The byes are completed and everybody’s playing a full schedule including the latest attempt to pull a little extra coin out of the fans’ pockets with the NFL Network broadcasting its Thursday night games which means fans are SOL unless they have a special sports premium service at extra cost which isn’t even offered by some cable system providers. The games are broadcast over-the-air in the immediate markets of the competing teams, but many fans in New England will not have access to tonight’s game. It’s a good marketing vehicle for Direct-TV which provides all kinds of NFL coverage, but so much for the so called “blue collar” fans.
Meanwhile, Ravens fans, enjoy the teams’ success and stop whining about how the team doesn’t get any respect in the national media. Fox isn’t going to have much to say about the Ravens since they cover the NFC. CBS keeps them in perspective. It’s a waste of time to watch anything but the game on NBC Sunday nights. So this puts the focus on ESPN, and yes, if that matters, they don’t show the Ravens much respect. Chris “Blowhard” Berman often picks the Ravens as one of his Swami picks always on the losing end, but does anyone take this buffoon seriously?
Are these fans whining because they’re around too many Redskins fans? Yeah, both teams have identical marks and the Washington fans are quick to point out Washington has faced a tougher schedule. Since when to teams choose their schedule unless there’s evidence crappy teams like Detroit would sandbag it to get the #1 draft seed, but Detroit wouldn’t know what to do with the number one pick regardless. If Redskins fans are getting on Ravens fans nerves, here’s all the Ravens fans need to do, just keep repeating, “Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder.” Sure boy wonder loves to write the big checks but it doesn’t matter than much in the NFL with the hard salary cap. He lured Joe Gibbs, one of the most saintly figures away from his championship NASCAR operation, to be a baby sitter. See how long that lasted. RMF is not a Redskins basher, but all fans need to be armed against fans of other teams who get a little too full of themselves.
If the Ravens beat the Giants on Sunday putting the best run defense, Baltimore’s, against the best run offense, New York’s, this could be one hell of a game. New York has one of the toughest defenses the Ravens have seen so far this year, but looking at how close the Ravens played against Pittsburgh and Tennessee, two teams they could have and maybe should have beaten were it not for third quarter defensive penalties that seemed to take the momentum out of the team, the Ravens do have a good chance against ANY team in the NFL. Those losses to those AFC leaders were before Joe Flacco was unleashed on offense. Going into Sunday’s conflict, yes, the Giants are rated a better team, rated about a touchdown favorite by the odds maker’s three points of which is generally always awarded the home team. If the Ravens win on Sunday, they will be the talk of the NFL regardless of what predispositions some media hacks might have. If Chris Berman doesn’t subject the highlights to some of his obnoxious shtick, don’t feel slighted. Nothing the “Boomer” (nickname ripped off from the stellar Cincinnati and University of Maryland superstar former QB, Boomer Esiason) has to say amounts to more than obnoxious jibber-jabber anyway. Regardless, if the Ravens bust one loose and Berman does his “He could go all the way….” bit, you have the right to smile and give the television the “you’re #1 salute” with the appropriate digit just for good measure.
Here’s our picks for this week’s games. We’ve been 11-3 the last two weeks so watch out!
New York Jets at New England (-3 ½)
Brett Favre loves the big stage and New England is a little more banged up. Jets fly high and win this one.
Baltimore at New York Giants (-6 ½)
New York fans will have to deal with the joys of the Swamp Thing winning the AFC game for them as the Ravens will pull the shocking upset making fans remember their Super Bowl win over the Giants all those years ago.
Denver at Atlanta (-5 ½)
Who would ever have believed Atlanta could have been favored to beat Denver this year? Denver has done everything possible to kick their own butts while Atlanta has found new life with rookie QB Matt Ryan. The dreadful Michael Vick saga is quickly fading into a closed chapter in Falcons’ history.
Detroit at Carolina (-14)
About the only thing of value to travel from Detroit to Charlotte is technological support for NASCAR. The Lions might as well be sweeping the floors at the numerous NASCAR shops located on the north side of town as the good old boys race their last race down in Miami. The Panthers are going to obliterate the Lions in this one sided cat fight.
Philadelphia (-9) at Cincinnati
About the only thing that could make this more interesting that how much Philadelphia could run up the score would be to see an Eagles’ defender pile drive Mojo Stinko or whatever that Chad Johnson fellow wants to be called now.
Chicago at Green Bay (-4)
This is a tough call as Chicago’s a little banged up and Green Bay is erratic. Still, this looks like a game that belongs to defense and “Da Bears” will pull the mild upset.
Houston at Indianapolis (-9)
Visiting the Indianapolis Colts will not give Houston the chance to take out their frustrations for being manhandled by Baltimore last week. How well the Colts play will determine whether they’re regrouping for a stretch run or this is a season to be written off.
Tennessee (-3) at Jacksonville
There’s not much talk about the Titans running the table yet, but a win on Sunday against the Jags will bring them one step closer. Jacksonville is more talented than they show. This could be a “trap” game if the Titans aren’t on top of their game.
New Orleans (-4.5) at Kansas City
The Saints need a good solid victory to correct their topsy-turvy results so far this year. A good conservative strategy and well-fought game should help them if they are to rescue their season.
