Sometimes it feels like I can't depend on anyone but myself. I hate feeling this way, but sometimes, it's the only way I know to feel. Fuck everything else. It's time to take care of me. I won't let me down.
the Rare Poet
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Super Sundays: An NFL Obsession
Okay. I'm sure I've stated quite a few times that I'm an avid sports fan. Football is my favorite sport, which is probably why Sundays usually find my postings few and far between. Since we've entered the portion of the NFL season where it's time for teams to put up or shut up, I'm dedicating my Sundays to picking my favorites and giving my take on the season so far.
Let me just say that I am without a doubt, a Minnesota Vikings fan. But with the three ring circus that has become my favorite team, I can honestly say that I have little hope for a miraculous turnaround. If we can end up 8-8 this season, as a fan I'll take it. (A lot better than the 5-11 record they seem to be aiming for)
So here are my predictions for this week, with a few notes on how I arrived at that conclusion.
Enjoy the games.
the Rare Poet
(Disclaimer: In the case that you are simple enough to go to a gambling location and place bets based on these picks, know that I may be one of the unluckiest people in the world. It is ill advised, and I am in no way responsible if you lose. I am not an expert, at anything. Except being me. Might I suggest that you simply mail ME your money...lmao)
NFL Week 11 Predictions
This should be an interesting week. The games that everyone will be talking about are the Giants vs Eagles matchup in the NFC, and the Patriots vs Colts in the AFC. Both of these games have huge playoff implications and could crown two teams as Super Bowl front runners. With the dynamic play of Hakeem Nicks, Michael Vick, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning, the highlight reels should key in on both contests.
AFC
Oakland (5-4) at Pittsburgh (6-3) 13-24
For weeks I've been telling friends that the Steelers are pretenders. I still hold on to that belief. But even more so are the Oakland Raiders. They are a team that seems put together well only on paper. Too many close calls. Too many question marks. But the bottom line is, when Darren McFadden plays poorly, the Raiders lose. Enter the Pittsburgh defense that just gave up it's worst performance to date against the Patriots a week ago. Not going to happen again.
Cleveland (3-6) at Jacksonville (5-4) 20-14
I like the Browns defense. That said, I think their offensive playbook should be renamed Peyton Hillis. He's a monster in between the tackles, and today going up against a defense that should thank their lucky stars that wacky finishes keep getting their team undeserved victories. If Cleveland can contain MJD (Maurice Jones-Drew for those out of the football loop), then this should equal a win for a 3-6 Browns team that plays much better than their record.
Houston (4-5) at NY Jets (7-2) 21-10
Most people who see this score will think I'm crazy. And granted the Texans seem to be doing exactly what they do best: falling apart in the middle of the season. But to me the Jets are the most unimpressive 7-2 team in the NFL. And without two spectacular OT finishes, in games that they trailed in the 4th quarter, this same Jets team would be 5-4. But we can live in the what ifs, so unless the Jets can find a way to put together a WHOLE game of good football, an explosive offense like the Texans, led by Matt Shaub and Andre Johnson, will make them suffer for it.
Indianapolis (6-3) at New England (7-2) 35-21
This is going to be a shootout. We've heard all the talk about the starting QBs. We know that both teams seem to be on pace for deep post-season runs. We know that this has become a rivalry as big as in the minds of coaches, fans, and players as are the respective Indy vs Hou and NE vs Jets rivalries are. And we know that for the most part, New England seems to have the Colts figured out, as Tom Brady has a 7-4 head to head advantage over his often compared counterpart. But stemming back to the Bill Belichick's rare bonehead coaching decision to go for it on 4th and 2 from his team's 28 yard line, this matchup has taking on new life for Peyton Manning and company. Too many holes in that young Patriots defense will give the elder Manning a big day.
NFC
Green Bay (6-3) at Minnesota (3-6) 21-28
I know what you're thinking. He picked his team to win. Well yes, I did, but not because I'm a fan. The truth of the matter is that I watched the last game. It was a game that even with the 3 Brett Favre interceptions, and all the disputed touchdowns, Minnesota was in position to win that game. This one takes place in the dome, where the Vikings have managed their only 3 wins of the season. The return of Sidney Rice, while in a limited capacity, makes me give the Purple and Gold the advantage.
