Week 11 NFL Picks

Time for my Week 11 NFL Picks, and I'm looking to rebound from an ugly 7-6 week 10, after going 10-3 in week 9. The week 11 lines aren't great, but they're not horrible either. Looks like a tricky week upcoming, so lets see what I can make happen. Here's my week 11 NFL picks.


Buffalo Bills (+3) over Miami Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens (-7) over Cincinnati Bengals
Jacksonville Jaguars (+1) over Cleveland Browns
Oakland Raiders (+1) over Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions (-7) over Carolina Panthers
Green Bay Packers (-14) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers 
Dallas Cowboys (-7) over Washington Redskins
San Francisco 49ers (-10) over Arizona Cardinals
Seattle Seahawks (+3) over St.Louis Rams
Chicago Bears (-3.5) over San Diego Chargers
New York Giants (-5.5) over Philadelphia Eagles
New England Patriots (-15) over Kansas City Chiefs


LOCKS OF THE WEEK:
Chicago Bears (-3.5) over San Diego Chargers
New England Patriots (-15) over Kansas City Chiefs
New York Giants (-5.5) over Philadelphia Eagles
Dallas Cowboys (-7) over Washington Redskins


My Locks Of The Week are brutal, but I couldn't decide what I wanted to lock down easily, so take my locks lightly.

NFL Top 12 Power Rankings Week 10 Edition

10 Weeks of the 2011 NFL season have flown by and pitted the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints as the last teams to hit their bye week in week 11. Week 10 was a crazy week with both New York teams in big games, Cincinnati getting their first real test this season, and another insane Atlanta vs New Orleans game. There were also a couple of snooze fests, but hey, not every game can be exciting. Last week, the 49ers and Giants were numbers 2 and 3 in my power rankings, respectively, and they played each other in week 10 which meant that one of them would tumble after soaring so high the last few weeks. In what became quite possibly the best game of the week, the Giants and 49ers played a very physical game as San Francisco was trying to prove that their defense is for real and they are ready to make a strong playoff run. Well, the Niners did just that, knocking off the Giants, 27-20. The Giants will fall and the 49ers will remain at their spot in this weeks edition of the power rankings. Lets get to it, here's the Week 10 Edition of the NFL Top 12 Power Rankings.


1.Green Bay Packers (9-0) defeated Minnesota Vikings 45-7. Last week (1). The Packers are without a doubt in line to repeat as Super Bowl champs with the level of play they are on.


2.San Francisco 49ers (8-1) defeated New York Giants 27-20. Last week (2). The Niners are for real after knocking off MVP contender Eli Manning and the Giants, with that great defense.


3.Houston Texans (7-3) defeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-9. Last week (4). The Texans destroyed the Bucs, but the loss of QB Matt Schaub will hurt badly, as the Matt Leinart era begins.


4.Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) defeated Cincinnati Bengals 24-17. Last week (7). A week after choking to Baltimore, the Steelers knock off the new and improved Bengals in Cincinnati.


5.New Orleans Saints (7-3) defeated Atlanta Falcons 26-23 (OT). Last week (8). With help from Falcons coach Mike Smith, the Saints stunned the rival Falcons in Atlanta in overtime.


6.New York Giants (6-3) lost to San Francisco 49ers 27-20. Last week (3). A late rally falls short vs San Fran, as the Giants NFC East lead is cut to one game with Dallas' blow out of Buffalo.


7.New England Patriots (6-3) defeated New York Jets 37-16. Last week (11). The Patriots get back on track with a thrashing of the Jets on the road and are in sole possession of first place.


8.Chicago Bears (6-3) defeated Detroit Lions 37-13. Last week (12). The Bears destroy the Lions and tie Detroit for second place in the NFC North, and that scary Bears defense is back.


9.Detroit Lions (6-3) lost to Chicago Bears 37-13. Last week (5). The Lions get beaten down by the Bears, and have a very tough final seven games in their race for a playoff spot.


10.Baltimore Ravens (6-3) lost to Seattle Seahawks 22-17. Last week (6). One of the most inconsistent teams in the NFL, Baltimore has beaten the Texans, Jets, and Steelers twice, but lose to the Seahawks, Jaguars, and Titans..


11.Dallas Cowboys (5-4) defeated Buffalo Bills 44-7. Last week (N/R). Dallas cracks the top 12 with a nasty beat down of the Bills, as they climb one game away from first place in the East.


12.New York Jets (5-4) lost to New England Patriots 37-16. Last week (9). The Jets got decimated by the Pats and are in really bad shape in the crowded AFC playoff picture.


NFC Player Of The Week: Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo - 23 of 26, 270 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT.
HM: Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers - 23 of 30, 250 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT.


AFC Player Of The Week: New England Patriots QB Tom Brady - 26 of 39, 329 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT.
HM: Houston Texans RB Arian Foster - 17 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD. 4 catches, 102 yards,1 TD.


Upset Of The Week: Seattle Seahawks defeat Baltimore Ravens 22-17.
HM: Arizona Cardinals defeat Philadelphia Eagles 21-17.


