So it's come to this...AFC-style

Yesterday, the NFC got its due. Today, it's AFC time.

Let's get a few things straight (again)...

The identity of the Ravens begins and ends with Ray Lewis. If you're looking for the emotional leader to watch during Wild Card weekend...look no further.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

AFC

..."The Guys You DREAM about Being"...
#1. (13-3) Tennessee Titans
Comment: Ever since the run for undefeated ended (not that anyone took it too seriously), the Titans did just enough - including a highly impressive home victory over the Steelers - to secure homefield throughout the AFC. Their reward? Potentially the suffocating defense of Baltimore OR the winner of the Colts/Bolts. Awesome, right?
Guy to Watch: Albert Haynesworth is the heart and soul of this defense. We get it. Nevertheless, if this team can't score enough points on offense, the Titans may be one-and-done. I'm looking at an aging Kerry Collins and wondering if his last playoff go-round will be his most memorable or not.

#2. (12-4) Pittsburgh Steelers
Comment: Big Ben should be fine and the Steelers will make the very most of their week off. Problem is, this team can be beat in Pittsburgh. How do I know this? David Garrard and a very different Jaguars team took some of the luster away from Heinz field last year. Nobody is walking into Pittsburgh intimidated anymore.
Guy to Watch: Santonio Holmes was a collosal fantasy dissapointment. Duh. Nevertheless, he has downfield ability and can open up lanes for both the rush game and for slot wideout/cheap-shot artist Hines Ward.

..The Guys Everyone Out of the Playoffs Wants to Be Next Year"...
#3. (11-5) Miami Dolphins
Comment: Just because the team beat teams it was "supposed to beat" doesn't mean it will lie down - at home - against the Ravens. Take care of the ball, slip Ted Ginn downfield a play or two, and bust open an unexpected special teams play or two and the game may be theirs. Playing with house money makes you very dangerous.
Guy to Watch: Ronnie Brown is the lone Dolphin Pro Bowler for a reason. His ability in the Wildcat Formation allows the Dolphins 4-5 chances a game to open up a big play. He'll need to be ready for a brutal pounding from the Raven defense. If he survives though, Miami might too.

...Yes, YOU can make the playoffs after starting 4-8...
#4. (8-8) San Diego Chargers
Comment: 4-8 and suddenly everything seems to go right. While LT's groin is an obvious issue, Phillip Rivers isn't the NFL's top-rated QB for no reason. As dangerous as the Colts are, you gotta know the Chargers have no fear about them coming into their house.
Guy to Watch: Antonio Cromartie has to be the elite shutdown cornerback many pegged him as after last year's sensational effort. While that's easier said then done against the likes of Manning/Wayne/Harrison, it's time for AC to go Prime Time.

..The Teams NOBODY Wants to See Right Now"...
#5. (12-4) Indianapolis Colts
Comment: The media loves this team and Peyton Manning likely has a third NFL MVP secured (although he did share one with McNair). Blah blah blah. Wake me up when something new is said.
Guy to Watch: Addai and Rhodes are behind the likes of Manning and Bob Sanders in acclaim; nevertheless, I want to see if these two backs can work the same chemistry they did two seasons ago en route to a championship.

#6. (11-5) Baltimore Ravens
Comment: The coordinators (Cameron & Ryan) have been the perfect duo behind their rookie head coach. Meanwhile, Ed Reed (9 INTs) is playing as well as any defender in football, the RB duo of McClain & McGahee (in that order) look terrific, and it's another rookie QB leading his team to 11 wins. How sweet.
Guy to Watch: Haloti Ngata was given a real tough time in Baltimore after being drafted, until he showed up on the field. Nowadays, he's perhaps the most athletic man - at his size - the NFL has seen in quite some time. He clogs the middle and allows those playmakers behind him to dominate. Not bad for a collegiate underachiever who "took plays off".

..."The 11-5 Team NOT in the NFL Playoffs"...
#7. (11-5) New England Patriots
Comment: I'm a bitter Jet fan, so I'm clinging to a pathetic notion that as long as the Pats are out...all is good. It's all I have...
Guy to Watch: Matt Cassell, of course.

..."The Same Old Jets"...
#8. (9-7) New York Jets
Comment: There's nothing left to say except, "same old Jets".
Guy to Watch: Vernon Gholston has an offseason to get ready for next year. 12 total tackles again may run him out of New York for good.

..."The Others"...
#9. (8-8) Houston Texans
Comment: Another season where they end well in Houston. Question is: when do they start well and put two-and-two together?
Guy to Watch: Steve Slaton has dynamic talent. Better get him a legit compliment in the first 3 rounds of the draft next season. Ahman Green can't be that guy.

#10. (8-8) Denver Broncos
Comment: One win in the final four weeks and we're all treated to yet another Colts/Broncos game. Thank god this team lost out.
Guy to Watch: The RB-position needs stability and some luck with injuries. Peyton Hillis ain't the answer, either.

#11. (7-9) Buffalo Bills
Comment: Dick Jauron should save his job; however, real answers are needed when you go from 5-1 to 7-9. Especially when you're winless (0-6) in the AFC East amidst those final 10 games.
Guy to Watch: Trent Edwards. Up-and-coming superstar my a**.

..."The Other Others"...
#12. (5-11) Oakland Raiders
Comment: Whether or not they hire a new coach is irrelevant. The team can't draft well and there's nothing stable in the locker room. 5-11 might be the best this team sees for the next few seasons.
Guy to Watch: JaMarcus Russell has shown glimpses. But are only glimpses what you expect from the #1 overall pick?

..."How the 'Mighty' Have Fallen..."
#13. (5-11) Jacksonville Jaguars
Comment: As dissapointing a team as the Green Bay Packers, the Jags are lucky their media market stinks and they aren't getting any play as total underachievers.
Guy to Watch: David Garrard sucked this year. That's being nice, too. Another ECU QB flameout? Probably.

