10 games after my last post on the Avs, and a lot has gone on. The night I made my last post, Craig Anderson went down with a knee injury and nobody knew how long he would be out. Well, he returned tonight and helped the Avs to a 5-1 victory over the New York Rangers.
Over the past 10 games, the Avs have seen a lot of faces come up and contribute, due to necessity from injury. Adam Foote went out, Kyle Quincy, Kyle Cumiskey, TJ Galliardi, Craig Anderson, David Koci (though nobody really noticed his absence as all he does is come out for a couple of minutes and then sits for 5 minutes). Normally, a team this hit by injury, you would expect to crash and burn, but in the last 10 games, that have been without Craig Anderson, the Avs are 7-3. Why the success? The young blood that has come in, and, strangely enough, Peter Budaj. I mean, this is the guy that didn't manage to stay ahead of Jose Theodore, and assisted the Avs to a 14th place Western Conference finish, yet he's helped the Avs to a 7-3 record in their last 10. Why?
Well, here's my theory. Last year the Avs allowed more shots on goal than any other team in the NHL. And Craig Anderson bailed them out A LOT! There were very few games in which the Avs actually out shot their opponents last year, and they were quite frequently badly outshot. In the last 10, the Avs out shot their opponents 4 times, were exactly even in shots twice, and really only badly outshot once, against the Sharks in an OT victory. Something seems to have happened to this Avs team that took a full season and 20 games to catch on.
In the last 10 games, the Avs have scored 40 goals, and only given up 24. Once Craig Anderson went down, then Adam Foote, and other defensemen, it seems as if this team realized that they couldn't actually rely on their goalie to steal games for them, and realized that some serious offense was in order. Suddenly, the Avs have realized that the best way to win the games is to score against your opponents. And the young blood that was brought in has definitely helped.
Kevin Porter has scored some great goals, and actually has the GWG in the last 2 games for the Avs. Kevin Shattnekirk has proven to be very effective defensively, and has 2 goals in his last 2 games. Colby Cohen was involved in a lot of scraps in the time that he spent, and even managed to get under the skin of Jarome Iginla. Jonas Holos jumpstarted the Avs power play with his big shot, and helped with his physical play.
Now, the Avs are getting healthy. Adam Foote is back in the line-up, Craig Anderson is back in the line up, and it is obvious that those two should be brought right back into the line-up. Both great leaders for this team, but now there is a real question about what to do with the 2 Kyles, Cumiskey and Quincey, when they get back. If you ask me, at least one of them needs to go. We have a better offensive defensemen right now, and it would be a huge mistake to send him back down. Shatty is ready for the big time, and has already proven that he is more reliable than both of the Kyles in his own zone. I'm quite interested to see where this Avs team goes. They are now tied for first in the NW division, and if the type of offense keeps coming around that we have seen in the last 10, and Andy and Boods actually get the support that they have needed, we could possibly see a big move up in the standings for these Avs.
As the giant homer that I am, I will keep rooting for my Avs to make a return to the top of our division.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Saturday, November 13, 2010
KGs week 10 picks!
9-4 last week, not half bad. My fantasy teams continue to tank, with the exception of my pick'em league. Grand total of 79-51. Hoping to keep my rolls going.
Baltimore @ Atlanta: Happened Thursday. I chose Baltimore, and was wrong. **sigh**, oh well.
Cincinnati @ Indianapolis: Cinci has been so inconsistent this year, and Indy has been hammered by the injury bug. Cinci's inconsistency is worse in the end. Colts win this one.
NY Jets @ Cleveland: Cleveland pulled off another huge win last week. They are better than people give them credit for, and have a strong possibility of winning another big one. I think the Jets come well prepared enough to squeak out a close win. But give the Browns their due. They have risen about the poor Cleveland designation.
Minnesota @ Chicago: Well, 2 teams that both aren't playing very well. Bears have definitely slowed since their hot start, and the Vikes have never really gotten going, but with that exciting come from behind victory they got over Arizona last week, they may have found a rallying point. Their defense especially seemed to have gotten a shot in the arm. I think they will ride that momentum past the Bears this week.
Tennessee @ Miami: Randy Moss's debut with the Titans. He has played the Fins very well in the past. The Fins have also had a very difficult schedule, and the Titans won't make things any easier. Fins will keep it close, but will fall short again.
Houston @ Jacksonville: Houston got screwed on a bad call last week. That full catch rule is ridiculous. If it is no longer a touchdown when a guy catches the ball, crosses the plane of the goal line, and has control of the ball the entire time he's crossed the goal line, then I don't know what is. Jacksonville still isn't very good, and Houston is on the rise. They have to show that they can bounce back, and they will.
Detroit @ Buffalo: Bufallo stinks, Detroit is flirting with relevance. I'll take the Lions.
Carolina @ Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay has shown that they have a legit chance to win their division. Carolina has shown that they can't really do much of anything this year, I'll take the Bucs.
Kansas City @ Denver: I love my Broncos, but they have no ability to really do anything this year, other than get hammered. They couldn't stop the Raiders run game, and they won't be able to stop the Chief's run game. Broncos take another step towards a new head coach this week, and lose another division game at home.
St. Louis @ San Francisco: Rams have played very well this year, far exceeding expectations. San Fran has been the exact opposite, and are coming off a bye after beating the Broncos in England. This could be a close one, but the Rams should be able to pull this one out.
Dallas @ NY Giants: Dallas is going nowhere fast, but down. The G-men are moving closer to another division title. G-men.
Seattle @ Arizona: Arizona totally blew it last week. They had the Vikes right where they wanted them, and, in the immortal words of Dennis Green, they let them off the hook. They can't do that again. I do, however, believe that the Seahawks will take this one down.
New England @ Pittsburgh: New England can't play on the road against anybody, and the Steelers are much tougher than Cleveland. She Said No will definitely have his way with the girl in the Pat's huddle (apologies for that).
Philadelphia @ Washington: Good win for Philly last week, and maybe Vick will finish this game out this time. I think that if Vick stays in all 4 quarters they will take this one. Too much drama in D.C., Iggles prevail.
Here's hoping things go well this week!
Baltimore @ Atlanta: Happened Thursday. I chose Baltimore, and was wrong. **sigh**, oh well.
Cincinnati @ Indianapolis: Cinci has been so inconsistent this year, and Indy has been hammered by the injury bug. Cinci's inconsistency is worse in the end. Colts win this one.
NY Jets @ Cleveland: Cleveland pulled off another huge win last week. They are better than people give them credit for, and have a strong possibility of winning another big one. I think the Jets come well prepared enough to squeak out a close win. But give the Browns their due. They have risen about the poor Cleveland designation.
Minnesota @ Chicago: Well, 2 teams that both aren't playing very well. Bears have definitely slowed since their hot start, and the Vikes have never really gotten going, but with that exciting come from behind victory they got over Arizona last week, they may have found a rallying point. Their defense especially seemed to have gotten a shot in the arm. I think they will ride that momentum past the Bears this week.
Tennessee @ Miami: Randy Moss's debut with the Titans. He has played the Fins very well in the past. The Fins have also had a very difficult schedule, and the Titans won't make things any easier. Fins will keep it close, but will fall short again.
Houston @ Jacksonville: Houston got screwed on a bad call last week. That full catch rule is ridiculous. If it is no longer a touchdown when a guy catches the ball, crosses the plane of the goal line, and has control of the ball the entire time he's crossed the goal line, then I don't know what is. Jacksonville still isn't very good, and Houston is on the rise. They have to show that they can bounce back, and they will.
Detroit @ Buffalo: Bufallo stinks, Detroit is flirting with relevance. I'll take the Lions.
Carolina @ Tampa Bay: Tampa Bay has shown that they have a legit chance to win their division. Carolina has shown that they can't really do much of anything this year, I'll take the Bucs.
