NFL Week 8 Calls

Here are my Week 8 Predictions...

Texans @ Bills: Both teams won last week as Houston held on over San Francisco and Buffalo beat the Panthers. I just don't feel like the Bills are a good team. I'm not completely sold on the Texans either but I think Matt Schaub is a top-tier NFL QB. A bruised lung for star wide-out Andre Johnson may slow down the Texans offense but I think they could still put up enough points to get the win on the road. 24-16 HOU

Browns @ Bears: Boy was last week ugly for the these two teams. Da Bears got rolled up by the Bengals and the Browns got stomped by the Packers. Jay "Never Combs His Hair" Cutler has to play better for the Bears to be a factor in the NFC. The Browns are already looking forward to who they will pick with their top 5 draft pick next April. Matt Forte should run well for Chi-town and I think the Bears cruise to a big win at Soldier Boy Tell 'Em Field. 31-13 CHI

Seahawks @ Cowboys: The Boys made me look stupid last week... just the like the giant panda did to field reporter Brian Fantana in Anchorman. Dallas played well in all 3 phases of the game and beat up the Falcons. WR Miles Austin has quickly become a can't miss fantasy player. As for Seattle, they are coming off a bye week and need Matt Hasslebeck to have a big day if they want to win in big D. I don't see it happening though. 27-20 DAL

Rams @ Lions: This will be an awful game. The Rams are so bad. The Lions are not much better. The only real good player you might want to see play in this game is out with an injury (WR Calvin Johnson). I guess someone has to win this game unless they end up in a 6-6 tie. I'll go with the Lions because they are at home and I said that the Rams won't win a game all year. In a real beauty the Lions win. 20-13 DET

Broncos @ Ravens: On the other hand, this should be a really good game. Both teams had a extra week to rest up and prepare for this one. The Broncos look to remain undefeated and the Ravens look to get above .500. I think the Joe Flacco plays well in this one and RB Ray Rice is the difference. The Broncos get bucked for the first time this season. 27-17 BAL

49ers @ Colts: The Niners lost a tough one last week at Houston. The Colts won a nail biter over the Rams 42-6. San Francisco named former #1 pick and Helix High grad Alex Smith the starter after playing well late last week. He may struggle a little more this week against an aggressive Indy D. Throw TDs and promote products... that's what Peyton Manning does. I expect more of the same from the good Manning and the Colts stay undefeated. 31-17 IND

Dolphins @ Jets: The Fins blew a huge first half lead at home against the Saints last week. I look for them to struggle again this week against a pretty good New York defense. The Jets were so worried last week against the Raiders that Mark "Sanchise" Sanchez was eating a hot dog on the bench in the 3rd quarter. Sanchez struggled last time in front of the home crowd so I look for him to try to prove his worth in this divisional game. Thomas Jones should have a good day for the Jets as well. 27-20 NYJ

Giants @ Eagles: This rivalry is always huge. The Giants lost last week to Arizona so they will be chomping at the bit to ruffle the Eagles' feathers. Philly looked great on Monday Night... but they did play the god-awful Redskins. WR DeSean Jackson is probably the best big-play threat in the league and I look for him to have another big play for a TD this week. Elijah Manning is going to have to play better this week if he wants to the G-Men to win. As if Philly wouldn't be crazy enough for this game, the Yankees play the Phillies in Philadelphia in Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday night. I think the Eagles win this one but barely. 31-30 PHI

Jaguars @ Titans: This usually would be a good match up but not this year. Jacksonville is really struggling and the Titans have the owner telling the head coach who to start at QB. I think whoever Jeff Fisher decides to start (Vince Young or Kerry Collins) they should beat the Jags. David Garrard has not been impressive at all this year for Jacksonville and he should play better this week against a struggling Titans secondary. I still think Chris Johnson has a big day for Tennessee and I really just can't picture them going 0-7. 24-20 TEN

Raiders @ CHARGERS: The Raiders showed that they may be for real after putting together back-to-back inspired performances...oh wait, they played like crap last week at home against the Jets. JaMarcus Russell was benched in the 2nd quarter after already turning the ball over 3 times. Then in the post game interviews, told reporters that everyone else was doing things wrong and that's why he is struggling... way to be a leader buddy. Anyway the Bolts finally played a good overall game, albeit against the Chiefs. I look for the CHARGERS to continue this momentum and pound a disorganized Oakland team. Look for LT to finally topple the 100 yard rushing mark this week and find the end zone. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger says " Go Chargas... Go!" 34-17 SD

