The 2011 MLB Regular Season has come to an end and the playoffs are just about to start. We all thought Atlanta and Boston would have made the playoffs on September 1st with 8 and ahalf and 9 game leads on St.Louis and Tampa Bay, respectively but both teams collapsed in September and gave away their playoff spots on the final day of the season. Instead, the Rays and Cardinals caught the Redsox and Braves. Philadelphia won the NL East, Milwaukee won the NL Central, Arizona won the NL West, and St.Louis won the NL Wild Card. In the AL, the Yankees won the East, Detroit won the Central, Texas won the West, and Tampa Bay won the Wild Card. Our LDS matchups are as follows, Tigers @ Yankees, Rays @ Rangers, Cardinals @ Phillies, Diamondbacks @ Brewers. Now, I will make my predictions for each series and see who will advances to the LCS.
Tampa Bay Rays @ Texas Rangers - The Rays barely got into the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. They have tabbed rookie pitcher Matt Moore to start game 1 against the Rangers and C.J Wilson. The Rangers have a very tough offense that consists of reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, and Mike Napoli. That is a tough offense for Moore to face in his second career start, his first playoff start. In Moore, first start, against the Yankees, on September 14th, he went 5 innings and struck out 11. Tampa will pitch James Shields,David Price, and Jeremy Hellickson in games 2,3, and 4, respectively. The Rays pitching against the Rangers hitting is going to be fun to see and it should be a great series. My prediction: Tampa Bay over Texas in 5 games.
Detroit Tigers @ New York Yankees - Justin Verlander, the likely AL Cy Young winner against C.C Sabathia in game 1 at Yankee Stadium is going to be an epic battle. it'll be interesting to see how both rotations will work each high powered offense. Yankees rookie Ivan Nova gets the ball in game 2 and veteran Freddy Garcia gets game 3 for New York. Doug Fister,Max Scherzer, and Rick Porcello will get games 2,3, and 4 for Detroit, respectively. This will be another great series, it'll be hard to decide who wins this. My prediction: Detroit over New York in 5 games.
St.Louis Cardinals @ Philadelphia Phillies - Just like Tampa Bay, the St.Louis Cardinals barely got into the playoffs on the final day of the year. Philadelphia finished with the best record in the MLB at 102-60. They got a rotation filled with THREE Cy Young candidates and arguably the best offense in the playoffs. Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter is starting game 3 at home. The Phillies rotation sets up as follows, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and then Roy Oswalt for a game 4. Kyle Lohse will get game 1 and Edwin Jackson gets game 2. I just think the Phillies rotation and offense is too strong for St.Louis to overpower and I see Philadelphia headed back to the NLCS. My prediction: Philadelphia over St.Louis in 3 games.
Arizona Diamondbacks @ Milwaukee Brewers - The surprise of the NL playoffs is the Diamondbacks, who finished dead last in the NL West in 2010 and now they're division winners in 2011. They have Cy Young candidate Ian Kennedy starting game 1 against Brewers ace, Yovani Gallardo. The problem is, is that the Brewers just do not lose at home, finishing with the most home wins in the MLB in 2011 and more home wins then the Houston Astros had wins at home or on the road all year! Milwaukee finished 57-24 at home, the Astros finished 56-106 all year. Milwaukee has MVP candidates Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder hitting 3-4 in the lineup and that, in my opinion, is the best 3-4 in the MLB. Not to mention, you got Rickie Weeks, Nyger Morgan, and Corey Hart in the lineup too. Zack Greinke gets the ball in game 2 for Milwaukee with Shaun Marcum and Randy Wolf getting games 3 and 4, respectively. Greinke would pitch a game 5 at home, if nessicary. Daniel Hudson will pitch game 2, Joe Saunders gets game 3, and Josh Collmenter game 4 for Arizona. I think this series will be very exciting and anything can happen. Like Philadelphia, I think Milwaukee's offense is too strong, rotation is too good and bullpen is crazy good for Arizona to overcome. My prediction: Milwaukee over Arizona in 4 games.
There you have it, my LDS predictions. That means my LCS will be Milwaukee @ Philadelphia and Tampa Bay @ Detroit.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
2011 MLB Awards
The 2011 MLB Regular Season has come to an end and what an exciting final day of game 162's. All division's had been won and both Wild Card races were tied for 1st place. In the AL, the Boston Redsox and Tampa Bay Rays were tied for the Wild Card lead. In The NL, the Atlanta Braves and St.Louis Cardinals were tied for the Wild Card lead. On September 1st, Atlanta had a 8.5 game lead on St.Louis and Boston had a 9 game lead on Tampa Bay, they both blew it on the final day of the season. Atlanta and Boston lost, and St.Louis and Tampa Bay won. These finishes may have impacted some of the awards races in the MLB, and i think some did. Here is where I will display my winners of the major MLB Awards for 2011. If you disagree, share your views in the comments section.
AL MVP:
1.Miguel Cabrera, DET 1B: .344 AVG, 30 HRs, 105 RBIs, 111 Rs, 2 SBs, .448 OBP, .586 SLUG, 1.034 OPS.