Kansas City @ Denver: I love my Broncos, but they have no ability to really do anything this year, other than get hammered. They couldn't stop the Raiders run game, and they won't be able to stop the Chief's run game. Broncos take another step towards a new head coach this week, and lose another division game at home.
St. Louis @ San Francisco: Rams have played very well this year, far exceeding expectations. San Fran has been the exact opposite, and are coming off a bye after beating the Broncos in England. This could be a close one, but the Rams should be able to pull this one out.
Dallas @ NY Giants: Dallas is going nowhere fast, but down. The G-men are moving closer to another division title. G-men.
Seattle @ Arizona: Arizona totally blew it last week. They had the Vikes right where they wanted them, and, in the immortal words of Dennis Green, they let them off the hook. They can't do that again. I do, however, believe that the Seahawks will take this one down.
New England @ Pittsburgh: New England can't play on the road against anybody, and the Steelers are much tougher than Cleveland. She Said No will definitely have his way with the girl in the Pat's huddle (apologies for that).
Philadelphia @ Washington: Good win for Philly last week, and maybe Vick will finish this game out this time. I think that if Vick stays in all 4 quarters they will take this one. Too much drama in D.C., Iggles prevail.
Here's hoping things go well this week!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
KGs week 9 picks
Crazy NFL season continues!! My fantasy teams have been a pretty huge disappointment at this point in time. The only exception has been the excellent picks that I have made. I am currently number 1 in my yahoo pick'em league. Very happy about that! So, with that said. Here are my picks for week 9 of the NFL season. By the way, 8-5 from last week, not great but still a winning record, puts me at 70-47 for the season. Just barely under 60% correct. Hoping to get better!
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta: Tampa has played quite well this year, but Atlanta is really starting to find their rhythm. Atlanta will take this one in a very good game.
Chicago @ Buffalo: Buffalo has shown some life in this season, but never on defense. Bears should win this one.
New England @ Cleveland: Cleveland has the biggest shocker win of the year when they beat the Saints. I think they will be more competitive than people expect during this game, but still can't take down the Pats.
NY Jets @ Detroit: Detroit finally got a win last week, but are they able to win 2 in a row for the first time in what seems like a decade? Not this time. Jets bounce back and take this one.
Arizona @ Minnesota: Inconsistent vs. inconsistent. The inconsistent Vikes will take this one.
New Orleans @ Carolina: Saints got a HUGE win last week against a very good Steelers team. I think that they will keep things rolling against a not very good Carolina team. Saints.
Miami @ Baltimore: Miami has been so up and down this year. They can play tough teams, as shown against the Steelers, when a very questionable call kept them from winning the game. So don't rule them out against Baltimore. But, I do think that Baltimore is going to take this one. Ed Reed will ball hawk like he always does and will make a big play against Chad Henne.
San Diego @ Houston: San Diego showed some heart last week, coming back to beat the Titans. Houston needs to bounce back after losing to Indy. Houston has shown great resolve this year, and I just haven't seen much of anything that has shown San Diego is consistent enough to hold the Texans offense down. This will be a good one, but I have a feeling Houston will take this one late.
NY Giants @ Seattle: Seattle needs to show what they are made of after getting killed by Oakland. They may play decently, but will still not beat the G-men.
Kansas City @ Oakland: Oakland has tons of confidence after scoring a total of 92 points in the last 2 weeks. Kansas City needs this win to keep moving a head of the rest of the very mediocre AFC West. Oakland will probably lead early, but KC will prevail in this one.
Indianapolis @ Philadelphia: This will be a great game. Vick is coming back for the Iggles. And the Colts are still short a lot of people. But, if there is a person who can deal with injuries in their team, it is Peyton Manning. This guy is just so efficient. Had some tough games this year, but I just can't pick against Peyton Manning. Give me the Colts.
Dallas @ Green Bay: Cowboys are going nowhere fast, except for down. Packers win this one.
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati: Cinci has so many question marks, just can't really ever seem to put the whole thing together. They will play the Steelers tough, just like always, but She Said No and crew will take this one down. Steelers.
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta: Tampa has played quite well this year, but Atlanta is really starting to find their rhythm. Atlanta will take this one in a very good game.
Chicago @ Buffalo: Buffalo has shown some life in this season, but never on defense. Bears should win this one.
New England @ Cleveland: Cleveland has the biggest shocker win of the year when they beat the Saints. I think they will be more competitive than people expect during this game, but still can't take down the Pats.
NY Jets @ Detroit: Detroit finally got a win last week, but are they able to win 2 in a row for the first time in what seems like a decade? Not this time. Jets bounce back and take this one.
Arizona @ Minnesota: Inconsistent vs. inconsistent. The inconsistent Vikes will take this one.
New Orleans @ Carolina: Saints got a HUGE win last week against a very good Steelers team. I think that they will keep things rolling against a not very good Carolina team. Saints.
Miami @ Baltimore: Miami has been so up and down this year. They can play tough teams, as shown against the Steelers, when a very questionable call kept them from winning the game. So don't rule them out against Baltimore. But, I do think that Baltimore is going to take this one. Ed Reed will ball hawk like he always does and will make a big play against Chad Henne.
San Diego @ Houston: San Diego showed some heart last week, coming back to beat the Titans. Houston needs to bounce back after losing to Indy. Houston has shown great resolve this year, and I just haven't seen much of anything that has shown San Diego is consistent enough to hold the Texans offense down. This will be a good one, but I have a feeling Houston will take this one late.
NY Giants @ Seattle: Seattle needs to show what they are made of after getting killed by Oakland. They may play decently, but will still not beat the G-men.
Kansas City @ Oakland: Oakland has tons of confidence after scoring a total of 92 points in the last 2 weeks. Kansas City needs this win to keep moving a head of the rest of the very mediocre AFC West. Oakland will probably lead early, but KC will prevail in this one.
Indianapolis @ Philadelphia: This will be a great game. Vick is coming back for the Iggles. And the Colts are still short a lot of people. But, if there is a person who can deal with injuries in their team, it is Peyton Manning. This guy is just so efficient. Had some tough games this year, but I just can't pick against Peyton Manning. Give me the Colts.
Dallas @ Green Bay: Cowboys are going nowhere fast, except for down. Packers win this one.
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati: Cinci has so many question marks, just can't really ever seem to put the whole thing together. They will play the Steelers tough, just like always, but She Said No and crew will take this one down. Steelers.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
KGs week 8 picks
Well, here we go again! It appears that A-Mac sat out last week for one reason or another, so I've cushioned my stats. I believe that I was 9-5 last week, getting both the Sunday night and Monday night games in order to assure a pretty good week, putting me up to 62-42 for the season. Still looking for that awesome week of picks, but man oh man has the league been a tough one to choose this year. Well, here we go.!
Miami @ Cincinnati: Cinci's secondary stinks, and their offense is anemic. Miami has a very underrated receiving core, and I have a feeling that the Bengals are going to get shredded in this one. Fins.
Jacksonville @ Dallas: No Romo, bad defense, stupid penalties, Cowboys just have everything running against them. I have a feeling that the Cowboys are going to just keep falling down. I think the Jags may have this one.
Washington @ Detroit: Last year, Washington was a winless team's best friend. They are better this year, and the Lions have been ever so close to pulling things out, but just can't. This could be a good game, and I think it will stay close, but I think the Skins will take this one.
Buffalo @ Kansas City: Buffalo has random weeks where they score a ton, but still lose because their defense stinks. They just aren't going to go anywhere this year. Bills lose again.
Carolina @ St. Louis: St. Louis is so improved this year, and actually have a fighting chance to make the playoffs. They keep those chances pretty healthy this week and beat a horrible Panthers team.
