Nebraska v. Virginia Tech Running Log

Here is the first running game log of year – Va Tech v. Nebraska.

Pre-Game: I forgot how much I love the Huskers, thanks Bill Callahan. I got chills seeing the “sea of red” in the stadium and watching the tunnel walk bringing the Huskers out of the locker room.

The Huskers win the toss and receive the ball. They interview Pelini, he looks and sounds tight. That is not good.

9/27/2008 5:27:02 PM – The first series by the Huskers results in a three and out. The speed difference is noticeable on that first series – Va Tech is more athletic and much quicker to the ball.

9/27/2008 5:29:25 PM – The Husker punt is returned for about twenty yards. Several missed tackles which again is the result of the speed and athletic difference.

I expect the Hokies to run, run and run some more. They want to play this game low scoring and not get into a shootout with Nebraska.

9/27/2008 5:31:02 PM – The Hokies miss a wide open receiver down the sidelines that would have been a touchdown. Then on third down the Tyrod Taylor, Hokies quarterback, fails to see another receiver open for first down. He gets sacked. The punt is downed at the 6. So far the Huskers are over-matched and will be lucky to stay in this game. Let’s see if they open up the offense a bit here.

9/27/2008 5:33:10 PM – I love the Home Depot “bring your favorite team home” ad that features athletes in shopping carts and SUVs. I would love to go to Home Depot and grab Braylon Edwards, bring him home and use a juggs machine to fire footballs at him until his hands bleed.

9/27/2008 5:36:06 PM – Another three and out – this time on 3&2 the Huskers drop to pass. I thought we were restoring the order, show me one time in the 90s where the Huskers would’ve passed in that situation. If they did, it was from a position of power not a position of “we can’t make two yards”.

Oh, F&*&! Blocked punt for a safety. They’re dead. 2-0 Va. Tech. I guess that is a break in that there were about 50 Hokie players there to recover the ball if it didn’t bounce out. So far, Pelini is trying not to lose instead of trying to win.

9/27/2008 5:39:37 PM – The Hokies return the free kick to their 45, great field position.

Ok, that is more like – a nice play by a DB on first down and then they smother the ball carrier on second down. Third down is a sack. This is going to be a field position game, as it is apparent that neither offense has much.

Dammit, this team looks tight – muffed punt by Nebraska, results in another drive starting deep in Husker territory.

9/27/2008 5:43:48 PM – “Get the new Volcano Taco from Taco Bell” sounds like a one-way ticket to the crapper. Funny, I used to love Taco Bell, but that might have more to do with finances than taste.

Sum Beach – an interception. Piss poor pass (quick say that five times) by Ganz. Ganz, every time I hear that name I think of Albert Ganz from 48 hours – “I can’t believe it I got shot!” or “I can’t believe I threw an interception”.

Now seems like a good time to start calling for the backup quarterback. 1^st and goal from the 7 – three plays later it’s 9-0.

9/27/2008 5:48:12 PM – So I have to wonder why the Huskers were 7 point favorites in this game. At best this should’ve been a pick’em game. And now Va. Tech has taken the (most likely drunk off their arses) crowd out of the game.

This possession the Huskers need to flip field position at the worst and hopefully grab some points.

9/27/2008 5:50:59 PM – You know what really pisses me off – when a kickoff is angled to one side of the field and the returner fields the ball and heads to the other side because the return was called for that side. So you run 45 yards to get over there and gain 10 yards on the return – JUST TAKE IT UP FIELD!! It’s not rocket science use your God-given instincts.

9/27/2008 5:53:23 PM – Alabama is laying the wood to Georgia, 24-0! OK, that is more like it – post pattern completed for 27 yards and into Va. Tech territory. LOL, they just panned the crowd and there was like 100 “blue hairs” sitting there applauding like they just watched their best friend hit “bingo”.

9/27/2008 5:55:14 PM – So much for a low scoring game – touchdown Huskers – release the balloons – three plays 68 yards – 9-7 Hokies.

Now let’s settle in and play football.

9/27/2008 5:57:17 PM – Another spine tingling moment – a commercial with Dr. Tom ending with him saying “GO BIG RED”. Man, it’s great to have him back!

Will someone please address the special teams – a 40 yard return sets the Hokies up at their 44.

9/27/2008 6:02:41 PM – Busted coverage and this time Taylor doesn’t miss – terrible coverage. 1^st and goal at the 4. The Blackshirts force a 3^rd and goal from the 2. End of the first quarter and only 835 words!

My guess – the Hokies will convert this third down into a touchdown. The defense looks better, last year the next play would have been a walk into the endzone by one-legged running back, but they are still not up to par.

9/27/2008 6:09:09 PM – My goodness, this defense is lucky – another missed opportunity by the Hokies – the TE *snuck* out into the endzone and nobody was within ten yards (the line of scrimmage was the 2) of him and Taylor missed him. 12-7. The breaks have fallen Nebraska’s way, but future opponents will not miss those opportunities. This could easily be 28-7 right now.