2.Jose Bautista, TOR RF: .302 AVG, 43 HRs, 103 RBIs, 105 Runs, 9 SBs, .447 OBP, .608 SLUG , 1.056 OPS.
3.Curtis Granderson, NYY CF: .262 AVG, 41 HRs, 119 RBIs, 136 Runs, 25 SBs, .364 OBP, .552 SLUG, .916 OPS.
4.Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS CF: .321 AVG, 32 HRs, 105 RBIs, 119 Runs, 39 SBs, .376 OBP, .552 SLUG, .928 OPS.
5.Robinson Cano, NYY 2B: 302 AVG, 28 HRs, 118 RBIs, 104 Runs, 8 SBs, .349 OBP, .533 SLUG, .882 OPS.
Honorable Mentions: Adrian Gonzalez BOS 1B, Dustin Pedroia BOS 2B, Michael Young TEX DH, Mike Napoli TEX C, Evan Longoria TB 3B
AL CY YOUNG:
1.Justin Verlander, DET: 24-5, 2.40 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 250 Ks, 4 CGs, 2 SHOs, 251 IP, .192 BAA.
2.Jered Weaver, LAA: 18-8, 2.41 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 198 Ks, 4 CGs, 2 SHOs, 235.2 IP, .212 BAA
3.James Shields, TB: 16-12, 2.82 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 225 Ks, 11 CGs, 4 SHOs, 249.1 IP, .217 BAA
Honorable Mentions: CC Sabathia NYY, Josh Beckett BOS, CJ Wilson TEX
AL Rookie Of The Year:
1.Jeremy Hellickson, TB SP: 13-10, 2.95 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 117 Ks, 2 CGs, 1 SHO, 189 IP, .210 BAA.
2.Michael Pineda, SEA SP: 9-10, 3.74 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 173 Ks, 171 IP, .211 BAA.
3.Eric Hosmer, KC 1B: .293 AVG, 19 HRs, 78 RBIs, 66 Runs, 11 SBs, .334 OBP, .465 SLUG, .799 OPS.
Honorable Mentions: Ivan Nova NYY SP, Mark Trumbo LAA 1B, Alexi Ogando TEX SP.
AL Comeback Player Of The Year:
1.Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS CF: .321 AVG, 32 HRs, 105 RBIs , 119 Runs, 39 SBs, .376 OBP, .552 SLUG, .928 OPS.
AL Manager Of The Year:
1.Joe Maddon, TB: 91-71
2.Joe Girardi, NYY: 97-65
3.Ron Washington, TEX: 96-66
NL MVP:
1.Matt Kemp, LAD CF: .324 AVG, 39 HRs, 126 RBIs, 115 Runs, 40 SBs, .399 OBP, .586 SLUG, .986 OPS.
1.Ryan Braun, MIL LF: .332 AVG, 33 HRs , 111 RBIs , 109 Runs, 33 SBs, .397 OBP, .597 SLUG, .994 OPS.
3.Prince Fielder, MIL 1B: .299 AVG, 38 HRs, 120 RBIs, 95 Runs, 1 SB, .415 OBP, .566 SLUG, .981 OPS.
4.Justin Upton, ARI RF: .289 AVG, 31 HRs, 88 RBIs, 105 Runs, 21 SBs, .369 OBP , .529 SLUG, .898 OPS.
5.Albert Pujols, STL 1B: .299 AVG, 37 HRs, 99 RBIs, 105 Runs, 9 SBs, .366 OBP, .541 SLUG, .906 OPS.
Honorable Mentions: Jose Reyes NYM SS, Hunter Pence PHI RF, Lance Berkman STL RF, Joey Votto CIN 1B, Troy Tulowitzki COL SS,
NL CY YOUNG:
1.Clayton Kershaw, LAD: 21-5, 2.28 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 248 Ks, 5 CGs, 2 SHOs, 233.1 IP, .207 BAA.
2.Cliff Lee, PHI: 17-8, 2.40 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 238 Ks, 6 CGs, 6 SHOs, 232.2 IP, .229 BAA.
3.Roy Halladay, PHI: 19-6, 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 220 Ks , 8 CGs, 1 SHO, 233.2 IP, .239 BAA.
Honorable Mentions: Ian Kennedy ARI, Cole Hamels PHI, Tim Lincecum MIL, Zack Greinke MIL
NL Rookie Of The Year:
1.Vance Worley, PHI SP: 11-3, 3.01 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 119 Ks, 1 CG, 131.2 IP, .237 BAA.
2.Craig Kimbrel, ATL RP: 46 Saves, 2.10 ERA, 4-3, 1.04 WHIP, 127 Ks, 77 IP, .178 BAA.
3.Freddie Freeman, ATL 1B: .282 AVG, 21 HRs, 76 RBIs, 67 Runs, 4 SBs, .346 OBP, .448 SLUG, .795 OPS.
Honorable Mentions: Dillon Gee NYM SP, Brandon Beachy ATL SP, Darwin Barney CHC 2B.
