Sorry about the poor video quality, but I thought this was pretty cool. My girlfriend Eileen and I went to South Bend for the Notre Dame-Boston College game. We were on NBC when they were showing the crowd singing the alma mater after the game on Saturday, but I haven't been able to find any video of that. However, this was broadcast on ESPNU's Coaches Spotlight today.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
How do the predictions hold up?
By Chris Maza
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Sorry for the delay in posting. This weekend I went to South Bend for the Notre Dame football game against Boston College and got a total of seven hours of sleep this weekend.
Seeing as how I've already broken with the schedule, let's break with the format all together and take a look back at my early predictions for the Pac-10, the Big East, the Big XII, the WAC and Notre Dame and see how my predictions are holding up thus far.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Sorry for the delay in posting. This weekend I went to South Bend for the Notre Dame football game against Boston College and got a total of seven hours of sleep this weekend.
Seeing as how I've already broken with the schedule, let's break with the format all together and take a look back at my early predictions for the Pac-10, the Big East, the Big XII, the WAC and Notre Dame and see how my predictions are holding up thus far.
This week’s game between USC and Oregon will pretty much decide the Pac- 10 conference. Oregon has been impressive since the opening week loss to Boise State and subsequent suspension of Lagarrette Blount. USC has been USC, which is to say a top-10 team that perennially loses what would normally be considered a gimme game to lose a shot at the national championship. Stanford has become a dangerous, underrated team. California’s back-to-back losses to Oregon and USC have dropped them pretty much out of the running.
The Big East is making a major statement as a football conference this year with three top-25 teams. Probably the most surprising has been Cincinnati, which sits and No. 5 and just proved it can win without one-time Heisman candidate Tony Pike under center. Pitt is undefeated on the season and West Virginia is riding a four-game win streak. Pitt (4-0), Cincinnati (3-0) and West Virginia (2-0) are all still undefeated in the conference. It figures to be exciting right down to the end. The Big East doesn’t have a championship game, but the last three weeks of the schedule shape up to be its own little playoff as all three teams play each other.
The Big East is making a major statement as a football conference this year with three top-25 teams. Probably the most surprising has been Cincinnati, which sits and No. 5 and just proved it can win without one-time Heisman candidate Tony Pike under center. Pitt is undefeated on the season and West Virginia is riding a four-game win streak. Pitt (4-0), Cincinnati (3-0) and West Virginia (2-0) are all still undefeated in the conference. It figures to be exciting right down to the end. The Big East doesn’t have a championship game, but the last three weeks of the schedule shape up to be its own little playoff as all three teams play each other.
Nevada has been mediocre this season and terrible out of the conference at 1-3. But they’re undefeated in the WAC. Boise State is undefeated as expected, thanks to a weak schedule, both in and out of conference. Idaho is 3-1 in the conference after allowing 70 points to Boise State. The biggest surprise in this conference is probably the fact that Hawaii has slipped so far. It was expected they would slump, but a 2-5 season, including 0-4 in the WAC is astoundingly bad.
While I didn't go so far as to predict the standings of the two divisions of the Big XII, but here were the predictions: Texas wins the South, Kansas wins the North. Texas wins the conference and carries its 12-1 record into the BSC national championship. As of now, Kansas State is leading the North at 3-1, having the benefit of playing Iowa State, Texas A&M and Colorado early. That could easily change with Oklahoma and Kansas in back-to-back weeks. My pick for the North, Kansas, is 1-2 in the division with back-to-back losses to Colorado and Oklahoma. In the South, Texas holds the lead at 4-0 and can pretty much wrap it up by beating Oklahoma State this weekend.
For Notre Dame, I predicted a 9-3 finish and a 5-2 record to this point with losses to Michigan State and USC. I also predicted they would fall short of a BCS bid. At this point in the season, The Irish sit at 5-2 with losses to Michigan and USC. After beating Boston College this week, Notre Dame stands at No. 23 in the BCS standings, giving them an outside shot of at-large consideration, but it appears they will have to win out. Another loss and a 9-3 record will not do it.
