Brackets BUSTED: Rock, Chalked Edition
Courtesy: CBS
Courtesy: CBS
[Kudos to the folks at CBS for posting this via YouTube quickly and efficiently.]
So...how much did your bracket suffer after one of the NCAA Tournament's most memorable shots???
Showing posts with label upset special. Show all posts
Showing posts with label upset special. Show all posts
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Brackets BUSTED: Rock, Chalked Edition
So that happened. Rock, Chalk-nation just got a case of STONES!!!
Countless expert and novice brackets had Kansas winning it all.
So much for that.
Maybe my Georgetown pick wasn't so awful after all...
Credit: Yahoo! Sports
#1-overall seed Kansas was given an early exit, on Saturday of the opening weekend, by the 9-seed Northern Iowa, losing 69-67. More than just the Midwest "Bracket of Death" is shaken up now.
Although somewhere, Evan Turner is smiling a little bigger.
Hopefully, you saw the game. Assuredly, you'll see a detailed break-down of how things went down. Nevertheless, here's the 1 fact you need to know. STONES!
It took serious STONES for Northern Iowa's Ali Farokhmanesh to drain a wide-open 3 with 34 seconds remaining. With his team up 1 and the Jayhawks completely locking down the in-bounds attempts of the Panthers, a cross-court pass to Farokhmanesh left him wide open and behind the arc. Instead of waiting to be fouled or passing the ball to a teammate to help kill time, Farokhmanesh turned and drained the deep 3, clinching (by far) the tournament's biggest upset.
The announcers weren't the only ones in the building completely stunned at the shot attempt. I won't repeat the words I uttered. But funny thing is, I knew it was going in. So did Farokhmanesh, obviously. STONES!
I've getting too repetitive, but I can't stress enough that taking that shot takes incredible STONES. You know you are going to make it when you put up a shot like that. No need to pass to a teammate, attack the hoop (they had a 2-on-1 advantage), or wait to be fouled and go to the charity stripe. Show your STONES, drain the 3, and become another highlight in tournament (and of course, Northern Iowa basketball) history.
KU will still be loaded. Nevertheless, this one will sting for quite some time.
This was a LOADED roster and a clear-cut national title contender all season long.
Brackets across the nation...shattered.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports
A few other quick notes...
-Bill Self has a ring, but I still question this guy's coaching ability. He isn't in the class of the elite coaches...not yet.
-Sherron Collins was awful today. He knows it, too.
-Cole Aldrich isn't come back to Kansas. Don't pretend he will Jayhawk-nation.
-Something tells me Xavier Henry is 1-and-done as well. DraftExpress.com has him projected to be in the lottery.
-Northern Iowa is don't yet. This team is too well coaches and too gritty to stop now. -All of the 1-seed (even that one in the West I love) are on notice now.
What I'm thinking now??? Can Ish Smith hit open shots and keep Wake in contention to pull off another major upset? In the tournament, these things happen in pairs, not 3s.
Note: Running commentary isn't going anywhere tonight. I'll check in at HALFTIME of the Kentucky/Wake Forest game. BYU/Kansas State is also ongoing.
Countless expert and novice brackets had Kansas winning it all.So much for that.
Maybe my Georgetown pick wasn't so awful after all...
Credit: Yahoo! Sports
#1-overall seed Kansas was given an early exit, on Saturday of the opening weekend, by the 9-seed Northern Iowa, losing 69-67. More than just the Midwest "Bracket of Death" is shaken up now.
Although somewhere, Evan Turner is smiling a little bigger.
Hopefully, you saw the game. Assuredly, you'll see a detailed break-down of how things went down. Nevertheless, here's the 1 fact you need to know. STONES!