Oakland at Miami (-10.5)
What a waste of jet fuel shipping the Al Davis circus from San Francisco Bay to South Florida. Remember when an Oakland/Miami matchup was about the best the AFC could offer? It looks like the Dolphins are back on the road to respect while the Raiders are becoming the new pooh-pooh platter standard for the NFL.
Minnesota at Tampa Bay (-4)
Nothing flashy here. “Chuckie’s” boys will punch the clock, take care of business, and go home with a win.
St. Louis at San Francisco (-6)
This could be Mike Singletary’s first win, but egads, picking either one of these teams hurts. We’ll go with the odds makers and pick the “Niners” to see what kind of show the old grumpy Bear will put on with a win!
Arizona (-3) at Seattle
It’s hard to believe Arizona is not favored by more. It’s hard to believe a Bidwell team is going to win its division. Still, this year’s version of the Seahawks has no spark in them at all. The Desert Birds beat the Starbucks Birds by a bigger margin than the forecast field goal.
San Diego at Pittsburgh (-4)
After the Steelers obliterate the Bolts on Sunday, the screams for Norv Turner’s throat for ruining the Chargers will be deafening in San Diego. Sure, it’s not all his fault with some of the key injuries they’ve sustained, but the Chargers seldom look fired up for a game anymore. That’s seldom a problem for the Steelers. The Steelers have their holes, but they’re probably counting on regaining sole possession of first place with the Ravens facing New England. Don’t count on it, Heinz. Be assured though, Heinz will pickle his Charger opponents.
Dallas (-1.5) at Washington
Oh wow, the circus comes to the Nation’s Capitol (or at least the northeast Maryland suburbs) Sunday night. Tony Romo’s pinky is supposed to be better and Jessica will give it a kiss for good luck before the game. The Redskins are a team that can thrive on chaos and calling the ‘Boys chaotic is the understatement of the season. The Redskins have a lot of pent up rage to take out on their rivals and the huge FEDEX field crowd will be rocking. We’ll pick DC to win, but give this a couple stars for a potential severe blowout possibility. If the Cowboys fall behind early, watch out.
Cleveland at Buffalo (-5.5)
After a great start, the Bills have fallen back down to earth recently, but Cleveland is not a solid team right now. They had a brief surge that was completely dumped in Lake “Eerie” during the second half of their defeat to the hated Ravens. Buffalo’s playing for a chance to regain top honors in the East while Cleveland is anything but the sexy pick they represented at the start of the season.
Now’s the time the real contenders are starting to emerge. The 2008 is still a season looking for what defines the season. Much attention has been devoted to the futility at the bottom of the pack more than whose kicking butt aloft. If the Ravens and Falcons continue to thrive, it could be the tale of rookie coaches with rookie quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, Ravens fans, enjoy the teams’ success and stop whining about how the team doesn’t get any respect in the national media. Fox isn’t going to have much to say about the Ravens since they cover the NFC. CBS keeps them in perspective. It’s a waste of time to watch anything but the game on NBC Sunday nights. So this puts the focus on ESPN, and yes, if that matters, they don’t show the Ravens much respect. Chris “Blowhard” Berman often picks the Ravens as one of his Swami picks always on the losing end, but does anyone take this buffoon seriously?
Are these fans whining because they’re around too many Redskins fans? Yeah, both teams have identical marks and the Washington fans are quick to point out Washington has faced a tougher schedule. Since when to teams choose their schedule unless there’s evidence crappy teams like Detroit would sandbag it to get the #1 draft seed, but Detroit wouldn’t know what to do with the number one pick regardless. If Redskins fans are getting on Ravens fans nerves, here’s all the Ravens fans need to do, just keep repeating, “Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder, Daniel Snyder.” Sure boy wonder loves to write the big checks but it doesn’t matter than much in the NFL with the hard salary cap. He lured Joe Gibbs, one of the most saintly figures away from his championship NASCAR operation, to be a baby sitter. See how long that lasted. RMF is not a Redskins basher, but all fans need to be armed against fans of other teams who get a little too full of themselves.
If the Ravens beat the Giants on Sunday putting the best run defense, Baltimore’s, against the best run offense, New York’s, this could be one hell of a game. New York has one of the toughest defenses the Ravens have seen so far this year, but looking at how close the Ravens played against Pittsburgh and Tennessee, two teams they could have and maybe should have beaten were it not for third quarter defensive penalties that seemed to take the momentum out of the team, the Ravens do have a good chance against ANY team in the NFL. Those losses to those AFC leaders were before Joe Flacco was unleashed on offense. Going into Sunday’s conflict, yes, the Giants are rated a better team, rated about a touchdown favorite by the odds maker’s three points of which is generally always awarded the home team. If the Ravens win on Sunday, they will be the talk of the NFL regardless of what predispositions some media hacks might have. If Chris Berman doesn’t subject the highlights to some of his obnoxious shtick, don’t feel slighted. Nothing the “Boomer” (nickname ripped off from the stellar Cincinnati and University of Maryland superstar former QB, Boomer Esiason) has to say amounts to more than obnoxious jibber-jabber anyway. Regardless, if the Ravens bust one loose and Berman does his “He could go all the way….” bit, you have the right to smile and give the television the “you’re #1 salute” with the appropriate digit just for good measure.
