Week 2 Preview

Ray Lewis and the Ravens travel to Philadelphia this week. 

LeSean McCoy leads a strong Eagles squad.

What happened in Week 1? RG3's homecoming, the Packers getting their first loss after a 15-1 season, and Chris Johnson rushing for 4 yards. Yes, that's not a typo. 4 yards. In picks last week, I was 8-8. Due to time constraints picks for the Bears vs. Packers game were unable to occur. However, here are the rest of Week 2's games.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills 
The Bills had everyone hopeful. People thought that their renewed defense would bring a wildcard playoff spot. Well, last week was not a good start. The defense allowed 48 points to a subpar Jets offense. 48 points to Mark Sanchez and Stephen Hill? Just imagine what Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe could do.
Chiefs over Bills

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers 
Two teams coming up off disappointing losses. Cam Newton threw for 300 yards, but unfortunately 2 interceptions as well. Brees had a great game also, but the suspect defense allowed RG3 to have a career forming game. If Brees can do well again, and the defense can pressure Cam Newton, the Saints should beat their division rivals. If not, then we'll see.
Saints over Panthers

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals 
Andy Dalton and A.J Green need to redeem themselves. After fantastic rookie years from both of them, the Baltimore defense forced Dalton to throw 2 interceptions. Hopefully, there will be no such problem with the Browns. Expect Dalton to throw multiple TD passes, and target Green a lot, maybe even surpassing the 11 targets from last game.
Bengals over Browns 

Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts 
Andrew Luck needs to demonstrate why the Colts drafted him. Sure he passed for 300 yards, but his team was still steamrolled by the Bears. Against the Vikings this game should have been easier. The key word is should have been. With the improvement of Adrian Peterson, and receiving skills of Percy Harvin, the Vikings look good. This game will be close, but ultimately, AP will lead his team to victory.
Vikings over Colts 

Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars 
Sorry Rashad Jennings. A knee injury just cost you a starting running back job. Oh well, MJD is back to engineer the Jaguars offensive attack. The attack, which was said to be terrible, took the Vikings to overtime last week. However, the Texans have a football version of "the big three". If Schaub can get the ball to Andre Johnson, nothing will stop the attack.
Texans over Jaguars 

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins
The Raiders made a run at the Chargers, could have won, if it had not been for Nate Kaeding's five field goals. The Dolphins have a rookie, inconsistent quarterback, and a not-very-good group of receivers. If Carson Palmer can get it to Darius Heyward-Bey, and Denarius Moore is able to play the Raiders should have a field day.
Raiders over Dolphins

Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots 
What an unfair matchup. The fantastic Patriots against the very unstable Cardinals. To make matters worse, its in Foxborough, where the Patriots have won 15 of 16. No matter how many catches Fitzgerald has, it won't be enough. Tom Brady and his quartet of receivers should have fun.
Patriots over Cardinals 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants 
The defending champs are looking to avenge their season opening loss against the Cowboys. The Buccaneers are happy to have defeated Cam Newton. Doug Martin has been a surprise for the Bucs, who could surely use a sparkplug. But Eli Manning and co. will end their winning streak at Metlife Stadium.
Giants over Buccaneers 

Baltimore Ravens at Philadelphia Eagles
In one of the best games of the week, it's a matchup of two of the best running backs in football. LeSean McCoy against Ray Rice. Two fantasy football stars face-off in Philadelphia. Michael Vick also needs to prove that he can still play. He had a great game last week, but he needs to continue to demonstrate leadership. It will come down to who has the better defense. In this case, it is the Ravens, led by Ray Lewis.
Ravens over Eagles 

Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks
The Cowboys impressed everyone with a solid win over the Giants last week. Led by DeMarco Murray and Tony Romo, they should cruise against the Seahawks, who are led by a rookie quarterback, and an inconsistent but good Marshawn Lynch.
Cowboys over Seahawks 

Washington Redskins at St.Louis Rams
RG3 and Alfred Morris. People knew that RG3 was going to be good, but who thought this good. Alfred Morris? He was a mid-round draft pick. Not expected to start. And yet, these two dominated the Saints last week. Against the Rams, these two should again pass and run for a lot. Steven Jackson can run, but unfortunately, won't be able to lead the Rams to a win.
Redskins over Rams