While I didn't go so far as to predict the standings of the two divisions of the Big XII, but here were the predictions: Texas wins the South, Kansas wins the North. Texas wins the conference and carries its 12-1 record into the BSC national championship. As of now, Kansas State is leading the North at 3-1, having the benefit of playing Iowa State, Texas A&M and Colorado early. That could easily change with Oklahoma and Kansas in back-to-back weeks. My pick for the North, Kansas, is 1-2 in the division with back-to-back losses to Colorado and Oklahoma. In the South, Texas holds the lead at 4-0 and can pretty much wrap it up by beating Oklahoma State this weekend.
For Notre Dame, I predicted a 9-3 finish and a 5-2 record to this point with losses to Michigan State and USC. I also predicted they would fall short of a BCS bid. At this point in the season, The Irish sit at 5-2 with losses to Michigan and USC. After beating Boston College this week, Notre Dame stands at No. 23 in the BCS standings, giving them an outside shot of at-large consideration, but it appears they will have to win out. Another loss and a 9-3 record will not do it.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Grow up Red Sox Nation!
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The New York Yankees are going to the World Series!!!
It's a great day in Yankeeville, but for the Nation it's a very dark day.
I just can't believe all the frauds that wear a Boston Red Sox "B" on their cap and have now come out of the woodwork to cheer on the Phillies.
It's a complete joke if you ask me.
Granted, Red Sox and Yankees fans each don't get along -- we all know that's well documented - but the Nation is back to spewing insults in every direction, hoping that the hated Yankees don't win the World Series.
Go to any Internet site where there's Yankees talk or even Red Sox talk -- even Facebook for that matter -- and you'll find all the haters coming out of every direction to bash the Yankees.
For you Red Sox fans who don't appreciate the fine art of baseball, it's totally false that the Yankees suck. Time to realize it, accept it and move on.
It's funny how Red Sox fans are suppose to cheer for their team only and hate everyone else that stands in the way of the Nation, but now fans are turning in their Red Sox red for Phillies red? Come on now. The biggest supporters of the Phillies now live in New England?
Excuse me while I barf.
I know there's no way in hell that Sox fans will root for the Yankees -- and I wouldn't expect them, too, either -- but to go way out of your way to fire off insults and do anything in your verbal power to try to jinx or bash the Yankees is a little childish in my book.
The Yankees made the World Series and finished off the Angels which the Red Sox couldn't do, but big deal. Root for the Phillies all you want, but your team has been eliminated already so pipe down.
Ever hear of when you lose you're not suppose to talk trash, you're in no position to do so? Plus, no one will take your seriously.
Actually, it's nice to see that there are some Red Sox fans that do appreciate "good baseball" as one of my Red Sox friends puts it, but the hate, arrogance, negativity and jealousy just makes you look bad.
You win with class and lose with class. Tip your cap on a job well done and move on.
Obviously, a good portion of the Nation (I will not group everyone in that statement) hasn't figured that out.
Week 7 Recap: Patriots Enjoy London Vacation
By Dan Shouse Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Week 7 in the NFL was the week of the blowout, with the Patriots leading the blowout brigade in London.
Patriots 35 (5-2) Buccaneers 7 (0-7)
As expected, the Pats dominated from start to finish, as the Patriots picked up their first "road" win of the season in London. Brady went over 300 yards for the second straight week, and the defense also contributed with a Brandon Meriweather int return for a TD. The Patriots are starting to look like the Patriots of 2007, having scored 94 points the last two games.
Colts 42 (6-0) Rams 6 (0-7)
Peyton Manning was held under 300 yards passing for the first time this season, but the Colts were still able to dominate the hapless Rams to remain perfect on the season. The Rams have now lost 17 straight games dating back to last season.
Steelers 27 (5-2) Vikings 17 (6-1)
Ben Roethlisberger and the offense struggled at times, but the Steeler defense picked them up, scoring twice to hand Brett Favre and the Vikings their first loss of the season. Favre's last minute attempt to get the Vikings into position for a game tying field goal ended after he threw an interception that was returned by Keyaron Fox for a touchdown.
Chargers 37 (3-3) Chiefs 7 (1-6)
Is there anyone who still thinks the Patriots should have tried to keep Matt Cassel? Cassel had another miserable day, throwing for only 97 yards and 3 ints, as the Chargers rolled to an easy win at Arrowhead. Phillip Rivers threw for three scores, as the Chargers finally looked like a playoff team.
