Author Archives: Bobby Roberts

2009-10 NBA Preview: Orlando Magic

The Magic had a dream season last year, but fell short in the NBA Finals. They made a lot of changes to their roster, but are they a better team? A lot of teams in the East went out and tried to improve their teams and the Magic tried to keep up. Can Vince Carter stay healthy this year? Will the Magic miss Hedo Turkoglu? Who is the whitest guy on the team, Jason Williams or J.J. Redick? Here is our 2009-10 NBA Preview for the Orlando Magic.

Additions/Subtractions – For a team coming off of an NBA Finals appearance, this team has done a lot to change their roster. One of the biggest trades this off-season was when they traded Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston to New Jersey for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson. The Magic had to do something to fill void that Hedo Turkoglu left. He is more athletic than the “Turkish Jordan,” but he’s getting up their age and you can’t bet that he’ll be healthy for the entire season. They also went out and signed Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes. Bass is expected to split time with Ryan Anderson and Matt Barnes is a nice option off the bench. Also, they signed “White Chocolate” Jason Williams, who is coming out of retirement to back-up Jameer Nelson. The Magic could have lost Marcin Gortat, but matched the offer than Houston gave him. He’s a nice insurance policy in case Dwight Howard gets injured.

2009-10 Expectations – The Magic had a great season last year and they are building this team to win the NBA championship. They had to keep up with San Antonio, Los Angeles, Boston, and Cleveland with their off-season roster moves. If they don’t win a ring this year, the team would consider this season as a loss. They hope to have Jameer Nelson for the entire season. He looked like a franchise player before he tore his labrum last year. Dwight Howard will have to have another MVP-caliber season for the Magic to match their success from last year. He demanded double-teams, but with Bass/Anderson splitting time at PF, you would think that they would be in the market for a better option before the trading deadline. Rashard Lewis could move to PF and put Vince Carter at SF and Michael Pietrus would be at SG, but Lewis would lose his length-advantage playing PF. The Magic have to have a better record than the Celtics and Cavaliers going into the playoffs, because home-field advantage is huge for those teams and they have to take that away to have a shot in beating them.

2009-10 Prediction – It’s going to be very difficult for the Magic to duplicate the success of last season. All of the better teams in the East have improved and the Celtics didn’t match up well with them last year, but that changed with them signing Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels. Vince Carter will not playing in more than 65 games and this could very well be his last season. He has a lot of miles on those knees and he isn’t the high-flying star that played in Toronto, but he’s still pretty good. Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard will be All-Stars, but this team stays around the same win total as last season. They will end the season as a #3, right behind Boston and Cleveland.

2009-10 Win Total – 58-24

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2009-10 NBA Preview: Chicago Bulls

The Chicago Bulls had one of the best playoff series ever against the Boston Celtics last year. Unfortunately for fans, it was in the first round, but the level of play in that series was only equaled by the NBA Finals. Derrick Rose had a great rookie season and a late-season trade with the Kings was the best trade deadline transaction last year. Will the Bulls miss Ben Gordon? Can Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah finally develop? Here is our 2009-10 NBA Preview for the Chicago Bulls.

Additions/Subtractions – I’m not going to say that the Chicago Bulls will not miss Ben Gordon, but he wasn’t a starter on Chicago. He may have played starter minutes as the sixth-man, but he was very inconsistent. When they made the trade with the Kings last year to acquire John Salmons, he was their insurance policy if Gordon left in the off-season. This team shouldn’t look that different from the team that lost against the Celtics in the first-round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Jannero Pargo is with the team again after being with the Hornets the last two seasons, they signed the often banged-up Jerome James, and they have two very good draft picks. James Johnson will be a work in progress with a very high upside and Taj Gibson could be more NBA-ready. They expect big things from these guys and they should be starters in a couple years.

2009-10 Expectations – NBA teams aren’t supposed to have playoff seasons with a new coach and rookie point guard, but Chicago did that. They set the bar high for this season with the great playoff series against the Celtics last year and the emergence of Derrick Rose as a NBA superstar. The expectations for this team is very high and anything less than a playoff appearance would be disappointing. They have to get to the 2nd round for this team to feel good about the season. Derrick Rose had an injury and will start the season a little banged up, but the Bulls will be a very fun team to watch. They have players that can fun the fast break and with Brad Miller, a true low-post center. Chicago wants Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas to take it to the next level and live up to their high draft pick status. Thomas was rough when the Bulls drafted him and has had moments of looking like a future star, but he isn’t consistent. Noah has developed into a good rebounder, but his offensive game hasn’t improved very much.