New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers 
The Steelers lost to Peyton Manning. That doesn't sound that bad. But then you realize he wasn't on the Colts, and was playing his first game since January 2011. Jonathan Dwyer has been a bright spot, and Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace could always be solid. The Jets, after Sanchez and Tebow could not score a touchdown, Sanchez had a great game last week, throwing two TD's to Stephen Hill. The Jets are on a hot streak, but the consistent Steelers should be able to bounce back.
Steelers over Jets 

Tennessee Titans at San Diego Chargers
Chris Johnson had an awful game. He should get more carries. Rivers should also improve. Both of these teams had disappointing games last week. They should both improve. But, only one will. The Chargers and Phil Rivers should be able to beat the Titans in a close one.
Chargers over Titans 

Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers 
The 49ers beat the Packers last week. Things are looking good for a team without an elite quarterback. The Lions have a superhero, and fantastic quarterback throwing to him. This should be a very interesting game. One team that relies heavily on offense, the other on defense. The defense gets the edge in this one.
49ers over Lions 

Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan and Julio Jones had amazing games last week. Can they do it again though, is the question? Peyton Manning also had a great game. Can he do it again? The answer to both of these questions is yes. The Falcons however, have the advantage in this one. Why? It's simple. Homefield advantage. If this was played in Denver, the Broncos would have the advantage.

Falcons over Broncos

NFL Preview 2012

Ray Lewis will lead his Ravens to the Superbowl. 

Matt Forte will lead his Bears  over the Ravens in the Superbowl. 

It's back. The sport that we've all been waiting for. The best five months of the year. A time of tailgating, endless pizza deliveries, and many moments shouting "Oh no, and Oh yes!" have finally arrived. It is time for the NFL 2012.

But wait, first let's recap the summer. Mario Williams signed with the Bills, who now have one of the best defenses in the NFL, Terrell Suggs tore his ACL, and is questionable for the rest of the season, the Patriots added a deep ball threat to complement their tight ends, in Brandon Lloyd, and finally, the Jets traded for Tim Tebow. Also, Mike Wallace and MJD each had holdouts, but eventually went back to their teams.

Now, let's get to the preview. There are many different ways this NFL season could pan out, especially with replacement refs for at least Week 1. Ten different questions are going to be asked, all ten are going to be answered. These questions are going to be about players, teams, coaches, and just anything NFL. So sit back with some chips and salsa. These should be interesting.

Question 1: Who will win each of the divisions? 
The most common question. First the East Divisions. AFC: Patriots, who have arguably the easiest schedule in the NFL, will cruise to be Division champs yet again. NFC: The defending champion Giants have some quirks that they need to fix, but they will still be able to win the Division. AFC North: The Ravens will win, despite the loss of Terrell Suggs, but the Bengals will be fierce challengers. NFC North: The Packers will win the division again, even with the addition of Brandon Marshall to the Bears. AFC South: In one of the weakest divisions in football, Houston led by its defense, will win a second consecutive division title. NFC South: With the Saints in trouble because of the bountygate, the Falcons, led by a fantastic offense will win the division. AFC West: The addition of Peyton Manning may help, but it will be the Chargers, not the Broncos who will surprise everyone and win the division. NFC West: In what was once a division where a 7-9 team made the playoffs, the 49ers will win an extremely weak division.

Question 2: Who are some teams that could sneak up on people? 
The Kansas City Chiefs. With Jamaal Charles healthy, this was a team that was able to make the playoffs a couple years ago. If Dwayne Bowe can repeat his 2011 season, the defense can hold up, these guys could win the division. The Philadelphia Eagles. The "Dream Team" was unfortunately unable to reach the playoffs, and Mike Vick, and LeSean McCoy want to keep Andy Reid's job. If DeSean Jackson "tries" this season, they have a chance. The Detroit Lions. Matt Stafford and Megatron. Those two are one of the best WR-QB combinations in the NFL. If the defense gets better, don't be surprised if they win a wildcard spot.

Question 3: How will Peyton Manning do? 
Manning will not be wearing the familiar Blue and White of the Indianapolis Colts. He is with a new team, and a new coach. Manning will be solid, but will not be what he once was. It won't be like the Brett Favre on the Vikings and Jets, but it won't be the Peyton Manning-Marvin Harrison.

Question 4: Will Maurice Jones-Drew play? 
MJD is slated to start as a third down back during Week 1, as he has just ended his holdout. Rashad Jennings will get the majority of the carries, and depending on how he does, will effect MJD's playing time. Remember, this is the same MJD who led the league in rushing last year.

