2016 NFL Picks Week Seven...and the Chase for the Sprint Cup reaches...TALLEDEGA!!!!
Last Week:
Season:
Teams on Bye this week:
1. Dallas (5-1):
2. Carolina (1-5):
Damn,.....we have a London game this week AND next week, too? Crazy! Fantasy football people, go fix your lineups for Sunday tonight! Don't wait until Saturday or early Sunday morning!
Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFL Network/Twitter:
Chicago at Green Bay: We all might have hoped that this game would mean more when the schedule was released 6 months ago. But those of us who did so were fooling ourselves. Outside of Chicago, how many are really surprised that the Bears suck? How many are surprised that starter QB Jay Cutler is out injured (or just playing bad)? Right. But most of us, especially those of us who play fantasy football ARE shocked that 1) Green Bay is struggling 2) is NOT leading the NFC North and 3) Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers is playing like (bleep). This is real football and crazy stuff is what the NFL wants to make games more suspenseful. Whatever.
Lesson from ME: the 8-time fantasy football CHAMPION: ALWAYS draft NO FEWER than two good to great players at EVERY position in the draft if you can no matter WHAT..even team defenses/special teams.....if you want a better chance to make, much less make your league's playoffs. This is NOT JUST because every team must take a bye week..but it is because great players can have a bad week (or several). One bad week can cost you a high playoff seed...several bad weeks can cost you the entire season...especially at QB. You think I am wrong? How many titles have you won doing that BS? Luck matters..but using brains matters too. End of lesson.
Now, Green Bay is in deep bleep. Down two games (really 3 games) to undefeated Minnesota, the Packers cannot lose any more ground, especially to a pathetic Bears team...much less at Lambeau Field. Minnesota is no sure thing to win at Philadelphia on Sunday, but if they do...that makes this game even more important. I am not sure what will get Rodgers going like the Rodgers we fans have come to expect in the last 5-6 years including their championship year a few years ago. But the comeback will start tonight against a weak Bears team...or else. Can the Bears cause "or else"? If they are feeding off the energy of the Cubs in a dogfight in the NLCS back in Chicago...maybe.
Who wins? Positive energy or not, these Bears just don't have the horses to score on the Packers defense. They surely cannot stop the Packers offense...if they are playing well. However, the loss of lead RB Eddie Lacy (ankle-IR) today, along with backup James Stark out recovering from surgery, Green Bay has no running game, even with trading for Chiefs RB Knile Davis earlier in the week and promoting a RB from the practice squad. A team with a one-dimensional offense is not good...even against a inferior opponent at home. A team with a shaky passing game is even worse. I really hope Rodgers does well tonight, but I fear a upset. If Green Bay loses anyone else to injury for any length of time, especially Rodgers and/or WRs Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb (who may have to play some halfback, too!)...season may be over. Green Bay wins...but not by much.
Green Bay 28 Chicago 24
Sunday's Games:
International Series Game on NFL Network:
New York Giants at Los Angeles from Twickenham Stadium in London:
This is a pivotal game for both teams as teams fight for playoff position. Both teams are 3-3 and need this win. The loser will be really in trouble as far as a wild-card spot and likely could be done as far as a division title is concerned. The Rams looked like world beaters for a short while but reality may have set in for this team, but that rugged defense is still there. QB Case Keenum has shown flashes of being a competent quarterback while top overall pick QB Jared Goff continues to watch and learn from the bench as others in his QB class flourish and set rookie records for their teams and may already be more than halfway to their first playoff appearances. Luck of the draw. The Giants are dangerous with QB Eli Manning and emotional but scary brilliant WR Odell Beckham, Jr., but injuries and mistakes continue to threaten this team's chances for any playoff spot as they are almost too far behind Dallas already to allow their Week 1 win in Dallas to mean anything later. This may be the best London game of the season...but that is NOT saying much.
Who wins? The Rams are a work in progress...and the defense can play. But you have to go with the more experienced and explosive team with the game on a serious neutral field. If no one (else) gets hurt in this one, the Giants will prevail simply since the Rams cannot score easily enough to keep up. Giants win.
New York Giants 33 Los Angeles 24
Cleveland at Cincinnati: The Browns continue to march toward 0-16..lol. They travel to Cincinnati where the Bengals don't look that good. They must win to stay in the AFC wild-card race as they hope that Baltimore and Pittsburgh (without Big Ben) will continue to fall back to them in the AFC North race. The Bengals should win this game, especially at home...but this is also the definition of a trap game. Oh my.
