The regular season is now over, but that doesn't mean the MVP race is over. The playoff still count for these standings, AND the point values double so the playoffs could really make or break these races. Three games have been played since the last time we took a look, so lets get to it
At Chicago Bears: James Jones gets the obvious nod here with three touchdown receptions. Well give half point to Rodgers for three TD passes, Heyward for a pick, and Clay Matthews for a pair of sacks.
Vs Tennessee Titans: Rodgers has to get the full point here for a great game. Ryan Grant gets a half point for 80 yards and a pair of TDs. Hawk gets a half point for two sacks.
At Minnesota Vikings: For the third game in a row Rodgers makes an appearance, getting the point again with four TD passes.
Standings through the regular season
Randall Cobb: 4 points
Erik Walden: 1 point
Jermichael Finley: 0.5 points
Jordy Nelson: 2 points
Morgan Burnett: 1.5 points
James Starks: 0.5 points
Mike Daniels: 1 point
Aaron Rodgers: 6 points
Mason Crosby: 1 point
Dejuan Harris: 0.5 points
Davon House: 1 point
Tim Masthay: 1 point
Clay Matthews: 1.5 points
Tramon Williams: 0.5 points
John Kuhn: 0.5 points
AJ Hawk: 2 points
James Jones: 4 points
Cedric Benson: 0.5 points
Alex Green: 0.5 points
Casey Heyward: 2 points
Ryan Grant: 0.5 points
On the running back category we have Ryan Grant, Alex Green, Dujuan Harris, James Starks, and Cedric Benson. Five running backs! what a strange season.
Monday, December 31, 2012
NFl Wild Card Round Picks
I went 11-5 in the final week of the season, giving me a final record of 162-94 in the regular season. But its playoff time now, and my one life dream is to have a perfect 11-0 postseason record. Its incredibly unlikely it will happen this year though, as this figures to be one of the most wide open races ever, particularly in the NFC, where I can make a legitimate case for all six teams to be in the super bowl. Its a little less open in the AFC in my opinion, I don't think any of the four teams playing wild card weekend in that conference can go on the road and win in New England or Denver, but we'll see. Heres the picks
Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans: The Texans are the epitome of a team playing their worst football going into the postseason. All season long they've looked like they would take the number one seed, and then on the last weekend they slip all the way to 3. Laying an egg at home to Minnesota, then losing at Indy is not the way you want to go into the playoffs. Not only that, the two biggest games they've played all season, Vs Green Bay and at New England, they played awful football both times. The Bengals meanwhile, are in the playoffs for a second straight year without really impressing anyone. Last year they did it beating up on weak teams while they lost to the good teams, so its understandable they were ignored, but there run was more impressive this year. As it stands, they haven't won a playoff game since 1990, before I was even born. Do I think it will happen this year? not quite, I still think Houston manages to get a playoff win this year, despite their awful play recently. Houston 27 Cincinatti 20
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers: For the second time in four seasons, the Packers will play the same team in the wild card round that they played in week 17. The Packers lost a first round bye by losing to the Vikings today, which means a divisional round game against the 49ers would now take place in San Francisco rather than Lambeau. But first they need to get by the Vikings, who really scare me to death. The Packers SHOULD win this game. A home game where you have the superior QB is a game you should win. But Adrian Peterson is simply stunning, and he scares the crap out of me. I do think the Packers end up winning though, they are at home, they are more experienced, and beating a team two weeks in a row is very hard to do, especially a team as good as the Packers. Packers 31 Vikings 21
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens: The Colts are an emotional team, and that can never be underestimated, and the Ravens are struggling a little bit heading into the playoffs. I feel wrong picking three straight home teams, but I really think the Ravens find a way to win a playoff game at home. I will also make the prediction this will be the ugliest game of the week. Ravens 23 Colts 16
Seattle Seahawks at Washington Redskins: The rookie QB battle. I like Washington in this game, but I am begging, hoping beyond hope, pleading with all my might for a Seahawks-Packers Championship game at Lambeau. I feel wrong picking the Seahawks to win a road playoff game, but Ill do it, against my better judgement. Seahawks 28 Redskins 24
I don't feel all that great about my picks this week, but Ill stand by them, not counting on this being the year for 11-0 though.
Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans: The Texans are the epitome of a team playing their worst football going into the postseason. All season long they've looked like they would take the number one seed, and then on the last weekend they slip all the way to 3. Laying an egg at home to Minnesota, then losing at Indy is not the way you want to go into the playoffs. Not only that, the two biggest games they've played all season, Vs Green Bay and at New England, they played awful football both times. The Bengals meanwhile, are in the playoffs for a second straight year without really impressing anyone. Last year they did it beating up on weak teams while they lost to the good teams, so its understandable they were ignored, but there run was more impressive this year. As it stands, they haven't won a playoff game since 1990, before I was even born. Do I think it will happen this year? not quite, I still think Houston manages to get a playoff win this year, despite their awful play recently. Houston 27 Cincinatti 20
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers: For the second time in four seasons, the Packers will play the same team in the wild card round that they played in week 17. The Packers lost a first round bye by losing to the Vikings today, which means a divisional round game against the 49ers would now take place in San Francisco rather than Lambeau. But first they need to get by the Vikings, who really scare me to death. The Packers SHOULD win this game. A home game where you have the superior QB is a game you should win. But Adrian Peterson is simply stunning, and he scares the crap out of me. I do think the Packers end up winning though, they are at home, they are more experienced, and beating a team two weeks in a row is very hard to do, especially a team as good as the Packers. Packers 31 Vikings 21
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens: The Colts are an emotional team, and that can never be underestimated, and the Ravens are struggling a little bit heading into the playoffs. I feel wrong picking three straight home teams, but I really think the Ravens find a way to win a playoff game at home. I will also make the prediction this will be the ugliest game of the week. Ravens 23 Colts 16
Seattle Seahawks at Washington Redskins: The rookie QB battle. I like Washington in this game, but I am begging, hoping beyond hope, pleading with all my might for a Seahawks-Packers Championship game at Lambeau. I feel wrong picking the Seahawks to win a road playoff game, but Ill do it, against my better judgement. Seahawks 28 Redskins 24
I don't feel all that great about my picks this week, but Ill stand by them, not counting on this being the year for 11-0 though.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
NCAA Basketball Big Ten Week one picks
A lot of posts are forthcoming over the next 24 hours. First this one, then part 3 of the best games of the Aaron Rodgers era, then my picks for the wildcard games next weekend, and an updated look at the Packers MVP standings. Not necessarily in that order, but look for all that over the next day. The Big Ten basketball season starts tomorrow, it will go on for 70 days, or ten weeks, and it should be a fun and wild race this year. Ohio st, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Michigan st, and Indiana all have reason to believe they can be a force in the conference this year. Purdue and Iowa are the next tier. Not pushovers, but probably not quite tournament worthy, and Nebraska, Penn st and Northwestern are the bottom tier of the conference this year. This first picks edition will be for games played December 31st - January 6th.
December 31st
Michigan st at Minnesota: Pick: Minnesota
Indiana at Iowa: Pick: Indiana
January 2nd
Nebraska at Ohio st: Pick: Ohio st
Illinois at Purdue: Pick: Purdue
January 3rd
Michigan at Northwestern: Pick: Michigan
Penn st at Wisconsin: Pick: Wisconsin
January 5th
Purdue at Michigan st: Pick: Michigan st
Ohio st at Illinois: Pick: Ohio st
January 6th
Iowa at Michigan: Pick: Michigan
Northwestern at Minnesota: Pick: Minnesota
Wisconsin at Nebraska: Pick: Wisconsin
December 31st
Michigan st at Minnesota: Pick: Minnesota
Indiana at Iowa: Pick: Indiana
January 2nd
Nebraska at Ohio st: Pick: Ohio st
Illinois at Purdue: Pick: Purdue
January 3rd
Michigan at Northwestern: Pick: Michigan
Penn st at Wisconsin: Pick: Wisconsin
January 5th
Purdue at Michigan st: Pick: Michigan st
Ohio st at Illinois: Pick: Ohio st
January 6th
Iowa at Michigan: Pick: Michigan
Northwestern at Minnesota: Pick: Minnesota
Wisconsin at Nebraska: Pick: Wisconsin
Monday, December 24, 2012
NCAA Bowl Picks 12/26-12/29
I went 5-2 in my first batch of bowl picks.
