Goatz

There's a lot of stuff getting my goat right now, so my espn-thrashing is going to have to wait.  I also want to complain about the roughing the passer calls happening this year, but I have a sweet tasty NBA selection for you, inspired by Joe Reed asking my why Melo would leave Denver for the Nyets.  So here are some things on that.

Melo saw what happened with The 3 Who Shall Not Be Named (my name for the 3 in Miami instead of the other big 3 or the new big 3 or whatever espn is shilling (speaking of which, they're doing a week of training camp reports from Miami exclusively about the Heat...no training camp news from any other team.  Ridiculous)  (Which, btdubz, I'm not opposed to those three because they teamed up or because LBJ left Cleveland...he gave you seven good years Cleveland, get over it...my opposition is to the self-congratulatory nature of the whole thing.  They (especially LBJ and Bosh) act like they're the bee's knees when they haven't even played a real game together yet (of course it doesn't help when espn pimps them every chance they get/create)) Dang, I guess I need to have a separate post about this))), and he wanted to get in on the same action.  New York and New Jersey are clearly not going to afford him the same big name collection, but there are some possibilities...

New York (which doesn't look like it's going to happen now):  They got Stoudemire, who can be a fantastic player.  Tony Parker is in the last year of his contract and he might want to play in NY because it's close to his posh Manhattan home with his ladylove.  Add Melo and you have a pretty solid 3.  Parker did say he wants to stay in San Antonio, but who can trust anyone anymore.

New Jersey:  I don't know, actually.  I guess Melo wants to hang out with Prokhorov.  Maybe they can do some sweet jet ski tricks together.  Otherwise, they're probably going to deal Favors (and who knows if he'll be good anyway).  Is Melo going to dominate with Lopez and Harris?  Probably not.

It looks like the Nyets are in the front position for Melo and they just need to work some stuff out, but the only thing this shows is how bad Melo wants to get out of Denver.  And even though I'm a big Nuggets fan, I'm not going to hate on Melo for leaving (cough, cough, Cleveland...it didn't transfer well, but that was one of those masking what you're saying in a cough moves).  I appreciate his contribution over the years and now the Nuggets are going to be irrelevant for a long time.

Week 3 NFL Picks

Okay, so 8-8 isn't a good start. That record means you don't make the playoffs but don't get a great draft pick either, so I need to either get better or way worse, I'm hoping for the former this week.

Tennessee Titans (1-1) at New York Giants (1-1)
Both these teams looked flat out horrible last week. I could turn the ball over as much as VY did and then sit the bench for way less money (call me Jeff!). The Giants thought it would be a great idea to play fifty defensive backs and no one over 200 pounds and the Colts, who never run it effectively, ran all over them. They both have something to prove this week, but only one of them has a real chance to be legit and get to the playoffs this year.
Trevor's Pick: Tennessee Titans 20-16

San Francisco 49ers (0-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)
The 49ers put up a good showing against the Saints after the debacle in Seattle. The Chiefs haven't played anyone and would be in trouble if they had needed a passing game. The 49ers aren't as bad as 0-2 (though all the ESPNers picking them for the Super Bowl is a little whack) and the Chiefs aren't as good as 2-0. In Arrowhead this should be a good game.
Trevor's Pick: San Francisco 49ers 23-17

Dallas Cowboys (0-2) at Houston Texans (2-0)
I can't wait for the Cowboys to drop to 0-3. Take that ESPN.
Trevor's Pick: Houston Texans 27-17

Buffalo Bills (0-2) at New England Patriots (1-1)
I'm not sure why I'd ever pick the Bills to win. It's doubtful they'll go 0-16, but 1-15 might work. The Pats have some anger to take out after a sub-par performance against the Jets and the Bills are the perfect team for that.
Trevor's Pick: New England Patriots 31-6

Cleveland Browns (0-2) at Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
This game is like the one right before it, a bad team against a good team coming off a hard loss. The Browns are worse than I thought they'd be and the Ravens are above average on defense and at least average on offense.
Trevor's Pick: Baltimore Ravens 24-9