9/27/2008 6:14:29 PM – Niles Paul needs to realize this is big time college football and not Omaha North – you can’t out run everyone.

9/27/2008 6:16:27 PM – A couple quick observations – the Huskers are not dropping passes this year and the refs are on our side, always a good thing

9/27/2008 6:17:42 PM – The Huskers have a nice drive working but face a 3&9 at the Va Tech 31. Incomeplete pass into triple coverage. Field goal try of 49 yards – GOOD! 12-10 Hokies.

9/27/2008 6:22:56 PM – There is the answer to our special teams problems – have the returner blow out his knee on the return.

9/27/2008 6:24:22 PM – There are Hokie receivers running free all over the place – Missouri is going to have a field day against us.

9/27/2008 6:30:56 PM – The Hokies are steadily moving down the field by running the football – this defense is not very good, but they are playing hard. The defense holds and Va Tech converts another field goal 15-10 Hokies

9/27/2008 6:36:40 PM – Finally Paul heads up field and guess what he takes it out to the 40! The field position goes wasted as the Huskers go three and out. This sort of feels like the Huskers have done all they can do and Va Tech has more talent and that talent is about to take over the game.

9/27/2008 6:40:29 PM – OK, so the corner blitzes and leaves a WR wide open, which I guess considering Taylors lack of accuracy isn’t a bad move except this time he makes the Huskers pay with a 40 yard completion. The crowd is dead and I’m sure sensing that the Huskers are over-matched.

9/27/2008 6:42:59 PM This is starting to be a joke, Hokie receivers are wide open every play- what is going on. 1^st and Goal at the 10 – a TD will put the Huskers in a deep hole. The Huskers are missing a ton of tackles and not covering – two things that generally will get you beat – under-statement of the year!

9/27/2008 6:45:25 PM – Timeout with 2:36 left in the half – 2 & goal at the 8 for the Hokies – the Huskers need to keep this game at one possession. I bet the Hokies go back to the TE corner route that was wide open earlier in the quarter. Now there is a chance that Taylor will under throw this ball (he over threw it previously) and if a Husker can be in the same ZIP code, they might pick it off for a huge play.

9/27/2008 6:48:58 PM – Chris Spielman just said exactly what I was looking for from the Husker defense – “They are much better than last year and they’re playing with passion”. The Huskers hold them to a FG – 18-10 1:08 left, I can live with that at half. Let’s maybe take a conservative shot at getting some points, but shut it down if something big doesn’t break.

9/27/2008 6:52:53 PM – Va Tech has all three timeouts and with the way their receivers are running fee in the secondary, why not use them and try to add points. 2 & 11 – incomplete pass which gives will leave them with a timeout for their offensive unit. Now I would throw a deep ball – nope pass batted down – 53 seconds left with one timeout – plenty of time for the Hokies to get into field goal range.

9/27/2008 6:57:15 PM – Another break for the Huskers, roughing the kicker gets the Huskers in good field position. Va Tech is rushing four and getting pressure – another reason to hate offensive linemen. Quick rant here – you have heard the saying “DBs are WRs who can’t catch”, well offensive linemen are to p*%^y (rhymes with FUSSY) to be a defensive lineman.

9/27/2008 7:02:52 PM – Halftime Va Tech leads 18-10.

9/27/2008 7:23:13 PM – Second half is underway and Va Tech picks up where they left off – hitting wide open receivers.

9/27/2008 7:24:46 PM – No blitzing and Taylor makes the Huskers pay. Ball game – Taylor runs wild as the Huskers lose contain. First down at the 14 of Nebraska.

9/27/2008 7:27:34 PM – another field goal makes it 21-10.

9/27/2008 7:33:14 PM – the worst offensive possession of the game – three and out. In general, the play calling tonight has been horrendous. And the special teams play is an effing joke. The Huskers are getting exposed. Missed tackles all over the place.

9/27/2008 7:36:00 PM – TD Va Tech – and this is starting to look like the USC game last year. The offense is not doing much to help out – Ganz looks like crap and the play calling is irritating me. I thought Callahan was gone, it sure looks like he is still plodding along the sidelines of Memorial stadium.

9/27/2008 7:42:02 PM – We need a drive that ends in points and consumes some time to get the defense some rest.

9/27/2008 7:43:22 PM – Third and 2, let’s see if the offensive line can get a push – nope! 4^th and 1 – this is the whole season right here! First down – not bad two downs to get two yards.

9/27/2008 7:46:25 PM – Ganz looks as shell-shocked as Marc Bulger right now. Dammit – time out – Ganz is in over his head – this is four down territory so they have two downs to get the six yards.

9/27/2008 7:50:58 PM – Ganz picks up the first down with his feet, which drive the Va Tech into a fit of rage on the sideline – ease up coach – you’ve have a three score lead

9/27/2008 7:51:49 PM – Roy Helu scores from 15 yards out. Helu is about four times as good as Marlon Lucky, but because Marlon is a senior so Helu only gets ten touches a game. That is so stupid. For record it has taken me roughly 3 quarters of the first game that I have watched to criticize the coaches. 28-17 Hokies. The defense needs to step up and force a three and out.