Western Kentucky at Central Michigan: Pick: Central Michigan
San Jose St at Bowling Green: Pick: San Jose st
Cincinnati at Duke: Pick: Cincinnati
Baylor at UCLA: Pick: UCLA
Ohio At LA Monroe: Pick: Ohio
Rutgers at Virginia Tech: Pick: Virginia Tech
Minnesota at Texas Tech: Pick: Texas Tech
Rice at Air Force: Pick: Air Force
West Virginia at Syracuse: Pick: West Virginia
Navy At Arizona st: Pick: Arizona st
Texas at Oregon st: Pick: Oregon st
TCU at Michigan st: Pick: TCU
Western Kentucky at Central Michigan: Pick: Central Michigan
San Jose St at Bowling Green: Pick: San Jose st
Cincinnati at Duke: Pick: Cincinnati
Baylor at UCLA: Pick: UCLA
Ohio At LA Monroe: Pick: Ohio
Rutgers at Virginia Tech: Pick: Virginia Tech
Minnesota at Texas Tech: Pick: Texas Tech
Rice at Air Force: Pick: Air Force
West Virginia at Syracuse: Pick: West Virginia
Navy At Arizona st: Pick: Arizona st
Texas at Oregon st: Pick: Oregon st
TCU at Michigan st: Pick: TCU
Top 12 Packers games of the Aaron Rodgers era part two
9. 2012 Week 15 Packers at Bears W 21-13. With a win in week fifteen over the Chicago Bears the Packers clinched their second division title of the Aaron Rodgers era and sent their biggest rival into a scenario where they would be the first 7-1 team since the merger to miss the playoffs. The Bears got off to an early 7-0 lead with a pass to Brandon Marshall. But the Packers got a TD, interception, and TD to take a 14-7 lead at half. They quickly scored in the third to go up 21-7, but from there commited a series of bad mistakes that nearly cost them the game. Two fumbles, two missed field goals, and a terrible pass interference play by Morgan Burnett, and yet the packers still held on for the win. Why it was important: winning the division on your rivals field, when you started the season 2-3 and they started 7-1.
8. 2011 Week 1 Saints at Packers W 42-34. The second opening game on this list, and it wont be the last. The Packers hung on for a thriller victory 42-34. The first game of the NFL season was one of the best of the season. The Packers jumped out 14-0 and 21-7, but New Orleans closed to withing 21-17. With the score 28-20, Randall Cobb, in his first career NFL game, ran a kickoff back 108 yards for a touchdown. With the score 42-24, the Saints marched down to the one yard line on the final play of the game, but were stuffed on their last attempt. Why it was important: First game as defending champs, beginning of a record setting 15-1 season.
7. 2010 Week 1 Packers at Eagles W 27-20. The third opening game on this list, and it still wont be the last. The Packers went into philly and won 27-20. It was important for a myriad of reasons. It was the first game of a super bowl season, and it was the first game of, in my opinion, a new era. The Packers came into this season as not just super bowl contenders, but super bowl favorites, for the first time in about 12 years. It was also the first time the Packers won in Philly since the 60's.
8. 2011 Week 1 Saints at Packers W 42-34. The second opening game on this list, and it wont be the last. The Packers hung on for a thriller victory 42-34. The first game of the NFL season was one of the best of the season. The Packers jumped out 14-0 and 21-7, but New Orleans closed to withing 21-17. With the score 28-20, Randall Cobb, in his first career NFL game, ran a kickoff back 108 yards for a touchdown. With the score 42-24, the Saints marched down to the one yard line on the final play of the game, but were stuffed on their last attempt. Why it was important: First game as defending champs, beginning of a record setting 15-1 season.
7. 2010 Week 1 Packers at Eagles W 27-20. The third opening game on this list, and it still wont be the last. The Packers went into philly and won 27-20. It was important for a myriad of reasons. It was the first game of a super bowl season, and it was the first game of, in my opinion, a new era. The Packers came into this season as not just super bowl contenders, but super bowl favorites, for the first time in about 12 years. It was also the first time the Packers won in Philly since the 60's.
Week 17 NFL Picks
Back to good form last week, going 12-4 to put me at 151-89 on the season. We have now reached the last week of the NFL season, and what a fun ride its been. Some teams have surprised me with how good they are (Seahawks, Colts), some have surprised me with how bad they are (Panthers, Steelers), and some I accurately predicted to be bad while some "experts" predicted a good season (Eagles!) Also the Lions. Lets close out the regular season on a strong note to peak in the playoffs!
Buccaneers at Falcons: The Falcons may rest starters in this one, but I still like them to take it at home. Pick: Falcons
Jets at Bills: Pick: I need to go back and see what my record is on picking Jets games this season. Every time I buy into them a little bit and start picking them to win they suck it up, and every time I think theyre terrible and pick them to lose they bounce back. I hate you Jets! After picking them to win the last two weeks and having them lose both, Im off the wagon, so they'll probably win. Pick: Jets
Ravens at Bengals: This game is largely meaningless thanks to the Ravens winning the division today, but Cincy is still playing for playoff seeding. If Cincy wins, a Bengals/Ravens rematch in the wild card round is very possible.
Bears at Lions: The Bears are still alive, but need the Packers to beat the Vikings. Unfortunately, a Packers/Bears playoff matchup which looked possible coming into the week, is now impossible until at least the championship game (yea right) because of the Vikings winning today. Pick: Bears
Jaguars at Titans: Yawn. Ill Take Jax because they at least looked interested today, whereas Tennessee seemed perfectly content to take off the rest of the season. Pick: Jaguars
Texans at Colts: Texans still playing for home field, Colts for 5 or 6 seed, really tough game to pick, but I still sorta kinda believe in Houston. Pick: Texans
Panthers at Saints: New Orleans just went into Dallas and won, crushing my dreams of a Cowboys trip to Lambeau in January. They are clearly a better team now than they were in September. Pick: Saints
Eagles at Giants: People don't realize this is the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons they Giants have imploded in December. People don't realize this because a championship was sandwiched inbetween, but its true. Pick: Giants
Browns at Steelers: No Playoffs for you steel city! Pick: Steelers
Dolphins at Patriots: Pats still can potentially end up at the one seed, hopefully this wont happen. Pick: Patriots
Chiefs at Broncos: And this is why it wont, Denver gets a pushover in week seventeen. Pick: Broncos
Raiders at Chargers: Remember when these teams played in week one, and I said it would be a snoozefest? the same goes for this one, but at least we wont be forced to watch it because five other games will be going on. Pick: Chargers
Cardinals at 49ers: I actually want San Fran to win, because a San Fran lose means Seattle most likely takes the division. Pick: 49ers
Rams at Seahawks: Seattle going for a perfect home record this season.* cough. Pick: Seahawks
Packers at Vikings: A Packers win means a first round bye, a loss sets up a rematch with the Vikings at Lambeau the next week. No way im picking for that to happen. Pick: Packers
Cowboys at Redskins: RG3 lit up Dallas on Thanksgiving, and he'll do it again, I said after week one Washington would win this division and people laughed. Yea, whose laughing now? Pick: Redskins
NFC North Standings
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-4 (5-0)
2. Minnesota Vikings: 9-6 (3-2)
3. Chicago Bears: 9-6 (2-3)
4. Detroit Lions: 4-11 (0-5)
NFC Standings
1. Atlanta Falcons: 13-2 Clinched Home Field Advantage
2. Green Bay Packers: 11-4 Clinched Division
3. San Francisco 49ers: 10-4-1 Clinched Playoff Berth
4. Washington Redskins: 9-6
5. Seattle Seahawks: 10-5 Clinched playoff Berth
6. Minnesota Vikings: 9-6
7. Chicago Bears: 9-6
8. Dallas Cowboys: 8-7
9. New York Giants: 8-7
10. St Louis Rams: 7-7-1 E
11. New Orleans Saints: 7-8 E
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-9 E
13. Carolina Panthers: 6-9 E
14. Arizona Cardinals: 5-10 E
15. Detroit Lions: 4-11 E
16. Philadelphia Eagles: 4-11 E
AFC Standings
1. Houston Texans: 12-3 Clinched Division
2. Denver Broncos: 12-3 Clinched Division
3. New England Patriots: 11-4 Clinched Division
4. Baltimore Ravens: 10-5 Clinched Division
5. Indianapolis Colts: 10-5 Clinched Playoff Berth
6. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-6 Clinched Playoff Berth
7. Miami Dolphins: 7-8 E
8. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-8 E
9. San Diego Chargers: 6-9 E
10. New York Jets: 6-9 E
11. Cleveland Browns: 5-10 E
12. Tennessee Titans: 5-10 E
13. Buffalo Bills: 5-10 E
14. Oakland Raiders: 4-11 E
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-13 E
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-13 E
Its going to either be Vikings vs Packers at Lambeau on on wild card weekend, or 49ers at Lambeau on divisional weekend. I guess theres a chance 49ers could lose on wild card weekend, meaning it could be Seattle/Washington/Dallas at Lambeau on divisional weekend, but I doubt San Fran would lose at home. I also doubt the Vikings can beat the Packers two weeks in a row, so even if we lose this weekend, I foresee a playoff victory on wild card weekend.
