InClement Weather: Saturday Night Live

No, I'm not talking about the "remember when it was funny" sketch comedy show.

Instead, it's time to rant...late-night style.

Arizona defeats Atlanta 30-24

If Edgerrin James can perform as well next week as he did against the Falcons, the Cardinals - whether at Carolina/New York, will be a tough opponent.
Credit: Yahoo Sports!

1) Kurt Warner may have lost the MVP the last two months of the season; however, he delivered a (home) playoff win to Arizona. No other quarterback has ever done that.
2) Karlos Dansby was highlighted by Sum brilliantly. A+++ analysis, my friend.
3) Matty "Ice" wasn't amazing in his first playoff game, but he showed plenty to prove it won't be his last.
4) Roddy White is an absolute beast.
5) Keith Brooking is going to have nightmares about giving up that 3rd down. Nightmares.

San Diego defeats Indianapolis 23-17 (OT)

Right where he belongs. Yes, he's a Hall of Famer. One of the top RBs ever. But he's also - more than ever - an absolute B-A-B-Y.
Credit: BigMattress.com

1) Sorry hockey fans, but I love me some playoff OT football the best. Oh yeah, hockey sucks.
2) Darren Sproles has earned himself a few extra million in free agency, even if he stays put.
3) The Indianapolis defense yet again let the organization down. Bob Sanders isn't Polamalu, Ed Reed, or Brian Dawkins.
4) I'll still take a healthy Tom Brady any day over Peyton Manning. While Peyton deserved the MVP, his playoff performance year in and year out doesn't amaze me. His only TD-toss tonight was a gimmick. Brady has more poise, patience, and stability. Remember, I HATE THE PATRIOTS. Manning is a stud QB and one of the all-time greats, but there's a reason that he doesn't have 3 Super Bowls like Tom Brady. And it isn't just Belichick.
5) Tony Dungy is a class-act, but he might be done in Indianapolis. Another great season ends in playoff dissapointment. I'm glad he EARNED his ring, but Dungy and Manning won't get another together, especially if the aforementioned Brady returns 100%.

...NFL Rule-Changes...
A) The play clock needs to be shortened. With 2 minutes to go in the game, you shouldn't be able to down the ball three times and run out the clock. Shorten the clock to 30 seconds if need be.
B) I understand why if a player doesn't go down, they blow the whistle. It's to protect the player. However, if you refuse to go down, I say let the play go until you go down. Maybe that's too NFL Blitz-like, but I am tired of "judgment down-by-contact plays" when someone is still fighting for yardage.
C) Intentional grounding is a joke. Rivers flung the ball at Jacob Hester's back foot while being engulfed by Mathis. This rule is far too subjective. If the receiver "in the vicinity" isn't looking for the ball whatsoever, it's intentional grounding.

Hope you enjoyed Sunday. Two home "dogs" took home important Ws for their franchise. So much for the "experts". 8-8 and 9-7 don't look pretty on paper; yet, both of these teams are dangerous. Very very dangerous.

Enjoy tomorrow!!!!

...one final LT-rant...
LT is an absolute baby. If he isn't 100%, he sits out. Or even worse, he tries and then takes himself out. Why? Because he's a baby. It's no surprise though, not anymore at least. I firmly 100% believe he plans out thinking he'll play until it hurts too much. That way he doesn't get chewed out because "he tried". He needs to change into street clothes or take the pads off if he won't return. It's not like an injury will force him back in either. Why else is Michael Bennett given carries in the playoffs for the first time all season???

Now I don't need anyone to explain what was hurting the last two playoff games. I get they were injuries. But I refuse to buy that he didn't demand to be on the field the past two seasons. In fact, he demanded to do just enough to not be active. If you can warm-up and take snaps, play through not being able to make "those cuts" and leave your blood and guts out on the field.

Plenty of other players have played through far more pain. Chad Pennington beat your Chargers (Jets plug!) with a torn rotator cuff. Think that hurt?

People can mock a guy like Emmitt Smith all day long (and they should for some of the ridiculously-idiotic stuff he says on TV), but he played through pain. And I'm not just talking about the seperated shoulder in the Meadowlands. Walter Payton always played through it too. You think an injury would've shut him down in 1985? Nope nope nope. Just like so many of the greats did.

LT, take it from your QB and play through the pain in order to win a championship. Otherwise, the baby stroller stays.

NFL WildCard Playoffs Pre-Game Analysis: Indianapolis at San Diego

Indianapolis Do's & Don't's:

Do ride Peyton Manning's hot hand. Manning should be the NFL's MVP, and the way he played over the last four games of the season should carry over. If Manning gets going with a pitch 'n' catch game, it could get ugly.

