Playoff Picks - Part Deux

Do you know who went 4-0 on his picks last week? No, not Chris Berman. Not Mike Ditka. Certainly not Bill Cowher. It was this guy. Little old Brandan Spiegel. The scores may have been wrong but who could see the Ravens destruction of the Pats (Welker would not have saved Brady folks, he wouldn't have been blocking Suggs or Ray Lewis). Who could have seen that epic game in Arizona? No one, however I did pick the Cards so at least I have that.



So with the Wild Card round in the books that leaves the divisional round where we will see two teams who haven't won in nearly a month (Colts and Saints). Included in the madness will be two of the highest powered offenses in the NFL this year leading to the Cards being in yet another shootout. Unlike last week, only one match up is a rematch of a regular season game. Before I get into my analysis early let's jump into the games (which are in order of when they will be televised).





Arizona Cardinals VS New Orleans Saints





Anyone who thought that Green Bay and Arizona put on an offensive display needs to tune in to this one. I don't know if 96 points and over 1,000 yards of offense will be eclipsed but this one should be a shootout. Especially considering that both defenses are questionable when it comes to pass defense. New Orleans really lacks a pass rusher to upset Warner in the pocket and they really could use one. Warner is coming off a game where he had more touchdowns, 5, then incompletions, 4. Drew Brees is utterly ridiculous and could easily match Warner throw for throw. However the problem I have with the Saints is that they haven't won a game in a month, twice when their starters were out there. The Cowboys made them look vulnerable and the Buccaneers proved anyone could beat them at home. While I know that Boldin is probably still going to sit this one out, does it matter? Look at what Doucet and Breaston did last week. Not to mention the awesome TD celebration by Breaston (the Razor Ramon dance,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN5CiElINSs kind of hard to see but just awesome).



Prediction: Fans of shootouts tune in! This one is going to be a back and forth game where you don't want to miss anything. Warner and Brees are the NFC's version of a Brady and Manning match up in the AFC. Meaning, as fans, this is a match up of possible hall of fame candidates. Each defense can be abused via the pass but its New Orleans run defense that is the issue. People forget how good the running game of the Cardinals actually is. Beanie Wells had 92 yards on 16 carries this past Sunday. That was against a highly ranked defense. Who knows what he will do against the Saints. Will the Superdome be exploding with excitement? Yes. Will the Saints put up a fight? Definetly. Will the Saints win? I'm not so sure. If it is a close game then the edge goes to the Saints because Neil Rackers has not been himself this season. We all know what the Cardinals did last year. They had a close game at home and then the blew out the number one seed. It could happen again. Cardinals win 35-14





Baltimore Ravens VS Indianapolis Colts



This is the only rematch from the regular season. The game in Baltimore was close but unfortunately the Ravens offense could never get going. Flacco turned the ball over in the red zone and Ed Reed tried to lateral a ball on an excellent return which resulted in a fumble recovered by the Colts. Needless to say, the Ravens gave the game to the Colts. The defense of the Ravens is always great at home but until last week against New England, hadn't impressed anyone on the road. Causing 4 turnovers tends to impress people. Can they play "giant killer" once again? Against the Colts they caused 3 turnovers and only gave up one big play to Garcon. If they do that, who knows what could happen.



Prediction: I will pretend to know what is going to happen. Peyton is well rested and honestly so is Joe Flacco. In their last game they played, each QB wasn't used to his full capacity. Ravens fans love themselves some Joe Flacco, they think he is the second coming(of who I have no idea, Testaverde?). When you look at the numbers for Flacco closely you notice he started hot, like the Ravens, but kinda trailed off throughout the season. His last great game was against the Bears when he threw 4 TDs. Currently, Flacco hasn't thrown a TD in his last two games. Not to mention that Heap was hobbling off the field last week which makes me a little nervous. Clayton making that stellar 17 yard grab does make me feel better for the future, as long as he keeps making plays. Sure, Ray Rice is going to run the ball. Willis McGahee (http://ravens.fandome.com/video/107758/Willis-McGahees-77-Yard-Saturday-Night-TD-Scamper/you got to be kiddin' me! click the link if you are totally clueless) will to. Hey, LeRon McClain might get a carry or two. Flacco is going to have to keep us in the game because we all know that Manning is going to hit at least one bomb to his play makers whether it be Clark, Wayne or Garcon. For the Ravens to win the Colts bombs have to miss their targets, control the clock to keep the ball out of Manning's hands and play lock down defense like last week. If the same team arrives in Indy that left New England, the Colts don't stand a chance. Ravens win 21-17





Dallas Cowboys VS Minnesota Vikings


Brett Favre has never beaten the Cowboys in the playoffs. Let's just say he never beat Troy Aikman in the playoffs. Considering he lost to them three years straight (93-95) when they were Super Bowl contenders. So that stat is a little misleading. Add to the fact that those games were all in Dallas back in the days when home field advantage mattered. Then you see my point. The modern era Cowboys are coming off their first playoff win since '96, a complete demolition of the Eagles, and are currently on a four game winning streak. This is one team even TE Visanthe Shiancoe told Dan Patrick that he didn't want to face. They are the hottest team in the NFC right now and have a lot of people talking about an upset. They have a strong defense and Demarcus Ware is playing out of his mind. On the offensive side of the ball, Romo to Austin seems to be working out a whole lot better then Romo to T.O. Romo isn't turning the ball over and is matriculating the ball down the field with ease lately. The thing that hasn't been proven by these Cowboys is that they haven't played a team with a top caliber running game during their 4 game tear. The Vikes have this guy named Adrian Peterson, I hear he is pretty good. The Boys secondary isn't overly impressive but if they get pressure on Favre he could make a lot of mistakes.