2009-10 Prediction – This team is full of winnners at the collegiate level. Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and Tyrus Thomas all were on winners in college and sometimes that’s all a team needs, players who know how to win. I believe Chicago has the ability to win close games. Derrick Rose and John Salmons will be All-Stars this season. Chicago could use some more depth at small forward, if can get a deal for a nice back-up SF near the trade deadline, they should jump at that. The Bulls will start off slow, but as they usually go, turn it up in the 2nd-half of the season and get into the playoffs. I don’t see a huge jump in their win total, but they should end up as the #5 or #6 seed and hopefully avoid the Boston Celtics in the first-round of the playoffs.

2009-10 Win Total – 46-36

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

NFL Week 7: Fantasy Football Sit/Start

Week 6 was a great week for many fantasy football stars and this week should be the same. There are some very favorable match-ups. I made some nice picks last week and I hope I helped you win your league. I advised to sit Brandon Jacobs and Mark Sanchez and told you to start Jeremy Shockey and Rashard Mendenhall. I hope I can help out this week with my Sit’em or Start’em for Week 7.

Before I start, I just want to ask you a question. The Colts are playing the Rams this week, can they surpass the 59-0 score the Patriots laid on the Titans? I think it will be pretty darn close to it. Without further adieu, here are my picks…

START’EM

Peyton Manning – He had a bye week to rest and now he has the Rams throw against in a glorified scrimmage game for the Colts.

DeAngelo Williams – Carolina has finally given up on Jake Delhomme and are going to start running the ball on every down. Pick up Jonathan Stewart if he’s available in your league as well.

Marques Colston – Drew Brees likes to spread the ball around, but he’ll get his touches against Miami this weekend.

Hines Ward – He is off to a great start this year and Ben Roethlisberger is really looking for him. He’ll have a nice game against Minnesota.

Thomas Jones – I wasn’t very high on him, but with Mark Sanchez looking like Jake Delhomme, I would expect the Jets to run the ball more.

Cedric Benson – Benson will be out for blood against his old team. The Bears haven’t been too consistent against the run and he’s been on fire.

Miles Austin – Can he duplicate the 250 yard performance? No, but he’ll get a lot of targets against the Falcons.

Donald Driver – Give me a good veteran receiver against the Browns secondary any week. Aaron Rodgers will be looking for him all game.

Sidney Rice – I had him as my sleeper pick for the Vikings at the beginning of the year and he has turned into Favre’s #1 deep target. He’ll stretch PIttsburgh’s secondary and get a few deep balls.

Green Bay Defense – Until Derek Anderson looks like a professional quarterback, start any defense that he plays against.

Vernon Davis – I liked him about every week and I think he’ll have a nice game against the Texans. He’s coming off of a bye and he’ll be rested.

Frank Gore – Speaking of 49ers coming off of the bye, Gore will be back from his ankle sprain. The Texans are bad against the run and his will be a nice return for him.

Jacoby Jones – He is turning into a better option than Kevin Walter in Houston. He has speed and can do damage after the catch.

Johnny Knox – He’s becoming Jay Cutler’s favorite target in the passing attack and he’ll get his share of targets against the Bengals.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis – DEEP LEAGUE START – The Patriots aren’t completely sold on Laurence Maroney and they’ll have a nice lead at halftime, so expect a lot of carries from the backfield in the 2nd half against Tampa Bay.

SIT’EM

Eli Manning – His injury scares me and I am not sure if he’ll be 100%. He didn’t look right against the Saints

Both Steve Smiths – I don’t like the Carolina verson because the Panthers do not trust Delhomme at all. The Giants version will need Manning to be 100% healthy to be effective.

Brandon Jacobs – I hate to be so Giants heavy with my Sit’ems, but how bad has he looked this year? Big running backs tend to show their age faster than smaller running backs.

Steve Slaton – If he can’t start getting the running game going, they will be forced to use Chris Brown more in games. If he has a couple more mediocre weeks, he could be in danger of losing his starting job.

