The 2011 college football season has been a fun wild ride and the first BCS standings were released last week and I didn't think I would do weekly rankings but I've changed my mind and decided to do it. The second edition of the rankings were published tonight and there is some head scratchers in my opinion. I'll do my version here and you can see how they compare to the actual rankings. Here's my first edition of the BCS rankings. Comment with your views.
BCS Standings:
1.LSU Tigers (8-0) defeated #20 Auburn Tigers 45-10.
2.Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0) defeated Tennessee Volunteers 37-6.
3.Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-0) defeated Missouri Tigers 45-24.
4.Boise State Broncos (7-0) defeated Air Force Falcons 37-26.
5.Stanford Cardinals (7-0) defeated #25 Washington Huskies 65-21.
6.Clemson Tigers (8-0) defeated North Carolina Tar Heels 59-38.
7.Kansas State Wildcats (7-0) defeated Kansas Jayhawks 59-21
8.Oregon Ducks (6-1) defeated Colorado Buffaloes 45-2.
9.Michigan State Spartans (6-1) defeated #6 Wisconsin Badgers 37-31.
10.Oklahoma Sooners (6-1) lost to Texas Tech Red Raiders 41-38
National Title Game: Alabama Crimson Tide vs Oklahoma State Cowboys
Rose Bowl Game: Stanford Cardinals vs Michigan State Spartans
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma Sooners vs Oregon Ducks
Sugar Bowl: LSU Tigers vs Boise State Broncos
Orange Bowl: Clemson Tigers vs Cincinnati Bearcats
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Week 7 NFL Picks
Week 7 of the 2011 NFL season is just about ready to begin and I can honestly say their isn't many good games tomorrow. If I were to choose, I'd say the three best games are all 1:00 pm games. Those games are the Chargers @ Jets, Falcons @ Lions, and Bears @ Buccaneers in London. When those are your three best games, you know the rest of the NFL slate can't be very good. Anyway, here's my Week 7 picks, feel free to comment with your picks.
Carolina Panthers over Washington Redskins
Detroit Lions over Atlanta Falcons
Denver Broncos over Miami Dolphins
Tennessee Titans over Houston Texans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers over Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns over Seattle Seahawks
New York Jets over San Diego Chargers
Oakland Raiders over Kansas City Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers over Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys over St.Louis Rams
Green Bay Packers over Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints over Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore Ravens over Jacksonville Jaguars
I went 10-3 with my Week 6 picks.
Parlay Picks:
Carolina Panthers (-2.5) over Washington Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) over Arizona Cardinals
Green Bay Packers (-9.5) over Minnesota Vikings
Baltimore Ravens (-8) over Jacksonville Jaguars
NOTE: I normally don't like giving teams a free touchdown and/or more to start the game but this weeks point spreads for all games just stink so I'm taking the risk of Green Bay and Baltimore giving Minnesota and Jacksonville, 9.5 and 8 points, respectively.
Carolina Panthers over Washington Redskins
Detroit Lions over Atlanta Falcons
Denver Broncos over Miami Dolphins
Tennessee Titans over Houston Texans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers over Chicago Bears
Cleveland Browns over Seattle Seahawks
New York Jets over San Diego Chargers
Oakland Raiders over Kansas City Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers over Arizona Cardinals
Dallas Cowboys over St.Louis Rams
Green Bay Packers over Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints over Indianapolis Colts
Baltimore Ravens over Jacksonville Jaguars
I went 10-3 with my Week 6 picks.
Parlay Picks:
Carolina Panthers (-2.5) over Washington Redskins
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5) over Arizona Cardinals
Green Bay Packers (-9.5) over Minnesota Vikings
Baltimore Ravens (-8) over Jacksonville Jaguars
NOTE: I normally don't like giving teams a free touchdown and/or more to start the game but this weeks point spreads for all games just stink so I'm taking the risk of Green Bay and Baltimore giving Minnesota and Jacksonville, 9.5 and 8 points, respectively.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
World Series Preview: Texas Rangers vs St.Louis Cardinals
Ah, the time has come, the 2011 World Series has arrived. The moment all fans have been waiting for from the start of the regular season. Many people before the season started thought the perennial power houses from Boston, Philadelphia, and New York (Yankees) would be the World Series contenders after the LCS'. Well, that didn't happen this year. The Redsox failed to even make the playoffs after the most epic collapse in MLB history through the month of September that allowed division rivals Tampa Bay to claim the Wild Card in the final day of the season. The Yankees, were upset by the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS in a do or die game five at Yankee Stadium. The Phillies, were also upset, over in the NLDS by the St.Louis Cardinals, who had to fight all the way to the last day of the season to beat out the Atlanta Braves for the NL Wild Card. So since the three power house franchises aren't in the World Series (for the SECOND YEAR IN A ROW), who is? Well, it's those pesky St.Louis Cardinals and last year's AL Champion Texas Rangers.
