Before we get to the serious business of myself channeling my great uncle's ability to time travel and pick NFL games correctly (but not give the exact score in order to hide said time travel), I want to point out that Boise State is about to win a college football game, I predict. Fans in love with the color blue, people who hate small schools making too much noise in the BCS, and good teams that only plan on having one loss by the conclusion of this season will take note. If college football was played mostly during the middle of a boring work week, I believe more people outside of the college experience would care, America loves any kind of football with its violence and agression. Thus MLB takes a backseat until the playoffs, where a monday night football game would still trounce the World Series in ratings. More importantly Skip Bayless once stated that rappers Nelly and Lil' Wayne are better (musically) than Eminem or Jay-Z. Although most mainstream rap isn't very good compared to the underground artists in general, and Jay-Z is extremely overrated (his flow is lame), I believe that to be a good example of Skip's level of ridiculousness. If he stopped bashing Lebron or Tiger and just stayed focused on the things he actually knows about (and has evidence backing his opinions) than he would be a voice America could trust so much more than the rest of ESPN and the mainstream media. P.S. Rob Parker did not dispute the awesomeness of Nelly (he's a black sports reporter from New York). P.P.S. I'm willing to bet Limp Bizkit is Skip's favorite band.
There's no need to fear, UnderDog is here...was the statement made last week by an NFL so full of parody. Week two called for a sophmore slump in brilliance seeing as how many inferior teams won. I do blame myself for betting against the Colts and the Chargers, there are only a few teams that have been good every year for the last 5 years and those are two of them. I regret it, but alas, we all live, then we learn, my picks this week are destined for greatness... I will have a better record than most of the mainstream media by season's end and time has come to get back on track. The fact that I agreed with almost all of my friends picks, Blake seems completely sensible to me, and the fact that the Bills at the Pats game will be universally counted in the win column of every sports writer's prediction win/loss record... It all means that Blake will go 12-4 and I will go 13-3. Let's begin.
BEST BET = The three games Troy guarantees to be right about 66% of the time in terms of both the winner and vs. the spread. Guaranteed. Record thus far. 4-2.
Cincinnati at Carolina
It is actually difficult to NOT find a humiliating picture of Jimmy Clausen.
Go ahead, google it.
To the other writers on this site who told coach John Fox to start Jimmy Clausen...I shake my head. I shake my head in an up and down motion, than side to side, not in agreement or discontent, but rather because no sports fan has ever cared less about any team's quarterback situation. Blake is right, the Panthers will not be good, I'm willing to suggest that they might be the third worst team in the league, perhaps they'll make their way to second if Clausen is as good as I think he is. If the Bills weren't so insanely, disgustingly terrible, the Panthers would be an even bigger joke. Their pass rushing is mediocre, their secondary is no good, but their offense is so much worse than everyone expected it to be before the season started. Matt Moore looked good at the end of last season, and half of the expert scouts don't think Clausen can play in the NFL. I blame the Quarterbacks coach for Moore's poor decision-making so far, but it doesn't matter either way. Sam Bradford IS more NFL ready than Jimmy will be next year, without Donnie Avery, Sam has nobody to throw to and we have yet to discuss how bad he's been. I do disagree with any resemblence of a close game here, Caron Palmer doesn't get too many chances to make T.O. and Ochocinco happy, so he'll take this one. Cincinnati rocks the Panthers, 33-10. BEST BET. (the spread is 3 points, you can't lose)
San Francisco at Kansas City
In spite of 49ers haters out there, and equally in spite of the media's high expectations, the niners played very well last week. If you saw Alex Smith run the 2 minute offense at the end of the game, you would've become a believer in the niners 6-year veteran QB, if only for a moment. Then of course Brees did what he does, somehow, someway gets his offense back down the field against a strong defensive effort by San Fran. Too bad Patrick Willis can't play cornerback, safety and defensive end or the 49ers defense would look more like that of the Steelers. I picked the Chiefs to lose last week, I was a week early, this one better be a laugher, or Singletary may never laugh again. The 49ers would've won last week if they weren't so young and inexperienced (and unable to hold onto the football). Why Blake is barely picking the 49ers to beat the spread is beyond me, NFL games are not always close, this one will not be. San Francisco 31-16 over the overrated Chiefs.