Braylon Edwards – Mark Sanchez will not throwing as much against Oakland and Edwards still isn’t fully into the offense yet.

Matt Forte – Yes, another disappointing 1st-round running back. I’ve been anti-Forte for most of the year and he still looks slow. How can a guy age 10 years after his rookie season?

Mohammed Massaquoi – He might be the #1 receiver in Cleveland, but if the QB can’t get him the ball, what is he worth? Green Bay’s secondary is great and will be a blanket on the Browns receivers all game.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense – They are usually an automatic start, but I fear Minnesota’s offense. They are really clicking right now and Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre could have nice weeks.

Roy Williams – Tony Romo seems to have given up on him and he’s not completely healthy. I would stay away from him this week.

Chris Cooley – Until the Redskins get their offense in order, I would stay away from Cooley and any other player on the Redskins.

Jeremy Maclin – I fear that he could be a one-week wonder. Rookie wide receivers are very unpredictable and it’s all about matchups. I would stay away from him this week.

Bernard Berrian – Sidney Rice is the deep threat on the Vikings. That used to be Berrian’s job, ’cause he isn’t much of a possession receiver. If he doesn’t have the deep routes, he’s not very useful.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

The Titans Should Trade For Brady Quinn

The trading deadline is tomorrow and the Tennessee Titans are currently sitting at 0-6 and seem hesitant about using Vince Young at quarterback. They are sticking with the Kerry Collins, even during their 59-0 beatdown from New England, Young made a brief cameo in the 4th quarter. They need help at quarterback, why not trade for Brady Quinn? It makes sense right?

They had a quick leash with Quinn after letting him start the first three games of the season. Derek Anderson appears to be their starting quarterback. The Cleveland Browns reportedly turned down a 1st round pick for Brady Quinn this offseason. They had a new coaching staff and they weren’t sure what they had in the young quarterback from Notre Dame. They would be lucky to get a 3rd-round pick for him right now.

I am proposing a deal that would be beneficial to both teams. The Browns would trade Brady Quinn to the Titans for Javon Ringer and a 6th round pick. The Titans already have Chris Johnson and Lendale White and Cleveland is in need of a young, game-changing running back. Quinn is a younger version of Kerry Collins, plus about 30 extra pounds of muscle. I think it would be good for both sides, why would they make this trade?

Tennessee clearly doesn’t think of Vince Young as their future franchise quarterback or he would have already taken over the team. In college, Quinn proved that all he needs is a good tight-end (John Carlson was his target at Notre Dame), a good running game, and a tall receiver (Jeff Samardzija at Notre Dame, but could be Kenny Britt for the Titans). He is a pretty accurate quarterback, but he has never received any significant playing time in the NFL and it would be worth the risk. If they keep losing games, they would get a top 5 pick and possible get a guy like Jake Locker or Colt McCoy. A top 5 pick that is a quarterback gets around 40 million dollars in guaranteed money. You can get Quinn at a bargain and his upside would be just as high as Locker, who didn’t even win a game at Washington last season.

On the other side of the coin, Javon Ringer was a touchdown machine at Michigan State last year. I watched plenty of his games and he reminded me of a Maurice Jones-Drew, without the definitive pass-catching ability. The Browns currently have the elderly Jamal Lewis, the injured James Davis, and a career back-up in Jerome Harrison. Ringer would help boost the offense and get the ball moving.

This deal makes sense from both sides. This deal is completely fictional and has no basis of fact or rumor. I was just thinking about what a waste of talent Brady Quinn is sitting on the sidelines and how the Titans doesn’t seem to want Vince Young playing, but Kerry Collins isn’t doing the job either. Either way, I would love for this trade to go down, but as we know about the NFL trading deadline, these types of deals rarely ever happen.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

NFL Week 6: What We Learned

A lot of big fantasy football stars had big days today. Tom Brady, Ray Rice, DeAngelo Williams, and Randy Moss all had big days. A lot of good teams looked great and a few bad teams just looked horrible. A few surprises happened, but nothing that would jump off of the page, except for the Raiders beating the Eagles, I don’t know many people who would have predicted that. Here is what we learned during Week 6 in the 2009 NFL season.

– The Cincinnati Bengals aren’t as good as we thought they were. When the Bengals are favored in a game, they are 2-13 against the spread. They love the part of underdog, but when they are supposed to win, they choke.