Most Exciting Game Of The Week: San Francisco 49ers defeat New York Giants 27-20.
HM: New Orleans Saints defeat Atlanta Falcons 26-23 (OT).


MVP:
1.Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers - 2,869 yards, 28 TDs, 3 INTs, 72.9 CMP%, 129.6 Rating. Last week (1).
2.New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees - 3,326 yards, 23 TDs, 11 INTs, 70.9 CMP%, 101.3 Rating. Last week (N/R).
3.New England Patriots QB Tom Brady - 3,032 yards, 23 TDs, 10 INTs, 66.1 CMP%, 102.0 Rating. Last week (N/R).


Defensive Player Of The Year:
1.Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen - 41 Tackles, 13.5 Sackles, 1 INT, 4 PDs, 3 Forced Fumbles, 3 Fumble Recoveries. Last Week (1).
2.New York Jets CB Darrell Revis - 28 Tackles, 4 INTs, 16 PDs, 184 INT Yards, 1 TD. Last week (2).
3.San Francisco 49ers LB Patrick Willis - 78 Tackles, 2.0 Sacks, 8 PDs, 3 Forced Fumbles, 2 Fumble Recoveries. Last week (3).


Rookie Of The Year:
1.Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton - 1,866 yards, 14 TDs, 9 INTs, 60.3 CMP%, 82.6 Rating. Last week (2).
2.Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton - 2,605 yards, 11 TDs, 10 INTs, 60.2 CMP%, 84.0 Rating, 70 Rushes, 374 yards, 7 TDs. Last week (1).
WR A.J. Green - 41 catches, 635 yards, 6 TDs. Last week (3).

Miami Marlins Confident In Signing Jose Reyes, Pursuing Albert Pujols

According to reports, the Miami Marlins are very confident in their pursuit to sign star shortstop Jose Reyes, formerly of the New York Mets. The Marlins reportedly made significant offers to Reyes, first baseman Albert Pujols, and starting pitcher Mark Buehrle. Reyes is the Marlins number one priority at the moment and they are pushing hard to sign the speedster to play shortstop for them. If Reyes signs, Miami will shift Hanley Ramirez to third base to form a hard to beat infield of Reyes, Ramirez, Gaby Sanchez at first base, and Omar Infante at second base. If Pujols signs with or without Reyes, Sanchez could then become trade bait for starting pitching help, perhaps a guy like James Shields from Tampa Bay (he has been rumored to being shopped due to Tampa not being able to afford him after arbitration, and he was shopped at the trading deadline with Cincinnati as the most serious pursuer) or Gio Gonzalez from Oakland. 

The St.Louis Cardinals are reportedly said to not be sweetening there offer to retain Pujols from last winter of $210 million. If the Marlins can soar above that price tag by a good amount and with Pujols being from Puerto Rico, Miami could have a very, very good chance to sign Pujols. With an already interesting young team, Miami might just be enticing enough for Pujols to leave St.Louis. It'll probably cost at least $225 million for Miami to rip Pujols from the Cardinals and with the new stadium opening in April and the Marlins owner saying that the Marlins are willing to spend a lot this winter to get a championship caliber team on the field, I can see Miami coming at least close to that $225 million for Pujols. Having a 3-4 in the lineup of Pujols and rising star power hitter Mike Stanton would be scary to see. First things first, you have got to show Pujols the money and make sure it's more then St.Louis. I think the Marlins have enough power with Stanton, Sanchez, and Ramirez, which leads me to think that they have a far greater need for Reyes.

Jose Reyes is the Marlins number one priority and some sources have already said that Reyes and the Marlins have an agreement in principal and that an announcement is expected later this week but no team officials are confirming it. So until we get something official from the team or someone like Jon Heyman, Ken Rosenthal, or Buster Olney, Reyes is still a free agent and not a Marlin. Early indications are Reyes will get at least a 5 year, $100 million deal. The Mets are not going to be big spenders this winter as the owners have financial woes going on currently. It doesn't necessarily mean they won't re-sign Reyes but if a bidding war were to happen for Reyes, the Mets may have to bow out and lose their star shortstop of seven years. The Mets, Marlins, Phillies, Brewers, Cardinals, Giants, Redsox, Blue Jays, Tigers, and Angels are teams that have, may, or could express interest in Reyes. The Marlins appear the front runner after reportedly already sitting down with Reyes for lunch, giving him a tour of the new ballpark, and offering him a significant contract. No other team has met with Reyes yet, but the Brewers have said that they reached out to his representation, but no meetings are set up as of now. I would think being closer to his native country of the Dominican Republic would be enticing to Reyes to sign with Miami, but no one knows what his family wants to do. If Reyes signs with Miami, that would shift Hanley Ramirez to third base and form one of the best left sides of the infield in the MLB and a very fast team. The Marlins need to get one of Pujols or Reyes before the new ballpark opens or else the new ballpark may be empty just like the old one always was. I'd have to think with Miami being the only serious pursuer so far and willing to spend lots of money, that it bodes well for them in their pursuit to sign Reyes.

