8 Years A Blog, and the Future

Melo and the Captain at a promotional appearance in November

On December 12, 2005 I introduced My Pinstripes to the blog world and the "internets". I began not knowing how long I would continue the blog, which is Yankees-centric, but also has a number of posts on MLB, the NFL, NHL, and more.

There have been times where I just didn't feel like writing anything for long stretches of time and other times, like this off-season, where my fingers have been rapidly banging away on a keyboard several times on most days.

Page views have gone up and down, nearly bottomed out when I ignored the blog, and soared at other times. What has always mattered most to me has been the quality of the work even if two people, myself not include, are reading it.  Be that as it may, I want to thank those who visit regularly, those who have come and gone, and those who are new to My Pinstripes.

I hope you all enjoy what I write, I know enjoy writing it. And to me it's more of a baseball journal than a blog. I think the word blog has been worn out, abused by the "real" media, and is considered by many as the black sheep of the family. Those of us who blog obviously feel differently, especially since a "Blog" is simply a format to write in. We are all writing, whether paid or unpaid, whether it's done poorly, well, or greatly. (talk about awkward sentences)

What you see on this baseball journal ;) is opinion, fact, and some rumor. What you will never see are columns written merely for the sake of getting attention. There will no accusation against a player (Raul Ibanez) for supposedly using PEDs when there is no evidence to back it up. I like my friends and relatives, but their word, like mine, is not gospel. You will also not see pictures of WAGs or supermodels, etc., just to drive attention to the site. I think it's a cheap and ridiculous way to get viewers.

While My Pinstripes will continue to roll on, I'll be launching a new site - Designated For Assignment - in April. We'll have stories on the four major sports as well as World Cup soccer coverage, golf, MMA, just about anything you can name that is sports related. We'll also have coverage of movies and music, past, present, and future.

We'll cover Derek Jeter's comeback, Jonathan Quick's goaltending for Team USA in the Olympics (there's a temporary Wordpress site we will be using until the launch of the full site), Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson in Super Bowl XLVIII, and will Carmelo Anthony remain a NY Knick.

And this is where you come in. I am the publisher and managing editor, but if you want to write, edit, take photographs, etc., for the site, please contact me at dsarver@d4assignment.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks,

Drew Sarver

Wildcard Weekend

Ok, so I had a terrible time picking NFL games this season. Something tells me I'm not the only one though with the inconsistency in NFL play this season.

For all the years I have played fantasy hockey and baseball this was the first season I played fantasy football. I joined a Yahoo public league and finished the regular season 7-7. That wasn't good enough for the playoffs, but I had fun anyway.

I also ran the first My Pinstripes pick 'em with point spreads. I finished 114-135, by far the worst I've done in years and the first time I've finished under .500 for as long as I can remember.

But it's a new season today. The playoffs, where the Giants should be, but are not. There are some great matchups in wildcard weekend, so here we go.

Saturday night - Jets at Colts

The Jets had their inconsistencies much of the season, which made their fans nuts. Of course when coach Rex Ryan is blustering about Super Bowls all year it is very easy to disappoint. But the Jets won't this weekend.

The Colts are not the same team that beat the Jets 30-17 in last year's AFC championship game. Yes, Peyton Manning is still there, but much of the team is injured. Two of Manning's biggest weapons Dallas Clark and Austin Collie are out. The defense's best all-around player, Bob Sanders, is out. And speaking of the defense they can't stop the run for anything.

So what that means is that though Mark Sanchez's shoulder may be hurt a lot more than he's letting on, LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene should have big days, which will help open up the passing game.

The final score - Jets 23 Colts 20 Enjoy it Jets fans because if you have to play the Patriots next week, you are done.

Saturday afternoon - Saints at Seahawks

Yes, a 7-9 team is hosting a playoff game. The Seahawks crowd has an earned reputation as being one of the loudest fandoms in the NFL. What that means today is that maybe the Saints will score 30 points instead of 40.

Drew Brees had another big season, but not nearly as his near perfect 2009. The Saints defense isn't close to how it played in helping to raise the Lombardy Trophy last year. But this Seahawks team is bad, and though they had to win the final game over the Rams to win the NFC West, well..this team is bad.

Matt Hasselback has been banged up for much of the year and coach Pete Carroll actually considered starting Charlie Whitehurst at quarterback. He may still go that route if Hasselback and the offense don't move the ball.