– Matt Schaub is finally starting to play like a franchise quarterback. Sure, having Andre Johnson and Owen Daniels receiving balls helps, but Steve Slaton hasn’t done anything this year. The Texans are starting to look like a possible playoff team.

– The Patriots look like they are back to their 2007 form. They beat the Titans 59-0 and CBS actually changed the game to a more competitive game in the 3rd quarter. Tom Brady looks like he’s back and that only makes Randy Moss play even harder. Oh by the way, Laurence Maroney is alive, who knew? I liked him when he was a rookie, but he fell out of favor with the coaches and he was in a black void in New England.

– Tennessee needs to start Vince Young. Kerry Collins is nearly as old as Brett Favre and you have a lot of money vested in Young. You need to see what you have, or this season could be a complete loss. If this season ends and you still have no idea if Young can be a starter in this league, you’re not doing your job as talent evaluators.

– The Atlanta Falcons looked just as good as last week. The running game never got going, but Matt Ryan loves Tony Gonzalez.

– Jay Cutler still has some things to work out. He looks like he really loves Johnny Knox, but he can’t rely on him all game. I’m also worried about Matt Forte, he had another rough game against a solid team. It seems like he can only gain yards against the Lions, but I could probably put up a 100+ yard game against Detroit.

– Speaking of the Lions, they were without Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson…did they have a chance against Green Bay? It was a worthless game and the Lions didn’t put up a single point.

– I want to congratulate the Packers on beating up a the B-team that the Lions put out on the field. They should have put up Madden-like numbers in this game, but only beat them 26-0.

– We learned that Ray Rice is the true #1 running back in Baltimore and that the Vikings are a better team.

– The Vikings are truly Favre’s team. Adrian Peterson will not have a great fantasy year, because the gunslinger is calling the plays. Also, thanks to the pre-game, Peterson has a crazy shoe fetish.

– The Saints are a really good team. They beat the Giants and they put up a ton of points against them. I think we can put them as the #1 team in the NFC, they are even better than Minnesota.

– I know Eli Manning isn’t 100%, but the Giants got handed a really bad loss. Their defense should be ashamed, they are better than that.

– Mark Sanchez looked like a rookie today. He threw 5 interceptions and 4 of those were definitely his fault.

– The Bills surprised me today, even if Sanchez won the game for the Bills.

– The Browns are still bad, it doesn’t matter who is playing quarterback.

– Hines Ward had a good game against Cleveland, does that surprise you? The Ohio teams in the AFC have been padding his stats since he came into the league.

– Carolina can win, despite Jake Delhomme. They really put the handcuffs on him in this game. He only threw 65 yards and they clearly don’t trust him. Just keep handing the ball off to Williams and Stewart, Jake.

– Tampa Bay has to win a game at some point, right? I don’t know if I learned that today, but how could they drop this much in one season.

– Jim Zorn should have been fired three weeks ago, but he has job security. I learned that if you want to never be fired, make sure that you’re the only one that knows the passwords to the computers. They can’t get rid of you.

– I predicted that the Chiefs would win 6 games this season. I don’t look as dumb now, only five more to go!

– The Jaguars are bipolar, they need meds. You don’t know which team is going to be on the field.

– We learned that the Rams are almost an NFL team. It took them a little extra time to lose the game this week, congratulations Rams.

– I thought Seattle was back, but Arizona put the brakes on that. The Cardinals played a nearly perfect first quarter and it deflated Seattle’s hopes.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2009-10 NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers

As many of you know, I write for a Pacers site over at Fanball. You can read my stuff at PacersPlace.com. As part of my 2009-10 NBA Preview posts, I wrote one about the Pacers that can be found there. I have copied it here on my site too and here is the 2009-10 NBA Preview for the Indiana Pacers.

The Pacers have barely missed the playoffs the last few years, could this be the season when that streak ends? Danny Granger is a stud, but could he possibly win the MVP award? Troy Murphy is coming off the best season of his career, can he keep up those numbers this year? Can Mike Dunleavy make a comeback from his knee problems? Can Tyler Hansbrough, Brandon Rush, and Roy Hibbert take the next step and become legit NBA stars?