Buccaneers at Falcons: The Falcons may rest starters in this one, but I still like them to take it at home. Pick: Falcons
Jets at Bills: Pick: I need to go back and see what my record is on picking Jets games this season. Every time I buy into them a little bit and start picking them to win they suck it up, and every time I think theyre terrible and pick them to lose they bounce back. I hate you Jets! After picking them to win the last two weeks and having them lose both, Im off the wagon, so they'll probably win. Pick: Jets
Ravens at Bengals: This game is largely meaningless thanks to the Ravens winning the division today, but Cincy is still playing for playoff seeding. If Cincy wins, a Bengals/Ravens rematch in the wild card round is very possible.
Bears at Lions: The Bears are still alive, but need the Packers to beat the Vikings. Unfortunately, a Packers/Bears playoff matchup which looked possible coming into the week, is now impossible until at least the championship game (yea right) because of the Vikings winning today. Pick: Bears
Jaguars at Titans: Yawn. Ill Take Jax because they at least looked interested today, whereas Tennessee seemed perfectly content to take off the rest of the season. Pick: Jaguars
Texans at Colts: Texans still playing for home field, Colts for 5 or 6 seed, really tough game to pick, but I still sorta kinda believe in Houston. Pick: Texans
Panthers at Saints: New Orleans just went into Dallas and won, crushing my dreams of a Cowboys trip to Lambeau in January. They are clearly a better team now than they were in September. Pick: Saints
Eagles at Giants: People don't realize this is the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons they Giants have imploded in December. People don't realize this because a championship was sandwiched inbetween, but its true. Pick: Giants
Browns at Steelers: No Playoffs for you steel city! Pick: Steelers
Dolphins at Patriots: Pats still can potentially end up at the one seed, hopefully this wont happen. Pick: Patriots
Chiefs at Broncos: And this is why it wont, Denver gets a pushover in week seventeen. Pick: Broncos
Raiders at Chargers: Remember when these teams played in week one, and I said it would be a snoozefest? the same goes for this one, but at least we wont be forced to watch it because five other games will be going on. Pick: Chargers
Cardinals at 49ers: I actually want San Fran to win, because a San Fran lose means Seattle most likely takes the division. Pick: 49ers
Rams at Seahawks: Seattle going for a perfect home record this season.* cough. Pick: Seahawks
Packers at Vikings: A Packers win means a first round bye, a loss sets up a rematch with the Vikings at Lambeau the next week. No way im picking for that to happen. Pick: Packers
Cowboys at Redskins: RG3 lit up Dallas on Thanksgiving, and he'll do it again, I said after week one Washington would win this division and people laughed. Yea, whose laughing now? Pick: Redskins
NFC North Standings
1. Green Bay Packers: 11-4 (5-0)
2. Minnesota Vikings: 9-6 (3-2)
3. Chicago Bears: 9-6 (2-3)
4. Detroit Lions: 4-11 (0-5)
NFC Standings
1. Atlanta Falcons: 13-2 Clinched Home Field Advantage
2. Green Bay Packers: 11-4 Clinched Division
3. San Francisco 49ers: 10-4-1 Clinched Playoff Berth
4. Washington Redskins: 9-6
5. Seattle Seahawks: 10-5 Clinched playoff Berth
6. Minnesota Vikings: 9-6
7. Chicago Bears: 9-6
8. Dallas Cowboys: 8-7
9. New York Giants: 8-7
10. St Louis Rams: 7-7-1 E
11. New Orleans Saints: 7-8 E
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-9 E
13. Carolina Panthers: 6-9 E
14. Arizona Cardinals: 5-10 E
15. Detroit Lions: 4-11 E
16. Philadelphia Eagles: 4-11 E
AFC Standings
1. Houston Texans: 12-3 Clinched Division
2. Denver Broncos: 12-3 Clinched Division
3. New England Patriots: 11-4 Clinched Division
4. Baltimore Ravens: 10-5 Clinched Division
5. Indianapolis Colts: 10-5 Clinched Playoff Berth
6. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-6 Clinched Playoff Berth
7. Miami Dolphins: 7-8 E
8. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-8 E
9. San Diego Chargers: 6-9 E
10. New York Jets: 6-9 E
11. Cleveland Browns: 5-10 E
12. Tennessee Titans: 5-10 E
13. Buffalo Bills: 5-10 E
14. Oakland Raiders: 4-11 E
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-13 E
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-13 E
Its going to either be Vikings vs Packers at Lambeau on on wild card weekend, or 49ers at Lambeau on divisional weekend. I guess theres a chance 49ers could lose on wild card weekend, meaning it could be Seattle/Washington/Dallas at Lambeau on divisional weekend, but I doubt San Fran would lose at home. I also doubt the Vikings can beat the Packers two weeks in a row, so even if we lose this weekend, I foresee a playoff victory on wild card weekend.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Week 16 picks
An 8-8 week, nothing to hang my hat on. I now stand at 139-85 on the season. Im pretty sure Im up to 4 straight weeks where I haven't done so hot, and am one by one falling behind the ESPN experts. Im still ahead of a few of them though. Hopefully I can end the season on a strong note.
Falcons at Lions: Pick: Falcons
Saints at Cowboys: Pick: Saints
Titans at Packers: Pick: Packers
Colts at Chiefs: Pick: Colts
Bills at Dolphins: Pick: Dolphins
Chargers at Jets: Pick: Jets
Redskins at Eagles: Pick: Redskins
Bengals at Steelers: Pick: Bengals
Rams at Buccaneers: Pick: Buccaneers
Raiders at Panthers: Pick: Panthers
Patriots at Jaguars: Pick: Patriots
Vikings at Texans: Pick: Texans
Browns at Broncos: Pick: Broncos
Bears at Cardinals: Pick: Bears
Giants at Ravens: Pick: Giants
49ers at Seahawks: Pick: Seahawks
NFC North Standings: The Green Bay Packers are the NFC north champions for 2012!