Question 5: Will the Madden Curse affect Calvin Johnson? 
When Calvin Johnson was announced as the cover of Madden '13, fantasy owners everywhere were worried. Why? Because of something called the Madden curse. Shaun Alexander, Vince Young, these are just two players who have been on the cover of Madden, and were never the same. Megatron will be different. Johnson has a fantastic quarterback throwing to him, and will still score plenty of touchdowns.

Question 6: Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III 
These two rookie quarterbacks went 1-2 in the draft last April. Who will have a better rookie season? It will be the man who went number two, RG3. Griffin is a fantastic quarterback, and has better talent around him than Luck does. Though Luck does have his college teammate Coby Fleener, RG3 has speed, and new acquisition Pierre Garcon and Fred Davis.

Question 7: Which Chris Johnson will we see? 
Chris Johnson ruined many fantasy owners lives last season, with his horrible year. Many people were hesitant to take him. But why? It could've just been a down year. He has a chance to bounce back, and be a great back again. Though he may not be as good as 2010, he still will be able to have a solid year.

Question 8: Who will be the MVP? 
Last year it was Aaron Rodgers. This year? It's a tight race. There are the three elite quarterbacks, as well as the running backs, and of course Calvin Johnson. But this year, the NFL MVP will go to Arian Foster. Foster is being hyped as the running back in the game, and he will be this season. If Andre Johnson gets injured, as he hasn't played a full season in two years, which will cause the passing game to be scaled back. Expect Arian to win the rushing title.

Question 9: Who will win tomorrow's game, Giants vs. Cowboys? 
The Cowboys will try to start off their 2012 campaign strong after a disappointing last season. Led by Tony Romo and DeMarco Murray, and a much improved secondary, the Cowboys could be hard to beat. However, the Giants have a great team of their own. Filled with salsa dancers, and Superbowl winners, the Giants have a versatile team. The Cowboys fixed their secondary this offseason, and who knows, Victor Cruz might cool down from last season. The pick: Cowboys 

Question 10: Finally, who will win the Superbowl? 
This season, there are a surplus of teams who can contend for the Superbowl. It is all about who has the best luck, as the Patriots and the Giants learned last year. The Chicago Bears, one of the most improved teams of the offseason, with one of the league's best defenses, and best running backs, will make a run to the Superbowl. Their opponent, will be the Baltimore Ravens. Led by Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, and an old but stellar defense, the Ravens will avenge their AFC championship loss. The Bears however, will conquer the Ravens.

Week 13 Picks: Last Week 12-4

Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills 

Chris Johnson, could he be back? After a great game last week, can he finally demonstrate why he received that huge contract this past offseason? He will have a good opportunity this week. He faces a Bills defense which allows 25.5 points per game. The Bills had a promising start to the year, but now are in a four game funk. Will they snap it? Unlikely. Titans over Bills 

Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears 

The Bears must be disappointed. Losing a game last week which would have been easy to win... If Jay Cutler had not been injured. The Chiefs’ primary quarterback is injured as well. Matt Cassel. The team is forced to go withTyler Palko. Kyle Orton was signed to back him up. Orton could start instead of Palko on Sunday. The Bears have the edge in this one, with the great Matt Forte running for them. Bears over Chiefs 

Atlanta Falcons at Houston Texans 

Now both Texans quarterbacks named Matt are gone. First, all-star Matt Schaub is injured for the season, and last week, after just one half of quarterbacking; Leinart is done. These injuries forced an unproven rookie, T.J Yates to step in to play. The Falcons meanwhile, have Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, and Julio Jones. Despite allowing just 16 points per game, the Texans have no proven quarterback. That could be a problem. Falcons over Texans 

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins 

The Raiders beat the Bears last week, and as a result of that, the Dolphins should be easy.  Carson Palmer is beginning to settle into a groove for the Raiders. The Raiders are riding a three game winning streak and in first place, while the Dolphins are in dead last in the AFC East. The Dolphins have Reggie Bush. Bush is trying to prove himself as a quality NFL running back. He might have a good game, but his team won’t. 

Raiders over Dolphins 

Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings 

Tim Tebow keeps on doing it. Doing what? No one knows. Tebow is hated for not being a “true” quarterback. No matter, he’s been getting the job done for the Broncos. The Vikings have lost three in a row, and look as though they have no hope this season.  Could Christian Ponder use of some of Tebow’s magic? Yes. Will he be able to? Nope. 

