at Pittsburgh - Poor Pittsburgh just doesn't seem to be their year, which is fine their still a great football team and as always even great teams have down years... Baltimore 22 - Pittsburgh 18

Monday Night Game - New England at New Orleans - Hype game of the week - New England defense is good but if on the field to much they weaken terribly and NE has lost 3 out 4 road games - NO offense is high-flying and can put together extended drives as well as short quick ones. New England through the year has played the tougher teams. Look for turn overs to be big part of game. This game will come down to who has the ball last...

Week 12 - 2009 Season - Thanksgiving Day Games

2009-11-25T06:07:00.000-08:00

Hello to all! Hope you all will be enjoying your time with family and friends this week and hopefully not eat to much turkey and stuffing...

I went 11 for 16 last week which gives me 96 out of 160 for the season - not bad considering I am more of a rebel when picking teams. Always out to look for that extra win by the underdog team, which there was last week. 4 upsets including 2 big ones that very few including myself saw coming... KC over Pittsburgh and Oakland over Cincinnati... Which makes this season weekly upset avg. 4.72 upset games each week.

As for this weeks 3 Thursday games: As usual my picks to win are in RED

Green Bay @ Detroit - although fine gutsy playing by Stafford and Lions vs Cleveland last week I'm afraid it not going to carry over against GB. Even more so with Stafford having a injured arm/shoulder. I will give him this, if he can avoid becoming a injury prone QB he might be what the Lions have been looking for. But remember 1 winning game does not make a whole season nor does it make a winning team out of a poor team, it's just a step towards that goal.

Oakland @ Dallas - Don't let Oakland upset last week over Cinn. fool you they still have a long way to go. Dallas on the other hand better come awake or their going to find themselves out completely. To, To close against Washington last week for a supposedly number 1 team...

N Y Giants @ Denver - This match-up is a hard one for me this week. Both teams have fallen down and seem like they don't know how to get back up. Denver was blowin out by SD last week and NYG tried their best to give their game away with Atl. Both teams badly need a win and to toughen up their defenses. All the stats you could possibly go through lean towards NYG winning but, as we all know 'ANY GIVEN SUNDAY' or Thursday

Week 11 - 2009 Season

2009-11-20T05:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm off to another rousing start this week - lost that pick last night. Strange year so far - Teams that should BLOW others teams out of the water, LOSE. Teams that lose all their players WIN because of ref calls. If I didn't know better I would say the NFL was turning into the WWE - with pre-scripted endings no matter how real the playing on the field looks.

And coaching! Games are being lost because coaches that don't know how to coach or they can't coach properly because of all the snotty nose players now a days... We're not in Kansas any more Toto... maybe Rush is right... Oh well...

6 upsets in week 10 which brings that stat up to 48 upset games for the season which averages out to 4.8 up set games per week.

As usual my picks to win are in RED -

Atlanta at New York Giants - Giants have rested for a week now and hopefully they have gotten themselves together again and Eli ankle is better. Atlanta is not a good road team this year. Giants should sneak one in this week.

Indianapolis at Baltimore - Will the Colts be complacent this week after their huge come-back win last week? Baltimore can be tough but if Colts want to show they are Super-Bowl material they need to win this game. Colts win but probably by not more than 6pts.

Buffalo at Jacksonville - Buffalo is a mess, totally and now their on the road...

Cleveland at Detroit - How do you pick a winner from 2 losers? I can tell you that this game is going to be LOWWWWWW scoring and hopefully the Lions can get that extra FG to win this game.

Washington at Dallas - Contrary to rumors running about, Dallas is not going to blow Washington away, this is going to be a defensive game with scoring in upper teens. Dallas should come out on top

San Francisco at Green Bay - After that Tampa Bay game, GBs defense got a good chewing out and came on like stormtroopers against Dallas. With them still being at home this week they should play well again... GB also needs to win in order to keep their wild-card playofff chances alive.

Pittsburgh at Kansas City - Pittsburgh shouldn't have too much trouble with KC this week as long as they focus on the game and not take it to lightly - than they could find themselves in trouble.

Seattle at Minnesota - I'm still wondering why Seattle is only being given a 1% chance of winning this game. Anyways, this is the 2nd road game on a 3 road game trip for Seattle, which is not good, plus they can allow alot of pts. Mr. Favre and crew should come out on top by 10 or more pts.

New Orleans at Tampa Bay - N.O. just escaped last week with a win over St. Louis and now this is their 2nd road game in so many weeks. Tampa with Freeman at quarterback is a totally different team then weeks ago. I am going out on a limb here and I think Tampa Bay will pull off a win this week.

Arizona at St Louis - Arizona has to focus on this game to win but don't be surprised if St. Louis wins either.

Cincinnati at Oakland - Same thing for this game, these high powered teams have to focus and play hard against these lesser teams or else.

New York Jets at New England Patriots - Poor, Poor, Poor Jets - The Patriots revenge on them after last weeks mistakes vs Colts will be brutal...

San Diego at Denver - Denver certainly has fallen in the last 3 weeks, while SD has risen top side. Will home base help Denver? without Orton don't look for it this week...

Philadelphia at Chicago - I'll be honest here, I don't like McNabb, don't know why, never met him, never talked to him, never tweeted with him but for some odd reason the man just comes across to me as a ass! So that said, I'm picking for Chicago to win and if they again can focus, focus and offense can pick it up some what they should be able to do it... Chicago 21 - Philadelphia 17

Tennessee at Houston - Houston won the match-up earlier this season between them but only by 3pts & Tenn. was not playing Young. I truly believe things will be different this time around.

Week 11 - 2009 Season - Thursday Night Game

2009-11-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post for tonight's game between Miami and Carolina - Miami has lost a key player Ronnie Brown as has Carolina with Jordan Gross. Brown has meant more to Miami playing than Gross has to Carolina. Muhammad's return to Carolina has helped along with Steve Smiths picking thing up a tad and together in the last 3 weeks Jake Delhomme has had 3 TDs and 0 interceptions...

Look for a tough game but Carolina should win tonight

Rest of week picks will be posted Friday Afternoon - have a good one..

Week 10 - 2009 NFL Season

2009-11-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY 11/13/2009 RE-DO OF THIS WEEKS POSTING...

This week we start with the NFL channel broadcasting Thursday night games, so picks and fantasy teams have to be in earlier now. Also starting this week I will go into more depth analysis with each match-up...

Last week I went 9 for 13 (some what of a respectful showing) - making me 77 out of 128 games (60%). There were 6 upsets last week - which raises the weekly upset avg. from last weeks 4.50 to 4.66 upset games a week so far. 4 of the 6 teams with week 8 byes won in week 9 which brings that total to: 14 out 24 teams have won following a bye week.

TEAMS IN RED ARE MY PICKS TO WIN:

Thursday Night Game:

Chicago @ San Francisco - Bears playing in away games have a poor offense & defense, as seen by their away record: 4 away games with total of 64 pts for vs 106 against. 49ers at home play on a much more even keel: 4 homes games with total of 95 PF vs 89 PA. In this match-up 49ers should come up with somewhere between 24 - 26 pts while Bears will probably only muster about 19 to 23 pts.

11/13/09 - San Francisco won last night 10 - 6 over Bears in a really un-bearable game to watch, but even though the pts. were off from what I said they would be the winning range was correct. Overall I had 49ers winning by 3 to 5 pts.

Sunday Early Games:

Atlanta @ Carolina - This match-up could be a toss up this week. Atl in travel games play pretty evenly offensively & defensively: 4 away games with total 103 PF vs 108 PA. Panthers struggle at home in 3 home games so far they have 39 PF vs 75 PA. Look for Atl to get about 25 - 26 pts while Panthers should come up with about 20 - 22, although they could because of Atls loose defense get upwards of 27 - 28 pts and pull off a win. Overall looking at Atlanta winning by 4-5 pts.

Tampa Bay @ Miami - TB pulled a big upset last week at home against GB but, that game withstanding TB still allows too many pts on the road and hasn't been able so far to match it with what they put up: In a total of 3 away games they have 47 PF vs 82 PA. Miamis defense is about the same as TBs only difference is their offense can out score what their defense allows: In 4 home games they have 126 PF vs 110 PA. This game Miami should score somewhere in the range of 28 - 30 pts vs TB which will probably only get 21 to 25 pts. Overall looking at Miami winning by 5 - 7 pts.

Detroit @ Minnesota - With me living in Michigan and although I am 100% COLTS fan, I always have a soft spot in me for the Lions. I always wish them the best and root for them (whenever their not playing the COLTS) but it's a hard team to root for week in and week out. This week is no different - I wish and hope they win but it's just not in the cards again. On the road the Lions defense lets teams score double what their offense puts up: 4 away games and they have 71 PF vs 153 PA. Minnesota at home with Favre now playing for them score pts: 3 home games so far this year with 90 PF vs 78 PA. Based on my math figuring we should see Minn. get 34 - 38 pts this game vs Detroits 21 to 26 pts. Overall looking at Minnesota winning by 12 - 13 pts.

Jacksonville @ N.Y.Jets - Jacksonville is spotty at best in away games, they can score 30 pts or they can score 0 pts. Don't me why or even how they can play like this but they do: 4 road games they have 56 PF vs 109 PA. Jets can be tough at home if their on their game: In 4 home games 78 PF vs 72 PA. Jacksonville should play tough but Jets defense will subdue them, Jacksonville about 16 - 18 pts, Jets getting 23-27 pts. Overall looking at Jets winning by 7 - 9 pts.

Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh - Here's another game where either team could win this week. Cincinnati can play on the road and they usually find a way to win: 3 road games this year they stand with 71 PF vs 58 PA. Pittsburgh is tough, no question about it but, they could let down this week after last weeks Denver game and Cincinnati has beat them once this year. Pittsburgh in 4 home games has: 105 PF vs 69 PA. Average math calculations looks for Cincinnati to get 20 - 23 pts and Pittsburgh getting 22 - 26 pts. Overall looking at Pittsburgh winning by 2 - 3 pts.

New Orleans @ St. Louis - OK, lets move on to the next game....But, if by chance St. Louis does win, it would have to go down as major up-set game of the century...

Buffalo @ Tennessee - This is match-up #3 this week that I am seeing as either team winning. Both Buffalo and Tennessee are evenly matched, with the slight edge going to Buffalos defense. The odd man in the whole equation is Vince Young, so far in his two games played since being put in he has played great. Buffalo in 4 road games: 70 PF vs 85 PA - Tennessee in 3 home games has 70 PF vs 78 PA. I'm seeing Buffalo scoring 23-26 pts and Tenn. right around 22-23 pts. Overall looking at Buffalo winning by 1 - 3 pts.

Denver @ Washington - Denver after winning their first 6 games has lost 2 in a row now, so they need this game to straighten the ship. Washingtons offense is pitiful this year, no matter where they play. Denver on the road in 4 away games: 76 PF vs 63 PA. Washington in 4 home games: 48 PF vs 61 PA. Look for Denver to get between 15 to 18 pts this game while Washington ends up with 12 to 14 pts. Overall looking at Denver winning by 3 - 4 pts.

Sunday Late Games:

Kansas City @ Oakland - 2 teams that have not done what they were expecting themselves to do this year. Match-up #4 this week for me as either team having a chance to win. KC in 4 away games have: 73 PF vs 92 PA. Oakland in 4 home games has 36 PF vs 94 PA. Loosely figuring things up in my brain I see KC scoring between 20-23 pts while Oakland could possibly get anywhere from 16 to 23 pts.
Overall looking at Kansas City winning by 3 - 4 pts.

Seattle @ Arizona - 2 teams with loose defenses and Seattle playing poorly on road while Arizona this year has played poorly at home. In 3 road games Seattle has 44 PF vs 95 PA. Arizona fairs a little better in 4 home games with 75 total PF vs 106 total PA. All though this game COULD go either way, Arizona should hold on to win by getting between 24 - 31 pts and holding Seattle to 20 - 25 pts. Overall looking at Arizona winning by 4 - 6 pts.

Dallas @ Green Bay - Where the heck was Green Bay last week in Tampa Bay? Dallas started this year very shaky but since the KC game on 10/11/09 they have played solid. Green Bay seems to have lost track this year, although their record shows 4 victories, they have been against poor teams (Chicago, St.Louis, Detroit, Cleveland). Still this game is not a shoo-in for Dallas: In 4 road games Dallas has 90 total PF vs 74 PA. In 4 home games Green Bay has 97 total PF vs 84 PA. Look for Dallas getting 20-25 pts while GB rounds up about 18-22 pts. Overall looking at Dallas winning by 2 - 3 pts.

Philadelphia @ San Diego - I have said it before and I will say it again - Philadelphia plays whatever way McNabbs feels about the opposing team or QB. Only problem is you don't know how McNabb feels about a game or opposing QB until game time, so it makes it hard to pick whether they will win or not. Phil. in 3 road games has 74 PF vs 40 PA. San Diego in 4 home games has 96 PF vs 94 PA. IMO McNabb will try to show Rivers up this week so look for Phil. to score between 23 - 28 pts with Phil. defense holding SD to 13 - 18 pts. Overall looking at Philadelphia winning by 5 - 10 pts.

Sunday Night Game:

New England @ Indianapolis - OMG! but will this game hold up to all the hype for it? Although alot of media hype this week about this match-up, it really only centers around P. Manning vs T. Brady. In reality if you look, neither team has really played tough opposing teams. Colts have played very well on the road while lacking at home but still winning. New England has played a little tougher teams than Colts have but still no over-whelming ones and have lost some that they probably should have won. In 4 home games the Colts have 86 PF vs 60 PA. New Eng. in 3 road games has 61 PF vs 43 PA. All in all two evenly match teams, look for New Eng. to get 17 to 20 pts. while Peyton and crew should pull out about 18 to 23 pts. Very close game and ranks as match-up #5 as a victory could happen for either team. Overall looking at COLTS winning by 1 - 3 pts.

Monday Night Game:

Baltimore @ Cleveland - Word is out that Quinn will be starting QB for Browns but, that will only gain Cleveland some extra points not a win. Baltimore has been up and down all year but not that down that they allow Quinn to beat them. In 4 away games Baltimore has 90 PF vs 103 PA. Cleveland has totals of 43 PF vs 88 PA in 3 home games. Baltimore should put up between 23 - 29 pts with Browns showing about 14 - 20 pts. Overall looking at Baltimore winning by 3 - 9 pts.

I'm looking at just 3 up-sets this week (Buffalo, K.C., Phil.)

Have a great week!

For Randy Inman predictions go here: Week 10

Be seeing you, Knobby...

Week 9 - 2009 Season

2009-11-07T08:34:00.000-08:00

Getting later and later with posting my predictions here lately, sorry about that.

