Time for Me, and the RAMS, to Win Big Again!

ERIC’S NFL WEEK 7 PICKS

Before I get to the prognostications, here’s the opening to a classic football flick from the early 70s starring Charlton Heston as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints. NUMBER ONE. You gotta love the LA RAMS sporting the old BLUE & WHITE Unis. Enjoy the open and rent the DVD. Music score credits…DOMINIC FRONTIERE. Yes, Georgia’s husband. Heston wears #17. The actual game footage of #17 is Billy Kilmer…the Saints first QB.

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool. But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY“…………

Last Week: 8-6 (better) Season: 47-43

CINCINNATI (2-3) +3 @ ATLANTA (4-2) O/U 43 pts
-Bengals QB Carson Palmer hearing the boos with some turnover issues. Palmer and the Bengals with two weeks to figure it out. How about setting up the pass by handing off to RB Cedric Benson. Then, work it downfield to T.O. and Ocho Cinco. The Falcons are plus 14 in turnovers. That’s good. Didn’t look good in last week’s loss at Philadelphia. CB Dante Robinson makes the D work. But, he could be out because of last week’s helmet-to-helmet hit to Eagles WR DeSean Jackson. Robinson was docked 50-Large and given a one-game suspension. Palmer will look to torch the secondary. Falcons QB Matt Ryan could have a field day against a Bengals D that’s got just six sacks this season, second fewest in the league. Falcons get RB Mike Turner going, that’s going to open it up for Ryan. FALCONS (39-32, FALCONS)

WASHINGTON (3-3) +3 @ CHICAGO (4-2) 40.5 pts
-Redskins have a terrible defense. Bears have a terrible offense because they have a swiss-cheese offensive line that’s let QB Jay Cutler get sacked a league-worst 27 times. I have a headache just reading that. Considering they can’t run the ball, it doesn’t look good. The Bears defense is one of the best. Difference is Redskins QB Donovan McNabb has solid pass protection and will have more time than Cutler to find receivers downfield. It’ll be close. REDSKINS (17-14, REDSKINS)

PHILADELPHIA (4-2) +3 @ TENNESSEE (4-2) 42.5 pts
-Eagles beat Atlanta last week with QB Du Jour Kevin Kolb having a huge passing day. WR DeSean Jackson’s out with a concussion due to a hit by Falcons CB Dante Robinson. Jeremy Macklin will be busy. Titans QB Vince Young questionable with a sprained knee and ankle. Back-up Kerry Collins suffering from an injured finger on his throwing hand. Look for Young to play and hand off to RB Chris Johnson to set up some short passes. The Titans defensive line is the best in the league sacking QB’s 24 times and going up against an Eagles offensive line that’s allowed 20 sacks. You do the math. I did. TITANS (37-19, TITANS)

JACKSONVILLE (3-3) +9 @ KANSAS CITY (3-2) 37.5 pts
-Did you take a look at the Jags sideline as time was running down in their Monday night 30-3 home loss to Tennessee? Those blank stares said “wave the white flag”. Both QB’s David Garrard and Trent Edwards are out with injuries. J’Ville just signed Todd Bouman, THIS WEEK, and will make his first start since ‘05. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is going to be busy. Kansas City’s solid on defense, special teams and that running game. QB Matt Cassel’s improving and just needs to not make mistakes and manage the game. CHIEFS (42-20, CHIEFS)

PITTSBURGH (4-1) -3 @ MIAMI (3-2) 41 pts
-This game’s going to hurt so don’t sit too close to the tv screen. Both teams are built with monster lines on both sides of the ball and look to control the game in the trenches. Dolphins with a huge win in Green Bay last week. Meanwhile, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger worked his “pre-season game” beating the Browns last week after a month off due to a suspension. Steelers are loaded everywhere and are the best team in the league at the moment. Close and physical. STEELERS (23-22, STEELERS)

CLEVELAND (1-5) + 13 @ NEW ORLEANS (4-2) 43 pts
-Saints QB Drew Brees showed off that “gun” that made him MVP and a Super Bowl Champion last season. Last week, he threw darts downfield and pulverized a Tampa Bay secondary that was primed to make a statement against the champs. A statement was made. But, by the Champs. Subbing for injured RB’s Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory ran for 158 yards and opened the air for Brees. Browns may have found their “franchise quarterback”. Subbing for injured Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, Texas rookie Colt McCoy had a solid debut against the “Steel Curtain Defense” despite being sacked five times. “The Real McCoy” passed for 281 yards and a touchdown in the Browns loss. Browns need to roll with their Colt and get better while taking their lumps. SAINTS (30-17, BROWNS)

ST. LOUIS (3-3) +3 @ TAMPA BAY (3-2) 38.5 pts
-The Buccaneers defense got smoked at home by the Saints last week. With good reason. They can’t put pressure on the QB recording a league-low four sacks so far. They’re second worst against the run. Uh-oh. The Young Rams are back and for real! The Rams defense held San Diego’s top-ranked offense to under 300 yards in St. Louis’ 20-17 win sacking Bolt QB Phillip Rivers seven times. On offense, top overall pick, rookie QB Sam Bradford is playing like a seasoned vet. “Slingin’ Sammy B” made the Bolts D work hard finding 10 different receivers. He can thank RB Steven Jackson who’s rushed for over 500 yards and a National Conference-high 127 carries which opens up the passing game for Bradford. Jackson’s a scary man to try and stop. Doesn’t look good for the Bucs. RAMS (18-17, BUCCANEERS)

SAN FRANCISCO (1-5) -3 @ CAROLINA (0-5) 35.5 pts
-Could be the worst game of the day. Carolina’s terrible and going back to QB Matt Moore who was replaced by Notre Dame rookie Jimmy Clausen who proved completely ineffective. I think the University of Oregon Ducks could give the Panthers a run for their money. The 49ers finally got a win over Oakland last week. QB Alex Smith still has issues. But, when he’s on, he’s good. He can reduce some pressure by handing off to RB Frank Gore who recorded 149 yards in the win over the Raiders. The Niners defense is playoff caliber. 49ERS (23-20, PANTHERS)

BUFFALO (0-5) +13 @ BALTIMORE (4-2) 40 pts
-The Bills are playing hard but are no match for the Ravens. I think the University of Oregon Ducks could give the Bills a run for their money. RAVENS (37-34, RAVENS)

ARIZONA (3-2) +7 @ SEATTLE (3-2) 40 pts
-First place in the NFC West on the line in the Emerald City! Last week, the Seahawks traded for Bills RB Marshawn Lynch and it paid off immediately. He rushed for 44 yards on 17 carries scoring a touchdown in Seattle‘s 23-20 win at Chicago. His threat took the heat off QB Matt Hasselbeck who threw for 353 yards looking like the QB who took the Water Birds to the Super Bowl a few years back. The Cardinals have a solid running game and defense. Problem is their QB is undrafted Max Hall. Who’s he you ask? That’s the issue. They let go of former top pick Matt Leinart and Browns reject Derek Anderson was terrible. The old “chicken with his head cut off” routine. SEAHAWKS (22-10, SEAHAWKS)

OAKLAND (2-4) +7.5 @ DENVER (2-4) 43 pts
-The Raiders with defensive issues and QB issues. Starter Bruce Gradkowski’s still out with a shoulder injury and Jason Campbell played “JeMarcus Russell-espque” in the loss at Frisco last week and, adding injury to insult, suffered a left knee sprain. Here comes Ravens and Rams reject Kyle Boller. Broncos ran the ball well in their 24-20 home-loss to the Jets last week. QB Kyle Orton putting up great numbers. This old AFL Rivalry’s always entertaining. BRONCOS (59-14, RAIDERS)

NEW ENGLAND (4-1) +2 @ SAN DIEGO (2-4) 48.5 pts
-I feel bad for this die-hard Chargers fan who may end up like this for the third straight week.

Have I mentioned that’s me in the 70s whenever the LOS ANGELES RAMS suffered a loss. I feel your pain, little man!! Poor kid. I’m inclined to go with the Chargers who play much better at the Q while going 0-4 on the road. QB Phillip Rivers carries that team like Peyton Manning does the Colts. Chargers defense gave up huge yards in last week’s loss at St. Louis. Their special teams continue to falter. Not good considering the Patriots special teams take advantage in that department. Just ask Miami. Pats QB Tom Brady has his old partner, WR Deion Branch back after his exile in Seattle. Patriots defense getting better after stopping the Ravens in the 4th quarter last week in New England’s win. PATRIOTS (23-20, PATRIOTS)

MINNESOTA (2-3) +2.5 @ GREEN BAY (3-3) 44 pts (SNF)
-Sure. Brett Favre’s back in Green Bay. He’s also got off the field issues we’ve all heard about. He’s got tendonitis in his throwing shoulder. He also has Randy Moss, Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice to throw to. Not to mention (but I will) RB Adrian Peterson. The Vikings defense is one of the best led by Jared Allen. Vikes are back on track after beating the Cowboys last week. Meanwhile, injuries galore on both sides of the ball for the Packers who will try to avoid a three-game skid against Favre and the Norsemen. QB Aaron Rodgers and the packers will be working on raw emotion. I think it’s close for three quarters. Then, the injuries and a better team take its toll on the Cheese Heads. “Who’s your Huckleberry?” Brett Favre is. VIKINGS (28-24, PACKERS)

NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (4-2) +3 @ DALLAS (1-4) 44.5 pts (MNF)
-The Cowboys played much better last week and still lost, this time to the Vikings, 24-21, after the most over-rated and over-hyped player in NFL history, QB Tony Romo, threw a pick late in the game with a tie score which led to the Vikings winning field goal. Romo did throw three TD passes. But his mistakes led to 10 Minnesota points. Dallas might have the league’s best talent (although I completely disagree), but don’t seem to be a cohesive unit. The Giants are playing extremely well since a slow start looking like the team that won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago. They’re running, the defense is stellar and QB Eli Manning’s getting time to make good passes for scores. With all that said, it’s an NFC East clash and I just can’t see the Cowboys going 1-5, especially with all that pre-season Super Bowl hype. Close one. COWBOYS (41-35, GIANTS)

BYE WEEK:
DETROIT (1-5)
INDIANAPOLIS (4-2)
NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (5-1)
HOUSTON (4-2)
*LOS ANGELES (15 years, 7 weeks…………COME ON, MAGIC JOHNSON!!)

“Bloop Single”

Think about this. Either the Texas Rangers win the World Series in their first-ever trip to the Fall Classic, or the San Francisco Giants win their first World Series since 1954 when they were in New York and Willie Mays patrolled center field. Either way, all baseball fans win (except maybe those in Gotham and the City of Brotherly Love) because there will be a brand new World Series Champion and we’re all spared from watching the Yankees and the Phillies. I’m going with the Rangers in seven because of some guy named Cliff Lee. Should be a fun series to watch. ENJOY!!

October 24, 2010 0

No Time To Panic For Me Or Favre!

