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Week 15 NFL Power Rankings: Is Anyone Really Good Besides New England?

December 13, 2012 by 1 Comment
Can anyone stop Tom Brady?!

Can anyone stop Tom Brady?!

Who doesn’t like end of the season power rankings? Everyone wants to know who is the top dog right now and how would you rank the teams after 14 games of the season. Heres how General Peppers of The Cover 4 ranks them:

1. New England Patriots

And it isn’t even close. After a slow start, including a loss at home to the NFL Record Holding Worst Blowout Ever Arizona Cardinals, the New England Patriots have distanced themselves from the rest of the NFL. They’ve beaten the other best teams in the AFC, The Broncos and Texans, by an average of nearly 20 points. They’ve dropped 50+ twice. They lead the league in both yards and points, and this with both of their elite tight ends missing extensive time on the field. They can run the ball efficiently, beat you deep, short, over the middle, in the red zone. This offense has no weaknesses and is lead by quite possibly the greatest quarterback of all time. What makes them scary is that their defense is finally clicking on all cylinders. Their first round picks, Dante Hightower and Chandler Jones, have given the Patriots their most athletic defense in nearly a decade. Fun stat: Did you know the Patriots are 21-0 over the past 2 and a half years in the second half of the season. Belichick’s ability to improve a team is legendary.

2. New York Giants

Colin Cowherd said it best, “I Trust the Giants.” It’s the greatest compliment one can give a football team. I know they’re gonna lose ugly games to bad teams. I also know they’ll probably lose to the Falcons on the road this week. But with everything on the line, do you think the Falcons are within 10 points of the Giants? Me neither.

3. Denver Broncos

Fact: This is the best defense Peyton Manning has ever had.
Opinion: Demaryius Thomas ight be the most athletically gifted player Peyton Manning has ever had on offense.
Fact: The Denver Broncos have beaten 2 teams with a winning record.
Fact: Both those teams are 7-6 and in the AFC North.
Fact:The Broncos 3 losses all came against teams leading their divisions
Fact:The Broncos were down by 14+ points in all three games.
Opinion: I have no clue how good the Broncos really are but it’s Peyton Manning and that’s better than 95% of the league.

4. Houston Texans

Two blowout losses to two high powered offenses. The Texans have distinct problems, but a majority of them are chalked up to injuries. The one truth is this: Texans cannot get behind early. They need to be able to run the ball and achieve big plays through play action. No play action and this offense shuts down.

5. San Francisco 49ers

The AFC’s Houston Texans. With a lead this team is nigh unbeatable. But if you are able to beat or stalemate them at the line of scrimmage you can bring this offense to a stand still. Still, elite players at every defensive position and depth at all offensive skill positions.

6. Green Bay Packers

Do not be shocked when the Packers make it to the Super Bowl. This is, without a doubt, the most injured team in the NFL. These players are slowly coming back. Aaron Rodgers will not forget how quickly you buried him.

7. Seattle Seahawks

There are 4 things we know about the Seattle Seahawks:
1. Pete Carroll, despite his flaws, knows how to coach a defense. His teams tackle in space, don’t give up big plays, and are efficient at all 3 levels.
2. The Seahawks have the best secondary in the NFL. Ask New England. Ask Green Bay. They also have a top 5 special teams. This combination has a history of working well.
3. The Seahawks have the best home field advantage in all of sports. In a league where parity rules, the Seahawks, no matter how bad they may be, always win at home. If they get a home game in the playoffs they will win it. Ask the Saints.
4. Russel Wilson has gotten better every week and so has the Seattle Offense. Sidney Rice is recovering from his knee(finally) and Golden Tate has exploded in his third year(the typical break out year for WRs). Lynch looks stronger than ever.

8. Atlanta Falcons

Giants v. Falcons. In Atlanta. 2nd Round of the Playoffs. Atlanta -2. Who here isn’t taking New York on the Money Line? Exactly. This is the worst best team I’ve ever seen. They are average to below average in all facets excluding throwing the ball, and even that has slipped recently. They’re gonna win this weekend and I won’t move them an inch.

9. Baltimore Ravens

There isn’t more talent on any team in the NFL outside of New England. For the Ravens it’s about putting it together. Oh yeah, and Flacco not throwing up ducks in the playoffs. Good luck with that.

10. Indianapolis Colts

If I have to hear one more person talk about how RGIII has thrown fewer picks than Andrew Luck I’m going to start breaking things again. Andrew Luck has been given the entire playbook. No babysitting, no holding back. They didn’t craft a college offense around him and ask him to throw bubble screens and safe passes. He’s asked to throw it 50 times a game down the field to rookie receivers and tight ends. He is, without a doubt the greatest rookie I’ve ever seen. Rookie of the Year shouldn’t even be a close vote.

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General Peppers
Sports Activist for The Cover 4
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Week 14 Predictions! ALL GAMES VERSUS SPREAD!

December 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Can AP lead the Harvin-less Vikings to a victory against Chicago?

Can AP lead the Harvin-less Vikings to a victory against Chicago?

Yes Cover 4 fans you read that title correctly! We will be predicting all games this week against the spread. Not only will we be looking at betting lines but you will get opinions from all of the cover 4 activists!

Why the change? Well, we wanted to switch it up near the end of the season. We know our predictions and analysis are doing us justice but we want to give you, the cover 4 fans, a chance to make a little money and see the diversity behind our staff. Additionally, we have had a number of request to predict games versus the spread. I wasn’t giving in earlier in the year but we will now. Going 12-2 and 13-1 is sometimes just too easy!

All of our spreads are from the Las Vegas Hotel (LVH) and are as of Wednesday, December 5th. All favorites will have the (spread) on their team name. Also, all picks were made individually without conversation prior to choices. Each will include a small analysis by myself (James).

We encourage you to join in on the discussion at the bottom of this post!

Denver Broncos (-10) @ Oakland Raiders
James: Broncos
Jesse: Broncos
Long Island Sound: Broncos
General Peppers: Broncos
Analysis: I hate large spreads in divisional match ups but the Broncos are clicking.

St. Louis Rams @ Buffalo Bills (-3)
James: Rams
Jesse: Rams
Long Island Sound: Bills
General Peppers: Bills
Analysis: I really like the Rams defense despite being away. Better defense getting points? Sign me up.

Dallas Cowboys @ Cincinnati Bengals (-3)
James: Bengals
Jesse: Cowboys
Long Island Sound: Cowboys
General Peppers: Cowboys
Analysis: This game can go either way but the Cowboys don’t show up for non-division games; however, they need this W to stay in playoff contention.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Cleveland Browns (-6.5)
James: Chiefs
Jesse: Chiefs
Long Island Sound: Chiefs
General Peppers: Chiefs
Analysis: The Browns are almost a touchdown favorite?! When was the last time that happened? Emotional Chiefs cover this one.

Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts (-5)
James: Colts
Jesse: Colts
Long Island Sound: Colts
General Peppers: Colts
Analysis: Luck is just too much to handle right now.

Chicago Bears (-3) @ Minnesota Vikings
James: Bears
Jesse: Bears
Long Island Sound:: Bears
General Peppers: Bears
Analysis: Ponder gives the Bears points.

San Diego Chargers @ Pittsburgh Steelers NO LINE (-7½)
James: Steelers
Jesse: Steelers Chargers
Long Island Sound: Steelers
General Peppers: Steelers
Analysis: No line on this one with quarterback issues. We will take Pit tho!
UPDATE: With Big Ben expected to start in this match-up, Jesse has decided to take the TD & hook and jump on the [not so] Super Chargers to cover.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7.5)
James: Buccaneers
Jesse: Buccaneers
Long Island Sound: Eagles
General Peppers: Eagles
Analysis: Josh Freeman will take advantage of the Eagles defensive woes.

Baltimore Ravens @ Washington Redskins (-2.5)
James: Ravens
Jesse: Redskins
Long Island Sound: Ravens
General Peppers: Ravens
Analysis: I really like RGIII but I can’t see the Ravens losing two in a row.

Atlanta Falcons (-3.5) @ Carolina Panthers
James: Falcons
Jesse: Falcons
Long Island Sound: Falcons
General Peppers: Panthers
Analysis: The first matchup between these two teams was a fluke as the Panthers are inconsistent as they come.