The final score - Saints 33 Seahawks 17

Sunday early game - Ravens at Chiefs

KC surprised everyone this year. The media kept waiting for them to collapse and for the Phillip Rivers' led Chargers to storm by them. Except it never happened. The Chiefs have plenty of weapons on offense. Jamaal Charles (1,467) and Thomas Jones (896) combined for over 2,300 yards on the ground. Matt Cassel fought off an appendectomy, missing just one game, to throw for 3,116 yards and 27 TDs. He was intercepted just seven times. His favorite target was Dwayne Bowe who caught 72 passes for 1,162 yards and got in the end zone a league leading 15 times.

But and it's bigger than Nate Newton's butt before his tremous weight loss, the Chiefs have to go up against the Ravens defense. Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, you know the drill. It's a squad that gave up just under 17 points per game. And this isn't a bad offense either.

Ray Rice has run like the Ray Rice of 2009 of late and the offense goes as steady QB Joe Flacco goes. Anquan Boldin and Derrick Mason both caught over 800 yards and scored seven TD's each, though Boldin has been a disappointment at times. Rice was also the 2nd leader receiver in catches on the team and he'll be utilized plenty on Sunday. What it should come down to is a good, close, low scoring game.

The Final Score - Ravens 17 Chiefs 13

Sunday afternoon - This is the one everyone is waiting for Packers vs. Eagles. Aaron Rodgers vs. Michael Vick.

The Packers have an underrated defense and it will need to play it's best on Sunday because the Pack has no running game. Aaron Rodgers will put the ball in the air plenty of times and will have to combat the Eagles blitzes. But..no not as big as the previous one...the Eagles defense is overrated.

You heard me. They make big plays, cause turnovers, but give up plenty of points. 377 to be exact. The Eagles allowed 26.8 points per game in their 10 wins. But oh that Eagles offense.

Michael Vick claims to only be at 75%, but that could be a ploy. He has dangerous weapons in DeSean Jackson and LeSean McCoy, and plenty of team speed.

This should be an entertaining game with a team that has green in their uniform holding off the other one late. Okay...

The Final Score - Packers 23 Eagles 16

There you have it..and never never never bet based on what I say. That is all.

How Ya Doin' Super Bowl?

We still laugh at the way Paul McCartney addressed the Super Bowl crowd at Super Bowl XXXIX.

NFL Comish Paul Goodell says he's seriously considering the Meadowlands new stadium for the Super Bowl in 2014. As I walked the dogs in a 9 degree wind chill this morning I thought, what are you nuts? How could they not have put a retractable roof and expect people to sit in this cold?

As for today's game, this is the first time in a while that I won't mind whichever team wins. That being said I like more of the Colts' players and will probably have a slight rooting edge for them. As for a prediction - Colts 27 Saints 23 with Peyton Manning getting MVP.

Hopefully Dwight Freeney will be able to play, even in a limited capacity, for Indy. Horrible to make it to the big game and not be able to get in there.

Good luck to Rutgers product and Colts linebacker Gary Brackett.

Really hoping not to see too many shots of Kim Kardashian (Reggie Bush's fiance) or Kendra Baskett (Hank Baskett's Mrs. and the former Hef "girl next door"). I don't think they have a brain cell between them.

NFL Round 2 Predictions

I was 3 out of 4 last week, just missing out on the Ravens victory. Though I did point out that I thought that they could pull off the upset. This week I don't see any upsets occurring.

The Jets magical mystery tour comes into an end in San Diego. The Chargers' Phillip Rivers will be the difference in this one. Chargers by 10.

The Cowboys could very well upset the Vikings. I see this game much like the Ravens-Pats last week. But I see the Vikings winning it on a late field goal.

The Ravens played an inspired game last week and will be fired up this week for the Colts. But despite the Colts lack of a running game, Peyton Manning and Indy will be the victor in this one by 7-8 points.

The Saints lost their last three regular season games entering the playoffs. Granted, they were going at it on all cylinders. The Cardinals survived that wild and wacky game with Green Bay last week when a record 96 points were scored. I like a high scoring affair with Drew Brees passing the Saints to a 10 point victory.

NFL Wild Card Weekend - Saturday

It seems like it was just week one of the NFL season, but the playoffs have arrived this weekend with the lower seeded division winners facing off against each other and wild card entries.

Falcons at Cardinals

It seems like the Falcons were just in the midst of the whole Michael Vick-Bobby Petrino nightmare. Then along came Mike Smith and Matt Ryan, an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. In fact, the Falcons nearly won the NFC South, finishing a game behind the Carolina Panthers.

Ryan was the AP Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 3,440 yards and 16 TDs, while compiling an 87.7 passer rating and completing over 61% of his passes. But while Ryan gets most of the accolades, this offense really belongs to Michael Turner, who exploded in a full-time role after a tutelage under LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego.

Turner carried the ball 376 times, nearly 150 more times than his 4 combined seasons on the west coast. He rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns, and surpassed the 200 yard mark in the first and last games of the season.