Keys To The Series:
St.Louis Cardinals - The offense HAS to keep the pace it has been on in the NLCS vs Milwaukee. They scored six, twelve, four, two, seven , and twelve. The two and four aren't too impressive, but the offense was really just so good, all series. Another strong point was the bullpen. Yes, the bullpen. The same bullpen that was looking for major upgrades at the trade deadline and looking at Padres set up man Mike Adams (who got traded to Texas) and Padres closer Heath Bell (who stayed put). The starters have to go deeper in games and not put so much pressure on the bullpen. There's just so much good this 'pen can do without messing up. The two days off between the end of the NLCS and Game 1 of the World Series will definitely help rest up the bullpen though. The offense should be fine, with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman, and rising star David Freese leading the charge. The starting pitching, other then ace Chris Carpenter, must last at least five innings and not give the bullpen so much work if they want to win the World Series.
Texas Rangers - C.J Wilson, Josh Hamilton, and Michael Young must wake up if Texas wants to avoid losing in the World Series for the second straight year. C.J Wilson is 0-2 with an 8+ ERA so far this post season. The bullpen has performed well to back up C.J Wilson so far. C.J can't keep relying on the bullpen to help him out after a bad performance, he must get his head on straight for the World Series. Not only that, but he is a free agent after the World Series is over, so pending his performance in one, maybe two World Series starts, could determine what his next contract will look like and if Texas wants to re-sign him. Just like St.Louis, the Texas offense has been phenomenal thanks to Nelson Cruz (ALCS MVP), and high priced free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre. Center fielder Josh Hamilton and DH Michael Young must start hitting more if they want to win the title because you can't keep relying on Cruz and Beltre to carry the offense by themselves. Hamilton has yet to hit a home run in the playoffs and Michael Young has been cold. If Hamilton can start hitting for power and Michael Young starts hitting, to go with Cruz and Beltre's hot starts, Texas should have no problem beating up the Cardinals starters and bullpen. It all relies on Wilson pitching better, the bullpen holding up, and Texas getting key offensive guys going. If all that happens, Texas very well could be bringing the World Series home to Arlington,Texas.
My Prediction - It should be a fantastic World Series with two powerhouse offenses and great bullpens. If Texas can get Game 1 starter C.J Wilson going and St.Louis gets their starters to go deeper into games, it'll make this series even more better then it already is. I have my pick, but I'm not sure how many games this will last, but i gotta go with Texas in 6 games. Adrian Beltre will be your World Series MVP.
There you have it, Rangers win the World Series in 6 games over the Cardinals.
Keys To The Series:
St.Louis Cardinals - The offense HAS to keep the pace it has been on in the NLCS vs Milwaukee. They scored six, twelve, four, two, seven , and twelve. The two and four aren't too impressive, but the offense was really just so good, all series. Another strong point was the bullpen. Yes, the bullpen. The same bullpen that was looking for major upgrades at the trade deadline and looking at Padres set up man Mike Adams (who got traded to Texas) and Padres closer Heath Bell (who stayed put). The starters have to go deeper in games and not put so much pressure on the bullpen. There's just so much good this 'pen can do without messing up. The two days off between the end of the NLCS and Game 1 of the World Series will definitely help rest up the bullpen though. The offense should be fine, with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, Lance Berkman, and rising star David Freese leading the charge. The starting pitching, other then ace Chris Carpenter, must last at least five innings and not give the bullpen so much work if they want to win the World Series.
Texas Rangers - C.J Wilson, Josh Hamilton, and Michael Young must wake up if Texas wants to avoid losing in the World Series for the second straight year. C.J Wilson is 0-2 with an 8+ ERA so far this post season. The bullpen has performed well to back up C.J Wilson so far. C.J can't keep relying on the bullpen to help him out after a bad performance, he must get his head on straight for the World Series. Not only that, but he is a free agent after the World Series is over, so pending his performance in one, maybe two World Series starts, could determine what his next contract will look like and if Texas wants to re-sign him. Just like St.Louis, the Texas offense has been phenomenal thanks to Nelson Cruz (ALCS MVP), and high priced free agent third baseman Adrian Beltre. Center fielder Josh Hamilton and DH Michael Young must start hitting more if they want to win the title because you can't keep relying on Cruz and Beltre to carry the offense by themselves. Hamilton has yet to hit a home run in the playoffs and Michael Young has been cold. If Hamilton can start hitting for power and Michael Young starts hitting, to go with Cruz and Beltre's hot starts, Texas should have no problem beating up the Cardinals starters and bullpen. It all relies on Wilson pitching better, the bullpen holding up, and Texas getting key offensive guys going. If all that happens, Texas very well could be bringing the World Series home to Arlington,Texas.