NL Comeback Player Of The Year:
1.Lance Berkman, STL RF: .301 AVG, 31 HRs, 94 RBIs, 90 Runs, 2 SBs, .412 OBP, .547 SLUG, .959 OPS.
NL Manager Of The Year:
1.Kirk Gibson, ARI: 94-68
2.Ron Roenicke, MIL: 96-66
3.Charlie Manuel, PHI: 102-60
AL MVP:
1.Miguel Cabrera, DET 1B: .344 AVG, 30 HRs, 105 RBIs, 111 Rs, 2 SBs, .448 OBP, .586 SLUG, 1.034 OPS.
2.Jose Bautista, TOR RF: .302 AVG, 43 HRs, 103 RBIs, 105 Runs, 9 SBs, .447 OBP, .608 SLUG , 1.056 OPS.
3.Curtis Granderson, NYY CF: .262 AVG, 41 HRs, 119 RBIs, 136 Runs, 25 SBs, .364 OBP, .552 SLUG, .916 OPS.
4.Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS CF: .321 AVG, 32 HRs, 105 RBIs, 119 Runs, 39 SBs, .376 OBP, .552 SLUG, .928 OPS.
5.Robinson Cano, NYY 2B: 302 AVG, 28 HRs, 118 RBIs, 104 Runs, 8 SBs, .349 OBP, .533 SLUG, .882 OPS.
Honorable Mentions: Adrian Gonzalez BOS 1B, Dustin Pedroia BOS 2B, Michael Young TEX DH, Mike Napoli TEX C, Evan Longoria TB 3B
AL CY YOUNG:
1.Justin Verlander, DET: 24-5, 2.40 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 250 Ks, 4 CGs, 2 SHOs, 251 IP, .192 BAA.
2.Jered Weaver, LAA: 18-8, 2.41 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 198 Ks, 4 CGs, 2 SHOs, 235.2 IP, .212 BAA
3.James Shields, TB: 16-12, 2.82 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 225 Ks, 11 CGs, 4 SHOs, 249.1 IP, .217 BAA
Honorable Mentions: CC Sabathia NYY, Josh Beckett BOS, CJ Wilson TEX
AL Rookie Of The Year:
1.Jeremy Hellickson, TB SP: 13-10, 2.95 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 117 Ks, 2 CGs, 1 SHO, 189 IP, .210 BAA.
2.Michael Pineda, SEA SP: 9-10, 3.74 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 173 Ks, 171 IP, .211 BAA.
3.Eric Hosmer, KC 1B: .293 AVG, 19 HRs, 78 RBIs, 66 Runs, 11 SBs, .334 OBP, .465 SLUG, .799 OPS.
Honorable Mentions: Ivan Nova NYY SP, Mark Trumbo LAA 1B, Alexi Ogando TEX SP.
AL Comeback Player Of The Year:
1.Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS CF: .321 AVG, 32 HRs, 105 RBIs , 119 Runs, 39 SBs, .376 OBP, .552 SLUG, .928 OPS.
AL Manager Of The Year:
1.Joe Maddon, TB: 91-71
2.Joe Girardi, NYY: 97-65
3.Ron Washington, TEX: 96-66
NL MVP:
1.Matt Kemp, LAD CF: .324 AVG, 39 HRs, 126 RBIs, 115 Runs, 40 SBs, .399 OBP, .586 SLUG, .986 OPS.
1.Ryan Braun, MIL LF: .332 AVG, 33 HRs , 111 RBIs , 109 Runs, 33 SBs, .397 OBP, .597 SLUG, .994 OPS.
3.Prince Fielder, MIL 1B: .299 AVG, 38 HRs, 120 RBIs, 95 Runs, 1 SB, .415 OBP, .566 SLUG, .981 OPS.
4.Justin Upton, ARI RF: .289 AVG, 31 HRs, 88 RBIs, 105 Runs, 21 SBs, .369 OBP , .529 SLUG, .898 OPS.
5.Albert Pujols, STL 1B: .299 AVG, 37 HRs, 99 RBIs, 105 Runs, 9 SBs, .366 OBP, .541 SLUG, .906 OPS.
Honorable Mentions: Jose Reyes NYM SS, Hunter Pence PHI RF, Lance Berkman STL RF, Joey Votto CIN 1B, Troy Tulowitzki COL SS,
NL CY YOUNG:
1.Clayton Kershaw, LAD: 21-5, 2.28 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 248 Ks, 5 CGs, 2 SHOs, 233.1 IP, .207 BAA.
2.Cliff Lee, PHI: 17-8, 2.40 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 238 Ks, 6 CGs, 6 SHOs, 232.2 IP, .229 BAA.
3.Roy Halladay, PHI: 19-6, 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 220 Ks , 8 CGs, 1 SHO, 233.2 IP, .239 BAA.
Honorable Mentions: Ian Kennedy ARI, Cole Hamels PHI, Tim Lincecum MIL, Zack Greinke MIL
NL Rookie Of The Year:
1.Vance Worley, PHI SP: 11-3, 3.01 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 119 Ks, 1 CG, 131.2 IP, .237 BAA.
