Dallas Cowboys (1-2) vs. Tennessee Titans (2-2)

The Cowboys Rank 19th in the NFL on Power Rankings. If the Cowboys are to win more games, then the trio of Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice need to run the ball better. If they don't, expect Romo's passing rating to fall, as he will start giving up more interceptions.

Cowboys Injury Report:
Tight end Jason Witten (knee) did not practice during the bye week, but did practice on Monday and should fully participate this week. Witten suffered a knee sprain two weeks ago against the Texans.

Lineman Kyle Kosier (knee) also went down against the Texans with a knee sprain, but last week coach Wade Phillips said that Kosier was "iffy" as far as playing this week. However Kosier was at the media portion of Monday's practice and said that he would fully participate this week and play.

Wide Receiver Dez Bryant (hip, ribs) was another Cowboy who didn't practice, dealing with hip and rib injuries, but is expected to practice on Wednesday and play this week. Bryant has played through his injuries, which include a stress fracture in his ribs and a bruised hip.

Linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring) practiced last Wednesday and Thursday and is expected to fully participate in practice this week. If he is able to practice with no pain to his hamstring then he will play this week.

Martellus Bennett (ankle), Mike Jenkins (knee) and Sam Hurd (hip) all are expected to practice and play this week as well.

From one report:
Chicago VS. Carolina
The Bears weren't as good as their 3-0 record, and now they're 3-1 and minus Jay Cutler.

The Panthers are trying to build some consistency behind rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, but the Panthers rank dead last in the league in points scored and 30th in total yards.

The Bears still are tough beat up to win this week, though.

Their prediction: Panthers 18, Bears 10

My Prediction: Bears 12, Panthers 6 (a boring, all field goal game)


Also, their thoughts on the Cowboys:
Dallas is 1-2 after the bye week with a victory over the Houston Texans. The Titans are 2-2 after a close loss to the Denver Broncos.

The Cowboys haven't looked right this season, with confusion on the sidelines and coaching mistakes bringing the team down.

A bye week should help the Cowboys fix a lot of the mistakes but the Titans are no pushover, and Jeff Fisher is not going to just roll over and let his team fall under .500 again.

However, Vince Young hasn't exactly lit the place up so far this season and it will be the Titans' 27th ranked offense versus the Cowboys eighth ranked defense.

Sorry, Jeff.

Their Prediction: Cowboys 31, Titans 17
Now... my thoughts. Teams coming off a bye week almost always play better than before the bye. That alone should say the Cowboys are going to win this one, which is my thoughts period. If the Cowboys can change two things they have had trouble with thus far this season, being the running game stinking like a septic tank and having penalties KILL them, really, just changing one of those two things would be reason for celebration. If they change both of those things, then they dominate. Period. The Cowboys defense will control the Titans offense. I don't see them scoring 17 points. I also don't see the Cowboys scoring 31. I think it will be a lower scoring game easily.

My Prediction: Cowboys 20, Titans 13

Super Bowl Odds for All 32 NFL Teams

First off, I should note that there is a 37.5% chance that a team will make the playoffs, based on a 12/32 ratio. Talent, experience, and coachability are factors to consider, as well as what the team has done over the last year to base predictability on making the playoffs and winning a Superbowl. All in all, 20 teams stay home for the playoffs, 12 teams move on at the end of the regular season, with two of the 12 going to the big show. The following are the thoughts of Evan Adrian, afterwhich are my thoughts. Enjoy!

32. Rams

Steven Jackson is a great player, but no running back could carry this train-wreck of a team to the playoffs. Odds to win it all: 100 to 1

31. Bucs

Get your Heat tickets before they sell out, Buc fans. Odds to win it all: 90 to 1

30. Bills

Training camp is right around the corner, and we still don’t know who the Bills’ starting quarterback or running back is. Odds to win it all: 85 to 1

29. Brownies

But in the uber-competitive AFC North, it won’t even be close to enough to sniff a playoff berth. Odds to win it all: 80 to 1

28. Lions

I LOVE the Lions’ 2010 draft class, especially Ndamukong Suh, who will undoubtedly be a better pro than first overall pick Sam Bradford. Overall, this teams stinks, though. Odds to win it all: 75 to 1

27. Chiefs

This is a team that could sniff .500 in 2010, but a playoff birth seems to be out of the question. Odds to win it all: 60 to 1

26. Raiders

Oakland finally seems to be getting personnel moves right, thanks to Al Davis reportedly relinquishing some control. The Raiders have a talented backfield, a stud tight end in Zach Miller, an underrated offensive line, and a punishing defense. Odds to win it all: 50 to 1

25. Broncos

Denver got rid of Brandon Marshall this off-season, who was hands down their best play-maker. Rookie Demaryius Thomas will try to pick up the slack, but he won’t come close to Marshall’s numbers. Odds to win it all: 45 to 1

