Week 8: A Clearer Picture

Week 7 finally gaave us some perspective on who's legit & who isnt this year. This week we will be able to start looking at playoff positioning , on a divisional level at least. The Titans (5-2) , Chiefs (4-2) , Steelers (5-1) , Jets (5-1),  Giants (5-2) , Bears (4-3) , Seahawks (4-2)  & Falcons (5-2) all lead thier divisions. Whos safe? Who isnt? This weekend will tell all.

Tennessee Titans (5-2) @ San Diego Chargers (2-5)

This game is big for both teams. A win for the Titans will give them a commanding lead in the AFC South. A win for San Diego will give them life in a division that they once dominated. With a loss this weekend the Chargers playoff hopes are bleak. The Titans ,however, might have the biggest amount of momentum in the NFL. We all know about the vaunted Titan running attack but last week the passing game took the stage. Kenny Britt torched the Eagles defense last week in only 3 quarters of play. If this passing attack can become respectable again the Titans might have the scariest offense in the NFL. A mobile QB , a blazing back in Chris Johnson , big fast receivers that can catch the ball. Am i a Titan fan? Yes. But if you think im being too much of a "homer" take a look at this article in SI : Titans Offense . The Chargers , on the other hand, have not had the season they thought they would. The loss of LT , Vincent Jackson & the underproductivity of Shawne Merriman have really hurt this team. Their best receiver , TE Antonio Gates, is also out this game. Phillip Rivers will have to play a near perfect game for them to have a chance. But if there is a QB in the NFL that can punish you, its Rivers. Lets take a look at the numbers.

Tennessee Titans (5-2)

Offense
Scoring Offense 28.4 ppg (2nd in the NFL)
Passing Offense 170.9 ypg (29th in the NFL)
12 TDs 5 Ints 15 Sacks
Rushing Offense 131.3 ypg (8th in the NFL)
8 TDs 4 Fumbles 4.3 Yards Per Carry

Defense
Scoring Defense 16.7 ppg (7th in the NFL)
Passing Defense 230.4 ypg (23rd in the NFL)
7 TDs 12 Ints 25 Sacks
Rushing Defense 97.7ypg (10th in the NFL)
1 TD 6 Forced Fumbles

San Diego Chargers (2-5)

Offense
Scoring Offense 25.3 ppg (7th in the NFL)
Passing Offense 317.4 ypg (1st in the NFL)
13 TDs 6 Ints 20 Sacks
Rushing Offense 105.3 ypg (17th in the NFL)
7 TDs 7 Fumbles 4.1 Yards Per Carry

Defense
Scoring Defense 21.3 ppg (16th in the NFL)
Passing Defense 158.6 (1st in the NFL)
6 TDs 7 Ints 25 Sacks
Rushing Defense 85.7 (4th in the NFL)
4 TDs 1 Forced Fumbles

San Diego has an explosive offense. Their defense is one of the best in the NFL. But they are missing something. Im not sure what it is but this team finds ways to lose. A struggling team verses this hot Titan team and its scrappy opportunistic defense does not bode well for the Chargers. I expect the Titans to win. Decisively.

Tennessee 35
San Diego 21

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-1) @ New Orleans Saints (4-3)


This is a classic Offensive Powerhouse verses a Defensive Powerhouse. The Saints are coming off a loss to the Browns. That should be enough to tell you the state of this team. Fresh off a Superbowl season, they drop a game to the Browns. The Steelers on the other hand are looking like one of the leagues best and that was without Ben Rothlisberger for 4 weeks. Their defense is in a word, smothering. James Harrison leads one of the best linebacker cores in the NFL. They are the Heartbeat of the defense. Lets not forget Troy Polamalu. He seems to respond to pressure like no other safety in the NFL. But Drew Brees is a capable QB with some explosive weapons. So who will win when these two teams clash Sunday night?

Im taking the Steelers in this one. Why? They have their Pro Bowl QB back. Mike Wallace is emerging as a legit WR not just a burner. The Saints offense is explosive but id be a fool to bet against the Steelers defense.

Pittsburgh 31
New Orleans 17

Here are the rest of my picks for this weekend

Denver Broncos 13
San Francisco 49ers 28
I would hope that the 49ers are as good as the Raiders.

Buffalo Bills 17
Kansas City Chiefs 28
KC should be able to do whatever it wants. Actually , 28 points may be too little.

Carolina Panthers 17
St Louis Rams 38
Yeah i said it. Why not? This rams team has shown the ability to score in bunches. The Panthers are a horrible defensive team. Why not?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21
Arizona Cardinals 16
The Bucs have continued to prove me wrong. Ive learned to pick them when there is any doubt in my mind.

Seattle Seahawks 17
Oakland Raiders 24
This Raiders team put up a Madden Score last week. Look for them to come back to reality but still get the win.

Houston Texans 27
Indianapolis Colts 24
This is a big divisional game. The Colts already dropped a game to them when they were all healthy. Now that they are banged up expect the Texans to finish the weekend second in the division.

Im want to apologize that this post isnt as in depth as my other ones have been. Its been a VERY busy last couple of days. Ill make it up to you guys next week.

FIGURE 8

Week eight will round out pretty much the halfway point of the season...and playoff berths and seeding should begin to show now. But who would have thought that the Giants would be division leaders over the Cowboys and the new-look Redskins...or that out west the Cardinals would lead their division with a 3-3 record? This season is shaping up to have a lot of surprises...lets take a look at my slate of games this week:

Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals

Miami: 3-3...3rd in AFC East

253 pass yds per game (13th)

107 rush yds per game (16th)

216.5 pass yds allowed per game (17th)

100.8 rush yds allowed per game (12th)

Cincinnati: 2-4...3rd in AFC North

270.8 pass yds per game (6th)

100.2 rush yds per game (19th)

222 pass yds allowed per game (19th)

118 rush yds allowed per game (18th)

Pretty similar teams statwise...the Dolphins posting better in rush yds allowed, the Bengals better in pass yards...I like the idea of a huge aerial attack in this game and its not that fartetched...both teams boast over 250+ pass yards a game and with receivers in the area of Chand Johnson, Terrell Owens, Brandon Marshall, and...DAVONE BESS (who knew!) its definitely slated to be an exciting game with alot of offense....The x-factor here is going to be the coaching...Tony Sparano definitely has the cards as far as a playbook and a more flexible offense to run than that of Marvin Lewis and the Bengals...

Dolphins 31

Bengals 24

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Dallas Cowboys

Jacksonville: 3-4...4th in the AFC South

173.3 pass yds per game (28th)

127.7 rush yds per game (10th)

253.1 pass yds allowed per game (27th)

129 rush yds allowed per game (29th)

Dallas: 1-5...4th in the NFC East

289.7 pass yds per game (4th)

86 rush yds per game (30th)

200 pass yds allowed per game (7th)

117.3 rush yds allowed per game (21st)

At this point...both teams have played severly below their potential. With talent like Miles Austin, Demarcus Ware, Tony Romo, MJD, David Garrard, and Rashean Mathis, both of these teams should be higher up in their respective divisions and conferences...Now...both teams are really in a hole...The Cowboys are missing their star starting QB Tony Romo, and the Jags are missing their starting QB in David Garrard as well...both teams look to backups in Jon Kitna (Dallas) and Todd Bouman (Jacksonville) to step it up this week...simply put...this game will come down to the team with the best chance of rebounding from a lapse in the passing attack. Since the Cowboys have yet to show a solid commitment to the running game...even with Felix Jones and Marion Barber on the roster...look for them to be very one dimensional..but this is versus a Jacksonville pass defense that ranks 27th in the nfl (253.1 yds allowed passing per game) On the other side...Maurice Jones Drew is one bright spot...(not bright enough apparently)...he will be starting and is a great running back as far as being a workhorse. Neither defense has really shown up either this season...so this game....will just come down to who can score....if they can...

....this sure is a hard one to call....Dallas gets their second win...