ERIC’S NFL WEEK 6 PICKS

Last Week: 3-11 (WHAT!?!?) Season: 39-37

SEATTLE (2-2) +7 @ CHICAGO (4-1) O/U 37.5 pts
-Bears QB Jay Cutler back after concussion issues from being sacked nine times in one half by the Giants two weeks ago. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll continues to tinker with his roster trading for Bills RB Marshawn Lynch, waiving RB Julius Jones and sending WR Deion Branch back to the Patriots. It’s perpetual training camp for Seattle. BEARS (23-20, SEAHAWKS)

MIAMI (2-2) +3 @ GREEN BAY (3-2) 46 pts
-Packers look like a M*A*S*H Unit. QB Aaron Rodgers is questionable with the effects of a concussion. Expect him to play. Out are RB Ryan Grant, LB’s Clay Matthews & Nick Barnett, TE’s Jermichael Finley & Donald Lee, DL Ryan Pickett, Safeties Derrick Martin & Atari Bigby and CB Al Harris. Could be a bit too much to overcome even at Lambeau Field against a Dolphins team coming off of a bye week. At least reigning defensive player of the year, CB Charles Woodson’s healthy to blanket Miami WR Brandon Marshall. Expect Chad Henne to hand off to RB’s Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. If the Miami special teams doesn’t give up 21 points to the Packers like it did two weeks ago to the Patriots, Miami should be fine against Green Bay’s JV. DOLPHINS (23-20, DOLPHINS)

SAN DIEGO (2-3) -7.5 @ ST. LOUIS (2-3) 44 pts
-Everything’s going according to plan for the Chargers. They’re out of the shoot with a two and three record for the fourth consecutive season. Remember, San Diego’s gone on to win the AFC West the previous three. Bolts have severed ties with former all-pro LB Shawn Merriman who’s been injury-plagued the last three seasons, this year being hampered by a badly strained left calf muscle. Bolts will trade him when he’s off the injury list with the Rams being one of the teams with some interest. Good news, WR Vincent Jackson will be back by Halloween. QB Phillip Rivers lighting up opposing defenses. Unfortunately, the Chargers special teams have been atrocious and responsible for two losses including last week’s to the Raiders causing this Chargers Fan much heartache!

OH, THE HUMANITY!! Anyway….Rams suffered their first bad loss of the season last week getting waxed by the Lions in Detroit, 44-6. Under rookie QB Sam Bradford and a solid young defense, Rams have been in every game except for last week. At two and three, they’re in the thick of the NFC West race. So many weapons for Rivers on offense and If that special teams unit doesn’t have another hick-up, the Chargers should be ready to get going. Expect the Rams to keep it close with Bradford handing off to RB Steven Jackson to set up the pass. CHARGERS (20-17, RAMS)

BALTIMORE (4-1) +3 @ NEW ENGLAND (3-1) 46 pts
-Patriots return from a bye week which saw them trade WR Randy Moss back to the Vikings and welcomed back WR Deion Branch from the Seahawks. Last time these two met in Foxboro was in January for an AFC playoff game with the Ravens embarrassing the Patriots, 33-14. Ravens RB Ray Rice had a huge day as did the defense led by LB Ray Lewis. Baltimore’s back with added weapons for QB Joe Flacco in WR’s Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Without Moss, Pats QB Tom Brady will go to Wes Welker and a trio of pass-catching tight ends. He’ll need the ground game to keep his jersey clean. RAVENS (23-20, PATRIOTS)

DETROIT (1-4) +10.5 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (3-2) 44 pts
-That’s more like it, G-Men! The defense bringing the pain during New York’s two-game win streak. First, sacking Chicago QB’s 10 times in a 17-3 win. Then, in last week’s 34-10 win at Houston only allowing a franchise-low 24 rushing yards to a Texans team ranked near the top in the league on the ground. Much improved Detroit’s trying to end a 23-game road losing streak and is working some offensive MOJO after beating the Rams in the Motor City last week, 44-6. It was the first game the Lions were able to use the “Kneel-Down formation” at the end of the game since……Bobby Layne QB’d in Detroit (Google “Bobby Layne“)? Make it 24 straight road losses. GIANTS (28-20, GIANTS)

ATLANTA (4-1) +2.5 @ PHILADELPHIA (3-2) 43 pts
-It hasn’t been easy, but the Falcons are learning to win tough and ugly games. QB Matt Ryan and NFC South leading Atlanta are good at winning by wide margins, so, winning tough and ugly will serve the Falcons well come playoff time. The Eagles are in the thick of the NFC East race even with the revolving door at QB. Ex-Falcon Michael Vick is questionable to go up against his former team still nursing badly bruised ribs. Kevin Kolb gets the start completely recovered from that concussion from the opening game loss to Green Bay. FALCONS (31-17, EAGLES)

CLEVELAND (1-4) +13.5 @ PITTSBURGH (3-1) 37 pts
-The Steelers welcome back QB Ben Roethlisberger from suspension. Makes Pittsburgh quite the complete team. The Steelers are dead last in the league in passing without Big Ben and have relied on the run with Rashard Mendenhall working the bulk of the carries. Imagine what happens with Big Ben opening up the air attack. Poor Cleveland. While Pittsburgh welcomes back Roethlisberger, Texas rookie QB Colt McCoy will get his NFL Initiation against Troy Polamalu and the Steel Curtain Defense. Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace are injured. So, have fun Colt! STEELERS (28-10, STEELERS)

NEW ORLEANS (3-2) -4 @ TAMPA BAY (3-1) 43 pts
-The world champion Saints are struggling. QB Drew Brees has to rely on his arm because New Orleans is lean at the running back position with RB’s Reggie Bush out and Pierre Thomas questionable. Makes the Saints very one-dimensional. To help Brees, they signed RB Julius Jones just released by Seattle. The Bucs have exceeded expectations equaling last season’s win total after just four games. They’re young and talented with QB Josh Freeman garnering the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award after leading Tampa to a 24-21 come-from-behind win at Cincinnati last week. The opportunistic Tampa defense has recorded 12 turnovers in four games, including nine interceptions. If the Bucs want to be taken seriously, a home win over the defending world champ opens some eyes. The Saints are hurt and desperate after losing two of the last three but need to be able to work the ground game. BUCCANEERS (31-6, SAINTS)

KANSAS CITY (3-1) +4 @ HOUSTON (3-2) 44.5 pts
-What happened to the Texans? Houston looked as if they’d make a serious run at the AFC South. Granted, all four teams are tied in the division with 3-2 records. Problem is the Texans are regressing. They’ve gotten pounded at home the last two weeks by Dallas and the New York Giants. Meanwhile, Kansas City’s atop the AFC West and playing consistently good defense and running the ball extremely well. The KC defense had Peyton Manning and the Colts frustrated in their last meeting not allowing a passing touchdown in the 19-9 Indy win. Had WR Dwayne Bowe not dropped a couple of on target Matt Cassel passes, the Chiefs would be 4-0. The Texans need to get that ground game with Arian foster going as well as Matt Schaub finding a healthier Andre Johnson. Kansas City can run the ball, but the Chiefs will have to take advantage of that weak and depleted Houston secondary. So, Bowe needs to hold on to the ball. CHIEFS (35-31, TEXANS)

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (4-1) -3 @ DENVER (2-3) 41.5 pts
-Broncos have become a passing team with QB Kyle Orton averaging just under 350 yards passing per game. Denver can’t run the ball to save its life. With the Jets stingy pass-defense featuring dynamic cornerback duo Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis, WHO ISN‘T 100% because of hamstring issues, it looks pretty bleak for the Broncos. On offense, Jets QB Mark Sanchez can just hand the ball off to LaDanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene because Denver can’t stop the run to save its life. That’ll open up passing lanes for Sanchez. This one’s going to be ugly. JETS (24-20, JETS)

OAKLAND (2-3) +6.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO (0-5) 41.5 pts
-If not for a botched field goal, the Raiders would be 3-2. So, how is it they’re almost a touchdown underdog to a winless 49ers team? I don’t know. Oakland finally beat San Diego last week after seven years of futility. The main reason, the Raiders special teams was able to exploit a weak Chargers special teams. There’s much talent on offense especially at RB with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Problem is the offensive line is dinged up, hence the issues at QB where Jason Campbell replaces Bruce Gradkowski who was knocked out of the Chargers game. The 49ers are 0-5 with severe issues at QB. Former first round pick Alex Smith’s looked terrible. But after confronted by head coach Mike Singletary, he looks really good. RB Frank Gore is the key. He needs to take pressure off Smith who needs to stop turning the ball over. Defensively, the Niners are solid with LB Patrick Willis running the show. Frisco’s gotta get off the schneid at some point. 49ERS (17-9, 49ERS)

DALLAS (1-3) +1.5 @ MINNESOTA (1-3) 44 pts
-This one’s dubbed “The Panic Bowl” because both these one and three teams had Super Bowl aspirations. Winner’s right back in the fold, the loser might as well fold. Vikings are the better team. They have a huge pass rush on defense. On offense, QB Brett Favre’s had issues both on and off the field. There’s that sexual harassment thing from two years ago involving another female reporter who seems to be looking for publicity. On the field, Favre’s dealing with some tendonitis in his throwing elbow and, now, an injured groin suffered in practice and caught on tape.

Some would say Poetic Justice for texting a photo of that “bad boy”. Keep that thing locked up, Brett!! Favre’s got as many turnovers now as he did all last season. That seemed to change in the second half of last week’s loss to the Jets. New toy WR Randy Moss and a healthy Percy Harvin have alleviated the passing issues the Vikes had to begin the season. Now, Sidney Rice is back to make it difficult on any secondary. The bread and butter is RB Adrian Peterson. He’s the focal point. He runs, makes it easier for Favre and the passing game. As for the Cowboys, only way they have a shot is if they can run the ball keeping the heat off the league’s most over-rated and over-hyped player QB Tony Romo. If the Cowboys abandon the run, Romo’s going to get acquainted with Jared Allen. Bye-Bye Wade Phillips. VIKINGS (24-21, VIKINGS)

INDIANAPOLIS (3-2) -3 @ WASHINGTON (3-2) 44 pts (SNF)
-Redskins allow 410 passing yards per game. Colts QB Peyton Manning throwing for over 400 yards per game. Redskins QB Donovan McNabb’s going to have to keep up with Manning. It’ll be tough with DE Dwight Freeney in his grill most of the game. Redskins better hope they’re not behind too early and can try to keep the ball out of Manning’s hands with the running game. COLTS (27-24, COLTS)

TENNESSEE (3-2) -3 @ JACKSONVILLE (3-2) 45.5 pts (MNF)
-Both teams half of the four-way tie atop the AFC South. It’ll be Titans RB Chris Johnson up against Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Advantage Tennessee because of that defensive line which is stingy against the run and murder against opposing QB’s. Doesn’t fare well for the Jags David Garrard who’ll be forced out of the pocket. Titans QB Vince Young playing well because it helps having Johnson to hand off to. TITANS (30-3, TITANS)

BYE WEEK:

BUFFLO (0-5)
CINCINNATI (2-3)
ARIZONA (3-2)
CAROLINA (0-5)
LOS ANGELES (15 years, 6 weeks)

Another favorite 3 STOOGES short film called THREE LITTLE PIGSKINS (1935). Game footage shot at GILMORE STADIUM which stood near the corner of FAIRFAX & THIRD in Los Angeles. Lucille Ball is featured in this one. ENJOY!

October 15, 2010 0

I Need to Bounce Back after Last Week’s Debacle!

Eric’s NFL Week 5 Picks

Last Week: 6-8 (UGH!) Season: 36-26

What a rough week. Worst ever for me. I’ll make a huge comeback today even though I’m sidelined and under the weather. Speaking of this week’s injury report, here’s ESPN’s Steve Levy.