9/27/2008 7:59:00 PM – And there it is – three and out for the Hokies – shanked punt and the Huskers are in business at the Hokie 45.

9/27/2008 8:01:25 PM – A holding call (on Murtha, the alleged stud of the line) kills the drive and the Huskers have to punt. That Southwest Exorcist commercial is disturbing, I mean most chicks have two sides to them, but I don’t need to see so graphically depicted. And then that is followed up by a guy in a Speedo, I am now completely horrified.

9/27/2008 8:09:59 PM – The Huskers force another punt – so the defensive has pulled it back together, of course some of that is the Va Tech pulling back – holy cripes a punt return for a touchdown – and we were treated to one of the worst camera angles ever. Two point conversion fails, but big ‘MO’ is now on the side of the RED.

9/27/2008 8:18:25 PM – Remember, when I wrote “the refs are on our side”, well the page has turned. A blatant hold that gets Taylor free for a 20 yard gain goes un-called right in front some fat-ass ref. I am sure he dreaming of the post-game spread. 3 &3 and the Nebraska CB gets so badly turned around that the receiver is wide open for an easy first down. F$#$, it’s not like that is Terrel Owens.

9/27/2008 8:21:55 PM – Nebraska calls a timeout, who needs those, on 3&4 for Va Tech at the Husker 41. Play of the game, right here. Although I highly doubt Nebraska can drive the length of the field with this offensive line.

9/27/2008 8:25:37 PM – Dammit, they stop Taylor short, but some dumbass hits him late out of bounds (I need to rewind and look at it – he might have been pushed). Then Pelini gets a penalty for arguing – thirty yards of penalties after they had he stopped. STFU, Sean McDonough – yeah, what a great drive helped out by oh, guess what ACC officials.

I just re-watched it and it was a late hit – YOU DUMBASS Suh, you just cost us the game! My apologies to that fat jelly doughnut official.

9/27/2008 8:32:15 PM – And there is the game – short TD run by the Hokies 35-23.

9/27/2008 8:33:59 PM – I tell you what the Huskers receivers are making some great catches tonight – Swift with a great catch and run to the Hokie 26. Still a chance.

9/27/2008 8:35:10 PM – Touchdown, Huskers! Two timeouts (see we didn’t need that timeout). Onside kick time. 35-30

9/27/2008 8:37:56 PM – Great onside kick and two Huskers watched a Hokie pick it out of the air.

9/27/2008 8:40:58 PM – 38 seconds left and Nebraska will get the ball back, needing a touchdown.

9/27/2008 8:42:54 PM – 25 seconds and 90 yards. 17 yards. Yes, oh, EFF NO! Peterson craps himself and fumbles the ball away after getting to the VT 40. We would have had a chance at least.

Final Score – Va Tech 35 Huskers 30.

Quick summary – Obviously I had hoped the Huskers would win, but I thought they would lose. However, I like the fight – this isn’t the Callahan Huskers. Bo needs to control his temper, but if he is going to get a penalty he needs to make it worthwhile. He should have just started pummeling that fat prick right on the sidelines.

MLB Post-Season Division Series Wrap-up – Cubs/Dodgers

The Cubs are gone, the streak of futility continues! I just watched the last three outs of the Cubs season and I’m flabbergasted at how the best team in the NL for the entire season could have fallen so flat in the playoffs. If this were March, I would feel like my NCAA bracket just got busted.

What went wrong for the Cubs? Well just about everything, but specifically the series turned south for the northsiders in game one when James Loney’s fly ball landed in the center field bleachers for a grand slam. From that point forward the Cubs played as tight Steven Tyler’s pants.

There is plenty of blame to go around – Alfonso Soriano will take the brunt of it. Soriano hit .077 in the series and countless times came up small in big situations. The reality of the post-season in baseball is pitching rules and while the Cubs hitters sucked badly, the pitching has to take its share of the blame. The decision to start the series with Dempster (or Dumpster) was arrogant and foolish. With the division clinched, the Cubs had plenty of time to set their rotation and they decided to go with Dempster instead of Zambrano or Harden. I personally would have gone with Harden in game one, with Zambrano in game two. Then you bring Dempster/Lilly in games in LA.

For those counting at home, the Cubs have now lost nine consecutive playoff games and have gone, gulp, 101 years without a title. My heart goes out the Cubs fans!

Oh and Dodger fans, the 30,000 or so of you that recently traded your Kirk Gibson jersey in for a Manny Ramirez one, I promise you that you will not
win
the World Series. The Phils, Brewers or any of the Al teams will not lie down like a New York City chick’s hair in heavy rain the way the Cubs did.

Week 5 NFL Picks

OK, so the odds-makers aren’t exactly walking around this week with a tube of Fixodent and a mouth full of falsies, but I managed to have a fourth consecutive winning week (7-6). I also had some bad luck – the Bengals decided to rest Carson Palmer, which had I known would’ve put me on the side of the Browns. And I forgot one of my “golden” rules – “never take the Jags to cover a spread over 3 points at home against an inferior team”. If I flip-flop those two around the week looks more (9-4) like the teeth kicker I expected.

