The North Report - Preseason Edition: Cleveland Browns

I know, I know. The Browns are awful! Why would anyone waste any portion of their life previewing a team that is more than likely going to finish last in the division, of which they MIGHT win 2 games in said division? Well for starters, it allows the writer to mock a crappy team and laugh at what poor soul decided being on the Browns was a good career move in the offseason. "I'm gonna go to the Super Bowl!," said no Browns QB ever.

Key Departure

Josh Gordon and Johnny Football's substance abuse problems? Well yes and no. In all seriousness the team lost a key piece to their offense when Jordan Cameron (not to be confused with Cameron Jordan) took his talents to South Beach to catch passes from Ryan Tannehill. Cameron's biggest issue was staying on the field in 2014 but it is hard to deny that he, at one time, was a dominant force in this offense. A piece defensive coordinators had to focus on and figure out how to eliminate him from their game plan. Add to that Gordon is serving a one year suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy which unfortunately takes out two cogs in the offense.

Without Gordon and Cameron the Browns will rely heavily on Andrew Hawkins, somewhere over the Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline and Gary Barnidge. Gary who? Gary "never had more than 13 receptions in a season, God I hope we have a good running game this year, is it January yet?"

Also, Brian Hoyer is gone. We knew that was going to happen when the team drafted Manziel.

What about the draft?

The Browns may not have made too many free agent splashes however they did have 12 draft picks this year. Before we go too crazy let's remember that there are 7 rounds to the draft and this team had 5 of those 12 picks in the 6th and 7th. However, that allowed them to add some young depth to their squad. Starting with their piss poor defensive line from a year ago that EVERYONE ran on, they went with a plug up the middle in DT Danny Shelton who adds depth to a line that lost a man to free agency and has another (Phil Taylor) returning from injury AND playing in a contract year, going young is a good move. Also in the first round they added depth to their offensive line (also piss poor) by adding Cameron Erving. It will solidify the right side of the Browns line as well as add much needed depth. Which is basically what the team did with the rest of the draft. Why in the hell this team drafted yet another running back (who fantasy types like myself are just hoping bursts through) I have no idea. For some reason this team took a flyer on Duke Johnson in the third round. Adding him to an already crowded backfield makes little sense but when do the Browns honestly make sense.

Did they pick up anybody?

Well I kind of spoiled it above discussing who was in the receiving core. The team acquired oldie but goodie Brian Hartline and younger unproven Dwayne Bowe. The biggest acquisition was the person throwing these two guys the ball. Josh McCown is in town, throwing balls around, not very sound and probably gonna go down....a lot. I don't really see this is much of an improvement at the position with Hoyer's departure. McCown is more of a veteran but he is still not throwing balls to the likes of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey in Cleveland like he was when he was successful in Chicago. All in all this feels like a lateral move to McCown who is just a place holder until Manziel is ready to have another go at starting. I'm guessing by midseason it will be Johnny Football time.

Prediction

It's not hard to predict where these cellar dwellers will finish. They occasionally shock a division opponent and luck out playing the Raiders (who will probably beat them). Having a completely new offense as far as receivers go doesn't bode well along with a brand spanking new quarterback who is unproven without having superstar receivers to back him up. Their first four games are a complete tossup. They honestly could win all of the games (@Jets, Titans, Raiders & @Chargers) but after the division play starts. The NFC West starts and the good teams in the AFC West start. They go to Seattle and KC (losses no doubt) towards the end of the season. You know, to solidify their draft spot. It's going to be a long season for these guys. The defense may surprise some folks and if their offense can keep pace they are going to surprise some teams. Not enough to matter in the thick of things.

4-12, Last place, 2nd worst record in football

So that covers the division. Now we are ready for some FOOTBALL! Well after this last week of preseason that is. Let's just hope all teams get through this last game with the least amount of injuries, for fantasy purposes of course.

The North Report - Preseason Edition: Pittsburgh Steelers

So let me get this straight. The Steeler's open the season with the Hall of Fame game and also open the regular season against what will probably be the Brady-less (waaa waa Pats fans) Patriots squad. Interesting. In all honesty I missed the game this past Thursday. Starters barely play in the first game and fans barely get a chance to see new players in action. Even realize the team has new players. I didn't get to hear the wife say,"Oh crap! He's a damn Steeler now?." Well now you(and she) will know.

Key Departure

This is a no brainer. It is a sad day when a future hall of famer leaves a team and the Steelers losing Troy Polamalu to retirement is disappointing. Ravens fans and Steeler fans alike loved arguing who was better between he and Ed Reed. Polamalu may have not been the same player in recent years but his presence definitely mattered in a young Steeler locker room. He was the quiet warrior and I for one am sad to see him go. Just like Hines Ward (who we all STILL hate respect) he was part of a beautiful disaster that was our rivalry with this team. I'm not going to miss him causing Flacco headaches near our own goal line (yes Steeler fan we remember that play) nor will I miss him terrorizing our entire backfield. In other words, respect!

Shamarko Thomas is stepping into the unfillable shoes of a legend. 