24. Seahawks

I don’t know how much Matt Hasselbeck really has left. And with Seattle’s acquisition of Chargers’ QB Charlie Whitehurst, I don’t think Seattle’s front office has much of an idea, either. Odds to win it all: 40 to 1

23. Cards

Losing Kurt Warner hurts. A lot. Arizona’s QB depth chart now looks like this: 1. Matt Leinart 2. Derek Anderson 3. John Skelton 4. Max Hall. Let the QB controversy begin! Beating out the 49ers for a playoff spot would be reason to celebrate. Odds to win it all: 38 to 1

22. Da Bears

I’m not saying that the Bears will be the greatest show on turf 2.0, but they will certainly be better with Mike Martz calling the shots. Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and company seem to fit the prototypical small receiver build that Martz does well with. If Matt Forte can return to 2008 form, Chicago’s offense could take flight. Odds to win it all: 36 to 1

21. Jags

If Garrard can play game-manager relatively well in 2010, the Jaguars have a legitimate shot at the playoffs (as long as Jones-Drew stays healthy). Super Bowl aspirations,though, are on hold for the time being. Odds to win it all: 35 to 1

20. 'Skins

Mike Shanahan has taken over as Washington’s head coach, and he seems to have taken the 2006 Pro-Bowl roster with him (Willie Parker, Donovan McNabb, Larry Johnson, and incumbent Clinton Portis). Can Washington compete in the East Beast Division? Odds to win it all: 32 to 1

19. Dolphins

Is Henne good enough to lead Miami to the postseason? He very well might be. Can he carry them to a Super Bowl? Certainly not. Odds to win it all: 30 to 1

18. 49ers

I like this team, but I don't love them. Winning the NFC West really amounts to nothing once the playoffs start. The 49ers are a young, growing team, but expect some serious growing pains once the playoffs start. Odds to win it all: 30 to 1

17. Mighty-Mighty Boss Cats (Panthers)

Carolina is handing the reigns over to Matt Moore this year after cutting Jake Delhomme in the offseason. If Moore can manage the game well and limit his turnovers, Carolina’s run game and defense could carry them to the playoffs. But a Super Bowl? No. Odds to win it all: 28 to 1

16. Eagles

Their defense and improved run-game could take them to the playoffs, plus they have that DeSean Jackson guy, who seems to make the occasional big play. I sort-of like the Eagles, but I don’t trust them farther than I can throw them. Odds to win it all: 28 to 1

15. Texans

Schaub played an entire season for the first time in 2009, and he was simply amazing. He racked up 29 touchdowns, 4,770 yards, and a QB rating of 98.6 (healthy temperature and QB rating). Houston’s offense was prolific last season, and I expect more of the same in 2010. If the Texans’ defense can keep up, the Houston Texans could get to the playoffs for the first time ever. Anything beyond a playoff berth would be a miracle. Odds to win it all: 26 to 1

14. Bengals

The Bengals seem to be in the news for all the wrong reasons this offseason. This is a team with too many questions, so here’s my answer: steer clear of Cincinnati. Odds to win it all: 25 to 1

13. Falcons

10 wins would be tremendous for this team, and it’s easily within reach. A deep playoff run, however, seems to be out of reach. Odds to win it all: 22 to 1

12. Giants

Eli Manning is better than you think he is, and so are New York’s receivers. Don’t sleep on the Giants, but don’t bet on them either. Odds to win it all: 20 to 1

11. Titans

Young was great as a starter last season, taking over for Kerry Collins and leading the Titans to an 8-2 record down the stretch. With a full season as a starter on the horizon,the sky is the limit for Young. Odds to win it all: 18 to 1

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers crack my top ten despite trading away their best receiver and being forced to play 4-6 games without their starting quarterback. If Pittsburgh can manage to win at least half of their games without Big Ben, they’ll be in good shape to make the playoffs. Willie Parker is gone, meaning 2010 is Rashard Mendenhall’s time to shine. And I think he’s more than capable of carrying the load. If Pittsburgh’s receivers can make up for Santonio’s absence, I can see the Steelers making a serious run at the Lombardi Trophy. Good coaching and good defense will get you a long way in the playoffs, and Pittsburgh has both. Odds to win it all: 15 to 1

9. New York Jets

I love me some Rex Ryan. He’s exactly what a New York NFL coach should be. He’s transformed the Jets from New York’s other football team into the headliner. The Jets had the loudest offseason in the NFL, picking up LaDainian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes, and Jason Taylor, to name a few. Quarterback Mark Sanchez now has a year of experience under his belt, not to mention 2 playoff victories. I like what they’re building in New York, but I don’t see it all coming together as well as last season. Odds to win it all: 12 to 1

