Procrastination almost got the best of me this week (and this morning), as well as the fact that I've been so busy working on my list of the top ten quarterbacks of all time (and spending vast amounts or research, writing, and explaining my pick for the number one quarterback) that I almost decided to let Blake's picks speak on behalf of Sports Mastermind. However, I saw how wrong he was, and how easy and sensible it would be to copy his format...So, I’ve decided that Blake's style, font and ability to smell like the body wash Ray Lewis promotes by blowing up planets and talking to bears is fantastic, and thus Sports Mastermind's creator and genius lead writer will sincerely flatter by marking this as the way to do it. Phil Simms is my favorite quarterback of all time, and a good announcer but he has some crazy predictions of incorrectishness (new word). Calvin Johnson is a moron for not 100% making sure that it was a touchdown before letting go of the football, but he's young and the referrees are still at fault for misinterpreting an unnecessary rule. We will predict the winners and scores, then compare our brilliance to the betting spread in USA Today, and our ability to predict winners as compared to that of the mainstream media's so-called experts at ESPN or CBSsports, or Yahoo Sports, etc. Let's face it, no one currently places bets because of something we've said, not until we've built up our credibility. Speaking of which, Blake was doing a great job picking the games until later on in the post where he clearly got tired. Not to disagree with fellow Mastermind Blake Blizzard, or Dugie Sports, shout out, but although you guys are right about a majority of the games, some picks are doomed for failure. So without further adue, whilst we wait for Calvin Johnson's touchdown to count, Michigan State's play clock to expire, and the Red Sox to be mathematically eliminated, here are my picks:
Chicago at Dallas:
The Cowboys are going to win, and we're all aware of this. There's no way that they are going to start the season 0-2 and then go on to face an extremely tough part of their schedule, starting with the Texans next week. I picked the Cowboys to win the division, and though I like what I've seen from the Giants and 'Skins, the Cowboys, at the very least, are still going to matter. The Bears offense is underrated, and their defense hasn't been great in a few years. Wade Phillips needs to assert his authority, Romo needs to stop making mental errors, and somebody on that team needs to step up, accept blame, and stop making excuses. Dallas wins in a more offensive game than one would think, Romo and Dez Bryant hook-up for a 33-21 victory
Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers
It's true Blake, Donald Kuhn is the greatest white running full-back in the history of the NFL this season. Unfortunately for you and your poorly constructed fantasy team, Brandon Jackson is not Ryan Grant, in fact, he's not even Donald Kuhn. Look for the Packers to get a veteran free agent running back or to make a less than exciting trade soon. Meanwhile the Bills supposedly have three good running backs, too bad no one told their offensive line. Lee Evans and C.J. Spiller will continue to sit on the bench of my undefeated fantasy teams... The Bills defense is better than you would think, and that matters in Buffalo, but certainly not when they play in the Frozen Tundra filled with cheeseheads. The only difference I'll say I've noticed is that people are severely under-valuing the Packers defense after a great comeback effort from Michael Vick. Green Bay dominates in an easy 31-9 win. BEST BET = bet on this game, I dont care if the pack is favored by 20 by the time you make your bet. They're actually favored by 13 1/2.
Pittsburgh at Tennessee
Sadly, I agree yet again, as impressive as the Steelers defense looked last week, and as bad as the Raiders were against these Titans last week, I have always loved these Titans. I considered picking them to win the division and then as a wildcard, but the Texans and Colts are too good in their own right. I can't name one guy on the Titans defensive line, but Jeff Fisher is like a poor man's Bill Belichick. You would think this would be a defensive battle, but while the Steelers load up the box against the best running back in the game, Vince Young proves once again that he can play, and that he's a winner. Jamarcus Russell should sit back and take notes as the Tennessee Titans win 24-13
Tampa Bay at Carolina
Matt Moore does not suck as bad as one would think, the Bucs do though. The Giants new safeties are interception fiends and Matt Moore isn't entirely to blame for Carolina's pitiful performance. Don't concussions mean Jimmy Clausen has to start, I'd stick with Matt Moore, Clausen is a classic Leinart (new term for good college quarterback who won't succeed in the NFL), so the Panthers shouldn't bother unless they have no choice. I picked the Bucs against a superior Browns team for no good reason, but I didnt regret the results. Should I go for it one more time? No. Carolina wins 18-3 and the Bucs offense looks disgusting.