Dallas 27

Jacksonville 13

Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions

Redskins: 4-3...2nd in the NFC East

236 pass yds per game (12th)

96.7 rush yds per game (21st)

292.1 pass yds per game (21st)

113.9 pass yds per game (20th)

Lions: 1-5...4th in the NFC North

258.7 pass yds per game (7th)

79 rush yds per game (31st)

224 pass yds allowed per game (20th)

138.8 rush yds allowed per game (27th)

There really is a lot of talent surrounding this Lions team...Shaun Hill hasnt posted bad numbers at all...1300 yds and 9 tds are no slouch numbers for a backup...Jahvid Best hasnt been at his best but thats been due to a huge malfunction on the O-Line....the receiving corps round out with Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew...who is among the top in the NFL for receptions for a TE...on the other end...the Redskins are coming off really a defensive end in which receiver Deangelo Hall had 4 receptions and a td...ok....he's not a receiver...but that was a great performance...and if the defense can rally around a performance like that this week...Shaun Hill will have a rough time finding someone to throw to...and Ryan Torain is getting the tough carries that this team needs to get them into the redzone...if McNabb can show up on the passing end...the Redskins should really have no problem and this should be an easy win...that being said...

Redskins 31

Lions 17

Green Bay Packers @ New York Jets

Green Bay: 4-3...2nd in the NFC North

250.7 pass yds per game (7th)

99.3 rush yds per game (20th)

214.1 pass yds allowed per game (14th)

124.3 rush yds allowed per game (23rd)

New York: 5-1...1st in AFC East

175 pass yds per game (27th)

159.2 rush yds per game (2nd)

229 pass yds allowed per game (22nd)

90 rush yds allowed per game (2nd)

A top defense vs a top offense...this...this could be the game of the week...the high powered explosive Packers offense is good...but this Jets defense is healthy....and even tho he hasnt played to his potential, the name Revis can put a seed of doubt in any quarterbacks head...even Aaron Rodgers...this Jets team is also the the second best in the run with the 1-2 punch of Tomlinson and closer Shonn Green. We cant forget about Mark Sanchez...who has been playing his role perfectly and doing it all right behind a great running game. At this point, the Jets have it all...and to be on their bandwagon isnt a bad place to be...

Jets 24

Packers 20

Minnesota Vikings @ New England Patriots

Minnesota: 2-4...3rd in NFC North

182.3 pass yds per game (24th)

136.2 rush yds per game (7th)

209.2 pass yds allowed per game (13th)

99.2 rush yds allowed per game (11th)

New England: 5-1...1st in AFC East

213.8 pass yds per game (17th)

111.2 rush yds per game (14th)

282 pass yds allowed per game (30th)

97.7 rush yds allowed per game (9th)

So a lot of big talk in the NFL is about Brett Favre and will his starter streak continue...ummm...HELLO THERES STILL A GAME TO PLAY! Whether he plays or not...this New England pass defense can prepare to be shredded by the receiving corps of Harvin, Moss, and Shiancoe...Tavaris Jackson is not a bad QB although having a 10-9 starting record, he can run as well as pass...and with Adrian Peterson having a slow but still Adrian Peterson season...this team is going to be a handful versus a New England defense that can allow a big run or two...Lets not forget who is on the other side of teh ball...Tom Brady could be the best quarterback alive today maybe ever...and he knows how to win...this will be a good one...game?

UPSET

VIKINGS 24

PATRIOTS 19

Week 8...still no clear cut top dog...Maybe by the end of this week we will definitely see who is going to make it close to the playoffs and who can just wait for a good draft pick...

OILIN THE MACHINE

The NBA kicked off with some flare...the big 3 goin 1-1....Blake Griffin dropping 18 with 14 boards...Monta Ellis going berserk with 46 points...and Kevin Durant being...Kevin Durant....now teams are back and getting into the swing and speed that an NBA season brings...lets take a look at the next slate of games:

LA Lakers @ Phoenix Suns

The Lakers are 1-0...Last game was a win 112-110 vs Rockets

The Suns are 0-1...Last game was a loss 106-92 vs the Trailblazers with a game to be played tonight vs the Jazz....

The Lakers are coming into this game off a close win versus the Rockets...Gasol posted 11 boards and 2 blocks...more than that...he outscored Kobe (27 points) with 29 points...The Lakers overall posted some pretty great numbers in this one...the Suns...well not so great...9 turnovers by Nash added to the teams 19 total turnovers...Jason Richardson offered some light as he dropped 22 and went 3-4 from beyond the arc...Lets take a look at some key matchups:

SG Jason Richardson vs SG Kobe Bryant

Not that this means they are equivalent...but how much Richardson scores can determine how well the Suns will do...He is an x-factor for this team and will take on a bigger scoring role for the Suns...Kobe of course will do Kobe...but look for him to look for his teamates down low vs a Suns team that is suspect in that area...

PF Lamar Odom vs PF Hedo Turkgolu

Both players really playing out of their SF positions due to injuries and lack of size....Offensively...the match up goes to Odom who can really penetrate and get inside...defensively....Odom again....Turkgolu isnt really suited for a PF match up where as Odom is far better at playing the PF role....

FINAL NOTES:

For Phoenix look for Steve Nash to shoulder most of the load...no one really established a good rebounding streak, no one on the Suns team posted more than 6 boards...On the Lakers side...Pau Gasol is coming off a hot game vs the Rockets...Shannon Brown (PG) also provided a spark with 16 points and 4 steals....The Lakers overall had 11 steals...

Prediction: Lakers 114

Suns 98

Denver Nuggets @ Houston Rockets

The Nuggets are 1-0 and have a game to be decided on Friday Night vs the Hornets...

The Rockets are 0-2 with a 132-128 loss to the Golden State Warriors

The Nuggets had a pretty solid game vs the Jazz...winning 110-88...Shelden Williams (PF) grabbed 16 rebounds....Melo had 23 points and Billups helped him and others get there with 8 assists...For the Rockets...Luis Scola is averaging 27 points and 16 boards a game...some pretty solid stats for a team thats slowly re-integrating 7 '6 center Yao Ming...Kevin Martin has also posted some nice scoring numbers...droppin 25+ in both games...but...somehow these great numbers have not translated into wins...although the Rockets managed to score 128 and 108 points in their first two games...

KEY MATCHUPS:

PG Chauncey Billups vs PG Aaron Brooks

Both gaurds do an excellent job of managing the teams and getting everyone the ball....who will put up more points in this Old vs. Young match up?

PF Luis Scola vs PF Al Harrington

Well obviously in recent seasons Luis Scola has provided more upside than Harrington...who has faced injuries...the more versatile Harrington should pose a threat to the Rockets and Scola due to his athleticism and ability to shoot from deep....

FINAL NOTES:

Possible playoff match up here...both teams have great depth on their rosters and can run the tables and get fastbreak points in a hurry....this team may come down to who plays better defense rather than who scores more...

Rockets 101

Nuggets 97

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz

The Jazz are 0-1 with a game to still be decided vs. the Phoenix Suns

The Thunder are 1-0 after a win vs the Chicago Bulls 106-95

This will be an electric matchup and a playoff preview...Kevin Durant started his season off with a spark with 30 points...This Thunder team looked really in sync and showing alot of team chemistry...Jeff Green also offered some nice production with 15 points...The Jazz are coming off a loss vs the Nuggets...they seem to have hit a wall in stopping the Nuggets fastbreak...a slow start for Deron Williams with 17 points and 6 assists...

KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS

PG Deron Williams vs PG Russell Westbrook

These guys both know how to dish the ball and find their teamates for big scores...who will score more points in this matchup? Also lets put steals into this factor..both guys are among the quickest in the NBA and can get to the ball quick...

SF Kevin Durant vs SF Andrei Kirilenko

Two very explosive forwards...obviously just between saying the two names Durant is the favorite and rightly so....last years scoring champ....30 points to start the season...looks good for him...but Kirilenko is also very explosive and is has great defensive upside as someone who has the size and strength to be able to keep up with Durant...dont expect the slow start by the Jazz to hinder the numbers he puts up....

FINAL NOTES

Russell Westbrook had an extremely good game with a double double ( 28 points...10 rebounds...6 assists)...he looks to keep up this intensity but it will be tough vs a Jazz team that in recent seasons has been solid defensively....down low, it looks like the match up should go to the Jazz with Millsap and Jefferson healthy....

Prediction

Thunder 105

Jazz 95

Heres the rest of this weekends games...hope you enjoy!

FRIDAY

Denver Nuggets @ New Orleans Hornets

Chris Paul had 17 points to go along with the 16 assists...needless to say they looked pretty solid vs the Bucks...The Nuggets have also had a good showing...but with back to back games...Denver may be a little tired...

Hornets 98

Nuggets 89

Milwaukee Bucks @ Minnesota Timberwolves

The T-Wolves came off a close loss vs the Kings...Luke Ridnour looked good with 20 points...but this is vs a Milwaukee team featuring Brandon Jennings...a healthy Andrew Bogut...and Carlos Delfino who was hot from behind the arc and dropped 19...

