NFL Picks: Week Five
Fantasy football owners: Week two of bye weeks with four teams on bye this week. Please plan accordingly with your rosters!
Last Week's Picks: 10-5...I am getting good at this! Season: 33-28....much nice to be on the nice side of .500!!
Bonus picks: 12-2 Total: 19-7
I did good on picks for the second week in a row. Let's hope things continue to progress on that score. I know I picked Harvick to win at Dover....but I didn't think he would actually do it! Well, that is racing for you. Things will get more interesting as the NASCAR playoffs continue and the baseball postseason begins. Good luck with your picks!
Bye teams:
1. Carolina (4-0): Carolina has survived the loss of their best WR well...so far. You may dismiss this start, but you can't complain about the results. Unfortunately, all this got the Panthers is a tie for first in the NFC South with Atlanta. With the Falcons' bye still 4 weeks away and the first of the two meetings between these two not until late in the season, this is a watching game from a distance. Both teams could be in the playoffs. Only one can have a top 4 seed. This team could get better as we go. We will see. As long as QB Cam Newton is healthy and upright (that is a big IF), this team will be dangerous. We will see.
2. Minnesota (2-2): The Vikings are hanging in there so far. With the resurgence of RB Adrian Peterson and the dangerous young QB Teddy Bridgewater, these Vikings can be a darkhorse in the NFC wild-card race. The question remains is how well can these guys do against the best teams in the league, especially undefeated Green Bay? With Detroit already all but out of the race and Chicago behind them, the Vikings are looking up only to the Packers. What if? Bottom line, nothing to lose, everything to gain this year. Then, the new Vikings stadium opens next year and the positive energy that goes with it. It will be interesting to see what this young squad to do with little pressure on them, compared to Green Bay, Seattle and others.
3. New York Jets (2-2): The Jets are looking good at times, and not so much at others. Like Minnesota, expectations have to be called low, especially with new coach Todd Bowles coming in. But there are some weapons here on both sides of the ball. All of the hype has gone to the other AFC East teams, and that is good for these Jets. The win over Miami in London is good, and such didn't count on the home schedule since it was a road game. Could these Jets shock the NFL? Maybe. If they can upset the Patriots and Bills, especially on the road, there are possibilities for a wild-card....maybe more. But you have to win with the schedule you have. These Jets, like a few other AFC teams may have a shot to shock a lot of teams this year.
4. Miami (1-3): Not good. Miami had a lot of hype with their free-agent signings and looking like they were ready to make a playoff splash. But the coaching staff knew they were on the hot seat. After a shaky (maybe lucky) win in the opener on the road, the Dolphins have plain sucked. losing to Jacksonville (?) and the Jets in London. After the latter, the owner said, enough and fired coach Joe Philbin (and then the defensive coordinator on Thursday). The Dolphins went from playoff dark-horse to dumpster fire in a matter of weeks! Barring a miracle rally, this team may have to go back to square one after this year. But...if so, getting another high draft pick could be helpful...maybe. Good luck with that.
American League Wildcard (1 game winner takes all to face KC in the ALCS!):
Houston at New York Yankees: Both teams are limping into this game with less than stellar finishes. Both teams were leading their divisions until other teams caught them and passed them late in the season. The Yankees are back in the postseason after a 2 year absence and have a good amount of playoff experience, led by third baseman Alex Rodriguez. The team may be slightly distracted by the sudden absence of P C.C. Sabathia (voluntary alcohol rehab), who chose to leave the team on the eve of this playoff. He did what was best for him to get well and he should be commended for that, even if the team could have used him if they advance. Houston was not supposed to be a playoff team at all. Their shocking fast start surprised all of baseball since they have been really bad the last few years in addition to their recent transfer from the National to the American League for realignment (so that each league has 15 teams,) Though they faded down the stretch allowing the Texas Rangers to (barely) win the division and the Angels to nearly steal the wildcard spot away, they rallied to get to this game. Obviously far less experience, but a lot of youth, confidence and heart just to get here at all.
Who wins? The Yankees' experience and playing at home should be enough to win a 1 game playoff, but these Astros have bucked a lot of (recent) trends just to get here, so what is one more? The mystique of the Bronx Bombers has dulled considerably in recent years for various reasons, but this is a good team, as is Houston, all of a sudden. Worst to playoffs is rare in American pro sports, especially baseball, but here we are. While the MLB playoffs may well not be the same without the Yankees in it, it is nice to see some new blood, and see them do well. I am taking the Astros in a upset.
Houston 8 New York Yankees 7 (10)
National League Wildcard (1 game winner takes all to face St. Louis in the NLCS!):
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh: I spoke of the surprise rise of the Astros to make the AL wildcard tonight. Then we have the Chicago Cubs. The ultimate of hard luck teams. This team has not won a World Series in over a century, and rarely has seen a playoff game in that same time. They, like Houston, was not expected to be a threat this year. But they also started fast and withstood the trials of summer to get here. Same for the Pirates, though they have been in the playoffs more recently, If either or both were in a different division, they may well have not been in this game at all. They would more likely be hosting a Division series. To their chagrin, they are in the same division as the powerhouse St. Louis Cardinals, who will host the winner of this game starting Friday or Saturday. That means a strong team, possibly stronger than either East champ New York Mets or the three time defending West champ Dodgers will be done after Wednesday night. Unfortunate. Both the Cubs and Pirates have young and established stars and a strong roster and they obviously know each other well. This will be a great game. Too bad this is a elimination game and not a Division or a Championship series matchup. Maybe next year.