Kansas City at Cleveland
Here's where it helps to be a sports genius ( a Mastermind if you will?), games like this that no one else cares about, everyone glances over, quickly shuffles through, and assumes whoever's favored or whoever looked better last week is going to win... The Browns fought surprisingly hard to make sure Mangini was able to keep his job at the end of last season, and Cleveland sports writers have strangely high hopes coming into this season (maybe that has something to do with Lebron ruining the only good franchise left in Cleveland) Regardless... Eric Mangini's team roughs up the suddenly bandwagon heavy Chiefs. 21-12 (what? I'm not saying the Browns will score a lot) Browns over Chiefs.
Philadelphia at Detroit
Just last year this was one of the easiest games to predict, the Eagles still had Mcnabb and Westbrook and the Lions were starting a rookie Quarterback. Oh how times have changed, one of the reasons the Eagles traded Mcnabb (other than being racist idiots (just kidding, I know the fans hated him)) is because they knew they had two quarterbacks who could play. Kevin Kolb is not Aaron Rodgers though, and Vick is the most exciting player in the NFL once again. (if not the fastest) The Lions are better than they have been, I said so if you read some older posts, but are they good enough to win this game at home? People don't know that the Lions defensive line is about to have a spectacular season pressuring the quarterback, not only with their rookie DT, but they have a very good Kyle Vanden Bosch. Calvin Johnson is finally going to produce in fantasy football, but this isn't a fantasy game and the Lions are cursed. The Eagles are destined to have a quarterback controversy with the absence of Mcnabb, along with a worse season than the Redskins, so Vick increases the intensity of the debate around the country. Michael Vick will be able to avoid the Lions pass rush, Lesean Mccoy will look much better and Desean Jackson will do something great. Vick's Eagles take this one, 31-24. The Lions will somehow get screwed again. Eagles over Lions.
Miami at Minnesota
Dugie Sports is entirely correct in their assessment of the Dolphins, they're still good. Only beating the Bills by 5 points has nothing to do with anything, this isn't college football (the stupidest part of college football being that SCORE MATTERS, which is why Michigan won't rise in the rankings and Boise State will wind up in a silly BCS bowl against a bad team.) and the Dolphins won the game, and THAT is what counts. In fact, many people were concerned, seeing as how the Bills can be tough to beat in Buffalo by division rivals (just ask the Patriots), I know it's hard to judge how good the Dolphins defense could potentially be based on how poor the Bills offense definitely will be. I like Minnesota though, they still have tons of talent on both sides of the ball, but they did look kind of slow and lackadaisical in their opening game. If this was in Miami, the Dolphins would win, because they WILL be a wildcard team and Favre really misses Sidney Rice, but they're playing in Minnesota. So let's be real. I wouldn't be shocked if the Vikings missed the playoffs this year, and the AFC is clearly the better conference but Minnesota takes this one, 24-20 Vikings beat the Dolphins, in a better offensive effort by both teams. The betting line of 5 1/2 means you should therefore bet on the dolphins, but stay away from this game in general.
Arizona at Atlanta
Um...wow. In a match-up of two teams I despise (not always, just for this particular season), I'm actually not sure who to pick. After last week, I've learned my lesson and everyone else should be able to tell that the Falcons are still a mediocre, fringe playoff team. They win games they shouldn't, and lose games they shouldn't. Their offense isn't as good as it's talent should dictate, and their defense is equally frustrating. I have hated the Cardinals chances to do anything good this year, they've lost so much talent, but they still have a great head coach for once. However, based purely on talent and ability, and home-field advantage, the Falcons have to win this game. I'm going to stupidly go with the Falcons just ONE more time only because they are facing such a mediocre team, and insanely, I'm going to say they bounce back in a HUGE way. Atlanta dominates 38-17 and you know what. BEST BET = Once again the spread (6 1/2) is irrelevant because the Falcons will win by such a large margin, I stake my reputation on it.