Broncos over Vikings 

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots 

Probably one of the best NFL rivalries in recent years. There have been countless close finishes between these two teams. This year? Expect a blowout by the Pats. The Colts don’t have Manning. No way that the team can win. The Pats? The Patriots are doing well. They have Brady, Welker, and others. This should be an easy game for the AFC East leaders. Patriots over Colts 

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers 

Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers are in a deadlock with the Ravens for first in the AFC North. The Bengals have made an impressive run this season as well. The team is led by one of the most surprising rookies this season. Andy Dalton. The last time these two teams played each other, the Bengals lost 24-17. Dalton and A.J Green look to avenge this loss. Two great defenses playing against each other, whoever has the better quarterback will usually win. We all know who that is. 

Steelers over Bengals 

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Cam Newton will try to help his Panthers beat the team’s division rival. Josh Freeman is having a solid season of his own for the Bucs. The Bucs need to improve on defensive side. The team is allowing 26.5 points per game. Cam Newton should be able do well in this one. An upset is likely in this game.    

Panthers over Buccaneers 

New York Jets at Washington Redskins 

The second place Jets take on a struggling Redskins squad. The Redskins (still) do not have a quarterback, and may already be thinking about next season. Why you may ask? The Redskins could be a team that acquires Peyton Manning; that is if the Colts were to draft Andrew Luck. The Jets’ fantastic defense should lead them to victory in this matchup. 

Jets over Redskins 

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals 

These two teams played each other a few weeks ago. The result? The Ravens winning it. The Bengals will have a hard time avenging that loss. Ray Rice, Flacco, and the defense should beat the Bengals. Dalton will have a hard time in this game. 

Ravens over Bengals 

Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals 

The NFC East leading Cowboys take on Kevin Kolb. Kolb is finally starting for the Cardinals again. Larry Fitz should benefit from Kolb starting. DeMarco Murray should continue his streak of great rushing games. The Cardinals rushing defense allows an astonishing average of 123.5 rushing yards per game. Tony Romo should be comfortable against the Cardinals as well. Cowboys over Cardinals 

St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers are one of the NFL’s most surprising teams this season. The team’s defense is fantastic. Opposing teams have just scored 14 points per game against the team. The same cannot be said about the Rams. The team is one of many trying to get Andrew Luck. A 2-9 team beating a 9-2 team?Not likely. 

49ers over Rams 

Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints 

Drew Brees and Jimmy Graham take on Matthew Stafford and Brandon Pettigrew. The Lions, who after starting the season out well, have struggled a bit of late. Both of these teams are having trouble on defense. Because of that, expect numerous points from both teams. Kevin Smith will look to be a factor in the rushing game for the Lions. Drew Brees is a better quarterback than Stafford, which will probably determine the factor of this game. Saints over Lions 

San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Chargers are in the middle of a six game funk. The Jaguars recently fired the team’s longtime coach; Jack Del Rio. Norv Turner is probably next. The Chargers are allowing 25 points per game. This is not the same Chargers team that once had Luis Castillo and Shawne Merriman on the same defense. That Chargers team has moved on.  The Jaguars have a great defense, only allowing only 18 points per game. But... The Jaguars have a terrible offense, averaging only 12 points per game. Ouch. Scoring less than your allowing. Ouch.  Phil Rivers should be able to squeak out a victory to bring the end of a disappointing season. Chargers over Jaguars 

Thanksgiving Football Picks

Things sure won't be pleasant for the Harbaughs, as the Ravens take on the 49ers at home on Turkey Day. 

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

An NFC North rivalry to kick start your Thanksgiving. For the Lions, it’s one of the few years that they are in contention. So for the organization, this game means a lot.Two of the best quarterbacks in the game today are facing each other. Will the Lions be able to triumph over the undefeated Packers? It will be a difficult, and a sadly unlikely task. Still, it could be possible with the leadership of Matt Stafford and Kevin Smith. 

Packers over Lions

Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys 

The Cowboys continue the team’s tradition of playing on Thanksgiving. The ‘Boys face a  Dolphins team which has won three games in a row. The Cowboys also have a win streak of their own going on right now.  DeMarco Murray could be the difference in this game whether his team wins, or gets the stuffing knocked out of ‘em.   

Cowboys over Dolphins 

San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens 

The 49ers cannot seem to lose, and neither can the Ravens. What will happen when they face a team with an equally as good a defense? Conflict at the dinner table, that’s what.  Frank Gore will try to create some holes but it’ll be tough, everyone on the Ravens wants a piece of him. Ray Rice will have an even harder time, everyone is going for him, which could cause chaos for John Harbaugh against his brother. The brothers will be forced to try different methods in this game. It will be a learning Thanksgiving for the brothers. This is hope for a clean game. No one should get hurt. 