Bucks 91

Timberwolves 88

Memphis Grizzlies @ Dallas Mavericks

The Grizzlies had some mixed stats here...PG Mike Conley dropped 23...Gay had 10 boards...and of course...they didnt show much defensive intensity vs the Hawks who already have lots of offensive firepower...Look for Dirk Nowitzki to go berserk and Jason Terry as well (22 points last game)...

Mavericks 117

Grizzlies 101

LA Clippers @ Golden State Warriors

Monta Ellis had a crazy night vs the Rockets with 46 points...this explosive Warriors team will be going up against a solid team in the Clippers...Rookie Blake Griffin had 18 points and 14 rebounds in his NBA debut...this ought to be a close one...With Kaman and Griffin down low...the Warriors may have a little trouble getting the boards...

Clippers 100

Warriors 96

SATURDAY

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Memphis Grizzlies

This game may not be much of a challenge...but hey its the NBA...and you never know what happens...the Wolves can put up points..but maybe not enough to stop the tandem or the 3 headed beast or...4...or...well...how they can stop the Grizzlies starting five will be tough...

Grizzlies 112

Timberwolves 98

New Orleans Hornets @ San Antonio Spurs

This is another big game this week...between two teams that really fly under the radar...The Spurs played a great all around game vs the Pacers...Tim Duncan had 23 points and showed that he could still be productive with less minutes...the Hornets look to continue their charge...Marco Bellinelli will be the man to watch...he is an absolute marksman and can spot up from anywhere on the floor...

Spurs 98

Hornets 97

SUNDAY

Dallas Mavericks @ LA Clippers

Ehhhhh...this one is tough...alot of great matchups in this one...Chris Kaman sharing time with Blake Griffin as far as covering Nowitzki....Baron Davis vs Jason Kidd....this game will come down to whoever's bench can put up....

Mavericks 108

Clippers 92

Golden State Warriors @ LA Lakers

This looks like a David vs. Goliath match up here...and rightfully so...both teams in their second games off of a back to back but its an interstate game so...we shall see...

Lakers 105

Warriors 91

Opening weekend of the NBA...alot of teams showing some spark and the excitement continues....enjoy the weekend and see us back on Saturday for a preview of the NFL week 8!

Rivalries Renewed

  What have we learned in the first 3 days of this NBA season? The Heat arent going 82-0 , the Cavs might still be a legit team in the East without Lebron, & Blake Griffin is everything we anticipated. This weekend old rivalries are rekindled. New York v Boston & Orlando v Miami. This first weekend of the season has some very interesting matchups in the East. Lets take a look at the 3 biggest ones:

 New York @ Boston Friday 7:30

Orlando @ Miami Friday 8:00

Charolate @ Milwauke Saturday 8:30

New York Knicks @ Boston Celtics

  Its showtime. Amare wasnt brought to New York to beat the Raptors. He was brought in so the Knicks could go toe to toe with the elite of the Eastern Conference. Friday night he will have his first chance to prove his worth verses the defending Eastern Conference champion Celtics. Many are already predicting this as a potential play off matchup. The playoffs are too far away to predict right now so , lets see how the teams stack up right now.

Point Guard

Advantage Celtics

Dont get me wrong, Raymond Felton is a great NBA point guard. I think Larry Browns system hindered his development. He is a good defender & he can create open shots for others as well as himself. All that being said , he still is no Rondo. Felton has the potential to give Rondo some trouble but i dont expect him to be able to keep Rondo from playing his game. 

Shooting Guard

Advantage Celtics

We all know about Ray Allen. Perinial All Star. Premire Shooter. Hall of Fame bound. Even though he has the advantage in this matchup, im excited to see what the ex Stanford Cardinal Landry Fields will do. He had 11points (9 from three)& 4 rebounds in his NBA debut. He will be exciting to watch.

Small Forward

Advantage Knicks

Now i know some of you will ask how i can pick against Paul Peirce in this match up but here is why. Danillo Gallinari has all the tools. He has the size . At 6'10 he is already a size mismatch for most SF's. His ability to shoot from every spot on the floor is also an advantage for him on pick & rolls. His defense comes & goes but it comes in big games. While Peirce is the better player i think Danillo may have a slight advantage in this matchup.

Power Forward 

Advantage Knicks

KG is back this season looking as good as he did in his first season in Boston. But Amare is looking better than ever. When Amare is feeling it & having fun , which he seems to be having, he is scary. Garnetts defense is the only advantage that he has in this matchup. Amare loves a challenge & big games. This game gives him both. Look for Amare to fill up the stat sheet.

Center

Advantage Celtics

Mozgov is a freak of an athlete. His potential is high but playing one of the greatest centers in NBA history is going to put him at a clear disadvantage. Shaq is only a shadow of what he used to be but he consistently gives young athletic centers a slight bit of trouble. Look for that trend to continue. 

Bench

Advantage Advantage

With Anthony Randolph injured the Knicks starting big men will carry alot of the load. Wilson Chandler will give the Celtics bench some problems though . The bench matchup of Toney Douglass & Nate Robinson will be interesting to watch.

Prediction

While i want to say the Celtics will win this matchup , this game means more to the Knicks than the Celtics. That extra motivation to prove that they are legit will be enough to carry them over the top. 

New York 111

Boston 105

Orlando Magic @ Miami Heat Friday 8:00

The Interstate Rivalry is renewed. Division rivals Miami & Orlando clash in this early season matchup. This is game has huge implications for the playoffs. Since the Magic & Heat are in the same division , one of them will potentially be the 4th seed in the East.  The Heat have 3 superstars now but is that enough for this Magic team that can play defense with the best of them?

Point Guard

Advantage Orlando

Jameer Nelson is an All Star point guard. Carlos Arroyo is a back up on most NBA teams. This is really a no-brainer. 

Shooting Guard

Advantage Miami

Vince Carters glory days are behind him but that doesnt mean he is a slouch but any means. His Performance in the play offs last year motivated him to get back in the gym. He is looking as good as he did 2 years ago. D-Wade on the other hand is a tremendous talent. One of the NBAs top players in my opinion. Though his play was limited by an injury during the preseason he is still a potent player. This matchup may decide the games outcome.

Small Forward

Advantage Miami

As a Magic fan, MP is one of my favorite players. In 2009 he was instrumental in Orlando containing Lebron in the playoffs. However, Lebron has a much different cast of players now. Aside from Bosh & Wade the team isnt that much better. Expect Lebron to try to get a little redemption against MP , who for the most part, plays him very tough. If Peitrus gets into foul trouble it could be a great night for Lebron.

Power Forward

Advantage None

Chris Bosh is an All Star PF. Rashard Lewis is an All Star PF. There are two things that separate these two players. Rashards 3 point shot & Chris' consistancy. Later in the season i would pick Bosh in this matchup but just because of the magnitude of this game & Rashard being rested ill call it even. 

Center

Advantage Orlando

Joel Anthony plays defense. Thats about all i can say for him in this matchup. I wouldnt be surpirised if he got a block or two. Dwight Howard on the other hand will be ready & rested for this game. He will also have the opportunity to use some of his newly acquired high post moves after training this off season with Hakeem the Dream. My prayers are with Joel Anthony

Bench

Advantage Orlando

With Mike Miller still injured , Miami doesnt have much of a bench. Big Z , Haslem Chalmers &  James Jones will be expected to maintain the momentum of the team. However they will be going up against one of the best benches in the league. Bass Anderson & Gortat could all start for many teams in the NBA. This might be the biggest advantage in this game.

Prediction

Im really torn to pick a team in this game. It may boil down to chemistry in the end. The Magic have the clear advantage in as far as chemistry goes at this point. I do however see Wade & Lebron putting up some decent numbers.

Orlando 103

Miami 98

Charlotte Bobcats @ Milwaukee Bucks Saturday 8:30

These two teams made the playoffs last year. They also both made early exsits. Charlotte at the hands of the Magic & the Bucks at the hands of the Hawks. The Bucks however have made some big changes & Michael Redd is back. But this Bobcats squad can hang in there with most NBA teams. Who has the edge in this early conference matchup?

Point Guard

Advantage Milwaukee

Brandon Jennings is the truth. There is no other way to say it. D.J. Augustin isnt the most consistent point guard but he fits Larry Browns system well. Not to mention that Jennings dropped 29 , 24 & 19 on this Bobcats squad last season. Expect more of the same.