Buffalo at New England
The Patriots haven't lost to the Bills in New England since the Red Sox broke the curse, Jim Kelly was Buffalo's quarterback, or (in a pop culture reference) since Lindsay Lohan was sweet and innocent. (since Tom Brady last cut his hair, Zing. Speaking of which, when asked about his new look, Brady simply told reporters to ask his model girlfriend). Why do I have time and space to not actually comment on this game?... because the Buffalo Bills couldn't beat a division III school. C.J. Spiller is explosive, I hope he scores a TD for my fantasy team. (He's one of the Bills running backs). The Bills seem to switch from Trent Edwards to Ryan Fitzpatrick every season, as it never makes them any better, and soon they'll be re-signing a guy named J.P. Losman. I love the Pats offense to have a bigger year than anyone expects, I love their defense to be more average than poor on their quest to best the Jets, but this game always has a low scoring feel to it. So in a crazy move, we all know the Pats will win...but they are favored by 14 points...and I will...say that they...win by.... New England 24 Buffalo 7. Guess they will beat the spread, BTW Blizzard, Fred Taylor is their running back, he's great at Blitz pick-up and he will have a 100-yard game this year. (One of the three games that he is actually healthy)
Tennessee at NY Giants
Here we are with one of the first intriguing match ups of the weekend. I could not possibly disagree with Blake so often whilst still picking the same teams and odds. These two teams will absolutely finish the season at .500 or better, though the Giants will have a better chance to make the postseason in a weak conference (i.e. Vikings, Cowboys). Last time these two teams squared off back in 2006, Vince Young led an astounding 4th quarter comeback after the Titans had trailed 17-0 for a majority of the game. Vince Young also won the National Championship in college football with a less talented Texas team, with more late-game heroics. The Tennessee Titans went 10-6, making the postseason, the last time Young was their full-time starter for the entire season (15 starts) in 2007. Last year Vince Young was named the starter after the Titans had an 0-6 start, leading the team to a 7-2 record in it's last 9 games. He's certainly had some emotional troubles, maturity issues along with bad judgement but Vince Young might be a good quarterback (he's certainly gotten better each year) and he's proven how clutch he can be. Jeff Fisher has never liked, never respected, never believed in, and never wanted Vince to be his starting quarterback. For Fisher to bench Young after Vince performed poorly against the best defense in the NFL in the first half, knowing how great Vince Young has been at the end of games (and how sensitive Vince has been), in favor of an old man like Kerry Collins was one of the stupidest coaching moves I've ever seen. Kerry Collins wasn't even that good in his prime, while Vince is a winner. Jeff Fisher has always been overrated, but now it seems he's gotten to the point where he feels like he can do whatever the hell he wants without consequence, I'd like to think it's complacency more than it is idiocy. I might have actually picked the Titans in a mild upset, and I still think Vince will finally grow up and come back strong. The Titans secondary is good too, but this pick is not about them. The Titans defense has lost a good Haynesworth and Vonden Bosch in recent years, they still have no talented receivers and Chris Johnson is already looking more like a 1,500 yard back than a 2,500 yard one with defenses not only worries about him running, but also the quarterback taking off. To the Giants, They're better than however awful they looked last week against possibly the best team in football (particularly at home), Their running backs and O-line aren't completely useless, Eli is still the most overlooked top 10 QB in the NFL, Steve Smith is due for a big game, The pass rush is still strong, and they have big-time big play-makers at the safety positions. I'm not over-hyping them, they're still above-average to good at best, and the AFC is still a much stronger conference. Blake unknowingly ( I think) and unconventionally picked this game to be a push. Unless the Giants win by 3 points exactly, he's not getting credit, however I won't count it as a loss because he almost can't win. Unless he's actually a genius and/or knows the future... New York wins 27-20 against the titillating Titans. New York is favored by 3.