It took serious STONES for Northern Iowa's Ali Farokhmanesh to drain a wide-open 3 with 34 seconds remaining. With his team up 1 and the Jayhawks completely locking down the in-bounds attempts of the Panthers, a cross-court pass to Farokhmanesh left him wide open and behind the arc. Instead of waiting to be fouled or passing the ball to a teammate to help kill time, Farokhmanesh turned and drained the deep 3, clinching (by far) the tournament's biggest upset.
The announcers weren't the only ones in the building completely stunned at the shot attempt. I won't repeat the words I uttered. But funny thing is, I knew it was going in. So did Farokhmanesh, obviously. STONES!
I've getting too repetitive, but I can't stress enough that taking that shot takes incredible STONES. You know you are going to make it when you put up a shot like that. No need to pass to a teammate, attack the hoop (they had a 2-on-1 advantage), or wait to be fouled and go to the charity stripe. Show your STONES, drain the 3, and become another highlight in tournament (and of course, Northern Iowa basketball) history.
KU will still be loaded. Nevertheless, this one will sting for quite some time.This was a LOADED roster and a clear-cut national title contender all season long.
Brackets across the nation...shattered.
Credit: Yahoo! Sports
A few other quick notes...
-Bill Self has a ring, but I still question this guy's coaching ability. He isn't in the class of the elite coaches...not yet.
-Sherron Collins was awful today. He knows it, too.
-Cole Aldrich isn't come back to Kansas. Don't pretend he will Jayhawk-nation.
-Something tells me Xavier Henry is 1-and-done as well. DraftExpress.com has him projected to be in the lottery.
-Northern Iowa is don't yet. This team is too well coaches and too gritty to stop now. -All of the 1-seed (even that one in the West I love) are on notice now.
What I'm thinking now??? Can Ish Smith hit open shots and keep Wake in contention to pull off another major upset? In the tournament, these things happen in pairs, not 3s.
Note: Running commentary isn't going anywhere tonight. I'll check in at HALFTIME of the Kentucky/Wake Forest game. BYU/Kansas State is also ongoing.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Clement's Weekly Picks and Prognostications...Week 11
...sans intro...
NFL Picks: 28-16 [Of all the games to get wrong, I'm happiest it was a 47-3 victory for the Jets.]
Upset Specials: 7-7 [It's the return of the...oh wait...no way...he didn't just say, what I think he did, did he?]
While you won't find any New England/NY Jets talk...I will mention one key name you'd never expect. Jet LB David Bowens has mighty shoes to fill behind Kris Jenkins with David Harris still injured and out of the lineup. This is an unknown X-factor to the "press".
Arizona @ Seattle (+3)
If Arizona had lost Monday night, this game would've taken on a whole new level of interest. Instead, greedy fantasy owners feast off of the Cardinals while Matt Hasselbeck returns as the starting QB...but for how long? Cards win, by much more than 3 in not-so-tough Seattle.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville (+3)
Jacksonville is 4-5 and definitely can't afford 6 losses after 10 decisions. Meanwhile, Tennessee aired it out last week and won in Chicago. With another tough road test, I have to wonder if 10-0 is in their future? Yes. Why? Titans can stop the run. Jags can't win without it.
San Diego @ Pittsburgh (-4 1/2)
Rivers' stats are overinflated this season. This game is in Pittsburgh and the Stillers aren't losing back-to-back there. Their O-Line better beat up on a banged up Charger D. The real key in Pittsburgh is the health of "Fast Willie" and whether or not Santonio Holmes can be at least mildly productive this weekend. The Steelers - as well as a few fantasy owners - need that desperately.
Minnesota @ Tampa Bay (-3 1/2)
The 1/2 scares me; however, this game means way too much in both the NFC South, NFC North, and NFC Wild-Card. While APete is my #2 in the MVP-race (behind Warner), the Bucs D is rested and their offense should have a healthy Joey Galloway, Warrick Dunn, and even word of Cadillac Williams getting carries. I'm taking the home team to frustrated Frerotte into a pick-six (or two) and a vastly important home victory...somehow.