This is traditionally the week where I start to struggle with my picks for a variety of reasons – the odds-makers are caught-up, NFL teams start a series of unpredictable weeks and most importantly most my focus is on the Red Sox and baseball playoffs.

Last year I was 39-20 through the first four weeks and then over the next four week I had one winning week (6-5-1) and got bent in the other three weeks (4-8, 4-9 and 5-9). So, in the baseball playoff weeks I went a combined 19-31. That will not happen this year!

Indianapolis -3.0 over Houston – Houston starts a four game home stand against the Colts. Loser of this game is pretty much done in terms of winning division. The bye week will do wonders for the Colts as Manning and Clark get healthy. And even though they can’t stop the run without Sanders, I still don’t see them falling to 1-3.

Tennessee -2.5 over Baltimore – That Baltimore/Pittsburgh game Monday night was a blood bath, with more than a handful of players coming out of the game in worse shape than Tony Montana at the end of Scarface. Now the Ravens get the most physical team in the NFL. Don’t be surprised if this game is a Titans blowout.

San Diego -6.5 over Miami – Rumor has that the Dolphins put in the Wishbone offense over their bye week! No way that single wing works against the Bolts – fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me, says the Chargers.

Carolina -9.5 over Kansas City – How about this quote from Herm Edwards this week – “I kept asking my wife about 1 o’clock, ‘We won, right?’” This guy has trouble sleeping after wins you have to wonder what it’s like when he loses. Maybe he was so pumped he couldn’t wait to get back to the Chiefs compound and get his mug on TV. Yep, Herm you won, now prepare yourself for the start of another massive losing streak.

Philadelphia -6 over Washington – With Bryan Westbrook back we should be spared the “Andy Reid Face”. Four straight runs from the 1 last week, really? Andy Reid wouldn’t run four straight times if his quarterback had a broken throwing arm. I swear these coaches constantly out think themselves.

Detroit +3.5 over Chicago – The post-Millen era begins in Detroit, who after a bye week should have some things figured out. This looks like a field goal game and getting the extra .5 will be necessary

Green Bay -3.5 over Atlanta – I guess this line means that Aaron Rodgers will not be playing – 3.5 are you kidding me! Matt Ryan on the road in Lambeau and the spread is only 3.5. Is Matt Flynn that bad? I guess so. This has sucker bet written all over it, but I can’t help myself.

NY Giants -7 over Seattle–The Seahawks are finally healthy, but this game is a statement game for the G-Men – “Plax either get on board or get out”. I expect the Giants to show Plax, while they want him to be part of their run, they do not need him.

Tampa Bay +3 over Denver–You know how those internet stocks soar based on media hype that they developed some new software that will be the wave of the future. Then after about three weeks the news comes out that the software is vapor-ware. What happens to the stock, it falls to a point where you can’t sell it. That’s Jay Cutler after this week. A week or so ago, he was mentioned in same breath as Brady, Manning and Romo. Next week he’ll be traded in a fantasy league for Jake Delhomme, straight up! Go ahead and make the offer, Beagles.

New England -3 over San Francisco – Things were awfully quiet from Pats camp this week. I am wondering if Belichek brought in a specialized doctor to replace Matt Cassel’s arm with a bionic one. The Pats will not win more than eight games with Cassel’s candy-ass arm and what’s worse is that Pats are about a half of football away from seeing the appearance of “Disgruntled Randy Moss”.

They have to have an answer for the 11 guys in the box defense, right?

Arizona -1.5 over Buffalo– So, I tried to sell my Cardinals tickets for this game. I could not get $300 (195 face value) for a pair of tickets 8 rows behind the Buffalo. These tickets are so close to the Bills bench you have to wear sunglasses to avoid being blinded by Marshawn Lynch’s teeth.

I couldn’t figure how some Bills fan wouldn’t pay a “Benji” premium to see their beloved 4-0 Bills. Then I realized, the Bills are the Atlanta Braves of the NFL, only if the Braves agreed to play a portion of their games in Montgomery, Alabama. The damage done by the 4 straight Super Bowl losses and “Music City Miracle” game runs too deep and the fans cannot get engaged with this team. Add to that the Bills are practically moving to Toronto and the fans have to feel like they married someone who still wants to go on vacations with their previous boyfriend.

Dallas -16.5 over Cincinnati – I love the nepotism in the NFL. Bum Phillips was a reasonable head coach, who couldn’t win the “big one”. His boy, Wade, is an awful head coach who can’t win a playoff game. Guess what, there is another Phillips in the pipeline – Wesley. Gamblers are salivating at the thought of Wesley landing a head coaching job.