Do rest assured that the Indy defense is a whole different beast with Bob Sanders in the lineup. The defending defensive player of the year missed a lot of time this year, but even a hurt Bob Sanders brings a lot to that defense, psychologically.

Do use this game to strike fear in the hearts of other teams in the playoffs by making a statement.

Don't let that win over the Chargers on November 23rd fool you. It was a close game, but it was also a team that was 4-6 going into the game. The Chargers have confidence, and football is a sport where mind, at times, can outdo matter.

Don't let the defense sit back and do anything but attack. Regardless of Sanders's presence, the defense cannot match up size-wise against the Chargers. This is one of the speediest front seven's in the league and in the NFL, speed translates to turnovers. Freeney, Brock and Dawson must pitch a tent in San Diego's backfield.

San Diego Do's & Don't's:

Do let Rivers get started early in the passing game. His 11 to 1 TD/INT ratio over the last four games must continue if the Chargers are to have a chance in this game.

Do believe that Tomlinson has something left in the tank. While he had a down season, and showed signs of aging, Tomlinson didn't have to carry the load during the four game win streak. He might have had the rest he needed to come into this game ready to hit the ground running.

Do get the ball in the hands of Darren Sproles. He is the home run threat on this team. With a well-timed 25+ yard run/catch, he could serve as a momentum changer as well.

Don't let this game rest on the defense. It's time to run up the score and expect a shoot out. The Colts are licking their chops ready to take on this defense that did so poorly against the pass all season.

Don't allow Norv to Out-Clever himself. Draw plays on 3rd and long are far from cute when the season is on the line. The Chargers have size on the offense. They have the potential to beat up the smaller Colts defense. A heavy dose of Tomlinson, Tolbert, Jackson, Gates and Chambers should open the door for the aforementioined big play by Sproles.

Key Matchups:

When Either Team has the ball
QBs & WR/TEs vs. DBs
This classic shootout will come down to how much of a dent the DBs for either team can put in the receiving game for either team. The numbers show that this could be a hellacious shootout, but if this turns into a low-scoring game, the DBs deserve tremendous credit.

Intangibles:

Momentum
Both teams are coming off of winning streaks. San Diego won their last four, while Indy won their last nine. One would lean towards Indy in this case, but when does a team become complacent in their winning? Not trying to say Indy thinks they can put it in cruise control, but could San Diego, being on a fresher winning streak, be hitting their stride?

Defense
Not in the sense of which defense can step up and shut the other team down, but moreso which defense will make the big play that puts the ball back in their offense's hands? Don't be surprised if a single defensive play determines the outcome of the game.

Final Score Prediction:
Colts win: 43-31

Clement’s Weekly Picks & Prognostications…Week 13

Several teams came down to Earth last week. Several players too.

1) Chris Collinsworth summed up what any true Jet fan knew. Never trust the Jets, even with Favre around. If they lose @San Fran, they won’t make the playoffs. Mark it down.

2) Matt Cassell isn’t Tom Brady. He also might not be worthy of $50-million. Then again, maybe the Steeler D is just THAT good. If they lose @Seattle, they won’t make the playoffs. Mark it down.

3) Arizona and Kurt Warner aren’t legitimate playoff contenders. Look at their losses. Beating Dallas at home isn’t enough anymore. If they want any respect, they better travel to New England in a few weeks and pull off a total shocker.

4) Pick your poison as to who’s more disappointing in ’08: San Diego or Jacksonville?

5) Who in the WORLD is the MVP: Peyton Manning or Eli Manning? Or is it…Matt Ryan???

NFL Picks: 37-22 [Not my best week at 2-3. Far from my worst, too.]
Upset Special: 9-10 [A winning record is just 2 games away. 2 games…]

Crazy as it seems, Chad Pennington may garner some MVP-consideration if the Phins are playoff bound. Seriously.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (-3)
It’s no secret that the Falcons are a completely different team away from the Georgia Dome. Or are they? Despite traveling back from the West Coast – with a victory over the “Not so Super” Chargers might I add – I’m taking MVP-candidate Matt Ryan and the Falcons to tab a huge W. By the way, if the Falcons make the playoffs, Ryan should be the NFL MVP. Seriously.