8. San Diego Chargers

Hey look, it’s the Chargers! The team everyone thinks has a legitimate shot at the Super Bowl every year, but seems to come up short. Well guess what? I’m not buying San Diego in 2010. When your team is only in the news for the wrong reasons, things aren’t exactly great. The Chargers ditched the best player in the history of their franchise (LaDainian Tomlinson) and replaced him with a rookie (Ryan Mathews). Their best offensive lineman (Marcus McNeill) is holding out for more money. Their best receiver (Vincent Jackson) is too, plus he’s suspended for three games. Ouch. I will give them this, though: their head coach (Norv Turner) is underrated, Philip Rivers might be a top-5 QB, and their defense is better-than-good. So they’ve got to be a top-ten team on this list. If I were a betting man, though, I wouldn’t touch the Chargers with a ten-foot pole. Odds to win it all: 11 to 1

7. Green Bay Packers

After a heartbreaking end to their 2009 campaign, Green Bay should be hungry, mad, and ready to get at it in 2010. Aaron Rodgers has been better than good since Brett Favre left, retired, signed with the Jets, left, retired, and signed with the Vikings. Rodgers' receivers are solid, he has an emerging tight end in Jermichael Finley, and I think Ryan Grant is due for a huge season in 2010. Green Bay’s defense really is underrated. Their linebacking corps is full of playmakers, and their secondary was good in 2009, with the obvious exception of their wild-card meltdown. A spot in the playoffs should be a given, and a Super Bowl victory is not out of this team’s reach by any means. Odds to win it all: 21 to 2

6. Minnesota Vikings

First things first: Brett Favre is going to play in 2010. Ok? Settled? Good. Second, he’s not going to be as good as he was last year. I don’t think anyone can reasonably expect him to be. But their run game shouldbe better. Adrian Peterson wasn’t as good as you think he was last year. Sure, he scored 18 touchdowns and ran for nearly 1,400 yards, but his YPC was a career-low 4.4, and he lost a career-high 6 fumbles. I’m not saying he’s not great, I’m just saying there’s room to improve. With their talented group o fpass catchers (Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, Visanthe Shiancoe, Bernard Berrian) and their punishing defense, a playoff berth for this squad is a given, but a Super Bowl is probably just out of reach (again). Odds to win it all: 10 to 1

5. Dallas Cowboys

First off, I’m not a Cowboys fan. I know they’re America’steam, and I live in America, but that still doesn’t make me a fan. However, I am buying the Cowboys as NFC East champions, and the odds-on favorite to win homefield in the NFC. Tony Romo seems to keep getting better and better, Miles Austin has emerged as a legit number one receiver, and Jason Witten is arguably the best pass-catching tight end in the NFL today. Not to mention that loaded backfield of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. Their defense is solid too, and they do a tremendous job getting in the backfield and making plays. Oh, and if that Dez Bryant guy turns out to be decent, we may see Dallas playing for Super Bowl XLV in their own stadium in February. Odds to win it all: 10 to 1

4. Baltimore Ravens

Ah yes, the Baltimore Ravens. Seems like they’re the chic pick to take home the Lombardi Trophy in 2010. And why not? Baltimore’s backfield could be the best in the NFL, with Ray Rice leading a three-headed charge that also includes Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain. Plus, Joe Flacco has another year under his belt and a new stud receiver in Anquan Boldin (if he can stay healthy). And don’t get me started on their defense. The Ravens added Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody in the 2010 Draft, two first-round caliber players that should thrive in Baltimore’s 3-4 scheme. I like the Ravens a lot,and wouldn’t be too surprised to see Ray Lewis hoisting that Lomardi Trophy for the second time. Odds to win it all: 19 to 2

3. New England Patriots

Don’t let last year’s putrid playoff performance fool you. Despite what you may read, the Patriots are not declining. Bill Belichick is still the coach he’s always been. Tom Brady isn’t a step slower. Yes, Randy Moss is a year older, but this is a contract year. And we all know what that means. New England’s defense may be young, but they’re good, and they’re fast. We know how good this team can be. I think they’ll be that good in 2010, and maybe even better. Brady has a real good shot at a fourth ring. Odds to win it all: 19 to 2

2. New Orleans Saints

Sorry Saints fans, but I can’t put your team first. I just can’t. History tells us that in today’s NFL, a repeat is nearly impossible.Truth of the matter is I love this team. Drew Brees is an elite QB who can succeed with any group of receivers. That’s not a shot at New Orleans’ receiving corps, but does one guy emerge from that group as something truly special? Didn’t think so. New Orleans does have a strong 1-2 punch at running back though, with Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush. And New Orleans’coaching staff might be the best in the NFL. I would love to see them prove me wrong, but I don’t see the Saints repeating this year. A Super Bowl berth, though, doesn’t seem too far fetched. Odds to win it all: 8 to 1