New York Jets (-2.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
James: Jaguars
Jesse: Jaguars
Long Island Sound: Jets
General Peppers: Jets
Analysis: After watching the Jets win 7-6 last week, the Jaguars are a must bet here.

Miami Dolphins @ San Francisco 49ers (-10.5)
James: 49ers
Jesse: 49ers
Long Island Sound: 49ers
General Peppers: Dolphins
Analysis: Dolphins offense won’t be able to get anything done against the 49ers defense who just suffered a tough loss (Jim Harbaugh’s 3-1 ATS following a loss).

New Orleans Saints @ New York Giants (-5)
James: Saints
Jesse: Saints
Long Island Sound: Saints
General Peppers: Giants
Analysis: Drew Brees versus a weak secondary. Advantage Brees

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks (-10)
James: Cardinals
Jesse: Cardinals
Long Island Sound: Cardinals
General Peppers: Seahawks
Analysis: We know the Seahawks are good at home but 10 points? Can’t do it. John Skelton, who beat the Seahawks earlier this season, is back at QB & stud corner Brandon Browner will be suspended.

Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers (-7)
James: Lions
Jesse: Packers
Long Island Sound: Lions
General Peppers: Lions
Analysis: Something is just telling me stick to the Lions in this one. Calvin Johnson is unstoppable.

Houston Texans @ New England Patriots (-3.5)
James: Patriots
Jesse: Patriots
Long Island Sound: Patriots
General Peppers: Patriots
Analysis: New England in December is a tough place to play.

As you can see, we are on the same page on a number of picks. Seriously, we didn’t do this together!

New to our site:
For our COVER 4 play of the week, we parlay: Bears, Cardinals, Chiefs & Colts.

Lastly, the NFL Play 60 commercial with Cam Newton is one of the best I have seen in a very long time. Here it is! Check it out

Thanks for checking out TheCover4.com

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Thanks for checking out our picks. Dont forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.
James Kaikis
Chief Sports Activist for The Cover 4
http://www.facebook.com/thecover4
http://www.twitter.com/thecover4
http://www.facebook.com/jameskaikis

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Week 13 NFL Predictions: Meme Edition

November 29, 2012 by 2 Comments

Calvin Johnson is on fire!

Different week with same results as The Cover 4 is on absolute fire. Don’t believe us? Let me break it down for you.

Last week we finished 11-5 with a number of very close games where we picked plenty of underdogs. Since the first week the Cover 4 made public picks (week six – 5 wins, 9 losses), the Cover 4 is 69 – 14 – 1 aka a winning percentage of 83%. In those 14 losses, the Cover 4 finished with only ONE loss on three occasions (weeks 7, 10 & 11).

If the numbers don’t speak for themselves, we can explore the number of times we have been correct in our analysis, point predictions, key players and fantasy studs! That subject will be saved for another day.

In a quick recap of week 12, Matthew Stafford and the Lions had more than their fair share of opportunities to defeat the Texans while RGIII completed our prediction and went beast mode on the Cowboys. The Pittsburgh Steelers made me chose with my heart and not my brain, something I rarely do, as they were atrocious in Cleveland. Cecil Shorts was a fantasy stud! Tampa Bay puts us at 4 -0 versus the spread after they were upended by the Falcons by just one point. Money makers realized the easy money was on the Rams as they ruined Lindleys day. Finally, the Panthers made me look so good with their underdog matchup on MNF – thank you Cam Newton.

Lets jump right into the picks!

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New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons

Say what you want about this 10 -1 Falcon team. They may have won a number of games this season at the end of regulation but GREAT TEAMS WIN BAD GAMES. PERIOD. How can you not pick the Falcons in this matchup? The Saints may have had the Falcons number once earlier this season but the Falcons will be ready to rock this time around.

Keep your eyes out for: Asante Samuel. The cornerback had a tremendous games last week despite playing through an injury; his health is vital to containing the pass happy Saints attack.

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Pick Center of the Week (1 of 2): Jacksonville Jaguars +6 @ Buffalo Bills

Yikes, did I really just pick the Jaguars to cover? Jacksonville has been steady with Chad Henne behind center and the offense is actually moving the ball. I had high hopes for the playoff bound (or at least I thought) Bills but they have faltered time and time again. Expect the Bills to narrowly come out with a victory in this one.

Score Prediction: Bills 27 – Jaguars 24

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Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears

Seattle is coming off a disappointing loss in Miami and will be traveling into Chicago to take on the Bears, who host a 5 -1 home record. Last week Jay Cutler returned to the lineup and the Chicago defense regained its form against the Vikings. Expect the Seahawks to have a tough time running the ball against the Bears and, as a result, will be very one dimensional.

Fantasy Stud: The Chicago Bears defense. I believe Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will be forced to win this game with his arm, which should result in a few turnovers for the Bears defense (expect one very big play from this unit).

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Game of the Week: Indianapolis Colts @ Detroit Lions

What a heart breaker for the desperate Lions last week. Let me first point out how incredibly disappointed I was watching Brandon Pettigrew play the tight end position. Pettigrew looked terrible on the field for the Lions as he dropped a number of passes and had a costly fumble as well. The former first round pick is vital to the success of this passing game. Did anyone else trade for Calvin Johnson like I did (in two leagues)? Johnson is on pace to finish with the second highest receiving yards in a single season (forget the Madden Curse…knock on wood). This matchup will be very similiar to the Colts game against the Patriots a few weeks ago. The Colts will hang tough for the first half of this game but as the Lions continue to light up the scoreboard, the Colts will struggle to keep up.

Fantasy Stud: Calvin Johnson. How can you not roll with him?

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Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

How the tides have turned as the Vikings, who started out winners in 4 of 5, are struggling while the Packers, winners of 5 of their last 6, are starting to put it all together (excluding last week loss to the Giants- didn’t see that coming). How many more weeks will I pound Christian Ponder as a starting quarterback? What is more important is the impact of Percy Harvin on this teams success. As terrible as Ponder is (10.3 QBR & 58.2 passer rating last week), without Harvin the Vikings have no chance at victory. Adrian Peterson is putting together a magical season in his return from an injury but the Vikings can’t ride the AP train if they continue to play from behind. The Packers are coming off a bad loss against the Giants; I am the first to admit I was terribly wrong in that game as I expected way more than 10 points from the Packers. Rodgers and crew should take care of this Viking defense who allowed the Bears to be 11 for 19 on third downs.

What to Watch: Greg Jennings. The talented wide receiver has spent the majority of his contract season on the sideline rather than the endzone thus less $ at the end of this season. The Packers have a plethora of pass catching options but Jennings, when healthy, is arguably the best of the bunch.

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Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans

Will I ever get a Titans game correct? With Locker running the show, the Titans have a solid nucleus of weapons but, unfortunately, those weapons are never on the same page. While one of the Titans playmakers may be taking aim at a great game, the others decide to take the day off; call it Randy Moss syndrome. The Texans are coming off two close over time gamess but expect this team to be well rested since the Thanksgiving day showdown.

Score Prediction: Texans 30 – Titans 20

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Carolina Panthers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Coming off a strong game on MNF, the Panthers are looking to put together their first two game win streak of the season. We should give the Panthers some slack as they are 3 -8 with 6 of those losses by six points or less (2 of them by a combined 3 points). The Chiefs are playing some teams very tough this year but it just isn’t their year (too bad this wasn’t last year and the Chiefs had a chance at Luck or RGIII because Cassell is not the answer- duh). Cam Newton shows up to play this week!

Fantasy Stud: Panthers tight end Greg Olsen. The Chiefs are giving up a ton of points to tight ends this year and steady Gregy has been a consistent target all season.

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San Francisco 49ers @ Saint Louis Rams

Oh the Colin Kaepernick era has arrived. Tough break for Alex Smith who has done nothing but win ball games since last year. While Smith isn’t going to beat you with his arm, he is a safe bet to finish with a couple touchdowns, no turnovers, and give you just enough to win. On the flipside, Kaepernick is a dual threat with big play potential (he has a pretty deep ball too). Jim Harbaugh knows what he is doing so I’ll back him up on this one (I got you Jim dont worry) but will the Niners still be SB contenders with the second year quarterback? Lets not forget last time these two teams played, they tied! Not this week….