Upset Special #1
Dallas @ Washington (+2)
Most books won't take bets because of injury concerns to Romo (returning) and Portis (50/50) so early in the week. Not me. The Cowboys have too many new faces returning (Romo, Newman, & Jones) for me to pick them on the road. However, a win equals 6-4 and makes the NFC more wide open than ever. Interesting, if nothing else.
Upset Special #2
Denver @ Atlanta (-6)
Who would've ever imagined this number in Week 10 at the beginning of the season? NOBODY. While Jay Cutler may break down carrying this team, I don't want to give the Falcons too easy a road to 7-3. I imagine this being a FG type game. Extra interesting with new-kid Prater battling Bronco-vet Jason Elam. While I like the Falcons, I don't by 6.
Top Ten Fantasy Insights of the Week...You Didn't Expect
1) Depending on wideouts - even your Andre Johnson and Brandon Marshall types - isn't safe come fantasy playoff stretch run.
2) Larry Johnson...avoid starting him this or any week.
3) Thomas Jones isn't going to have another 40-point week, but he's a weekly start now.
4) There's still enough upside to start guys like Steve Breaston.
5) Tony Gonzalez may quietly be this season's highest scoring tight end.
6) Defenses can win fantasy championships. Seriously.
7) Marvin Harrison just might be done.
Oh yeah, three NFL Thoughts to finish out the top 10.
8) Atlanta is going to make the playoffs.
9) So is Baltimore.
10) One of the above teams won't...obviously.
Until next time!
NFL Picks: 28-16 [Of all the games to get wrong, I'm happiest it was a 47-3 victory for the Jets.]
Upset Specials: 7-7 [It's the return of the...oh wait...no way...he didn't just say, what I think he did, did he?]
While you won't find any New England/NY Jets talk...I will mention one key name you'd never expect. Jet LB David Bowens has mighty shoes to fill behind Kris Jenkins with David Harris still injured and out of the lineup. This is an unknown X-factor to the "press".Credit: Flckr.com
Arizona @ Seattle (+3)
If Arizona had lost Monday night, this game would've taken on a whole new level of interest. Instead, greedy fantasy owners feast off of the Cardinals while Matt Hasselbeck returns as the starting QB...but for how long? Cards win, by much more than 3 in not-so-tough Seattle.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville (+3)
Jacksonville is 4-5 and definitely can't afford 6 losses after 10 decisions. Meanwhile, Tennessee aired it out last week and won in Chicago. With another tough road test, I have to wonder if 10-0 is in their future? Yes. Why? Titans can stop the run. Jags can't win without it.
San Diego @ Pittsburgh (-4 1/2)
Rivers' stats are overinflated this season. This game is in Pittsburgh and the Stillers aren't losing back-to-back there. Their O-Line better beat up on a banged up Charger D. The real key in Pittsburgh is the health of "Fast Willie" and whether or not Santonio Holmes can be at least mildly productive this weekend. The Steelers - as well as a few fantasy owners - need that desperately.
Minnesota @ Tampa Bay (-3 1/2)
The 1/2 scares me; however, this game means way too much in both the NFC South, NFC North, and NFC Wild-Card. While APete is my #2 in the MVP-race (behind Warner), the Bucs D is rested and their offense should have a healthy Joey Galloway, Warrick Dunn, and even word of Cadillac Williams getting carries. I'm taking the home team to frustrated Frerotte into a pick-six (or two) and a vastly important home victory...somehow.
Upset Special #1
Dallas @ Washington (+2)
Most books won't take bets because of injury concerns to Romo (returning) and Portis (50/50) so early in the week. Not me. The Cowboys have too many new faces returning (Romo, Newman, & Jones) for me to pick them on the road. However, a win equals 6-4 and makes the NFC more wide open than ever. Interesting, if nothing else.