Shooting Guard

Advantage Charlotte

Steven Jackson is one of the most underrated players in the NBA in my opinion. John Salmons Made his mark last season with this team. But S.Jax is just too much for Salmons. Salmons defense , or lack there of, will cost him in this matchup.

Small Forward

Advantage Charlotte

Gerald Wallace was an All Star Selection last year & rightfully so. His defense is his biggest asset. His defense translates into easy scoring opportunities too. Its going to be a long night for Carlos Delfino.

Power Forward

Advantage None

Drew Gooden has the size to give Boris Diaw problems. Diaw has the ability to shoot outside , which will give Gooden some trouble. This should be a good matchup to watch.

Center

Advantage Milwaukee

Andrew Bogut is at a sever disadvantage in the East. Dwight Howard, Al Horford , Brook Lopez & Shaq will all beat him out of the All Star spot i think he would earn this season. At this point in his Career Nazr Mohammed is only good for the jumpball & rebounds.

Bench

Advantage Milwaukee

CDR & Maggs could start on most NBA teams. Gerald Henderson & Shuan Livingston & Tyrus Thomas do make the Bobcats bench exciting but not enough. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute & Esran Illyosva are big parts of this team. Look for them to be the deciding factor when its all said & done.

Prediction

Im going to take Milwaukee. They just have too many positives going for them to lose this game.

Milwaukee 94

Charlotte 86

Here are how i think the rest of the games in the East will go this weekend:

Sacramento Kings 82

New Jersey Nets 89

Cousins v Favors. Cousins gets the stats. Favors gets the win.

Atlanta Hawks 98

Philadelphia 76ers 90

Cleveland Cavaliers 98

Toronto Raptors 85

Byron Scott is a great defensive coach. Look for Hickson to take advantage down low.

Indiana Pacers 86

Charlotte Bobcats 84

Look for Collisons speed & Grangers size to cause problems. 

Oklahoma Thunder 112

Detroit Pistons 92

Detroit is going to have alot of games like this i fear.

Washington 82

Atlanta 94

Agent Zero is out for 2 weeks. John Wall will have to be the catalyst.

Sacramento Kings 76

Cleveland Cavaliers 87

The Cavs D will be on display for the 3rd straight game.

Portland Trailblazers 92

New York Knicks 90

I think this game will be closer than most think.

Detroit Pistons 81

Chicago Bulls 92

Rose & Co. will get heir first win of the season.

Philadelphia 76ers 

Indiana Pacers 

I really dont know who wins this matchup. It could go either way.

Miami Heat 110

New Jersey Nets 94

The Nets will be catching an angry Heat team who will , according to my prediction, be coming off a loss.

Thats what i think will go down this weekend in the East.

Comments & Analysis are readily welcomed ! 

                                                                                                                                       -Fraz

Yin & Yang

Now ive gotten a few questions about the posts of the blog. They dont seem to always agree or even have the same format. There is a reason for that. There are two writers with very different opinions. This may create a little confusion at first but you will learn that we both have different views on sports. Sorry for the confusion. You can also check out our individual profiles to the right of the screen & our individual Twitter accounts at the bottom of the page.

-Fraz

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Tick Tick Tick... BOOM!

When has there been a more anticipated year in the NBA? There hasnt been this much hype since Lebron Wade & Bosh were all on their own teams. The new look Heat take on the Eastern Conference Champion Celitcs to tip off the NBA season. The very next night the revamped Cavaliers look to exact some revenge on a Celtics team that ended their season last year. Then on Thursday night the first overall pick comes to meet his new divisional rivals in the retooled Orlando Magic. Who has the edge in these Matchups?

Tuesday 7:30 Miami Heat @ Boston Celtics

This may very well be an Eastern Conference Finals preview. We all know the big moves each team has made. Miami acquired the top 3 free agents in Lebron James , Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh. The Celtics brought in two big bodies that share the same last name : Shaquille & Jermaine O'Neal . The Celtics took out the Heat in a commanding fashion in the playoffs last year but this is a very different Heat squad. Let see how they match up.

Point Guard

Advantage Celtics

Rajon Rondo showed us all one thing last year. He deserves to be considered an elite NBA pg. Nate Robinson is as explosive as they come. He can easily shift the balance of a game off the bench. Chalmers , however, wont be given much responsibility except to pass to the all stars. 

Shooting Guard

Advantage Heat

How can you pick against D-Wade? He already gives teams fits when they double team him. Just wait till he is in one on one situations verses an aging Ray Allen. Allens best years are now behind him. He was never known for his defense & now that Tony Allen , their best on ball defender, is now in Memphis look for the Heat to exploit this match up.

Small Forward

Advantage Heat

This was a little closer than most would imagine. Lebron is an absolute freak of nature on the court. Physically he is unmatched in the NBA. Paul Peirce , however , is a winner. He does what it takes to win games, much to the chagrin of his opponents. Lebrons defensive prowess will get this upper hand in this matchup though.

Power Forward

Advantage Celtics

Kevin Garnett was plauged by injury last year. He could never get it all together.While his offense suffered his defensive intensity never waned. With a summer off to get healthy look for KG to give Chris Bosh fits all night.

Center
Advantage Celtics
Shaq maybe old but he can still do what he needs to do at his position. Joel Anthony will have his hands full.

Bench
Advantage Celtics
Mike Miller is dinged up so the biggest threat off the Miami Bench is Haslem. The Celtics , on the other hand, is one of the best in the NBA. Nate Robinson, Jermaine Oneal , Delonte West & Kendrick Perkins could start on many NBA rosters.

Prediction
The Heat have 3 young stars in their prime. The Celtics counter with proven verteran winners & leadership with a bench to boot. The Celtic bench may very well be the key to this game. The starters for Miami can hang but i think the fall off once they take a breather will be too much.

Heat 97
Celtics 101

Wednesday 7:00 Boston Celtics  @ Cleveland Cavaliers

The Lebronless Cavs look to exact revenge on the Celtics. Moe Williams will have to shoulder the load of his team young team . If the Cavs have a chance to take down one of the Easts elite, this is their chance since the Celts will be coming off a tough matchup the night before. Jamison has now been there long enough to get acclimated to his teammates. Byron Scott will have this Cavs team ready but will that be enough?

Point Guard

Advantage Celtics

Moe Williams has proven he can score. Any given night he can drop 20+. But Rajon Rondo is the perfect antidote for that. He is quicker , faster & more athletic than Williams. While Moe has the obvious offensive advantage, Rondo has the overall advantage.

Shooting Guard

Advantage Celtics

Ray Allen may have his best years behind him but Anthony Parker could only pray to have one year like Allen. Parkers defensive pressure may win out initially but Ray Allens ability to get to the stripe should keep him in rhythm all night. Parker may have some bursts of greatness but Allen is just too much.

Small Forward

Advantage Celtics

Jamario Moon is athletically superior to Paul Peirce. However, Paul Peirce's repertoire of offensive moves and his ability to draw contact on shots will decide this matchup. 

Power Forward

Advantage Celtics

Jamison will need to channel his all star years to help this team. The Celtics arent the team to do that against. KG takes this matchup easily.

Center

Advantage Cavaliers

Ok, on paper Shaq should take this matchup by a landslide. But there is something about Anderson Verajao that brings out the worst in opposing teams big men. Look for him to get Shaq in trouble early in this game

Bench

The Celtics bench may be , in some respects, as good as the Cavalier starters.

Prediction

The Cavs will keep it close with lots of energy to start off the game but the Celtics will finish it off.

Celtics 96 

Cavaliers 80

Thursday 8:00 Washington Wizards @ Orlando Magic

Agent Zero is back & John Wall is ready to take the NBA by storm. Will that be enough though to stop the Orlando Magic? The Magic havent made many big changes but they have bolsterd their rotation. The Wizards show lots of promise & the Magic wont be satisfied with anything less than a championship. But will Orlando get caught looking ahead to Fridays game verses Miami?

Point Guard

Advantage Washington

This is tough. Jameer Nelson is the perfect point guard for this team offensively but he struggles on defense vs bigger PGs. I Really think that the rookie might have the upper hand. He has exhibited all the tools needed to be a top tier PG in the NBA. His size & athleticism however sets him apart.

Shooting Guard

Advantage Orlando

Gilbert still isnt back in the swing of things. Vinsanity is out to silence all the talk of him being wshed up. This will be exciting to watch. Both , when hot, can torch a team. Look for Vince to have the upper hand though since Gilbert is seeing his first real competition in more than 6 months.