JACKSONVILLE (2-2) +1.5 @ BUFFALO (0-4) O/U 41 pts
-So. Let me get this right. The Jaguars beat the Colts last week and they’re the underdog? Well, if QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bills are going to win a game, it’s this one at home. Jags featured RB Maurice Jones-Drew who rushed for triple-figures and a touchdown in the win over the Colts. A toss up. BILLS (36-26, JAGUARS)

TAMPA BAY (2-1) +7 @ CINCINNATI (2-2) 38 pts
-The Buccaneers are coming off a bye week while the under-achieving Bengals lost by three to in-state rival Cleveland last week. Bucs QB Josh Freeman and Tampa playing well. But, I don’t think they can beat Carson Palmer throwing to WR’s Chad Ocho-Cinco and T.O. while Cedric Benson carries the pill. T.O. with a huge receiving day catching the pill for 222 yards. moving into second place behind Jerry Rice among WR’s. Palmer threw for 371 yards and two TD’s. Turnovers killed the Bengals last week. BENGALS (24-21, BUCS)

ATLANTA (3-1) -3 @ CLEVELAND (1-3) 41 pts
-The Falcons were fortunate to beat San Francisco at the Georgia Dome last week. Cleveland capitalized on turnovers to beat instate rival Cincinnati last week. Falcons only a three-point favorite? Behind QB Matt Ryan, the ATL soars. FALCONS (20-10, FALCONS)

ST. LOUIS (2-2) +3 @ DETROIT (0-4) 43 pts
-Behind rookie QB Sam Bradford, that running game featuring Steven Jackson, and that defense, the Rams playing for first place in the NFC West. No denying Bradford’s a special player that’ll run the Rams for at least a decade. Winless Detroit playing much better as well and their future is bright. Unfortunately, the Lions are without last year’s top-overall pick, QB Matthew Stafford, who separated his shoulder in week one. Shaun Hill’s played well in his stead. Detroit might need to un-retire Eric Hipple. What’s a Hipple you ask? Google time. Rams looking for their first road win since last year in Detroit. They’ll try for their first three-game winning streak in four years. RAMS (44-6, LIONS)

KANSAS CITY (3-0) +7 @ INDIANAPOLIS (2-2) 45.5 pts
-The Chiefs coming off their bye week as the league’s last undefeated team. They’re averaging 160 yards on the ground with RB Jamal Charles and a dynamic duo on special teams with returnee’s Dexter McCluster and Javier Arenas. Their defense stellar as well. QB Peyton Manning and the Colts aren’t used to having two losses this early in a season. In last week’s loss at Jacksonville, the Colts had turnover issues and couldn’t stop the run. They also couldn’t run. Problem for the Chiefs, Peyton’s angry and it’s hard to beat Indy in Indy after a loss. COLTS (19-9, COLTS)

GREEN BAY (3-1) -2.5 @ WASHINGTON (2-2) 45.5 pts
-Redskins featuring the running game and solid defense in last week’s homecoming win for QB Donovan McNabb over the Eagles in Philadelphia. Packers behind QB Aaron Rodgers snuck by the Lions at home. Redskins have the worst pass defense in the league. PACKERS (16-13, REDSKINS)

CHICAGO (3-1) +2.5 @ CAROLINA (0-4) 33 pts
-Bears QB Jay Cutler was knocked out of last week’s loss to the Giants, who sacked Bears’ QB’s 10 TIMES! Cutler’s out of Sunday’s game with effects from a concussion getting pounded to the Meadowlands Stadium Turf so many times. Veteran Back-Up QB Todd Collins gets the start and DE Julius Pepper’s returns to Carolina to go up against his winless former team. Rookie QB Jimmy Clausen starts for the third straight time for the Panthers. Carolina’s getting much better. They need to be able to run the ball with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Collins could have issues because the Bears O-Line is suspect (See Last Week) and they can’t run the ball. Remember. Mike Martz is the offensive coordinator. They can probably feature some running against the Cats. BEARS (23-6, BEARS)

DENVER (2-2) +7 @ BALTIMORE (3-1) 33 pts
-Denver can’t run the ball thus having issues getting the ball in the end zone. The Ravens are so good in all phases of the game. Led by LB Ray Lewis. QB Joe Flacco and WR Anquan Bouldin and lights out as is that running game with Ray Rice. RAVENS (31-17, RAVENS)

NY GIANTS OF NEW JERSEY (2-2) +3 @ HOUSTON (3-1) 48.5 pts
-If the Giants can do to Texans QB Matt Schaub what they did to Bears’ QB’s, sacking them 10 times, the Giants just may be back. Unfortunate, they’re in Houston where they’re going against the league’s top rusher, Arian Foster. Schaub will look for WR Andre Johnson who’s sprained ankle is beter. On defense, QB Eli Manning and RB Ahmad Bradshaw need to get some time against DE Mario Williams and LB Brian Cushing who returns to the line-up after a substance abuse suspension. TEXANS (34-10, GIANTS)

NEW ORLEANS (3-1) -7 @ ARIZONA (2-2) 45.5 ptS
-The two last NFC Super Bowl reps tangling in the Valley of the Sun. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they have QB issues. Derek Anderson’s done and replaced by undrafted rookie Max Hall. No such issues for the World Champion Saints. They have Drew Brees. Saints are winning ugly this year always in close games. The mark of a champ. It’ll be like last year on Sunday with Brees throwing all over the field. SAINTS (30-20, CARDINALS)

TENNESSEE (2-2) +7 @ DALLAS (1-2) 42.5 pts
-Titans running into to the Cowboys at a bad time. Dallas had its bye week last week after beating the Texans in Houston two week’s ago. Cowboys featured RB Marion Barber n the win taking pressure off the league’s most over-rated and over-hyped QB ever, Tony Romo who was 23-30 for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Texans QB Vince Young returning home. He guided the University of Texas to a national championship a few years back. Titans have a 10-game win streak against NFC opponents. Ends today. COWBOYS (34-27, TITANS)

SAN DIEGO (2-2) -6.5 @ OAKLAND (1-3) 45 pts
-An AFL rivalry that’s spans five decades. Chargers haven’t played well enough on the road to win having special teams and turnover issues. QB Phillip Rivers playing huge for the Bolts. Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski has Oakland playing well. Raiders without RB Darren McFadden who’s out with a hamstring pull. The Raiders defense playing well. Bolts a bit better. CHARGERS (35-27, RAIDERS)

PHILADELPHIA (2-2) +3 @ SAN FRANCISCO (0-4) 38.5 pts (SNF)
-Eagles returning QB Kevin Kolb as the starter after Michael Vick went down with a rib injury in last week’s loss at home to Washington. 49ers still winless after gift-wrapping a game to the Falcons in Atlanta last week. San Francisco gets its first win. 49EERS (27-24, EAGLES)

MINNESOTA (1-2) +4 @ NY JETS OF NEW JERSEY (3-1) 38 pts (MNF)
-Vikings traded for WR Randy Moss last week returning him to Minnesota and pairing him with QB Brett Favre who always wanted to throw to Moss. WR Percy Harvin is, also, back. It’s all about RB Adrian Peterson. He runs past a great defense, it’ll open up that passing game that’s, currently, last in the league. Since an opening game loss to Baltimore, QB Mark Sanchez has been stellar throwing eight TD passes and no INT’s. Former Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson has found the fountain of youth running behind the Jets O-Line designed for the run where San Diego’s was designed to pass block for Phillip Rivers. Moss will go up against CB Darelle Revis for the secnd time in two week’s. Moss sent Revis to the sideline’s beating him for a Patriots touchdown tweaking Revis’ hamstring in the process. It’s the game of the week. Favre played a season for the Jets and will have a blast against one of his former teams with Moss back. VIKINGS (29-20, JETS)

BYE WEEK:

MIAMI (2-2)

PITTSBURGH (2-2)

SEATTLE (2-2)

NEW ENGLAND (2-2)

LOS ANGELES (15 years, 5 weeks)

October 10, 2010 0

Special Teams and Kickers Kicked My A&&!!

Eric’s NFL Week 4 Picks

Last Week: 10-6 Season: 30-18

The Chargers Special Teams, Kicker Sebastian Janikowski of the Raiders & Saints kicker Garrett Hartley all played like “Huxley College”. Dedicated to them, one of my favorite “football comedy bits” provided by the Marx Brothers in HORSE FEATHERS.

SAN FRANCISCO +6.5 (0-3) @ ATLANTA (2-1) O/U 42.5 pts
-49ers were pre-season favorites to win the NFC West. Now, with a loss to Atlanta, the Mike Singletary watch will be on. The Falcons have the upper hand on the NFC South after beating the champion Saints in overtime last week in the Big Easy. “Tic-Toc, Samurai Mike.” FALCONS (16-14, FALCONS)

NY JETS OF NEW JERSEY +5.5 (2-1) @ BUFFALO (0-3) 37 pts
-Bills replaced starting QB Trent Edwards with back-up Ryan Fitzpatrick in last week’s 38-30 loss to New England. Fitzpatrick played so well, head coach Chan Gailey cut Edwards off the roster completely. Rex Ryan and the J-E-T-S! JETS, JETS< JETS! Can go 3-0 within the AFC East for the first time in 10 years. QB Mark Sanchez and that offense showing good balance since the loss in the opener to the Ravens. Could be an “ambush game” for the Jets. Watch out, Rex. It’ll be close. JETS (38-14, JETS)

CINCINNATI -3 (2-1) @ CLEVELAND (0-3) 37.5 pts
-The Battle of Ohio renewed on the shores of Lake Erie. Browns QB Jake Delhomme’s back from injury. Browns gave the Ravens a scare last week in their 24-17 loss. This one’s going to be close too. Bengals offense should FINALLY open up. Watch out for plenty of Carson Palmer to Ocho-Cinco and T.O. BENGALS (23-20, BROWNS)

DETROIT (0-3) +14.5 @ GREEN BAY (2-1) 45 pts
-Lions still without Matthew Stafford at QB. Detroit lost big at Minnesota last week. It’ll be worse Sunday especially since the Packers are coming off a loss in Chicago. Aaron Rodgers should unload a can of “whoop-a&&” in the “not yet frozen tundra.” PACKERS (28-26, PACKERS)

DENVER +6.5 (1-2) @ TENNESSEE (2-1) 43 pts
-QB Vince Young and the Titans rebounded well from an ugly home loss to Pittsburgh with an inspired win over the Giants in Gotham last week. QB Kyle Orton and the Broncos are putting up good stats but can’t get the pill in the end zone. Denver struggled mightily in last week’s 27-13 home loss to Peyton Manning and the Colts. Titans RB Chris Johnson’s going to have a big day. TITANS (26-20, BRONCOS)

SEATTLE (2-1) -1 @ ST. LOUIS (1-2) 40 pts
-Pete Carroll’s Seahawks were fortunate Leon Washington was able to return two kick-offs for touchdowns in last week’s 27-20 home win over San Diego. Bolts QB Phillip Rivers dissected the Seattle secondary for 455 yards. They better watch out because they’re in the Gateway City facing an improved Rams team with a gun-slinger at QB. How about the Rams and top overall pick Sam Bradford! They broke a 14-game losing streak taking care of Washington, 30-16 last week. RB Steven Jackson’s questionable because of a pulled groin. Kenneth Darby did well replacing the all-pro with 49 yards on 14 carries and a score. Seahawks have won nine straight against the Rams. The Rams could easily be 3-0 with their two losses by a combined five points. Let’s keep that MOJO going. Bradford’s going to have a big day. RAMS (20-3, RAMS)