Who wins? Like the Yankees, the Pirates have the home-field and the playoff experience over the Cubs. However, like in the other series, the youth and confidence of the underdog road team may be too much to stop in a one game win-or-go-home situation. These teams know each other so well, so this will be a war. The Cardinals will NOT have a easy time with the winner of this game, even with home field, since that team will be very familiar with St. Louis, too. While I am cool with the Pirates, a lot of folks outside of Chicago would love to see the Cubs try to end their long curse...or at least make a step toward that. I am taking Chicago.
Chicago 5 Pittsburgh 4
Thursday Night Football (CBS/NFL Network): Indianapolis at Houston: This will be a crazy affair. Houston is at home and has their workhorse RB Arian Foster back, which is good. The problem is that their instability at QB has weakened the already-shaky offense to make them all-but one-dimensional. The Colts, however, are no better. While starting QB Andrew Luck (throwing shoulder) is projected (per Thursday morning update) to sit again after missing Sunday's home win, backup QB Matthew Hasselbeck (illness) is iffy, but plans to play. The Colts may have no choice but to dress their third QB (they picked up Josh Johnson last week), just to cover themselves. Hence, their offense is shaky too. The Colts defense has been okay, but that is all. Houston's defense has not been great, but you figure they are rather tired from having to be out there a lot in the first four games to keep them in games. This is a tough call to make. Don't expect much scoring here unless it is due to turnovers, pick-sixes and special teams.
Who wins? If Houston's vaunted defense was at full roar, it would be a easier call. But they are not, but the Colts having QB issues of their own and perhaps even less of a running game than Houston, where will scoring come from? Bottom line, the Colts seem to find a way in division games (or the opponent gives the game away, like the Jaguars kicker did last week!). If Foster was doing really well now, I would take the Texans, but Foster is just getting back. Bottom line, Luck at 50-75 percent or in this case, a sick Hasselbeck at 80 percent (even at his advanced football age) is still better than what Houston has at QB right now....and they have a better (also older) RB..and better WRs....you get the point. I have to take the Colts, but not by much.
Indianapolis 23 Houston 20 (OT)
Sunday's Games:
Chicago at Kansas City: The Bears got a big win last week, helped by the return of QB Jay Cutler, but now they go on the road to Kansas City who is not doing well, especially with the way the lost to Denver earlier. Bears WR Alshon Jeffrey is possibly out again, but Cutler did well enough with the other receivers, and he still has TE Marcellus Bennett and RB Matt Forte with him. The Chiefs have weapons of their own and a good QB in Alex Smith, but as usual, luck and mistakes keep doing them in. Both teams suck, but something has to give here, right?
Who wins? Truth be told, a tie is not impossible, but let's not go there. The Chiefs are real tough at Arrowhead always, and their defense can do things, I just can't see the Bears rolling in here and stealing one, even if Jeffrey was playing. Sorry, I have to take KC at home.
Kansas City 29 Chicago 20
Jacksonville at Tampa Bay: The second battle of Florida plays here. The Jaguars have already upset Miami at home earlier, but the Dolphins have since collapsed. This is two franchise trying to build something so this will not be a really big game. But this battle could be big, for these two teams could be a lot better when they meet again in four years. The Jaguars are further along, but the battle of two young QBs in Bortles versus rookie Winston will be interesting. Also watch Jags RB T.J. Yeldon, who looks dangerous,
Who wins? Few folks outside of Florida may care. But if the Jags win, they would be still in the AFC South race that the Colts are starting to take control of (which was expected). Tampa Bay will take any win they could get. I think Jacksonville is further along however, and they will win here. Jaguars win.
Jacksonville 27 Tampa Bay 23
New Orleans at Philadelphia: The Saints are in a big hole, but they are starting to fight back.Winning on MNF over a damaged Cowboys team helps. Now, they go on the road to face a disappointing Eagles squad. The Saints are normally not as good outdoors, but the Eagles are shaky. With a future HOF QB in Drew Brees, the Saints have a big weapon the Eagles don't. The loser of this game is all but out of the race for a wild-card playoff spot. However, if the other NFC East teams all lose, the Eagles lose no ground with a loss. The Saints may need to all-but win out to get back in the NFC South race, but it may already be too late.
Who wins? The Eagles have a lot of players, but coach Chip Kelly doesn't look good right now and GM Chip Kelly looks like a idiot...at best. I won't say what he might be a worst. I have a lot more faith in Drew Brees and Saints coach Sean Payton and for good reason. If any dome team can steal one in Philly, this is the one. And that is what they will do. Saints win.
New Orleans 29 Philadelphia 20
St. Louis at Green Bay: The Rams have a very good defense. They have a dangerous playmaker in WR Tavon Austin. They may have a new weapon in rookie RB Todd Gurley...maybe. But overall, this team needs more work. Green Bay is a complete team and they are nearly unbeatable at home. Also, QB Aaron Rodgers hasn't thrown a INT at home in a long while, though he almost did two weeks ago. Even if that streak ends, the Packers are too good to lose this one, especially at home. Plus the Rams, another dome team, is not so great outdoors. Need I say more?