Small Forward

Advantage Orlando

Al Thornton is a solid SF in the NBA. He is however a bench player. His defense may give MP some resistance at first but not for long. Pietrus is looking to rebound from a season where he fell into a slump. Offensively Pietrus is superior but look for his defensive pressure on Thornton to cause problems too.

Power Forward

Advantage Orlando

Andray Blatche took a huge leap last year. His size & post pressense make him a tough match up for Rashard Lewis. Conversely i dont think Blatche can contain Lewis. But Blatche's commitment to being a true PF tips the scales in Lewis' favor. Blatche will have to come out of the paint if he looks to keep Lewis from heating up.

Center

Advantage Orlando

Do i really have to explain this? Javale McGee is a legit 7 footer but he is young. His youth might allow him to sneak in a few athletic plays but thinking that he stands a chance against the NBAs premiere center is absolutely foolish. Dwight will have his way with McGee all night.

Bench

With the addition of Kurt Hinrich the Wiz have a bench player that can lead the offense. But the Magic are far too deep for that to affect them. Bringing back Redick & the growth of Brandon Bass this preseason makes this bench the best in the NBA , only rivaled by the Lakers.

Prediction

The Wizards just dont have enough to stop the Magic. Not on this night.

Washington 82

Orlando 103

Here are the rest of my predictions for the first 3 days of the NBA season

Wednesday

Detroit 89

New Jersey 94

The Nets look to start off their season with a win vs a Pistons team that underachieved last year.

Miami 110

Philadelphia 87

The Heat will be reeling after an opening night loss. Too bad for the 76ers.

New York 115

Toronto 82

Amare is about to show out in his official debut. 

Feedback is always welcomed. Please Comment. Let me know what you think. Happy NBA TipOff Everybody.

OOOOOOOH! SHINNNYY!

WHO ARE THE BIG AWARD WINNERS THIS YEAR?

MVP

1: Dwayne Wade

2: Lebron James

3: Kevin Durant

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

1: Blake Griffin

2: Demarcus Cousins

3: John Wall

Coach of the Year

1: Phil Jackson

2: Jerry Sloan

3: Stan Van Gundy

Sixth Man

1: Lamar Odom

2: Ty Lawson

3: Eddie House

Defensive Player

1: Dwight Howard

2: Rajon Rondo

3: Marcus Camby

Who is Taking Home the Hardware?

This is it. The most anticipated NBA Season in recent history. The East has positioned itself to finally rival the west as a whole. While teams win games, players make it happen. So who are my predictions to take home individual post season awards?

MVP

1. Kevin Durant

2. Kobe Bryant

3. Lebron James

Rookie of the Year

1. Blake Griffin

2. John Wall

3. Derrick Favors

Coach of the Year

1. Tom Thibodeau

2. Byron Scott

3. Scott Skiles

Sixth Man of the Year

1. Lamar Odom

2. Jamal Crawford

3. JJ Redick

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Dwight Howard

2. Joakim Noah

3. Kobe Bryant

SHOWTIME!

Basketball is the most athletic game to be played today (maybe behind soccer..maybe...)...therefore...you need the best of the best atheletes to play it...and the NBA has em all...from KB to KD...Deron Williams to Dirk Nowitzki....the NBA is definitely slated to see one of the most exciting seasons that we have seen in a while...

ROCKETS @ LA LAKERS

Injuries: Rockets: Kyle Lowry (SG) Back Spasms (Day to Day)

Yao Ming (C) Foot (Day to Day)

LA Lakers: Theo Ratliff (C) Knee (Day to Day)

Luke Walton (SF) Hamstring (Day to Day)

Lakers lead season series last year 3-1...its hard to compete with a team as good as the Lakers...they are on a high coming off of a championship...No key injuries for them...so really no big problems...expect a healthy Lakers team in this one...The Rockets had a up and down season last year but they have alot of talent and are expected to have enough depth to be able to be real legitimate competitors in the West...

Yao Ming will see limited minutes but will play...With a healthy Lakers team and a Rockets team thats ready to rebound and attack this wont be a case of David vs. Goliath...

Lakers: 98

Rockets 87

Bulls @ Thunder

Injuries: Bulls- Joakim Noah (C) Illness (Day to Day)

Thunder- Nick Collison (PF) Knee (Out)

Nenad Krstic (C) Finger (Day to Day)

Alot of hype surrounding this Thunder team....We all know Kevin Durant is going to do his thing and score, score, score...The new look Bulls made a HUGE offseason acquisition in Carlos Boozer who averaged 11.2 rebounds per game....He will be of great use down low as a defensive presence as well....Derrick Rose is the leader here...and he will go up against Oklahoma's little x-factor in Russel Westbrook...this will be a fun matchup to watch...

Thunder 94

Bulls 90

Nuggets @ Jazz

Injuries: Jazz- CJ Miles (SF) Ankle (Day to Day)

Raja Bell (SG) Shoulder (Day to Day)

Al Jefferson (C) Finger (Day to Day)

Nuggets- Nene (C) Calf (Day to Day)

Al Harrington (PF) Foot (Probable)

JR Smith (SG) Quads (Day to Day)

Very intruiging matchup here out of some West playoff teams...Just looking at records and skill...the Jazz look like they have it ALL down and ready...They are a perennial FINALS team and they are ready to show it this year...The Nuggets on the other hand...are a solid playoff team, that is, if, Carmelo Anthony sticks around...problems in the locker room effect this team chemistry which is huge in the NBA...but....the gang is all here...and...you cant knock a team that has Chauncey Billups who shot 38% from deep last year...he also has an explosive backup in Ty Lawson...so expect a fun game here...lots of scoring in this one...

Jazz 112

Nuggets 92

Heres some more games to get us started:

Phoenix @ Portland

Brandon Roy and the Blazers take on Steve Nash and the uptempo Suns...the Suns have the depth to run this game and Oden may not play for Portland due to an injury...what else is new....

Phoenix 106

Portland 86

Milwaukee @ New Orleans

How can you not like the Bucks? After some seasons in a slump..they make the playoffs last year...Brandon Jennings...Andrew Bogut...Micheal Redd...some solid names there....and an angry superstar sits in New Orleans as Chris Paul wants out...some older players there including the slumping Peja Stojakavic...but its not all bad...i mean...David West right?

Milwaukee 87

New Orleans 80

Sacremento @ Minnesota

HAHAHA! Ok i had to get that out...Lets just see what these teams can put together...I think the T-Wolves are a little more well put together with Micheal Beasley, Corey Brewer (6th man) and Kevin Love...Tyreke Evans is a shining star for the Kings and he should have a good game...

Minnesota 92

Sacremento 87

Hawks @ Grizzlies

This will be a high scoring game....alot of offensive standouts for both teams...lets look at a few...for Atlanta: Mike Bibby...Joe Johnson...Jamal Crawford....for Memphis: OJ Mayo...Zach Randolph...Rudy Gay...the better defensive team will win this one...Atlanta allowed 94 per game last year...Grizzlies allowed 104...on the downside....too many people want the ball on the offensive side in Memphis...

Atlanta 101

Memphis 95

Bobcats @ Mavs

I like the Mavs this year...Dirk is healthy...Jason Kidd has definitely evolved his game...some solid bench gaurds in Beaubois and JJ Parea....the Bobcats...ehh...ok team...Gerald Wallace is good when healthy...stopping Steven Jackson will present somewhat of a task...

Mavericks 110

Bobcats 91

Pacers @ Spurs

An older Spurs team running against a younger Pacers group...but how can you bet against the Spurs...even with Danny Granger hot from downtown...

Spurs 108

Pacers 82

Rockets @ Warriors

The Warriors have something goin for them this season....Andres Biedrins is a great rebounder (7.8 per game last season from bench)....Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis are great perimeter and slashers (more Ellis at least)...the Rockets have lots of talent and depth x factor goes to Scola and Battier...this will be a high scoring one....upset anyone?

Warriors 115

Rockets 107

Trail Blazers @ Clippers

Blake Griffin is here! Blake Griffin is here! With Baron Davis too...well, BD has been here...but this will be a nice combo as far as small and big combos go...dont forget about all star center Chris Kaman! ....lets just hope the Blazers will be healthy enough after their game versus the Suns...will Oden be ready?

Clippers 101

Trail Blazers 90

THE NBA IS FINALLY HERE! TIP OFF IS TOMORROW! WILL THE WEST CONTINUE TO REIGN SUPREME OVER THE EAST? WE'LL FIND OUT! ENJOY THE GAMES!

Week 7: Is Some Separation Too Much to Ask For?