CAROLINA (0-3) +13.5 @ NEW ORLEANS (2-1) 44 pts
-If it weren’t for Saints kicker Garrett Hartley’s missed 29 yard field goal in overtime, the Saints would be 3-0. New Orleans brought back 22-year veteran kicker John Carney who could replace Hartley as soon as Sunday. Both were on last season’s roster. Carolina’s working Notre Dame rookie QB Jimmy Clausen into the offense so this is an extended “pre-season” going into the next season. This could be ugly. SAINTS (16-14, SAINTS)

BALTIMORE (2-1) +1.5 @ PITTSBURGH (3-0) 34.5 pts
-This has got to be the game of the day. An AFC North Clash of Titans. Both with monster defenses. Without QB Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers have rediscovered the running game with Rashard Mendenhall moving the chains. That defense, led by Troy Palomalu, is awesome. Same with Baltimore’s led by Ray Lewis. QB Joe Flacco tossed three touchdowns to new toy Anquan Bouldin in last week‘s 24-17 win at Cleveland. Ravens, also, have a solid ground attack with Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. This is a pick ’em game and I’d lean to the home team in this home-and-home series. I’m going to go with Flacco and the Birds in a close one only because this is where the Steelers will miss Big Ben. RAVENS (17-14, RAVENS)

HOUSTON (2-1) -3 @ OAKLAND (1-2) 43 pts
-Are you kidding me, Sebastian Janikowski!!!! If it weren’t for your three missed field goals, including a 32-yard “chippie” as time expired, you and the Raiders would be 2-1. Wasted effort by new starting QB Bruce Gradkowski and that third-ranked Raider Defense in that 24-23 loss at Arizona. Are you kidding me Texans!!! You had a 3-0 start in your sites and laid an egg at home to previously winless Dallas last week, 27-13. QB Matt Schaub and that number one offense stopped dead by the Dallas defense. Meanwhile, Dallas QB Tony Romo sliced and diced that worst passing defense in the league. Won’t get any easier for the Texans in the black hole, especially, with WR Andre Johnson still hobbled by the bad wheel. Gradkowki licking his chops to get at that Houston pass defense. Don’t let me down again, Janikowski!! RAIDERS (31-24, TEXANS)

Fitting Houston’s at Oakland. Hall-of-Famer George Blanda played in both cities (Oilers & Raiders) as well as in Chicago with the Bears during his remarkable 26 year NFL/AFL career. Blanda passed away this past week at 83. Here’s a tribute to one of the most amazing players ever courtesy of the NFL Network. R.I.P George Blanda.

INDIANAPOLIS (2-1) -7 @ JACKSONVILLE (1-2) 46 pts
-Only way Jacksonville has a shot against Indy is if RB Maurice Jones-Drew has a big day against that Colts defense, which he’s done in the past. Also, that Jags defense has to find a way to stop Peyton Manning. No way. COLTS (31-28, JAGUARS)

WASHINGTON (1-2) +5.5 @ PHILADELPHIA (2-1) 43 pts
-Welcome home, Donovan McNabb!! Redskins coming off a bad 30-16 loss at St. Louis. That defense is the worst in the league adjusting to that 3-4 scheme. “Big Dog” Michael Vick has thrown for 750 yards, six TD’s, no picks, 170 rushing yards and another score since taking over for Kevin Kolb in week one. McNabb was instrumental in bringing Vick to the Eagles last year. The thanks, McNabb’s going to get bitten hard by him in the City of Brotherly Love. EAGLES (17-12, REDSKINS)

ARIZONA (2-1) +8 @ SAN DIEGO (1-2) 45.5 pts
-Chargers are playing true to form giving games away in the first five weeks of the season. QB Phillip Rivers threw for 455 yards in the loss at Seattle last week. Bolts special teams needs a wake-up call after giving up two kick-off returns for touchdowns. Cardinals should’ve given a game-ball to Oakland kicker Sebastian Janikowski last week, for missing three field goals including a 32-yard chippie as time ran out, gift-wrapping a 24-23 win for the Cards in Arizona. Is that correct?? Derek Anderson’s the starting QB for the Cardinals?? STILL?!?!? CHARGERS (41-10, CHARGERS)

CHICAGO (3-0) +3.5 @ NY GIANTS OF NEW JERSEY (1-2) 43.5 pts (SNF)
-The Bears and QB Jay Cutler looking very strong and improved after Monday’s 20-17 win over Green Bay at Soldier Field. As for the Giants, head coach Tom Coughlin could be on the hot-seat if his team plays the way they’ve been playing. BAD. QB Eli Manning looking like his Dad Archie, trying to create something using his opposite hand to try and throw a touchdown. Instead, a pick by the Titans in the end zone. If the Giants can get any kind of running game……………oh, snap! It’s the Bears defense with Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers. BEARS (17-3, GIANTS)

NEW ENGLAND (2-1) -1 @ MIAMI (2-1) 46.5 pts
-Patriots with a close shave with the winless and hapless Buffalo Bills last week at The Razor, winning 38-30. QB Tom Brady is his old self throwing darts to his tight ends and selection of WR’s. New England’s defense isn’t what it used to be. The Dolphins played it tough in a home loss to the Jets last week. QB Chad Henne and Brandon Marshall clicking as are running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams although the latter needs to hold on to the rock. Miami’s defense is better. A close division game. DOLPHINS (41-14, PATRIOTS)

BYE WEEK:

DALLAS (1-2)
MINNESOTA (1-2)
KANSAS CITY (3-0)
TAMPA BAY (2-1)
LOS ANGELES (15 years, 4 weeks)

October 1, 2010 1

Eric’s Week 3 NFL Picks

For us lovers of football, enjoy this “little ditty” from 1986’s WILDCATS starring Goldie Hawn and some “up & comers.”

Week 2: 8-8 SEASON TOTAL: 20-12

SAN FRANCISCO (0-2) -2.5 @ KANSAS CITY (2-0) O/U 37 pts
-Mike Singletary’s winless Niners are much improved but killing themselves with turnovers. Four of them last week against the champion Saints including a bad “high school-like snap” giving the Saints a safety. Crucial since the Niners lost in overtime, 25-22. QB Alex Smith improving. SF’s defense, playing like “Samurai Mike” used to with Da Bears, ranked fourth in the league. The undefeated Chiefs have some good chemistry going with the New England Patriots West coaching staff. Gotta be since they’re 2-0 with the fourth worst offense in the league. Playing and beating Cleveland helps. 49ERS (31-10, CHIEFS)

DETROIT (0-2) +11.5 @ MINNESOTA (0-2) 43 pts
-Vikings with major issues at wide receiver and the right side of that offensive line giving Brett Favre second thoughts about coming back for one more go ‘round. Lions will be without QB Matthew Stafford again with a separated shoulder suffered in week one. Shaun Hill takes over. Lions much improved on both sides of the ball. Minnesota lost their opener at New Orleans, 14-9. Vikes lost last week to Miami, 14-10. If things work out, Lions might win, 14-11. Nah. Vikings still better and Percy Harvin’s back to help Favre out. VIKINGS (24-10, VIKINGS)

BUFFALO (0-2) +14.5 @ NEW ENGLAND (1-1) 42.5 pts
-The Bills are BAD! The Patriots are MAD! Plenty of Brady to Welker/Moss. PATRIOTS (38-30, PATRIOTS)

ATLANTA (1-1) +3.5 @ NEW ORLEANS (2-0) 49.5 pts
-Thanks to this game, maybe us Los Angelenos will be spared from watching the Giants again. This will be a shoot-out in the Big Easy. Since Brees has come to New Orleans, the Saints are 7-1 against the Dirty Birds. Both teams with issues in their backfields tending to injuries. Matt Ryan and the Falcons have to win this one if they want to dethrone the Saints in the NFC South. Not yet. SAINTS (27-24, FALCONS ot)

TENNESSEE (1-1) +3 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (1-1) 42.5 pts
-Titans had seven turnovers, including two picks and a fumble by QB Vince Young who was replaced by ex-Giant Kerry Collins, in last week’s 19-11 loss to Pittsburgh. Young will start. Meanwhile, the G-Men lost the MANNING BOWL as Eli was outplayed by Peyton in Indy last week, 38-14. The Giants are just bad on both sides of the ball right now. They can’t run and Eli has issues because they have to throw to have a chance. That defense allowed huge yardage on the ground to a Colts team that usually can’t run to save its life. Chris Johnson will look to pad some stats. TITANS (29-10, TITANS)

PITTSBURGH (2-0) -2.5 @ TAMPA BAY (2-0) 33 pts
-No Ben Roethlisberger at QB for the Steelers. No problem. No Byron Leftwich. No problem. No Dennis Dixon. No problem. Pitt’s now down to old man Charlie Batch. They better get Terry Bradshaw ready in the bullpen. It’s all about the Steel Curtain Defense. They go as safety Troy “Samson” Polamalu goes. He’s a beast. If he’s out, the Steelers are a bad team. Second-year QB Josh Freeman playing very well for the undefeated Buccaneers. Four TD tosses against just one pick so far this season. Steelers will bring the noise on defense and pound away with Rashard Mendenhall on offense. STEELERS. (38-13, STEELERS)

CINCINNATI (1-1) -3 @ CAROLINA (0-2) 38 pts
-I LOVE A GOOD CAT FIGHT! Too bad this won’t be one. Rookie Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen taking over as the starter for Carolina and an ineffective Matt Moore. His counter-part is former USC QB Carson Palmer. Palmer and the Bengals looked solid in last week’s 15-10 home win over the Ravens. Palmer, Chad Ocho-Cinco, Terrell “TO” Owens, Cedric Benson. Too many weapons for the Panthers. BENGALS (20-7, BENGALS)

CLEVELAND (0-2) +10.5 @ BALTIMORE (1-1) 37 pts
-”New” Browns and “Old” Browns together for another “Family Feud” which is just too one-sided. Ravens haven’t allowed a single touchdown so far. Ray Lewis and that defense are dialed-in, especially with the bad calls against Cincy last week. RAVENS (24-17, RAVENS)

DALLAS (0-2) +3 @ HOUSTON (2-0) 47.5 pts
-The “Lone Star State Squabble” looks more and more like Houston’s ready to take. The undefeated Texans are coming of age before our eyes. They did away with division foe Indianapolis in the season-opener and came from 17 points behind to beat the Redskins in overtime in DC. QB Matt Schaub threw for three yards shy of 500 in last week’s win. WR Andre Johnson hurt an ankle but came back to grab the game-tying TD late in the 4th. RB Arian Foster had 237 rushing yards in the win over the Colts. Meanwhile, Dallas, a pre-season Super Bowl favorite, is terrible in all fazes of the game. The most over-rated and over-hyped QB in league history, Tony Romo, is having issues because the Cowboys can’t run the football gaining 38 total yards in last week’s 27-20 loss, at home, to the Bears. The Cowboy defense only has two sacks so far. They could be in danger of going 0-3 and done. Texans are ready to take another step. TEXANS (27-13, COWBOYS)