Signing even one of Pujols or Reyes would be a HUGE jolt to the Marlins offense and instantly make it one of the NL's best. If they can somehow, someway obtain both Reyes and Pujols, they'd have arguably the best offense in the MLB with Reyes, Pujols, Ramirez, Stanton, Sanchez, Infante, etc. Getting Pujols would give the Marlins the chance to trade rising star first baseman Gaby Sanchez for some pitching help, in which they are in dyer need of, with ace Josh Johnson being so injury prone, and Ricky Nolasco, and Anibal Sanchez being inconsistent. Perhaps they can re-sign Javier Vasquez, who was excellent the final four months of the season, and/or maybe sign another veteran starter like Roy Oswalt or Mark Buehrle (who they already have extended an offer to as well). A report out today indicated that the Marlins also extended an offer to ex Phillies closer Ryan Madson. With all these big names being associated with Miami and already fielding an intriguing young team, the Marlins seem like they may be ready to finally make another strong push towards a World Series title for the first time since 2003. First, you have to get one of Pujols or Reyes, then work on the pitching. Albert Pujols or Jose Reyes with the Marlins will make the NL East an even more interesting division and possibly the best in the MLB.

Week 10 NFL Picks

Week 10 of the 2011 NFL season is just around the corner and there are a handful of interesting games on the schedule. The games that catch my eye are the Steelers vs Bengals, Texans vs Buccaneers, Saints vs Falcons, Bears vs Lions, Giants vs 49ers, and the Jets vs Patriots. If these games are anything like last weeks slate of games we are in store for an exciting week 10. Lots of these games will have such huge important playoff implications tagged on them as well. I went 11-3 in my week 9 picks (my second week picking with the spread). Hopefully i can get a perfect week, but lets not get greedy. Here's my week 10 picks.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-4.5) over Cincinnati Bengals

Denver Broncos (+3) over Kansas City Chiefs 

Jacksonville Jaguars (-3) over Indianapolis Colts

Buffalo Bills (+5.5) over Dallas Cowboys

Houston Texans (-3.5) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Carolina Panthers (-3.5) over Tennessee Titans

Miami Dolphins (-4) over Washington Redskins

Atlanta Falcons (PK) over New Orleans Saints

St.Louis Rams (+2.5) over Cleveland Browns

Arizona Cardinals (+14) over Philadelphia Eagles

Detroit Lions (+2.5) over Chicago Bears

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) over Seattle Seahawks

New York Giants (+3.5) over San Francisco 49ers

New York Jets (-2) over New England Patriots

Green Bay Packers (-13) over Minnesota Vikings


Locks Of The Week:
Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) over Seattle Seahawks
New York Giants (+3.5) over San Francisco 49ers
Buffalo Bills (+5.5) over Dallas Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals (+14) over Philadelphia Eagles

Top 10 BCS Standings & Bowl Game Predictions 4.0

One week after we were treated to a match up of the #1 vs #2 team's in the country, we were treated to a #4 vs #7 match up this week between PAC-12 rivals, Stanford and Oregon. Stanford possesses the best QB in the country in Andrew Luck and Oregon possesses one of the top RB's in the country in LaMichael James. Two high powered offenses would make for a close high scoring slugfest, correct? That wasn't the case, as Oregon pulled off the upset defeating Stanford, 53-30. James ran for 146 yards and 3 touchdowns and Luck threw for 239 yards, and threw 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions, one was brought back for a pick six. To go with #4 Stanford being upset, #5 Boise State was upset as well, at home against conference rival TCU, 36-35, after missing a potential game winning field goal as time expired. So with the #'s 4 and 5 teams in the nation falling, my top 10 BCS standings and bowl predictions will gear up for a big shake up. Let's get the ball rolling, here's my top 10 BCS standings and bowl predictions, edition 4.0. 

1.LSU Tigers (9-0) defeated Western Kentucky 42-9. Last week (1). 

2.Oklahoma State Cowboys (10-0) defeated Texas Tech 66-6. Last week (2).

3.Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1) defeated Mississippi State 24-7. Last week (5).

4.Oregon Ducks (9-1) defeated #3 Stanford Cardinals 53-30. Last week (8).

5.Oklahoma Sooners (8-1) BYE WEEK. Last week (6).

6.Arkansas Razorbacks (9-1) defeated Tennessee Volunteers 49-7. Last week (7).

7.Clemson Tigers (9-1) defeated Wake Forest Demon Deacons 31-28. Last week (10).

8.Houston Cougars (10-0) defeated Tulane 73-17. Last week (9).

9.Stanford Cardinals (9-1) lost to #8 Oregon Ducks 53-30. Last week (3).

10.Boise State Broncos (8-1) lost to TCU Horned Frogs 36-35. Last week (4).

National Title Game: LSU Tigers vs Oklahoma State Cowboys

Rose Bowl: Oregon Ducks vs Wisconsin Badgers 

Sugar Bowl: Alabama Crimson Tide vs Houston Cougars

Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma Sooners vs Stanford Cardinals

Orange Bowl: Clemson Tigers vs Cincinnati Bearcats

Heisman - Stanford QB Andrew Luck. Last week (1).

2nd Place - Houston QB Case Keenum. Last week (2).

