Wow, what a great slate of games last weekend! We can only look forward to more action this weekend as the conference championships have a tendency to be a lot more exciting sometimes than the Super Bowl, so off we go:
San Diego @ New England: San Diego pulled off the shocker and beat the Colts at home last weekend, and they did it with their back-up QB and no LT most of the game. Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman are absolute beasts on defense and will constantly bring the pressure to Brady on Sunday. They have one of the best CB in the league in Antonio Cromartie and anytime he gets his hands on the ball he can take it to the house. But last weekend Jacksonville executed a picture-perfect game plan on defense against the Pats and all Brady did was go 26-28 for 261 yds. Hard to beat a team when they execute the way New England did last weekend. They are expected to win this game and THEY expect to win this game. The weather shouldn't be a big factor on Sunday as temperatures are expected to be around 25 degrees with some snow flurries but we shall see how the warm-weather Chargers can adapt. A lot points are on the board here so I'm going to go with the underdog in this one. San Diego +13 1/2.
NY Giants @ Green Bay: What else can you say about the Packers? After falling behind 14-0 in the first five minutes of the game due to two Ryan Grant fumbles, the Pack never lost their composure and came back to outscore the Seahawks 42-6 for the rest of the game. Ryan Grant more than redeemed himself with a 201 yd., 3 TD performance. The Packers have all the weapons on offense. Donald Driver is playing his usual, tough physical over-the-middle game and standout WR Greg Jennings have given Favre the deep threat that the Packers have been missing the last few years. Not to mention Grant has established himself as a legitimate running threat. But Green Bay's defense is underrated. Aaron Kampman has had a spectacular year, Linebacker A.J. Hawk is starting to come into his own and the Packer DB's, in particular Al Harris and Atari Bigby are among the hardest-hitting backs in the league. The Giants pulled off the upset of Dallas at home last week and they are playing their best football of the year. Eli Manning is starting to show signs of poise and maturity as a leader and RB Brandon Jacobs will be a load and a half for Green Bay all day. WRs Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer have stepped up their game in the later part of the season. The forecast for Green Bay is calling for snow on Friday and a high temperature on Sunday of 5 degrees. The cold will probably not affect the Giants like it might some other teams. But the Packers are too tough, too strong and they want that trip to the Super Bowl. I'm taking Green Bay -7.
Good luck and enjoy the games!!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Philman's Weekly Predictions: Divsional Playoffs
Wow, some great games last weekend. Sorry to see the Redskins out and to see Joe Gibbs resign. He has been one of the truly great coaches and gentlemen of the sport for many years. We need more guys like Joe Gibbs, not less. Also congrats to Pittsburgh for a come-back season and I think that Mike Tomlinson is going to be around there for a while. Now on to this weeks matchups:
Seattle @ Green Bay: This game has a very nostalgic taste about it. Mike Holmgren coming back to Green Bay for what could be his last game as a head coach. It could very possibly also be Brett Favre's last game as a player. These two teams have met in the playoffs before and there is a healthy respect for each other. It's going to be 32 degrees and snowing on Saturday and this is Favre's type of game. Seattle's defense HAS to slow down Green Bay for Seattle to have any chance because the Seahawks are not going to score a lot against a young, aggressive Packer defense that has gotten better over the course of this season. But it's a lot of points so I'm going with the underdog here. Seattle +7 1/2.
Jacksonville @ New England: Jacksonville has to do three things in this game to win: 1) They must run the football. 2) They must not turn the football over 3) They must take away at least two of Brady's weapons. Sounds easy, right? Well, nobody has really been effective at stopping the Pats this year but Buffalo, Baltimore and the Giants (no, I don't count the Cowboy game in here, they lost by 21 at home) have seemingly found a way to at least neutralize somewhat that awesome offensive firepower. Look for the Jags to sell out early and bring a ton of heat on Brady. Sammy Knight will have his hands full with Randy Moss but if the Jags can move the ball themselves, this could be a lot closer game that most are thinking it might be. Jacksonville +13 1/2.