Detroit Lions (0-2) at Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
If the Vikings want a prayer of making the playoffs they have to win this game. They get their bye week early and come back to an insane schedule. The Lions are improved and cannot be taken lightly like they were in the past. The Vikings came close to beating a really good Miami team and if Brett has any fire left in him every week should get better for the offense. This is no gimmie, but the Vikes come through when they have to this time.
Trevor's Pick: Minnesota Vikings 20-17

Atlanta Falcons (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (2-0)
I don't love the Falcons despite a good game last week. I think the Saints are one of the best teams in the league, but it doesn't seem like they're clicking on all cylinders right now and it's their first week without Reggie Bush. If they can stop Michael Turner's running they should be able to pull this one out.
Trevor's Pick: Atlanta Falcons 20-19

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
Tampa Bay being 2-0 is a nice surprise. I like Raheem Morris and I think as they continue to add pieces they will continue to improve. The Steelers have Charlie Batch going at quarterback, but the defense is just too strong to falter against an average offense.
Trevor's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers 16-6

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-2)
The Bengals have had one bad half of football this year. People started bailing on them when they didn't kick butt in week 1, but this is a good team. Jimmy Claussen is starting for the Panthers which won't help much. He may be a good quarterback eventually but he's no Carson Palmer today.
Trevor's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals 27-10

Washington Redskins (1-1) at St. Louis Rams (0-2)
The Rams are another pleasant surprise. They haven't one but they haven't been destroyed either. I like the Redskins to keep improving as the season goes along and they almost beat one of the better teams in the league through two weeks, the Texans. The Redskins get back on track this week but the Rams continue their streak of not getting blown out.
Trevor's Pick: Washington Redskins 20-10

Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
Good thing Michael Vick is replacing Kevin Kolb, otherwise I'm not sure what ESPN personalities would have talked about all week. Michael has played well and if he is developing his pocket passing he is a huge weapon. I'm not sure about the Eagles defense after an iffy performance last week. Maurice Jones-Drew is hurt but playing. He's the main weapon for the Jags so if he's slowed by the injury it will hurt them.
Trevor's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles 24-20

Indianapolis Colts (1-1) at Denver Broncos (1-1)
The Colts are a better team than the Broncos. The eternally-injured Bob Sanders is out again, but they're used to playing without him by now. This one injury is nothing compared to the Broncos who are missing Knowshon Moreno, their starting RT Ryan Harris, and both starting corners Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman. Not a good time to be thin in the secondary.
Trevor's Pick: Indianapolis Colts 31-17

Oakland Raiders (1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-1)
The Cardinals need a quarterback, bad. Maybe the Raiders would loan them Jason Campbell now that they don't need him anymore. That might make this a better game. This is one game not worth watching.
Trevor's Pick: Oakland Raiders 16-10

San Diego Chargers (1-1) at Seattle Seahawks (1-1)
Is San Diego going to keep playing well or is it a requirement that they go 2-5 before turning it on and making the playoffs? Maybe it's bad karma they stuck it to Vincent Jackson. It's hard to believe in Seattle but how in the world did they lay that beating on the 49ers? This is a tough one to call because it could be a close Seattle win or a San Diego blowout.
Trevor's Pick: Seattle Seahawks 24-23

New York Jets (1-1) at Miami Dolphins (2-0)
I still don't buy the Jets. Maybe it's just because I don't want to. I think Miami will just continue to get better. The Dolphins will play better defense than the Patriots did and the game is in Miami.
Trevor's Pick: Miami Dolphins 21-16

Green Bay Packers (2-0) at Chicago Bears (2-0)
If ever there was a game where the most spectacular outcome would be for both teams to lose this is it. (Hey, I have to let my rooting interests come through sometimes.) Since that is an impossibility according to the rules as they're currently written I guess I have to pick someone. If this game were in Green Bay it wouldn't be close, but since it's in Chicago the Bears will hang in there. Cutler will throw an interception to ice the game for the Pack.
Trevor's Pick: Green Bay Packers 27-24

Week 2 NFL Power Rankings

This week we have double the info to base wild guestimations on compared to last week. So let's get after it.

