Week 3 Start’em Or Sit’em

QB

Start Em

Eli Manning- Russell Wilson put up 300 passing yards against the Panthers.  Should translate to a little over 400 for Eli.  Plus his receiving core and TE are the strongest he’s ever had.

Andy Dalton- Dalton should have to put the ball in the air a whole lot Sunday against Green Bay.  You know his counterpart Aaron Rodgers will be, should be a good day for both QBs.

Matt Stafford- Stafford will enjoy Washington’s poor excuse for a defense this week.  He’s just about a must start for any owner who drafted him but I wanted to place emphasis on the points you can expect from him this week anyway.

Sit Em

Tom Brady- I’m waiting for Rob Gronkowski to get healthy before I put Brady back in my lineup.  If you have someone like Eli, Vick or Dalton backing him up I highly recommend going in that direction.

Ben Roethlisberger- That offensive line is horrid, 5 new starters after Pouncey went down.  Heath Miller’s return should help a little but bottom line is Ben’s in for a tough year.

RB

Start Em

Knowshon Moreno- Moreno’s coming off a statement game, he’s the guy for now in Denver.  He’ll get the lion share of touches against Oakland and while the Raiders defense has been formidable there’s a good chance Moreno will find the endzone.

Bernard Pierce- The Ravens big bruising backup RB is starting with Rice hurt, even if Rice is active I still like Pierce more.  The Ravens need him this week.

Joique Bell- If Reggie Bush is inactive look out.  Bell is a top 10 play, top 20 even with Bush active.

Giovani Bernard- Bernard came alive last week and in a game with the Packers the passing down RB should see the field a lot.

Sit Em

Maurice Jones-Drew- First off he’s hurt.  Adding to that Jacksonville is playing in Seattle.  Don’t play a single Jaguar this week.

Ray Rice- Rice may be active, but I doubt he gets the time he usually sees battling a hip injury.

Reggie Bush- Reggie may also be active but he’s nursing 3 separate injuries at the moment and I’d advise against playing him.

Fred Jackson- Jackson has scored some points early this year, but CJ Spiller woke up last week and I think he’ll see the majority of touches from here on out.  Plus it’s  a tough matchup against the Jets.

WR

Start Em

Anquan Boldin- Boldin needs a bounce back game after a tough one in Seattle.  Vernon Davis is hurt and will likely not play however even if he does he won’t be 100% making Anquan the 49ers’ number one target.

Julian Edelman- Edelman is a must start as long as Amendola is out and he’ll still be starter quality when he’s back.  He’s a sure bet for 7-8 receptions and most likely 10+.

DeAndre Hopkins- This rookie’s the real deal.  Shaub already in rhythm with the young WR, I expect good production from Hopkins moving forward, especially this week with Andre Johnson active, but banged up.

Michael Floyd- I like Michale Floyd this week.  He’s been so close to big weeks the past 2 so it’s onlyright he gets on the same page with Carson in week 3.  He’ll score.

Sit Em

Antonio Brown- Brown has a tough matchup this week against Chicago.  Whether Tillman or Jennings covers him it’s still a mismatch in the defense’s favor.

Cecil Shorts- Once again don’t start any Jaguars, Shorts is a name many will think about.  In Seattle, I’d go in another direction.

Josh Gordon- This one is tough.  They will be behind and passing a lot.  But it’s his first game back from suspension and Brian Hoyer is his QB.  Who?

Eddie Royal- 5 TDs in his first 2 games had fantasy owners hit the waiver wire like never before.  I don’t see how the Titans let Royal beat them this week, the jury’s out on this guy.

 

TE

Start Em

Jason Witten- Witten was needed to help with pass protection for most of last week’s game.  I expect he bounces back in a big way.

Greg Olsen- Greg Olsen is Newton’s favorite target even over Steve Smith the speedy WR.  Giants always get killed by TEs this week will be no different.

Sit Em

Fred Davis- Davis is disappearing this year.  It looks as though his job has been won over by rookie Jordan Reed.

Brandon Pettigrew- This is another talented TE who has virtually disappeared this year.  In a pass heavy offense he looked to catch about 70 balls coming into this year.  He’d be lucky to catch 40 at this point.