Seattle (5-4) at New Orleans (6-3) 7-17
This is a game that nobody seems to realize is even going on. Most people aren't aware that the Seahawks are in first place in a division that, in my opinion, should for the first time ever be forced to give up its playoff spot to a more deserving team from a different division. Most people don't even remember that the Saints won the Super Bowl last season, and if they do, they immediately write them off, not realizing that they have the same record as the Ravens, Steelers, Colts, Giants, Eagles, and Packers. And they're just a win behind the Jets, Patriots, Bears, and Falcons. The teams I just mentioned are the supposed NFL elite. The Saints, who get Reggie Bush back this week from injury, are right there with them. At least in wins and losses. But then again, so are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NY Giants (6-3) at Philadelphia (6-3) 24-17
And cue the head scratching. Yes, I realize that Michael Vick may be the most explosive player in football right now. And yes, I realize that the Giants just got there asses kicked by a Cowboys team so lowly that they lost to the Vikings this season (and may very well lose to Detroit today). But I'm standing by not only my pick, but my assertion that Philly only scores two TDs tonight. This Giants defense gets after the QB like another team that had. (Picture the Tyree ball-on-the-top-of-the-helmet catch, and the Patriots almost-perfect season) I just don't believe Vick is going to significantly affect a defense with such a dominating front four, plus a secondary that moved from last year's laughing stock to helping create the league's top ranked defense. Vick will put the ball in the endzone, but turnovers help the Giants win this one.
Other Predictions
Redskins (4-5) 14
Titans (5-4) 10
Ravens (6-3) 35
Panthers (1-8) 10
Cardinals (3-6) 14
Chiefs (5-4) 27
Lions (2-7) 20
Cowboys (2-7) 14
Bills (1-8) 17
Bengals (2-7) 24
Bucs (6-3) 13
49ers (3-6) 7
Falcons (7-2) 21
Rams (4-5) 10
Broncos (3-6) 28
Chargers (4-5) 21
Let me just say that I am without a doubt, a Minnesota Vikings fan. But with the three ring circus that has become my favorite team, I can honestly say that I have little hope for a miraculous turnaround. If we can end up 8-8 this season, as a fan I'll take it. (A lot better than the 5-11 record they seem to be aiming for)
So here are my predictions for this week, with a few notes on how I arrived at that conclusion.
Enjoy the games.
the Rare Poet
(Disclaimer: In the case that you are simple enough to go to a gambling location and place bets based on these picks, know that I may be one of the unluckiest people in the world. It is ill advised, and I am in no way responsible if you lose. I am not an expert, at anything. Except being me. Might I suggest that you simply mail ME your money...lmao)
NFL Week 11 Predictions
This should be an interesting week. The games that everyone will be talking about are the Giants vs Eagles matchup in the NFC, and the Patriots vs Colts in the AFC. Both of these games have huge playoff implications and could crown two teams as Super Bowl front runners. With the dynamic play of Hakeem Nicks, Michael Vick, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning, the highlight reels should key in on both contests.
AFC
Oakland (5-4) at Pittsburgh (6-3) 13-24
For weeks I've been telling friends that the Steelers are pretenders. I still hold on to that belief. But even more so are the Oakland Raiders. They are a team that seems put together well only on paper. Too many close calls. Too many question marks. But the bottom line is, when Darren McFadden plays poorly, the Raiders lose. Enter the Pittsburgh defense that just gave up it's worst performance to date against the Patriots a week ago. Not going to happen again.
Cleveland (3-6) at Jacksonville (5-4) 20-14
I like the Browns defense. That said, I think their offensive playbook should be renamed Peyton Hillis. He's a monster in between the tackles, and today going up against a defense that should thank their lucky stars that wacky finishes keep getting their team undeserved victories. If Cleveland can contain MJD (Maurice Jones-Drew for those out of the football loop), then this should equal a win for a 3-6 Browns team that plays much better than their record.