1. Indianapolis Colts

Quick, who’s the NFL’s best quarterback? If you said anyone other than Peyton Manning, you’re kidding yourself. QBs handle the football more than anyone else on the field, so I’ll put my money on the team with the best one. I put my money on Peyton last year and it didn’t exactly work out,but I’ve still got faith. Nobody works harder than Peyton. Nobody leads better than Peyton. But most importantly, nobody cares more than Peyton. The rest of the offense is pretty loaded, too. Peyton has two solid veteran pass-catchers in Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, as well as a couple of talented up-and-comers in Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie. Peyton's backfield (Joseph Addai and Donald Brown) is better than you think. So is the defense. But it all starts with Peyton, and come Super Bowl XLV, I think it will end with him, too. Odds to win it all: 7 to 1

OK, so my thoughts. I think in the top ten, I almost agree. Jets are ranked too high, as are the Patriots. In my opinion, the boat is sailing on the Patriots. They may have another playoff appearance, but I think playoff wins are going... going... I would have put them fifth TOPS. Important, I do agree with the top two. I like the Colts and the Saints in the top two spots, however, I honestly think the two can be interchangable. I would have put the 'Boys at third, bumped up the Vikes to fourth... and I do expect Farve to play and I do expect him to do exceptionally well, as we expect Farve to always perform to the Farve level. The only knock I have against Farve is that he tends to not just play football, but play with people's minds on whether he will or won't play. Man up and give an answer straight out.

How NFL Teams Approach Uncapped Free Agency

By The Associated Press (AP)

How each of the 32 NFL teams are approaching Friday's opening of free agency with no salary cap:

___

AFC

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Ravens don't intend to be thrifty. In quest to enhance roster, especially at wide receiver, Ravens expect to benefit from cost-cutting measures by other teams.

"There will be some real good players that are going to get cut," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "And we've had good success with Derrick Mason, Trevor Pryce, Samari Rolle — guys that got cut because of the salary cap situation that that particular team was in."

BUFFALO BILLS

For all the holes Buddy Nix has to fill on team that missed playoffs for 10th straight season, it's unlikely first-time general manager will be making any T.O.-type splashes, as Bills did last March. When hired in December, Nix cautioned he intends to build through draft and would rather target mid-range free agents. That doesn't mean Bills won't be busy. Buffalo has needs at offensive tackle, receiver and on a defense switching to 3-4 scheme under new coach Chan Gailey.

Divisional Playoff Brackets

Divisional Games:

• Saturday: Baltimore at Tennessee (3:30 CST)
• Saturday: Arizona at Carolina (7:15 CST)
• Sunday: Philadelphia at NY Giants (Noon CST)
• Sunday: San Diego at Pittsburgh (3:45 CST)

Quickpicks? Baltimore, Carolina, Giants and Steelers.

Home Field

NFL Playoffs 2009

How will the playoffs go? Well... let's see the obvious.

• Titans will be one and done.
• Vikings will drop the wild-card game, thus sending the Eagles to play against the Giants.
• Arizona will also will be one and done.
• Panthers take out the Falcons.
• Giants vs. the Eagles... I will take the Giants, although I am tempted to pick the Eagles.
• Ravens vs. Dolphins... I am trying to care. Ravens have a better team. Ravens.
• Colts vs. Chargers... Chargers.

That's going to be the extent for now. I'm still sick from the Cowboys loss.

Home Field

The Road to the Soup

The Road to the Soup…

Carolina (13-5) at Seattle (14-3)

Carolina: (13-5)
9/11: New Orleans L 23-20
9/18: New England W 27-17
9/25: at Miami L 27-24
10/3: Green Bay W 32-29
10/9: at Arizona W 24-20
10/16: at Detroit W 21-20
10/30: Minnesota W 38-13
11/6: at Tampa Bay W 34-14
11/13: NY Jets W 30-3
11/20: at Chicago L 13-3
11/27: at Buffalo W 13-9
12/4: Atlanta W 24-6
12/11: Tampa Bay L 20-10
12/18: at New Orleans W 27-10
12/24: Dallas L 24-20
1/1: at Atlanta W 44-11

Playoffs:
1/8: at NY Giants W 23-0
1/15: at Chicago W 29-21

Seattle: (14-3)
9/11: at Jacksonville L 26-14
9/18: Atlanta W 21-18
9/25: Arizona W 37-12
10/2: at Washington L 20-17
10/9: at St. Louis W 37-31
10/16: Houston W 42-10
10/23: Dallas W 13-10
11/6: at Arizona W 33-19
11/13: St. Louis W 31-16
11/20: at San Francisco W 27-25
11/27: NY Giants W 24-21
12/4: at Philadelphia W 42-0
12/11: San Francisco W 41-3
12/18: at Tennessee W 28-24
12/24: Indianapolis W 28-13
1/1: at Green Bay L 23-17

