Week 4 NFL Picks

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Back to regular blogging this week with the MLB playoffs set to begin - the Los Angeles Dodgers, lead by former Sox LF (love saying "former") Manuel Ramirez leading big blue - playoff opponent hasn't been decided yet, but we'll "git 'er done".

NFL Pools Picks - weighted pool, spreads were locked down on Wednesday, so they may be a bit different. This week, NO EXPERT ANALYSIS - I'm going with my gut and not listening or reading what the so called experts have to say. This has been the season of upsets, so I'm going with that trend in this week's selections. It is going to be a good week.

16) TENNESSEE -2.5 over Minnesota - having trouble seeing the Vikings scoring a TD this week against that tough Titans D. Kerry Collins does enough to win this one.

15) CAROLINA -7.5 over Atlanta - the extra half point shouldn't concern anyone, the Falcons were humbled in their first road game after a home win - the same will happen this week. Panthers are the suicide pick for the week.

14) CINCINNATI -3.5 over Cleveland - the Bengals look like they are starting to play up to their capabilities, even though they lost in OT to the Giants - Palmer is starting for the Maeple Leafs, so count on a big game against a Browns D that has been getting torched.

13) NEW ORLEANS -6.5 over San Fran - Can't see the 49ers staying close here, even with injuries on Saints D; expect Brees and Bush to have a big big BIG day against a 49ers D that is overrated and suspect at best.

12) JACKSONVILLE -7.5 over Houston - Jags running game looks like it is back to where it was last year, despite injuries on OL - Matt Schaub throwing too many picks and Jags should get a couple today.

11) DALLAS -11.5 over Washington - Owens had a quiet game last week, expect him to have a huge game today - especially with Taylor out of the lineup for the Skins; Romo should have time to find T.O. today.

10) Baltimore +6.5 over PITTSBURGH - will Roethlisberger last the game today? Ravens D should keep this a field goal game today.

09) TAMPA BAY -0.5 over Green Bay - not trusting Griese, but Aaron Rodgers showed last week that good D's are going to pose some challenges for him - Tampa's D is more than just "good" - Bucs roll today.

08) Philadelphia - 3.5 over CHICAGO - are the Bears going to score any points against the Eagles? 16 points should be more than enough to cover today and the Eagles will get there.

07) Arizona +2.5 over NY JETS - the Jets still aren't very good, despite Favre being there; Cards should be able to score a few points and squeak out an outright win.

06) ST. LOUIS +8.5 over Buffalo - too many points to give up on the road - the Bills JUST got by Oakland last week; thinking the Rams will respond to benching of Bulger and play with some pride.

05) OAKLAND +7.5 over San Diego - hunch pick, thinking Raiders D can keep this one close, despite Chargers high-powered offense.

04) KANSAS CITY +9.5 over Denver - trap game; Broncos are being overvalued because of offensive numbers, but I think Hazel could throw for 300 or rush for 100+ against Broncos D. Damon Huard and Larry Johnson to enough to keep this one under a TD today.

That's it - I'm liking them.

SUNDAY THREE PLAY
The selections have pretty much split over the first three weeks of the season - so the total is minimal. Three 1:00 pm winners with a couple more to follow before 4:00 pm

CAROLINA -7.0 over Atlanta - take this one to the house. Lay $200 on the Panthers...the pick of the day.

NEW ORLEANS -4.0 over San Francisco - see above. Lay $100 on the Saints and say thanks.

TENNESSEE -3.0 over Minnesota - see above. Lay $100 on the Titans to go 4-0.

That's it for this morning gang - thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world.

I'm OUT.

MATT CASSEL - YOU SUCK

Sunday afternoon three play...as I stare exciting a major suicide pool straight in the face, thanks to freaking Matt Cassel and the New England Patriots that are playing like complete donkeys today...losing to the Dolphins? YOU SUCK

Philadelphia -3.5 over Pittsburgh - Eagles win this one by at least 10. Lay $100 on the Eagles.

Jacksonville +4 over Indianapolis - Jags keep it close at the very worst. Lay $100 on the Jags.

Oh yeah...Matt Cassel, YOU SUCK.

You have one half of football to change my mind.

I'm Out

Week 3 Picks - Get'em while they're hot!

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "NFL SUNDAY HEY" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Week 3 picks - better late than never, I've got a great feeling about this week's picks - spreads were locked down on Wednesday, so they may not reflect latest lines.

