There isn't much change in the AFC playoff picture this week. With the Broncos having a bye, and the Colts, Patriots, Bengals, Steelers, Jets all winning, the only change this weeks is that if the season ended today, the Jets would get in by virture of winning a tie-breaker with the Texans (via head to head matchup) instead of the Ravens, who lost this week. That being the case, I wouldn't change any of my predictions, although I am starting to bye into the Bengals and think that their wildcard matchup with the Steelers would be a lot more competitive than I did last week. I still see the Colts coming out of the AFC.
As far as the NFC is concerned, there has been a shake up. If the season ended today, the Falcons and 49ers, who were in last week, would be out this week. The NFC playoff teams would be the Saints, Vikings, Giants, Cardinals, Packers and Cowboys (by virture of winning a tiebreaker against the Falcons due to their victory on Sunday) if the season ended today. The Saints and Vikings would have the byes and your first round matchups would be Cowboys @ Giants and Packers @ Cardinals. The Giants-Cowboys games are always interesting because you don't know what version of the teams you're going to see. Based on Sunday's performance, you'd have to take the Cowboys in this game, and unless the Giants get their act together, I would have to take the Cowboys in January should these two teams meet. Thankfully, as a Giants fan, January is a long way from today. The other matchup features another team who doesn't know what version is going to show up from one Sunday to Sunday. All of a sudden, the Cardinals can win on the road and can win big games. And playing a cold weather team in January in Phoenix might be exactly what the doctor ordered. I still wouldn't be able to bet against the Packers in this matchup, so if the season ended today, I'd be taking the two road teams in the wild card matchups.
Your divisional matchups would be Cowboys at Saints and Packers @ Vikings. The Cowboys showed that they can score points and they will definitely need them because this will be a shootout. With the emergence of Miles Austin to go along with Roy Williams, Tony Romo can throw all day if he felt like it. Then again, when you have that three headed monster at running back, the Saints will be guessing all day. These teams are evenly matched, but the Saints have 1 very large advantage . . . the Superdome. I'll take the Saints in this one, but would love to see it played on a neutral site. In the other matchup, as long as Brett Farve is healthy, I will be taking the Vikings to beat the Packers. That sets up a Vikings-Saints championship game, and much like last week, I'm going to take the Saints.
Last week, I stated my feelings about a Colts - Saints Super Bowl and they haven't changed. Peyton Manning gets his second Super Bowl trophy and enters the conversation for best quarterback ever to play the game of football.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Guess Who's Back?
After an six year absence, the New York Yankees are back in the World Series. Say what you want about them, but this team did exactly what a team of this caliber is supposed to do - excel. Now they are right where they want to be, four games away from their 27th World Championship; the most by far of any professional sports team.
Like most people, my knock on this team has been the fact that its not a "team", instead, its a collection of individuals. To me, that explains why they haven't seen the World Series in six years. They had the best players most of the time, but that didn't make them the best "team". This years team is different. With the addition of high priced free agents, who also have a personality (especially Nick Swisher), the 2009 "collection of individuals" merged into the best "team" in the American league and maybe in baseball (only the Phillies stand in the way for that honor).
With the core group from their last dynasty run (Jeter, Posada and Rivera) and the addition of the fab four (Sabathia, Burnett, Texiera, and Swisher), the Yankees are primed to return to the top of the baseball mountain and stay there for a few years. I'm sure the rest of baseball is not happy about that.
Like most people, my knock on this team has been the fact that its not a "team", instead, its a collection of individuals. To me, that explains why they haven't seen the World Series in six years. They had the best players most of the time, but that didn't make them the best "team". This years team is different. With the addition of high priced free agents, who also have a personality (especially Nick Swisher), the 2009 "collection of individuals" merged into the best "team" in the American league and maybe in baseball (only the Phillies stand in the way for that honor).