Additions/Subtractions – There are quite a few new faces on the Pacers this year. They did well in the draft when they picked up Tyler Hansbrough and A.J. Price. They were both winners in college and this team is starting to be filled with players who excelled in college. The lost Jarrett Jack and Marquis Daniels via free agency, but they picked up Luther Head, Dahntay Jones, Solomon Jones, and Earl Watson to fill their roster. They look to be a better defensive team than they were the last two seasons.

2009-10 Expectations – They have been the 9th best team in the Eastern Conference the last few seasons, but they look to change that this year. They have been in a transition mode since Reggie Miller retired. Indiana has been lucky that they haven’t bottomed out like many teams have during their rebuilding process. Head coach Jim O’Brien has played an offensive style that has fit this team and he should get the credit for the Pacers not falling completely into a void the last two seasons. Larry Bird could be on the hot seat this year if the team doesn’t improve on their record from last year, but the roster has nearly turned over completely the last three seasons. This team has a lot of former Wooden Award winners on it and it’s nearing time that many of them to mature and reach their potential. Danny Granger came into his own last year and he may even get better. If the Pacers end up in the playoffs, it will be because of his play. If he has a bad year, the Pacers could be one of the worst teams in the league. They look to him for leadership and production.

2009-10 Prediction – I look for Granger to be a possible MVP candidate and he will make the All-Star team. Tyler Hansbrough, Roy Hibbert, and Troy Murphy will be a nice three man rotation at the PF/C positions. It’s time for Hibbert to really show the league what he can do. Brandon Rush will improve, he had a pretty good last two months of the season last year. Mike Dunleavy is dealing with an nagging knee injury. He had surgery on it, but had a setback. He should be back at some point near the beginning of the season, but it could be a lost season for him. The Pacers will make the playoffs, but it could be as a #8 seed.

2009-10 Win Total – 38-44

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2009-10 NBA Preview: Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks basically had a fire sale this off-season and the team is without Richard Jefferson, Charlie Villanueva, and Ramon Sessions. They did end up drafting Brandon Jennings, who couldn’t get into a college because of low SAT scores, so he played a mediocre year in Europe. Can you really put your franchise in the hands of a guy that couldn’t handle simple word problems on the SAT? It’s going to be a long season in Milwaukee and this team appears to be a few years ago from contending for anything but a lottery pick. Here is my 2009-10 NBA Preview for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Additions/Subtractions – Let’s start off with the people who aren’t on the Bucks this year. Ramon Sessions, Richard Jefferson, and Charlie Villanueva are all on better teams and the Bucks will miss them severely. Sessions was a huge surprise last year, but you can’t ignore his scoring ability. The additions on this team aren’t exactly huge names, but they did do well with the draft. They picked Brandon Jennings, who is flashy and Milwaukee needs some sort of identity and he can help this team in that department. Jodie Meeks was a big-time scorer at Kentucky and could end up becoming a Ramon Sessions typer of player for the Bucks. In a “I didn’t forget to mention” section, they also acquired Hakim Warrick, Amir Johnson, and Kurt Thomas, take what you will from this, it doesn’t mean much.

2009-10 Expectations – They over-achieved a little bit last season by winning 36 games. They have to expect a season around their 2007-08 season when they only won 26 games. They are in a rebuilding mode since they lost nearly half of their scoring by either trading or not re-signing Jefferson, Sessions, and Villanueva. You know your team is in trouble when you have Luc Richard Mbah a Moute and Amir Johnson as your starting forwards. If the Bucks can get another lottery pick next year to help out at SF/PF, this team could be good in a couple years.

2009-10 Prediction – Michael Redd will be traded this season for more youth. They need to move him, he hasn’t been the same since his injury two seasons ago. Brandon Jennings, if he can get enough playing time, could end up being a Rookie Of The Year contender, but Luke Ridnour is currently scheduled in as the starter. The Bucks aren’t very good defensively and they will be in the bottom 5 in the Points Against category. Scott Skiles, a fellow Indiana white boy, will be on the hot seat and could end up being fired if he doesn’t get more than 25 wins out of this team. It isn’t fair that they drained this team of talent, but he will be the fall guy if this team becomes laughable.