16) NEW ENGLAND - 12.5 over Miami - this is more about how bad the Dolphins are, than how good the Patriots are.

15) ATLANTA - 4.5 over Kansas City - see above, Chiefs make another QB change. Michael Turner should have the same kind of day McFadden had last week against the Chiefs.

14) PHILADELPHIA -2.5 over Pittsburgh - they're both counterfeit in my books, but the Steelers have too many issues on O-Line to deal with the Eagles pass rush...it is going to be a long day for Ben.

13) Jacksonville +5.5 over INDIANAPOLIS - the Jags always play the Colts tough, with Sanders out for Indy, it will likely be a great day for Jags running game. Take the points and run.

12) DENVER -5.5 over New Orleans - Saints have injury issues on D, not good when you are facing a Broncos offense that is rolling.

11) BUFFALO -8.5 over Oakland - Bills D should rule the day today against a Raiders offense without Fargas and McFadden only expected to get limited playing time. Bills win by 13 today.

10) Carolina +3.5 over MINNESOTA - so the Vikings bench Jackson in favour of Gus Frerotte, will it make a big difference? NO. Panthers could win this one outright.

09) SEATTLE -9.5 over St. Louis - Seahawks D will have to step up eventually...might as well be today against a Rams O-Line that could stop Hazel on the rush, let alone Patrick Kearney.

08) Arizona +3.5 over WASHINGTON - Cards have enough offense to win this one outright.

07) Dallas -2.5 over GREEN BAY - This is Cowboys country. Packers have had a couple of cream puffs to start the season off - it will be different tonight.

06) CHICAGO -2.5 over Tampa Bay - not trusting Brian Griese, especially with Galloway out of today's game.

05) Detroit +3.5 over SAN FRAN - started out thinking the Lions suck "NOW", but history says, this is exactly when they surprise everyone and win. 49ers have injury issues on D, so Kitna will probably look like an All-Star today.

04) TENNESSEE -4.5 over Houston - ya the Texans are well rested, but can they get anything done against the Titans D?

03) New York Jets +9.5 over San Diego - Chargers D can't stop anyone right now, Favre keeps it close - backdoor cover.

02) Baltimore over Cleveland - going with Ravens D here.

01) Cincinnati +13.5 over NY Giants - Maeple Leafs announce this morning that Carson Palmer has been benched in Fantasy Football league - meaning he'll probably respond with a good game to keep it close.


SUNDAY THREE PLAY

Three early winners to start Sunday off right, with three more to be posted before 4:00 pm.

NEW ENGLAND -12.5 over Miami - see above. Lay $100 on the Pats.

ATLANTA -6.5 over Kansas City - the line went up for a reason...Ryan hands the ball off to Bennett all afternoon. Lay $100 on the Falcons.

Carolina +3 over MINNESOTA - take the points. Lay $100 on the Panthers.

That's it for this morning gang - thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world - enjoy your NFL Sunday.

I'm OUT!

Sunday Three Play Suggestions

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Last week's plays split 2-2, so the account stands at - $20. Four winners this week, if you have read the page in the past, you know the drill, suggested play is $100 - unless otherwise stated.

Indianapolis -1.5 over MINNESOTA - No way the Colts go 0-2.

New Orleans +1 over WASHINGTON - even with injuries in New Orleans D, can't see Washington scoring much here.

New England +1 over NY JETS - no way the Jets win today...Patriots playing with purpose today.

SEATTLE -6 over San Fran - Seahawks take out their frustrations for last week's game on the Niners.

That's it for this afternoon gang - maybe an additional suggestion before 4:00 pm. Thanks for checking in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world.

I'm Out!

NFL Week 2 Picks

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

I have finally recovered from Portugal's loss to freaking Denmark on Wednesday - unbelievable - I can't talk about it without throwing up in my mouth a little. We always seem to want to do things the hard way - oh well, at least Ronaldo will be back for the next round of qualifiers.

This week's NFL picks - confidence pool, with no negative points attached. Last week was brutal, but it is in the past and this week is certain to be better. Remember, spreads were locked down on Wednesday in the pool, so the line may have changed - the suggested three play will reflect up to date lines.

16) Indianapolis -1.5 over MINNESOTA - before last week, if you had to guess which of these two teams would start the season 0-2 - who would you have chosen? Thought so...the Colts straighten things out this week; Manning over Adrian Peterson.