Prediction: Make no mistake about this one either, it is going to be great. In all honesty, the NFC games look better then the AFC. Both games could be close. Personally I don't want either team to win, as a former Niners fan I don't like Favre(read previous posts if you don't believe me) or the Cowboys. Since someone has to win I should probably analyze it a little bit. A lot of what Dallas can do in the passing game depends on whether Antoine Winfield is healthy or not. If he is it makes their secondary substantially better. I don't know who the Vikes played two weeks ago, it wasn't the Giants(they were on vacation clearly). They looked sharp in the game but they were playing a team with a draft pick to play for. Romo idolizes Favre and this will be their first ever meeting in the postseason. I don't know of the old man has any new tricks he can show his young protege. I do know that I would take Peterson over any of the backs in Dallas. He will have more rushing yards then the three headed monster (Felix Jones, Marion Barber III and Tashard Choice). Ray Rice proved that a good back can run all over this defense. I don't think any of these backs will do that against a charged Vikings squad. As far as the Vikings offense, short dip and dunk passes will work if Favre is being pressured considering the playmakers he has with Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice. Visanthe Shiancoe isn't bad in short yardage situations either. He is going to be a monster in the red zone for the Vikes. If you are doing fantasy during the playoffs, here is a sleeper for you. Scoop him up, I'm guessing he will have at least 1 TD. That is, if it isn't the Adrian Peterson show. If the game is close and it comes down to a field goal (a la the Ravens/Vikings game earlier in the season) give the edge to the Vikes. As the Cowboys are relying on someone who has cut by the Redskins. Yeah, those Redskins. Vikings win 31-24


New York Jets VS San Diego Chargers


Sorry Rex, your troops are not the Super Bowl favorite right now. Actually, most experts have the Chargers in the Super Bowl to represent the AFC. So why should I even analyze the game? I mean, game over man! Right? No, unfortunately its not that easy. I told you all the stats last week about the Jets, being the best NFL team this season in defense and running the ball. Then they went out and proved it against the Bengals. What surprised me was the Sanch-ise (Mark Sanchez) completing 80% of his passes and not turning the ball over. Oh yeah, he threw a TD as well. The Chargers, on the other hand, favor the pass. I don't think Vincent Jackson will be a factor this week since he will be visiting Revis Island. Darrelle Revis will shut him down. That isn't analysis as much as it is a known fact. What about LT, the electric glider himself? Will he be just as awful as his Nike viral video? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-owX-EAib8s)


Prediction: My thoughts are no he won't. If Cedric Benson can abuse this defense then so can LT. Rivers is the hottest QB in the league right now and will let everyone know it on Sunday afternoon. Will Revis pick him off? Possibly. It's not like for every Vincent Jackson there isn't another play maker out there. Can any of the Jets linebackers really cover Antonio Gates, LT or Darren Sproles? I don't think so. What about Malcolm Floyd, he has been massively improving throughout the season. During Rivers' off week in week 17 Floyd really shined. There are stellar players everywhere on the offensive side of the ball even though they have been dealing with injuries on their line and their defensive line. The defense throughout the season wasn't stellar. They were in the middle of the pack in most categories and were closer to the bottom of the league in rush defense. As we saw last week in Arizona, regular season stats don't matter. The Packers were second in the league in defense. We all know what happened there! The Jets are going to put up a fight, Rex Ryan won't let them quit. These Chargers are just too much to handle and I don't think Sanchez can string together two great performances in a row(he never did it during the regular season). Who does he think he is? Joe Flacco?!? Chargers win 35-21


I don't know how I will feel if I go perfect two weeks in a row. I may just have to call ESPN and tell them to hook me up. So spread the word readers about the king of all pick ems. Now if I go 0-4, disregard anything I have said. Honestly, I'm just BS-ing with you guys anyway. If you want to challenge me this week let me know your picks in the comment section. That is, if you got the guts!

Playoff Predictions

I can't pretend that after this week's games I am not happy. With everything basically settled in the NFC, everyone had their eye on what the Ravens and Jets were going to do with a playoff spot on the line. Win, that is what they are going to do.



So my prediction of the Texans making the playoffs, fail. My dissing of Merril Hoge for saying the Bengals were going to make the playoffs, fail. My prediction that the Ravens still would make the playoffs, win (in your face Hoge!). So with predictions on my mind I might as well put out my thoughts on what is going to happen in next week's games (all of which are rematches of regular season games, 3 from week 17). So I will go through game by game and explain why I think what I think, I am awesome not being allowed to be why I think a team will win/lose.





New York Jets VS Cincinnati Bengals



The first match up of next weekend puts two of the top 5 defenses against one another. With the Jets at 1 and the Bengals at 4 in overall defense. This game will be short of offense with both teams ranking in the bottom of the NFL in passing offense, 26th for the Bengals and 31st for the Jets respectively, (although the Jets finished the year with the league's best rushing attack, Cincy was 9th). Last night Cincy didn't start their best RB in Cedric Benson while NY unleashed hell in a game they needed to win. The Bengals were without the fire we had seen from them for most of the season while the Jets were clearly fighting for their playoff lives, even though Rex Ryan thought they were eliminated two weeks ago.