San Diego @ Indianapolis: The Colts very quietly amassed the second best record in the AFC and the whole league at 13-3, doing most of with several starters injured most of the year including Marvin Harrison who if he can breathe that day will be in the lineup, trust me here. With a week to rest and get ready and playing at home, I'm not sure that anyone stands much of a chance against the Colts. San Diego's offense struggled last week in the first half against a pretty beat-up Tennessee defense so they will have their hands full with Bob Sanders and Co. on Sunday. Colts +9.
NY Giants @ Dallas: The game everyone wants to see. Will T.O. be able to play? Will Tony bring Jessica to the game? Will Eli..........well, what will Eli do? He has looked a lot more like Peyton the last three weeks, throwing the football with authority, making good decisions and managing the game. He may never put up numbers like his brother, but that's not how this Giant team is put together. Brandon Jacobs needs to get of the line in a hurry, make Dallas play the run and then Eli WILL make some plays. The Giant defense will play its usual tough game up front and Michale Strahan and Osi Umenyouri must have big days. Not sure that the G-men call pull it off, but I like the number. NY Giants +7 1/2.
Good luck and enjoy the games!!
Seattle @ Green Bay: This game has a very nostalgic taste about it. Mike Holmgren coming back to Green Bay for what could be his last game as a head coach. It could very possibly also be Brett Favre's last game as a player. These two teams have met in the playoffs before and there is a healthy respect for each other. It's going to be 32 degrees and snowing on Saturday and this is Favre's type of game. Seattle's defense HAS to slow down Green Bay for Seattle to have any chance because the Seahawks are not going to score a lot against a young, aggressive Packer defense that has gotten better over the course of this season. But it's a lot of points so I'm going with the underdog here. Seattle +7 1/2.
Jacksonville @ New England: Jacksonville has to do three things in this game to win: 1) They must run the football. 2) They must not turn the football over 3) They must take away at least two of Brady's weapons. Sounds easy, right? Well, nobody has really been effective at stopping the Pats this year but Buffalo, Baltimore and the Giants (no, I don't count the Cowboy game in here, they lost by 21 at home) have seemingly found a way to at least neutralize somewhat that awesome offensive firepower. Look for the Jags to sell out early and bring a ton of heat on Brady. Sammy Knight will have his hands full with Randy Moss but if the Jags can move the ball themselves, this could be a lot closer game that most are thinking it might be. Jacksonville +13 1/2.
San Diego @ Indianapolis: The Colts very quietly amassed the second best record in the AFC and the whole league at 13-3, doing most of with several starters injured most of the year including Marvin Harrison who if he can breathe that day will be in the lineup, trust me here. With a week to rest and get ready and playing at home, I'm not sure that anyone stands much of a chance against the Colts. San Diego's offense struggled last week in the first half against a pretty beat-up Tennessee defense so they will have their hands full with Bob Sanders and Co. on Sunday. Colts +9.
NY Giants @ Dallas: The game everyone wants to see. Will T.O. be able to play? Will Tony bring Jessica to the game? Will Eli..........well, what will Eli do? He has looked a lot more like Peyton the last three weeks, throwing the football with authority, making good decisions and managing the game. He may never put up numbers like his brother, but that's not how this Giant team is put together. Brandon Jacobs needs to get of the line in a hurry, make Dallas play the run and then Eli WILL make some plays. The Giant defense will play its usual tough game up front and Michale Strahan and Osi Umenyouri must have big days. Not sure that the G-men call pull it off, but I like the number. NY Giants +7 1/2.
Good luck and enjoy the games!!
Monday, January 7, 2008
Monday Morning Coffee: 1/7/08
After a holiday break I'm backkkk!!!!!!! Let's get to it.
--NFL playoffs this past weekend. Biggest disappointment at this point has to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. They played their last few games looking like a team trying not to lose and they did just that. Yes they came from 18 down to lead by 1 last night, but how do you give up a 32 yd. QB draw on a 4th and 1 situation? A decent first season for Mike Tomlinson but I really thought this team would go farther in the playoffs.
--Whether you are a Steeler fan or not, you have got to respect WR Hines Ward. This guy is a true warrior in every sense of the word. He catches 10 balls in the biggest game of the year after being injured a good deal of the regular season.
--Jacksonville's defense was relentless last night. They spent the whole night in the Steeler's backfield saying hello to Big Ben. They let down a bit in the second half but this defense could just carry them through the playoffs.