5. New Orleans Saints/Miami Dolphins
It's the first tie of the year. I just couldn't decide. If these two teams played right now I think they might tie. Losing Reggie Bush is a loss the Saints will feel, but it's not going to knock them out of the playoffs or anything crazy. The Dolphins have tons of potential and will get better as the year goes along like a $4 bottle of wine. Their goal line stand against the Vikes was nicely done.

4. Indianapolis Colts
I'm not sure if they were good or the Giants were bad on Monday night. Probably more of the latter, but still, the Colts just win 12 games or more every year which means they're only losing three more the rest of the year.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers
If you can lose your starting quarterback and the backup and still go 2-0 you deserve some props. Their defense has been off the chain and if they keep that up when Big Ben returns this won't be their highest stop on this list. With Ben out I thought 2-2 would be good for them but they have a legit shot to go 4-0 now. Plus, who doesn't love them some Charlie Batch?!

2. Green Bay Packers
They thumped the Bills, who cares? The main reason they're number two this week is that they haven't shown any signs they don't deserve it. This week will be interesting against the Bears, but I think the Packers are the more legit 2-0 team. Aaron Rogers has yet to really lay it on us, but he will in time.

1. Houston Texans
#1 two weeks in a row, that's a record! Of course, last week one week in a row was a record to since this blog just started. I think the Skins are good this year and the Texans showed some grit to hang in there and win a close one on the road. They also showed why I spent so much money on Andre Johnson in my fantasy draft. The Texans are ready to roll over the Boys this week and make it three in a row.

Recap

Hey Gang - Here's the recap from the weekend.  Not to brag, but I'm ridiculously good.  I CALLED THE MSU/ND GAME TO THE POINT! What?  Try to get that from a $9.99/month gambling service.  To the freaking point.  I called the exact point differential.  Beyond that, I was 5-0.  Okay, so Michigan almost got upset, but they still won, and I didn't call the spread that didn't exist.  So bam.  I'm so good.

On the other hand, Trevor did not pick against the spread, but to date (before MNF is over) he is 6 for 15, which is pitiful, but that's my fault.  I should have picked the opposite on every game so sportiversity could be 100%, which is the picking style of The Walking Dead podcast (which, btdubz, you should listen to whether you read the comic or not, because it is really fun to listen to and totally pumps you up for the show premiering Halloween night, which you should watch because it's going to be a fantastic mix of drama and horror), which is a great approach because how are you going to refute a 100% picks record?  So sorry Trevor & sorry readers.  I will be more on top of it next time, or maybe I won't, depending on my schedule.  I'm the college football guy...so don't expect pro picks.

So what's the take-away?  I was 5 and freaking 0.  You should listen to me.  You should always read this blog for your tips.  On top of that, I should gamble, which I don't do.  Maybe that would help me pay back the government for helping me go to DU.

5 Things: Minnesota Vikings

This is a new feature I'm making up. It's called 5 Things because I'm going to talk about five things. Today's is about the Minnesota Vikings.

1. Brett's still got it.
What?! He threw three interceptions and had a fumble! Yeah, yeah, I know, but if you watched the game he also made some amazing throws and showed some good mobility. The first interception was only his fault if he hit Harvin too hard in the hands. He made a few bad decisions, there's no doubt, but if he has the time to throw it looks like he's still got it. I'm still not sure about his desire this year. The times in the game where he would have been fist-pumping last year he was golf clapping today.

2. The defense is a problem right now.
This one might seem crazy too since they only gave up 14 points this week and 13 last week. The thing is, this is supposed to be a dominant defense against the run, and they're not right now. Today they only gave up 14 because of a couple turnovers and some big plays off the edge. That's fine, but I just wonder why the secondary is bringing down the running backs so frequently. It's not like they've been bad, they just haven't been dominant. The biggest problem with this is with the offense sputtering minus Rice and Chester Taylor, they have to be dominant for this team to win.