Green Bay @ NY Jets: Packers just can never seem to pull away, and if you let the Jets hang around, they'll beat you. Home field doesn't hurt either, give me the Jets.
Denver @ San Francisco (kinda): This one is out in England, in a game that nobody actually cares about back in the states. The niners are this year's biggest disappointment, and the Broncos just plain suck. I have a feeling that this team has quit on the boy king again, and I may be fairly shocked if the Broncos win 2 more games all year. So the players clearly don't care about McD, so I won't be surprised by how bad things will get for the Broncos. Niners win across the pond.
Tennessee @ San Diego: How bad does San Diego have to play in order to no longer be favored? These guys have forgotten how to win. Tennessee is too tough for them. Phillip Rivers will get hammered, but still not nearly as badly as he deserves to get creamed. Titans.
Seattle @ Oakland: Was Oakland really that good? Or is Denver just really that bad? I'm going with the latter. Seahawks move closer to an NFC West title with a win in Oakland.
Minnesota @ New England: I bet Favre plays, because his ego is too huge, and continues to hurt his team. Then, if Jackson plays, he's just not that good of a QB. Pats, either way.
Tampa Bay @ Arizona: Arizona is in disarray. Who'd have thought that Kurt Warner held together that team this much! Give me the Bucs.
Pittsburgh @ New Orleans: I am officially off the Saints wagon. These guys have forgotten how to dominate. And that is not a good thing to forget when you are playing a team like the Steelers. You turn the ball over that many times against Cleveland, it makes people scared about what will happen to you against the Steelers. No need for a blown call in the endzone this week, the Steelers will win.
Houston @ Indianapolis: Houston shocked the league with a huge win against the Colts in week 1. I don't think that the Colts will let that happen again. Colts take this one at home.
Miami @ Cincinnati: Cinci's secondary stinks, and their offense is anemic. Miami has a very underrated receiving core, and I have a feeling that the Bengals are going to get shredded in this one. Fins.
Jacksonville @ Dallas: No Romo, bad defense, stupid penalties, Cowboys just have everything running against them. I have a feeling that the Cowboys are going to just keep falling down. I think the Jags may have this one.
Washington @ Detroit: Last year, Washington was a winless team's best friend. They are better this year, and the Lions have been ever so close to pulling things out, but just can't. This could be a good game, and I think it will stay close, but I think the Skins will take this one.
Buffalo @ Kansas City: Buffalo has random weeks where they score a ton, but still lose because their defense stinks. They just aren't going to go anywhere this year. Bills lose again.
Carolina @ St. Louis: St. Louis is so improved this year, and actually have a fighting chance to make the playoffs. They keep those chances pretty healthy this week and beat a horrible Panthers team.
Green Bay @ NY Jets: Packers just can never seem to pull away, and if you let the Jets hang around, they'll beat you. Home field doesn't hurt either, give me the Jets.
Denver @ San Francisco (kinda): This one is out in England, in a game that nobody actually cares about back in the states. The niners are this year's biggest disappointment, and the Broncos just plain suck. I have a feeling that this team has quit on the boy king again, and I may be fairly shocked if the Broncos win 2 more games all year. So the players clearly don't care about McD, so I won't be surprised by how bad things will get for the Broncos. Niners win across the pond.
Tennessee @ San Diego: How bad does San Diego have to play in order to no longer be favored? These guys have forgotten how to win. Tennessee is too tough for them. Phillip Rivers will get hammered, but still not nearly as badly as he deserves to get creamed. Titans.
Seattle @ Oakland: Was Oakland really that good? Or is Denver just really that bad? I'm going with the latter. Seahawks move closer to an NFC West title with a win in Oakland.
Minnesota @ New England: I bet Favre plays, because his ego is too huge, and continues to hurt his team. Then, if Jackson plays, he's just not that good of a QB. Pats, either way.
Tampa Bay @ Arizona: Arizona is in disarray. Who'd have thought that Kurt Warner held together that team this much! Give me the Bucs.
Pittsburgh @ New Orleans: I am officially off the Saints wagon. These guys have forgotten how to dominate. And that is not a good thing to forget when you are playing a team like the Steelers. You turn the ball over that many times against Cleveland, it makes people scared about what will happen to you against the Steelers. No need for a blown call in the endzone this week, the Steelers will win.
Houston @ Indianapolis: Houston shocked the league with a huge win against the Colts in week 1. I don't think that the Colts will let that happen again. Colts take this one at home.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
9 games in, my thoughts on the Avs thus far.
Well, we're nearly 10 games into the NHL regular season, and we are once again seeing some great action from the Colorado Avs. Craig Anderson has been good, although we are now awaiting word on his injury from warm ups in Vancouver (other than it is a knee injury), and the team has its skating legs. But there is definite room for improvement.
First off, bright spots. John Michael Liles has been a HUGE bright spot. 0 goals, but 11 assists in 9 games, with a record setting assist in each game. He's not a big guy, and he doesn't have a huge shot, but he's a very fast skater who can get the puck to the net and let the bigger guys get things done. With 11 points in the first 9 games, you have to think that cracking 40 points will be a no brainer. Could be a career year for Liles.
Daniel Winnik was possibly the best offseason pickup by the Avs this year. This guy is fast, and smart. He's great defensively, and is able to contribute offensively. He logs a bunch of penalty minutes, and may get you 15 goals, great contribution from a 3rd line guy. I have been amazingly impressed by this guy, and won't be surprised to see his ice time continue to go up.
Chris Stewart. Always wonder about a guy who really busts out in a contract year. Wonder if he can put out that same type of effort now that he got a raise. So far, so good. 5 goals, including that amazing bomb (at 33 seconds) that beat the great Martin Brodeur. This guy is the real deal. I'm expecting 30 goals from him.
Minuses.
Special Teams.
As pointed out by several people, such as Adian Dater, have pointed out that the Avs are very undersized on the blue line, which hurts both your special teams. Hard when you don't have a big guy to get a big shot on the PP, and then you also can't keep your crease clear on the PK. Avs PK is located towards the bottom of the league, and the PP has given up 4 short handed goals, which you just can't do. This could be a big deciding factor in whether or not the Avs make the playoffs.
Defense
Again, thus far, the Avs D has looked about the same. Giving up tons of shots against, and just not getting involved enough offensively (with the exception of Liles of course). They're small, and very young. Holos has been a great surprise, and has even helped out the PP a bit, but this team lacks a really big #1 style shut down defensemen that isn't in his 20th year in the league. I love Footer, but that guy is old, and not long for this league.
4th line.
Really, we don't have one. They play, but we really don't get much productivity out of them. And, again, they are small. Our biggest guy, David Koci, is also our most worthless guy. He was a healthy scratch almost all of last season, and when he was on the ice, his job isn't to play, it's to fight. We lack a strong checking, very physical, and intimidating 4th line.
Question marks.
Craig Anderson
Slow down, I love this guy! The question is definitely not about his ability, it's more about whether or not he can handle the same type of load that Joe Sacco gave him last year. He faced more shots than anybody in the NHL, and made more saves, last year. Had 7 shutouts, and was just amazing. I'm more questioning how he will be used, because I think he was tired by the time we were giving up 50 shots each playoff game to the Sharks. He needs help. edit: Of course, now the question has become when is he going to be back for the Avs?! Currently, he is being listed as indefinitely out. This, needless to say, is bad. So now the bigger question is how will Budaj respond, and will we try and make any moves to get another goalie to help shoulder the load?
Matt Duchene
He's playing well, and has decent numbers (2 goal and 6 assists), but he seems like he is trying to do too much at times. He's getting chances, but really looks like he's trying to be too cute sometimes. I think he'll get through it, but you gotta hope that this Calder finalist won't fall victim to the sophomore slump.