--Washington's run came to an end on Saturday against the Seahawks. The playoff experience this Seattle team has really payed off and Matt Hasselbeck had one of his best games of the year. He's not a flashy guy and doesn't get the press that some other QBs do, but he wins a lot of games and seems to come up big when he needs to.
--I guess the Giants should still try and trade Eli Manning, he just isn't that good............All he did today was throw 2 TDs and play an almost perfect game. He has grown by leaps and bounds in the past 5 or 6 six games and with that Giant defense, going to be very, very interesting next week at Dallas.
--Somewhere today Marty Schottenheimer shot his television, thinking, "Why couldn't you guys do this last year for me?" After a less-than-stellar start and people calling for both GM A.J. Smith and coach Norv Turner's heads, the Chargers absolutely shut down the Titans in the second half finally found a way to score some points. Phillip Rivers played a great game today and made some big plays when he needed them. LT didn't do much today but he didn't have to. Next week is going to be a different story.
--Roger Clemens' interview on "60 Minutes" tonight was pretty much what I had expected. " I have never used banned substances" and that's the story he is going to stick to. The part of all this that is bothersome is that Pettite has since admitted using HGH to overcome an elbow injury and thus verifying that part of Brian McNamee's story. So why would McNamee lie about Clemens and tell the truth about Pettite? Pettite and Clemens were teammates both in Houston and in New York, they trained together and apparently spent time in the off-season together yet Clemens says that he had no idea what Andy was doing? Hmmmmmm?
Gonna keep it short this week!! Have a great day and a better week?
--NFL playoffs this past weekend. Biggest disappointment at this point has to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. They played their last few games looking like a team trying not to lose and they did just that. Yes they came from 18 down to lead by 1 last night, but how do you give up a 32 yd. QB draw on a 4th and 1 situation? A decent first season for Mike Tomlinson but I really thought this team would go farther in the playoffs.
--Whether you are a Steeler fan or not, you have got to respect WR Hines Ward. This guy is a true warrior in every sense of the word. He catches 10 balls in the biggest game of the year after being injured a good deal of the regular season.
--Jacksonville's defense was relentless last night. They spent the whole night in the Steeler's backfield saying hello to Big Ben. They let down a bit in the second half but this defense could just carry them through the playoffs.
--Washington's run came to an end on Saturday against the Seahawks. The playoff experience this Seattle team has really payed off and Matt Hasselbeck had one of his best games of the year. He's not a flashy guy and doesn't get the press that some other QBs do, but he wins a lot of games and seems to come up big when he needs to.
--I guess the Giants should still try and trade Eli Manning, he just isn't that good............All he did today was throw 2 TDs and play an almost perfect game. He has grown by leaps and bounds in the past 5 or 6 six games and with that Giant defense, going to be very, very interesting next week at Dallas.
--Somewhere today Marty Schottenheimer shot his television, thinking, "Why couldn't you guys do this last year for me?" After a less-than-stellar start and people calling for both GM A.J. Smith and coach Norv Turner's heads, the Chargers absolutely shut down the Titans in the second half finally found a way to score some points. Phillip Rivers played a great game today and made some big plays when he needed them. LT didn't do much today but he didn't have to. Next week is going to be a different story.
--Roger Clemens' interview on "60 Minutes" tonight was pretty much what I had expected. " I have never used banned substances" and that's the story he is going to stick to. The part of all this that is bothersome is that Pettite has since admitted using HGH to overcome an elbow injury and thus verifying that part of Brian McNamee's story. So why would McNamee lie about Clemens and tell the truth about Pettite? Pettite and Clemens were teammates both in Houston and in New York, they trained together and apparently spent time in the off-season together yet Clemens says that he had no idea what Andy was doing? Hmmmmmm?
Gonna keep it short this week!! Have a great day and a better week?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
NFL News and Wild Card Predictions
--Brian Billick and Cam Cameron both bit the dirt this week. Billick hitched his wagon to an aging QB in Steve McNair and an aging defense minus Adalius Thomas who left for the Patriots in the off-season. A nine game losing streak and some very undisciplined play all played a part in the decision. Look for Billick to re-surface somewhere next season, maybe not as a head coach but possibly as an offensive coordinator. Cameron never really had much of a chance. Poor personnel decisions and questionable drafts have left the Dolphins depleted but Cameron's act wore very thin very quickly with both players and the coaching staff. Cameron's story is a tale of caution for GM's around the league: Just because a guy can run an offense doesn't mean he can run a football team. Look for Cameron to end up somewhere back in the college ranks next year.