Who wins? Ugh. Do we care? Not really..lol. Bottom line, the Browns have nothing to lose other than risk their path to the first overall pick in the draft. I sense a upset here. I will take the Browns, since this will be almost as big a upset as Penn State over 2nd ranked Ohio State last night..lol.
Cleveland 30 Cincinnati 27
New Orleans at Kansas City: This game can be a major air show. KC QB Alex Smith is not known for huge passing days, but he could get some serious yards against a weak Saints defense. On the other side, the KC defense will have a hard time stopping future Hall of Fame Saints QB Drew Brees as well. This could be interesting. Both teams are still in their division race, but need this win. The loser of this game will be in deep trouble as far as making the playoffs is concerned, especially if it is the Saints.
Who wins? This will be a shootout, but the Chiefs are usually tougher at home than the Saints are away from their dome. But Brees can overcome a lot a we all know. I am taking the Saints in a minor upset, for the Saints may have too many weapons for the Chiefs to stop, much less keep up with. Saints win.
New Orleans 39 Kansas City 37
Buffalo at Miami: This is not a big game, but divisional battles can be fun. Buffalo has won 4 straight and can use another big division win with the Patriots right in front of them and a win in hand already. The other big story is dangerous Bills RB LeSean McCoy playing in a game where he was reported to be out (supposedly for several weeks) earlier in the week. How much he plays and how well may tip the balance of the game. Miami may be out of the playoff race already, but being a spoiler in a division game...such is always fun.
Who wins? The Dolphins are a big disappointment, but they are not done yet. Teams playing in a warm Miami, especially early to mid-season have had issues with the humidity. However, I sense these Bills will have no issues with the weather nor the weakened Dolphins and will get their 5th win in a row, with or without McCoy. Bills win.
Buffalo 33 Miami 28
Baltimore at New York Jets: Baltimore is free-falling after a good start. The Jets have been falling all year. But the Ravens are still in the AFC North race and could have a chance to move up with the Steelers losing their great QB for a while with a knee injury. But the Ravens must win this game or their promising season may be all but over. The Jets are just playing for pride....again. Without some more wins, their head coach may be fired. Not good.
Who wins? The Ravens have had some tough losses to good teams. The Jets, with all of their turmoil at quarterback, is not a good team. Baltimore had better win this one...and not get more folk hurt in the process or this season is over. Baltimore wins.
Baltimore 30 New York Jets 20
Minnesota at Philadelphia: This game has far more intrigue than it did in April. With the Vikings losing their QB, then trading their 2017 first round pick for Eagles starter Sam Bradford and now finding themselves as the last undefeated team, they are flying. The Eagles, who as a result of the above ended up starting rookie 2nd overall pick QB Carson Wentz started 3-0, but has fallen back to 3-2 after their early bye, now must right the ship as Dallas and Washington have both passed them. This may have been a rebuilding year for one or both, but neither team can complain about this trade..yet. This game will go a long way in seeing where two teams may end up as far as the playoffs. This is a must-watch game.
Who wins? The Eagles seem to be falling to earth after a lofty start...which is not good with games against Dallas and the second game with Washington to come. The Vikings control their fate as long as they keep winning. Every win matters and this team is far more balanced than we all thought and with a powerful defense to lead them, these Vikings are going to be a force...as long as no one else goes down for any length of time. Bradford will not be scared by the Eagles defense. The Vikings will show some grit on the road and get a big road win.
Minnesota 28 Philadelphia 24
Indianapolis at Tennessee: This is not a great game. The Colts blew a great chance to cut down division leader Houston last week. I am not convinced they can do better in another road division teat at Tennessee. The Colts are still dangerous with QB Andrew Luck, but that has not been enough for most of this year. Titans QB Marcus Mariota may be as good as Luck, and he has more weapons. This is not must see TV.
Who wins? The Colts are fighters, and the AFC South is still in reach, but the Titans are ready to do the same and have the least to lose. I am taking the home team for this squad may be the most ready to do something in the playoffs in this division. Simple as that. These Colts are just not ready. Period. Titans win.