All in all, my general assessment of this team is that they are, by and large, exactly the same as last year. Lots of shots, will rely heavily on their goalie and on a bunch of really young players that we aren't totally sure are going to be able to live up to their expectations. I'm not going to write them off yet, but I do believe that the Avs will be fortunate to make the playoffs this year. So here's hoping. GO AVS!
First off, bright spots. John Michael Liles has been a HUGE bright spot. 0 goals, but 11 assists in 9 games, with a record setting assist in each game. He's not a big guy, and he doesn't have a huge shot, but he's a very fast skater who can get the puck to the net and let the bigger guys get things done. With 11 points in the first 9 games, you have to think that cracking 40 points will be a no brainer. Could be a career year for Liles.
Daniel Winnik was possibly the best offseason pickup by the Avs this year. This guy is fast, and smart. He's great defensively, and is able to contribute offensively. He logs a bunch of penalty minutes, and may get you 15 goals, great contribution from a 3rd line guy. I have been amazingly impressed by this guy, and won't be surprised to see his ice time continue to go up.
Chris Stewart. Always wonder about a guy who really busts out in a contract year. Wonder if he can put out that same type of effort now that he got a raise. So far, so good. 5 goals, including that amazing bomb (at 33 seconds) that beat the great Martin Brodeur. This guy is the real deal. I'm expecting 30 goals from him.
Minuses.
Special Teams.
As pointed out by several people, such as Adian Dater, have pointed out that the Avs are very undersized on the blue line, which hurts both your special teams. Hard when you don't have a big guy to get a big shot on the PP, and then you also can't keep your crease clear on the PK. Avs PK is located towards the bottom of the league, and the PP has given up 4 short handed goals, which you just can't do. This could be a big deciding factor in whether or not the Avs make the playoffs.
Defense
Again, thus far, the Avs D has looked about the same. Giving up tons of shots against, and just not getting involved enough offensively (with the exception of Liles of course). They're small, and very young. Holos has been a great surprise, and has even helped out the PP a bit, but this team lacks a really big #1 style shut down defensemen that isn't in his 20th year in the league. I love Footer, but that guy is old, and not long for this league.
4th line.
Really, we don't have one. They play, but we really don't get much productivity out of them. And, again, they are small. Our biggest guy, David Koci, is also our most worthless guy. He was a healthy scratch almost all of last season, and when he was on the ice, his job isn't to play, it's to fight. We lack a strong checking, very physical, and intimidating 4th line.
Question marks.
Craig Anderson
Slow down, I love this guy! The question is definitely not about his ability, it's more about whether or not he can handle the same type of load that Joe Sacco gave him last year. He faced more shots than anybody in the NHL, and made more saves, last year. Had 7 shutouts, and was just amazing. I'm more questioning how he will be used, because I think he was tired by the time we were giving up 50 shots each playoff game to the Sharks. He needs help. edit: Of course, now the question has become when is he going to be back for the Avs?! Currently, he is being listed as indefinitely out. This, needless to say, is bad. So now the bigger question is how will Budaj respond, and will we try and make any moves to get another goalie to help shoulder the load?
Matt Duchene
He's playing well, and has decent numbers (2 goal and 6 assists), but he seems like he is trying to do too much at times. He's getting chances, but really looks like he's trying to be too cute sometimes. I think he'll get through it, but you gotta hope that this Calder finalist won't fall victim to the sophomore slump.
All in all, my general assessment of this team is that they are, by and large, exactly the same as last year. Lots of shots, will rely heavily on their goalie and on a bunch of really young players that we aren't totally sure are going to be able to live up to their expectations. I'm not going to write them off yet, but I do believe that the Avs will be fortunate to make the playoffs this year. So here's hoping. GO AVS!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
KGs week 7 picks!
Well, I was 10-4 last week, for a season total of 53-37. Of course, on my best week, A-mac also had her best week, going 11-3. Well, here's hoping that I can keep the spread between us. Week 7!! Let's do it!
Jacksonville @ Kansas City: Jacksonville got absolutely smoked last week, so we know that they are going to want to come out and put their best foot forward. Kansas City is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Houston, a game they really should have been able to put away. But that's what happens to teams while they are learning to win. I'll take KC bouncing back at home in this one.
Philadelphia @ Tennessee: Kevin Kolb is playing very well, and the Titans may have to go back with Kerry Collins again. Not that that is a horrible thing, we know Collins knows how to get things done with that offense. And the Tennessee D is always in people's faces. This has the makings of a very good game, but I'll take Tennessee at home in this one.
Buffalo @ Baltimore: This isn't a tough one at all. I feel bad for Buffalo, they are going to get hammered in this one.
Cleveland @ New Orleans: New Orleans had a great game last week, and now gets another team with absolutely no secondary to speak of. This should be another route for the Saints.
Washington @ Chicago: Yeah, Washington's secondary isn't that great, but they have a very good pass rush, against a really, REALLY bad offensive line. Cutler will get to know Brian Orakpo pretty well during this game. I think we can expect another 7+ sack game for the Bear's offensive line.
Cincinnati @ Atlanta: This could be a good game, here. Cinci is struggling, but it coming off of their bye week. Also, chances are decent we may not see Dunta Robinson this week, as he is still recovering from his mutual concussion that he shared with Desean Jackson last week. That will weaken their secondary a bit. This is one of those swing games. I look for the Bengals to get back to .500 in this game.
Pittsburgh @ Miami: Steelers head into Miami, fresh off of James Harrison's sparsely attended pity party. She Said No had a great game last week, throwing for 3 TDs. Miami's D probably won't let him do that, but the Miami offense is going to have to be at their unpredictable best if they want to have any shot in this game. Again, potential for a hell of a game here, because Miami's offense can keep lots of people guessing, nonetheless, I'll pick the Steelers in this one. I wonder what the odds are that Harrison gets fined again, or suspended after this week is.
San Francisco @ Carolina: The Niners have a chance to win 2 in a row, and this is the team to do it against. Definitely need to keep giving Crabtree a chance to make the big plays, and Carolina doesn't have much of a run D, so that could open things up for play action and such. Niners win 2 in a row, and the heat continues underneath Mike Singletary's rear end.
St. Louis @ Tampa Bay: Hats off to St. Louis this year, they have definitely over-achieved. I don't think anybody expected them to do any better than they did last year, and now they're in playoff discussions (because the NFC west is really weak again). Tampa has done better than expected as well, but has still shown how bad they are at times. St. Louis still has a good running game, and that has really helped keep Sam Bradford comfortable. That will be the key again here, give me the Rams.
Arizona @ Seattle: Arizona is struggling, understandably so. They need to get that chemistry built up again between Anderson, or whoever is quarterbacking this week, and the wide receivers. Seattle is another team overachieving. Nobody expected anything from them, but they are also in playoff discussions. I think the Seahawks keep things going against the Cards.
New England @ San Diego: San Diego is favored in this one, though I'm not terribly sure why. San Diego has played the choke artist all year. Granted, that's all this team has really ever done, but still. These are probably the 2 teams that I like to see lose the most right now. Sadly, in this game, only 1 team can lose. I would love to see them tie, because I can only imagine the fit that Brady would throw after that. Well, Tomara Brady and her (sorry, it's the hair) Pats should win this one.
Oakland @ Denver: Well, Denver should win this game, but they have this weird habit of always looking past the Raiders, even when they are having bad years like this (the broncos) and getting beat by them at home. Again, they should win, but seem to usually find a way to lose. I'll still take the Broncos, but it won't shock me if they choke this one away. I'm still wondering what week they will quit on McD this year.
Minnesota @ Green Bay: Well, we're still waiting for the Packers to be the clear cut NFC leaders that everybody expected this year. I think they need to give themselves more balance before that will happen. Favre is old, and nowhere near as good. He will hurt himself and his team in this game once again. Packers.