Cleveland at Baltimore
Little did the Browns know that they would be even worse without these guys.
Another game this week that almost everyone who picks games (and even those who do not) can agree upon. I thought the Browns might get off to the type of start that the chiefs actually got off to, the city was somewhat hopeful after the way the team finished last season (and with Holmgren's arrival). They barely lost to the Bucs, then went on to barely lose to the Chiefs. Almost beating two bad teams still means that they've lost 2 games they could've won. I would love to be able to pick the Browns straight up, I like their defense a little, but how exactly do the Browns plan on scoring? However, I will pick the Browns to beat the hell out of a huge spread (10 1/2). Even though the Ravens offense looks to get back on track, they'll have to wait at least one more week... the Baltimore Ravens defeat the Cleveland Browns 16-10.
Dallas at Houston
The Houston Texans inspiration to win at home
WRITE IT DOWN... NOW. THE HOUSTON TEXANS WILL WIN THE SUPER BOWL IF MATT SCHAUB STAYS HEALTHY! I predicted the Cowboys would win the NFC East and earn the #2 seed in the NFC on there way to losing in the divisional round of the playoffs. However, now that the 'Boys have ruined the reputation of their entire division (still a good - tough division, I say) they have to play one of the best up and coming teams in football. After finally conquering the mountain, the Indianapolis Colts, the Texans pulled off the most remarkable comeback last week against a very good Redskins defense. The Texans out-offensed Peyton's Colts and then went on to once again show that their defense steps up when it needs to, and their offense can put up points fast. Brian Cushing is the AFC's lesser version of Clay Matthews, and he returns in a few weeks from suspension (for performance enhancing drug use) which will inevitably make the Texans defense and their team much more formidable. The Cowboys need to win, but they've never been able to handle pressure when facing opponents who are equally or nearly as talented. If the Cowboys do find a way to win though, then my playoff predictions start looking a little better, because the Texans will still be leading their division as well (as I said they would). Unfortunately for Dallas, Demarcus Ware is amazing but he also seems to be the only guy on defense who comes to play every week. Romo is still a good quarterback (even if you don't think so) and if the Cowboys can start running the football anywhere near the way they did last season, they have a legitimate chance to win this game. They're going to lose though, not entirely because they'll choke, but because the Houston Texans are a better team. The Houston Texans will take out their state rival, the Dallas Cowboys. 30-24.
Detroit at Minnesota
Detroit is better than their 0-2 record might suggest, unfortunately for the unemployment-ridden city, so are the Minnesota Vikings. Favre can't find a receiver and has remembered that he often likes to complete passes to guys not wearing purple. The Lions have pass rushers, but they'll need run stoppers as Adrian Peterson chalks up 150, and there's a Toby Gerhart sighting. As much as I hate to constantly agree with the favorites and the experts, I'm not going to ever disagree out of spite for the media. The Lions offense has looked pretty good, Matthew Stafford will come back down to earth though this weekend. The Vikings need to win and the Lions don't know how to win. The Vikings are 10 1/2 point favorites. The Vikings will win 23-12, narrowly beating the spread and assisting me in defeating Blake's record against the spread. So there.
Atlanta at New Orleans
I am as down on the Atlanta Falcons as it has been said that I am. I am a firm believer that the Arizona Cardinals are one of the least talented teams in football and so I picked the Falcons to run up the score last week (correctly, I might add). However, as little respect as I have for the NFC in general, and as much as my blood boils of hatred for the Saints (only because I didn't think they deserved to win the Super Bowl). The Falcons are the most inconsistent team with ability I've ever seen, year in and year out. Their defense doesn't do well in the face of adversity, Michael Turner is still too tired from two seasons ago (when he carried the ball more times than anyone else, by far), Ton-Gon continues to get older, and Roddy White can't catch every pass. Matt Ryan is better than Flacco, for your information, but that is not much of an accomplishment. They are above average quarterbacks, but at least the Ravens have a superb defense. Ryan should have his moments but the Saints win by creating turnovers and finding different ways to succeed on offense. Another game that will lack excitement regarding a competetive game. New Orleans Saints will clip the Falcon's wings (a pun that every sports expert predicting games has to use at least twice per season considering how many team names feature a type of bird.) Meanwhile, 34-21.
