Who is good this year? Which quarterbacks are really good? Which are Hall of Famers? These were some of the questions I heard yesterday as I'm watching some really crappy games.
It's hard to say it but the league is really bad. For the most part, the teams are mediocre or flat out horrible. There are two great quarterbacks in the league - 1 is out for the year and 1 is coming off two knee surgeries. Favre is a HOFer but his prime has passed (see Jets loss at Raiders). If I had to pick right now, I guess I would say Pittsburgh is the best team in the league. They won at Jacksonville and home against Philly. They have played solid defense and Roethlisberger has played very well. All this without a running back (Moore dominating the Bengals doesn't count).
Let's see what we learned yesterday:
First and foremost, Dallas is in BIG trouble. Romo is out and I thought Brad Johnson would at least be serviceable. He was anything but. Even with T.O., Barber, Witten and Roy Williams they could not muster any offense against the lowly Rams. More importantly, their defense absolutely stinks. They have no corner backs (injured or suspended), they have no safety (injured for the year) and yet they traded future draft picks for a receiver??? I don't get it.
Don't even think about calling the Giants the best team. They beat the Redskins in a game you can toss out the window. They also beat the Rams, Bengals (OT), Seahawks (who have no team right now) and the 49ers (who love giving the ball away - thanks JTO). This are not exactly your top of the line competition. The Giants got BLOWN OUT against the Browns! That's sad. What's worse is that Eli has not looked good at all this year. The Giants have a good defense and a solid running game. After that - not good.
How many inconsistent teams do we have?
Chargers, Packers, Saints, Jets (among others). These teams all have playoff potential but seem not to show up in some games. Very Strange.
Coming back to earth?
Titans' next 5 games: Colts, Packers, @ Bears, @ Jags, Jets. We'll know if they are for real after this stretch. If they can go 3-2 I'll buy them.
Set up for a long run:
Buffalo - After a 41-17 drubbing in Arizona and the bye, the Bills are set up nicely. Their schedule: @ Miami, Jets, @ NE, Cleveland, @ KC, 49ers, Miami. 4-3 in these games will put them at 9-4 and in good position to win the division.
*MNF - Can Moose Cassel can move the ball against a bad Denver defense? I expect a solid Denver offense to move the ball well against an aging Patriots defense. I'll take Denver 27 - Pats 23.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Horrible Picking
Wow have I been wrong lately.
My World Series prediction of Cubs over Angels went out the window. Cubs were swept by the Dodgers in a series where they were over matched in every facet of the game.
Jon Lester is making a name for himself. He won Game 4 of the World Series last year and was dominant in Game 1 vs. Anaheim. Tonight he pitches against Lackey for the right to advance. I was sure the Red Sox would have finished the series last night but the Angels showed some fight and prolonged the series. I'll be rooting for them.
Onto football:
Biggest surprise - Tennessee. I thought the Titans would win 5 games all year, not in the first 5 weeks. The Redskins deserve some votes as well, especially after a horrendous Week 1 effort. They have pulled together and have played extremely good football. Peter King pointed out that they already completed their 3 road games within the division.
Biggest disappointment: Hard to say because I have so many. The Colts were lucky to win yesterday and should be 1-3. The Chargers have looked awful at times. They came back against Oakland but could not do the same against Miami. The Vikings have one offensive player. The Jaguars don't have any.
I think things will start to take form soon within the divisions. The Patriots are still the class of the AFC East although the Jets are not far behind. The Bills are back to backup QB JP Losman now and got crushed yesterday at Arizona.
The Colts at 2-2 are not done yet. Tennessee has shown it has the best defense in the league but its offense is still suspect. I don't think they can keep up with the Colts. The Steelers are clearly the class of the AFC North. The Broncos have been impressive in the West but gave up 33 points to KC 2 weeks ago. That defense won't help them against SD.
In the NFC, I love the Saints to win the division. They should have another win under their belt (missed 43 yard FG to win vs Denver) and Brees is on track for league MVP. No one seems to want to win the NFC West and everyone is in the hunt for the East. In the North the Vikings have no offense and the Packers lost at home to Atlanta. Chicago has played very well but I would pick GB to pull ahead soon (assuming Rodgers stays healthy).
My World Series prediction of Cubs over Angels went out the window. Cubs were swept by the Dodgers in a series where they were over matched in every facet of the game.
Jon Lester is making a name for himself. He won Game 4 of the World Series last year and was dominant in Game 1 vs. Anaheim. Tonight he pitches against Lackey for the right to advance. I was sure the Red Sox would have finished the series last night but the Angels showed some fight and prolonged the series. I'll be rooting for them.
Onto football:
Biggest surprise - Tennessee. I thought the Titans would win 5 games all year, not in the first 5 weeks. The Redskins deserve some votes as well, especially after a horrendous Week 1 effort. They have pulled together and have played extremely good football. Peter King pointed out that they already completed their 3 road games within the division.