2.Craig Kimbrel, ATL RP: 46 Saves, 2.10 ERA, 4-3, 1.04 WHIP, 127 Ks, 77 IP, .178 BAA.
3.Freddie Freeman, ATL 1B: .282 AVG, 21 HRs, 76 RBIs, 67 Runs, 4 SBs, .346 OBP, .448 SLUG, .795 OPS.
Honorable Mentions: Dillon Gee NYM SP, Brandon Beachy ATL SP, Darwin Barney CHC 2B.
NL Comeback Player Of The Year:
1.Lance Berkman, STL RF: .301 AVG, 31 HRs, 94 RBIs, 90 Runs, 2 SBs, .412 OBP, .547 SLUG, .959 OPS.
NL Manager Of The Year:
1.Kirk Gibson, ARI: 94-68
2.Ron Roenicke, MIL: 96-66
3.Charlie Manuel, PHI: 102-60
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
NFL Top 10 Power Rankings Week 3 Edition
Week 3 of the 2011 NFL season has been completed and I must say, this was the best week of the season by far with many upsets and exciting games. It was a very great week and there was some surprising outcomes. It is time to put out my weekly top 10 NFL Power Rankings for after week 3. You can check out last weeks edition at http://damnilovesports.blogspot.com/2011/09/nfl-top-10-power-rankings-week-2.html , so here is the week 3 edition.
1.Green Bay Packers (3-0) defeated Chicago Bears 27-17. Last Week (1)
2.Detroit Lions (3-0) defeated Minnesota Vikings 26-23 in OT. Last Week (4)
3.Buffalo Bills (3-0) defeated New England Patriots 34-31. Last Week (6)
4.New Orleans Saints (2-1) defeated Houston Texans 40-33. Last Week (7)
5.New England Patriots (2-1) lost to Buffalo Bills 34-31. Last Week (2)
6.Baltimore Ravens (2-1) defeated St.Louis Rams 37-7. Last Week (N/R)
7.New York Giants (2-1) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 29-16. Last Week (N/R)
8.Houston Texans (2-1) lost to New Orleans Saints 40-33. Last Week (5)
9.Oakland Raiders (2-1) defeated New York Jets 34-24. Last Week (N/R)
10.New York Jets (2-1) lost to Oakland Raiders 34-24. Last Week (3)
*** N/R = Not Ranked
NFC Player Of The Week: Giants QB Eli Manning: 16 of 23 , 254 yards , 4 TDs , 0 INT.
HM - Lions QB Matthew Stafford: 32 of 46 , 378 yards , 2 TDs , 0 INT.
AFC Player Of The Week: Raiders RB Darren McFadden: 19 carries , 171 yards , 2 TDs.
HM - Ravens WR Torrey Smith: 5 catches , 152 yards , 3 TDs.
Upset Of The Week: Buffalo Bills defeat New England Patriots 34-31.
HM - New York Giants defeat Philadelphia Eagles 29-16
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Buffalo Bills defeat New England Patriots 34-31.
HM - New Orleans Saints defeat Houston Texans 40-33.
***HM = Honorable Mentions
Got any different views? Share them in the comments section.
1.Green Bay Packers (3-0) defeated Chicago Bears 27-17. Last Week (1)
2.Detroit Lions (3-0) defeated Minnesota Vikings 26-23 in OT. Last Week (4)
3.Buffalo Bills (3-0) defeated New England Patriots 34-31. Last Week (6)
4.New Orleans Saints (2-1) defeated Houston Texans 40-33. Last Week (7)
5.New England Patriots (2-1) lost to Buffalo Bills 34-31. Last Week (2)
6.Baltimore Ravens (2-1) defeated St.Louis Rams 37-7. Last Week (N/R)
7.New York Giants (2-1) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 29-16. Last Week (N/R)
8.Houston Texans (2-1) lost to New Orleans Saints 40-33. Last Week (5)
9.Oakland Raiders (2-1) defeated New York Jets 34-24. Last Week (N/R)
10.New York Jets (2-1) lost to Oakland Raiders 34-24. Last Week (3)
*** N/R = Not Ranked
NFC Player Of The Week: Giants QB Eli Manning: 16 of 23 , 254 yards , 4 TDs , 0 INT.
HM - Lions QB Matthew Stafford: 32 of 46 , 378 yards , 2 TDs , 0 INT.
AFC Player Of The Week: Raiders RB Darren McFadden: 19 carries , 171 yards , 2 TDs.
HM - Ravens WR Torrey Smith: 5 catches , 152 yards , 3 TDs.
Upset Of The Week: Buffalo Bills defeat New England Patriots 34-31.
HM - New York Giants defeat Philadelphia Eagles 29-16
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Buffalo Bills defeat New England Patriots 34-31.
HM - New Orleans Saints defeat Houston Texans 40-33.