Update: A few days after writing this article Martavis Bryant was handed a four game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy. Apparently, he couldn't stay out of Le'Veon Bell's stash. Anyway his suspension hurts the offense across the board(not JUST the fantasy board). An offense that will already be missing Bell for two of those games. Markus Wheaton is going to have to step up with those two key pieces missing on offense.

What about the draft?

While every one of their fans will argue, you know they were looking for the heir apparent to Heath Miller and we snagged Maxx Williams before they could. However they still had a successful draft grabbing some depth for their linebacking core and defensive backs. They grabbed a pass rushing LB (Alvin Dupree, Kentucky) something this team has been missing since James Harrison left. Yes I know he came back and did his thing for a few games but they need it on a more consistent basis. When he was in the backfield that is when this team was dominant on the defensive side of the ball. As we all know, their pass defense was terrible last season. Almost as bad as the Ravens (which was pretty terrible). They went with a corner in the second round(Senquez Golson, Ole Miss) who was known in his college years as a ballhawk (he had 10 INTs last season at Ole Miss). In all honesty I always try to keep an eye on the receivers this team drafts. Lately they have been hitting homeruns with their later round receiver picks. This year's diamond in the rough could be Sammie Coates out of Auburn. While he did have a case of the drops he also had a case of averaging over 20 yards a reception in the SEC last season.

Did they pick up anybody?

In a word...yes! The biggest knock on the Steelers last year was how one dimensional they became without Le'Veon Bell on the field. That all should change with a significant upgrade in his backup. Deangelo Williams will be spelling Bell this season and more than likely starting in his place for a the first two games while he serves his suspension. Williams is not the runner he once was but he is still a dangerous back when healthy. He certainly isn't Bell but he can at least be dangerous as a runner which this team was missing last season when Bell wasn't out there. 

Update: While I still believe Williams to be the most significant pickup of the offseason for the Steelers, the team has signed veteran dog kill...er quarterback Michael Vick as a backup. Will Vick even see the field this season? Probably not. We all know that it literally takes a motorcycle accident for Big Ben to miss any significant amount of time. However, I can assure you that some Steeler fans (ie, the wife) were/are not too happy to see him on the team. Then again my wife likes dogs more than people.

Prediction

This really isn't prediction as much as it is a fact. This is a contending team for the division and possibly the AFC. They are year in and year out and that is mostly due to their franchise QB. There will be a battle between them and the Ravens for the AFC North which fortunately we play towards the end of the season (in week 16). However, this is during a 5 game stretch towards the end of the season where they have a quite a meaty sandwich with Browns bread. After their first game with the Browns in week 10 they get to rest up for a brutal stretch that includes @Seattle, Colts, @Cincinnati, Broncos and @Ravens before closing the season out against the Browns. This team is usually one who has started to pick up steam towards the end of the season but this one could fare differently because of that rough stretch. Yes, they are going to play the Pats without Brady more than likely in week one. Who cares? They still have to win the game without arguably their best player in Bell. So quit complaining Ravens fans, this is why they hate us. Not cause they ain't us. However if Janeane Garofalo or whatever that kids name is beats them (shut up I know his name is Jimmy Garoppolo) I will be the first to laugh at the wife until we play on Sunday against the Broncos.

10-6, wild card/possible division crown

There you have it, the division is wrapped up. Should make for an interesting football season. Remember kiddies, only a couple more sleeps until the beginning of the season!

Around the North

image courtesy of  www.thesidelinereport.com

Man, what the hell are we all going to do this week? No Ravens to watch, maybe a fantasy team is your liking. Personally I enjoy contemplating how in the world we can make it out of this division and into the playoffs. The only division where every team is above .500! More than likely stuck in front my TV hopefully laughing at one of our division foes going down in a barrel of flames.

Before I do all that, I figure why not go around the division and figure out just how teams got there and if they stand a chance of staying there (cough cough CLEVELAND cough cough). We are going to travel from first to worst in the division.

The Browns shocked not only the Bengals last Thursday but everyone in the division(perhaps the world), claiming sole possession of first place for the first time in 18 years. September 24, 1995 was the last time they were a first place team. You know, the season right before they became the Ravens! The team is currently 6-3 while wearing the division crown.

How they got here: The three headed monster they have in their backfield of Ben Tate (3.3 YPC), Isiah Crowell(4.6 YPC) and Terrance West(3.7 YPC). No one can honestly tell who is going to be the dominant back out of the bunch most weeks (recently it has been the rookie West) but they all produce. West leads the pack with 396 rushing yards, Tate has 342 and Crowell comes in last with 296. The trio has a total of 12 TDs! Which is more than their QB has (10). That production has only eased the passing game for Hoyer who just keeps on winning. He isn't lighting up the stat sheet, as mentioned, but he sure is doing it in the win column. A defense that bends (20th in total defense) but doesn't break (sixth in points allowed) has helped.

A look at the schedule: Man, who thought at the beginning of the year that the division could come down to us and the Browns in that last game? If you said, "me!," you are totally full of it. The Browns will be taking their talents on the road four out of their last seven games including Atlanta (much better at home, let's face it even the Jags beat the Browns when they were the home team) and coming to Baltimore. Any team with a rushing attack is going to give them problems, they rank 28th in the league against the run. Most of these teams at home will try to gain the lead and build that lead with the run (see Jacksonville). Their toughest opponent will be visiting them on December 7th when the Colts come to town. I could see them only getting out of this stretch with two wins but if they can go 4-3 they might take the division.