WASHINGTON (1-1) -3.5 @ ST. LOUIS (0-2) 38 pts
-Hard to believe the Redskins are a worse rushing team than the Cowboys. But, they are. They couldn’t run the ball to kill some clock with a 17-point lead and ended up losing 30-27 in overtime to Houston. QB Donovan McNabb tossed for over 400 yards but that makes Washington too one-dimensional. Remedy for Washington on the way. The young, improving and still winless Rams allow the third most rushing yards in the league, including giving up 145 yards to Oakland’s Darren McFadden in last week’s 16-14 loss to the Raiders. Although Rams rookie QB Sam Bradford is still getting his feet wet with four touchdown throws against five interceptions, St. Louis could easily be 2-0. So, they’re in every game even though the Rams have the league’s second worst offense. But, the remedy, the Redskins, who have the worst overall defense giving up almost 450 yards a game. Was thinking Redskins. However, the Rams have this All-Pro RB named Steven Jackson. They’re at home too. RAMS (30-16, RAMS)

PHILADELPHIA (1-1) -3 @ JACKSONVILLE (1-1) 45 pts
-You can’t teach an OLD DOG new tricks, so you let him work the magic he’s known for. No. Not that. I’m talking about football. Michael Vick’s earned the Eagles starting QB job with his play the last two weeks. He led Philly to a 35-32 win at Detroit last week in his first start since 2006. He’s a got a big running back in LaSean McCoy to hand off to. McCoy rumbled for 120 yards and three touchdowns last week. Jaguars were torched by San Diego last week. QB David Garrard having issues as is RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Sure it’s in J’Ville. But Vick’s got the hot hand. EAGLES (28-3, EAGLES)

INDIANAPOLIS (1-1) -5.5 @ DENVER (1-1) 48.5 pts
-After opening with a loss at Houston, Colts QB Peyton Manning took it to brother Eli’s Giants winning 38-14. Peyton’s thrown for almost 700 yards and six touchdowns without an interception. Broncos beat Seattle at home last week, 31-14. They have to deal with a depleted secondary and the prospects of getting sliced and diced by Manning. They’ll have heavy hearts as well with the loss of teammate Kenny McKinley who apparently took his own life last week. COLTS (27-13, COLTS)

OAKLAND (1-1) +4.5 @ ARIZONA (1-1) 39.5 pts
-Raiders benched ineffective QB Jason Campbell trailing St. Louis 7-3 at halftime of last weeks home-opener against the Rams replacing him with Bruce Gradkowski who engineered a come from behind 16-14 win. He seems to have complete control of the Raiders who look like a contender with him calling the signals. Darren McFadden rushed for 145 yards and, although they gave up 140 yards on the ground last week, their defense is top 10. Cardinals got blitzed in Atlanta last week, 41-7. Wonder if they miss Matt Leinart only because Derek Anderson is completely ineffective. Arizona will have to try to get Tim Hightower and Beenie Wells going on the ground to win. RAIDERS (24-23, CARDINALS)

SAN DIEGO (1-1) -5 @ SEATTLE (1-1) 44.5 pts
-New coach Pete Carroll had the Seahawks looking impressive in their season-opening win at home over the 49ers. It all came crashing down last week in Denver losing to the Broncos, 31-14. Although Vincent Jackson’s probably done with the Chargers, the Bolts looked like the Super Bowl contender all experts believe they are rebounding from their season opening loss at KC by dismantling Jacksonville in last week’s home-opener, 38-13. QB Phillip Rivers is elite passing for 334 yards and three scores. Rookie RB Ryan Matthews was hurt and doubtful today. Mike Tolbert replaced him adding a pair of touchdowns. The Bolts defense was superior picking off four passes, two by Antoine Cason. Since it’s in the Emerald City, it’ll be tough. Rivers will throw a game-winner late. CHARGERS (27-20, SEAHAWKS)

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (1-1) +2 @ MIAMI (2-0) 35 pts (SNF)
-This is going to be a brawl! The Jets looked like a contender after letting QB Mark Sanchez toss a few down field. He tossed three TD’s in the Jets win over reigning AFC East champ New England last week. RB LaDanian Tomlinson looked like his old self feeling healthy for the first time in two years. Bet the Chargers would love to have LT back. The defense will be without Darrelle Revis who’s pulled a hamstring. The other ex-Bolt Antonio Cromartie replaced him and did quite well against Randy Moss. Miami’s 2-0 after halting the Vikings last week in the Twin Cities, 14-10. That Dolphin defense is as ferocious as the Jets making Brett Favre wish he had retired once and for all. On Offense, QB Chad Henne has the big arm tossing to new toy Brandon Marshall but also has to love having a healthy Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to hand off to. These division rivals will meet again. It’s so close I’ve got to go with home-field. DOLPHINS (31-23, JETS)

GREEN BAY (2-0) -3 @ CHICAGO (3-0) 46 pts (MNF)
-Oldest rivalry in the league renewed. A coaching upgrade for the offense has kick-started the Bears and QB Jay Cutler into high-gear. Chicago’s undefeated (thanks to that week one gift against Detroit) with Mike Martz calling the plays for Lovie Smith‘s team. Under Martz the Bears are fifth in the league in offense and Cutler’s tossed for seven TDs with only one pick. Cutler was stellar in last week’s 27-20 Bears win over the Cowboys in Dallas. The Bears defense, led by Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers, was monstrous against Dallas. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are the class of the NFC North at this stage. Their Achilles Heel, RB Ryan Grant is out for the year with a bad wheel. Against the worst team in the league last week, replacements Brandon Jackson and John Kuhn combined for 65 rushing yards on 20 carries. They’ll get better (and Larry Johnson’s available). But, this early in the season against their arch division rival at their place isn’t good. BEARS (20-17, BEARS)

BYE WEEK: LOS ANGELES (15 seasons, 3 weeks)

September 26, 2010 1

All Sainz Point to Tabloid Journalism

Let’s get one thing straight. Women sports journalists have every right to be in a locker room to do their jobs, before and after games, just as the men do.

There’s protocol here.

You hear about all these “unwritten rules” in sports such as baseball’s where if your team’s ahead by ten runs and you have a runner on first, you don‘t attempt a steal of second base to “pile it on.”

It works just the same for those that cover the games as well. The obvious one is You dress in a professional manner. A sports journalist is at a game, or a practice, to GET the story, not BE the story.

I’d never heard of TV AZTECA of MEXICO “sports reporter” Ines Sainz until last week’s practice field and locker room fiasco involving members of the New York Jets. For that matter, I’d never heard of TV AZTECA of MEXICO either. That’s besides the point.

Anyway, judging from all the photographs of Miss Sainz you can view online, some of which I am providing in this blog, it’s obvious she wants the attention and wants to be the story, not tell a story, unless it‘s hers.

Sainz’s wardrobe choices when covering these sports events filled with male testosterone are more suited for an evening with girlfriends at a night club, which is also filled with male testosterone.

Take a look at what she was wearing at Jets practice when the incident involving “cat calls” by players occurred causing this controversy the NFL and Women’s Journalism Groups want investigated.

You know what we say about pictures, “A picture says a thousand words.” Judging from some of Sainz’s, which I’ve provided examples of on this blog, maybe a thousand AND ONE.

In her blog, The Legal WaterCooler, legal marketer Heather Morse Milligan discussed the alleged inexcusable and inappropriate behavior displayed by the New York Jets players towards Miss Sainz and how her attire, which seems to be appropriate in her native Mexico, was inappropriate HERE provoking the players reaction Sainz got.

I find it hard to believe a serious, self-respecting female sports reporter who works on national TV, HERE, in the USA would want similar attention Sainz seems to get. Again, see the pics I’ve provided.

Some of the well-respected sports reporters, who are women, we see on national television regularly like NBC’s Andrea Kremer, CBS’s Bonnie Bernstein, from ESPN/ABC Linda Cohn, Michele Tafoya and Erin Andrews, all don’t want to be the story, they tell it well and certainly aren‘t looking for the “exposure“ Sainz seems to be happy to provide (see attached photographs).

These well-respected women of sports journalism understand protocol HERE dressing appropriately in business attire for work that takes them to locker rooms.

Unfortunately for Andrews, who is quite attractive and was voted the Sexiest Sportscaster of the Year for 2008-2009 by Playboy, she became the story when a stalker was video-taping her undressed in hotel rooms through peepholes.

All these women sports journalists have to deal with stereotypes Sainz portrays regarding women sportscasters and are tired of it. Kremer voiced her displeasure in a NY Daily News article regarding this incident.

I’ve been in this business going on 16 years. I’ve worked with women that have earned respect, in and out of the locker room, that understand unwritten rules and protocol regarding attire. You see them in the press box, and locker room, every year.

I’ve also worked with those women that want to be the story. They last for “a cup of coffee.”

Super Bowl Week has an annual Media Day, usually the Tuesday before the game, that involves the players answering questions from all sorts of media from all over the globe that have any kind of television show and are granted a credential.

That includes sports news media mixed in with correspondents from comedy shows like The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The latter look for comedy bits to broadcast during their late night shows.

That also includes TV AZTECA of MEXICO who sent a “woman sports reporter” to a recent Super Bowl, not Sainz, dressed in a wedding gown to propose to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Based on that fact alone, the journalistic credibility of TV AZTECA and Sainz, has to be questioned.

As far as those that are covered in the locker room, the players, they have to work by a set of guidelines as well because those journalists that enter their locker room are there to tell the players’ story. Plain and simple. Regardless of attire, they should respect those entering a locker room are there to do a job.

But, what do you want from a bunch of 25-year old male millionaires whose bodies are part of the sports display. Doesn’t make their “cat calls” directed towards Sainz acceptable. By the way, they aren’t.

Sainz at Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, February 2009

What TV AZTECA of MEXICO and its “women sports reporters” should realize is when you go to work in a foreign country, as guests, you abide by the host country’s protocol and culture, which, when reporting on sports is involved, you don’t parade around in a professional teams locker room wearing attention-grabbing, skimpy night club attire.

That might be considered “professional sports reporting attire” in Mexico. But, it isn’t in the United States of America.

But, mission accomplished by Sainz. We, now, all know who she is and expect big $$$ offers for the sexy ‘caster from some magazines (Playboy? Maybe Penthouse?) in the good ol’ USA .