Prediction: Pain. Each team has a similar game plan. Run the ball and stop the other team. What has me concerned is how injured is Chad Ochocinco? Revis will shut him down if he plays anyway so either way someone is going to have to step up in the passing game. Will Cincy be able to flick a switch and play as hard as they have the other 15 games this season? I am not so sure. Flacco was the first rookie to win a road playoff game last season, Sanchez may be the second. This game is going to be much closer then week 17's match up, however I think it will have the same result with the Jets winning. Jets win 17-14





Philadelphia Eagles VS Dallas Cowboys





Sunday the roles were reversed from last season, The 'Boys downright embarrassed the Eagles like what the Eagles did to them last season. I never knew an injury to a center could be so costly on the offensive side of the ball but there is a huge lack of communication on the line in Philly. Add to that the Cowboys improvement on the defensive side of the ball and McNabb is going to have a lot of issues getting the ball to his play makers. The numbers for the regular season seem equal but again you have to remember how well Dallas has been playing lately. Romo has thrown 5 interceptions since the bye week back in week 6. This was after throwing 4 in his first 5 games. Could Dallas do to the Eagles what Pittsburgh did to the Ravens last season? Take out a division foe for a third time and eliminate them from playoff contention?





Prediction: It may be a surprise to those that know me that I am picking the Cowboys to win and upset in the next round of the playoffs. Clearly this year might be their year, they couldn't win in December (they just won 3 in a row with 2 shutouts) which is a monkey off their back after their recent performances. They haven't won a playoff game in 13 years (they beat Minnesota back in 1996) so maybe they are due. Especially the way the Eagles looked yesterday, it is hard to predict that they will have a complete turnaround to beat the Cowboys. Add to the fact that McNabb has not beaten them in the playoffs ever (0-3). Cowboys win 31-14





Baltimore Ravens VS New England Patriots





A rematch from way back in week 4, this is one game the Pats didn't want to see in the first round. Honestly, they didn't really want to face either wild card team. Both play them hard and the Jets split the season series. The main issue people have with these two teams is their inability to win on the road (the Ravens better the Pats with a 3-5 mark) which may have some people leaning to the Pats. Especially since they never lost at home during the regular season and haven't lost a first round match up with Belichick running things. Both teams are dealing with injuries for some of their primetime players (Welker is out with ACL/MCL injuries, Ed Reed is a question mark with his hip/groin, Tom Brady has a broken ring finger as well as broken ribs) but what has people thinking the Ravens have a chance is not just the injuries. It is that "undeserved" confidence, I only say that because most people think this group of Ravens has no right to be confident. Why? I have no idea. They aren't scared of the Patriots and feel that they're in the same class as them.





Prediction: Now it would be utterly ridiculous for me to just choose the Ravens because they are the team I follow closely. However, I am going to pick them for more then just that reason. The game should be interesting with strength versus strength (Pats are 3rd in total offense with the Ravens 3rd in total defense) but what has me so optimistic is the improvement of the Ravens offense this season. They are the 5th best rushing team in the league, clearly Willis McGahee is fresh after not being used much prior to last week's ownage of the Raiders (16 carries, 167 yards, 3 TDs), and New England isn't exactly a run stopping team. Last week Arian Foster rushed for 119 yards on 20 carries with 2 visits into the end zone. Again that was on the road where New England is not the same team. Hopefully for me the match up will be similar to the week 4 match up with a different result in the final score. Maybe Clayton will be able to redeem himself? Ravens win 28-24


Green Bay Packers VS Arizona Cardinals


Yet another rematch from week 17 which Kurt Warner was the main starter missing from the Cardinals. However this week may be different. It has been confirmed that Anquan Boldin may miss the game with a ankle/knee injury. That isn't definite, let's remember that this is the guy who came back after just 3 weeks away due to a broken jaw. Boldin plays hurt more then any other player besides maybe Ben Rothlisberger. Rodgers-Cromartie is expected to play however one of their defensive line members is expected to be out. Last time I checked, Aaron Rodgers doesn't enjoy being sacked so that injury helps the Packers. After last season, it is hard for a lot of experts and average Joes like me to predict the demise of the Cardinals. However the stat of them being 3-0 at home in the playoffs is a little skewed. I mean, two of those are from last season. Green Bay wasn't overly impressive on the road but at least they managed to be above .500 (5-3) and the Cardinals were one of the only playoff teams with a subpar record at home (4-4). So another Packers win wouldn't be a complete surprise to me. I don't see them doing to the Cards what they did to them last week.

Prediction: All injuries aside, the Cardinals offense is still powerful. The Packers defense however is just as powerful. Charles Woodson is a candidate for defensive player of the year and his shoulder injury isn't anything serious. Warner playing in the game will be a huge difference from last week. When this team is clicking on all cylinders they are one of the best offenses in the NFL. We saw what a decent offense could do to the Packers just two weeks ago in Pittsburgh. Considering that the Cardinals team we saw last week will not be the same who play this week, you have to assume that Whisenhunt will have his boys ready to execute on Sunday. Cardinals win 31-21



As for the bye teams. I don't see either number 1 seed making it out of next weekend. I don't care who they play.