 

__________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for reading The Cover 4! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Oh yeah, tell your friends too!

Christian Stinchfield
Sports Activist for The Cover 4
http://www.facebook.com/thecover4
http://www.twitter.com/thecover4

Your Quarterback is Which Actor?

Your Quarterback is Which Actor?

There are always comparisons between quarterbacks, ranging from Andrew Luck to Peyton Manning or RG3 to Cam Newton. It is quite popular to compare an incumbent to their contemporaries to paint a picture to the public for the future.

Are we going to do that here?  Nope.  In lieu of comparing current NFL quarterbacks to their predecessors, we are going to compare them to actors.  Yes, actors.

For a little appetizer, think of Jamarcus Russell like Lindsay Lohan with all the potential and tools, but caught up in out-of-work trouble. Purple Drink!

Here we go:

NFC East

Eli Manning – Joaquin Phoenix

Both are extremely eclectic people that find ways to put on great performances in crucial times.  They are recognized as the most important person in their biggest career moments.  In Gladiator, Phoenix supported the role of Russell Crowe, much like Manning managed the Giants to their first Super Bowl win.  Next, each person rose to the starring role with Manning guiding the Giants over the Patriots for a second time and Phoenix presenting a remarkable performance in Walk the Line.

Tony Romo – Mark Wahlberg

Ever see someone begin from nothing but, when given their first shot, show such immense potential? Much like Romo, Wahlberg began great with the Italian Job, and continued to show prominence in Invincible and Shooter, but follows up with Ted and The Other Guys.  It is head scratching as much as Tony Romo, but it is undeniable that both men expose themselves to seriously low moments in their career that make you question them.

Michael Vick & Nick Foles – Jackie Chan & Chris Tucker

We have a flashy stunt man, who really does not know how to hone or master his craft (whether it be either acting or quarterbacking).  Their counterpart is serviceable, by carrying the traditional acting techniques, and although either are unproven or average, both Tucker and Foles show flashes of having potential.  Ultimately, neither actor nor quarterback is taken seriously in their profession.

Robert Griffin III – Justin Timberlake

Each person was successful in the early phase of their career, and transferred that into the next level of exposure and immediately succeeded.  RG3 won the Heisman at Baylor and JT went from the front man of Nsync to a prominent solo music career.  At their transition phases, RG3 led his Redskins to the playoffs in his rookie year, and Justin hit the big screen with a splash in The Social Network.  Great things are still to come from these two.

NFC North

Aaron Rodgers – Leonardo DiCaprio

Both of these men are at the top of their respective profession right now and are a must see on the big screen or the football field.  Rodgers continues to get better and better playing the position at such a consistent high level.  Concurrently, Leo manages to remain in elevated form by rolling out Catch Me If You Can, The Departed and Inception just to name a few.

Jay Cutler – Robert Downey Jr.

The overall “I don’t give a $h*!” attitude resemblance between these two is very uncanny.  At the same time, when focused and motivated, Downey and Cutler can put together stretches of absolute brilliance that remind you they are formidable in their respective fields.

Christian Ponder – Josh Hartnett

Essentially, both of these men peaked way too early.  Ponder was drafted well before he should have ever been considered and Hartnett has been on a steady decline since Black Hawk Down.  However, they both have capabilities to present manageable performances with Ponder being efficient and Hartnett with 40 Days and 40 Nights.

Matthew Stafford – Ben Affleck

Affleck and Stafford flourish with talent around them and in the right setting.  Stafford has been fortunate to have Calvin Johnson and numerous weapons to generate his massive yardage seasons.  As much as Affleck has captured us with Good Will Hunting and The Town, he has released some big flops like Gigli and Daredevil, resembling the disgusting sidearm sling Matthew Stafford continually resorts to.

 NFC South

.

Matt Ryan – Jeremy Renner

Matt Ryan revitalized a struggling franchise with his first NFL pass going for a touchdown and he has not looked back since.  The same can be said for Jeremy Renner, who really hit us with The Hurt Locker and continued to get better with The Town.  Each of these men is on the rise and aimed for greatness with their professions.

Cam Newton – Gerard Butler

Utterly mind-blowing physical specimens from their initial roles from 300 or Cam’s rookie year, but their dropoff cannot be argued.  It seems both get complacent with their initial success, and relies on their physical tools rather than developing their craft.