Ravens over 49ers. 

Week 11 Picks

Note: Similar to last week, we will have picks, but no longer in-depth analysis for each game. The most exciting game of the week will be selected, and there will be an in-depth preview for that specific game. However there will still be analysis. And now…. Week 11 Picks!! 

Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns

Blaine Gabbert has been slowly developing as a quarterback, and could break out in this contest. The Jaguars also have Maurice Jones-Drew, who despite having a subpar year, is still an all-pro running back. Peyton Hillis is inactive and Colt McCoy isn’t exactly spectacular. It’s kinda obvious who’s going to win. 

Jaguars over Browns 

Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions 

An intriguing matchup. Two former SEC quarterbacks going at it against each other. Cam Newton vs. Matthew Stafford. Both of these quarterbacks are having all-star years, and Newton is a shoe-in for Offensive Rookie. The Lions have been struggling of late, but should be able to get back on track. Lions over Panthers 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers

The only undefeated team in the NFL happens to be the reigning Superbowl champs. Aaron Rodgers and his receivers are having an fun time catching the ball from Rodgers  Josh Freeman is also having a great season, unfortunately, it will be difficult for his squad to beat the champs.

 Packers over Buccaneers 

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

An AFC East rivalry. The Bills started off as one of the NFL’s best teams. They even beat the Pats! However, they’ve cooled down a bit. Still, the Dolphins aren’t exactly a challenge for these guys. Sorry Fishies, try again next year. Bills over Dolphins 

Oakland Raiders at Minnesota Vikings 

Carson Palmer is having a ball on the field. Are his fun times going to translate to a victory? Against AP and Christian Ponder? It will be tough for the former Heisman trophy winner, as Ponder is steadily improving. I don’t think he’ll do it. 

Vikings over Raiders 

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins 

DeMarco Murray! Everyone’s most popular fantasy pickup. DeMarco Murray! The starting running back for the Cowboys, who after having a fantastic first game, has cooled down. The Cowboys probably won’t need him to do that well against the Redskins. The ‘Boys still have Romo, and the ‘Skins have lost Hightower, and (still) can’t find a quarterback. Cowboys over Redskins

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers

While the baseball Cardinals won the world series… the football cardinals, after starting out 1-6... Have managed to win 2 games in a row. Pretty good, considering they’ve managed to do it under QB Johnny Skelton. Unfortunately, they’ve run into the Red Hot 49ers. The 49ers have won 8 games in a row. Frank Gore and Alex Smith unstoppable, and the rest of the spare parts on the squad will come together. 

 49ers over Cardinals 

Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams 

Another AFC West matchup. Last year’s worst division has turned into the 49ers and a bunch of bad teams who couldn’t beat LSU.  This is a matchup of Tarvaris Jackson and a struggling Sam Bradford. Marshawn Lynch vs. Steven Jackson. Interesting matchup in the running game. The better running game will get the win. Rams over Seahawks

Tennesee Titans at Atlanta Falcons 

The Falcons have managed to come back this year. Matt Ryan struggled at the beginning of the year, but has seemed to regain his footing. Chris Johnson is the most disappointing player of the year. The NFL should make an award called the Chris Johnson award. It wouldn’t be an award to brag about. Falcons over Titans 

San Diego Chargers at Chicago Bears 

Two of the NFL’s most under appreciated quarterbacks face off. Phil Rivers vs. Jay Cutler. Rivers has received some love, but there are many critics. As usual the Bears’ D, is fantastic. That will probably be the difference in this one. Also, expect Forte to run over the Chargers. Bears over Chargers 

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants 

LeSean McCoy. Possibly the best running back in football right now. Who would have known? The “Dream Team” did. The Eagles are finally putting the pieces together and have started ripping apart opponents.  The Giants are a great team, with a great quarterback. Eli Manning. With Vince Young starting, and Jeremy Maclin out, the Eagles could have trouble in the passing game. But the last time the Eagles played on Sunday Night football… Eagles over Giants 

Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots 

The Pats did it! The Pats finally ended their losing streak. The Chiefs did it! They ended their winning streak! Well, Jamaal Charles is out. Matt Cassel, hasn’t been good of late. How can this team win? The Chiefs are playing the worst defense. However, the Pats have the best offense, and a healthy Tom Brady. However, the last time these two teams played each other…. Brady was injured. Patriots over Chiefs