15) New England +2.5 over NY JETS - ok, Matt Cassell is no Tom Brady, but last time I checked, the Jets weren't a very good football team. Patriots ride emotion - with something to prove in Brady's absence.

14) CAROLINA -3.5 over Chicago - Forte won't run for 150+ against the Panthers (ask LaDainian Tomlinson), meaning Kyle Orton will have to step up to win the game. The Panthers weren't very good against the Chargers and still won - the Bears should be a cake walk compared to the Chargers.

13) ARIZONA -6.5 over Miami - the Dolphins were "ok" in their first game against the Jets, but they were at home. Cardinals take advantage of a young Dolphins secondary and win big.

12) SEATTLE -8.5 over San Fran - the Seahawks got whooped in Buffalo last week, but they have a history of pounding the league's bottom-feeders like the 49ers.

11) Pittsburgh -5.5 over CLEVELAND - the Browns showed last week that they aren't ready to play with the league's big boys - the Steelers will beat them up much like Dallas did.

10) New Orleans +0.5 over WASHINGTON - Brees vs Campbell...enough said.

09) Green Bay -2.5 over DETROIT - Right "NOW", Detroit sucks - read post from earlier this week - and Green Bay doesn't. Packers win by a TD.

08) NY Giants -8.5 over ST. LOUIS - the Rams looked awful against the Eagles pressure D, it won't get any easier this week against the Giants.

07) DALLAS -6.5 over Philadelphia - no explanation need...this is Cowboys' country.

06) Atlanta -8.5 over TAMPA BAY - Brian Griese gets the start for Garcia - ugh. Bucs win the game, but Atlanta keeps it close by trying to control clock with running game. Think back-door cover.

05) CINCINNATI -1.5 over Tennessee - Carson Palmer starts for the Maeple Leafs in Fantasy Football pool...his last chance, so he'll be motivated.

04) DENVER +2.5 over San Diego - grudge pick, hatin' the Chargers these days.

03) Buffalo +5.5 over Jacksonville - too many injuries on Jags OL to think they can score a lot of points against good Bills D.

02) Oakland +3.5 over KANSAS CITY - two hated rivals...it will be close.

Those are the picks - Three Play picks tomorrow. Thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world - enjoy your NFL Sunday.

I'm Out!

Looking back on Week 1 of the NFL

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Tuesday entries used to be a round up of the Champs & Chumps from the week that was in professional sports - what better way to get back to that format than to take a look back at week one of the NFL. An honourary "Hazie Award" will still be given out to those deserving of the title of "Hazel's Heroes", while those who didn't make the grade will have the title of "Hazel's Zeros" thrust upon them.

HAZEL'S HEROES - THE CHAMPS

Who would have thought?
Atlanta Falcons big free agent signing, RB Michael Turner, shredded the Detroit Lions for 220 yards and 2 TD on 22 carries. Turner was often referred to as one of the NFL's best back up running backs when he was in San Diego, but he had his share of doubters when he signed with the Falcons - he answered his critics on Sunday, at least for one week. I wonder if Ron Mexico was watching.

Denver Broncos QB Jay Cutler is another guy who came into the season with doubters, (some doubted him, others doubted the Broncos) especially with Brandon Marshall being suspended, but Cutler destroyed a Raiders D that was predicted to be above average this year - completing 16 of 24 passes for 299 yards and 2 TDs. Not saying he is the next Tom Brady, but he sure is looking like a major upgrade on Jake Plummer.

When New England QB Tom Brady went down, you could hear the groan of Patriots fans clear across the continent, especially considering Matt Cassell was coming in to relieve. Cassell, who was coming off an abysmal pre-season, stepped in and did a workman like job, completing 13 of 18 passes for 152 yards, 1 TD, and most importantly - NO interceptions. While some of the die-hards are grasping at straws, remembering a time when Brady came on to take over for an injured Drew Bledsoe, most have resigned themselves to tough times ahead - for this week though, Cassell gets a nod of approval (thinking Hazel might have given him the thumbs up on Sunday - even though it was against the Chiefs...she can't still be a Chiefs fan).

Ya, we expected that
Dallas Cowboys RB Marion Barber picked up where he left off last year - 80 yards on 16 carries with 2 TDs, and he destroyed a couple of Browns defenders. The Cowboys jettisoned the ever disappointing Julius Jones because they knew Barber was the real deal.

