NFL Week 11 Bettor's Guide

NFL Week 11 Bettor's Guide
M.D. Wright
11.19.2009

Hit 'n' Run again, let's get right to the picks. I don't have the free time to do this like does ha.

***EDITOR'S NOTE: The picks I like are in BOLD.

Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, North Carolina
***THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL***

Over/Under: 42
CAR: -3.5
MIA: +170
CAR: -200

The Fins need this game to remain in playoff contention. The Panthers need this game to remain in playoff contention. Other than the stakes, please tell me what is interesting about this game? NFL Network has some eyesore games DEAR GOD.

Pick:
Miami 24
Carolina 17

FINAL
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Cleveland Browns vs. Detroit Lions
Ford Field
Detroit, Michigan

Over/Under: 37.5
DET: -3.5
CLE: +165
DET: -190

Probably a good thing this monstrosity is blacked out. Or... ehhh... BROWNED out.

Pick:
Cleveland 13
Detroit 24

FINAL
-----------------

Buffalo Bills vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Stadium
Jacksonville, Florida

Over/Under: 42.5
JAX: -8.5
BUF: +320
JAX: -400

I'm still trying to figure out how the "Jagwires" are a potential wild card team with only one player on both sides of the ball. However, this line seems about right. The Bills are dead in the water. The only thing that could set this off is the team somehow waking up and playing inspired ball for a new coach (Dick Jauron was fired on Tuesday).

Maurice Jones-Drew should have a day for the ages against this porous and slow defense.

Pick:
Buffalo 10
Jacksonville 23

FINAL
-----------------

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City, Missouri

Over/Under: 40
KC: +10
PIT: -550
KC: +425

First thing that jumps out to me is the fact that this line is far too high. The Steelers will have to fight to win this one. Their fans don't want to admit that, nor do they like the thought of it, but the Chiefs are somewhat renewed with crybaby Larry Johnson off the team (may very well be the final nail in the coffin his career, given that he's 30 and lost a step).

The Steelers are going into still-hostile Arrowhead and will find this game a lot closer than they'd like.

Pick:
Pittsburgh 20
Kansas City 17

FINAL
----------------

Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
M&T Bank Stadium
Baltimore, Maryland

Over/Under: 44
BAL: +1.5

I like this game. I think the Colts can win anywhere, anytime against anyone at this point. The Ravens have stumbled here and there, but still feature a superb offense. They may experience success rushing against the Colts, but the Ravens have had trouble closing games out. The Colts, however, have had two very dramatic comebacks this year and fear no deficits or late-game situations. Even on the road, I'm taking the Colts, the points and the OVER.

Pick:
Indianapolis 31
Baltimore 21

FINAL
--------------------

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants
Giants Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey

Over/Under: 46
NYG: -6.5
ATL: +255
NYG: -310

Perfect team for the Giants to get off the schnide. They were able to stay home, rest (Tuck), recuperate (Boley, Canty, ROSS) and two weeks to gameplan for Matthew Ice & Co. The Fulcons are down Michael Turner and, along with their other problems (smallish on both sides of the ball -- nightmares going against a punishing offensive line and a swarming front seven) and their notoriously poor travel record, the Giants SHOULD be fine here.

However, keep in mind my rule about the Giants giving more than 5 points. That is, NEVER TAKE THEM in that scenario.

Pick:
Atlanta 23
NY Giants 27

FINAL
--------------

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Over/Under: 42
GB: -6.5
SF: +240
GB: -280

Interesting scenario here from a bettor's standpoint. The Niners do not travel outside of the West Coast well at all. They are playing a semi-hot Packers team that is feeling good about itself after nearly shutting out the most powerful rushing attack in the NFC last week. The Packers still don't protect Rodgers, but if they are able to run the ball effectively as they did last week, it may not matter here.

I am just not sold on Alex Smith, especially in Green Bay.

Pick:
San Francisco 24
Green Bay 28

FINAL
---------------

Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Metrodome
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Over/Under: 46
MIN: -10.5
SEA: +425
MIN: -550

I like this, if you are a bettor. The Seabags are a NIGHTMARE. They're going into the loud Metrodome against a Super Bowl contending team. Meanwhile, they (Seabags) are injured up and down and on both sides of the ball. They aren't going to even be able to slow Adrian Peterson down, much less stop him. Brett Favre can lob it all day to Sidney Rice and hit young Percy Harvin in the seam all game. They may score 40.