Tennessee 29 Indianapolis 24
San Diego at Atlanta: This game is another high scoring affair and don't expect a lot of running yards outside of inside of the other team's 5 yard line..lol. San Diego QB Philip Rivers versus Atlanta QB Matt Ryan. Party!!!!! I expect these two to total no less than 650 yards passing in this game (700 total will not surprise me). Enjoy this game for these two will light it up. Plus, I am not betting Rivers will still be around when these teams play in the regular season again in four years. So watch some of this game!
Who wins? The Chargers can score with anyone. They just cannot finish games too well, as we have seen week after week after week. Atlanta has been, but after last year's finish...nothing is assured. But Atlanta has too many offensive weapons to lose this one at home. I have to take the Falcons here.
Atlanta 42 San Diego 31
New England at Pittsburgh: The luster of this game is seriously dulled with the Steelers losing QB Ben Roethlisberger (knee). The Steelers know the Ravens and Bengals are reeling, but can the Steelers stay ahead in the AFC North until their offensive leader returns? Hard to say. New England weathered the storm of QB Tom Brady's suspension and TE Rob Gronkowski's (and others) injuries, and now they are rolling right along. Pittsburgh was supposed to be a major test for these Patriots, but with QB Landry Jones now the starter, even with RB Le'Veon Bell back and having WR Antonio Brown around, does the Steelers have a chance?
Who wins? Really? If it wasn't for the Patriots bending over for Miami just before Brady's return, this would be a undefeated team. Pittsburgh is tougher overall, but without Big Ben...barring injuries...there is no way these Steelers can win this one. Patriots win again.
New England 30 Pittsburgh 21
Tampa Bay at San Francisco:
San Francisco 30 Tampa Bay 28
Washington at Detroit:
Washington 28 Detroit 25 (OT)
Oakland at Jacksonville: Despite losing to KC at home last week, Oakland is a dangerous team, sitting tied for first in the AFC West with Denver. But this team is undefeated on the road. Road wins do matter and Oakland knows they finish with three road division games at the end of the year. Every winnable game gotten now may mean everything entering December. Jacksonville is a big disappointment so far, since so many felt these young Jags, along with the Raiders were the sleeper picks to make the AFC playoffs this year. The Jags have not gotten it done. Can they trip up the Raiders?
Who wins? The Raiders are just too good and just and young as the Jaguars. They have grown up fast and they are not letting a lesser team slow them down now. Oakland gets their fourth road win and continue to march toward a playoff berth. Raiders win again.
Oakland 30 Jacksonville 20
Sunday Night Football on NBC:
Seattle at Arizona:
Arizona 24 Seattle 23
Monday Night Football on ESPN:
Houston at Denver: Houston QB Brock Osweiler returns to Denver where he won a Super Bowl ring backing up now-retired QB Peyton Manning.
Denver 33 Houston 20
Bonus picks: NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup Playoffs: Round of 12 Elimination Race: Chase Race Six: Talledega:
Of the 26 "regular season" races, there are 6-8 races that stand out on the schedule. Daytona 500 and Firecracker 400...Brickyard....Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte..Bristol twice..Darlington...September race at Richmond (Chase cut-off race). Every Chase race matters, but especially the cutoff races and the championship finale at Homestead Miami. But there are two races that almost dwarf even Daytona. The two races at Talledega (Alabama), especially this one in the Chase. This racetrack is the biggest on the circuit...has the highest speeds for the longest periods. Some might say it is the most boring race...others say it is the most exciting race..because for the danger of wrecks..and "The Big One". No other track has more danger or the risk of one wreck taking out more (potential) cars..or worse...than this track. Google past race highlights if you think I am kidding.
If there is one race on the schedule you should watch live (or DVR it like I will, because my Raiders are playing and I am working), besides Daytona or Richmond or Homestead...it is this one. This race has the potential of shuffling the Chase standings greatly. So much so that this race was moved to Race 5 in the Chase for next year and Kansas moved down one week on the schedule just to make it easier on the Chase teams to have a more fair chance to qualify for the Chase semifinals (Round of 8) after Talledega since this race could make or destroy a team's season...in a instant. More reason to watch. Below is the list of Chase drivers and who I think will advance and why. 10 drivers going for 6 spots...there will be oil and metal (and hopefully not blood) spilled. Enjoy
Already Advanced with Round of 12 race wins: Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick: These drivers must just start the race and survive it, no matter where they finish. Simple as that.