Playoffs:
1/8: Washington W 20-10

So let’s see… since the 2-2 start for Seattle… they have gone 12-1, beating the Giants, ‘skins, and the Colts… and let’s not mention 83-3 run they had between Philly and the 9ers. The water birds can play. The two teams have played only twice, once during the 2000 season (in Carolina, who won 26-3) and in the 2004 season (in Seattle, who won 23-17). Now… here’s the fun part. Carolina seems to like playing on the road and Seattle likes to play at home. In fact, Seattle hasn’t lost at home this season yet. YET. When you are 9-0 at your house… it gives you confidence. And Jake the Snake likes to see prideful souls fall. This guy is like Magic Joe… the guy just performs when you don’t expect it. Logic is screaming that Seattle is going to take this one but yet my heart says the Cats will prevail once more to take some Campbell’s home. Cats like soup… and, well, the water birds… they seem fishy to me… not sure why. Of course, on the other game… the Steelers cheat and Denver… the Denver Broncos… well, let’s just get a strong lead pencil and put them on in to a XL shirt… I don’t think any other team can breathe that cold air in Colorado anyway. Denver will outdo Pittsburgh by 31 to 17 and Carolina will be blessed with the miracle and win it 24 to 20. So… we shall see on Sunday if Mr. Chicken is right. Laterz.

The unfortunate truth

Well... what a hard Sunday. My wife's team lost, mine won... and a good friend of mine, well, he bet against his own team. I could sit down and write why the Rangers will win over 100 games this year and win the world series, and until everything statistic is eliminated, I will hold to that faith til the bitter end. So, would I ever pick against Carolina? NO... well, at least not with money. Would I pick against the Rangers? Not with money. Would I pick against the Mavs? Not with money... Wow... I sat through some pretty horrible seasons with the Cowboys, Mavs, and Rangers and the only time I wanted a visiting team to win was when I saw Jordan and the Bulls go up against my Mavs in one of those horrendous 13 or 14 win seasons... and closing end on regulation, I was actually rooting FOR the Mavs, because they actually had a chance. They lost in OT... but stopping Pippen and Jordan? That was amazing, to say the least. I will be evaluating the Seattle/Carolina game later on in the week.

Can you hear that? I think that is Spring training calling... come on pre-season, get here already!

Sunday Football - Bears vs. Panthers

Sunday Football – it’s the game that could divide my home. Panthers vs. Bears. I root for the Panthers, have since they came into existence. The owner is a former player, and to be honest, the logo is just that cool.

A look at the schedules of the two:

Carolina: (12-5)
9/11: New Orleans L 23-20
9/18: New England W 27-17
9/25: at Miami L 27-24
10/3: Green Bay W 32-29
10/9: at Arizona W 24-20
10/16: at Detroit W 21-20
10/30: Minnesota W 38-13
11/6: at Tampa Bay W 34-14
11/13: NY Jets W 30-3
11/20: at Chicago L 13-3
11/27: at Buffalo W 13-9
12/4: Atlanta W 24-6
12/11: Tampa Bay L 20-10
12/18: at New Orleans W 27-10
12/24: Dallas L 24-20
1/1: at Atlanta W 44-11

Playoffs:
1/8: at NY Giants W 23-0

Chicago: (11-5)
9/11: at Washington L 9-7
9/18: Detroit W 38-6
9/25: Cincinnati L 24-7
10/9: at Cleveland L 20-10
10/16: Minnesota W 28-3
10/23: Baltimore W 10-6
10/30: at Detroit W 19-13
11/6: at New Orleans W 20-17
11/13: San Francisco W 17-9
11/20: Carolina W 13-3
11/27: at Tampa Bay W 13-10
12/4: Green Bay W 19-7
12/11: at Pittsburgh L 21-9
12/18: Atlanta W 16-3
12/25: at Green Bay W 24-17
1/1: at Minnesota L 34-10

Well, here’s my thought on it, logically (and not that sports strictly follows logic…). Chicago has a record of 2-3 against playoff teams this year and they average only 16 points per game and give up more yards than they themselves gain per game. Margin of victory for them is 4 points. The Panthers, however, have a record of 3-2 against the teams who made the playoffs, had a harder schedule than the Bears, and posted a shutout in the playoffs. Average margin of victory for the Panthers is 8 points and score close to 25 points per game while giving up only 16, a little more than the Bears 12… of the five Panther loses, none were more than 10 points. The Bears have three over 10, one at 14, one at 17, and the last game of the regular season which was 24 points (arguments can be made about resting players, blah, blah, blah). I can now start spouting of clichés of “the game can most likely be decided by who wants it more…” and garbage like that, but really it boils down to 11/20. The two played each other then and Chicago won and by 10 points, actually. It wasn’t really a true blowout in my mind. But it is going to be in Chicago, a bye off and they have beat Carolina earlier this year. A lot of intangibles pointing to Chicago… and that is why I am really starting to think Carolina in all this. I mean, they handed a shutout to a playoff team, on the road, and (let’s be honest) in New York. I mean, who likes to play in New York, in any sport, for that matter. Now they head to Ditka land and even though Mike isn’t there, he’s always there. I think this is going to be a really fun game to watch, especially since I may be having friends and family all around cheering for the “other” team, but my honest to truth gut says Carolina over the Bears with a score of 20 to 13.