***HM = Honorable Mentions
Got any different views? Share them in the comments section.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Week 3 NFL Picks
Getting a two day jump on my Week 3 picks for the NFL. I went 8-7 in week 1 and 12-4 in week 2. Hopefully an undefeated week 3 is in store for me. Lets get to it, here's my week 3 NFL picks.
Cincinnati Bengals over San Francisco 49ers
New England Patriots over Buffalo Bills
New Orleans Saints over Houston Texans
Philadelphia Eagles over New York Giants
Cleveland Browns over Miami Dolphins
Tennessee Titans over Denver Broncos
Detroit Lions over Minnesota Vikings
Carolina Panther over Jacksonville Jaguars
San Diego Chargers over Kansas City Chiefs
Baltimore Ravens over St.Louis Rams
Atlanta Falcons over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arizona Cardinals over Seattle Seahawks
Green Bay Packers over Chicago Bears
New York Jets over Oakland Raiders
Pittsburgh Steelers over Indianapolis Colts
Dallas Cowboys over Washington Redskins
Parlay Picks:
Buffalo +10 over New England
Atlanta -1 over Tampa Bay
Detroit -3 over Minnesota
Carolina -3 over Jacksonville
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
NFL Top 10 Power Rankings Week 2 Edition
Week 2 of the 2011 NFL Season has come to an end and it is time to update the latest power rankings. Looks like there will be some major changes this week. To take a look at last weeks rankings, take a look here: http://damnilovesports.blogspot.com/2011/09/nfl-top-10-power-rankings.html
1.Green Bay Packers (2-0) defeated Carolina Panthers 30-23. Last Week (1)
2.New England Patriots (2-0) defeated San Diego Chargers 35-21. Last Week (2)
3.New York Jets (2-0) defeated Jacksonville Jaguars 32-3. Last Week (5)
4.Detroit Lions (2-0) defeated Kansas City Chiefs 48-3. Last Week (8)
5.Houston Texans (2-0) defeated Miami Dolphins 23-13. Last Week (7)
6.Buffalo Bills (2-0) defeated Oakland Raiders 38-35. Last Week (9)
7.New Orleans Saints (1-1) defeated Chicago Bears 30-13. Last Week (N/A)
8.Washington Redskins (2-0) defeated Arizona Cardinals 22-21. Last Week (N/A)
9.Atlanta Falcons (1-1) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 35-31. Last Week (N/A)
10.Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) lost to Atlanta Falcons 35-31. Last Week (6)
NFC Player Of The Week: Lions QB Matthew Stafford: 23 of 39, 294 yards , 4 TDs , 1 INT.
HM - Cowboys WR Miles Austin: 9 catches , 143 yards , 3 TDs.
AFC Player Of The Week: Patriots QB Tom Brady: 31 of 40 , 423 yards , 3 TDs , 0 INTs.
HM - Chargers WR Vincent Jackson: 10 catches , 172 yards , 2 TDs.
Upset Of The Week: Tennessee Titans defeat Baltimore Ravens 26-13.
HM - Atlanta Falcons defeat Philadelphia Eagles 35-31.
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Atlanta Falcons defeat Philadelphia Eagles 35-31.
HM - Buffalo Bills defeat Oakland Raiders 38-35.
***HM = Honorable Mentions.
Got different views? Share them in the comments section.
1.Green Bay Packers (2-0) defeated Carolina Panthers 30-23. Last Week (1)
2.New England Patriots (2-0) defeated San Diego Chargers 35-21. Last Week (2)
3.New York Jets (2-0) defeated Jacksonville Jaguars 32-3. Last Week (5)
4.Detroit Lions (2-0) defeated Kansas City Chiefs 48-3. Last Week (8)
5.Houston Texans (2-0) defeated Miami Dolphins 23-13. Last Week (7)
6.Buffalo Bills (2-0) defeated Oakland Raiders 38-35. Last Week (9)
7.New Orleans Saints (1-1) defeated Chicago Bears 30-13. Last Week (N/A)
8.Washington Redskins (2-0) defeated Arizona Cardinals 22-21. Last Week (N/A)
9.Atlanta Falcons (1-1) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 35-31. Last Week (N/A)
10.Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) lost to Atlanta Falcons 35-31. Last Week (6)
NFC Player Of The Week: Lions QB Matthew Stafford: 23 of 39, 294 yards , 4 TDs , 1 INT.
HM - Cowboys WR Miles Austin: 9 catches , 143 yards , 3 TDs.
AFC Player Of The Week: Patriots QB Tom Brady: 31 of 40 , 423 yards , 3 TDs , 0 INTs.
HM - Chargers WR Vincent Jackson: 10 catches , 172 yards , 2 TDs.
Upset Of The Week: Tennessee Titans defeat Baltimore Ravens 26-13.
HM - Atlanta Falcons defeat Philadelphia Eagles 35-31.
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Atlanta Falcons defeat Philadelphia Eagles 35-31.
HM - Buffalo Bills defeat Oakland Raiders 38-35.