Who wins? Really? Unless Green Bay plays the worst offensive game they have done in a long time, I cannot see the Rams winning this unless they control the clock by far more than 2 to 1. Green Bay does have some defense too. I am taking the logical call. Undefeated Green Bay wins again.
Green Bay 28 St. Louis 18
Buffalo at Tennessee: The Bills don't look great and a lot of injured stars. Tennessee is rebuilding and trying to do something in a down AFC South. Somebody has to come through. I don't see how the Bills get it done. But that Rex Ryan....he finds ways. And his QB, Tyrod Taylor...maybe he is the real deal. We are seeing that Titans rookie QB Marcus Mariota is....who wins?
Who wins? I want to take the Titans on this one,,,but that Bills team runs hot and cold...and now it is time for hot. Ryan knows how to win games shorthanded and the Titans don't have enough to take advantage. At least not in 2015. Wait 2 years. But for today, I am taking Buffalo.
Buffalo 20 Tennessee 17 (OT)
Arizona at Detroit: The Lions are the last winless team. But the way they lost on MNF at Seattle was beyond (bleep bleep). That will totally demoralize a team. But the games continue. The Cardinals had a shocking loss last week. But that defense is scary and this team is still in first in the NFC West and could be going for more. Detroit surely isn't going to go 0-16 again, right?
Who wins?
Seattle at Cincinnati: The undefeated Bengals get the NFC champs at home. Nice. But these Bengals are overrated, like Atlanta and their season will be more defined on what they do in the playoffs....if they get there. Seattle is rallying from a 0-2 start, but could use a quality win here,The teams are healthy, bur the Seahawks defense can be the difference...we hope.
Who wins? The Bengals seem overrated, but they have won their first four games. And, we know Seattle is not as tough on the road, and are already 0-2 on the road against tough teams. Could they go 0-3 on the road? I hope not, but I have to take the Bengals at home. The Seahawks offense is not there and without RB Marshawn Lynch, that spells loss. Bengals win.
Cincinnati 29 Seattle 28
New England at Dallas: The Cowboys schedule is doing them no favors. How can Dallas win over the champion Patriots at home....when the Patroits are almost perfect in games after a bye week? And Dallas has no Bryant NOR Romo? And they have lost two straight...after getting at least one game they should have lost? The Patriots are confident, and are rested and they will be ready. This could be ugly.
Who wins? The Patriots had better win, but Dallas is proud and they are not weaponless on offense. Could the defensive players the Cowboys now get after early suspensions make a difference? Yes they can....but just not this week. Sorry, Dallas, I don't see a miracle win here. I am taking New England to win.
New England 34 Dallas 20
Washington at Atlanta: The Redskins are heavy road underdogs against the undefeated Falcons. However, the key to beat them is to keep Atlanta's offense, led by QB Matt Ryan and WRs Julio Jones and Roddy White off the field. The Redskins have the running game led by Alfred Morris to do so as long as QB Kirk Cousins doesn't turn over the ball in the passing game. The defenses are okay, but are not that great. This will be a statement game.
Who wins? Atlanta should be able to run the Redskins right back to DC with their passing game, but I see a upset here. Atlanta has already had too many come-from-behind wins to make me comfortable. This is a trap game for a undefeated team, and this team will get burned. Redskins win.
Washington 24 Atlanta 21
Denver at Oakland: Another undefeated team going for another win. Oakland is stronger than they look. Denver is definitely weaker than they look. Could this be the day the Raiders stun the world and beat a top-level team as they work toward being contenders again? The young Raider offensive weapons are dangerous, but the veteran Denver QB Peyton Manning still has a lot of tricks. This game will steal the show this week.
Who wins? Denver this, Denver that....whatever, This Denver squad has been lucky in 2015, NOT dominant. The Raiders are dangerous and may have the offensive weapons to go toe to toe with anyone, even a less than stellar Denver squad. I am taking Oakland in a major upset.
Oakland 29 Denver 27
Sunday Night Football (NBC): San Francisco at New York Giants: This could be nasty. The Niners have not looked good since the opener and the Super Bowl 50 hosts are in deep trouble. But considering all of their losses on both sides of the ball in the offseason, what do you expect? The Giants have rallied from their horrific finish in their first 2 games to be 2-2 and back in the NFC East race. This is a game the Giants must have to help their confidence. What could go wrong? With either of these teams....a lot! This may not be the best SNF game, but we may see some fun stuff. Remember, Giants WR Odell Beckham, Jr. is playing.....
Who wins? This should be a Giants win, but why do I sense that Niners QB Colin Kaepernick is going to turn some heads this night? Because despite his horrible performances the last few weeks, he is not as bad as some think. Nor is his team. The Giants should win, but I am taking the upset. San Francisco steals one on the road.
