Saturday, October 25, 2008

The Liar's NFL Week 8 Picks

I spent way too long doing my picks this week, now I'm running late for a party tonight. Let's stop wasting time and get right to it.

Last Week's Picks: 10/4
Season Record: 60/42


Early Sunday Games:
Buccaneers (5-2) over Cowboys (4-3)
I'm gonna tune into this one just to watch Wade Phillips on the Dallas sideline. Jerry Jones says his job is safe, but the big guy hates losing and has a hair-line trigger. The Cowboys are in a bad spot right now, and unless they can pull off a huge upset with their second-stringers, I see a new hard-ass head coach moving in before Tony Romo's busted pinkie has a chance to heal.

Redskins (5-2) over Lions (0-6)
The last "gimme" game the Skins had against a winless joke of a team was two weeks ago against the Rams. They lost at the last second with a St. Louis field-goal. I'm hoping like hell that they learned their lesson then, and will go after the throat of the Motor City Kitties and decimate them with every weapon in the Washington arsenal - I won't be happy unless the Bears are playing against all Detroit 3rd-stringers next Sunday.

Bills (5-1) over Dolphins (2-4)
The Bills are for real, baby. The Phins need this win, but it's gonna be too much of a struggle to up-end the AFC East leaders.

Patriots (4-2) over Rams (2-4)
The Rams are playing with a chip on their shoulder, fire in their bellys, and hate in their hearts; Goodbye Linehan, indeed. The Pats are starting to gel under Cassel, but are losing players left and right. This should be an entertaining game, but St. Louis is way out-classed in this one.

Chargers (3-4) over Saints (3-4)
Note: Due to this game being played in Wembly Stadium in London, I've decided to write this pick in Cockney rhyming-slang. Deal with it.
Oi! saucepan lids, it's anovver London game, but this nickle and dime in hell 'ov a reason. The bloomin' Saints 'eaven and 'ell need a win 'ere ter stay competitive in air incision, but I loike the Chargers in ben wahn.

Jets (3-3) over Chiefs (1-5)
Back in the '06 off-season the Chiefs played dirty and grabbed Herm Edwards from the Jets with 2 years left on his coaching contract. It ended up costing the Chief a 4th round draft pick for tampering.
What did Kansas City get with Edwards? A pathetic 14 & 24 record, a depleted roster, and possibly one of the worst coaches in NFL history. Congratulations, douchebags.
This is Herm's triumphant return to the Meadowlands. Cheer up, New York, being rid of that scum-fuck loser is better than a hundred Brett Favres wrapped up under your Christmas tree.

Eagles (3-3) over Falcons (4-2)
It's the battle of the birds! This is going to be a great game. the Eagles are struggling to keep their heads above water in the NFC East, and the Falcons are booming out of the gate with their rebuilt team. I'm just picking the home team here, due to a lack of any real discernible advantage either way.

Panthers (5-2) over Cardinals (4-2)
The Cardinals better start losing some games quick, or they might actually finish a season with a winning record, and we just can't have that.

Ravens (3-3) over Raiders (2-4)
The Raiders are coming off an impressive win over the Jets. They're flying at Mach II right now - Right into the brick-wall defense of Baltimore. Eject! Eject!

Late Sunday Games:
Texans (2-4) over Bengals (0-7)
The Bengals so bad, they think the Quarterback is a government refund.
The Bengals so bad, they think the Super Bowl is what goes with the Super Spoon.
The Bengals so bad, they ran to Canada to avoid the NFL Draft.
The Bengals so bad, the only scoring they do is on the drug test.
etc, etc.

Jaguars (3-3) over Browns (2-4)
I'd like to see the Brownies grab a win here and right their season before it capsizes below the waves of mediocrity, but If I were Cleveland I'd have the life rafts at the ready.

Giants (5-1) over Steelers (5-1)
This is probably the best game of the week right here. For some reason, I just don't give a shit. I'd much rather watch the battle for the bottom out in the land of Rice-A-Roni (see below).