My Prediction - It should be a fantastic World Series with two powerhouse offenses and great bullpens. If Texas can get Game 1 starter C.J Wilson going and St.Louis gets their starters to go deeper into games, it'll make this series even more better then it already is. I have my pick, but I'm not sure how many games this will last, but i gotta go with Texas in 6 games. Adrian Beltre will be your World Series MVP.
There you have it, Rangers win the World Series in 6 games over the Cardinals.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
NFL Top 10 Power Rankings Week 6 Edition
Six of the 17 weeks in the 2011 NFL season have been completed and what do you know, I'm making even more changes to my weekly top 10 power rankings. Lots of surprises in week six and upsets. Detroit proved to be human, Tampa Bay got back on track, the Jets snapped their three game losing streak. But will any of these three tams make it into the top 10? Lets find out now, here is my NFL Top 10 Power Rankings for after Week 6.
1.Green Bay Packers (6-0) defeated St.Louis Rams 24-3. Last week (1). The reigning champs remain the only perfect team through six weeks and don't look like they'll be slowed down.
2.New England Patriots (5-1) defeated Dallas Cowboys 20-16. Last week (3). Tom Brady did it again, by driving the Patriots down field for a winning touchdown drive with under 2 minutes.
3.Baltimore Ravens (4-1) defeated Houston Texans 29-14. Last week (5). The Ravens defense proves to be the best in the league shutting down the Houston defense. Offense looks good too.
4.San Francisco 49ers (5-1) defeated Detroit Lions 25-19. Last week (6). The 49ers looks terrific under new head coach Jim Harbaugh knocking off the undefeated Lions.
5.New Orleans Saints (4-2) lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-20. Last week (5). After coach Sean Peyton was knocked out with a Torn MCL and Broken Leg, the Saints flopped to a Bucs team that lost to San Fran last week 48-3, still, without their head coach, they only lost by six on the road to an up and coming team.
6.Detroit Lions (5-1) lost to San Francisco 49ers 25-19. Last week (2). After a roaring perfect start to the first five games of the year, Detroit came back down to earth with a home loss vs San Francisco. Still, they kept the game close, even without RB Jahvid Best who suffered another concussion.
7.Oakland Raiders (4-2) defeated Cleveland Browns 24-17. Last week (9). First home game without legendary owner Al Davis, Oakland took care of business against the lowly Browns, but did lose QB Jason Campbell to a broken collarbone.
8.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) defeated New Orleans Saints 26-20. Last week (N/R). After being humiliated by the 49ers last week, the Bucs pulled off a huge upset win at home vs their division rivals.
9.San Diego Chargers (4-1) BYE WEEK. Last week (8). With a week off, the Chargers had a chance to get everyone healthy and ready for their week seven battle in New York with the Jets.
10.New York Giants (4-2) defeated Buffalo Bills 27-24. Last week (N/R). The Giants got a huge win at home against the previously 4-1 Bills, and are atop first place in the NFC East.
N/R = Not Ranked
NFC Player Of The Week: Falcons RB Michael Turner - 27 carries , 139 yards , 2 TDs.
HM: Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw - 26 carries , 104 yards , 3 TDs.
AFC Player Of The Week: Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall - 23 carries , 146 yards , 1 TD.
HM: Jets CB Darrell Revis - 2 Interceptions , 100 return yards , 1 TD.
Upset Of The Week: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat New Orleans Saints 26-20.
HM: San Francisco 49ers defeat Detroit Lions 25-19.
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: San Francisco 49ers defeat Detroit Lions 25-19.
HM: New York Giants defeat Buffalo Bills 27-24.
HM = Honorable Mention
Feel differently? Share your views in the comments section.
1.Green Bay Packers (6-0) defeated St.Louis Rams 24-3. Last week (1). The reigning champs remain the only perfect team through six weeks and don't look like they'll be slowed down.
2.New England Patriots (5-1) defeated Dallas Cowboys 20-16. Last week (3). Tom Brady did it again, by driving the Patriots down field for a winning touchdown drive with under 2 minutes.
3.Baltimore Ravens (4-1) defeated Houston Texans 29-14. Last week (5). The Ravens defense proves to be the best in the league shutting down the Houston defense. Offense looks good too.
4.San Francisco 49ers (5-1) defeated Detroit Lions 25-19. Last week (6). The 49ers looks terrific under new head coach Jim Harbaugh knocking off the undefeated Lions.
5.New Orleans Saints (4-2) lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-20. Last week (5). After coach Sean Peyton was knocked out with a Torn MCL and Broken Leg, the Saints flopped to a Bucs team that lost to San Fran last week 48-3, still, without their head coach, they only lost by six on the road to an up and coming team.