Seriously, Wade is making Barry Switzer look like Bill Walsh. Case in point, last week the Cowboys trailed the Redskins by three with seven minutes to play in the third quarter. That is clearly a situation that calls for passing on every down to get back in the game, right? Wrong! Twenty-two minutes left in the game and the Cowboys ran 22 offensive plays and guess how many runs–TWO. Two effing running plays with only one going to Marion “the Barbarian”. Are you kidding me? Look, I know Wade is too stupid to call the plays, hell he barely knows where he is half the time, but come on wouldn’t an average get on the headset and demand a few running plays. I mean he is the head coach, right? Or have those duties already been handed over to Garret and Bum’s son is nothing more than the last few years of Bear Bryant.

Secretly Jerry Jones is hoping the Cowboys tank this game so he can fire Phillips.

Jacksonville -5 over Pittsburgh –The Steelers running situation is so dire that they held tryouts this week. That came very close to signing Salvucci (All the Right Moves) before contacting Najeh Davenport. Allegedly they caught Davenport on the way to drop a deuce in some co-eds laundry basket.

This doesn’t violate my rule about not taking the Jags to cover anything over a field goal, because the Steelers are not an inferior team. I just wanted to clear that up.

New Orleans -3 over Minnesota –The Saints and Monday night go together like peanut butter and jelly. That and the possibility of seeing Tavaris Jackson taking snaps behind center

 

Last Week: 7-6

Season: 35-24-1

Best Bet: Arizona -1.5

Best Bets: 2-1-1

NFL Power Rankings – Week 4 “Fantasy WRs” Edition

This was to be the fantasy football year where the power was shifted from running backs to wide receivers – why, well a few of reasons – 1. Most of my leagues changed rules so that WR catches were worth more than RB questions, 2. The dreaded RBC (running back by committee) left very few solid running backs and 3. Lineups allowed more flexibility to start 1 RB and multiple WRs.

The old adage “Running Back/Running Back” was replaced by “Nab two solid WRs and a top QB and hope to lucky with a RB in later rounds.” In most of my drafts I did exactly that, grabbing top WRs, who last year were top 10 scorers and hoping for the best with at the running back position.

Four weeks into the season and we have seen countless reasons why you don’t draft a WR too high. Braylon Edwards, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson and Torry Holt were all thought to be “can’t miss” receivers, yet each of those players are underwhelming their owners so far. Torry Holt is the best of this abhorrent bunch. How much better off would you be if you drafted Isaac Bruce or Hank Baskett instead of Holt? As for Moss, you could have picked “Mr. Eighty-Yarder” Devery Henderson or “Big Play” Austin Miles and scored more points. And who could have predicted that Amani Toomer would have been a better selection than Andre Johnson.

And then we have Braylon Edwards, who might be the biggest fantasy disappointment ever, trailing stalwart receivers like Roscoe Parrish and Bobby Wade.

Now it’s early and all of those guys have a chance to redeem, but the point is (and has been since the first fantasy league was formed) good receivers grow on trees and should never be counted on to perform at a consistent level from year to year.

Why is that? Well, first off receivers are by far the most self-centered players on any team. When they do not get the ball, they pout. When they don’t score, they cause problems in the locker room. Eventually their teams give up on them and start relying on new, un-tainted receivers without the baggage.

So in honor (or dishonor) of the wide receivers the weekly power rankings are grouped by a few notable wide receivers from this fantasy year.

On to the rankings:

Braylon Edwards Division – I read that Braylon was planning on 17 TDs this year. Uh, you better get started big boy! I am sure like all receivers he had 17 celebrations planned for each of those TDs. I have an idea for him, start combining. For example, let’s say he was planning a “Robot”, “Air Guitar” and “Moonwalk”, now he can Robot to the Guitar and Moonwalk off to the sidelines. Three down and 14 to go!

How bad is Braylon Edwards been? He is on pace for 44 catches, 380 yards and 4 TDs (oh and 40 drops). Those numbers are roughly what Brandon Marshall (31/398/3) has put up in three weeks. Right now he nothing more than a “poor man’s” Reidel Anthony! Basically, he sucks!

32. St. Louis (0 change from last week) – The first half the Rams put together Sunday is about as well as they can play. What did it get them – a measly 14-6 lead. Firing Linehan is a start, but now they must deal with the real problem – they have drafted so poorly that their roster is devoid of talent. They have a real chance to go 0-16 – the only winnable game left on their schedule is Miami in week 13.

 

Torry Holt Division – Torry might have simply lost a step and without a threat on the other side of the field the defense can focus solely on him. He is still playing hard, so there is a glimmer of hope. But right now even 60/800/5 is a reach. But there is some hope that Haslett will restore Bulger’s confidence and make Holt viable again.

31. Cincinnati (-3) – It is hard to blame them when Ryan Fitzpatrick is starting. And even with that the Browns barely escaped with a win.

30. Detroit (0) – Matt Millen is gone. Although I am not sure how that helps them on the field, but at least the Lions fans can find a new target for their dismay. How about Roy Williams? Speaking of Roy Williams. . .