***HM = Honorable Mentions.
Got different views? Share them in the comments section.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Week 2 NFL Picks
We are one day away from the start of week two of the NFL season. It is now time to make the weekly picks. I will also include my four picks with the spread.
Raiders over Bills
Lions over Chiefs
Ravens over Titans
Colts over Browns
Buccaneers over Vikings
Saints over Bears
Steelers over Seahawks
Cardinals over Redskins
Packers over Panthers
Cowboys over 49ers
Broncos over Bengals
Texans over Dolphins
Patriots over Chargers
Falcons over Eagles * UPSET PICK
Jets over Jaguars
Giants over Rams
Spread Picks:
Raiders (+3) against Bills
Cardinals (+4) against Redskins
Buccaneers (+3) against Vikings
Ravens (-6) against Titans
Don't agree with my picks? Leave feedback in the comments section.
Raiders over Bills
Lions over Chiefs
Ravens over Titans
Colts over Browns
Buccaneers over Vikings
Saints over Bears
Steelers over Seahawks
Cardinals over Redskins
Packers over Panthers
Cowboys over 49ers
Broncos over Bengals
Texans over Dolphins
Patriots over Chargers
Falcons over Eagles * UPSET PICK
Jets over Jaguars
Giants over Rams
Spread Picks:
Raiders (+3) against Bills
Cardinals (+4) against Redskins
Buccaneers (+3) against Vikings
Ravens (-6) against Titans
Don't agree with my picks? Leave feedback in the comments section.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
NFL Top 10 Power Rankings
Week 1 of the 2011 NFL Season is complete and we saw some big upsets over the weekend and some memorable performances by a few stars and rising stars. Lets get to it, here's my top 10 in the power rankings for after week 1.
1.Green Bay Packers (1-0) def. New Orleans 42-34
2.New England Patriots (1-0) def. Miami Dolphins 38-24
3.Baltimore Ravens (1-0) def. Pittsburgh Ravens 35-7
4.Chicago Bears (1-0) def. Atlanta Falcons 30-12
5.New York Jets (1-0) def. Dallas Cowboys 27-24
6.Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) def. St.Louis Rams 31-13
7.Houston Texans (1-0) def. Indianapolis Colts 34-7
8.Detroit Lions (1-0) def. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20
9.Buffalo Bills (1-0) def. Kansas City Chiefs 41-7
10.San Diego Chargers (1-0) def. Minnesota Vikings 24-17
***NOTE: Ranking are based on Week 1 performances, not preseason expectations and week 1 performances combined.
NFC Player Of The Week: Panthers QB Cam Newton: 24 of 37 , 422 yards , 2 TDs , 1 INT.
HM - Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 27 of 35 , 312 yards , 3 TDs.
AFC Player Of The Week: Patriots QB Tom Brady: 32 of 48 , 517 yards , 4 TDs , 1 INT.
HM - Dolphins QB Chad Henne: 30 of 49 , 416 yards , 2 TDs , 1 INT.
Upset Of The Week: Bills defeat Chiefs 41-7.
HM - Bengals defeat Browns 27-17
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Packers defeat Saints 42-34
HM - Jets defeat Cowboys 27-24
***HM = Honorable Mentions
1.Green Bay Packers (1-0) def. New Orleans 42-34
2.New England Patriots (1-0) def. Miami Dolphins 38-24
3.Baltimore Ravens (1-0) def. Pittsburgh Ravens 35-7
4.Chicago Bears (1-0) def. Atlanta Falcons 30-12
5.New York Jets (1-0) def. Dallas Cowboys 27-24
6.Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) def. St.Louis Rams 31-13
7.Houston Texans (1-0) def. Indianapolis Colts 34-7
8.Detroit Lions (1-0) def. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-20
9.Buffalo Bills (1-0) def. Kansas City Chiefs 41-7
10.San Diego Chargers (1-0) def. Minnesota Vikings 24-17
***NOTE: Ranking are based on Week 1 performances, not preseason expectations and week 1 performances combined.
NFC Player Of The Week: Panthers QB Cam Newton: 24 of 37 , 422 yards , 2 TDs , 1 INT.
HM - Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 27 of 35 , 312 yards , 3 TDs.
AFC Player Of The Week: Patriots QB Tom Brady: 32 of 48 , 517 yards , 4 TDs , 1 INT.
HM - Dolphins QB Chad Henne: 30 of 49 , 416 yards , 2 TDs , 1 INT.
Upset Of The Week: Bills defeat Chiefs 41-7.
HM - Bengals defeat Browns 27-17
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Packers defeat Saints 42-34
HM - Jets defeat Cowboys 27-24
***HM = Honorable Mentions
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Week 1 NFL Picks
The 2011 NFL season has arrived and it's time to make the weekly picks for the games. Here are my week 1 NFL picks.
Browns over Bengals
Steelers over Ravens
Lions over Buccaneers *upset special
Falcons over Bears
Chiefs over Bills
Texans over Colts
Eagles over Rams
Titans over Jaguars
Cardinals over Panthers
49ers over Seahawks
Chargers over Vikings
Giants over Redskins
Jets over Cowboys
Patriots over Dolphins
Broncos over Raiders .