This is just the 4th playoff appearance for the Falcons in the last 25 years. The Cardinals haven't had much success either, especially since moving to Arizona. In fact, this is their first playoff appearance since the 1998 season, which was also the last time they finished above .500.

While the Cardinals can pass the ball with anyone, they're about as flawed as a team can be. World beaters one day, allowing 56 points to the Jets on another day. Kurt Warner threw for over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, but put defensive pressure on him and Warner is likely to cough up the football. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are dangerous weapons, so the Falcons must keep up a pass rush on Warner or they're dead.

The defensive numbers between the two teams are very similar, both giving up around 220 yards through the air. But while the Falcons have +3 turnover ratio, the Cardinals have given up the football as many times as they've taken it away.

We've seen this spread range from each team being favored by 1 to the game being a pick 'em, which is the current line on Football Locks, which is the site we've used all season.
Falcons PK at Cardinals Prediction: Falcons 27 Cardinals 23


Colts at Chargers

The second Saturday game matches two of the hottest teams in the AFC. Some bad breaks combined with bad play put the Chargers at 4-8 after 12 games. But they won their last 4 including a winner take all/justice is done game against the Broncos in the season's final week of the season.

The biggest problem for the Chargers tonight could be injuries. Both LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) and Tight End Antonio Gates (high ankle sprain) are questionable. It will be a big blow to the offense if one or both miss the game. Should LT2 (sorry, there's only one LT) be out of action, more pressure will fall on the Chargers' little fireplug Darren Sproles, who had 672 yards rushing and receiving. It also could hurt the Chargers' special teams, where Sproles handles the bulk of punt and kick returns. Norv Turner might have to move him off those duties to lessen the chance of injury.

Had their Chargers finished better than .500, their QB could certainly have been the MVP. Phillip Rivers threw for 4002 yards, 34 TDS, 11 picks, and compiled a 105.5 passer rating. He's developed into one of the best on field leaders in the game.

The Colts are on a roll coming into the playoffs. Led by, now, 3 time MVP Peyton Manning, the Colts won their last 9 games in a row after a slow start caused by injuries and ineffectiveness. The Colts lack of a running game, they ranked 31st in the NFL, could definitely hurt them, but injuries to Joseph Addai is one of the reasons the Colts couldn't run as much either.

Manning garnered the MVP with 4,002 yards passing, 27 TD, 12 picks, and a 95 passer rating. Reggie Wayne has been Manning's biggest target, catching 82 balls for 1,145. But the touchdowns have been spread around amongst all of the eligible pass catchers. The Colts will be without their starting left guard Mike Pollak and back up center Jamey Richard.

The Colts biggest problem has been stopping the run, allowing 122 yards a game. But the Chargers problem has been stopping the pass (31st) and this is NOT the QB you want to be facing when you have that problem.

This game is a pick 'em, because of the uncertainty of the Chargers two stars, but the Bolts problem stopping the pass will be the much bigger issue here.
Colts PK at Chargers Prediction: Colts 31 Chargers 23

NFL Wild Card Weekend - Saturday

It seems like it was just week one of the NFL season, but the playoffs have arrived this weekend with the lower seeded division winners facing off against each other and wild card entries.

Falcons at Cardinals

It seems like the Falcons were just in the midst of the whole Michael Vick-Bobby Petrino nightmare. Then along came Mike Smith and Matt Ryan, an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. In fact, the Falcons nearly won the NFC South, finishing a game behind the Carolina Panthers.

Ryan was the AP Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 3,440 yards and 16 TDs, while compiling an 87.7 passer rating and completing over 61% of his passes. But while Ryan gets most of the accolades, this offense really belongs to Michael Turner, who exploded in a full-time role after a tutelage under LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego.

Turner carried the ball 376 times, nearly 150 more times than his 4 combined seasons on the west coast. He rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns, and surpassed the 200 yard mark in the first and last games of the season.

This is just the 4th playoff appearance for the Falcons in the last 25 years. The Cardinals haven't had much success either, especially since moving to Arizona. In fact, this is their first playoff appearance since the 1998 season, which was also the last time they finished above .500.

While the Cardinals can pass the ball with anyone, they're about as flawed as a team can be. World beaters one day, allowing 56 points to the Jets on another day. Kurt Warner threw for over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, but put defensive pressure on him and Warner is likely to cough up the football. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are dangerous weapons, so the Falcons must keep up a pass rush on Warner or they're dead.

The defensive numbers between the two teams are very similar, both giving up around 220 yards through the air. But while the Falcons have +3 turnover ratio, the Cardinals have given up the football as many times as they've taken it away.