NFC after 9 games played

A Look at Football:

NFC East:
Cowboys (6-3)
Giants (6-3)
‘Skins (5-4)

NFC North:
Chicago (6-3)

NFC South:
Carolina (7-2)
Atlanta (6-3)
T Bay (6-3)

NFC West:
Seattle (7-2)

Eagles are pretty much out of the running at this point. Playoffs? I don’t even think they will go post this year.

Cowboys face off against Detroit (4-5), Denver (7-2), NY Giants (6-3), Kansas City (5-4), Washington (5-4), Carolina (7-2), and St. Louis (4-5), so the strength of their opponents schedule is that of a 38-25 mark. If the opponents uphold that winning percentage, the Cowboys will go 3-4 in the last seven and finish 9-7. If the Cowboys maintain their current winning percentage, they will go either 10-6 or 11-5.

The Giants, on the other hand, their remaining opponents have a 34-29 record, and if that holds true, then they should go 3-4 in their last seven, but more likely will win more than that. Realistically, I think the Giants have the upper hand the rest of the way, and the stats don’t lie. They do have the upper hand.

The Redskins pose an interesting thing. Their remaining opponents winning percentage is that of 47.62% or a record of 30-33. They are pretty much a shoe in for 4 games, and realistically, they can go 5-2 the rest of the way.

Chicago is pretty much in ink for the postseason, as is Seattle. Both are tops in their divisions, and no other team is above 5.

Carolina is my favorite for the South, but I am biased. Tampa is overrated. They can beat the bad teams, but no one with punch. For Tampa, numbers say they will win 3 of the last 7, but I think that is optimistic. I look at how they lost to San Francisco and were killed by the Cats; I think that with the strength of their schedule, they will be lucky to win 3. Look for Tampa to finish 8-8.

Carolina is going up against the Bears this coming Sunday. 5 of their last 7 games they play someone with a 6-3 mark. Should they split those, they could go 4-3 or 5-2, so maybe 11-5 or 12-4 at season end. Catch a bye and see them in the Division series? Most likely.

Atlanta is much like Dallas, a hard road ahead of itself. Same schedule strength, in that their opponents hold a 38-25 mark, but unlike Dallas, the records are more lopsided. Look for Atlanta to go 3-4 the rest of the way and finish 9-7, beating Detroit, Tampa once, and New Orleans.

Playoffs for the NFC:
NFC East:
Giants 10-6 (Wildcard)
Redskins 10-6 (Wildcard)
Cowboys 10-6 (Division Winner)

NFC North:
Chicago (In by Default)

NFC West:
Seattle (In by Default)

NFC South:
Carolina 11-5 (Division Winner)
Atlanta 9-7 (Doesn’t Go)
Tampa Bay 8-8 (Doesn’t Go)

Hopefully tomorrow I can do up the AFC. This was fun! Johnny Out.

Picks to Sunday

Friday, November 4th

NBA
Spurs (1-0) vs. Cavaliers (1-0)
Spurs are awesome. The Cavaliers manhandled the Hornets. Spurs are home. Spurs have Duncan, Finley, Nick at Night, and everybody else who can just do right in the world of basketball. So, the story goes… James will not be enough for the Cavaliers to win. Pure and simple, Spurs are going to take this one. Score: 107-101.

NHL
Stars (6-5-1) vs. Blackhawk’s (4-9-0)
Well, Chicago is just stinking up the ice… If it wasn’t for Vorobiev, would they have any wins at all? If the Stars contain him, they walk away with a win easy. If they don’t, well they still win, it just won’t be as easy. The question I am thinking of this early into the season is will they make the playoffs? Too early to tell, but if Chicago takes them out, then the most likely answer would be ‘NO.’ Dallas over Chicago – Score: 5-2.

Saturday, November 5th

NBA
Mavs (1-1) vs. Spurs (1-0)
The Mavs had some time off, but will rest be enough for the homecoming of Finley? Man, if only the Mavs had Fin and Nick at Night, I would think we could make a strong run again. Not that 50+ wins is something to be ashamed about, but when you are in the same division as the Spurs, what can you do but just lie down and die. I do think they will come out to play and that this game is going to be close, but I have a reality check telling me the Mavs will start 1-2 this season and the Spurs 3-0. Score: 99-97.

Rockets (1-0) vs. Hornets (1-1)
Ming around the rosés, pocket full of poses, ashes – ashes, we all fall down… And so do the Hornets… but, the relocation experiment may do them well. First in Charlotte. Next in New Orleans, and now shacking up in the OK country. But this is not going to be played at “home,” wherever that may be… it’s in a place that is one place closer to you. Houston will win this one, simply because of home court, and the Hornets have impressed me, but let’s be honest. I’m fickle. The Hornets did beat the Rockets by 1 in pre-season, but that was at their house. In Houston, things are different. Score: 92-89.