Pick:
Seattle 17
Minnesota 42

FINAL
--------------

Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Stadium
Arlington, Texas

Over/Under: 41.5
DAL: -11
WSH: +425
DAL: -550

The Skins are missing Clinton Portis for the 2nd straight game. Tough baskets (or tough yards) for them. Ladell "Tricky" Betts has filled in admirably, but he's not Portis. The Skins actually feature a somewhat formidable defense, so the Cowboys won't run away with this game (nor cover those 11 points they're giving Washington) but the Skins still have problems moving the ball consistently and scoring points with their smallish WRs who never seem to get open (outside of my man 'tana on Go routes at times).

The Cowboys really need Romo to cut out the bonehead mistakes, because there are two things not playing in Dallas' favor in this particular game at this particular time: 1) they usually begin going south at this time of the year, as well as Romo's play and 2) they have struggled with Washington the past few years, even if the Skins have been pedestrian-to-downright atrocious at times throughout that period.

Close game, but give the edge to Dallas late at home. If it were in Landover, the Cowboys would probably lose.

Pick:
Washington 17
Dallas 23

FINAL
--------------

New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Florida

Over/Under: 51
TB: +11.5
NO: -550
TB: +425

After starting out white hot, the Saints have come back to reality. They're due to start losing every other game at this point. I would go so far as to say this one, but I'll have to think about it as I summarize everything else in this one and decide when I get to the "Pick:" field ha.

Brees has been throwing INTs lately. The Saints let the Rams stick around all game last week and struggled/had referee help and had to rely on a bad throw by Matt Ryan to beat the Falcons. They also saw the Dolphins fall completely apart in the 4th quarter of their game prior to that. Those should've been three losses. The Saints don't run the ball well and honestly they don't stop it that well. Derrick Ward could have a big game. Josh Freeman looks like he's going to be legit. He'll be able to hit some throws to Clayton here and there.

Yeah, this is going to be my upset pick. I don't automatically take the Saints in OVERS anymore, either after last week.

Pick:
New Orleans 24
Tampa Bay 27

FINAL
----------------

Arizona Cardinals vs. St. Louis Rams
Edward Jones Dome
St. Louis, Missouri

Over/Under: 46.5
STL: +9
ARZ: -400
STL: +320

Yeah, I know the Rams are playing slightly better and Steven Jackson is a MAYNE, but...

Pick:
Arizona 38
St. Louis 17

FINAL
----------------

New York Jets vs. New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts

Over/Under: 45
NE: -10.5
NYJ: +425
NE: -550

The spread is too high. The Jets are going to sweep the season series. Forget all that talk about the Patriots being "OD upset" after last week. Whatever. They have no one to be upset with but their own coach for that loss. The Jets thoroughly outplayed them earlier this season and they're going to do it again. I highly doubt the Patriots will be able to do electrify the skies with their offense when they can't stop the run. The Colts barely run the ball, but the Jets are the best in the conference at doing so. Different ballgame.

Pick:
NY Jets 23
New England 20

FINAL
----------------

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Oakland Raiders
The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Oakland, California

Over/Under: 36
OAK: +9.5
CIN: -450
OAK: +350

...................................

Pick:
Cincinnati 34
Oakland 6

FINAL
----------------

San Diego Chargers vs. Denver Broncos
InVesco Field at Mile High Stadium
Denver, Colorado

Over/Under: 41.5
DEN: +6.5
SD: -270
DEN: +230

The Chargers are taking no shorts (yeah, I went back to the early 90s) and they're on their annual White Hot Streak. The Broncos have a decent team, but their QB has been playing so far over his head all season that it was about time that he came crashing back to normalcy. The Chargers win EASILY on the road.

Pick:
San Diego 30
Denver 21

FINAL
--------------------

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears
Soldier Field
Chicago, Illinois
***SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL***

Over/Under: 45
CHI: +3
PHI: -155
CHI: +135

Perfect lines. The Iggles are not overwhelming by any stretch. They've struggled with the Bears for years, even this stinkpot of a Bears team is going to keep it close. The Iggles struggle to move the ball if they can't hit big plays with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. Brian Westbrook may not play anytime soon. As dynamic as McCoy can be, he isn't ready to be an every-down back.