If you aren't down with that then I got two words for ya! Do better! I challenge you to pick them and when I win, you can get me some grapes. Losers! However if I pick wrong, who is going to know? The 12 people that read this? I can live with that. Until we BS again.

10 Things I Have Learned About Fantasy Football

So after my improbable dismissal from the ONLY league I was eligible for a championship, I thought I should pass along a little advice. This also could be considered a cry for help to the man who utterly owned me this week (he had Ray Rice, Andre Johnson, Buffalo defense and Jay Feely), I hate you. Hate is such a strong word, despise sounds better.

So the top 10 things I have learned about Fantasy Football...

10) I am the Dallas Cowboys of Fantasy Football

Yeah I know I am an 8 win team in the regular season but let's face it, I just can't win in any format besides CBS. I would fire my coach but I just don't have the heart. I like him too much. Besides, he is great in the regular season!

9) Don't believe the hype of last year

This is directed at Steve Slaton. He utterly killed me this year. I drafted him as my second back to Maurice Jones Drew. I love MJD and would pick him again in a second. However I will be against having Slaton on my team ever....EVER...AGAIN! He is now added to the banned player list which leads me to..

8) Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice...

Without completely mocking "Dubbya", I can never be fooled again. Previous drafts for me lead me to my banned from my team list. On that list is, Steven Jackson, Larry Johnson and Drew Brees. Why Drew Brees? I don't want to ruin his career. He is only great for me when he is on my bench. Call it voodoo, call it whatever you will, Drew Brees will not be on my roster. I like him too much.

7) Time to invite my buddies significant others

Previously to this season I haven't had to live down the infamous, "Dude even your girl made it further then you!" In my defense my girlfriend actually does follow football and knows 99% of the players and all of which who are on her roster. However my aunt doesn't even know who Adrian Peterson is. "I just drafted who was at the top of the list, who is this Adrian Peterson guy?" Also she once picked Kyle Boller and said that Yahoo! suggested it. NO ONE BELIEVES YOU! She always makes the playoffs! ALWAYS! Ignorance is bliss I suppose.

6) In case of emergency...

I have known this after my first season when I watched another team fall apart. However my lesson didn't stick this year when I dropped Jonathan Stewart who I had drafted for this very rule. If you draft Ronnie Brown, Deangelo Williams, Brian Westbrook, Larry Johnson or Steven Jackson grab their backup later in the draft(like you will for Stewart, Ricky Williams or Lesean McCoy). If not that at least keep an eye on the waiver wire because other owners are vultures. They love to watch you squirm and panic.

5) Do you want to play the repeater?

Do you want to play the repeater? All Super Troopers quotes aside, no one ever has a repeat performance of the previous season. Who here wants to drive to Atlanta to punch Michael Turner in the face? Well, maybe not that since he is bigger then you. But don't you want to kick him in the shin? No, because he could sue. Don't you want to write him a nasty e-mail? There it is. Don't draft a guy who has a blow up season the year before and expect the same results. If Brady and Manning can't do it, who can? These are just some shenanigans, no one likes my shenanigans, oooooh silly shenanigans! Or you could go to that place with all the crap on the walls and the mozzarella sticks. (too many references for you, TOO BAD)

4) There are exactly 10 QBs worth their weight in gold

Maybe not even that but what I mean by this is that there are only a few quarterbacks that are going to average double digit points for you. Everyone knows a few (Brees, Manning, Favre, Rivers, Warner, etc). You need to grab the one that no one thinks of. This season that was Favre and Matt Schaub. While everyone was spending their first QB pick on Tom Brady, probably because he is so dreamy, the person who got Schaub later scooped up another position player. I'm not saying to grab Schaub with your first pick next year, especially since there is always a sleeper. My pick for next year is Joe Flacco. Call me Wacko for Flacco if you want. The guy is going to be an absolute beast next year, that is, as long as Derrick Mason doesn't retire again.

3) Late round running back WIN!

The past two years we have seen later round backs go absolutely crazy. As a Raven fan I am super happy that this year it was Ray Rice. Every year there is always one and I can't even pretend who next year's is going to be. The guy could get drafted this year. I only have been lucky enough one season when I drafted Adrian Peterson in his rookie season(in like the 10th round). It was the first and last time I was able to say that he was on my roster. You are sadly missed sir. However I did hit a homerun with a late round WR in Percy Harvin. So...there's that.

2) Hit the waiver wire early for sleepers

I can't say how many times I got on to my fantasy site on Tuesday afternoon to see a couple of people already active in picking up guys I wanted to scoop up for bye week fills or injury replacements. This year it killed me since I needed a TON of running back help with Slaton not doing much/getting hurt. Add to the fact that owners can start 3 in my leagues and anyone can see how I could have a problem. Also there are such things as making too many moves. Something I do a lot. My name is Brandan Spiegel and I am an over thinker when it comes to fantasy football. Where's the free coffee and baked goods?

Ladies and Gentleman, the number one thing I have learned about fantasy football is...

