Friday, September 30, 2011

Ricks NFL Week 4 Picks

Winning Teams in bold.

I have been eliminated from my Eliminator pools because of the Bills, so let me know in the comments if I should continue to provide an Eliminator Pick each week.

Bills vs Bengals

Panthers vs Bears

Titans vs Browns

Lions vs Cowboys

Vikings vs Chiefs

Redskins vs Rams

Saints vs Jaguars

49ers vs Eagles

Steelers vs Texans

Falcons vs Seahawks

Giants vs Cardinals

Broncos vs Packers

Patriots vs Raiders

Dolphins vs Chargers

Jets vs Ravens

Colts vs Bucs


Thursday, September 29, 2011

Big 10 Week 1 Picks

My preseason Big 10 Predictions have held pretty well through the first 4 weeks of the season. You can check out my preseason predictions here and I don't see any changes that need to be made yet.

My preseason Big 10 grid is here and my picks will stick with that grid for week 1. Winners in bold

Penn State vs Indiana

Minnesota vs Michigan

Northwestern vs Illinois

Michigan State vs Ohio State

Nebraska vs Wisconsin

Bonus Pick: Notre Dame vs Purdue

Iowa has an off week.


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Beast or Breakable 3

In this weekly feature, I will take a look at some of the upsets against my picks. Teams will be discussed and classified as either "beast" meaning they have a shot at continuing their strong play, or "breakable" meaning that they got lucky.

Buffalo Bills - Beast

I have featured them in this segment before, but they are continuing to show just how talented they are. With a tremendous upset over the Patriots, (one that knocked me out of almost every eliminator pool I was in) the Bills showed that they can hang with the best teams in the NFL and capitalize on mistakes to win games. I now have the Bills at 8-8 for the year and if they can overcome some of their division rivals, they could easily be a surprise playoff team.

Tampa Bay Bucs - Beast

The Bucs know the teams in the NFC South well enough to win in close games. If Atlanta is not going to be a real contender this year and drop all of their close games, the team that stands to gain the most is the Bucs. Although the Panthers and Saints can outperform Tampa Bay on offense, Tampa's young and talented defense can keep them just close enough to win in the 4th quarter. The Bucs can win enough of their own games, so if Atlanta continues to falter, look for Tampa Bay to take control of their own destiny and maybe squeeze into the playoffs.

Tennesee Titans - Breakable

I had the Titans here last week after their upset win over the Ravens, and they will be here every time they win a game they shouldn't. The Titans looked really bad against one of the worst teams in the league and probably won't look any better once they get into the meat of their schedule. Chris Johnson continues to pay for his greed during the offseason and probably won't look like his old self until mid-season. This is not a good team and if they manage to win anywhere near 8 games I would be surprised.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

NFC Records Prediction 9/27


Playoff teams in bold. Full Grid Here

NFC North:
Packers 13-3

Lions 12-4  (Wildcard)
Bears 9-7
Vikings 3-13

NFC South:
Saints 14-2
Falcons 11-5 (Wildcard)
Bucs 11-5
Panthers 4-12

NFC East:
Eagles 11-5
Cowboys 10-6 
Giants 10-6
Redskins 7-9

NFC West:
Rams 7-9
Cardinals 6-10
Seahawks 5-11
49ers 5-11

Playoff Seeds
1. Saints
2. Packers
3. Eagles
4. Rams
5. Lions
6. Falcons

AFC Records Projection 9/27


Playoff teams in bold. Full grid here

AFC North:
Steelers 14-2
Ravens 13-3 (Wildcard)
Browns 6-10
Bengals 2-14

AFC South:
Texans 12-4
Colts 8-8
Titans 5-11
Jaguars 2-14

AFC East:
Patriots 12-4
Jets 11-5 (Wildcard)
Dolphins 6-10
Bills 8-8

AFC West:
Chargers 11-5
Raiders 8-8
Chiefs 4-12
Broncos 1-15

Playoff Seeds
1. Steelers
2. Texans
3. Patriots
4. Chargers
5. Ravens
6. Jets

Monday, September 26, 2011

USC vs Arizona State Recap

Well I missed another NCAA prediction. With how crazy all of these games have been, if you have at least watched each of my picks, you have been treated to one of the best selections of games so far this year.

USC kept themselves in this game until a defensive meltdown in the 3rd and 4th quarters. The Pick-6 from Arizona State with 6 minutes on the clock sealed the deal.