Biggest disappointment: Hard to say because I have so many. The Colts were lucky to win yesterday and should be 1-3. The Chargers have looked awful at times. They came back against Oakland but could not do the same against Miami. The Vikings have one offensive player. The Jaguars don't have any.
I think things will start to take form soon within the divisions. The Patriots are still the class of the AFC East although the Jets are not far behind. The Bills are back to backup QB JP Losman now and got crushed yesterday at Arizona.
The Colts at 2-2 are not done yet. Tennessee has shown it has the best defense in the league but its offense is still suspect. I don't think they can keep up with the Colts. The Steelers are clearly the class of the AFC North. The Broncos have been impressive in the West but gave up 33 points to KC 2 weeks ago. That defense won't help them against SD.
In the NFC, I love the Saints to win the division. They should have another win under their belt (missed 43 yard FG to win vs Denver) and Brees is on track for league MVP. No one seems to want to win the NFC West and everyone is in the hunt for the East. In the North the Vikings have no offense and the Packers lost at home to Atlanta. Chicago has played very well but I would pick GB to pull ahead soon (assuming Rodgers stays healthy).
Monday, September 29, 2008
2008 MLB Postseason
Playoff Predictions:
National League:
Cubs - have been the best team in the NL the entire season and there is no reason why they shouldn't be in the World Series as the NL representative.
Dodgers - dangerous with Manny but their pitching is very suspect. I'll be rooting for the Dodgers because Manny is entertaining and I might as well root for Torre (even though I was for him getting fired from NY).
Phillies - could compete with the Cubs because of their potent offense and Cole Hamels.
Brewers - Sabathia will not be ready for Game 1 which means they are not winning the series. Sheets is hurt and the bullpen is not that good.
NLDS Predictions:
Cubs over Dodgers in 4
Phillies over Brewers in 5
NLCS:
Cubs over Phillies in 6
American League:
Angels - best and most complete team in baseball all year. They got what they needed (a bat) in Mark Texeira, have excellent starting pitching and the best bullpen in baseball. Their playoff nemesis is Boston but they are 9-1 vs. the Red Sox this year.
Red Sox - Beckett isn't starting until Game 3 and is not 100%. Offense is not the same without Manny.
Rays - showed great resiliency in September by holding of the Red Sox for the Division. Were great at home this year and have two very good top of the rotation starting pitchers.
Twins/White Sox - Both teams are hot and will be good competition for the Rays. Experience will help.
ALDS Predictions:
Angels over Red Sox in 5
Twins/White Sox over Rays in 5
ALCS:
Angels over Twins/White Sox in 6
WORLD SERIES:
CUBS over ANGELS in 7
Logic tells me that the Angels are the better team and will win the championship. However, we've seen over the past few years that the best team does not always win the championship (see 2007 football Giants). I just have a feeling about the Cubs this year. In the last few years the White Sox and Red Sox won the World Series. If they can do it, so can the Cubs.
National League:
Cubs - have been the best team in the NL the entire season and there is no reason why they shouldn't be in the World Series as the NL representative.
Dodgers - dangerous with Manny but their pitching is very suspect. I'll be rooting for the Dodgers because Manny is entertaining and I might as well root for Torre (even though I was for him getting fired from NY).
Phillies - could compete with the Cubs because of their potent offense and Cole Hamels.
Brewers - Sabathia will not be ready for Game 1 which means they are not winning the series. Sheets is hurt and the bullpen is not that good.
NLDS Predictions:
Cubs over Dodgers in 4
Phillies over Brewers in 5
NLCS:
Cubs over Phillies in 6
American League:
Angels - best and most complete team in baseball all year. They got what they needed (a bat) in Mark Texeira, have excellent starting pitching and the best bullpen in baseball. Their playoff nemesis is Boston but they are 9-1 vs. the Red Sox this year.
Red Sox - Beckett isn't starting until Game 3 and is not 100%. Offense is not the same without Manny.
Rays - showed great resiliency in September by holding of the Red Sox for the Division. Were great at home this year and have two very good top of the rotation starting pitchers.
Twins/White Sox - Both teams are hot and will be good competition for the Rays. Experience will help.
ALDS Predictions:
Angels over Red Sox in 5
Twins/White Sox over Rays in 5
ALCS:
Angels over Twins/White Sox in 6
WORLD SERIES:
CUBS over ANGELS in 7
Logic tells me that the Angels are the better team and will win the championship. However, we've seen over the past few years that the best team does not always win the championship (see 2007 football Giants). I just have a feeling about the Cubs this year. In the last few years the White Sox and Red Sox won the World Series. If they can do it, so can the Cubs.
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