Drew Brees – Brad Pitt

Brees’ career began very prominent and flashy in San Diego, which is very reminiscent of Brad Pitt in Fight Club.  Although, each of them went through a dry spell or injury span, they both developed their potential into either a Super Bowl winner or hits with Benjamin Button and Inglorious Bastards.

Josh Freeman – Chris Hemsworth

The physical traits of both men naturally set them above the rest from the beginning. Additionally, they have displayed moments of brilliance in key moments.  Hemsworth separated himself from the bottom feeders of the comic remake world, and lined up multiple runs of Thor.  Freeman has shown to be more than clutch in critical moments leading the volatile Bucs to come from behind wins and fourth quarter drives.

 NFC West

Screen shot 2013-01-23 at 12.44.04 AM

Alex Smith & Colin Kaepernick – Tobey Maguire & Jesse Eisenberg

Smith came in as a number one overall pick with the expectations to revive a franchise, but failed to do so.  The same result can be seen from Tobey Maguire’s attempt at the Spiderman series; an utter disaster.  Maguire was capable of carrying a movie throughout with Pleasantville or Seabiscuit, but failed to present anything spectacular.  Conversely, Colin Kaepernick has come in a thrived as an absolute star much like Eisenberg in The Social Network.  Look for both Kaepernick and Eisenberg to entertain us for the next generation of professionals.

Russell Wilson – Joseph Gordon Levitt

Levitt’s respectable beginning in TV started with 3rd Rock from the Sun and that can be comparable to Wilson’s stint in minor league baseball, but their adaptation to the professional level has better utterly amazing.  Whether it be Inception, Looper, or leading a Seahawks franchise to the playoffs with utter poise and composure; both of these future stars will be around for a long time to come.

Sam Bradford – Chris Pine Can

Chris Pine showed he was capable of supporting Denzel Washington in Unstoppable and left the public wanting more for the recreated Star Trek franchise.  Similar to Pine, when Bradford gets comfortable and gains weapons around him, the Rams will continue their positive direction to a reputable franchise again.

Kevin Kolb & Crew – Jon Heder, Jon Gries, Aaron Ruell

Coach put Uncle Rico in and we saw how that went….

 AFC East

Tom Brady – Denzel Washington

Thriving in roles with good looks and masterful performances symbolizes these two dynamic personalities perfectly.  Denzel began his career being acclaimed in a supporting role and prospered into a top leading man for an extended duration from Training Day to recently released Flight.  Brady stepped in for an injured Drew Bledsoe and never looked back creating a decade of dominance for the New England Patriots.

Ryan

Ryan Tannehill – Zac Efron

With a limited sample size with one year in college and a rookie NFL year, Ryan Tannehill has shown to have immense potential with absolutely no talent around him.  Looking past Efron’s High School Musical days, he has displayed some notable performances with 17 Again and Charlie St. Cloud by showing he can exceed expectations and carry a movie throughout.  It is early, but both Tannehill and Efron have shown glimpses of having a reputable future in their industries.  Plus have you seen their girl friends or wife?  Bonus points!

Ryan Fitzpatrick – Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn’s natural sarcastic humor resembles the intelligence of a Harvard graduate like Fitzpatrick.  Essentially both are serviceable in their industry with spotty high moments, but won’t produce anything award winning.

Mark Sanchez – Colin Farrell

They try so hard but it does not work.  We can equate SWAT to Sanchez’s early years with nice playoffs runs, but it has been a steep decline ever since.  Sanchez tried to be an efficient manager but failed.  Farrell tried to match Brad Pitt’s Troy with Alexander, but that was a disaster.  They will remain in their industries, but will never prevail to anything special.

 AFC North

JoeJoe Flacco – Matt Damon

Damon’s character in the Ocean’s Eleven series represents Flacco beyond a reasonable doubt.  Damon struggled to be acknowledged as a main contributor, but gradually was given more respect as each movie continued.  At the same time, Damon carried an entertaining Bourne series for almost a decade and, although it wasn’t award winning, it was very entertaining.  Flacco has shown utter moments of brilliance in big moments, much like Damon in Good Will Hunting and The Departed.