1) Play with people you are friends/enemies/or at least know

If there is one thing that The League (best comedy on FX...EVER) has taught us, it is that a tight knit group of buddies playing fantasy football is pretty awesome. It is like a family. A very, very dysfunctional family. One that you may call gay, retarded or threaten to kill on a weekly basis. One that you can threaten harm, deadly diseases or tragic ways to die on players who have scorned you that week. Now, losses in leagues of people that aren't known don't hurt less. It is a lot easier to get away from them when you lose to some schmo who has never met you. Saying all this there is only one other thing to say. A message to Alex Tirdil, Antoine Pollard, Brandon Waters, Michelle Landers, Bea Wells, Lauren Webster, John Moore, Marcel Cottman, and Nick Barnes...I hate you guys and I love you guys.

If you don't get it readers, you are missing out on quite a fantasy football group. Call them your best buddy, your girlfriend/boyfriend, spouse, significant other(or insignificant other once you guys play fantasy together, BAHZINGA), uncle, aunt, co-worker it doesn't matter. Once September starts, another part of you opens up. Even discussions about the league in June get you pumped up. "When is the draft?" "Who you pickin'?" "Dude you suck!" Oh yes, it begins when you set up the league. My readers, the fun never stops. It lasts a lifetime.

NFL Power Rankings - Week 11

Everyone ready? I said, 'get ready!' Are you ready for some rankings! A Tuesday tradition. We got Brandan Spiegel and no one famous, here to get this thing started. Get the big dome crashin' under Baltimore's lights. Cause all 12 of my readers are here on Tuesday niiiiiiiiiiiight. Well probably not 12. It's like the millions and millions of my fans. Combined with my dozens and dozens of readers. Hank Williams love, anyone? Anyone? Let's see what the week has given us in rankings this week.

NFL Power Rankings

1. Indianapolis Colts (2, 9-0)


I take back what I said last week. This was definitely nailbiter of the year. They were an eyelash from losing to the Pats. Brady went crazy against their dismantled defense but a crazy gamble late cost them the game. With all of these close games eventually they aren't going to have enough to win. Hopefully that begins this week against Baltimore.




2. New Orleans Saints (1, 9-0)

Win you barely beat the Rams, on the road or not, I can't keep you as the most elite team in the league. The D clearly can't stop the run as they were abused by Steven Jackson. Also a lack of a TD for the first time in a long time was a shock considering their opponent. Brees didn't throw for multiple TDs so it has me wondering how long they will remain undefeated. My guess is maybe two more weeks before a loss. Don't be shocked if an upstart Bucs team pulls one off.




3. Cincinnati Bengals (5, 7-2)

Why does Merril Hoge have to be right? This team is completely legit and playing complete team football. The defense is looking like a creation of Marvin Lewis as opposed to previous years. While the offense is running the ball consistently. Benson came up lame early in the game so that could be a problem going into later weeks. Keep an eye on that fantasy owners!



4. Minnesota Vikings (4, 8-1)


Bye week again, well not really. Although playing the Lions might as well be. Peterson abused them and they won. Not really much of an accomplishment like, oh I don't know, beating the defending Super Bowl champs twice!



5. New England Patriots (3, 6-3)

How do you go for it with little time left, in a tight game against the Colts, in Indy, on your side of the field? Even in Madden I would have punted that. Have a little faith in your defense Bill. These teams will meet again come playoff time.



6. Pittsburgh Steelers (5, 6-3)

I don't think it matters who this team faces or what their record is, they will always be favored. Especially at home. Losing a game the way they did to the Bengals, who played classic Steeler style football, hurts a little. Even Merril Hoge didn't predict they would sweep the Steelers. Polamalu being hurt again also isn't a good sign.



7. Arizona Cardinals (8, 6-3)

Warner and Hasselback put on a show. However, Warner is a pro at a show(I mean he was a part of the greatest show on turf) which is probably why his team won. Add to the fact that Seattle has been up and down this season and the Cards were at home...wait what? They won a game they should have at home? Good for them.




8. San Diego Chargers (13, 6-3)


LT got a gift from his wife before the game. A positive pregnancy test. So the future new dad looked like a blast from the past when he dominated the Eagles. Broncos are on the decline while this team keeps getting better and better.




9. Dallas Cowboys (6, 6-3)

They looked AWFUL against the Packers. Being shut out for most of the game when the defense they were facing was less than impressive against the Bucs. I said it wouldn't last long. I don't see them losing against the Skins but I wouldn't have picked them to beat the Broncos either. One of the best rivalries in the NFL.



10. Philadelphia Eagles (7, 5-4)

They apparently can't travel to the west coast and leave with a W. At least this time it was to a more worthy opponent. McNabb went crazy with over 350 yards and they still lost. Add that to the fact Brian Westbrook has another concussion. Doesn't look good for the Eagles.



11. Houston Texans (11, 5-4)


Bye week this past week. Will the running back committee continue? I would like to know (fannnnnnnnnnnnntasyyyyyyyyy).



12. Baltimore Ravens (12, 5-4)

That game hurt to watch. Both teams looked poor. However it was the Browns offense that looked worse. Antoine Pollard said it best, "I feel dumber for watching that game." Well hopefully we will be more offensive against the Colts.

13. Atlanta Falcons (10, 5-4)

Losing Michael Turner is going to hurt this team. Evident in the fact that they lost to the Panthers who are really rolling now. If the Falcons keep playing like this they could lose a playoff spot to the Panthers.

14. New York Giants (14, 5-4)

Bye week...not much to say. At least the Eagles and Cowboys lost this week!

15. San Francisco 49ers (15, 4-5)

That was an ugly, ugly win. Atrocious would describe that win. Gore was able to move the ball but that was it. The defense looked good or was it Cutler that looked that bad.