Important future knowledge: Josh Gordon, arguably the league's best WR will be back in week 12. We are talking about a guy who led the league in receiving last season only playing in 14 games. Their missing passing attack will shine when Gordon returns.

Prediction: 9-7, tied for second in the division

This team was the toast of the league during the first month of the season. Sure they swept us but they have looked piss poor in a decent amount of their games this season. Dalton is proving that when the pressure is on he can't close the deal. In Thursday's contest Dalton had more interceptions (3) than his passer rating (2.0), insane! However the team still remains in second place (stupid tie, no one likes getting ties, not even for Christmas!) at 5-3-1.

How they got here: We have already discussed the disaster on Thursday that ended their 15 game winning streak at home. Started off going 3-0 and being a Super Bowl favorite. Then the massacre in New England happened. The following week was the now infamous tie. Which leads me to ask, how do you tie the Panthers at home? They stink! The biggest news out of that game was A.J. Green's injured toe. Green missed when they were shutout against the Colts and their victory at home against the Ravens. Now they are dealing with Gio Bernard missing time giving the rookie Jeremy Hill some time as the lead back. 50/50 so far. Two weeks ago he was great, against a poor rush defense in Cleveland he was awful. However they were down the entire game so that had a little something to do with it. The team is in the middle of the pack offensively and among the bottom dwellers in a couple defensive categories. Mostly due to Dalton's ineptitude to succeed, he is having his worst season after being overpaid back in August. Doesn't scream, "division winner."

A look at the schedule: It's not looking much better for the Bengals as they prepare for a pissed off New Orleans team who just lost a heartbreaker to the 49ers. The Saints rarely lose at home and I don't anticipate them starting a losing streak. Five of the seven games remaining are on the road for the Bengals. A team that has managed just 40 points in three games on the road. 13-14 points is not going to win this Sunday and it might not even beat Arian Foster and the Texans the following week. They still have four games in the division and more than likely will split the two they have with the Steelers. It's just what division opponents do. However I fully expect them to succumb to the season sweep at the hands of the Browns. They will be a different team with Gordon back for their next meeting and it doesn't help to be in Cleveland's domain. I see them tanking the rest of the season due to their lulls on the road.  Let us not forget that Pey Pey is coming to town with his Bronco buddies on December 22nd. So even though they have two games at home, they will be lucky to be a resident of splitsville and go 1-1.

Important future knowledge: Giovani Bernard is due to return soon which will bolster this lackluster offense who hasn't been 100% since week 4. When Green returned to the lineup he tagged out Bernard who has missed the past two games.

Prediction: 7-8-1, last in the division

Oh boy, time for some home cookin'! We ho hummed our way through the Ray Rice scandal to start the year, going 2-1. While we were dismantling the NFC South (who hasn't really) we started getting some praise. Then Roethlisberger happpened. Nevertheless we are still within striking distance of the division leading Browns even though we are tied for last place with the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 6-4 record.

How they got here: Getting swept by the Bengals is honestly what has us at the bottom of the barrel of the division. Splitting with the Steelers and losing to Indy were things we knew could/would happen before the season began. What we didn't know was the resurgence of Steve Smith Sr. or Justin Forsett. Forsett has only gone on to lead the league in yards per carry, something the Ravens were 32nd (yeah sports fans, that was last place in the league) last season. Currently we are the eighth ranked rushing team in the NFL. Mostly due to Forsett. Sure Smith Sr. has slowed down these past few weeks but he is still nearly 400 yards ahead of our second place receiver. While the offense is a little ahead of the middle of the pack the defense. Ranking third in points allowed, something this team has been known for some time now. We all know about Suggs, Ngata and the rest of our veterans but the leading tackler for this team is the rookie C.J. Mosley. Definitely the front runner for defensive rookie of the year, he currently has 90 tackles, 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions. Our biggest issue has been our pass defense and Jimmy Smith's season ending foot injury/surgery is not helping that. Last week against the Titans we looked okay after that first drive. However, that was the Titans.

A look at the schedule: Coming off the bye week we are off to the Big Breesy for a Monday night date with the Saints. We have won there before but with a much better pass defense. Honestly we are done with the meaty part of our schedule. Among our division, our remaining opponents have the worst winning percentage. We have three at home (San Diego, Jacksonville and Cleveland) and three on the road (New Orleans, Miami and Houston). All very winnable games but we all know the parity of the NFL where any team can pull one out that maybe they shouldn't. Hear me out, we already saw what happened to San Diego coming across country, a beatdown in Miami. Jacksonville is scrappy but should not scare us at home. The division may come down to the Cleveland game. They are going to be the best team that we play the rest of the season. They again will be a different team with a totally different game plan with Gordon in the lineup. However, by then we hope, the secondary will have pulled together. Our biggest challenge on the road comes against the Dolphins in week 13. Hear me out! The Fins are quietly one of the best defensive teams in the league, ahead of us in many of the stats. They are fourth in the league in total defense including being the second ranked team in pass defense. We also will be battling it out with them with the thoughts of a playoff spot being out there. The winning team would have a leg up in the wild card and possibly catch up to their division leader. Let's face it, the Dolphins are a wild card or bust team. They won't catch the Pats.