--One name you're going to hear a lot about in the off-season is Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. With the success of the Cowboys Garrett is the newest wunderkid that teams are searching for. I'm not sure if he is ready for the pressures of the head coaching world just yet, but he will certainly have to entertain some offers.
--With Cameron's firing and the hiring of former Cowboy's personnel director Jeff Ireland as the new GM, Parcells' has started the rebuilding process in Miami. Two names come to mind immediately: Bill Cowher and Marty Schottenheimer. Cowher's position may depend on what happens in Carolina (Trust me, he is going to be the head coach at Carolina at some point in time). Schottenheimer would be a good fit for a rebuilding team, an experienced, no-nonsense type of coach in the old-school mold much like Parcells himself. Whatever his choice, Parcells is going to be looking for an experienced coach to come in and make an impact.
--Tough break for Cleveland finishing 10-6 and not making the playoffs. They have some decisions to make in the off-season. They didn't draft Brady Quinn to sit on the bench forever but after the season Derek Anderson had, what do you do? Look for a draft day trade of some sort to get some value for one of these guys.
--Scariest team in the playoffs: San Diego. They seemed to have peaked at the right time. LT is going to break loose come playoff time and their defense has stepped up their game. On a side note to QB Phillip Rivers: Just shut up. When you do something in this league, then you can run your mouth. Otherwise, you may wake up after the next play in a different area code.
--Washington is playing with more emotion and momentum right now than probably anyone save for the Giants. QB Todd Collins has come out of nowhere, and I literally mean nowhere, to lead this team into the playoffs. Anybody see that one coming?
And now for the games on Wild Card Weekend:
Washington @ Seattle: The memory of fallen teammate Sean Taylor and the play of QB Todd Collins has propelled the Redskins into the post-season. But the key to Washington winning this game lies with RB Clinton Portis. If he can get off the line then the passing game will open up and take the pressure off of Collins. Seattle's play this season has been good at times but very inconsistent and spotty and they have had a difficult time running the football. They have the edge in big-game experience but Washington's momentum and emotion win out this time. Washington +3.
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh: You don't see a home team as the underdog very often come playoff time but that's the case here. Pittsburgh comes into this game having lost 3 of their last five against a surging Jacksonville team. With RB Willie Parker out, this game will rest on the Steeler defense and the arm of Ben Rothlisberger. Jags QB David Garrard will see pressure like he hasn't seen this season and his inexperience in the big game will show. I give the edge in experience and poise to the Steelers. Pittsburgh +2 1/2.
NY Giants @ Tampa Bay: It seem no matter where he plays, Buc QB Jeff Garcia shows up at playoff time and that's not just a coincidence. He's a battle-tested veteran who doesn't get rattled and knows how to run a game. The Giant defense will put consistent pressure on him and the Giant DB's must provide tight coverage to make Garcia make mistakes. QB Eli Manning has come of age the past few games and has been making good decisions and making plays. RB Brandon Jacobs must pound the ball on the ground and WR Plaxico Burress has to step up and make a play or two. If that happens, the Giants should win. NY Giants + 3.
Tennessee @ San Diego: Ok Norv, here is the deal: Don't ask Phillip Rivers to win the game and give the ball to LT, then give the ball to LT and then give it to LT again. If the Chargers running attack gets going, look for TE Antonio Gates to have a big game. The mobility of Titan's QB Vince Young may be an issue and with DT Albert Haynesworth still nursing the hamstring injury, the Titans just don't have enough guns to stay in this battle. San Diego wins, but not by a big number. Tennessee +9.
Good luck, enjoy the games and have a great day!!
--One name you're going to hear a lot about in the off-season is Dallas offensive coordinator Jason Garrett. With the success of the Cowboys Garrett is the newest wunderkid that teams are searching for. I'm not sure if he is ready for the pressures of the head coaching world just yet, but he will certainly have to entertain some offers.