The Bears stink for sure, but I doubt they get blown out here.

Pick:
Philadelphia 23
Chicago 24

FINAL
---------------

Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
Reliant Stadium
Houston, Texas
***MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL***

Over/Under: 48
HOU: -4.5
TEN: +180
HOU: -220

This game looks a lot better now on the MNF slate than it did 3-4 weeks ago when Kerry Collins was playing. Vince Young is 3-0 since being reinserted as the starter. I called for this sooner. I figured the Titans would start out slowly, not winless slow, but slowly, because Collins never has back to back good years. Besides, last year was a fluke in every sense -- the way the team started the season with Young was too small of a sample size to bench him, and Collins winning 12 out of 14 was a fluke if I ever saw it. They miss Haynesworth for sure, but with VY and Chris Johnson, they can run the ball very well.

The Texans are going to light them up, however.

Pick:
Tennessee 20
Houston 37

FINAL
--------------

NFL Week 11 Powre Rankings

NFL Week 11 Powre Rankings
M.D. Wright
11.17.09

Here it is, raw:

1. Indianapolis Colts.
Anymore questions? Half their defense is on IR or got injured against a very good Patriots team and they still showed the resolve to come back and win (with help from Bill Einstein).

2. Minnesota Vikings.
Vikes fans are just hoping Chilly Willy's coaching and Playoff Favre don't surface.

3. Cincinnati Bengals.
Do you believe now???

4. New Orleans Saints.
Should've lost Sunday and should've lost 3 other games. They're fortunate to be 9-0. They have first round playoff loss written all over them and Brees has looked very average of late.

5. Arizona Cardinals.
They are on the move.

6. San Diego Chargers.
I predicted they'd start slow and begin their march around Week 7. They've done just that. They probably won't lose again until the last week of the season when they're resting starters.

7. New England Patriots.
Their defense showed me a bit, but their offense is very one-dimensional. If teams learned how to get a bump on Wes Welker, they would never move the ball -- but no one does it.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers.
Yeah, 10-6, 11-5 and first round out.

9. Dallas Cowboys.
Kind of figured Romo was in for a stinkbomb one of these days. Did not expect them to nearly get shut out in the process, however.

10. New York Giants.
Can conceivably win 6 out of their last 7 games -- smallish Atlanta, reeling Denver, playing for a split with Philly, potentially sweeping/taking care of Dallas at home (could be the only loss), Washington, surging-but-inferior Carolina and resting Minnesota (which should be a win, consequently). Salvaging a 12-4, 11-5 season after a month of TERRIBLE football would do wonders for their playoff hopes.

11. Baltimore Ravens.
They need to continue with the momentum they've built up and learn how to close out games.

12. Houston Texans.
We will know whether they make the playoffs after their Monday Night Football game coming up.

13. Philadelphia Eagles.
Very average team when teams take away their big plays.

14. Atlanta Falcons.
Smallish, doesn't travel well, can't take them seriously.

15. Green Bay Packers.
What are they?

16. Denver Broncos.
I've been saying all year they aren't as good as their record.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars.
THIS menagerie can actually make the playoffs all of a sudden?

18. San Francisco 49ers.
Should be 6-3 at the very least.

19. Carolina Panthers.
BIG GAME coming up versus Miami this week. We will know if this recent streak is for real or not.

20. Miami Dolphins.
Something wrong with the Florida teams and consistency (or even playing well at all -- Tampa) because the Fins are as hard to get a grasp on as the Jaguars.

21. New York Jets.
SHEESH.

22. Tennessee Titans.
Hmmm... I predicted Vince would play when he did, but I didn't think they were going to be winless when he finally got into the starting lineup. I knew he would have this effect on the team, however. What if they had done this 2-3 weeks sooner?

23. Chicago Bears.
YIKES.

24. Washington Redskins.
They have a chance to make a move, and at the very least, ruin playoff chances for their NFC East counterparts. Good win by them Week 10.