3. Percy Harvin looks slow.
Maybe it was missing training camp with the migraines, but Percy Harvin looks like he's running through peanut butter. Last year he was electric almost every time he touched the ball. If it is an issue of fitness then he should improve with each week that passes. With Sydney Rice out Percy's going to have to step up in coming weeks for the Vikings to hang around and fight for a playoff spot.

4. They need to go after Vincent Jackson if they're serious about winning this year.
Brett Favre can't have Greg Lewis as a primary target if the Vikings want to be a serious football team. Percy Harvin isn't lighting it up like last year. Bernard Berrian is good for about two catches a game. And Sydney Rice isn't coming back until at least week 7, more likely later than that. The Vikings need a receiver and Vincent Jackson is the main one out there. If he goes to a team other than the Chargers he'll only miss four games, so two more.

5. They miss Chester Taylor.
What in the Hades were the Vikings thinking to let this guy go? Adrian Peterson looked great in the second half today, but Chester Taylor was always good for a first down, something the Vikings could use more of right now. They miss Taylor at least as much as they miss Sydney Rice.

If you check out espn, they'll try to hypnotize you into getting pumped about the Iowa v. Arizona game on Saturday.  We're supposed to be excited because this is the only matchup where both teams have a number next to their name (plus espn is airing the game...so coincidental...more on espn in a future post).

I'm here to tell you what to be excited about, and I'm not any payroll so you can trust me (although I'm not at all opposed to any payroll...conference hr people...I'm talking to you...I don't care what it is...BYU, when you launch your network next year, I'm your man...seriously BYU, you want the number 1 spot here? Pay me under the table and I'll promote you like Billy Mays).  Also, I have to admit for full disclosure that I have a leaning toward the Big 10 and Pac-10 (which both teams I mentioned in the beginning are in, so you'd think I would be in, but I'm not.  That's not the Big 10 v. Pac-10 game of the weekend.  More on that below.  Also, my fave teams are Minnesota and Oregon.

Also, this is the first of these posts, so here's the set-up.  I'm going to give you my top five games that I'm excited to watch and why.  I'll also give the spread and my pick.  We'll keep a running total for the season so you can see how awesome I am.  So with that out of the way, here are my top 5 college games of the weekend (with spread in parentheses)...

5.  Arizona State vs. Wisconsin (-15.5): Here's a matchup of two sneaky teams that have totally annihilated their competition so far this season.  Although, to date their competition has been about as challenging and playing me, Trevor and a team of 2nd graders, but that's beside the point.  Both of these teams have the potential to have really fantastic seasons in their fairly difficult conferences.  This will be the first real battle for either team this season, so we'll see how it pans out.  Although Scott Tolzien has only 1 td for the season against terrible teams, he has maintained a solid passer rating in the 140s throughout college.  I have high hopes for Wisconsin this year, so I think they'll win, but by more than 2 tds?  Probably not.  So take ASU on points, but Wisconsin to win.

4.  Oregon vs. Portland State (no line):  I know what you're thinking.  Why would I want to watch a college football power stomp on a little guy for hours?  There's no line for a reason.  But here's the thing.  When Oregon's offense takes them to the Pac-10 championship, which they win, and in turn dominate the NCAA football tournament and win the national championship against Boise St., you can say you watched them throughout the season and saw their potential.  What?  There's no Pac-10 championship game?  Shoot, well they'll at least win the Pac-10 based on their undefeated season.  What's that you say?  There's still no NCAA football tournament?  I thought this was the 21st century.  Nevermind then. I guess you can say you watched them the whole way when they beat Boise St. in the Sugar bowl when 1-loss Alabama and 1-loss Texas play in the "national championship."