3rd Place - Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden. Last week (8).

4th Place - Oklahoma QB Landry Jones. Last week (3).

5th Place - Alabama RB Trent Richardson. Last week (4).

6th Place - Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon. Last week (6).

7th Place - Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson. Last week (9).

8th Place - Oregon RB LaMichael James. Last week (10).

9th Place - Boise State QB Kellen Moore. Last week (5).

10th Place - USC QB Matt Barkley. Last week (7).

NFL Top 12 Power Rankings Edition 9.0

Nine weeks of the 2011 NFL season is in the books. I been saying this every weak, but it's crazy that nine weeks are over and done with when early in the summer we all didn't know if there would be a 2011 season. Thank goodness there is, as this has been a very interesting fun season. Lots of surprises this year and some I don't think, any one could ever imagine in their wildest dreams, like the Bills 5-3 start, tied for first place in the AFC East, the 49ers at 8-1, the "Dream Team" Eagles floundering at 3-5, or the Indianapolis Colts at 0-9 and without future hall of fame QB Peyton Manning. As always, I'll be making a bit of changes to my weekly power rankings for this week. I'm from New York, so I just have to add this, the Jets and Giants sure are looking good and will be rising high in my power rankings this week. Also, since we are officially more then halfway through the season, I'll be making my MVP, Defensive Player Of The Year, and Rookie Of The Year picks from here on out. Hope you enjoy, here is my top 12 NFL power rankings, edition 9.0.

1.Green Bay Packers (8-0) defeated San Diego Chargers 45-38. Last week (1). The Packers defense has looked ugly, but the high powered offense bails them out.


2.San Francisco 49ers (7-1) defeated Washington Redskins 19-11. Last week (3). The 49ers just keep winning with one of the most brutal defenses in the NFL. They might have the NFC West locked up by Thanksgiving.


3.New York Giants (6-2) defeated New England Patriots 24-20. Last week (7). The Giants pulled off an improbable upset once again against the Patriots, with a very clutch Eli Manning leading an MVP type season.


4.Houston Texans (6-3) defeated Cleveland Browns 30-12. Last week (4). The Texans keeps flying under the radar without star wide out Andre Johnson. The AFC South is theirs to lose.


5.Detroit Lions (6-2) BYE WEEK. Last week (5). The Lions get a week off before they face the Bears, Saints, and the Packers (twice) in their second half.


6.Baltimore Ravens (6-2) defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 23-20. Last week (11). The Ravens were :15 seconds away from falling to 5-3, but a perfect Joe Flacco to Torrey Smith touchdown pass with eight seconds left lifted Baltimore to a season sweep of Pittsburgh.


7.Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) lost to Baltimore Ravens 23-20. Last week (2). The Steelers were :15 seconds away from victory but a Flacco to Smith touchdown connection beat them with 8 seconds left. 


8.New Orleans Saints (6-3) defeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-16. Last week (9). The Saints stay perfect at home before their tough second half schedule that includes games against the Giants, Lions, Panthers, and Falcons (twice).


9.New York Jets (5-3) defeated Buffalo Bills 27-11. Last week (12). The Jets defense battered and bruised the Bills, forcing two INT's and two fumbles. This all leads into a much anticipated Sunday night showdown between the Jets and Patriots next week.


10.Cincinnati Bengals (6-2) defeated Tennessee Titans 24-17. Last week (10). The Bengals are another surprise team, going 6-2 through week nine, but that's without facing Pittsburgh or Baltimore yet.


11.New England Patriots (5-3) lost to New York Giants 24-20. Last week (6). The Patriots two game losing streak is surprising and the loss in the Super Bowl 42 rematch has them fuming before heading into next weeks Sunday night showdown vs the arch rival Jets.


12.Chicago Bears (5-3) defeated Philadelphia Eagles 30-24. Last week (N/R). The Bears resilient come from behind victory in Philly springs them into the top 12 for the first time in 2011. Playing in a tough division, they'll likely have to win at least six of their final eight games to reach the playoffs.


NFC Player Of The Week: Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers - 21 of 26, 247 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INT.
HM: New York Giants QB Eli Manning - 20 of 39, 250 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT.


AFC Player Of The Week: San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson - 7 catches, 141 yards, 3 TDs.
HM: Denver Broncos RB Willis McGahee - 20 carries, 163 yards, 2 TDs.


Upset Of The Week: New York Giants defeat New England Patriots 24-20.
HM: Miami Dolphins defeat Kansas City Chiefs 31-3.


Most Exciting Game Of The Week: New York Giants defeat New England Patriots 24-20.
HM: Green Bay Packers defeat San Diego Chargers 45-38.


1st Half MVP: 
1st:Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers - 2,619 yards, 24 TDs, 3 INTs, 72.5 CMP%, 129.1 Rating.
2nd:Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson - 47 catches, 804 yards, 11 TDs.
3rd:New York Giants QB Eli Manning - 2,377 yards, 15 TDs, 6 INTs, 62.9 CMP%, 98.8 Rating.