With a successful return from a sprained ankle, RB Cameron Marshall gave the Sun Devils the well rounded attack they will need to continue competing in a tough Pac-12.

There is one positive for USC here. They no longer have to worry about the media firestorm that would be created if they finished the season undefeated. An undefeated USC, ineligible for postseason play, would have been a disaster for college football.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

NCAA Game of the Week

USC vs Arizona State

Although USC is ineligible for everything that matters this year, playing with less top tier players than they are used to, and having been discarded by the media, they are 3-0. Now that they have cracked the top 25 and will be in the meat of their PAC-12 schedule, expect a win over Arizona State to launch them into the headlines.

But this win is anything but guaranteed. Arizona state has looked great at times this year and has the potential to finish in the top 3 of a tough PAC-12. The Sun Devils are hosting as a 2.5 point favorite and have the skill players to hang a significant amount of points on USC.

The game should be close into the 4th quarter, but I have a feeling USC will pull away toward the end of the game. A superior offense will eventually wear down Arizona State's underrated defense.

This is a late start game. 915 Central time kickoff means that this game should run past midnight. It is available on ESPN 3 and is a great one to watch if you have a chance to see some PAC-12 action.

28-14 USC over Arizona State

Friday, September 23, 2011

Buckeyes/Hurricanes Recap

I have never been so happy to be wrong. The Buckeyes looked terrible in Miami, failing to complete even 5 passes in the game. They showed absolutely no ability to move the ball and floundered in a game against an opponent they needed to beat.

Ohio State might start to pull it together once they hit their Big 10 Schedule, but with a Freshman taking over at Quarterback this week, maybe the Buckeyes are ready to throw in the towel.

I don't expect much more out of Miami because of how hard their schedule is in the ACC, but this is an exciting team to watch and I intend to catch as many of their games as possible for the rest of the year.


Beast or Breakable 2

In this weekly feature, I will take a look at some of the upsets against my picks. Teams will be discussed and classified as either "beast" meaning they have a shot at continuing their strong play, or "breakable" meaning that they got lucky.


New Orleans Saints - Beast

The Saints came out and showed that their defense can hold well enough to beat anyone but the best of offenses. With a schedule lacking in monster offenses, the Saints can make a run with their high powered offense.
Look for the Saints to score 24+ points a week and blow out a few teams on their schedule.


Tennessee Titans - Breakable

The Titans came out and blew away the Ravens who were not ready for a passing attack of such a high caliber. Chris Johnson continues to look like the underachiever he will be this season, and Ringer, although he looked good in this game, will not be able to shoulder the entire load.
The Titans do not have many more wins that are within their grasp for this season.


Pittsburgh Steelers - Beast

After a horrendous Week 1 against Baltimore, the Steelers and Big Ben showed the league that they are still the team to beat in the AFC North with a complete shutdown of Seattle. Granted, the Seahawks are terrible and suffer from a lack of performers in both the rushing and passing attacks, but the Steelers beat them soundly.
Look for Pittsburgh to cruise through the rest of their schedule without much trouble and win the AFC North.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

NFC Records Projections 9/20


Playoff teams in bold. Full Grid Here

NFC North:
Packers 13-3
Lions 12-4  (Wildcard)
Bears 9-7
Vikings 3-13

NFC South:
Saints 14-2
Falcons 12-4 (Wildcard)
Bucs 10-6
Panthers 4-12

NFC East:
Eagles 11-5
Cowboys 10-6 
Giants 10-6
Redskins 7-9

NFC West:
Rams 7-9
Cardinals 6-10
Seahawks 5-11
49ers 4-12

Playoff Seeds
1. Saints
2. Packers
3. Eagles
4. Rams
5. Falcons
6. Lions

AFC Record Projections 9/20


Playoff teams in bold. Full grid here

AFC North:
Steelers 14-2
Ravens 13-3 (Wildcard)
Browns 5-11
Bengals 3-13

AFC South:
Texans 12-4
Colts 8-8
Titans 4-12
Jaguars 2-14

AFC East:
Patriots 13-3
Jets 12-4 (Wildcard)
Dolphins 7-9
Bills 7-9

AFC West:
Chargers 11-5
Raiders 7-9
Chiefs 4-12
Broncos 2-14

Playoff Seeds
1. Steelers
2. Patriots
3. Texans
4. Chargers
5. Ravens
6. Jets

Rick's Week 3 Picks

Last Week (11-5) This Season (21-12)

