NFL: Gridiron Preview Week 4
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by Suckatsports
Gridiron Preview is a weekly feature that will run all 17 weeks of the glorious NFL schedule, and then a sexy drown time for the playoffs. Don't look for betting advice here, even though we're almost always right.
Did you hear that sound? That was everyone jumping off the Saints bandwagon. I was one of those people, and I think I tore something. Any team that's 0-3 now can pretty much kiss their post-season chances goodbye. Statistically, when you're 0-3, you might as well not even worry about going out and playing the games, because they just don't matter, only one in the last 51 teams actually did something after burying themselves a hole. Also, I've not visibly watched one Monday Night game yet, because I don't have cable. Sadly, it didn't even seem like I missed anything. Viva Sunday Night Football.
What we learned is, Vince Young is really good. Whether he's completing 50% of his passes, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, or flicks the ball side arm in a horrible motion, he's winning games. He's that dynamic, that exciting, and that transcendent of an athlete that he himself makes all the difference on a team. You don't want him as your starting fantasy quarterback, but you do want him on your home town team, because he will somehow, someway lead you to a win. This can be dovetailed with the fact that Jeff Fisher might be the best coach in the NFL. Sure, he has no championship rings, and his teams lately have stunk, but look at what he has to work with. I can't name one wide receiver, or defensive player on that team, and they're winning games and are highly competitive. Titans are lucky to have him, and the management is smart to extend his contract. This is such a rarity in the NFL for a coach to stay with one team so long, it's like a throwback era. This will be exciting to watch for a long time, if Norm Chow, Vince Young, and Jeff Fisher can stay together.
This week's games are stinkers. There's not one that I'm excited to watch. However, if there's one game I'd call the game of the week, I guess it would have to be the Monday night match up of New England and Cincinnati. This is an interesting game until we realize that the Bengals defense is one of the worst in the NFL. They gave up 50 points to the Browns people, the Browns! And the New England offense, on the other hand has put up some 30+ points in back-to-back games. Seriously, I had the Bills +17 at home, and I didn't win that - it's just not right. It's hard to imagine that the sieve-modeled defense can stop that kind of efficiency and cold athleticism. Their only hope would be an explosive offense that can hide their ineptitude on defense by staying on the field for a long time with a solid running game. That's great until... Rudi Johnson's injury will keep him out of the Monday night game. I guess the only thing left now is a lot of praying, and hope that emotion can carry this Monday night game to be competitive.
Our Picks. We will pick 10 games against the spread for each week. One of these 10 has to be a Sunday night game, and the other has to be a Monday night game, that way we won't wimp out. The winner gets bragging rights. As I mentioned last week, the lines sucked, and both our picks reflected that when we combined to go 7-11-2. Go us.
Season Standings (10 games per week, started week 2) Hermano : 10-9-1 DSC : 9-10-1
Patriots (-7.5) at Bengals. Hermano - You're kidding me, right? Bengals have post season aspirations, and they're a 7.5 point dawg (as they say) at home? There's no way this isn't a... wait, they're playing the Patriots, without Rudi Johnson? This here's about to get ugly. Cover! Cover! Patriots -7.5 DSC -I feel dirty making this pick. Patriots -7.5
Eagles (-3) at Giants. Hermano - So many home dogs, I don't know what to think. So, the Eagles put up 50 points last week, and the Giants are a wreck, even though they won last week. But, the Eagles also have as many wins as the Giants, and have yet to win on the road. Giants +3. DSC -Fine, I'm a believer now. You whooped my lions. But I really hope they continue to wear those awesome jerseys... ugh. Eagles -3.
And now, the games we might not have in common...
Rams at Dallas (-13.5) Hermano - I guess I should stop betting against Dallas, because they ripped Chicago a new orifice last weekend. I still don't like Wade Phillips, and when it comes down to it, he'll surely fuck things up. However, they're playing the Rams, and I have no idea what's going on in St. Louis. Dallas -13.5 DSC - No Jackson. Bruised QB. AT Dallas? Thanks! Dallas -13.5
Chefs at Chargers (-12). Hermano - Yup, I really called them the "chefs" because they might as well be cooking in the kitchen than playing football. These guys suck, and very few of them are actual NFL caliber players. So, get back to delivering beer, or being a busboy, get out of this league. Chargers -12.