Defensive Player Of The Year:
1st:Minnesota Vikings DE Jared Allen - 34 Tackles, 12.5 Sacks, 1 INT, 4 PDs, 3 Forced Fumbles, 3 Fumble Recoveries. 
2nd:New York Jets CB Darrell Revis - 25 Tackles, 4 INTs, 12 PDs, 184 INT Yards, 1 TD.
3rd:San Francisco 49ers LB Patrick Willis - 67 Tackles, 1.0 Sack, 8 PDs, 3 Forced Fumbles, 2 Fumble Recoveries.


Rookie Of The Year:
1st:Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton - 2,393 yards, 11 TDs, 9 INTs, 60.6 CMP%, 87.1 Rating. 63 Rushes, 319 Yards, 7 TDs.
TDs, 7 INTs, 61.5 CMP%, 85.0 Rating.
3rd:Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green - 40 catches, 599 yards, 5 TDs.

Top 10 BCS Standings & Bowl Predictions 3.0

The supposed "game of the century" has finally come and gone, and what a defensive slugfest we were treated to. #1 LSU defeated #2 Alabama, 9-6 in overtime to put them in the clear cut drivers seat for the National Title. Alabama has currently been knocked out of the National Title picture for the moment.  LSU and Alabama definitely showed that they possess the two best defenses in college football. It's now time to unveil my top 10 in my third edition of the BCS standings. Big changes are on the way. Here's last weeks edition,
 http://damnilovesports.blogspot.com/2011/10/top-10-bcs-standings-bowl-predictions.html ....

1.LSU Tigers (8-0) defeated #2 Alabama Crimson Tide 9-6 (OT). Last week (1).
2.Oklahoma State Cowboys (9-0) defeated #14 Kansas State 52-45. Last week (3).
3.Stanford Cardinals (9-0) defeated Oregon State Beavers 38-13. Last week (5).
4.Boise State Broncos (8-0) defeated UNLV Rebels 48-21. Last week (4).
5.Alabama Crimson Tide (7-1) lost to #1 LSU Tigers 9-6 (OT). Last week (2).
6.Oklahoma Sooners (7-1) defeated #16 Texas A&M 41-25. Last week (6)
7.Arkansas Razorbacks (8-1) defeated #10 South Carolina Gamecocks 44-28. Last week (8).
8.Oregon Ducks (8-1) defeated #25 Washington Huskies 34-17. Last week (7).
9.Houston Cougars (9-0) defeated UAB Blazers 56-13. Last week (N/R).
10.Clemson Tigers (8-1) BYE WEEK. Last week (N/R).

National Title Game: LSU Tigers vs Oklahoma State Cowboys
Rose Bowl: Stanford Cardinals vs Houston Cougars
Sugar Bowl: Alabama Crimson Tide vs Boise State Broncos
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma Sooners vs Oregon Ducks
Orange Bowl: Clemson Tigers vs Cincinnati Bearcats

Heisman - Stanford QB Andrew Luck. Last week (1).
2nd Place - Houston QB Case Keenum. Last week (3).
3rd Place - Oklahoma QB Landry Jones. Last week (2).
4th Place - Alabama RB Trent Richardson. Last week (4).
5th Place - Boise State QB Kellen Moore. Last week (5).
6th Place - Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon. Last week (N/R).
7th Place - USC QB Matt Barkley. Last week (N/R).
8th Place - Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden. Last week (N/R).
9th Place - Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson. Last week (N/R).
10th Place - Oregon RB LaMichael James. Last week (N/R).

Week 9 NFL Picks

Week 9 of the 2011 NFL season is just around the corner and there are some very good games this week. You got the Bills vs Jets, Saints vs Buccaneers, Giants vs Patriots ( a rematch of Super Bowl 42, where the Giants upset the then, perfect 18-0 Patriots, 17-14 to win the Super Bowl.), Ravens vs Steelers, and Bears vs Eagles. I went 6-5-1 in my week 8 picks (my first time making all picks with the spread). I hope to improve on that ugly week and nail some of these big games. Here is my week 9 edition of my NFL picks.


Atlanta Falcons (-6.5) over Indianapolis Colts
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+8.5) over New Orleans Saints
Houston Texans (-10.5) over Cleveland Browns
New York Jets (+2.5) over Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins (+4) over Kansas City Chiefs
San Francisco 49ers (-4) over Washington Redskins
Seattle Seahawks (+11) over Dallas Cowboys
Oakland Raiders (-7) over Denver Broncos
Cincinnati Bengals (+3) over Tennessee Titans
Arizona Cardinals (-3) over St.Louis Rams
New York Giants (+9) over New England Patriots
Green Bay Packers (-5.5) over San Diego Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) over Baltimore Ravens
Chicago Bears (+7.5) over Philadelphia Eagles


LOCKS OF THE WEEK:
San Francisco 49ers (-4) over Washington Redskins
Green Bay Packers (-5.5) over San Diego Chargers
Atlanta Falcons (-6.5) over Indianapolis Colts
New York Giants (+9) over New England Patriots

MLB Free Agent Predictions

The MLB hot stove season is underway and it is a fairly impressive free agent class. Arguably the two best first basemen in Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, are free agents and possibly the best shortstop in the game, Jose Reyes, also is. No big time starting pitchers are free agents. We thought perhaps, that Yankees ace C.C Sabathia would hit free agency and opt out of the four remaining years on his contract but before the deadline to do so, he re-signed with the Yankees on a 5 year, $122 million deal. Here I will make my free agent landing spot predictions for the top 20 free agents on the market. I honestly think that with more teams willing to spend and more needs, it's a lot harder to decide on landing spots for guys like Pujols, Fielder, Reyes, outfielder Carlos Beltran and pitchers C.J Wilson, Heath Bell, and Jonathan Paplebon. I'll try to do my best and I'd like to see everyone make their own predictions in a comment and see who gets the most right. Feel free to also attack some of my predictions as I know I will definitely get criticism. Lets get it rolling with my first prediction...