16. Miami Dolphins (16, 4-5)

Well at least they didn't blow that game to the Bucs. Henne did look pedestrian at times but they need to Jets and Pats to kill each other this weekend to give them a chance in the division.

17. Green Bay Packers (18, 5-4)

How do you go from losing to the Bucs to beating the Cowboys? I don't know but I like it! Pretty dominant at home not allowing the Boys to score until late in the fourth quarter when it didn't matter.

18. Denver Broncos (9, 6-3)

They lost to the Redskins, probably due to Orton being injured when they needed him late. If he is hurt for an extended period of time, this team could miss the playoffs.

19. Carolina Panthers (21, 4-5)

What a turnaround. Next to the Titans this might be the scariest under .500 in the league. With Atlanta faltering and having injury issues with Turner, who knows what can happen with a wild card spot.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (23, 5-4)

Why MJD didn't just punch it in for the win I have no idea. I mean, doesn't he know people could have used that TD in fantasy! Del Rio will have hate mail from about 60 million fantasy owners this week, he won't care since his team won.

21. Tennessee Titans (22, 3-6)

Chris Johnson beast mode activated. Can they win 10 in a row and possibly make the playoffs? Possibly, with Johnson running the ball so dominantly anything is possible.

22. New York Jets (17, 4-5)

MJD owns everyone. He even felt sorry for them, so he took a knee at the 1. I have no idea why but whatever. Jets loss and now the Pats are coming to town. My how the tides have turned.



23. Chicago Bears (19, 4-5)

Hey Jay over here I'm open, whoops. Another interception. This is going to be an ugly rest of the season if he doesn't stop turning the ball over. A lot of folks were saying all of those INTs were not his fault. Okay well 3 of them were, especially the one that lost the game. The defense finally turns it around and this happens. Da Bears are Da Turnova Kings.


24. Seattle Seahawks (20, 3-6)

Hasselback lost a tough battle against Warner. He did get a rapport going with Houschmandzadeh and at least Forsett looks good considering Orange Julius Jones got hurt.


25. Buffalo Bills (24, 3-6)

Chris Johnson nearly had 300 yards from the line of scrimmage this week. I remember when I thought the Bills might be decent. That was before the injuries, the letdowns and the preseason.


26. Washington Redskins (30, 3-6)

I'm sorry they did what? They beat the Broncos? No way. Betts ran all over them? Wow. Will I be the only one who won't be shocked if Betts stays as the starting back even if Portis comes back healthy?


27. Kansas City Chiefs (25, 2-7)

So in the game of the weak they took out the Raiders. It was kind of a gift the Raiders gave them. At this point, would anyone be shocked if they beat the Broncos?


28. Oakland Raiders (27, 2-7)

Same score but in reverse against the Chiefs this week. Watching Heyward-Bey drop two balls that cost his team the game has to hurt Al Davis. Especially while watching Michael Crabtree lighting up in San Fran.


29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (29, 1-8)

They look like they are going to shock some more teams before the year is out. I honestly won't be totally surprised when the Cadillac runs ALL OVER the Saints this week. I also won't be surprised if Freeman throws a pick 6 or two.


30. Detroit Lions (28, 1-8)

Maybe the highlight of the season will be that they actually got a win. I don't know if they win again with the defense they are playing now.


31. St. Louis Rams (31, 1-8)

They actually stood a chance against the second best team in the league. The fact that they have Steven Jackson sure helped them exploit the Saints biggest weakness. They are going to string together some wins. Not starting this week.


32. Cleveland Browns (32, 1-8)

They are awful, so bad that they made the Ravens look just as bad. No one has the heart or drive on offense. They need diverse play calling to get the ball into the hands of Cribbs and Massaquoi. At least the defense didn't get completely abused.



Dare to compare mine to those at ESPN. We differ on our opinions but hey, at least you know I'm not one to plagiarize! Check it out and I will see you here next week!http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

NFL Power Rankings - Week 9

Hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween! The same can't be said for some NFL teams. Maybe this will help me get over that horrible Yankees victory I saw Wednesday night. Sorry Yankee fan but I just can't be happy for you. It's the Baltimore in me. Speaking of Baltimore, they assisted in demolishing one/removing a team from the unbeaten leaving the NFL with two. Now this has everyone predicting a Saints and Colts Super Bowl. Well, let me do my best Samuel L. MFin Jackson when I say, "Not me!" Why am I yelling? It's just how I talk, now let's get to the rankings.

NFL Power Rankings

1. New Orleans Saints (1, 7-0)

Still undefeated, not even close at home. Brees still looks great, the defense can be run on but still create turnovers with points at the end of them. As long as they stay healthy I am not sure that they can be stopped. Not going to go undefeated but will not be beat at home.


2. Indianapolis Colts (2, 7-0)

I can't move them up for almost losing to the Niners at home. Can't move them down either. Still undefeated and facing a team this week that they are 13-1 against. Also losing Bob Sanders for the season after just playing in 2 games not a positive in my mind.


3. New England Patriots (4, 5-2)

Bye week this past week. Tough division game against the Dolphins. Those games are always interesting.


4. Minnesota Vikings (5, 7-1)

Smashing Green Bay twice has to make an old man feel good. Being in first place going into the bye with only one loss is also pretty good.



