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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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NFL Halfway Season Awards

November 2, 2012 by Leave a Comment

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The Cover 4 will feature a number of writers to cover a variety of topics. This article is by our very own Bru General Peppers, Sports Activist.

NFL Halfway Season Awards (or How I learned to Stop Parlaying the Packers on Three Teamers)

Original? Nay, but this is the NFL we’re talking about here, where originality is looked at with the same disdain as undersized quarterbacks and SEC skill players with “character issues”. We’ve reached the half way point of the NFL Season and it’s time to make presumptions based on a few facts and a whole lot of redundant opinions. I’m psyched.

MVP: Ben Rothlisberger

While everyone else fawns over Matt Ryan, Big Ben has quietly carried the Steelers to a 4-3 record despite injuries that have kept Troy Palomalu out of nearly every game, James Harrison out of half of them, 4/5ths of his offensive line seeing injury at some point, and his three top running backs missing various amounts of time. He’s Top 5 in QB Rating, Top 10 in Yards and Touchdowns, and is doing so with a patchwork offensive unit. He is single-handedly carrying a banged up Steelers squad to a top unit in the AFC. He’s the most under-rated player in the NFL and it’s not even close.

Offensive Player of the Year: Peyton Manning

Kurt Angle once won a gold medal with a broken neck. True story. What does this have to do with Peyton Manning? Nothing, really. I just love relaying Kurt Angle facts where I can. Peyton Manning is going to win the AFC with a surgically repaired neck and he’s going to make it look easy.

Defensive Player of the Year: J.J Watt

Let me say what everyone’s been thinking, “When did white guys take over the defensive side of the ball”. Between Jared Allen, Clay Matthews, Justin Smith, and now J.J Watt, the astigmatism towards Caucasian defensive players has been blown out of the window.

Comeback Player of the Year: Adrian Peterson

You could switch this award with Offensive Player of the Year and I’d be ok with it. What Adrian Peterson has done is beyond amazing; recovering from an ACL Injury with a normal recovery time of 10 months in only 4 months is a feat in itself, but coming back at full strength with no signs of debilitation is an evolutionary miracle. He’s no longer AD; from now on we’re calling him Wolverine.

The Jake Delhomme Anti-MVP of the Year: Michael Vick

This has alot to do with my Mike Holmgren Worst Coach of the Year Award Selection(Spoilers: It’s Andy Reid) but 15 turnovers in 7 games is hard for any coach to deal with. He’s got a sub 80 passer rating, sub 60% completion percentage, and isn’t even running well. He’s cost the Eagles at least 3 games this season.

The Mike Holmgren Worst Coach of the Year Award: Andy Reid

Let’s say you worked as a manager at McDonalds and your boss told you “if you don’t increase the amount of money your store makes, then you’re fired.” Let’s say you had the ability to bring back the McRib and you just decided “Screw it, we’re good without it.” Andy Reid is the McDonald’s manager and LeSean McCoy is the McRib. Andy Reid is doing such a bad job with so much talent that I he bumped Norv Turner from his 5 year winning streak. That’s impressive.

The Paul Heyman Award (Coach/Manager of the Year): Joe Philbin

If you are like me and 99% of the rest of America then you love Honey Boo Boo. You also watched Hard Knocks and thought, “Man, this team has literally nobody I know.” They’re currently leading the AFC East with a rookie QB, no Vontae Davis, and three wideouts who can’t ride certain rollercoasters at Six Flags due to height demands.

Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck

Robert Griffin is the more flashy of the two but Andrew Luck has done more with less and is carrying a winning record to boot. He’s been flat out amazing while throwing 42 times a game, a record for rookie quarterbacks. This is the same team that went 1-15 last year, and frankly, he’s the only thing that’s changed. If this team ends up with 7 wins he should get MVP nods because the Colts stink.

Best Team: The New York Giants

I have never been more wrong in my life. I thought the Giants would fall off and not even make the playoffs. I thought the loss of Jacobs and Manningham would crush this offense. I thought the injuries would catch up to them, but nothing phases these guys. They can run. They can pass. They can rush the passer and stop the run. They’re the best road team we’ve ever seen. They can win shootouts(See Giants/Bucs) or they can win tough defensive battles. Barring major injury this team will be in the NFC Title Game.
Most Disappointing Team: The San Diego Chargers

Congratulations A.J Smith, you’ve now won this award for 7 years straight! Since Norv Turner showed up, the San Diego Chargers have gotten progressively worse each year. The vaunted rushing game? Dead. Philip Rivers ascent to elite? Dead. The Elite Scoring Defense? Dead. Vincent Jackson, LT, Merriman? Gone. They’re losing to the Browns 7-6 and giving up 35 points in a half to a guy with half a neck. They don’t draft well, they don’t do the little things well, they don’t do…well…anything well.