Lets get started first with where we stand in some of the stats:

Last week I went 7 for 13 - making me 68 out of 115 games. There were 5 upsets last week - which raises the weekly upset avg. from last weeks 4.42 to 4.5 upset games a week so far. Last week 2 of the 6 teams with week 7 byes won which brings that total to: 10 out 18 teams with previous byes win the following week...

TEAMS IN RED ARE MY PICKS TO WIN:

Sunday Early Games:

Baltimore Ravens (4-3) @ Cincinnati Bengals* (5-2)

Houston Texans (5-3) @ Indianapolis Colts (7-0)

Green Bay Packers (4-3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-7)

Arizona Cardinals* (4-3) @ Chicago Bears (4-3)

Kansas City Chiefs (1-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4)

Miami Dolphins (3-4) @ New England Patriots (5-2)

Washington Redskins (2-5) @ Atlanta Falcons (4-3)

Sunday Afternoon Games:

Carolina Panthers (3-4) @ New Orleans (7-0)

Detroit Lions (1-6) @ Seattle Seahawks (2-5)

Tennessee Titans* (1-6) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-4)

San Diego Chargers (4-3) @ New York Giants (5-3)

Sunday Night Football Game:

Dallas Cowboys (5-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) And for my weekly Pick-the-Pros pickers - Philadelphia 27 - Dallas 19

Monday Night Football Game:

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) @ Denver Broncos* (6-1)

I'm predicting 4 upsets this week - indicted by *

Hope you have a nice weekend & I'll be seeing you.

Knobby

Week 8 - 2009 Season

2009-10-31T05:39:00.000-07:00

Good Day to you all, late on getting this up this week had a light touch of flu this week, just enough to make you sit there with enough energy to act like a zombie and just go through the motions.

Last week I went 9 for 13 - making me 61 out of 102 games. Why I picked Cleveland over GB last week will be a mystery for the ages.

There was 3 upsets last week - which brings the weekly upset avg. to 4.42 upset games a week so far.

Last week 2 of the 4 teams with week 6 byes won which brings that total to: 8 out 12 teams with previous byes win the following week...

TEAMS IN RED ARE MY PICKS TO WIN:

Denver at Baltimore - Denver is rising while Baltimore is wondering

Houston at Buffalo - Houston can play or they can watch, Buffalo can play or they can watch

Cleveland at Chicago - As the song from the Drew Cary show use to say 'Cleveland Rocks' yeah right, not this year...

Seattle at Dallas - Seattle is just a poor travel team, always has been

St Louis at Detroit - Could be the surprise game of week, hopefully Detroit finds a way to win and not the opposite

San Francisco at Indianapolis - Come on it's the COLTS

Miami at New York Jets - More than likely Miami will again razzle dazzle the Jets

New York Giants at Philadelphia - Hopefully Giants find themselves this week against a team whose win record has been built against poor teams. (Giants 28 - Eagles 24)

Jacksonville at Tennessee - In my book Fisher doesn't care anymore but he will post a win this week

Oakland at San Diego - Unless a another Philadelphia miracle happens SD should pull it out

Carolina at Arizona - Carolina will play tough but Arizona has the tools to overcome

Minnesota at Green Bay - If you look at their game list you'll see that both teams have not played any good teams with the exception last week of the Minn/Pitts. which Minn. lost.

Atlanta at New Orleans - WOW! what a come from behind victory last week for NO. Should continue winning ways this week also but hey, ANY GIVEN SUNDAY!

Looking at my picks I have 5 upsets this week so we will see...

For more week 8 picks go & look at this fine site: Randy Inman

Be seeing you, Knobby...

Week 7 - 2009 Season

2009-10-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Well stinky poo and all of that smelly stuff - I went 6 for 14 last week, jeez I could have done better if I would have just thrown darts at the game list... With last weeks total I now stand at 52 right out of 89 games for about 58% picking avg.

We also had 5 upsets last week, which is where the key lies. The trouble being trying to pick week after week which teams will be upsetting who?

Also last week 2 of the 4 teams with week 5 byes won which brings that total to: 6 out 8 teams with previous byes win the following week...

Teams in RED are my picks to win this week...

Green Bay @ Cleveland

San Francisco @ Houston

Chicago @ Cincinnati

San Diego @ Kansas City

Minnesota @ Pittsburgh

COLTS @ St. Louis

New Eng. vs Tampa Bay in London

Buffalo @ Carolina

N Y Jets @ Oakland

Atlanta @ Dallas

New Orleans @ Miami

Arizona @ N Y Giants - Sunday Night (Giants 33 - Arizona 29)

Philadelphia @ Washington - Monday Night

My upsets winners for this week are San Francisco, Cleveland & Dallas

Be seeing you, Knobby

Week 6 - 2009 Season

2009-10-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

Two weeks in a row now I have run 50% on picks which gives me a total for season so far 46 out 75 about 60% avg. Fair at best, but its been fun!

Lets see if I can do better this week - - -

Teams in RED are my picks to win:

First off let me say I'm going to try a experiment here with my picks. Like I stated in Tuesdays Tid-Bit post all the teams that had a week 4 bye won in week 5 no matter whether they were at home or away so that being the case, my first 4 picks to win this week are those who had last week off:

Detroit @ Green Bay

N Y Giants @ New Orleans

Chicago* @ Atlanta - Sunday Nite (Chi. 23 - Atl. 21)

Denver @ San Diego* - Monday Nite

Rest of my picks for week:

Houston @ Cincinnati

St. Louis @ Jacksonville

Baltimore @ Minnesota

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh

Carolina @ Tampa Bay*

K. C. @ Washington

Phil. @ Oakland

Arizona @ Seattle

Tenn. @ N. Eng.

Buffalo @ N. Y. Jets

So there you have it and as you see I'm predicting 3 upsets * this week

For more picks check Randys page out for this weeks picks and articles -Randy Inman

Have a good weekend and see you back here Tuesday, Knobby

Tuesday NFL Tid-Bits

2009-10-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Thought I would try something new here and do a post on Tuesdays with little Tid-Bits of information that I come across on the wires.

First off let me say that again I went 7 out of 14 this week in picks - but being more of a risk taker on picks than the avg person I am bound to be low some weeks when the magic football ring is not in my possession.

Tid-Bit #1 - All the teams that had a bye in week 4 won in week 5 no matter whether they played at home or away.

Tid-Bit #2 - After 5 weeks of play we've had 44 home wins, 32 away wins, 52 high % wins & 23 low % wins.

Tid-Bit # 3 - Rumors are running wild as to Terrell Owens could get traded to the Bears or anybody for a Mid-round draft pick & Tony Dungy could go back to the Bucs.

Tid-Bit #4 - NFL has changed start time of MIN-GB game on 11/1/09 to 4:15pm ET.

Tid-Bit #5 - Cleveland Browns Could Trade Brady Quinn

Tid-Bit #6 - Pontiac opens bidding for Silverdome

Tid-Bit #7 - Want you to check this guys page out and his picks and articles -
Randy Inman

Tid-Bit #8 - What to get that Mighty Warrior for Christmas this year - Battle Underwear

Have a nice week and I will see ya Thursday night with my NFL picks for week 6 - Knobby

Week 5 - 2009 Season

2009-10-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

OUCH! OUCH! OUCH!

Shooting for the stars last week and didn't even reach the moon - OUCH!

Ended up with 7 correct out of 14 games giving me a total on the season of 39 out of 61 games...

Upsets: Week 1 - we had 3 upsets, Week 2 - we had 8 upsets, Week 3 - we had 3 upsets. Last week I predicted 5 upset games and there was 3. This week I am predicting 3 upset games

So moving on to this weeks picks;

TEAMS IN RED ARE MY PICKS TO WIN

Cincinnati @ Baltimore - Ravens SHOULD handle this one

Cleveland @ Buffalo - Cleveland has no defense, Buffalo although hurting should pull it out.

Washington @ Carolina - 2 poor teams but when all said and done Washington will walked away with victory.

Pittsburgh @ Detroit - HAHAHAHAHAHA Detroit will battle like the devil 1st half and then implode amongst themselves in 2nd...

Dallas @ K C - Dallas score wise has been working backwards from game 1, KC has been even steven but still no cigar. PS: If by chance Dallas loses look to the south and watch the bright red rocket shooting towards the sky with Coach Phillips on it...

Oakland @ N Y G - With or without Eli, Oakland is poor competition for Giants

T B @ Phildelphia - McNabb and Westbrook should be back and TB lost to Washington, nothing else to say...

Minnesota @ St.Louis - The Farve circus will make the Arch look like a side show in a carnival...

Atlanta @ S Fran. - This will be a GOOD game, look for close score but Singletarys men will be best.

Houston @ Arizona - Both teams have problems and as much as I like Warner, I'm afraid Houston will out score him and his playmates.

N. Eng. @ Denver - Is there snow in Denver? This game will prove whether Denver is real or not. Last week it looked like Dallas did themselves in more then Denver beat them.

Jacksonville @ Seattle - Jacksonville is improving each week, Seattle even with players coming back they are not healthy.

Sunday night game: COLTS @ Tenn. What did I say last week? (COLTS 27 - Tenn. 17)

Monday night game: N Y Jets @ Miami - 2nd week on road for Jets and Miami looked hot last week at home.

Week 4 - 2009 Season

2009-10-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

First off let me state this: NEVER EVER GO AGAINST YOUR MOST FAVORITE TEAM NO MATTER WHO TELLS YOU WHAT! NEVER EVER! Ok got that out of the way...

I was 10 for 16 last week which puts me 32 right out of 47 games but that's what you get when you pick the wrong upset teams each week and you just know there are going to be upsets every week. Week 1 - we had 3 upsets, Week 2 - we had 8 upsets and last week we had 3 upsets. This week I am predicting 5 upset games.

Teams in RED are my picks to win this week

First the no-brainer picks:

Cincinnati @ Cleveland

Oakland @ Houston

Seattle @ COLTS

NY Giants @ Kansas City

St Louis @ San Francisco

Second, lets go with very well could happen picks:

Baltimore @ New England - Balt. still a good defense and now they have added a offense. NE has not been protecting Brady well enough.

And Sunday nights game - San Diego @ Pittsburgh - Pitts. is down in the dumps this year and SD has been scoring well. For my pick the pro players: (SD 24 - Pittsburgh 20)

Lastly the will they or won't they picks:

Detroit @ Chicago - Going with Detroit b/c their flying high right now and stats are showing their putting more pts. on board then Chicago

Tennessee @ Jacksonville - Jacksonville played real well last week, their at home and Tenn. is not a good playing away team.

Tampa Bay @ Washington - Does DC have a team or are they just politicians dress in football gear?

Buffalo @ Miami - This is going to be a tough as nails game for anyone to predict. Close as butter on bread but I favor Buffalo by ever so slim of pts.

N Y Jets @ New Orleans - Jets are good for some reason this year and they will put on a good tough show but I'm looking at Mr. Brees to win out in the end.

Dallas @ Denver - Good defense for Denver but Dallas has more tools

And Monday Night Game - Green Bay @ Minnesota - Will Bretts luck hold out longer or will GBs defense come to life? I'm betting on GBs defense coming alive...

Week 3 - 2009 Season UPDATE!

2009-09-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

7pm EDT - I'm not doing to bad as long as my 4pm games hold up , but I have decided that my Sunday night pick will Arizona 27 - COLTS 23. I just don't believe the colts defense has enough oompf in them to last 4 quarters against Warner, coming off the tough and long Miami game and then short week and fly out west

Week 3 - 2009 Season

2009-09-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

I went 11 out of 16 last week giving me a season total of 22 out of 31

Lots of upsets last week and I am predicting possibly 4 or 5 this week
Teams in red are my picks to win

Cleveland @ Baltimore

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati

Washington @ Detroit

Jacksonville @ Houston

San Francisco @ Minnesota

Atlanta @ New England

KC @ Philadelphia

GB @ St Louis

NYG @ Tampa Bay

New Orleans @ Buffalo

Chicago @ Seattle

Tennessee @ NY Jets

Denver @ Oakland

Miami @ San Diego

COLTS @ Arizona - I am undecided at this moment as to who will win, my heart and soul go for COLTS but stats I'm afraid might prove otherwise...

Monday Night Game: Carolina @ Dallas

Week 2 - 2009 Season

2009-09-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

Last week I was 11 out 15 on picks. I say 15 because I wasn't around to chose last Thursday night game...

This weeks picks are:

Atlanta over Carolina

Minnesota over Detroit

Green Bay over Cincinnati

Arizona over Jacksonville

Kansas City over Oakland

N Y Jets over N. England

New Orleans over Phildelphia

Tennessee over Houston

Washington over St. Louis

Buffalo over Tampa Bay

San Francisco over Seatlle

Pittsburg over Chicago

Cleveland over Denver

Baltimore over San Diego

COLTS over Miami

N. Y. Giants 24 over Dallas 19

Week 1 - 2009 Season

2009-09-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

Games are always hard to pick in the first 2 to 3 weeks, because off season stats and pre season stats are ALWAYS so iffy. That's why I don't really blog much or pay to much attention during them times - I like & enjoy the main circus event (regular season football) and not wandering around the parking lot (draft/pre-season) (Last season I had 168 picks right)

Miami at Atlanta – Atl win

Kansas City at Baltimore – Balt win

Philadelphia at Carolina – Phil win

Denver at Cincinnati – Cinn win

Minnesota at Cleveland – Minn win

Dallas at Tampa Bay – Dallas win

Detroit at New Orleans – N.O. win

Jacksonville at Indianapolis – COLTS win, did you think I would pick differently LOL

New York Jets at Houston – Houston win

San Francisco at Arizona – Ariz win

Washington at New York Giants – NYG win

St Louis at Seattle – Seattle win

Buffalo at New England – N. E. win

San Diego at Oakland – S.D. win

Chicago at Green Bay - Chicago win 27 - 24

Coming this Fall

2009-07-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

Coming this fall - Videos of me giving predictions! I'm excited and hope it works out as I have planned..

see ya, Knobby

Colts Coaching Changes?

2009-05-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

News out this morning is the Colts are in for another shake-up in their coaching staff. Offensive line coach Howard Mudd has informed the Colts he is planning to retire immediately because of the pension-plan changes, according to team and league sources. Mr Mudd has been with the Colts for 12 years, and is 67 years old. The reason for his possible stepping down is because of the changes made by the owners this past March concerning the pension program for non-players.

Payton Manning has been there 11 years and has known no other NFL offensive line except that one under Moore/Mudd team. Tom Moore, 70 also has been the Colts offensive coordinator for 12 years also. Moore was able to reached for any comments, as to his plans of either staying or retiring .

If all this takes place and with Colts under a new coach already, it should be interesting to see how if any this will effect the high-firing Colts offense.

Let the arrests begin!

2009-05-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

NFL team mini -camps are here and active and apparently so are the idiots of the NFL who play the game. According to the report it seems like 2 of New Orleans Saints up-standing players? were arrested and jailed for exposing themselves and making lewd comments to 2 women.

Sure does makes me want to rush right out and buy their jerseys and get their autographs and maybe have my kids imitate them...

Other then that, I just don't get these players any more. Seems like the whole world has lost common sense and decency...

Click here for story...

WFA - IWFL Saturday Game Scores

2009-05-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sat., May 2nd Game Scores:

WFA

Indiana Speed 60 @ Toledo Reign 0

Gulf Coast Riptide 66 @ Emerald Coast Barracudas 8

West Michigan Mayhem 56 @ Dayton Diamonds 0

Kansas City Storm 0 @ Iowa Thunder 74

Missouri Phoenix 0 @ Minnesota Machine 58

HTown Texas Cyclones 12 @ Lone Star Mustangs 20

IWFL

Shreveport Aftershock 0 @ Chattanooga Locomotion 62

Oakland Banshees 0 @ Portland Shockwave 2

Montreal Blitz 48 @ Holyoke Hurricanes 0

Connecticut Crushers 0 @ Boston Militia 47

Detroit Demolition 13 @ Baltimore NightHawks 0

Dallas Diamonds 32 @ Atlanta Xplosion 7

Clarksville Fox 14 @ Iowa Crush 0

Manchester Freedom 0 @ New England Intensity 13

Miami Fury 21 @ Houston Energy 0

Jersey Justice 40 @ Southern Maine Rebels 14

Modesto Maniax 0 @ Southern California Breakers 55

Orlando Mayhem 15 @ Carolina Phoenix 42

Tucson Monsoon 54 @ New Mexico Menace 0

Pittsburgh Passion 7 @ D. C. Divas 27

Corvallis Pride 0 @ Sacramento Sirens 39

Palm Beach Punishers 14 @ Carolina Queens 26

California Quake 21 @ Los Angeles Amazons 36

New York Sharks 33 @ Philadelphia Firebirds 14

Kansas City Tribe 6 @ Chicago Force 28

Central PA Vipers 8 @ Erie Illusion 61

Wisconsin Warriors 54 @ Minnesota Vixen 16

Tennessee Valley Tigers 32 @ Louisiana Fuel 27

The Brett Favre Circus

2009-05-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

As Bob Dylan sang in his song Desolation Row: ¶ They're selling postcards of the hanging, They're painting the passports brown,The beauty parlor is filled with sailors, The circus is in town

Got your popcorn, your cotton candy? Do you have a front row seat waiting in anticipation for the main clown to appear hoping to catch a balloon from him?

Yes, here he comes now, Mr. Brett Favre himself!

At the moment he is retired, or he did retired back in February, saying: "he is retired and that his career is over." I think or he thinks or we think, maybe nobody thinks. The Jets than said that they are taking Favre at his word that he is retired but, didn't release him thinking he might change his mind. Gee, I wonder where they got that idea from?

Then this past March, 5th we had the Packers saying they "still intend to offer legendary quarterback Brett Favre a marketing agreement, but want to wait until both sides can move beyond any hurt feelings." They then went on to say a week later that, "The Green Bay Packers will retire Brett Favre's No. 4 jersey at some point, and team president and CEO Mark Murphy envisions a day when Favre is once again part of the family." BUT, "probably won't happen this year. "

Then last week after trading up to get Mark Sanchez, the Jets let Favre go, with him saying: "At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football." OK, we've been here before.

Now for the main ring feature.

After this the rumors started flying about how he said he "can't peacefully retire until he finds a way to get revenge on the Packers" & how he can't stand Green Bay, and that he wants to play Green Bay and say, 'I told you so.' On & on it go's... until we now have either him or Minnesota calling each other and talking or so they say or so we hear.

I will acknowledge that he played better last year with the Jets, than what I had expected, but he did tire and faltered at the end.

Brett Favre is angry at something. I think he's angry at himself and he's blaming Green Bay. He's angry at himself for being almost 40 years old and thinking he's still 20. He's angry that he hasn't had the chance for more Superbowl victories. He's just angry and bitter.

No one at the moment knows what will happen between now and August with Mr Favre. In my opinion he should make amends with Green Bay, drop his bitterness, live with the fact he's 40 years old and retire with the superstar status he still has, and not as a old clown or even worse with a life threatening injury.

But I don't see that happening, not this year.

Amish Cornerball anyone?

2009-05-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Seems like the Amish down Lancaster County way play a rough game called 'Cornerball' aka 'Eck balle'

City folks dodge ball on hay! Will ESPN or WWEs Vince McMahon pick up on this someday??

Thanks to Erik from the Amish America web site for the links and Rick Harrison for the photo...

WFA - KICKOFF FOR THE CURE!

2009-05-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, May 2nd at 4pm the Iowa Thunder have partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, for the 1st Annual Susan G. Komen Kickoff for the Cure, in an effort to fight the deadly disease of Breast Cancer. The event will be followed by the Iowa Thunder's game against divisional rival the Kansas City Storm at 7:05pm where the Thunder look to become the first ever women's football team in Iowa to start a season 3-0.

For Thunder starting Wide Receiver Ashley Sumner,

this day and this event is a bitter sweet reminder. When Ashley was very young she lost her mother to a long battle with breast cancer. In addition to losing her mother, Ashley has also lost her Grandmother to breast cancer and this past year her father was diagnosed with cancer.

For those in Iowa go support this cause and enjoy some Spring Womens Football...

Thanks to WFA for pictures and links...

Draft time

2009-05-02T05:16:00.000-07:00

NFL draft is not really anything I get into. All over the sports TV shows and radio shows there's special hours dedicated to the draft and on the Internet sites there is all this analysis and opinion, but I just don't see the reason for it.

These are young college players some who have had good college playing records and will for whatever reason might not play in the NFL for 2+ years due to adjusting to a higher level, or they don't want to play with this team but that team, maybe training the coaches might want to put them through or because them seek more money, etc.

So I don't follow the draft much, players come and go now days and it's really hard to say what a team will be like or do until the season starts and even then it still takes some a few more weeks to get their act together.

So just wanted to explained to anyone who comes here why you see little about the draft here...

Besides it's almost summer! Tiger is back and JD looks like he's trying to get his act together again over on the European Tour, I do wish him well and hope to see him back in the states maybe later this year...

Lance is cruising again and Mr. Manning looks like he had fun the other day at the Quail Hollow Pro-am. Jack LaLanne is still kicking at like 93 or something, and Dr Weil will be heading to his house on Cortes Island in BC, Canada soon, so go enjoy yourselfs and quit worrying about whether some 22 year old is going to sign for 45 million or just 38 million, Enjoy!

WPFL videos

2009-04-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

I was sent these clips by one of my readers and I thought I would share them with you all:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gW4-3DRBuE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmBxuZM7zRQ&feature=related

I also promised WAYYYY back in September I was going to a few pieces on Womans Pro Football, so now that tax season is over for a spell - I will be doing that within the week or so...

Amish NFL draft expert!

2009-04-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

¶ Are you READY for some FOOTBALL????
A Monday night party??
The whole house is rockin’, let’s get it kick started
Launch this thing, raise the roof, that’s right
All my rowdy friends are here on Monday night!!!!

Ok settle down now,

It's seems there is an Amish fella down in Ohio by the name of Eli Yoder who by this 3 part story must be a football expert. I'm going have to see if I can get him to make some predictions for my football blog this Fall/Winter
Part 1 - http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-7-117/AFC-East-chat-a-no-go-on-Amish-turf.html
Part 2 - http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-7-123/Amish-draft-expert-offers-fearless-predictions.html
Part 3 - http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-7-172/Amish-draft-expert-nails-pre-draft-predictions.html

Well That's it Folks

2009-02-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

The 2008 professional football season is over - Congrats to the Steelers and their fans. It was a nail biter for some folks. Some fans have died and others will wilt away as the heat of summer glows on them... For me it was so-so, My Colts didn't make it pass round 1 in the play-offs again...Although Tony was a good coach during regular season, his playoff coaching seems to lack, he was a firm believer in resting players at end of season before playoffs and that I think always hurt them... Well on to August/September 2009...

During the spring and summer I will be following the Women's pro football and as promised several months ago I will be writing some posts concerning the NFL lack of interest or desire to help this league, so we'll see what brew we can stir up here...

Tom

2008 SUPERBOWL

2009-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

Well I know I have been lacking in my analysis here recently, and I'm sorry for that - but I have one follower who e-mails me and get me back on my toes....don't you Karin????

Anyways - on to to the game of the year - rough and tumble Pittsburgh Steelers vs pass happy Arizona Cardinals???? who da thunk it back in September....

First, let me say that I consider this game a road game for both teams, but I'm sure the Steelers will have more fans there than Arizona will.

Road Records: Pittsburgh 6-2 on road - Arizona 4-5 on road. Record on Grass: Pittsburgh 11-4 Arizona 10-5

Last meeting: Sept. 30, 2007, at Arizona. Arizona (+6) won 21-14.

Total Stats for the season;

PITTSBURGH: OFFENSE
290 1st downs, 93 by rushing & 179 by passing & 18 by penalties.

105 avg rushing yds. per game.

206 avg. passing yds. per game.

Big Ben had a 59.9 % completion rating, was sacked 49 times and lost 306 yds & was intercepted 15 times.

Punted 78 times & 41 were returned with a avg. return of 6 yds. & no TDs

DEFENSE,

Allowed 240 1st downs, 73 by rushing & 149 by passing & 18 by penalty

Gave up a avg. of 237 yds. per game - 80 by rushing & 157 passing

Had 51 sacks that totaled 350 lost yds. had 20 interceptions - 2 were returned for TDs

ARIZONA: OFFENSE
328 1st downs, 72 by rushing & 231 by passing & 25 by penalties

74 avg. rushing yds. per game.

292 avg. passing yds. per game.

Mr. Warner had a 66.3 % completion rating, was sacked 28 times and lost 201 yds. & was intercepted 15 times.

Punted 60 times & 33 were returned with a avg. return of 7.2 yds. & no TDs.

DEFENSE,

Allowed 312 1st downs, 117 by rushing & 172 by passing & 23 by penalty

Gave up a avg. of 331 yds. per game - 110 by rushing & 221 by passing

Had 31 sacks that totaled 191 lost yds. had 13 interceptions - 2 were returned for TDs

RANKINGS:

Pittsburgh

total yds/game 22
rushing yds/game 23
passing yds/game 17

opp. yards/game 1
opp. rushing yds/game 2
opp. passing yds/game 1

Arizona

total yds/game 4
rushing yds/game 32
passing yds/game 2

opp. yards/game 19
opp.rushing yds/game 16
opp. passing yds/game 22

Arizona has stepped up and played damn good football during these play-offs, much better then the regular season - could they actually be better than their regular season stats show????

The Steelers are favored for good reason; they are the better team, at least stats show defensively. The Cardinals can score quickly and the Steelers are not a good come from behind team. Question is can this 2008 play-off Cardinal team get into the Steelers Defense? Can Steelers actually get to and cover Fitzgerald?

Warner if given time can throw balls through hula-hoops at 80 yds. Under pressure and out of pocket and he has trouble hitting the side of a barn. Big Ben just stands there and takes it, good or bad results.

Fitzgerald should be the number one guy for Warner, but don't be surprise if the Cardinals change go to guys to shake up Steelers defense.

Ward is playable but seems to be doubtful at the same time. If Pittsburgh can dictate the tempo of the game, they should win easily. On the other hand if the Cardinals can strike early they will not be in forced passing situations and can take some of the pressure off of the quarterback.

This game has a lot of IFs & ANDs to it - a great defense -vs- a explosive offense - a tried & true superbowl team -vs- a never even been there team...

MY PICK - ARIZONA 26 - Pittsburgh 24

2008 - Week 19 - Divisional Championships

2009-01-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there are stats out there if one were to look hard enough that tells you what shoes each player wears during what games and where? Amazing how big and involved this game of football has become in our country....

Well, anyways after last weeks total pick melt-down for me, I'm back, but this week I'm going simple, sometimes you look at enough stats and you lose sense of what your objective is -which for me is to have a little fun and hopefully pass along some useful information to others..
So let's begin;

Baltimore @ Tennessee

On road games the Ravens get a avg. of 188 passing yds. & 148 rushing yds. They allow on avg. their opponents to pass for 200 yds. & rush for 111 yds. Oh, that's good defense there...

Tennessee in home games avg. 190 passing yds. & rushing for a avg. of 129 yds. They allow on avg. their opponents to avg. 209 passing yds. & 109 rushing. Wee doggies, that's better than them Ravens ...

So what we have here, is a failure to communicate... No, wait that's from Cool Hand Luke movie. What we do have here though, is 2 tight rushing defenses combined with medium offences...

Ravens are more of a big play defense who can generate turnovers. This is a game likely to be decided by turnovers and Baltimore is somewhat more likely to generate some. Each team is going to have to force the other team into doing something they don't want to do...

Expect to see Baltimore get around 195 to 200 passing yds combined with 127 to 133 rushing. Tennessee should come in a little under that with 193 to 198 passing yds. and 118 to 122 rushing yds.

BAL 18th OFF; TEN 7th DEF
BAL 4th RUN; TEN 6th VS. RUN
BAL 28th PASS; TEN 9th VS. PASS
BAL 11th PTS; TEN 2nd PTS ALLOWED

TEN 21st OFF; BAL 2nd DEF
TEN 7th RUN; BAL 3rd VS. RUN
TEN 27th PASS; BAL 2nd VS. PASS
TEN 14th PTS; BAL 3rd PTS ALLOWED

Expect another close one...MY PICK - BALTIMORE 17 - 16 Tennessee

Arizona @ Carolina

Road games for Warner and crew seem to lack something compare to their home games. On avg. for road games Arizona gets 283 passing yds. & 80 rushing yds - that's like sitting on the bench and watching the parade. They allow the opponents 201 avg. passing yds & 122 avg. rushing yds.
Car-o-lina at home gets on avg. 197 passing yds. and 174 avg. rushing yds. - somebody please, take the battery out of their backs... With all that running about, their opponents gather 227 avg. passing yds. & 117 avg. rushing yds. - not to far from Baltimore defensive stat.

Mr Kurt will be carrying the team as I see Arizona rushing not getting alot. Cardinal defense played well in shutting down the run last week, they will not have as easy a job trying to keep Williams and Stewart contained.

Expect to see Arizona get 252 to 258 passing yds. & 95 to 100 rushing yds. Carolina should be getting about 197 to 203 passing yds. & 147 to 153 rushing yds.

AZ 4th OFF; CAR 18th DEF
AZ 32nd RUN; CAR 20th VS. RUN
AZ 2nd PASS; CAR 16th VS. PASS
AZ 3rd PTS; CAR 12th PTS ALLOWED

CAR 10th OFF; AZ 19th DEF
CAR 3rd RUN; AZ 16th VS. RUN
CAR 19th PASS; AZ 22nd VS. PASS
CAR 7th PTS; AZ 28th PTS ALLOWED

Carolina @ home has played damn good football compared to their road games. They'll be telling Kurt and crew - (in my best Clint Eastwood voice) Get off MY LAWN!... MY PICK - CAROLINA 34 - 22 Arizona

Philadelphia @ New York Giants

The Philadelphia McNabbs for road games seems to have sprung alive here since Mr. Mood was sent to the corner during the Baltimore game earlier.