--With Cameron's firing and the hiring of former Cowboy's personnel director Jeff Ireland as the new GM, Parcells' has started the rebuilding process in Miami. Two names come to mind immediately: Bill Cowher and Marty Schottenheimer. Cowher's position may depend on what happens in Carolina (Trust me, he is going to be the head coach at Carolina at some point in time). Schottenheimer would be a good fit for a rebuilding team, an experienced, no-nonsense type of coach in the old-school mold much like Parcells himself. Whatever his choice, Parcells is going to be looking for an experienced coach to come in and make an impact.
--Tough break for Cleveland finishing 10-6 and not making the playoffs. They have some decisions to make in the off-season. They didn't draft Brady Quinn to sit on the bench forever but after the season Derek Anderson had, what do you do? Look for a draft day trade of some sort to get some value for one of these guys.
--Scariest team in the playoffs: San Diego. They seemed to have peaked at the right time. LT is going to break loose come playoff time and their defense has stepped up their game. On a side note to QB Phillip Rivers: Just shut up. When you do something in this league, then you can run your mouth. Otherwise, you may wake up after the next play in a different area code.
--Washington is playing with more emotion and momentum right now than probably anyone save for the Giants. QB Todd Collins has come out of nowhere, and I literally mean nowhere, to lead this team into the playoffs. Anybody see that one coming?
And now for the games on Wild Card Weekend:
Washington @ Seattle: The memory of fallen teammate Sean Taylor and the play of QB Todd Collins has propelled the Redskins into the post-season. But the key to Washington winning this game lies with RB Clinton Portis. If he can get off the line then the passing game will open up and take the pressure off of Collins. Seattle's play this season has been good at times but very inconsistent and spotty and they have had a difficult time running the football. They have the edge in big-game experience but Washington's momentum and emotion win out this time. Washington +3.
Jacksonville @ Pittsburgh: You don't see a home team as the underdog very often come playoff time but that's the case here. Pittsburgh comes into this game having lost 3 of their last five against a surging Jacksonville team. With RB Willie Parker out, this game will rest on the Steeler defense and the arm of Ben Rothlisberger. Jags QB David Garrard will see pressure like he hasn't seen this season and his inexperience in the big game will show. I give the edge in experience and poise to the Steelers. Pittsburgh +2 1/2.
NY Giants @ Tampa Bay: It seem no matter where he plays, Buc QB Jeff Garcia shows up at playoff time and that's not just a coincidence. He's a battle-tested veteran who doesn't get rattled and knows how to run a game. The Giant defense will put consistent pressure on him and the Giant DB's must provide tight coverage to make Garcia make mistakes. QB Eli Manning has come of age the past few games and has been making good decisions and making plays. RB Brandon Jacobs must pound the ball on the ground and WR Plaxico Burress has to step up and make a play or two. If that happens, the Giants should win. NY Giants + 3.
Tennessee @ San Diego: Ok Norv, here is the deal: Don't ask Phillip Rivers to win the game and give the ball to LT, then give the ball to LT and then give it to LT again. If the Chargers running attack gets going, look for TE Antonio Gates to have a big game. The mobility of Titan's QB Vince Young may be an issue and with DT Albert Haynesworth still nursing the hamstring injury, the Titans just don't have enough guns to stay in this battle. San Diego wins, but not by a big number. Tennessee +9.
Good luck, enjoy the games and have a great day!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
NFL Regular Season Wrap-up
--As I've been saying for several weeks now, Brian Billick was fired this morning as the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. Billick seemed to have worn out his welcome a couple of years ago and then with the acquisition two years ago of QB Steve McNair the team seemed somewhat revitalized. But McNair's injury-prone status and a 9 game losing streak sealed the deal. Billick will undoubtedly resurface somewhere in the NFL, maybe.........Miami?
--Speaking of which, the bloodbath has begun. Bill Parcells fired GM Randy Mueller today and the assistant of player personnel and college scouting coordinator also went bye-bye. Parcells will be meeting with head coach Cam Cameron later this week but the rats have already begun to desert the ship. Both players and coaches have been saying Cameron's holier-than-thou religious routine has already worn out in the locker room and even with some of his coaches. Look for the hook here as well. As Parcells said several years ago, "If you want me to cook, at least let me shop for the groceries". He is going to rebuild this team from the top down and it looks as though it has started.