Houston (4-5) at NY Jets (7-2) 21-10
Most people who see this score will think I'm crazy. And granted the Texans seem to be doing exactly what they do best: falling apart in the middle of the season. But to me the Jets are the most unimpressive 7-2 team in the NFL. And without two spectacular OT finishes, in games that they trailed in the 4th quarter, this same Jets team would be 5-4. But we can live in the what ifs, so unless the Jets can find a way to put together a WHOLE game of good football, an explosive offense like the Texans, led by Matt Shaub and Andre Johnson, will make them suffer for it.
Indianapolis (6-3) at New England (7-2) 35-21
This is going to be a shootout. We've heard all the talk about the starting QBs. We know that both teams seem to be on pace for deep post-season runs. We know that this has become a rivalry as big as in the minds of coaches, fans, and players as are the respective Indy vs Hou and NE vs Jets rivalries are. And we know that for the most part, New England seems to have the Colts figured out, as Tom Brady has a 7-4 head to head advantage over his often compared counterpart. But stemming back to the Bill Belichick's rare bonehead coaching decision to go for it on 4th and 2 from his team's 28 yard line, this matchup has taking on new life for Peyton Manning and company. Too many holes in that young Patriots defense will give the elder Manning a big day.
NFC
Green Bay (6-3) at Minnesota (3-6) 21-28
I know what you're thinking. He picked his team to win. Well yes, I did, but not because I'm a fan. The truth of the matter is that I watched the last game. It was a game that even with the 3 Brett Favre interceptions, and all the disputed touchdowns, Minnesota was in position to win that game. This one takes place in the dome, where the Vikings have managed their only 3 wins of the season. The return of Sidney Rice, while in a limited capacity, makes me give the Purple and Gold the advantage.
Seattle (5-4) at New Orleans (6-3) 7-17
This is a game that nobody seems to realize is even going on. Most people aren't aware that the Seahawks are in first place in a division that, in my opinion, should for the first time ever be forced to give up its playoff spot to a more deserving team from a different division. Most people don't even remember that the Saints won the Super Bowl last season, and if they do, they immediately write them off, not realizing that they have the same record as the Ravens, Steelers, Colts, Giants, Eagles, and Packers. And they're just a win behind the Jets, Patriots, Bears, and Falcons. The teams I just mentioned are the supposed NFL elite. The Saints, who get Reggie Bush back this week from injury, are right there with them. At least in wins and losses. But then again, so are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
NY Giants (6-3) at Philadelphia (6-3) 24-17
And cue the head scratching. Yes, I realize that Michael Vick may be the most explosive player in football right now. And yes, I realize that the Giants just got there asses kicked by a Cowboys team so lowly that they lost to the Vikings this season (and may very well lose to Detroit today). But I'm standing by not only my pick, but my assertion that Philly only scores two TDs tonight. This Giants defense gets after the QB like another team that had. (Picture the Tyree ball-on-the-top-of-the-helmet catch, and the Patriots almost-perfect season) I just don't believe Vick is going to significantly affect a defense with such a dominating front four, plus a secondary that moved from last year's laughing stock to helping create the league's top ranked defense. Vick will put the ball in the endzone, but turnovers help the Giants win this one.
Other Predictions
Redskins (4-5) 14
Titans (5-4) 10
Ravens (6-3) 35
Panthers (1-8) 10
Cardinals (3-6) 14
Chiefs (5-4) 27
Lions (2-7) 20
Cowboys (2-7) 14
Bills (1-8) 17
Bengals (2-7) 24
Bucs (6-3) 13
49ers (3-6) 7
Falcons (7-2) 21
Rams (4-5) 10
Broncos (3-6) 28
Chargers (4-5) 21
Say What? (Awesome RePost #3)
I was cruising through some of my favorite blogs to check out when I came across this photo posted by Morgan Farruya (who allow me to say constantly drips with awesomeness through amazing pics and posts). All I can say is that it was a "shaking my damn head" moment. A part of me was happy that Rihanna expresses herself fully and at all times, but the parent in me makes me wonder if I'd want my child to have to ask their favorite singer what "Fuck You" means
Of course, in these days, I imagine most kids have heard worse.
the Rare Poet
(check out Morgan's awesome blog here: MORGARRUYA)
Of course, in these days, I imagine most kids have heard worse.
the Rare Poet
(check out Morgan's awesome blog here: MORGARRUYA)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)