Broncos at Colts(-10). Hermano - As I remember, the Broncos decided to sign a bunch of awesome corners to keep up with the offensive weapons Peyton has at his disposal. The only problem is, they decided not to get any other good players on their team besides corners. And, they haven't won at the dome in about 10 years. Colts -10. DSC - Could I care about this game less? Indy at home = blowout. Colts -10.
Ravens(-4) at Browns. Hermano - Oh, how badly do I want to take my home team to make some waves in their own division. Or at least be competitive. Or at least, lose by less than 4. But I can't do it, because this team sucks, and their best player, Kellen Winslow didn't practice all week with a separated shoulder. Ravens -4. DSC - We'll call this one the Congrats To The Indians for Winning the AL Central pick. Also, anytime a coach says they're gonna rotate qbs i get scared. Also Jamal Lewis is going to run for about 82348823 yards, in the first half (half of which while riding Joe Thomas like a horse). Cleveland +4.
Seahawks (-2.5) at 49ers. Hermano - I'm on the 49ers bandwagon, and I was since the beginning of the year. They've played some stiff competition this year, but they gotta do something at home. Also, I'm just not sold on Seattle. What's with Alexander trying to prove he's tough by playing with an injury? Get out of here. 49ers +2.5. DSC - I'm using the Home Underdog excuse. But in reality I like San Fran more than Seattle. I can't explain it but I just never have faith in the Hawk. 49ers +2.5
Steelers (-6.5) at Cardinals. Hermano - Steelers have been playing some excellent football with Omar Epps at the helm, no one will deny that. There's just something about playing a guy who should have gotten the coaching gig, and you're coming into his house, thumbing your nose at him. Cardinals +6.5. DSC - A friend of mine is a huge Steelers fan. When the Lions were 2-0 and Cleveland came off that big win against Cincy, Hermano told him that we at Suck at Sports expect a Lions/Browns Superbowl. Funny right? Well Steeler's fan still believes we are serious. What does this have to do with this game? Nothing, other than how badly I would LOVE it if 'Zona pulled this one off, but um.... Steelers are good. Steelers -6.5.
Jets (-3.5) at Bills. Hermano - What would happen, if the Jets were to fall to a couple games behind their division? All NY teams will suck, and the world will explode. But, their defense isn't up to par, they have an unfathomable QB situation, and it's at Buffalo. Bills +3.
Raiders at Miami (-4). Hermano - I love the NFL. Joey Porter goes off guaranteeing a win against the Raiders. Well, here's the problem with that, Miami is really bad. Also, I'd take Norv Turner over Cam Cameron, and that's crazy, because, well, he's Norv Turner. Raiders +4.
Texans (-3) at Falcons. DSC - I'm writing my analysis of this one before I make the pick. This game can only go two ways: 1. Matt "ha fucking ha ha" Schaub comes back to Hotlanta and lights it up yada yada yada, Falcons fans cry and miss Jamal Anderson. 2. Matt Schaub shits the bed, Joey Harrington only throws 2 ints and they just barely get by. The problem is I can't figure out which. So, though I've been taking Atlanta all week because of the home underdog theory, well... JOEY HARRINGTON! Viva Houston! Texans -3.
Packers (-3) at Vikings. DSC - Kelly Holcomb is starting, Brett Favre thinks it's 1996. I believe in the dream. Go Pack Go. Packers -3.
Bears at Lions (+3) Hermano - I am morally opposed to bet on the Lions anymore. They were playing so well when I picked them to win, and they had a cataclismic loss. I wanted to say that am not taking them, or against them this week, even though I think they'll win outright. DSC - But DSC, didn't the Lion's get killed last week? Yes, yes they did. But they played against a good team, on the road. Now we get an overrated team, at home. Bears are missing a chunk of that good defense and Big Bad Brian Griese is starting. Plus I'm going to be there, so, well, um, Go Lions! Lions +3.
Johnson won't play against Patriots [ESPN.com] Titans extend Fisher [USA Today] Photo: My Picks Pal