25. Kansas City Chiefs.
Getting rid of Larry Johnson will do wonders for them.

26. Oakland Raiders.
Hmmm...

27. Seattle Seahawks.
The Seabags are an eyesore and a train wreck wrapped up into one.

28. Buffalo Bills.
Firing Dick Jauron might result in a 5 game winning streak GOOD HEAVENS. 7-9, 7-9, 7-9, 3-6???

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Josh Freeman is playing halfway decent very early. NOT expected by me.

30. St. Louis Rams.
It's Steven Jackson and nothing else. But my oh my how well he runs the rock.

31. Detroit Lions.
They try hard.

32. Cleveland Browns.
DEAR GOD.

NFL Week 10 Bettor's Guide

NFL Week 10 Bettor's Guide
M.D. Wright
11.13.09

*EDITOR'S NOTE: Do not get angry with me if the picks don't go as I call them, don't you think if I could pick 'em with 100% accuracy I'd be working in Vegas and not toiling away on Wall Street ha?

**MY LOCK PICKS IN BOLD.

***SHOWDOWN SUNDAY: COLTS VS. PATS

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New York Jets
Giants Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey

Over/Under: 40.5
NYJ: -7
JAX: +250
NYJ: -300

The way I see it, the Jets had a week to rest, refresh and rebuild for their other half of the schedule. The Jaguars are pretty much a one man team, and if the Jets are able to contain Maurice Jones-Drew as they should, this should be an easy win.

Pick:
Jacksonville 16
NY Jets 27

FINAL
----------------

Denver Broncos vs. Washington Redskins
FedEx Field
Landover, Maryland

Over/Under: 37
WSH: +4
DEN: -190
WSH: 165

How little does Vegas respect Kyle Orton ha? Denver is only giving the cesspool Skins 4 points? The only thing saving the Broncos from a full free fall is this game.

Pick:
Denver 21
Washington 17

FINAL
-----------------

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Heinz Field
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Over/Under: 41.5
PIT: -7
CIN: +260
PIT: -320

At first glance, I would say the Steelers are giving away FAR TOO MANY points. But if you are a bettor, you might use this as your chance to make some quick scratch. The Bengals WILL win this game, and it doesn't matter whether Chad Ocho Cinco brings the mustard or not ha.

Pick:
Cincinnati 24
Pittsburgh 17

FINAL
--------------

Buffalo Bills vs. Tennessee Titans
LP Field
Nashville, Tennessee

Over/Under: 41
TEN: -7
BUF: +270
TEN: -330

I'll be nice and just say watch the game to see Chris Johnson and an occasional play by Vince Young. Otherwise, DEAR GOD.

Pick:
Buffalo 13
Tennessee 16

FINAL
----------------

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Over/Under: 47
MIN: -16.5

Ouch.

Pick:
Detroit 10
Minnesota 34

FINAL
-----------------

New Orleans Saints vs. St. Louis Rams
Edward Jones Dome
St. Louis, Missouri

Over/Under: 50
STL: +14
NO: -750
STL: +550

The Rams are "ONLY" getting 14 ha? I was hoping to see one of the highest spreads ever on this game. There is no way the Saints don't score less than 40 unless they decide to rest their starters the entire 2nd half. And even then, they may score 42 in the first half.

Too bad for Steven Jackson he's wasting his prime years there.

Pick:
New Orleans 51
St. Louis 17

FINAL
-----------------

Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, North Carolina

Over/Under: 43.5
CAR: +1.5

The Panthers are actually playing decent ball right now. They could catch the Falcons looking ahead to a very important game in Week 11 versus the Giants -- where playoff seeding will play a role. I think the Panthers' running game will deflate the smallish FULCONS defense and Foxie knows now to keep the ball out of Delhomme's hands for the majority of the game. Joe/Jill Panther fan probably goes "SHEESH" at my saying that but hey...

Pick:
Atlanta 17
Carolina 20

FINAL - OT
----------------------

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins
Land Shark Stadium
Miami Gardens, Florida

Over/Under: 43
MIA: -10
TB: +400
MIA: -500

Hmmmm... the Bucs played their best game in over a year in Week 9. The Dolphins play good in fits and spurts. Upset anyone?

Nahhhh... let's not get carried away.

Pick:
Tampa Bay 13
Miami 24

FINAL
----------------

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders
The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Oakland, California

Over/Under: 36.5
OAK: -2
KC: +110
OAK: -130

Someone has to "win" this game, I suppose... on a botched pop fly by David DeJesus, the game winning run scores for the A's.

