Week three picks!

Quickly, before I get to the football picks for week three, Floyd Landis has been suspended from cycling for two years and has been stripped of his Tour de France title. Really? we didn't go over this already? I thought this was old news. Moving on to Dan's completely unreliable picks...

Colts (-6) over TEXANS

The Texans have beat two teams that are flawed. The Colts beat an under-whelming Saints team and barely got past the surprising Titans last week. The huge difference maker for Sunday is the fact that Texans on-the-cusp-of-superstardom wide receiver Andre Johnson is out. Without him, the Texans can't possibly beat the Colts. I don't think so at least.

Chargers (-5) over PACKERS

Do you think the Chargers are going to stay down after the beating the Patriots lay on them? They'd never let it happen. Favre's Packers are innocent victims in this one. If it goes the other way, it may be time to re-evaluate this San Diego team, namely it's coaching.

Vikings (+3) over CHIEFS

I like this Vikings team. They're not very appealing, but I have this feeling about them. The fact that the dreadful Chiefs are giving points only helps my pro-Vikes feeling.

Lions (+6) over EAGLES

I am firmly on the Kevin Kolb bandwagon and would love to see McNabb run out town, if only to see what his reaction is and who he blames instead of taking his failure like a man.

PATRIOTS (-16.5) over Bills

This game will go one of two ways. A) The Patriots will look great, go up by 14, then throw it into cruise control because the Bills haven't really poked the sleeping the giant. B) The Patriots will tear J.P. Losman to shreds and he will start crying on the sidelines. Does Buffalo even have a backup QB? Why does nobody ever clamour for him? Can he be that much worse than J.P.?

JETS (-3) over Dolphins

Kellen Clemens could possibly save the Jets even though he's been thrown directly into the fire. Trent Green cannot save the Dolphins because it's a) Trent Green and b) the Dolphins. Also, Zach Thomas may have a concussion and may have to sit this one out.

STEELERS (-9) over 49ers

The Niners are one of those teams that are bad but somehow jump out to 2-0 by flukes. Nobody calls them "the worst 2-0 team" because there's always another over-achiever (like the Texans) who are slightly worse. The Steelers shouldn't have much trouble here. The only thing I'm really hoping for is a Vernon Davis touchdown, wasn't he supposed to be the next great tight-end?

RAVENS (-8) over Cardinals

The Ravens are the team that I'll look at every week and like, no matter what. It may be Willis McGahee, it may be their defense, it may be Brian Billick, hell, it may be the purple in their uniforms. Who knows?

BUCS (-3.5) over Rams

Pundits say that you shouldn't be discouraged over Stephen Jackson's slow start. That would mean something a few weeks from now if the Rams are still faltering, but here, not so much. Also, Marc Bulger is a little banged up. He will more than likely play, but that's something that should be kept in mind.

BRONCOS (-3.5) over Jaguars

The Broncos have pulled their first two games off with late field goals; both were highlight reel worthy, albeit for different reasons. I see this trend change this week with a last-second, highlight reel touchdown instead of field goal. Why not?

SEAHAWKS (-3.5) over Bengals

If the Browns offense can drop 51 points on the Bengals, what hope do they honestly have of containing the Shaun Alexander and the Seahawks in Seattle. The Seahawks can easily go 7-1 or 8-0 at home juts based on their ludicris fan support.

RAIDERS (-3) over Browns

Remember how Derek Anderson looked like an all-world superstar last week? I doubt that will happen again, especially against a team that actually knows how to play defense.

Panthers (-3.5) over FALCONS

Can I bet that Joey Harrington will be booed off the field? What's the over/under on games before Byron Leftwich starts? DeAngelo Hall is the type of guy who would be either dumb enough or arrogant enough to talk trash to Steve Smith before the game, don't you think? Have you seen David Carr wearing his nancy boy white gloves on the sidelines? This game could actually be entertaining, but for the reasons I listed, nothing too football related.