Player to Watch: No brainer here with Colin Kaepernick. The media will have a close eye on Kaep thus any small errors (or another tie) will result in second guessing the coaches decision.

Keep Your Eye On: Aldon Smith. The second year linebacker is on pace to break Reggie White’s record for most sacks in their first two NFL seasons.

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New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

Another one of my favorite teams, the Dolphins, are tough to pick. Luckily, the Dolphins won’t do me wrong in this one as I am riding Brady and crew. Ryan Tannehill showed big time play making abilities at the end of last weeks games against Seattle; his running game also helped take some pressure off him. That being said, things may get ugly in Miami this week as I doubt Philbin will be pulling out any crazy Wildcat gameplan.

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Arizona Cardinals @ New York Jets

This is a battle of bad teams as the Cardinals aren’t showing any promise while the Jets….

uh…. are the Jets. Rex Ryan and the Jets are the punching bag of the New York Giants media; Mark Sanchez, and his 32.8 QBR, is taking so much heat for his poor performances. To defend this Jets team, they have been derailed by injuries and Sanchez isn’t throwing the ball to the most talented group of players. On the other side, I prefer not to talk about the Cardinals, whom I believe are legitimately in the conversation for the worst team in the NFL. If Beanie Wells can actually put something together and stay healthy, the team may have a chance to be competitive (as they won’t be so one dimensional). The quarterback situation is in flux and Larry Fitzgerald is being wasted as he finished with 3 catches on 12 targets last week (on Lindley’s 52 passing attempts).

Score Prediction: Jets 2 – Cardinals 0 (HAHA)..okay Jets 21 – Cardinals 10

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Denver Broncos

The Broncos survived a trap game last week in Arrowhead but this week they take care of business against a solid Tampa Bay team. Manning must continue to carry this team until the running game gets back on track. Tampa Bay, who are coming off a heartbreaker to the Falcons, will need running back Doug Martin to show up this week as he was held to 50 yards last week. The Buccs will look to rely heavily on Josh Freemans shoulders if they want to cover the 7 to 8 point spread in this one.

Player to Watch: Dallas Clark. Although the tight end isn’t the same player he once was, Clark has opened up the middle of the field for the Buccs this year.

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Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

It pains me to do this twice in one season but I am going with the Ravens. The Steelers are in a must win situation this week as they can’t afford to lose three straight division games but injuries may hamper them in this one. This testy division rivalry is going to be fierce. If Charlie Batch is starting quarterback in this game, the Ravens will have no problem getting the victory. However, if Big Ben returns from injury, this game will be a good ole’ fashion slobberknocker.

Must Watch: The Steelers quarterback situation. If Big Ben does play in this matchup, the Steelers better find some extra bodies to help block for the injured quarterback. The Ravens and Steelers really don’t like each other and I wouldn’t be surprised if Terrell Suggs is licking his chops to get a shot at the injured Roesthlisberger.

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Cleveland Browns @ Oakland Raiders

The Browns are starting to put things together since a week five beating against the Giants. Although I think it is tough for any east coast team to head to the west and come away with a victory, I believe the Browns get two in a row. Oakland had high hopes this season but is still an organization in flux and rebuilding mode; the team just announced they are releasing former first round pick Ronaldo McClain. Don’t be surprised if this one gets sloppy with the Browns stealing one.

Who We Enjoy Watching: Marcel Reece. I can’t tell you enough how much I respect this guy and how he has played this season. The FULLBACK (yes they still exist in the modern day NFL) is putting up numbers Darren McFadden wished we could consistently finish with. Reece is an all around player the NFL hasn’t seen in a few years. I hope he continues to rumble over players in the run game, make guys miss in the passing game and keep up his devastating blocking.

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Cincinnati Bengals @ San Diego Chargers

I am trying to pick the underdog Chargers here but I just can’t do it. The Bengals ground game has picked up in recent weeks and this week will be no different. The Chargers are going to have to pay a lot of attention to the Bengal receivers and that alone should open up Lawfirm for another solid game. Norv Turners & AJ Smith time is up in San Diego; this team is just hanging on for dear life.

Key Player: Philip Rivers

Rivers came into this league with HIGH expectations and those expectations are only higher with his fellow companions (Eli & Big Ben) each owning two Lombardi trophies while Rivers hasn’t exactly put together a solid resume. Rivers is a fierce competitor and a tough player but he is forcing the ball too much this year.

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Pick Center of the Week (2 of 2): Philadelphia Eagles +10.5 @ Dallas Cowboys

Two Pick Centers of the Week?! I have to at this point. The Eagles are 10.5 point underdogs in a tough divisional matchup. The Eagles and Cowboys have both had their fair share of ups and downs this season but, at the end of the day, all division games are usually a dogfight. These two teams know each other so well that I can’t see the Cowboys winning by 10.5 points! No Way.

Player to Watch: Bryce Brown. How many of you saw that coming? I know I didn’t but I do know one person who told me that performance would happen. I did research on Brown and found out he was a highly touted player with a strong pedigree. Brown, who once had 50 scholarship offers, was troubled by an adviser who may have been derailed what may have been an outstanding college career. Brown should shine in Philadelphia given the opportunity.

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New York Giants @ Washington Redskins

Again, I am on the Redskins bandwagon at this point. Remember when these two teams battled earlier in the season? I think the Redskins can pull off a victory in this one against the favored Giants. New York is coming off a very impressive win against the Packers but, like I said in my last post, when it comes to rivals something is always different. RGIII is the key factor in this matchup as his style of play gives the Redskins a chance. Although the ‘skins defense is weak, I think RGIII makes enough plays to keep his team ahead in this one.

Fantasy Stud: Hakeem Nicks. Nicks, when healthy, is getting plenty of targets from Manning and this week will be no different as the playmaker should be able to get open plenty during this matchup.

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Thanks for checking out our picks. Dont forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

James Kaikis

Chief Sports Activist for The Cover 4

http://www.facebook.com/thecover4

http://www.twitter.com/thecover4

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Week 12 Predictions- Thanksgiving Edition

November 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Rodgers will be all smiles after he leads his team to a victory in New York this weekend.

The NFL season keeps on rolling and so do the weekly predictions; we can’t stop the fury!

Last week I took a little heat for picking “mostly favorites” but, sometimes, its just a favorite type of week as I call it. Luckily, I was correct in my picks as I finished 13 -1! Oh you pesky New York Jets you got me again. This week is going to be much different though as we have some tight battles; expect the dogs to be barking this week.

As for the short holiday week, nothing is better than some snow on the ground, turkey cooking in the oven and watching some football. I’ll never forget growing up and always watching the Lions and Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

Barry Sanders was always my favorite player to watch; I don’t think there was a more elusive running back than Sanders. The guy could cross and turn fields unlike anyone else and is probably the only player in NFL history to run for as many negative yards as regular rushing yards!

Oh how I miss Thanksgiving and the seasons!

Short week for everyone involved including the Cover 4. Now to these predictions…..

Houston Texans @ Detroit Lions

Analysis: Am I crazy? Yeah I think I might be with all these underdog picks this week but after watching Jacksonville torch the Texans secondary last week, I don’t see how the Lions won’t do the same (if not worse- believe it or not). The Jags have struggled all season while the Lions are the number one passing offense in the league. I don’t expect Houston defense to have two rough games in a row (I know the coaches are sleeping in the office this week). In the short week, the Lions will look to emulate the results of the Jaguars last week. The Lions squeak out a victory against the favorited Houston Texans.

Key Player: Matthew Stafford. If you have been watching the young gun slinger this year you can tell he is forcing the ball entirely too much. The strong armed quarterback is making a number of questionable decisions on the field and is not setting his feet while throwing (he looks like Cutler trying to force some throws!). I put a majority of last weeks loss against the Packers on Stafford, who threw ball after ball into the grass. If Stafford has his act together this week, the Lions will beat the Houston Texans.

Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys

Analysis: I am going with the underdog ‘skins in this matchup. I understand that this in a home matchup and the Cowboys expect to throw all over the Redskins but something inside of me is telling me the Redskins are going to be turning things around for the rest of the season. I expect RGIII to continue to make all the necessary plays to keep his team in this game.