1. Green Bay Packers: 10-4 (5-0)
2. Minnesota Vikings: 8-6 (3-2)
3. Chicago Bears: 8-6 (2-3)
4. Detroit Lions: 4-10 (0-5)
NFC Standings
1. Atlanta Falcons: 12-2 Clinched Division
2. San Francisco 49ers: 10-3-1 Clinched Playoff Berth
3. Green Bay Packers: 10-4 Clinched Division
4. Washington Redskins: 8-6
5. Seattle Seahawks: 9-5
6. Minnesota Vikings: 8-6
7. Chicago Bears: 8-6
8. Dallas Cowboys: 8-6
9. New York Giants: 8-6
10. St Louis Rams: 6-7-1 E
11. New Orleans Saints: 6-8 E
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-8 E
13. Carolina Panthers: 5-9 E
14. Arizona Cardinals: 5-9 E
15. Detroit Lions: 4-10 E
16. Philadelphia Eagles: 4-10 E
AFC Standings
1. Houston Texans: 12-2 Clinched Division
2. Denver Broncos: 11-3 Clinched Division
3. New England Patriots: 10-4 Clinched Division
4. Baltimore Ravens: 9-5 Clinched Playoff Berth
5. Indianapolis Colts: 9-5
6. Cincinnati Bengals: 8-6
7. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-7
8. New York Jets: 6-8 E
9. Miami Dolphins: 6-8 E
10. Cleveland Browns: 5-9 E
11. Tennessee Titans: 5-9 E
12. San Diego Chargers: 5-9 E
13. Buffalo Bills: 5-9 E
14. Oakland Raiders: 4-10 E
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-12 E
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-12 E
Exactly half of the NFLs 32 teams are eliminate from playoff contention. 7 of the 12 playoff spots are wrapped up. That leaves 9 teams fighting for 5 playoff spots with two weeks left. Theres three teams fighting for two spots in the AFC, and a whopping six teams fighting for 3 spots in the NFC, including a 3 way tie in the NFC East. These final two weeks in the NFC race are going to be a lot of fun.
Falcons at Lions: Pick: Falcons
Saints at Cowboys: Pick: Saints
Titans at Packers: Pick: Packers
Colts at Chiefs: Pick: Colts
Bills at Dolphins: Pick: Dolphins
Chargers at Jets: Pick: Jets
Redskins at Eagles: Pick: Redskins
Bengals at Steelers: Pick: Bengals
Rams at Buccaneers: Pick: Buccaneers
Raiders at Panthers: Pick: Panthers
Patriots at Jaguars: Pick: Patriots
Vikings at Texans: Pick: Texans
Browns at Broncos: Pick: Broncos
Bears at Cardinals: Pick: Bears
Giants at Ravens: Pick: Giants
49ers at Seahawks: Pick: Seahawks
NFC North Standings: The Green Bay Packers are the NFC north champions for 2012!
1. Green Bay Packers: 10-4 (5-0)
2. Minnesota Vikings: 8-6 (3-2)
3. Chicago Bears: 8-6 (2-3)
4. Detroit Lions: 4-10 (0-5)
NFC Standings
1. Atlanta Falcons: 12-2 Clinched Division
2. San Francisco 49ers: 10-3-1 Clinched Playoff Berth
3. Green Bay Packers: 10-4 Clinched Division
4. Washington Redskins: 8-6
5. Seattle Seahawks: 9-5
6. Minnesota Vikings: 8-6
7. Chicago Bears: 8-6
8. Dallas Cowboys: 8-6
9. New York Giants: 8-6
10. St Louis Rams: 6-7-1 E
11. New Orleans Saints: 6-8 E
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-8 E
13. Carolina Panthers: 5-9 E
14. Arizona Cardinals: 5-9 E
15. Detroit Lions: 4-10 E
16. Philadelphia Eagles: 4-10 E
AFC Standings
1. Houston Texans: 12-2 Clinched Division
2. Denver Broncos: 11-3 Clinched Division
3. New England Patriots: 10-4 Clinched Division
4. Baltimore Ravens: 9-5 Clinched Playoff Berth
5. Indianapolis Colts: 9-5
6. Cincinnati Bengals: 8-6
7. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-7
8. New York Jets: 6-8 E
9. Miami Dolphins: 6-8 E
10. Cleveland Browns: 5-9 E
11. Tennessee Titans: 5-9 E
12. San Diego Chargers: 5-9 E
13. Buffalo Bills: 5-9 E
14. Oakland Raiders: 4-10 E
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-12 E
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-12 E
Exactly half of the NFLs 32 teams are eliminate from playoff contention. 7 of the 12 playoff spots are wrapped up. That leaves 9 teams fighting for 5 playoff spots with two weeks left. Theres three teams fighting for two spots in the AFC, and a whopping six teams fighting for 3 spots in the NFC, including a 3 way tie in the NFC East. These final two weeks in the NFC race are going to be a lot of fun.
The 12 best Packer games of the Aaron Rodgers era (Part 1)
With the fifth season of the Aaron Rodgers era in Green Bay coming to a close, I thought it would be appropriate to rank the twelve best games of this current period in packer history. This is a hard list to put together, because, unlike the Brett Favre era, the Aaron Rodgers period has severely lacked close, heart pounding wins. 90% of Packer games of the past five years have been wins by a touchdown or more, or a very close loss. Two notes before we dive in, these are regular season games only, not playoff games. The four playoff wins would automatically be 1-4 on this list if I included them, so I just decided not to bother. Second, these isn't a list of Aaron Rodgers best performances, this is a list of the overall best games, some of these games Rodgers actually performed somewhat poorly in, so that's not what this list is about at all. This is a lot about how important the wins were for the Packers season, not necessarily how exciting the game was. A win in October against a bad team isn't going to be on this list, even if it was a great game. Here we go:
12. Week 1 2008: Vikings 19 at Packers 24: The first start of Aaron Rodgers career, and the beginning of a new era. I was seventeen years old and this was the first time in my whole entire life that Brett Favre was not the starting quarterback of a Packer game, that's a staggering statistic. Rodgers performed well, completing 82% of his passes, a record for a QB in his first start that still stands today. He also threw for a touchdown and ran for another. The Packers had a 10-6 lead in the third when Will Blackmon ran back a punt 76 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings countered with a TD of their own early in the fourth, but failed on a two point try, putting the score at 17-12. with six minutes left, A Packer touchdown appeared to seal the deal, but the Vikings countered to make it 24-19 and got the ball back with about a minute left to try and win. Near midfield, Atari Bigby picked off Tavaris Jackson to finally put the game away. Unfortunately from here, the two teams went in opposite directions. The Packers would finish the season 6-10, and the Vikings wound up winning the division. Why it was important: Still, at the time, it was a happy moment for Packer fans realizing the world wasn't ending because Brett Favre was no longer at the helm.
11. Week 11 2011 Packers 45 at Chargers 38: The 2011 season was a special one for Packer fans, and this game was one of the highlights. Green Bay entered the game 7-0, but the Chargers were viewed as the biggest threat to date to dereail their undefeated season. The Packers burst right out of the gate, with two pick sixes in the first quarter on the way to a 21-7 lead after fifteen minutes. The Chargers responded with ten points in a row, closing the score to within four points. Rodgers led the Packers two minute offense with ease, throwing a TD pass to Nelson with 16 seconds left in the half, leading to a 28-17 halftime lead. The Packers kept pouring on points, and with ten minutes left, opened up a seemingly insurmountable 45-24 lead, but the Chargers scored twice in 68 seconds, to close within 45-38 with six minutes left. The Chargers got the ball with a chance to tie, but were stopped and the Packers held on to improve to 8-0. Rodgers finished with four TD passes. Why it was important: This win was the game that put thoughts of an undefeated season in Packers fans minds for the first time.
10. Week 11 2010 Packers 31 at Vikings 3: The fourth and final matchup pitting Aaron Rodgers against Brett Favre. The Packers dominated from start to finish with an offensive assault that was relentless. Leading just 10-3 with less than a minute left in the first half, the Packers marched and scored a TD with just five seconds left to stretch the lead to 17-3. They got the ball to start the second half and marched right down and scored again. The lead went from 10-3 to 24-3 without Favre even touching the ball. The Packers tacked on one more in the fourth to turn it into a 31-3 laugher. Favre finished with a less than fifty percent completion percentage, and the least points scored by the Vikings in Favres tenure their. Rodgers had four TD passes. Why its important: It killed any Vikings playoff chances, basically ending Favres career, and officially passing the torch of dominance over to Rodgers.