With road games Philadelphia gets an avg. of 250 passing yds. & 87 rushing yds. They must be learning knitting at the same time they're running... They allow opponents to pass for an avg. of 198 yds & rush for 119 yds.

Giants at home earn 183 avg. passing yds. & 179 avg. rushing yds. I bet ya' they smell donuts in the clubhouse to run that much... Their worthy opponents this year have been allowed to pass for a avg. of 203 yds. & 114 avg. rushing yds. Always losing out on the donuts.......

Expect to see Philadelphia get in the range of 223 to 229 passing yds. & 97 to 103 rushing yds. N.Y.Giants should get about 187 to 193 passing yds. & 146 to 152 rushing yds.

PHI 9TH OFF; NYG 5th DEF
PHI 22ND RUN; NYG 9th VS. RUN
PHI 6TH PASS; NYG 8th VS. PASS
PHI 6TH PTS; NYG 5th PTS ALLOWED

NYG 7th OFF; PHI 3RD DEF;
NYG 1st RUN; PHI 4TH VS. RUN
NYG 18th PASS; PHI 3RD VS. PASS
NYG t-3rd PTS; PHI 4TH PTS ALLOWED

I'm seeing 3 of them, Mick - than hit the middle one, Rock. Which is what one of these teams have to do if they want to hear the final bell. The Eagle team that will show up this week, can beat just about anyone as long as they are consistent. The Giants, hope they haven't lost any momentum, they are all healthy and Jacobs I hear is biting at the bit to get going...MY PICK - NYG 24 - 21 Philadelphia

San Diego @ Pittsburgh

To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the minds of men to throw the football or stand and get hit like a punching bag. Which, Roethlisberger does by holding on to the ball too long.

San Diego on their road games avg. 245 passing yds. & 86 avg. rushing yds. What is it with these teams, all their RBs knitting sweaters out there? Their opponents are allowed to get 221 passing yds. & 116 rushing yds.

Pittsburgh while playing at home pass for 201 avg. yds. & rush for 109 avg. yds. See they knit in the clubhouse not on the field. The teams they play at home are getting 199 avg. passing yds. & 118 avg. rushing yds.

We could see SD get 219 to 225 passing yds. & 99 to 105 rushing. Pittsburgh wiil end up with 208 to 214 passing yds. & 109 to 115 rushing yds.

SIDELINE: Pittsburgh's 4 losses came against pass oriented teams

SD 11TH OFF; PIT 1ST DEF
SD 20TH RUN; PIT 2ND VS. RUN
SD 7TH PASS; PIT 1ST VS. PASS
SD 2ND PTS; PIT 1ST PTS ALLOWED

PIT 22ND OFF; SD 25TH DEF
PIT 23RD RUN; SD 11TH VS. RUN
PIT 17TH PASS; SD 31ST VS. PASS
PIT 20TH PTS; SD 15TH PTS ALLOWED

FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, WIN, WIN, WIN... Both defenses are going to have to be like on Claritin and see everything clearly. More than likely Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson will not play or very limited. That super charged rabbitt named Sproles could cause trouble, but with him playing more he could lose that energy as the game gos on. Pittsburgh will pressure Rivers into mistakes, more than likely and will have to protect Big Ben from to many hits, so look for alot of shotgun hikes...MY PICK - SAN DIEGO 16 - 12 Pittsburgh

Superbowl is close...

Well - How about them Cubs?

2009-01-04T05:50:00.000-08:00

You know that age old saying ,that people say when they want to diffuse a situation or change the subject...Fits here...............

After hours of research and number crunching and constant e-mails from football fans, what do you end what with? It all comes down to 50% stats & 25% guessing & 25% gut feeling...

Actually probably more gut then anything else, while I was writing and analysing all the stats for this weekends game, inside my gut was telling me they're going to be upsets, there always is...

I thought the Colts could/would do it, but my gut feeling on the Atl/Ariz game was that Arizona was going to pull a rabbit out of the hat and then make the elephant disappear...Yes they did...

How the up-sets happen? let's look for a minute and see:

Atl @ Ariz: My earlier prediction - - Key points to watch for: To win Atlanta QB Matt Ryan needs to throw at maxium only 1 interception. Atlantas RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood need to combine for 100+ yds. Should handle the job with a offense that has a 32 total ranking.

For Arizona to win their defense needs to pressure Ryan into mistakes/interceptions and keep Turner/Norwood from rushing 100 yds. Of course with a defense total ranking of 85, might make for a long day...

Well Mr Ryan, threw 2 interceptions and all other game stats showed that when he throws more than 1, Atlanta has loss. He also was sacked 3 times. Turner & Norwood had 54 yards combined, not the 100+ they needed to win. Side stats this year also, has been that when Atlanta does not score first, they have lost, Arizona scored first... Arizona did what they needed to do to win, pressured Ryan into mistakes/interceptions and kept the Turner/Norwood team from 100 yards...

Colts @ S.D. : My earlier prediction - - Key points to watch for: To win Indy must find a way to keep SD RB Tomlinson from the ball (-20 carries) or keeping him at minimum yardage. (-40), while at the same time picking up Sproles. Also, 2 to 3 sacks on Rivers will help immensely. Very doable if their total 48th ranking defense comes to play.

For San Diego to win, they have to hope by chance that P.Manning of early season shows up. If not that than defense needs to sack him 3+ times and force 2+ TOs, also keep in check Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes from racking up yds, while containing Reggie Wayne from getting in the open so much. Hard to do when your defense has a total ranking of 82...

First off, Indy really could have done better at keeping Tomlinson from the ball, he was hurt and only played the 1st half, and even at that he had 25 yards and 1 TD. The other thing was SPROLES! the man is like the Duracell energizing rabbit - 105 yards & 2 TDs - well they didn't pick him up, like they needed to. Indy did get the sacks, 4 of them but could not capitalize on any of them... Oh! and then there's Dungy, racing down field to call a time out when Indy was leading and with 30+ seconds left to play - what was that about?? Colt penalties on SD final drive in OT, did not help them either...

San Diego, had to deal with a very good Peyton Manning - 310 yards & 1 TD, and they only got to sack him once but, that sack came at the most critical time of the game, in OT and throwing him for a 8 yds lost back on Indys 1 yard line. Indy had no turnovers, SD did keep Addai & Rhodes from having any break out runs - they only had 56 combine yds & 1 TD. Reggie Wayne though had his way with SD defense - 129 yds. receiving and was helped by A. Gonzalez who had 97 yds. receiving. So this game did actually come down to a 50/50 toss-up and SD came out with the better half of the 50/50....

So where do you go from here on today's games? Last night we had 2 under-dog home teams win, will that happen today? or will we have the opposite and 2 favored away teams win or maybe 1 of each. I don't know...

Right now @ 9am Sunday morning, my gut tells me it's time for breakfast and that I don't think the up-sets are done yet. Which team will pull them off, it's hard to say. The stats are in the article below, and I'm sticking with my picks, because there is a 50/50 percent chance that I'll be right and that's all anybody can ask for out of life - a 50/50 percent chance to be right........

See you later this week........

2008 - Week 18 - Wildcard Games

2008-12-30T14:12:00.000-08:00

Atlanta @ Arizona

Atlanta (11-5): For road games they score 19.2 avg pts and give up 20.1 avg pts. For road dome games they score 24.5 avg pts. and give up 23 avg pts.
Their TO avg. is 1.4 with a penalty avg. of 5 for 42 yds

Sideline: They have won 4 road games - 2 against losing avg. teams, 1 against a 8-8 team and 1 against winning avg teams. They have lost 4 road games against 3 winning avg. teams & 1 against a 8-8 team. In 3 road games they were listed as favorites (53% > 83%) - they won 2 and lost 1. Atlanta is currently listed as 77% to 80% favorites...

Arizona (9-7): For home/dome games they score 30.2 avg pts and give up 22.2 avg pts.
Their TO avg. is 1.2 with a penalty avg. of 7 for 53 yds.

Sideline: They have won 6 home games - 4 against losing avg. teams and 2 against winning avg. teams. They have lost 2 home games against 2 winning avg. teams. In 3 home games they were listed as under-dogs (25% > 30%) - they won 2 & lost 1.
Arizona is currently listed as 20% to 23% underdogs...

Key points to watch for: To win Atlanta QB Matt Ryan needs to throw at maxium only 1 interception. Atlantas RBs Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood need to combine for 100+ yds. Should handle the job with a offense that has a 32 total ranking.

For Arizona to win their defense needs to pressure Ryan into mistakes/interceptions and keep Turner/Norwood from rushing 100 yds. Of course with a defense total ranking of 85, might make for a long day... MY PICK: ATLANTA

Indianapolis @ San Diego

Up-Date: Tomlinson, Gates miss 2nd practice. Real or Ploy? See - Injury

Indianapolis (12-4): for road games they score 21.5 avg. pts. and give up 22.1 avg.pts. For road grass games they score 22.0 avg.pts. and give up 23.1 avg.pts.
Their TO avg. is 1.4 with a penalty avg. of 6 for 43 yds.

Sideline: They have won 6 out of 8 road games - 2 against winning avg. teams, 2 against 8 -8 teams, 2 against losing avg.teams. They have lost 2 road games - 1 against a winning avg. team and 1 against a losing avg. team. They were listed as favorites in 6 of them with a percent range of 71% > 97% - they won 5 & lost 1. The other 2 road games, they were listed as underdogs with a percent range of 26% > 27% - they lost 1 and won 1.... Indianapolis is currently listed as 80% favorites.

San Diego (8-8): For home games they score 30.5 avg. pts and give up 19.6 avg.pts. For grass games they score 28.3 avg. pts and give up 21.6 avg. pts.
Their TO avg. is 0.9 with a penalty avg. of 6 for 43 yds.

Sideline: They have won 5 out of 8 home games - 2 against winning avg. teams, 2 against losing avg. teams and 1 against a 8-8 team. They have lost 3 home games all against winning avg. teams. In 6 home games they were listed as favorites to win with a percent range of 63% > 96% - they won 5 & lost 1. The other 2 home games they were listed as underdogs to lose with a percent range of 18% > 45% - they lost both. San Diego is currently listed as 20% underdogs.

Key points to watch for: To win Indy must find a way to keep SD RB Tomlinson from the ball (-20 carries) or keeping him at minimum yardage. (-40), while at the same time picking up Sproles. Also, 2 to 3 sacks on Rivers will help immensely. Very doable if their total 48th ranking defense comes to play.

For San Diego to win, they have to hope by chance that P.Manning of early season shows up. If not that than defense needs to sack him 3+ times and force 2+ TOs, also keep in check Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes from racking up yds, while containing Reggie Wayne from getting in the open so much. Hard to do when your defense has a total ranking of 82... MY PICK: INDIANAPOLIS

Baltimore @ Miami

Baltimore (11-5): For road games they score 25.6 avg pts. and give up 20.5 avg. pts. Grass games they score 24.2 avg. pts. and give up 14.3 avg. pts. Their TO avg. is 1.2 with a penalty avg. of 6 for 48 yds.

Sideline: They have played 6 road games, (since & including Miami win) they have won 5 and lost 1. The 1 they lost was against the Giants(12-4) - the 5 they won were against Miami(11-5), who were 2-3 at the time they played, Cleveland(4-12), Houston(8-8), Cincinnati(4-11), Dallas(9-7).

Don't let the Dallas win fool you, that was in last 2 weeks of season, with the Dallas team being a coaches worse nightmare. Not much better standing teams then Miami has played against, and as with Miami, the wins looks good on paper, but Baltimore had a hard time with the stronger team.

In their 8 road games, they were listed as percentage under-dogs (11% > 49%) in 6 of them - they won 3 & lost 3. In the other 2 they were listed as percent favorites (80% > 97%) - they won both. Baltimore is currently listed as 55% to 60% favorites.

Miami (11-5): For home games they score 18.6 avg. pts. and give up 20.5 avg pts. Grass games they 22.1 avg. pts. and give up 21.5 avg. pts.
Their TO avg. is 0.9 with a penalty avg. of 5 for 44 yds.

Sideline: They have played 6 home games, (since & including balt. lost) they have won 4 and lost 2. The 2 they lost were against Balt.(11-5) & N.E.(11-5) - the 4 they won were against Buffalo(7-9), Seattle(4-12), Oakland(5-11), San Francisco(7-9). As you can see Miami's 4 victories all though looking good on paper were against much weaker teams. When going up against a little stronger win percentage teams, they seem to have had a hard time.

Out of the total 8 home games Miami had - in 4 they were listed as percentage under-dogs with a range of 11% > 49% chance of winning - they won 2 & lost 2. In the 4 they were listed as favorites with a percent range of 67% > 98% chance of winning - they won 3 & lost 1.
Miami is currently listed as 40% to 45% underdogs.

Key points to watch for: To win Miami needs to get to Flacco and make him throw interceptions, that has been the key between these 2 teams since last year. They also have to dazzle - up their "wildcat" package and get Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams some running yds, somewhere between 100 to 130 combined.

For Baltimore to win, they need Flacco perfect and since last meeting the Dolphins have made great improvements in their secondary pass coverage in the second half of the season. Miami pass rush could hurt Baltimore also. LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee, could help if they get yardage of 100 or so... MY PICK: MIAMI

Philadelphia @ Minnesota

(NOTE) - Just the road/home/dome games point stats below are limited. Philadelphia's are from the tie game with Cincinnati to end of season - this is the period that McNabb was benched and then came back alive. Minnesota's are from the 3 home games that Jackson has played QB in, since it looks like he will be playing instead of Frerotte...

Philadelphia(9-6-1): For road games they score 10.7 avg. pts. and give up 18.3 avg.pts. they have not played a dome game this year. Their TO avg. is 1.9 with a penalty avg. of 5 for 39 yds.

Sideline: First off you have to wonder which McNabb & Eagle team will show up? the one that put away Arizona and Dallas @ home or the one that didn't even get a TD @ Washington. McNabbs mood is key to Philadelphia games and since tieing with Cincinnati he has not been all that great in away games, no matter what he has done at home. (13-13 @ Cin., 7-36 @ Balt., 20-14 @ Nyg., 3-10 @ Wash.)

With Philadelphias 8 road games, they were listed as favorites in 5 with percent range of 80% > 97% - they won 2 - lost 2 - tied 1. In 3 games they were listed as under-dogs with a percent range of 11% > 35% - they won 1 & lost 2. Philadelphia is currently listed as 65% to 70% favorites.