6.Detroit Lions (5-1) lost to San Francisco 49ers 25-19. Last week (2). After a roaring perfect start to the first five games of the year, Detroit came back down to earth with a home loss vs San Francisco. Still, they kept the game close, even without RB Jahvid Best who suffered another concussion.
7.Oakland Raiders (4-2) defeated Cleveland Browns 24-17. Last week (9). First home game without legendary owner Al Davis, Oakland took care of business against the lowly Browns, but did lose QB Jason Campbell to a broken collarbone.
8.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) defeated New Orleans Saints 26-20. Last week (N/R). After being humiliated by the 49ers last week, the Bucs pulled off a huge upset win at home vs their division rivals.
9.San Diego Chargers (4-1) BYE WEEK. Last week (8). With a week off, the Chargers had a chance to get everyone healthy and ready for their week seven battle in New York with the Jets.
10.New York Giants (4-2) defeated Buffalo Bills 27-24. Last week (N/R). The Giants got a huge win at home against the previously 4-1 Bills, and are atop first place in the NFC East.
N/R = Not Ranked
NFC Player Of The Week: Falcons RB Michael Turner - 27 carries , 139 yards , 2 TDs.
HM: Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw - 26 carries , 104 yards , 3 TDs.
AFC Player Of The Week: Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall - 23 carries , 146 yards , 1 TD.
HM: Jets CB Darrell Revis - 2 Interceptions , 100 return yards , 1 TD.
Upset Of The Week: Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat New Orleans Saints 26-20.
HM: San Francisco 49ers defeat Detroit Lions 25-19.
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: San Francisco 49ers defeat Detroit Lions 25-19.
HM: New York Giants defeat Buffalo Bills 27-24.
HM = Honorable Mention
Feel differently? Share your views in the comments section.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Week 6 NFL Picks
Week 6 of the 2011 NFL Season is upon us and it is time to make my weekly picks. I'll also make my weekly four parlay picks. Chime in with your picks in a comment once you're done reading.
Atlanta Falcons over Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals over Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions over San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers over St.Louis Rams
Buffalo Bills over New York Giants ** UPSET PICK
Pittsburgh Steelers over Jacksonville Jaguars
Philadelphia Eagles over Washington Redskins
Oakland Raiders over Cleveland Browns
Baltimore Ravens over Houston Texans
New England Patriots over Dallas Cowboys
New Orleans Saints over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chicago Bears over Minnesota Vikings
New York Jets over Miami Dolphins
Parlay Picks:
Carolina Panthers +7 @ Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills +3 @ New York Giants
Chicago Bears -3 vs Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints -6 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Atlanta Falcons over Carolina Panthers
Cincinnati Bengals over Indianapolis Colts
Detroit Lions over San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers over St.Louis Rams
Buffalo Bills over New York Giants ** UPSET PICK
Pittsburgh Steelers over Jacksonville Jaguars
Philadelphia Eagles over Washington Redskins
Oakland Raiders over Cleveland Browns
Baltimore Ravens over Houston Texans
New England Patriots over Dallas Cowboys
New Orleans Saints over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chicago Bears over Minnesota Vikings
New York Jets over Miami Dolphins
Parlay Picks:
Carolina Panthers +7 @ Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills +3 @ New York Giants
Chicago Bears -3 vs Minnesota Vikings
New Orleans Saints -6 @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
NFL Top 10 Rankings Week 5 Edition
Five weeks of the NFL season are in the books. There remains two undefeated teams and both teams reside in the NFC North, and one may surprise you. I have made constant changes to my weekly power rankings and this week will be no different. The top two remains the same but after that, its a roller coaster ride of different teams once again. Here is my week five edition on the top 10 power rankings in the NFL.
1.Green Bay Packers (5-0) defeated Atlanta Falcons 25-14. Last week (1). The defending Super Bowl champs are just unstoppable.
2.Detroit Lions (5-0) defeated Chicago Bears 24-13. Last week (2). Detroit keeps shocking people with their great play and 5-0 record.
3.New England Patriots (4-1) defeated New York Jets 30-21. Last week (4). New England took care of the rival Jets and look like the usual power house you can rely on for a win.
4.New Orleans Saints (4-1) defeated Carolina Panthers 30-27. Last week (3). New Orleans barely squeaked by the 1-4 Panthers, dropping a spot in the rankings.
5.Baltimore Ravens (3-1) BYE WEEK. Last week (5) With last weeks 6 through 9 teams all losing, Baltimore hangs on to their #5 spot.