Roy Williams Division – It seemed logical that Roy’s numbers would start to fall off with the emergence of Calvin Johnson, but my goodness he has barely registered this year. In my one league where you have to hit minimums to score points, Roy is the 58^th best receiver and 180^th best fantasy player overall. Inexplicably bad! But with Millen gone, I expect Roy to get going. Yeah, that is the ticket.

29. Cleveland (0) – Yes they won, but with those weapons on offense they narrowly slipped past a Cincinnati team starting a guy at quarterback who should be working on Wall Street.

Randy Moss Division – We have all seen this before, Randy doesn’t like his quarterback so Randy starts pouting, then he stops running his routes and eventually quits altogether. But I ask this question – do you want open the fantasy playoffs against a team that has Moss. I don’t, because I know at any time this guy could go crazy. Yes, he is probably going to be worthless the rest of the year, but I would prefer he ruin another team’s season.

28. Kansas City (+3) – Attention, rumors of Larry Johnson’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Or maybe that was just the Broncos. Still, this team is just frisky enough that they can play spoiler, especially at home.

27. Oakland (0) – What a mess. Al Davis is officially insane. Even in the mist of all this hysteria the Raiders found a way to lead two very good teams in the fourth quarter. Maybe “the Cable guy” can get this team to finish.

26. Houston (0) – I am not ready to write them off just yet. They have four straight home games coming up that will give them chance to climb right back into the AFC South race. Just maybe the hurricane concerns and the disarray that came with it have caused this team to under-achieve.

Andre Johnson Division – He is too young to have the type of diminishing numbers he is experiencing. I expected this to be the year where, if healthy, Johnson would ascend to the upper echelon. That is not going to happen, but I bet he starts putting it together and ends up in the top 25 (currently 53^rd). Maybe next year is “the year” (sorry Cubs fans).

25. Atlanta (-3) – The Falcons are good enough to beat the really bad teams, but nowhere ready to compete with the better NFL teams.

24. San Francisco (-3) – We can quiet down the “return to glory” talk about the 49ers. Again this is another team maybe a year or so away from being significant.

Plaxico Burress Division – Just when you think everything is going swimmingly, Plaxico pulls a “Plax being Plax” (anytime referred as “Name being Name” you are either certifiably crazy or just plain stupid or both). He got a new contract, the team is coming off a Super Bowl championship and playing great football, how can he be such an idiot? I have a feeling the one day Plax will look back on his career and wonder why he isn’t mentioned in the same breath as greats like Rice, Carter and Monk. The only guy stopping Plax is Plax.

23. Arizona (+5) –The performance against the Jets is as bad as it gets. And to make matters worse they lost their leading receiver during garbage time. The smart play was to burn the clock, stick your tails between your legs and head for home. Fortunately, Boldin wasn’t seriously hurt.

TJ Houshmandzadeh Division – For those owners who didn’t sell high after TJ’s big game, shame on you! Housh will get his the rest of the way, but certainly will not put up the numbers worthy of his draft position.

22. NY Jets (+3) – It is going to take more than a one game effort against a half engaged team. Mangini still looks lost.

21. Minnesota (-6) – They are staring at 1-4, making them the biggest under-achieving team of the year.

Desean Jackson Division – I will admit I was ready to sell high on this guy. Now I think he might end the season in the top 15 and be much better than anything owners could’ve hoped for. Getting Curtis and Brown back will only help him.

20. Miami (+4) – The bye week did wonders for them – up four spots. They’re better than expected, but cannot compete with the better teams.

19. Baltimore (+1) – I am coming around on them, their defense is back to a championship level and Flacco gives them exactly what they need from their quarterback. At some point, however, they will need a contribution from McGahee.

Marcus Colston Division – The jury is out on his season, but with Brees playing at a high level and the development of the other receivers look for Colston to be a major factor when he gets back.

18. Seattle (+4) – They come out of their bye week healthy and a mere half game behind the Cardinals. The other two teams (the Rams don’t count) in this division are going to regret not burying them while they had the chance.

Terrell Owens Division – Owens is putting up nice numbers, but something isn’t right with him. He disappears when teams get physical with him. Sure he might throw up that 7/120/3 game for you in the playoffs, but check out the Cowboys opponents for the fantasy playoffs – Steelers, Giants and Ravens. Yikes!

17. Carolina (0) – They have the talent to contend, but as has been the case since their Super Bowl run in 2003 you never know what Panther team will show-up from week to week.

16. Chicago (+3) – They own two of the better wins in the NFL this year – at Indy and home against the Eagles, but in between they lost to Carolina and Tampa Bay. So goes it when Kyle Orton is your quarterback.

15. New Orleans (+1) – I still love this team, but I wonder if the defense will hold up. Even with the injuries, they could easily be 4-0. There are a fringe contender.

Hines Ward Division –I was ready to admit a mistake on Santonio Holmes after the Ward’s first two weeks, Hines was not ready to pass the torch. Uh, not so fast my friend – if you haven’t sold high on Ward you missed the boat. He is what he is – a decent low #2 or high #3, nothing more nothing less.