Packers 31 (4-2) Brown 3 (1-6)
If Packer fans were worried that their team may have been overlooking the Browns and thinking ahead to next week's game against Favre and the Vikings, they shouldn't have been. After falling behind 3-0 early, the Pack went to work, as Aaron Rodgers threw 3 TD passes for the day. The defense took over from there (although that's not hard to do against Cleveland) and held the Browns to 139 yard of total offense.
Texans 24 (4-3) 49ers 21 (3-3)
In perhaps the best game of the weekend, the Texans were able to hold off a second half comeback attempt by the 49ers to earn their second straight win. The biggest story of the game may have been the play of 49ers QB Alex Smith, who replaced an ineffective Shaun Hill. Smith, the former top pick in the draft, threw 3 TDs, all to Vernon Davis, to make it close. The comeback fell short however, as a late interception by Eugene Wilson sealed the win for Houston. Steve Slaton added a receiving and rushing TD for the Texans.
Bengals 45 (5-2) Bears 10 (3-3)
This one was over early. Carson Palmer threw 4 TD passes on the Bengals first 4 possessions, and Cedric Benson got his revenge on his former team rushing for 189 yards and a touchdown. It looks like the Bengals, yes the Bengals, may be for real after all.
Jets 38 (4-3) Raiders 0 (2-5)
Does Richard Seymour still think the Raiders are a playoff team? The Jets took the ball out of rookie Mark Sanchez's hands and let the running back tandem of Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones take over. Green and Jones combined to run for over 260 yards and 3TDs. For the Raiders, last weeks win over the Eagles must feel like a distant memory.
Bills 20 (3-4) Panters 9 (2-4)
The Panthers literally threw this one away, turning the ball over 4 times, including 3 more Jake Delhomme ints, to give the Bills the win. At least Steve Smith should feel better, as he managed to catch six balls for 99 yards.
Cowboys 37 (4-2) Falcons 21 (4-2) What do you know, Tony Romo actually stepped up and won an important game. Romo was also helped by new fantasy football stud Miles Austin, who went over 170 yards receiving and scored 2 TDs.
Saints 46 (6-0) Dolphins 34 (2-4) It wasn't as easy as the final score made it look, but the Saints remain undefeated with a win over the Dolphins in Miami. Trialing 24-10 at the half, the Saints came to life, scoring 36 points in the second half. Drew Brees struggled at times, throwing 3 ints, but the New Orleans defense picked him up, scoring twice, included a late int return for a TD to ice the comeback win.
Cardinals 24 (4-2) Giants 17 (5-2)
Behind a defense that forced three Eli Manning ints, the Arizona Cardinals scored a huge road win at Giants Stadium. The win puts the Cardinals alone in first place in the NFC West, while the suddenly struggling Giants have now lost two game in a row.
Week 7 in the NFL was the week of the blowout, with the Patriots leading the blowout brigade in London.
Patriots 35 (5-2) Buccaneers 7 (0-7)
As expected, the Pats dominated from start to finish, as the Patriots picked up their first "road" win of the season in London. Brady went over 300 yards for the second straight week, and the defense also contributed with a Brandon Meriweather int return for a TD. The Patriots are starting to look like the Patriots of 2007, having scored 94 points the last two games.
Colts 42 (6-0) Rams 6 (0-7)
Peyton Manning was held under 300 yards passing for the first time this season, but the Colts were still able to dominate the hapless Rams to remain perfect on the season. The Rams have now lost 17 straight games dating back to last season.
Steelers 27 (5-2) Vikings 17 (6-1)
Ben Roethlisberger and the offense struggled at times, but the Steeler defense picked them up, scoring twice to hand Brett Favre and the Vikings their first loss of the season. Favre's last minute attempt to get the Vikings into position for a game tying field goal ended after he threw an interception that was returned by Keyaron Fox for a touchdown.
Chargers 37 (3-3) Chiefs 7 (1-6)
Is there anyone who still thinks the Patriots should have tried to keep Matt Cassel? Cassel had another miserable day, throwing for only 97 yards and 3 ints, as the Chargers rolled to an easy win at Arrowhead. Phillip Rivers threw for three scores, as the Chargers finally looked like a playoff team.