Upset Special #2
Denver @ Atlanta (-6)
Who would've ever imagined this number in Week 10 at the beginning of the season? NOBODY. While Jay Cutler may break down carrying this team, I don't want to give the Falcons too easy a road to 7-3. I imagine this being a FG type game. Extra interesting with new-kid Prater battling Bronco-vet Jason Elam. While I like the Falcons, I don't by 6.
Top Ten Fantasy Insights of the Week...You Didn't Expect
1) Depending on wideouts - even your Andre Johnson and Brandon Marshall types - isn't safe come fantasy playoff stretch run.
2) Larry Johnson...avoid starting him this or any week.
3) Thomas Jones isn't going to have another 40-point week, but he's a weekly start now.
4) There's still enough upside to start guys like Steve Breaston.
5) Tony Gonzalez may quietly be this season's highest scoring tight end.
6) Defenses can win fantasy championships. Seriously.
7) Marvin Harrison just might be done.
Oh yeah, three NFL Thoughts to finish out the top 10.
8) Atlanta is going to make the playoffs.
9) So is Baltimore.
10) One of the above teams won't...obviously.
Until next time!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Clement's Weekly Picks and Prognostications...Week 7
Okay. It's either time to cancel these weekly posts, have a road-underdog intervention, or just kick butt one week.
You know which way I'm going!!!
NFL Picks: 12-11 [I'm going to be near 20 wins after this weekend. Just watch.]
Upset Special: 4-6 [You gotta crawl before you walk.]
..tackling the Sportsbook this week...
San Francisco @ NY Giants (-10 1/2)
JT O'Sullivan is turning over the ball at an alarming pace in recent weeks. Nevertheless, this is a lot of points for an offense that isn't giving enough carries to Brandon Jacobs week in and week out. I'm taking another road dog, but like that I'm getting a double-digit cushion.
Tennessee @ Kansas City (+9)
Taking a road favorite to cover? You know he we do. Especially with LJ suspended for a week. Bastard.
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati (-9 1/2)
The Stillers get me every time. Big deal. Big time road cover. The intervention is needed NOW!
NY Jets @ Oakland (+3)
I know, I never pick Jet games. An ugly 4-2 team they'll be though. Jamarcus Russell will turn the ball over 3 times in another bad loss.
Upset Special #1
San Diego @ Buffalo (-1)
The Chargers need to develop some consistency outside of desperation primetime games. Trent Edwards needs to stay healthy and the Bills need to force turnovers. Gimme the Chargers straight up, please.
Upset Special #2
Cleveland @ Washington (-7 1/2)
I love that 1/2. Zero chance I want the Browns straight up. However, the Skins might win a shootout; yet, I love cheap TDs to bust open big spreads.
Upset Special #3
Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots (-3 1/2)
This number kinda surprises me. New England is ridiculously banged up and not a safe bet at home (see Miami three weeks ago). Both coaches need this game BAD...for this season, at least. Shanahan takes it outright.
5 Fantasy MUST Starts:
1) Darren McFadden is good for 75 and a TD.
2) Issac Bruce is catching his 89th career TD this weekend.
3) Steve Smith is going for 60 yards and a touchdown (the Giant Steve Smith).
4) The Titans D might score 2 defensive TDs this weekend. Salavate.
5) Sammy Morris is a sneaky flex-play. But nothing more.
5 Fantasy MUST Sits:
1) Don't start Jamal Charles for LJ. Just don't.
2) Don't start Wes Welker these days. Just don't.
3) Don't start Patrick Crayton until we decide how effective BJ/Romo/Williams are. Just don't.
4) Don't start Joe Flacco EVER. Just don't.
5) Don't start Bo Scaife. Titan TEs are impossible to predict. Just don't.
Fantasy "What If":
What if Tony Romo plays...
Whomever the Cowboy QB is, he's tossing 3 TDs. Yeah, I said it. TO, Roy, and Witten will all catch TDs. It's a feeling. Stephen Jackson might be the fantasy stud of the game. He's gonna catch 8-9 passes. Mark it down.
That's all I gots.
Until next session...
You know which way I'm going!!!
NFL Picks: 12-11 [I'm going to be near 20 wins after this weekend. Just watch.]
Upset Special: 4-6 [You gotta crawl before you walk.]
..tackling the Sportsbook this week...
San Francisco @ NY Giants (-10 1/2)
JT O'Sullivan is turning over the ball at an alarming pace in recent weeks. Nevertheless, this is a lot of points for an offense that isn't giving enough carries to Brandon Jacobs week in and week out. I'm taking another road dog, but like that I'm getting a double-digit cushion.
Tennessee @ Kansas City (+9)
Taking a road favorite to cover? You know he we do. Especially with LJ suspended for a week. Bastard.
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati (-9 1/2)
The Stillers get me every time. Big deal. Big time road cover. The intervention is needed NOW!
NY Jets @ Oakland (+3)
I know, I never pick Jet games. An ugly 4-2 team they'll be though. Jamarcus Russell will turn the ball over 3 times in another bad loss.
Upset Special #1
San Diego @ Buffalo (-1)
The Chargers need to develop some consistency outside of desperation primetime games. Trent Edwards needs to stay healthy and the Bills need to force turnovers. Gimme the Chargers straight up, please.
Upset Special #2
Cleveland @ Washington (-7 1/2)
I love that 1/2. Zero chance I want the Browns straight up. However, the Skins might win a shootout; yet, I love cheap TDs to bust open big spreads.
Upset Special #3
Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots (-3 1/2)
This number kinda surprises me. New England is ridiculously banged up and not a safe bet at home (see Miami three weeks ago). Both coaches need this game BAD...for this season, at least. Shanahan takes it outright.
5 Fantasy MUST Starts:
1) Darren McFadden is good for 75 and a TD.
2) Issac Bruce is catching his 89th career TD this weekend.
3) Steve Smith is going for 60 yards and a touchdown (the Giant Steve Smith).
4) The Titans D might score 2 defensive TDs this weekend. Salavate.
5) Sammy Morris is a sneaky flex-play. But nothing more.
5 Fantasy MUST Sits:
1) Don't start Jamal Charles for LJ. Just don't.
2) Don't start Wes Welker these days. Just don't.
3) Don't start Patrick Crayton until we decide how effective BJ/Romo/Williams are. Just don't.
4) Don't start Joe Flacco EVER. Just don't.
5) Don't start Bo Scaife. Titan TEs are impossible to predict. Just don't.
Fantasy "What If":
What if Tony Romo plays...
Whomever the Cowboy QB is, he's tossing 3 TDs. Yeah, I said it. TO, Roy, and Witten will all catch TDs. It's a feeling. Stephen Jackson might be the fantasy stud of the game. He's gonna catch 8-9 passes. Mark it down.
That's all I gots.
Until next session...
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Clement's Weekly Picks and Prognostications...Week 6
5 weeks down and the byes are starting to really affect both fantasy lineups and a few of these picks.
Nevertheless, it's time for me to start making some big moves.
Otherwise, I'm going to end up .500ish on everything involved with this weekly column.
Yeah, that's the ticket!
NFL Picks: 11-9 [Okay, we're starting to make SOME minor progress. Very minor.]
Upset Special: 2-5 [It's starting to get pathetic. Very pathetic.]
Dallas @ Arizona (+4)
A lot of talk has "wierd things happening in the desert". Since when, exactly? The Cowboys need to break out this week and the Cards are the right ticket. It'll be close until the half, when Dallas goes longball on a shaky Cards secondary.
Jacksonville @ Denver (-3)
These are the two teams (along with Pittsburgh) that make up my "Axis of Evil". Nevertheless, I'm tackling this challenge. The Jags bother me because of their ability to run the ball and make clutch field goals. Denver needs to make an AFC statement. They'll do it, barely.