Philadelphia Eagles @ NY Giants (-8)
Unlike their last meeting – in which the Iggles inexplicably were favored by 3 points – the G-Men are getting plenty of respect (this time from Vegas!). Despite potential distractions to defensive-captain Antonio Pierce (regarding Plaxico aka Cheddar Bob), I like the G-Men to make their move to 12-1 and potentially lock up rest 3 straight weeks before their first playoff game. However, I don’t like it by 8. Maybe it’s a late “fluff” TD (shout out to Jeramy) or a close game. Either way, I’m taking the 8.

Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)
Don’t underestimate the rest the ‘Boys got after winning big on Turkey Day. Ditto for the confidence the Steelers have after beating down the Pats in the second-half in Foxboro. If Ward/Holmes can become bigger factors, the road to the Super Bowl goes through the Steelers. James Harrison and Lamar Woodley will cause too many trouble to a still-suspect Cowboy O-Line. It might hit the 3 on the head; however, unless Romo really is the NFL MVP, I like the Steelers to move to 10-3, possibly by 10…or 3.

Washington Redskins @ Baltimore Ravens (off)
You won’t find many spread on this game…YET. Nevertheless, I’ll treat it as a pick’em. I like rookie QBs (i.e. Flacco) at home a lot more than on the road. What’s the key to beating the Skins? Stop Portis and the rush attack. While Campbell is due for a breakout, it won’t be against this defense. I’m taking the Ravens. By the way, it’s WAY too under the radar what a free agent bust Jason Taylor has been. He might be the weakest trade-acquisition this side of Troy Williamson.

Upset Special #1
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (-1)
Somebody explain to me please why this game is in Toronto? While it depends solely on the health of Trent Edwards, I’m going to call out an upset here. Could it be I don’t want the Phins (and Pats) in a three-way tie with the Jets at the end of the week? Of course. Nevertheless, Buffalo might be tricky here; especially if the weather can be any sort of factor.

10 Fantasy Playoff Insights
***Anyone with a bye is in a fraud fantasy league. Or maybe a 12-team league that allows too many people in.***
1) Who's going to be Vincent Jackson on Sunday?
2) Coles and Cotchery are starting to really hurt fantasy owners at the wideout position.
3) Start John Carlson. No questions asked.
4) Matt Cassel isn't Billy Volek from a few years ago. You better start him though.
5) Tim Hightower shouldn't be starting, even in a flex spot.
6) Derrick Ward is still worthy of a flex spot-start.
7) If you can decide how to manage your Seahawk wide receivers, you're spending too much time dissecting your fantasy roster.
8) Don't start Cadillac Williams yet.
9) Bernard Berrian won't catch another 99-yard TD; however, he will catch a TD or two this weekend. Bet on it.
10) Darren Sproles proved Thursday night that he's a relevant playoff fantasy starter right now.

See you next week!

NFL Picks & Prognostications...Week 4

This is how we do it…

NFL Picks: 6-7 [I really need to start picking some freebies.]
Upset Special: 1-3 [Well damn!]

San Francisco @ New Orleans(-5)
Is the J.T. O’Sullivan Project really worthy of a 3-1 start? Sure! However, I’m taking the desperate Saints to take the W, barely, despite a porous secondary and a complete inability to convert on 3rd and short late in the 4th quarter.

Minnesota @ Tennessee (-3)
Minnesota dug itself out of a hole with Frerrotte at the helms (like I said!) and they are rewarded with the NFL’s “worst” 3-0 team ever (at least according to the “experts”) in Tennessee. I’ll take Jeff Fisher over Brad Childress any day. Especially in Nashville. Beware of a monster day for APete though.

Washington @ Dallas(-11)
Landmark matchup in Week 4. Seriously. With neither of the teams in this STACKED division having lost outside of the division (Dallas & NY 3-0 as well), this game means a TON. Dallas must defend homefield and the Skins must continue spreading the ball out all over the field. Santana Moss loves eating up the Big D secondary. It’s gonna be nail-biter to the very end, but I’ll take the Boys for now.

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh (-5 1/2)
Who’d have thunk the Ravens would be 2-0 after three weeks? Nobody. Then again, nobody predicted their Week 2 matchup against Houston would’ve been postponed until Week 10. Funny thing is, they’d probably be 3-0 if they’d gotten to play that game. Nevertheless, the Ravens can go 3-0 in division with a road win here. Despite a banged up Big Ben, I’m taking the Stillers to cruise. Rashard Mendenhall looks awful by the way.

Upset Special
Green Bay @ Tampa Bay (-1)
Battle of the Bays sans-Sapp and Favre now. Oh well. Tampa is again a sneaky team at 2-1 and Green Bay looks to shake off the Sunday night loss to Big D at Lambeau. The Pack travel well as of late (most 13-3 teams do) and I see no reason they can’t contain Griese, Graham, and company Sunday afternoon.