Will Advance to Round of 8 on points OR by winning this race:
1. Brad Keselowski- He is only 7 points out of 8th after getting wrecked last week. But he did actually win Talledega a few years ago to advance to the next round. If anyone can do it again, he can. Especially since Kevin Harvick has already clinched his spot in the Round of 8. I believe Brad will take his his qualifying spot and use it to advance.
2. Kyle Busch- He is too good to not advance. Remember, the defending champ had to rally after missing the first third of the season last year due to serious injuries to not only make the Chase, but win the whole thing. I am not betting against him. Four Joe Gibbs Toyota are fighting to make the Round of 8...if only one makes it, Kyle Busch is the one I will bet on (Sorry, Denny).
3. Carl Edwards-I just have a feeling that Carl will slip through this time. He has experience and he is cool as they come. Edwards advances.
4. Martin Truex, Jr.-Like Edwards, Truex is a good driver and has been running well of late. He is the remaining feel good story of the Chase as well. He will make it.
5. Joey Logano-This year's Daytona winner got kind of screwed out of the semifinals last year due to feuding with Kenseth and his uncharacteristic retaliation when Logano was in position to win an race and advance. This time, Hamlin will get through will Kenseth is left out of the final 8. Karma...lol.
6. Denny Hamlin- I know he is the lowest in points of the four JGR cars. But I am not going to bet against him either. He is from my hometown, so I got his back. Also, he is the hungriest of the 4 drivers, even more than Carl Edwards, the other JGR driver without a championship. Hamlin will find a way.
Will be Eliminated from the Chase after Talladega:
1. Kurt Busch- He is a great driver and past champ. But he has too much bad luck in big races to get through this time. Sorry.
2. Matt Kenseth- Like Busch, a former champion, but also has bad luck hit him too often to make him a factor. I sense this will happen again. Sorry.
3. Austin Dillon- The other Chase rookie may have slipped through the first round, but his luck ends here. Too much experience to fight through to advance. He will have his day...just will not be today.
4. Chase Elliott-25 points behind 8th-He has the capability to win a race. The unpredictability of Talladega makes such possible...IF the big one happens while Elliott was leading AND it takes out virtually all of the Chase drivers besides Harvick and Johnson. Not impossible..but with a talented rookie against a bunch of veterans and current and former NASCAR champs? I don;t think so.
Last Week:
Season:
Teams on Bye this week:
1. Dallas (5-1):
2. Carolina (1-5):
Damn,.....we have a London game this week AND next week, too? Crazy! Fantasy football people, go fix your lineups for Sunday tonight! Don't wait until Saturday or early Sunday morning!
Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFL Network/Twitter:
Chicago at Green Bay: We all might have hoped that this game would mean more when the schedule was released 6 months ago. But those of us who did so were fooling ourselves. Outside of Chicago, how many are really surprised that the Bears suck? How many are surprised that starter QB Jay Cutler is out injured (or just playing bad)? Right. But most of us, especially those of us who play fantasy football ARE shocked that 1) Green Bay is struggling 2) is NOT leading the NFC North and 3) Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers is playing like (bleep). This is real football and crazy stuff is what the NFL wants to make games more suspenseful. Whatever.
Lesson from ME: the 8-time fantasy football CHAMPION: ALWAYS draft NO FEWER than two good to great players at EVERY position in the draft if you can no matter WHAT..even team defenses/special teams.....if you want a better chance to make, much less make your league's playoffs. This is NOT JUST because every team must take a bye week..but it is because great players can have a bad week (or several). One bad week can cost you a high playoff seed...several bad weeks can cost you the entire season...especially at QB. You think I am wrong? How many titles have you won doing that BS? Luck matters..but using brains matters too. End of lesson.
Now, Green Bay is in deep bleep. Down two games (really 3 games) to undefeated Minnesota, the Packers cannot lose any more ground, especially to a pathetic Bears team...much less at Lambeau Field. Minnesota is no sure thing to win at Philadelphia on Sunday, but if they do...that makes this game even more important. I am not sure what will get Rodgers going like the Rodgers we fans have come to expect in the last 5-6 years including their championship year a few years ago. But the comeback will start tonight against a weak Bears team...or else. Can the Bears cause "or else"? If they are feeding off the energy of the Cubs in a dogfight in the NLCS back in Chicago...maybe.