Minnesota(10-6): For home/dome games (under Jackson) they score 17.3 avg.pts and give up 20.3 avg. pts. Their TO avg. is 1.9 with a penalty avg. of 5 for 43 yds.

Sideline: Jackson hasn't been tearing anybody up either. He started the first 2 games of the season and was benched and then came back on in week 14 against Detroit. Opposite of McNabb, Jackson seems to play better away then home, although his home games have been close ones that could have went either way...

In 3 of Minnesotas home games they were listed as percentage underdogs with a range of 24% > 42% chance of winning - they won 2 & lost 1. In 4 they were listed as favorites in the percent range of 66% > 96% - they won 3 & lost 1. In 1 game they were listed as a 50% chance of winning - they won that... Minnesota is currently listed as 30% to 35% underdogs.

Key points to watch for: RBs - Brian Westbrook for Philadelphia & Adrian Peterson for Minnesota. Which ever team can control the others RB will probably be the difference in winning and losing. Minnesota has a much better run defense than Philadelphia. Minnesota also has to find some glue or super-sticky gloves for Peterson to wear during this game...
Pass-Happy Reid will probably challenge Minnesota's secondary with a pass-first offense, but only if they're running the ball effectively.

If Minnesota is to win they must first score early and keep a lead. They must keep Westbrook under a 100 yds & out of the endzone and have DE Jared Allen and DT Kevin Williams continue their very good ball defending. Pressure on McNabb wouldn't hurt either... Which in turn would put the screws to the pass-first offense.

For Philadelphia to win they have to have the right McNabb playing and Westbrook has to break free and help out with more than 60-70 yds rushing, especially in the red zone. They also have to corral Minn. RB Peterson and the receivers have to hold on to the ball when thrown it, which they seem of lately to be slacking on, not helping McNabb and his mood...The Eagles have the talent but they also have the tendency to self-destruct...MY PICK: MINNESOTA

Superbowl here we come............

2008 - Week 18/19 - Playoff Pairings

2008-12-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

Wild-card Playoffs

Saturday, Jan. 3rd

Atlanta @ Arizona - 4:30pm
Indianapolis @ San Diego - 8:00pm

Sunday, Jan. 4th

Baltimore @ Miami - 1:00pm
Philadelphia @ Minnesota - 4:30pm

---
Divisional Playoffs

Saturday, Jan. 10 / Sunday, Jan. 11

TBD @ Carolina
TBD @ N.Y. Giants
TBD @ Tennessee
TBD @ Pittsburgh

2008 - Week 17 - All Games

2008-12-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

AFC Teams already in Playoffs:

Tenn
Indy
Pitt

AFC teams needing win and/or help to make it in Playoffs:

Miami
N.E.
Jets
Balt.
Denver
S.D.

NFC teams already in Playoffs:

N.Y.G.
Atl.
Carolina
Ariz.

NFC teams needing win and/or help to make it in Playoffs:

Dallas
Phill.
T.B.
Minn.
Chi.

This week will be a hodge podge of mixed teams, some playing because they have to others playing because they need wins or just to prove to themselves they're still good. So makes it hard to pick winners this week, because of sit out players or teams/players who just want it over - vs - teams/players who still have some pride or fight in them...

ALL MY PICKS ARE SUBJECT TO LATE MINUTE CHANGES. PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN SO NOT TO MISS UP-DATED PICK CHOICES. THANK YOU...

The following are my picks:

ATLANTA - Can get the second seed and a bye if they win. It is St. Louis after all...

NEW ENGLAND - New England is playing well offensively when it matters; their defense is vulnerable but good enough, they need to win...

KANSAS CITY - Kansas City continues to play hard despite being over matched in talent about every week, not this week, but a win here will not save Edwards job. Bye, Bye...

GREEN BAY - Detroit will be making history this week as 1st team ever 0-16... This year Rod Marinelli has been the Tigers Alan Tramble of the Lions. Hung out to die...

INDIANAPOLIS - Maybe, just maybe, Dungy will play his starters long enough to get a win and to stay in game shape. If not, then seriously, I don't expect them to go far in playoffs... That has been Dungys downfall when playoff time hits, not only in Indy but also T.B., he likes to rest players...

MINNESOTA - The Giants have already locked up home field in the playoffs but we're told they will not rest players this game, want-a bet?... Besides Minn. needs the win just to make sure they go to playoffs on a postive note...

NEW ORLEANS - Carolina is in, plays bad on road & N.O. will still play good & hard at home...

PITTSBURGH - They might rest some players later in game, but playing against Cleveland they could take the day off...

TAMPA BAY - Tampa needs win and lucky them they play Oakland. Chuckie should be smiling...

HOUSTON - Houston is a talent powerhouse @ home and Chicago has just been damn lucky...

SAN FRANCISCO - They're going to end this year in style and Washington will see to it...

BALTIMORE - Baltimore needs a win and Jacksonville is not going to stand in their way...

MIAMI - Hey Brett! Surprise, Surprise....you lose again.. Retire will Ya.....It's been great, but show's over, go sell some more jeans...

PHILADELPHIA - Both teams need a win and Romo had some illness bug this week, so McNabb should please the home crowd this week...

SEATTLE - Seattle is out to send Holmgren with good stats and Arizona since clinching title spot 2 weeks ago have just shown up to games and practiced...

SUNDAY NIGHT GAME - SAN DIEGO - They have been playing forward, while Denver has been playing backwards, which is good, I've never liked that beady eyed Shanahan...

2008 - Week 16 - All Games

2008-12-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the abbreviated version this week of picks, but too much at hand and too little time...

COLTS

DALLAS

CINCINNATI

NEW ORLEANS

PITTSBURGH

MIAMI

SAN FRANCISCO

NEW ENGLAND

TAMPA BAY

SEATTLE

HOUSTON

DENVER

PHILADELPHIA

MINNESOTA

SUNDAY NITE GAME - - CAROLINA - 26 / NY GIANTS - 24

MONDAY NITE GAME - - CHICAGO

2008 Playoff Picture

2008-12-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

Playoff Look as of 12/21/2008

AFC

1. Tennessee Titans 12-2#=
2. Pittsburgh Steelers 11-3#=
3. New York Jets 9-5
4. Denver Broncos 8-6
5. Indianapolis Colts 11-4*
6. Baltimore Ravens 10-5
7. Miami Dolphins 9-5
8. New England Patriots 9-5
9. Houston Texans 7-7
10. Buffalo Bills 6-8
11. San Diego Chargers 6-8
12. Jacksonville Jaguars 5-10
13. Cleveland Browns 4-10
14. Oakland Raiders 3-11
15. Cincinnati Bengals 2-11-1
16. Kansas City Chiefs 2-12

#-Clinched division
=-Clinched 1st round bye
*-Clinched 5th seed in AFC Playoffs

NFC

1. New York Giants 11-3#
2. Carolina Panthers 11-3*
3. Minnesota Vikings 9-5
4. Arizona Cardinals 8-6#
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-5
6. Atlanta Falcons 9-5
8. Philadelphia Eagles 8-5-1
8. Dallas Cowboys 9-6
9. Chicago Bears 8-6
10. Washington Redskins 7-7
11. New Orleans Saints 7-7
12. Green Bay Packers 5-9
13. San Francisco 49ers 5-9
14. Seattle Seahawks 3-11
15. St. Louis Rams 2-12
16. Detroit Lions 0-14

#-Clinched division
=-Clinched 1st round bye
*-Clinched playoff spot

Week 15 Thursday Nite game Recap

2008-12-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

Click on game title below for complete game stats. from NFL.com

New Orleans @ Chicago

Ok this is what I predicted on my analysis: "I see Brees throwing 240 to 275 yds, 2 int, 2 touchdowns, Bush & Thomas combine for 125 - 130 yds total and maybe a TD.

I see Orton throwing 200 to 220 yds, 1 int, 1-TD, Forte, Jones and Peterson combine for 145 - 165 total and 2 - TDs"

also

"Look for Saints to box up the front to try and stop Forte, but that will only give Orton opportunity to throw middle and secondary to Davis & Hester.Brees will start fast and early throwing trying to rock Chi. defense, so that Bush & Thomas have room, I don't see it working, look for 2 to 3 sacks in fact...MY PICK - CHICAGO"

Lets see how I did;

Brees had 226 passing yds - short of what I said he would have. He did have 2 int and 2 tds, I was right on that prediction. Bush & Thomas combine for 117 yds with Karney & Brees adding 2 more for 119 total, with 1 td, just a little short on yardage of what I said, but correct on TD prediction for them..

Orton had 172 passing yds - he was was short of what I said of him getting. He also had 2 - ints but 0 - tds - I predicted 1 int & 1 td. Forte & Peterson only got 49 yds rushing combined with Orton adding 6 more for total of 55 - way short of what I thought they would get. Jones was not a factor. They did however get the 2 tds I predicted.

Davis & Hester did get some passes for a total of 58 yds. Brees did come out throwing and Bush & Thomas had some open room. However Chicago had just 1 sack compared to my saying maybe 2 or 3..

Saints did go over their road avg. (5 -42 ) for penalties with 5 for 97 yds while Chicago stay right about avg (3 - 27) for home games penalties with 4 - 24 yds...

Chicago wins 27 to 24...

2008 - Week 15 - Sunday games

2008-12-11T06:20:00.000-08:00

ALL MY PICKS ARE SUBJECT TO LATE MINUTE CHANGES. PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN SO NOT TO MISS UP-DATED PICK CHOICES. THANK YOU...

NEW FEATURE ADDED: To check injury report from NFL, just click on the bold game titles above each analysis...Thank You...

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta

Another short road trip for TB crew, but it doesn't seem to matter, they lose away, no matter the distance.. KS-IS (knobby self-inflicted stats) are:

Last 3 road games avg. for TB is 30.3 pts for & 28.3 against, turnover avg on road is 2.0 with penalties at 6 -46yds...

Last 3 home game avg. for Carolina is 34.6 pts. for & 24 pts against, turnover avg @ home is 0.7 with penalties at 4 -37yds.....

Atlanta is 5 - 1 @ home and 8-1 when they score first. This is another game where both teams need a win to hold on to whatever little chance they have for playoffs...MY PICK - ATLANTA

Tennessee @ Houston

First 2 - 1/2 or 3 quarters will be a reg game, than IMO Tenn. will start dropping their starters and Houston playing for pride, depending on how far behind they are, will make a run to win the game...MY PICK - TENNESSEE

Green Bay @ Jacksonville

Another game where both teams are really out of playoffs unless all of a sudden the other 30 teams all die.....But they should be playing at least for pride between these 2 and which one will have more pride?

Jacksonville is 1 - 5 @ home --- Green Bay is 2 - 4 on road

KS-IS for game are:

Last 3 road game avg. for GB is 24 pts. for & 32.6 pts. against, turnover avg. on road is 1.8 with penalties at 6 -54 yds.

Last 3 homes game avg. for Jac. is 14.3 pts. for & 25.6 pts. against, turnover avg. @ home is 1.5 with penalties at 6 -55 yds.

So where's the difference between these two, since above stats reflect very poorly for both...
Coaches! Jack Del Rio IMO has lost his players and locker room in the last mth. or so. Mike McCarthy on the other hand was thoroughly disgusted with losing last week and I see him getting his team up and playing for something...MY PICK - GREEN BAY

San Francisco @ Miami

Something has happened to SF in just the last 3/4 games, they are on a terror streak. This week they bring their terror train to Miami who is in a three-way tie atop the AFC East with the Jets and Patriots.

KS-IS for game is:

Last 3 road game avg. for SF is 18.3 pts. for & 22.3 pts. against, turnover avg for road is 2.2 with penalties @ 8 -66 NOTE:( if you throw in @ home vs Jets game their game avg. gos to 20 pts. for & 20.3 pts. against)

Last 3 home game avg. for Miami is 22 pts. for & 27.1 pts against, turnover avg. for home is 1.0 with penalties @ 5 -41 yds.

At time of writing this Niners Frank Gore is questionable for playing (ankle) as is CB Nate Clements (fractured thumb)

So what does Knobbys muddy tire tales ( KMTT) tell me about this game:

Look for SF Shaun Hill to get 170 to 185 passing yds, 1 td, 1 int. Gore ?, Foster, Robinson will combine for 90 to 110 yds rushing, 1 td. Look also for defense to get a couple of sacks and 2 to 3 turnovers and maybe a defensive TD.

On Miami side look for Chad Pennington to get 195 to 205 passing yds, 1 tds, 2 int. Brown ,Williams, Cobbs will combine for 130 to 140 yds. rushing, 2 tds. Miami defense should come up with also a couple of sacks and maybe 1 turnover.

Don't look for more than a 1/2 pt win...MY PICK - SAN FRANCISCO

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore

WOW! 2 rough & tumble teams here again this year. Pittsburgh can wrap up the AFC North title with a win, while the Ravens with a win would deadlock the teams at 10-4 with 2 games left. So let's get right to KS-IS for the game:

Last 3 road game avg for Pittsburgh is 31.3 pts. for & 8.6 pts. against with turnover avg. for road is 1.0, with penalties @ 7 - 62 yds.

Last 3 home game avg for Baltimore is 29.6 pts for & 9 pts against with turnover avg. for home is 1.5, with penalties @ 7 - 52 yds.

So what does KMTT speak to me about this game?

Turnovers, penalties will decide who gets the last field goal to win.

Look for Big Ben to get 195 to 210 passing yds, 1 td, 2 int., Parker, Moore, Russell to co - share a very stingy 58 to 68 yds rushing, 1 td, 1 turnover.

On Baltimore side, Flacco could get 165 to 175 yds. passing, 1 td, 1int., McClain, Rice, McGahee will probably get 85 to 95 combine yds. rushing, 1 td.

Baltimore defense will probably get more sacks on Ben than Steelers do on Flacco, and both defenses will probably get a couple turnovers...MY PICK - BALTIMORE

SUNDAY NITE GAME:

N. Y. Giants @ Dallas

Up-Dated analysis: 12/12

Jacobs is out and Barber is still questionable... so how much of a impact will that have on game? Jacobs is a workhorse and would have rough & bullied his way through Cowboys O-line, that eases their job and maybe puts more pressure on Manning to try running himself more, not good. Barber was not really a factor last week, what killed it for Dallas was player Brain Farts.

I still see trouble on the field rising from Cowboy camp, and dare I say that some giants could help stir the pot a little, by words or actions???? I stay with my pick as stated below...
-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Well,well, well their back again to do battle, who will be the winner this time?

Lets starts with our KS-IS and see from there:

Last 3 road game avg. for NYG is, 32 pts. for & 22.3 pts. against, turnover avg for road is 1.0 with penalty avg. of 6 - 50 yds.

Last 3 home game avg. for Dallas is, 27.3 pts. for & 13.3 pts. against, turnover avg. for home is 1.2 with penalty avg. of 6 - 52 yds.