3 Must Starts and Must Sits

START

…Last Week…
Justin Gage didn’t play (thanks!), Ike Bruce thankfully added a TD to his crummy 19 yards, and Darren Sproles wasn’t a factor (maybe the only Charger who wasn't too).

…This Week…
Ike Hillard will further frustrate Galloway owners as the TD-catching Buc, Patrick Crayton has to a catch a TD (seriously), and Kerry Collins will toss two TDs against the Vikes this weekend.

SIT

…Last Week…
Mark Clayton wasn’t a factor at any point, DeSean Jackson had nowhere to go but down, and LJ owners breathed a sigh of relief (at least for one week) with a rock solid second-half performance.

…This Week…
DeSean Jackson needs to be traded now while his value is at its highest, Willis McGahee is too frustrating to even hover around a starting lineup these days, and Brian Griese won’t get half of 400 yards against a brutal Pack secondary.

…yes I realize the irony of choosing a Buc wideout and not its starting QB…

Enjoy your NFL and fantasy weekends.
I know I won’t!

Until next picks and prognostications…

Clement's Weekly Picks and Prognostications...Week 3

Back again with your weekly check-up!!!
Now bend over and cough...

NFL Picks: 4-5 [The horrid call in the Chargers/Broncos game pushes me under .500.]
Upset Specials: 1-1 [Of course it was easy to pick against the Bungles, but I told you to double-up and cash in. Boo ya!]

...all spreads are courtesy of Yahoo! Sports…

Dallas @ Green Bay (+3)
Starting off with a road dog? You know it! Dallas needed to pull out that victory last weekend to hold serve at home. While Rodgers has looked better than Romo, Barber III will be begging for the ball and the injury to Charles Woodson could be a problem. Dallas wins, even if it’s by a push.

Carolina @ Minnesota (-3 ½)
Note: Here is my rough draft on Tuesday of this pick. I stand by it more than ever. Especially since I’ve been saying it for MONTHS. Yes, months.
Another road dog? Nope. Minnesota can’t face 3-0, even though Detroit would always be worse in the NFC North. Tarvaris Jackson might lose this job if he starts off too poorly (yes, even to Frerotte). A Pete should run wild in the dome again and even though Steve Smith is back, the Panthers will struggle mightily to run the ball against the Vikes front 7. Vikes win, barely.

New Orleans @ Denver (-5.5)
New Orleans has a terrible secondary. Enter Brandon Marshall, Jay Cutler, and the NFL (and fantasy’s) highest-profile offense to date. Things won’t stop in Mile High. Broncos roll as the Saints start to creep back into ‘Aint form.

Cleveland @ Baltimore (-2)
Cleveland needs it too much; despite how rested B-More is. Joe Flacco can manage a game, but the aging Raven D and a still hobbled-McGahee won’t be enough to overcome the stench of road desperation from the Browns.

Upset Special #1
Pittsburgh @ Philadelphia (+3)
Sorry Pay, I’m picking the Stillers. Gut shot: Pay is too, I bet. Both teams went primetime, yet looked quite different. The Steelers are now my AFC frontrunners, largely because I think this team is built to perform on the road. Yes, even in it’s home state.

Upset Special #2
NY Jets @ San Diego (-9)
I’m not supposed to pick Jet games. Screw it. San Diego will win; however, 9 points is just too many to leave out there. Even with the vanilla offense the Jets are mired in through 2 weeks.


3 Must Starts and Must Sits

START

…Last Week…
LJ sucks, Alge Crumpler was useless beyond belief, and Patrick Crayton was invisible despite his team scoring 41 points. I reached and I SUCKED.

…This Week…
Justin Gage loves Kerry Collins and vice-versa, Darren Sproles is gonna put up a Kevin Faulk-type performance on Monday Night (with better fantasy points too!), and Issac Bruce is a fun spot-start here. ***Bonus Pick*** Tennessee’s D is gonna vault them to 3-0 with a defensive TD (or two!).

SIT

…Last Week…
Devrey Henderson wasn’t a factor at any point, LJ Smith remains an enigma, and Pierre Thomas had a TD and nothing else. He was mediocre in TD-only leagues at best as a start. 3 for 3 redeems a horrific begin to fantasy advice this week (aka “Start").

…This Week…
DeSean Jackson won’t go 3 straight weeks for 100 yards (he won’t even break 50), Larry Johnson is done, baby, done, and Mark Clayton is never a sleeper wideout. No Raven ever is.

Think you can do better?
You’re probably right.

Until next week…