San Francisco 28 New York Giants 27
Monday Night Football (ESPN): Pittsburgh at San Diego: The Steelers, like Dallas and others are struggling with their starting QB out for a long period. However, Michael Vick is no ordinary backup QB and the Steelers have offensive weapons galore. They have had extra days to digest the overtime loss to Baltimore at home on TNF last week and prepare for MNF going west. The Chargers are a dangerous squad but have had a tough start. But it gets harder from here and the Steelers are no joke. But QB Philip Rivers is good and he had his weapons too. This will be one of the best MNF games of the season.
Who wins?
Bonus picks:
1. American League Division Series (best of 5):
a. Texas at Toronto: This is the year of surprise playoff teams in baseball. Texas has been good the last few years but has backtracked a little the last couple of years. After a crazy finish in the AL West, the Rangers are back and hoping for better results. The Blue Jays have tried to build up for a while in a stacked AL East and finally return to the playoffs for the first time since their World Series years 20-plus years ago after getting past Baltimore and the Yankees late.This will be a series of two teams who have similar teams who are looking to shock the world.
Who wins? This series is too close to call and I expect a 5 game series. Bottom line, the Jays had injuries to some of their stars who may be back for this series. That, and having the home field advantage will be enough to get Toronto through to the ALCS. I am taking the Blue Jays.
Toronto in 5 games.
b: Houston (wildcard winner) at Kansas City (top seed): The shocking run of the Astros continues after they shut down and shut out the mighty Yankees...in the Bronx no less! But now they face the underdog heroes of last year, the Royals. As far as the fans of baseball is concerned, there are no losers, for who can hate a underdog. But here, the Royals are the favorites and they are the top AL seed with the advantage of experience as well. Who has the magic in this series?
Who wins? Kansas City can not sneak up on the AL playoff teams this time, That momentum belongs to Houston. But the advantage of experience, a complete roster and home-field should be enough to get them through....but Houston is young(er), exciting and has nothing to lose, for they were not supposed to be here. Who does THAT remind you of? Baseball has a way of having surprises in the playoffs, but not here. I have to take the top seed, but it won't be a sweep like last year.
Kansas City in 4 games
2. National League Division Series(best of 5):
a. New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers: Those amazing Mets are back in the playoffs! They got hot late and made the late push with brilliant player moves to overtake a shaky Nationals squad in a toothless NL East to make the playoffs. Even better, they have outlasted the hated cross-town Yankees before playing a game. Bonus! But now it is time to get serious. The three-time defending West champs are ready to make their move back to the World Series. Their awesome 1-2 starting pitching punch will be hard to beat, especially with home-field. But the Mets are not scared and they are still at least warm after a slow finish, helped by the Nationals inability to win late in the year. This will be a good series.
Who wins? Despite all of the good moves during the season, the Mets not being able to clinch home field for this series will do them in, unless Kershaw and/or Grienke are far less than their normal dominating selves and/or the Mets can do amazing things, even on the road. However, the playoff experience and savvy of manager Don Mattingly will be the difference, for the Dodgers can play beyond their two top starting pitchers, large payroll notwithstanding. I am taking the Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers in 4 games.
b. Chicago Cubs (wildcard winner) at St. Louis (top seed): These two teams know each other well, being in the same division. Bottom line, we have the established powerhouse versus those love-able losers. Most baseball fans outside of Chicago want to see the Cubs end their playoff and World Series jinx, and maybe they have the team and manager to (finally) do it. But could this be the year? The Cardinals say no and they have the team to stop the young Cubs. But neither team can surprise the other, so it comes down to who makes fewer mistakes and more great plays. Simple as that.
Who wins? Most folk will take St. Louis and their powerful roster that has been consistently in the playoffs a lot the last few years. Until Wednesday night, the Cubs had not won a playoff game in quite a while. Kansas City stunned the AL and pillaged their way to the World Series and almost won it when no one expected them to even be a wild-card. Like Houston, the Cubs are in the same spot, though the Cubs have briefly looked better the last few years but couldn't finish. Against the most familiar of foes, I think that with a great (and unusual) and experienced manager like Joe Maddon, these Cubs can finally flip the so-familiar script, even without home-field. That will make baseball fans go crazy. I am taking the Cubs in a monster upset.
Chicago Cubs in 5 games (extra innings in 2 games including Game 5)
NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup: Contender Round (12 drivers): Race 4: Charlotte:
This race is a Saturday night race at the "home" of NASCAR where most of the teams are based (or nearby). This is the first race of the second round of the Chase with 12 drivers. The pressure gets higher from here especially with the next race at Kansas and especially the "elimination" race for this round is at Talledega, the fastest and arguably the most dangerous track on the circuit. The surprise is that 6-time champ Jimmie Johnson is out after a horrible finish due to parts failure at Dover. However, defending champ Kevin Harvick, by winning Dover after running out of gas at New Hampshire while leading at the end is still in. These drivers know that winning either Charlotte or Kansas is a must, for no one can safely hope to get a great finish at Talledega for it is the ultimate wild-card track. Having such as the elimination race for this round of the Chase is fun for fans....nasty for (all) the drivers, especially the Chase drivers who may be on the brink of elimination by then.
For this race, see more strategy and less coolness, especially in the final laps. I expect most of the Chase drivers to do well, but I think that a non-Chase driver will win the race, especially the just-eliminated Jimmie Johnson. Three or more Chase drivers will wreck and finish lower than 25th which will hurt.