We've seen this spread range from each team being favored by 1 to the game being a pick 'em, which is the current line on Football Locks, which is the site we've used all season.
Falcons PK at Cardinals Prediction: Falcons 27 Cardinals 23


Colts at Chargers

The second Saturday game matches two of the hottest teams in the AFC. Some bad breaks combined with bad play put the Chargers at 4-8 after 12 games. But they won their last 4 including a winner take all/justice is done game against the Broncos in the season's final week of the season.

The biggest problem for the Chargers tonight could be injuries. Both LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) and Tight End Antonio Gates (high ankle sprain) are questionable. It will be a big blow to the offense if one or both miss the game. Should LT2 (sorry, there's only one LT) be out of action, more pressure will fall on the Chargers' little fireplug Darren Sproles, who had 672 yards rushing and receiving. It also could hurt the Chargers' special teams, where Sproles handles the bulk of punt and kick returns. Norv Turner might have to move him off those duties to lessen the chance of injury.

Had their Chargers finished better than .500, their QB could certainly have been the MVP. Phillip Rivers threw for 4002 yards, 34 TDS, 11 picks, and compiled a 105.5 passer rating. He's developed into one of the best on field leaders in the game.

The Colts are on a roll coming into the playoffs. Led by, now, 3 time MVP Peyton Manning, the Colts won their last 9 games in a row after a slow start caused by injuries and ineffectiveness. The Colts lack of a running game, they ranked 31st in the NFL, could definitely hurt them, but injuries to Joseph Addai is one of the reasons the Colts couldn't run as much either.

Manning garnered the MVP with 4,002 yards passing, 27 TD, 12 picks, and a 95 passer rating. Reggie Wayne has been Manning's biggest target, catching 82 balls for 1,145. But the touchdowns have been spread around amongst all of the eligible pass catchers. The Colts will be without their starting left guard Mike Pollak and back up center Jamey Richard.

The Colts biggest problem has been stopping the run, allowing 122 yards a game. But the Chargers problem has been stopping the pass (31st) and this is NOT the QB you want to be facing when you have that problem.

This game is a pick 'em, because of the uncertainty of the Chargers two stars, but the Bolts problem stopping the pass will be the much bigger issue here.
Colts PK at Chargers Prediction: Colts 31 Chargers 23

NFL Wild Card Weekend - Saturday

It seems like it was just week one of the NFL season, but the playoffs have arrived this weekend with the lower seeded division winners facing off against each other and wild card entries.

Falcons at Cardinals

It seems like the Falcons were just in the midst of the whole Michael Vick-Bobby Petrino nightmare. Then along came Mike Smith and Matt Ryan, an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. In fact, the Falcons nearly won the NFC South, finishing a game behind the Carolina Panthers.

Ryan was the AP Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 3,440 yards and 16 TDs, while compiling an 87.7 passer rating and completing over 61% of his passes. But while Ryan gets most of the accolades, this offense really belongs to Michael Turner, who exploded in a full-time role after a tutelage under LaDainian Tomlinson in San Diego.

Turner carried the ball 376 times, nearly 150 more times than his 4 combined seasons on the west coast. He rushed for 1,699 yards and 17 touchdowns, and surpassed the 200 yard mark in the first and last games of the season.

This is just the 4th playoff appearance for the Falcons in the last 25 years. The Cardinals haven't had much success either, especially since moving to Arizona. In fact, this is their first playoff appearance since the 1998 season, which was also the last time they finished above .500.

While the Cardinals can pass the ball with anyone, they're about as flawed as a team can be. World beaters one day, allowing 56 points to the Jets on another day. Kurt Warner threw for over 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, but put defensive pressure on him and Warner is likely to cough up the football. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are dangerous weapons, so the Falcons must keep up a pass rush on Warner or they're dead.

The defensive numbers between the two teams are very similar, both giving up around 220 yards through the air. But while the Falcons have +3 turnover ratio, the Cardinals have given up the football as many times as they've taken it away.

We've seen this spread range from each team being favored by 1 to the game being a pick 'em, which is the current line on Football Locks, which is the site we've used all season.
Falcons PK at Cardinals Prediction: Falcons 27 Cardinals 23


Chargers at Colts

The second Saturday game matches two of the hottest teams in the AFC. Some bad breaks combined with bad play put the Chargers at 4-8 after 12 games. But they won their last 4 including a winner take all/justice is done game against the Broncos in the season's final week of the season.