Panthers @ Cardinals: Arizona showed that travelling East to play may not be that big of a deal. They went into New York and beat the Giants on Sunday Night. This week they return to their nest in Glendale and should beat a struggling Panthers squad. QB Jake Delhomme has thrown around 73 picks this year and is still the starter... that should show you the depth the Panthers have at QB. DeAngelo Willams should have a decent day against a solid Cardinals front 7. Kurt Warner and Co. should put up big numbers at home and get the "W". 27-16 ARZ

Vikings @ Packers: Who would have thought it? Brett Favre at Lambeau wearing a white uniform with purple and yellow trim instead of the green and yellow. Apparently hell has frozen over for some die-hard Packers fans. Anyway this should be a really good game, but I think that the protege upstages the master on Sunday. Former Dunder Mifflin employee Aaron Rodgers will play well at home and prove GM Ted Thompson right. Favre will struggle a bit and the Vikes will lose their 2nd straight contest. "The Beast" Adrian Peterson should have a good day in a losing effort. The Pack is back. 31-28 GB

MNF: Falcons @ Saints: Great Monday Night match up this week. It is the only prime time game this week as their is no Sunday Night game due to some other sport called baseball... I think that's how you say it. The Falcons need a win here and the must rely on Matt "Matty Ice " Ryan and Michael "The Burner" Turner. However their nicknames alone can't propel them for the win. Drew Brees and the Saints have been unreal and don't seem to get flustered if they are down. The Saints always play well in the spotlight and especially at home. I think those trends continue and Brees' huge night carries the New Orleans to 7-0. 34-20 NO

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 7

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Indianapolis Colts

3. Denver Broncos

4. Minnesota Vikings

5. New England Patriots

6. New York Giants

7. Cincinnati Bengals

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

9. Arizona Cardinals

10. Philadelphia Eagles

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Kansas City Chiefs

29. Detroit Lions

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

31. Tennessee Titans

32. St. Louis Rams

That's it for Week 8...

---J

NFL Week 7 Calls

Here are my Week 7 calls... boom.


Packers @ Browns: I think the Pack goes into Cleveland and dominate the Browns. Derek Anderson has been awful all season and I believe it will continue this weekend. Aaron Rodgers should have a big day and look fro Greg Jennings to be on the receiving end of a lot of his passes. RB Ryan Grant better start playing better because Green Bay signed 114 year-old Ahmad Green this week to help the run game. 31-17 GB

CHARGERS @ Chiefs: The Bolts need to fix a lot of trouble spots (i.e. offensive line, defensive line, safety, pass rush, and now I guess special teams amongst others). The Chiefs are still a bad team even though they beat Washington last week in the Boring Bowl. I think LT gets a few more holes and scores this week and Rivers gets just a bit of protection and has a huge day. At least TE Tony Gonzalez is no longer on the Chiefs so he won't kill us this week. Shawne "Lights Off" Merriman has been invisible all season except for in the media, maybe he'll make a tackle this week. Whoever the TE for Kansas City is will have a good game... because they always do. However, the CHARGERS bounce back. 34-24 SD

Colts @ Rams: This could be a real barn burner. The Rams are the worst team in football and I believe the Colts are one of the top 2 ( see my power rankings below). Peyton Manning had 2 weeks to rest up and prepare for the a Rams defense that doesn't scare anybody. Manning continues playing in a coma and the Rams continue playing bad. Colts stampede the Rams. 42-10 IND

Vikings @ Steelers: This is probably the game of the week. Adrian Peterson vs. the Steeler D. Big Ben vs. Brett Favre. I think Jared Allen plays like a beast and Big Ben struggles a bit but still plays pretty well. Peterson runs great and breaks the 100 yard mark for the 2nd straight week. Old man Favre throws a couple picks and I think those are the difference as the Vikes lose their first game of the year in Pittsburgh. 27-24 PIT

Patriots @ Buccaneers: The Pats offense put up a shade under 60 against the Titans in the snow. The Bucs are defeated so far this year and I don't think that's going to change this week. Brady, Moss, Welker and the rest of the crew have another big day and Josh Johnson struggles again in front of the home crowd. Pats roll but don't expect 60 again this week. 38-17 NE

49ers @ Texans: Matt Schaub has been playing really well as of late. The Niners got smoked at home by Falcons before being idle last week. I think Singletary gets his team into shape and they play much better Sunday. Michael Crabtree makes his debut for San Francisco in Week 7 which is ideal for your 1st round draft pick. Either way he plays well and scores a TD in his 1st NFL game and the Niners bounce back. Look for Andre Johnson to blow up for Houston but it's not enough to carry the Texans. Niners steal one of the road. 27-24 SF

Bills @ Panthers: The Bills lucked out last week in New York when the Jets bobbled the hold for a game-winning field goal attempt. The Panthers got their ground game going and I think that will continue this week. The 2-headed monster of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart should dominate this week even if Jake Delhomme continues to struggle. T.O. may or may not show up... nobody knows. Even if he does the Bills still lose on the road. 24-17 CAR

Jets @ Raiders: The Raydas got a huge win at home last week over the Eagles. The Jets took a huge step back with a home loss against the Bills. Mark Sanchise played more like his look-a-like Vinny Chase than a NFL 1st round draft pick. He should play a little better this week, mainly because he can't play much worse. We will see if JaMarcus Russell can play decent 2 weeks in a row. I can't quite remember the last time the Raiders won 2 in a row and it won't really matter because I think they lose at home this week. Thomas Jones goes off for over 100 yards and at least 1 TD. J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets! win. 26-20 NYJ

Falcons @ Cowboys: Dallas is the most overrated team east of Mission Valley. The Falcons played well at home on prime time last weekend. I think Michael "the Burner" Turner gets going early and often in this one. He has a huge day. Romo plays a little better this week at home but the Boys still fall at home. Matt "Matty Ice" Ryan outshines pretty boy Romo and the Falcons go to 5-1 as Dallas falls to .500 at 3-3. 31-27 ATL

Bears @ Bengals: Jay Cutler just signed a 2-year contract extension worth potentially $30 million in new money. He hasn't played that well this year but apparently the Bears front office saw something that I didn't. He may struggle a bit this week against a much improved Bengals D led by former USC linebacking tandem Keith Rivers and Ray "the Vowel Man" Maualuga. Matt Forte will have a good game which should carry the Bears to a big road win. 24-20 CHI

Saints @Dolphins: The Saints were unbelievable at home last weekend against the Giants. Miami is coming off a bye week and they are much tougher at home. I'll still take Brees and Co. over Henne and Co. The wildcat should give the Saints D some fits but it won't be enough. Even Marc Anthony, J-Lo, Jimmy Buffet and the Williams sisters can't stop New Orleans. The Saints go to 7-0. 38-27 NO

SNF: Cardinals @ Giants: The Cardinals got embarrassed at home on Sunday Night Football by the Colts in Week 3. The Giants got embarrassed last week against the Saints. I look for the trio of Fitzgerald, Boldin and Breaston and the passing attack of Arizona to fuel the offense for the Cards. The Giants will look to run the ball with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw and probably will do so successfully. I don't think the Giants lose 2 straight, especially at home in prime time and especially when the Cards have to travel across country. 31-24 NYG

MNF: Eagles @ Redskins: You would have thought this would be a blowout had the Eagles not laid an egg at Oakland last week. This will be the first week that the Redskins face an opponent who will not be winless. Every week this season, when Washington faced a team, that team had not won a game up until that point in the season. Even with that soft schedule the Skins are still 2-4. They finally pulled the play calling powers from head coach Jim Zorn so maybe that will change things offensively in D.C. I think the Eagles bounce back in a huge way on Monday Night and McNabb has a enormous game for Philly. Keep an eye on rookie WR Jeremy Maclin from Missouri, as he could be the beneficiary of double coverage to WR DeSean Jackson. 31-17 PHI

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 6

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Indianapolis Colts

3. Minnesota Vikings

4. Denver Broncos

5. Atlanta Falcons

6. New York Giants

7. New England Patriots

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

9. Cincinnati Bengals

10. Baltimore Ravens

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Kansas City Chiefs

29. Detroit Lions

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

31. Tennessee Titans

32. St. Louis Rams

That's it for Week 7...

---J

NFL Week 6 Rewind

A new style of post this week as I will rewind back to last week's takes and show where I was right and more than likely where I was wrong...

Last week's quote: "I think the Bengals take care of a somewhat struggling Texans squad but look for a good day from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. 24-20 CIN" HALF RIGHT HALF WRONG. I thought the Bengals would win this game, which they didn't but I did say that Schaub and Johnson would have a big day and they did (Schaub threw for 392 and 4 TDs and Johnson had 135 yards receiving).

Last week's quote: "I think the temp (Aaron Rodgers) has a good game and the Packers offense finally begins to click." RIGHT. Rodgers played really well throwing for 358 yards and 2 TDs and they offense scored 26 and eased up late against the cowardly Lions.

Last week's quote: "The Vikings have been awesome so far this year and I think Adrian Peterson is due for a big one. Look for Joe Flacco to be chased all day by early Defensive P.O.Y. and perhaps MVP candidate Jared Allen." RIGHT. Peterson ran for 143 yards and Allen had 7 tackles (4 for a loss), 2 QB knockdowns and a sack.

Last week's quote: "Someone will lose their first game of the season Sunday. It will be tough for Drew Brees and Co. against a stingy G-Men D. However, the Saints D isn't too shabby in their own right. I think that the Superdome crowd fuels the Saints early, but in the end the Giants are just too solid. Brees has an okay day but Ahmad Bradshaw blows up for New York. The Giants stay undefeated and the Saints don't. 31-27 NYG" UTTERLY DEAD WRONG!!! The only two calls in this game I was right on are the following: 1. That one team will lose their first game of the season (duh!) 2. The Superdome crowd will fuel the Saints early. (I forgot to mention that they will continue to fuel them the rest of the game). It was not tough for Drew Brees and Co. against the Giants D (Brees had 369 yards passing and 4 TDs and the "Co." I spoke of had 7 different players score a TD). Brees had far better than an okay day and Bradshaw had 10 carries for 48 yards but a TD. So to sum it up... I'm dumb. :(

Last week's quote: "The Steelers proved last week that they are still a good team and I see another rough day for Derek Anderson. Big Ben should have a big game. Omar Epps leads another Steeler victory. 38-13 PIT" RIGHT. The Steelers played well and Derek Anderson did have another rough day by going 9/24 for 122 yards and a QB rating of 51.0. Big Ben did have a big game throwing for 417 yards and 2 TDs and the Steelers won 27-14, and Mike Tomlin still looks like Omar Epps.

Last week's quote: "I keep waiting for this team to get back to running the ball effectively like they did all of last season. I think the perfect medicine for a struggling team is Tampa Bay and Carolina rights the ship this week." RIGHT. They did get that running game back on track by rushing for a total of 267 yards and 3 TDs. They did indeed right the ship against the struggling Buccaneers Sunday.

Last week's quote: "I think Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin have a good day but so does Matt Don't-Hassle-the-beck and Nate Burleson. Seattle wins at home." SOME RIGHT MOSTLY WRONG. Larry Fitzgerald had a big day (career high 13 catches for over 100 yards and a TD) and Boldin played okay before leaving with an injury. I was way wrong by saying Hasslebeck and Burleson would play well (Hasslebeck was 10/29 for 112 yards and a pick, good for a QB rating of 32.5 and Burleson had 2 catches for 40 yards). Most importantly I was wrong in predicting the Seahawks to win.

Last week's quote: "Oh boy, this could get ugly. The Raiders are "real tough" at home in front of the psychopaths who wear shoulder pads and spikes through their Rich Gannon jerseys. Donovan McNabb should have a huge day as long as he stays away from Oakland's only real good player on defense, corner Nnamdi Asomugha. The JaMarcus Russell Experiment is looking like the Jamie Kennedy Experiment... and we all know how well that went. The Eagles soar again . 37-13 PHI" UNBELIEVABLY WRONG--COULDN'T BE MORE WRONG. This did not get ugly unless you're an Eagles fan. McNabb did not have a huge day (0 TDs and a QB rating of 66.3). JaMarcus played well enough to get the win and I look like an idiot once again on this one.

Last week's quote: "I think Brady and Co. are too angry after last weeks loss at Denver to lose this one at home. Moss gets a TD or 2 and so does Welker. 34-20 NE" RIGHT. Moss did get a TD or 2... actually 3, and Welker caught a pair himself. I was wrong in not predicting 5... yes 5, 2nd quarter TD passes for Tom Brady and 59 points by the Pats offense... My bad.

Last week's quote: "Rookie Mark Sanchez plays well at home. 27-13 NYJ" WRONG AND WRONG. Rookie Mark "Sanchise" Sanchez did not play well at home. He actually played like crap (10/29 for 119 yards and 5 INTs with a QB rating less than his number... which is 6 by the way). The Jets did not win. I was wrong.

Last week's quote: "I look for Philip Rivers to take the Bolts on his back (especially because they can't run the ball at all) and win this one at home...I think the CHARGER D settles down a little and plays a bit better. It will be a battle but I think SAN DIEGO makes the AFC West race much more interesting. 28-24 SD" WRONG. Philip Rivers didn't take the Bolts on his back, he was just on his back. The O-Line was once again awful and I might point out that I did say that they can't run the ball at all... so I at least had something on point. The CHARGER D settled down enough to give up first downs on 9 of 16 attempts... which is awful. The special teams settled down to watch Eddie Royal zip past them not once but twice on kick return TDs. It was a battle only really in the ridiculous pregame jawing and perhaps in the first half. The AFC West race will be more interesting because it will be exciting to see who finishes in 2nd place if the CHARGERS don't shape up soon.

Best Uni of the Week: AFL Throwback Edition. This one is obvious. The SAN DIEGO CHARGERS Powder Blues are the best in all of football, even though the team isn't.

Overall I was predicted half of the game's correctly which is not very good. 7/14 is not my best effort. Hopefully in Week 7, me and the CHARGERS can pick up our game.

---J

NFL Week 6 Calls

Here are my NFL Week 6 Picks...

Texans @ Bengals: Houston came back late last week at Arizona only to be stuffed at the 1 yard-line 3 times in a row with their best player Andre Johnson on the sidelines for no reason. The Bungles are actually playing well and if not for that freak play Week 1 against Denver, they would be 5-0. I think the Bengals take care of a somewhat struggling Texans squad but look for a good day from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. 24-20 CIN

Lions @ Packers: Detroit is not that great and injury concerns for QB Matt Stafford and "Megatron" Calvin Johnson can't help. I think the temp (Aaron Rodgers) has a good game and the Packers offense finally begins to click. Look for Ryan Grant to have a good day. 34-20 GB

Ravens @ Vikings: This should be a really good game. The Baltimore D should be fired up after losing the game last week to Cincy. The Vikings have been awesome so far this year and I think Adrian Peterson is due for a big one. Look for Joe Flacco to be chased all day by early Defensive P.O.Y. and perhaps MVP candidate Jared Allen. 27-24 MIN

Giants @ Saints: Probably the game of the week. Someone will lose their first game of the season Sunday. It will be tough for Drew Brees and Co. against a stingy G-Men D. However, the Saints D isn't too shabby in their own right. I think that the Superdome crowd fuels the Saints early, but in the end the Giants are just too solid. Brees has an okay day but Ahmad Bradshaw blows up for New York. The Giants stay undefeated and the Saints don't. 31-27 NYG

Browns @ Steelers: The Browns beat the Bills last week on the arm of QB Derek Anderson. I mean, he had a absolutely huge day... completing 2 of 17 passes for 23 yards. He actually completed 3 passes if you count the pick he threw. Brutal. Basically the Browns are bad. The Steelers proved last week that they are still a good team and I see another rough day for Derek Anderson. Big Ben should have a big game and look for rookie Mike Wallace to keep up an impactful freshman campaign. Omar Epps leads another Steeler victory. 38-13 PIT

Panthers @ Buccaneers: The Buccaneers have played like real Scallywags. Maybe even Landlubbers. Either way they have been terrible and the Panthers have not been much better. Carolina did win last week and I keep waiting for this team to get back to running the ball effectively like they did all of last season. I think the perfect medicine for a struggling team is Tampa Bay and Carolina rights the ship this week. 34-20 CAR

Chiefs @ Redskins: The Indian (feather, not dot) Bowl should be a real gem. God... I don't know if someone could pay me enough money to sit through this game...and I'm an incredibly poor college student. Will the bend but then break defense of the Chiefs be able to withstand the putrid offensivee attack of Jim Zorn? Will Larry Johnson run sideways slowly and then get tackled or pushed out of bounds? Too many interesting story lines to count. Should be a great one. 17-13 WSH

Rams @ Jaguars: Another real spectacle. The Rams are absolutely awful. The Jags may have looked the worst of any NFL team in Week 5, save Oakland. I have to think that Steven Jackson has a good day but David Garrard does enough to get his Jags a much needed "W" at home. 24-13 JAX

Cardinals @ Seahawks: A big NFC West match up between to 2 fierce birds. Since both teams are of the avian variety... I think this game will be played in the air...aka, revolve around each team's passing game. The Cards made the Texans look like my car by pooping all over them with a potent offense attack in the first half last week, but then they stopped playing. Seattle just beat the hell out of Jacksonville. I think Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin have a good day but so does Matt Don't-Hassle-the-beck and Nate Burleson. Seattle wins at home. 34-28 SEA

Eagles @ Raiders: Oh boy, this could get ugly. The Raiders are "real tough" at home in front of the psychopaths who wear shoulder pads and spikes through their Rich Gannon jerseys. Donovan McNabb should have a huge day as long as he stays away from Oakland's only real good player on defense, corner Nnamdi Asomugha. The JaMarcus Russell Experiment is looking like the Jamie Kennedy Experiment... and we all know how well that went. The Eagles soar again . 37-13 PHI

Titans @ Patriots: The Titans are in transition and it is looking as though Vince Young may be getting some support from fans towards a return to the starting QB spot. Either way I think Brady and Co. are too angry after last weeks loss at Denver to lose this one at home. Moss gets a TD or 2 and so does Welker. 34-20 NE

Bills @ Jets: The Bills looked really bad last week. The Jets blew a late lead to the Miami Wildcats. I look for the Jets D to get it together this week and a struggling Bills offense should help that cause. Rookie Mark Sanchez plays well at home. 27-13 NYJ

SNF:Bears @ Falcons: Should be a good game... it definitely has a good nickname match up. Jay "Crybaby" Cutler vs. Matt "Matty Ice" Ryan. Matt "the Force" Forte vs. Michael "the Burner" Turner. Anyway... the Falcons played really well at San Francisco last week and I think the momentum continues this week. Jay Cutler will play decent and so will Matt Forte but I still think Hotlanta wins this one. 27-20 ATL

MNF: Broncos @ CHARGERS: This is an enormous game for SAN DIEGO. If they lose this one, they will be 3.5 games back of Denver. I look for Philip Rivers to take the Bolts on his back (especially because they can't run the ball at all) and win this one at home. Brandon Marshall may catch 25 balls this week but at least he wont be running by/through/around Clinton Hart who was cut this week (thank God). I think the CHARGER D settles down a little and plays a bit better. It will be a battle but I think SAN DIEGO makes the AFC West race much more interesting. 28-24 SD

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 5

1. New York Giants

2. Indianapolis Colts

3. Minnesota Vikings

4. New Orleans Saints

5. Denver Broncos

6. Cincinnati Bengals

7. Philadelphia Eagles

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Chicago Bears

10. New England Patriots

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

27. Buffalo Bills

28. Tennessee Titans

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

30. Oakland Raiders

31. Kansas City Chiefs

32. St. Louis Rams

That's it for Week 6...

---J

NFL Week 5 Impressions

Here's what I learned after another swell week of the NFL season...

Week 5 Impressions...

1. The Jaguars aren't back. Jacksonville rolled up Tennessee last week and some thought (me included) that they may be on the up-swing. Negative. Instead, the Jags went into Seattle to play the Seahawks and decided to get embarrassed. David Garrard was not very good and Maurice Jones-Drew had under 60 yards rushing. They gave up 41 points to the Seahawks which is pretty unbelievable. Also, not scoring any points whatsoever doesn't help.

2. The Broncos have some of the worst looking throw back unis ever. The only thing worse than these unis is Kyle Orton's neck beard and perhaps most of Soulja Boy Tell Em's songs. However, they did have some cool looking socks. They got a huge OT win at home against head coach Josh McDaniels' old colleagues. Next week on Monday night is a huge divisional match up at SAN DIEGO. But either way those unis were terrible.

3. Dre Bly is in for a long week. The 49ers corner is in for a fun ass-chewing by "Samurai" Mike Singletary. Bly picked off Matt Ryan at his own 20 yard line and began high-stepping like "Neon" Deion Sanders with 75 yards to go until the end zone. Bly then proceeded to get caught from behind by Roddy White (who Bly referred to as Rodney White in a post-game interview), then was stripped and lost possession of the ball. Bad enough I know... but here's the best part... the Niners were losing by 25 points at the time... and... Bly was torched for over 200 yards receiving by White already. Good luck explaining that one to Big Mike Singletary. Good luck with that one Dre.

4. The St. Louis Rams will not win a game this season. With Kyle Boller/Marc Bulger at the helm and the rest of the offense hell bent on turning the ball over, the Rams will go oppo-undefeated this year. The defense is not very good either so when you put the two together you can see why this team is awful. Look for Sam Bradford to be wearing Blue and Gold next season in the Loo.