49ers (2-5) over Seahawks (1-5)
Samurai Mike make his debut as the Niners head coach in this one. I'm really interested in seeing how he does. There has been a lot of buzz around him since his days with the Ravens, but the word is that he just isn't good with the "X's" & "O's" 0f the game. I'm shocked that San Fran didn't just bump-up Mike Martz, who has a proven track-record of winning. Singletary better put together some magic quick, or his career as a NFL head coach could be a short-lived one.

No Sunday Night Game (due to World Series)

Monday Night Game:
Titans (6-0) over Colts (3-3)
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. With a win here, the Titans could nearly knock the Colts out of contention and secure a stranglehold on the AFC South division. The only thing that can derail 'em now is if somehow Vince Young weaseled his way back onto the field this season. If I were Tennessee, I would set up razor wire and armed turrets along the sideline to prevent that tragedy from happening.
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Wrong picks in RED
Correct Picks in GREEN

Friday, October 24, 2008

Under the Radar

This is not a Grossman vs. Orton post. It's not even a "Turner sucks" post. It's actually complementary. I have noticed that most snaps this year have resulted in 3+ seconds of time for Orton to operate. The big draft pick hasn't even gotten into the game yet, and the o-line has improved a LOT in the past year.

I would still contend that Grossman could be effective in this improved system, but I'm over it. The offensive line provided protection, Forte provides a competent running game, and the receivers (aside from some back-breaking drops) are doing a better job than I expected. I've always argued that the QB position only needs to be mechanically sound. If the rest of the offense is sound, we don't need a superhero.

We do need a defense. The same issues that plagued the offense last year (weak front line, lack of aggression) is now passed to the defense. All these guys got paid in the off-season, and I expected more. 41 points is unacceptable. If the defense pulls itself together somehow and Orton continues to improve, I think we can take the North at least.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

The Liar's NFL Week 7 Picks

Last week should serve as an example to anyone inclined on placing a wager on any NFL sporting contest that YOU SHOULD NEVER BET ON FOOTBALL.

Seriously.

Crap teams were upending "Top 10" teams galore. Last week was, essentially, one huge upset. I had the foresight to indicate a bunch of trap games, but still got schooled on my picks. It was ugly.
To top it all off, I've been dead-sick all week and am just starting to feel better. I'm hoping that in my fevered delirium I'll make a bunch of prescient picks. I'm like the oracle of De-picks.

Sorry.

Last Week's Picks: 6/8
Season Record: 50/38


Early Sunday Games:
Bills (4-1) over Chargers (3-3)
The Williams suffered their first loss two weeks ago, and have had last week off to get over it. The Chargers are a decent team, but I'm not jumping off of the Bills bandwagon just yet.

Bears (3-3) over Vikings (3-3)
Wow, I'm still pissed at the Bears last-second (literally) loss last week. It was a fucking heart-breaker. Here's their shot at redemption (or descent into oblivion).
Postgame: Hey Babitch; WAKE THE FUCK UP! The Bears are getting killed late in games with the cover-two defense. You're not securing leads, you're blowing them. Cut it the fuck out! Yeesh.

Steelers (4-1) over Bengals (0-6)
This could be the hold-over upset game from last week. The win-less Bengals are going to do everything they can to steal a victory against this disorganized Steelers team.

Titans (5-0) over Chiefs (1-4)
Can anyone else believe that the Titans are the only team left this season without a loss? No, really.

Cowboys (4-2) over Rams (1-4)
The Hapless Rams slapped down a humiliating loss against my 'Skins last week and are now facing a Dallas team with either a crippled Romo or (ex-Skin) Brad Johnson behind center. It would be so sweet to have the Rams turn around and knock the depleted Cowboys in the teeth. Unfortunately, last week was a fluke, and the 'Boys would have to lose 8 more starters to make this an even match-up.
Postgame: Tony Romo should totally hang with Tom Brady and together watch their teams disintegrate without them at QB.

Dolphins (2-3) over Ravens (2-3)
Believe it or not, the Fish ain't bad this season. Here's a win for the home-team.

Giants (4-1) over 49ers (2-4)
The G-Men are coming off a huge embarrassment against the Browns last week. How to get the home-crowd back behind you? Beat the snot out of some chump team on your home turf. This one was made to order.
P.S. - Go Niners! A win here would rip the still-beating heart right from the chest of the reigning Super Bowl champs.