REDSKINS (-3.5) over Giants

The Redskins looked good against the faltering Eagles on Monday night. The Giants are just about on par with that Eagles squad which isn't a good sign for them. The 'skins should roll and we'll all be force-fed some more "Look how good Jason Campbell's doing" articles next week.

BEARS (-3) versus Cowboys

This game is pretty much the decider of who's the best team in the NFC right now. Nobody else has really stood out enough to be part of the argument yet.

SAINTS (-4.5) over Titans

Can the Saints really lose their home opener? They always seem to do better at home and this is nearly a must-win game for them.

On the season: 14-13-3

A few quick thoughts

Honestly, I’ve been busy preparing an NBA training camp preview for the paper I work for so today’s post is just a few quick hits. But never you worry, tomorrow should be the NFL picks for week three.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has left the team after a disappointingly average start. Mourinho had been butting heads with team owner / alleged Russian mob boss Roman Abramovich. Should Mourinho wind up dead in an alley sometime soon, we may be able to remove that “alleged” for Abramovich’s title.

My boys, Blackburn have gotten off to a great start and are one of three teams that are yet to lose a game in the premiership. The other two are Arsenal and Liverpool, which are two of the “big four” in England. It’s not like the Rovers have had an easy schedule either, they’ve recently tied Chelsea 0-0 and defeated Manchester City, who are currently second in the standings.

The new jerseys in the NHL look awful. Just when I was running out of reasons to dislike this shoddily run league, they allow teams to roll out uniforms that are fit for practices at best. Toronto’s jerseys look especially pajama-like; all because they removed the two white strips at the bottom of their shirts. Vancouver and Dallas have both put their city names in bland writing on the fronts of the jerseys which looks straight-up awful as well. This is a great start for the NHL’s 2007-08 season.

Can the Yankees catch the Red Sox for the AL East division title? Honestly, I don’t care. Both teams are pretty much in the playoffs as the east winner while second place takes the wild card. Detroit has looked awful against Cleveland this series and don’t deserve to make the post-season.

NFL signings

In a move that I had already done in Madden to bolster my defensive line, the Cowboys signed suspended DT Tank Johnson. While Johnson is being forced to sit the first eight weeks of the season, he will be a welcome fill in for Dallas starter Jason Ferguson who is out for the season with a torn right biceps. Surprisingly, the deal is worth only $255,000 US, which is the pro-rated value of a league minimum deal. Johnson played very well when with the Bears and with this contract he seems like he’s just out to prove he can play and not bring dram (read: guns) to the locker-room.

The Atlanta Falcons showed how much confidence they have in Joey Harrington yesterday by signing Jacksonville cast-off Byron Leftwich. Harrington has played like, well, Joey Harrington in his first two games with Atlanta and has seemingly lost his chance to guide this club. Leftwich signed on for a two-year tour that will earn him $7 million. Byron not only has to prove to the Falcons fans and the organization that he can play, but he also has to prove to the rest of the league after being cut in favour of David Garrard. He could also be a good fantasy pick up considering he'll be part of a vaunted Bobby Petrino offense. But how long before he's starting?

Eagles punch-less

Well, hate to say i told you so, but the Washington Redskins went into Philadelphia last night and prevailed with a 20-12 win. The Eagles had a chance to tie the game up with a late fourth quarter drive, but Donovan McNabb came up small; his team was stopped in the 'Skins red zone. To make matters worse, on the third down play, he badly over threw his receiver on an out-pattern that would have netted Philly a first down on about the two-yard line.

Next to the Saints, the Eagles have to be one of those teams destined for a feature within the next week or two titled, "What's wrong with the (insert team name here)." It will be complete with a picture of either Donovan McNabb or Andy Reid with a dejected look on their face.

How many weeks should we set the over/under for Kevin Kolb's name been chanted by Philly fans. If McNabb can't bring wins to the City of Brotherly Love, his future there is doomed.