That Chunky Soup lovin' mamas boy Donovan McNabb has Eagles fans dreaming of great things this season after torching the St. Louis Rams for 3 TDs - 21/33 for 361 yards. Hey, McNabb gets some recognition THIS WEEK, but we all know he's a champ against the lightweights of the league and a chump against the league's heavyweights - please, don't throw "Mr. Jessica Simpson" in my face...this is the year of the Cowboys!

The New Orleans Saints came into the season with high expectations of rebounding from a disappointing 2007 season - Drew Brees led the way with 3 TD passes, completing 23 of 32 passes for 323 yards. It is going to be a long season for defensive units in the NFC South - just ask Chuckie's boys in Tampa.


HAZEL'S ZEROES - THE CHUMPS

Who would have thought?
Cincinnati Bengals QB Carson Palmer had a day to forget in Baltimore on Sunday - with targets like TJ Houshmanzadeh and Chad Ocho Cinco, you would expect him to put up better numbers than 10/25 for 99 yards and 1 INT. Carson might just walking the sidelines on the Maeple Leafs Fantasy Football team this week.

San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson was held under 100 yards and was kept out of the end zone by a Panthers rush D that hasn't scared anyone in a few years. On the day, LT rushed for 97 yards on 21 carries...did I mention NO TDs????

Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning walked away on Sunday night with somewhat respectable numbers - 30/49 for 257 yards and 1 TD pass - but to be held to 13 points on opening night, AT HOME, against a Chicago D that wasn't all that last year is embarrassing. Too many commercials Peyton...

Ya, we expected that - YOU SUCK
The Detroit Lions came into this season telling anyone who would listen that they would be better than last year - their slogan for the 2008 season is "NOW", as in "all that matters is right now". Well after an opening game loss to the Atlanta Falcons, it is safe to say that "RIGHT NOW YOU SUCK DETROIT". But is anyone surprised?

The Washington Redskins unveiled their new West Coast offense under new head coach Jim Zorn (one of the all-time favourites around here), well against an under-manned Giants D, the new look Redskins were the same old pathetic Skins - 209 yards of offense and 7 points to show for 60 minutes of football.

The San Diego Chargers found another way to lose on Sunday, against a Panthers team they should have smoked. The Chargers cost many a person, yours truly included, their 2007 suicide pool when they blew a lead against the Kansas City Chiefs - they did it again this year against Carolina. They gave up ONE offensive TD (with two seconds left in the game) and managed to lose...they didn't to it to me this year, but I'm sure they got a bunch. What a bunch of donks they are.

That's it for tonight gang - more tomorrow. World Cup Qualifiers with Portugal hosting Denmark - the good guys got off on the right foot with a 4-0 win in Malta on Saturday. Carlos Queiroz FINALLY told Ricardo to stay home - a new era in football, one where MAYBE our goalkeeper comes out to challenge a ball in the air. We can only hope - no Ronaldo tomorrow, so its up to Deco, Nani, Simao and Hugo Almeida to carry the load.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world.

I'm Out!

Sunday Three Play - Early Games

Three winners to start your NFL season off right. If you have been here for other NFL seasons, you know the suggested amount is always $100, unless otherwise noted (in other words if it is a day of extremes - good, bad or ugly).

Jacksonville - 3 over Tennessee - can't see the Titans scoring too many points today.

Houston +6.5 over Pittsburgh - Steelers have issues, they may squeak out a win, but it'll be by three or less.

Philadelphia - 8.5 vs Rams - Bulger is going to have a long day against Eagles secondary.

There you go...do with them what you will.

Back later with 4:00 pm picks.

Good luck if you play them.

NFL Sunday!!!!

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Week 1 Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

Week 1 Picks vs Spread, confidence pool.

16) INDY - 9.5 vs. Chicago - Peyton Manning vs Kyle Orton, who would you take? Manning is always good in game 1.

15) PHILADELPHIA - 7.5 over St. Louis - I can't believe I'm trusting that Chunky Soup-lovin' mama's boy.

14) NEW ENGLAND - 16.5 over Kansas City - Hazel isn't a Chiefs fan anymore.

13) Dallas - 5.5 over CLEVELAND - Big D starts the year off in style.

12) GREEN BAY - 2.5 over Minnesota - Brett who?