Dallas needs this win to stay in the mess of the wild-card chances, Giants with a lost could move down a notch from top spot. Cowboys seem to have 'special' problems amongst themselves, that reflect on the field, these 'special' problems especially come to surface when losing late in games. Giants also are having their share of 'special' troubles, but I don't think it's what made them play poorly last week.

My KMTT tells me to look for:

NYG - E. Manning to get 222 to 232 passing yds, 2 tds, 0 int., Ward, Bradshaw, Ware?, Manning to combine for 97 to 105 yds. rushing, 1 td, 1 turnover.

Cowboys - T. Romo to get 247 to 257 passing yds, 2 tds, 2 ints., Barber? Choice, Romo stack up together for 93 to 100 yds. rushing, 1 tds, 1 turnover.

Both defenses to get sacks in (2/3 a piece)...Special teams maybe for a win...MY PICK - N.Y. GIANTS 31 - DALLAS 28

Rest of Games:

Washington
Seattle
NY Jets
COLTS
Kansas City
Arizona
Carolina
New England

Still to come Monday Nite Game..........

2008 - Week 15 - Thursday Nite Game

2008-12-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

New Orleans @ Chicago

Drew Brees, Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, Marques Colston and Lance Moore
-vs-
Kyle Orton, Forté, Jones and Peterson, Davis and Hester

Both squads need a win, to keep some hope alive for playoff spot.

Last 3 road game stats for N.O. is 23.3 pts for / 25.6 pts against...Turnover avg. for road is 1.9 with 5 penalties for 42yds... N.O. this year is 1 win and 5 losses on road

Last 3 home game stats for Chi. is 21.3 pts for / 18 pts against...Turnover avg. for home is 1.8 with 3 penalties for 27yds... Chi. is 4 wins and 2 losses at home

I see Brees throwing 240 to 275 yds, 2 int, 2 touchdowns, Bush & Thomas combine for 125 - 130 yds total and maybe a TD.

I see Orton throwing 200 to 220 yds, 1 int, 1-TD, Forte, Jones and Peterson combine for 145 - 165 total and 2 - TDs

It's going to be cold out there, temp is predicted to be around 15º to 20º...

Look for Saints to box up the front to try and stop Forte, but that will only give Orton opportunity to throw middle and secondary to Davis & Hester.

Brees will start fast and early throwing trying to rock Chi. defense, so that Bush & Thomas have room, I don't see it working, look for 2 to 3 sacks in fact...MY PICK - CHICAGO

...........................................

2008 Playoff Picture as of Week 15

2008-12-09T17:52:00.000-08:00

AFC

1. Tennessee Titans (12-1)*
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
3. Denver Broncos (8-5)**
4. New York Jets (8-5)
5. Indianapolis Colts (9-4)***
6. Baltimore Ravens (9-4)
7. Miami Dolphins (8-5)****
8. New England Patriots (8-5)

*-Clinched division & 1st round bye
**-Denver holds head-to-head tiebreaker over New York
***-Indianapolis holds head-to-head tiebreaker over Baltimore
****-Miami has better conference record than New England

NFC

1. New York Giants (11-2)*
2. Carolina Panthers (10-3)
3. Minnesota Vikings (8-5)**
4. Arizona Cardinals (8-5)*
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-4)
6. Dallas Cowboys (8-5)
7. Atlanta Falcons (8-5)
8. Philadelphia Eagles (7-5-1)
9. Washington Redskins (7-6)
10. Chicago Bears (7-6)
11. New Orleans Saints (7-6)

*-Clinched division
**-Minnesota has better conference record than Arizona

Another season almost at a close.......

Week 14 - Sunday Games Recap

2008-12-08T13:26:00.000-08:00

Start with Washington/Baltimore game, I wrote in my analyzing that " Turnovers and penalties might do Baltimore in , but, Washington will have to take advantage of them if & when they happen. I don't see Portis running very well in this game against the Ravens rugged run defense. Baltimore probably will be going to LeRon McClain over former starter Willis McGahee again and look for him to post 55 to 65 yds rushing...MY PICK - BALTIMORE"

So, here's what happened: McClain got 61 yds rushing, McGahee 32. Portis just 32yds. In the turnover department QB Campbell had 2 int. and QB Flacco had 1 int. none resulted in a td. Both teams had 2 fumbles with only Baltimore capitalising on their recovery for 1 td. Both were very even in penalties... Baltimore wins 24 to 10

Dallas/Pittsburgh game, I wrote in my analyzing that: "This game IMO will be decided by which team gets the most sacks/int." MY PICK - PITTSBURGH

So, here's what happened: Dallas had 3 sacks for 16 yds. Pittsburgh had 5 sacks for 36 yds. Romo had 3 interceptions. Roethlisberger had 0 int. Pittsburgh wins 20 to 13

Atlanta/New Orleans game, I wrote in my analyzing that: " N.O. has to stop Turner from running wild and gaining 95 to 110 yds." and "Brees needs no INTs thrown!" and " Let Bush and Thomas get involved " MY PICK - NEW ORLEANS

So, here's what happened: Turner had just 61 yds. Brees had 0 int. and Bush & Thomas combined for 182 yds rushing. New Orleans wins 29 to 25

Jacksonville/Chicago game, writing in my analyzing I said: "Chicago has to hold Drew & Taylor to 45yds or less apiece and try to keep Garrard from going mobile and getting balls to Jones & Williams . Jacksonville just has to try and contain Forte and Hester, Orton will do his thing so no worry there...MY PICK - CHICAGO"

So, here's what happened: Chicago came close to holding D & T, Drew had 55yds rushing and 50 yds in 2 kick returns and Taylor had 53 rushing. As for M. Jones and R. Williams, Jones had just 34 yds receiving and Williams had 16. Chicagos Forte he had 69 rushing & 37 receiving, Hester had 80 yds receiving and 22 yds on 3 punt returns. Chicago wins 23 to 10

Houston/Green Bay game, what I wrote was: " Mr Schaub should put some numbers up." and "Texans have to watch them interceptions." and "As for Houstons defense, they need to blitz, last 2 games they haven't had 1 sack. If Rodgers is given to much time he'll burn Houstons secondary. Packers RB Ryan Grant might be able to do some damage if they run him outside." MY PICK - GREEN BAY

So, what happen? Mr Schaub had a freaking 414 passing yds! Houston had 2 sacks for 16yds. Rodgers had 295 passing yds and the 2 top receivers had 149 yds combined. He did spread it around the secondary. as for Grant he had 104 rushing yds and 8 yds receiving. Houston wins 24 to 21...

Monday Nite Game - Week 14 - 2008

2008-12-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

UP-DATE: ALL MY PICKS ARE SUBJECT TO LATE MINUTE CHANGES. PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN SO NOT TO MISS UP-DATED PICK CHOICES. THANK YOU...

Tampa Bay @ Carolina

Talk about 2 teams as even as can be, you have it here, both are 6-0 at home and both are 3-3 on the road. The only thing that stands out between them is the turnover avg. Tampa Bays turnover avg. for road games is 2.3 with penalty avg. of 6 -48yds. Turnover avg. for home games for Carolina is 0.8 with penalty avg. of 7-53yds.
So just from them stats. Carolina needs to turn up the pressure on Garcia and maybe work on getting some fumbles.

Carolinas DE Julius Peppers needs to get tougher this game and find a way to get around TBs OLT Donald Penn and put pressure on Garcia. Tampa Bay will again feed the ball alot to Warrick Dunn and Cadillac Williams, if pass rush defense gets to heavy.

Carolina can beat any team on the ground when RB DeAngelo Williams is having a good game, like 9 TDs in his last 5 games. But, WR Steve Smith will have to be tops Monday nite also. Carolina has to try and stop Bucs MLB Ruud, at times he seems to have a natural attraction to football carriers and knocking them for losses...

Look for Carolinas Williams and Stewart to combined for 110 to 115 yds. look for WR Smith to get 95 to 100 yds receiving and maybe one TD. QB Delhomme probably will have one INT.

Look for Tampa Bays Antonio Bryant to get 55 to 60 yds receiving and even though Garcia could throw 220 to 230 yards, the 2 turnovers will negate that.

Over all this should be a good game to watch, with alot riding on the outcome...I just don't see Carolina collapsing at home like Tampa does on the road. Like so many other games around, look for sacks and TOs to be the deciding factor in tonites game. TB HAS ALLOWED 10 SACKS IN THE LAST 2 GAMES. CAR DE JULIUS PEPPERS HAS 7 SACKS IN THE LAST 4 GAMES... MY PICK - CAROLINA

Week 14 - Sunday Games - 2008

2008-12-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

UP-DATE: ALL MY PICKS ARE SUBJECT TO LATE MINUTE CHANGES. PLEASE CHECK BACK OFTEN SO NOT TO MISS UP-DATED PICK CHOICES. THANK YOU...

Houston @ Green Bay

Whats up with GBs defense? allowing 85 pts in 2 games! Matt Schaub looks to be returning for Houston, but he wasn't all that great when he was playing earlier. If GBs' defense continues their pt giveaway though this week, Mr Schaub should put some numbers up. Texans RB Steve Slaton seems to be a all around football player (running inside, running outside and seems to handle job well as a pass catcher also). Texans have to watch them interceptions.

As for Houstons defense, they need to blitz, last 2 games they haven't had 1 sack. If Rodgers is given to much time he'll burn Houstons secondary. Packers RB Ryan Grant might be able to do some damage if they run him outside.

GB last 3 home games pts. avg. is 34 for & 17.6 allowed. For grass games their pt. avg. is 25.6 for & 21.2 allowed. Turnover avg. is 0.8 and penalty avg. is 9 -76yds

Houston pt. avg.I split here because of maybe Schaub returning. Last 3 road games pts. avg. is 21.3 for & 22.3 allowed. Schaub road game pts. avg. is 18.6 for & 33 allowed. For grass games their pt. avg is 23.4 for & 24.9 allowed. turnover avg. is 2.0 and penalty avg. is 5 -35yds.

SIDE NOTE: you will notice Houstons defense has improved greatly since beginning of season...MY PICK - GREEN BAY

Jacksonville @ Chicago

Well these 2 teams have been very disappointing this year, and I doubt if either one will be in playoffs - so we have to chose which team will fight a little harder just for fights sake?

Jacksonville last 3 road games pts. avg. is 24.6 for & 21.6 allowed. For grass games 17.9 pts for & 23.8 allowed. Turnover avg. is 1.7 and penalty avg. is 7 - 54yds.

Chicago last 3 home games pts. avg. is 29.6 for & 28.3 allowed. For grass games 22.4 for & 27 allowed. Turnover avg. is 2.0 and penalty avg. is 4 -32yds.

Forte (with over 1,000 yards rushing and can put good numbers up on both rushing and receiving out of the backfield) and Hester (must be watched carefully) is the Bears shining stars. Orton has not done crap since coming back from ankle injury, maybe he should sit.

League’s best rushing QB, Jacksonville’s David Garrard is it mostly for Jacksonville, with some flair from time to time from Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor. Pass wise it comes down to WRs Matt Jones and Reggie Williams who can hold their own.

Chicago has to hold Drew & Taylor to 45yds or less apiece and try to keep Garrard from going mobile and getting balls to Jones & Williams . Jacksonville just has to try and contain Forte and Hester, Orton will do his thing so no worry there...MY PICK - CHICAGO

Atlanta @ New Orleans

High stepping Brees and the Saints will be trying to ground Turner and the Falcons. N.O. has to stop Turner from running wild and gaining 95 to 110 yds. They can't do it by jamming the front either because Ryan will then get to WRs Roddy White and Michael Jenkins.

Brees needs no INTs thrown! Saints also need to get away from the do or die passing game head coach Sean Payton seems to plan. Let Bush and Thomas get involved and maybe they can pull a win out.

Atlanta last 3 road game pts avg is 20.0 for & 14.3 allowed. For dome games it's 32.2 for & 21.2 allowed. Turnover avg. is 1.7 and penalty avg. is 5 - 38yds.

New Orleans last 3 home game pts avg is 40.6 for & 21.3 allowed. For dome games it's 31.2 for & 22.2 allowed. Turnover avg. is 1.6 and penalty avg. is 7 -63yds...MY PICK - NEW ORLEANS

Dallas @ Pittsburgh

Game of the Week!!!!
This game IMO will be decided by which team gets the most sacks/int. Dallas has have improved defensively in recent weeks but Pittsburgh has the 2nd highest sack avg. in the NFL.

Dallas last 3 ROMO road games pts avg. is 23.0 for & 12.0 allowed. For grass games it's 20.7 for & 17.7 allowed. Turnover avg. is 2.3 and penalty avg. is 9 - 63yds.

Pittsburgh last 3 home game pts. avg. is 19.3 for & 14.6 allowed. For grass games it's 19.8 for & 15.0 allowed. Turnover avg. is 1.5 and penalty avg. is 6 - 51yds.

MY PICK - PITTSBURGH

OTHER PICKS -

COLTS
MINN.
TENN.
MIAMI
NYG
DENVER
NYJ
N. ENG.
ARIZ.

Washington @ Baltimore - Sunday Nite Game

Type Of Turf: Artificial
Meeting Of The Year: Only
Season Record: Washington 7-5-0 Baltimore 8-4-0
Season Record Vs. Spread: Washington 5-6-1 Baltimore 9-3-0
Home/Road Record: Washington (R) 4-1-0 Baltimore (H) 4-1-0
Home/Road Record Vs. Spread: Washington (R) 3-1-1 Baltimore (H) 4-1-0
Record On Artificial Turf: Washington 3-1-0 Baltimore 5-3-0
Record On Artificial Turf Vs. Spread: Washington 2-1-1 Baltimore 5-3-0

Baltimore Injuries:

12/7/2008
Lamar Divens, DT
Doubtful - Did Not Participate in Practice (shoulder)
12/7/2008
David Hale, G
Doubtful - Did Not Participate in Practice (ankle)
12/7/2008
Jared Gaither, T
questionable - Limited Participation in Practice (shoulder)
12/7/2008
Derrick Mason, WR
questionable - Full Participation in Practice (shoulder)
12/7/2008
Ed Reed, S
questionable - Limited Participation in Practice (thigh)
12/7/2008
Samari Rolle, CB
questionable - Limited Participation in Practice (thigh)
12/7/2008
Nick Greisen, LB
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (back)
12/7/2008
Marcus Maxwell, WR
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (hip)
12/7/2008
Willis McGahee, RB
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (illness)
12/7/2008
Bart Scott, LB
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (shoulder)
12/7/2008
Fabian Washington, CB
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (shoulder)

Washington Injuries:

12/7/2008
Marcus Washington, LB
out - Did Not Participate in Practice (ankle)
12/7/2008
Andre Carter, DE
questionable - Limited Participation in Practice (foot)
12/7/2008
London Fletcher, LB
questionable - Did Not Participate in Practice (foot)
12/7/2008
Kedric Golston, DT
questionable - Did Not Participate in Practice (ankle)
12/7/2008
Cornelius Griffin, DT
questionable - Limited Participation in Practice (shoulder/abdomen)
12/7/2008
Clinton Portis, RB
questionable - Limited Participation in Practice (knee/back)
12/7/2008
Shawn Springs, CB
questionable - Did Not Participate in Practice (calf)
12/7/2008
Alfred Fincher, LB
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (non injury)
12/7/2008
LaRon Landry, S
Probable - Did Not Participate in Practice (calf)
12/7/2008
Pete Kendall, G
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (knee)
12/7/2008
Chris Samuels, T
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (knee)
12/7/2008
Fred Smoot, CB
Probable (not injury related)
12/7/2008
Randy Thomas, G
Probable - Full Participation in Practice (neck)
12/5/2008

Turnovers and penalties might do Baltimore in , but, Washington will have to take advantage of them if & when they happen. I don't see Portis running very well in this game against the Ravens rugged run defense. Baltimore probably will be going to LeRon McClain over former starter Willis McGahee again and look for him to post 55 to 65 yds rushing...MY PICK - BALTIMORE

More games to come.........