This Week: 8-6-1
This Season: 14-13-3

NFL Week 2 wrap up

Some interesting plots are coming to fruition in the NFL and week two hasn’t even finished yet. This is bodes well for the rest of the year.

For the first time in club history, the Texans have jumped out to a 2-0 record. Maybe all they really did need was a competent quarterback. Or maybe it was their head coach’s fault. Or maybe all they really needed was several consecutive years of good draft picks because they sucked so horrifically. Elsewhere, the Falcons should really be regretting giving away Matt Schaub.

I hope you took the over on this line. We all knew that crazy things can happen in the battle of Ohio, but a 51-45 shootout that featured 12 combined passing touchdowns? Holy crap that was huge. All it really does is say volumes about the Bengals defense and gives everyone a huge reason why they have no shot at the Super Bowl this year. Defense wins championships guys, time to shape up. Also, I hope you started Derek Anderson for your fantasy team this week.

The Titans were a GOOD 2-minute drive away from beating the defending Super Bowl champions. With the ball, time dying and two-point deficit, Vince Young and the Titans came up small and couldn’t get the ball into Colts territory to attempt a would-be game winning field goal. This is the second week in a row that Tennessee has looked good against divisional opponents; they may be onto something this year. So, when exactly is the Madden curse going to kick in? It can’t be long right?

Mike Shanahan’s Broncos beat his arch-rival Oakland Raiders with a classic case of crafty coaching. While Oakland lined up and thought they had kicked the game winning, overtime field goal, Shanahan called a time out from the sidelines to ice kicker Sebastian Janikowski. Well, after hitting his first attempt, which was negated by the time out call, he clanged his second try off the left upright. Denver proceeded to march down the field and eventually kick their own game-winner. It was their second in two weeks. I’m still waiting for this Denver team to break out; close games against Buffalo and Oakland aren’t inspiring confidence.

God’s team, the Dallas Cowboys, easily took care of the Miami Dolphins. Just like I said they would. Also, their defense looked a lot better this week, but then again, it’s the Dolphins and Trent Green we’re talking about.

You had to know that Belichick’s Patriots would be fired up for a Sunday night game at home against the Chargers. But even after camera-gate, I didn’t see them being THAT fired up. They completely shredded the Chargers and left them laying in ruin. This is the Patriot’s year... again.

This Week: 7-6-1
This season: 13-13-3

And there’s still Redskins / Eagles tonight.

Week two picks plus more!

Week two picks plus more!

Before getting to some picks for the National Football League's second week of games, that I'm sure I'll botch somehow, comments must be made on the decision that "Iron Fist" Goodell made regarding Belichick and the spying scandal.

There is absolutely no way to spin this positively and this whole camera-gate is seriously going to hurt both the New England Patriots dynasty and Bill Belichick's reputation as a mastermind. How could it not? I've already started seeing stories come across the wire that get every team's comments on it. Everyone who could've possibly been wronged is pissed (predictably) but there are some people who play the "it's part of the game" angle. My opinion? It's damn wrong; cheating should not be part of the game. If it was alright, it wouldn't be called cheating. I also think that the punishment is quite fair Belichick fined $500,000, the Patriots fined $250,000 and the team will give up their first round pick if they make the playoffs or their second and third round picks if they don't). I also agree that a precedent should have been set by suspending Belichick for at least a game.

If there's one silver lining to the whole ordeal, at least Belichick took it like a man and accepted the punishment and responsibility for the scandal. But he has given every fan of the NFL, or even sports, another reason to disrespect and hate on the Patriots.

Falcons (+10) over JAGUARS

Alright, I know that Atlanta and Joey Harrington in particular looked bad last week, but this is a Jacksonville team that got shredded by Chris Brown and the Titans. As long as Harrington doesn't kill them, I think the Falcons can at least keep it within ten points.