Pick:
Kansas City 2
Oakland 3

FINAL
----------------

Seattle Seahawks vs. Arizona Cardinals
University of Phoenix Stadium
Glendale, Arizona

Over/Under: 46.5
ARZ: -9
SEA: +300
ARZ: -360

THE SEABAGS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!!! The Cards should take care of them within the first half. The 'bags are down to nothing on both sides of the ball.

Pick:
Seattle 9
Arizona 41

FINAL
---------------

Philadelphia Eagles vs. San Diego Chargers
Qualcomm Stadium
San Diego, California

Over/Under: 47
SD: -1

Honestly, it doesn't look good for the Iggles, especially if Westbrook does not play. The Chargers are doing exactly what I said they would; start slow, wake up around Week 7 and go on a 6 game roll. Well, the Iggles are about to get caught up in that wave this week. Owwwwwwwwwwwwww...

Pick:
Philadelphia 23
San Diego 35

FINAL
------------------

Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Over/Under: 47.5
GB: +3
DAL: -150
GB: +130

Potential trap game for the Cowboys if they don't watch out. I doubt it will be, because the Packers can't protect Rodgers against ANYONE. Even the worst team in the NFC got to him a half dozen times for sacks. DeMarcus Ware might finally wake up this season in this game.

Pick:
Dallas 27
Green Bay 23

FINAL
----------------

New England Patriots vs. Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana
***SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL***

Over/Under: 49.5
IND: -3
NE: +125
IND: -145

Don't wager on this game. It will make your heart hurt. Just sit back and enjoy. There is nothing worth wagering on; and especially after the Houston game last week, there is no guarantee this game is going OVER, either.

Pick:
New England 27
Indianapolis 31

FINAL
-----------------

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Stadium
Cleveland, Ohio

Over/Under: 40
CLE: +10.5
BAL: -550
CLE: +425

Why did the NFL schedule this TRASH? The Browns were no good last year and everyone knew they would stink this year. Yes, the Ravens' record last year is why they are featured here, but couldn't they have waited until the Ravens played Pittsburgh or teams that have a pulse?

Pick:
Baltimore 31
Cleveland 6

FINAL
----------------

NFL Week 10 Powre Rankings

NFL Week 10 Powre Rankings
M.D. Wright
11.11.09

Week 10 DEAR GOD? Saints and Colts are the best teams in the league -- but not in that order ha.

1. Indianapolis Colts.
Again, Peyton > Brees. Until that changes, I REFUSE to say the Saints are better than the Colts.

2. New Orleans Saints.
They get it done in every phase of the game. You can't make mistakes against them because they capitalize on offense AND defense.

3. Cincinnati Bengals.
I like these Bengals. They have a chance to move into rare air if they beat the Steelers in Week 10.

4. Minnesota Vikings.
Friggin' coaching will cause them to be a 14-2 team when they could be 15-0 going into the final game against the Giants when they will be resting starters. Chilly Willy needs to get the ball to Peterson whenever the game is on the line and live and die by it.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers.
(John Facenda Voice) "The STEEEEEEEEEEEEEL CUHHHHTIN" is back in full effect. Watch out AFC (they can be beaten by IND, NO and the Cardinals would win in a revenge match).

6. Dallas Cowboys.
First place in the NFC East with a game in the bag against Philadelphia. Huge rematch with the Giants coming up soon which in effect will decide the division.

7. New England Patriots.
We'll see if they're 100% for real in these next couple of weeks.

8. Denver Broncos.
I am loving how Orton is being exposed. If they still had Cutler they'd be like the Saints of the AFC.

9. Arizona Cardinals.
I think they're about to take off.

10. San Diego Chargers.
LIKEWISE.

11. Atlanta Falcons.
They are about to catch a major beatdown in Week 11, so this may be their peak this season.

12. Philadelphia Eagles.
Their holes, which I've spoken of since preseason are evident. If they can't annihilate you with big plays (Dallas stifled this) they aren't even AVERAGE on offense.

13. Baltimore Ravens.
I don't know how many times I can excuse those last minute losses before I go back to my original prognosis in the preseason that their defense was not going to be AS good without Rex Ryan and now with an aging, 34 year old Ray Lewis and no real stars in the secondary outside of Ed Reed.