Its week 7 and we know absolutely nothing. Nothing! There seems to be no definitive "top" team in the NFL right now. There are no clear leaders in the back. Hopefully by Monday we will have an idea of what the playoff picture may look like.


Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) @ Tennessee Titans (4-2)

This might be my favorite game of the week, and not because im a Titan fan. Both teams are 4-2 in tough divisions. These teams play very different styles. The Eagles have never been shy about passing the ball and their defense plays very opportunistic. With Lesean McCoy  a little dinged up , look for the ex-Brown Jerome Harrision to get some burn on short yardage situations. The Passing attack may struggle without Desean Jackson though. Maclin proved that he could step up last week but can he do it again? Tennessee handled Jacksonville with ease on MNF. The most impressive thing about this team is thier developing passing attack & their unstoppable pass rush. Haye , Babin , Ball & Brown along with Jacob Ford & Jason Jones have given coaches fits all season. Not only are they fast but they are smart & with 12 line audibles to thier disposal look for Kevin Kolb to have tons of pressure from every angle. The Titans offense may be the liability this week though. With Vince young probable , Can Kerry Collins lead this team to victory? Chris Johnson is yet to register one of his freakish days that fantasy owners love so much. With Vince probable, CJ2K might have to have one for the Titans to win. Lets take a look at this match-up by the numbers :

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2)

Offense
Scoring Offense 25.5 ppg. (Tied for 6th in the NFL)
Yards Per Game 380.3 (4th in the NFL)
Passing Yards 246.0 (8th in the NFL)
11 TDs 2 Ints 20 Allowed Sacks
Rushing Yards 134.3 (8th in the NFL)
7 TDs 2 Fumbles 5.0 Yards Per Carry

Defense
Scoring Defense 20.0 ppg (21st in the NFL)
Yards Per Game 314.0 ypg (11th in the NFL)
Passing Yards Per Game 198.0 ypg (9th in the NFL)
10 TDs 9 Ints 18 Sacks
Rushing Yards Per Game 115.0 ypg (22nd in the NFL)
4 TDs 3 Forced Fumbles

Tennessee Titans (4-2)

Offense
Scoring Offense 27 ppg (2nd in the NFL)
Yards Per Game 297.8 (26th in the NFL)
Passing Yards 157.2 (29th in the NFL)
9 TDs 3 Ints 12 Allowed Sacks
Rushing Yards 140.7 (3rd in the NFL)
8 TDs 4 Fumbles 4.4 Yards Per Carry

Defense
Scoring Defense 16.3 ppg (7th in the NFL)
Yards Per Game 328.5 (16th in the NFL)
Passing Yards 231.0 ypg (23rd in the NFL)
6 TDs 10 Ints 24 Sacks
Rushing Yards 97.5 (8th in the NFL)
1 TD 5 Forced Fumbles

In this game i expect the Titan defense to be too much for the banged up Eagles offense. Look for CJ2K to have a big game on the ground & receiving. It will be competitive but not close:

Eagles 17
Titans 30

Arizona Cardinals (3-2)  @ Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

Who would have thought that this would be an important game in week 7? There are a lot of "Cans" "Ifs" & "What Ifs" in this game. Can Max Hall run this offense? He has the weapons but its up to him if he can use them. Can Beanie Wells step up & carry this team when they need him? If the answer to either of those questions is "Yes" the Seahawks might have a little trouble. Max Hall showed nothing more than the ability to take a hit last week. But with another week of preparation vs a not so intimidating defense he may give this team the boost it needs. Pete Carrol has done more with this team than i anticipated at this point. The receivers are playing extremely well. Golden Tate & Mike ' I ate Myself out of the NFL" Williams have stepped up tremendously. Lets not forget the special teams extraordinare Leon Washington. He is a game changer. Lets take a look at the numbers:

Arizona Cardinals (3-2)

Offense
Scoring Offense 17.6 ppg (27th in the NFL)
Yards Per Game 240 (31st in the NFL)
Passing Yards 152.6 (30th in the NFL)
3 TDs 7 Ints 19 Sacks Allowed
Rushing Yards 87.4 ypg (29th in the NFL)
2 TDs 3 Fumbles 4.4 Yards Per Carry

Defense
Scoring Defense 27.6 ppg (26th in the NFL)
Yards Per Game 382.0 (28th in the NFL)
Passing Yards 242.0 (26th in the NFL)
9 TDs 7 Ints 8 Sacks
Rushing Yards 140.8 (29th in the NFL)
5 TDs 4 Forced Fumbles


Seattle Seahawks (3-2)

Offense
Scoring Offense 19.6 ppg (24th in the NFL)
Yards Per Game 292.0 (27th in the NFL)
Passing Yards 206.0 (21st in the NFL)
5 TDs 6 Ints 9 Sacks Allowed
Rushing Yards 85.8 (30th in the NFL)
4 TDs 0 Fumbles 3.6 Yards Per Carry

Defense
Scoring Defense 19.4 (12th in the NFL)
Yards Per Game 361.2 (24th in the NFL)
Passing Yards 290.8 (30th in the NFL)
6 TDs 5 Ints 17 Sacks
Rushing Yards 70.4 (2nd in the NFL)
3 TDs 2 Forced Fumbles

This is a huge divisional game. I expect the Seahawks age & maturity to carry them to a win. If Matt Hasselbeck can have a decent game this should be a great game. Look for Seattle to blitz A LOT.

Arizona 14
Seattle 24

Here are my picks for the rest of the weekend.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (4-2)

The Bengals had so much promise at the beginning of the year. What happened? Coming off a bye i think the Bengals just might have a win in them. This game could make or break their season.

Cincinnati 28
Atlanta 24

St Louis Rams (3-3) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

The Bucs have been playing great this season but St Louis has made a fool of me before. With Tampa Bays defense playing rather well i expect this to be a close one. Its gonna be a good game to see two of the NFLs young guns go head to head. Steven Jackson is the X Factor this game.

St Louis 28
Tampa Bay 17

San Francisco 49ers (1-5)  @ Carolina Panthers (0-5)

The 49ers got their first win last week & expect them to get their second win this week. Carolina is a struggling teams dream right now. This may be the game that the 49er passing attack goes off.

San Francisco 31
Carolina 10

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)

This isnt even a question. Garrard is out too. MJD will get his but his team wont. Look for KC to win BIG.

Jacksonville 14
Kansas City 38

Cleveland Browns (1-5) @ New Orleans Saints (4-2)

The Saint cant afford to lose this game. Not with Atlanta playing leading the division. Look for them to give Jimmy Clausen more than enough pressure. Pressure leads to mistakes & the Saints make you pay for them.

Cleveland 9
New Orleans 34

Oakland Raiders (2-4) @ Denver Broncos (2-4)

With 3 of the 4 teams in this division as 2-4 this game is big. I think Orton & Tebow in goal line situations will prove to be a little too much for Oakland. I dont expect to see a lot of scoring though. This will be a tight one.

Oakland 14
Denver 17

Thats how i see this upcoming Sunday panning out. Love the picks or hate the picks : Let me know. Comments are more than welcomed. Actually i would like to hear any comments you guys have. Until Next week , Deuces!

THE EIGHTH HOLE...

WEEK 7....

So week 6 brought alot of upsets to the forefront....Miami over Green Bay....Vikings over Cowboys...and some really great games in the Ravens/Patriots matchup....lets take a look at what week 7 has in store...

STEELERS @ DOLPHINS

STEELERS: 4-1....1ST IN AFC NORTH

KEY STATS: 131 RUSH YDS PER GAME (9TH)...PPG 22.8 (10TH)

296.6 TOTAL YDS ALLOWED (6TH) PA 12 (1ST)

DOLPHINS: 3-2....3RD IN AFC EAST

KEY STATS: 347.8 YDS PER GAME (12TH) 17.8 PPG (24TH)

311.2 YDS ALLOWED (9TH) 22.4 PA (23RD)

GOOD MATCHUP THIS WEEK...I SEE A VERY PHYSICAL GAME....WHOEVER HAS THE LEAD AT THE HALF WILL WIN THIS ONE...BECAUSE BOTH TEAMS ARE EXCELLENT AT KILLING THE CLOCK WHEN THEY ARE UP...LAST YEAR THE DOLPHINS BESTED THE STEELERS...AND WITH BRANDON MARSHALL...IT WILL BE A MUCH TOUGHER GAME...THE DOLPHINS ARE FACING A HEALTHY STEELERS UNIT AND A TEAM THAT HAS REALLY BEEN ON FIRE AND IN THE WAKE OF THE JAMES HARRISON FINE, THIS DEFENSE WILL BE READY TO ATTACK WITH BRUTE FORCE...BOTH TEAMS ARE PRETTY EQUAL AS FAR AS SKILL IN MY OPINION WITH THE DOLPHINS SLIGHTLY LACKING A WELL PUT TOGETHER SECONDARY...LOOK FOR THE PHINS TO ATTACK ROETHLISBERGER WITH A HEAVY RUSH...LOOK FOR THE STEELERS TO POUND IT THEN AIR IT OUT WHEN LEAST EXPECTED....TOUGH PREDICTION, THIS ONE WILL BE A FIGHT TO THE FINISH...IN THE END?