...And then there's "THEM"...
#14. (4-11-1) Cincinnati Bengals
Comment: I love that people were stupid enough to believe in this organization.
Guy to Watch: Chad Ocho Cinco is a pariah. Ride his big mouth out of town if you want any chance of locker room continuity and self-respect.

#15. (4-12) Cleveland Browns
Comment: I called this record EXACTLY. Anyone who believed that this organization - behind Savage & Crenel - were playoff bound was an idiot. 4 QBs or not.
Guy to Watch: Brady Quinn is gonna need a lot of Myoplex to pull this organization out of the toilet. 10-6 was a fluke. A total fluke.

#16. (2-14) Kansas City Chiefs
Comment: It's gonna be a series of double-digit loss seasons for years to come...
Guy to Watch: Giving all that money to someone with the character of Larry Johnson will bury Carl Peterson's legacy in Kansas City. Probably serves him right, too.

PHSports Playoff previews and predictions start TOMORROW!!!

Clement’s Weekly Picks & Prognostications…Week 16

First off, it's time for the 'excuse' as to why I didn't post on Friday.
Well, a partial dislocation of my left elbow did the trick!

Two words: not fun.
Credit: LSBU.uk

Two more weeks to go and the NFL season is officially white hot.

Wouldn't you know it, but both the AFC and NFC have every seed up for grabs.
(Note: The exception to the rule came true Thursday night as Indy clinched the #5-seed after defeating the Jags 31-24.)

True, several teams have clinched either a division (Tennessee, Pittsburgh, NY Giants, Arizona), a bye (Tenn & Pitt), and others just a playoff spot…wait, none of the “wild-card” are locked up yet (again, except Indy).

Interestingly enough, Carolina can win next week and clinch the #1-seed in the NFC OR lose out and potentially miss the playoffs altogether. Best-case to worst-case, to say the least.

6-8 San Diego is alive; meanwhile, it’s possible an 11-5 Patriot team could miss the playoffs (not likely though). Even crazier is that two 10-6 teams (as opposed to just Cleveland last season) AFC teams and several NFC will likely miss the playoffs.

Imagine if the Falcons and Phins end up 10-6 and both are out of the playoff picture.
The Jets could go from 8-3 and Super Bowl contenders to 9-7 and 2 games out of the playoffs.
Skin fans have sentiments far drearier as their playoff path seems invisible, despite a 6-2 start.

You gotta love this time of year, right? NO.
It’s far too much stress I tell you. Too much!
Fortunately, you have me to kick around…as my picks have suddenly become sublimely average.

NFL Picks: 41-26 [Taking credit for the Bears W over the ‘Aints. Pay can back me up. I swear!]
Upset Specials: 11-10 [If I can get this thing to something like 16-12, it’s a respectable season.]

I’m taking each and every game that MATTERS. HONEST!

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Tennessee Titans (+1)
Chucking the Titans to the side of the road is a mistake. An even bigger mistake is noticing how the Steelers do nothing but dominate fourth quarters. With Vanden Bosch and Haynesworth already ruled out, I don’t like Titans chances for brusing up Big Ben and an underachieving Steeler rush game. Tight ends will play major factors in this game and I’ll take the veteran Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu over the emerging talent Michael Griffin at the other key position, safety. That means I’m going Steelers for the cover.

Miami Dolphins @ Kansas City Chiefs (+4)
Don’t sleep on the Phins facing a challenge this week. They play teams close and aren’t likely to blow anyone out. Problem for KC this week (and every week) is turnovers, the pistol formation stifling LJ in the redzone, and the overall lack of playmaking talent on the defensive side of the ball. Pennington won’t have that crippling 3-turnover game that allows 2-12 teams to pull upsets. Phins cruise, which means a win by 7-10. Joey Porter may have 20 sacks on the year after this game for his season tally. 2 extra INTs too.

San Diego Chargers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
Not the best time for Tampa to struggle with stopping the run. Then again, LT is a shred of his former self this season. Remember the Bucs are 6-0 at home and they realize their playoff lives are on the line. A division title still remains a possibility; enhanced even more with Jeff Garcia likely back under center. While the Chargers can really put a TON of pressure on Denver (who has no gimme itself this weekend), I like the Bucs to move to 10-5 and end the Charger season across the country.

Buffalo Bills @ Denver Broncos (No Line)
Not sure what’s going on with the psyche of either team right now; however, I’m taking the Broncos to win a close one. In all honesty, I flipped a coin.

Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings (-3)
The game is in Minnesota, so I’m taking the Vikings. You need more? A-Pete versus The Burner should be amazing. The real storyline may be Ryan & Jackson though. While I’m not sold on Tavaris, I am also not sold on the Atlanta D on the road. Vikes win, with probably a push on this 3. I'm pulling for the upset though.

Carolina Panthers @ NY Giants (-3)
Another game that screams for a push. The G-Men must improve the juice in their pass rush - despite their lack of depth this time of the season - and force Jake Delhomme to rush throws into a crowded secondary. While I don’t want to go 0-3 in consecutive weeks with the G-Men, I also don’t know if the Panthers will run all that well against the Giants. I’ll take New York’s finest football team. If DeAngelo Williams was a Pro Bowl snub, we'll know after this weekend.

[Picking Against My Own Team] Upset Special #1:

New York Jets @ Seattle Seahawks (+5)
I pissed and moaned last week and the Jets did almost everything they could to lose at home - after leading 14-3 (with the ball at midfield early in the 2^nd quarter) – to the lowly Bills. Nevertheless, a win is a win. Or is it? While some Jets are talking about the lack of need for style points…I’m questioning offensive playcalling, a bland defensive scheme, zero intricacy with blitz packages, and a lack of reliance on the rush offense with the lead. Seriously, only 1 carry for Leon Washington? I’m calling for the outright upset here by the Hawks. Why? I know the Jets all too well. 8-3 was maybe the worst thing that happened to this team and coaching staff.