14. New York Giants.
They will fix their problems in the bye week, because coach Tom Coughlin won't stand for any less. Guys' jobs are at stake with a division/conference and potential Super Bowl winning team spiraling their way right out of playoff contention. For better (GILBRIDE) or for worse (Sheridan) coaches are coaching for their jobs these 6 weeks coming off the bye.

15. New York Jets.
Are they the team that has lost 4 games or the one that has won 4?

16. Houston Texans.
Should have beaten the Colts. Looks like they'll be right in that 9-10 win range again. This team has the ability to win 12 or 13 if they didn't shoot themselves in the foot once a month.

17. Green Bay Packers.
Unforgivable loss Sunday.

18. Miami Dolphins.
Their WRs can't catch a ball to save their lives. Three of their 5 losses are because guys like Ginn, Camarillo and Bess either can't catch in crunch time or make boneheaded decisions that cost them crucial yardage late in games.

19. Carolina Panthers.
Have they awakened?

20. San Francisco 49ers.
Hard to understand all of their losses aside from the Minnesota game.

21. Chicago Bears.
DEAR GOD.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars.
Wagering nightmares.

23. Tennessee Titans.
Too bad Jeff Fisher STUBBORNLY stuck with Kerry Collins when ALL Giants fans warned that this very thing would happen with that team if Collins began the season as the starter. WE KNOW. We had it happen in 2001.

24. Buffalo Bills.
............................

25. Seattle Seahawks.
The Seabags are ridiculously overrated and people still expecting them to win 10 games entering this season were drunk.

26. Oakland Raiders.
What is their plan?

27. Washington Redskins.
Their season will officially end after Week 11.

28. Kansas City Chiefs.
Larry Johnson = EWING THEORY.

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Showed some moxie Sunday for the first time all season.

30. Detroit Lions.
They had a chance to win 6 games this year. The bottom fell out once October began.

31. St. Louis Rams.
They're actually fighting to win now.

32. Clevelands Browns.
A complete and UTTER train wreck in every facet.

The State Of The New York Football Giants

The State Of The New York Football Giants
11.8.09
M.D. Wright

If you think we're going to win the division or make the playoffs (especially if we don't beat Atlanta, which will be the team looking for the last wild card slot most likely)...

...nah, we're done. If we somehow win the division, it will be because we have the Skins and a Vikings team that will be resting their starters late. I honestly think it will take 11 wins to win the division and with the way we play, we won't even win 10.

I'm going to tell you why. When teams slump, they have answers to fix it. Usually, it's because 1-3 guys are hurt for a few weeks, maybe one is out for the season. Maybe it's because of schematics.

However, that's not the issue here. ... Read More

Cris Carter or one of those guys on ESPN made a great point (which is rare) there are problems that the Giants have that WON'T GET FIXED THIS YEAR.

1. We REALLY miss Kenny Phillips more than Giants haters, casual fans and even some Giants fans figured we would. I knew we would miss him ENORMOUSLY.

2. Our offensive line scheme has been atrocious in the running game. We're getting manhandled like the Falcons offensive line. We, on numerous occasions, have been unable to convert 3rd and 1s with a 265-lb running back. Our linemen are getting pushed around and manhandled in both the running AND passing game. Out of everything, that's the ONE thing that possibly COULD be fixed.

3. The defensive line can't get consistent pressure. We get there, but don't get the sack. We get there, and maybe strip the ball -- but don't get the recovery (that has happened a half dozen times this season by my count and each time we DIDN'T get the recovery, the team went down and scored DEAR GOD). We get there, as we did with Rivers today, and hang all over him and he still makes a throw to a WIDE OPEN player, which leads to my other point:

4. Our linebackers are ridiculously flawed. Clark can't cover downfield. I like him as a person, he's a good dude, and he has a good skill set, but he's good in run support. I have seen him on far too many occasions trailing plays downfield and out of position to make a play on his man. We are a SIEVE across the middle of the field. Pierce is a fatass and can't run anymore. It's outrageous how he is still starting. We definitely need to be eyeing a Mike in the draft or free agency. Boley, with all his speed, CAN'T stay healthy.