12. Week 1 2008: Vikings 19 at Packers 24: The first start of Aaron Rodgers career, and the beginning of a new era. I was seventeen years old and this was the first time in my whole entire life that Brett Favre was not the starting quarterback of a Packer game, that's a staggering statistic. Rodgers performed well, completing 82% of his passes, a record for a QB in his first start that still stands today. He also threw for a touchdown and ran for another. The Packers had a 10-6 lead in the third when Will Blackmon ran back a punt 76 yards for a touchdown. The Vikings countered with a TD of their own early in the fourth, but failed on a two point try, putting the score at 17-12. with six minutes left, A Packer touchdown appeared to seal the deal, but the Vikings countered to make it 24-19 and got the ball back with about a minute left to try and win. Near midfield, Atari Bigby picked off Tavaris Jackson to finally put the game away. Unfortunately from here, the two teams went in opposite directions. The Packers would finish the season 6-10, and the Vikings wound up winning the division. Why it was important: Still, at the time, it was a happy moment for Packer fans realizing the world wasn't ending because Brett Favre was no longer at the helm.
11. Week 11 2011 Packers 45 at Chargers 38: The 2011 season was a special one for Packer fans, and this game was one of the highlights. Green Bay entered the game 7-0, but the Chargers were viewed as the biggest threat to date to dereail their undefeated season. The Packers burst right out of the gate, with two pick sixes in the first quarter on the way to a 21-7 lead after fifteen minutes. The Chargers responded with ten points in a row, closing the score to within four points. Rodgers led the Packers two minute offense with ease, throwing a TD pass to Nelson with 16 seconds left in the half, leading to a 28-17 halftime lead. The Packers kept pouring on points, and with ten minutes left, opened up a seemingly insurmountable 45-24 lead, but the Chargers scored twice in 68 seconds, to close within 45-38 with six minutes left. The Chargers got the ball with a chance to tie, but were stopped and the Packers held on to improve to 8-0. Rodgers finished with four TD passes. Why it was important: This win was the game that put thoughts of an undefeated season in Packers fans minds for the first time.
10. Week 11 2010 Packers 31 at Vikings 3: The fourth and final matchup pitting Aaron Rodgers against Brett Favre. The Packers dominated from start to finish with an offensive assault that was relentless. Leading just 10-3 with less than a minute left in the first half, the Packers marched and scored a TD with just five seconds left to stretch the lead to 17-3. They got the ball to start the second half and marched right down and scored again. The lead went from 10-3 to 24-3 without Favre even touching the ball. The Packers tacked on one more in the fourth to turn it into a 31-3 laugher. Favre finished with a less than fifty percent completion percentage, and the least points scored by the Vikings in Favres tenure their. Rodgers had four TD passes. Why its important: It killed any Vikings playoff chances, basically ending Favres career, and officially passing the torch of dominance over to Rodgers.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Updated Packers MVP Standings
Four more games have been played since we last took a look at the MVP race, and all four games have been consistent in that none of them have had a stand out performer. Lets take a look at those four games:
At Detoit Lions: Randall Cobb gets the full point for nine recpetions and a TD. Half points go to Walden for a pair of sacks, and Finley for a couple of clutch plays.
At New York Giants: The Packers worst performance in four years, so its near imposible to pick a MVP. I guess Nelsons TD reception was the only bright spot so one point to Nelson.
Vs Minnesota Vikings: Morgan Burnett clearly gets the full point for two picks, without them the Packers almost certainly lose. Half point to Starks for ingniting the running game and A nice TD run.
Vs Detroit Lions: Full point to Mike Daniels for the season saving TD. Half point to Rodgers for a nice TD run. Half point to Cobb for seven receptions on seven targets. Lets give a half point to Crosby for nailing two clutch field goals also. He missed one, but I blame that on Rodgers sack on 3rd down the play before. One more half point to dejuan harris for a nice performance when I had never heard of him heading into the game.
Standings through 13 game
Randall Cobb: 4 points
Erik Walden: 1 point
Jermichael Finley: 0.5 points
Jordy Nelson: 2 points
Morgan Burnett:1.5 points
James Starks: 0.5 points
Mike Daniels: 1 point
Aaron Rodgers: 3.5 points
Mason Crosby: 1 point
Dejuan Harris: 0.5 points
Davon House: 1 point
Tim Masthay: 1 point
Clay Matthews: 1 point
Tramon Williams: 0.5 points
John Kuhn: 0.5 points
AJ Hawk: 1.5 points
James Jones: 3 points
Cedric Benson: 0.5 points
Alex Green: 0.5 points
Casey Heyward: 1.5 points
At Detoit Lions: Randall Cobb gets the full point for nine recpetions and a TD. Half points go to Walden for a pair of sacks, and Finley for a couple of clutch plays.
At New York Giants: The Packers worst performance in four years, so its near imposible to pick a MVP. I guess Nelsons TD reception was the only bright spot so one point to Nelson.
Vs Minnesota Vikings: Morgan Burnett clearly gets the full point for two picks, without them the Packers almost certainly lose. Half point to Starks for ingniting the running game and A nice TD run.
Vs Detroit Lions: Full point to Mike Daniels for the season saving TD. Half point to Rodgers for a nice TD run. Half point to Cobb for seven receptions on seven targets. Lets give a half point to Crosby for nailing two clutch field goals also. He missed one, but I blame that on Rodgers sack on 3rd down the play before. One more half point to dejuan harris for a nice performance when I had never heard of him heading into the game.
Standings through 13 game
Randall Cobb: 4 points
Erik Walden: 1 point
Jermichael Finley: 0.5 points
Jordy Nelson: 2 points
Morgan Burnett:1.5 points
James Starks: 0.5 points
Mike Daniels: 1 point
Aaron Rodgers: 3.5 points
Mason Crosby: 1 point
Dejuan Harris: 0.5 points
Davon House: 1 point
Tim Masthay: 1 point
Clay Matthews: 1 point
Tramon Williams: 0.5 points
John Kuhn: 0.5 points
AJ Hawk: 1.5 points
James Jones: 3 points
Cedric Benson: 0.5 points
Alex Green: 0.5 points
Casey Heyward: 1.5 points
Monday, December 10, 2012
NFL week 15 picks
I went 10-6 last week, standing 131-77 through 14 weeks.
Bengals at Eagles: Pick: Eagles
Packers at Bears: Pick: Packers
Giants at Falcons: Pick: Giants
Redskins at Browns: Pick: Redskins
Vikings at Rams: Pick: Rams
Jaguars at Dolphins: Pick: Dolphins
Buccaneers at Saints: Pick: Saints
Broncos at Ravens: Pick: Broncos
Colts at Texans: Pick: Texans
Seahawks at Bills: Pick: Seahawks
Lions at Cardinals: Pick: Lions
Panthers at Chargers: Pick: Chargers
Steelers at Cowboys: Pick: Steelers
Chiefs at Raiders: Pick: Raiders
49ers at Patriots: Pick: Patriots
Jets at Titans: Pick: Jets
NFC North standings: Packers have sole possession of first place and have a magic number of two to clinch the division!
1. Packers: 9-4 (4-0)
2. Bears 8-5 (2-2)
3. Vikings 7-6 (3-2)
4. Lions 4-9 (0-5)
NFC Standings
1. Atlanta Falcons: 11-2 Clinched division
2. San Francisco 49ers: 9-3-1
3. Green Bay Packers: 9-4
4. New York Giants: 8-5
5. Seattle Seahawks: 8-5
6. Chicago Bears: 8-5
7. Washington Redskins: 7-6
8. Dallas Cowboys: 7-6
9. Minnesota Vikings: 7-6
10. St Louis Rams: 6-6-1
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-7
12. New Orleans Saints: 5-8
13. Carolina Panthers: 4-9 E
14. Detroit Lions: 4-9 E
15. Arizona Cardinals: 4-9 E
16. Philadelphia Eagles: 4-9 E
AFC Standings
1. Houston Texans: 11-2 Clinched Playoff berth
2. New England Patriots: 10-3 Clinched division title
3. Denver Broncos: 10-3 Clinched division title
4. Baltimore Ravens: 9-4
5. Indianapolis Colts: 9-4
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-6
7. Cincinnati Bengals: 7-6
8. New York Jets: 6-7
9. Cleveland Browns: 5-8
10. San Diego Chargers: 5-8
11. Buffalo Bills: 5-8
12. Miami Dolphins: 5-8
13. Tennessee Titans: 4-9
14. Oakland Raiders: 3-10 E
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-11 E
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-11 E
The Packers, if they win out are almost guaranteed to pick up a first round bye, possibly even still sneak into the one seed. All this is contingent on the Packers winning out, but if the 49ers lose one for their final 3 games, and the Falcons 2 of their final 3, the Packers will be the one seed. The 49ers have to play at Seattle and at New England, its hard to fathom them not losing at least one of them Atlanta plays New York, At Detroit, and Tampa Bay. If the Giants beat them, I can certainly see a possibility in them losing one of their last two. who would have though after a 2-3 start wed even have a prayer of the one seed with just three weeks left. This is when it gets exciting. Oh yea, and if the Packers win Sunday, they officially clinch the division.