Pittsburgh at Tampa Bay
I think the Bucs offense is awful, they're 2-0 after facing two bad teams, and I also believe them to be one of the 10 least talented teams in the NFL. I mean think about it, can you really think of 10 other teams that you know are worse? I have little faith in the Bucs, and the Steelers defense is incredible. And yes, forget about the hair, Troy Polamalu is the biggest difference making individual player in football, bar none. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis have gotten older, but have also always had great players around them (ask the DE with the unpronounceable name Haloti Ngata, or Terrell Suggs). A few years ago the debate was which player, Bob Sanders or Polamalu, was more important to their team's defense, and which one is the best defensive player in football? The debate was cancelled, the questions answered, the proof found in the pudding...Troy is the greatest (possibly the greatest safety ever). Not to mention the Steelers linebackers are far and away the best defensive group in the NFL, they have FOUR top tier linebackers. FOUR, remarkable! So it's impossible to believe that I'm picking the Bucs... but I am. No one expected the Steelers to start the season 2-0, some fans were praying for a 1-3 start without Rothliesberger. Most experts did not have the Steelers going to the playoffs (props to Peter King, though YOU sir, are wrong about them heading to the Super Bowl). Anyway, my point being, everything is good in the Steel city, everyone is ecstatic about the team's play. Pittsburgh will not be taking the 2-0 NFC Buccaneers seriously, and Charlie Batch will finally look like the 4th string quarterback / Coach's assistant that he really is. One thing I do know about Tampa Bay, their defense is always pretty good, and it's off to another solid start. The Bucs won't allow many points, and Josh Freeman has just as good a chance of scoring on the Steelers defense as any other average quarterback does. The Steelers will be content to go 3-1 or 2-2 without Big Ben, their offense will finally cost them by turning the ball over, and the Bucs will squeak out a victory. Tampa Bay's defense defeats Pittsburgh's defense 13-9 in an almost unwatchable game.
Philadelphia at Jacksonville
If you believe in karma, Vick will be sent to hell and torn apart by dogs for eternity. I hate Peta.
I am a Jacksonville fan in a way. Everyone in the mainstream media sports world seems to presume that they will be a 7-9 at best, and / or 6-10 team if they live up to potential. Unfortunately for large cat haters (Lions and Panthers look to be terrible, thankfully), they have been an 8-8 team every time YOU think they're going to really fail miserably like they're supposed to, seeing as how they have no fans (Much like the Tampa Bay Rays). They may be inconsistent at best, but they're still a playoff contender in spite of their average quarterback situation every year. It's understandable why they chose Garrard over Leftwich, because they knew that they'd have to win in spite of their QB anyway. However, I'd like to personally take the time to thank my fellow blogger because the Eagles will undoubtedly win this one. The Jaguars have been, and always will be better than you think they are even without very many fans or believers. Although I think of the Eagles as a 9-7 team if everything goes as planned in the NFC, I am forced to think playing in Jacksonville might help the Eagles. In that regard, as much as I like the Jaguars to get back to an 8-8 record, and as much as I like the Eagles to not be talented enough to be more than a 9-7 team, the Eagles are definitely going to win this game. Michael Vick has already looked better than at any other time in his professional career, keeping his eyes upfield while flying around the field behind the line of scrimmage. Kolb could still be pretty good someday, but in the NFL, you play the quarterback who gives you the best chance to win RIGHT now. Why would Andy Reid just concede a playoff spot to allow Kolb to mature and gain experience? My own respect for the Jags and the Eagles defense's lack of an identity since the death of their hall of fame coach do nothing to change my mind, and though the Eagles are merely favored by 3... Eagles will win 24-18... beating the odds... and Mo-Jo.