[Monday Night] Upset Special #2:

Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears (-4 ½)
Spoiler alert! Not sure why, but it will be!

[Quasi-]Upset Special #3:

Baltimore Ravens @ Dallas Cowboys (-4 ½)
Obviously, this is a VERY different game if it’s being played in Baltimore than in Texas Stadium; especially weather-wise. The health of Tony Romo may quickly come into question - especially considering the ferocity of hits the Ravens lay on opposing QBs - as without Romo the Boys are DOA. Ditto for the patience of Cam Cameron in Joe Flacco if DeMarcus Ware can get around the corner and pressure the rookie QB. If Flacco can't make big throws downfield, the Ravens won't dink and dunk their way to a road W. Two other factors really stick out: the Ravens unbalanced line and the lack of a Raven running game. One needs to help the other as the new line-formation won't do enough if it's only intention is to contain Ware on the edge. My pick is the Cowboys; however, I’m sticking with the Ravens to keep it close. Very close.

Ten Fantasy Insights/Questions on Championship Weekend:
1) If you don't have your championship in Week 16…your league stinks.
2) If you are pairing up a regular season title with a potential playoffs title, that’s awesome.
3) If you are pairing up a regular season tite, point’s lead, and a playoff title…you are awesome.
4) If you are the 8-seed playing for the playoff championship, I have two words for you: silver lining.
5) If your NFL team is out of it, I hope your fantasy team isn’t.
6) Whose your fantasy MVP: Kurt Warner, Michael Turner, Adrian Peterson, Andre Johnson, or maybe even Tony Gonzalez?
7) Whose your fantasy LAMO over the year: Tom Brady, Carson Palmer, Derek Anderson, or maybe even LT as your #1 overall pick?
8) Which rookie QB did you ride to a greater fantasy surprise: Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco?
9) Who's the #1 pick next year: Adrian Peterson or the field?
10) Is Matt Cassell a top 7-8 QB – wherever he is – next season (fantasy football-wise).

See you next week…to close out the regular season (gulp).

Tuesday FourCast: Week 8

1) No Need to Apologize
Titan fans can tell the NFL two words this week. While I won’t say em, DX made em quite popular. While Vince Young sits quietly on the sidelines, Tennessee is 7-0 and Kerry Collins is responsible for 6 of those wins. He isn’t Trent Dilfer of the 2000 Ravens. He helps win games. Disagree? Check the tape last night and be extra sure you check who his receivers are (or aren’t). Bo Scaife may make the Pro Bowl because the Titans don’t need Pro Bowl wideouts apparently. While the Titans will never get any respect, they may end up being the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays of the NFL this season. Of course when they do lose in the playoffs, every “expert” will say they saw it coming long ago. Then again, where were those “experts” who picked the Titans to be 7-0? Here's what matters:
A) They’ve beaten everyone in front of them, including AFC South stalwarts Indianapolis and Jacksonville.
B) Jeff Fisher is the best coach in the NFL. Imagine what he'd do with Peyton or Brady.
C) This is the best team in football right now. Deal with it.

2) Sometimes it isn’t the Coach
Marvin Lewis is stale in Cincy. Move on.
Mike Singletary was the right move on San Francisco. Praise on.
Rod Marinelli never had a chance in Detroit. Fire on.
Wade Phillips doesn’t do any damage being in Dallas right now. Stay on.
As for Norv Turner in San Diego. …
I use the “…” because I don’t know. It’s too easy to blame Norv for San Diego’s problems. Merriman’s injury has been catastrophic and a few other realities have come to play:
A) The Antonio Cromartie of last season wasn’t his true self.
B) Phillip Rivers and LT are great players, but they aren’t winners. Yeah, I said it.
C) Ted Cottrell is the most stagnant coordinator in football. The game has passed him by.

3) M-V-P for CP?
Each and every week we seem to have a “new” MVP to celebrate. Aaron Rogers, Trent Edwards, Eli Manning, Jay Cutler, and Steve Smith (of Carolina) have all gotten some pub in recent weeks. While I believe Andre Johnson of Houston is currently playing the best of anyone in football, Clinton “insert your favorite alter-ego” Portis would get my MVP vote. His rushing numbers are amazing and his team is an impressive 6-2. Don’t give me pining for 7-1 Skins fans, take your medicine and love it. CP has been shockingly durable, a redzone magnet, and has done all of this without a rush of over 35-yards. How? Confidence in his coach, his offensive line (Samuels is FINALLY playing Pro Bowl-caliber tackle), and a QB who doesn’t throw interceptions. While the Skins still don’t have the explosive offense their fans dream of, they’re a top NFC team because of three reasons:
A) Their QB doesn’t turn over the ball often.
B) Their defense holds opponents all over the field.
C) Their RB is the NFL MVP…thus far.

4) The Not-so-Golden Boy
It doesn’t take a Jim Rome – who only blasts people he can’t get on his show – or even an angry New Yorker to tell you what Peter King, Tony Kornheiser, and Mike Jaworski won’t tell you…Brett Favre has been very average this season. Jet fans booed the future Hall of Famer last Sunday. And for good reason. Favre makes 5-6 throws each and every week that are just waiting to be a pick-six. Sure he makes 5-6 throws only a handful of QBs ever could make; yet, is it beneficial in the end? The answer is still YES. The team still believes in his talent, his vision is still unparalleled, and you can’t forget that he is a proven winner. Just ask a few of the teams mentioned above how important that characteristic is. Nevertheless, let me get three points across:
A) The Jets may be the fourth best team in the AFC East.
B) Brett Favre didn’t win the game last week. Lav Coles making that impressive TD catch combined with a missed illegal contact penalty on Drew Coleman in the closing seconds did.
C) The Jets are technically tied, at 4-3, for the final wild-card spot.
Anything else is trivial at this point.

Clement’s Weekly Picks and Prognostications…Week 17

Blame the holidays, blame the traffic, blame the end of a semester, blame whatever you want. During Week 16, for many of us (not me this season), it was the culmination of a fantasy season and I was MIA.