Fantasy football owners: Week two of bye weeks with four teams on bye this week. Please plan accordingly with your rosters!
Last Week's Picks: 10-5...I am getting good at this! Season: 33-28....much nice to be on the nice side of .500!!
Bonus picks: 12-2 Total: 19-7
I did good on picks for the second week in a row. Let's hope things continue to progress on that score. I know I picked Harvick to win at Dover....but I didn't think he would actually do it! Well, that is racing for you. Things will get more interesting as the NASCAR playoffs continue and the baseball postseason begins. Good luck with your picks!
Bye teams:
1. Carolina (4-0): Carolina has survived the loss of their best WR well...so far. You may dismiss this start, but you can't complain about the results. Unfortunately, all this got the Panthers is a tie for first in the NFC South with Atlanta. With the Falcons' bye still 4 weeks away and the first of the two meetings between these two not until late in the season, this is a watching game from a distance. Both teams could be in the playoffs. Only one can have a top 4 seed. This team could get better as we go. We will see. As long as QB Cam Newton is healthy and upright (that is a big IF), this team will be dangerous. We will see.
2. Minnesota (2-2): The Vikings are hanging in there so far. With the resurgence of RB Adrian Peterson and the dangerous young QB Teddy Bridgewater, these Vikings can be a darkhorse in the NFC wild-card race. The question remains is how well can these guys do against the best teams in the league, especially undefeated Green Bay? With Detroit already all but out of the race and Chicago behind them, the Vikings are looking up only to the Packers. What if? Bottom line, nothing to lose, everything to gain this year. Then, the new Vikings stadium opens next year and the positive energy that goes with it. It will be interesting to see what this young squad to do with little pressure on them, compared to Green Bay, Seattle and others.
3. New York Jets (2-2): The Jets are looking good at times, and not so much at others. Like Minnesota, expectations have to be called low, especially with new coach Todd Bowles coming in. But there are some weapons here on both sides of the ball. All of the hype has gone to the other AFC East teams, and that is good for these Jets. The win over Miami in London is good, and such didn't count on the home schedule since it was a road game. Could these Jets shock the NFL? Maybe. If they can upset the Patriots and Bills, especially on the road, there are possibilities for a wild-card....maybe more. But you have to win with the schedule you have. These Jets, like a few other AFC teams may have a shot to shock a lot of teams this year.
4. Miami (1-3): Not good. Miami had a lot of hype with their free-agent signings and looking like they were ready to make a playoff splash. But the coaching staff knew they were on the hot seat. After a shaky (maybe lucky) win in the opener on the road, the Dolphins have plain sucked. losing to Jacksonville (?) and the Jets in London. After the latter, the owner said, enough and fired coach Joe Philbin (and then the defensive coordinator on Thursday). The Dolphins went from playoff dark-horse to dumpster fire in a matter of weeks! Barring a miracle rally, this team may have to go back to square one after this year. But...if so, getting another high draft pick could be helpful...maybe. Good luck with that.
American League Wildcard (1 game winner takes all to face KC in the ALCS!):
Houston at New York Yankees: Both teams are limping into this game with less than stellar finishes. Both teams were leading their divisions until other teams caught them and passed them late in the season. The Yankees are back in the postseason after a 2 year absence and have a good amount of playoff experience, led by third baseman Alex Rodriguez. The team may be slightly distracted by the sudden absence of P C.C. Sabathia (voluntary alcohol rehab), who chose to leave the team on the eve of this playoff. He did what was best for him to get well and he should be commended for that, even if the team could have used him if they advance. Houston was not supposed to be a playoff team at all. Their shocking fast start surprised all of baseball since they have been really bad the last few years in addition to their recent transfer from the National to the American League for realignment (so that each league has 15 teams,) Though they faded down the stretch allowing the Texas Rangers to (barely) win the division and the Angels to nearly steal the wildcard spot away, they rallied to get to this game. Obviously far less experience, but a lot of youth, confidence and heart just to get here at all.
Who wins? The Yankees' experience and playing at home should be enough to win a 1 game playoff, but these Astros have bucked a lot of (recent) trends just to get here, so what is one more? The mystique of the Bronx Bombers has dulled considerably in recent years for various reasons, but this is a good team, as is Houston, all of a sudden. Worst to playoffs is rare in American pro sports, especially baseball, but here we are. While the MLB playoffs may well not be the same without the Yankees in it, it is nice to see some new blood, and see them do well. I am taking the Astros in a upset.
Houston 8 New York Yankees 7 (10)
National League Wildcard (1 game winner takes all to face St. Louis in the NLCS!):
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh: I spoke of the surprise rise of the Astros to make the AL wildcard tonight. Then we have the Chicago Cubs. The ultimate of hard luck teams. This team has not won a World Series in over a century, and rarely has seen a playoff game in that same time. They, like Houston, was not expected to be a threat this year. But they also started fast and withstood the trials of summer to get here. Same for the Pirates, though they have been in the playoffs more recently, If either or both were in a different division, they may well have not been in this game at all. They would more likely be hosting a Division series. To their chagrin, they are in the same division as the powerhouse St. Louis Cardinals, who will host the winner of this game starting Friday or Saturday. That means a strong team, possibly stronger than either East champ New York Mets or the three time defending West champ Dodgers will be done after Wednesday night. Unfortunate. Both the Cubs and Pirates have young and established stars and a strong roster and they obviously know each other well. This will be a great game. Too bad this is a elimination game and not a Division or a Championship series matchup. Maybe next year.