14. Green Bay (-6) – Finally, after waiting a little over a year this team looks to be mediocre like I thought they would be all last year and expected them to be this year.

13. Denver (-9) – That’s what I thought! A terrible loss to the ChiefsIt took four weeks but the league has adjusted to Cutler. Let’s see where they are after the next three weeks (Bucs, Jags and Pats).

Laveranues Coles Division –He’s back! OK, maybe a bit pre-mature to anoint him a legit top-10 guy. How far did Coles fall, he was dropped in one of my leagues. Given his draft position and early season woes, he could be a major player for some lucky owner.

12. Washington (+2) – In the NFC east anytime you can win on the road it is a job well done. Zorn, who at the beginning of the year looked over-matched, did a number on Wade “yippee” Phillips. He isn’t the first but they way they took it to the ‘Boys was very impressive.

11. Jacksonville (+2) – They are an overtime and 51-yard field goal at the buzzer away from being 0-4. That is the NFL-2008 for you. Garard is finding a groove, but you still have to question their inability to establish a running game against an average Houston run defense.

Reggie Wayne Division – A sleeping giant. Wayne has been very good, but he has the potential to be great the rest of the way. You just know he has a couple of those “no effing way” games where posts “11 for 200 and 3″ type numbers. You just hope it isn’t against you in a key regular season game or in the playoffs. Check out weeks 14 and 15 for the Colts – Begnals and Lions. Look out – behind you!

10. Indianapolis (+2) – The bye week will do them wonders. Manning gets healthier, as did Dallas Clark and Addai is off the rag, it’s all good! And without Sanders they will need every offensive weapon they have.

9. New England (+2) – Yes, this is too high for them, but I have to believe the great Belichek got things worked out during bye week. And their schedule is still a joke.

Larry Fitzgerald/Greg Jennings Division – I couldn’t separate these two super consistent receivers. No matter the situation, when you look up both of these guys put up numbers that keep a fantasy team in every game. If you own one of them, you are as giddy as Wade Phillips at a hoedown. If you own them both, you’re truly blessed.

8. Pittsburgh (-1) – An ugly win against the Ravens, but isn’t that the Steelers calling card. Word on the street is that at halftime of the Ravens game they were calling Franco and Rocky to see if either could suit up for the second half. Yet they found a way to win a game they had no business winning.

7. San Diego (+2) – The two tough losses appear to be a distant memory. They found a way to close the deal on Pittsburgh and now appear ready to lay claim to the “best team in the AFC’ over the next couple of weeks.

Santana Moss Division – The classic “sell high” guy. I cannot trust this guy especially with my fantasy season on the line. So far he looks like the real deal, but I can easily see teams adjusting and him floundering in the second half.

6. Tampa Bay (+4) – I still say at the end of the year they will be on the out of the playoff picture, but for now they have earned the spot.

5. Buffalo (0) – New power ranking rule – “Any team that trails the Rams at halftime shall not move up the rankings”. They might be the worst 4-0 team in the history of the NFL. Think back to the 1993 Saints, 5-0 and missed the playoffs.

Anquan Boldin Division – Fortunately he did not suffer a major injury on that vicious, cheap hit (how funny, I remember a day, sonny, when that type of hit was common place in every NFL game. It’s time to break out the flags for these guys!). He might miss a week, but that is a mere bump in the road as I expect him to return and continue to post huge numbers.

4. Philadelphia (-1) – Is there any doubt that a healthy Bryan Westbrook scores from the one late in that Bears game? That loss cost them the top spot this week. No worries, they are legit and will be there in the end.

3. Dallas (-2) – Trailing by three, with five mintues left in the third quarter the Cowboys completely abandoned the running game. Huh? They ran the ball exactly one more time. So what kind of coach allows that to happen? Oh yeah, Wade Phillips. I know Wade probably doesn’t even know the game plan, but for goodness sake where was he to interject and demand a few running plays. What was he distracted by “all you can eat” night at Bob’s BBQ? Pathetic! I am just a little bitter that my two loser pool (9K pot) picks bit the dust in this game.

Brandon Marshall Division – Last week I told a buddy of mine that Marshall is the only sure thing WR in the league right now. The guy looks un-coverable this year. He said before the season he wanted to catch 150 balls, well he is on pace to catch 155 (an NFL Record). He is also on record yardage pace – 1,990 and he is good for a TD every week. In addition, he was drafted anywhere from the late 3^rd to early 5^th in most drafts, what a steal!

2. Tennessee (+4) –They can run on anybody and their defense is nasty. Right now, they are the team to beat in the AFC.

1. NY Giants (+1) – I am surprised. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the Giants ran the table and then lost in the Super Bowl to the Patriots? Not likely to happen since they play in the toughest division, but I do see them getting to 6-0 with games against the Seahawks, Browns and 49ers. Then the schedule gets brutal – at Pittsburgh, Dallas, at Philadelphia and Baltimore. Funny thing is, I can still see them missing the playoffs.