Washington at St. Louis
Unfortunately for the credibility of this site, Blake Broussard often doesn't listen to his head nor make an "educated" guess, instead choosing to pick a team just to be different. What I've learned after my first two weeks of slight brilliance, but being far too wrong on these picks than I'd like to be is that there are times to go with your gut, and then there are predictions of games in which logic must prevail. Blake gets to one of these 4 pm games and realizes he's picked too many favorites, and throws an off-the-wall curveball at us all. It hasn't hurt him too badly as of yet, but this time he's in trouble. Thankfully his absurdity has given me one game in which I know I will win, and he will lose. This week I'm finally feeling it, the gut instinct that produces the knowledge in which I'll use to be occasionally right all sunday long. The Rams are only going to win a certain amount of games in all, and to pick them to win against a more talented Redskins team (a 'Skins team that some picked to be over .500 or to make the playoffs) (like myself) that could and perhaps should be 2-0 would be blasphemy. The Redskins defense is in the top 10 once again and now they finally have a veteran quarterback who knows how to manage games until there's a need to take risks. For Commisioner Goodell to not put in place some type of policy dis-allowing timeouts milli-seconds before a field goal attempt is pathetic. The Redskins may, I emphasize may, not be talented, resilient, or have had enough time to create enough team chemistry to make the postseason this year, but even if they don't, the Rams are the king of awful and no one has any reason to believe otherwise since the Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk era ended so many years ago. As previously mentioned, without Avery the Rams have one of the worst receiving corps. Top draft picks like Chris Long and Adam Carriker have been pretty bad. James Lauranitis being a solid MLB doesn't mean that I can name one other good player on their defense. While Washington finally has the quarterback that they tried to make a less talented Jason Campbell become, an incredible defense, and the mental toughness to beat a Rams team in need of some superstars. The Washington Redskins will rise above the awareness they're in the boring town of St. Louis (Shout out to Nelly)... the Skins beat the Rams 38-13. BEST BET! I always get one of these wrong! Hooray!
Here's what happened last week...the Colts unbelievable awesomeness took Sunday Night Football over, as they showed the world how incredible they still are. Don't completely discount the Giants for the rest of the season just because Indy has more talent in their figurative pinky finger than most of the rest of the league. Robert Mathis continues to prove that he makes Freeney even better by being nearly as good occupying and pass rushing from the other side of the line. Bullitt can actually fulfill Bob Sander's general role on the field, and Gary Brackett is pretty damn good in his own right (as the middle linebacker). For them to have any type of decent defense to compliment the unstoppable offense is almost, entirely unfair. The one thing I noticed last week (before I could no longer stand to watch such a lopsided affair) is that the Colts defense is fast and great in pursuit. To have the pass rushers they do with a linebacking core and secondary so quick to the ball, they will continue to have a better defense than their talent would suggest. There's no reason to discuss the offense, if they're able to start running the ball a little more like they used to, mixing up their offensive gameplan, they will be even more perfect than usual. The Broncos offensive line is not good enough that they can just plug random running backs in to get 1,200 yards this season, unlike other seasons. I like Josh Mcdaniels, I like his style, I like his smarts... And as much as I sort of like Tim Tebow's future as an NFL quarterback, to pick him that soon was a bit looney. They could've used a play-maker at one of the Skills positions but Mcdaniels has some kind of crazy 10 year plan for success, I'm sure. Knowshon Moreno is pretty good, he's injured, but more unexpectantly is that Champ Bailey, the oldest good cornerback in the league, will also be out for this game... the Colts were going to be way too good anyway... Indianapolis Colts decimate the Denver Broncos 34-19 !! BEST BET : the Colts should win by at least a touchdown.