Who wins? Like the Yankees, the Pirates have the home-field and the playoff experience over the Cubs. However, like in the other series, the youth and confidence of the underdog road team may be too much to stop in a one game win-or-go-home situation. These teams know each other so well, so this will be a war. The Cardinals will NOT have a easy time with the winner of this game, even with home field, since that team will be very familiar with St. Louis, too. While I am cool with the Pirates, a lot of folks outside of Chicago would love to see the Cubs try to end their long curse...or at least make a step toward that. I am taking Chicago.
Chicago 5 Pittsburgh 4
Thursday Night Football (CBS/NFL Network): Indianapolis at Houston: This will be a crazy affair. Houston is at home and has their workhorse RB Arian Foster back, which is good. The problem is that their instability at QB has weakened the already-shaky offense to make them all-but one-dimensional. The Colts, however, are no better. While starting QB Andrew Luck (throwing shoulder) is projected (per Thursday morning update) to sit again after missing Sunday's home win, backup QB Matthew Hasselbeck (illness) is iffy, but plans to play. The Colts may have no choice but to dress their third QB (they picked up Josh Johnson last week), just to cover themselves. Hence, their offense is shaky too. The Colts defense has been okay, but that is all. Houston's defense has not been great, but you figure they are rather tired from having to be out there a lot in the first four games to keep them in games. This is a tough call to make. Don't expect much scoring here unless it is due to turnovers, pick-sixes and special teams.
Who wins? If Houston's vaunted defense was at full roar, it would be a easier call. But they are not, but the Colts having QB issues of their own and perhaps even less of a running game than Houston, where will scoring come from? Bottom line, the Colts seem to find a way in division games (or the opponent gives the game away, like the Jaguars kicker did last week!). If Foster was doing really well now, I would take the Texans, but Foster is just getting back. Bottom line, Luck at 50-75 percent or in this case, a sick Hasselbeck at 80 percent (even at his advanced football age) is still better than what Houston has at QB right now....and they have a better (also older) RB..and better WRs....you get the point. I have to take the Colts, but not by much.
Indianapolis 23 Houston 20 (OT)
Sunday's Games:
Chicago at Kansas City: The Bears got a big win last week, helped by the return of QB Jay Cutler, but now they go on the road to Kansas City who is not doing well, especially with the way the lost to Denver earlier. Bears WR Alshon Jeffrey is possibly out again, but Cutler did well enough with the other receivers, and he still has TE Marcellus Bennett and RB Matt Forte with him. The Chiefs have weapons of their own and a good QB in Alex Smith, but as usual, luck and mistakes keep doing them in. Both teams suck, but something has to give here, right?
Who wins? Truth be told, a tie is not impossible, but let's not go there. The Chiefs are real tough at Arrowhead always, and their defense can do things, I just can't see the Bears rolling in here and stealing one, even if Jeffrey was playing. Sorry, I have to take KC at home.
Kansas City 29 Chicago 20
Jacksonville at Tampa Bay: The second battle of Florida plays here. The Jaguars have already upset Miami at home earlier, but the Dolphins have since collapsed. This is two franchise trying to build something so this will not be a really big game. But this battle could be big, for these two teams could be a lot better when they meet again in four years. The Jaguars are further along, but the battle of two young QBs in Bortles versus rookie Winston will be interesting. Also watch Jags RB T.J. Yeldon, who looks dangerous,
Who wins? Few folks outside of Florida may care. But if the Jags win, they would be still in the AFC South race that the Colts are starting to take control of (which was expected). Tampa Bay will take any win they could get. I think Jacksonville is further along however, and they will win here. Jaguars win.
Jacksonville 27 Tampa Bay 23
New Orleans at Philadelphia: The Saints are in a big hole, but they are starting to fight back.Winning on MNF over a damaged Cowboys team helps. Now, they go on the road to face a disappointing Eagles squad. The Saints are normally not as good outdoors, but the Eagles are shaky. With a future HOF QB in Drew Brees, the Saints have a big weapon the Eagles don't. The loser of this game is all but out of the race for a wild-card playoff spot. However, if the other NFC East teams all lose, the Eagles lose no ground with a loss. The Saints may need to all-but win out to get back in the NFC South race, but it may already be too late.
Who wins? The Eagles have a lot of players, but coach Chip Kelly doesn't look good right now and GM Chip Kelly looks like a idiot...at best. I won't say what he might be a worst. I have a lot more faith in Drew Brees and Saints coach Sean Payton and for good reason. If any dome team can steal one in Philly, this is the one. And that is what they will do. Saints win.
New Orleans 29 Philadelphia 20
St. Louis at Green Bay: The Rams have a very good defense. They have a dangerous playmaker in WR Tavon Austin. They may have a new weapon in rookie RB Todd Gurley...maybe. But overall, this team needs more work. Green Bay is a complete team and they are nearly unbeatable at home. Also, QB Aaron Rodgers hasn't thrown a INT at home in a long while, though he almost did two weeks ago. Even if that streak ends, the Packers are too good to lose this one, especially at home. Plus the Rams, another dome team, is not so great outdoors. Need I say more?