Baltimore at Cincinnati
This is as tough to pick as you would think, everyone is split as they should be. Obviously, after the first game, it appears I was too high on the Bengals mainly because I believed in the defense's rankings last year, not in Terrell Owens. I no longer think they are going to be the number one seed in the AFC but they are still going to the playoffs (Making the Pats win ever more impressive). Baltimore's defense looked PUMPED, and was out to prove that they are still one of the best units in the NFL. The Ravens secondary is still not very good though (watch the tape against the Jets), and Flacco, though solid, is mildly overrated as is the Ravens offense. Ray Rice is great, don't get me wrong, but the Bengals rush defense is going to show up for this one. The Bengals looked sloppy in the preseason and the opener but the Ravens brought their "A" game against the Jets, Their "B" game isn't good enough against Cincy, Carson Palmer and those old receivers will light it up. Terrell Owens and Ochocinco will score, and the Ravens offense won't be able to keep up. The Bengals will prove how good the Patriots really are... and our blog Sports Mastermind (Troy & Blake) will prove that we are simply smarter than other sports blogs. Blake and I may have our disagreements but Cincinnati wins at home. 31-17 and although I'm saving my last BEST BET for a more anticipated game, Baltimore is favored by 2 1/2 points IN CINCINNATI, pick the Bengals.
St. Louis at Oakland
Newsflash Mr. Blizzard, Darelle Revis is the best cornerback in football. Even if Oakland's guy with the unpronouncable impossible to spell name had the most talent, a tree doesn't make noise when it falls down in a lonely, unpopulated forest, if you catch my drift. This game is terrible, the Raiders showed everyone that they're still the Raiders last week, while the Rams weren't as completely humiliated in their opening game. At least St. Louis has a quarterback of the future, Jason Campbell's ability has yet to be determined. The Rams defense didn't look too good against Derek Anderson though, and Bradford is taking his inexperience on the road. Oakland destroys the Rams 27-12 at home because nothing beats the intensity of a drunk Raiders fan.
Seattle at Denver
I don't completely disagree with the "Blizzard" on Pete Carroll's future as an NFL head coach, he brings enthusiasm and he's off to a nice start. On the other hand, he is a coward, and I bet Reggie Bush and Pete Carroll spend hours talking on their cellies about how funny it is to see their school be punished for their indiscretions. Roger "God"ell as I like to call him, has got to be jealous of the NCAA's power, the NCAA gets to penalize programs, schools and students for something people who have nothing to do with the current program, school, and students did several years ago, it's a joke. Make Bush admit what he did, and financially compensate the school and a charity, Make Carroll be held responsible for being dishonest... Aaaahhhh. And now to end my political talking point, digress, and get back to this game, I'm mad as hell. Everyone and Anyone picked the 49ers to win the NFC west and all of a sudden, after one game, many analysts and fans have jumped on Seattle's bandwagon. Jump off before it crashes, jerks. I don't care what fluke took place in game one, the Broncos looked alright against a stubborn Jacksonville team. The Broncos and Seahawks will both be lucky to end the season at 8-8, therefore the law of averages suggests that the Broncos will win this game. I think the Broncos are flat-out more talented. The weak AFC west will prove how crappy the awful NFC west division is in this game. BTW, Tim Tebow will be a bigger and better version of Doug Flutie, he might be banished to the Canadian Football League, or he might have a few pretty good years at the helm of the Bronco's offense. I think he thinks too highly of his own morality, as do his fans, as does his lost virginity, but that is completely irrelevant. The Denver Broncos will win 28-23 against the Seahawks in Denver. They are favored by 3, I pick them, but certainly don't bet on it.