Packers 31 (4-2) Brown 3 (1-6)
If Packer fans were worried that their team may have been overlooking the Browns and thinking ahead to next week's game against Favre and the Vikings, they shouldn't have been. After falling behind 3-0 early, the Pack went to work, as Aaron Rodgers threw 3 TD passes for the day. The defense took over from there (although that's not hard to do against Cleveland) and held the Browns to 139 yard of total offense.
Texans 24 (4-3) 49ers 21 (3-3)
In perhaps the best game of the weekend, the Texans were able to hold off a second half comeback attempt by the 49ers to earn their second straight win. The biggest story of the game may have been the play of 49ers QB Alex Smith, who replaced an ineffective Shaun Hill. Smith, the former top pick in the draft, threw 3 TDs, all to Vernon Davis, to make it close. The comeback fell short however, as a late interception by Eugene Wilson sealed the win for Houston. Steve Slaton added a receiving and rushing TD for the Texans.
Bengals 45 (5-2) Bears 10 (3-3)
This one was over early. Carson Palmer threw 4 TD passes on the Bengals first 4 possessions, and Cedric Benson got his revenge on his former team rushing for 189 yards and a touchdown. It looks like the Bengals, yes the Bengals, may be for real after all.
Jets 38 (4-3) Raiders 0 (2-5)
Does Richard Seymour still think the Raiders are a playoff team? The Jets took the ball out of rookie Mark Sanchez's hands and let the running back tandem of Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones take over. Green and Jones combined to run for over 260 yards and 3TDs. For the Raiders, last weeks win over the Eagles must feel like a distant memory.
Bills 20 (3-4) Panters 9 (2-4)
The Panthers literally threw this one away, turning the ball over 4 times, including 3 more Jake Delhomme ints, to give the Bills the win. At least Steve Smith should feel better, as he managed to catch six balls for 99 yards.
Cowboys 37 (4-2) Falcons 21 (4-2) What do you know, Tony Romo actually stepped up and won an important game. Romo was also helped by new fantasy football stud Miles Austin, who went over 170 yards receiving and scored 2 TDs.
Saints 46 (6-0) Dolphins 34 (2-4) It wasn't as easy as the final score made it look, but the Saints remain undefeated with a win over the Dolphins in Miami. Trialing 24-10 at the half, the Saints came to life, scoring 36 points in the second half. Drew Brees struggled at times, throwing 3 ints, but the New Orleans defense picked him up, scoring twice, included a late int return for a TD to ice the comeback win.
Cardinals 24 (4-2) Giants 17 (5-2)
Behind a defense that forced three Eli Manning ints, the Arizona Cardinals scored a huge road win at Giants Stadium. The win puts the Cardinals alone in first place in the NFC West, while the suddenly struggling Giants have now lost two game in a row.
Monday Night Football: Redskins Shame of National Display
By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Are you ready for some boring football?
The embarrassment that is the Washington Redskins face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night in a game that figures to be as exciting as a Bill Belichick post game interview.
It is one thing for Redskins fans to have to suffer in silence, now the shame gets to be displayed on a national stage. The Redskins have had the easiest schedule in the NFL so far this season, facing teams like the Rams, Bucs, Panthers and Chiefs, but have just a 2-4 record to show for it.
The offense is the main culprit for the Redskins struggles, and as a result, head coach Jim Zorn was stripped of his play calling duties. So now the Redskins have a coach, one who first hired as an offensive coordinator, holding no real power. Why not just fire him? Yet another example of how dysfunctional this franchise has become.
The quick and easy thing to do is to blame the coach, but the problems with this team starts at the top. Dan Sydner changes coaches more often than some people change their underwear. Norv Turner, Marty Schottenheimer, Steve Spurrier, and Joe Gibbs, have all come and gone in the last ten years, but one thing remains constant - Dan Snyder. Plus Dan Snyder is young, only 43 years old, so its not like he will be going anywhere soon. Does anyone really believe anything will change as long as he owns the team? Say one thing, the guy sure spends money to try and put a winner on the field, but it never works out. Get used to it Redskins nation. This is how your team is going to look for a long time.
The Redskins are not the only team with questions marks heading into this one. The Eagles suffered a shocking loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders last time out. After looking great the previous three weeks, the Eagles offensive struggled against the Raiders, only putting up 3 David Akers field goals. With Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and DeSean Jackson, there is just too much offensive talent on the Eagles to not get at least one touchdown.