Who wins? Really? Unless Green Bay plays the worst offensive game they have done in a long time, I cannot see the Rams winning this unless they control the clock by far more than 2 to 1. Green Bay does have some defense too. I am taking the logical call. Undefeated Green Bay wins again.
Green Bay 28 St. Louis 18
Buffalo at Tennessee: The Bills don't look great and a lot of injured stars. Tennessee is rebuilding and trying to do something in a down AFC South. Somebody has to come through. I don't see how the Bills get it done. But that Rex Ryan....he finds ways. And his QB, Tyrod Taylor...maybe he is the real deal. We are seeing that Titans rookie QB Marcus Mariota is....who wins?
Who wins? I want to take the Titans on this one,,,but that Bills team runs hot and cold...and now it is time for hot. Ryan knows how to win games shorthanded and the Titans don't have enough to take advantage. At least not in 2015. Wait 2 years. But for today, I am taking Buffalo.
Buffalo 20 Tennessee 17 (OT)
Arizona at Detroit: The Lions are the last winless team. But the way they lost on MNF at Seattle was beyond (bleep bleep). That will totally demoralize a team. But the games continue. The Cardinals had a shocking loss last week. But that defense is scary and this team is still in first in the NFC West and could be going for more. Detroit surely isn't going to go 0-16 again, right?
Who wins?
Seattle at Cincinnati: The undefeated Bengals get the NFC champs at home. Nice. But these Bengals are overrated, like Atlanta and their season will be more defined on what they do in the playoffs....if they get there. Seattle is rallying from a 0-2 start, but could use a quality win here,The teams are healthy, bur the Seahawks defense can be the difference...we hope.
Who wins? The Bengals seem overrated, but they have won their first four games. And, we know Seattle is not as tough on the road, and are already 0-2 on the road against tough teams. Could they go 0-3 on the road? I hope not, but I have to take the Bengals at home. The Seahawks offense is not there and without RB Marshawn Lynch, that spells loss. Bengals win.
Cincinnati 29 Seattle 28
New England at Dallas: The Cowboys schedule is doing them no favors. How can Dallas win over the champion Patriots at home....when the Patroits are almost perfect in games after a bye week? And Dallas has no Bryant NOR Romo? And they have lost two straight...after getting at least one game they should have lost? The Patriots are confident, and are rested and they will be ready. This could be ugly.
Who wins? The Patriots had better win, but Dallas is proud and they are not weaponless on offense. Could the defensive players the Cowboys now get after early suspensions make a difference? Yes they can....but just not this week. Sorry, Dallas, I don't see a miracle win here. I am taking New England to win.
New England 34 Dallas 20
Washington at Atlanta: The Redskins are heavy road underdogs against the undefeated Falcons. However, the key to beat them is to keep Atlanta's offense, led by QB Matt Ryan and WRs Julio Jones and Roddy White off the field. The Redskins have the running game led by Alfred Morris to do so as long as QB Kirk Cousins doesn't turn over the ball in the passing game. The defenses are okay, but are not that great. This will be a statement game.
Who wins? Atlanta should be able to run the Redskins right back to DC with their passing game, but I see a upset here. Atlanta has already had too many come-from-behind wins to make me comfortable. This is a trap game for a undefeated team, and this team will get burned. Redskins win.
Washington 24 Atlanta 21
Denver at Oakland: Another undefeated team going for another win. Oakland is stronger than they look. Denver is definitely weaker than they look. Could this be the day the Raiders stun the world and beat a top-level team as they work toward being contenders again? The young Raider offensive weapons are dangerous, but the veteran Denver QB Peyton Manning still has a lot of tricks. This game will steal the show this week.
Who wins? Denver this, Denver that....whatever, This Denver squad has been lucky in 2015, NOT dominant. The Raiders are dangerous and may have the offensive weapons to go toe to toe with anyone, even a less than stellar Denver squad. I am taking Oakland in a major upset.
Oakland 29 Denver 27
Sunday Night Football (NBC): San Francisco at New York Giants: This could be nasty. The Niners have not looked good since the opener and the Super Bowl 50 hosts are in deep trouble. But considering all of their losses on both sides of the ball in the offseason, what do you expect? The Giants have rallied from their horrific finish in their first 2 games to be 2-2 and back in the NFC East race. This is a game the Giants must have to help their confidence. What could go wrong? With either of these teams....a lot! This may not be the best SNF game, but we may see some fun stuff. Remember, Giants WR Odell Beckham, Jr. is playing.....
Who wins? This should be a Giants win, but why do I sense that Niners QB Colin Kaepernick is going to turn some heads this night? Because despite his horrible performances the last few weeks, he is not as bad as some think. Nor is his team. The Giants should win, but I am taking the upset. San Francisco steals one on the road.