The biggest problem for the Chargers tonight could be injuries. Both LaDainian Tomlinson (toe) and Tight End Antonio Gates (high ankle sprain) are questionable. It will be a big blow to the offense if one or both miss the game. Should LT2 (sorry, there's only one LT) be out of action, more pressure will fall on the Chargers' little fireplug Darren Sproles, who had 672 yards rushing and receiving. It also could hurt the Chargers' special teams, where Sproles handles the bulk of punt and kick returns. Norv Turner might have to move him off those duties to lessen the chance of injury.

Had their Chargers finished better than .500, their QB could certainly have been the MVP. Phillip Rivers threw for 4002 yards, 34 TDS, 11 picks, and compiled a 105.5 passer rating. He's developed into one of the best on field leaders in the game.

The Colts are on a roll coming into the playoffs. Led by, now, 3 time MVP Peyton Manning, the Colts won their last 9 games in a row after a slow start caused by injuries and ineffectiveness. The Colts lack of a running game, they ranked 31st in the NFL, could definitely hurt them, but injuries to Joseph Addai is one of the reasons the Colts couldn't run as much either.

Manning garnered the MVP with 4,002 yards passing, 27 TD, 12 picks, and a 95 passer rating. Reggie Wayne has been Manning's biggest target, catching 82 balls for 1,145. But the touchdowns have been spread around amongst all of the eligible pass catchers. The Colts will be without their starting left guard Mike Pollak and back up center Jamey Richard.

The Colts biggest problem has been stopping the run, allowing 122 yards a game. But the Chargers problem has been stopping the pass (31st) and this is NOT the QB you want to be facing when you have that problem.

This game is a pick 'em, because of the uncertainty of the Chargers two stars, but the Bolts problem stopping the pass will be the much bigger issue here.
Colts PK vs. Chargers Prediction: Colts 31 Chargers 23

NFL Picks - Week 7

We had a miserable week last Sunday, topped off the giant crap Big Blue took on Monday night. A 5-9 week puts us at 47-38-3 overall.

This week the Giants should be back on the ball against an inferior 49ers team. It definitely helps that it is a home game. The Giants will be without Antonio Pierce and his backup, Chase Blackburn, is a big banged up himself. Eli Manning has a bruised chest, but will play.
Giants -10.5 vs. 49ers Prediction: Giants 33 49ers 16

Jets -3 at Raiders
A decent playing Jets team has a good stretch of the schedule, including today's road game against a Raiders team that is in as much disarray as ever. Jets should romp.

Titans -9 at Chiefs
That's a big spread for a road team, but the Titans are unbeaten. Unlike the Giants-Browns game on Monday night, there will be no sudden turnaround for the Chiefs. They just plain stink.

Bills -1 vs. Chargers
The Chargers are completely unpredictable, especially when LT2 is banged up, but Tomlinson did take part in full practices on Thursday and Friday. That being said, the Bills defense should be the difference maker in this one.

Steelers -9.5 at Bengals
Another big road spread, but another feeble opponent. Carson Palmer is still sitting, as is Willie Parker, but the Steelers have enough weapons to make for another miserable day for Marvin Lewis.

Ravens +3 at Dolphins
Wildcat offense or not, the difference in this game will be Joe Flacco. We were going to go with the Dolphins and then switched. A choice we will probably regret.

Cowboys -7 at Rams
Not having Tony Romo shouldn't stop the Cowboys from blasting the Rams. Cowboys will bounce back from last week's upset at the hands of the Cardinals, and there is no way the Rams will beat an NFC East opponent two weeks in a row.

Bears -3 vs. Vikings
Should be a pretty good game, but the Bears are the better team.

Panthers -3 vs. Saints
Going with another favorite here. The Panthers defense should be a good match for the Saints offense. If Jake Delhomme is on, he should be able to pick apart the Saints secondary.

Lions +9.5 at Texans
Okay, this pick is crazy. Completely. But we'll commit point spread suicide.

Browns +7.5 at Redskins
No, we're not reading too much into last week's Browns win. They won't win this one, but we think they can keep it close...we hope.

Colts -1 at Packers
Peyton Manning looked healthy last week in throwing 3 TD's. He should replicate that feat this week.

Bucs -10.5 vs. Seahawks
We really don't like laying that many points with the Bucs, but we really don't like this Seattle team.

Patriots -3 vs. Broncos
This game could probably be a PK, but with the lack of Broncos defense, we'll go with the Pats.

NFL Picks - Week 7

We had a miserable week last Sunday, topped off the giant crap Big Blue took on Monday night. A 5-9 week puts us at 47-38-3 overall.