5. The cumulative effect of the defensive issues in the front seven leads to our already severely depleted secondary who can't cover for SHIT to be compromised further. Evidenced again by the final drive of the game when the Chargers went RIGHT DOWN THE FIELD with no resistance whatsoever. Even guys like Corey Webster, who is a Top 5 CB are being made to look foolish because they can't get to the QB when they blitz up front.

We're not getting Phillips back this year, obviously (and what confounds me more and more every time we get beat deep -- which is a half dozen times a game -- is the fact that he was able to play. His knee was arthritic, but they forced him to go on IR; he had played two GREAT games so obviously he was fine with playing through the pain). Canty just finally played today, but was a non-factor. Same with Boley. Whenever Ross DOES come back (who stays out almost 3 months with a hamstring unless it's torn? I've never seen that before) he's going to be rusty. We can't stop anyone when we need to.

We can't convert short yardage. We can't protect Eli and our special teams has me AGHAST on both sides of it every week. Hixon is WORTHLESS to this team. He doesn't run routes properly, nor does he make adjustments with the ball in mid-air. He doesn't do anything in the return game. We just have terrible decision-makers outside of Coughlin. Gilbride has caused several coronaries and strokes by some Giants fans I'm sure, since 2005. Every week he finds a new way to hold this team back and cost us games when we lose (all but maybe 5 or 6 losses since 2006 can be attributed to Gilbride's awful play-calling which leaves 10-20 points on the field on the average every game). Bill Sheridan can't decide when to blitz and when to fall back and play zone. Every week he gets outcoached. We really miss Spags, and I was one of the few people who was saying he was going to regret taking that job. The Rams aren't going anywhere in the next 3-4 years. By then, he'll be fired and be looking to be someone ELSE'S Defensive Coordinator. He should've stayed here, worked his magnificent scheme and succeeded Coughlin once he burns out and gets sick and tired of boneheaded players (112 yards in penalties today???) because I know I'd probably have a stroke and die on the field if I was coaching this team right now.

People & Dependability

People & Dependability
M.D. Wright
11.8.09

What is WITH people nowadays? There was a time that one's word was their bond. Growing up, the older people did what they said they were going to do, when they said they were going to do. That's the way I grew up as well. I know better than to expect EVERYONE to be the same, but dear god with the erosion of morals, standards and other societal institutions that were previously long-standing, it appears that accountability, responsibility, reliability and dependability have gone out the window with them.

I'm still the same reliable and dependable person that I've always been. Unless there are extenuating circumstances that arise and prevent me from doing what I said I would do -- and, if I gave a timeframe with which to do it -- WHEN I said I would do it, I get it done. Why is that so hard nowadays?

Discuss.

NFL Week 9 Bettor's Guide

NFL Week 9 Bettor's Guide
M.D. Wright
11.7.09

Another Hit 'n' Run edition this week and last week made for ANOTHER awful week pickin' 'em. But oh well, I'm too busy to care.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Stadium
Jacksonville, Florida

Over/Under: 41.5
JAX: -6.5
KC: +220
JAX: -260

Ugly game. Who even knows what will happen. The Jaguars are BEYOND Schizo. The Chiefs play 3/4 of games, not 60 minutes. I'd say take the under if anything and keep it moving. Not a game to wager on and the stakes aren't even high enough to earn.

Pick:
Kansas City 17
Jacksonville 27

FINAL
------------------

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Paul Brown Stadium
Cincinnati, Ohio

Over/Under: 44.5
CIN: +3
BAL: -140
CIN: +120

Tough call here. I WILL say that I think it will come down to a last second FG, like it always seems to with these two teams. I dunno, the Ravens' losses have all come last-minute. The Bengals are FOR REAL, though. And I really think they can run on the Ravens, whose defense isn't what it was in 2000. Flacco is going to lob a few lovely deep passes to Clayton and Mason but I like the Bengals at home by a smidge. PUSH and take the OVER.

Pick:
Baltimore 24
Cincinnati 27

FINAL - OT
----------------------

Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis, Indiana

Over/Under: 49.5
IND: -8.5
HOU: +310
IND: -380

Indy, giving 8.5 to a very good offense? I dunno about that one. If you ask me, you can't go wrong with picking Houston to cover and maybe even winning straight up. That +310 is a good payout. Bob Sanders is out for the year for the Colts on defense. Andre Johnson should play, and while the Texans will miss the severely underrated Owen Daniel, I think they will be able to move the ball with ease using Steve Slaton and Schaub through the air. I won't go so far as to say the Texans will WIN, because it is indeed in Indianapolis, but they do play the Colts tough every time they play...