Here’s our picks for this week’s games. We’ve been 11-3 the last two weeks so watch out!
New York Jets at New England (-3 ½)
Brett Favre loves the big stage and New England is a little more banged up. Jets fly high and win this one.
Baltimore at New York Giants (-6 ½)
New York fans will have to deal with the joys of the Swamp Thing winning the AFC game for them as the Ravens will pull the shocking upset making fans remember their Super Bowl win over the Giants all those years ago.
Denver at Atlanta (-5 ½)
Who would ever have believed Atlanta could have been favored to beat Denver this year? Denver has done everything possible to kick their own butts while Atlanta has found new life with rookie QB Matt Ryan. The dreadful Michael Vick saga is quickly fading into a closed chapter in Falcons’ history.
Detroit at Carolina (-14)
About the only thing of value to travel from Detroit to Charlotte is technological support for NASCAR. The Lions might as well be sweeping the floors at the numerous NASCAR shops located on the north side of town as the good old boys race their last race down in Miami. The Panthers are going to obliterate the Lions in this one sided cat fight.
Philadelphia (-9) at Cincinnati
About the only thing that could make this more interesting that how much Philadelphia could run up the score would be to see an Eagles’ defender pile drive Mojo Stinko or whatever that Chad Johnson fellow wants to be called now.
Chicago at Green Bay (-4)
This is a tough call as Chicago’s a little banged up and Green Bay is erratic. Still, this looks like a game that belongs to defense and “Da Bears” will pull the mild upset.
Houston at Indianapolis (-9)
Visiting the Indianapolis Colts will not give Houston the chance to take out their frustrations for being manhandled by Baltimore last week. How well the Colts play will determine whether they’re regrouping for a stretch run or this is a season to be written off.
Tennessee (-3) at Jacksonville
There’s not much talk about the Titans running the table yet, but a win on Sunday against the Jags will bring them one step closer. Jacksonville is more talented than they show. This could be a “trap” game if the Titans aren’t on top of their game.
New Orleans (-4.5) at Kansas City
The Saints need a good solid victory to correct their topsy-turvy results so far this year. A good conservative strategy and well-fought game should help them if they are to rescue their season.
Oakland at Miami (-10.5)
What a waste of jet fuel shipping the Al Davis circus from San Francisco Bay to South Florida. Remember when an Oakland/Miami matchup was about the best the AFC could offer? It looks like the Dolphins are back on the road to respect while the Raiders are becoming the new pooh-pooh platter standard for the NFL.
Minnesota at Tampa Bay (-4)
Nothing flashy here. “Chuckie’s” boys will punch the clock, take care of business, and go home with a win.
St. Louis at San Francisco (-6)
This could be Mike Singletary’s first win, but egads, picking either one of these teams hurts. We’ll go with the odds makers and pick the “Niners” to see what kind of show the old grumpy Bear will put on with a win!
Arizona (-3) at Seattle
It’s hard to believe Arizona is not favored by more. It’s hard to believe a Bidwell team is going to win its division. Still, this year’s version of the Seahawks has no spark in them at all. The Desert Birds beat the Starbucks Birds by a bigger margin than the forecast field goal.
San Diego at Pittsburgh (-4)
After the Steelers obliterate the Bolts on Sunday, the screams for Norv Turner’s throat for ruining the Chargers will be deafening in San Diego. Sure, it’s not all his fault with some of the key injuries they’ve sustained, but the Chargers seldom look fired up for a game anymore. That’s seldom a problem for the Steelers. The Steelers have their holes, but they’re probably counting on regaining sole possession of first place with the Ravens facing New England. Don’t count on it, Heinz. Be assured though, Heinz will pickle his Charger opponents.
Dallas (-1.5) at Washington
Oh wow, the circus comes to the Nation’s Capitol (or at least the northeast Maryland suburbs) Sunday night. Tony Romo’s pinky is supposed to be better and Jessica will give it a kiss for good luck before the game. The Redskins are a team that can thrive on chaos and calling the ‘Boys chaotic is the understatement of the season. The Redskins have a lot of pent up rage to take out on their rivals and the huge FEDEX field crowd will be rocking. We’ll pick DC to win, but give this a couple stars for a potential severe blowout possibility. If the Cowboys fall behind early, watch out.
Cleveland at Buffalo (-5.5)
After a great start, the Bills have fallen back down to earth recently, but Cleveland is not a solid team right now. They had a brief surge that was completely dumped in Lake “Eerie” during the second half of their defeat to the hated Ravens. Buffalo’s playing for a chance to regain top honors in the East while Cleveland is anything but the sexy pick they represented at the start of the season.
Now’s the time the real contenders are starting to emerge. The 2008 is still a season looking for what defines the season. Much attention has been devoted to the futility at the bottom of the pack more than whose kicking butt aloft. If the Ravens and Falcons continue to thrive, it could be the tale of rookie coaches with rookie quarterbacks.
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