And not the crappy Sri Lankan-born singer either.

But fear not, as Week 17 offers us two playoff spots in the NFL up for grabs AND 5% of fantasy leagues that – for reasons beyond my understanding – end their seasons in Week 17.

We will be making playoff picks and transitioning into college basketball picks in the coming weeks; however, not even a single mention will be made in accordance with Fantasy NFL Playoff Leagues. Except for that one, of course.

NFL Picks: [28-15-2]
New England @ NY Giants [+14.5]














How many suckers drafted Stallworth before Moss?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Couldn’t the spread be 16? We have heard anything and everything possible about the Pats and this season of greatness (and yes, it’s been beyond great). The real question is will Tom Brady and Randy Moss hook up for two more record-breaking TDs before they sit. 16-0 will be a special moment in the Meadowlands, spread or not, just not for the Patri-haters.

San Francisco @ Cleveland [-10]












Anybody else think he looks like a brother of Will Smith?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

San Fran is blowing a top 5 pick for New England (poor Pats, will they ever catch a break?). Interestingly enough, Cleveland can lose this game and still visit the 3-seed next weekend. Although, it is underreported that if the Titans and Colts freakishly tie, the Browns need to win. Since Romeo Crennel is bound to know this, don’t bet for one second that the Browns won’t deliver a blowout victory in Week 17.

Tennessee @ Indianapolis [+6.5]













Has there ever been a playoff-QB with a worse TD to INT ratio?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

On Sunday night, the Titans will know – just as they do right now - what they need to do to secure the 6-seed in the playoffs: WIN. With that being said, the Colts are likely to sit anyone and everyone possible. While everyone is asking about Marvin Harrison, I want to know how rusty Anthony Gonzalez, Raheem Brock and Robert Mathis might be after a bye week? While the Titans are the riskiest bet east of New Orleans, go with them, albeit hesitantly, to cover.

Dallas @ Washington [-9]


















How many Week 17 Fantasy GMs are starting Glenn?
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

I could make things easier and tell you that I believe New Orleans and Minnesota will win, but neither will, which means the ‘Skins could very well already have a wild-card berth locked up before they play. If only the NFL wanted real drama and pegged one of the other two NFC wild-card contenders at 4pm as well. It won’t matter, as the Skins will win. As for covering? Barely. In fact, by a point.

3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
…Final Week…
Tom Brady: Don’t sit him. The touchdown record means more than he’ll ever admit, even he only plays the 1^st half.
Greg Jones: While Jones-Drew and Taylor are likely to sit in the 2^nd half, Jones will get plenty of muck yardage throughout Week 17.
Kenton Keith: If you were wise and held onto the backup, this is the week to truly enjoy what he can do. While he may not put up Addai-like numbers, he’s the best spoiler the Titans D will face.

SIT
…Final Week…
Terry Glenn: Nobody knows how healthy he is or how much Dallas cares about this game. Not a good idea.
Vince Young: Huh? I just don’t think he’s the right start; especially, with so many other options available this weekend.
Ahmad Bradshaw: It’s tempting for the big play, but the Pats will neither face any injuries nor any chance of not seeing 16-0.

Happy New Years to all. Be safe!

Until next time…

Tuesday FourCast: Week 16

A lot of talk in recent weeks in the FourCast has focused on one key principle: constants.

Whether it be the demise of the Dolphins, the unblemished everything of the Patriots, the resurgence of the Browns (anybody else realize Braylon Edwards has 15 TDs this season?), the unfathomable December the ‘Skins have had, or the unpredictability of the NFL as a whole (anybody else peg Green Bay as 35-7 losers this weekend?).

All we do know now is that five spots in each of the conferences are locked up. In fact, we know the top 5 seeds, in order, in the NFC. Ditto for the two byes in each conference. All that awaits us is who will be visiting Seattle next weekend (Washington is in the driver’s seat with Minnesota and New Orleans hoping for a slip-up next week with Dallas in-town) AND whether the Titans or Browns will be visiting San Diego or Pittsburgh.

The only thing more coveted this holiday season than a Wii,
may be the 6th playoff spot in each conference.
Credit: Nintendo.com

1. Backing into the Playoffs
All of next week will be about one key question: “How much will you play your starters in Week 17?” This question will be asked primarily to the following:

A] New England & NY Giants [15-0 vs. an inconsistent Eli and banged up Plexico]
B] Indianapolis & Dallas [Playing two teams sitting in the 6-seed.]
C] Pittsburgh & San Diego [How important is the 3-seed in the AFC?]

Of course, the main question on my mind has to be, “When will media pundits realize that certain teams need to rest players (i.e. Plaxico Burress), while others need players to keep improving (i.e. Philip Rivers) and others just need all the time they can get (i.e. Terry Glenn)?” There’s never a clear-cut answer to any question in sports, specifically any relating to Week 17.

2. A-Pete is UP, A-Pete is DOWN
Anybody else notice how sure-thing Rookie of the Year RB Adrian Peterson, especially following his injury, seems to either go for 27 yards or 277 on Sundays? While the carries are split with Chester Taylor, it still goes to show that even with a dominant line and a ton of talent, what can really put you into a box is the fact that your opponent’s have zero respect for your QB, wideouts and “passing game”. Memo to the Vikings: snap up as good a tight end, with speed over size to give whomever your QB may be a reliable target over the middle (see Jason Witten’s impact on Tony Romo). In case you’re worried, you can tab plenty of talent at the position in either in the first 2 rounds of the draft (i.e. Chris Cooley) or via free agency (Desmond Clark).