STEELERS 17

DOLPHINS 13

BILLS @ RAVENS

BILLS: 0-5...4TH IN AFC EAST

KEY STATS: 106 RUSH YDS PER GAME (6TH) YDS PER GAME 251.1 (30TH)

200 PASS YDS ALLOWED (10TH) 382.4 TOTAL YDS ALLOWED (29TH)

RAVENS: 4-2...2ND IN AFC NORTH

KEY STATS: 111.5 RUSH YDS PER GAME (15TH) 18.7 PPG(21ST)

15.8 PTS ALLOWED (2ND) 280.5 TOTAL YDS ALLOWED (3RD)

THIS LOOKS LIKE A DAVID VS GOLIATH MATCHUP...THE BILLS JUST ARE NOT SOLID...NO QUARTERBACK...INJURY AND FUMBLE PRONE FRED JACKSON AND ROOKIE CJ SPILLER AT RUNNINGBACK...IT JUST DOESNT LOOK GOOD FOR THE BILLS....BALTIMORE IN THIS ONE...REALLY? NEED I SAY MORE?

RAVENS 24

BILLS 3

REDSKINS @ BEARS

REDSKINS: 3-3...3RD IN NFC EAST

KEY STATS: 244.2 PASS YDS PER GAME (9TH)... 18.8PPG (20TH

420 YDS ALLOWED PER GAME (32ND)...298.2 PASS YDS ALLOWED PER GAME (29TH)..

BEARS: 4-2...1ST IN NFC NORTH

KEY STATS: 285.2 YPG (29TH)...92.3 RUSH YDS PER GAME (26TH)

304.8 YDS ALLOWED PER GAME (3RD)...16.2 PA PER GAME (3RD)

OK MIKE MARTZ...MATT FORTE IS AVERAGING 3.9 YDS PER CARRY....WHY ARE YOU NOT GIVING HIM THE BALL...THIS IS WHY YOU LOST LAST WEEK...RUN THE BALL...SET UP THE PASS...CONTROL THE CLOCK...LET YOUR DEFENSE PLAY...AND THOSE ARE YOUR KEYS TO WINNING...IF YOU DO NOT DO THAT...THE REDSKINS WILL HOLD ONTO THE BALL WITH RYAN TORIAN AND A GREAT SHORT PASSING ATTACK...PLAIN AND SIMPLE...I THINK MIKE MARTZ WILL GET THE OFFENSE TOGETHER THOUGH...AND MY RESULT IS...

BEARS 24

REDSKINS 20

VIKINGS @ PACKERS

VIKINGS: 2-3...3RD IN NFC NORTH

KEY STATS: 301.8 YPG (24TH) ...124.2 RUSH YARDS PER GAME (11TH)

294.2 YDS ALLOWED PER GAME (5TH)...17.6 PPG ALLOWED (7TH)

PACKERS: 3-3..2ND IN NFC NORTH

KEY STATS: 23.2 PPG...(9TH)...243.3 PASS YDS PER GAME (10TH)

18.7 PPG ALLOWED (10TH)...112.3 RUSH YDS ALLOWED PER GAME (21ST)

COULD BE THE MATCHUP OF THE WEEK HERE...GREAT RIVALRY AND FAVRE IS GOING UP AGAINST HIS OLD TEAM...WITH A BANGED UP PACKERS SECONDARY (HARRIS AND BIGBY OUT) AND PERCY HARVIN COMING OFF A HOT GAME VS THE COWBOYS...LOOK FOR HIM TO BE AN X-FACTOR ON THE OFFENSIVE END...TWO WORDS: RANDY MOSS...NOW....TWO MORE: ADRIAN PETERSON...THE PACKERS MAY NOT HAVE ENOUGH JUICE ON OFFENSE AGAINST A GREAT VIKNGS PASS RUSH SO IM EXPECTING....

VIKINGS 27

PACKERS 24

GIANTS @ COWBOYS

GIANTS: 4-2....1ST IN NFC EAST

KEY STATS: 136.3 RUSH YDS PER GAME (5TH)...320.7 YPG (7TH)

264.8 YARDS ALLOWED PER GAME (2ND)...172 PASS YDS ALLOWED PER GAME (2ND)

COWBOYS: 1-4...4TH IN NFC EAST

KEY STATS: 400 YDS PER GAME (3RD)...95 RUSH YDS PER GAME (23RD)

281.4 YDS PER GAME ALLOWED (3RD)...180.6 PASS YDS ALLOWED PER GAME

(4TH)

STATS MAKE THIS GAME LOOK A LITTLE BIT CLOSER THAN IT IS...BUT WITHOUT A SOLID RUNNING GAME...THE COWBOYS ARE ONE DIMENSIONAL...AND THE GIANTS DEFENSE IS GOOD AT SACKING THE QB, STOPPING THE RUN AND PASS...DEFENSE IS DEFINITELY GOING TO WIN THIS ONE...ALOT OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS SO I EXPECT THE DEFENSE TO LIMBER UP AND SHOW UP IN THE SECOND HALF...SCORE?

GIANTS 26

COWBOYS 21

ALOT OF CLOSE GAMES THIS WEEK AND REASONABLY SO...ALOT OF DIVISION GAMES AND CONFERENCE GAMES...WE'LL SEE HOW THIS WEEK PANS OUT AND WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT TIME...THE ENDZONE JUMPER...

THE PRE-GAME POST...

Who can compete with the Lakers who are looking to 3pete this year? Kevin Durant and the

Thunder think they can do it...Will the Suns make a boom without Stoudamire? Are the Jazz a

dark horse and potential Finals team without Boozer? Lets get you started for what looks to

be one of the most competitive NBA seasons ever....

LA Lakers:

Last season: 57-25...1st in west...NBA FINALS CHAMPIONS...

Key Players: Kobe Bryant...Pau Gasol...Lamar Odom

Bench Stars: Shannon Brown...Sasha Vujacic

THE NBA CHAMPS roll around this year with lots of returning players. Of course Kobe Bryant

will take the lead followed up by Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, and Lamar Odom. Kobe bryant coming

off knee surgery but expect the same Kobe with possibly more drive than ever because of the

hightened competition in the Thunder and in the East with the Heat.They are the back to back

champs and though they will be missing Andrew Bynum for beginning of the season season Pau

Gasol finished hot and looks to continue where he left off...I think they can do it all

again...the question is...can they beat the Heat?

Mavs:

Last season: 55-27...2nd in the west...ELIMINATED IN 1ST ROUND...

Key Players: Dirk Nowitzki...Jason Kidd...Shawn Marion

Bench Stars: Erick Dampier...Jose Juan Barea

The big man!Dirk Nowitzki averaged 25. ppg....45% from floor. Look for him to continue that

heat and put his best forward as he does every season. The old dog can learn new tricks as jason kidd proves. He has definitely improved his game to become a more consistent 3pt shooter now shooting 42% from deep.Rick Carlysle is a great coach with a record of 386-270 and has some talent to work with when it comes to this Western Conference Contender...

Nuggets:

Last Season: 53-29...4th in west...ELIMINATED IN 1ST ROUND

Key Players: carmelo Anthony (for now...) Chauncey Billups...Kenyon Martin

Bench Stars: Ty Lawson...Chris Anderson...

Big problems in Denver as Carmelo Anthony wants to be traded. He is such a big leader and force on this team...can they stay afloat if he leaves??? Alot of talent still lies on this roster...with the ever-so dependable Chauncey Billups averaging 20.3 ppg...JR Smith has defensive ability as well as K-mart...The big question again though...is Anthony... If he leaves...they may not make the playoffs without an elite player...

Warriors:

Last Season: 26-56....13th in West...DID NOT MAKE PLAYOFFS

Key Players: Monta Ellis...Stephen Curry...David Lee..