Who wins? Positive energy or not, these Bears just don't have the horses to score on the Packers defense. They surely cannot stop the Packers offense...if they are playing well. However, the loss of lead RB Eddie Lacy (ankle-IR) today, along with backup James Stark out recovering from surgery, Green Bay has no running game, even with trading for Chiefs RB Knile Davis earlier in the week and promoting a RB from the practice squad. A team with a one-dimensional offense is not good...even against a inferior opponent at home. A team with a shaky passing game is even worse. I really hope Rodgers does well tonight, but I fear a upset. If Green Bay loses anyone else to injury for any length of time, especially Rodgers and/or WRs Jordy Nelson or Randall Cobb (who may have to play some halfback, too!)...season may be over. Green Bay wins...but not by much.
Green Bay 28 Chicago 24
Sunday's Games:
International Series Game on NFL Network:
New York Giants at Los Angeles from Twickenham Stadium in London:
This is a pivotal game for both teams as teams fight for playoff position. Both teams are 3-3 and need this win. The loser will be really in trouble as far as a wild-card spot and likely could be done as far as a division title is concerned. The Rams looked like world beaters for a short while but reality may have set in for this team, but that rugged defense is still there. QB Case Keenum has shown flashes of being a competent quarterback while top overall pick QB Jared Goff continues to watch and learn from the bench as others in his QB class flourish and set rookie records for their teams and may already be more than halfway to their first playoff appearances. Luck of the draw. The Giants are dangerous with QB Eli Manning and emotional but scary brilliant WR Odell Beckham, Jr., but injuries and mistakes continue to threaten this team's chances for any playoff spot as they are almost too far behind Dallas already to allow their Week 1 win in Dallas to mean anything later. This may be the best London game of the season...but that is NOT saying much.
Who wins? The Rams are a work in progress...and the defense can play. But you have to go with the more experienced and explosive team with the game on a serious neutral field. If no one (else) gets hurt in this one, the Giants will prevail simply since the Rams cannot score easily enough to keep up. Giants win.
New York Giants 33 Los Angeles 24
Cleveland at Cincinnati: The Browns continue to march toward 0-16..lol. They travel to Cincinnati where the Bengals don't look that good. They must win to stay in the AFC wild-card race as they hope that Baltimore and Pittsburgh (without Big Ben) will continue to fall back to them in the AFC North race. The Bengals should win this game, especially at home...but this is also the definition of a trap game. Oh my.
Who wins? Ugh. Do we care? Not really..lol. Bottom line, the Browns have nothing to lose other than risk their path to the first overall pick in the draft. I sense a upset here. I will take the Browns, since this will be almost as big a upset as Penn State over 2nd ranked Ohio State last night..lol.
Cleveland 30 Cincinnati 27
New Orleans at Kansas City: This game can be a major air show. KC QB Alex Smith is not known for huge passing days, but he could get some serious yards against a weak Saints defense. On the other side, the KC defense will have a hard time stopping future Hall of Fame Saints QB Drew Brees as well. This could be interesting. Both teams are still in their division race, but need this win. The loser of this game will be in deep trouble as far as making the playoffs is concerned, especially if it is the Saints.
Who wins? This will be a shootout, but the Chiefs are usually tougher at home than the Saints are away from their dome. But Brees can overcome a lot a we all know. I am taking the Saints in a minor upset, for the Saints may have too many weapons for the Chiefs to stop, much less keep up with. Saints win.
New Orleans 39 Kansas City 37
Buffalo at Miami: This is not a big game, but divisional battles can be fun. Buffalo has won 4 straight and can use another big division win with the Patriots right in front of them and a win in hand already. The other big story is dangerous Bills RB LeSean McCoy playing in a game where he was reported to be out (supposedly for several weeks) earlier in the week. How much he plays and how well may tip the balance of the game. Miami may be out of the playoff race already, but being a spoiler in a division game...such is always fun.
Who wins? The Dolphins are a big disappointment, but they are not done yet. Teams playing in a warm Miami, especially early to mid-season have had issues with the humidity. However, I sense these Bills will have no issues with the weather nor the weakened Dolphins and will get their 5th win in a row, with or without McCoy. Bills win.
Buffalo 33 Miami 28
Baltimore at New York Jets: Baltimore is free-falling after a good start. The Jets have been falling all year. But the Ravens are still in the AFC North race and could have a chance to move up with the Steelers losing their great QB for a while with a knee injury. But the Ravens must win this game or their promising season may be all but over. The Jets are just playing for pride....again. Without some more wins, their head coach may be fired. Not good.