Important future knowledge: Flacco could turn out to have his best season this year. The only decent defense he will face is Miami. He is only two TDs behind last year's total with far less interceptions. A mere eight away from his career high. We can only hope that the money we spent after his Super Bowl MVP is finally going to show through in his regular season numbers.

Prediction: 11-5, first place in the division

We save the worst for last! Okay okay, tie for worst. The Steelers have been very inconsistent this season and are either the best team on the planet or worse than the Jets...and Bucs. I mean it is hard to consider this team a contender when they do what they do against less than mediocre opponents. No way they should have lost to either of those teams but somehow they found a way to play worse than them. When they lost to Tampa they were still trying to find their offense. They find their offense but lose it against a decent Jets defense. Antonio Brown actually is human and did something wrong(a lost fumble).

How they got here: Horrible losses to the Bucs and Jets that in my honest opinion should have been wins which would catapult them into first place in this division. You have to play to your schedule and the Steelers have not beaten all of the opponents that they should have. On the bright side, this season has been Le'Veon Bell's coming out party. He has been a beast out of the backfield totaling 1,213 yards from scrimmage. Just not sniffing the end zone. Big Ben has been up and down this season, most recently he had the peak of 12 TDs in two games (tying an NFL record). However against the Jets he was back to the Ben Raven fans love, throwing red zone interceptions. The defense has come around since the beginning of the season but is still old and lacking when it comes to pass defense. They are a middle of the pack defense with tremendous upside on the offense, if they are clicking watch the scoreboard go. Also let's not forget the coming out party of Martavis Bryant. He has played in 4 games this season and has 6 TDs. I wish the Ravens could draft a receiver like that.

A look at the schedule: How in the world the Titans got a Monday night home game I have not a clue. However, you got to know that Tomlin is going to be asking his men to step up and show up against another low quality team. Who knows? Maybe they will. Considering their piss poor record against such an opponent I doubt it. They are one of the few teams that have not had their bye week, which will happen next week. This team, like us, can benefit from a late bye. It could help push them into the playoffs. They still play the Bengals twice, if they sweep that could be the division for them. At the very least a wild card. Not that they don't travel well but just where they have to travel makes me believe they won't win another road game this year. Is it possible they can win in Atlanta and Tennessee (cue Arrested Development)? Sure! Have they proven that they will win? Not so much. Their home games are New Orleans (terrible on the road), Kansas City(these Chiefs ain't royal) and finishing out the year against Cincy. Odds are that either this game or the Ravens/Browns game will be moved into primetime. The division could be on the line in either game.

Important future knowledge: The defense will get a boost when Ike Taylor returns from his broken forearm. He wasn't the shutdown corner he used to be but he is clearly their best option. I already mentioned the emergence of Martavis Bryant. He is what this team has been missing since Plaxico Burress left.

Prediction: 9-7, tied for second in the division

Yeah, I know it seems like a homer pick to take the Ravens but in reality they should end the season that way. The back end of their schedule is much easier than their division opponents so why not. 10-6 could win this division but 11-5 just sounds better. We could have two division champs in our town for the first time in my life. That would be awesome!

H.Y.P.E. = Hold Your Predictions EEEEEEEEEEEEdiots!

So with the impending NFL season slowly approaching and so much hype surrounding Lebron James' free agency, it is time for yet another fantastic blog by yours truly. Now for those who want to insult me for my inability to come up with a word that starts with "E" for my acronym in the title, have a sense of humor. I'm quoting the great Ren Hoek,"you eeeeeediot!"

Bron Bron

• Look, when Wade and Bosh announced that they would go to Miami and take "less money" to bring those who could help the team win, I thought Lebron was packing his swimming trunks for the beaches in Miami. Anyone who thought Lebron was going to stay in Cleveland, hit the Big Apple or head to Chicago after that bomb dropped is/was crazy. Who knew that Chris Bosh signing somewhere would effect the decision of James, who was attempting to bring him to the Cavs. All in all, "decision 2010" lacked much drama for me. What it did do was change my image of who I thought Lebron was. Bold move arranging for an hour long special on ESPN where you control everything for something that could be a status update on Twitter or Facebook. Thanks for the marketing ploy Lebron. Anyway, I am just happy that I will start seeing NFL analysts soon as opposed to Chris Broussard all over ESPN and cap specialists telling me where Lebron will go.

Oakland Raiders Won't Suck?

• When asked what team could turn it around a lot of experts are picking the Raiders. I can't really knock on this considering they have an improving young QB in Jason Campbell and a decent running game. Add the talent of Rolondo McClain from the draft to improve a team that was terrible against the run last season and it makes it interesting. Well that and the fact that they play in the AFC West where the only team that will be decent is the Chargers. Win the division? No. Go 9-7? Yeah. Too many close games last year and they got rid of that pariah Jamarcus Russell.