6.San Francisco 49ers (4-1) defeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-3. Last week (10). A decimation of the 3-2 Bucs at home has things looking great in the Bay Area,
7.Buffalo Bills (4-1) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 31-24. Last week (N/R). Knocked out of the top 10 last week due to being upset by the Bengals, Buffalo took care of business against the "Dream Team" this week.
8.San Diego Chargers (4-1) defeated Denver Broncos 29-24. Last week (N/R). San Diego is 4-1 for the first time since 2006, barely escaping a Tim Tebow comeback.
9.Oakland Raiders (3-2) defeated Houston Texans 25-20. Last week (N/R). Upset win in Houston after the passing of legendary owner Al Davis has boosted spirits in the black home.
10.Washington Redskins (3-1) BYE WEEK. Last week (N/R). Washington had the week off and with a surprising 3-1 record and many other teams not looking to great falling, Redskins jump into the top 10.
N/R = Not Ranked
NFC Player Of The Week: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson - 29 carries, 122 yards, 3 TDs.
HM: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers - 26 of 39 passing, 396 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT.
AFC Player Of The Week: Chiefs QB Matt Cassell - 21 of 29 passing, 257 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT.
HM: Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis - 27 carries, 136 yards, 2 TDs.
Upset Of The Week: Seattle Seahawks defeat New York Giants 36-25.
HM: Oakland Raiders defeat Houston Texans 25-20.
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: New Orleans Saints defeat Carolina Panthers 30-27.
HM: Seattle Seahawks defeat New York Giants 36-25.
HM = Honorable Mention
Got different views? Leave a comment with your thoughts.
1.Green Bay Packers (5-0) defeated Atlanta Falcons 25-14. Last week (1). The defending Super Bowl champs are just unstoppable.
2.Detroit Lions (5-0) defeated Chicago Bears 24-13. Last week (2). Detroit keeps shocking people with their great play and 5-0 record.
3.New England Patriots (4-1) defeated New York Jets 30-21. Last week (4). New England took care of the rival Jets and look like the usual power house you can rely on for a win.
4.New Orleans Saints (4-1) defeated Carolina Panthers 30-27. Last week (3). New Orleans barely squeaked by the 1-4 Panthers, dropping a spot in the rankings.
5.Baltimore Ravens (3-1) BYE WEEK. Last week (5) With last weeks 6 through 9 teams all losing, Baltimore hangs on to their #5 spot.
6.San Francisco 49ers (4-1) defeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-3. Last week (10). A decimation of the 3-2 Bucs at home has things looking great in the Bay Area,
7.Buffalo Bills (4-1) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 31-24. Last week (N/R). Knocked out of the top 10 last week due to being upset by the Bengals, Buffalo took care of business against the "Dream Team" this week.
8.San Diego Chargers (4-1) defeated Denver Broncos 29-24. Last week (N/R). San Diego is 4-1 for the first time since 2006, barely escaping a Tim Tebow comeback.
9.Oakland Raiders (3-2) defeated Houston Texans 25-20. Last week (N/R). Upset win in Houston after the passing of legendary owner Al Davis has boosted spirits in the black home.
10.Washington Redskins (3-1) BYE WEEK. Last week (N/R). Washington had the week off and with a surprising 3-1 record and many other teams not looking to great falling, Redskins jump into the top 10.
N/R = Not Ranked
NFC Player Of The Week: Vikings RB Adrian Peterson - 29 carries, 122 yards, 3 TDs.
HM: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers - 26 of 39 passing, 396 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT.
AFC Player Of The Week: Chiefs QB Matt Cassell - 21 of 29 passing, 257 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT.
HM: Patriots RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis - 27 carries, 136 yards, 2 TDs.
Upset Of The Week: Seattle Seahawks defeat New York Giants 36-25.
HM: Oakland Raiders defeat Houston Texans 25-20.
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: New Orleans Saints defeat Carolina Panthers 30-27.
HM: Seattle Seahawks defeat New York Giants 36-25.
HM = Honorable Mention
Got different views? Leave a comment with your thoughts.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Week 5 NFL Picks
Here are my week five NFL picks.