New England Patriots @ New York Jets

Analysis: The loss of Gronkowski is huge for the Patriot offense as Gronk has been one of the most productive players (touchdown wise) in the past three seasons. Aaron Hernandez must return from injury to provide the Pats offense the matchup issues that are vital to their success. The Jets are coming off a much needed W against the Rams but I don’t think they will get things together two weeks in a row.

Score Prediction: Patriots 35 – Jets 17

Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears

Analysis: As much as I don’t trust Jason Campbell (if Jay Cutler isn’t playing), I don’t expect Christian Ponder against the Bears defense (granted they were torched by second stringer Colin Kaepernick). The Chicago offensive line is just terrible and will be the reason the Bears offense continues to falter. The Bears defense must slow down Adrian Peterson and continue to make the plays they have made all season.

Key Player: Brandon Marshall. Marshall is putting up monster numbers this season. The success of the offense is heavy on his shoulders as he takes pressure off the rest of the Bears weapons and allows the run game to get going.

Oakland Raiders @ Cincinnati Bengals

Analysis: Should we all give up on Darren McFadden? McFadden posses a top five skill set at running back but can’t stay healthy. The Bengals look good on both sides of the ball. The passing attack will create a number of matchup problems with the Raiders terrible defense. I expect things to be ugly in Cincinnati this weekend as Dalton and crew take care of business.

Fantasy Stud: Marcel Reece. The running back put up solid numbers last week on the ground and in the air. Expect much the same this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns

Analysis: Can you believe it? Am I really seeing the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns as a pick ’em?! (Some lines have now moved to Steelers +1 now). Understandably some people believe this may be a little closer than usual but are we all forgetting the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is playing stellar right now? With or without a starting caliber quarterback, the Steelers get the W in this one. Cleveland has had very little luck, if any, against the Steelers since coming back into the NFL just a few years ago. Charlie Batch, although old, has been a more than capable backup in the league and has been productive while doing so. Steelers pull out the W in this one by shutting down the Cleveland offense.

Key Player: Charlie Batch. Obviously this is a no-brainer as Batch must lead the team to victory. Batch won’t be beating anyone with his laser arm but he will manage the game and keep turnovers to a minimum. Expect Batch to make all the necessary (and easy) throws without taking too many big shots down the field.

Buffalo Bills @ Indianapolis Colts

Analysis: After all the sports networks blew up the possibility of the Colts beating New England last week (uh Cover 4 was very correct in how the Colts wouldn’t win if it became a scoring spree), we are now back down to earth and realize the Colts are a good, but not great, football team. The Bills have had their fair share of ups and downs this season but I’m taking Luck in this one.

Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs

Analysis: The Broncos are really firing on all cylinders right now and that doesn’t bode well for the Chiefs, losers of 7 straight. The Chiefs are 0-5 at home and don’t have much to look forward to for the rest of the season (except obviously the draft boards). Arrowhead is a tough place to play but it shouldn’t be a problem for the Broncos this week.

Seattle Seahawks @ Miami Dolphins

Analysis: I just can’t pick the Dolphins as the team is just too inconsistent and you never know how they are going to play. The Seahawks aren’t the best road team but I believe they go into Miami and come out victors.

Score Prediction: Seahawks 20 – Dolphins 10

Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Analysis: Chad Henne had a great game last week but I don’t expect him to have another monster performance. It was nice to see a Justin Blackmon sighting after his MONSTER game but I like Locker and squad in this one.

Fantasy Stud: Cecil Shorts.

Baltimore Ravens @ San Diego Chargers

Analysis: I really escaped with my pick center last week with the Chargers late touchdown to my fantasy stud of the week Danario Alexander. The Ravens survived a close battle with the division rival Steelers. I fully expect the Ravens to take advantage of the Chargers despite only being one point favorites.

Pick Center of the Week: Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers +2

Analysis: Yup, call me crazy again but I am riding the dogs this week. The Falcons looked horrible last week but still came out with a victory against a bad Arizona Cardinal team. On the other side of the ball, the Buccs looked horrible for the majority of the game until a fourth quarter rally and a win in OT against the beaten Carolina Panthers. I understand the matchup, on paper, looks terrible for the Buccs secondary as they are allowing the most passing yards per game but the team is finding ways to win. I expect a battle to come down to a late field goal in this one.

Score Prediction: Buccaneers 28 – Falcons 27

San Francisco 49ers @ New Orleans Saints

Analysis: This game really doesn’t look great for the pass happy Saints. The Saints, who have been very one dimensional for the past few seasons, will look to throw all over the 49ers. But, we all know that really isn’t going to happen, regardless if the game will be in New Orleans or not. The Niners are coming off a very impressive win against the Bears with a backup quarterback. With Colin Kaepernick starting this week, I expect the niners to pound the ball away toward victory in this one.

Key Player: Drew Brees. Brees will have to be near perfect for the Saints to get the W this weekend as the Niner defense has been very tough to pass against.

St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals

Analysis: After watching the Cardinals offense struggle last week with Ryan Lindley, who posted a 4.7 QBR, I am taking the Rams as a no brainer pick. The Cardinals could be 10 point favorites but I don’t expect them to have the same success running the ball like they dad against the Falcons. Rams win this division road matchup behind Sam Bradfords solid game.

Game of the Week: Green Bay Packers @ New York Giants

Analysis: I expect a great game between the Packers and Giants. The Giants are on a downward spiral but this game will allow them to get back on track and control their own destiny in the NFC. The Packers, winners of five straight, will look to Aaron Rodgers to continue his hot hand in the passing game against a Giants defense that has had a number of subpar games.

Fantasy Stud: James Jones. After a hot start and cooling off a bit, look for Jones to get a number of catches in this outing.

Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Analysis: Andy Reid on Monday Night Football thus should be taking the Eagles at home right? Wrong. I am taking the underdog Panthers as Ron Rivera and squad is due to get a W this week; this team is being tortured by bad luck and late collapses. I hate to see things go this way for the Panthers but lets not forget Newton put up big numbers as a rookie in garbage time playing catchup (aka this team isn’t ready to take the next step). Foles won’t be able to do enough for his squad as the Panthers win.

Score Prediction: Panthers 27 – Eagles 21

Call it a quick week but we expect a wild one this week. With a number of dog picks, we expect another great week out of the Cover 4. Enjoy the Holiday.

A little video of two of the best: Barry Sanders & Tony Dorsett.

James Kaikis

Chief Sports Activist for The Cover 4

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Week 11 NFL Predictions!

November 15, 2012 by 2 Comments

Can Andrew Luck lead the Colts to an impressive road victory in New England?

A tie, really? Can you believe it? Mind the ghetto video I found on youtube but..

Well don’t think we saw that coming between the 49ers and Rams (any given Sunday at its finest). This week wasn’t great for some starting quarterbacks who left their games due to injuries; Jay Cutler, Ben Roesthlisberger, Alex Smith, & Michael Vick all left their respective games and did not return. Big Ben & Vick will be on the shelf this week so it is up to the backups to lead these two teams to victory.

What a call on Bengals/Giants! How many people read that and said “he is an idiot”. Yup, I’m talking about you and the rest of the 95% of people who thought I was crazy. The Bengals were poised to win that game and it showed. Now I am 2-0 versus the spread. Will this week be three in a row?

I’m very fortunate for how things have gone for The Cover 4 this season. Not only have winners been accurately predicted but the analysis, key players & fantasy studs have been on point. Turning non-believers into believers and consistent readers; I promise you this will continue!

Another theme of last week is how I can’t accurately predict the Dolphins & Titans; I just can’t get it with these two teams. The presences of Locker and the re-emergence of Chris Johnson helps solidify this Titan squad. If only they figured out how to get Kenny Britt and Jared Cook involved more.

Results speak for themselves: 11-2-1 last week.

I’m expecting a wild week as some dogs are looking good (especially versus the spread). Let’s look at this weeks matchups.