Browns over Bengals
Steelers over Ravens
Lions over Buccaneers *upset special
Falcons over Bears
Chiefs over Bills
Texans over Colts
Eagles over Rams
Titans over Jaguars
Cardinals over Panthers
49ers over Seahawks
Chargers over Vikings
Giants over Redskins
Jets over Cowboys
Patriots over Dolphins
Broncos over Raiders .
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Should Pitchers Be Eligible For the MVP Award?
Should pitchers be eligible for the MVP award? This is a question I’ve been asking for quite awhile now. Part of me says yes, pitchers should be eligible to win MVP, but then another part of me says no, pitchers have there own award. I’ll now go on to make my case on why pitchers should and shouldn’t be eligible for the MVP award.
Why Pitchers Should Be Eligible For MVP: Pitchers should be eligible for the MVP award because the MVP award signifies the most valuable player on a team. If a team makes the playoffs courtesy of their ace more then their best offensive player, their pitcher should win it depending how good his numbers are and how far ahead they were in the standings to end the season.
I bring this up because of the season the Detroit Tigers’ Justin Verlander is having. The Tigers have a eight and a half game lead over the Whitesox in the AL Central. Justin Verlander’s numbers appear as such: 22-5 , 2.44 ERA , 232 K’s , 0.91 WHIP , 4 CG’s, 2 SO’s and 1 no hitter. It’s also only September 7th, Verlander could end up racking up 25 wins and 250+ K’s. Verlander leads the MLB in W’s , K’s , WHIP and is 2nd in ERA.
If the Tigers didn’t have Verlander, who knows where they are in the AL Central race, they could be 1-10 games out. Without Verlander, the Tigers go from 81-62 to 59-57. Of course a replacement would be in place and they’d be at 65-70 wins at least but then they would be somewhere between a few games out of first place to maybe a couple games up or tied for first maybe. It’s a big difference going from eight games ahead to a couple games out. Verlander is having his best season and seems to be locking up the Cy Young award. The Cy Young award, an award for the best pitcher, this is where i bring up my point on why pitchers shouldn’t be eligible for the MVP award.
Why Pitchers Shouldn’t Be Eligible for MVP: Pitchers have their own award, the Cy Young award. No hitters are eligible for this, only pitchers. This award honors the best pitcher in each league. In the AL there was a three way race in July between Verlander , the Yankees C.C Sabathia and the Angels Jered Weaver. Justin Verlander has been virtually untouchable all season and has started to run away with the award.
The Cy Young award shows the best pitchers, so shouldn’t the MVP honor the best hitter? I’ve heard many mixed views on if pitchers should be considered for the MVP also, more people saying no. The last pitcher to win the AL MVP was in 1992 when Dennis Eckersley won it in Oakland. The last time a pitcher won the NL MVP was in 1968 when Bob Gibson won it in St.Louis. It’s been a long time since a pitcher won either league’s MVP award. If the Cy Young is an award for the best pitcher, why shouldn’t the MVP be awarded to the best position player with the best offensive numbers?
This is why I think pitchers shouldn’t be eligible for the MVP award since they have their own award, the Cy Young. Then again, MVP does stand for Most.Valuable.PLAYER. If a pitcher has a ridiculously good season, better then any one position player, why shouldn’t he win the MVP? In my opinion, i think pitchers should be excluded from the MVP discussion and just stick with the Cy Young and let the position players battle it out for MVP. That’s just my take, what’s yours?
2011 NFL Predictions
The final preseason games have been played and it is finally time for the 2011 NFL Regular Season to begin. We are one day away from the first game of the season on Thursday where the New Orleans Saints will visit the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. I have completed my full predictions for the upcoming season and some may surprise. This is shaping up to be a great fun season ahead of us, so let's get the predictions rolling and have some fun! Here are my predictions, feel free to provide feedback and your own predictions. * indicates Wild Card team
NFC EAST:
1.Philadelphia Eagles 13-3
2.Dallas Cowboys 10-6 *
3.New York Giants 7-9
4.Washington Redskins 4-12
NFC NORTH:
1.Green Bay Packers 14-2
2.Detroit Lions 9-7
3.Chicago Bears 8-8
4.Minnesota Vikings 7-9
NFC SOUTH:
1.Atlanta Falcons 13-3
2.New Orleans Saints 11-5 *
3.Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8-8
4.Carolina Panthers 3-13
NFC WEST:
1.Arizona Cardinals 10-6
2.St.Louis Rams 9-7
3.San Francisco 49ers 3-13
4.Seattle Seahawks 2-14
AFC EAST:
1.New England Patriots 13-3
2.New York Jets 12-4 *
3.Buffalo Bills 5-11
4.Miami Dolphins 5-11