NY Giants @ Dallas: I have the perfect solution for how the Cowboys can avoid those stupid celebration penalties they seem to keep giving themselves. Don't score any touchdowns. This team continues to beat itself, and then wonder why they lose. Until they grow up, they'll just continue to spiral downwards. And the G-men have definitely risen back up to where they should have been all year. Look for Romo to get beat around in this one, and for a good Giants victory.
Here goes another good week!! Bring it on A-Mac!!
Jacksonville @ Kansas City: Jacksonville got absolutely smoked last week, so we know that they are going to want to come out and put their best foot forward. Kansas City is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Houston, a game they really should have been able to put away. But that's what happens to teams while they are learning to win. I'll take KC bouncing back at home in this one.
Philadelphia @ Tennessee: Kevin Kolb is playing very well, and the Titans may have to go back with Kerry Collins again. Not that that is a horrible thing, we know Collins knows how to get things done with that offense. And the Tennessee D is always in people's faces. This has the makings of a very good game, but I'll take Tennessee at home in this one.
Buffalo @ Baltimore: This isn't a tough one at all. I feel bad for Buffalo, they are going to get hammered in this one.
Cleveland @ New Orleans: New Orleans had a great game last week, and now gets another team with absolutely no secondary to speak of. This should be another route for the Saints.
Washington @ Chicago: Yeah, Washington's secondary isn't that great, but they have a very good pass rush, against a really, REALLY bad offensive line. Cutler will get to know Brian Orakpo pretty well during this game. I think we can expect another 7+ sack game for the Bear's offensive line.
Cincinnati @ Atlanta: This could be a good game, here. Cinci is struggling, but it coming off of their bye week. Also, chances are decent we may not see Dunta Robinson this week, as he is still recovering from his mutual concussion that he shared with Desean Jackson last week. That will weaken their secondary a bit. This is one of those swing games. I look for the Bengals to get back to .500 in this game.
Pittsburgh @ Miami: Steelers head into Miami, fresh off of James Harrison's sparsely attended pity party. She Said No had a great game last week, throwing for 3 TDs. Miami's D probably won't let him do that, but the Miami offense is going to have to be at their unpredictable best if they want to have any shot in this game. Again, potential for a hell of a game here, because Miami's offense can keep lots of people guessing, nonetheless, I'll pick the Steelers in this one. I wonder what the odds are that Harrison gets fined again, or suspended after this week is.
San Francisco @ Carolina: The Niners have a chance to win 2 in a row, and this is the team to do it against. Definitely need to keep giving Crabtree a chance to make the big plays, and Carolina doesn't have much of a run D, so that could open things up for play action and such. Niners win 2 in a row, and the heat continues underneath Mike Singletary's rear end.
St. Louis @ Tampa Bay: Hats off to St. Louis this year, they have definitely over-achieved. I don't think anybody expected them to do any better than they did last year, and now they're in playoff discussions (because the NFC west is really weak again). Tampa has done better than expected as well, but has still shown how bad they are at times. St. Louis still has a good running game, and that has really helped keep Sam Bradford comfortable. That will be the key again here, give me the Rams.
Arizona @ Seattle: Arizona is struggling, understandably so. They need to get that chemistry built up again between Anderson, or whoever is quarterbacking this week, and the wide receivers. Seattle is another team overachieving. Nobody expected anything from them, but they are also in playoff discussions. I think the Seahawks keep things going against the Cards.
New England @ San Diego: San Diego is favored in this one, though I'm not terribly sure why. San Diego has played the choke artist all year. Granted, that's all this team has really ever done, but still. These are probably the 2 teams that I like to see lose the most right now. Sadly, in this game, only 1 team can lose. I would love to see them tie, because I can only imagine the fit that Brady would throw after that. Well, Tomara Brady and her (sorry, it's the hair) Pats should win this one.
Oakland @ Denver: Well, Denver should win this game, but they have this weird habit of always looking past the Raiders, even when they are having bad years like this (the broncos) and getting beat by them at home. Again, they should win, but seem to usually find a way to lose. I'll still take the Broncos, but it won't shock me if they choke this one away. I'm still wondering what week they will quit on McD this year.
Minnesota @ Green Bay: Well, we're still waiting for the Packers to be the clear cut NFC leaders that everybody expected this year. I think they need to give themselves more balance before that will happen. Favre is old, and nowhere near as good. He will hurt himself and his team in this game once again. Packers.
NY Giants @ Dallas: I have the perfect solution for how the Cowboys can avoid those stupid celebration penalties they seem to keep giving themselves. Don't score any touchdowns. This team continues to beat itself, and then wonder why they lose. Until they grow up, they'll just continue to spiral downwards. And the G-men have definitely risen back up to where they should have been all year. Look for Romo to get beat around in this one, and for a good Giants victory.
Here goes another good week!! Bring it on A-Mac!!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
NFL and the Head Hits
The only thing that I can say here is wow. The players are going absolutely nuts with the NFL's newest points of emphasis here when it comes to the hits to the head. Now, this was an especially brutal weekend, as many people have brought up, where there were 4 pretty darn serious hits that would make any of us cringe a little bit. I was also watching Sports Center last night, and they were also reporting that, to this point in the season, there has been a jump of 14 concussion/head related injuries amongst players, from 21 to 35. Now that is pretty significant.
That jump, as well as the rather brutal weekend, led the NFL to say that they may begin to do more than just fine people for those particularly violent hits to the head. They may begin suspending players for this. So here's the long lasting, and very heated, debate that is going to be looming with players now. Is the league going too far in their punishment of these types of violent hits?
We certainly know where many of the players stand on this debate, as mentioned here by Yahoo Sports contributor Chris Chase. By and large, of course, the defensive players are going to be more riled up, as you see with Urlacher's comments in the article above. James Harrison has even threatened to retire because he isn't sure how to play football anymore. The players certainly have hit the right note of overly dramatic reactions to this whole situation.
The players are insinuating that the NFL is trying to take out one of the inherent attributes of football, the big hit. They are saying that people should expect injuries in football, that it is violent by nature, and to take this kind of a stand on hits to the head is analogous to, as Urlacher said, just putting flags on everybody and making it the National Flag Football League instead of the National Football League.
Now, I teach high school, so I am very familiar with the concept of people blowing things out of proportion when it doesn't work for them. Personally, I'm with the league on this; and I have a feeling that if the players think about this, instead of going with their initial, emotional reactions, then they will see this as well. The NFL is not out here saying, don't tackle hard, don't make big hits, don't make the play that you've always been taught to make in this situation. The NFL is saying respect your fellow players, and don't go for the kill, so to speak. There is a difference, no matter what the players say, between good, hard tackling that adheres to the fundamentals everybody is taught, and trying to hurt people.
Look at that hit that Brandon Meriweather put on Todd Heap on Sunday. That hit is exactly the kind of thing the NFL is trying to get rid of. That is an incredibly dangerous hit on a play where Meriweather had to have seen that the ball was already out of Heap's hands and the pass was incomplete. Then there was the Dunta Robinson hit on Desean Jackson. I understand the flag during the game because it was bang bang, and if you see the hit, you see Jackson's head fly back, as if his head got nailed. But the fine for this one, I have to believe, will be overturned because he clearly lead with his shoulder, not his head. This type of hit is the one that is not illegal, and that people are not trying to get rid of.
Then there's James Harrison. I feel that the announcers do a good job of differentiating why the hit on Cribbs was not flagged, versus why the hit on Massaquoi was. Here are both of the hits. So, people against these new points of emphasis are to tell me that Harrison wouldn't be able to make a legal tackle that doesn't involve him driving his forearms through Massaquoi's chin and still prevent him from making the catch? Really?