5. Cincinnati Bengals (6, 5-2)


They destroyed the Bears. Yes, I know I said that last week but it was their bye. What should I say? Ochocinco is a jokester, sending the Ravens D sticks of deodorant. Odoriferous, offalactigil, emanations.





6. Denver Broncos (3, 6-1)



What a difference ownage makes. They were destroyed by Baltimore this week. So the question remains since it took so long for people to FINALLY jump their bandwagon. Which team will show up this week? The great team that we all saw before the Ravens game or the team that got demolished in Baltimore? Time will tell.





7. Pittsburgh Steelers (9, 5-2)



Bye week so...why move them up?




8. Baltimore Ravens (11, 4-3)



Beatdown week. Ownage of an unbeaten team hasn't been done like that in a long time. It feels sweet to end a losing streak now, let's not start a new one against Cincy!






9. Philadelphia Eagles (12, 5-2)



For dismantling the Giants you get to be in the top 10. Now just do the same thing to the Cowboys and you can stay. As long as Desean Jackson keeps dominating everyone I don't see how they can be stopped. Should be a great show in Dallas this week.








10. Arizona Cardinals (8, 4-3)





DON'T Believe in the Cardinals. I don't think anyone saw that one coming. A loss to the Panthers at home, really? They got ran all over by Williams and Stewart, something they were number one in before last week. That could have just been a fluke by the Panthers but Warner looked horrible, turning the ball over 6 times is not going to win football games.








11. Atlanta Falcons (10, 4-3)





Can't drop them too far for not getting completely owned by the Saints. Can anyone beat them at home this year? I don't think so. Ryan is looking very sophomoric lately. Hope that turns around soon as he is going to need to get going for them to be successful.








12. Houston Texans (13, 5-3)



Steve Slaton BENCHING. No matter the RB the offense is still a beast. Beating the Bills is not as big of a feat as taking out the Niners. However keep winning Texans if you want to head for the playoffs.








13. Dallas Cowboys (17, 5-2)



I can't move them up too much even though they thumped my compMANions in Seattle. They play the Eagles this week for number 1 in the NFC East. Isn't it nice to have three decent teams in a division?








14. Green Bay Packers (14, 4-3)



Losing to the Vikings isn't totally a loss. How bout them Packers fans huh? Booing Favre is a little ridiculous. It did make me feel good deep down inside (read below if you don't understand why).








15. San Francisco 49ers (15, 3-4)



This is another team that I just can't quit. Probably my childhood infatuation with them. They almost stole win from the Colts and looked like they might actually do it, for a half at least. Alex Smith is proving he is better then the last QB Smith (Akili) taken in the first round a few years back. Vernon Davis sighting!!!!






16. New York Giants (9, 5-3)





They hit the trifecta. Their defense doesn't look like they can stop a peewee team, Eli playing hurt is not looking good and they are no longer in first in the division. Now they have to face the pass happy Chargers. Don't make it 4 in a row or do, it makes me feel good to drop a New York team after the Yanks victory.








17. Chicago Bears (18, 4-3)



I feel like there should be a stipulation for power rankings when you beat the Browns. It should be, you beat the Browns, what did you prove? Beat the Cards and we'll talk about moving up more then one spot.








18. Miami Dolphins (20, 3-4)



So they have won 3 out of their last 4. The one loss was to the Saints. This could still be a playoff team if their team keeps it up. They may give the Pats a scare. That's a big may.








19. San Diego Chargers (19, 4-3)





While I love me some Rivers to Jackson (fantasy ownage), I am not sold on this team. Merriman FINALLY getting a couple of sacks is great but the defense has still looked terrible against decent offenses. I mean they gave up 17 to the Raiders, that's like 75 to the Saints.








20. New York Jets (16, 4-4)





Rex is going to eat his special teams players and coaches. Chew them up and spit them out, he was not in the mood for Ginn and juice at all! This is another one of these two sided teams that you never know which one you are going to get from week to week.






21. Seattle Seahawks (22, 2-5)



I can't quit this team. Even after a Cowboy thumping, I moved them up. They are playing a cupcake this week in the Lions. Not another tough game until the following week against the Cards.




22. Carolina Panthers (24, 3-4)



This is what the team should have been doing all year. They completely owned the Cards, surprisingly they beat them at home. Deangelo Williams proved that you could actually run on the Cards and it was Warner doing his best Delhomme impression turning the ball over 6 times. That will do it. No way they beat the Saints at home.






23. Jacksonville Jaguars (21, 3-4)





While MJD is owning everyone, his team is not. The defense is falling apart and can't even stop Vince Young after being on the shelf for nearly 2 years.








24. Buffalo Bills (23, 2-4)





The mini winning streak is over. They were destroyed by Houston this week. Ryan Moats ran all over them. Still having a lot of troubles getting the offense going.








25. Kansas City Chiefs (25, 1-6)



The bye week can get Cassel ready for a team that he should be foaming at the mouth over. Playing a poor Jag defense that is near the bottom of the league against the pass could help him pull the season together. LJ is not going to play so pick up Jamaal Charles if you need a reach in fantasy.




26. Tennessee Titans (28, 1-6)



Let's not get too happy people. Your rushing defense was awful, MJD ran all over you. Young looked decent against a horrible pass defense missing their best corner and a pass rush. One thing is for sure, Chris Johnson is an absolute monster.