This week the Giants should be back on the ball against an inferior 49ers team. It definitely helps that it is a home game. The Giants will be without Antonio Pierce and his backup, Chase Blackburn, is a big banged up himself. Eli Manning has a bruised chest, but will play.
Giants -10.5 vs. 49ers Prediction: Giants 33 49ers 16

Jets -3 at Raiders
A decent playing Jets team has a good stretch of the schedule, including today's road game against a Raiders team that is in as much disarray as ever. Jets should romp.

Titans -9 at Chiefs
That's a big spread for a road team, but the Titans are unbeaten. Unlike the Giants-Browns game on Monday night, there will be no sudden turnaround for the Chiefs. They just plain stink.

Bills -1 vs. Chargers
The Chargers are completely unpredictable, especially when LT2 is banged up, but Tomlinson did take part in full practices on Thursday and Friday. That being said, the Bills defense should be the difference maker in this one.

Steelers -9.5 at Bengals
Another big road spread, but another feeble opponent. Carson Palmer is still sitting, as is Willie Parker, but the Steelers have enough weapons to make for another miserable day for Marvin Lewis.

Ravens +3 at Dolphins
Wildcat offense or not, the difference in this game will be Joe Flacco. We were going to go with the Dolphins and then switched. A choice we will probably regret.

Cowboys -7 at Rams
Not having Tony Romo shouldn't stop the Cowboys from blasting the Rams. Cowboys will bounce back from last week's upset at the hands of the Cardinals, and there is no way the Rams will beat an NFC East opponent two weeks in a row.

Bears -3 vs. Vikings
Should be a pretty good game, but the Bears are the better team.

Panthers -3 vs. Saints
Going with another favorite here. The Panthers defense should be a good match for the Saints offense. If Jake Delhomme is on, he should be able to pick apart the Saints secondary.

Lions +9.5 at Texans
Okay, this pick is crazy. Completely. But we'll commit point spread suicide.

Browns +7.5 at Redskins
No, we're not reading too much into last week's Browns win. They won't win this one, but we think they can keep it close...we hope.

Colts -1 at Packers
Peyton Manning looked healthy last week in throwing 3 TD's. He should replicate that feat this week.

Bucs -10.5 vs. Seahawks
We really don't like laying that many points with the Bucs, but we really don't like this Seattle team.

Patriots -3 vs. Broncos
This game could probably be a PK, but with the lack of Broncos defense, we'll go with the Pats.

NFL Picks - Week1

We were way off on the score, but correct in picking Big Blue to lay the points against the Redskins Thursday night. We really haven't been paying much attention to the pre-season games, so the early going could be rough. Do NOT, do NOT base any of your gambling on our picks.

Jets at Dolphins
The Brett Favre ERA/year begins in earnest. For one week, he'll look like a world beater. The Dolphins won't be significantly better than last year, even though their quarterback is one Chad Pennington. Jets -3

Bengals at Ravens
The Ravens offense still doesn't look very offensive. Hopefully not all of the Bengals have a court date. Bengals -2

Chiefs at Patriots
The Patriots haven't lost a regular season game since 2006, and their not about to lose this one. Patriots -16

Texans at Steelers
You just never know what to make of the Texans. We don't think the Steelers should have any problems in this one. Steelers -6.5

Jaguars at Titans
Will Vince Young progress or regress? Will David Garrard have another huge year? Should make for an interesting game. We think this one will be close. Jags win, but Titans +3

Lions at Falcons
Two teams that are always hard to figure. The Lions went 4-0 in the pre-season...that doesn't impress us. The Falcons had trouble scoring and that definitely made an impression. Lions -3

Seahawks at Bills
Seahawks were a big disappointment last season, while the Bills played rock 'em, sock 'em football. Seahawks +1

Bucs at Saints
The Saints were one of the biggest disappointments in '07. The Bucs lost a first round playoff match up with the Giants. Should be a good one, but the Bucs offense still stinks. Saints -3

Rams at Eagles
The Eagles, particularly Donovan McNabb, have a lot to prove. The Rams have even more to prove after a disappointing '07 season. We think this is too big of a spread for the Eagles to cover in week one, even at home. Rams +8

Cowboys at Browns
Cowboys think they should have been representing the NFC in last year's Super Bowl. The Browns came back from the dead early in the season and narrowly missed a playoff spot last year. Jamal Lewis is a game time decision. Cowboys - 5.5

Panthers at Chargers
The Chargers are looking to return to their 2006 form after not living up to last season's expectations. Jake Delhomme is back, which is great news for Panthers fans, but he won't have Steve Smith, suspended for two games after punching a teammate, to throw to this week. We think the Panthers defense can keep it close. Panthers +9

Cardinals at 49ers
Kurt Warner beat out Matt Leinart in AZ and T.J. O'Sullivan vanquished Alex Smith in San Fran. Cardinals -2.5