STEELERS (-10) over Bills

The Bills were just plain lucky that the Broncos didn't murder them. When your team only loses on a last-second clutch field goal after allowing close to 500 yards, you got lucky. Also, J.P. Losman is awful and the Steelers are at home.

Bengals (-7) over BROWNS

Let's see; the Bengals just beat the Ravens by seven points last week. The Ravens are also several leaps and bounds better than the Browns. Cincy should not have a problem this week.

Packers (+1.5) over GIANTS

So the Giants are without their starting quarterback and starting running back and it is only week two? Ouch, that hurts. If the Packers can beat the Eagles, they should, in theory, be able to beat the Giants. But if Eli does start, all bets are off.

Colts (-7) over TITANS

A lot of people like the Titans after their performance against Jacksonville, but these are the Colts we're talking about. I'll give the points.

Texans (+6.5) over PANTHERS

Of course, there is the Steve Smith X-factor but it doesn't look like anyone's talked crap about him so far this week. The Texans are well on their way to becoming the frisky sleeper that everyone falls in love with. Why not try hoping on the band wagon early?

Saints (-3) over BUCS

The Saints looked over-matched against the Colts in week one, but the Bucs shouldn't pose too much of a threat for them. I don't see how they couldn't have worked some things out over their long break. Also, Cadillac is questionable which means I'm actually considering whether to start Ahman
Green or DeAngelo Williams this week opposite Joseph Addai. I think my fantasy team needs help.

Niners (+3) over RAMS

Orlando Pace is out and the Niners should have a good game against the Rams defense. On the side, have you seen 49ers rookie middle linebacker Patrick Willis play? This guy looks like he's going to be good. Really good, he's on the fast track to becoming one of my boys. In fact, I already have him
starting for my Madden 08 franchise.

Cowboys (-3.5) versus DOLPHINS

I'm still not picking Cowboys games but I have to say that I'm fairly confident they can easily handle Trent Green's Dolphins.

Vikings (+3) over LIONS

This year, I'm very pro Vikings and anti-Lions. I love Calvin Johnson, but I also love Adrian Peterson. I'm just not very sold on the whole Kitna being a good quarterback deal or the Lions defence being good, at all, deal.

BEARS (-12) over Chiefs

Chiefs fans can only hope that Larry Johnson gets more carries in this game and works some magic. The chances of that happening against this vaunted Bears defense (even though it's down to starters) not bloody likely.

Jets (+10) over RAVENS

I could probably talk myself into taking the Ravens but they're a bit too banged up to be giving ten points. With McNair, Ogden and Ray Lewis all ailing, I'm not so sure they can blow the Jets out or anything.

Seahawks (-2.5) over CARDS

This is probably the easiest game of the week to pick. I'm putting the lock on this one. And how about the Seahawks trying to work back up QB Seneca Wallace into the game as a receiver? He's athletic enough to do it and Seattle would be able to use a lot of innovation with him out there.

BRONCOS (-9.5) over Raiders

Well, it looks like the Raiders were, well, the Raiders last week. After Jay Cutler sliced up Buffalo last week while Kitna was doing the same in Oakland, don't you think it's feasible the Jay could do it again? Also, how are the Raiders going to get any passing offense going when the Broncos have Champ Bailey AND Dre Bly on the field? That Tatum Bell for Bly deal this summer is fantastic for Denver.

Redskins (+7) over EAGLES

I've just got a hunch on this one. I have no reason or logic behind it. I just think Washington will win; some way, somehow.

PATRIOTS (-3) over Chargers

While the Chargers are damn good and showed they could handle the Bears, I can completely see the Patriots rebounding fantastically from this whole spy scandal and take this tough match up. I'm sure LDT will score at least twice on them though.

And just remember everyone; if I'm above .500 against the spread, I'm a happy man. Don't take too much of my advice to heart. I am the same guy who actually forgot to pick games last week then credited himself with an “honour system win.”

Last Week: 6-7-2
Season: 6-7-2