Jets in the Super Bowl

• Really? Wasn't this the same smack we all heard last year? LT is not an improvement over Thomas Jones but their pass defense is looking like it will be pretty stacked. Revis and Cromartie are two stellar corners who have shutdown ability. Well Revis does but let's not forget how great Cromartie was a couple years back (remember that insane 1 handed INT on Peyton while falling down on the sideline? if not, google it!). Besides the AFC East is going to be a monster this year with every team being better, well maybe not the Bills. Dolphins made moves getting Karlos Dansby (MLB) and Brandon Marshall (WR), eventhough he is hurt, which is going to vastly improve their team. Plus there is this guy named Tom Brady who thinks he OWNS the AFC East division crown.

The Madden Curse Tolls for Thee

• A lot of experts don't believe in this curse but that is not me. Too many players have been effected by mojo, voodoo, coincidence, faith or whatever one might call this. It happens. All I am advising is that anyone involved in fantasy football avoid Drew Brees like he has Sars. I wish you well Mr. Brees but my mouse will not click "draft" anywhere near your picture this year. If history proved this wrong then maybe I would think twice about this. It doesn't. Just ask any player who has graced the cover since 1999 when the "tradition" began(or go here---> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madden_NFL#Madden_Curse ). That is the definition of an "E" word, evidence. I'm not predicting when Brees will go down, just that he will be out at some point. Sorry Saints fans!

And the Super Bowl Champ Is...

• Okay, look I am all for making picks to start the season but anyone picking a team to win the Super Bowl now is out of their mind. I don't want to hear who Mark Schlereth, Darren Woodson or Trey Wingo have winning it all this year before anyone has taken a training camp snap. Everyone would, should pick who was in the game last year for the simple reason that there is nothing to really go on. Except for overall rosters (paper) and no one wants to be a paper champion. Just ask the Colts, they are the paper champs just about every season. Who knows what can happen in training camp or the preseason? Injuries happen, thats what. So wait until after the preseason so called experts.

There you go! A word that begins with the letter "E" which leads me to my point of this blog. Next time you hear one of these so called experts building something up just think to yourself H.Y.P.E. Hold your predictions eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeediot!

10 Things You're Thinking About Before the Orioles Season Starts

Perhaps non-Oriole fans aren't asking these questions but we as Oriole nation are asking them. Why 10? We are the tenth man after all. Plus I can't completely rip off MLB Networks Prime 9. These are ten things that should be on the minds of us, the fans of "dem O's". Or as some of us may have affectionately called them the "d' O's" (a play on Homer Simpsons "D'oh!"). So unlike a Tiger Woods press conference, let's get to the questions.

1. Did we really sign Miguel Tejada?

• What is he like 40? Honestly we don't know. All false birth certificates and b-12 injection jokes aside, he is still a decent player. Most of us are familiar with Josh Bell, who the O's acquired in the George Sherrill trade at the deadline last season from the Dodgers. If you aren't, know he is the future at third base. Which is why Mora is now in Colorado and Tejada is just filler at the position until Bell is ready. Bell passed the AA test last season when he belted 20 homers and had a respected .295 avg. This isn't a question about Bell. Tejada was a doubles machine last season when he had 46 of them while batting .313 in 158 games. Yes, the homerun numbers are down but that is not why we got him. We have more then enough power without Tejada. With him we have depth at SS in case of another Izturis injury and a solid veteran in our clubhouse. Hopefully he is in better spirits then a few years ago when he left for a "winning franchise" in Houston. Which he should be, considering he signed here. I mean, what were his other options, the Nationals? More then likely Tejada will split time at third, shortstop and DH.

2. Will the lineup be any good?

• We are the projected fifth best lineup in baseball. So let's go with yes. We have the best outfield in the American League East in my opinion with two gold glove caliber players in Jones and Markakis. Add the young Reimold in the mix and we are solid in the outfield. Where are we going to put Pie? He will get his time as well more then likely in left or in center to give Jones a break. Still our starting lineup will probably look something like this. Roberts(2b), Markakis (RF), Jones (CF), Scott (DH), Reimold (LF), Wieters(C), Tejada(3b), Atkins (1B), Izturis (SS). Listed in batting order of course. If this is how the opening day lineup looks I wouldn't be surprised but Reimold and Jones could flip flop or Wieters could move up. Some people have Jones predicted as hitting seventh in our lineup. We shall see what Spring Training shows in our young players like Wieters and Reimold. If they perform well, Jones batting seventh could be a reality.

3. Will anyone hit 30 homers?

• Yes, Matt Wieters...from both sides of the plate! (That was for you Antoine!) All MattWietersfacts.com-like jokes aside, we didn't have one last year. We may not have one this year. If Scott stays healthy all season he is our best bet unless of course someone from our youth movement shows up. Considering that Markakis is more likely to hit .300 then hit 30 homers, I doubt it.