Indianapolis Colts over Kansas City Chiefs
New York Giants over Seattle Seahawks
Tennessee Titans over Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals over Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans Saints over Carolina Panthers
Houston Texans over Oakland Raiders
Buffalo Bills over Philadelphia Eagles
Arizona Cardinals over Minnesota Vikings
Tampa Bay Buccaneers over San Francisco 49ers *UPSET PICK
New England Patriots over New York Jets
San Diego Chargers over Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers over Atlanta Falcons
Detroit Lions over Chicago Bears
Indianapolis Colts over Kansas City Chiefs
New York Giants over Seattle Seahawks
Tennessee Titans over Pittsburgh Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals over Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans Saints over Carolina Panthers
Houston Texans over Oakland Raiders
Buffalo Bills over Philadelphia Eagles
Arizona Cardinals over Minnesota Vikings
Tampa Bay Buccaneers over San Francisco 49ers *UPSET PICK
New England Patriots over New York Jets
San Diego Chargers over Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers over Atlanta Falcons
Detroit Lions over Chicago Bears
Saturday, October 8, 2011
ALCS & NLCS Predictions
The 2011 LDS' are over and there were some surprising outcomes both leagues. In the ALDS', the Detroit Tigers upset the New York Yankees in five games, winning game five on the road at Yankee Stadium and the Texas Rangers took care of the upstart Tampa Bay Rays in four games, clinching on the road just like Detroit. Should be interesting to see Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander pitch in game 1 and possibly game 5 against the high powered Rangers offense. This means that Detroit and Texas will meet in the ALCS and try to earn a spot in the World Series.
In the NLDS', the Milwaukee Brewers took a 2-0 lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks before losing two straight on the road in Arizona, but Milwaukee held on to win game five at home in extra innings on a Nyger Morgan walk off rbi single. In the other NLDS match up, the almighty Philadelphia Phillies had home field advantage over the upstart St.Louis Cardinals. The Phillies finished the regular season with the best record in the MLB at 102-60 and have three Cy Young candidates in the rotation. Well, that didn't matter to the Cardinals as they pulled off a huge upset by beating Philadelphia in five games winning game five on the road at Citizens Bank Park as ace Chris Carpenter threw a complete game shutout as St.Louis won 1-0 and the series 3-2. That means division rivals Milwaukee and St.Louis will meet in the NLCS and slug it out for a spot in the World Series. Now it's time for me to make my predictions for each LCS' match up.
ALCS: Detroit Tigers @ Texas Rangers - This is the second straight year that the Rangers have made the ALCS and last year they made the World Series, where they fell short against the San Francisco Giants. This time though, Texas is without Cliff Lee, who was a force in the ALDS and ALCS last year before getting hit around in the World Series. Texas will now rely on a rotation of CJ Wilson,Colby Lewis,Derek Holland, and Matt Harrison. Not exactly a scary staff but a staff that got by and helped the Rangers to a 96-66 record and second best record in the AL. The strong part about this Texas team is the lineup. In my opinion, the Rangers have the best lineup in the MLB. When you have a lineup that consists of Ian Kinsler,Elvis Andrus,Josh Hamilton,Michael Young,Adrian Beltre,Mike Napoli, and Nelson Cruz, you can give opposing pitchers nightmares the night before they have to face that lineup. Thankfully, for Detroit, the Tigers boast a solid rotation that consists of and is being lead by the AL Cy Young favorite Justin Verlander. The rotation also consists of young guns Max Scherzer,Rick Porcello, and Doug Fister, who pitched a great game 5 against the Yankees in the ALDS. MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez lead the offense. This Tigers rotation isn't quite like the Giants rotation we saw tame the Rangers in the World Series last year, but it should be interesting to see how the Detroit rotation pitches the Texas offense. They said pitching wins championships, and I think Detroit has the better rotation and bullpen, but the Rangers offense is just so scary, its made me think long and hard about just quickly picking Detroit to win this series, but the Tigers offense isn't too far behind the Rangers offense, and with the pitching edge, I got to go with Detroit representing the AL in the World Series.
My Prediction: Detroit Tigers over Texas Rangers in 7 games, 4-3.
NLCS: St.Louis Cardinals @ Milwaukee Brewers - Both teams went to game fives in their NLDS match ups. Both are coming off one day of rest each, Milwaukee is the home team and was already home after knocking out Arizona. St.Louis is flying in from Philadelphia after beating the Phillies in five games. Milwaukee has Zack Greinke (who is 11-0 at Miller Park this year) starting Game 1 at home vs Jaime Garcia. They get Shaun Marcum in game two and ace Yovani Gallardo in game three on the road in St.Louis. The offense is a top 10 offense to me being lead by Prince Fielder,Ryan Braun, and Rickie Weeks. The bullpen is very good too with Latroy Hawkins,Frankie Rodriguez, and John Axford. St.Louis has a scary 3-4-5 in the lineup of Albert Pujols,Lance Berkman, and Matt Holliday. They will be without ace Christ Carpenter until game three at home since he pitched game five of the NLDS. I honestly don't think that will bode well for the Cardinals in their quest for a second World Series title in six years (2006). The bullpen can at times, look suspect. They did a great job against Philadelphia, working deep counts against the four aces the Phillies contain. If they can do that again against the Brewers two and a half aces, they can make this series even more exciting being that these two teams are division rivals. On September 7th, in a game at Busch Stadium in St.Louis, Nyger Morgan struck out during the eighth inning against Carpenter and jawed with Carpenter as he made his way back to the dugout, but Morgan threw his chewing tobacco towards Carpenter and exchanged words with Albert Pujols
My Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers over St.Louis Cardinals in 6 games , 4-2.