1.Albert Pujols, 1B: St.Louis Cardinals, 9 years, $243 million - I don't really think their will be too many teams who will be able to afford Pujols outside of the Cardinals and Cubs. I never really thought Pujols would leave St.Louis but after winning his second World Series with them this season, I think it almost guarantees that Albert will be back wearing Cardinal red for the rest of his career, as long as St.Louis doesn't give a joke of an offer to the best baseball player on the planet. Previous Team: St.Louis Cardinals

2.Prince Fielder, 1B: Chicago Cubs, 8 years, $192 million - Most teams that will be in on Albert Pujols will without a doubt be in on Prince Fielder. The Nationals, Marlins, Cubs, Brewers, Dodgers, Orioles, Blue Jays, Rangers, and Mariners will all be in on Fielder once Pujols goes back to St.Louis. During the season i had Fielder going to Washington but now i have him going to the Cubs, simply because they have the most to offer, I believe. it'll be quite enticing to go to Chicago too. Previous team: Milwaukee Brewers

3.Jose Reyes, SS: Washington Nationals, 6 years, $117 million - I think the Nationals are going to make another splash this winter with another big free agent signing, I thought maybe Fielder but they have more of a need for speed and defense up the middle because Ian Desmond just stinks. Jose Reyes gives them a perfect lead off hitter, great defense, and a spark plug. They can get by with power from Mike Morse, Ryan Zimmerman, and maybe Jayson Werth until Bryce Harper gets called up. Previous Team: New York Mets

4. C.J Wilson, SP: New York Yankees, 5 years, $70 million - Wilson didn't exactly help his stock with his horrendous postseason performance, so he definitely cost himself a nice chunk of money. He is a nice regular season pitcher but just isn't a #1 guy. The Yankees need a bona fide number two to slide in behind CC Sabathia and with no other good options available and Wilson not having much of a injury history, the Yankees will open the bank to get some pitching help. Previous Team: Texas Rangers

5.Yu Darvish, SP: Texas Rangers, 5 years, $63 million - Yu Darvish projects to be one of the best starting pitchers to come out of Japan. Over his six year career, which started at the age of 18, he has compiled a record of 75-32 with a 2.12 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 974 strikeouts. He's only 25 years old and is in the middle of his prime already. He hasn't officially declared to come to the MLB yet, but I decided to add him to this list as if he were to come over. The Rangers have deep pockets, as you saw last winter with the signing of big time third baseman Adrian Beltre, and the rumors of them possibly being in the race for Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder, and Texas will need pitching with the departure of Wilson, if he does indeed leave. Previous Team: Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters

6.Jimmy Rollins, SS: Philadelphia Phillies, 4 years, $55 million - The Phillies like Rollins, and Rollins likes Philadelphia. I'm not sure that Rollins will get the five year deal he's seeking but he could come close. Philadelphia would have no real replacement at shortstop if Rollins were to leave. Philadelphia sure could use Rollins production after the offense took a big hit after superstar first baseman Ryan Howard ruptured his achilles on the final play of game 5 of the NLDS vs St.Louis. Another team to watch, the San Francisco Giants, where Rollins hales from. Previous Team: Philadelphia Phillies

7.Aramis Ramirez, 3B: Los Angeles Angels, 2 years, $27 million - This was a tough decision, but I think the Angels try to make some type of splash and gets the quality bat of Aramis Ramirez to play third base for them. Didn't see many other matches for Aramis Ramirez, outside of maybe the Orioles, Tigers, and Brewers. Previous Team: Chicago Cubs

8.Carlos Beltran, OF: San Francisco Giants, 3 years, $32 million - Beltran didn't exactly help the Giants to the playoffs like they'd hope he would have but he did have a nice final two months in the Bay Area and the Giants enjoyed having him and are looking into bringing him back and Beltran has showed mutual interest. I don't see San Fran getting any of the big boppers, so I don't think they'll let Beltran slip away, when they do have some money to spend. Previous Team: San Francisco Giants

9.Jonathan Paplebon, RP: Boston Redsox, 4 years, $49 million - Paplebon has been with Boston for awhile as their closer, and although he does cause a lot of headaches, I can't see Boston not running out Paplebon to close out games for them for a few more years. I expect Boston to give him a big deal to remain their closer. Only other spots i can see Paplebon landing is Philadelphia, Texas, and Chicago (Cubs). Previous Team: Boston Redsox