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Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills
Analysis: Two of my favorite teams right now (insert sarcastic emoji here :p.. Haha). I’m gonna say it again, I like Tannehill’s potential but I think he belongs on the bench this year. The guy can make all the big throws in the NFL but I’m more on the Moore bandwagon (like that?). The Dolphins were eaten up by the Titans last week while the Bills kept it close with the Patriots. I expect the Bills to take advantage of the Dolphins coming off a bad loss on a short week.

Key Players: Reggie Bush & Ryan Tannehill. Bush needs to find his game after being benched last week. As for Tannehill, he needs to limit his turnovers to keep the Dolphins offense on the field.

Fantasy Stud: Bills Wr Stevie Johnson. Expect the burner to be open all day.

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Arizona Cardinals @ Atlanta Falcons

Analysis: The nonsense of the Falcons going undefeated is now out of the way with last weeks loss to the Saints (you liked that score prediction though right?- right score, wrong teams). The Falcons defense will be the key for the rest of the season as this unit has been overachieving. I believe this defensive unit should be able to get things together this week versus Arizona. As for the Cardinals, who are coming off a much needed bye (as every struggling team is), they must establish some sort of a running game. This team ranks dead last in rushing and has been very one-dimensional.

Key Players: John Skelton. The quarterback must keep this offense moving and convert on third down for the Cardinals to hang with the powerful Atlanta offense.

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Cleveland Browns @ Dallas Cowboys

Analysis: The Cowboys are heavy favorite in this matchup after a solid game against Philadelphia last week. The Browns used the bye week to recover from their heart breaking loss to Baltimore two weeks ago. Quarterback Brandon Weeden must limit his turnovers after throwing 2 ints two weeks ago. Look for Trent Richardson to have another solid game in this one.

Fantasy Stud: Jason Witten. I think Witten has another solid game as Romo is looking Wittens way more after his 18 catch effort a few weeks ago. The Browns are allowing tight ends to have average days but they haven’t faced a tight end of Wittens caliber.

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Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions

Analysis: The Packers are winners of four straight and things are slowly coming together for this team. The Lions are the number one passing offense in the league and should continue to throw the ball around in this one. The absences of Clay Matthews & Charles Woodsen is big for this Packers defense. I expect a high scoring game with the Packers taking this one.

Players to Watch: Matthew Stafford & Calvin Johnson. After a slow start, the dynamic duo is starting to click again (forget the Madden curse). Megatron is putting up mega numbers and propelling one of my fantasy teams into the playoffs.

Score Prediction: Packers 31 – Lions 27

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Cincinnati Bengals @ Kansas City Chiefs
Analysis: The Bengals are coming off an impressive (cough called that cough cough) win against the Giants. Dalton looks terrific passing the ball as his offensive line is giving him ample time to sling the rock; it also helps that his weapons are making plays. Kansas City is coming off a devastating overtime loss to the Steelers. I think this game will be close but the Bengals pull it out.

Key Players: Matt Cassel. I don’t know how to put it any other way except that this team only goes as far as Cassel can take them. His career (including college) has been an up and down roller coaster but something needs to give.

Player to Watch: Vontaze Burfict. The undrafted linebacker is thriving in Cincinnati. Character issues were a concern but a player of his caliber is too hard to pass up. Burfict is second on the team in tackles and watch him have another nice game this weekend.

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New York Jets @ St. Louis Rams

Analysis: It’s funny because I had a dream I was talking with Rex Ryan over some beers about how he is losing control of the team. It dawned on me that if he keeps riding Sanchez and the team keeps underperforming, he is going to go down with the ship. It may not be this year but Ryan could be on the hot seat (I think GM Mike Tannebaum is the first one to go). The Jets are just in a free fall mode right now as Sanchez and the rest of the offense continue to fail the team. Rex Ryan has his hands full with defending this team against the media. On another note, the Rams are coming off an impressive tie against a tough 49er squad. I expect the Rams to take full advantage of a defeated Jets squad.

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Philadelphia Eagles @ Washington Redskins

Analysis: The Redskins are coming off a bye as the team started hot and is cooling off a bit. RGIII has been named a team captain and they say he’s “hungrier than ever”. The Eagles will rely on rookie Nick Foles to lead them into Washington for a much needed victory. Andy Reid is going to need to rely on his running game to take the pressure off his rookie QB.

Key Matchup: Eagle Wr Desean Jackson versus Redskins Cb DeAngelo Hall. Both tiny speedsters are known for being feisty players on the field, especially after the whistle. I expect these two to be battling all day. This will be an exciting matchup to watch!

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Analysis: This is a good ole’ fashion division rivalry game right here. These two teams will be in a seesaw battle as both teams will get things going on offense; Newton vs Freeman is going to bee fun to watch. In the end, I like my boy Josh Freeman (and all of his offensive weapons) to lead the Buccs to a victory.

Fantasy Dud: All Carolina Panther running backs. Just avoid them!

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Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans

Analysis: This one could get ugly between the battle of 8s (1-8 v 8-1). You have to feel bad for the Jaguar team as they just can’t put it together. Hopefully the long week (and much needed rest) gives them ample time to pregame for the red-hot Texans, who just came away victors in a defensive battle against the Bears.

Fantasy Stud: Arian Foster. Expect a monster day on the ground and in the air from the league’s top running back.

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New Orleans Saints @ Oakland Raiders

Analysis: Someone call the Sheriff because we have a shoot out brewing!! Oh I think this is going to be a game right here. The Saints are starting to gain some steam but so are the Raiders (at least on offense). Expect a very high scoring game with long touchdown after long touchdown. I wouldn’t doubt if this game torches the over (54.5) and heads into the 60s.

Fantasy Studs: Every quarterback and receiver on both teams! Both secondaries are weak and being exploited by passing offenses. Look at what Baltimore did to the Raiders last week.

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Pick Center of the Week: San Diego Chargers + 8 @ Denver Broncos

Analysis: There are a number of games I want to use as pick center this week but I believe this to be the strongest one. The Chargers, well, are the typical Chargers (very inconsistent) thus you never know which team is coming to play. These two teams were in a dogfight earlier in the season with a Rivers meltdown that led to the Bronco victory. I can’t see this division matchup being a two score game. Expect a tight game in this one with the Chargers definitely covering 8 points.

Fantasy Stud: Danario Alexander. Who you ask? The Charger wide receiver is getting a few more looks his way with Malcom Floyd playing well this season. Expect close to 80 yards and a touchdown.

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Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots

Analysis: This game will be a nice matchup of quarterbacks showing off their finest skill sets. Brady has more weapons than the US Military while Luck is playing with subpar talent (besides Reggie Wayne of course). The Patriot offense will be too much for Indy to handle in this one. Expect some points on the board when this game is said and done.

Key Player: Andrew Luck. Luck has the potential to put up some monster numbers in this game and lead his 6-3 Colts to an impressive road victory. We all know he doesn’t have much talent around him but he will have to make play after play or this is gonna be real ugly.

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Game of the Week: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis: There is nothing like a division rivalry game between the Ravens and Steelers as both teams despise each other. Unfortunately the Steelers won’t have Big Ben due to multiple injuries. Bryon Leftwich is a solid backup but I don’t think this matchup really works to his favor. The Steelers will be getting the ground game going early and often in this one. I hate to say it but I do believe the Ravens will squeak this one out.

Key Players: Rashard Mendenhall, Issac Redman & Jonathan Dwyer. Whoever is in the game at running back for the Steelers must get things going against a depleted Ravens defense. If the run game isn’t established, it will be a long day for this Steelers offense.

Score Predictor: Ravens 24 – Steelers 20

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Chicago Bears @ San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: As of now, Jay Cutler is yet to be cleared to practice while Alex Smith participated in non-contact drills Wednesday. This defensive battle (every week is a defensive battle against the Bears) will be interesting if both starting quarterbacks are held out of the game. I am going to predict this matchup as if both quarterbacks are healthy and starting. If so, I expect the 49ers to take care of business against the Bears (Sorry Bears fans- I know, I know). Jay Cutler relies heavily on the passing game, which plays into the 49ers defense strategy.

Key Players: Matt Forte & Frank Gore. These two running backs are going to have a tough time getting things going against stellar defenses. Whichever running back has a better game will result in his team getting the W.

If the status of one of these quarterbacks change, expect a nice large REVISED by the title.