Bengals at Eagles: Pick: Eagles
Packers at Bears: Pick: Packers
Giants at Falcons: Pick: Giants
Redskins at Browns: Pick: Redskins
Vikings at Rams: Pick: Rams
Jaguars at Dolphins: Pick: Dolphins
Buccaneers at Saints: Pick: Saints
Broncos at Ravens: Pick: Broncos
Colts at Texans: Pick: Texans
Seahawks at Bills: Pick: Seahawks
Lions at Cardinals: Pick: Lions
Panthers at Chargers: Pick: Chargers
Steelers at Cowboys: Pick: Steelers
Chiefs at Raiders: Pick: Raiders
49ers at Patriots: Pick: Patriots
Jets at Titans: Pick: Jets
NFC North standings: Packers have sole possession of first place and have a magic number of two to clinch the division!
1. Packers: 9-4 (4-0)
2. Bears 8-5 (2-2)
3. Vikings 7-6 (3-2)
4. Lions 4-9 (0-5)
NFC Standings
1. Atlanta Falcons: 11-2 Clinched division
2. San Francisco 49ers: 9-3-1
3. Green Bay Packers: 9-4
4. New York Giants: 8-5
5. Seattle Seahawks: 8-5
6. Chicago Bears: 8-5
7. Washington Redskins: 7-6
8. Dallas Cowboys: 7-6
9. Minnesota Vikings: 7-6
10. St Louis Rams: 6-6-1
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-7
12. New Orleans Saints: 5-8
13. Carolina Panthers: 4-9 E
14. Detroit Lions: 4-9 E
15. Arizona Cardinals: 4-9 E
16. Philadelphia Eagles: 4-9 E
AFC Standings
1. Houston Texans: 11-2 Clinched Playoff berth
2. New England Patriots: 10-3 Clinched division title
3. Denver Broncos: 10-3 Clinched division title
4. Baltimore Ravens: 9-4
5. Indianapolis Colts: 9-4
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-6
7. Cincinnati Bengals: 7-6
8. New York Jets: 6-7
9. Cleveland Browns: 5-8
10. San Diego Chargers: 5-8
11. Buffalo Bills: 5-8
12. Miami Dolphins: 5-8
13. Tennessee Titans: 4-9
14. Oakland Raiders: 3-10 E
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-11 E
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-11 E
The Packers, if they win out are almost guaranteed to pick up a first round bye, possibly even still sneak into the one seed. All this is contingent on the Packers winning out, but if the 49ers lose one for their final 3 games, and the Falcons 2 of their final 3, the Packers will be the one seed. The 49ers have to play at Seattle and at New England, its hard to fathom them not losing at least one of them Atlanta plays New York, At Detroit, and Tampa Bay. If the Giants beat them, I can certainly see a possibility in them losing one of their last two. who would have though after a 2-3 start wed even have a prayer of the one seed with just three weeks left. This is when it gets exciting. Oh yea, and if the Packers win Sunday, they officially clinch the division.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Game 13: Packers (8-4) Vs Lions (4-8) Part II
For the third time this season the Packers will play a second straight game at Lambeau Field. They are 2-0 in the previous two second games of their two game homestands. The Packers come into this week tied with the Bears atop the division at 8-4. The Packers will know before the game whether or not the Bears have lost this week. A Bears loss means the Packers could clinch the division title next week in Chicago with a win tonight and next week.
The Packers welcome the Lions into town for their 7th home date of the season. They are 5-1 at home on the season, this is their 4th primetime home game of the season, they are 2-1 in the previous 3.
How the Lions are doing: Not well, they are 0-2 in their two games since last playing the Packers, both heartbreaking. An OT loss to the Texans, and a last play of the game touchdown loss to the Colts have sent them to 4-8 and out of the playoff picture. If the packers get on top early tonight its hard to imagine the Lions having enough fight in them to comeback.
Injury Update: Sam Shields will be back this week, his first game since October against the Texans. Matthews, Woodson, Nelson will all be out this week, but all three are good bets to return next week.
Packers Vs Lions recent history: The Packers have dominated the Lions in Aaron Rodgers career. The Packers are 8-1 in games Rodgers starts against the Lions, the one loss was a game in which Rodgers missed the entire second half. The Packers have won 21 straight home games against Detroit going back to 1991, when I was four months old.
Ill be going to the game tonight, a personal record fourth game at Lambeau in one season, one of them was a preseason game.
Prediction: Its snowing here now, but even if it stops before the game the winter conditions should favor the Packers against a dome team. The Lions are reeling, and Lambeau is not a place for reeling teams to turn things around. Packers 34 Lions 21
The Packers welcome the Lions into town for their 7th home date of the season. They are 5-1 at home on the season, this is their 4th primetime home game of the season, they are 2-1 in the previous 3.
How the Lions are doing: Not well, they are 0-2 in their two games since last playing the Packers, both heartbreaking. An OT loss to the Texans, and a last play of the game touchdown loss to the Colts have sent them to 4-8 and out of the playoff picture. If the packers get on top early tonight its hard to imagine the Lions having enough fight in them to comeback.
Injury Update: Sam Shields will be back this week, his first game since October against the Texans. Matthews, Woodson, Nelson will all be out this week, but all three are good bets to return next week.
Packers Vs Lions recent history: The Packers have dominated the Lions in Aaron Rodgers career. The Packers are 8-1 in games Rodgers starts against the Lions, the one loss was a game in which Rodgers missed the entire second half. The Packers have won 21 straight home games against Detroit going back to 1991, when I was four months old.
Ill be going to the game tonight, a personal record fourth game at Lambeau in one season, one of them was a preseason game.
Prediction: Its snowing here now, but even if it stops before the game the winter conditions should favor the Packers against a dome team. The Lions are reeling, and Lambeau is not a place for reeling teams to turn things around. Packers 34 Lions 21
Saturday, December 8, 2012
NCAA Bowl Picks 12/15-12/24
I correctly picked the Army/Navy game this week, giving me a final regular season record of non big ten games of 35-28. At the conclusion of this game, the regular season of college football was officially over and Bowl season has begin. Theres about 168 hours until kickoff of the first bowl game. This post will attempt to pick the Bowl games between now and Christmas. On Christmas day, Ill post my picks for the bowl games between 12/26 and 12/30, and from New Years eve on Ill post my picks on a day by day basis. Here we go!
1. New Mexico Bowl: December 15th 1:00 PM Nevada vs Arizona: Pick: Arizona
2. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: December 15th 4:30 PM Toledo vs Utah St: Pick: Utah ST
3. Pointsettia Bowl: December 20th 8:00 PM BYU Vs San Diego St: Pick: San Diego St
4. Beef O Brady Bowl: December 21st 7:30 PM Ball St vs UCF: Pick: UCF
5. New Orleans Bowl: December 22nd 12:00 PM Eastern Carolina vs Louisiana Lafayette Pick: ULA
6. MAACO Bowl: December 22nd 3:30 PM Washington vs Boise st: Pick: Boise St
7. Hawaii Bowl: December 24th 8:00 PM Fresno St vs SMU: Pick: Fresno ST
A couple upsets in the pack from me by taking UCF and San Diego st. I definitely see the possibility for some blowouts in this group, Arizona, Boise St, and Fresno St all have that abilty. Happy bowl season!