10.Michael Cuddyer, OF/U: Minnesota Twins, 3 years, $39 million - The Yankees and/or Redsox and/or Phillies may be interested in Cuddyer but I don't think Cuddyer would go to a big market team and is all about the money. He's spent his whole career in Minnesota and the Twins like him, I don't see him leaving. Previous Team: Minnesota Twins


11.Mark Buehrle, SP: Chicago Whitesox, 4 years, $54 million - Can't see Buehrle leaving the south side of Chicago, except for maybe Miami, to reunite with Ozzie Guillen, but i expect the Whitesox to go hard after re-signing him because without Mark, they have nothing to throw out to the mound. Previous Team: Chicago Whitesox


12.David Ortiz, DH/1B: Boston Redsox, 2 years, $21 million - Another player i just can't see leaving his team, Big Papi. Ortiz has been bickering about the Redsox not offering a new deal, which makes me think he will eventually get what he wants and i can't see anybody else DH'ing every night for the Redsox. Previous Team: Boston Redsox


13.Ryan Madson, RP: Philadelphia Phillies, 2 years, $14 million - Madson has been a solid arm out of the pen and i can't see Philadelphia letting him slip away. There is mutual interest and i can see Philadelphia giving him a nice deal to come back as closer. Previous Team: Philadelphia Phillies


14.Hiroki Kuroda, SP: Los Angeles Dodgers, 3 years, $34 million - Apparently, Kuroda only wants to play for the Dodgers and the Dodgers like him, so he'll stay put. Previous Team: Los Angeles Dodgers


15.Carlos Pena, 1B: Toronto Blue Jays, 2 years, $21 million - With Fielder taking Pena's place in Chicago, Carlos needs a new home and I don't think many teams will go hard for Pena. I think Toronto, Baltimore, Seattle, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh will be the main teams rumored around Pena. Toronto was linked heavily to Pena last off season and with a need for power and protection of superstar slugger Jose Bautista, I think Toronto gets their guy this time around. Previous Team: Chicago Cubs


16.Francisco "K-ROD" Rodriguez, RP: Miami Marlins, 3 years, $30 million - The Marlins could use bullpen help and a legitimate closer and make "Leo Nunez", the setup man. The Marlins will be spending to get some big names on the team and fill up their new ballpark and I think they get K-Rod, and I'm sure Frankie would like to be closer to his home in Venezuela. I can see Miami overpaying for K-Rod anyway and Francisco jumping to the biggest offer. Previous Team: Milwaukee Brewers


17.Roy Oswalt, SP: Texas Rangers, 3 years, $33 million - The Rangers will need a new ace to replace C.J. Wilson. Oswalt likes the state of Texas, after spending most of his career in Houston. I see the Rangers giving Oswalt a lucrative deal with incentives for if he can stay healthy to have a 1-2-3-4 of Oswalt, Darvish, Lewis, and Holland going forward. Previous Team: Philadelphia Phillies


18.Javier Vasquez, SP: Miami Marlins, 2 years, $25 million - Javier pitched lights out from the month of June until the end of the season, showing signs of his brilliance he had when he was with Atlanta in 2009. Miami has said they would like to bring him back and I see them giving him a raise on his $9 million deal he signed on for in 2011, to come back for 2012. Miami needs a solid number two to go behind ace Josh Johnson in the new stadium. Previous Team: Florida Marlins


19.Heath Bell, RP: Philadelphia Phillies, 4 years, $44 million - This was a tough decision. San Diego and Bell love each other, but I'd think a good amount of teams will be high on Bell. I started off with San Diego, Philadelphia, Texas, St.Louis, Toronto, and Chicago (Cubs). I crossed off the Cubs and Rangers right away, as I have both teams already making a big signing/signings, and not affording Bell. Then went St.Louis as I doubt they'll afford Bell AND Pujols. I can't see Bell going north of the border to close for Toronto as enticing as it may be. Philadelphia has a good amount of money coming off and will be retooling their bullpen, and i see them landing the biggest closer on the market on a big deal, something San Diego can't throw out. Previous Team: San Diego Padres


20.Edwin Jackson, SP: Washington Nationals, 4 years, $36 million - The Nats are looking for a solid veteran arm and are rumored to be in on C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt, but I have Wilson going to the Yankees and Roy headed to Texas. Washington may overpay for Jackson, like they might with Reyes, but they could use pitching and some veteran leadership for the staff. Previous Team: St.Louis Cardinals

NFL Top 12 Power Rankings Edition 8.0

Eight weeks of the NFL season are over already. Wow, to think that there was a chance that we might not even have a season back early in the summer and now we're currently half way through a season is crazy. It's been quite an interesting season. Their remains just one undefeated team through the season's first eight weeks and it's the 7-0 Green Bay Packers. There are two win less teams still, in the 0-8 Indianapolis Colts and the 0-7 Miami Dolphins. The St.Louis Rams captured their first win of the season week eight at home against the New Orleans Saints in one of the biggest upsets of 2011. Green Bay is easily the clear cut favorite to repeat as Super Bowl champions, being that they're the defending champs and are perfect this season and have the possible NFL MVP on the team in young QB Aaron Rodgers. No other team in the NFC appears to be much of a strength and no team in the AFC is scary. Let's see how everyone fared after week eight of the NFL season with my new look top 12 power rankings. Enjoy.