My World Series prediction was Milwaukee vs Detroit before the playoffs started and I'm sticking with it.
In the NLDS', the Milwaukee Brewers took a 2-0 lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks before losing two straight on the road in Arizona, but Milwaukee held on to win game five at home in extra innings on a Nyger Morgan walk off rbi single. In the other NLDS match up, the almighty Philadelphia Phillies had home field advantage over the upstart St.Louis Cardinals. The Phillies finished the regular season with the best record in the MLB at 102-60 and have three Cy Young candidates in the rotation. Well, that didn't matter to the Cardinals as they pulled off a huge upset by beating Philadelphia in five games winning game five on the road at Citizens Bank Park as ace Chris Carpenter threw a complete game shutout as St.Louis won 1-0 and the series 3-2. That means division rivals Milwaukee and St.Louis will meet in the NLCS and slug it out for a spot in the World Series. Now it's time for me to make my predictions for each LCS' match up.
ALCS: Detroit Tigers @ Texas Rangers - This is the second straight year that the Rangers have made the ALCS and last year they made the World Series, where they fell short against the San Francisco Giants. This time though, Texas is without Cliff Lee, who was a force in the ALDS and ALCS last year before getting hit around in the World Series. Texas will now rely on a rotation of CJ Wilson,Colby Lewis,Derek Holland, and Matt Harrison. Not exactly a scary staff but a staff that got by and helped the Rangers to a 96-66 record and second best record in the AL. The strong part about this Texas team is the lineup. In my opinion, the Rangers have the best lineup in the MLB. When you have a lineup that consists of Ian Kinsler,Elvis Andrus,Josh Hamilton,Michael Young,Adrian Beltre,Mike Napoli, and Nelson Cruz, you can give opposing pitchers nightmares the night before they have to face that lineup. Thankfully, for Detroit, the Tigers boast a solid rotation that consists of and is being lead by the AL Cy Young favorite Justin Verlander. The rotation also consists of young guns Max Scherzer,Rick Porcello, and Doug Fister, who pitched a great game 5 against the Yankees in the ALDS. MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez lead the offense. This Tigers rotation isn't quite like the Giants rotation we saw tame the Rangers in the World Series last year, but it should be interesting to see how the Detroit rotation pitches the Texas offense. They said pitching wins championships, and I think Detroit has the better rotation and bullpen, but the Rangers offense is just so scary, its made me think long and hard about just quickly picking Detroit to win this series, but the Tigers offense isn't too far behind the Rangers offense, and with the pitching edge, I got to go with Detroit representing the AL in the World Series.
My Prediction: Detroit Tigers over Texas Rangers in 7 games, 4-3.
NLCS: St.Louis Cardinals @ Milwaukee Brewers - Both teams went to game fives in their NLDS match ups. Both are coming off one day of rest each, Milwaukee is the home team and was already home after knocking out Arizona. St.Louis is flying in from Philadelphia after beating the Phillies in five games. Milwaukee has Zack Greinke (who is 11-0 at Miller Park this year) starting Game 1 at home vs Jaime Garcia. They get Shaun Marcum in game two and ace Yovani Gallardo in game three on the road in St.Louis. The offense is a top 10 offense to me being lead by Prince Fielder,Ryan Braun, and Rickie Weeks. The bullpen is very good too with Latroy Hawkins,Frankie Rodriguez, and John Axford. St.Louis has a scary 3-4-5 in the lineup of Albert Pujols,Lance Berkman, and Matt Holliday. They will be without ace Christ Carpenter until game three at home since he pitched game five of the NLDS. I honestly don't think that will bode well for the Cardinals in their quest for a second World Series title in six years (2006). The bullpen can at times, look suspect. They did a great job against Philadelphia, working deep counts against the four aces the Phillies contain. If they can do that again against the Brewers two and a half aces, they can make this series even more exciting being that these two teams are division rivals. On September 7th, in a game at Busch Stadium in St.Louis, Nyger Morgan struck out during the eighth inning against Carpenter and jawed with Carpenter as he made his way back to the dugout, but Morgan threw his chewing tobacco towards Carpenter and exchanged words with Albert Pujols
My Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers over St.Louis Cardinals in 6 games , 4-2.