2009-10 Win Total – 23-59

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

2009-10 NBA Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland hasn’t won a championship in any major sports since before the Super Bowl was even created. Shaq was brought there to deliver a ring for Lebron, but will this be the last year the King will be there? Can Delonte West avoid hiding guns in guitar cases this season or is he this generation’s J.R. Rider? A lot of pressure is on the Cavs to go out and dominate every night, but is the pressure too much? Here is my 2009-10 NBA Preview for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Additions/Subtractions – Cleveland made one of the biggest trades this off-season by acquiring Shaquill O’Neal from Phoenix. They made the trade without sending any contributors. They have all the pieces from last year, minus Wally Szczerbiak, who’s contract ran out. They added Leon Powe from the Celtics and Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, and Rob Kurz all hope to make the team. I look for J.J. Hickson to get some minutes this year, since he had a year under his belt and he could be a nice addition to the rotation.

2009-10 Expectations – The Cavs are the NBA Championship or bust this year. They cashed in all their chips and this could be their last year with Lebron James on the roster. They can’t allow it to become a distraction, especially since Delonte West’s actions were enough to derail a team alone. They will need Mo Williams to become a more consistent offensive threat if this team wants to live up to their potential this season and get a ring on their finger. Shaq and Zudruna Ilgauskas are a nice two-headed monster at the center position and can match up with any team in the NBA. If the Cavs play up to their potential, it’s their championship to lose.

2009-10 Prediction – I don’t want a lot of hate mail from Cleveland fans, but I don’t forsee a title in their future. They will coast in the regular season, but they will have to go up against Boston and possibly Los Angeles in the NBA Finals and it’s going to be a tough. Shaq had a miracle season last year just by staying healthy and I don’t see that happening this year. A lot of pressure is on him to produce and deliver Lebron a title. If they don’t get a ring this year, Mike Brown could see his way out and Lebron could even leave for a better chance at a championship. I would like to see Cleveland win the title this year, but even though they look very good on paper, I am not sure if they will be able to do it.

2009-10 Win Total – 65-17

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

Review – Chuck Klosterman "Eating The Dinosaur"

Thanks to the great people over at Scribner, I was able to get a review copy of the much-anticipated new book from Chuck Klosterman. I have been very vocal about my love for his writing on this site and “Walk The Dinosaur” definitely quenched my thirst for some new material from him. Here is my book review for “Eating The Dinosaur” by Chuck Klosterman.

This book is in the vein of “Sex, Drugs, & Cocoa Puffs,” more so than any of his previous books. It’s all new material, so it’s not like Chuck Klosterman IV, which was a collection of mostly previously published material. Continue reading →

NFL Football – Week 6 Betting Picks

I had a pretty good week last week with my NFL picks against the spread. There were a lot of bad games and a few blow-outs, but did fairly well. There are some big games this week with some strong teams coming off bye weeks. A few underdogs look to win ATS and maybe even win against the moneyline. Here are my NFL picks against the spread for Week 6.

Since my Indianapolis Colts are on bye week, I don’t have a sure bet pick this week. I can actually focus more on other teams than worry about Peyton Manning’s knee and Adam Vinatieri’s replacement. Oh God, they freakin’ signed Matt Stover! Okay Bobby focus…..let’s get to the picks.

Kansas City Chiefs (+6) at Washington Redskins (-6) – My pick is Kansas City

When two bad teams play each other, always go with the team that has the better coach. I am not sold on Jim Zorn since Day 1 and Kansas City is better than they have played so far this season. I like KC to put Jim Zorn and Washington out of their misery.

Houston Texans (+4.5) at Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5) – My pick is Cincinnati

Houston can’t stop the run and I expect Cedric Benson to run all over the Texans. Carson Palmer and Chad OchoCinco can also light up the Texans’ secondary. I love the Bengals in this game to cover the spread.

Cleveland Browns (+14) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-14) – My pick is Pittsburgh

The Browns are horrible and I can’t see them putting up more than two field goals against the Steelers. Pittsburgh can play their reserves at this point and win by two touchdowns.

Baltimore Ravens (+3) at Minnesota Vikings (-3) – My pick is Minnesota

This is going to be a good game, but Minnesota’s defense is better than Baltimore’s offense. Joe Flacco is good, but he’s still only in his second year, the Vikings will give him trouble. I like Minnesota to win and cover the spread at home.