Andy

Andy Dalton – John Cho

You may know Cho has Harold from the Harold and Kumar series, but he quietly has strung together a few noteworthy performances with American Beauty and Star Trek.  He looks to still be a constant within the revitalized Star Trek series, resembling Dalton’s potential lengthy and serviceable NFL career.  It is hard to tell what each person will ultimately become, but each has shown potential that they can be taken seriously looking forward in their future.

Ben Roethlisberger – Christian Bale

Bale and Big Ben can cause some controversy outside the office, but when focused, they compete to be the best in their fields.  Bale transformed the Batman series and was outstanding in The Fighter, while Roethlisberger led the Steelers to Super Bowl appearances and a victories after years of Tommy Maddox and Kordell Stewart.

Brandon Weeden – David Caruso

This one may be self explanatory.  Both were given a shot at an older age and it may work out for Weeden, but if it does expect nothing more than a Lieutenant Horatio Caine performance in CSI: Miami.

AFC South

Matt Schaub – Alec Baldwin

Neither was intended to take on a leading role at the highest level.  Baldwin is perfect at 30 Rock and Schaub was an effective back-up for an injury prone Michael Vick in Atlanta.  Schaub has never quite lived up to a franchise starting quarterback, much like Baldwin in the main character role of a major motion picture.  Both have had memorable moments from big games to priceless lines in The Departed.

Andrew Luck – Tom Hardy

Luck and Hardy came in with all of the physical and mental tools to be successful from the beginning, and lived up to the hype.  Luck led a 2-14 Colts team to the playoffs and Hardy thrived inInception, Warrior and The Dark Knight Rises.  Future success exudes from both of these professionals in such a short sample size already.

Blaine Gabbert & Jake Locker – Taylor Lautner & Robert Pattinson

Gabbert & Locker have proved they are products of the combine hype and beneficiaries of tremendous arm strength, as their on-field product has not been worthy of first-round draft picks.  Translate the aforementioned sentence to motion pictures, and you have Twilight.  The CFL and ABC Family cannot wait for these guys.

AFC West

Peyton Manning – Tom Hanks

Starting as the number one pick in the NFL draft and winning best actor in a children’s movie just conveys the early success of the methodical and surgical (Trent Dilfer talk) careers for Peyton Manning and Tom Hanks.  Both men bring extremely dedicated and intellectual approaches to their roles transcending generations that made up for any physical deficiencies.

Phillip Rivers – Sam Worthington

Has anyone hit the big screen faster and harder than Sam Worthington?  In the blink of an eye, he starred in Terminator and Avatar, but then dramatically took steps down with Clash of the Titans and Man on a Ledge.  This sounds eerily similar to Chargers’ quarterback Phillip Rivers, with his tremendous start under Marty Schottenheimer to his most recent two season decline.  Both began to enter the “elite” conversation, but have quickly entered the above average.

Carson Palmer – Nicholas Cage

This is one of my favorites.  Cage showed some flashes of brilliance when next to Sean Connery in The Rock similar to Carson Palmer surrounded with weapons in Cincinnati.  Both of them believed themselves to be far more talented than what they really are, but show their true worth either in Oakland or anything Nicholas Cage does.  Cage is veteran garbage like Palmer.

Matt Cassel – Seann William Scott

Do you remember Steve Stiffler from the American Pie series?  He was barely in the first one, but his roles progressively grew in an entertaining fashion.  Unfortunately, Seann William Scott cannot be a lead actor. He was amazing in Role Models because he fed off of Paul Rudd.  The Chiefs gave Cassel the keys to the car and how did that turn out?

 Note from the Chief : I believe this to be one of the coolest and funniest articles I have ever seen. I would appreciate it if you would help us spread the word on this article more-so than others. With the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl upon us, this is a perfect time to bring some excitement to the game. Thank you

____________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for reading The Cover 4! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Twitter.

Oh yeah, tell your friends too!

Long Island Sound
Sports Activist for The Cover 4
http://www.facebook.com/thecover4
http://www.twitter.com/thecover4

Week 10, Lets Do It Again…NFL Predictions

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

One of the funniest things I’ve ever seen! “Elite” Qbs!

ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage

#AWESOME

%d bloggers like this: