Jake's Take

2011 AFC Predictions

2011-08-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

AFC DIVISIONAL PICKS

AFC NORTH

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: The defense should be solid as usual, look for WR Mike Wallace to have another big season. Will LB LaMarr Woodley live up to his big contract? In a word, YES. (11-5)

2. Baltimore Ravens: Will the free agency losses of WR Derrick Mason and TE Todd Heap come back to haunt QB Joe Flacco and the Blackbirds? RB Ray Rice should be a top fantasy pick this year as usual. (10-6)

3. Cleveland Browns: QB Colt McCoy looked better towards the end of last season, look for him to be a decent NFL starting quarterback, but the Browns are in too tough of a division. (7-9)

4. Cincinnati Bengals: Losing WR Chad Ochocinco is a textbook case of addition by subtraction. However, losing your franchise QB to "retirement" in what should be the prime of his career is a clear sign that your organization is screwed up. (4-12)

AFC SOUTH

1. Houston Texans: This is the year that the Texans finally take the division. Key additions to the defense (i.e. CB, S, DE) and a solid offense should finally put the Texans in the playoffs. (10-6)

2. Indianapolis Colts: How will QB Peyton Manning recover from his neck surgery? Is the D strong enough to keep them in games? Either way I think the Colts have taken a minor step backwards this year. (9-7)

3. Tennessee Titans: They better sign RB Chris Johnson soon if they want a chance at winning a game. Look for another rough year down in Tennessee. (6-10)

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert will be playing no later than week 5... that means chalk this season up to "re-building for the future." Look for RB "Some People Call Me" Maurice Jones-Drew to get plenty of touches, especially with the young gun at QB. (5-11)

AFC EAST

1. New England Patriots: Coach Bill Belichick thinks he can do the impossible... tame the beast they call Ochocinco. If Ole' Cut-Off Sleeves can get Chad to play like a normal human being, the Pats could be incredibly good on offense, but that's a BIG IF. If not, they still have QB Tom Brady and many other weapons. (11-5)

2. New York Jets: QB Mark Sanchez has had a dominant defense to bail him out in the past. The D is still good, but he needs to have a better TD to INT ratio (17 TDs-13 INTs) if the J-E-T-S, Jets Jets, Jets want to make another serious Super Bowl run. (10-6)

3. Buffalo Bills: The Bills should surprise you this season. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick is serviceable. RB C.J. Spiller should take a positive step forward and WR Stevie Johnson will continue to make plays. Buffalo hopes their 1st round draft pick DT Marcel Dareus from 'Bama can help bolster a defense that was dead last against the run in 2010. (7-9)

4. Miami Dolphins: RB Reggie Bush took his talents to South Beach, if only he took a quarterback down there with him. If Coach Tony Sparano can find someone to get WR Brandon Marshall the ball they could have a mediocre year, If not, they could be first in line to pick Stanford QB Andrew Luck in the 2012 Draft. (6-10)

AFC WEST

1. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: S Bob Sanders should be a difference maker if he can stay on the field and DT/DE Corey Luiget looks to be very good on the defensive line. But mainly, the BOLTS have one thing the rest of the division doesn't... a solid QB. As long as they don't have the worst special teams unit in the history of the league again, they should run away with the division. (11-5)

2. Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs have a stud at RB in Jamaal Charles and a big play WR in Dwayne Bowe. Sack master DE Tamba Hali and S Eric Berry key a defense that was middle of the pack last season. (9-7)

3. Oakland Raiders: The field just doubled in size to opposing QBs now that CB Nnamdi Asomugha is in Philly. RB Darren McFadden is still a very good back but Oakland should have some major issues defensively this year. (7-9)

4. Denver Broncos: The big controversy in small D is over who will start at QB? Well it's pretty simple, if you want to complete a pass every once-in-awhile, put in Kyle Orton. If you want more completions to the chain gang than to WRs, put in fullback Tim Tebow and let him run wild. That said, it won't matter if John Elway himself is under center if the Broncos don't play considerably better on defense this season. (5-11)

North: Pittsburgh Steelers

South: Houston Texans

East: New England Patriots

West: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Wild Card: Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets

AFC Championship Game: CHARGERS vs. Patriots

AFC Champion: CHARGERS

---J

2011 NFC Predictions

2011-08-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

NFC DIVISIONAL PICKS

NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay Packers: QB Aaron Rodgers should pick up right where he left off last season, plus he has weapons galore. (11-5)
2. Detroit Lions: Detroit will be threatening for a division crown soon. WR Calvin Johnson is fantastic. (9-7)
3. Chicago Bears: Can QB Jay Cutler win over the Windy City faithful or more importantly his own locker room? Can the Soldier Field playing surface hold up for all 8 home games? (8-8)
4. Minnesota Vikings: RB Adrian Peterson is great, QB Donovan McNabb is getting old and WR Sidney Rice is wearing lime green in Seattle. Coach Leslie Frazier could be "pondering" starting rookie QB Christian Ponder later in the season. (6-10)

NFC SOUTH
1. Atlanta Falcons: Look for QB Matt Ryan to spread the ball to his many weapons, now including WR Julio Jones out of 'Bama. RB Michael "The Burner" Turner should still be a good fantasy pick. (11-5)
2. New Orleans Saints: RB/KR Darren Sproles will fill in nicely for Reggie Bush, but can the defense step up when needed? Keep an eye on rookie RB Mark Ingram and his physical running style. (10-6)
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Josh Freeman will be a Top 12 Fantasy quarterback. But can RB LeGarrett Blount repeat last season's success. (9-7)
4. Carolina Panthers: They were very active in the very brief off-season, but they will continue to be inactive in the post-season without a proven QB. (4-12)

NFC EAST
1. Dallas Cowboys: QB Tony Romo has talent around him, but the defense is highly questionable. (10-6)
2. Philadelphia Eagles: Philly made a big splash signing FA CB Nnamdi Asomougha amongst other big names, but QB Michael Vick will miss at least 3 games and the Eagles will get knocked out in the 1st round of the playoffs again. (10-6)
3. New York Giants: This team is going in the wrong direction. (7-9)
4. Washington Redskins: Who will start at QB? John Beck or Rex Grossman, flip a coin... they both aren't very good. (4-12)

NFC WEST
1. Arizona Cardinals: QB Kevin Kolb will be the savior in Glendale...well no, but he will be better than what the Cards had behind center last season. Plus the rest of the team as a whole is stronger this year. (10-6)
2. St. Louis Rams: QB Sam Bradford will take major steps forward towards becoming a top-tier signal caller in the league. The Rams are working in the right direction. (9-7)
3. Seattle Seahawks: Pretty brutal at the quarterback position, but Qwest Field is good for +2 wins a season. (6-10)
4. San Francisco 49ers: Also pretty brutal at the quarterback position, but whoever plays QB has a solid TE in Vernon Davis and very good RB in Frank Gore. (6-10)

North: Green Bay Packers
South: Atlanta Falcons
East: Dallas Cowboys
West: Arizona Cardinals
Wildcard: New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles
NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons
NFC Champion: Atlanta Falcons

2011 MLB Playoffs and Awards Predictions

2011-03-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

Playoff Predictions

ALCS: Boston Red Sox over the New York Yankees in 6 games.

NLCS: Philadelphia Phillies over the Milwaukee Brewers in 6 games.

World Series Champions: Boston Red Sox over the Philadelphia Phillies in 6 games.

World Series MVP: 1B Adrian Gonzalez (BOS)

Here are my 2011 MLB Award Predictions

NL Cy Young: SP Tim Lincecum (SF)

AL Cy Young: SP Jon Lester (BOS)

NL MVP: OF Carlos Gonzalez (COL)

AL MVP: OF Carl Crawford (BOS)

2011 MLB Predictions

2011-02-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

National League

East

Philadelphia Phillies

New York Mets

Florida Marlins

Atlanta Braves

Washington Nationals

Central

Milwaukee Brewers

Chicago Cubs

Cincinnati Reds

St. Louis Cardinals

Pittsburgh Pirates

Houston Astros

West

Colorado Rockies

San Francisco Giants

SAN DIEGO PADRES

Los Angeles Dodgers

Arizona Diamondbacks

American League

East

1. Boston Red Sox

2. New York Yankees

3. Tampa Bay Rays

4. Toronto Blue Jays

5. Baltimore Orioles

Central

1. Detroit Tigers

2. Minnesota Twins

3. Chicago White Sox

4. Cleveland Indians

5. Kansas City Royals

West

1. Texas Rangers

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

3. Oakland Athletics

4. Seattle Mariners

2010 NFL Division Predictions- NFC

2010-09-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

NFC DIVISIONAL PICKS

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers will be the MVP of the league. (12-4)

2. Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson will be great, but can Brett Favre hold up? (10-6)

3. Chicago Bears: Look for more interceptions from Jay Cutler. (6-10)

4. Detroit Lions: Should be a little better for Detroit but not much. Matt Stafford should make positive strides in his second full season. (4-12)

NFC SOUTH

1. Atlanta Falcons: Michael "the Burner" Turner should be in for a big year. (11-5)

2. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees will dominate again, but I don't think the defense will force as many turnovers. (10-6)

3. Carolina Panthers: Great combo at tailback but look for Jimmy Clausen to start by week 9. (5-11)

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cadillac Williams should have a solid year if he can stay healthy, and that's a big if. (3-13)

NFC EAST

1. Dallas Cowboys: The 'Boys never seem to live up to the hype, but I think they could be the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their own stadium. (11-5)

2. New York Giants: The offense line has to play much better than it did last season, and I think it will. (9-7)

3. Philadelphia Eagles: Kevin Kolb should play well, but I think they'll take a step backward defensively. (7-9)

4. Washington Redskins: Too old at running back and too many off the field distractions to compete in the East. (5-11)

NFC WEST

1. San Francisco 49ers: Watch out for Michael Crabtree in his first full season with the Niners. (9-7)

2. Arizona Cardinals: Derek Anderson won't be Kurt Warner but he should play decent, just not well enough to win the division. (8-8)

3. St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford will show signs of why he's paid so much, he will also show signs of why he should be sitting on the bench. (5-11)

4. Seattle Seahawks: All NFL players are getting paid, so Pete Carroll has no advantage. Look for Charlie Whitehurst to start mid-way through the year. (4-12)

North: Green Bay Packers
South: Atlanta Falcons
East: Dallas Cowboys
West: San Francisco 49ers
Wildcard: New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings

NFC Championship Game: Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys
NFC Champion: Dallas Cowboys

2010 NFL Division Predictions

2010-09-06T18:21:00.001-07:00

Jake's Take has returned!!!

Another NFL season is here, which means I have another twenty or so weeks to make a fool of myself... so without further ado, here are my 2010 AFC predictions.

AFC DIVISIONAL PICKS

AFC NORTH

1. Baltimore Ravens: A strong defense, solid running game and game-manager Joe Flacco now has many offensive weapons. (11-5)

2. Pittsburgh Steelers: The defense should carry the team as usual but will they be 1-3 or 0-4 by the time Big Ben returns? (9-7)

3. Cleveland Browns: Jerome Harrison should have a big year and if Jake Delhomme can limit turnovers they should stay out of the cellar. (7-9)

4. Cincinatti Bengals: The VH1 primetime line-up should self-destruct before the half-way mark in the season. (6-10)

AFC SOUTH

1. Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning is still the class of the division but the defense may not be as good as years past. (11-5)

2. Houston Texans: The Matt Schaub to Andre Johnson connection should open up running room for Mission Bay HS product Arian Foster. (10-6)

3. Tennessee Titans: The divisions' best running game and perhaps the divisions' worst passing game. (8-8)

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: It's going to be a long season down in Jacksonville. Hey, at least Jacksonville State beat Ole Miss last weekend. (4-12)

AFC EAST

1. New England Patriots: The Justin Bieber look-a-like at QB wants a new contract, so look out NFL defenses. (12-4)

2. New York Jets: Hard Knocks has me believing, Vinnie Chase in his second season at quarterback doesn't. (10-6)

3. Miami Dolphins: Look for Chad Henne to improve a bit this year but a 8-8 finish is about right for the Fins. (8-8)

4. Buffalo Bills: C.J. Spiller will impress this season, Trent Edwards won't. (5-11)

AFC WEST

1. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: The BOLTS still have the best team in the West, but the gap is shrinking quickly. Ryan Mathews should give Philip Rivers a goofy smile all season. (12-4)

2. Oakland Raiders: Jason Campbell is an improvement over JaMarcus Russell, but then again so is Bruce Gradkowski. (9-7)

3. Kansas City Chiefs: KC had a good draft this year, look out for S Eric Berry and WR Dexter McCluster. Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are a nice 1-2 punch at tailback. (9-7)

4. Denver Broncos: If you didn't already Knowshon Moreno, then you know he had a pretty good rookie campaign. Hopefully someone will use the clippers on Kyle Orton's neck beard this time rather than Tim Tebow's head. (6-10)

North: Baltimore Ravens

South: Indianapolis Colts

East: New England Patriots

West: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Wildcard: Houston Texans, New York Jets

AFC Championship Game: CHARGERS vs. Patriots

AFC Champion: CHARGERS

---J

AFC West Draft Grades

2010-04-28T16:58:00.000-07:00

Oakland Raiders: B+

Al Davis may no longer be alive because the Raiders used their first round pick on a guy who can actually play football. LB Rolando McClain (ALA) is a beast and will sure up the middle of that defense. DT Lamarr Houston (TEX) should help stuff the run and free up McClain to make plays. As usual, the Raiders reached a little bit and took to offensive lineman who had great Combine workouts but not the best game film. Overall, a good draft plus picking up QB Jason Campbell from Washington for a 4th round pick made this a very successful weekend in Oaktown. However, I was somewhat surprised based on Al Davis' obsession with speed that Commissioner Goodell didn't announce: "With the 8th pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders select... Usain Bolt, runner, Jamaica."

Kansas City Chiefs: B

Taking S Eric Berry (TENN) at No.5 overall will immediately make their defense better. He is always around the ball and AFC West QB's will learn that soon enough... most likely the hard way .
RB Dexter McCluster (MISS) is a game breaker who is very versatile. I thought GM Scott Pioli did well getting him in the 2nd round. CB Javier Arenas (ALA) is a big time player as well and he should help out in the secondary. The Chiefs added offensive line help later in the draft which doesn't excite the fans but improves the team dramatically.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: B-

The BOLTS made a bold move by trading up from No. 28 to No. 12 to draft RB Ryan Mathews (Yes, Mathews with one t) out of Fresno State. I think he is a great pickup and will have a strong NFL career, but I also think we gave up an awful lot to get him. History is on AJ Smith's side, the last 1st round running back he drafted out of the WAC had a pretty good run in SD. As for our other picks I feel like we filled a few major holes with quality players. The literally/figuratively enormous hole left in our defensive line by the releasing of DT Jamal Williams was filled. The selection of Cam Thomas (UNC) made me very happy as I was hoping we would pick up a big inside presence. Early on I thought the trade to get Mathews cost us a chance at a guy like Thomas but luckily it didn't. 3rd round pick MLB Donald Butler (WSH) is a good player and should help add athleticism to our linebacking corp. 3rd rounder Darrell Stuckey from Rock Chalk Jayhawk land (KU) is a physical, hard-hitting safety... I would say that we could definitely use one of those. The 5th round pick of QB Charlie Whitehurst 2.0 aka Jonathan "Straight Outta" Crompton (TENN) will add depth to our clipboard holding and our fake signal calling. He should make an immediate impact bringing Philip Rivers his Gatorade. I thought AJ Smith and Norvell Turner could have picked up some more offensive line depth but all in all I say job well done.

Denver Broncos: C

Head Coach Josh McDaniels replaced the void left by WR Brandon Marshall with WR Demaryius Thomas (GT), a solid pick. Then Denver made the move you knew someone would make but you just weren't sure when. With the 25th pick they selected FB Timothy Richard Tebow (UF)... oh did I say FB I meant QB, I guess. McDaniels pushed in all of his chips into the Tebow pot and is hoping that #15 will be the QB to lead them to the promised land. I don't see it happening. The guy is a great competitor and obviously a physical specimen but the guy played at Florida where he is surrounded by a ton more talent in 95% of the time. Sure he lit it up against that stout Charleston Southern defense but here's the thing about the NFL, everybody is freakin' good (save the Raiders and Lions). Hey Tim, you see that corner over there? 3 time All American... That safety? 9 time Pro Bowler... The linebacker? 2-time defensive player of the year. In the NFL, there are no extreme talent gaps like Tebow had in Gainesville and he'll learn that quickly if he ever gets on the field. Name the last successful NFL QB that played at the University of Florida... and don't you dare say Rex Grossman. Tebow may turn out to be a serviceable NFL QB, but not an elite signal caller and not anytime soon.

AFC West Best Pick: KC No. 5 overall S Eric Berry (TENN)

AFC West Sleeper Pick: DEN No. 87 overall WR Eric Decker (MINN)

Overall, I am happy with what the BOLTS did, but I think the CHARGERS need to beware, because the rest of the AFC West is getting much better. Plus the Raiders are going to cut JaMarcus Russell soon, making them an actual NFL caliber team.

---J

MLB Playoff Calls and Award Predictions

2010-04-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here's who I think will be playing in October and no, it's not the PADRES... sorry Friar Faithful...

Playoff Predictions

ALCS: New York Yankees over the Minnesota Twins in 6 games.

NLCS: St. Louis Cardinals over the Philadelphia Phillies in 7 games.

World Series Champions: New York Yankees over the St. Louis Cardinals in 6 games.

World Series MVP: OF Curtis Granderson (NYY)

Here are my 2010 MLB Award Predictions aka "The Takies"

NL Cy Young: SP Roy Halladay (PHI)

AL Cy Young: SP CC Sabathia (NYY)

NL Rookie of the Year: 1B Ike Davis (NYM) **former Sun Devil

AL Rookie of the Year: P Brian Matusz (BAL)

NL MVP: 1B Albert Pujols (STL)

AL MVP: 1B Mark Teixiera (NYY)

Exclusive Jake's Take Awards

Best Off Season Pickup: P Roy Halladay (PHI)

Worst Off Season Pickup: OF Milton Bradley (SEA)

Best Uni of the Year: SAN DIEGO PADRES (1984 throwback jerseys--white on white)

Worst Uni of the Year: SAN DIEGO PADRES (2010 away jerseys--"sand on sand")

Where am I right? Where am I wrong?... Let me know...

---J

2010 MLB American League Predictions

2010-04-11T18:20:00.001-07:00

The season is a week old... so without further a do, here are the other half of my 2010 predictions.

American League

East

1. New York Yankees: The best lineup with a strong starting rotation and a great closer... and if they begin to struggle they will trade for a stud to take them over the top.

2. Tampa Bay Rays: A ton of young talent, look for huge years out of OF BJ Upton and P David Price.

3. Boston Red Sox: Perhaps the deepest rotation in baseball, but the lineup doesn't scare me anymore. Front runners to win the 2006 AL East.

4. Toronto Blue Jays: OF Vernon Wells should have another solid year. P Shaun Marcum has great stuff.

5. Baltimore Orioles: OF Adam Jones (Morse HS) is one of the best young players in the game. P Brian Matusz (USD) is in his 1st full big legaue season. C Matt Wieters will be an All-Star someday, but I think he's a few years out still.

Central

1. Chicago White Sox: The return of OF Carlos Quentin and a full season with a healthy P Jake Peavy should be enough to win the Central.

P Mark Buerhle already made the defensive play of the year on Opening Day

2. Minnesota Twins: They don't have 1B "Sweet, Sweet" Lou Collins, 2B "Touch 'Em All" Mickey Scales or young Billy "Bill" Haywood as a manger... but they do have C Joe Mauer, 1B Justin Morneau and OF Michael Cuddyer... not too shabby in their own right.

3. Detroit Tigers: P Justin Verlander is a stud, but I don't think they have the offensive firepower to keep up with the White Sox and Twins.

4. Cleveland Indians: OF Grady Sizemore is an all around threat, but they may have the weakest/shallowest rotation in the Central. They need P Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn and the big bat/good hands of OF Pedro Cerrano and the speed of OF Willy Mays Hayes.

5. Kansas City Royals: Cy Young Award winner P Zack Greinke is the man, but the rest of the team is not very good. However, they do have the best alternate unis in the Show.

West

1. Texas Rangers: The addition of OF Vladimir Guerrero to an already powerful lineup consisting of OF Josh Hamilton, OF Nelson Cruz and 3B Michael Young make them my favorite in the West. Keep an eye on Closer turned starting pitcher C.J. Wilson.

2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: First off, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim name is stupid, as for the team I think the loss of OF Vladimir Guerrero and P John Lackey will prove bigger than management may have thought.

3. Seattle Mariners: A decent lineup with the star obviously being OF Ichiro Suzuki. May have the best starting pitching in the division if P Cliff Lee can get off of the DL and on the bump.

4. Oakland Athletics: I think they will finish in last like their football counterparts in Silver and Black. OF Jack Cust has led the team in HRs for 3 years straight, so management decided to send him to Triple-A. Makes sense right? P Ben Sheets may have a little resurgence if he can stay healthy. Don't worry PADRES fans, 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff will still be stowing nuts in his cheeks instead of driving in runs... he'll just be doing it in a better looking uniform.

Stay tuned for my World Series Predictions soon to be released...

---J

2010 MLB National League Predictions

2010-04-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

Baseball season is upon us and with that means I'll make my predictions that are sure to be wrong... but as hockey legend Wayne Gretzky once said "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."

So I'm going to take a shot...

Here we go... today I'll do my NL picks.

National League

East

Philadelphia Phillies: Already the best team in the NL + The best pitcher in the Bigs = Another division title.
Atlanta Braves: Keep an eye on 20-year-old rookie OF Jason Heyward, he's a stud. My NL Wild Card pick.
Florida Marlins: P Josh Johnson is really good and SS Hanley Ramirez could challenge Albert Pujols for NL MVP.
New York Mets: They're the Mets. Enough said.
Washington Nationals: Still the worst team in baseball... fans will be calling for 1st overall pick P Stephen Strasburg very soon.

Central

St. Louis Cardinals: 4 words; Pujols, Carpenter, Wainright, first-place.
Chicago Cubs: Can Sweet Sweet Lou Pinella take the Cubbies to the top?, I think not. He needs the 1-2 punch of pitchers Chet "the Rocket" Steadman and Henry Roengardner.
Cincinnati Reds: OF Jay Bruce is a beast and they have been gathering a lot of young pitching talents over the last few years.
Milwaukee Brewers: Not the strongest team, but better than the Buco's and the Astros.
Pittsburgh Pirates: OF Garrett Jones is fast becoming a can't miss player... too bad you want to miss the rest of the team.
Houston Astros: A team that got real old real quick. P Roy Oswalt has seen his best years in the rear-view mirror.

West

Colorado Rockies: Most balanced team in the West, plus pitcher "Where's" Ubaldo Jimenez is figuring out how to pitch consistently.
San Francisco Giants: The best pitching staff in the division, can the offense score enough runs to take them to the top?
Arizona Diamondbacks: 3B Mark Reynolds is a serious power threat but will he strike out another 200+ times? Also, a cat named Baxter as a mascot for a team named after snakes brings you down a few notches.
Los Angeles Dodgers: I don't think their pitching will hold up and without that we may find out that Joe Torre may not be a genius anymore. Maybe this will be the year someone gets him a hat that fits his head.
SAN DIEGO PADRES: Not a very good team. Their best player 1B Adrian Gonzalez will likely be gone by June or July. I don't see them scoring many runs with him, let alone without him. At least they have the best weather in the division. Also, they have the worst road uniforms in the history of the sport.

Coming soon: My AL Picks and World Series Predictions.

---J

Final Four Predictions

2010-03-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

After another ridiculous weekend of the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament, I am going to make my picks for the two National Semifinal games. My "Reggie Miller Lookin ' Good" bracket only correctly picked one team (West Virginia) to make the Final Four, but with the craziness of this year's tournament, I feel lucky that I got at least one.

Wrap your head around this, according to ESPN.com, of the some 4.7 million brackets submitted to their Tournament Challenge, only 200 brackets correctly picked West Virginia, Duke, Butler, and Michigan State to reach the Final Four.

Perhaps I shouldn't feel so bad...

Without further ado, here are the two teams I will immediately give the kiss of death to...

My Final Four Predictions

(5) Michigan State Spartans vs. (5) Butler Bulldogs:

Winner: Michigan State-- I see Izzo's bunch advancing to their second consecutive championship game after another thrilling OT victory over the home town Bulldogs. Raymar Morgan and Korie Lucious will get a rare second chance at cutting down the nets.

(2) West Virginia Mountaineers vs. (1) Duke Blue Devils:

Winner: Duke-- Coach K's squad has it all; three-point assassins, a strong inside presence, experience, and perhaps most importantly; confidence. I see John Scheyer shooting lights out and Brian Zoubek dominating the paint as the Blue Devils reach their 10th title game.

I think we get to see a classic match up of Hall of Fame coaches next Monday night.

But then again, who knows?

---J

What ASU Needs to Do to Get Invited to the BIG Dance

2010-03-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

With selection Sunday only 6 days away, bubble teams across the nation are trying impress the NCAA Tournament committee as much as possible.

The Arizona State Sun Devils are no exception. Herb Sendek's squad needs a strong showing at this week's PAC-10 tournament at the Staples Center if they want to better their case for an At-Large bid to the dance. The Sun Devils finished regular season play with a 22-9 overall record and a 12-6 mark in the PAC-10. Not too shabby considering they lost the 3rd and 31st overall picks in last year's NBA draft. No wonder Herb Sendek was named the PAC-10 Coach of the Year today.

In any other season, a 12 win PAC-10 season combined with another 10 non-conference wins would get your foot in the tournament door with no problem. However, with the PAC's down year (currently zero teams ranked in the top 25), there is a chance that the only team partaking in this year's Madness will be the squad climbing the ladder with scissors next Saturday at the Staples Center.

Obviously if the Devils win three straight in LA they will be relaxing come next Sunday as the conference's automatic bid and PAC-10 Tournament Champions. But if they don't win the tourney I think they should still make it as an At-Large bid. I think the Devils' can get in by simply making it to the Championship game. This would mean the Devils would go 2-1 in LA and would finish with a 24-10 overall record, which in my opinion is plenty to receive an invite to the Big Dance. I'm no Bracketologist, nor do I want to be, but 24 wins in a big conference like the PAC-10 is a pretty good resume. Some of these other bubble teams have 17-18 wins this season and even though the PAC-10 is weak this year, it is still 10 times stronger than the Colonial League or the Big West.

If the Devils get to 24-10 and don't get an invite to the tourney it will be a definite snub, but if Derek Glasser and Co. really want ensure back-to-back tournament appearances... they know exactly what they need to do.

---J

Things To Look Out For At... the 2010 NFL Combine

2010-02-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

This edition is:

2010 NFL Combine

Look Out For:

1. Guy from a small school who runs a great 40-- It seems like every year at the Combine there is some dude no one has ever heard of out of Southeast Central Middle Kentucky Tech State who runs a 4.3 forty... then can't get off the line in training camp.

2. Analyst embarrassing himself doing the drills -- It is always entertaining to watch, but seeing Rich Eisen "running" a 40 in 10.74 seconds in slacks further cements why he is covering the event and not participating. Look for the hammy pull as well, a Combine staple.

3. Big time lineman who shows up way out of shape -- I never understand this one but it always happens. Some top 10 lineman from Alabama or Oklahoma somehow shows up to pre-NFL athletic testing completely out of shape. He rolls in like 60 pounds heavier than his playing weight and looks like he has been doing 12 oz. curls exclusively as his Pre-combine regimen. The Combine is a pretty well publicized event, so I find it hard to believe that he was unaware that the combine was this week. Maybe mix in a salad or a jog.

4. Player who can dominate the bench press and shuttle... but... -- There is nothing wrong with dominating the tests at the Combine, the only problem is when you dominate the tests... but can't play football. Every year scouts get enamored with some freak dude who throws the ball 80 yards on his knees... or a guy who runs the fastest 40, but can't catch... It seems like the teams who forget that its a football team, not a circus have trouble winning games.

5. Quarterback who is learning to throw a football -- Actually you won't see this because former Florida QB Tim Tebow will not throw at all at the combine. He is "tweaking" his throwing motion and will throw only at his Pro Day in Gainesville. I'm no NFL GM, but if I'm drafting a guy and giving him millions of dollars to play QB, I would like him to know how to throw before the draft. But that's just me.

---J

NCAA Basketball Power Rankings

2010-02-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

Here's my top 10 as of today as the Madness approaches...

1.Kansas Jayhawks- This team is loaded. Upcoming home games against Colorado and Oklahoma should be wins #26 and #27 for Bill Self.

2. Kentucky Wildcats- Survived a scare last night in overtime at Mississippi State. Face a tougher test at #17 Vanderbilt Saturday.

3. Syracuse Orangemen - An 11-2 conference record in the Big East is pretty impressive. 24-2 overall ain't too shabby either.

4. Purdue Boilermakers- A win at #8 Ohio State tonight would cement the Boilermakers as a top-5 squad.

5. Villanova Wildcats - A absolute gauntlet upcoming... on the road at #21 Pittsburgh, home against South Florida and back on the road at #3 Syracuse. Rough.

6. Duke Blue Devils- The class of the Atlantic Coast Conference. A Sunday Showdown against Virginia Tech for 1st place in the conference.

7. Michigan State Spartans- G Kalin Lucas is back and his ankle injury appears to be a thing of the past.

8. Ohio State Buckeyes - Difficult week for Thad Matta's bunch. Home against #4 Purdue and at #7 Michigan State. A sweep of the two would be huge for the Columbus crew.

9. West Virginia Mountaineers - Coach Bob Huggins has 4 players averaging more than 10 points per game in Morgantown.

10. New Mexico Lobos - A little love for the Mountain West here. The Lobos are 23-3 overall and 9-2 in a pretty solid MWC this season.

---J

Things To Look Out For... At NBA All-Star Weekend

2010-02-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

A new segment here on Jake's Take. It's called Things To Look Out For.... ________________. A few things your sure to see at whatever event fills in the blank.

This edition is:

NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas

Look Out For:

1. Mark Cuban -- The ratty T-shirt wearing billionaire owner of the Mavs will be all over everything, from pre-game shows to post-game parties. If there is a camera around, Cuban's face will be in front of it. Sorry bearded Men's Fashion Warehouse guy, but I guarantee it.

2. Old Timers heaving up half court shots -- What's the All-Star Weekend without "Thunder" Dan Majerle and Bill Laimbeer chucking up half court bombs in the Shooting Stars competition. Combo them with a WNBA player nobody knows and a current NBA bench player and you got can't miss TV.

3. NBA players pushing each other and jumping around on the court -- During the dunk contest every year, no matter how cool, or how average the dunk, all the players sitting court-side push each other and freak out like it's the first dunk they've ever seen. Also, look for the semi-closed-hand-over-the-mouth "Oooohhhhh" move, a dunk contest staple.

4. Terrible defense -- Now this one is no secret, but the effort on defense during the All-Star game is worse than Brady Morningstar's free throw attempt. (In his defense, Morningstar later went on to say that the ball was slippery)

5. The NBA All-Star guard who can't pass -- Every year during the PlayStation Skills Challenge, someone has a ridiculous amount of trouble passing the ball into a tire. After the 5th miss, they finally take their time and make it through...

Give 'em a break though, most of these players don't pass in games, so this is a new skill set for them.

6. Donald Faison -- The former Clueless star (using the term "star" loosely here) earns his role on Scrubs by showing his poor basketball performance in the "Celebrity" Game. It doesn't matter what the sport, if there's a "Celebrity" Game, you better believe Petey from Remember the Titans will be there.

---J

NCAA Basketball Power Rankings

2010-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

Here's my top 10 as of today. Remember, a lot can change before the Madness begins...

1. Kansas - Too much talent and depth inside and out, defensively who do you key?

2. Kentucky - See above, ranked behind KU only because of youth factor at key positions.

3. Syracuse - Impressive so far this season in the toughest conference, the Big East.

4. Villanova - Perhaps the best unis in college hoops, G Scottie Reynolds isn't too shabby in his own right.

5. West Virginia - If fans stop throwing things onto the court they will challenge for the Big East crown.

6. Purdue - E'Twaun Moore and Robbie Hummel are a dangerous combo.

7. Duke - Coach K has 3 guys averaging 15 or more, but the Blue Devils need more help off the bench.

8. Texas - Monday's match up at home vs. (1) Kansas will reveal a lot about the Longhorns.

9. Michigan State - The ankle injury to star G Kalin Lucas leaves Sparty with a lot of questions.

10. Georgetown - C Greg Monroe is averaging 15.5 ppg and 9.7 rpg in a strong Big East conference.

---J

Frye in NBA 3 Point Contest

2010-02-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

According to multiple sources, Phoenix Suns Center Channing Frye has been selected to participate in the 3 Point Contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas.

If the 6'11'' Frye shoots in the contest like he has in games this season, I think he has a legitimate shot of winning this thing.

How does it feel to be Suns Guard Jason Richardson? Your team's Center gets more league-wide respect as a shooter than you. Ouch.

---J

Pro Bowl or Schmo Bowl?

2010-01-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

January 25, 2010

Dear NFL,

Why?

Why do you have to put the Pro Bowl the week before the Super Bowl? Nobody likes the idea, ... okay so maybe the 6th best NFC linebacker who gets the last-minute nod does, but no one else does.

Why NFL? I just don't get it.

Here's why I am concerned;

... If players who receive monetary bonuses to play in the game don't want to go, what makes you think fans who have to pay will. I know, I know, who doesn't want to watch Vince Young and David Garrard lead the AFC offense against "sure-fire Hall of Fame" safety Quintin Mikell, (you may be asking who? That's because he is a rookie undrafted free agent from the blurf (blue turf) at Boise State.) Mr. Goodell, I think you get my point.

It literally seems like every 5 minutes the ESPN bottom line reads as follows: __________ to replace (insert good player (insert excuse)) on AFC Pro Bowl roster.

And with the Pro Bowl being held in Miami how will the players get leid.??

All I know is that I probably will still watch the Pro Bowl from the comfort of my beautiful Tempe home, however, ONLY because I can for free and its either that or homework.

Regards,

Jake Fadden

---J

NFL Championship Weekend Picks

2010-01-23T11:47:00.001-08:00

Hey Takers,

Sorry about the long lay off. But now I'm back like I forgot something. Here's a quick prediction on tomorrows AFC and NFC Championship games. Here we go...

AFC Championship: New York Jets @ Indianapolis Colts: I don't the Jets can dodge any more field goals (opposing teams have missed 5 FGs in 2 games, thanks Nate). At some point your luck has to run out and the Colts will not let them hang around like the CHARGERS did. I think Peyton Manning gets a chance at his 2nd Lombardi Trophy. 34-10 IND

NFC Championship: Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints: The Saints are tough to beat at the Superdome, but I think Favre and the Vikes can do it They have a ton of weapons on both sides of the ball. However, if WR/KR Percy Harvin doesn't play that will hurt the Vikes O dramatically. I still think Adrian Peterson will have a big day and a few uncharacteristic Drew Brees turnovers will keep the Saints Superbowl drought intact. 34-24 MIN

---J

NFL Week 14 Calls

2009-12-08T22:46:00.000-08:00

Week 14 is upon us... Here are my predictions...

TNF: Steelers @ Browns: Pittsburgh has made a habit of losing to bad teams this season (i.e. Kansas City, Oakland). I think they play better on Thursday night and look for WR Mike Wallace to fill in well for injured WR Santonio Holmes. Steelers stay alive, but are still on life support. 31-17 PIT

Saints @ Falcons: With injury concerns for the the Falcons top two offensive players (QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner) I don't see them putting up many points offensively. On the other hand, I see the New Orleans Saints scoring like they normally do and staying unbeaten. 27-17 NO

Packers @ Bears: I think Green Bay will stay hot in the cold weather. Look for another solid game for should be Pro Bowl QB Aaron Rodgers. RB Ryan Grant should run well for the Packers and keep an eye on TE Jermichael Finley, who caught 2 TD passes on Monday night. The Bears continue to struggle. 27-20 GB

Jets @ Buccaneers: New York is still alive in the AFC East, but they need to handle the lowly Bucs. I think they will. Look for Rex Ryan's defense to confuse and attack rookie QB Josh Freeman. QB Mark Sanchez is out for the Jets, which may be a good thing for them. The Jets stay in the playoff hunt. 26-16 NYJ

Dolphins @ Jaguars: Big game for AFC playoffs spots. Look for RB Maurice Jones-Drew and WR Mike Sims- Walker "Texas Ranger" to have big games for the Jaguars. For Miami, QB Chad Henne needs to limit the mistakes and RB Ricky Williams needs to continue to run with a purpose. In the end, I think and the Jags get it done at home. 27-23 JAX

Lions @ Ravens: Baltimore looked pretty bad on Monday night, but a home game against the Lions should cure all of there ills. I see QB Joe Flacco bouncing back from what may have been his worst performance as a pro. RB Ray Rice will not be shut down two weeks in a row, so my apologies to Tim "The Toolman" Taylor. WR Calvin Johnson will remain the lone bright spot in the Motor City this week. 34-20 BAL

Seahawks @ Texans: Seattle is not very good in my opinion. The Texans are not playing very well either. I think for reasons I cannot explain, that the Seahawks will fly into H-town and beat the Texans. QB Matt Hasselbeck should have a good game and lead 'Hawks to victory. 27-20 SEA

Broncos @ Colts: Hopefully, the Colts will continue their dominance and hand the Broncos their 5th loss of the season. I think they will and here's why:

1. QB Peyton Manning

2. RB Joseph Addai

3. TE Dallas Clark

4. WR Reggie Wayne

5. Lucas Oil Stadium

I see Manning having a big day and the Colts improving to 13-0. 31-20 IND

Bills @ Chiefs: Possibly Week 14's Game of the Weak. I guess the Bills should win because... well, because they are playing the Chiefs. Look for WR Terrell Owens to score and RB/KR Fred Jackson to have some big yardage for Buffalo. For Kansas City, RB Jamaal Charles is going to be a good NFL player and he will show some signs of that this week. QB Matt Cassel needs to play better soon or the Chiefs' front office is going to want its money back. The Bills win on the road in Arrowhead. 24-16 BUF

Bengals @ Vikings: I see the Vikings rebounding strong from the drudging they took in Glendale last Sunday. RB Adrian Peterson should be looking to avenge his poor performance last week. Same with QB Brett Favre and the Vikes D. I do see Favre throwing more and more picks as the season continues, but I think he will do enough in this game to beat the Bengals. 31-19 MIN

Panthers @ Patriots: In this one, I see New England coming out focused and ready to play at home. Carolina has injury questions everywhere and with or without RB DeAngelo Williams, I just can't picture them winning at Gillette Stadium. QB Tom Brady will have a ridiculous day and look for another 10-15 catches for WR Wes Welker. The Pats bounce back at home. 38-20 NE

Redskins @ Oakland: How in the world did Washington lose that game last week to New Orleans? WOW. Maybe even more amazing... How in the world did Oakland beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh? DOUBLE WOW. I have a feeling that this is going to be one of those games that is a 1st grade teacher's dream.

Q: 3 + 3 + 0 + 3 + 0 + 0 + 3 + 3= ?

A: The scoring log of the Oakland and Washington game.

Both teams will be racing to see whose kicker can score the most. The Skins cut K Shaun Suisham, the dude who shanked the 23-yarder to clinch it last week, so K Graham Gano will take over the kicking duties. I see this one being really boring and luckily I won't have to watch it on TV. 16-10 WSH

Rams @ Titans: Tennessee RB Chris Johnson will rush for over 200 yards this week against the terrible Rams. QB Vince Young will continue playing well, meaning... a) he hands it off to Johnson, b) he dumps it off to Johnson, c) he scrambles for a 1st down d) he hands it of Johnson again. As for the Rams, the NFL's second leading rusher RB Steven Jackson will get some yards, but not nearly as many as his dread-locked counterpart. The Rams will try to not remember the Titans after Johnson terrorizes them on Sunday. 31-16 TEN

CHARGERS @ Cowboys: Pretty good match up between 2 division leaders. The BOLTS need to contain QB Tony Romo and not allow him to improvise. TE Jason Witten will probably catch 15 passes against whichever safety/ linebacker lines up across from him. On offense for SAN DIEGO, I think they can score some points, which they have done in every single game this season. Keep an eye on DE DeMarcus Ware who could force QB Philip Rivers to make mistakes. Cowboys T Flozell Adams is old, slow, and can't bend over... so look for Shawne and Shaun to beat him off the edge. TE Antonio "Tone-Tone" Gates should continue to be a beast... Hey did you know he played basketball at Kent State? The announcers never seem to mention that at all. I hope I'm wrong, but I just think the CHARGERS go down in big D. I know Rivers has not lost a game in December (15-0 as a starter) and the Cowboys never win around Christmastime, but I think the BOLTS lose. 31-24 DAL

SNF: Eagles @ Giants: Big NFC East game for these two. I think QB Donovan McNabb, WR's DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and TE Brent Celek will be too much for the Giants D. New York QB Eli Manning will play decent, but big plays by the Philadelphia offense will fuel the victory. The Eagles take a big step towards the playoffs in the Big Apple. 27-24 PHI

MNF: Cardinals @ 49ers: Arizona can clinch the NFC West with a win in San Fran. Danny Tanner should be covering the game in the Bay Area. The Cardinals offense is clicking and that is bad news for the Niners. QB Kurt Warner, along with his flock of receivers and an improved running game should prove too much for the struggling 49ers. RB Frank Gore could have trouble finding running lanes and QB Alex Smith will probably turn the ball over a time or two. The Cardinals clinch the division and continue heating up at the right time. 31-20 AZ

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 13

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Indianapolis Colts

3. Minnesota Vikings

4. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

5. Arizona Cardinals

6. Cincinnati Bengals

7. Green Bay Packers

8. Philadelphia Eagles

9. Dallas Cowboys

10. Denver Broncos

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Kansas City Chiefs

29. Detroit Lions

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

31. St. Louis Rams

32. Cleveland Browns

That's it for Week 14...

--- J

comments? corrections? am I stupid? let me know...

NFL Week 13 Calls

2009-12-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Week 13 of the NFL Season is upon us. Another week, another solid slate of games... Here are my picks...

TNF: Jets @ Bills: In tonight's game, I think WR Terrell Owens gets shut down by CB Darrelle Revis which forces Buffalo to run the ball. The weather should be chilly which means So Cal boy Mark Sanchez will struggle. I think the Bills take one at home. 27-20 BUF

Eagles @ Falcons: Look for WR Jason Avant to fill in nicely for injured big play threat DeSean Jackson. RB's Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling to need to carry the load for Atlanta without stars Matt Ryan and Michael Turner. Methinks the Falcons can make it competitive, but in the end backup QB Chris "Not Method but" Redman can't save the day 2 weeks in a row. 31-20 PHI

Rams @ Bears: Both teams have been pretty bad this year. The good news for Bears fans is that this may be the first week all season that they don't have the worst QB on the field. Rams QB Kyle Boller is pretty bad. RB Steven "I'm Sorry Ms." Jackson is all the Rams have on offense. The Bears at least have a few offensive threats and QB Jay Cutler should be able to find them this week. The Rams lose another one. 27-16 CHI

Lions @ Bengals: Cincinnati has built a nice 2 game lead in the AFC North. To keep that comfort, they need to beat teams like Detroit at home. I think they will this week as RB Larry Johnson will have a decent day for fantasy players. QB Carson Palmer and WR Chad Eight Five should connect for a TD or 2. The Bengals maintain kings of the AFC North jungle. 27-16 CIN

Raiders @ Steelers: Pittsburgh lost another tough one in OT and need to handle Da Raydas at Heinz to remain in the Wild Card hunt. It looks as though QB Ben Roethlisberger will play which should help the Steelers. It also looks like the entire Raiders team will play, which should also help. Look for a big day from RB Rashard Mendenhall and TE Heath Miller. The Steelers D should force plenty of turnovers and may even score a few by themselves. The black and yellow of Pittsburgh is too much for the Silver and Black of Oakland. 27-13 PIT

Titans @ Colts: I was wrong last week once again about the Colts (no surprise there). I think this week QB Peyton Manning will pick apart a lackluster Tennessee secondary. Look for RB Chris Johnson to have a huge day for the Titans as usual but it won't be enough to carry Tennessee. The Colts stay perfect. 31-22 IND

Broncos @ Chiefs: All of SAN DIEGO county will be rooting for Kansas City come Sunday. Another upset win for the Chiefs would give the BOLTS a big boost in the AFC West. I don't think it will happen though. Denver is just better than the Chiefs are right now. Look for WR Brandon " We Are" Marshall to blow up and for rookie RB "I'm Not Sure If I" Knowshon Moreno to have a good day as well. The Chiefs should continue to struggle this year and I don't think this Sunday will be any different. 27-10 DEN

Patriots @ Dolphins: New England got spanked on Monday night and I look for them to come out much sharper this weekend. QB Tom Brady should have a solid day and WR's Randy Moss and Wes Welker should teach a young Miami secondary a thing or two. Look for RB Ricky Williams to have a good day for the Fins, but in the end the Patriots are too much. 31-23 NE

Saints @ Redskins: New Orleans is looking like world beaters after dismantling the Patriots on Monday. Look for more of the same from MVP front runner QB Drew Brees and his group of cronies. As for the Skins, look for QB Jason Campbell to struggle, especially if he can't locate ball-hawking safety Darren Sharper. I think the Saints continue marching into the postseason and keep their one game lead for NFC home field advantage in the playoffs. 34-16 NO

Buccaneers @ Panthers: It is a rarity this season that the Bucs will have a advantage at the quarterback position, but with the Panthers forced to start QB Matt Moore, Tampa Bay's QB Josh Freeman may be the premier signal caller on the field. With Moore having to start, I look for Carolina to try to run the ball more than ever, which means RB's DeAngelo Williams (pending his health) and Jonathan Stewart to carry the load. I actually think that the Bucs will win this game on the road and the Panthers will need to find a quarterback of the future. 24-16 TB

Texans @ Jaguars: In this one, look for the tandem of QB Matt Schaub and WR Andre Johnson to carry the Texans offensively. On offense for the Jags, look for RB Maurice Jones-Drew and rookie WR Mike Sims-Walker to shoulder the load. This game is about a wash defensively so I give the edge to Houston. I think that the Texans pull this one out, but in a close one. 31-27 HOU

CHARGERS @ Browns: A trap game for the CHARGERS, who travel to Dallas next Sunday. The BOLTS need to come out firing and put this one away early. I think they will, by throwing a few deep balls to gigantic WR's Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd. Oh yeah, and don't forget about the best TE in the game Antonio Gates. Hopefully the CHARGERS will get LT over 100 yards rushing and the defense will continue to force takeaways. Keep an eye on WR/KR Josh Cribbs, who is even more dangerous returning kicks than Darren Sproles. I think the Norvell has the squad focused and they take care of business in Cleveland. 30-16 SD

Cowboys @ Giants: In a huge NFC East match up the G-Men host the 'Boys. The calender has flipped to December, which means look for Dallas to begin to fall apart. I think that demise starts Sunday when the Giants bounce back from the Turducken they laid on Thanksgiving. I think QB Eli Manning plays well and leads the Giants to a nice win at home. Romo struggles for Dallas. 27-17 NYG

49ers @ Seahawks: Another divisional match up which is very important for San Francisco. With a win against Seattle, and a very probable Cardinals loss on SNF to Minnesota, the Niners would only be 1 game back of Arizona and still much alive in the NFC West race. I think the 49ers do their part and rely on RB Frank Gore and TE Vernon Davis to put up points. Rookie WR Michael Crabtree will have the best game of his albeit brief career as San Fran clips the wings of the Seahawks. 27-13 SF

SNF: Vikings @ Cardinals: NBC flexed their scheduling muscle and gave the nation another chance to hear the name Brett Favre said about 7593 times. The Cardinals are 1-1 on SNF with their loss coming at home to the Colts. They can redeem themselves by handling the red-hot Vikings but I don't think it will happen. RB Adrian Peterson will run all over the Redbirds D and WR Percy Harvin will continue to make his case for Rookie of the Year. The Cards have health concerns at QB and should have trouble protecting whoever gets the nod behind center... can you say Jared Allen? 34-20 MIN

MNF: Ravens @ Packers: A pretty solid Monday night match up pits two Wild Card hopefuls. Look for RB Ray Rice to do it all for Baltimore... as usual. The "That's So" Raven defense should get a bunch of sacks on QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers should still have a good game and if it weren't for his predecessor in Minnesota, people would see that he is a great NFL QB as well (3136 yards passing, 22 TDs and 5 INTs). I think that the Baltimore defense is too much for Green Bay and even though Rodgers plays well, the Ravens win this pivotal game on the road. 27-20 BAL

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 12

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Indianapolis Colts

3. Minnesota Vikings

4. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

5. Dallas Cowboys

6. Cincinnati Bengals

7. Arizona Cardinals

8. Green Bay Packers

9. New England Patriots

10. Philadelphia Eagles

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Kansas City Chiefs

29. Detroit Lions

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

31. St. Louis Rams

32. Cleveland Browns

That's it for Week 13...

--- J

comments? corrections? am I stupid? let me know...

NFL Week 12 Calls

2009-11-23T15:32:00.001-08:00

Hey friends... Here are my Week 12 Picks... Thanksgiving Edition... on the 11-Year Anniversary of the "I Called Tails, No You Didn't" controversy, starring Jerome Bettis and Phil Lockett...

Thanksgiving Day Games:

Packers @ Lions: Green Bay started strong against the Niners last week but then almost gave up the lead at the end. The Lions won a crazy game where rookie QB Matthew Stafford threw a game-winning TD pass on an un-timed down at the wire. Stafford is now hurt with a busted left shoulder and I think the QB Dante Culpepper will fill in somewhat-nicely. The Pack lost two key players to injury but I look for QB Aaron Rodgers and RB Ryan Grant to pull through in the Turkey Day opener. 31-20 GB

Raiders @ Cowboys: This game should be so interesting by halftime that I will go outside and throw the football and forget to come back inside for the 2nd half. I know Dallas has been struggling to score points and the Raiders got a early Christmas gift from the Bengals, but I still think the Boys will roll on Thursday. QB Tony Romo and WR "A Marathon Equals 26.2" Miles Austin should light up the scoreboard as the Cowboys will feast on the Raiders. 34-16 DAL

Giants @ Broncos: The Broncos got smoked by the BOLTS on Sunday and now have to come back on a short week with questions at QB and face the New York Gigantes. I think QB Eli Manning should have a solid night and RB's Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw should find the same running lanes CHARGER tailbacks enjoyed on Sunday. If Denver doesn't start winning soon, Broncos fans will let the team know it and I may have to start calling their signal caller Kyle Orton "Hears a Boo". I think the slide continues for Denver as the G-Men stand tall at Mile High. 27-16 NYG

Sunday Games:

Buccaneers @ Falcons: Atlanta RB Jason Snelling got a taste of a starting lineup on Sunday and liked it. He rushed for 76 yards and 2 TDs but the Falcons still lost in overtime. I look for Atlanta to bounce back this week on the back of Snelling and the arm of QB Matt Ryan. The Bucs lose again and the Falcons stay alive in the NFC wildcard race. 27-17 ATL

Dolphins @ Bills: In this AFC East match up, I look for more big things from WR Terrell Owens who is facing two rookie corners from Miami. RB Ricky Williams came up huge for the Dolphins on Thursday night and killed me in my fantasy league. I look for him to continue his resurgence and score a few more times this week. I think he's the difference as the Dolphins improve to 6-5. 24-16 MIA

Browns @ Bengals: Cleveland lost a heart breaker to Detroit last week in the "Brutal Bowl" and the Bengals managed to fumble away a victory in Oakland. I look for the Browns to have trouble moving the ball and the Bengals to force a few big turnovers on defense. Cincinnati figures out how to win a game you're supposed to and takes this one at home. 27-13 CIN

Panthers @ Jets: Carolina will need to continue to ride their 2-headed monster at tailback if they want to be effective on offense. New York will need QB Mark Sanchez to stop blowing the game with turnovers if they want to finish with a respectable record this season. I think this could be an interception fest between Sanchez and Jake (Great Name) Delhomme, but the running game of Sweet Carolina... dun dun duh, will be enough to get them the win. 26-20 CAR

Redskins @ Eagles: Philadelphia needs this win to try to keep pace with Dallas in the NFC East. The Skins need this win so their coach doesn't get fired. I think QB Donovan McNabb will have a big passing day and WR Jeremy Maclin and TE Brent Celek will be his main targets. Look for a lot of double coverage on WR DeSean Jackson which will limit his touches. Washington needs QB Jason Campbell to protect the ball and make some magic happen if the Redskins want to win this one on the road. Campbell has the hat but can't find the rabbit. The Eagles fly high again. 26-24 PHI

Colts @ Texans: Indianapolis comes in unblemished looking to improve to 11-0. I think this is the week they fall. You may be saying to yourself, "I thought you said last week was the week they were going to fall?" I did, and if Ravens QB Joe Flacco hadn't thrown an awful 4th quarter interception they would have. I think WR Andre Johnson and RB Steve Slaton will expose a thus far over-performing defense for the Colts. You all know my feelings on QB Matt Schaub, so I will save you the trouble. QB Peyton Manning will play well as usual, but the Colts will lose a close one late. 27-24 HOU

Seahawks @ Rams: The NFC West is probably the worst division in Ron Jaworski's "National Football League". St. Louis is pretty awful and Seattle is not too much better. Look for RB Steven Jackson to have a huge day and diminutive but solid WR/KR Danny Amendola to get a few more looks at wideout. In a Jake's Take first I am picking the Rams to win a game. 24-16 STL

Chiefs @ CHARGERS: The BOLTS dominated the Donkeys last Sunday and look to win their 6th straight. I think RB's LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles will find a lot of running room and the endzone. QB Philip Rivers should continue his solid play and find his enormous targets at wide receiver (i.e. Vincent Jackson, Malcom "the X Factor" Floyd and Legedu "I Only Need 3 Different Letters in my Last Name" Naanee). On defense, SAN DIEGO has been as fierce as Macy's on Black Friday morning. LB Kevin Burnett had his best game of the year and S Stephen Gregory may of had the best of his career. Look for the OLB Shawne Merriman and Co. to turn the lights out on Kansas City at the Q. Daygo goes to 8-3. 34-17 SD

Jaguars @ 49ers: Another one of the hottest teams in the league is Jacksonville. The Jags have won 3 straight and 6 of their last 8. I think they will be able to run the ball against the San Francisco defense with RB Maurice Jones-Drew. WR Mike Sims-Walker "Texas Ranger" may not have Chuck Norris' devastating roundhouse kick, but he can catch the football and make big plays. I think the Jaguars stay on the prowl as the 49ers keep mining for answers. 27-20 JAX

Cardinals @ Titans: Arizona will need QB Kurt Warner to be fully healthy if they want to win this one on the road. Tennessee has be decimated by injuries in the secondary and if Warner is healthy, he should have no trouble finding his talented crew of pass catchers. I think Warner will play, and play well but the defense of Arizona will let them down. QB Vince Young will create some big plays and RB Chris Johnson will do what he seems to do week in and week out... and that's gain huge amounts of yards. The redbirds defense lets them down in their first road loss of 2009. 30-24 TEN

Bears @ Vikings: The Bears are who we thought they were... a mediocre team at best. QB Jay Cutler has been terrible and the running game hasn't provided much help either. The Vikings on the other hand have the best running back in the game and a quarterback who feels comfortable in his Wranglers... and Viking purple. I look for Favre, WR's Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice and Percy Harvin and that dude in the backfield... I think his name is Adrian Something?? to have another big game and get another big win. Vikes win. 34-20 MIN

SNF: Steelers @ Ravens: A huge match up for a wild card spot or perhaps a AFC North title on prime time. Pittsburgh will need QB Ben Roethlisberger to be cleared and clear-headed when they face the attacking defense of the Ravens. Baltimore will need QB Joe Flacco to avoid costly turnovers and make some big plays against a Troy Polamalu-less defense. RB Ray Rice should be limited in the running game but I think he will be a big factor in the passing attack. I think Steelers will lose, but in a close one. Ravens get back in the hunt. 26-20 BAL

MNF: Patriots @ Saints: The Game of the Week pits the undefeated Saints against the always dangerous New England Patriots. It is incredibly hard to go into the Superdome and come out with a victory, especially on Monday Night. I look for both QB's to play well as usual. New Orleans needs the running game to get going early so the Patriots can't pin their ears back and attack QB Drew Brees. Look for Pats WR's Randy Moss and Wes Welker to continue their torrid pace and each catch a TD. New England had one undefeated team on the ropes 2 weeks ago and couldn't deliver the knock out punch, but I think they get it done this time around. The almighty Saints fall for the first time. 31-27 NE

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 11

1. New Orleans Saints
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. New England Patriots
5. Cincinnati Bengals
6. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
7. Dallas Cowboys
8. Arizona Cardinals
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Philadelphia Eagles

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Seattle Seahawks
29. Detroit Lions
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Cleveland Browns

That's it for Week 12...

--- J

comments? corrections? am I stupid? let me know...

NFL Week 11 Calls

2009-11-18T11:28:00.001-08:00

Here are my Week 11 picks... it's going to be a quick one because this thing called school has got me busy...

TNF: Dolphins @ Panthers: Miami without RB Ronnie Brown (injured foot- out for the season) should struggle on offense. If the 2 RB's for Carolina are healthy and can play they should have a big day. Panthers win the 2nd Thirsty Thursday Bowl of the season. 27-16 CAR

Redskins @ Cowboys: Washington helped out CHARGER fans big time last week by beating the Broncos. I don't think they can hang offensively with Dallas in this one and will probably get blown out. The Cowboys O will rebound from last week's poor performance. 34-17 DAL

Browns @ Lions: WHO CARES? The Browns are terrible, as seen on Monday Night, and the Lions aren't much better... but I do think they are better and will win this week. WR Calvin Johnson should have a big day for Detroit. 27-16 DET

49ers @ Packers: Both squads are coming of big wins, but I think the Packers have more talent offensively than do the Niners. QB Aaron Rodgers should have a big day and QB Alex Smith should struggle once again for San Fran. 27-17 GB

Steelers @ Chiefs: Pittsburgh's best player S Troy Polamalu is out and this will at some point affect the Steelers negatively, just not this week. They will still handle business against a bad Chiefs team in Arrowhead. Steelers cruise. 31-17 PIT

Falcons @ Giants: New York has lost 4 straight and is coming off a bye. If they aren't fired up and prepared for this game then I don't know what to say. Atlanta RB Michael Turner is hurt and if he doesn't play the Falcons have no chance. 27-16 NYG

Saints @ Buccaneers: New Orleans struggled against the Rams last week but are still undefeated. Tampa Bay lost a heart breaker to Miami last week and is looking better. I think QB Drew Brees has a solid day and RB's Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and my fellow Silver Pigskin Award Winner Reggie Bush will have no trouble finding room to run. Saints go to 10-0. 37-24 NO

Bills @ Jaguars: Buffalo just fired coach Dick Jauron and all I have to say is good luck to his replacement. This team is just not very good. As for Jacksonville, they came back late against the Jets and have been playing a little better as of late. RB "Some people call me" Maurice Jones-Drew is the man and he is the difference in this game. Jaguars win their 3rd straight. 24-16 JAX

Colts @ Ravens: Indianapolis was the beneficiary of yet another cocky move by "Sleveless" Bill Belichick and won in the waning seconds on Sunday Night. The Ravens had a bye as they got to play Cleveland on Monday Night. QB Peyton Manning should have another solid day and so will RB Ray Rice for Baltimore. I think the Colts finally get upset and the Ravens go to 6-4. 27-24 BAL

Seahawks @ Vikings: Seattle does not have the fire power on offense to keep up with Minnesota, not to mention the Vikings have a much better defense. Look for more of the same from QB Brett Favre and RB Adrian "All Day" Peterson as the Vikes roll. 31-17 MIN

Cardinals @ Rams: Arizona seems to finally be putting it all together and with all their speed at wide receiver, they will be tough to cover on the turf in the Lou. Rams RB Steven Jackson is the only bright spot for an otherwise boring team to watch. Jackson's one-man show is not enough to beat a full deck of Cards. 34-20 ARZ

Jets @ Patriots: The Jets beat the Patriots earlier this year but it seems like the rookie woes of QB Mark Sanchez have hit and hit hard. I think Brady and Co. will be able to get 2 yards when they need it, and actually about 450 more throughout the day. The should have a big game on offense and attack Sanchez on defense. New England doesn't give this one away. 37-13 NE

Bengals @ Raiders: The Bengals had one of the toughest tests in football last week and passed, by beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh. This week, they face an even tougher task... playing the Raiders in Jokeland. I think they should manage and handle a struggling Oakland team with no identity. Bengals move to 8-2. 24-13 CIN

CHARGERS @ Broncos: Huge game for both squads. It's a tale of 2 teams who seem to be going in opposite directions. I think without QB Kyle "Either" Orton (who I don't think is that great to begin with) Denver has a real slim chance to win this game. QB Chris Simms was 3-13 last in relief of Orton and he will be facing a fired up CHARGER D. I think BOLTS QB Philip Rivers should have a good day and WR Vincent Jackson will have more than the 1 catch he did last week. RB LaDainian Tomlin "soon to have a" son (or daughter) should have another decent day if the O-line continues to improve. I think the universe is righted as the BOLTS once again regain their throne atop the AFC West. 27-16 SD

SNF: Eagles @ Bears: Philly got dominated by the CHARGERS last week but did make it interesting at the end. QB Jay Cutler threw 5 picks and handed (or threw) the game to the Niners last Thursday. I think the Eagles will continue to rely on the passing game to move the ball, especially now with RB Brian Westbrook out with his 2nd concussion. As for Chicago, RB Matt Forte needs to get going or else Cutler will continue to force balls into tight coverage and then proceed to stand on the sidelines with a pathetic/confused look on his face. I think the Eagles should bounce back and win this one as the Bears continue to struggle. 27-26 PHI

MNF: Titans @ Texans: Quick uniform prediction: The Texans wear all blue (maybe all red) uniforms for this game. QB Matt Schaub should show the nation what I have been saying all along... that he is a top-tier NFL QB. WR Andre Johnson should have a huge day against a injury-riddled Tennessee secondary. On offense for the Titans, all QB Vince Young needs to do is get the snap, turn around and hand it to #21 Chris Johnson, the leagues leading rusher. He is tough to stop and he should have an enormous day. I think this game will be a shoot out but the Titans will run out of ammo late. Houston wins in a rare Monday Night appearance. 38-31 HOU

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 10

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Indianapolis Colts

3. Minnesota Vikings

4. Cincinnati Bengals

5. New England Patriots

6. Pittsburgh Steelers

7. Dallas Cowboys

8. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

9. Arizona Cardinals

10. Philadelphia Eagles

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Detroit Lions

29. Oakland Raiders

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

31. St. Louis Rams

32. Cleveland Browns

That's it for Week 11...

--- J

NFL Week 10 Calls

2009-11-11T12:43:00.000-08:00

How can it be Week 10 of the NFL season already?... Unbelievable. So far a pretty entertaining first half of the NFL season. Should be an even better second half.

Here are my picks for Week 10...

TNF: Bears @ 49ers: In the first Thursday night game of the season, the struggling Bears go to San Francisco to face the struggling Niners. San Fran head coach Mike Singletary will get to coach against his former franchise in a game that both teams need desperately. I look for Chicago to try to get the running game going early with RB Matt Forte and then let QB Jay Cutler air it out to WR Devin Hester as the game progresses. As for the 49ers, QB Alex Smith cannot turn the ball over 5 times like he did last week. I think RB Frank Gore should have a good one but in a losing effort. Bears coach Lovie "Dovie" Smith should have his squad focused after an embarrassing loss last week. Da Bears win the 1st NFL Network Thirsty Thursday Bowl of the season. 27-24 CHI

Broncos @ Redskins: Denver has looked like the Broncos team everyone expected in the past couple weeks. They were held to just 59 yards in the 2nd half against Pittsburgh on Monday night. I wish I could say that I think they will lose their 3rd straight contest, but the way Washington has been playing this season does not give me much hope. Redskins RB Clinton Portis is "very questionable" with a concussion and even with him the offense has failed to score more than 17 points in a game so far this season. "Game manager" Kyle "Worst Facial Hair in the NFL" Orton has woken up from his early season coma and has played like the average QB he is. Having said this, Washington has been so bad this year I think Denver gets this win on the road. I hope I'm wrong on this one but I think the Broncos get win #7. 26-16 DEN

Falcons @ Panthers: The birds from Atlanta seem to have remembered that RB Michael "The Burner" Turner is a good player and therefore have began giving him the ball more. The defense of Atlanta has been as vicious as the Real Housewives of Atlanta. As for Carolina, they gave the Saints somewhat of a challenge last week but still lost. They sit at 3-5 but the good news is that RB DeAngelo Williams has returned to his 2008 form, rushing for 307 yards in the last 2 weeks. I think QB Matt Ryan will have little trouble finding WR Roddy White and TE Tony "Not So Speedy" Gonzalez and oh yeah... turn around and give the rock to Turner. The Falcons go into Carolina and beat the Panthers. 34-27 ATL

Saints @ Rams: This one may be a barn-burner. Not. The Rams are really bad. The Saints are obviously really good. QB Drew Brees and the Saints offense should put up mammoth numbers against a poor Rams defense. Rams RB Steven Jackson has been playing better of late but I think he should have some trouble against a New Orleans defense that should have no reason to fear the Rams putrid passing attack. Look for RB Pierre Thomas to score for the Saints and for another big day by former Boilermaker and CHARGER Drew Brees. The Saints "brees" by St. Louis and remain unbeaten. 41-10 NO

Buccaneers @ Dolphins: Tampa Bay busted out their old school Creamsicle orange unis last weekend and won their first game of the year. Will Smith's favorite city... Miami, the city that keeps the roof blazin', put up a valiant, but losing effort to the Patriots. I look for Miami to get back on track this week and run all over the Bucs. I really just don't think the Bucs are good enough to win 2 straight games. Rookie QB Josh Freeman played well last week which means in typical rookie fashion he will struggle this week. RBs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams should have a big day and lead the Dolphins to victory. 27-13 MIA

Lions @ Vikings: This game should be a beat down. RB Adrian Peterson may run for 200 yards in this one. Detroit is just not very good and Minnesota is one of the top teams, as Ron Jaworski would say, in the National Football League. QB Brett Favre has a sore groin but that shouldn't stop the much better Vikings from beating the cowardly Lions at home. Keep an eye on WR/KR Percy Harvin, the former Florida Gator may be an early candidate for Rookie of the Year. 38-16 MIN

Jaguars @ Jets: Jacksonville squeaked by Kansas City last week while New York was at home watching on their bye week. The Jets are a .500 team at 4-4 and can ill-afford to lose any more ground to New England. WR Braylon Edwards should have a big day against a struggling Jaguars secondary. QB Mark "Aquaman" Sanchez should have an average day but shouldn't make any glaring mistakes either. RB Maurice Jones-Drew is an underrated player and look for him to have yet another 100+ yard day. I think a few good frames by bowling ball MJD will be the difference as loud New York fans everywhere are yelling to fire coach Rex Ryan and calling Sanchez a bum. Jaguars take one at the Meadowlands. 27-24 JAX

Bengals @ Steelers: In perhaps the most important divisional game of the week, save KC at Oakland of course, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati face off for the lead in the AFC North. The Bengals won round 1 of this fight by beating the Steelers in Cincy. I think Pittsburgh regains supremacy in the North by sticking to what they do best, defense. With S Troy Polumalu back and healthy, the Steeler defense seems to be clicking. On Monday night the Steel Curtain looked to be in total effect. RB Rashard Mendenhall has been running with a purpose and look for him to have a good day. QB Carson Palmer has played really well this season after returning from injury but the loss of WR Chris Henry for the year will mean WR Andre Caldwell will need to step up big time. Palmer will struggle a bit and WR Chad 8-5 lets him know about it. The Bengals are better this year but still aren't quite there yet. Steelers take the lead in the AFC North. 27-20 PIT

Bills @ Titans: Buffalo has been pretty bad this season and Tennessee has just figured out that the season started 9 weeks ago. The Titans have played much better in the past 2 weeks and I look for that to continue this Sunday. QB Vince Young is 2-0 as the starter this season and RB Chris Johnson has rushed for a league leading 959 yards halfway through the year. I see Johnson having another huge week rushing and Young playing well enough to get the Titans their 3rd straight win. WR Terrell Owens has been invisible in Buffalo and the countdown is officially on for him to blow up and call out his QB. On the field, the Titans stay hot and win at home. 27-16 TEN

Chiefs @ Raiders: This is by far the GAME OF THE WEEK. Oops... I meant GAME OF THE WEAK. The Chiefs cut RB Larry Johnson and he was such a hot commodity that no one claimed him off waivers. With or without Johnson this game will still be awful. This should be a terrible display and I don't even want to waste too much of my or my readers time breaking it down. So here's the Cliff Notes version:

Ch. 1- QB JaMarcus Russell struggles, blames teammates.

Ch. 2- Chiefs can't run the ball.

Ch. 3- Raiders get one lucky big play and kick a field goal.

Ch. 4- QB Matt Cassel hits WR Chris Chambers for a TD.

Ch. 5- Both teams punt the ball back and forth a lot.

Ch. 6- The game ends and still, no one cares.

The Chiefs win this one in an instant classic. 16-10 KC

Cowboys @ Packers: This is a game that Green Bay needs desperately. The Packers managed to lose to Tampa Bay last week and now they get to face a pretty hot Dallas team. QB Aaron Rodgers has been getting killed week in and week out behind a bad offensive line. QB Tony Romo outplayed Donovan McNabb on prime time last Sunday. I look for more of the same from both teams. Rodgers will play well but sacks will kill the offensive momentum. Romo will continue to play well since it is November and he doesn't start to choke until after Thanksgiving. The Cowboys D will harass A-Rod all day and force a few key turnovers. The Boys will beat the Pack and you can place the blame directly on the Green Bay offensive line. 31-24 DAL

Eagles @ CHARGERS: The Qualiseum will be rocking on Sunday as the Eagles fly into Mission Valley. The Bolts will need to continue to pressure the QB like they have been for the past 3 weeks (15 sacks in 3 games). On offense, SAN DIEGO will have to protect QB Philip Rivers (who outplayed Eli Manning last week by the way). Philadelphia has an aggressive, attacking defense that loves to blitz from all possible angles. The CHARGERS secondary needs to keep a close eye not only on WRs DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, but also on TE Brent Celek. Celek should have a big game because the Bolts routinely cover TEs poorly. WR Vincent Jackson has been amazing thus far this season and you can bet that All-Pro CB Asante Samuel will be all over him, if he's healthy. Look for a TD pass from LT and big day for TE Antonio Gates. I think the Eagles defense will not be able to act like a dam and stop the Rivers. The Bolts go to 6-3 as they continue their momentum. 27-24 SD

Seahawks @ Cardinals: Well Arizona is at home so that means they will probably lose. That's right, the Cardinals are 4-0 on the road this season and a mere 1-3 back at their own nest in Glendale. Seattle beat the Lions last week but have not been very impressive overall. I think QB Kurt Warner and Co. will have good numbers and put up at least 30 points. WRs Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Breaston and not late but Early Doucet had a great game last week and I think it will continue this Sunday. Seahawks QB Matt Hasslebeck may need a few more EAS protein shakes to lead his squad to a win on the road. I don't think Seattle has the personnel to match up with Arizona. The Cards get back to their winning ways at home. 34-24 ARZ

SNF: Patriots @ Colts: Great match up. Tom Brady and the good Manning, Peyton, should put on a clinic on professional quarterback play. New England is 6-2 and leads the AFC East by 2 games. Indianapolis is 8-0 and is running away with the AFC South. I look for Brady to continue to find WRs Randall Moss and Wes Welker (former CHARGER) as well as TE Ben Watson. As for the Colts, Manning will spread the ball to WRs Reggie Wayne and Austin Collie and TE Dallas Clark as usual. I look for RB Joseph Addai to be the difference maker on offense for Indy but I think the Colts fall for the first time this season. They have been playing teams real close the past few weeks and I think it will catch up with them this week. I think Tom Brady and the Patriots offense will emerge victorious in a very entertaining game. 38-31 NE

MNF: Ravens @ Browns: First off, why the hell is Cleveland on Monday Night Football? They are so bad and their offense is painful to watch. Anyway, Baltimore lost to Cincinnati last week after looking unstoppable against Denver in Week 8. I think the Ravens will destroy Cleveland in this one. The Baltimore defense should pressure QB Brady Quinn all day long and make him wish that coach Eric Mangini left him on the bench. RB Ray Rice should have a huge night for Baltimore and so should QB Joe Flacco. I can see this one getting really ugly really quick. The Ravens and all their rowdy friends will roll on Monday Night. 34-6 BAL

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 9

1. New Orleans Saints
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. New England Patriots
5. Cincinnati Bengals
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Dallas Cowboys
8. Denver Broncos
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Detroit Lions
29. Kansas City Chiefs
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
31. St. Louis Rams
32. Cleveland Browns

That's it for Week 10...

... In the words of Cleveland Browns QB and EAS spokesman Brady Quinn, "Now I'm done."

---J

3 and Out: What I Learned: Week 9

2009-11-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Here are 3 things I learned after watching Week 9 of the NFL season...

1. The Bengals may be for real. Cincinnati handled the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, sweeping the season series. Cincy's D held Ravens QB Joe Flacco to under 200 yards passing and RB Ray Rice to under 50 yards rushing. Carson Palmer and the Bengals offense put up 150 more total yards than their opponents. The Bengals now are tied for the lead in the AFC North with Pittsburgh but have an edge after already beating the Steelers earlier this year.

2. I was wrong about the CHARGERS. I know, I know. I cannot possibly be a real Bolts fan if I predicted them to lose to the Giants last week. Well, I was flat out wrong.... and I am very happy about it. SAN DIEGO still couldn't run the ball, but the $92 million right arm of Philip Rivers was enough to lead a late comeback, the 11th of his career. The defense continued its resurgent play as the defense collected 5 more sacks. The AFC West race got much closer in just 2 weeks. With the Bolts winning their last 3 games and the Broncos coming back to earth and losing 2 straight, Denver's division lead is now at only 1 game with 8 left to play.

3. Houston is close to becoming a threat in the AFC. The Texans and Colts put up almost identical offensive numbers on Sunday:

Total Yards: IND=378 HOU=382
Passing Yards: Manning= 318 Schaub=311
Rushing Yards: IND= 72 HOU=81

True, the Colts had better numbers in the only stat that mattered... points, but still the Texans are an improving team. If not for a last second 42-yard field goal choke by kicker Kris Brown, the Texans may have been just a coin toss away from being 6-3 and handing the Colts their first lost of the season. Houston has a strong offense and a much better defense than in years past. Keep an eye out for the "other" team from Texas.

Wishful Uni of the Week: For some reason the CHARGERS don't realize that if you have a white jersey and you have white pants, that you can wear them at the same time. Same thing with the dark blue jersey and pants. The Bolts have never busted these unis out yet, but if they do they will be tough to beat... Come on, tell me these don't look good...

That's my 3 and out for this week...

comments? corrections? am I just an idiot? Let me know...

--J

NFL Week 9 Calls

2009-11-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

Here are my week 9 calls... lights out edition.

Redskins @ Falcons: The Redskins organization is in disarray as they just fired their GM. Hotlanta just lost on Monday Night after putting up a pretty solid effort against the Saints. Michael Turner seemed to get going last week and I look for him to stay hot. TE Tony Gonzalez and WR Roddy White should have a pretty good game against an overall struggling Washington team. I think the Falcons win this one pretty easily. 27-16 ATL

Cardinals @ Bears: Arizona looked awful at home last week against the Panthers. The Bears handled a terrible Browns team. Last time these two teams met.... this happened... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_N1OjGhIFc Classic. Anyway I look for the Cards to bounce back since they have been playing much better on the road this season. It should be a tight game but I think Arizona actually

pulls this one off and beats Da Bears. Look for WR Larry Fitzgerald to have a huge game. 31-24 ARZ

Ravens@ Bengals: Thankfully last week Baltimore handed the Broncos their first loss of the season (as predicted on Jake's Take). The Bengals have come back to earth a little bit in the past few weeks and I look for them to struggle against a fired up Raven defense. Joe Flacco needs to protect the ball for the Ravens and find RB Ray Rice as often as possible, because he is a stud. Carson Palmer better make sure he knows where safety Ed Reed is at all times or he could throw a pick-six or 2. Chad Eight-Five should have a decent day for the Bungles. But, in the end I think the Ravens are too much for Cincinnati, even at home. 34-24 BAL

Texans @ Colts: Houston benched their starting running back Steve Slaton last week only to have their backup Ryan Moats rush for 3 TDs. The Colts got more TD passes from RB Joseph Addai (1) than QB Peyton Manning (0) but they still won. Indy just has an all-around solid team and they are very tough to beat at home. I look for Peyton to light it up this week mainly because I play against him in two different fantasy football leagues and that always happens. Matt Schaub should play pretty well but will get upstaged by the huge day by Manning. The Colts remain undefeated. 34-26 IND

Dolphins @ Patriots: Miami beat the Jets last week despite being out gained on offense by over 200 yards... How did this happen? WR/KR Ted Ginn Jr. returned not 1, but 2 kickoffs for TDs which basically carried the Dolphins. The Patriots spent last week preparing for the Dolphins this week and that is not good news for Miami. Tom Brady should explode this week and I look for him to find WR's Randy Moss and Wes Welker early and often considering that Miami starts two rookies at the corner spots. The Pats take care of the Dolphins at home. 35-20 NE

Packers @ Buccaneers: Last week, Green Bay basically had an ex-girlfriend come over to their house with a new and better boyfriend and could do nothing to stop it. Brett Favre came in and shredded the GB defense with a much better Vikings team. Aaron Rodgers played really well himself, but its tough completing passes when you are getting smoked on every single play. Either way I look for the Pack to come back this week against a poor Tampa Bay squad. The Bucs have not won a game this season and I don't see that changing anytime soon. Look for the Packers to struggle early in this one and then erupt with a bunch of points as the game progresses. Green Bay robs the Buccaneers at home. 34-17 GB

Chiefs @ Jaguars: One thing that I know is that Kansas City is not very good. Jacksonville has been hard to predict this year because they play really well one week and look like the worst team in football the next. I see Maurice Jones-Drew having a great game against a pretty bad Chiefs defense. The Chiefs did sign WR Chris Chambers who was cut by SAN DIEGO earlier this week and that should help their passing game, considering their existing receivers aside from Dwayne Bowe are awful. Matt Cassel should have a better game but it will still be in a losing effort. Jaguars win at home. 27-16 JAX

Panthers @ Saints: "Sweet" Carolina looked just that last week, sweet. Even Neil Diamond was impressed as the Panthers dominated the Cardinals on the road. New Orleans handled business on Monday Night to remain undefeated. The Saints are almost impossible to beat at home and the Panthers have the privilege of going into the Superdome this weekend. I look for Panthers running game to have big day against a Saints D that allowed The Burner to run for 150 yards. The Saints defense leads the NFL in interceptions and no QB has thrown more the Carolina's Jake Delhomme. This could be a recipe for disaster for the Panthers. The only thing going right for the Panthers QB this season is is first name. I just think the Saints can attack you from too many angles on offense and even if Drew Brees is on phone sitting on the sidelines, the defense can score at any time as well. New Orleans is just too good for the Panthers. Saints go to 8-0. 37-24 NO

Lions @ Seahawks: The Lions lost to a team I predicted would not win a game this entire season... so that should tell you how well they are playing, or how dumb I am. Seattle got destroyed by Dallas last week but they get to come home Sunday where they are much tougher to beat. Matt Hasslebeck should play well against a bad Detroit defense. WR's Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmenzadeh or however you spell it should have big numbers in this one. The Lions desperately need WR Calvin Johnson back this week to boost a struggling offense with a rookie QB. I think the Seahawks fly high at home. 27-17 SEA

Titans @ 49ers: Vince Young played pretty well last week in his return to the starting lineup. San Francisco played the Colts really close but could not come through with the win. I think RB Chris Johnson could explode again this week for Tennessee as long as he runs away from All -Pro linebacker Patrick Willis. Alex Smith needs to find TE Vernon Davis and WR Michael Crabtree early to open up things for RB Frank Gore. I think Mike Singletary will get his troops in shape this week and they will beat the Titans in the Bay Area. 27-24 SF

CHARGERS @ Giants: SAN DIEGO outplayed Oakland last weekend but barely held on for the win. It was nice to see that Shawne Merriman remembered how to do his light-out dance. The G-Men have lost three straight and are looking to get back on track. The most intriguing match up in this entire game is between 2 players who will only be on the field at the same time during the coin flip. QB's Philip Rivers and Eli Manning will meet for the first time on the field after the infamous 2004 draft day fiasco. Terrible looking Eli refused to play for the CHARGERS and demanded a trade after the BOLTS drafted him #1 overall. The Giants drafted Philip Rivers with fourth overall pick and then the trade was made. I think both QB's will play well and if the CHARGERS offense line can protect P-Riv he will have a huge day. But that is a big IF. The Giants offense should run the ball pretty well and I can see safeties Eric Weddle and Stephen Gregory getting ran over by RB Brandon Jacobs. In the end I think the Giants pull this one out, ruining a great effort by Philip Rivers and the passing attack. Eli is outplayed by Philip, but wins the Draft-Day-Trade Bowl. 34-28 NYG

SNF: Cowboys @ Eagles: Dallas have been playing well of late which means they will lay an egg this week. Philly has been playing great and they are tough at home. QB Tony Romo should play well after finding a #1 receiver in "I Can See For Miles and..." Miles Austin. WR's DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin have been a great 1-2 threat for the Eagles and when you throw in TE Brent Celek, they are tough to stop offensively. I see more of the big play success for the Philly offense. The Eagle D should get a few key turnovers late that will fuel the win. Eagles win a big one at home. 34-27 PHI

MNF: Steelers @ Broncos: This will be a great game. We will see if Kyle Orton can handle the blitzes and pressure of the Steel Curtain. Pittsburgh is coming off a bye week after handing Minnesota their first loss in Week 7. I think Big Ben will spread the ball to WR's Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, Mike Wallace and TE Heath Miller. Denver RB Knowshon Moreno should find running lanes few are far between. I see Pittsburgh going into Mile High and handing the Broncos their 2nd straight loss of the year. The defense carries the Steelers once again. 27-16 PIT

Jake's Power Rankings through Week 8

1. New Orleans Saints

2. Indianapolis Colts

3. Minnesota Vikings

4. Denver Broncos

5. New England Patriots

6. Philadelphia Eagles

7. Cincinnati Bengals

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

9. Baltimore Ravens

10. Dallas Cowboys

Jake's Bottom of the Barrel Rankings

28. Kansas City Chiefs

29. St. Louis Rams

30. Detroit Lions

31. Cleveland Browns

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

That's it for Week 9...

---J

NFL Week 8 Calls

2009-10-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-06T10:37:00.001-07:00

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