1.Green Bay Packers (7-0) BYE WEEK. Last week (1). The Packers got the week off after their perfect first seven weeks. Green Bay has a mediocre second half schedule ahead of them.


2.Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) defeated New England Patriots 25-17. Last week (5). Pittsburgh held onto the ball for as long as possible so that Tom Brady wouldn't have too many chances. The Steelers defense stepped up big time when Brady had the ball. Brady was stripped in the final minute and the Steelers defense, most notably with help from Troy Polamalu knocked the ball out of the end zone for a game clinching safety. 


3.San Francisco 49ers (6-1) defeated Cleveland Browns 20-10. Last week (4). The 49ers continue to surprise people with their great start to the season and appear to be running away with the NFC West already.


4.Houston Texans (5-3) defeated Jacksonville Jaguars 24-14. Last week (6). The Texans high powered offense continues to look good without star WR Andre Johnson, who looks like he will be returning to the team this week vs Cleveland. Houston will only get even better once their star wide out is back and could start to run away with the division from Tennessee. 


5.Detroit Lions (6-2) defeated Denver Broncos 45-10.  Last week (9). The Lions got back to their winning ways with a 45-10 thrashing of the Broncos in Denver. Detroit gets their first win since dropping back to back games after starting the season 5-0. They go into the bye week now and have a bit of a touch stretch in their final eight games, including the Packers, twice.


6.New England Patriots (5-2) lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 25-17. Last week (2). The Patriots got a sharp reality check put on their bad defense as Pittsburgh offense drove down the field on them multiple times before scoring two touchdowns, three field goals, and allowing Big Ben to throw for 365 yards on them. New England gets three tough games in their final nine with the Giants coming to Foxborough this week, a road date with the Jets the following week, and a trip down to Philadelphia on November 27th.


7.New York Giants (5-2) defeated Miami Dolphins 20-17. Last week (7). Big Blue barely escaped with a win against the Dolphins, which if they lost, would've been their third loss to a below .500 team. Now, the Giants have what I think, is the toughest second half schedule of any team with games @ NE, @ SF, vs PHI, @ NO, vs GB, @ DAL, vs WSH, @ NYJ, vs DAL, starting this week against the Pats.


8.Buffalo Bills (5-2) defeated Washington Redskins 23-0. Last week (N/R). The Bills took care of business against the lowly Redskins like they should have. Now the Bills host the rival Jets in what figures to be a tough physical divisional game up in Orchard Park. If Buffalo pulls off the win, they have a two game advantage on NYJ and if NYG upsets NE, a one game lead on NE.


9.New Orleans Saints (5-3) lost to St.Louis Rams 31-21. Last week (3). New Orleans has looked quite inconsistent this year, after beating the win less Colts last week 62-7, you would figure they'd have a similar easy time against the win less Rams a week later, well, that wasn't the case, as the Rams pulled off an eye popping upset to net them their first win. Now the Saints get two divisional games vs TB, and @ ATL before their bye week, and get the Giants and Lions at home right away after their bye week.


10.Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) defeated Seattle Seahawks 34-12. Last week (N/R). The Bengals have to be one of the most surprising teams this season, playing to a 5-2 record in one of the toughest divisions in football. With that 5-2 record, the Bengals have yet to play Baltimore and Pittsburgh even once, getting both of them twice and games against the Titans and Texans on their second half schedule.


11.Baltimore Ravens (5-2) defeated Arizona Cardinals 30-27. Last week (10). Baltimore fell behind early 24-3 and roared back for the largest comeback win in team history, 30-27, scoring 24 second half points and surrendering just three to the Cardinals. Still, no team should fall behind by three touchdowns to the Cardinals and have to come back to win, which is why Baltimore drops a spot this week in my power rankings.



12.New York Jets (4-3) BYE WEEK. Last week (8). The Jets come off from their bye week all refreshed and ready to get their second half started, with two divisional games @ BUF, and vs NE right away. If they can win both of those games, they can at least share a tie for first place by the time week 11 rolls around. The Jets have a fairly easy second half schedule outside of their game with NE, two vs BUF and games against NYG and PHI.
N/R = Not Ranked


NFC Player Of The Week: New York Giants QB Eli Manning - 31 of 45, 349 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT.
HM: Philadelphia Eagles RB LeSean McCoy - 30 carries, 185 yards, 2 TDs.


AFC Player Of The Week: Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger - 36 of 50, 365 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT.
HM: Houston Texans RB Arian Foster - 33 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD.


Upset Of The Week: St.Louis Rams defeat New Orleans Saints 31-21.
HM: Kansas City Chiefs defeat San Diego Chargers 23-20 (Overtime).


Most Exciting Game Of The Week: Baltimore Ravens defeat Arizona Cardinals 30-27.
HM: Pittsburgh Steelers defeat New England Patriots 25-17.


HM = Honorable Mention


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