--Congrats to the Redskins and Titans for making the playoffs. Washington has played inspired football the last month and will be very dangerous in the playoffs. Tennessee got by a self-depleted Indy team, but who knows what will happen now? More on that later this week.
--Speaking of the Colts, I know that Tom Brady is going to win the MVP award, but after watching the Colts last night with Jim Sorgi in at QB, is there any question about what this team would look like without Peyton Manning?
--Pittsburgh better get it together and fast. I know they sit their starters in a meaningless game against the Ravens but there is this thing called "momentum" going into the playoffs and right now the Steelers have none. They have to play a very, very tough Jacksonville team next week without their star running back Willie Parker. They better move and move fast.
--Kudos to Tom Coughlin and the NY Giants. It would have been the easiest thing to get his starters out of that game Saturday night and go into the playoffs but instead Couglin did the right thing. I gained a lot of respect for both him and the Giants the way they played New England right up to the end. The are now battle-tested and are going to make some noise in the playoffs. And for all the Eli haters out there, he put up 35 points against the Patriots. Anybody else done that this year?
--Being an old St. Louis Cardinals fan, I know how the Baltimore fans feel when they watch the Colts. But I'm going to say this about the Arizona Cardinals: Get a defensive player or two and this team could be in the playoffs next year. Kurt Warner looked rejuvenated the last part of the year and is there a better pass-catching combo than Fitzgerald-Boldin?
--Rams, please help us. Fire Scott Linahan, PLEASE!! At least find a coach that will get this team to play with some fire.
--Bengals fans might want to get ready for some changes as well next season because I have a feeling Marvin Lewis is gone. No word yet and everything that has been said would seem to point to him being back but I say he is as good as gone.
Everyone have a great New Year, enjoy all the football and we will see you later this week with playoff picks for Wild Card Weekend!!
--Speaking of which, the bloodbath has begun. Bill Parcells fired GM Randy Mueller today and the assistant of player personnel and college scouting coordinator also went bye-bye. Parcells will be meeting with head coach Cam Cameron later this week but the rats have already begun to desert the ship. Both players and coaches have been saying Cameron's holier-than-thou religious routine has already worn out in the locker room and even with some of his coaches. Look for the hook here as well. As Parcells said several years ago, "If you want me to cook, at least let me shop for the groceries". He is going to rebuild this team from the top down and it looks as though it has started.
--Congrats to the Redskins and Titans for making the playoffs. Washington has played inspired football the last month and will be very dangerous in the playoffs. Tennessee got by a self-depleted Indy team, but who knows what will happen now? More on that later this week.
--Speaking of the Colts, I know that Tom Brady is going to win the MVP award, but after watching the Colts last night with Jim Sorgi in at QB, is there any question about what this team would look like without Peyton Manning?
--Pittsburgh better get it together and fast. I know they sit their starters in a meaningless game against the Ravens but there is this thing called "momentum" going into the playoffs and right now the Steelers have none. They have to play a very, very tough Jacksonville team next week without their star running back Willie Parker. They better move and move fast.
--Kudos to Tom Coughlin and the NY Giants. It would have been the easiest thing to get his starters out of that game Saturday night and go into the playoffs but instead Couglin did the right thing. I gained a lot of respect for both him and the Giants the way they played New England right up to the end. The are now battle-tested and are going to make some noise in the playoffs. And for all the Eli haters out there, he put up 35 points against the Patriots. Anybody else done that this year?
--Being an old St. Louis Cardinals fan, I know how the Baltimore fans feel when they watch the Colts. But I'm going to say this about the Arizona Cardinals: Get a defensive player or two and this team could be in the playoffs next year. Kurt Warner looked rejuvenated the last part of the year and is there a better pass-catching combo than Fitzgerald-Boldin?
--Rams, please help us. Fire Scott Linahan, PLEASE!! At least find a coach that will get this team to play with some fire.
--Bengals fans might want to get ready for some changes as well next season because I have a feeling Marvin Lewis is gone. No word yet and everything that has been said would seem to point to him being back but I say he is as good as gone.