Bears at Colts
A rematch of Super Bowl XLI, but Kyle Orton gets the nod over Rex Grossman at QB. Not much of a difference. Peyton Manning is ready to go. Colts -9.5

Monday Night Football

Vikings at Packers
The post-Brett Favre era begins and the Packers are very happy not to be looking across the line of scrimmage at him this week. Aaron Rodgers should get his first open night win in this one. Packers -2.5

Broncos at Raiders
There's no reason to think there will be a lot of improvement in Oakland, while Denver and Jay Cutler look to attain the heights they fell short of last season. Broncos -3

NFL Picks - Week1

We were way off on the score, but correct in picking Big Blue to lay the points against the Redskins Thursday night. We really haven't been paying much attention to the pre-season games, so the early going could be rough. Do NOT, do NOT base any of your gambling on our picks.

Jets at Dolphins
The Brett Favre ERA/year begins in earnest. For one week, he'll look like a world beater. The Dolphins won't be significantly better than last year, even though their quarterback is one Chad Pennington. Jets -3

Bengals at Ravens
The Ravens offense still doesn't look very offensive. Hopefully not all of the Bengals have a court date. Bengals -2

Chiefs at Patriots
The Patriots haven't lost a regular season game since 2006, and their not about to lose this one. Patriots -16

Texans at Steelers
You just never know what to make of the Texans. We don't think the Steelers should have any problems in this one. Steelers -6.5

Jaguars at Titans
Will Vince Young progress or regress? Will David Garrard have another huge year? Should make for an interesting game. We think this one will be close. Jags win, but Titans +3

Lions at Falcons
Two teams that are always hard to figure. The Lions went 4-0 in the pre-season...that doesn't impress us. The Falcons had trouble scoring and that definitely made an impression. Lions -3

Seahawks at Bills
Seahawks were a big disappointment last season, while the Bills played rock 'em, sock 'em football. Seahawks +1

Bucs at Saints
The Saints were one of the biggest disappointments in '07. The Bucs lost a first round playoff match up with the Giants. Should be a good one, but the Bucs offense still stinks. Saints -3

Rams at Eagles
The Eagles, particularly Donovan McNabb, have a lot to prove. The Rams have even more to prove after a disappointing '07 season. We think this is too big of a spread for the Eagles to cover in week one, even at home. Rams +8

Cowboys at Browns
Cowboys think they should have been representing the NFC in last year's Super Bowl. The Browns came back from the dead early in the season and narrowly missed a playoff spot last year. Jamal Lewis is a game time decision. Cowboys - 5.5

Panthers at Chargers
The Chargers are looking to return to their 2006 form after not living up to last season's expectations. Jake Delhomme is back, which is great news for Panthers fans, but he won't have Steve Smith, suspended for two games after punching a teammate, to throw to this week. We think the Panthers defense can keep it close. Panthers +9

Cardinals at 49ers
Kurt Warner beat out Matt Leinart in AZ and T.J. O'Sullivan vanquished Alex Smith in San Fran. Cardinals -2.5

Bears at Colts
A rematch of Super Bowl XLI, but Kyle Orton gets the nod over Rex Grossman at QB. Not much of a difference. Peyton Manning is ready to go. Colts -9.5

Monday Night Football

Vikings at Packers
The post-Brett Favre era begins and the Packers are very happy not to be looking across the line of scrimmage at him this week. Aaron Rodgers should get his first open night win in this one. Packers -2.5

Broncos at Raiders
There's no reason to think there will be a lot of improvement in Oakland, while Denver and Jay Cutler look to attain the heights they fell short of last season. Broncos -3

Wild Card Weekend

The feeling about the Giants being a confident team after losing to the Pats is a bit absurd. While the offense played exceptionally well, the defense got torched, albeit by the league's best offense. But we don't know which Giants team will show up in Tampa this weekend, and that's why its difficult to have a positive feeling any time they play in the playoffs under Tom Coughlin.

We still think the Giants will win a tight one, 17-13. That also means take the 3 points.

Here's a look at the rest of the games.

Redskins -3.5 at Seahawks. We think this game is coming down to a field goal and the Redskins have an excellent chance to win the game. The Skins are on an adrenaline high right now and we don't trust the Seahawks. We don't particularly like a lot of the in-game decisions that Mike Holmgren makes either. All that being said, Seahawks 21 Redskins 20.

Jags -2.5 at Steelers. The Steelers are playing at home, which will help overcome the overrated status. But even though we never confuse Dave Garrard with Tom Brady, we think the Jags win this very physical game. Jaguars 27 Steelers 17.