Don't expect to see the Eagles kept out of the end zone this week. The Eagles are simply the better team. After looking like they were not ready to play last week in Oakland, count on the Eagles to come out firing on all cylinders against the Redskins on Monday night. Once again the Redskins will have no answers. Did Redskins fans expect anything different?
Prediction: Eagles 23 Redskins 6
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Are you ready for some boring football?
The embarrassment that is the Washington Redskins face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night in a game that figures to be as exciting as a Bill Belichick post game interview.
It is one thing for Redskins fans to have to suffer in silence, now the shame gets to be displayed on a national stage. The Redskins have had the easiest schedule in the NFL so far this season, facing teams like the Rams, Bucs, Panthers and Chiefs, but have just a 2-4 record to show for it.
The offense is the main culprit for the Redskins struggles, and as a result, head coach Jim Zorn was stripped of his play calling duties. So now the Redskins have a coach, one who first hired as an offensive coordinator, holding no real power. Why not just fire him? Yet another example of how dysfunctional this franchise has become.
The quick and easy thing to do is to blame the coach, but the problems with this team starts at the top. Dan Sydner changes coaches more often than some people change their underwear. Norv Turner, Marty Schottenheimer, Steve Spurrier, and Joe Gibbs, have all come and gone in the last ten years, but one thing remains constant - Dan Snyder. Plus Dan Snyder is young, only 43 years old, so its not like he will be going anywhere soon. Does anyone really believe anything will change as long as he owns the team? Say one thing, the guy sure spends money to try and put a winner on the field, but it never works out. Get used to it Redskins nation. This is how your team is going to look for a long time.
The Redskins are not the only team with questions marks heading into this one. The Eagles suffered a shocking loss to the lowly Oakland Raiders last time out. After looking great the previous three weeks, the Eagles offensive struggled against the Raiders, only putting up 3 David Akers field goals. With Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, and DeSean Jackson, there is just too much offensive talent on the Eagles to not get at least one touchdown.
Don't expect to see the Eagles kept out of the end zone this week. The Eagles are simply the better team. After looking like they were not ready to play last week in Oakland, count on the Eagles to come out firing on all cylinders against the Redskins on Monday night. Once again the Redskins will have no answers. Did Redskins fans expect anything different?
Prediction: Eagles 23 Redskins 6
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Week 7 Predictions: Pats Will Enjoy Week Off in London
By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
For the first time this season, I am coming off a good week, posting an 11-3 record for week six. It's time to see if I can build off last week, or if it was just a fluke and I return to mediocrity. Now on to the picks.
Patriots 35 Buccaneers 14
The Patriots get a mid season vacation to London, as the Bucs have no chance in this one. The Bucs defense has been letting up a lot of big plays, and now they get to go against the Patriots coming off a 59-0 win a week ago. To make matters worse for the Bucs, this counts as one of their home games.
I tried to work a reference to "London Calling," by The Clash into this prediction, but figured anyone who will read this likely has never heard of The Clash, and I would have looked really old as a result.
Texans 31 49ers 21
Michael Crabtree finally plays this season, and Frank Gore returns from injury, but it will not be enough to help the 49ers get by the Texans. Matt Schaub will continue to impress, as he leads a potent Houston offense to victory.
Packers 38 Browns 7
The Browns have looked sick all year, and now they are literally sick, as a large part of the team apparently has the flu. Don't look for Green Bay to take it easy however, as the Pack will get an easy win in Cleveland.
Chargers 30 Chiefs 17
The Chargers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL so far this season. No running game, and no defense, has the Chargers looking very average at best. Luckily the Chargers face the Chiefs this week, a team that is just what the doctor order for San Diego. The Chiefs have not been able to stop the run this season, and Matt Cassel hasn't exactly been on fire on offense. San Diego gets the win.
Colts 44 Rams 3
Talk about two teams headed in opposite directions. The Colts look like they could go undefeated, and the Rams look like they may not get a win this year. Remember, the Rams could not beat the Redskins. If you can't beat Washington, who can you beat? Certainly not the Colts. Peyton Manning will once again go over 300 yards as the Colts continue to look like the best team in the NFL.