NHL
Stars (6-5-1) vs. Avalanche (7-4-1)
Denver… a real beautiful area, but hockey players are not known for their looks, are they. Colorado is 5-2-1 at home, and the Stars are 3-1 on the road. But we hate the Avalanche (professionally, not personally). Sour grapes all around. These two teams are going to beat each other senseless. I will take the Avalanche on this one, simply because of home-ice as they call it (and they have won their last 4 games, all at home). Score: 5-4.

Sunday, November 6th

NFL
Panthers (5-2) vs. Buccaneers (5-2)
Are you ready for some football? Me neither. When’s baseball season start again? Cowboys are off… but aren’t they always? Anyway, the mighty-mighty-boss-cats take the stage on Sunday, which will be a great game. Two juggernauts facing off… man, am I using stock lines? Shame on me. Bucs vs. the Cats, should be fun to watch. After a 1-2 start, the Cats have won their last 4, and with the exception of Minnesota, they were close games (4 or less points of victory). They have held opponents under 20 points only twice thus far (New England and Minnesota) and in my opinion, hasn’t really had any victories to truly boast about. I am starting to wonder if the record is more by chance than skill. Tampa Bay on the other hand is a defensive genius. But here is the real concern with them. They were beaten by San Francisco. And right now, that is just outright embarrassment. My 83 year old grandma can beat the 49ers. My six month old can sack their quarterback. The 49ers rank last in 3rd down conversions at 25.9%. In comparison, the Colts, who are a strong favorite to go Supe, have a 51.9%. That’s more than twice as many based on the same chances. I think this may be a close one, the Panthers are better in my mind (they rank second on third downs, behind the Colts). Score: 20-17.

Bears (4-3) vs. Saints (2-6)
Well, I guess I have to look at this one… Saints suck. But let’s look at a few things. Saints have a better offense, statistically, but score less points on average. They have scored over 20 points only twice, and are 1-1 when that happens. They are 0-3 when they score 10 points or less. Green Bay beat them in the embarrass bowl 52-3 on 10/9. Embarrassing the Saints is a common theme this year. I think they should be thinking draft the rest of the way… put defensive linemen who are on crutches into the game and focus off-season. I think Quincy Carter is free right now… Now, the Bears. After starting 1-3, they have won the last 3 and moved into first place in their division. They get less yards than their opponents, but score more points. Do they give them a false sense of security or something? Look for Jones to rush for a million yards (actually, I would say more like 110) and Orton to pass another 200. Bears dominate because Saints don’t show up (again). Score: 21-7.

Sports Picks up to Halloween

Sports Picks up to Halloween

Friday
Stars (5-3-1) vs. Oilers (3-6-1)
Stars beat Oilers earlier this month in Edmonton. Look to see them do it again but in Dallas. Stars 4-2.

Saturday
Stars (5-3-1) vs. Coyotes (4-6-1)
Should be a good game. Dallas will be playing a back-to-back and Tyson Nash looks really good. Coyotes and Stars tie: 3-3

FC Dallas (13-10-11) vs. Rapids (13-7-13)
The records are actually Wins-Draws-Loses, by the way. In the point system, Dallas is ahead of them by 3 points. They are playing here, and honestly, the Rapids just stink on the road (3-4-9) with a winning percentage of .313. Dallas, however, has a winning percentage of .656 at home. Dallas is going to tear them a new head: 3-1. Yes, that’s tearing a new head in the world of Soccer.

Sunday
Cowboys (4-3) vs. Cardinals (2-4)
As far as points scored, Dallas doesn’t look all that bad. But, I am not all that impressed personally. The reason the ‘boys have won what they have is because the defense is stellar. The defense, however, seems to give up with the remainder of the 4th quarter to go… it varies game to game. I think that Dallas’ offense will be average at best during this game and Arizona will be held down a bit. Josh McCown has shown spark with a 2-1 mark in his last three and the game the Cards lost was by 4 to Carolina (4-2). I think if Arizona is in the game going into the final quarter, they realistically have a chance. And looking at the Cowboys season, they more than likely will be very much into the game at that point in time. The problem with Arizona is the rushing game. Arizona has not had a leading rusher over 54 yards. So the Cowboys will be thinking pass on just about every down and that will hurt Arizona’s chances in the long “run.” (Pun not intended, but in a way, it is) Cowboys take this one: 20-17.

Panthers (4-2) vs. Vikings (2-4)
In what is shaping up to be a very good division for the NFC South, Carolina stands as third. Delhomme, Foster, and Peppers are on the injured list. Delhomme is the one I am concerned about. Vikes are 0-3 on the road and Cats are 2-1 at home. Cats are coming off a well needed bye, and that will give them the well needed edge. Culpepper throws an interception 6% of the time. So, for every 20 passes, 1 is a pick. For every touchdown he throws, he connects twice to his opponent. Panthers 24-20.