3. MVP…for Moss???
While the award seems signed, sealed, and delivered to Tom Brady, I wonder how the voting for #2 will go down? Randy Moss? Tony Romo? Brett Favre? Peyton Manning? While Brady may see 50 TDs before the end of the 1^st half in the Meadowlands, don’t be surprised if Moss has an equally impressive 23 touchdown receptions. But before you go too gaga (and you should), remember the record he’s breaking: Jerry Rice’s 22-TD season in 1987. What’s the big deal about that record from the former Dancing with the Stars runner-up? Well, besides the eye-dropping number itself back in 1987, realize that the “San Francisco Treat” did it in 12 games. Yep, 12 games.

4. Resurrection
How ironic is it that the two most dangerous teams entering the playoffs could involve the last two noteworthy Redskins coaches? We, of course, know all about the return of Joe Gibbs and the return of the ‘Skins under Todd Collins of all QBs. After their highly impressive win in Minnesota, the ‘Skins face a road they may just be able to travel. Winning at Seattle, at Dallas, and at Green Bay isn’t illogical. That is, especially, if they can overcome turnovers,. Not to mention, if TO isn’t 100% and Green Bay isn’t submerged in ice in late-January. Nevertheless, do not doubt for one second that Dallas will be playing harder than normal to avoid being aligned in such a fate. As for the other Redskins coach in question, I wouldn’t be exactly thrilled playing a team with LT, Antonio Gates, Shawne Merriman and second-year phenom CB Antonio Cromartie. Of course, they do have the mixed bag who is that Philip Rivers guy.

The entire staff at PHSports.com would like to wish all of our loyal readers and visitors a Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season!

Picks will return this Friday...alongside Week 17 fantasy-analysis.

Clement’s Weekly Picks and Prognostications…Week 15

I must admit I was a little downtrodden this weekend, largely in part due to the absence of college football. While the games don’t get me as excited as they once did, I missed the picks - especially, the correct ones.

However, professional football has begun its playoff push. We had a basic playoff elimination game last Thursday (Chicago losing to Washington) and plenty others.

In fact, several division champions (Cowboys, Packers, Seahawks) were crowned and a wild-card spot was essentially clinched in the NFC and AFC (Giants and Jaguars).

You can also reasonably pencil in Tampa Bay in the NFC South, Indy as champs of the AFC South, and then, it gets interesting.

Did You …
-Believe Trent Edwards would be making a playoff push for a wild-card spot?
-Ditto for Tarvaris Jackson?
-Ever believe we could see 16-0 and 0-16 in the same season?
-Have a QB toss 45 TDs and come 4th in MVP voting (Tony Romo)?
-See LT deface a teammate mere hours before a 60 Minutes special promoting him as a class act?
-Envision Derek Anderson and the Browns making a realistic push for 11-5?

Whether you did or didn’t, it’s predictions time!

NFL Picks: [26-14-2]
Buffalo @ Cleveland [-5.5]

















Credit: Yahoo! Sports

At 7-6 and 8-5 respectively, both squads are neck-deep in the thick of the wild-card race. The Browns may have more to win, but the Bills obviously have more to lose. With an important tie-breaker possibly coming in hand for the victor, I always look to two things -- momentum and the location. While Buffalo is sizzling, the Browns will be at home and their big offense will easily outscore the Bills.

Washington @ NY Giants [-4.5]














Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Clinging to their playoff lives, the Skins walked away last Thursday with a hard-fought victory and a 10-day lay-off in between games. The Giants walked away with a W (which may have been more an Eagle loss); yet effectively clinched a wild-card spot. Likely the five seed, the Giants will have plenty to play for in the upcoming weeks. However, I don’t expect the Giants to cover this spread, even at home.

Arizona @ New Orleans [-3]














Credit: Yahoo! Sports

While the NFC South is likely the possession of the Buccaneers, both of these squads are fighting for their playoff lives this weekend on Bourbon Street. As inconsistent as any pair of teams, the Saints offense needs to score first while the Cardinals need their big-play wideouts to remain healthy this weekend. I’ll get bit again likely, but the ‘Aints are the pick this weekend.

3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
…Last Week…
Lee Evans: Betting against the Dolphins is the second safest bet all year.
Sidney Rice: Not so much…
Reggie Bush: His replacement Aaron Stecker was a decent last-second plug.

…This Week…
Plaxico Burress: Injuries or not, he’s too lethal a target.
Aaron Stecker: Speaking of him…
Anthony Gonzalez: Manning knows he’ll need this guy down the stretch, healthy Harrison or not.

SIT
…Last Week…
Reggie Williams: Strike one.
Warrick Dunn: Foul ball. Strike two.
Texans QBs: Strike three…I’m out.

…This Week…
Todd Collins: There are a lot of QB issues out there, but don’t start him (even in a 2QB league).
Jerry Porter: Not even in a flex position would I start him this week.
Chris Henry: Another flex guy who isn’t worth the risk this season.

Until next time…

Clement's Weekly Picks and Prognostications...Turkey Day Edition

Enjoy all the fixins and all the family (or good luck avoiding one or both of them) on your Thanksgiving Day.

If at all else, there’s always some NFL and NCAA action to wet your appetite. Not sure about “leftovers” though…

NFL Picks: [17-13-1]
Green Bay @ Detroit [+3.5]










Credit: Yahoo! Sports

For the first time in recent memory, the Lions won’t be the underachieving squad trying to pull the Turkey Day upset. Despite two tough losses in a row (with zero rushing game), the Lions have a winning record and are legit wild-card contenders. Green Bay won’t allow themselves to look forward to next Thursday (hosting the also 9-1 Cowboys). In fact, Favre and the soon-to-be 10-1 Pack will straight wallop the Lions mainly due to a set of stud CBs shutting down the phenom Lion wideouts.

New York Jets @ Dallas [-14]












Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Despite notching a home upset over the Steelers (woot!), the Jets get no respect. Tough times continue for a 2-8 team. Interestingly enough, the Steelers struggled most to run against a particular terrible Jets “rush D”. While Dallas hasn’t run the ball too well in recent weeks, their passing game is too much to handle for the Jets. Tony Romo will show Jets second-year QB Kellen Clemens a few tricks inside the pocket. Mainly, Romo will show why it’s nice to not have DeMarcus Ware on your bad side…or worse, your blind side. The Jets will score first and potentially keep it close for a half, and then be soundly walloped throughout the second half in a crushing defeat.