Everyone have a great New Year, enjoy all the football and we will see you later this week with playoff picks for Wild Card Weekend!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Bowl Games: Part II
Alright folks, here we go with Part II of the college bowl season.
Meinike Car Care Bowl (12/29/07) UCONN +1 1/2 over Wake Forrest--Lose
Liberty Bowl (12/29/07) Miss. St. +2 1/2 over Central Florida--Win
Alamo Bowl (12/29/07) Penn St. -5 over Texas A & M--Win
Independence Bowl (12/30/07) Colorado +3 1/2 over Alabama--Lose
Armed Forces Bowl (12/31/07) California - 3 1/2 over Air Force--Win
Sun Bowl (12/31/07) South Florida -6 over Oregon--Lose
Humanitarian Bowl (12/31/07) Fresno St. +6 over Georgia Tech--Win
Music City Bowl (12/31/07) Kentucky -10 1/2 over Florida St.--Lose
Insight Bowl (12/31/07) Indiana +4 over Oklahoma St.--Lose
Chick-fil-A Bowl (12/31/07) Auburn +2 1/2 over Clemson--Win
Outback Bowl (1/1/08) Tennessee -2 over Wisconsin--Win
Cotton Bowl (1/1/08) Missouri -3 over Arkansas--Win
Capital One Bowl (1/1/08) Michigan +10 1/2 over Florida--Win
Gator Bowl (1/1/08) Virginia +6 over Texas Tech--Win
International Bowl (1/5/08) Rutgers -10 over Ball St. --Win
GMAC Bowl (1/6/08) Tulsa -4 1/2 over Bowling Green--Win
And now for the BCS games:
Rose Bowl (1/1/08) : Illinois has been better this season than most people thought and capped off a great year by beating then-#1 ranked Ohio St. USC is again a strong juggernaut but has been plagued this year by inconsistent play, particularly at QB. But USC just has too much firepower for the Illini. USC -13 1/2.--Win
Sugar Bowl (1/1/08): Yeah, we know how great the SEC is, we hear it about 20 times a day. Hawaii is underrated, underestimated and Colt Brennan is going to be the real deal in the NFL. Hawaii +7 1/2.--Lose
Fiesta Bowl (1/2/08): QB Sam Bradford will win a Heisman before his career at Oklahoma is over and the Sooner defense is just too strong and too fast for the one-dimensional West Virginia offense. Oklahoma -7 1/2. --Lose
Orange Bowl (1/3/08): Kansas struggled against Missouri at the end of the Big 12 season but make no mistake about it, this team can score points and I think they take it to Virginia Tech. Kansas +3 1/2.--Win
BCS Championship Game (1/7/08): Another butt-kicking for the Big 10 by the SEC. Actually neither of these teams should be playing for the National championship but with that said, LSU will totally dominate Ohio St. LSU -4.--Win
Good luck, Happy New Year and enjoy the games!!
Meinike Car Care Bowl (12/29/07) UCONN +1 1/2 over Wake Forrest--Lose
Liberty Bowl (12/29/07) Miss. St. +2 1/2 over Central Florida--Win
Alamo Bowl (12/29/07) Penn St. -5 over Texas A & M--Win
Independence Bowl (12/30/07) Colorado +3 1/2 over Alabama--Lose
Armed Forces Bowl (12/31/07) California - 3 1/2 over Air Force--Win
Sun Bowl (12/31/07) South Florida -6 over Oregon--Lose
Humanitarian Bowl (12/31/07) Fresno St. +6 over Georgia Tech--Win
Music City Bowl (12/31/07) Kentucky -10 1/2 over Florida St.--Lose
Insight Bowl (12/31/07) Indiana +4 over Oklahoma St.--Lose
Chick-fil-A Bowl (12/31/07) Auburn +2 1/2 over Clemson--Win
Outback Bowl (1/1/08) Tennessee -2 over Wisconsin--Win
Cotton Bowl (1/1/08) Missouri -3 over Arkansas--Win
Capital One Bowl (1/1/08) Michigan +10 1/2 over Florida--Win
Gator Bowl (1/1/08) Virginia +6 over Texas Tech--Win
International Bowl (1/5/08) Rutgers -10 over Ball St. --Win
GMAC Bowl (1/6/08) Tulsa -4 1/2 over Bowling Green--Win
And now for the BCS games:
Rose Bowl (1/1/08) : Illinois has been better this season than most people thought and capped off a great year by beating then-#1 ranked Ohio St. USC is again a strong juggernaut but has been plagued this year by inconsistent play, particularly at QB. But USC just has too much firepower for the Illini. USC -13 1/2.--Win
Sugar Bowl (1/1/08): Yeah, we know how great the SEC is, we hear it about 20 times a day. Hawaii is underrated, underestimated and Colt Brennan is going to be the real deal in the NFL. Hawaii +7 1/2.--Lose
Fiesta Bowl (1/2/08): QB Sam Bradford will win a Heisman before his career at Oklahoma is over and the Sooner defense is just too strong and too fast for the one-dimensional West Virginia offense. Oklahoma -7 1/2. --Lose