11) SAN DIEGO - 9.5 over Carolina - LT is well rested, bad news for Steve Smithless Panthers.

10) Arizona - 2.5 over SAN FRAN - JT O'Sullivan???? No thanks.

09) NEW ORLEANS - 3.5 over Tampa Bay - Saints Brees by Garcia and the Bucs.

08) Giants

07) Jacksonville - 2.5 over TENNESSEE - don't' know why...just cuz

06) BUFFALO -.5 over Seattle - Seahawks are road whimps.

05) Cincinnati - 2.5 over BALTIMORE - Palmer vs Flacco.

04) Houston + 6.5 over PITTSBURGH - hunch pick.

03) OAKLAND + 2.5 over Denver - see above

02) MIAMI + 2.5 over NY Jets - Brett who?

01) ATLANTA + 3.5 over Detroit - UGH.

That's it for this morning gang - back around noon with THREE PLAY PICKS - yes, they're back. Plus, recapping opening day of World Cup Qualifiers, Portugal 4-0 Malta.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world - enjoy your NFL Sunday

Song of the day

NFL Round Up - NFL Films.

I'm Out!

I Still "Heart" You Man

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

It didn't take but a few hours for the Toronto media, lead by that stinkin' curmudgeon Damien Cox, and a rather vocal faction of Leaf Nation to criticize the Silver Fox for doing exactly what he was criticized for not doing at the trade deadline - get it?

Cliff Fletcher was ridiculed for not being able to persuade any of the "Muskoka Five" (boy, that Cox is one witty guy huh?) - Sundin, Kubina, Tucker, Kaberle and Bryan McCabe - to accept a trade that would give the Leafs some much needed cap room and perhaps bring back some youth to start the rebuild. Fletcher was all but labeled a failure by Cox and his counterparts in Toronto - the prevailing "wisdom" was that the game had passed him by.

Fast forward a couple of months - Fletcher got rid of Tucker and Raycroft AND fulfilled what most of the nation felt was his mandate, trading Bryan McCabe and his $5.75 million cap hit. The pressure from the media was subtle, but tangible - Cox and company were no doubt snickering about how moving McCabe would be next to impossible and the Leafs surely wouldn't get anything of value if they did.

Well, Fletcher not only got rid of McCabe (and a fourth round pick in 2010), but he brought back a 29 year old defenceman in Mike Van Ryn - a former first round pick of the Devils - with much more upside than McCabe and cleared almost $3M in cap room.

This just wouldn't do for Cox - he had to find something wrong with the deal (he always finds something wrong). Cox first criticized Fletcher for giving up a pick when he should be stockpiling them AND today tries to justify his criticism of Fletcher by comparing the McCabe trade for what Tampa received when they traded Dan Boyle to San Jose.

I won't get into how much of a donkey Damien Cox is - but this comparison is beyond asinine. Cox knows full well that Fletcher was not dealing from a position of strength in this matter - he was one of the people that felt McCabe's contract couldn't be moved - he SHOULD also know that Dan Boyle, while a bit of a defensive liability, has MUCH more offensive upside than McCabe. Boyle is a puck mover and a great skater - Bryan McCabe is not.

Cox also offers his opinion on Van Ryn, all but dismissing him in this deal. Cox didn't bother to stop for a second and consider that Joe Nieuwendyk might just have had some input on the deal since he played with Van Ryn in Florida. Cox writes editorials and opinions - as such, he rarely if ever has a source or a quote from anyone connected to the Leafs - but you would think that before writing a piece, he might want to look at the bigger picture.

Cox has managed to rile up some of the more mentally challenged members of the nation (aren't there a few in every fan base) who know think that Fletcher made a bad deal and should have gotten back much more for McCabe. I'm sure when he hit "publish", he took a sip of his coffee, patted himself on the back and told himself that he was great.

For all his smugness - Damien Cox is, for all intents and purposes, a blogger just like the rest of us.

To Cliff Fletcher - I "Heart" you man...you did the right thing. Crazy...crazy like a fox!

Leaf Nation waits to hear word of Mats Sundin's intentions - with many predicting he will announce his retirement or state that he won't be coming back for opening night. We'll see.

NFL tonight - WOO HOO

Pick of the night - New York - 3.5 over Washington. Book it.

The rest of the NFL picks tomorrow.

That's it for today gang - thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world.

I'm Out!