Atlanta @ Indianapolis [+11.5]














Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Obviously a game made for television well before the Vick dogfighting scandal broke, the Falcons are stuck with two bad quarterbacks and a lot of aging defenders. While Harrison is likely to sit, Peyton Manning has too much pride to not take advantage of a nice few extra days off following this game. The season will only get longer for Bobby Petrino, especially after a double-digit drubbing from the bruised and battered yet resilient Colts.

NCAA Picks: [12-6]
#11 USC vs. #7 Arizona State [+3]















Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Arizona State has plenty on the line. For starters, they win and they’re Rose Bowl-bound. However, there’s another team in the mix who doesn’t feel like getting shut out of the BCS, even if it isn’t the title game for the second straight year. While I’ve picked USC time and time again this season, the Sun Devils have squeaked out victory over victory as of late. In the end, I’ll stick with the Trojans…again.

3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
…This Week…
Indianapolis D: Yep, a D start. The Falcons love to give up the defensive TD. They LOVE IT!
Julius Jones: You obviously want to start Barber III, but also peg Jones as the Jets rush D is nothing short of putrid (despite playing quite stoutly against Willie Parker last Sunday).
Alge Crumpler: As bad as the Falcons are, he is the only legit play.

SIT
…This Week…
Chris Baker: Even if your tight end depth is shaky, he won’t be a redzone target this week.
Warrick Dunn: The Indy D might be a little tired, but Dunn will be too.
Kevin Jones: Only in a flex league with 3 starting RB slots would I consider using the former Hokie, who may be lucky to crack 25 yards with his recent play.

Enjoy your holiday everyone.

Until next time…

Clement’s Weekly Picks and Prognostications…Week 11

A few notes for this weekend’s professional and collegiate matchups.
A) College football will start to lock in its first BCS participants (namely the winner of Ohio State and Michigan).
B) The Heisman race has to heat up this weekend … or it won’t at all.
C) The Big East and ACC have legit showdown games this weekend.
D) Tom Brady and the Patriots aim for 10-0 while Cleo Lemon and the Fins try and avoid 0-10.
E) The Colts will try their best to stay healthy.
F) Life without Adrian Peterson, at least for one week, begins in Minnesota.

So with all that in mind, plus the other random ramblings, we have this week’s picks and fantasy “advice” to dispense…

NFL Picks: [15-12-1]
New Orleans @ Houston [-1.5]














Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Not sure what Houston did to earn this spread, but we do know the Saints lost at home to the then-winless Rams. Although Stephen Jackson did play the entire game for the first time this season. While the Texans are much better at home, the Saints will rebound this week, mainly via their overall team speed, and return to .500 with a victory.

San Diego @ Jacksonville [-3]












Credit: Yahoo! Sports

So it seems I’m taking all the road dogs, as I did poorly in 2006, right? Nope. Jacksonville, with or without Garrard, has a solid 1-2-3 punch in the backfield that it will use to pound the Chargers. Team that with a staunch secondary and Phillip Rivers stinkin’ up the joint, and I have the Jags covering, barely.

Chicago @ Seattle [-5.5]













Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Whether Rex Grossman or Brian Griese plays is irrelevant. Both turn over the ball too readily and neither are strong road QBs this season. Seattle can possibly go 7-9 and make the playoffs this season. However, they won’t. Matt Hasselbeck is healthy, even if Shaun Alexander isn’t, and the Hawks are typically a safe bet at home.

NCAA Picks: [10-5]
West Virginia @ Cincinnati [+6]















Credit: Yahoo! Sports

WVU is the sole Big East team with legitimate BCS title hopes. While they require a TON of help, Steps 1a and 1b have to be convincing back-to-back victories over Cincinnati and UConn. While that sounds ironic when it comes to Big East supremacy and a BCS-game bid, Pat White will stay on the field long enough to guide the Mountaineers to a hard fought, double-digit road victory.

Boston College @ Clemson [-8.5]














Credit: Yahoo Sports!

With Tech and UVA likely squaring off for the other half of the ACC, this showdown pits a struggling BC squad against an uncharacteristically stable Clemson squad. So much for that, at least spread-wise. Matt Ryan and the Eagles rebound.

Michigan @ Ohio State [-4]











Credit: Yahoo! Sports

Jim Tressel and Lloyd Carr knew before last week that this weekend’s matchup would be for the Big Ten title. However, the Buckeyes didn’t think it’d also be to play in the Rose Bowl (instead of the BCS Title game). With Mike Hart banged up and Coach Tressel on the sideline, pick the Buckeyes to cover and be the first team to enter the BCS.

3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
...Last Week…
Marc Bulger: Not only did the Rams gain their first win, Bulger reminded a few patient fantasy owners about his potential.
Brandon Stokley: Well, you see. The thing about it was…
Kurt Warner: Not too shabby, even with Rattay tossing a TD of his own.

...This Week…
Chester Taylor: The matchup isn’t amazing, but he’ll rack up plenty of rushes and receptions this week.
Ryan Grant: Start him against a softening Panthers defense.
Brandon Jones: Remember the last time Dre’ Bly saw a wide receiver on Monday Night Football?

SIT
…Last Week…
Vince Young: Outside of the passing yards, he is becoming a liability. 4 TDs to 10 INTs. Yuck.
Fred Taylor: The rushing TD allowed him to have a rather solid day.
Tom Brady: Wonder how many TDs he’ll throw on Sunday night against Buffalo...

...This Week…
Patrick Crayton: Witten and TO will see the lion’s share of the looks this weekend.
Nate Burleson: He’s been a 50/50 start with bye weeks. Not any longer.
Kevin Jones: After the Cards exposed them, look for the Giants to put an extra man in the box to shutdown KJ.