Oakland @ New Orleans (-7)
The Saint defense is beyond horrible. Nevertheless, the Raiders don't have the leadership or the overall talent to score with the Saints. Memo to Javon Walker: you're allowed to catch passes after the first drive.
Upset Special #1
Green Bay @ Seattle (-1 1/2)
One liner: Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Rogers may not finish this game in one piece.
Upset Special #2
Miami @ Houston (-3)
One liner: Miami at 3-2 is a playoff-caliber team.
Upset Special #3
New England @ San Diego (-4 1/2)
One liner: San Diego and LT won't need another excuse to justify a loss to the hated Patsies.
I'm taking a week sabbatical from fantasy football analysis and reactions. Why?
Because lately, I'm questioning any ability to conquer that beast.
And general apathy when I'm under the weather.
See you next week!!!
Nevertheless, it's time for me to start making some big moves.
Otherwise, I'm going to end up .500ish on everything involved with this weekly column.
Yeah, that's the ticket!
NFL Picks: 11-9 [Okay, we're starting to make SOME minor progress. Very minor.]
Upset Special: 2-5 [It's starting to get pathetic. Very pathetic.]
Dallas @ Arizona (+4)
A lot of talk has "wierd things happening in the desert". Since when, exactly? The Cowboys need to break out this week and the Cards are the right ticket. It'll be close until the half, when Dallas goes longball on a shaky Cards secondary.
Jacksonville @ Denver (-3)
These are the two teams (along with Pittsburgh) that make up my "Axis of Evil". Nevertheless, I'm tackling this challenge. The Jags bother me because of their ability to run the ball and make clutch field goals. Denver needs to make an AFC statement. They'll do it, barely.
Oakland @ New Orleans (-7)
The Saint defense is beyond horrible. Nevertheless, the Raiders don't have the leadership or the overall talent to score with the Saints. Memo to Javon Walker: you're allowed to catch passes after the first drive.
Upset Special #1
Green Bay @ Seattle (-1 1/2)
One liner: Matt Hasselbeck and Aaron Rogers may not finish this game in one piece.
Upset Special #2
Miami @ Houston (-3)
One liner: Miami at 3-2 is a playoff-caliber team.
Upset Special #3
New England @ San Diego (-4 1/2)
One liner: San Diego and LT won't need another excuse to justify a loss to the hated Patsies.
I'm taking a week sabbatical from fantasy football analysis and reactions. Why?
Because lately, I'm questioning any ability to conquer that beast.
And general apathy when I'm under the weather.
See you next week!!!
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Clement's Weekly Picks and Prognostications...Week 5
Seriously, is it week 5 already???
With my NFL team on the bye (J-E-T-S) and one of my fantasy teams boding the worst pair of starting QBs ever (Huard & Flacco, baby!), I can’t allow my NFL Picks to suffer.
Especially when everyone bit the farm with last week’s games.
NFL Picks: 9-8 (Remember, we’re picking spreads here. Hello above .500!)
Upset Special: 1-4 (Stupid Packers)
Tampa Bay @ Denver (-3)
This is SCREAMING push. Denver has no D; however, I’m far from crazy about the Bucs O. Still looking for a better ‘balance’ for Griese and company. Eddie Royal is my Rookie of the Year. Go Broncos.
Washington @ Philadelphia (-5 ½)
Philly needs Herculean efforts from Westbrook to beat the Redskins. Is he healthy enough to provide that? NO. The real concern I have for upbeat Skin fans is how the blitzing packages of Jim Johnson will be dealt with by Zorn and company. Edge to the Skins, if only to tackle this number.
Pittsburgh @ Jacksonville (-4)
Why must you keep attacking road dogs, Clement? Why must you believe so much in the Stillers with spreads under 2.5? Okay, I admit it. I have a problem. Jags win by 5 or more. Although I don’t know how just yet.