Super Bowl Prediction: The Giants v. The Steelers

When the Steelers win the next 4 games and sit at 8-3 and the Giants continue stomping everything in their path, you’ll hear more and more about this matchup.

Bru General Peppers

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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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Wild Week Eight Predictions!

October 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Which quarterback will lead his team to victory this Sunday?

As week eight has arrived we are roughly approaching the half way point of the season. The next few weeks will be very critical for a number of teams as teams will determine who are the contenders and who are the pretenders.

Week seven was a redemption week for me as I finished 12-1 on predictions with my only loss on a one-point Tennessee upset over the Bills (c’mon Buffalo, I thought you would do much better this season). With last weeks results, I am back up to 62% winning percentage on the year. Although last week was more of a “favorites” type of week, this week should prove to be much better for the ‘dogs.

To start off the week, I chose incorrectly on Thursday Night Football Game despite touting the Buccaneers to a number of people earlier in the day. I apologize for the lack of proper grammer in the following text message but had to show it for verification purposes (looks as though I was preoccupied doing something else while having a lot to say). I will omit the individual I was texting but they know who they are.

(Yeah Ponder has sucked lately and Freeman playing very well. Ap has that injury. Thursday games are very hard to predict and all have come down to the wire. No time to game plan on a short week. I might take tampa to win outright on the upset.)

But what do you know? I go ahead and make this prediction just a few hours later.

Oh man I was wrong; 0-1 to start the week off. I love Josh Freeman and I have since he arrived in the league. Despite some struggles last season and earlier this season, the Buccaneers are putting it together on offense. With the addition of Vincent Jackson plus emergence of rookie Doug Martin, the Buccaneers are showing signs of life on offense (LeGarrette Blunt is finally not the lead back). The Vikings again will only go as far as Christian Ponder will take them. Adrian Peterson, only 10 months removed from an ACL tear, looks better each week while Percy Harvin looks like an offensive MVP. Are the Buccs that good or are the Vikings just that overrated?

While you Ponder on that (see what I did there?), lets look at the interesting matchups we have for week eight.

New England Patriots “@” St. Louis Rams

Analysis: This is a home game for the Rams but the two teams will be squaring off in England of all places. The Rams have struggled on the road and I dont expect them to change that this week. New England comes back after a close OT game versus the Jets last week.

Key Players: Stevan Ridley. The running back has struggled in his last two games to go along with some problems holding onto the ball. If Ridley gets things going, it will allow the Patriots offense to spread the ball around more effectively.

Indianapolis Colts @ Tennessee Titans

Analysis: Again I bet against the Titans. Although they were road dogs last week and are home favorites this week, I am testing my Luck with the Colts (how many Luck comments can I make in one season?). Andrew Luck should be able to find his targets early and often. I expect this to be a high scoring affair.

Fantasy Stud: Chris Johnson. CJ continues to improve as a runner and the matchup certainly favors him in this game. Johnson’s home run ability has allowed the Titans to stay competitive (as of recently). Johnson is starting to hit the holes much better but which Colts D will show up to play? I expect CJ to have a nice game again this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Green Bay Packers

Analysis: No explanations needed here. Packers will win this one easily. (But I gotta add I feel for Jennings as he is in a contract year and can’t get on the field).

Key Player: Rashad Jennings. This is his opportunity to prove his worth in MJDs absence.

San Diego Chargers @ Cleveland Browns

Analysis: I feel as though this is a trap game of sorts. The majority of betting lines put this game at 3 or 3 1/2. With the way both teams have been playing, I would expect the Chargers to be at least six point favorites. Although the numbers are a bit skewed, Brandon Weeden is playing much better as of lately; his receivers need to learn how to catch the ball (pretend its toilet paper like in the little giants?).

Key Player: Coach Norv Turner. In a twist, Turner is the one to watch. If he loses this game then his seat (as well as GM AJ Smith’s seat) will be just a little hotter. The Chargers consistently underachieve and someone needs to take the blame. On the other side, Browns coach Pat Shurmur must win some games. With a new owner lurking and Holmgren on his way out the door, it doesn’t look like a story book ending for the Browns coach.

Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles

Analysis: Yes, I know the Andy Reid is 13-0 following the bye week and the Falcons have played in a number of close games and are probably due to lose one but I don’t think it is this week. Although the Eagles are favored to win this one, I believe Atl will get the best of this low scoring affair.

Key Player: Michael Vick. If he continues to turn the ball over, the Eagles have no shot at winning this game (don’t expect Matt Ryan to have a high turnover game as he did previously).