Week14 - Thursday Night Game - 2008

2008-12-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

Oakland @ San Diego

OAK 29th OFF; SD 27th DEF

OAK 10th RUN; SD 15th VS. RUN

OAK 32nd PASS; SD 31st VS. PASS

OAK 30th PTS; SD 21st PTS ALLOWED

SD 15th OFF; OAK 25th DEF

SD 26th RUN; OAK 29th VS. RUN

SD 9th PASS; OAK 8th VS. PASS

SD 12th PTS; OAK 18th PTS ALLOWED

SD 21st TO/TA; OAK 10th TO/TA

SD HAS WON 5 STRAIGHT VS. OAK AT HOME.

LADAINIAN TOMLINSON HAS RUSHED FOR 1,815 YDS AND 18 TDS ON 377 CAREER CARRIES VS. OAK.

SD HAS 8 LOSSES IN 12 GAMES IN 2008; THAT’S AS MANY AS IT HAD IT ITS PREVIOUS 26 GAMES ENTERING THE ’08 SEASON.

SD HAS NOT LOST IN DECEMBER IN EACH OF THE LAST 2 SEASONS.

OAK DOESN’T HAVE A WIDEOUT WITH MORE THAN 15 CATCHES; RONALD CURRY AND JAVON WALKER HAVE THAT MANY CATCHES ENTERING WEEK 14.

ZACH MILLER CAUGHT 5 PASSES FOR 95 YDS AND 1 TD VS. SD IN WEEK 4.

Ok, after all them stats, with games like these, it usually comes down to the (KNS) which stands for Knobbys Negligible Stats. Like SD has given up more pts in the last 3 home games then Oakland has in their last 3 road games. Also remember the earlier game this year, Oakland had 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. Oh and Oakland lost @ home to Denver and than beat Denver on the road and won on the road @ KC but than lost to KC @ home.

I do not look for a repeat blow-out by SD again this game, in fact if Oakland plays good ,solid football, and we see Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush with some good combined running stats, than they hold LTs running to 75 - 80 yds and get at least 2 sacks and maybe a INT or 2, Oakland can have a happy lockerroom...MY PICK - OAKLAND

Sunday games coming up soon............

2008 Playoff Picture

2008-12-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

Week 14 is upon us and talk of who's going to the playoffs starts to get real interesting. Below is the present playoff picture for the NFC teams and AFC teams

NFC
Division Leaders
1. GIANTS 11-1
2. BUCCANEERS 9-3
3. VIKINGS 7-5
4. CARDINALS 7-5

Wildcard
5. PANTHERS 9-3
6. FALCONS 8-4

Still In it
7. COWBOYS 8-4
8. REDSKINS 7-5
9. EAGLES 6-5-1
10. BEARS 6-6

AFC
Division Leaders
1. TITANS 11-1
2. STEELERS 9-3
3. JETS 8-4
4. BRONCOS 7-5

Wild-card teams
5. COLTS 8-4
6. RAVENS 8-4

Still Alive
7. PATRIOTS 7-5
8. DOLPHINS 7-5
9. BILLS 6-6

Week 13 - Sunday Games - 2008

2008-11-27T18:29:00.000-08:00

Carolina @ Green Bay

Carolina stats for last 3 road games and all grass played games combined are: pts. for 39.6 / pts. against 41.

Green Bay stats for last 3 home games and all grass played games combined are: pts. for 56.5 / pts. against 34.1.

Carolina has a avg. turnover rate of 2.0 with penalty avg. of 7 - 40yds for road games.

Green Bay has a avg. turnover rate of 0.6 with a penalty avg. of 9 - 82yds for home games.

Green Bays defense against the run is like 'Hello are we here', but can Carolina take advantage of that fact? They are going to have to considering Panthers QB Jake Delhomme has been bringing a water pistol to a cannon fight the last 3 weeks.

Carolina's run defense is better than GB but still lacking with DE Julius Peppers shining bright.

Watch for Green Bays RB Ryan Grant to possibly make another good showing. Also they have to limit sacks on Rodgers and hold down the penalties. Carolina's RB team of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will be hard to control but doable... MY PICK - GREEN BAY

New Orleans @ Tampa Bay

New Orleans stats for last 3 road games and all grass games combined are: pts. for 45 / pts against 57.

New Orleans has a turnover rate avg. of 1.7 and a penalty avg. of 4 - 41yds for road games.

Tampa Bay stats for last 3 home games and all grass games combined are: pts. for 45.7 / pts. against 24.

Tampa Bay has a turnover rate avg. of 1.2 and a penalty avg. of 7 - 65yds for home games.

Watching Drew Brees pass is like watching 4th of July fireworks, lots of them, and since their first meeting earlier this year, the Bucs' pass defense has been like clouds and rain on 4th of July, covering everything and putting a damper on QBs. Will Reggie Bush return, looks like it, but I don't expect miracles from him... but Saints can use him to take some pressure off Brees, even if as a decoy...

Tampa's offense is not good (don't be fooled by last weeks 38 pts) but, QB Jeff Garcia although not the caliber of Brees should be able to move around and find holes in Saints secondary defense. RBs Warrick Dunn and Cadillac Williams will have to have good numbers...MY PICK - NEW ORLEANS

Atlanta @ San Diego

Atlanta stats for last 3 road games and all grass games combined are: pts. for 38.2 / pts. against 36.8

Atlanta has a turnover rate avg. of 1.4 and a penalty avg. of 5 - 42yds for road games

San Diego stats for last 3 home games and all grass games combined are: pts. for 49.3 / pts. against 40.2

San Diego has a turnover rate avg. of 1.2 and a penalty avg. of 4 - 29yds for home games

The fine oiled train, with just a slip or two of a gear now and then, engineered by rookie QB Matt Ryan rides out west to take advantage of San Diego's tumbled old train station. Riding along with him will be WR Roddy White and RB Michael Turner. But will they have a derail when they meet up with SD's NT Jamal Williams.

Sitting at the SD train station waiting will be league leading QB in TD passes (23) and passer rating (103.3) Philip Rivers. Kicked back enjoying the view with him will be WR Vincent Jackson, and TE Antonio Gates, not to mention RB LaDainian Tomlinson. Of course they'll all have to get pass the Atl. caboose called DE John Abraham who rides to town tied for second in the NFL with 12 sacks...MY PICK - SAN DIEGO

Chicago @ Minnesota - Sunday Nite Game

Chicago stats for last 3 road games and all dome games combined are: pts.for38.8 / pts. against 39.4

Chicago has a turnover rate avg. of 1.8 and a penalty avg. of 6-56yds for road games

Minnesota stats for last 3 home games and all dome games combined are: pts. for 50.1 / pts. against 30.5

Minnesota has a turnover avg. of 1.2 and a penalty avg. of 7-54yds for home games.

I don't think this game will be a hell - raiser like the first meeting this year, but points could be scored, but how? Will the Bears concentrate on stopping Vikings RB Adrian Peterson? [423 rushing yards, seven TDs in three career games vs. the Bears] Or will Minnesota defense harass Orton into making a couple of Int? [185 passes without an interception] Or will Chicago's DE Adewale Ogunleye and DT Tommie Harris get pass Minnesota's O-line and drive QB Gus Frerotte into retirement? One of them will walk away in 1st place, UNLESS they TIE!!!!!!!!! now that would be a shame on the NFL overtime rules again................MY PICK - MINNESOTA

Score tab: Minnesota 27 - Chicago 22

Kansas City @ Oakland

Fumbles / Int. and penalties will kill Oakland....MY PICK - KANSAS CITY

Just to see and for fun I'll predict the score to be KC - 16 / OAK - 14

more games to come, stay tune.....

Week 13 - Turkey Day Games

2008-11-25T14:21:00.000-08:00

WELL, WELL, WELL what a week 12 was. I went out on a limb on several games and came up somewhat empty, but overall I pulled in 9 out of 16...So on to week 13 and this weeks Thursday games

Tennessee @ Detroit

Tenn. is goin' be hopping after losing to the Jets, and Det. does not have any type of arsenal to stop them. Det. starts out lately like gang busters and then fades away just like Rods job is...

Does anyone think Det. will actually win this week, I mean last week they had a chance, 17 to 0 earlier in game but for some reason, their defense can not hold a lead. Could it be that Marinelli's decision to hire his daughter's husband (Joe Berry) as his defensive coordinator so far looks like a mistake, and it's a mistake that Marinelli would never admit for family reasons....MY PICK - TENNESSEE

Seattle @ Dallas

Ok, Hasselbeck is back and did pretty good last week @ home against Washington, but they travel to the Big D this week which will put a crimp in more practice time for Hassel and crew. Romo look good coming back from his injury, so I'm throwing all my chips in...MY PICK -DALLAS

Arizona @ Philadelphia

Donovan McNabb is again the QB, after being told to go sit in the corner by Coach Reid last week, after McNabb has had some terrible outings these last few weeks. But, besides that the Eagles defense is still strong, giving up a avg. of 16.4 pts @ in home games and 19.4 pts when playing on grass slabs. Arizona on the other hand gives up a 25.5 pt avg. in road games and a 28.0 pt avg when playing on the green tundra...

McNabb needs to get his act together, Westbrook has to come out of his coma (injuries play heck on a body) and the offense needs to quit giving up the ball so much which might be hard to do, with the Arizona creating them making them tied for second in the NFL with 22, including 12 forced fumbles.

Kurt Warner and crew ( WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin) just needs to play tight football and watch the penalties. Their run game has gone to la-la land and won't be helping much.

Look for maybe a kick return to go all the way for the Eagles at some point...MY PICK - PHILADELPHIA

Week 12 - 2008 Season - Sunday Games

2008-11-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ DETROIT LIONS

OK, I know, I know why bother? and I'm even putting this game on top here. Well I feel crazy this week and 2 other reasons - turnovers, penalties. Actually you could say 4 reasons - the previous 3 and add Jason Hanson. Long history between these 2 and as bad as Det. has been AALLLL these years and as goooood as TB has been
AALLL these years, the records still show Det. leading the series 14 - 9... So call me crazy, say I've spent too much time @ the puter, or I must have got hold of some bad Strohs, BUT...MY PICK - LIONS

HOUSTON TEXANS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS

Look for more of a running game than passing, especially with news that Quinn has a broken finger. (Quinn broke his right index finger in the first half of Monday night's win over Buffalo)

Houstons RB Slaton can run and can put up yardage if allowed to (156 yds in week 11). Browns RB Lewis could also see more work against Houstons weak defense... just a little side note - The Browns could be big winners if they also give the ball more to RB Jerome Harrison, he has ran for 158 total yards with only 10 hand offs the past 2 weeks. (15.8 ypc)

As for the QBs - Rosenfels seems to have a tendency towards still throwing interceptions and I see in this game, him doing the same, expect at least 2. Quinn in his 3rd start (if he plays) will hold steady again, although maybe doing more hand offs...

Turnovers and weather will play a big part in this game, Houston has more of a chance to give the ball away than Cleveland does, so look for Cleveland to try to shake Sage... As for weather if the game is played in rainy, cold settings the Browns stand a much better chance of winning compared to Houstons where their passing game is better suited for fair/sunny weather...

Bottom line is if Browns can make Sage throw interceptions (2+) and Lewis can rush for a 100 yds, they can come away with a 1 or 2 pt. victory... Less then 2 interceptions and fair weather, could be the Texans walking down the aisle... Check the weather conditions before placing your bets boys & girls... MY PICK - BROWNS

CAROLINA PANTHERS @ ATLANTA FALCONS

Will this be a repeat of this years earlier game or will Atl put the metal to the pedal and run over Carolina this week? Lets look, 1st Atl has a sight advantage in pts scored at home compared to Carolinas road scoring ( Panthers- 14.0/19.2 - - Falcons- 29.6/19.8). QBs, Delhomme and Ryan both are good, except that Delhomme has not had a good last 2 weeks completing just 17-of-46 passes. Ryan has had a few bad games, but is steady in all...

Panthers RBs Williams and Stewart seems to be hitting their stride together (31 att/ 134yds avg all games) but they seem to lose something when playing road games ( 24 att/ 98 yds avg road games). Falcons RBs Turner and Norwood seem to average better numbers at home( 36att/161yds avg. home games)

So what does all this mean? It means defense, sacks and interceptions, special teams. Carolina has to stop Turner from getting 100 yds, and they have to get at Ryan and they can boogie the night away. Atlanta just has to stop Williams & Stewart & get some good action from their special teams and Atl will dance the dance of stars... MY PICK - ATLANTA

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Adrian Peterson! He is the Vikings this year, NFL's leading rusher and they run him & run him.
Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor will run for Jacksonville. Jacksonville linebackers might stop Mr. P @ less than 100 yds, but only because their fast not big... Minnesota has to make sure they grap all the way around when they go tackling Mr. J-D or he'll bust them...

Minnesotas passing is lacking to say the least, but maybe it can take advantage this week of Jacksonvilles mistake riddled deep coverage. Jacksonville QB Garrard receivers are not helping him and there is no going deep with good success. Did someone mention Field Goal?