New England at New York Jets
AFC east divisional games are hard-fought, and great theater. The New York Jets are still a good team with a great defense. This game is being played in New York. So as I have stated a thousand times over the last few weeks, the Jets were being extremely overrated by all, but for the Patriots to only be favored by 3 in this one is quite expected. If this was the opening game (and last week didn't happen) the Jets might be favored by a touchdown, it's amazing how things can change so quickly in the NFL. I am a New Yorker at heart, I have never had anything against the Jets (I actually rooted for them as my second favorite team until this year), so the only reason I've been so down on them is because they do so much talking for a team that hasn't won a damn thing. They are currently the most entertaining team with the most controversial story lines, but those headlines will dissipate as they continue to lose, struggling offensively. Blake knows what he saw in week one, Blake knows the truth about these two teams and this game, but he didn't want to pick all the favorites so he went out on a limb and picked the Jets. If they win, he looks pretty damn good, so I don't blame him for this pick or his strategy to gain credibility. However, I know he knows that the Patriots are going to win this game, everything he's said in contrast to that can ONLY be found in this particular paragraph. Mr. Blizzard will learn that it's better to be right, and go with your gut than to pick against the favorite, but at least he's made this more interesting. Now I look even better when this happens. BESTEST BEST BET = The New England Patriots defeat the New York Jets by more than 3 points. That's all that matters but I think they'll win by a whole lot more. 37-13 in a dominant performance by the Pats. Not only are the Jets left reeling from an 0-2 start, but the Patriots prove that Tom Brady is back, and that they have one of (if not) the best offense(s) in the NFL this season.
Jacksonville at San Diego
San Diego has gotten off to some terrible starts over the last several seasons, overtaking the Broncos in the end, but not always convincingly. LT was old, and Ryan Matthews can easily replace old man's production, as Darren Sproles continues to be a nuisance to defenses. The Chargers offense can't be as bad as it looked last week, but Jacksonville is consistently good, but not good enough to get into the playoffs. Ironically though, I think the Jaguars might make the postseason if they were an AFC west team, but they're not, and somebody has to win the AFC west when the chiefs go back to failing miserably. Phillip Rivers was starving for a receiver as big as Vincent Jackson in the red zone in week one, while the Chargers rush defense was pathetic. Speaking of which, Mo-Jo-Drew can run the ball, the Jags QB isn't awful, and their respective offensive and defensive lines have always been nasty. Perhaps I'm angry at the Chargers for making me look bad after I correctly picked the Ravens to beat the Jets, or maybe I just want to be contradictory, or possibly I dont want to worry about the odds or spread so I'm picking the underdog. Or maybe I'm just smarter than everyone else who predicts games, we'll see. The Jacksonville Jaguars defeat the San diego Chargers, 24-23.
Houston at Washington
How can everyone love and respect the Texans and then pick against them in week two? Houston is only favored by 2 1/2 points after beating ESPN's top ranked Indianapolis Colts team in week one. Granted the game will be played in D.C., and the 'Skins have some beasts on defense, but give me a break. I picked the Houston Texans to have a SUPERb year, I looked brilliant in week one, and I am still riding this wave of awesome momentum. Everyone thinks Washington could be a playoff team, but probably not considering the Vikings will steal one of those wildcard spots. So let's see, a pretty good team (that went 4-12 last year) with a quarterback trying to adjust to a new offense and new coach against a very good team (9-7 last year) with a very good quarterback (Matt Schaub), the best wide receiver in football (Andre Johnson, sorry Fitz), and a solid defense (even without Brian Cushing). Maybe I'm not giving the Redskins enough credit, or giving too much credit to the Texans but this game was easy for me to pick. Sure, the Texas may have made too much of one great game against a struggling Colts defense, but they got the monkey off their back. People are looking at this entirely the wrong way, the 'Skins are going to let up after getting a great division victory against their ARCH rival Dallas Cowboys. The 'Boys offense did a great job of making the 'Skins defense look good, but it was obvious to us all that the Cowboys were a more talented, superior team. Wade Phillips needs to assert his authority, Romo needs to stop making mental errors, and somebody on that team needs to step up, accept blame, and stop making excuses. I feel like I've read that somewhere before, oh well.. the Houston Texans beat the Redskins by a score of 23-17. (yes, it should still be pretty close, respect to Mcnabb)