With the core group from their last dynasty run (Jeter, Posada and Rivera) and the addition of the fab four (Sabathia, Burnett, Texiera, and Swisher), the Yankees are primed to return to the top of the baseball mountain and stay there for a few years. I'm sure the rest of baseball is not happy about that.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Organized Top 25 - October 25, 2009
I am not a fan of the BCS, but sadly, I have to concede that I think we are stuck with it. So, since I can't beat'em, I might as well join'em and create my own poll. I have no loyalty to any Div 1 team and won't hold a weak schedule against teams like Boise State (that nobody really wants to play the last few years, especially on the blue carpet) so this is probably one of the most fair rankings you'll find. If you don't agree, that's the beauty of sports, we can agree to disagree. That being said, here is how I'd rank the teams after the games of October 24th:
1. University of Texas
2. University of Florida
3. University of Alabama
4. University of Southern California
5. University of Cincinnati
6. Boise State University
7. University of Iowa
8. Louisiana State University
9. Texas Christian University
10. Georgia Tech
11. University of Oregon
12. Pennsylvania State University
13. Oklahoma State University
14. Virginia Tech
15. University of Miami
16. University of Houston
17. Ohio State University
18. University of Utah
19. University of Pittsburgh
20. Texas Tech
21. University of West Virginia
22. University of South Carolina
23. Brigham Young University
24. University of Oklahoma
25. University of Arizona
There is guaranteed to be some movement in the top 25 next week as we have several matchups between teams in the top 25. (4)USC plays (11)Oregon and (1)Texas plays (13)Oklahoma State
1. University of Texas
2. University of Florida
3. University of Alabama
4. University of Southern California
5. University of Cincinnati
6. Boise State University
7. University of Iowa
8. Louisiana State University
9. Texas Christian University
10. Georgia Tech
11. University of Oregon
12. Pennsylvania State University
13. Oklahoma State University
14. Virginia Tech
15. University of Miami
16. University of Houston
17. Ohio State University
18. University of Utah
19. University of Pittsburgh
20. Texas Tech
21. University of West Virginia
22. University of South Carolina
23. Brigham Young University
24. University of Oklahoma
25. University of Arizona
There is guaranteed to be some movement in the top 25 next week as we have several matchups between teams in the top 25. (4)USC plays (11)Oregon and (1)Texas plays (13)Oklahoma State
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Giving The Devil Its Due
As much as I hate to admit it, the Philadelphia Phillies are going back to the World Series. I'm not taking anything away from the Phillies, its just that as a New York Mets fan, you don't want to see anyone else in your division succeed. The Phillies are the defending world champs and they didn't rest on their laurels. They improved their team in the off-season with Raul Ibanez (who only hit 272 with 34 home runs and 93 rbi's), and again at the trading deadline with Cliff Lee (who went 7-4 with a 3.39 era after becoming a Phillie), so their second consecutive appearance in the World Series should not surprise anyone (and let us not forget about Pedro Martinez who only went 5-1 after being signed by the team).
I used to think that the 1993 Phillies team was the best Phillies team in my lifetime. With the likes of Dykstra, Kruk, Williams, Daulton, Pratt, Hollins and Incaviglia, I nicknamed this team "a travelling softball team". By that, I meant those are the type of players who like to get dirty and play hard. It might not be pretty, but they will beat your brains out. Now, after watching the Phillies of the last two years, I'm not sure anymore. Position by position, the 2009 Phillies might be even better. The pitching staff definitely favors the current Phillies. And now that Brad Lidge appearing to have worked through his end of season problems, I don't know if there's anything that will be able to stop them.
With a week to go before the World Series starts, the team has a chance to rest, get their rotation in order and get ready to defend their championship. Regardless of whether its the Angels or the Yankees, the Phillies are going to pose a tough challenge to whoever wins the American League pennent.
I used to think that the 1993 Phillies team was the best Phillies team in my lifetime. With the likes of Dykstra, Kruk, Williams, Daulton, Pratt, Hollins and Incaviglia, I nicknamed this team "a travelling softball team". By that, I meant those are the type of players who like to get dirty and play hard. It might not be pretty, but they will beat your brains out. Now, after watching the Phillies of the last two years, I'm not sure anymore. Position by position, the 2009 Phillies might be even better. The pitching staff definitely favors the current Phillies. And now that Brad Lidge appearing to have worked through his end of season problems, I don't know if there's anything that will be able to stop them.
With a week to go before the World Series starts, the team has a chance to rest, get their rotation in order and get ready to defend their championship. Regardless of whether its the Angels or the Yankees, the Phillies are going to pose a tough challenge to whoever wins the American League pennent.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
If The Season Ended Today: Week 6 2009
With the NFL season week well into its second quarter, now would be a good time to start looking ahead to the playoffs. The dominate teams in both conferences have identified themselves as have the not so good teams. Starting today, and every Tuesday through the end of the season, we will take a hypothetical look at what would happen IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY:
We will start with the AFC. If the season ended today, the Patriots, Bengals, Colts, Broncos, Steelers and Jets (by virtue of winning a tie-breaker against the Ravens) would be in the playoffs. The Broncos and Colts would get the byes and your wild card match-ups would be Patriots v/s Jets and Bengals v/s Steelers. Although the Jets won their first meeting of the season with the Patriots, the way they have been playing since that meeting, I would definitely see the Patriots winning a rematch at this point in the season. As far as the Bengals and Steelers, these are not your mother's Bengals. This game would definitely be just as competitive as their first matchup, only with a different outcome. The Steelers don't take to kind to losing, especially to a division rival, and Mike Tomlin will have them ready to go. I see the Steelers winning in Cincinnati.