1. New Mexico Bowl: December 15th 1:00 PM Nevada vs Arizona: Pick: Arizona
2. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: December 15th 4:30 PM Toledo vs Utah St: Pick: Utah ST
3. Pointsettia Bowl: December 20th 8:00 PM BYU Vs San Diego St: Pick: San Diego St
4. Beef O Brady Bowl: December 21st 7:30 PM Ball St vs UCF: Pick: UCF
5. New Orleans Bowl: December 22nd 12:00 PM Eastern Carolina vs Louisiana Lafayette Pick: ULA
6. MAACO Bowl: December 22nd 3:30 PM Washington vs Boise st: Pick: Boise St
7. Hawaii Bowl: December 24th 8:00 PM Fresno St vs SMU: Pick: Fresno ST
A couple upsets in the pack from me by taking UCF and San Diego st. I definitely see the possibility for some blowouts in this group, Arizona, Boise St, and Fresno St all have that abilty. Happy bowl season!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Week 14 NFL Picks
A second straight 9-7 week, putting me at 121-70 on the season. Hopefully I can get out of this funk Im in this week with the playoffs approaching.
Broncos at Raiders: Pick: Broncos
Rams at Bills: Pick: Rams
Cowboys at Bengals: Pick: Bengals
Chiefs at Browns: Pick: Browns
Titans at Colts: Pick: Colts
Bears at Vikings: Pick: Vikings
Lions at Packers: Pick: Packers
Chargers at Steelers: Pick: Steelers
Eagles at Buccaneers: Pick: Buccaneers
Ravens at Redskins: Pick: Ravens
Falcons at Panthers: Pick: Panthers
Jets at Jaguars: Pick: Jaguars
Dolphins at 49ers: Pick: 49ers
Saints at Giants: Pick: Saints
Cardinals at Seahawks: Pick: Seahawks
Texans at Patriots: Pick: Patriots
NFC North standings: Packers back in first!!! By virtue of tiebreaker
1. Green Bay Packers: 8-4 (3-0)
2. Chicago Bears: 8-4 (2-1)
3. Minnesota Vikings: 6-6 (2-2)
4. Detroit Lions: 4-8 (0-4)
NFC Standings
1. Atlanta Falcons: 11-1 (Clinched Division)
2. San Francisco 49ers: 8-3-1
3. Green Bay Packers: 8-4
4. New York Giants: 7-5
5. Chicago Bears: 8-4
6. Seattle Seahawks: 7-5
7. Washington Redskins: 6-6
8. Dallas Cowboys: 6-6
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-6
10. Minnesota Vikings: 6-6
11. St Louis Rams: 5-6-1
12. New Orleans Saints: 5-7
13. Detroit Lions: 4-8
14. Arizona Cardinals: 4-8
15. Carolina Panthers: 3-9
16. Philadelphia Eagles: 3-9
AFC Standings
1. Houston Texans: 11-1 (clinched playoff berth)
2. New England Patriots: 9-3 (Clinched Division)
3. Baltimore Ravens: 9-3
4. Denver Broncos: 9-3 (Clinched division)
5. Indianapolis Colts: 8-4
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-5
7. Cincinnati Bengals: 7-5
8. New York Jets: 5-7
9. Buffalo Bills: 5-7
10. Miami Dolphins: 5-7
11. Cleveland Browns: 4-8
12. San Diego Chargers: 4-8
13. Tennessee Titans: 4-8
14. Oakland Raiders: 3-9 E
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-10 E
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-10 E
Broncos at Raiders: Pick: Broncos
Rams at Bills: Pick: Rams
Cowboys at Bengals: Pick: Bengals
Chiefs at Browns: Pick: Browns
Titans at Colts: Pick: Colts
Bears at Vikings: Pick: Vikings
Lions at Packers: Pick: Packers
Chargers at Steelers: Pick: Steelers
Eagles at Buccaneers: Pick: Buccaneers
Ravens at Redskins: Pick: Ravens
Falcons at Panthers: Pick: Panthers
Jets at Jaguars: Pick: Jaguars
Dolphins at 49ers: Pick: 49ers
Saints at Giants: Pick: Saints
Cardinals at Seahawks: Pick: Seahawks
Texans at Patriots: Pick: Patriots
NFC North standings: Packers back in first!!! By virtue of tiebreaker
1. Green Bay Packers: 8-4 (3-0)
2. Chicago Bears: 8-4 (2-1)
3. Minnesota Vikings: 6-6 (2-2)
4. Detroit Lions: 4-8 (0-4)
NFC Standings
1. Atlanta Falcons: 11-1 (Clinched Division)
2. San Francisco 49ers: 8-3-1
3. Green Bay Packers: 8-4
4. New York Giants: 7-5
5. Chicago Bears: 8-4
6. Seattle Seahawks: 7-5
7. Washington Redskins: 6-6
8. Dallas Cowboys: 6-6
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 6-6
10. Minnesota Vikings: 6-6
11. St Louis Rams: 5-6-1
12. New Orleans Saints: 5-7
13. Detroit Lions: 4-8
14. Arizona Cardinals: 4-8
15. Carolina Panthers: 3-9
16. Philadelphia Eagles: 3-9
AFC Standings
1. Houston Texans: 11-1 (clinched playoff berth)
2. New England Patriots: 9-3 (Clinched Division)
3. Baltimore Ravens: 9-3
4. Denver Broncos: 9-3 (Clinched division)
5. Indianapolis Colts: 8-4
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-5
7. Cincinnati Bengals: 7-5
8. New York Jets: 5-7
9. Buffalo Bills: 5-7
10. Miami Dolphins: 5-7
11. Cleveland Browns: 4-8
12. San Diego Chargers: 4-8
13. Tennessee Titans: 4-8
14. Oakland Raiders: 3-9 E
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-10 E
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-10 E
Monday, December 3, 2012
AP runs wild, but Pack steal the game 23-14
The Green Bay Packers looked like they were going to roll to an easy home win against an inferior opponent Sunday Afternoon, quickly jumping out to a 10-0 lead in the game first frame. Then, Adrian Peterson took over. In a run reminiscent of Legarrete Blounts touchdown run for Tampa Bay against the Packers last season, Peterson broke loose for an 82 yard score which actually gave the Vikings the lead, a lead they would hold until halftime. Coming out of the half, the Vikings looked like they were going to go up two scores thanks to a huge run by Peterson to start the half, but an awful interception by Christian Ponder saved the Packers from a deeper hole. A field goal and twenty two yard touchdown run by James Starks put the Packers back on top 20-14 heading to the fourth. With the Vikings driving again, Ponder through another interception, once again to Morgan Burnett. An eleven minute Packer drive, the longest of the season in the NFL, led to a Mason Crosby field goal with four minutes left in the game, giving the Packers a 23-14 lead. The Game was officially iced when Vikings kicker Blair Walsh missed a field goal with two minutes left and the Packers won 23-14.
This was without a doubt one of the more frustrating wins Ive ever been a part of. Who knows what the final result would have been in the Vikings get points in their first possession of the 3rd quarter, instead of Christian Ponder throwing a horrid pass for an interception.
The Good
The running game: For the most part, the running game was solid, and a huge part of this win. this was the first time since October the Packers got a rushing touchdown, and it was a fairly long one at 22 yards.
Morgan Burnett: 2 Interception, enough said.
Unfortunately that's all I have for the good this week. Now the bad
The defensive line: 0 sacks, and they contributed to allowing 218 yards to Adrian Peterson
Playcalling: Running on first AND second down is ridiculous to me for this team. A nice run of five yards on first down should open the door for a short pass on second down, NOT another run that usually yields zero yards because the defense is expecting it at that point. Which results in an automatic third down situation, which may be converted some of the time, but eventually third down magic runs out. This resulted in a stalled drive more than once yesterday.
With the win and Bears loss, the Packers now have an opportunity to make a tough game to end the season at the Metrodome irrelevant. If the Packers win their next three games, two of which are at home against sub .500 teams, they will officially clinch the division before their season finale. However, while they may not need a victory in their final game to win the division, they will still likely need to win all of their final four games to have a chance at a first round bye in the playoffs.
Up Next: Sunday Night at football at Lambeau against the Detroit Lions.
This was without a doubt one of the more frustrating wins Ive ever been a part of. Who knows what the final result would have been in the Vikings get points in their first possession of the 3rd quarter, instead of Christian Ponder throwing a horrid pass for an interception.