Seattle Seahawks @ Detroit Lions

Analysis: I hate to do this but I am picking against the Lions. I thought this team showed so much promise and hope but they look like they are the same old Lions (almost). The Seahawks are keeping games close so I expect them to squeak one out this week.

Keep an Eye on: Seahawks corner Richard Sherman (the self proclaimed Optimus Prime) vs. Calvin Johnson (Megatron). Calvin Johnson was held to 3 catches on 11 targets last week against the Bears (& corner back Charles Tillman who is playing lights out right now!). Megatron isn’t usually held in check for multiple weeks in a row but Stafford & Johnson are struggling to connect. This will be a great matchup to watch.

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets

Analysis: This has the making to be a brutal game for both teams. Tensions are growing between the two teams with jabs being taken at each other via the media. The Jets looked much better last week agains the Patriots and almost upset New England in OT. I like the Jets to win this close game.

Key Player: You already know- Mr. Mark Sanchez. Which Sanchez shows up to play Sunday?

Carolina Panthers @ Chicago Bears

Analysis: Cam Newton looked great last year (mostly because he was behind every game thus was able to sit back and throw the ball around) but this year is a different story. Newtons play has been subpar (to say the least). Additionally, Newtons leadership is in question as the former number one pick has made a number of negative comments to the media in his post game interviews ( he is starting to sound like JaMarcus Russell and thats a terrible thing). The Bears defense is playing steller right now and I expect them to keep it up against the shaky Panthers.

Key Player: Matt Forte. Forte hasn’t produced as many expected him to at this point in the season. Look for him to get the ground game rolling in this one.

Game of the Week: Washington Redskins @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Analysis: I expect this game to be dogfight from start to finish. Last week the Redskins narrowly lost to the Giants while the Steelers were able to handle the Bengals. While the Steelers are suffering from injuries, the defense finally looks as though things are coming together (even though they are without Troy again this week). It remains to be seen if the Steelers pass rush can disrupt RG3 and slow down the Redskins run game.

Key Player: London Fletcher. The heart and soul of the Redskins defense, Fletcher has never missed a game in fourteen seasons in the league. Although Fletcher is listed on the injury report, I expect him to play. His presence is vital if the Redskins want to be competitive in this game.

Oakland Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs

Analysis: It looks as though the Matt Cassel era may be over (or temporarily halted – depends on how terrible Brady Quinn plays). The Raiders, per usual, are up and down each week. One week the Raiders play the Falcons tough but the next they lay down and get lucky against a weak Jacksonville squad. Arrowhead is a tough place to play and while I like the Chiefs defense, I expect Quinn to struggle in this one.

Fantasy Stud: Jamaal Charles. Although I think the Raiders will be keying him very closely, I expect him to get plenty of touches in this game to make some noise in the fantasy box score.

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

Analysis: Eli Manning just finds ways to win; it has been the story of this team since he joined. Manning and crew should be able to get the W in this tough division matchup. Although I am a fan of the Cowboys secondary, the absence of Sean Lee may be the nail in the coffin for this defense. Lee, an Upper Saint Clair High School alumni, has been a monster for the Cowboys for years.

Key Players: The Giants Secondary. Last week the Cowboy receivers were relatively held in check by the Panthers secondary but this week may be a different story. After being targeted 28 times in the previous two games, Dez Bryant only had three balls thrown his way. The Cowboys must get more production out of their receivers (including Witten) if they want to win this game.

Keep an Eye on: Felix Jones. Jones has never lived up to the expectations he came into the league with. A homerun hitter, Jones has trouble staying healthy. While he may get the start this week, don’t be surprised if Phillip Tanner has more carries when the game is finished.

New Orleans Saints @ Denver Broncos

Analysis: Peyton Manning and the Broncos look to take control of the AFC West after finishing off the Saints this week; the Saints defense is just too porous to handle the Bronco attack. While I don’t like this matchup for Drew Brees, you have to expect he will keep throwing and putting up stats to keep his team competitive.

Key Players: The Saints Defense. If they allow early touchdowns, expect a long day in Mile High.

Fantasy Stud: Peyton Manning. Expect the quarterback to put up solid numbers this week.

San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals

Analysis: The 49ers had plenty of time to get the kinks out after a tough Thursday matchup vs the Seahawks. Vernon Davis must get things going to help open up the niner passing game. The Cardinals just look helpless as they have no offensive line or running game. I still don’t understand how or why John Skelton doesn’t throw the ball to Larry Fitzgerald more often?! Fitz finished with 4 catches on 7 targets but he doesn’t seem to get the passes thrown his way with Skelton at the helm.

Fantasy Stud: Frank Gore & Kendall Hunter.

Well expect another wild NFL week. Thanks for reading.

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