Best Uni of the Week...

Oddly enough from the same game as the worst unis, the Patriots all-white throwback unis win the award this week. Those unis were great. The center dressed as a patriot snapping the ball is a great logo. Well done New England.

---J

NFL Week 5 Calls

Here are my NFL Week 5 Calls...

Browns @ Bills: The Browns are playing like something else that's brown. The Bills haven't been playing too well either. I think the Bills win this one at home and Trent Edwards has a good day in Buffalo. Cleveland continues to stink. 24-13 BUF

Cowboys @ Chiefs: Video footage shows that Tony Romo didn't know what down it was last week when he blew the game at the 1 yard line against the Broncos. Against the Chiefs I don't think it matters if he knows what down it is, the Chefs are that bad. 31-17 DAL

Vikings @ Rams: I still don't think the Rams are going to win a game this season. The Vikes could have a let down this week after a big win vs. Green Bay, but I think even if they let down this week they still win by 2 TDs. They unleash All Day Adrian Peterson and he goes for at least 150. 34-13 MIN

Raiders @ Giants: The undefeated G Men at home against the lowly Raydahs... I see a blowout, even if Eli "Woman"ning is hindered by an injured heel. Look for JaMarcus Russell to have a big day. Hahaha, I couldn't even type it with a straight face. 27-17 NYG

Buccaneers @ Eagles: Donovan McRib returns this week and the Bucs are struggling in all facets of the game. I think Desean Jackson has another big week and the birds roll. Look for Brent Celek to play well. 34-17 PHI

Steelers @ Lions: The Steelers rolled up the CHARGERS last week and the Lions have a hurt QB, not to mention that they are still not a very good team. Troy Polamolu may return this week and that will be a boost. Look for Big Ben to have a good day through the air. Look for the CHARGERS defense to give up another 200 yards even though they are on a bye this week. 31-16 PIT

Redskins @ Panthers: Both teams could really use this win. The Panthers are coming off a bye week and the Skins off a win. Look for DeAngelo Williams to blow up this week and for Carolina to get their running game back on track. 26-20 CAR

Falcons @ 49ers: The Niners finally signed Michael Crabtree so that's nice. The Falcons come off a bye week and I can see Matty Ice and The Burner Turner having a good week against a good San Fran D. SF linebacker Patrick Willis is an absolute beast but still they lose. 24-17 ATL

Bengals @ Ravens: The Bengals took 5 quarters last week to beat the lowly Browns. The Ravens had the Patriots on the ropes if not for a dropped pass at the 5 in the 4th quarter. I think Joe Flacco has a big day and Carson Palmer struggles against the Ravens stout D. 24-10 BAL

Jaguars @ Seahawks: This should actually be a good game, even though I don't really care to watch it. I see David Garrard having a nice game and the bowling ball Maurice Jones-Drew picking up a couple spares. Unless the Seahawks wear all neon green unis, they lose at home. 27-20 JAX

Texans @ Cardinals: Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson should have a big day because Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie (yes, My Antonio's cousin) is playing as bad as his older cousin. But Fitzgerald, Boldin and Old Man River are chomping at the bit to get back on the field. If the Cardinals D plays as tough as the stadium security (I got booted while filming a school project) they should win. 27-24 ARZ

Patriots @ Broncos: I said it last week that finally the Broncos played a real team. Too bad the Cowboys didn't quite show up or have a clue in the 4th quarter. I look for a rude awakening this week for the Donkeys. They have lucked out twice this season but to their credit... have found a way to win. Not this week. This guy named Thomas Brady will find some guy named Randall Moss for a pair of TDs. 38-17 NE

SNF: Colts @ Titans: The Colts O has been piping hot and the Titans have struggled. Even at home I think Tennessee loses. Chris Johnson has a good day for the Titans... and it feels good... but... it ain't enough. Peyton Manning yells "Omaha" a bunch and throws 3 TDs. 31-24 IND

MNF: Jets @ Dolphins: Somehow this is the Dolphins 2nd Monday night game already this year. At least the Jets are pretty good so one team will be interesting to watch. I'm setting the early over-under line for how many times the ESPN broadcast booth says "wildcat" at 263. Look for Broadway Mark Sanchez to play well after struggling last week. Jets bounce back on prime time. 27-17 NYJ

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 4

1. New York Giants

2. Indianapolis Colts

3. Minnesota Vikings

4. New Orleans Saints

5. New York Jets

6. Denver Broncos (only until they lose)

7. New England Patriots

8. Baltimore Ravens

9. San Francisco 49ers

10. Chicago Bears

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Oakland Raiders

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

30. Kansas City Chiefs

31. Cleveland Browns

32. St. Louis Rams

That's it for Week 5...