Oakland at Arizona
Although I was almost as big on Jason Campbell's arrival as the QB of the Raiders as most of those morons at ESPN who thought the Raiders were postseason bound, I still did not think that an average quarterback would make the Raiders win too many more games. I was merely happy that Al Davis finally came to his senses and moved on from the Jamarcus Russell debacle. Granted I thought that the Raiders might actually win 5 games for the first time in quite awhile, but all the 8-8 or potential postseason bologna that everyone was talkin' nearly made me sick (as sick as turkey bologna). I didn't truly take into account the fact that once again Jason Campbell was trying to learn a new offense, after having a new offensive coordinator every year for 4 years beforehand. No matter how many great running backs the Raiders may have (do they have any?), their O-line is so weak... Darren Mcfadden is just waiting to have a breakout season, perhaps. Their defense never seems to get better than their superstar cornerback and a decent linebacker. Think about some of the Raiders first round picks recently like Darius Heyward Bey, Darren Mcfadden, Jamarcus Russell, or anyone else already forgotten because of inability. Bruce Gradkowski doesn't nearly have the arm, the height, or the great receiver that his counterpart does, but I have faith that he can manage the clock and score at will against a bad defense. The only reason I know that the Raiders are going to win this game, is because the Cardinals are the 6th worst team in the NFL. Derek Anderson has a great arm and one of the best receivers in the league, but physical ability does not dictate desicion making. The Cardinals lines are not good enough and I've already stated how many of their talented players they've lost heading into this season. I honestly believe that Ken Whisenhunt is a fantastic coach, and of course he needed to accept the first head coaching job he was offered (look at Jason Garrett of the Cowboys who turned down oppurtunities and will now never be a head coach) but he should've probably given it one more year. (I know you think that's crazy because he made it to the Super Bowl...but the man has no ring, and now he's stuck with a team that won't be very good for years to come). For him to lead the Cardinals to the Super Bowl on the back of Kurt Warner was impressive in itself but I have to believe he's in the process of completely re-building the oganization from the ground up, in spite of terrible ownership. Speaking of terrible ownership, Oakland wins 17-13 and the fact that the Cardinals are favored disgusts reasonable fans, experts, and all of those who thought the Raiders were going to be much improved.
San Diego at Seattle
What an easy pick for even the most stupidest of the dumb prognosticators. The Chargers must be angry at their owner, particularly Phillip Rivers, because A.J. Smith has not only refused to give left tackle Marcus Mcneil or wide receiver Vincent Jackson a fair contract, but now he's decided not to trade Jackson to the Vikings (who needed him in the worst way) out of spite, despite some reasonable offers. After a few fools listening to Colin Cowherd decided the Seahawks are the beast of the NFC west after their week one upset over the favored 49ers, that's when I first came to terms with the fact that even sports experts or analysts can completely overreact after a singular football game. To proclaim the Seahawks anything but mediocre to bad... it was just irrational and shocking. Think people! The NFC east is still good even if the Cowboys aren't as good as we all thought, the Dolphins aren't going to score 30 points and the Chargers will still manage to win the worst division in football (if not for the NFC west). I told myself and anyone who would listen that San Fran was still going to win the division, and it had nothing to do with how good they might wind up becoming, but because the rest of the teams won't win more than 7 games. I still have a bit of faith in the 49ers as you can tell from my pick this week (though they have yet to win), but my hatred for the 'hawks began long before this season. Hasselback is always an above average quarterback, but not being AS good as Carson Palmer or Jay Cutler can put things in perspective. Leon Washington might be of value next season, I can't name a receiver on that team, Lofa Totapu is the only MLB to get worse after a great rookie season. I didn't think the Chargers would even beat the Jaguars last week, but the Jaguars got 7-9 and random upsets on lock, that being on them. While the Chargers win another division title with another mediocre regular season record for a playoff team. Ryan Matthews is going to do something, the lines have always been good and the defense makes plays. San Diego 24-10 over the Seattle Seahawks. And one vote for Pete Carroll going back to a different college football team before becoming successful again.
Indianapolis at Denver
There has been some speculation that this is Tim Tebow's girlfriend.
I speculate that he would not know what to do with...that...or...