Peterson gets 100+ yds and Vikings take the ball deep, look for a Ryan Longwell kick to win it, Peterson get -100 yds and Jags hold on to the ball, we could see the Jaguars showing their spots... MY PICK - MINNESOTA

NEW YORK JETS @ TENNESSEE TITANS

Will this be the week Tenn. gos down? Jacksonville flopped on me in the 2nd half last week. The numbers point towards another Titan victory, BUT the Jets are on their game now more than ever this year - The offense has come together under Favre and RB Thomas Jones and with their excellent kick return yardage. (look for about 26 - 29 carries with 115 - 118 yds from Jets RBs) But the Titans just don't seem to be easy push over this year, teams have stacked the wall against them to block the run ( look for about 28 - 30 carries with 117 - 120 yds from Titans RBs) and they just turn to passing and succeed that way. Which is what the Jets are poor at, short pass coverage to the TE, and their linebackers seem to blitz alot. So can the Jets turn around their defense mode on a dime this week? If they can make the defense adjustment, if Jones gets good rushing yardage and with maybe a little help from Leon Washington on special teams, they stand a good chance of upsetting the Titans...MY PICK - TENNESSEE

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS

This game will not even be close to the one played in week 3, both teams need to win this week, but which one will walk away with the playoff chance? Don't look for Matt Cassel to do what he did against the Jets last week ( 400 yards and 3 touchdowns ), instead look for him to run for his life - Miami's blitz machine will be working just fine this game, so don't look for him to throw many deep ones to Randy Moss trying to take advantage of a somewhat weak Dolphins secondary. Which will leave Patroits RBs Sammy Morris, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Faulk needing to run inside alot but might not get many yds. ( look for 90 - 105 combined yards )

The Dolphins have different possibilities to use, RBs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown will be hard to defend ( look for combined yardage of about 115 - 130 ) and WRs Greg Camarillo and Ted Ginn Jr. might have a very good day if Patroits secondary has a lackluster play attitude...

Dolphins one downfall might be their very weak kick return coverage... MY PICK - MIAMI

Sunday Night Game:
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

2 teams this year that have opposite problems, so we're told, Colts have poor rushing defense, Chargers have poor passing defense. What to do,what to do???

Well, 1st - do the Colts have a poor rushing defense? If you take the standard figure given out by most football stat sites the answer is yes (gives up 138.1 rushing yards per contest) BUT that figure is misleading because it comes from all games and is not broken down... You break their games down between road and home and you get this stat for last 2 road games since the team has gelled ( gives up 72 rushing yards per contest). That doesn't look like a poor rush defense.

2nd, Do the Chargers have a poor pass defense? again yes if you get the standard stat given out (allowing 267 yards per game through the air) BUT lets break that down to just last 3 home games and see if that stands up. (allowing 265 yards per game through air), not that far off. So what we have is the Colts have been getting better defending the run as the year has progressed, but the Chargers continue to have a poor pass defense... interesting!!!

Colts have to find a way to stop LT from rushing over 100 yds, which they might do and get Rivers to do like he did last week against Pittsburgh (2 INTs and just 159 yards passing)
Chargers just need to get to Manning and force him to throw some INTs like last years game(tossed six INTs in a loss) and hope that Addai gos back to his slump ( last week he had 153 yards rushing and 2 TDs)... MY PICK - COLTS (24 - 20)

Other Games:

MY PICKS -
DALLAS
BUFFALO
CHICAGO
BALTIMORE
DENVER
ARIZONA
SEATTLE

MONDAY NIGHT - MY PICK - NEW ORLEANS

Week 12 - 2008 Season - Thursday Night Game

2008-11-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Cincinnati actually has played good football the last 2 games winning over Jacksonville and tying Philadelphia. Cincinnati roads games except for week 10 against Houston (lost 6 to 35) and the Jets game, have been close and against some of this years better teams. (Baltimore - lost 10-17, NY Giants - lost 23-26, Dallas -lost 22-31)

Pittsburgh at home is 3 - 2, and close games also, but losing in recent weeks to Giants and Colts. Winning over Sd, Balt, Houston. Pittsburgh earlier this year beat Cincinnati in Cincinnati 38 to 10.

But, lets talk about QBs, Ben Roethlisberger has struggled recently, but is showing steady games, despite being sacked 32 times in 10 games... in 6 of them 10 games, he has had 3 or more sacked layed on him but passed for 195 avg ypg. in the other 4 games he has been layed out less than 2 times and passed for 205 avg ypg. Also, when Big Ben sees fewer sacks, the Steelers get about 10 more pts per game.

Ryan Fitzpatrick gets sacked too, but not as much as Ben, even though Ryan is prone to hold on to the ball too long, he moves more than Ben does... Numbers on Ryan are comparable to Big Ben - 62.9% completion rate, 71.3 overall QB rating...

Weather could play a factor in this game, forecast is calling for snow, so maybe the Bengals will need more of RB Cedric Benson than Ryan Fitzpatrick. But the Steelers’ run defense is very tough and isn’t often gashed by strong, plodding runners like Benson. Also the Bengals may have rookie OT Anthony Collins making his first start on the left side, trying to keep James Harrison from laying out Friz... On the same note the Steelers, if snowy conditions exist, we could see RB Willie Parker also get plenty of work; he seems to have mastered running on the tricky Heinz Field grass slab.

So it comes down to this, Bengals have a outside chance of pulling a upset, IF they end up sacking Big Ben at least three times or more on Thursday and forcing him to throw 2 or more interceptions. Also like so many other teams and games, the Bengals must try to hold Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore to under 100 rushing yards. All of that will be hard to with 9 players being ruled out from playing. Long shot at best but doable if Bengals 'new' defense comes to play and plays rough and tumble... My Pick - Steelers

Week 11 - 2008 season - Part 2

2008-11-14T12:54:00.000-08:00

OK, Jets won big last night in a shoot out that had both teams scoring more pts than I thought they would, (see below) but it's the final score that counts and Jets came out on top...34 -31

DENVER BRONCOS @ ATLANTA FALCONS

Very well could be that Jay Cutler and Matt Ryan have a shootout with Cutler getting the edge in yards but Ryan having the edge in completion percentage. We also could see Atlanta with a big advantage in the running game with Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood because of Denver's weak defense. Don't expect Denver's running game to gain much. If the Broncos stand any chance of winning they need a huge game from Jay Cutler. Atlanta will put this one away if they put pressure on Cutler and make him throw 2 or more interceptions and keep him under 300 yards passing... My Pick - Atlanta

MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Bucs may have Cadillac Williams back but expect to see Earnest Graham and Warrick Dunn getting the carries. But both still may have a tough time against the Vikings run defense. Adrian Peterson could do much better compared to last week. If he runs for over 100 yards, Minnesota could pull off a win. Tampa Bays big edge is at QB spot with Jeff Garcia if throwing 1 or less interceptions. I'm expecting Gus Frerotte to be throwing 1+ interceptions... My Pick - Tampa Bay

TENNESSEE TITANS @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
For Tennessee to continue their winning streak they have to hold Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor to just under 100 yards. The 2 key points for the Jags to upset Tenn. is for David Garrard to limit his interceptions and for this years disappointing defense to try and hold Chris Johnson to under 75 rushing yards. If Jags can do just them 2 things they will walk away winners... My Pick - Jacksonville

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Passing yards is a stat that for some unknown reason seems to always tie into winning for most quarterbacks. But actually it don't, many QBs have more passing yards in losses than in wins. Drew Brees on avg. throws for over 300 yards, but yet it doesn't turn into all wins. The problem is passing yards without rushing yards. The Saints are looking for Reggie Bush to be back but he is only averaging 3.8 yards per carry. On the other hand the Chiefs are commenting about Larry Johnson rejoining the team. Look for a Chiefs win if he has over 100 yards in his return... My Pick - Kansas City
UP-DATE: Saturday 15th - Saints RB Reggie Bush will not be playing for the 3rd straight game. Bush’s knee injury will keep him out vs. the Chiefs.

CHICAGO BEARS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS
Looks like Kyle Orton (with a ankle boo-boo) will be playing. Packers with their great secondary probably will keep Orton to 2 or less TDs. Orton has to make sure he throws no interceptions for the Bears to have a chance. For Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers, (although with a right shoulder hurt), needs to try and bounce back from a lousy last week, needing to get his passing rating in the upper 80's. I see home slab advantage and maybe a field goal win... My Pick - Green Bay

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Should Ben Roethlisberger bow out this week and rest? While Byron Leftwich does a good job filling in for an injured Roethlisberger, as witnessed 2 weeks ago, Ben is still the guy... as long as he keeps away from throwing them darn interceptions. S.D. will be chomping at bit for him to do so and that will be their chance. However, if Ben can avoid interceptions then Steelers take one home in the win column. The Steelers defense also needs to shut down LT and try to hold him to 5 yards or less per carry. If the Steelers allow Tomlinson 70+ yards and maybe a TD or 2, then Chargers could upset the Steelers... My Pick - Pittsburgh

HOUSTON TEXANS @ INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Only thing that needs to be said about this game is Texans QB Sage Rosenfels threw four interceptions last week! My Pick - COLTS!!!!!

Sunday Night Game:
DALLAS COWBOYS @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS
Clinton Portis is questionable and probably out. If by some great chance he plays don't look for much, maybe 70 yards or less in limited action. The Cowboys are betting to win this game on Tony Romo and Felix Jones returning healthy this week. Also helping will be Marion Barber. If Romo has problems with his thumb and the Cowboys turn the ball over 2 or more times Washington will walk away with the win... My Pick - Washington

Monday Night Game:
CLEVELAND BROWNS @ BUFFALO BILLS
Look for Brady Quinn to have another quality game with a passer rating over 80 and a completion percentage over 60, but I do believe Trent Edwards will bounce back from a rough few weeks with a somewhere with a 93 rating. If Edwards throws multiple interceptions, than the Browns could win in a squeaker. The key to Buffalo winning is having Marshawn Lynch finally break out with a good 100+ yard rushing game... My Pick - Cleveland

Week 11 - 2008 season

2008-11-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

OK, boys and girls, week 10 is over and I did some last minute changes to my picks to see if my charts were worthy or not. Ended up with 10 out 14, if I would have stuck with charts I would have gone 12/14...

So week 11 is here, we have a full board of 16 games again and some tough ones at that...

Will be back later to do some analysing and picking..........

Thursday night game this week is Jets vs Patriots, Patriots beat the Jets earlier this season (9/14) on Jets home slab - 19/10. Both teams were pretty evenly match,the only 2 stand-out items were 1 interception thrown by Mr. Favre, that ended up with N.Eng. scoring a TD off of it and Jets had 50 more penalties yards than N.Eng.

N.Eng. had 4 field goals and 1 TD which tells me that Jets defense is strong. Jets would have had more points but penalties and that interception cause their downfall...

This time around, IMO things will be different - comparing the Jets and N.Eng. home/road and last 3 game stats, Jets come out on top 21.77 to 20.12

Prediction: Jets 23 - N.Eng. 19

NFL Hall of Shame

2008-11-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

Coming here shortly a article about the NFL professional Hall of Fame and why it has not included any info, reference or displays pertaining to Women's pro football... Not right in my book..........stay tune...

WEEK 10 - 2008 season

2008-11-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

OK lets get this ball rolling this year!

8 weeks of football are done, which means...

The official Knobby Kabushka 8' x 10' Charts are up on the walls, the stats are written, I'm signed up for Football Outsiders Loser League
and we're heading all of this to Tampa Bay on Feb. 1st,2009...

So far I have these games judged:

Cleveland wins @ home by 4+ - - - this could very well change by Thursday with Quinn being put in as QB. Quinn hasn't played since 01/03/2007 and that was his last college game, so talk about being rusty and battle unproven... Broncos on the other hand are injury riddled, but have signed linebacker Mario Haggan and defensive back Roderick Rogers to their active roster on Tuesday and also promoted running back P.J. Pope from their practice squad. They waived tight end Chad Mustard and signed running back Cory Boyd and linebacker Tyson Smith to their practice squad. So alot of fresh meat out on the green slab....

11/05/2008 UPDATE: I'm sticking to my original pick Browns by 4+, based on defenses of both teams. Since both offenses are totally screwy the only option is to base the game on their defenses,which I have done... In road games, Denver's defense has allowed opps to score a avg of 29.3 pts and 25.7 pts on grass fields...In home games, Cleveland's defense has allowed opps to score a avg. of 22.2 pts and 21.1 pts on grass fields...

Atlanta wins @ home by 10 or less,

Tenn. wins away by 6 or less,

Houston wins @ home by 5 or less,

Miami wins @ home by 6 or more,

NYG wins away by 4 or less...

and for my Pick the Pros friends and their Sunday nite tie-breaker, I have NYG 24 - Phil. 20

2 games I'm still working on is Jacksonville/Detroit and the one between my beloved COLTS and them hot pressed and rolled cold Steelers, that's going to be a rough one to pick. Oh! I can still see that January 14, 1996 game when #4 QB Jim Harbaugh threw a hail mary at the final gun and the ball rolling off the stomach of WR-Aaron Bailey in the Pittsburgh end zone...AAGGHH!!! the agony of defeat....

Well, early look see at my charts says Pittsburgh by 6 or less, we'll see...

11/05/2008 Jacksonville/Detroit Update: If Detroit plays Culpepper they stand a better chance of maybe a win. Even though he's rusty, they say he threw sharp and handed off solid today.
The defense for Detroit sucks, that where the If comes in, If Jacksonville is on game they'll go right though Detroit. Culpepper, if he plays is going to have to put some big numbers up to compensate for what their defense allows... Jason Hanson is a damn good field goal kicker and Cul will make offense SLIGHTLY better. It's the Det. defense that will probably make him wish he stayed home... Some stats - Jacksonville has scored a total of 76 pts in 4 road games and their defense has allowed a total of 76 pts... In home games, Detroit has scored 49 pts and their defense has allowed 107 pts...

Even though Culpepper MIGHT improve Detroit's Off. I don't see a win happening this week... Jacksonville wins away by 8 or less...

11/06/2008 Colts/Steelers Update: All the numbers indicate that the Steelers SHOULD win this game hands down. The pts the Steelers defense has allowed is down right LOWWWWWWWW...( Home - 19.3 avg, Grass - 15.1avg, Last 3 games - 12.1 avg) while at the same time the pts Colts defense has allowed has been HIGHHHH( Road - 26.7avg, Grass - 30.7avg, Last 3 games - 26.7avg). Since moving to Heinz Field the Steelers are 41-14-1. Offensively, Steelers come out on top also, (Home - 25pts avg, Grass - 20pts avg, Last 3 - 25 pts avg), the Colts are close offensively (Road 21pts avg, Grass - 22pts avg, last 3 - 17.7pts avg)

The IF in this game is Steeler QB Ben Roethlisberger, If Leftwich has to start against the Colts, it would prove to be the better of the two for the Colts. Leftwich is 2-3 as a starter against the Colts from his AFC South days. Roethlisberger has a 45-18 record as a starter, and also a playoff victory at Indy in the 2005 AFC Divisional playoffs. Something else for the records is the Colts have won only once in 10 trips to Pittsburgh, that came in 1968. So whats the verdict? Since it's week 10 in the season and the numbers are there and as much as I hate to go against the COLTS... Pittsburgh wins @home by 8 or less...

Subject to flip-flop before 4pm Sunday, LOL

At the last minute I changed my pick from Pittsburgh to the COLTS, I just couldn't pick against them and they did me proud...