Panthers (4-2) over Saints (3-3)
This is going to be a good game - Close as hell. In situations like this one, I just pick the home-team and move on.

Late Sunday Games:
Texans (1-4) over Lions (0-5)
Welcome to the cellar of the NFL, kids. What's amazing is that the Lions are still in the playoff hunt without a win. The rest of the NFC North is tied for "first" at 3 and 3. If Detroit is smart, they'll just kick back and wait for the first pick of the '09 draft.

Jets (3-2) over Raiders (1-4)
The Jets are set to shine in this Favre showcase game. The Oakland pass defense is non-existent - Look for big numbers in this one and for (Raiders owner) Al Davis to leave the stadium on a gurney sometime in the 3rd quarter.
Postgame: Um... Nevermind.

Colts (3-2) over Packers (3-3)
With a Bears victory and a Packers loss, Chicago will be alone atop the NFC North. Question is: Does that really prove anything? It's kinda like being the most beautiful girl in Iqualuit.

Redskins (4-2) over Browns (2-3)
As I said last week; Once the Skins fuck-up a "gimme" game, they usually head into a tail-spin. The Browns are coming off a huge upending of the NY Football Giants last week. I just don't see a crap team winning two huge games back-to-back, and a good team dumping two "easy" matches. Watch me be wrong.

Sunday Night Game:
Buccaneers (4-2) over Seahawks (1-4)
This will be the first time in 476 weeks that John Madden will sit out a Sunday Night Football (previously Monday Night Football, prior to '06) game. Can you blame him? I'm not even gonna watch this dreck.

Monday Night Game:
Patriots (3-2) over Broncos (4-2)
C'mon New England. Here's your shot. Topple the over-rated Broncos and your back in the game - Lose this one, and you're just another page in the "Super Bowl Losers Big Book of Horrors".
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Wrong picks in RED
Correct Picks in GREEN

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Huskies Win

The Huskies won their homecoming game today against Miami (Ohio).

What? Doesn't anyone care about the MAC?

The Liar's NFL Week 6 Picks

Last Sunday at 4PM, I was sitting pretty at 7 & 1. Then in the final six games it all fell apart - 2 & 4. I haven 't seen a second-half collapse like that since Grossman was behind center. Yeesh.
Anyway, This is a HUGE rock & roll weekend with Riot Fest, so I'm a bit preoccupied. Here's hoping that I get a few picks right this week before I'm benched and replaced by the neck-beard.

Last Week's Picks: 9/5
Season Record: 44/30

Early Sunday Games:

Colts (2-2) over Ravens (2-2)
Man, the Clots are sucking it lately. To make matters worse, Bal'mer is gonna lay down another load of hurt down on an already shaky Indy offense. That being said, I think that Indy is a lot better than they're showing right now, and should be able to limp away with a win here.

Vikings (2-3) over Lions (0-4)
I've been tempted to pick every winless team this week. Week six is do-or die time, and all jobs are on the line. Rod Marinelli is hanging onto his coaching gig by his fingernails, and he's gonna come out swinging in this one. This one's rife for an upset, but I just don't think that the Motor City Kitties have what it takes to close the deal.

Saints (2-3) over Raiders (1-3)
Oi!, New Orleans. Fuck You.
You really screwed me on that STUPID loss to the Vikes last Monday. That was fucking terrible, you really should be ashamed. As long as I live I'm never gonna pick you to win another game, so help me God. And that's why I'm picking the Raide... Raiders?!? Um, nevermind.

Jets (2-2) over Bengals (0-5)
The Bengals have been playing their little hearts out lately, but still can't get a win. I don't see 'em getting their first victory this week, but it really is their best shot until week 8.

Bears (3-2) over Falcons (3-2)
This game makes me nervous. The Bears are playing great, but Atlanta is playing way better than they should be this year. Did you see the way they schooled the Packers last week (which I called, by the way)? It was brutal. This is exactly the kind of loss that seems to send the Bears into a tailspin every year. I broke the slump last week, and am keeping the faith this week.
Go Bears!
Postgame: Aaaaaarrrrrgggghhh!!!!!!