Upset Special #1
Kansas City @ Carolina (-9)
I unfairly hate on Steve Smith and prop up LJ way too much for fantasy reasons. Nevertheless, I’m tackling any number that has an NFC South team nearing double digits (even at home).
Upset Special #2
Buffalo @ Arizona (-1)
Seriously, what do the odds makers know that we don’t? I’m gonna go for it and feed the sport’s book exactly what it wants. Take that!
3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
…Last Week…
Ike Hillard stunk, Patrick Crayton was above average (I’ll take it!), and Kerry Collins did just fine in an emergency fantasy-QB situation.
…This Week…
Tony Gonzalez is better off with Damon Huard and has minor trade value, Antwaan Randel-el is worthy of a garbage TD this weekend against Philly, and Kevin Walter loves stealing AJ’s TDs from Schaub.
SIT
...Last Week…
DeSean got a TD but was clearly misused as the focal point of the Eagle offense, McGahee isn’t healthy anywhere on his body, and Griese won despite throwing 3 costly picks and 1 measily TD (score one for the big guy!).
…This Week…
Chad Pennington won’t fare well this weekend against the Chargers, Randy Moss should be sat in favor of Santana Moss (hello!), and Deuce McAllister isn’t a weekly start…yet.
That’s all I got.
Now enjoy it…please.
Until next picks…
With my NFL team on the bye (J-E-T-S) and one of my fantasy teams boding the worst pair of starting QBs ever (Huard & Flacco, baby!), I can’t allow my NFL Picks to suffer.
Especially when everyone bit the farm with last week’s games.
NFL Picks: 9-8 (Remember, we’re picking spreads here. Hello above .500!)
Upset Special: 1-4 (Stupid Packers)
Tampa Bay @ Denver (-3)
This is SCREAMING push. Denver has no D; however, I’m far from crazy about the Bucs O. Still looking for a better ‘balance’ for Griese and company. Eddie Royal is my Rookie of the Year. Go Broncos.
Washington @ Philadelphia (-5 ½)
Philly needs Herculean efforts from Westbrook to beat the Redskins. Is he healthy enough to provide that? NO. The real concern I have for upbeat Skin fans is how the blitzing packages of Jim Johnson will be dealt with by Zorn and company. Edge to the Skins, if only to tackle this number.
Pittsburgh @ Jacksonville (-4)
Why must you keep attacking road dogs, Clement? Why must you believe so much in the Stillers with spreads under 2.5? Okay, I admit it. I have a problem. Jags win by 5 or more. Although I don’t know how just yet.
Upset Special #1
Kansas City @ Carolina (-9)
I unfairly hate on Steve Smith and prop up LJ way too much for fantasy reasons. Nevertheless, I’m tackling any number that has an NFC South team nearing double digits (even at home).
Upset Special #2
Buffalo @ Arizona (-1)
Seriously, what do the odds makers know that we don’t? I’m gonna go for it and feed the sport’s book exactly what it wants. Take that!
3 Must Starts and Must Sits
START
…Last Week…
Ike Hillard stunk, Patrick Crayton was above average (I’ll take it!), and Kerry Collins did just fine in an emergency fantasy-QB situation.
…This Week…
Tony Gonzalez is better off with Damon Huard and has minor trade value, Antwaan Randel-el is worthy of a garbage TD this weekend against Philly, and Kevin Walter loves stealing AJ’s TDs from Schaub.
SIT
...Last Week…
DeSean got a TD but was clearly misused as the focal point of the Eagle offense, McGahee isn’t healthy anywhere on his body, and Griese won despite throwing 3 costly picks and 1 measily TD (score one for the big guy!).
…This Week…
Chad Pennington won’t fare well this weekend against the Chargers, Randy Moss should be sat in favor of Santana Moss (hello!), and Deuce McAllister isn’t a weekly start…yet.
That’s all I got.
Now enjoy it…please.
Until next picks…
Thursday, September 25, 2008
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…
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