Now, let's also be realistic about this. The NFL has made these types of hits a point of emphasis in the last few years, doing more fining and flagging things like this more often. Yet, as I said at the beginning, there has been this spike of head injuries on these types of hits. What is the NFL supposed to do, just allow it to continue? Here's why I think the NFL is in the right on this. People say that this is what makes football exciting. Well, in my opinion, if the excitement comes from the types of hits that can end people's careers, or even their lives, then there is something wrong in the sport. If there aren't people willing to play the sport, because this injury gets out of control, then there won't be a game at all. Your players are what make the game exciting, and the NFL is doing the absolute right thing in protecting them.
I am open to other's opinions on this, so please share away!
That jump, as well as the rather brutal weekend, led the NFL to say that they may begin to do more than just fine people for those particularly violent hits to the head. They may begin suspending players for this. So here's the long lasting, and very heated, debate that is going to be looming with players now. Is the league going too far in their punishment of these types of violent hits?
We certainly know where many of the players stand on this debate, as mentioned here by Yahoo Sports contributor Chris Chase. By and large, of course, the defensive players are going to be more riled up, as you see with Urlacher's comments in the article above. James Harrison has even threatened to retire because he isn't sure how to play football anymore. The players certainly have hit the right note of overly dramatic reactions to this whole situation.
The players are insinuating that the NFL is trying to take out one of the inherent attributes of football, the big hit. They are saying that people should expect injuries in football, that it is violent by nature, and to take this kind of a stand on hits to the head is analogous to, as Urlacher said, just putting flags on everybody and making it the National Flag Football League instead of the National Football League.
Now, I teach high school, so I am very familiar with the concept of people blowing things out of proportion when it doesn't work for them. Personally, I'm with the league on this; and I have a feeling that if the players think about this, instead of going with their initial, emotional reactions, then they will see this as well. The NFL is not out here saying, don't tackle hard, don't make big hits, don't make the play that you've always been taught to make in this situation. The NFL is saying respect your fellow players, and don't go for the kill, so to speak. There is a difference, no matter what the players say, between good, hard tackling that adheres to the fundamentals everybody is taught, and trying to hurt people.
Look at that hit that Brandon Meriweather put on Todd Heap on Sunday. That hit is exactly the kind of thing the NFL is trying to get rid of. That is an incredibly dangerous hit on a play where Meriweather had to have seen that the ball was already out of Heap's hands and the pass was incomplete. Then there was the Dunta Robinson hit on Desean Jackson. I understand the flag during the game because it was bang bang, and if you see the hit, you see Jackson's head fly back, as if his head got nailed. But the fine for this one, I have to believe, will be overturned because he clearly lead with his shoulder, not his head. This type of hit is the one that is not illegal, and that people are not trying to get rid of.
Then there's James Harrison. I feel that the announcers do a good job of differentiating why the hit on Cribbs was not flagged, versus why the hit on Massaquoi was. Here are both of the hits. So, people against these new points of emphasis are to tell me that Harrison wouldn't be able to make a legal tackle that doesn't involve him driving his forearms through Massaquoi's chin and still prevent him from making the catch? Really?
Now, let's also be realistic about this. The NFL has made these types of hits a point of emphasis in the last few years, doing more fining and flagging things like this more often. Yet, as I said at the beginning, there has been this spike of head injuries on these types of hits. What is the NFL supposed to do, just allow it to continue? Here's why I think the NFL is in the right on this. People say that this is what makes football exciting. Well, in my opinion, if the excitement comes from the types of hits that can end people's careers, or even their lives, then there is something wrong in the sport. If there aren't people willing to play the sport, because this injury gets out of control, then there won't be a game at all. Your players are what make the game exciting, and the NFL is doing the absolute right thing in protecting them.
I am open to other's opinions on this, so please share away!
Monday, October 18, 2010
BCS Drama...Already!?
It's no secret that most people in the world of college football cannot stand the BCS ranking system. Every year there seems to be somebody left out, or just completely screwed over, for lack of a better term, by the BCS. This year, we've only had one poll brought out by the BCS, and there is already controversy.
Even though they are ranked #3 by both of the "important" human polls, Oklahoma has managed to grab the #1 ranking in the BCS system, with Oregon #2 (but #1 in both important human polls), and Boise State (#2 in both important human polls) rounding out the top 3. People say it every single year, but this BCS system makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, and people have been calling for its head almost since it began! The original intent was that it would get rid of the controversy and provide a clear cut national champion every single year. Well, that hasn't happened.
Why does this happen, you might ask. Well, that's a fantastic question. I've actually been trying to pay attention to college football this year so that I can be a better informed sports writer, and I've looked into the whole system for creating the BCS ranking. If you dare read on, I warn you, you will be confused by the end of this.
As best as I can understand it, the BCS ranking is figured by averaging 3 rankings. One coming from the Harris Interactive Poll. The second coming from the coaches poll. The third from the computer ranking system. They will then take all 3 of those rankings, and average them. Seems straight forward enough, I suppose, but here's the problem, none of the 3 of these use the same criteria. Some of these polls are influenced by things like margin of victory, or rank of your opponent. Others are not.
Then, the big issue that jumps out at me with this is that the computer rankings take 6 other people's ranking systems, which are also not the same, and use those to calculate its rank. Plus, the explanation for it is ridiculous and incredibly difficult to follow. Here is the explanation I got from a web page saying it was explaining all of this for us all to understand.
"The computer rankings percentage is calculated by dropping the highest and lowest ranking for each team and then dividing the remaining total by 100, the maximum possible points. (Example: the 6 rankers have Team A ranked 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, and 4. Take away the 2 and 4 which leaves an average of 3rd place. The BCS quotient of this component would be 0.92. (23 / 25 = 0.92)."
Here's what I understand. Each rank has a qualifying number of points to go along with it, 1-25. Rank #1 has 25 points, and the points descend by 1 until they get to the #25 team, which only gets one point. So, how does this relate to the BCS computer formula. Well, let's look at it this way. Back to the same problem. We have the ranks as follows from our 6 computer guys. 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4. 2 & 4 get dropped for an average of 3. Meaning out of the 25 possible voter points, they get 23. 23/25 = .92. Then we get to average the others out here. So if they are #1 in the other polls, they would get the solution of 25/25, which is 1. So, 1 + 1 + .92 / 3 = .973. Then, whoever has the highest point total is the #1 rank.
Now I know what you're thinking. How can something this clear possibly cause any type of controversy whatsoever? Seriously, this thing is insane!!! How can anybody possibly understand this!? There are far too many cooks in this kitchen! 3 polls, with multiple pollsters in each of them using different criteria to rank the teams. There is no way this can match up.
Solution? There's a few. First, since college football will almost never go to a playoff system, which would be the clearest way to fix this, means there just needs to be a better way of ranking these. Now, I have no idea why there are so many polls, but one of the simplest solutions, to me anyways, seems like we should just get rid of, or at least not recognize officially, some of these polls. For years there was the Coaches Poll and the AP Poll, which created several split championships. Why not just trust the coaches? Aren't they the ones that know the most about all of this? If you just went by the coaches poll, then you only have one team to recognize. You can keep the whole national title game where #1 plays #2, but that way there aren't any convoluted formulas, which vary by person and computer, to screw you up. Or maybe just go with the AP, but come on, people want a clear cut, no questions asked, national champion. You could even throw a special clause in for a just in case and 1 game.
All I know is that fans of college football, and of sports in general, are sick and tired of the garbage that the BCS has put us through several times. The BCS will never, EVER, give love to teams that deserve legit shots at the national title like Boise State and TCU and others because it doesn't take into account things it should. So let's get something that is straight forward, transparent, can be understood by everybody, and that gives all schools an equal shot at things. Come on NCAA, it's long past time.