Steelers 28 Vikings 24
In one of the better looking match ups this week, it will be Big Ben who gets the better of Brett Favre, handing the Vikings their first loss of the season. Its about time Favre comes back to earth, and starts doing what he does best - throwing ints.
Raiders 14 Jets 13
A few week back, the Jets looked like the real deal. Now, it looks like the Jets season could spiral out of control. Mark Sanchez struggled mightily last week, throwing 5ints. Things will not get any better this week against a solid Oakland defense. The Jets will also be without Kris Jenkins on the D-line. The Raiders will get just enough offense, and pull off another upset. Poor Rex Ryan.
Panthers 17 Bills 10
These two team are almost mirror images of each other. Both have bad quarterbacks (Jake Delhomme, Ryan Fitzpatrick) and unhappy diva receivers (TO, Steve Smith). Since this game is in Charlotte, I will pick the Panthers.
Bears 21 Bengals 17
Cedric Benson will have a solid game, but it will be Jay Cutler and the Bears getting the last laugh this week. If not for a pair of costly mistakes against the Falcons (Forte's fumble, false start penalty late in the 4th quarter) then the Bears could have beaten the Falcons a week ago. They will eliminate the mistakes this week and get the win in Cincy.
Falcons 27 Cowboys 23
This is the kind of game that Tony Romo needs to step up and win. Once again, he will fall short. The Falcons are a good club, and the Cowboys just don't measure up, especially at QB.
Saints 38 Dolphins 20
This may not be the Saints only trip to Miami this season. The offense will shine again, as New Orleans may be returning to South Florida later this season to play in the Super Bowl.
Giants 33 Cardinals 28
The Giants are poised to bounce back after a disappointing performance in New Orleans last time out. Plus factor in Arizona's struggles whenever they play on the east coast, and all signs point to a Giant victory.
Eagles 23 Redskins 6
What is Jim Zorn supposed to do now that the play calling has been taken away? Just stand there? The Eagles didn't play well last week, but its hard to imagine such a dysfunctional franchise such as Washington doing anything right.
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
For the first time this season, I am coming off a good week, posting an 11-3 record for week six. It's time to see if I can build off last week, or if it was just a fluke and I return to mediocrity. Now on to the picks.
Patriots 35 Buccaneers 14
The Patriots get a mid season vacation to London, as the Bucs have no chance in this one. The Bucs defense has been letting up a lot of big plays, and now they get to go against the Patriots coming off a 59-0 win a week ago. To make matters worse for the Bucs, this counts as one of their home games.
I tried to work a reference to "London Calling," by The Clash into this prediction, but figured anyone who will read this likely has never heard of The Clash, and I would have looked really old as a result.
Texans 31 49ers 21
Michael Crabtree finally plays this season, and Frank Gore returns from injury, but it will not be enough to help the 49ers get by the Texans. Matt Schaub will continue to impress, as he leads a potent Houston offense to victory.
Packers 38 Browns 7
The Browns have looked sick all year, and now they are literally sick, as a large part of the team apparently has the flu. Don't look for Green Bay to take it easy however, as the Pack will get an easy win in Cleveland.
Chargers 30 Chiefs 17
The Chargers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL so far this season. No running game, and no defense, has the Chargers looking very average at best. Luckily the Chargers face the Chiefs this week, a team that is just what the doctor order for San Diego. The Chiefs have not been able to stop the run this season, and Matt Cassel hasn't exactly been on fire on offense. San Diego gets the win.
Colts 44 Rams 3
Talk about two teams headed in opposite directions. The Colts look like they could go undefeated, and the Rams look like they may not get a win this year. Remember, the Rams could not beat the Redskins. If you can't beat Washington, who can you beat? Certainly not the Colts. Peyton Manning will once again go over 300 yards as the Colts continue to look like the best team in the NFL.
Steelers 28 Vikings 24
In one of the better looking match ups this week, it will be Big Ben who gets the better of Brett Favre, handing the Vikings their first loss of the season. Its about time Favre comes back to earth, and starts doing what he does best - throwing ints.