4. Will Brian Matusz be in our starting rotation on opening day?

• Well, he is the fifth best prospect in baseball and has experience from last year. Still with rookie status so he could be a serious contender for rookie of the year. At this point he has had two bullpen sessions down in Sarasota and is feeling good. Working in curveballs and improving his two seamer to his sessions. Most importantly, looking forward to touring ballparks again with his budding bromance, Chris Tillman. The comradery in this young group of pitchers really stands out, hopefully their performance does as well.

5. Will any pitcher win 15 games?

• My confidence levels are high with this one. While we did have a 17 game loser last year, ironically enough this was also the team leader in wins (10, Guthrie). The last 15 game winner we had was Mr. Personality himself, Erik Bedard back in 2006. Please, someone win 15 so that I never have to say that again. While Bedard was a dominant pitcher, his injuries have seemed to dominate him ever since he left Baltimore. Sorry I couldn't hear the smallest violin playing over Adam Jones and George Sherrill being all stars/awesome. So by playing 6 degrees of separation, Bedard won a gold glove last season for the O's playing centerfield. Way to go!

6. Can we have more than 1 player in the All Star game?

• Nothing against Adam Jones, he deserved to go last year (hello I wrote a blog supporting that!), but it would be nice to see more O's in the game. I know Markakis will never start in the All Star game as long as Ichiro is playing which I am okay with. I would take him being an alternate this season. In all honesty, Matt Wieters might be our best option to make the team in addition to anyone else. Considering how weak the AL is with catchers, as long as he performs he could do it. Especially since he is more widely known then others. Yes, I know Varitek will start no matter his stats, thank you Red Sox nation, but Wieters could be the backup. Considering Joe Girardi (an AL East manager) will be coaching the team and seeing Wieters on a regular. Who knows? I don't see you taking a stab at the All Star guessing game. What is more likely is that Jones will repeat or Markakis will make his first appearance. Since those two were the highest O's on the ballot last season.

7. Who will we trade by the deadline?

• Don't be surprised if it is Miguel Tejada. Expiring contract, decent hitter, plays solid defense and would have no issues being traded to a winning team. I mean, it's not likely that we would trade him within our own division for obvious reasons. With Jeter in New York, Scutaro in Boston and Bartlett in Tampa Bay. Lord knows the Blue Jays aren't going to be buyers in July. So why would they give up talent they recently acquired in the Halladay deal? There are teams in the NL that might look at Tejada seriously, maybe the Cubs.

8. Should I pay my money to watch these guys?

• I know times are hard but if you are a fan of baseball and the O's, get out to the Yard! Without sounding like or better than a PR person for the team, this could be the season they turn it around. If you are one of those fans that wants to see a win, go early in the season as we tail off towards the end the past few years. The young talent is really fun to watch and there is a 90% chance you are going to see someone in our outfield make a spectacular play. If Pie is out there...that lowers the percentage. I'm not saying to just go to Red Sox/Yankee games. No matter how many I tell to come, there is a 100% chance Orioles fans will be outnumbered. Nats games are always fun since you will never hear this from any of them, "Remember how awesome we were when we went to the playoffs/won the World Series?" Or the newly updated "27!" Seriously, we have seen the shirt and look Yankee fans, we know. Blah blah blah dynasty. Remember your best player in history was from Baltimore. So, SUCK ON THAT!

9. Are we going to matter in the AL bEast?

• You know what, we just might. I know the term of "this year's Rays" is being thrown our direction but that is the thing. That was only two years ago. No one was saying that about any team minus people mocking the Devil Rays. Maybe if we change the team name to just O's then life will be simpler. So we can all watch sportscasters and reporters alike say, "how bout them Oriole....er I mean O's!" The biggest concern of every fan is our pitching. While I can't say I am happy to be older then half of the staff, at least for a change I can say I'm not more talented (oooo diss!). Games will be decided by our bullpen due to our staff's youth so right now that is my biggest concern. If our starters can have quality starts and perform like all the experts think they can we may be able to snag a wild card spot.

10. Wait, a wild card spot? Brandan, what are you smoking/drinking?

• Uhm, hope? Luck? Andy MacPhail's spiked punch? Realistically I have us as the third team in the division. Above .500 for the first time in years. The Blue Jays are probably going to take fifth which has to be expected losing the talent they have over the past few years. The Rays are hoping, like us, that their young pitchers can lead them toward another winning season and hopefully the playoffs. I like ours as opposed to theirs. I am bias though. However, major league hitters have seen Price and seem to handle him well. He did not perform well as a starter last year after looking stellar in the playoffs when they went to the World Series. Plus, we have the third best lineup in the division. The only position, offensively that is, where power numbers will not matchup is first and third base. I highly doubt Tejada and Atkins. If Atkins from 2007 or 2008 shows up, then I will stand corrected. Give him some time with Terry Crowley, who has turned a lot of people around in his time. Here is hoping the baseball experts are wrong and Atkins is not past his prime.

So there it is. I am sure there are other questions that people may be asking and if there are any that you guys have feel free to post them in the comments. I will answer them as quickly as I can. Thanks for reading and I look forward to BSing with you in the future. Until next time. GO O's!

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.

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.