Who wins? The Ravens have had some tough losses to good teams. The Jets, with all of their turmoil at quarterback, is not a good team. Baltimore had better win this one...and not get more folk hurt in the process or this season is over. Baltimore wins.
Baltimore 30 New York Jets 20
Minnesota at Philadelphia: This game has far more intrigue than it did in April. With the Vikings losing their QB, then trading their 2017 first round pick for Eagles starter Sam Bradford and now finding themselves as the last undefeated team, they are flying. The Eagles, who as a result of the above ended up starting rookie 2nd overall pick QB Carson Wentz started 3-0, but has fallen back to 3-2 after their early bye, now must right the ship as Dallas and Washington have both passed them. This may have been a rebuilding year for one or both, but neither team can complain about this trade..yet. This game will go a long way in seeing where two teams may end up as far as the playoffs. This is a must-watch game.
Who wins? The Eagles seem to be falling to earth after a lofty start...which is not good with games against Dallas and the second game with Washington to come. The Vikings control their fate as long as they keep winning. Every win matters and this team is far more balanced than we all thought and with a powerful defense to lead them, these Vikings are going to be a force...as long as no one else goes down for any length of time. Bradford will not be scared by the Eagles defense. The Vikings will show some grit on the road and get a big road win.
Minnesota 28 Philadelphia 24
Indianapolis at Tennessee: This is not a great game. The Colts blew a great chance to cut down division leader Houston last week. I am not convinced they can do better in another road division teat at Tennessee. The Colts are still dangerous with QB Andrew Luck, but that has not been enough for most of this year. Titans QB Marcus Mariota may be as good as Luck, and he has more weapons. This is not must see TV.
Who wins? The Colts are fighters, and the AFC South is still in reach, but the Titans are ready to do the same and have the least to lose. I am taking the home team for this squad may be the most ready to do something in the playoffs in this division. Simple as that. These Colts are just not ready. Period. Titans win.
Tennessee 29 Indianapolis 24
San Diego at Atlanta: This game is another high scoring affair and don't expect a lot of running yards outside of inside of the other team's 5 yard line..lol. San Diego QB Philip Rivers versus Atlanta QB Matt Ryan. Party!!!!! I expect these two to total no less than 650 yards passing in this game (700 total will not surprise me). Enjoy this game for these two will light it up. Plus, I am not betting Rivers will still be around when these teams play in the regular season again in four years. So watch some of this game!
Who wins? The Chargers can score with anyone. They just cannot finish games too well, as we have seen week after week after week. Atlanta has been, but after last year's finish...nothing is assured. But Atlanta has too many offensive weapons to lose this one at home. I have to take the Falcons here.
Atlanta 42 San Diego 31
New England at Pittsburgh: The luster of this game is seriously dulled with the Steelers losing QB Ben Roethlisberger (knee). The Steelers know the Ravens and Bengals are reeling, but can the Steelers stay ahead in the AFC North until their offensive leader returns? Hard to say. New England weathered the storm of QB Tom Brady's suspension and TE Rob Gronkowski's (and others) injuries, and now they are rolling right along. Pittsburgh was supposed to be a major test for these Patriots, but with QB Landry Jones now the starter, even with RB Le'Veon Bell back and having WR Antonio Brown around, does the Steelers have a chance?
Who wins? Really? If it wasn't for the Patriots bending over for Miami just before Brady's return, this would be a undefeated team. Pittsburgh is tougher overall, but without Big Ben...barring injuries...there is no way these Steelers can win this one. Patriots win again.
New England 30 Pittsburgh 21
Tampa Bay at San Francisco:
San Francisco 30 Tampa Bay 28
Washington at Detroit:
Washington 28 Detroit 25 (OT)
Oakland at Jacksonville: Despite losing to KC at home last week, Oakland is a dangerous team, sitting tied for first in the AFC West with Denver. But this team is undefeated on the road. Road wins do matter and Oakland knows they finish with three road division games at the end of the year. Every winnable game gotten now may mean everything entering December. Jacksonville is a big disappointment so far, since so many felt these young Jags, along with the Raiders were the sleeper picks to make the AFC playoffs this year. The Jags have not gotten it done. Can they trip up the Raiders?
Who wins? The Raiders are just too good and just and young as the Jaguars. They have grown up fast and they are not letting a lesser team slow them down now. Oakland gets their fourth road win and continue to march toward a playoff berth. Raiders win again.