At least now I know, if I cover a sports event in Mexico any time soon, I can wear some of my night club gear. LOOK OUT, SENORITAS!!

photos courtesy: Esquire, Hombre

September 21, 2010 0

Eric’s NFL Week 2 Picks

Eric’s record after Week 1: 12-4

WEEK 2

ARIZONA (1-0) +6.5 @ ATLANTA (0-1) O/U 43 pts
-Cardinals were fortunate to get a win against a bad and rebuilding Rams team. Falcons played poorly losing at Pittsburgh against a Steeler team with Dennis Dixon at starting quarterback. No matter. Atlanta’s a better team than Arizona. Come on! Cards have Derek Anderson at QB. Falcons have Matt Ryan. Atlanta will get on track, especially in the Georgia Dome. FALCONS

BALTIMORE (1-0) -2.5 @ CINCINNATI (0-1) O/U 39.5 pts
-The Ravens are the best team in the league. LB Ray Lewis is a legend. Baltimore “hard-knocked” Rex Ryan and the Jets into oblivion at the Meadowlands Stadium last week. Defending AFC North Champion Cincinnati got roasted at New England. The Ravens won’t go undefeated and this is the Bengals home-opener with Terrell Owens and Chad Ocho-Cinco making their tandem debut at home. These division rivals know each other well. It’ll be a hard-fought, close game. BENGALS

KANSAS CITY (1-0) +2 @ CLEVELAND (0-1) O/U 38.5 pts
-The Chiefs look as if they’re getting better under the old New England Patriot hierarchy. In week one’s 21-14 win over defending AFC West Champion San Diego, KC played stellar in all three (special teams, defense & offense) fazes of the game. Jamaal Charles and rookie Dexter McCluster ran circles around the Bolts. Cleveland lost at Tampa Bay. QB Jake Delhomme played well but got banged up. He’s got a sprained wheel. So, Seneca Wallace could get the start at QB and Josh Cribbs will be the best player on the field. Right now, Kansas City’s the better team. CHIEFS

CHICAGO (*1-0) +7 @ DALLAS (0-1) O/U 40.5 pts
-The Bears got a gift in their home-opening win over Detroit last week. Don’t get me started because I‘ll just ramble on!! The Cowboys got skunked in Washington by their arch rival Redskins. It’s their home-opener. What I would suggest to the Cowboys coaches (like they’d listen to me) is to have the most over-rated and over-hyped quarterback in league history, **Tony Romo (see Joke of the Day below), hand-off to his running backs a minimum of 30 times. COWBOYS

PHILADELPHIA (0-1) -6.5 @ DETROIT (*0-1) O/U 41.5 pts
-Let me get this straight. If your 4th and goal at the one. Your running back just stretches the ball over the plane of the goal line, or, if the offensive player goes towards the end zone pylon leaps in the air, with most of his body out of bounds, but reaches the hand holding the ball over the pylon………THOSE ARE TOUCHDOWNS?!?! But when a player (i.e. Lions WR Calvin Johnson) clearly catches the ball with both hands six yards in the end zone, comes down with both feet touching the ground and puts the ball in one hand and leaves the ball on the ground after scoring an apparent game-winning touchdown and runs with glee (sorry) to his sideline……ISN’T A TOUCHDOWN?!?!? WHAT?!?! That rule needs to be re-written because the Lions got robbed!! Regardless of bad calls, the Lions are much improved on both sides of the ball. Problem is, second year QB Matthew Stafford suffered a separated shoulder against the Bears and is out for four to six weeks. So back-up Shaun Hill is your starter for at least the next month. Don’t get me wrong, Hill’s a capable back-up having played a couple of years with the 49ers. Meanwhile, the Eagles will be going with everyone’s DAWG, Michael Vick, at QB after Kevin Kolb suffered a concussion against Green Bay last week. We’ll see how Vick, voted the most hated athlete in an ESPN random poll, free-lances and how it affects the Eagles. The Eagles are the favorite. But, it’s the Lions home-opener with a new ferocious defense, led by second overall pick Ndomukong Suh, that’s got to be pissed they got a win taken from them. LIONS

BUFFALO (0-1) +12.5 @ GREEN BAY (1-0) O/U 42.5 pts
-Unless Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, Andre Reed and Thurman Thomas suit up for the Bills……………PACKERS

PITTSBURGH (1-0) +5 @ TENNESSEE (1-0) O/U 37 pts
-Steelers QB Dennis Dixon, subbing for suspended Ben Roethlisberger, played well in Pittsburgh’s overtime win over Atlanta in last week’s home-opener. It helps when RB Rashard Mendenhall scampered 50 yards for an OT touchdown giving the Steelers the 15-9 win. Titans QB Vince “I’ll take the vacant Heisman” Young led a huge win over Oakland last week. RB Chris Johnson is on his way to 2500 yards after gaining 142 yards on the Raiders. No Dixon/Mendenhall Magic this week. TITANS

MIAMI (1-0) +5.5 @ MINNESOTA (0-1) O/U 39 pts
-Dolphins barely beat the Bills last week, 15-10. None-the-less, they did win. Ageless QB Brett Favre and the Vikings lost their second straight in the Big Easy last week to the Super Bowl Champion Saints, 14-9. Although the Vikings are still a bit unsettled at wide receiver, they’re the better team and it’s their home-opener. Favre and RB Adrian Peterson will have big games while that defense puts the clamps on Chad Henne, Ronnie Brown and company. VIKINGS

TAMPA BAY (1-0) +3 @ CAROLINA (0-1) O/U 39 pts
-QB Josh Freeman looked good in the Bucs season-opening 17-14 win over Cleveland last week. Matt Moore and the Panthers held a 16-14 halftime lead over the Giants at the Meadowlands Stadium last week. Then, the Giants began to run all over them and came from behind to record a 31-18 win. Moore was knocked out with a concussion late in the game. Notre Dame rookie Jimmy Clausen could see his first start at QB for the Panthers. These teams are mirror images of each other. Carolina home game. PANTHERS

SEATTLE (1-0) +3 @ DENVER (0-1) O/U 40.5 pts
-Say what you want about Pete Carroll regarding his tenure at USC. The guy can flat out motivate players and coach football. Seahawks looked like they were having fun in last week’s home-opening 31-6 win over San Francisco. QB Matt Hasselbeck looked healthy and rejuvenated. Meanwhile, Denver looked, well, eh, losing at Jacksonville, 24-17 last week. It’s the Broncos home-opener so I’ll go with an upset. If you can call it that. SEAHAWKS

ST. LOUIS (0-1) +3 @ OAKLAND (0-1) O/U 37.5 pts
-The latest edition of the “EX-LAX BOWL” could require viewers to have Mylanta on hand. The Raiders looked as bad with new QB Jason Campbell calling the signals in their 38-13 loss at Tennessee last week as they did in three seasons with JaMarcus Russell. Oakland looked inept in all fazes of the game. How is Tom Cable, fired as head coach at the University of Idaho a few years back, still the head coach of the Raiders I have no idea. Meanwhile, the Rams have found themselves a quarterback. Rookie and top overall draft pick Sam Bradford looked solid in his NFL debut last week. The Rams lost their home-opener to Arizona, 17-13 but Bradford had them in position to win. He passed for 253 yards and a touchdown. He did throw three picks, including one on a late drive for the possible win. Rookie mistakes to be sure, but he looked good none-the-less. Rams looked inspired and played well in all fazes. Both teams are works in progress. St. Louis happens to be progressing faster. But it’s the Raiders home-opener. Considering Titans RB Chris Johnson reeled of 142 yards against the Raider defense, just think what a dose of Steven Jackson might do to it. Rams will set up the pass via Jackson’s running. RAMS

NEW ENGLAND (1-0) -3 @ NY JETS OF NEW JERSEY (0-1) O/U 38.5 pts
-Sure the Jets made it to last year’s AFC Championship. But, that was last year. Remember, they finished the regular season 9-7 and were able to make the playoffs because Indianapolis decided not to go for an undefeated season in preparation for the playoffs and tanked to the NY Jets of New Jersey in week 15. Rex Ryan’s team looked terrible losing to Baltimore last week. Sure, that Jets defense played up to its top-rated status. But, on offense under second year QB Mark Sanchez, they looked inept. And all those penalties on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, New England looked like the team that entered Super Bowl XLII (42 for you non-Romans) undefeated in beating Cincinnati last week. QB Tom Brady and the Pats won just two road games last season, with one on a neutral field in London over Tampa Bay. This is a division game so it should be hard-fought. New England will come to play. Rex Ryan better hope his team plays with more poise. PATRIOTS

JACKSONVILLE (1-0) +7 @ SAN DIEGO (0-1) O/U 45 pts
-Chargers have everyone exactly where they want them. They’ve won four consecutive AFC West Titles playing under .500 the first five weeks of all those title winning seasons. Bolts lost at Kansas City Monday night and look as if they miss WR Vincent Jackson who’s holding out for more $$. Jacksonville looked strong beating Denver in their home-opener last week. QB Phillip Rivers and the Bolts are better than QB David Garrard and the Jags. Plus it’s San Diego’s home-opener. CHARGERS

HOUSTON (1-0) -3 @ WASHINGTON (1-0) O/U 43 pts
-This could be the year the Texans make their first playoff appearance. They couldn’t run to save their lives last year. Houston exorcised two demons in its home-opener last week beating division rival Indianapolis and they found a running game. Arian Foster set a franchise-record scampering 231 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Texans 34-24 win over the Colts. Couple that running game with QB Matt Schaub, and WR Andre Johnson, LOOK OUT! New head coach Mike Shanahan and new QB Donovan McNabb led the Redskins to a season-opening 13-7 win over division arch-rival Dallas. Both defenses are solid. Skins offensive line suspect. It’s going to be a close one. TEXANS

NY GIANTS OF NEW JERSEY (1-0) +4.5 @ INDIANAPOLIS (0-1) O/U 48.5 pts
-It’s “THE MANNING BOWL!” Both Peyton and Eli are tied with one Super Bowl ring each. In head-to-head competition, Peyton leads, 1-0. They only play each other every four years unless they meet in a Super Bowl. Wouldn’t that be fun. Who would father Archie, a pretty good NFL QB on terrible teams in his day, root for? He’d probably wear one of those jersey’s stitching half of each teams colors together. Eli and the Giants looked good in the second half of last week’s 31-18 win over Carolina at home. Peyton and the Colts got slammed in Houston by the Texans. They lost defensive stand-out safety Bob Sanders. He’s always getting injured. Colts have the same record with him in or out of the line-up. Game is Indy’s home-opener and Peyton won’t allow his team to start 0-2. COLTS

NEW ORLEANS (1-0) -5.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO (0-1) O/U 43.5 pts (MNF)
-A “BACK IN THE DAY NFC WEST TILT”. Defending Super Bowl Champion Saints are solid everywhere. That’s why they’re the defending champs. Coach Mike Singletary and the 49ers seem to have major issues after getting bum-rushed in Seattle last week, 31-6. Apparently, offensive coaches and their players aren’t speaking the same language causing confusion for QB Alex Smith and the rest of the offense. Isn’t that what the pre-season is for, making sure everyone’s on the same page? It’s SF’s home-opener at The Stick. It won’t matter because how will they stop QB Drew Brees and that Saints offense? Hall-of-Fame 49ers WR Jerry Rice gets his jersey and number retired at halftime. He should put that jersey on for the Niners to have a shot. SAINTS

BYE WEEK – LOS ANGELES (15 seasons, two weeks)

**JOKE OF THE DAY – From reader Barrett Blake via his favorite Sports Writer Bill Simmons: “Q: What’s the difference between Tony Romo and Lindsay Lohan? A: Only Lohan has a decent line in front of her right now!”

September 18, 2010 0

USC’s Bushed, Then Whacked by the NCAA

Before the Heisman Trophy Trust could take it from him, former USC running back Reggie Bush gave back the Heisman he won in 2005. Bush is the first Heisman winner to relinquish the trophy in its 75 year history. The Trust has decided to leave the 2005 Heisman vacant instead of giving it to runner-up Vince Young of Texas.

Although, according to Bush, it’s not an admission of guilt, he did the right thing.

Of course this all stems from the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s investigation of the University of Southern California’s athletic department.