Raiders 14 Jets 13
A few week back, the Jets looked like the real deal. Now, it looks like the Jets season could spiral out of control. Mark Sanchez struggled mightily last week, throwing 5ints. Things will not get any better this week against a solid Oakland defense. The Jets will also be without Kris Jenkins on the D-line. The Raiders will get just enough offense, and pull off another upset. Poor Rex Ryan.
Panthers 17 Bills 10
These two team are almost mirror images of each other. Both have bad quarterbacks (Jake Delhomme, Ryan Fitzpatrick) and unhappy diva receivers (TO, Steve Smith). Since this game is in Charlotte, I will pick the Panthers.
Bears 21 Bengals 17
Cedric Benson will have a solid game, but it will be Jay Cutler and the Bears getting the last laugh this week. If not for a pair of costly mistakes against the Falcons (Forte's fumble, false start penalty late in the 4th quarter) then the Bears could have beaten the Falcons a week ago. They will eliminate the mistakes this week and get the win in Cincy.
Falcons 27 Cowboys 23
This is the kind of game that Tony Romo needs to step up and win. Once again, he will fall short. The Falcons are a good club, and the Cowboys just don't measure up, especially at QB.
Saints 38 Dolphins 20
This may not be the Saints only trip to Miami this season. The offense will shine again, as New Orleans may be returning to South Florida later this season to play in the Super Bowl.
Giants 33 Cardinals 28
The Giants are poised to bounce back after a disappointing performance in New Orleans last time out. Plus factor in Arizona's struggles whenever they play on the east coast, and all signs point to a Giant victory.
Eagles 23 Redskins 6
What is Jim Zorn supposed to do now that the play calling has been taken away? Just stand there? The Eagles didn't play well last week, but its hard to imagine such a dysfunctional franchise such as Washington doing anything right.
It's time for the Patriots to take out the trash (Bucs)
By Chad Garner
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Don't be afraid of these Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it's not like they have the double-trouble duo of WD-40 (remember Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott?) to run wild on opposing defenses.
This Tampa team is pure trash. Actually, they are worse than that. Fill in the blank: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ________.
Either way, the New England Patriots are next up on the schedule and it's time for the Pats to take out the trash.
Is there any way the Bucs can compete with New England? No.
Well, if Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Laurence Maroney, Jerod Mayo and Brandon Merriweather were out of action, it would be a decent game. But I bet the Pats would win that, too.
The best storyline is that the game is being played at historic Wembley Stadium in London. Yes, it's the way that the NFL is trying to globalize real football, not that soccer crap that is so boring to watch except during the World Cup.
The fourth regular season NFL game played outside of the U.S. should be a smoke show from start to finish.
There's a reason why the Bucs are 0-6. Bad QB, offensive line, defense ...it all boils down to a long year in Tampa.
The biggest question that remains is how many points will the Pats hang up on this punchless Bucs group? Can they score 60 points? I doubt it, but the Pats did light up the Titans last week for 59. Watching last week's game reminded me of playing Madden on the PlayStation and going wild on the scoreboard. How much fun was that to watch?
This should be another laugher.
Teams need real weapons to beat other teams, and the Bucs don't have those guys. The QB play has been terrible. Byron Leftwich lost is starting job (are you shocked?) and now they're going with Josh Johnson (5 INTs already this year). It's only a matter of time before first-round pick Josh Freeman takes over.
Yikes, yikes, yikes.
Two key players to look out for on Tampa's offense are running back Cadillac Williams (276 yards rushing, 2 TDs), who has returned nicely from serious knee injuries, and the solider Kellen Winslow (29 catches, 286 yards, 4 TDS, which are all team-highs).
Rest assured the Pats will stop both of them and put the pressure on Johnson to drop back and win the game with his pee-shooter. And it won't happen.
New England's defense has held two opponents to 10 points or less, and the Bucs will be the third.
It's going to be an offensive show as Brady goes nuts through the air -- just like in Madden football.
I'll warn you now, it's not going to be pretty -- women and children be advised to cover your eyes. Watch the Pats run up and down the field like it's a track meet. They can score at will, and they will. Plus, after a complete butt-whoopin', the Pats get to fly back home and go on a mini vacation since it's their bye week.
What a better way to enjoy the bye than kicking the Bucs right in the fanny and laughing all the way back to Foxboro.
Yes, this week it's good to be a New England Patriots fan.
Prediction: Patriots, 41-6
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