Orange Bowl (1/3/08): Kansas struggled against Missouri at the end of the Big 12 season but make no mistake about it, this team can score points and I think they take it to Virginia Tech. Kansas +3 1/2.--Win
BCS Championship Game (1/7/08): Another butt-kicking for the Big 10 by the SEC. Actually neither of these teams should be playing for the National championship but with that said, LSU will totally dominate Ohio St. LSU -4.--Win
Good luck, Happy New Year and enjoy the games!!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
NFL Predictions: Week 17
Happy Holidays to all!! Hope everyone had a great Christmas and I hope that everyone has a very joyful and prosperous New Year!! The regular season winds down this week but some important games will be played so here we go:
New England @ NY Giants: The Patriots go for history on Saturday night as they try to become the first NFL team to go 16-0 in the regular season. Giants coach Tom Coughlin has been mum this week on how much his starters would play in an otherwise-meaningless game for the Giants. Coughlin is in a no-win situation here and he would be crucified by Giant fans and the media if he were to have a key starter injured in this game. If the Pats get up early, look for the quick hook for the Giant starters. New England -13 1/2.
Dallas @ Washington: Dallas is playing for nothing and Washington is playing for their playoff hopes. Dallas has nothing to gain and lots to lose. Washington +9.
Jacksonville @ Houston: The Jags will need to get it geared up for the playoffs. QB David Garrard has carried this team so far and along with Fred Taylor they will continue the trend of solid offensive football and will let their defense do the dirty work. Jacksonville +6.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: The Ravens hellish season finally comes to a close and probably the last game that Brian Billick will coach for Baltimore. Pittsburgh -3 1/2.
Detroit @ Green Bay: Green Bay has nothing to play for but some much-needed momentum heading to the playoffs and they need to get that bad taste out of their mouths after the thumping last week by the Bears. Green Bay -4.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis: A must-win game for Tennessee but I still think the Colts have too much fire-power for the Titans. Indianapolis +6.
Good luck, enjoy the games and let's get ready for the playoffs!!
New England @ NY Giants: The Patriots go for history on Saturday night as they try to become the first NFL team to go 16-0 in the regular season. Giants coach Tom Coughlin has been mum this week on how much his starters would play in an otherwise-meaningless game for the Giants. Coughlin is in a no-win situation here and he would be crucified by Giant fans and the media if he were to have a key starter injured in this game. If the Pats get up early, look for the quick hook for the Giant starters. New England -13 1/2.
Dallas @ Washington: Dallas is playing for nothing and Washington is playing for their playoff hopes. Dallas has nothing to gain and lots to lose. Washington +9.
Jacksonville @ Houston: The Jags will need to get it geared up for the playoffs. QB David Garrard has carried this team so far and along with Fred Taylor they will continue the trend of solid offensive football and will let their defense do the dirty work. Jacksonville +6.
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore: The Ravens hellish season finally comes to a close and probably the last game that Brian Billick will coach for Baltimore. Pittsburgh -3 1/2.
Detroit @ Green Bay: Green Bay has nothing to play for but some much-needed momentum heading to the playoffs and they need to get that bad taste out of their mouths after the thumping last week by the Bears. Green Bay -4.
Tennessee @ Indianapolis: A must-win game for Tennessee but I still think the Colts have too much fire-power for the Titans. Indianapolis +6.
Good luck, enjoy the games and let's get ready for the playoffs!!
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