Patriots vs Bills (Eliminator Pick)

49ers vs Bengals

Dolphins vs Browns

Broncos vs Titans

Lions vs Vikings

Texans vs Saints

Giants vs Eagles

Jaguars vs Panthers

Chiefs vs Chargers

Jets vs Raiders

Ravens vs Rams

Falcons vs Bucs

Packers vs Bears

Cardinals vs Seahawks

Steelers vs Colts

Redskins vs Cowboys

Thursday, September 15, 2011

NCAA Game Pick of the Week

I took last week off to rethink my approach after Georgia was slaughtered by Boise State. Hopefully my pick this week will be just as much fun to watch, but without the crushing loss to the team I declare will be the winner.

Ohio State vs Miami 7:30 PM ET ESPN

This game has tremendous potential to be an exciting game. It is in the primetime slot on ESPN, so fireworks are to be expected. The Hurricanes are actually 2.5-3.5 point favorites depending on who you ask, which essentially amounts to the home field advantage.

These teams are both loaded with potential, but also are saddled with the weight of major controversies and NCAA investigations pending. The matchups on the field are offset by the players who are missing. With the return of Jacory Harris and Ohio States' struggles with lesser teams, Miami is in prime position to take the Buckeyes out of National Title contention.

However, I do not see this happening. As much as I would love to see Ohio State crippled before they reach their Big 10 schedule, they are the better, more balanced team and should win this game. It will not be a statement win, (Miami is unranked) but doesn't need to be at this point in the season. Putting another game in the win column is all that matters. Miami may play with a desperation you would expect from a program teetering on the edge of extinction, but in the end they will be outscored.

The one factor that my prediction does not take into account is the weather. The forecast calls for about a 50/50 shot at a serious rain storm. If this game is in a downpour, all bets are off as Miami is much better prepared to play a sloppy game on offense and defense. The rain would upset the careful balance that the Buckeyes need to win this game.

My pick is Ohio State in anything but a monsoon.

Ohio State over Miami 34-28

Alternate Monsoon score: Miami over OSU 30-21

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

NBA Season

It is beginning to look more and more as though there will be no NBA season, or at the very least a delayed start. If there is news in the next few weeks, expect an NBA fantasy preview for the 2011 Trophy League before the beginning of the season.

Rick's Week 2 Picks

Last Week's Record (10-7) Season (10-7)


Winning Team in Bold
I have also added my Eliminator Pick


Chiefs vs Lions

Raiders vs Bills

Bucs vs Vikings

Bears vs Saints

Ravens vs Titans

Browns vs Colts

Jaguars vs Jets (Eliminator Pick)

Seahawks vs Steelers

Cardinals vs Redskins

Packers vs Panthers

Cowboys vs 49ers

Chargers vs Patriots

Texans vs Dolphins

Bengals vs Broncos

Eagles vs Falcons

Rams vs Giants

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

AFC Record Predictions 9/13


Playoff teams in bold. Full grid here

AFC North:
Steelers 14-2
Ravens 14-2 (Wildcard)
Browns 4-12
Bengals 3-13

AFC South:
Texans 12-4
Colts 9-7
Titans 3-13
Jaguars 2-14

AFC East:
Patriots 13-3
Jets 12-4 (Wildcard)
Dolphins 7-9
Bills 6-10

AFC West:
Chargers 10-6
Raiders 8-8
Chiefs 5-11
Broncos 2-14

Playoff Seeds
1. Steelers
2. Patriots
3. Texans
4. Chargers
5. Ravens
6. Jets

NFC Records and Predictions 9/13



Playoff teams in bold. Full Grid Here

NFC North:
Packers 13-3
Lions 10-6
Bears 9-7
Vikings 3-13

NFC South:
Saints 13-3
Falcons 11-5 (Wildcard)
Bucs 11-5
Panthers 4-12

NFC East:
Eagles 12-4
Cowboys 11-5 (Wildcard)
Giants 9-7
Redskins 6-10

NFC West:
Cardinals 7-9
Rams 7-9
Seahawks 5-11
49ers 4-12

Playoff Seeds
1. Packers
2. Saints
3. Eagles
4. Cardinals
5. Falcons
6. Cowboys

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Beast or Breakable

In this weekly feature, I will take a look at some of the upsets against my picks. Teams will be discussed and classified as either "beast" meaning they have a shot at continuing their strong play, or "breakable" meaning that they got lucky.