Even though they are ranked #3 by both of the "important" human polls, Oklahoma has managed to grab the #1 ranking in the BCS system, with Oregon #2 (but #1 in both important human polls), and Boise State (#2 in both important human polls) rounding out the top 3. People say it every single year, but this BCS system makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, and people have been calling for its head almost since it began! The original intent was that it would get rid of the controversy and provide a clear cut national champion every single year. Well, that hasn't happened.
Why does this happen, you might ask. Well, that's a fantastic question. I've actually been trying to pay attention to college football this year so that I can be a better informed sports writer, and I've looked into the whole system for creating the BCS ranking. If you dare read on, I warn you, you will be confused by the end of this.
As best as I can understand it, the BCS ranking is figured by averaging 3 rankings. One coming from the Harris Interactive Poll. The second coming from the coaches poll. The third from the computer ranking system. They will then take all 3 of those rankings, and average them. Seems straight forward enough, I suppose, but here's the problem, none of the 3 of these use the same criteria. Some of these polls are influenced by things like margin of victory, or rank of your opponent. Others are not.
Then, the big issue that jumps out at me with this is that the computer rankings take 6 other people's ranking systems, which are also not the same, and use those to calculate its rank. Plus, the explanation for it is ridiculous and incredibly difficult to follow. Here is the explanation I got from a web page saying it was explaining all of this for us all to understand.
"The computer rankings percentage is calculated by dropping the highest and lowest ranking for each team and then dividing the remaining total by 100, the maximum possible points. (Example: the 6 rankers have Team A ranked 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, and 4. Take away the 2 and 4 which leaves an average of 3rd place. The BCS quotient of this component would be 0.92. (23 / 25 = 0.92)."
Here's what I understand. Each rank has a qualifying number of points to go along with it, 1-25. Rank #1 has 25 points, and the points descend by 1 until they get to the #25 team, which only gets one point. So, how does this relate to the BCS computer formula. Well, let's look at it this way. Back to the same problem. We have the ranks as follows from our 6 computer guys. 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4. 2 & 4 get dropped for an average of 3. Meaning out of the 25 possible voter points, they get 23. 23/25 = .92. Then we get to average the others out here. So if they are #1 in the other polls, they would get the solution of 25/25, which is 1. So, 1 + 1 + .92 / 3 = .973. Then, whoever has the highest point total is the #1 rank.
Now I know what you're thinking. How can something this clear possibly cause any type of controversy whatsoever? Seriously, this thing is insane!!! How can anybody possibly understand this!? There are far too many cooks in this kitchen! 3 polls, with multiple pollsters in each of them using different criteria to rank the teams. There is no way this can match up.
Solution? There's a few. First, since college football will almost never go to a playoff system, which would be the clearest way to fix this, means there just needs to be a better way of ranking these. Now, I have no idea why there are so many polls, but one of the simplest solutions, to me anyways, seems like we should just get rid of, or at least not recognize officially, some of these polls. For years there was the Coaches Poll and the AP Poll, which created several split championships. Why not just trust the coaches? Aren't they the ones that know the most about all of this? If you just went by the coaches poll, then you only have one team to recognize. You can keep the whole national title game where #1 plays #2, but that way there aren't any convoluted formulas, which vary by person and computer, to screw you up. Or maybe just go with the AP, but come on, people want a clear cut, no questions asked, national champion. You could even throw a special clause in for a just in case and 1 game.
All I know is that fans of college football, and of sports in general, are sick and tired of the garbage that the BCS has put us through several times. The BCS will never, EVER, give love to teams that deserve legit shots at the national title like Boise State and TCU and others because it doesn't take into account things it should. So let's get something that is straight forward, transparent, can be understood by everybody, and that gives all schools an equal shot at things. Come on NCAA, it's long past time.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
AMacs week 6 picks
A Mac has been experiencing some technical difficulties, so I am going to post her picks for her. They have been texted my way. So, here they are.
Winners will be as follows, according to a-mac.
Seattle
Miami
San Diego
New England
NY Giants
Falcons
Pittsburgh
Saints
Chiefs
Jets
Vikings
Colts
Titans
San Francisco
Winners will be as follows, according to a-mac.
Seattle
Miami
San Diego
New England
NY Giants
Falcons
Pittsburgh
Saints
Chiefs
Jets
Vikings
Colts
Titans
San Francisco
Saturday, October 16, 2010
KGs Week 6 Picks
I was a respectable 9-5 last week, which has brought my season total to 10 games over .500. I'm still pretty short of my really awesome record from last year (146-78 for a percentage of 62% right), but my record thus far is 43-33 (56%) but there is still plenty of time left. So here we go with our week 6 picks!
Atlanta @ Philadelphia: This is sort of a tough one to pick because both teams have played well and not so well. Nobody really seems to be able to tell who these teams are quite yet. Vick is still out, so it's still Kevin Kolb. Falcons are 4-1, but haven't exactly been terribly convincing, with the exception of their beat down of Arizona. Philly is still struggling to find out how to play consistently with either of those 2 QBs. Atlanta has more stability, and, as a result, will take this one.
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh: Cleveland has played teams very tough, but no team comes tougher than the Steelers. Even with She Said No back in the lineup, and all the distraction that will be brought on by the media from his "extra curricular activities" that got him suspended in the first place, the Steelers know how to stay focused and win football games. They will beat the Browns.
Seattle @ Chicago: The Bears are the worst 1st place team in football. After a truly pathetic game in Carolina, and the Panters are included in that pathetic description, Bears get QB Cutler back. He's still a turnover waiting to happen, and the Seahawks have new energy under Pete Carroll. I'm going out on a limb and taking the Hawks.
Miami @ Green Bay: Green Bay has been very underwhelming this year. They are supposed to be the team that comes out, moves the ball at will, and scores a ton of points, but they haven't been doing that. Aaron Rodgers is going to play after the concussion that he got last week, but he hasn't been that great either. They're very inconsistent, and are facing a team that really knows how badly they need a win. The Fins have got to start winning if they want to get into the playoffs since they currently trail both the Jets and the Pats. They'll be ready to play, but I think GB's defense is the big difference maker here. They've played well enough to win, and have been let down by the offense. I think they will continue to make good plays, and will probably get some special teams help this week to get by the Fins.
Detroit @ NY Giants: Detroit absolutely clobbered St. Louis, but the G-men have found their feet and are starting to play like the team we always expect them to. Eli will have a field day against Detroit, and the G-men will win big.
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay: What is up with the Saints here? Give up the game against Atlanta, barely beat Carolina, and then lose to Arizona!? Who are these guys and where is the group that won the Super Bowl last year? Tampa has surprised everybody, and has really made the teams that are inconsistent pay for being inconsistent. I'm going to go with the Saints on this one because they've got to know how bad it would be to lose to this team. That will make their road just to get back to the playoffs extremely difficult. I'm not jumping ship yet, but I'm pretty close. Still, Saints win.
San Diego @ St. Louis: San Diego has been allowing teams that shouldn't beat them, beat them. They are definitely missing LT and Vincent Jackson, though their offense does still continue to produce. Nonetheless, I still have a hard time picking St. Louis in this game, so give me the Chargers.
Kansas City @ Houston: Now here's a tough game to pick. KC is coming off their first loss of the season, and Houston is looking to avoid losing 2 in a row here. Both of these teams have legit playoff hopes for the first time in a while, so who will play like the better playoff team? My gut tells me to go with Houston on this one, but it's going to be a really close game. If they can get their run game going against this suddenly stout KC defense, then it will be a good day for the Texans. I'll take Houston.
Baltimore @ New England: This one was a good game last year, that got spoiled by some late, really stupid calls against Baltimore since the league has to always protect girly man Tom Brady. The Ravens are stingy as ever on defense, and have made some offensive improvements. The Pats are still old on D, just traded away their biggest receiving weapon, and resigned another undersized receiver. The Pats are always tough at home, but, just like last year, I will take the Ravens in New England.
