Fantasy Sports Blogger

For those of you that followed my blog for the last few years know that I normally give advice and predictions through the end of the NFL regular season.  Unfortunately, I could not keep that going after Thanksgiving last year.  I had some additional work duties that demanded all of my free time in November, December and January.  Those times are behind me now and I aim to devote more time to this blog in 2010.

I’m taking the week off but here are my picks against the spread. 

WAS +10
CHI -3
CIN +3
HOU +9
JAX -6.5
MIA +10.5
GB -10
NO -14
SEA -10
SD +4.5
TEN +4
PHI -3
DEN +3

All in all last week I ended up at 3-1 with my picks againts the spread.  Only Indianapolis disappointed me and probably eveyone else.  In looking at the 4 games this weekend, it is really hard to pick a winner in 3 of the 4 games.    I like the road teams to keep these games close.  Here’s a glimpse of my thoughts.

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BAL @ TEN (Titans are 3 pt favorites)
Everyone has focused on the possible repeat Wildcard performance run to the Superbowl that the Giants had last year.  They keep mentioning the Eagles in that same sentence.  However, I think the Ravens are acting the part much better than the Eagles.  They have a high hurdle this weekend.  If you are a gambling person, I would definitely take the under in 3 of these 4 games this weekend, with this being one of them.  I don’t see either team getting much done on the scoreboard.  I like the fact that the Titans have had a week off.  I believe their ability to play error free football and their defense keeps them slightly ahead in this game.  Therefore I’m predicting an end to the Raven run. 
Titans 17 - Ravens 13

ARI @ CAR (Panthers are 10 pt favorites)
Arizona proved they belonged in the playoffs with a solid win last week over the Falcons.   I like the fact that the Panthers have the ability to run the ball at will and still can throw it over the top to veterans Smith and Muhammed when it’s called for.  Of course, the Cardinals will have their weapons too.   I don’t think Carolina can shut down Arizona (munis Boldin) enough to blow them out.  I think the Cards keep it close but run out of steam in the end.
Panthers 30 - Cardinals 24

PHI @ NYG (Giants are 4 pt favorites)
Here we go.  The NFC East showdown is in front of us.  I have no issue telling you I pull for the Eagles and I bleed green.  I’m not sure the Eagles can knock off the champ in the champ’s house.   The Eagles have a tendency to make too many mistakes in the red zone and in the kicking game at the wrong time.   You can do that against average teams and come back  to win but against a solid team like the Giants it will catch up with you.  The weather will favor the Giants but I don’t think they blow out the Eagles.  They slide by with a late FG and a defensive stop.
Giants 20 - Eagles 17

SD @ PIT (Steelers are 6 pt favorites)
Unlikely as it sounds, the Chargers are in the divisional round and they return to the scene of the NFL’s only 11-10 game in history.  I respect the fact that the Bolts stopped Peyton enough to squeek by them in OT.  However, I think playing in the safety of your own house versus the cold weather of Heinz field is a 10 point swing.  As much as Big Ben scares me everytime he drops back to pass, I think he will get enough of his running game to be dangerous.  Again, I like the underdog Chargers to keep this close by utilizing the ultimate weapon Sproles.   In the end they don’t have enough.
Steelers 24 - Chargers 20

The season is into the playoffs for most of you. I’m betting many of you are fretting over who to start especially with Dallas at Pittsburgh and Washignton at Baltimore. I’m recommending to look at the west coast games for more points and yards. Here’s a look at this week’s Starts and Benches.

QB - Shaun Hill
RB - Tim Hightower, P. Hillis
WR - T. Ginn Jr.
TE - Dustin Keller
K - Lindell
DST - Cardinals, Colts

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QB - Romo
RB - Portis, Barber
WR - Houshmanzadeh
TE - Witten
K - Folk
DST - Bucs

10-6 is pretty damn good week.  I lgot off to a good start with a 2-1 Thanksgiving picks and I closed well with a 5-1 finish with Sunday afternoon, Sunday night and Monday night games.  Week 13 brought my season totals to 102-87-4.  Looking at Week 14, there is yet another game on Thursday.   This week seems like there are a number of outstanding favorites.  That usually spells trouble!  

Well at least I warned you about the NYJ tanking against DEN.  Unfortunately I still picked a loser in Buffalo.  This week seems very easy.  Indianapolis should win by 3 TDs over CIN.  Be wary of picking SD and DEN in division games.
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Previous Weeks and Teams Used:
Week 1 - New England
Week 2 - Arizona
Week 3 - NY Giants
Week 4 - Dallas (loser)
Week 5 - Carolina
Week 6 - Washington (loser)
Week 7 - Houston
Week 8 - NY Jets
Week 9 - Chicago
Week 10 - San Diego
Week 11 - Miami
Week 12 - Tennesse (loser)
Week 13 - Buffalo (loser)

Wow, we’re winding down the fantasy season in a hurry.  This is the time of the year where guys can really make a name for themselves or earn a better contract than they deserve.   I really start looking for the young guys to shine.  Here’s a look at this week’s Starts and Benches.

QB - M. Ryan
RB - Tim Hightower
WR - T. Ginn Jr.
TE - Dustin Keller
K - Longwell
DST - Bills

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QB - Thigpen
RB - Gore
WR - Houshmanzadeh
TE - Gonzalez
K - Nedney
DST - Jets

Take a look at this picture of Reliant Stadium.  I’m thinking that cancelling the game is definitely the right thing to do at this time.  I hear there is debris on the field and water damage on the first level.  Besides, no one had power to watch TV in Houston and those that might have attended the game evacuated to other places anyways. 

The game was moved to Nov. 9.  The Bengals-Texans game was moved to Oct. 26.  If you had any Texans or Ravens in your starting line-up, you should replace them immediately.  Good luck!