NFL Power Rankings - Week 1

In my first edition of NFL Power Rankings(about as pointless as the preseason AP poll in the NCAA), let's see how I do. In case you have never been fortunate enough to read one of these, odds are frequent ESPN.com addicts have, I will be ranking every team with a couple sentences of attached analysis. Since this is the first week I have also attached an over/under on wins for each team. Challenge me if you want, it could make this interesting. Hopefully all will go as planned and I will never have to change this thing, honestly that never happens. So here is my version of...

NFL Power Rankings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (over/under 11 wins)

When you are the defending champs and your biggest loss was your third wideout (Nate Washington) odds are you will be atop everyone's list. Plus Big Ben is still their QB, all he does is win. Prediction: under

2. New England Patriots (over/under 12 wins)

I heard analysis that the team might be better then the team which went 18-NYG(New York Giants). Brady seems to be healthy but Brady to Moss 30 times, doubtful. Defense is the big question mark with them. Prediction: over

3. San Diego Chargers (over/under 11 wins)

Rivers, Gates, LT, Merriman, V. Jackson, Phillips, Williams...need I say more? They are going to be the class of the AFC West (that isn't saying much) but how could they not be. San Diego is always classy and they are going to stay that way. Prediction: Over

4. Baltimore Ravens (over/under 10 wins)

Biased you say, yes I say but hear/read me out. The team will go as far as Flacco and the defense will carry them. Yes Bart Scott is gone but we, like the Steelers, are deep at this position. Plus I like our offense with a side of Rice. Add that to the undefeated preseason, haven't done that since the Super Bowl...Festivus Maximus season in 2000. Prediction: over

5. Atlanta Falcons (over/under 11 wins)

Our first NFC team, for good reason. Matt Ryan is a year experienced and now has a perennial Hall of Fame TE in Tony Gonzalez to throw to. Add last year's 2nd ranked rushing attack and a decent defense, the A-T-L have something special. Prediction: Under

6. Minnesota Vikings (over/under 11 wins)

Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Brett Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre Favre...oh and some guy named Adrian Peterson, I hear he's a monster. Add their great D (at least against the run) and they have a lot of people talking Super Bowl. Prediction: Under

7. Indianapolis Colts (over/under 10 wins)

With Peyton Manning at the helm I can't have this team drop too much lower, with a coaching change and the loss of Marvin Harrison, who knows how far they can go. Prediction: under

8. Philadelphia Eagles (over/under 10 wins)

Eagles fans, I spelled that right. I am pretty sure it goes E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! The D will play with an emotional chip on their shoulder due to the loss of Jim Johnson, their defensive coordinator. McNabb has some weapons but the one thing that concerns me is Westbrook's health. Prediction: over

9. Carolina Panthers (over/under 10 wins)

Great running game, great O line, decent defense but its Delhomme who costs them a higher ranking. Also Julius Peppers hasn't looked so hot in the preseason, no wonder no one wanted him in the offseason. Prediction: under

10. Chicago Bears (over/under 9 wins)

When was the last time Chicago had a decent QB? I'm too young to remember, my grandfather is too young to remember. The team upgraded and got Jay Cutler in the offseason the only problem being no stellar wideouts. However, they do have Matt Forte. The defense needs to be better then they were last season or this team will be in trouble since Cutler will turn the ball over. Prediction: under

11. Tennessee Titans (over/under 10 wins)

Offensively they are the same, White and Johnson(whatever their nicknames) are going to run the ball...a lot. Can the defense replace Haynesworth and stop an upstart Texans team from moving up in their own division? The world may never know, at least not until Thursday night. Prediction: under

12. Arizona Cardinals (over/under 9 wins)

This one is a toss up. Honestly I don't even see them winning their division this season but they are going to pass the ball all day. Run the ball like 9 times a game and possibly make me eat my words later in the year. Besides they just lost the Super Bowl, how has that gone for other teams? Prediction: under

13. Dallas Cowboys (over/under 9 wins)

Their receiving core is a big question to me, can Roy Williams own like he used to 3 years ago? They are deep at RB with Barber and Jones plus their defense, or just Demarcus Ware, is going to punish opposing QBs. Prediction: over

14. Houston Texans (over/under 9 wins)

They finished the season strong the biggest issue is Schaub's health. Especially since their backups are Rex Grossman and Dan "Stepped Out of My Own Endzone" Orlovsky. Slaton and Johnson are beasts plus the defense is turning around. Sports Illustrated has them winning the division. We'll see. Prediction: over

15. Green Bay Packers (over/under 8 wins)

Aaron Rodgers is going to have an MVP like season. Unfortunately the team is going to finish third in the division. Good news for him though, he can try to show up Brett Favre...twice! Oh yeah! Ryan Grant being healthy (he was a monster for them when he was) will control where they finish in the division. Prediction: over

16. Miami Dolphins (over/under 9 wins)

Underrated you say? I mean they did win the division and help myself and Antoine make fun of our Pats fan buddy Marcel for them not making the playoffs...other than that...I got nothing. They really didn't make any crazy offseason moves. Getting Jason Taylor back will help strengthen the defense a little and throwing rookie Pat White out in the wildcat (draft him in fantasy the week they play the Patriots) will prove to be exciting. Prediction: under