It took four years for the NCAA to investigate allegations that Bush and his family received lavish gifts, money, a house and who knows what else and, finally, lay down the hammer on Troy.

Although Bush never admitted accepting all of the above, the sanctions levied USC, including its football team, most of them based on the Bush Allegations, made it a “fait accompli.”

So, who gets shafted by all this?

Not Bush. Yet. He’s having a stellar NFL career, making millions of dollars, with the New Orleans Saints helping them to their first Super Bowl championship last season. But once he retires and figures out his college alma mater wants nothing to do with him, that’ll be a tattoo on his legacy and conscience that can’t be removed.

This current and future crop of USC football players, those who had nothing to do with what transpired in 2004-05, are the ones who are thoroughly shafted. The next two seasons, these kids have no shot of being rewarded for their hard work with a bowl berth. It’ll take at least three seasons after the bowl sanctions before USC can even get back into the National Championship hunt.

Same goes for the current members of the USC men’s basketball team. They’re left with a “no post-season tournament sanction” for two seasons (including last season) because of the fiasco that was “one-and-done cager“, O.J. Mayo*. Mayo’s enjoying a lucrative career with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. He could care less about USC.

Of course, USC loses out on post-season bowl and March Madness purses because of the sanctions.

A very knowledgeable and unnamed source of mine called the NCAA the most duplicitous organization in this country.

He, basically, called the NCAA an “old boys club” made up of hypocrites. My knowledgeable unnamed source is absolutely right.

“What’s your take on today’s students being punished for infringements and incidents caused by athletes 4-5 years ago. I think it’s unfair for these kids to suffer.” My unnamed source continued, “Punish the school and the coaches. Not the kids now playing who are innocent of wrong-doing that happened way before they arrived on campus, or graduated high school for that matter.”

Sure enough, because of the sanctions, many Trojan recruits were allowed to leave for other schools.

Under former AD Mike Garrett and football coach Pete Carroll, practices and game sidelines included a “who’s who” of Hollywood stars and who knows who else, giving many, including those with dollar signs in their eyes, access to these amateur athletes.

There’s the major mistake.

Under new AD Pat Haden and new football coach Lane Kiffin, that isn’t allowed any longer.

“Fine Mayo and Bush and the (expletive) who fed and paid them hoping to get a slice of their financial pie in the pros. The (expletive)leaches should be barred including companies like NIKE and Adidas. The NCAA is so duplicitous in that they don’t outright BAR these companies from the campuses.”

My unnamed source also thinks the NCAA should be punished for taking four years to figure it out.

“I could have told them in 20 minutes. That’s why Mayo went to a non powerhouse basketball team. He had better offers until someone said…CASH.”

Take a look at these tidbits from the world of the NCAA:

November 18, 2008 (espn.com)

“The BCS and ESPN announced a new four-year contract Tuesday. ESPN outbid Fox, which is paying $80 million annually to broadcast the games from 2007-10.”

“ESPN’s offer was for $125 million a year, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The person requested anonymity because the networks are not releasing financial details.”

Headline from April 22, 2010 (ncaa.org)

“NCAA signs new 14-year TV deal for D1 men’s basketball. CBS and Turner join forces to pay $10.8 billion for tournament rights fee.”

Next time you watch an NCAA collegiate event on television or in person, notice the NIKE Swoosh somewhere on that uniform the student-athlete is wearing.

After Alabama beat Texas in this past January’s BCS Championship Football Game, the Crimson Tide signed a uniform contract with NIKE paying Alabama $30 million through the 2017-18 season to dress every Crimson tide team. It tops the college sports world. NCAA gets some of that as well.

Billions of dollars are being made by the NCAA which is a legitimate, money-making business for amateur athletic competition.

The student/athlete’s fortunate enough to get a scholarship to one of the fine universities under the NCAA umbrella get, for the most part, a free education, room and board and a stipend for three meals. That’s the “salary” awarded kids for playing sports at the collegiate level.

But if one of these student/athletes with a scholarship wants to go to a movie but can’t afford the $50 for two tickets, popcorn and sodas, he/she can’t get a job to earn the money or even accept the money from a parent because it could, somehow, violate the student/athlete’s amateur status because the parent is, by definition, the kid’s “representative.”

But the student/athlete better wear that uniform with the NIKE Swoosh on it so the NCAA can make its $$$. A good example of this are Boise State and Virginia Tech wearing “NIKE Combat Alternative Uniforms” for their opener a few weeks back in Washington D.C. Eight other teams will be wearing such uniforms during the season.

The student/athlete better agree to let his/her likeness be used by the school and the NCAA to lure fans and possible sponsors to spend their $$$.

That’s where the duplicity, regarding these issues, lie in the NCAA.

It’s not as if “Bush/Mayo Situations” haven’t happened before. This time, they just happened to get caught because Garrett and Carroll were negligent in monitoring who would show up to practices and who was given a sideline/field pass for games.

And this won’t be the last time these things happen at schools under the NCAA Umbrella.

*Is it just me, or should USC stay away from any athlete whose name is O.J.?

September 16, 2010 3

Are YOU Ready For Some….You Know…

ERIC’S NFL 2010 PREDICTIONS

NFC WEST

SEATTLE 9-7*
ARIZONA 7-9
SAN FRANCISCO 7-9
ST. LOUIS 5-11

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA 11-5*
NEW ORLEANS 11-5+
CAROLINA 4-12
TAMPA BAY 3-13

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY 12-4*
MINNESOTA 12-4+
DETROIT 6-10
CHICAGO 6-10

NFC EAST

NY GIANTS 9-7*
DALLAS 8-8
WASHINGTON 8-8
PHILADELPHIA 3-13

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE 14-2*
CINCINNATI 11-5+
PITTSBURGH 8-8
CLEVELAND 2-14

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND 11-5*
NY JETS 10-6+
MIAMI 8-8
BUFFALO 3-13

AFC WEST

SAN DIEGO 13-3*
OAKLAND 9-7
DENVER 5-11
KANSAS CITY 5-11

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS 11-5*
HOUSTON 8-8
TENNESSEE 8-8
JACKSONVILLE 5-11

NFL PLAYOFFS (home team in CAPS)

NFC

FIRST ROUND BYE – GREEN BAY, ATLANTA

WILD CARD ROUND

New Orleans over SEATTLE

Green Bay over NEW YORK GIANTS

DIVISIONAL ROUND

GREEN BAY over New Orleans

Minnesota over ATLANTA

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Minnesota over GREEN BAY (OT)

AFC

BYE – BALTIMORE, SAN DIEGO

WILD CARD ROUND

Cincinnati over NEW ENGLAND

NY Jets over INDIANAPOLIS

DIVISIONAL ROUND
SAN DIEGO over Cincinnati

BALTIMORE over NY Jets

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

BALTIMORE over San Diego (OT)

SUPER BOWL XLV (45) Dallas, TX

MINNESOTA over Baltimore (OT)

*Division Champion, +Wild Card

WEEK 1

Thursday

MINNESOTA VIKINGS +5 @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (O/U 48.5 pts) FINAL: 14-9, SAINTS

What a kickoff to the new season. A rematch of last year’s NFC Championship Game won, of course, by the Saints in overtime. Statistically speaking, the Vikings outplayed the Saints. The difference, five turnovers by the Vikings including two fumbles by Adrian Petersen and two interceptions by Brett Favre. Otherwise, it’s the Vikings who go to the Super Bowl to take on the Colts.

This game isn’t for all the marbles. Win or lose, both teams play next week, and it’s just the first game of the season between two teams that figure to be in the Super Sweepstakes this season. It’s going to be a close game. But, since the game’s in the Big Easy with the Saints hoisting their Super Bowl banner to the SuperDome rafters, that’ll be hard for Favre and the Vikings to overcome who are nursing injuries at the wide receiver position. Drew Brees and the Saints, healthy and ready to go, will continue last year’s celebration by putting a show on for the home folks. SAINTS

MIAMI DOLPHINS -3 @ BUFFALO BILLS (O/U 39 pts)

Dolphins added WR Brandon Marshall giving QB Chad Henne a new toy. The Wildcat’s back with Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown working one of the league’s best ground games. Both ran for over a thousand yards last season. First Miami thousand yard tandem since Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris both topped a grand on the ground for the undefeated 1972 Super Bowl champions. The Bills. New retread coach Chan Gailey. Rookie running back C.J. Spiller. QB Trent Edwards. It’s going to be a long season in Buffalo. DOLPHINS

DETROIT LIONS +6.5 @ CHICAGO BEARS (O/U 44.5 pts)

Mike Martz, the architect of the “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams, joins DA BEARS as the offensive coordinator because QB Jay Cutler was, well………offensive last season. Bears also added former Vikings running back Chester Taylor to team up with Matt Forte. On defense, Julius Peppers was signed to add some bite to the “D”. Meanwhile, the Lions are young and getting much better. QB Matthew Stafford was solid in his rookie campaign. He’ll throw to Calvin Johnson and newcomer Nate Burleson. Rookie running back Jahvid Best should keep defenses off Stafford. And speaking of defense, the Lions took Nebraska tackle Ndamukong Suh with the second overall pick. Reminds me of the Cowboys of the 1990s drafting Troy Aikman, Emmett Smith, Michael Irvin and some huge defenders. They won three Super Bowls in four years. Watch out for Detroit in the next few years. Just not today. BEARS

OAKLAND RAIDERS +6.5 @ TENNESSEE TITANS (O/U 40.5 pts)

Titans started last season 0-6. Replaced Kerry Collins with Vince Young at QB who won five straight but it was too little, too late. Teamed with running back superb Chris Johnson and that always solid Tennessee defense, you can bet the Titans won’t start the season “six-feet under”. Here’s a question. How is Tom Cable, laughed out of Moscow after coaching the University of Idaho into a hole, still the head coach of the Raiders? Maybe he wasn’t a good recruiter. The Raiders are tough on defense and finally have a quarterback that can drive the bus. Jason Campbell was brought in from Washington after the Redskins acquired Donovan McNabb. Campbell’s a huge improvement over former top overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell who couldn’t find a gig with a pee-wee team if he asked. Campbell’s in his fifth season and working under his fifth offensive coordinator. He’ll be fine. He’s got a ground game to work with in Michael Bush and Darren McFadden and the Raiders have some “D”. TITANS

CINCINNATI BENGALS +4.5 @ NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (O/U 45.5 pts)

LEGGO MY EGO!!!! Plenty of them to go around in this one. Chad Ocho-Cinco and Terrell Owens catching passes via Carson Palmer for the Bengals. Randy “Feeling Under-Appreciated” Moss catching bombs from new gazillionaire (and father) Tom Brady! I GOTTA SEE THIS ONE!! What’s the over/under?……..45.5. OH, TAKE THE OVER!!! PATRIOTS in a close one.

CAROLINA PANTHERS +6 @ NEW YORK GIANTS (O/U 40 pts)

Giants open the brand new, $1.6 billion stadium they co-own with the Jets on the weekend of the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Both teams finished 8-8 last season with the Panthers closing out old Giants Stadium with a 41-9 rout of the G-Men. A little payback for Eli Manning and the G-Men. Former UCLA/Oregon St. QB Matt Moore starting for the Panthers. No Julius Peppers on defense for the cats. GIANTS.