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Finally, video of the week. I know some of you out there are struggling in your fantasy leagues. We understand your pain….so does this guy!

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Week 10, Lets Do It Again…NFL Predictions

November 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Don’t look so upset Eli! Your Giants will rebound against the Bengals…right? …..

Alright readers! Thanks for following our site and reading our weekly predictions. I was so close to going perfect on the week but I’m okay with two losses (one of them being the Steelers). Thats win win situation right?

So the Eagles lose a must win game against the Saints? As usual, Andy Reid has some questionable play calling.

Well Andy, this is all we have to say to you.

I will never understand why Reid refuses to utilize the ground game more? Shady McCoy is a top tier running back- RUN THE BALL! On a real note, I think Reid is one of the best coaches in football but its time for a change of scenery.

As we pass the 65% mark, I am glad to announce I am 1-0 on underdogs versus the spread. Big accomplishment right? I should be so proud. Thank you all for forcing me to do one spread pick. This week I may throw in a few games against the spread or moneyline picks as some of the lines are pretty high. I’ll chose them sparingly.

Glad to say last week I was pretty accurate in my predictions, analysis and key factors/fantasy. Glad Larry Fitz had a touchdown though; it makes me feel good when I am wrong when it helps my fantasy teams.

I know I gave the Chiefs/Chargers a hard time for their Thursday night matchup but we have a DOOZY on our hands tonight. About the only good thing about the game tonight will be Andrew Luck. Luck will have a primetime game and show why he is quietly breaking all of Peyton Manning’s rookie records (Might I add that the NFL is turning into the NFFL- National Flag Football League. I respect what teams are doing now and the evolution of the game but passing and offensive records are being broken with ease. You can’t compare the rookie numbers of Cam Newton & Andrew Luck to the NFL Legends of the Past. This is a tangent for another day though).

Indianapolis Colts @  Jacksonville Jaguars

Analysis: The Colts are quietly sneaking into the playoff picture. Andrew Luck and the rest of the Colt squad are playing fierce and winning close games. Granted the last three weeks haven’t been the toughest opponents for the Colts but NFL games are hard to win. The Jaguars are improving but they aren’t there just yet. I dont know what it is but this team can’t consistently put it all together (oh wait, maybe its the fact that they dont have much talent on the field, ever). They have been beating the spread every week and I think they do again this week.

Score Prediction: Colts 24 – Jaguars 21

Pick Center of the Week: New York Giants @ Cincinnati Bengals + 4

Analysis: Can you say trap game for the Giants? After coming off a disappointing loss to the Steelers, the Giants will be ready to step it into gear. Just hold the brakes though because I think the Bengals cover the spread in this one. Giants may earn a W but the Bengals will keep this one close; they may even pull the upset. Look for the Bengals to throw the ball early and often!

Key Players: Lawfirm & Eli Manning! The Bengal running back must get the ground game going. Green-Ellis is a consistent player but he isn’t a game changer. The Bengals better hope he can make some extra plays this week. As for Manning, the Giants are hoping he responds from a less than stellar effort versus the Steelers.

Fantasy Stud: Andy Dalton.

Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins 

Analysis: I AM ON THE DOLPHINS BANDWAGON THIS WEEK! I still think Matt Moore is the better option (for this season at least) but in Tannehill (and his hot girlfriend) we trust. Although not the most talented team, I really like this Dolphins squad. They are missing some pieces but this week they earn the W from the tough Titans. How many fumbles will Chris Johnson have?

Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

Analysis: This game is a tough one. Division matchup and a home underdog? I am going with the Vikings AS LONG AS THEY RIDE THE AP TRAIN. Have you seen a common theme in Vikings wins v losses? When the Vikings run the ball with one of the best running backs in the past decade, they win the game. Simple strategy right? I think the Lions are going to take advantage of the Vikings secondary. If this game becomes a shoot out, the Lions will win because Christian Ponder isn’t leading anyone to victory (sorry but its true).

Key Players: Lions Wide Receivers. Megatron came on strong last week (as expected) against the Jags but will this week be the same? If Johnson is doubled, it will be up to Young & Broyles to make plays.

Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots 

Analysis: The Patriots won’t stop the pain train in this one so expect some major points. I really liked Buffalo this year too!

Score Prediction: Patriots 34 – Bills 17

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Analysis: Is this the week the Falcons finally lose? The Saints won last week against Philadelphia but can they do it against the leagues hottest team? I expect another thriller in New Orleans this week.

Score Predictor: Falcons 31 – Saints 27

San Diego Chargers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Key Player: Ryan Matthews. The first round pick has so much potential and promise yet hasn’t had a great game all year. He will need to be more productive with his touches on the ground for the Chargers to win this cross country battle.

Fantasy Stud: Doug Martin. I can’t pick against him right now. He is on FIRE.

Denver Broncos @ Carolina Panthers

Analysis: All good things come to an end, like the Panthers one game winning streak (that was a good call last week right? thanks). Which Carolina team will come out to play? I don’t think the matchup is very favorable for the Panthers in this one. Peyton and the Broncos will get the W easily.

Fantasy Stud: Broncos Defense! You can always expect JaMarcus Russell, I mean Vince Young, er Cam Newton to give the ball up a few times.

Oakland Raiders @ Baltimore Ravens

Analysis: What is going on in Baltimore? A loss to the Browns last week off the bye would have been huge for the city of Cleveland. The Ravens are fading fast but don’t count them out as a top tier team just yet. I really like the Raiders in this one if McFadden was going to be full strength (or even playing). I think this game has trap written all over it. Palmer has been chucking the ball much better recently and I expect that to continue this week. Expect Ray Rice to torch the Raider defense (as long as he gets enough carries).

Fantasy Stud: Darius Heyward-Bay. DHB will have a solid game this week with Moore getting a little more of the coverage shifted his way.

New York Jets @ Seattle Seahawks

Analysis: Is it Tebow time yet? Nope. The Seahawks are easy favorites at home each week. Russell Wilson continues his steady play and the Seahawks defense will terrorize Mark Sanchez (Viva la Sanchez!).

Matchup to Watch: Seahawks defensive line v the Jets offensive line. It could be a very long day for Sanchez as he will be facing steady pressure in his face.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles

Analysis: Is this the week the Eagles get their desperate W or will the Cowboys put it all together and come away with a victory? I am going with the Cowboys on this one. I think the Eagles are in such a must win situation that it is going to hurt them. Look for Dallas to take a solid road victory in a tough division matchup.

Key Player: Michael Vick. We all know his time in Phili is coming to a close. He needs to have a solid game (without turnovers) to keep his job.

Fantasy Stud: Tony Romo. Did I really just say this? Yeah I did. The matchup doesn’t favor Romo but he will have a nice game (I hope).

St. Louis Rams @ San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: Tough division matchup but the 49ers come away with this one; the 49er defense will just be too much for Sam Bradford. I expect a low scoring game on both sides.

Key Player: Vernon Davis. Where are you? Step up to the plate young man and make some things happen.

GAME OF THE WEEK: Houston Texans @ Chicago Bears

Analysis: What a matchup we have this week. Two teams that are ahead of the pack in each conference battling it out for conference supremacy.  In this matchup one team (the Texans) is scoring at will while the other (the Bears) are making things happen on the defensive side of the ball. Texans may struggle to get much going against this stellar Bears defense but I can’t see Cutler doing enough on offense to give the Bears the edge. Expect a great game that will come down to the wire.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis: Are the Chiefs really on prime time again? Even without a healthy receiving core (Brown is out), the Steelers are going to throw all over the Chiefs. Remember how Todd Haley was fired? He seems like the kind of guy that will want to get back at his old team; expect his play calling to be a little looser this week and the Steelers to take a few shots down the field.

Key Player: Matt Cassel. I think its gonna be a rough day for the once benched quarterback.

Lastly, I want to throw this out there. This awesome video of Sam Gordon, 9 year old, wrecking guys in football!!

Granted she probably won’t be able to continue this success as she gets older (and the guys get bigger) but for her age she has tremendous vision! Great Stuff Right Here!

Thanks for reading! See you next week

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Will the desperate Panthers get a Win this week? Week Nine Predictions

November 1, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Cam Newton and the Panthers are struggling for answers. Do they find the answers this week against the Redskins?