17. New York Giants (over/under 9 wins)

Until I see how the receiving core performs the team will stay low. Great defense that is getting their best pass rusher back in Umenyiora and Brandon Jacobs surely will truck someone this season. Surely I can't be serious? Well I am serious and don't call me Shirley. Prediction: under

18. Seattle Seahawks (over/under 9 wins)

This team will win the dismal NFC West this year. Edgerrin James has a chip on his shoulder and hello this team should go all the way. They picked up T.J. Houshmanzadeh, championship! Prediction: WAY over

19. New Orleans Saints (over/under 8 wins)

They play in the hardest division in football and are kicking themselves for this whole Reggie Bust...I mean Bush not panning out. Without Drew Brees they would be so much lower then this. Saying everyone stays healthy on offense they could make things interesting. Prediction: under

20. Denver Broncos (over/under 7 wins)

Amidst all this drama is a semi decent offense with a supposed offensive mastermind as a head coach. If he is such a mastermind though, why would he upset his best player(s) causing him (Cutler) to be traded? Enjoy the show Broncos fans, I bet the owner misses the Shanahan days already. Prediction: under

21. Jacksonville Jaguars (over/under 7 wins)

Del Rio needs to win this year or he might be out. 64 calories of MJD(Maurice Jones Drew) will help but a struggling offensive line, subpar receiving core(sorry Torry Holt) and aging defense don't. Prediction: over

22. Cleveland Browns (over/under 6 wins)

They have no idea who the starting QB will be but rest assured that Braylon Edwards will drop whatever pass they throw to him. Unless its on Monday Night Football(unfortunately for me that will be against the Ravens). Prediction: under

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (over/under 6 wins)

New regime, no Derrick Brooks and a whole lot of new faces in the locker room. About week 10 we might be seeing Josh Freeman. Prove me wrong Bucs. I dare ya, I double dare ya! Prediction: under

24. Kansas City Chiefs (over/under 6 wins)

Matt Cassel is an upgrade, he will have fans screaming for somewhere over the Dwayne Bowe. However the defense is pretty much the same and last year the only thing they were good at was making Matt Cassel a full time starter. It feels like we have come full circle now! Prediction: under

25. Washington Redskins (over/under 7 wins)

You know maybe they are low or maybe they just aren't any good. I have a feeling unless Jason Campbell has a Drew Brees like season he is out as their starter. Dan Snyder will do whatever it takes (including overpay for Albert Haynesworth) to win. In his case its to lose. He should have spent some money on the offensive side of the ball since technically I have scored more this preseason then them. Prediction: over

26. New York Jets (over/under 5 wins)

J-E-T-S suck suck suck. Rookie QB and Rookie coach has a nice ring to it after last year. If Rex Ryan suits up against the Pats he will never be fired. EVER! Bart Scott prediction he, like so many other previous Ravens LBs who have flown the coop, will be subpar at best. Hopefully, since I actually like the guy, he won't injure himself like those before him. Prediction: over

27. Buffalo Bills (over/under 6 wins)

When T.O. realizes he is playing for Buffalo in about week 3 he is going to demand for a trade, mock the city of Buffalo and ask for Trent Edwards head on a stake. What will be a larger number? T.O. TDs or Bills wins? Is Marshawn Lynch arrest warrants a choice? Prediction: Under

28. Cincinnati Bengals (over/under 5 wins)

Carson Palmer is back and says he thinks someone will die in the NFL. If he isn't careful its going to be him. Run Carson! Run for your life! Although Chris Henry and Chad Ochocinco are looking like a decent tandem, the O line is horrible and they're the only team in the AFC North with a horrible defense. Go figure Marvin Lewis. Prediction: under

29. San Francisco 49ers (over/under 6 wins)

My childhood team is not what they used to be. Joe Montana could come out of retirement and be their best option behind center. Actually direct snap to Gore sounds like a good idea. Write that down Mike Singletary, he wants winners! Go get Montana and your set buddy. Prediction: Under

30. Oakland Raiders (over/under 6 wins)

How is this team not last? Kyle Boller has zero chance of starting any games for them, that's how. The defense shows up at times and if Darren McFadden will just stop getting hurt they might get something going this year. My bold prediction is they will have more wins then Heyward-Bey has TDs. Prediction: Over

31. St. Louis Rams (over/under 4 wins)

They picked up Kyle Boller in the offseason and Bulger could miss some time early in the season. Steven Jackson will have two games that make you say wow. Then he will have one game where he says "OW!" Missing the rest of the season. Prediction: Under

32. Detroit Lions (over/under 2 wins)

They have to win at least one game right? The team is still building although they do have a decent amount of young talent on the offensive side of the ball with Calvin "Megatron" Johnson(WR) and Kevin Smith(RB). Last year there were some close games and Smith is predicting playoffs this season. Really, playoffs? Playoffs? You kidding me! Playoffs?!?! Prediction: Over

So there you have it. If you want to compare mine with the guys at ESPN here is their preseason power rankings http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings. Anyone who wants to challenge me in over/under just needs to shoot me an email or hit up the comments. These will be updated each week with new rankings after every game is played (probably Wednesdays). Until next time, thanks for bsing with BS!