3.  Michigan State (-3.5) vs. Notre Dame: The reign of Brian Kelly continues against the Spartans.  The Spartans seem to bringing their game up and elevating the status of the Big 10.  As with many other teams, it's hard to know what they're truly capable of because they haven't played anyone yet.  The Irish are making their way through the Big 10 with so little consistency that it's impossible to know what they'll do.  That's part of what makes them so much fun to watch.  I'm sure it will be close, but since it's not on NBC I'm gonna say the Irish will be uncomfortable and lose by 3 (i.e. take ND on points, MSU to win).  That's all I have to say.

2.  Southern California (-20) vs. Minnesota:  Alright, I know Minnesota lost to South Dakota, but maybe we're not giving South Dakota the credit it deserves.  Maybe it's up and coming.  Maybe it's the next Boise St. or TCU.  Okay, back to reality.  Legitimate question:  Is Lane Kiffin a good coach?  He never stays anywhere long enough for us to find out.  Maybe USC will be great this year and shove their ineligibility in the BCS' face (unlikely).  But 20 points?  Plus, home field is worth three points, which means at a neutral site LVSC would put USC up by 23 points.  That's outrageous.  It's probably pretty obvious where I'm going here, but I take Minnesota on points and USC to win, maybe by more like 10-14.

1.  Michigan vs. Massachusetts (no line):  Again, no line so it'll be a crazy blowout.  So why watch?  Denard Robinson against the Massachusetts defense is going to be like me playing Madden against Lydia (no offense to Lydia.  I just find her Madden skills at 3 years old to be quite lacking).  Robinson is fun to watch in any game, but in this one, it'll be reedonkulous.


That's it.  I know there were only 3 games with spreads.  That'll happen from time to time.  Especially in these cupcake days.  Give me a break until conference time.

NFL Picks: Week 2

Baltimore (1-0) at Cincinnati (0-1)
After taking a half just to wake up in New England, the Bengals will come into this game more prepared and a little humbled. The Ravens offense fell far short of their anticipated greatness in week 1, but as Boldin and Housh get their timing down with Joe Flacco the offense should improve to compliment a solid defense. This one goes down to the wire.
Trevor's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals 19-17

Chicago (1-0) at Dallas (0-1)
In a fair universe both of these teams would be 0-1, but this is the real world and the Bears look to stay undefeated in Jerryland. Unlike most ESPN analysts, I'm just not buying the Cowboys as the second best team in the NFC. The Bears running game took a huge step up with the acquisition of Chester Taylor from the Vikes in the off-season, but they still lack any real players at wide receiver. A snoozer.
Trevor's Pick: Dallas Cowboys 13-9
Philadelphia (0-1) at Detroit (0-1)
In a battle of two teams without their starting quarterbacks this one has to come down to the better defense. The Eagles looked good against a potentially high-powered Packers offense in week 1 and the Lions were sufficient against an unproven Bears offense. If Vick goes over Kolb it does give the Eagles an edge at quarterback. Not the game of the week.
Trevor's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles 27-13

Arizona (1-0) at Atlanta (0-1)
Arizona was lucky to escape St. Louis with a win. They have a quarterback controversy between an interception machine and a rookie (I still say getting rid of Matt Leinart was a good idea). Atlanta came up short in a slug-fest with the Steelers where they only managed 9 points. Matt Ryan is one of the most overrated quarterbacks in the league and they lack weapons on offense. This one may come down to who can produce more turnovers.
Trevor's Pick: Arizona Cardinals 21-17

Kansas City (1-0) at Cleveland (0-1)
There's not much to say here. The Chiefs look better (even though they were dominated statistically by the Chargers). The Browns look like they will continue to find ways to lose games. If they can't beat the Bucs they can't beat the Chiefs.
Trevor's Pick: Kansas City Chiefs 31-10

Buffalo (0-1) at Green Bay (1-0)
Want to see a blowout? This is your game. The Packers are at home after an average performance in Philly. The Bills are looking at joining the WAC.
Trevor's Pick: Green Bay Packers 40-6