Until next time…

Clement's Weekly Picks and Prognostications...Week 5

Unfortunately, technical difficulties delayed both the writing and posting of this week's article.

With that in mind, you'll be viewing a more abbreviated version of the weekly set of rants, raves, and other r-related NFL and fantasy banter.

The NFL and fantasy MVPs, per usual, seem to have similar names.
...in no particular order...
-Tom Brady [Officially his to lose after the first four weeks of the season.]
-Randy Moss [A mortal lock for Comeback Player of the Year, don't be surprised if he steals a few votes from the above Pat.]
-Peyton Manning [His team is 4-0 and the only legit AFC threat, right now, that doesn't play in Foxboro.]
-Tony Romo [4-0 and flying high. The botched FG seems a distant memory right now in Dallas.]
-Brett Favre [Another 4-0 QB playing out of his mind. Is it 1995 again?]
-Vince Young [2-1 sure, but the Titans may be the AFC's third-best team. When you consider the supporting cast, Vinsanity is reigning in the NFL already.]

NFL Picks: [6-6]
Chicago @ Green Bay (-3)
Griese clearly wasn't the answer last week, but don't blow up the Bears just yet. Even though Favre and company are 4-0, the Bears have to realize just what a 4-game hole in the division will mean. Even with that all being said, the Bears are too injured and Favre has been too good. Take the Pack to win and cover the spread, which is strangely shrinking by the day.

Seattle @ Pittsburgh (-6.5)
Pittsburgh was exposed, more than a little bit, last week in the desert against the Cards. Meanwhile, the 49er and Ram freefalls have left Seattle sitting rather pretty at a quiet 3-1. If this game were in Seattle, I'd easily take the Hawks. However, the Super Bowl XL rematch will go to the Steelers, even at 6.5 points.

Baltimore @ San Francisco (+3.5)
The Ravens clearly aren't the team many predicted them to be. In fact, Steve McNair may be losing his coach and team's confidence by the snap. While it's not Boller time just yet (he is 1-0 though), the Ravens need a statement win. Hello old pal, Trent Dilfer! Unless Dilfer can get the Ravens from stacking eight in the box to shut down Gore, it's gonna be an ugly day at home for Mike Nolan's crew. Take the Ravens, but only with monopoly money on the line with that spread.

NCAA Picks: [4-2]
#9 Florida @ #1 LSU [-7]
The spread has shrunk by the day, even though LSU has had its fair share of upsets against the Gators in the Bayou. However, it's been quite some time since the teams met when LSU was #1 in the polls. While last week's loss at home to Auburn is a great motivator, the sweltering heat in Louisiana will give the Bayou Bengals a pick-six at the end to clinch a non-score-indicating double digit W.

#4 Ohio State @ #23 Purdue [+7]
Neither team may be as legit as the records tell us; however, this game may mean a ton for the respect Jim Tressel's kids will or won't receive. They have a lot of credibility that needs to be built back up after the disaster last season in the Orange Bowl. While it won't completely erase those memories, take the Buckeyes...big.

3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
...Last Week...
Marshawn Lynch: The TD was more than enough for a fantasy rookie gem.
Ben Roethlisberger: Cheap yards and cheap TDs. A perfect example of how fantasy stats never tell the story.
Travis Henry: No TD, but tons of yardage love. I can't be blamed for these drug test allegations though.

...This Week...
Anthony Gonzalez: Yep, pick him up and plug him in at #3. This will be a good day for the rookie.
Maurice Jones-Drew: The KC D loves to give up big plays. While he's been brutal to owners thus far, start him with confidence.
Bobby Engram: He's a nice redzone threat on a team that has needed one, out of the receiving corps, for years. Easy play this weekend.

SIT
...Last Week...
Julius Jones: That TD was odd in itself; yet, I still stand by the overall pick.
Wes Welker: An easy selection. Although, I won't make it often. Where's Donte Stallworth exactly?
Roddy White: Falcons wideout? DUH! Although I didn't expect Michael Jenkins to catch 2 instead.

...This Week...
Joey Harrington: Sure, it seems safe. But it isn't. It just isn't.
Marshawn Lynch: Unless you have to, trust 2 other back this weekend.
Patrick Crayton: This will be TO's week. Not Crayton's.

Early to rise and early to bed.

Until next time...

The Sunday Docket: MLB

Quite a bit on today’s docket:

1) Major League Baseball ends its 2007 regular season with four teams struggling to secure the final two spots in the National League Playoffs.
2) Week 4 of NFL action kicks off with several marquee matchups and fantasy showdowns to drool over.
3) The fallout from Look-Ahead Saturday (aka Demolition Saturday) continues.
4) The President’s Cup finishes. Okay, it’s golf. Nevermind.

MVP Candidate Matt Holliday and the Rockies are making a push for the playoffs.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports

First on that list may be the best viewing you’re going to see all season long. And wouldn’t you know it, the schedule makers won’t let us enjoy any of it.

Several questions, ala 60 Minutes-style, must be asked. **Tick, tick, tick**

Why aren’t the Mets and Phils playing each other this weekend? Anyone who thought Florida or Washington would be better last-weekend matchups for the two NL East perennial favs is a lunatic.

Why aren’t the Padres clashing with an NL West opponent instead of the Brew Crew?

Why is Cleveland playing KC, the Yanks hosting Baltimore and the Red Sox playing Minnesota? At least, Anaheim drew Oakland. Score one for the schedule makers.

As we enter Sunday, the American League playoff pairings are set. In fact, Boston was even friendly enough to secure homefield advantage with a 4-2 victory over the Twins.

Here’s your ALDS matchups:
#1. Boston vs. #3. Los Angeles
#2. Cleveland vs. #4. New York
[Note: Boston cannot host the Yankees as they are both in the AL East.]

As for the National League, that’s where things get mighty interesting.

Over in the NL East, New York and Philadelphia are tied for first place (both at 88-73). Even though the Phils have dominated the season series, the two would play a tie-breaker,on Monday evening if they ended up with the same record (for the NL East title only, the wild-card will be discussed later).