St. Louis Rams (+9.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (-9.5) – My pick is Jacksonville

I don’t like either of these teams this week, but Jacksonville will have a chip on their shoulder. The Jaguars were blown out last week and Mike Sims-Walker should be back this week to help the passing attack. Maurice Jones-Drew should have a big day and Jacksonville will win ATS.

New York Giants (+3) at New Orleans Saints (-3) – My pick is New Orleans

I would love the Giants in this game if Eli Manning was healthy and Brandon Jacobs was running the ball effectively. The Saints defense is better than expected and can hold a banged up Giants offense. The Saints will win a close game, but they will cover the spread.

Carolina Panthers (-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3) – My pick is Carolina

Carolina and Tampa Bay have looked very bad this year and if it was possible, they would both lose this game. Carolina was on a bye last week and they are rested and should be able to win and cover against Tampa Bay.

Detroit Lions (+13) at Green Bay Packers (-13) – My pick is Detroit

The 2009 Detroit Lions team is not the team that went 0-16 last season. They have stayed in games and have been pretty competitive. They seem to have trouble in the 2nd half of games, but I feel that they can keep this game within two touchdowns. I like the Lions against the spread, but the Packers will win the game.

Philadelphia Eagles (-14) at Oakland Raiders (+14) – My pick is Philadelphia

I really like the Eagles and they were my preseason pick to win the Super Bowl this season. Their offense is clicking and they have a solid defense. The Raiders are as bad as can be and I don’t see them scoring many points against the Eagles. I love the Eagles to cover in this game.

Arizona Cardinals (+3) at Seattle Seahawks (-3) – My pick is Arizona

Seattle looked amazing last week, but the Cardinals are always dangerous. Seattle has a true homefield advantage, their crowd is insanely loud, but I like Arizona’s passing attack against Seattle’s secondary. I believe that is the battle that will win the game for Arizona.

Buffalo Bills (+9.5) at New York Jets (-9.5) – My pick is New York

This could possibly be the last game that the Bills have both their head coach and/or Terrell Owens. The Jets had a rough game against the Dolphins last week, but they bounce back and win this game and cover the spread.

Tennessee Titans (+9) at New England Patriots (-9) – My pick is Tennessee

New England is having a hard time on defense this year. It has been good, but the linebackers are banged up and they just signed Junior Seau. Tennessee is on their last legs and Kerry Collins needs to take care of the ball if he doesn’t want to hold the clipboard for the rest of the season. Give me the points and I’ll take Tennessee against the spread, but the Patroits will probably win a close game.

Chicago Bears (+3) at Atlanta Falcons (-3) – My pick is Atlanta

The Falcons smoked the 49ers last week and the Bears are coming off of a bye. Chicago has had trouble on offense, if you throw out the Detroit game. I like Atlanta to keep up their winning ways and cover against Chicago on Sunday Night Football.

Denver Broncos (+3.5) at San Diego Chargers (-3.5) – My pick is San Diego

I’m not exactly sure why the Broncos aren’t favored in this game, but not many people are buying Denver yet. San Diego is coming off of a bye week and they are fresh and healthy. The Broncos have played very physical games the last two weeks and I like San Diego to actually win this game.

I hope you enjoy our picks. They are for entertainment purposes and please bet responsibly.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.

NFL Week 6: Fantasy Football Sit/Start

These are the weeks where a fantasy football team owner can build a team to win a championship. Teams will start dropping players to fill needs due to bye weeks. Mike Sims-Walker probably killed many of you last week, but if you started Austin Collie or Miles Austin, you won. These kind of pick-ups are what you need to win. Here are my fantasy football sit’em or start’em for Week 6.

It’s that time of year where you have to be rash judgments on players. You need to cut the dead weight before it causes you to lose games. I have listed a few guys that you need to cut and some guys that you need to grab off of the waiver wire right now. Continue reading →

NCAA Football – Week 7 Betting Picks

I was 7-6 in my picks against the spread last week, but I barely missed a couple. I am around .600 for the season and I hope that improves this week. There are some big games on the schedule this week and who are some moneyline underdogs? I have a few in my Week 7 NCAA college football picks against the spread.

I have stayed away from Notre Dame the last couple weeks, but I have a better feel for what kind of team they are now and you will finally get a Notre Dame game pick this week.