The Good
The running game: For the most part, the running game was solid, and a huge part of this win. this was the first time since October the Packers got a rushing touchdown, and it was a fairly long one at 22 yards.
Morgan Burnett: 2 Interception, enough said.
Unfortunately that's all I have for the good this week. Now the bad
The defensive line: 0 sacks, and they contributed to allowing 218 yards to Adrian Peterson
Playcalling: Running on first AND second down is ridiculous to me for this team. A nice run of five yards on first down should open the door for a short pass on second down, NOT another run that usually yields zero yards because the defense is expecting it at that point. Which results in an automatic third down situation, which may be converted some of the time, but eventually third down magic runs out. This resulted in a stalled drive more than once yesterday.
With the win and Bears loss, the Packers now have an opportunity to make a tough game to end the season at the Metrodome irrelevant. If the Packers win their next three games, two of which are at home against sub .500 teams, they will officially clinch the division before their season finale. However, while they may not need a victory in their final game to win the division, they will still likely need to win all of their final four games to have a chance at a first round bye in the playoffs.
Up Next: Sunday Night at football at Lambeau against the Detroit Lions.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Game 12: Minnesota Vikings (6-5) Vs Green Bay Packers (7-4)
The Packers will look to rebound from their 38-10 defeat at the hands of the New York Giants last week. Coming into Lambeau, a familiar foe, the Minnesota Vikings. Its hard to believe that we are in December and this is the first game against the Vikings this season but that's where we are. There have definitely been some bumps in the road this year for the Packers but I think all you can really ask for is to control your own destiny for the division heading into December and the Packers have that.
Heres some incredible divisional stats about the Packers dominance within the NFC North:
1. Aaron Rodgers is 12-1 at Lambeau in his career in divisional games. The best winning percentage for an NFL quarterback in division games in NFL History.
2. The Packers have won four straight against the Vikings heading into todays game.
3. The last meeting between the two was a 45-7 Packers victory, the largest margin of victory in the history of the rivalry.
4. The Packers have won 10 straight divisional games overall, 5 of the 10 have come against the Bears, 2 against the Vikings, 3 against the Lions. (Last loss: December 2010, 9-7 At Detroit)
5. The Packers have won 13 straight divisional games in which Aaron Rodgers played the whole game. (Last Loss: September 2010 at Chicago)
Its hard to win in this league with poor line play, and that's why this game scares me. The Vikings have the better offensive line and defensive line. The Vikings should be able to run effectively, and should be able to get good pressure on Rodgers. Those two could be a recipe for disaster.
The Packers will welcome back Greg Jennings, who will play in just his third game of the season, first since The Packers went into Seattle. The addition will be nice, but I think Id prefer to have Matthews back, as he, along with Charles Woodson will be out.
Percy Harvin will be out for the Vikings, he has been their MVP so far this year, so this will be a big loss for them.
Prediction: Despite the disadvantages at line play, there is no overlooking the huge talent advantages the Packers have at Receiver and Quarterback. The Vikings don't have elite corners, so if Rodgers even gets a decent level of protection, the Packers will put up at least 30. The Vikings cant pass the ball, and its hard to put up 30 with only a running game, therefore because I don't think the Vikings have the offensive ability to match the Packers point for point ill say: Packers 31 Vikings 20
Heres some incredible divisional stats about the Packers dominance within the NFC North:
1. Aaron Rodgers is 12-1 at Lambeau in his career in divisional games. The best winning percentage for an NFL quarterback in division games in NFL History.
2. The Packers have won four straight against the Vikings heading into todays game.
3. The last meeting between the two was a 45-7 Packers victory, the largest margin of victory in the history of the rivalry.
4. The Packers have won 10 straight divisional games overall, 5 of the 10 have come against the Bears, 2 against the Vikings, 3 against the Lions. (Last loss: December 2010, 9-7 At Detroit)
5. The Packers have won 13 straight divisional games in which Aaron Rodgers played the whole game. (Last Loss: September 2010 at Chicago)
Its hard to win in this league with poor line play, and that's why this game scares me. The Vikings have the better offensive line and defensive line. The Vikings should be able to run effectively, and should be able to get good pressure on Rodgers. Those two could be a recipe for disaster.
The Packers will welcome back Greg Jennings, who will play in just his third game of the season, first since The Packers went into Seattle. The addition will be nice, but I think Id prefer to have Matthews back, as he, along with Charles Woodson will be out.
Percy Harvin will be out for the Vikings, he has been their MVP so far this year, so this will be a big loss for them.
Prediction: Despite the disadvantages at line play, there is no overlooking the huge talent advantages the Packers have at Receiver and Quarterback. The Vikings don't have elite corners, so if Rodgers even gets a decent level of protection, the Packers will put up at least 30. The Vikings cant pass the ball, and its hard to put up 30 with only a running game, therefore because I don't think the Vikings have the offensive ability to match the Packers point for point ill say: Packers 31 Vikings 20
Week 15 NCAA Pick
I correctly picked the Big Ten championship game this week, finishing 41-8 in Big Ten play this year, a record I am incredibly proud of. I went 5-3 outside of the Big ten and stand at 34-28 on those games on the season, with one game left.
Army Vs Navy: Pick: Navy
Now that thats out of the way, a congratulations is in order to the Wisconsin Badgers for winning a 3rd consecutive Big ten Championship. This one may have a slight asterick, but the fact remains in the 116 year history of Big ten football, this is only the second time ever a team has won 3 straight titles, Ohio State in the 1960's being the other. The Badgers offense laid a shelleacking on Nebraska, winning 70-31. By the time the Badgers got to 28, the Nebraska defense was just gassed and lost and had no idea how to handle everything the Badgers were throwing their way. Its been a rocky year, with three OT losses, but all that matters is the Badgers are heading to the Rose Bowl yet again. The six BCS Conference champs are as follows:
Big East: Louisville
Big Ten: Wisconsin
Pac-12: Stanford
Big 12: Kansas st
SEC: Alabama
ACC: Florida st
There are four at large BCS berths up for grabs, and three of them are essentially locked up, Notre Dame being the 100% lock. The other two are about 90% locks, Oregon and Florida. The last spot is up for grabs, it cant be an SEC team, and the ACC. Big ten, Pac-12, and Big east dont really have any other qualified teams, so it really has to be Oklahoma in all likelihood. Another possibility is Northern Illinois, which would be a 1 loss BCS buster, further exposing the system as a fraud. The pre-Christmas bowl game picks will be up next Saturday night, cant wait for the bowl season. Keep an eye on where the other Big ten teams end up, Northwestern, Nebraska, Michigan, Michigan st, Minnesota, and Purdue.
Army Vs Navy: Pick: Navy
Now that thats out of the way, a congratulations is in order to the Wisconsin Badgers for winning a 3rd consecutive Big ten Championship. This one may have a slight asterick, but the fact remains in the 116 year history of Big ten football, this is only the second time ever a team has won 3 straight titles, Ohio State in the 1960's being the other. The Badgers offense laid a shelleacking on Nebraska, winning 70-31. By the time the Badgers got to 28, the Nebraska defense was just gassed and lost and had no idea how to handle everything the Badgers were throwing their way. Its been a rocky year, with three OT losses, but all that matters is the Badgers are heading to the Rose Bowl yet again. The six BCS Conference champs are as follows:
Big East: Louisville
Big Ten: Wisconsin
Pac-12: Stanford
Big 12: Kansas st
SEC: Alabama
ACC: Florida st
There are four at large BCS berths up for grabs, and three of them are essentially locked up, Notre Dame being the 100% lock. The other two are about 90% locks, Oregon and Florida. The last spot is up for grabs, it cant be an SEC team, and the ACC. Big ten, Pac-12, and Big east dont really have any other qualified teams, so it really has to be Oklahoma in all likelihood. Another possibility is Northern Illinois, which would be a 1 loss BCS buster, further exposing the system as a fraud. The pre-Christmas bowl game picks will be up next Saturday night, cant wait for the bowl season. Keep an eye on where the other Big ten teams end up, Northwestern, Nebraska, Michigan, Michigan st, Minnesota, and Purdue.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)