AFC NORTH:
1.Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4
2.Baltimore Ravens 10-6 *
3.Cleveland Browns 8-8
4.Cincinnati Bengals 2-14
AFC SOUTH:
1.Houston Texans 11-5
2.Indianapolis Colts 7-9
3.Tennessee Titans 6-10
4.Jacksonville Jaguars 3-13
AFC WEST:
1.San Diego Chargers 11-5
2.Kansas City Chiefs 9-7
3.Denver Broncos 6-10
4.Oakland Raiders 2-14
____________________________________________________________
NFC PLAYOFFS:
3 Philadelphia defeats 6 Dallas
5 New Orleans defeats 4 Arizona
1 Green Bay defeats 5 New Orleans
2 Atlanta defeats 3 Philadelphia
2 Atlanta defeats 1 Green Bay
_____________________________________________________________
AFC PLAYOFFS:
3 San Diego defeats 6 Baltimore
5 New York defeats 4 Houston
5 New York defeats 1 New England
3 San Diego defeats 2 Pittsburgh
5 New York defeats 3 San Diego
______________________________________________________________
SUPER BOWL: 5 New York defeats 2 Atlanta
MVP: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
Offensive Player Of The Year: Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles
Defensive Player Of The Year: Lions DT Ndamukong Suh
Coach Of The Year: Jim Schwartz Detroit Lions
Offensive Rookie Of The Year: Falcons WR Julio Jones
Defensive Rookie Of The Year: Broncos LB Von Miller
Comeback Player Of The Year: Jets WR Plaxico Burress
Executive Of The Year: Howie Roseman Philadelphia Eagles
Most Improved Team: Detroit Lions (Miss out on being NFC 6 Seed by virtue of losing to Dallas)
Most Disappointing Team: San Francisco 49ers
Cincinnati Bengals select Stanford QB Andrew Luck with the #1 overall pick in the 2012 Draft
Seattle Seahawks select Oklahoma QB Landry Jones with the #2 overall pick in the 2012 Draft.
Oakland Raiders select USC QB Matt Barkley with the #3 overall pick in the 2012 Draft. (Raiders turn Terrell Pryor into a WR)
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
NCAAF Top 10
The first week of college football is over and three top 25 teams fell in there opening games. Now, for my first ever college football rankings, I will distribute a top 10 after week 1. Do I have any one team too high or too low? Let me know in the comments section.
1.Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) defeated Tulsa 47-14.
2.LSU Tigers (1-0) defeated Oregon 40-27
3.Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) defeated Kent State 48-7
4.Boise State Broncos (1-0) defeated Georgia 35-21
5.Florida State Seminoles (1-0) defeated UL-Monroe 34-0
6.Stanford Cardinals (1-0) defeated San Jose State 57-3
7.Texas A&M (1-0) defeated Southern Methodist 46-14
8.Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) defeated UNLV 51-17
9.Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0) defeated Chattanooga 40-7
10.Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0) defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 61-34
Also receiving consideration for the top 10: Virginia Tech Hokies,Oregon Ducks & South Carolina Gamecocks
1.Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) defeated Tulsa 47-14.
2.LSU Tigers (1-0) defeated Oregon 40-27
3.Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0) defeated Kent State 48-7
4.Boise State Broncos (1-0) defeated Georgia 35-21
5.Florida State Seminoles (1-0) defeated UL-Monroe 34-0
6.Stanford Cardinals (1-0) defeated San Jose State 57-3
7.Texas A&M (1-0) defeated Southern Methodist 46-14
8.Wisconsin Badgers (1-0) defeated UNLV 51-17
9.Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-0) defeated Chattanooga 40-7
10.Oklahoma State Cowboys (1-0) defeated Louisiana-Lafayette 61-34
Also receiving consideration for the top 10: Virginia Tech Hokies,Oregon Ducks & South Carolina Gamecocks
Saturday, September 3, 2011
NCAAF Predictions
I'm not much of a NCAAF fan but i'm trying to get into it this year. I'll go on to make some predictions on this up coming season.
NATIONAL TITLE GAME: Oregon vs Boise State
ROSE BOWL GAME: Wisconsin vs Stanford
FIESTA BOWL: Oklahoma vs Virginia Tech
ORANGE BOWL: Florida State vs Texas A&M
SUGAR BOWL: Alabama vs Oklahoma State
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER: Stanford QB Andrew Luck. 2nd - Oregon RB LaMichael James
SLEEPER TEAM: Michigan
DISAPPOINTMENT TEAM: Auburn
SLEEPER PLAYER: Michigan QB Denard Robinson
DISAPPOINTMENT PLAYER: Alabama RB Trent Richardson
NATIONAL TITLE GAME: Oregon vs Boise State
ROSE BOWL GAME: Wisconsin vs Stanford
FIESTA BOWL: Oklahoma vs Virginia Tech
ORANGE BOWL: Florida State vs Texas A&M
SUGAR BOWL: Alabama vs Oklahoma State
HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER: Stanford QB Andrew Luck. 2nd - Oregon RB LaMichael James
SLEEPER TEAM: Michigan
DISAPPOINTMENT TEAM: Auburn
SLEEPER PLAYER: Michigan QB Denard Robinson
DISAPPOINTMENT PLAYER: Alabama RB Trent Richardson
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