ATLANTA FALCONS -1.5 @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS (O/U 38.5 pts)

The Falcons are my “sleeper team” from the NFC for the Super Bowl. Matt Ryan at QB. Michael Turner at running back. Wr Roddy White. Tony Gonzalez at Tight End. A mean defense. Year three of the “Ryan Regime”….could be. Just Sayin’! Meanwhile, the Steelers will be without QB Ben Roethlisberger serving a four-game suspension for acting inappropriate with a young lady at a night club. I’ve worked in night clubs….WHAT DO YOU EXPECT!!! Anyway, Dennis Dixon will drive the Steelers until “Big (that’s what the ladies say) Ben” returns for week five. Steelers’ D is always tough, but getting older. FALCONS

CLEVELAND BROWNS +2.5 @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (O/U 37.5 pts)

If this game ISN’T blacked-out in the Tampa area, much respect to the folks on the Gulf side of Florida. Well….considering the BP mess in the Gulf, I would rather see a bad football game than go swimming. Jake Delhomme the new target at QB for the Browns. Josh Freeman had a solid rookie season calling signals for the Bucs. BUCCANEERS.

DENVER BRONCOS +3 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (O/U 40.5 pts)

If not for an impending lockout and likely cancellation of the 2011 NFL season, this could be the Los Angeles Jaguars (Dons?) opener at the L.A. Coliseum while the new L.A. Stadium is being built in the City of Industry. No one’s moving or paying until the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed, sealed and delivered. No worries. This game’s as good as the Cleveland/Tampa Bay tilt. JAGUARS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS -2 @ HOUSTON TEXANS (O/U 47.5 pts)

It’s been seven months since the Colts lost the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning and his team have set their sights on playing in Dallas in February. The Houston Texans just want a win against their AFC South rivals. The Colts have won 15 of 16 games against the Texans. Houston knows it needs to beat Indianapolis if it wants to make the playoffs as a division champion or wild card. Texans QB Matt Schaub throws to, arguably, the league’s best receiver in Andre Johnson. That duo better work because Houston can’t run worth…..you know. If Schaub has issues, the Texans signed Matt Leinart who was cut last week by Arizona. Leinart can play and he wants to prove the Cards dealt him a bad beat. On defense, Mario Williams is a beast. But, he can’t do everything. LB Brian Cushing is serving a four-game suspension for testing positive with the dreaded HGH’s . Colts have a healthy Bob Sanders and Dwight Freeney on defense. COLTS

ARIZONA CARDINALS -3.5 @ ST. LOUIS RAMS (O/U 39 pts)

The Rams are living by the late George Allen’s creedo…THE FUTURE IS NOW! Especially since you won just one game last season and you’ve guaranteed a kid $50 million smackaroos. Rookie Sam Bradford, the top overall 2010 draft pick, will start at quarterback for the Rams. He looked like a seasoned veteran in the pre-season…..but that’s exactly what it was. Bradford resembles another pretty good Rams signal-caller, Roman Gabriel. If he plays as well as Gabriel, it should be interesting. Bradford can remove some pressure by handing off to, who I think is the best running back in the league, Steven Jackson. Rams have a rebuilding offensive line, yet Jackson rushed for 1,416 yards last season and went to the pro bowl. As for the Cardinals, does that say Derek Anderson is your starting quarterback? COME ON, MAN! Anderson was terrible in Cleveland and beat out Matt Leinart who was cut last week. He’s fortunate to have Larry Fitzgerald catching passes. He can also hand off to Beenie Wells and Tim Hightower. Just two years removed from a Super Bowl appearance, I think the Cards are folding. Bradford and the Rams will be jacked up. RAMS

GREEN BAY PACKERS -3 @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (O/U 47.5 pts)

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is quickly making cheese-heads forget legend Brett Favre, who now plays for division rival Minnesota. The Packers are loaded. Eagles QB Kevin Kolb will try to make Eagle fans forget Donovan McNabb, who now plays for division rival Washington. Kolb’s got WR DeSean Jackson to throw to. Let’s just say I feel bad for Kolb….especially when the Redskins come to the City of Brotherly Love. PACKERS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS -3 @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (O/U 37 pts)

49ers coach Mike Singletary has his team playing “All day, Baby! He likes that kinda party! (see NFL films)”. San Francisco’s the “sexy pick” to win the NFC West. Former top draft pick Alex Smith is finally dialed in a quarterback. LB Patrick Willits is playing “prime” Ray Lewis-esque. The Seahawks are reloading under former USC coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks still have some players from the Super Bowl 40 runners-up led by 35 year-old QB Matt Hasselbeck. He’s not done and there’s no pressure….just yet. The 12th man helps in Carroll’s coaching debut. SEAHAWKS

DALLAS COWBOYS -3 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS (39.5 pts)

Everyone’s on the NFC East Champion Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl bandwagon. Not me. Plenty of talent. But an average quarterback. Yeah! I still believe Tony Romo’s the most over-rated QB in league history. When he’s flustered, he can’t deliver. Stats are nice, but when you can’t finish in “winning time” (see Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman) you’re no better than Quincy Carter. Including last year’s champion Saints, teams have gone from worst to first the last seven seasons. If there’s a team to make it eight straight, it’s the Redskins. Give me coach Mike Shanahan with a proven winner at QB, Donovan McNabb, a solid running game and a top-10 defense, Albert Haynesworth or no Albert Haynesworth, and I’ll take the Redskins. Don’t think they’ll win the division, but they’ll win this one. REDSKINS

Monday

BALTIMORE RAVENS +2 @ NEW YORK JETS (O/U 36 pts)

Let’s see. The Ravens have a talented, young QB in Joe Flacco. A bruising running game with Ray Rice and Le’ Ron McClain, a bevvy of wide receivers including Anquon Bouldin and T.J. “who’s your daddy” Houshmanzadeh, and a perennial monster-defense led by Ray Lewis. The Jets have a bunch of former Ravens including head coach Rex Ryan, the league’s top defense, anchored by the just signed Derelle Revis “Island” and a running game that includes former Charger LaDanian Tomlinson and a young stud quarterback in Mark Sanchez. THIS SHOULD BE GOOD! It’s at the new New York/New Jersey Stadium the Jets co-own with the Giants. Talk about “Hard Knocks” (see HBO). The Ravens are my AFC Super Bowl pick. They’ll win a low-scoring, close dog-fight. Take the under. RAVENS.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS -4.5 @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (O/U 45.5 pts)

Ex Notre Dame coach Charlie Weiss and ex Browns coach Romeo Crenell have joined the KC coaching staff making the Chiefs a “sexy pick” to dethrone the Chargers as AFC West Champs. Uh…..yeah…NO!! It’s New England Patriots “MidWest” in KC but it won’t change anything just yet. San Diego let franchise legend LaDanian Tomlinson go. He of course signed with the Jets. The Bolts replaced him with “LT carbon-copy”, rookie Ryan Matthews out of Fresno State. This guy’s the real deal. He’ll give QB Phillip Rivers time to find receivers down field. Still too much fire-power on offense and superior defenders anchored by LB Shawn Merriman for San Diego. Chargers seem to start seasons poorly and gain steam after about six games. This season, San Diego starts strong and doesn’t let up until a January date in Baltimore. CHARGERS

Sports Stuff 084 — Doesn't that look nice....and RIGHT!

BYE WEEK – LOS ANGELES (15 seasons, one week)

Ugh. For explanation, see Denver-Jacksonville game synopsis. Also, Stan Kroenke, a member of the committee to bring the NFL back to Los Angeles, is now the new owner of the St. Louis Rams who don’t have much loyalty in the Gateway City and need new digs to play in. Haven’t I heard this story before. Could it be….is it possible….yeah, it’s possible. But that damn CBA is a thorn in my side! Luckily, the Rams can opt out of their lease in the STL in 2014. By then, a new stadium in the City of Industry could be ready for a 50th anniversary party (Rams were in L.A. 49 years before (gulp) Georgia moved them to St. Louis). Stay tuned.

September 9, 2010 2

Manny, Manny Thanks…..Manny!

I’m really not one to criticize any professional athlete about his/her on-field work because there’s no way in “H-E-Double Hockey Sticks” I can come close to doing what they do. I’m a sportscaster because I wish I could only do what they do. I found that I can talk about what they do better than my attempting to duplicate what they do. Plus, trying to duplicate what they do requires too much exercise. You “feel me?”

Brings me to Manny Ramirez. Waived by the Dodgers earlier this week, and claimed by the Chicago White Sox, many Dodger fans were glad to see him leave. Sure, he wasn’t able to help the Dodgers get to a World Series. He did help the young core of Dodgers learn how to win at the major league level. I’m talking about guys like Russell Martin, Matt Kemp, James Loney and Andre Ethier. The latter becoming a feared hitter among National League pitchers.

In his two years with the Dodgers, Ramirez brought some excitement back to Chavez Ravine. Since Rupert Murdoch bought the franchise from the O’Malley family in the early 1990s, let’s face it, if you wanted to find a nice place to take a nap in L.A., Dodger Stadium was the choice.

Manny’s first game with Los Angeles was against the Arizona Diamondbacks the first day of August in 2008. It helped that it was Dodger Cooler Night with all fans getting one. But you could feel the electricity in the air for the first time in quite a Dodger Blue while.

Come on. “MannyWood” in left field. Dreadlock “Manny Wigs” becoming the hottest item for every L.A. kid at the stadium. His presence and what it did for Dodgers baseball can’t be denied.

He played 53 games for Los Angeles after his trade from the Boston Red Sox that Summer of ’08 becoming the most popular athlete to wear number 99 in L.A. since Wayne Gretzky came to the Kings in the 80s.

Check out Manny’s numbers in those 53 games because Manny put the Blue Crew on his back and led them to the N.L. Western Division Title. Manny’s line read 74 hits in 187 at-bats. He tagged 17 homeruns, scored 36 runs, had 53 rbi with a .396 batting average. With those numbers and his leading the Dodgers to the Western Division Title, he was third in the N.L. Most Valuable Player award voting. Those 53 games cost the McCourts $7 million. A good investment.

Rewarded with a two-year, $45 million contract, Manny helped take the Dodgers to a second consecutive Division Crown. During the run is when the wheels began to fall off the wagon. Last season, Manny was suspended 50 games for taking female hormones that, somehow, count as performance enhancing drugs.

Who knew Manny was trying to become a mom!

Anyway, it was never the same after that but the excitement was still there. Let’s remember. Since the Dodgers World Series win over Oakland in 1988, Los Angeles won just ONE playoff game in those 19 years and nine months prior to Manny’s acquisition. Manny was with the Dodgers 760 days. During that time, Los Angeles won eight playoff games getting to the League Championship Series twice.

So here’s where I’m going with this. I want to thank Manny for the shot of adrenaline he gave Los Angeles Dodgers baseball. I could’ve lived without that shot of female hormones but that’s another story. Ramirez made it fun to go to the ballpark again. After all, it’s entertainment and I, along with all those Dodger fans who went to the stadium from August 2008 until this past week, were certainly entertained.

If you still doubt what Manny’s impact is on a team, the White Sox are buying the left-over “Manny Dreadlock Wigs” the Dodgers have in stock because Chicago doesn’t have much time to produce them for the stretch run.

Have fun in the Windy City, Manny. Now, if only you could’ve taken the McCourts with you as well.

That’s another story.

(photographs by Eric Geller)

September 2, 2010 4

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