---J

NFL Week 4 Impressions

Here's what I learned after another wonderful week of the NFL season...

Week 4 Impressions...

1. Brett Favre can still throw the football. The almost 40 year-old QB threw some bullets all over the field last night against his former team. I don't think Favre can

play this well all year, but he can still throw the rock. But so can Ryan Howard from The Office (Aaron Rodgers), if he didn't get sacked 8 times. He looked pretty good at times last night.

2. The CHARGER defense is terrible without Jamal Williams. Or should I just say the CHARGER defense is terrible in general. The defensive line is really bad and the "tackling" on the defensive side of the ball is awful. They weren't playing like a great defense with the gigantic blob in the middle but they sure were playing a lot better. Clinton Hart and Stephen Gregory are absolutely terrible. "My Antonio" Cromartie played the worst game I have ever seen. If he wasn't getting burnt he was getting flagged. I wish just one time on a third down that the Bolt's D could get the hell off the field.

3. Dallas is not as good as the hype says. It seems like this is the case every year but this season it seems to be particularly true. Tony Romo isn't that good and the defense hasn't been able to make a big play late in the game. I don't think missing T.O. is the problem but something isn't right in Big D.

4. Al Davis is a brilliant drafter. Here are his 1st round draft picks from the last 3 years and their stats from Sunday.

2007-- JaMarcus Russell -- 12/33 for 128 yards 0 TDs (QB rating of 48.5).

2008-- Darren McFadden -- 6 carries for -3 yards, 1 catch for 5 yards.

2009-- Darius Hayward-Bey -- 1 catch for 20 yards, 1 carry for 18 yards.

No wonder they are doing so well. This shows me a Commitment to Excellence.

That's it for week 4...

---J

3 and Out: NCAA Football Week 5

Time once again to go 3 and out...

NCAA Football Week 5

1st down: Upset Alert:
#4 LSU @ #18 Georgia: Losing to a top 20 team is usually not an upset, but when your ranked in the top 5 I think it is. LSU has not really played anyone good yet and last week should have lost to Mississippi State if the Bulldogs QB would have just reached the ball out on a 4th quarter QB sneak at the goal line. I think Georgia gets A.J. Green the ball frequently and he has a big day. Look for the #4 ranked Bayou Bengals to struggle between the Hedges.

2nd down: TCGU (This Could Get Ugly) Alert:
UC Davis @ #5 Boise State: The Broncos offense has scored 167 points in 4 games this season. Add in the fact that they are at home on the blue turf and they could run up close to 60 against a "tough" Aggie D that has given up 21 points a game against some less than stellar opponents.

Washington State @ #16 Oregon: First off, the Ducks have some of the best/ worst unis ever. They also have a pretty good offense and they are tough to beat at crazy Autzen Stadium. The Cougars are starting a freshmen QB on the road... good luck. I think Ducks QB Jeremiah Masoli could have an enormous day both through the air and on the ground. Look for a big win for UO.

3rd down: Players To Watch This Week:
1. Michigan QB Tate Forcier: The super-frosh gets to play his first road game ever... and its at in-state rival Michigan State. I think Forcier will play well but it will be interesting to see how he responds to the noise at Spartan Stadium as well as how his throwing shoulder is feeling after looking hurt late last week.

2. USC QB Matt Barkley: Another true freshman starter at a big-time school, Barkley has a real test on the road at Bizzirkley. Without Stafon Johnson, Barkley will have to do a little more than manage the game to win at Cal. Barkley needs to come up big at Berkley if the Trojans want to have a chance to take the PAC-10 crown this season.

3a. and 3b. Cincinnati QB Tony Pike and WR Mardy Gilyard: The Bearcats tandem has connected for 442 yards and 6 TDs so far this season and they are salivating to face the awful defense of Miami of Ohio. The Redhawks D has given up of 41 points a game this season. This match up could boost Pike's ever-rising Heisman hopes.


Uni Match Up of the Week: (last week):
USF @ Florida State: The Bulls all-green unis with the gold helmets are great. Pit that up against the all-white with gold of the Seminoles and you've got yourself a great uni match up.





There's my three downs (plus a uni match up) for College Football Week 5...

... and now I'm out.

---J