Chargers -10 at Titans
We didn't think the Titans or Browns would stand a chance in this game, and we haven't changed our minds. Whether its Vince Young or Kerry Collins leading the Titans, they won't be able to match the offense output the Chargers put up. Phillip Rivers is struggling, but LaDanian Tomlinson is still the man. Chargers 34 Titans 20

Wild Card Weekend

The feeling about the Giants being a confident team after losing to the Pats is a bit absurd. While the offense played exceptionally well, the defense got torched, albeit by the league's best offense. But we don't know which Giants team will show up in Tampa this weekend, and that's why its difficult to have a positive feeling any time they play in the playoffs under Tom Coughlin.

We still think the Giants will win a tight one, 17-13. That also means take the 3 points.

Here's a look at the rest of the games.

Redskins -3.5 at Seahawks. We think this game is coming down to a field goal and the Redskins have an excellent chance to win the game. The Skins are on an adrenaline high right now and we don't trust the Seahawks. We don't particularly like a lot of the in-game decisions that Mike Holmgren makes either. All that being said, Seahawks 21 Redskins 20.

Jags -2.5 at Steelers. The Steelers are playing at home, which will help overcome the overrated status. But even though we never confuse Dave Garrard with Tom Brady, we think the Jags win this very physical game. Jaguars 27 Steelers 17.

Chargers -10 at Titans
We didn't think the Titans or Browns would stand a chance in this game, and we haven't changed our minds. Whether its Vince Young or Kerry Collins leading the Titans, they won't be able to match the offense output the Chargers put up. Phillip Rivers is struggling, but LaDanian Tomlinson is still the man. Chargers 34 Titans 20

NFL Recap - Week 17

We weren't lying when we said the games of week 17 was the hardest to predict. We were completely shocked by the Giants game effort. Hopefully it carries over to the playoffs.

Here's the final recap:

Patriots -13.5 at Giants
No one more stunned than us. WRONG

Jets -6 vs. Chiefs
Lame, lame, lame..Mangini-lame. WRONG

Eagles -7.5 vs. Bills
Just squeeked under. RIGHT

Bucs +2.5 vs. Panthers
Unpredictably predictable. WRONG

Bengals -2.5 at Dolphins
What a horrible Dolphins squad. RIGHT

Packers -5 at Lions
Lions lost 7 of 8. RIGHT

Jags +6 at Texans
Andre Davis. 'Nuff said. WRONG

Seahawks +1 at Falcons
We knew we would get this wrong no matter who we picked. WRONG

Browns -11.5 at 49ers
Good enough to win, but not make the playoffs. RIGHT

Bears +2 vs. Saints
Our mistrust of the Saints paid off. RIGHT

Cowboys +9 at Redskins
Wow! We thought the Cowgirls would at least cover. WRONG

Steelers -3 at Ravens
Ravens stink, but Steelers rested. WRONG

Vikings -3 at Broncos
OT Push. PUSH

Chargers +8 at Raiders
Bolts are rolling. RIGHT

Rams +6 at Cardinals
We waivered the wrong way. WRONG

Colts +5 vs. Titans
Almost. WRONG

Week 17 - 7-8-1
136-115-8 overall - Not bad, not bad at all.

NFL Recap - Week 17

We weren't lying when we said the games of week 17 was the hardest to predict. We were completely shocked by the Giants game effort. Hopefully it carries over to the playoffs.

Here's the final recap:

Patriots -13.5 at Giants
No one more stunned than us. WRONG

Jets -6 vs. Chiefs
Lame, lame, lame..Mangini-lame. WRONG

Eagles -7.5 vs. Bills
Just squeeked under. RIGHT

Bucs +2.5 vs. Panthers
Unpredictably predictable. WRONG

Bengals -2.5 at Dolphins
What a horrible Dolphins squad. RIGHT

Packers -5 at Lions
Lions lost 7 of 8. RIGHT

Jags +6 at Texans
Andre Davis. 'Nuff said. WRONG

Seahawks +1 at Falcons
We knew we would get this wrong no matter who we picked. WRONG

Browns -11.5 at 49ers
Good enough to win, but not make the playoffs. RIGHT

Bears +2 vs. Saints
Our mistrust of the Saints paid off. RIGHT

Cowboys +9 at Redskins
Wow! We thought the Cowgirls would at least cover. WRONG

Steelers -3 at Ravens
Ravens stink, but Steelers rested. WRONG

Vikings -3 at Broncos
OT Push. PUSH

Chargers +8 at Raiders
Bolts are rolling. RIGHT

Rams +6 at Cardinals
We waivered the wrong way. WRONG

Colts +5 vs. Titans
Almost. WRONG

Week 17 - 7-8-1
136-115-8 overall - Not bad, not bad at all.