Panthers (4-1) over Buccaneers (3-2)
It's a showdown between the two fucking teams that eeked out wins over the Bears this season. Bastards. I hope you both lose.

Redskins (4-1) over Rams (0-4)
Hey, DC; TRAP GAME!!!
The Skins have a nasty habit of looking past the easy games and getting embarrassed when they're riding high. This is a classic "Washington gets pantsed by a team they should beat like a incontinent dog" game. WATCH OUT!

Dolphins (2-2) over Texans (0-4)
Hey, It's the showdown of the gayest names/helmets in the NFL! The Texans' desperation is palpable at this point - They're better than an 0 & 4 team, but just can't seem to squeeze out a win. They really need to grab a victory on the homefield, but I think that the Fish have turned the corner and are ready to make a move up to mediocrity.

Late Sunday Games:
Broncos (4-1) over Jaguars (2-3)
Every week I pick the Broncos to lose and get screwed. Every week I pick the Jags to win and get screwed. I think I see a pattern emerging. Watch this pick be wrong, then watch my head explode.

Eagles (2-3) over 49ers (2-3)
Whenever Westbrook is out, Philly sucks. Luckily for the Beagles, San Fran is struggling also. Look for Martz to open this one up - Plenty 'o' long passes and plenty 'o' turnovers. I see the Niners pulling out all the shots, but coming up just short.

Packers (2-3) over Seahawks (1-3)
'Shawks really need a win here before going on an extended road-trip over the next four weeks. I picked the Pack first, but then changed my mind when I realized the implications of a Seattle loss, and then changed it back when I realized that EdP would paint me as a flip-flopper in a series of negative attack ads if I did so.

Cowboys (4-1) over Cardinals (3-2)
Interesting tidbit: Before landing with the Rams, Kurt Warner was bagging groceries and playing arena-league ball in DesMoines. He really wanted to try out for the Bears in 1997, but couldn't even get through the front door. Two years later he led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory. Since Chicago passed, they've had 15 different starting QBs, and zero Super Bowl victories. Oh, well.

Sunday Night Game:
Patriots (3-1) over Chargers (2-3)
You lose one fucking regular-season game in the last year and a half, and everyone breaks their necks trying to jump off of the bandwagon. If the Pats have issues right now, then the Chargers have volumes.

Monday Night Game:
Giants (4-0) over Browns (1-3)
I really miss the days when the Giants were a huge joke and the couple of months last year when the Browns weren't.
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Wrong picks in RED
Correct Picks in GREEN

Friday, October 10, 2008

I Break My Silence

We all know that I am the least qualified to contribute to this blog. However, even a complete dumbass, when it comes to sports analysis, can recognize a dunderheaded, pants peeing fuck-up of a quarterback when he sees one. Chris, your last post proves that you have fallen in love with another man.

Good day, sir.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Not Over Grossman

Firts of all, Orton is doing a fine job. I like that he changes the play at the line on occasion, even if it gets him in trouble. I also like how he moves in the pocket when it does collapse. He is not stellar with passing, though. I've seen as many passes that required adjustment by the receiver than good passes. And there's no long ball threat yet.

I would argue, though, that with a line that offers some protection, and a quality running back, Grossman would be a more complete QB for us. He had some difficulties with protecting the ball, but that was when he got rushed every single down. I mean, Forte would be having an even better year once Grossman connected with Booker, Lloyd, or Hester down field. The last time Grossman had a running game and o-line protection, the Bears went to the Superbowl.

I'm not downplaying Orton, I'm just saying that I still believe that Grossman is the better QB. If it takes benching your better QB and revamping the entire scheme to win games, so be it.

Friday, October 3, 2008

The Liar's NFL Week 5 Picks

I'm not gonna talk about the Cubs. I'm not gonna talk about the Cubs. I'm not gonna talk about the Cubs. I'm not gonna talk about the Cubs. I'm not gonna talk about the Cubs. I'm not gonna talk about the Cubs. I'm not gonna talk about the Cubs.

Stupid fucking Cubs.