My World Series prediction was Milwaukee vs Detroit before the playoffs started and I'm sticking with it.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
NFL Top 10 Rankings Week 4 Edition
A quarter of the 2011 NFL season is in the books and we have some big surprises already. Detroit is 4-0, Buffalo is 3-1, Philadelphia is 1-3, Kansas City is 0-4 & Matthew Stafford has remained healthy and looks like a MVP QB. I've been doing the rankings the last three weeks and have made a boatload of changes. Here is my week 4 edition and there are even more changes.
1.Green Bay Packers (4-0) defeated Denver Broncos 49-23. Last week (1).
2.Detroit Lions (4-0) defeated Dallas Cowboys 34-30. Last week (2).
3.New Orleans Saints (3-1) defeated Jacksonville Jaguars 23-10. Last week (4).
4.New England Patriots (3-1) defeated Oakland Raiders 31-19. Last week (5)
5.Baltimore Ravens (3-1) defeated New York Jets 34-17. Last week (6)
6.Houston Texans (3-1) defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 17-10. Last week (8)
7.New York Giants (3-1) defeated Arizona Cardinals 31-27. Last week (7)
8.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) defeated Indianapolis Colts 24-17. Last week (N/R)
9.Tennessee Titans (3-1) defeated Cleveland Browns 31-13. Last week (N/R)
10.San Francisco 49ers (3-1) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 24-23. Last week (N/R)
NFC Player Of The Week: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 29 of 38, 408 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 9 carries, 36 yards, 2 TDs.
HM - Bears RB Matt Forte: 25 carries, 205 yards, 1 TD.
AFC Player Of The Week: Texans RB Arian Foster: 30 carries, 155 yards, 1 TD.
HM - Chargers QB Phillip Rivers: 21 of 31, 307 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
Upset Of The Week: Cincinnati Bengals defeat Buffalo Bills 23-20
HM - San Francisco 49ers defeat Philadelphia Eagles 24-23.
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Detroit Lions defeat Dallas Cowboys 34-30.
HM - Chicago Bears defeat Carolina Panthers 34-29.
Have different views? Leave a comment.
1.Green Bay Packers (4-0) defeated Denver Broncos 49-23. Last week (1).
2.Detroit Lions (4-0) defeated Dallas Cowboys 34-30. Last week (2).
3.New Orleans Saints (3-1) defeated Jacksonville Jaguars 23-10. Last week (4).
4.New England Patriots (3-1) defeated Oakland Raiders 31-19. Last week (5)
5.Baltimore Ravens (3-1) defeated New York Jets 34-17. Last week (6)
6.Houston Texans (3-1) defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 17-10. Last week (8)
7.New York Giants (3-1) defeated Arizona Cardinals 31-27. Last week (7)
8.Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) defeated Indianapolis Colts 24-17. Last week (N/R)
9.Tennessee Titans (3-1) defeated Cleveland Browns 31-13. Last week (N/R)
10.San Francisco 49ers (3-1) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 24-23. Last week (N/R)
NFC Player Of The Week: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers: 29 of 38, 408 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, 9 carries, 36 yards, 2 TDs.
HM - Bears RB Matt Forte: 25 carries, 205 yards, 1 TD.
AFC Player Of The Week: Texans RB Arian Foster: 30 carries, 155 yards, 1 TD.
HM - Chargers QB Phillip Rivers: 21 of 31, 307 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
Upset Of The Week: Cincinnati Bengals defeat Buffalo Bills 23-20
HM - San Francisco 49ers defeat Philadelphia Eagles 24-23.
Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Detroit Lions defeat Dallas Cowboys 34-30.
HM - Chicago Bears defeat Carolina Panthers 34-29.
Have different views? Leave a comment.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Week 4 NFL Picks
My week 4 NFL picks:
Bears over Panthers
Bills over Bengals
Titans over Browns
Lions over Cowboys'
Vikings over Chiefs
Redskins over Rams
Eagles over 49ers
Saints over Jaguars
Texas over Steelers
Giants over Cardinals
Falcons over Seahawks
Packers over Broncos
Raiders over Patriots
Chargers over Dolphins
Jets over Ravens
Buccaneers over Colts
Parlay Picks:
Detroit (+2.5) over Dallas
New Orleans (-7) over Jacksonville
New York Giants (-1.5) over Arizona
Oakland (+4.5) over New England
Bears over Panthers
Bills over Bengals
Titans over Browns
Lions over Cowboys'
Vikings over Chiefs
Redskins over Rams
Eagles over 49ers
Saints over Jaguars
Texas over Steelers
Giants over Cardinals
Falcons over Seahawks
Packers over Broncos
Raiders over Patriots
Chargers over Dolphins
Jets over Ravens
Buccaneers over Colts
Parlay Picks:
Detroit (+2.5) over Dallas
New Orleans (-7) over Jacksonville
New York Giants (-1.5) over Arizona
Oakland (+4.5) over New England
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)