Bench Star: David Lee...Vladimir Radmanovic

The Warriors have plenty of offensive upside...they were 2nd in ppg last year in the nba with numbers averaging at 108.8. New coach Keith Smart looks to keep up the offensive intensity and also create a defense that has yet to be seen in Golden State. A lot of talent lies in the uptempo quick firing team...standouts Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, and David Lee look to lead this highly talented but underachieving team into the playoffs after a disappointing finish last year...

Rockets:

Last season: 42-40...9th in West...DID NOT MAKE PLAYOFFS...

Key Players: Luis Scola...Kevin Martin...Shane Battier

Bench Stars: Brad Miller...Kyle Lowry...Jordan Hill...

Yao left injured last year and that was key to the Rockets making any type of playoff run. And now theres talks of only giving him 24 minutes per game this year! How much of an impact can this star make? Do they have the depth to replace him for the rest of the game. Well, Brad miller has become that insurance policy. The Rockets are a team not of stars, but of role players...when Aaron Brooks comes in and makes key shots, Luis Scola can get key boards and Shane Battier and Kevin Martin put up the points they need to...this can be a very dangerous team...

Clippers:

Last Season: 29-53..12th in West...DID NOT MAKE PLAYOFFS

Key Players: Blake Griffin...Baron Davis...Chris Kaman

Bench Stars: Eric Bledsoe...Randy Foye

Blake Griffin is finally here, as well as new coach Vinny Del Negro. Look for Blake Griffin to dominate as a big athletic body who can grab boards and enforce the defense down low...the only question I have is...whos the leader??? Every team needs a guy in the drivers seat to motivave and uplift chemistry...The Clippers have a pool of great atheletes in Baron Davis, rookie Eric bBedsoe, Eric Gordon, and all star center Chris Kaman. This team is finally out of the rebuilding stage...now its time to contend...

Grizzlies:

Last Season: 40-42...10th in West...DID NOT MAKE PLAYOFFS..

Key Players: OJ Mayo...Rudy Gay...Zach Randolph...Marc Gasol

Bench Players: Xavier Henry...Hasheem Thabeet...Acie Law

OJ mayo, Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay...Marc GAsol...big names for a team with huge offensive talent. Randolph had a quiet year last year...and that pertains to behavior...he is more of a leader as well as a double double machine. Big question here: Can this be a good defensive team??? Hey! Heres another...Can this team come together as one? Everyone wants the ball here in this offensive unit. With all of this talent, they can compete for a top five seeding...where can these guys finish?

T-Wolves:

Last Season15-67...15th in West...DID NOT MAKE PLAYOFFS

Key players: Micheal Beasley...Wes Johnson...Kevin Love...

Bench Stars: Darko Milicic...Luke Ridnour....

Lets hope that the Vikings can make Minnesota proud...This team is in its rebuilding stages...Lots of talent here..but with little chemistry and no leadership...and the added toughness of the Western Conference...dont expect much from these guys...The Wolves however did make some key moves in rebuilding, as they added Micheal beasley, rookie SF Wes Johnson, and center Darko Milicic, who has a great basketball IQ...A few key questions: Is Beasley an elite NBA player and can he prove himself this year? He is the most talented player on team...Wesley Johnson is a great shooter but these guys are just not enough as far as talent goes. They will play a lot of 50 win teams...the West is just a bit much for these guys right now...

Hornets:

Last Season: 37-45...11th in the West...DID NOT MAKE PLAYOFFS...

Key Players: Chris Paul (???) Trevor Ariza...David West

Bench Stars: Aaron Gray...Peja Stojakovic

Chris Paul: All Star...World Championship Star...Locker Room Distraction??? He wants out...Can they function if he leaves? More than that can they function with him here? This team is in utter disarray, horrible chemistry, and just bad luck have haunted this team. A shining light though is Trevor Ariza from the Rockets. He is a great defensive player and can add that edge to go with Emeka Okafor's tough down low defense. Theres still alot of players still there from seasons where they made playoff runs. But behind the scenes issues can be the hindrance here...Can they utilize the talent they have and become a force in the West?

Thunder:

Last Season: 50-32... 8th in the West...ELIMINATED IN 1ST ROUND

Key Players: Kevin Durant...Russell Westbrook...Jeff Green

Bench Players: James Harden...Nick Collison...Mo Peterson

Kevin Durant in one word: Unstoppable...This team went from from 23 wins to 50 last year...Durant was the league scoring leader 33 pts a game...This year a possible mvp...he has become a better defender and leader, he is a world championship mvp and his resume goes on. The little man Russel Westbrook is an excellent compliment to Durant. This team has too many weapons to not be great in Jeff Green, Nenad Kristic, James Harden and really many more...This was also a a very great defensive team, only allowing 98.0 ppg especially in a conference where triple digit scoring is a must. This team in my opinion and many others, has the best chance of stopping the Kobe Bryant and the Lakers...They have built a team around a young star who has proven himself...and have the depth in thier roster to make a huge run deep into the playoffs...It could be Finals or Bust for these guys this year...

Suns:

Last Season: 54-28...3rd in the West...ELIMINATED IN CONFERENCE FINALS...

Key Players: Steve Nash...Hedo Turkgolu...Jason Richardson

Bench Stars: Hedo Turkgolu...Goran Dragic...

Stoudamire gone? Barbosa gone? Turkgolu here. Well, its apparent that Nash must do more. This teams uptempo pace maybe the fastest in the NBA which can definitely work in their favor and always has. Robin Lopez and Channing Frye make a really thin frontcourt. I think that they will make playoffs, but a deep playoff run may be a stretch...they should probably go for a key big man before the trade deadline...Overall...Good things from the Suns this year, just maybe not good enough...

Kings:

25-57 14th in the West...DID NOT MAKE PLAYOFFS...

Key Players: Tyreke Evans...Demarcus Cousins...

Bench Stars: Francisco Garcia...Omri Casspi...Samuel Dalembert

Now heres an excellent all around prototype of what the NBA can be in Tyreke Evans...fantastic rookie: plays all around...complete package...smart and athletic. Now throw in a defensive stud in rookie Demarcus Cousins who averaged 12 rebounds in college per game. He is a physical player with tremedous upside. The queston is how much work will he put in being that he is still young? This team isnt out of the woods yet they are still in the rebuilding stages...but they are close to being out...dont expect much from them this year though...the West is a bit too powerful for these young fellas...

Spurs:

Last Season: 50-32...7th in the West...ELIMINATED IN 2ND ROUND

Key Players: TIMMAY! (Tim Duncan)...Tony Parker...Manu Genobli

Bench Stars: George Hill...Dejaun Blair

Tony parker runs with best if hes not injured. Richard Jefferson is back with better shooting. Tim Duncan is projected to get less minutes this year but he will still put up nonetheless. Manu is still the star. The problem: Theres alot of age on their roster. The nba may be too young for this team. So just how quick can rookies that they have develop? George Hill, Dejuan Blair, are some pretty solid guys as well as Tiago Splitter who is a great center and a great rebounder much like a bigger Scola and has the competitive edge as he played overseas. Theyve got the tools and Gregg Popovich is an excellent Hall Of Fame coach...we'll just see what they do with what they have....

Jazz:

Last Season: 53-29 4th in the West...ELIMINATED IN 2ND ROUND

Key Players: Deron Williams...Paul Millsap...Al Jefferson

Bench Players: Ronnie Price...CJ Micheals...

Fact: Deron Williams is the best PG in nba...better defender than Nash...more offense than Paul. They lost Boozer but have an excellent replacement in Paul Millsap and a perennial 20-10 player. He is a very productive player. You can always count on the Jazz, they always

show up, and dont forget Al Jefferson who is a great 20-10 player as well. The talent level also rises with AK 47 here as well. Lots of power offense n defense and can challenge the Lakers and the Thunder...Dont be surprised to see these guys in the Conference

Championship...

TrailBlazers:

Last Season: 50-32...6th in the West...ELIMINATED IN 1ST ROUND

Key Players: Brandon Roy...Marcus Camby...Rudy Fernandez

Bench Stars: Rudy Fernandez...Greg Oden

Theres lots of potential and lots of young talent. They have just been bitten by the injury bug wayyyyy too much in the past. Oden had knee surgery, Roy played through injury. Roy is a

top five 2 gaurd that can compete with the Kobes' and Durants' of this league...Nate Mcmillan is the new coach so we will see where this team is headed...

Theres your NBA wrap-up...This seasons shows a lot of excitement and competition this

year...NBA...Where Amazing Happens...