 

2008 MLB Division Series Predictions

In my “… Second Half MLB Predictions…“, I nailed four division winners (Phillies, Cubs, Rays and Angels) and one of the wildcards (Brewers, thanks Mets!). I missed out on the Diamondbacks and Twins as division winners and the Yankees as a wild card (although we all know that I put the reverse jinx on the Yankees).

A couple quick playoff facts before my predictions:

1. Two teams this year have a chance to set the record for most consecutive post-season wins. The Yankees currently hold the record winning 12 straight over the 1998 and 1999 post-seasons. The Red Sox currently have seven game winning streak and the White Sox hold an eight game winning streak.
2. The Red Sox have a current eight game World Series winning streak and the White Sox sit at four games. The record is 14 straight done by the Yankees over four seasons – 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Here are my division series predictions:

NL Division series – Brewers v. Phillies (Original Pick: Brewers)

The way the schedule works out, Sabathia only has to pitch on three days rest once for this series (Game 2). This is a relief, since I think CC’s left arm has a 50/50 chance of falling off at some point this post-season.

My original pick was based on the Phillies having to face Sabathia and Sheets, on full rest, three times during the series. Sheets is iffy at best and Sabathia has made three consecutive starts on three days rest. The Brew-Crew’s rotation isn’t exactly setup for the post-season.

The Phillies, meanwhile, are setup with their top three pitchers set to go in games 1-3. Game one is always huge, but in this series it means more than most and with Sabathia looming in game two the Phillies have to take game one.

I like the Phillies and Hamels in game one, Sabathia to send the series back to Milwaukee 1-1. At that point the shambles that is the Brewers rotation will take its toll and the Phillies will close the Brewers out in four.

Philadelphia 3 Milwaukee 1

NL Division series – Dodgers v. Cubs (Original Pick: Cubs)

The Cubs rotation 1 to 4 is the best in the playoffs, however, Zambrano is a head case and has been terrible since his no-hitter. Zambrano is slated to pitch game two, with Dempster getting the nod in game one. I would be extremely concerned if I am Cubs fan that if the Cubs drop game one, Zambrano, “the head case”, will show up for game two and the Cubs will head to LA down two games. For those reasons, game one is more important to the Cubs than the Dodgers.

Based on regular season run differential, the Dodgers are the worst team in the playoffs while the Cubs are the best. Those numbers are somewhat skewed by the Manny Ramirez “give away”, but even if we analyze the post-deadline numbers the Dodgers are still trailing the Cubs in run differential (+54 to +37) and a record (32-19 to 30-24). Overall, the Cubs are a much stronger team and have a significant advantage.

When I ask the question “can the Cubs win the series if they lose the first two games?”, I still think they can. The Cubs send Harden and Lilly to the mound in games three and four, while the Dodgers counter with Kuroda and probably Lowe on short rest. Advantage Cubs.

If I reverse the question and asking “can the Dodgers win the series if they lose the first two games?”, I say no possible way. In fact, if they lose the first two games, the Cubs will sweep. That is the difference, the Cubs are just too much for the Dodgers.

Chicago 3 Los Angeles 1

AL Division series – White Sox v. Rays (Original Pick: Rays)

We really don’t know how the Rays will respond to their first ever trip to the playoffs, but if the regular season is any indication the Rays will respond just fine. When faltering, the Rays found a way to beat Papelbon in Fenway and hold off the Red Sox for the division. The home field advantage for the Rays is significant, given the artificial surface and the speed of the Rays.

The Rays hold the edge in starting and relief pitching. And any advantage the White Sox might have in hitting is neutralized by the speed of the Rays. This series isn’t close on paper and will not be on the field.

The White Sox best chance to win a game is game two with Buehrle matched up against an inconsistent Kazmir. Outside of that game, the matchups are significantly in the Rays favor.

Tampa Bay 3 Chicago 0

AL Division series – Red Sox v. Angels (Original Pick: Angels)

When ranking the starting pitchers in this series, the best Angels starter (Lackey) would be the fourth best (Beckett, Matsuzaka, Lester). This series setup very nicely for the Red Sox with Beckett prepared to shut the Angels down in game one and the Red Sox returning to Fenway with at worst a split. Then Beckett strained his oblique in a side session and his start is pushed back to game three.

The Beckett injury flips this series completely in favor of the Angels. The Angels owned the Red Sox in the regular season and have a confidence against that hasn’t existed in previous playoff meetings with the Sox. However, if “playoff” Beckett showed up in game one and shut the Angels down, they would start pressing and the series would be over before it began. And even though I think Lester has an advantage over Lackey, I can see the Angels grinding out an extra inning win in game one and setting the tone for the entire series.

I love Matsuzaka in game two with a 1-0 lead, but hate him down 1-0. And if any of these games are decided by the bullpens, the Angels have an over whelming advantage. In addition, any tight game will swing the Angels way since they are about hundred million times more likely to manufacture a run than are the Sox.

The Angels win the first two and even “playoff” Beckett will not be enough to stop the momentum the Angels will have.

Los Angeles 3 Boston 0 (reverse jinx? Not this time!)