Cincinnati (-2.5) at South Florida (+2.5) – My pick is Cincinnati

I love the Bearcats in this game. Tony Pike and the rest of Cincinnati’s offense is very explosive. I think that they will do damage on the road. Cincinnati’s is one of the best teams in the nation in turnover margin.

Pittsburgh (-3.5) at Rutgers (+3.5) – My pick is Rutgers

I really don’t know what kind of team Pittsburgh is. They have yet to play many tough opponents and Rutgers plays well at home. Rutgers is 10-7 against Pitt in since 1992. I think Rutgers keeps this game close and could end up winning this game.

Ohio State (-14) at Purdue (+14) – My pick is Ohio State

I like Purdue’s offense, but I like Ohio State’s defense even more. The Buckeyes have had trouble scoring points on offense, but I think that they can get some turnovers and nice field position. Purdue hasn’t looked good since Week 2 and I don’t see them doing much against the physical defense of Ohio State.

Iowa (+2.5) at Wisconsin (-2.5) – My pick is Iowa

Wisconsin turned the ball over a lot last week against Ohio State and Iowa has a defense that’s just as good. Iowa beat Penn State and until someone knocks them off in the Big Ten, they shouldn’t be the underdogs in any game.

Oklahoma (+3.5) at Texas (-3.5) – My pick is Oklahoma

The Sooners may have not had a great game against Miami two weeks ago, but bounced back against Baylor. Texas is a one-trick pony, they can’t run the ball and Colt McCoy will have to have the game of his life to beat Oklahoma. The series is all tied up with Oklahoma since 1992 and I think Oklahoma has the edge with a better defense and a balanced offensive attack.

Wyoming (+10.5) at Air Force (-10.5) – My pick is Wyoming

I went against Wyoming last week and they came out and just flat out took it to their opponent. They have shutdown their opponent’s rushing attack and that’s all Air Force does on offense. Not only do I pick Wyoming ATS, but I am picking them to win this game.

California (-3.5) at UCLA (+3.5) – My pick is California

Cal has looked shaky the last couple weeks and UCLA has looked pretty good. I can’t pick UCLA in this one because California is a much better team. You have to think that they will turn it around in this game and beat the spread against UCLA. Jahvid Best is going to have a big game against the Bruins.

Central Michigan (-6.5) at Western Michigan (+6.5) – My pick is Central Michigan

Everyone knows that Central Michigan can pass the ball, but their running game is starting to blossom as well. They have looked great this season and is the MAC’s best team. Western Michigan had a nice game against Toledo last week, but CMU is a much better team. Central Michigan should be favored by more than a touchdown in this contest, so get in early, the line will move.

USC (-10) at Notre Dame (+10) – My pick is USC

If you think Notre Dame can win this game, please put down the kool-aid. This is the game that everyone will know how good this Notre Dame team really is. I would say that this game could be close if Malcolm Floyd was healthy, but USC will be double-covering Golden Tate and Jimmy Clausen will be handcuffed. USC will win this game big, even if the game is in South Bend.

Virginia Tech (-3.5) at Georgia Tech (+3.5) – My pick is Virginia Tech

Georgia Tech’s running attack has been very good this year, but the Hokies are for real. I wasn’t sure about this team a few weeks ago, but they have impressed me. I think that they go on the road and cover the spread this week.

Troy (-9.5) at Florida International (+9.5) – My pick is Troy

FIU is bad and Troy is good. I wish that kind of analysis would work on this site, but let’s go a little deeper. FIU has given up nearly 250 yards a game on the ground and Troy will be crushing through the line and gaining 200+ yards rushing against them.

South Carolina (+17) at Alabama (-17) – My pick is South Carolina

I have a feeling that this game will be very low scoring. The defenses on both of these teams is ridiculous. I watched South Carolina’s defense really turn up the screws against some nice teams this season. Alabama is a good team and deserves to be ranked high, but the Gamecocks aren’t to be taken lightly. I think this game will be very close with the Crimson Tide winning.

Washington (+6.5) at Arizona State (-6.5) – My pick is Washington

The Huskies had rough game last week, but the Sun Devils can be beat. I am not picking Washington to go on the road and win this game, but it will be within the spread and i’ll pick Washington with the points.

These picks are for entertainment purposes.

A Sports & Entertainment blog that focuses on absurdity in sports, snarky banter, updates on Tim Tebow’s virginity, and decent sports gambling advice.