Now that my thoughts on the MLB playoffs are out of the way, I can focus exclusively on the great sport of tackle-football. I'm sure that the Bears would never break my heart like the Cubs so often do, or as the Bears have so many times since 1985... D'oh.

Last Week's Picks: 9/4
Season Record: 35/25

Early Sunday Games:

Bears (2-2) over Lions (0-3)
Here's the slump buster, baby.
So far, I haven't picked one Bears game correctly this season (I even took one for the team last week), but I can't logically pick the fucking Lions in this one - Just can't do it. If Chicago takes a cue from their local MLB compatriots and pisses this one away, I may be forced to pick against 'em for the remainder of the season. For the good of the team (of course).

Falcons (2-2) over Packers (2-2)
Look at the big balls on the Liar with this one! Picking the reigning NFC North champs to lose to the upstart Falcons at Lambeau.
Damn.

Chargers (2-2) over Dolphins (1-2)
I'd like to see the Fish to lay a whompin' down on the Bolts in this one. Then again, I'd like to see the Cubs with a two game lead going into LA this weekend. Ain't gonna happen.
Postgame: It happened! Does this mean that the Cubs are still in it too? No? Crap.

Giants (3-0) over Seahawks (1-2)
If the Cowboys weren't playing the Bengals this week, this would be the most lop-sided game this week. Thankfully for the Shawks, the Bengals suck slightly more.

Redskins (3-1) over Eagles (2-2)
Am I the only motherfucker picking the 'Skins in this one?!?!? What the hell? It's like no one else is even bothering to watch the fucking games.

Panthers (3-1) over Chiefs (1-3)
The Chiefs got their win for the season last week, now they can sit back, relax, and wait for the off-season.

Titans (4-0) over Ravens (2-1)
Baltimore is back at home and unholy pissed about losing the Monday nighter in Pittsburgh. The Titans' offense is in for a world of hurt, but they should be able to walk away with a win (as long as they don't let in Vince Young behind center).

Colts (1-2) over Texans (0-3)
The Texicans are itching for a win, and they've got a good shot at crowning one on the once-mighty Colts, but I've got to believe that last week's bye gave Indy the opportunity to shore-up their team. I'm reluctantly going with the Colts to grab a win in Houston this week.

Late Sunday Games:
Buccaneers (3-1) over Broncos (3-1)
I really can't get a read on how good either of these teams are right now. It's freaky. The Bucs are turning over the ball left and right and still finding a way to win. The Broncos are getting lucky and winning games at the very last minute. I would just pick the home team in this one, but I think that the Bucs are just good enough to win on the road in Denver.

Cowboys (3-1) over Bengals (0-4)
Bwaaaah! Ha... Um, this should --giggle-- be a real good --snicker-- game. And if the --giggle-- Bengals can focus --snicker--, then they might have a --giggle-- shot at an... Bwaahaaaa, haa, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! --wiping away tears-- I can't do it anymore; let's move on.

Bills (4-0) over Cardinals (2-2)
I'm amazed at how many "experts" are picking Arizona in this one. Are these the same Cardinals that got 56 points scored on 'em last week, or are they letting the St. Louis MLB franchise play against the Bills with bats in hand?
Okay, I'd so watch that, but I'm pretty sure that they're playing the Arizona Cardinals with Kurt Warner at QB. I just don't get it.

Patriots (2-1) over 49ers (2-2)
Last time we saw the Pats they were slinking out of Gillette stadium a couple of weeks ago after getting WHOMPED by the Miami Dolphins. Here's another suck team and a small shot at redemption - They'd better win this one, or they're gonna be the laughingstocks of the NFL.

Sunday Night Game:
Jaguars (2-2) over Steelers (3-1)
The Steelers looked like hell in Monday's match-up against Baltimore and Jacksonville really needs a win right here. This one could go either way, but the Steelers have been skating and the Jags are hungry. I smell an upset a'brewin.

Monday Night Game:
Saints (2-2) over Vikings (1-3)
Are the Saints really that good? Nope.
Are the Vikings really that bad? Yup.
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Wrong picks in RED
Correct Picks in GREEN

At least we have this...

Thursday, October 2, 2008