Oakland @ San Francisco: Man oh man, San Fran has fallen so far. I completely over-estimated the Niners this year when I predicted that Mike Singletary could very well be coach of the year. I suppose he still could, but they'll have to win every remaining game. Oakland is riding high after beating the Chargers in San Diego, so there may be a bit of a let down in this game. So, I'll take the Niners in a squeaker at home.
NY Jets @ Denver: My Broncos showed how they responded to a tough team that doesn't take penalties, they fold like a cheap lawn chair. The Broncos had an absurd amount of penalties, and never really had a chance. They also got run all over by Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. Look for that to be the same type of formula that the Jets follow. Run it hard, and let your tough defense beat up the other team. Orton will get his passing yards, only because they'll be playing from behind early on. Oh yeah, that and they have absolutely no running game. McD has definitely been a step backwards for the Broncos. Look for this team to quit on McD again very soon, just like they did last year.
Dallas @ Minnesota: 2 teams that we all expected a lot from, that are now going to be very lucky to even make the playoffs. Both teams are 1-3, and both have just killed themselves at times. Moss is back for the Vikes, which is a good thing for them, and Favre seems like he might not play this week, which may be better for the Vikes with all of the distraction from Favre's "sexting" that he's doing (allegedly). The Cowboys just keep doing stupid things to themselves. I know they weren't happy with that penalty from last week, but you have to know the rules regarding celebrations. But then you can't blame the fact that your special teams gave up a 73 yard run, and your defense couldn't stop the other team when they needed to, on the stupid penalty that you took. Dallas, to me, will find another way to beat themselves, and the Vikes will improve to 2-3.
Indianapolis @ Washington: Washington has been perplexing. They haven't really been that great, but they haven't given up a lot of points and have stayed in games. Indy has been moving pretty well, but hasn't scored a lot of points. They had a gutsy win against a much improved KC team last week, and I look for them to build on that this week. Colts win.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville: Tough division this one. All teams sitting at 3-2, and all in need of a win. Jacksonville has managed to hang around, and Tennessee has lost some close games. I still see Tennessee as the superior team here, so I'll go with them on my Monday night game.
Here's hoping for 14-0!! Let's see your picks A-Mac!
Atlanta @ Philadelphia: This is sort of a tough one to pick because both teams have played well and not so well. Nobody really seems to be able to tell who these teams are quite yet. Vick is still out, so it's still Kevin Kolb. Falcons are 4-1, but haven't exactly been terribly convincing, with the exception of their beat down of Arizona. Philly is still struggling to find out how to play consistently with either of those 2 QBs. Atlanta has more stability, and, as a result, will take this one.
Cleveland @ Pittsburgh: Cleveland has played teams very tough, but no team comes tougher than the Steelers. Even with She Said No back in the lineup, and all the distraction that will be brought on by the media from his "extra curricular activities" that got him suspended in the first place, the Steelers know how to stay focused and win football games. They will beat the Browns.
Seattle @ Chicago: The Bears are the worst 1st place team in football. After a truly pathetic game in Carolina, and the Panters are included in that pathetic description, Bears get QB Cutler back. He's still a turnover waiting to happen, and the Seahawks have new energy under Pete Carroll. I'm going out on a limb and taking the Hawks.
Miami @ Green Bay: Green Bay has been very underwhelming this year. They are supposed to be the team that comes out, moves the ball at will, and scores a ton of points, but they haven't been doing that. Aaron Rodgers is going to play after the concussion that he got last week, but he hasn't been that great either. They're very inconsistent, and are facing a team that really knows how badly they need a win. The Fins have got to start winning if they want to get into the playoffs since they currently trail both the Jets and the Pats. They'll be ready to play, but I think GB's defense is the big difference maker here. They've played well enough to win, and have been let down by the offense. I think they will continue to make good plays, and will probably get some special teams help this week to get by the Fins.
Detroit @ NY Giants: Detroit absolutely clobbered St. Louis, but the G-men have found their feet and are starting to play like the team we always expect them to. Eli will have a field day against Detroit, and the G-men will win big.
New Orleans @ Tampa Bay: What is up with the Saints here? Give up the game against Atlanta, barely beat Carolina, and then lose to Arizona!? Who are these guys and where is the group that won the Super Bowl last year? Tampa has surprised everybody, and has really made the teams that are inconsistent pay for being inconsistent. I'm going to go with the Saints on this one because they've got to know how bad it would be to lose to this team. That will make their road just to get back to the playoffs extremely difficult. I'm not jumping ship yet, but I'm pretty close. Still, Saints win.
San Diego @ St. Louis: San Diego has been allowing teams that shouldn't beat them, beat them. They are definitely missing LT and Vincent Jackson, though their offense does still continue to produce. Nonetheless, I still have a hard time picking St. Louis in this game, so give me the Chargers.
Kansas City @ Houston: Now here's a tough game to pick. KC is coming off their first loss of the season, and Houston is looking to avoid losing 2 in a row here. Both of these teams have legit playoff hopes for the first time in a while, so who will play like the better playoff team? My gut tells me to go with Houston on this one, but it's going to be a really close game. If they can get their run game going against this suddenly stout KC defense, then it will be a good day for the Texans. I'll take Houston.
Baltimore @ New England: This one was a good game last year, that got spoiled by some late, really stupid calls against Baltimore since the league has to always protect girly man Tom Brady. The Ravens are stingy as ever on defense, and have made some offensive improvements. The Pats are still old on D, just traded away their biggest receiving weapon, and resigned another undersized receiver. The Pats are always tough at home, but, just like last year, I will take the Ravens in New England.
Oakland @ San Francisco: Man oh man, San Fran has fallen so far. I completely over-estimated the Niners this year when I predicted that Mike Singletary could very well be coach of the year. I suppose he still could, but they'll have to win every remaining game. Oakland is riding high after beating the Chargers in San Diego, so there may be a bit of a let down in this game. So, I'll take the Niners in a squeaker at home.
NY Jets @ Denver: My Broncos showed how they responded to a tough team that doesn't take penalties, they fold like a cheap lawn chair. The Broncos had an absurd amount of penalties, and never really had a chance. They also got run all over by Ray Rice and Willis McGahee. Look for that to be the same type of formula that the Jets follow. Run it hard, and let your tough defense beat up the other team. Orton will get his passing yards, only because they'll be playing from behind early on. Oh yeah, that and they have absolutely no running game. McD has definitely been a step backwards for the Broncos. Look for this team to quit on McD again very soon, just like they did last year.
Dallas @ Minnesota: 2 teams that we all expected a lot from, that are now going to be very lucky to even make the playoffs. Both teams are 1-3, and both have just killed themselves at times. Moss is back for the Vikes, which is a good thing for them, and Favre seems like he might not play this week, which may be better for the Vikes with all of the distraction from Favre's "sexting" that he's doing (allegedly). The Cowboys just keep doing stupid things to themselves. I know they weren't happy with that penalty from last week, but you have to know the rules regarding celebrations. But then you can't blame the fact that your special teams gave up a 73 yard run, and your defense couldn't stop the other team when they needed to, on the stupid penalty that you took. Dallas, to me, will find another way to beat themselves, and the Vikes will improve to 2-3.
Indianapolis @ Washington: Washington has been perplexing. They haven't really been that great, but they haven't given up a lot of points and have stayed in games. Indy has been moving pretty well, but hasn't scored a lot of points. They had a gutsy win against a much improved KC team last week, and I look for them to build on that this week. Colts win.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville: Tough division this one. All teams sitting at 3-2, and all in need of a win. Jacksonville has managed to hang around, and Tennessee has lost some close games. I still see Tennessee as the superior team here, so I'll go with them on my Monday night game.
Here's hoping for 14-0!! Let's see your picks A-Mac!
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