Bears (3-3) vs. Lions (3-3)
The battle for the top. At least in their division. Chicago gives up only 11 points a game. Bears, however, are 0-2 on the road this year. The Liars, I mean Lions, are 2-1 at home. Where is Barry? On average, the Bears give up 15 points a game on the road. The two have played already this year, Bears destroying Detroit 38-6. Well, I don’t see that this time, but I do see the Bears taking this one. Look for Jones to be Barry re-incarnated. The guy has 3 games already over 130 yards! I think he takes that Pink Floyd song a little seriously (Run! Run! Run…). The thing, though is the Bears passing game… or lack there of. Bears win this one: 20-10.

Sunday Night - picks from Sat and Sun

Saturday

Stars vs. Avalanche – preseason? Yes it is. After missing a few decades, Hockey is back in business. Who will win this? Who cares, its preseason. We are just interested in who is going to have the jersey pulled over their head and beaten to a pulp. Will I watch? No, I will be at the Ranger’s game. Would I watch if I wasn’t at the game? Nope. I watch hockey in the paper only. Well, maybe once in a while… but I’m not one to plan my day around it. I think a 1-1 tie on this, just for grins.

Sunday

Stars vs. Oilers - again? But they just played yesterday. I think 2-1 win for the Stars on this. Maybe I might find a nut on this, who knows.

Panthers vs. Patriots – Patriots have won 3 Supers in the last 4 years, including the last two. Panthers, well, as much as I like the mighty, mighty boss cats, I think are a little more than out-matched. Patriots over the Cats 38-14.

Bears vs. Lions – Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my. Lions surprise with a slaughter of Green Bay in week 1. Can the bad news Bears step up? They would need a “little” more offense. Top rusher for the Bears in week 1?: Mr. Jones had 31 yards on the ground and averaged 2.1 per rush. Well, the defense for the Bears looks great. But so does the Lions. Well, let’s look at it like this, if the Bears hold the Lions to 0 points, I think they may have a chance. But I think the Bears will step up some to the challenge, but it won’t be enough. Lions over the Bears in a triple overtime thriller (just kidding) 24-10.

I just wanted to show you that I did pick, but was unable to post due to not having every game I wanted done. This is what I had by Friday. I missed on the Panthers and the Bears. Oh well. I will post again tomorrow morning/afternoon. Laters.

Monday, August 15th

Here we go. I predicted a Rangers loss... and they did. 10-3 was the actual score. Atlanta won, as I predicted. Astros lost as I predicted. Football? Cowboys lost and Panthers won. Oops. FC Dallas lost. Again oops. Cats won 5-2.

Very well. I missed out of almost a week on my "Beat the Streak" Contest through MLB.com. Over the next four days, I have Manny, the Young "Vacuum," Pudge, and the "Vac" again on Thursday. (The Young "Vacuum" is Michael Young of the Rangers) Now, I call Young the Vacuum because he sucks up everything up the middle. Very dependable (Unlike Soriano, who leads the majors in errors by a second baseman this season).

None of my teams are playing today that I truly care to follow, so I will wait til tomorrow to punish you all. Johnny Out.

Back from Jamaica - time to talk

OK, so the Rangers aren't looking so good. But alas, so goes the wide world of sports. We have a number of things to talk about. First, the Rangers suck. They have now tied a major league record for most consecutive games where the loosing team scores 5 or more runs. In case you haven't noticed, the Strangers have now lost 10 million in a row. But not is all lost. Rangers can still put together a good season and finish over 500 again for a second straight season, finish a disappointing 3rd in the division and then recoup for a better next season. As it goes, "there's next year."

Now, the Cowboys are starting their first preseason tonight. Against the Cards. Preseason doesn't justify predictions due to who-is-playing-for-how-long, means Joe Blow will get more snaps due to nobody knows who Joe is, including the coach. Hence, preseason.

Braves Rock, once again. I can always depend on the Braves to take care of enough business to go Post!

So, for fun, I shall make predictions for the Braves games, Ranger Games, & Cowboys


Sunday, August 14th -
Braves:
My take: The Braves. Hampton to rebound from his last start against the Mets and will take charge against the D-Backs. Score: 7-3

Rangers:
My take: Yankees. Rangers have lost 6 in a row, and Chacon is hot right now. Did very well against the WSox - 3 hits and 1 run in seven innings for a loss. Score: 6-2 (Rangers will not take the MLB record for 7 straight over 5 or more runs in a loss)

Astros:
My take: Pirates. Astros have been coming on strong all year, at least since the slow start, they have maintained strength. Still the Pirates have a better starter on the hill and Williams is strong on the road. Score: 5-1

Cowboys:
My take: Cowboys. Why not. I think the 'boys will be playing a lot of the starters to get a good feel of what they have before them. Cards? Well, look at the history. 'Nuff Said. Score: 24-7

Panthers:
My take: 'Skins. Panthers struggled last year, not too sure how they look now, so I guess I need to do my homework a little more. However, a shoot from the hip take would be the skins. They have had more press this offseason, and that is generally a good thing. Score: 17-14