San Francisco 28 New York Giants 27
Monday Night Football (ESPN): Pittsburgh at San Diego: The Steelers, like Dallas and others are struggling with their starting QB out for a long period. However, Michael Vick is no ordinary backup QB and the Steelers have offensive weapons galore. They have had extra days to digest the overtime loss to Baltimore at home on TNF last week and prepare for MNF going west. The Chargers are a dangerous squad but have had a tough start. But it gets harder from here and the Steelers are no joke. But QB Philip Rivers is good and he had his weapons too. This will be one of the best MNF games of the season.
Who wins?
Bonus picks:
1. American League Division Series (best of 5):
a. Texas at Toronto: This is the year of surprise playoff teams in baseball. Texas has been good the last few years but has backtracked a little the last couple of years. After a crazy finish in the AL West, the Rangers are back and hoping for better results. The Blue Jays have tried to build up for a while in a stacked AL East and finally return to the playoffs for the first time since their World Series years 20-plus years ago after getting past Baltimore and the Yankees late.This will be a series of two teams who have similar teams who are looking to shock the world.
Who wins? This series is too close to call and I expect a 5 game series. Bottom line, the Jays had injuries to some of their stars who may be back for this series. That, and having the home field advantage will be enough to get Toronto through to the ALCS. I am taking the Blue Jays.
Toronto in 5 games.
b: Houston (wildcard winner) at Kansas City (top seed): The shocking run of the Astros continues after they shut down and shut out the mighty Yankees...in the Bronx no less! But now they face the underdog heroes of last year, the Royals. As far as the fans of baseball is concerned, there are no losers, for who can hate a underdog. But here, the Royals are the favorites and they are the top AL seed with the advantage of experience as well. Who has the magic in this series?
Who wins? Kansas City can not sneak up on the AL playoff teams this time, That momentum belongs to Houston. But the advantage of experience, a complete roster and home-field should be enough to get them through....but Houston is young(er), exciting and has nothing to lose, for they were not supposed to be here. Who does THAT remind you of? Baseball has a way of having surprises in the playoffs, but not here. I have to take the top seed, but it won't be a sweep like last year.
Kansas City in 4 games
2. National League Division Series(best of 5):
a. New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers: Those amazing Mets are back in the playoffs! They got hot late and made the late push with brilliant player moves to overtake a shaky Nationals squad in a toothless NL East to make the playoffs. Even better, they have outlasted the hated cross-town Yankees before playing a game. Bonus! But now it is time to get serious. The three-time defending West champs are ready to make their move back to the World Series. Their awesome 1-2 starting pitching punch will be hard to beat, especially with home-field. But the Mets are not scared and they are still at least warm after a slow finish, helped by the Nationals inability to win late in the year. This will be a good series.
Who wins? Despite all of the good moves during the season, the Mets not being able to clinch home field for this series will do them in, unless Kershaw and/or Grienke are far less than their normal dominating selves and/or the Mets can do amazing things, even on the road. However, the playoff experience and savvy of manager Don Mattingly will be the difference, for the Dodgers can play beyond their two top starting pitchers, large payroll notwithstanding. I am taking the Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers in 4 games.
b. Chicago Cubs (wildcard winner) at St. Louis (top seed): These two teams know each other well, being in the same division. Bottom line, we have the established powerhouse versus those love-able losers. Most baseball fans outside of Chicago want to see the Cubs end their playoff and World Series jinx, and maybe they have the team and manager to (finally) do it. But could this be the year? The Cardinals say no and they have the team to stop the young Cubs. But neither team can surprise the other, so it comes down to who makes fewer mistakes and more great plays. Simple as that.
Who wins? Most folk will take St. Louis and their powerful roster that has been consistently in the playoffs a lot the last few years. Until Wednesday night, the Cubs had not won a playoff game in quite a while. Kansas City stunned the AL and pillaged their way to the World Series and almost won it when no one expected them to even be a wild-card. Like Houston, the Cubs are in the same spot, though the Cubs have briefly looked better the last few years but couldn't finish. Against the most familiar of foes, I think that with a great (and unusual) and experienced manager like Joe Maddon, these Cubs can finally flip the so-familiar script, even without home-field. That will make baseball fans go crazy. I am taking the Cubs in a monster upset.
Chicago Cubs in 5 games (extra innings in 2 games including Game 5)
NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup: Contender Round (12 drivers): Race 4: Charlotte:
This race is a Saturday night race at the "home" of NASCAR where most of the teams are based (or nearby). This is the first race of the second round of the Chase with 12 drivers. The pressure gets higher from here especially with the next race at Kansas and especially the "elimination" race for this round is at Talledega, the fastest and arguably the most dangerous track on the circuit. The surprise is that 6-time champ Jimmie Johnson is out after a horrible finish due to parts failure at Dover. However, defending champ Kevin Harvick, by winning Dover after running out of gas at New Hampshire while leading at the end is still in. These drivers know that winning either Charlotte or Kansas is a must, for no one can safely hope to get a great finish at Talledega for it is the ultimate wild-card track. Having such as the elimination race for this round of the Chase is fun for fans....nasty for (all) the drivers, especially the Chase drivers who may be on the brink of elimination by then.
For this race, see more strategy and less coolness, especially in the final laps. I expect most of the Chase drivers to do well, but I think that a non-Chase driver will win the race, especially the just-eliminated Jimmie Johnson. Three or more Chase drivers will wreck and finish lower than 25th which will hurt.
No comments:
Post a Comment