Pittsburgh (1-0) at Tennessee (1-0)
Two words: Dennis Dixon. He had enough to get the job done against the Falcons, but Tennessee looks like a top third team in the NFL. Pittsburgh's defense will have to have a gargantuan performance if they even want to stay in this one. They're capable of it, but they can't make any mistakes. The Steelers focus on Chris Johnson in this one and Vince Young gets it done through the air.
Trevor's Pick: Tennessee Titans 17-13

Tampa Bay (1-0) at Carolina (0-1)
I'm not sure this one is even worth picking. Needless to say I won't stop at this one while flipping through the Sunday Ticket lineup.
Trevor's Pick: Carolina Panthers 20-10

Miami (1-0) at Minnesota (0-1)
The question here is whether or not Minnesota will show up. Brett looks and sounds like he wishes he was watching from the couch this year, Percy Harvin looked like he pulled an all-nighter and was hungover in the Saints game, and Bernard Berrian forgot how to catch a football. The Dolphins are an improved time and while they may be getting a little more national love than they deserve they can easily win this game if the Vikings don't pull it together.
Trevor's Pick: Minnesota Vikings 23-21

St. Louis (0-1) at Oakland (0-1)
Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be anymore horrible games on the docket you get this one. The only intrigue here is seeing the continued development of Sam Bradford.
Trevor's Pick: Oakland Raiders 14-13

Seattle (1-0) at Denver (0-1)
Seattle might be good. Denver isn't very good. I am a Kyle Orton fan and I believe he can lead the Broncos to a better record than many think, but that still works out to about 7-9. I'm looking forward to this game because I think we'll find out a lot about Seattle. They had a big win against the 49ers and now it's time to see if they can keep it going.
Trevor's Pick: Seattle Seahawks 20-17

Houston (1-0) at Washington (1-0)
It's no secret, I'm on the Houston Texans fan bus. Not because I've traditionally been a fan but because I like watching them play on both sides of the ball and believe this is the year they put it all together and make the playoffs. Washington looked okay in their opener, but they barely beat a Dallas team that will prove over time that they're average. The only danger for Houston here is letting down after the big win over Indy.
Trevor's Pick: Houston Texans 19-9

New England (1-0) at New York Jets (0-1)
The Jets are the most overrated team in the NFL and it's not close. They've smack-talked their way into having people think they're good enough to challenge for the Super Bowl, but I don't think they'll even make the playoffs. Mark Sanchez is an average quarterback at best, they lost Thomas Jones, and the defense is going to get tired of trying to hold other teams in single digits to have a chance at winning. New England looked great in week 1 and there's no reason to think that won't be the case again.
Trevor's Pick: New England Patriots 28-12

Jacksonville (1-0) at San Diego (0-1)
This game is interesting (don't you love when someone tells you something is interesting? That usually means it's not all that interesting, but in this case I think it really is, really.). By the end of the season the Chargers will be a better team, but right now they look like they're struggling with the holdouts of key players. Under Norv Turner they also start slow every year and then come on strong at the end. Jacksonville, on the other hand, is just a solid but not great NFL team. They have an average quarterback, great running back, and decent defense. If this was week 12 I'd take the Chargers, but in this case...
Trevor's Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars 17-14

New York Giants (1-0) at Indianapolis (0-1)
Mmmm...two Manning brothers. That reminds me of me and my brother doing this blog. They should tie so everyone can be happy and the Mannings have a nice family dinner afterward. Since ties aren't a regular occurrence I guess I have to pick someone. Peyton Manning is the only thing I believe about the Colts, but that's more than I believe about the Giants.
Trevor's Pick: Indianapolis Colts 24-21

New Orleans (1-0) at San Francisco (0-1)
Let's hope the 49ers are better than their showing against the Seahawks or this game will end up 100-3. I do think the 49ers have some good talent, but Alex Smith doesn't have what it takes to be a great NFL quarterback. New Orleans may not be the best team in the league but they're pretty dang good. After a slow start last week against the Vikings they've had a long week to prepare for an overrated 49ers team still reeling from last week's whipping at the hands of the Seahawks.
Trevor's Pick: New Orleans Saints 31-13