Oakland 30 Jacksonville 20
Sunday Night Football on NBC:
Seattle at Arizona:
Arizona 24 Seattle 23
Monday Night Football on ESPN:
Houston at Denver: Houston QB Brock Osweiler returns to Denver where he won a Super Bowl ring backing up now-retired QB Peyton Manning.
Denver 33 Houston 20
Bonus picks: NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup Playoffs: Round of 12 Elimination Race: Chase Race Six: Talledega:
Of the 26 "regular season" races, there are 6-8 races that stand out on the schedule. Daytona 500 and Firecracker 400...Brickyard....Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte..Bristol twice..Darlington...September race at Richmond (Chase cut-off race). Every Chase race matters, but especially the cutoff races and the championship finale at Homestead Miami. But there are two races that almost dwarf even Daytona. The two races at Talledega (Alabama), especially this one in the Chase. This racetrack is the biggest on the circuit...has the highest speeds for the longest periods. Some might say it is the most boring race...others say it is the most exciting race..because for the danger of wrecks..and "The Big One". No other track has more danger or the risk of one wreck taking out more (potential) cars..or worse...than this track. Google past race highlights if you think I am kidding.
If there is one race on the schedule you should watch live (or DVR it like I will, because my Raiders are playing and I am working), besides Daytona or Richmond or Homestead...it is this one. This race has the potential of shuffling the Chase standings greatly. So much so that this race was moved to Race 5 in the Chase for next year and Kansas moved down one week on the schedule just to make it easier on the Chase teams to have a more fair chance to qualify for the Chase semifinals (Round of 8) after Talledega since this race could make or destroy a team's season...in a instant. More reason to watch. Below is the list of Chase drivers and who I think will advance and why. 10 drivers going for 6 spots...there will be oil and metal (and hopefully not blood) spilled. Enjoy
Already Advanced with Round of 12 race wins: Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick: These drivers must just start the race and survive it, no matter where they finish. Simple as that.
Will Advance to Round of 8 on points OR by winning this race:
1. Brad Keselowski- He is only 7 points out of 8th after getting wrecked last week. But he did actually win Talledega a few years ago to advance to the next round. If anyone can do it again, he can. Especially since Kevin Harvick has already clinched his spot in the Round of 8. I believe Brad will take his his qualifying spot and use it to advance.
2. Kyle Busch- He is too good to not advance. Remember, the defending champ had to rally after missing the first third of the season last year due to serious injuries to not only make the Chase, but win the whole thing. I am not betting against him. Four Joe Gibbs Toyota are fighting to make the Round of 8...if only one makes it, Kyle Busch is the one I will bet on (Sorry, Denny).
3. Carl Edwards-I just have a feeling that Carl will slip through this time. He has experience and he is cool as they come. Edwards advances.
4. Martin Truex, Jr.-Like Edwards, Truex is a good driver and has been running well of late. He is the remaining feel good story of the Chase as well. He will make it.
5. Joey Logano-This year's Daytona winner got kind of screwed out of the semifinals last year due to feuding with Kenseth and his uncharacteristic retaliation when Logano was in position to win an race and advance. This time, Hamlin will get through will Kenseth is left out of the final 8. Karma...lol.
6. Denny Hamlin- I know he is the lowest in points of the four JGR cars. But I am not going to bet against him either. He is from my hometown, so I got his back. Also, he is the hungriest of the 4 drivers, even more than Carl Edwards, the other JGR driver without a championship. Hamlin will find a way.
Will be Eliminated from the Chase after Talladega:
1. Kurt Busch- He is a great driver and past champ. But he has too much bad luck in big races to get through this time. Sorry.
2. Matt Kenseth- Like Busch, a former champion, but also has bad luck hit him too often to make him a factor. I sense this will happen again. Sorry.
3. Austin Dillon- The other Chase rookie may have slipped through the first round, but his luck ends here. Too much experience to fight through to advance. He will have his day...just will not be today.
4. Chase Elliott-25 points behind 8th-He has the capability to win a race. The unpredictability of Talladega makes such possible...IF the big one happens while Elliott was leading AND it takes out virtually all of the Chase drivers besides Harvick and Johnson. Not impossible..but with a talented rookie against a bunch of veterans and current and former NASCAR champs? I don;t think so.
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