As the cold winter winds begin to roll in, we enter week nine and the second half of the NFL season. Our thoughts are with the millions affected by Hurricane Sandy.

After finishing 10-4 last week, I am hoping for another solid week since my week six blowout. Of the four losses, two came down to the last few drives (Seattle & San Diego). It comes as no surprise that the Cleveland Browns upset the San Diego Chargers and the Seattle Seahawks were a few plays away from heading to OT with the Lions. Second guessing is a no no as I changed last minute to the Jets; what a dumb decision that was as the Dolphins took advantage of the Jets at home.

My highlight of the week comes from the meathead of all meatheads: Rob Gronkowski.

That is my favorite celebration of the year. Gronk, a total meat heat (did I mention that yet), is an absolute riot with his celebration at Wembley Stadium.

Anyone else think Gronk and Thad from Blue Mountain State are the same person? I bet this is how practice went at Arizona with Gronk….

AND INTO THE PICKS!

Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers
Analysis: This may be the worst prime time game of the season. The Chiefs haven’t led in a single game this year and the Chargers are so inconsistent. The Cassel era ended and restarted when Brady Quinn got hurt. I expect the Chargers to get the W today with Norv Turner on the hot seat but expect an ugly game.
Key Player: Jamaal Charles. The Chiefs MUST get Charles going to stay in this game. The Chiefs must find a way to get the stud running back carries after only having five against the Raiders last week.

Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis: Andy Dalton and the Bengals passing attack will have a tough time getting things going this week as the Broncos defense is shutting down opposing pass offenses. After shutting down Drew Brees and the Saints last week, the Broncos D looks to slow down AJ Green and company. Peyton Manning looks as good as ever and will continue to put up MVP (yes I said MVP but more like Comeback Player of the Year) numbers.
Key Matchup: AJ Green vs the Bronco Secondary. Green must rebound from a 1 catch, 8 yard (6 target) game versus the Steelers. The Bronco secondary has been stingy in recent weeks

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns
Analysis: The Browns are picking up some steam with a win versus the Chargers. Also, Cleveland is a few drops away from a win against the Colts and a three game winning streak. Trent Richardson had a nice rebound game last week and looks to be recovered from a rib injury that sidelined him earlier in the season. The last time the Ravens & Browns battled, the Ravens won by seven. Although the Browns are gaining steam and won’t lay down, the Ravens will get a rebound W after a bye week and a horrendous loss to the Texans.
Players to Watch: Baltimore Ravens defense. This unit must respond if the Ravens want to be Superbowl contenders this season. The return of Terrell Suggs will provide a boost to this defense but will it be enough?

Arizona Cardinals @ Green Bay Packers
Analysis: The Cardinals…stand no chance in this game. The Cardinals are losers of four straight and this game will be a fifth. The Packers are not the dominating team we all expected them to be this year but expect a nice victory for them here.

Fantasy Dud of the Week: Larry Fitzgerald. Fitz, although one of the most talented players in football, isn’t in a good position this week. Skelton doesn’t seem to get him the ball and the matchup is a rough one. Expect a couple catches for 40 yards (I hope I am wrong though as I need him in fantasy this week!).
Fantasy Stud: Packers defense. Expect a multi-sack effort from this unit. The Packers shouldn’t allow more than 14 points, will have 4 sacks, 1 interception and a fumble recovery.

Chicago Bears @ Tennessee Titans
Analysis: The Monsters of the Midway are back. The Chicago defense gave up a few points to the Carolina Panthers but came through with a pick six in the end. While the Bears offense is slowly getting things done, the defense is good for a touchdown every week. The Titans are getting things together but will have a tough time against a stellar defense. The Bears front seven will take control of this game.

Miami Dolphins @ Indianapolis Colts
Analysis: The Colts are 3-1 at home and are coming off another late game gem vs the Titans. The Dolphins are gaining momentum on a three game winning streak but I am taking the upset here (two weeks in a row I changed my mind on the Dolphins. Will they make me pay again?).
Player to Watch: Ryan Tannehill. It remains to be seen if Tannehill will be ready to go on Sunday as he has been splitting reps with backup Matt Moore. Although I believe Moore gives the Dolphins a better chance to win this week, Tannehill will be the one to keep your eyes on.

Pick Center of the Week: Carolina Panthers + 3  @ Washington Redskins
Due to popular demand, one game a week I will pick a game versus the spread.
Analysis: I am high on the Redskins but this may be the one week the Carolina Panthers can put it all together. With close loss after close loss, the Panthers are due for a W. The Panthers played well enough (almost) to get the W versus the Bears but some late game play calling for the Panthers defense resulted in the Bears calling slant after slant until they kicked a game winning field goal. The Redskins finally took a beating at the hands of an angry Steeler team. I expect the secondary to be exposed again and Newton to have a solid game down the field.

Detroit Lions @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Analysis: The Jaguars didn’t lay an egg against the Packers as we expected and the Lions made a late game comeback against the Seahawks. Blaine Gabbert had one of his best games of his young career even with nine drops by his receivers. Expect the Lions, owners of the second ranked pass offense, to take full advantage of a weak Jaguar secondary. The emergence of Titus Young and Ryan Broyles should open things up for Megatron.
Fantasy Stud: Calvin Johnson. Megatron is poised to break out of his slump and have a solid game against the Jags.

Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans
Analysis: The Texans are coming off a bye and a shellacking  of the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans, if they can stay healthy, look to be one of the favorites in a wide open AFC. The Bills, although competitive, just haven’t been able to get things together this season.
Matchup to Watch: Mario Williams vs. ALL. Williams wanted to stay in Houston and wants to show his former team that they made a mistake in letting him walk. Expect Williams to be all over the field and have a solid day chasing the quarterback.
Fantasy Stud: Mr. Arian Foster. Foster is having another solid season and will have another multi-touchdown game in this one.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Oakland Raiders
Analysis: This should be a fairly close game between the two bay area teams (opposite sides of the country of course). The Buccs will make the cross country trip into the black hole on Sunday and come out on top. Carson Palmer is quietly having a nice season and is finally connecting with his main target Denarius Moore. Freeman is finally putting things together and will have another solid game against a weak secondary.
Key Player: Doug Martin. After a monster game last week, Martin needs to get things going again to open up the Buccaneer offense.

Minnesota Vikings @ Seattle Seahawks
Analysis: I am high on the Seahawks bandwagon; the team is playing stellar at home. Minnesota has been inconsistent this season and the matchup doesn’t bode well for them. Again, Christian Ponder needs to limit his turnovers for the Vikings to get a W on the road.
Key Player: Chris Clemons. Clemons is having a fantastic season and should be able to generate a solid pass rush against a Viking offensive line that has given up a number of sacks in its last couple games.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ New York Giants
Analysis: This game has the makings to be a very good one as both teams are starting to hit their stride. The Giants must take advantage of a Steeler defense that has been battling injuries all season. The X-Factor of this game isn’t a player but the fact that the Steelers will have to fly into New York the morning of because of a hotel room issue. Although this seems like something small, NFL players are in a routine and who wants to play a football game against a great team on the road after a couple hour flight?
Key Matchup: Victor Cruz vs the Steelers secondary. Cruz is a matchup problem for the Steelers as the team likes to deploy four linebackers a majority of the time. When Cruz lines up in the slot, I expect him to make some noise.
Fantasy Stud: Mike Wallace & Antonio Brown. Did you see the stat line of the Cowboy wide receivers last week? Granted Romo threw the ball 62 times but the Cowboy receivers (& tight ends) looked as though they were playing Madden on rookie.

Dallas Cowboys @ Atlanta Falcons
Analysis: The Falcons keep rolling off victories by any means necessary. The Cowboys, on the other hand, are giving away games and finding ways to lose every week.
Key Matchup: The Cowboys corners vs The Falcons receivers. Oh do we have a thriller on our hands! The Falcon wide receivers are loaded with talent but so is the Cowboys secondary, who shut down the Giant receivers last week.

Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints
Analysis: This game should be a high scoring affair as both teams are having some issues with their defenses. The Saints offense was held in check last week against the Bronco secondary but I don’t expect the same result this week. The Eagles are in must win mode as both Coach Reid & Michael Vick’s jobs are on the line.
Key Player: LeSean McCoy. McCoy is going to get things going against the Saints defense; expect multiple touchdowns this week!

Phew..that took a while!

Keep checking us out each and every week.

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NFL Week 6 Predictions!

October 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t like NFL Predictions?!

Each week from here on out I will post my predictions on the weekends upcoming games. For the past three NFL seasons, I have attempted to accurately predict the winners of each game. I predict games without a spread or points and have finished above 65% each year. Also I have accurately had one team in the Super Bowl each year (Packers in 2011 & Patriots in 2012). FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T READ VERY WELL, PLEASE PAY CLOSER ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING SENTENCE: Without going into full detail, during PRESEASON of this year I predicted the following:

AFC Division Winners: Patriots, Steelers, Texans, Broncos

NFC Division Winners: Cowboys, Packers, Saints, 49ers

AFC Wild Card: Ravens, Bills

NFC Wild Card: Bears, Falcons

Super Bowl Prediction: Packers over Ravens

It is still early but looks as though I will be missing on a few of these but only time will tell.

After finishing 8-8 for the first three weeks of the season, I went 12-3 & 11-3 respectfully; 61% accuracy at this point in the season.

Enough of the backstory- LETS GET TO THE PICKS!

This week we are going to have some really close games; games that will be closer than most suspect. Winners in BOLD & Italic

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans

Analysis: The Titans defense is just atrocious and, as a result, the Steelers offense will have their way with them. Expect a lot of points scored from the Steelers. Chris Johnson may be able to get on tract if the Titans can run the ball up the middle against the less than Steeler Curtain Steeler D. Steelers a near .500 without Troy Polamalu in the lineup.

Key Players: Steelers Defense. If this unit doesn’t get it together, the Steelers may be in for a long season.

Fantasy Pick: Mike Wallace. Expect a big game from Wallace after one of the worst performances of his career last week (and as a result I lost a fantasy league by one point- COMON MAN!).

Oakland Raiders @ Atlanta Falcons

Analysis: The Falcons are clicking on offense and defense right now. Matt Ryan looks as though he is taking that extra step to join a class of great quarterbacks (I won’t throw around ELITE as everyone else does). The Raiders just dont have the weapons on defense to hang with Jones, White, Tony G & Turner.

Key Player: Darren McFadden.  McFadden is the key to these teams success. He MUST have a solid D against a suspect run D for the Raiders to have any shot in this game.

Fantasy Pick: Matt Ryan.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

Analysis: Cleveland may squeak out its first win of the season this week but, in a close one, Bengals get a W.

Key Player: Brandon Weeden. He has improved each week but he must show why the Browns chose him in the first round (way too soon by the way.).

Fantasy Pick: AJ Green. AKA Calvin Johnson 2.0

St. Louis Rams @ Miami Dolphins

Analysis: Which Dolphin team comes to out to play? Dolphins must establish a run game and get Reggie in the flow for their teams success.

Key Players: Janoris Jenkins. Rams & Dolphins receiving cores; someone must show up. Jenkins is playing lights out right now and proving why he was a top 10 talent.

Fantasy Pick: Reggie Bush.

Indianapolis Colts @ New York Jets

Analysis: I want to take the Jets but I think their struggles continue.

Key Player: Who else other than Mark Sanchez?

Fantasy Pick: Colts defense because we know Sanchez will give them some points!

Detroit Lions @ Philadelphia Eagles

Analysis: The Lions have looked so up and down this year but so have the Eagles. I can see the Lions taking care of business in Philadelphia but the Lions can’t establish a run game.

Key Player: Michael Vick. Will he continue his streak of turnovers or will he turn the corner and get back to the Mike Vick we know?

Fantasy Pick: Calvin Johnson.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Analysis: The Buccaneers are a talented team and have an offense that can create matchup problems. Josh Freeman’s performance has on the decline but with more weapons surrounding him can he put it together? Chiefs defense must step up so this game doesn’t get out of hand.

Key Player: Brady Quinn, hands down!

Fantasy Pick: Jamal Charles continues his hot streak.

Dallas Cowboys @ Baltimore Ravens

Analysis: I’m very high on this Ravens team. They have been competitive each of the past few seasons but have been unable to make it to the Super Bowl or win when it matters. Joe Flacco has a number of regular season wins but doesn’t have the playoff record for those wins to hold weight. As for Tony Romo, well, I’m not a fan. I believe he has terrible footwork and can’t do much with a tough pass rush in his face. The Cowboys have so much wasted talent at wide receiver, tight end and running back with Romo playing the way he is.

Key Player: TONY ROMO. Inconsistent quarterback play is the common theme here.

Fantasy Pick: Ray Rice has a great day in Baltimore.

New England Patriots @ Seattle Seahawks

Analysis: Seattle D is playing tough right now, especially at home. The Seahawks pass defense is shutting down top receivers so this matchup will be much closer than most think. The Patriots are starting to click again, which is scary for everyone.

Key Player: New England Tight Ends. If Gronk is playing, he needs to prove his hip injury isn’t an issue and if Hernandez is healthy, he must step up as he is a game changer and mismatch anytime he is on the field.

Fantasy Pick: Beast Mode- Marshawn Lynch.

Buffalo Bills @ Arizona Cardinals

Analysis: I’m not a believer in the 4-1 Cardinals. I am, however, a believer in the Buffalo Bills. I like this teams chances as I picked them early to win a wild card position. The Bills have weapons on offense and finally added pieces on defense to make this team a legitimate contender.

Key Players: The Cardinals Offensive Line. Did anyone watch the horrible Rams Cardinals game on Thursday Night Football? The Rams were rushing three against six and still getting to Kolb; this unit is absolutely abysmal.

Fantasy Pick: Larry Fitzgerald, the only player who can still put up ELITE numbers on an awful team.

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

Analysis: The 49ers are once again putting it together. Harbaugh and crew are still angry from last years bitter loss. The Giants offense is looking awesome right now; the offensive players are lighting up fantasy scoreboards each week.

Key Player: Alex Smith. If he can continue his efficiency the 49ers will keep scoring Ws.

Fantasy Pick: Michael Crabtree.

Minnesota Vikings @ Washington Redskins.

Analysis: RGIII doesn’t look like a rookie and is creating a ton of excitement in Washington. The Vikings are flying under the radar right now.

Key Player: Adrian Peterson. Peterson is coming along very nicely after a terrible knee injury last year. He must continue his productive season for the Vikings to win this game.

Fantasy Pick: RGIII. He is a dual threat! Why not?

Green Bay Packers @ Houston Texans – Game of the Week

Analysis: The Texans look unbelievable right now. Arian is Fostering the People week in and week out but will this team continue its hot streak? The Packers don’t look like last years team despite Coach McCarthy saying this is his best team in years. I think this is going to be a great game for everyone to watch this weekend. The Packers are coming off a TERRIBLE loss to the Colts. Houston lost Brian Cushing. Rough Week for both teams.

Key Player: Alex Green. The Packers running back is an unknown unless your fantasy team is weak at running back and you needed a wavier wire pickup. He showed a few flashes last week but Green must get going or the Packers will be one dimensional once again.

Fantasy Pick: Arian Foster. Once again he shows why he is one of the most complete backs in the NFL.

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers

Analysis: The Broncos have played teams close each game of the season (or close in the fourth quarter that is). Manning and crew are looking as advertised and Demaryius Thomas is carry all of my fantasy teams! I’m not high on the 3-2 Chargers as they really haven’t beat any good teams this year (Raiders, Titans & Chiefs) and lost to the Saints last week.

Key Players: Ryan Matthews. I am VERY high on Matthews and his potential despite being hurt and in the doghouse for the past few years. Matthews put up solid numbers last year despite giving up goal line carries to Tolbert. Matthews had a nice week running and catching passes despite not playing much during the beginning of the game.

Fantasy Pick: Demaryius Thomas. The 24 year old, 6’3” 229 lb wide receiver is a monster out there. Despite a lack of end zone targets, the receiver is putting up monster numbers each week.

Phew. Well hope you enjoyed my predictions and analysis.

Come back each and every week for more insight!

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