With those results, the second round would feature Pittsburgh @ Denver and New England @ Indianapolis. Three of these teams are expected to be in the Divisional round and the team that isn't expected to be here is finally going to play like it. Weather will not be a problem for Pittsburgh in Denver and the STeelers will find a way to win a NFC type football game. Expect a low scoring game here. On the other hand, if you like your points in bunches, Indy and New England is where you need to be. Brady is back and the inevitable meeting with the Colts will turn into a track meet. Scores might resemble that of a low scoring college basketball game, but and the team with the ball last will win. I think the Colts defense will get to Brady just enough and the Colts will win. The AFC title game would be Pittsburgh at Indianapolis and the Colts will end the Steelers quest for a seventh Super Bowl title.
In the NFC, the Giants, Vikings, Saints, 49ers, Falcons and Packers are your playoff teams. The Vikings and Saints get the byes and your wildcard game are Packers @ Giants and Falcons @ 49ers. We already know what to expect with the Falcons and 49ers and I don't think a week has changed anything between the two teams. I see the Falcons flying high once again. As for the Giants and the Packers, this is always a tough matchup whenever they play, and with the injuries in the Giants secondary, the pressure would definitely be on the front seven to get to Aaron Rogers as well as stop the run. Thankfully for the G-men, they have the guys to do that. The Giants win this one.
The second round would feature the Falcons @ Vikings and a rematch of the Giants and Saints in the Big Easy. As much as it hurts me to type this, the Giants secondary is just not going to be up to the challenge of Drew Brees and the throw all day offense of the Saints. I see the Saints winning again in the Big Easy. Now if this game was in the Meadowlands, outside in the cold weather, things might be different. As for the Falcons and Vikings, this is a game that I'd love to see in person. If Brett Farve is still healthy I see Minnesota winning easily, but if he's not 100% (see games 12-16 of last season), this becomes a game. The Saints beat the Vikings in the NFC Championship game.
The Super Bowl would feature a game featuring New Orleans v/s Indianapolis in what could possibly be the highest scoring Super Bowl ever. I see Peyton Manning winning his second Super Bowl trophy and cementing his place as one of the best quarterbacks to play this game. Then again, this is only week 6, a lot can change the rest of the way.
We will start with the AFC. If the season ended today, the Patriots, Bengals, Colts, Broncos, Steelers and Jets (by virtue of winning a tie-breaker against the Ravens) would be in the playoffs. The Broncos and Colts would get the byes and your wild card match-ups would be Patriots v/s Jets and Bengals v/s Steelers. Although the Jets won their first meeting of the season with the Patriots, the way they have been playing since that meeting, I would definitely see the Patriots winning a rematch at this point in the season. As far as the Bengals and Steelers, these are not your mother's Bengals. This game would definitely be just as competitive as their first matchup, only with a different outcome. The Steelers don't take to kind to losing, especially to a division rival, and Mike Tomlin will have them ready to go. I see the Steelers winning in Cincinnati.
With those results, the second round would feature Pittsburgh @ Denver and New England @ Indianapolis. Three of these teams are expected to be in the Divisional round and the team that isn't expected to be here is finally going to play like it. Weather will not be a problem for Pittsburgh in Denver and the STeelers will find a way to win a NFC type football game. Expect a low scoring game here. On the other hand, if you like your points in bunches, Indy and New England is where you need to be. Brady is back and the inevitable meeting with the Colts will turn into a track meet. Scores might resemble that of a low scoring college basketball game, but and the team with the ball last will win. I think the Colts defense will get to Brady just enough and the Colts will win. The AFC title game would be Pittsburgh at Indianapolis and the Colts will end the Steelers quest for a seventh Super Bowl title.
In the NFC, the Giants, Vikings, Saints, 49ers, Falcons and Packers are your playoff teams. The Vikings and Saints get the byes and your wildcard game are Packers @ Giants and Falcons @ 49ers. We already know what to expect with the Falcons and 49ers and I don't think a week has changed anything between the two teams. I see the Falcons flying high once again. As for the Giants and the Packers, this is always a tough matchup whenever they play, and with the injuries in the Giants secondary, the pressure would definitely be on the front seven to get to Aaron Rogers as well as stop the run. Thankfully for the G-men, they have the guys to do that. The Giants win this one.
The second round would feature the Falcons @ Vikings and a rematch of the Giants and Saints in the Big Easy. As much as it hurts me to type this, the Giants secondary is just not going to be up to the challenge of Drew Brees and the throw all day offense of the Saints. I see the Saints winning again in the Big Easy. Now if this game was in the Meadowlands, outside in the cold weather, things might be different. As for the Falcons and Vikings, this is a game that I'd love to see in person. If Brett Farve is still healthy I see Minnesota winning easily, but if he's not 100% (see games 12-16 of last season), this becomes a game. The Saints beat the Vikings in the NFC Championship game.
The Super Bowl would feature a game featuring New Orleans v/s Indianapolis in what could possibly be the highest scoring Super Bowl ever. I see Peyton Manning winning his second Super Bowl trophy and cementing his place as one of the best quarterbacks to play this game. Then again, this is only week 6, a lot can change the rest of the way.
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