New York Giants at Indianapolis
To imply that the Giants have no chance of reaching the Super Bowl, while the always disappointing Colts do, is absurd. I'm not too high on the Giants, but the Colts are NOT winning 12 games in the regular season this year, they might not even win their division, and Peyton Manning is nothing more than a mediocre quarterback once the postseason begins. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Eli Manning is merely an above average quarterback for a majority of the time, but he is exceptional when the game or the season is on the line (or in the 2 minute drill). Yes, he got lucky in the Super Bowl against the Pats, but some quarterbacks get a few breaks only to wind up losing anyway. Eli is a less talented, Stewie clone of his brother, no question, and Peyton can certainly carry his offense and his team to victories throughout the regular season. I'm sick of hearing about Eli's mediocrity though, I have never been a big fan, never respected him very much, but he has won me over by being a winner. I didn't trust Eli Manning as recently as last season, but he continues to improve, he is absolutely a top 10 quarterback in the league now (perhaps number 10, but nonetheless). The Colts have been too good each and every season since Peyton Manning became the best regular season quarterback in football, in spite of a sometimes iffy defense. I think the Colts should win, they were probably the best team in the NFL last season (don't tell the Saints that), but my doubts about the Colts and my hopes for the Giants has clouded my judgement. Last year's Colts team would've beat last year's New York Giants, and no one expects the Colts to fall from grace this season, except me. The Giants safeties will prevent big plays, the giants receivers will make some big plays (Steve Smith will come up huge), but Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs will dominate the ball, the clock, and the game. The team formerly known as the Indianapolis Colts would not have gone 0-2, but then again, the prior Colts teams would have beaten the Texans last week. The offense will not be a problem, but the Colts defense will be worse than ever this season. The Giants have nothing to lose, no one expects them to win this game (you hear me, Mike Francesa!), in spite of some silly writers and analysts picking the G-men in this one. Consider me one of them. The Giants will beat the Colts 33-27. Fun Fact: Eli Manning won a Super Bowl ring before Peyton Manning, despite a disadvantage in years, experience, and talented teammates. Look for Eli to play great in the second of three Manning Bowls. (That's right, another prediction)
New Orleans at San Francisco
(Yes, that's Carlton from Fresh Prince)Why would the Saints have a Super Bowl slump (resident Saints fan, Blake?)? The Super Bowl loser is the team that always fails the next season (perhaps why I'm so down on the Colts). Regardless, the Saints looked fairly mediocre in last week's marquee match up against the very talented Vikings (in spite of what Blake may have seen with his biased eyes). The 49ers, another off season media darling that might not quite live up to the hype, will still win the NFC west division (which was pretty much the only hype, no one thinks they're great), looked completely lost and out of sync on offense. They will play better this week, at least, but Alex Smith is still gonna be playing QB. Meanwhile, the Saints have some gentleman named Drew Brees, whom I used to love and respect as a member of the Chargers ( in spite of my hatred for the chargers). However, though I certainly don't dispute his ability, nor him being one of the top 5 quarterbacks in the league currently, Drew Brees has developed an aura of self-righteousness. It seems like he feels like he single-handedly has salvaged the city of New Orleans, and he basically makes me sick. Sean Payton isn’t half bad either; but he's no Mike Singletary. I am quite tempted to pick the niners but I can't pick against the Saints out of spite for other sports writers and fans. So... New Orleans wins this one 24-17 over the 49ers. Blame Alex Smith.
And so there you have it; some of the most brilliant football picks in history again. Although, that claim was already claimed in our last post, we are somehow both correct in our level of arrogance regarding our brilliance. Good luck, sports fans! - Troy Lightner (Trizz)
No comments:
Post a Comment