New York hosts Florida, with the game starting around 1:10 pm, with 300-game winner Tom Glavine dueling with Marlins ace Dontrelle Willis. After Saturday’s 13-0 victory, which included a near all-out brawl between the teams, you had better believe Florida is playing for more than pride.

Philadelphia hosts Washington, with the game starting around 1:35, as 78-year old lefty Jamie Moyer clashes against Nats pitcher Jason Bergmann. Taking only one day to relinquish their newly earned NL East lead, the Phils fans will definitely be doing some scoreboard watching before the first pitch.

Odds: Both teams should win. However, it’ll be interesting to see if it’s the Mets snaking their ways back into the playoffs OR falling face-first into the record books with an unprecedented September choke (up 7 games on September 12^th in the division).

In the NL Central, the Cubbies are your champs. However, they don’t know exactly who they’re playing yet. Odds are it’s Arizona. Although former Central contenders, now relegated to being spoilers, Milwaukee can spoil the Pads season with a victory.

In the NL West, Arizona has locked up the divisional crown. Nevertheless, they’re not exactly sure who their opponents will be just yet. As for the rest of the West? Two teams and one wild-card spot. That scenario is only more clouded when you add in the Mets and Phils potentially.

San Diego concludes its four-game set in Milwaukee at 2:05 pm. After a brutal loss on Saturday evening, much of which came from the bat from Tony Gwynn Jr., the Pads appear ready to replace scheduled starter Brett Tomko with Cy Young favorite Jake Peavy. Jeff Suppan will take the mound for the Brewers. Win and you’re in, Pads fans. It doesn’t get much easier than that

Colorado: Just when you thought they were dead on Friday night after having their 11-game winning streak snapped against Arizona, the Rockies spanked the division champs 11-1 on Saturday afternoon. While they trail the Pads by one game, the math is simple. Beat Arizona, hope for the Padres to lose and you have yourselves locked into a tie-breaker. The game is the latest meaningful launch, with the first pitch starting around 3:05 pm.

Odds: As much as I want to see the Rockies defy all odds, the Padres will spoil their fun.

The scenarios can’t be stopped. Here’s the official explanation. Admit it though; you’d love to see a four-way tie. SAY IT!

More than just the playoff race is up for debate on Sunday (and potentially Monday) as well. The Cy Young race may have a lot to do with what Jake Peavy does on Sunday. He is the likely starter for San Diego.

Also on the radar has to be the NL MVP Race has yet to be decided. Enter the key players:

Brewers 1B Prince Fielder, Mets 3B David Wright, Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins, and Rockies OF Matt Holliday (my selection, by the way). Who will make the play that wins them the award? Better yet…who won’t?

Until next time…

Hardware Time: The NBA Awards Season

Note: Before I begin, while I realize this is simply a blog about sports, I just wanted to send out thoughts and prayers to the victims of the senseless massacre that took place today at Virginia Tech.

Everyone seems to be plugging their NBA awards for the 2006-2007 season. While perhaps it’s cheating to drop awards with a couple days, and games, left in the season…I’ll be a trend-follower instead of a setter (for once).

Throughout this post, I’ll be displaying my season-ending picks alongside my pre-season picks. No need to act surprised on how lopsided they might seem (for either set of selections). No need to worry about lengthy explanations either, meat and potatoes is all that’s on the menu today.

MVP: Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
[He makes his entire team as good as it can possibly be. I honestly wonder if they make the playoffs without him. Seriously.]
Preseason – Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat

Defensive Player of the Year: Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Spurs
[The only guy everyone seems to mention every time. Camby is right there after the last three weeks though.]
Preseason – Ron Artest, Sacramento Kings

Rookie of the Year: Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers
[Far and away the lone elite performer of the Rookie ’06 class thus far. Bad team or not.]
Preseason – Brandon Roy, Portland Trail Blazers

Most Improved Player: Monta Ellis, Golden State Warriors
[Another diamond in the rough for the Warriors; hopefully, one they can keep for a few years.]
Preseason – Marquis Daniels, Indiana Pacers

Coach of the Year: Sam Mitchell, Toronto Raptors
[He quietly has molded a team of scary, youthful talent and gotten numerous players to completely buy into his style of coaching.]
Preseason – Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz

Executive of the Year: Brian Colangelo, Toronto Raptors
[Molded a Phoenix-of-the-East with several brilliant moves, including: Villanueva for Ford, a solid #1-pick in Bargnani, free-agent rookie Garbajosa, and several savvy moves – i.e. acquiring Dixon and shipping Fred Jones elsewhere, cutting PJ Tucker, and picking up the seemingly invaluable Anthony Parker.]
Preseason – Brian Colangelo, Tornto Raptors

All-1^st Team:
Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Steve Nash, & Kobe Bryant
Preseason – D. Nowitzki, T. Duncan, S. Nash, K. Bryant, and D. Wade

All-2^nd Team:
Yao Ming, Kevin Garnett, Chris Bosh, Gilbert Arenas, & Chauncey Billups
Preseason – L. James, C. Anthony, G. Arenas, Y. Ming, and K. Garnett

Note: Where’s Dwayne Wade? I guess I had to penalize him, more than Gilbert, for the injury and numerous games missed.

Unfortunately, this was my lasting image of D-Wade's 06/07 campaign.
Credit: Times Union

All-1^st Team Defense:
Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Marcus Camby, Bruce Bowen, & Ron Artest
Preseason – R. Artest, T. Duncan, K. Bryant, B. Bowen, and R. Bell

All-Rookie 1^st Team:
Jorge Garbajosa, Andrea Bargnani, Rudy Gay, Brandon Roy, & Randy Foye
Preseason – I had Aldridge here, yet Garbajosa is a legitimate #2 rookie of the year selection.

We’ll see how close, or insanely far away, I end up being in the coming weeks.

Until next time…