Reason #43 Tim Tebow and the Jonas Brothers are not actually virgins
NY Jets at Miami
Not only do I disagree, but I most certainly do not concur with anyone on this game. That's right Marcellus Wiley, the Dolphins will not win in a high-scoring affair. I planned to pick the Pats all along last week, the Dolphins this week, I wished upon the Jets for them to go 0-4 against their good division opponents, and not only did I not buy into the hype, but I created the anti-hype. However, the New York Jets look like they have such a terrific defense that they barely even need the best cornerback in football, Darelle Revis. Rex Ryan may talk a big game in general but he certainly knows how to coach and call a smart & strong defensive unit. He was a big part of the Ravens success for many years, and the Jets might have even more talent than the Ravens of the past ever did (collectively, not defensively). Big compliment time. On the other hand, I'm ridiculous and the Dolphins defense is pretty damn good in its own right (as we all saw against the Vikings). As much as I was willing and waiting and salivating to pick the Dolphins in this game all week, I've done a complete U-turn. I think it might either be because it seems as though everyone is now picking the Dolphins to win this one or because the Jets seriously impressed me last week against a Patriots team that looked worse than it is (especially on offense). The Dolphins are the logical pick based on how solid they've been, but the Jets offense has more potential to put up points than the Henne to Marshall connection that does not yet exist. The Jets outlast the Dolphins, out-play, out-....beat, the Dolphins, the outcome becoming 20-10. Jets over Dolphins.
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Clay Matthew's hair. (Troy Polamalu's secret is out. Hair = Greatness)
Yet another matchup that has me torn. The Green Bay Packers are hands down the better team, sure, but the most storied rivalry in NFL history can always go either way. It's true that Cutler has looked great under the genius of Mike Martz, and it's even MORE true that the Bears are 2-0 (as are the Pack). This game has too much hype, though in terms of momentum (as with my blog writing partner) I totally wanted to go with the Bears. My gutty instincts screamed at me that the Bears were going to win this one all along, but the Packers are one of the only teams in the NFC that I feel is definitely assured of a postseason spot, while I'm not sure if the Bears have gotten any better since last year. The Bears don't have one receiver who can catch, Matt Forte is a running back who doesn't run (like the Giant's Ahmad Bradshaw), and I can't name one guy on the O-line who is even as good as the aging Olin Kruetz. Not only has the Bears defense lost quickness over the last few seasons, but with Urlacher's downgrade in talent due to age or injury... Mr. Blizzard is a huge Packers fan, and white people love to see great white athletes (because we wish that was us), but Clay Matthews is not as good as he'll have you believe. 6 sacks in 2 games is a terrific feat, but accomplishments are only as good as your latest performance. Cutler will not decide to throw a lot of INTs as you'd expect against a play-making defense, and the defense will pretend it's young or talented again. Quick side note, the USC Trojans have always had fantastic collegian players. However guys like Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Mark Sanchez, Reggie Bush and Lendale White have not been been as good or had much success in the NFL. I can't even name one of their defensive players to recently make it to the NFL, other than Taylor Mays who fell far in the draft. What I'm saying is the fact that Clay Matthews, a WHITE outside linebacker, playing for a school that does not have players who translate well to the Pros, has become the best linebacker in football is surprising to say the least. Green Bay is favored by 3 in another good match up. Screw that. The Bears defeat logic, talent, reason and Clay Matthews ( who will only get one sack) by defeating the Pack in a Classic. 20-17.
Have a great Sunday watching the NFL sports fanatics! I am stuck with the Patriots - Bills game on CBS at 1pm due to my poor decision to live in New England. I will be missing my favorite team play a great game against a good team, so the local radio sportscast will be my companion. Big networks that have 2 different channels in the same area should use that power responsibly, by showing 2 different NFL games. It is now time to figure out what awful running backs I will have to start on my fantasy teams today... Take care and don't bet against me unless you're going to be right. For those of you who read the first draft of this article, with me being as tired as 4 am made me...I apologize. PEACE!
- Troy Lightner (Trizz)
- Troy Lightner (Trizz)