Chicago Bears - Beast

Although the falcons played unusually badly, this stemmed from mismatches that the Bears should be able to replicate against other teams.

A fantastic outing from the defense was the highlight here, and if this unit is healthy, there is no reason to think that they wont be able to stop some of the league's best teams. We will know a lot more after they play the saints next week, but I expect my Bears projections to have them winning a few more games.

Buffalo Bills - Beast

Turnovers certainly helped the Bills, but QB Ryan Fitzpatrick showed that he could make plays and finish off drives. 208 yards passing and 4TDs shows that he can play both in the redzone and while driving.

The Chiefs played badly, but looked decent enough on defense to beat a young team like the Bills. I think Buffalo is for real, but a tough schedule will make any real success difficult to capture. The offensive stars should have fantastic fantasy years, and the Bills won't be blown out like they were last year, but I do not believe that they will be able to gain any victories from better play.

Washington Redskins - Breakable

Rex Grossman came out and played like the version of himself that made the Bears throw away their shot at a Super Bowl. It will not last. The Redskins played fantastically against the Giants and showed that they have players on the team that can become great. A coaching staff that has what it takes to win, paired with talented players should be able to string together some victories, but without a quarterback who shows consistency, I believe they will fall short in close games.

The rest of the teams on the schedule will not be as injured or come out as sluggish as the Giants did. Although the Redskins won this game for themselves and have a relatively easy schedule, I do not think they will win many more games than I have projected.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Packers/Saints record predictions

Updating for Yesterday's game, I think the Packers now win 12 games and The saints also win 12, losing the NFC South to the Falcons, but capturing the 1st Wildcard.

Once we see how well the Colts play Sunday, I will update my projections for them.

A full prediction grid and new standings and playoff predictions will come Tuesday.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Updates for tomorrow

Projection updates for Saints, Packers, Colts, and the teams they play coming tomorrow.

Also a piece on Mark Ingram

Saints/Packers

Great game by both sides. The wounds are still too fresh to talk about the Packers, but I will say that they played a great game. I have nothing hateful or negative to say.

Except about Woodson. I have enjoyed his play in the past and thought of him as a good player. I hope he finds himself fined and suspended for his actions.

As far as the saints go, there was a lot of room for improvement.

P-Rob can not cover a #1 receiver.

I love Ingram as much as anyone, but you can not put the game in a rookie's hands when you have so many weapons available.

Defensively, weak play for the first half gradually gave way to a decent game toward the end. Getting Will Smith back in 2 weeks will do wonders for the defense.

In the end, it was the Colston fumble, the botched 4th and 1, and that final goal line decision that were the major points for me.

Overall the team looked good enough to play with the best in the NFC. I look forward to seeing the packers again in the NFC championship game.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

What a crazy week of NCAA Football. I missed on my Georgia/Boise prediction. I will continue to predict one game every week and cover others as needed.

With the start of the NFL season thursday, I hope to release my first power rankings tomorrow.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Boise v UGA

Edit:
So I missed on this one.

Kellen Moore looked fantastic. Boise has added a great win to their resume and has a great shot at going undefeated.

Along with LSU's colossal win against Oregon, Georgia's loss may show that they do not have what it takes to win in the SEC this year. The Conference is just too deep for them to play below potential.

My prediction: Georgia wins. It is not close.

Boise will not be able to compete against a real school. Georgia's defense will simply out play the Bronco offense.

On a semi related note: the all white pro combat uniforms for Boise and the Red/Black bulldog uniforms are fantastic.

UGA 44 Boise 28

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Preseason Big 10 Projections

Leaders
Wisconsin (8-0)
Ohio State (5-3)
Penn (5-3)
Purdue (4-4)
Illinois (3-5)
Indiana (1-7)


Legends
Nebraska (7-1)
Michigan St (6-2)
Michigan (4-4)
Iowa (3-5)
Minnesota (2-6)
Northwestern (0-8)

Big 10 Championship
Wisconsin over Nebraska

Fantasy Football 2011

The main league for this year is here, this is the 2nd year but there are many new teams.

Whenever "The League" is discussed, this is what we mean.

We hold an auction draft.