27. Oakland Raiders (26, 2-6)





Well at least they didn't get stomped by San Diego. Still yet another loss, lackluster performance by Russell but their rushing D was decent. They held LT to only 56 yards, biggest problem was in the red zone. San Diego has been terrible this season but scored on 3 out of 4 tries last Sunday. Add to the fact that Cable may be run out for beating his former spouse and girlfriends, just keeps stacking up on the Raiders.








28. Detroit Lions (27, 1-6)





When you can't even beat the Rams maybe you should drop more. Well they would drop if the loss would have been with their best player, Calvin Johnson, actually in the lineup.








29. Washington Redskins (29, 2-5)



Even a bye week didn't help the Redskin offense. Honestly do we think any of their players were able to score during a bye week?






30. Cleveland Browns (30, 1-7)



They are awful, so bad that their GM got fired. Mangini is...not...next? So says the owner, he will not be fired during the team's bye week this week. At least the Dawg Pound is going to get involved, they were interviewed by the owner to see if there are any moves that they should make. Play in the UFL?








31. St. Louis Rams (32, 1-7)



So they beat the Lions. Great job men, you did something that only the Redskins could NOT do. Also wasting Gatorade/water on your coach for the team's first win, possibly only win, just seems like a waste of liquid. Hooray, we may not get the number one draft pick!






32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31, 0-7)





Even a bye week couldn't save them from dropping. At least the Rams beat someone. I don't know if the Bucs can pull off an upset in the battle of the bays.








Dare to compare mine to those at ESPN. We differ on our opinions but hey, at least you know I'm not one to plagiarize! Check it out and I will see you here next week!http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings

Why Does Merril Hoge Hate Baltimore?

So I'm sitting on my big comfy brown couch engaging in my normal everyday morning ritual of watching Sportscenter when what do I see on the helpful sidebar index of the show? AFC playoff picks with Merril Hoge. In the segment Hoge is going to go over last year's playoff teams and "predict" who will make the playoffs. Of those teams that don't make it he will go over who will make it instead. A light bulb goes off in my head to do the same thing until I actually watched his analysis.

Readers in case you have forgotten who those playoff teams were last year from the AFC here is some help. The division winners were Miami Dolphins (East), Pittsburgh Steelers (North), Tennessee Titans (South) and the San Diego Chargers (West). Wild card teams were the Indianapolis Colts and, a team close to this writer's heart and home, the Baltimore Ravens.

By the title of the article you may have guessed which team Hoge decided would not make the playoffs. Along with the Miami Dolphins, who Hoge said is a good team but would not be able to do what they did last season in their division, he chose Baltimore to be hanging at home come January. This doesn't bother me until he gets to who will replace these teams. New England (duh!) is who he expects to take the East over the Dolphins and to take the other wild card spot, drum roll please, the pride of Ohio (not Ohio State but that team is honestly better then...), the Cincinnati Bengals.

WHAT?!? I mean Hoge has a pair to actually pick them but his analysis as to why the Ravens wouldn't make it was that our defense is getting old (Ray Lewis and Trevor Pryce are but we still have the Suggernaut and someone who can Reed a QB's eyes very well) and how much he likes Joe Flacco. Then he goes and picks the Bungles? Is it because they have their own show on HBO? Vinny Chase and the boys from Entourage are going to take the West? Well Hoge if you watched HBO previously you would know that The Wire is real!

Hoge likes the Bengals because they finished strong after starting the season 1-11-1 winning their final 3 games. I'm quoting Woody Paige when I say, "look at the schedule!" In their final 3 weeks the Bengals (without Palmer) played the Redskins, Browns and Chiefs. By my recollection those teams were awful last year. 8-8, 4-12 and 2-14 (all last place in their divisions) with the best team being beaten in Cincinnati. Their best offensive weapon in the games, ironically enough that was Cedric Benson, was playing against terrible rushing defenses and their best receiving weapon is on another coast in Seattle. I would say that Hoge is bleeding Steelers black and gold but he still went in the division. Whatever, hater in the house!

So I can't really mock the guy if I don't man up and make my own predictions. Like Hoge I wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers do repeat as champs. If they did we would have yet another dynasty for this millennium(3 titles in 4 years). So here goes, New England will win the East(as long as Brady doesn't get hurt again), Baltimore will split the season series with the Steelers and take the division(then probably lose to them in the playoffs), San Diego (will have the best record since they play 3 JV teams in their own division) will win the West and the Titans will take the South. Pittsburgh and Houston will be your wild card teams. Houston can be a playoff team as long as they get consistency, not injury, from Matt Schaub. The team went 8-8 however they finished 5-1 beating a playoff team in Tennessee, not just crappy teams. They have enough young talent, Slaton ran all over the Colts and Jags last season, and Andre Johnson entered beast mode last year leading the league in receiving yards. Excellent compliments in Kevin Walter(WR) and Owen Daniels (TE) assist in Johnson getting a lot of those yards. The team has an up and coming defense with Mario Williams, obviously not a bust, owning offensive tackles on a regular.

So short list for you all, opening playoff weekend expect the Steelers @ Ravens and Texans @ Titans with the Chargers and Patriots with the bye. Think you are better then me? Go ahead and take a guess, man/woman up! Join me in the hate of Hoge Baltimoreans! Or just join me in the confusion of him picking the Bengals to make it to the playoffs. Since hate is such a strong word.