Pick:
Houston 31
Indianapolis 35

FINAL
-------------------

Washington Redskins vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Georgia Dome
Atlanta, Georgia

Over/Under: 41
ATL: -8.5
WSH: +350
ATL: -450

Not even wasting my time writing about this BS.

Pick:
Washington 9
Atlanta 28

FINAL
----------------

Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Florida

Over/Under: 43.5
TB: +9.5
GB: -500
TB: +400

The Bay Of Pigs. And it's gonna stink like a pig sty. This Tampa Bay team looks like a Club Team at a university with no football team.

Pick:
Green Bay 38
Tampa Bay 10

FINAL
--------------------

Arizona Cardinals vs. Chicago Bears
Soldier Field
Chicago, Illinois

Over/Under: 44.5
CHI: -3
ARZ: +120
CHI: -140

Why are the Cards getting points here? The Bears are a train wreck and their fans know it. The Bears know it. The Cards know it. DAVID ABERNATHY KNOWS IT. Kurt had his one "DEAR GOD, ARE YOU KIDDING ME, WARNER???" game last week and everyone thinks the Cards are set to implode. No. They're going to EXPLODE on these horrid Chicago Bears.

Pick:
Arizona 37
Chicago 20

FINAL
-----------------

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts

Over/Under: 46.5
NE: -10.5
MIA: +450
NE: -600

Good numbers there. The Fins will give the Pats fits with that Wildcat. And Brady WILL be Going Down more than Mary Blige. -10.5 is too high. The Pats aren't going to be marching up and down the field on this VERY GOOD DEFENSE. And Chad Henne is no bum, either. I hate the Patriots, so I'm picking the Fins to win ha.

Pick:
Miami 31
New England 27

FINAL
-----------------

Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
The Louisiana Superdome
New Orleans, Louisiana

Over/Under: 51.5
NO: -13
CAR: +500
NO: -700

DEAR GOD DO THE SAINTS PLAY EVERY GAME AT HOME SHEESH?

The woeful Panthers have no shot. They only even won last week because of a nightmare by Kurt Warner, reminiscent of the one Jake Delhomme had against the Cardinals the previous game between the two teams. Dumb Jake from earlier this season comes back tomorrow.

Pick:
New Orleans 49
Carolina 10

FINAL
-----------------

Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks
Qwest Field
Seattle, Washington

Over/Under: 42
SEA: -10
DET: +425
SEA: -550

You know it's bad when an AWFUL team GIVES 10 points.

Picks:
Detroit 20
Seattle 24

FINAL
----------------

Tennessee Titans vs. San Francisco 49ers
Candlestick Park
San Francisco, California

Over/Under: 40.5
SF: -4
TEN: +170
SF: -200

You'd THINK this would be the game where the 49ers wake up and realize the NFC West is still tangible for them.

Pick:
Tennessee 13
San Francisco 34

FINAL
----------------

San Diego Chargers vs. New York Football Giants
Giants Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey

Over/Under: 48
NYG: -4.5
SD: +200
NYG: -240

Chargers are traveling east, and ranked at the bottom of the league stopping the run AND pass. The Giants will get back on track -- given that it will be 65 degrees tomorrow, Eli won't be tormented by the winds that ripped through New York City this past week. The Giants will establish the run game and look to get their WRs started early against a perplexing Charger defense featuring two of the best CBs in the NFL. Oh well.

Pick:
San Diego 26
NY Giants 31

FINAL
--------------

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
***SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL***

Over/Under: 50
PHI: -3
DAL: +120
PHI: -140

A couple of scenarios here. The winner retains first place by themselves in the NFC East. Another thing: if Romo has another consistent Four-Quarter game, you have to begin taking Dallas seriously. THAT'S A BIG IF, however.

The Iggles' defense cannot stop Austin and Witten -- along with the best running game in the NFC. As good as the Iggles' offense is, it isn't consistent. Most of their points come on big plays on special teams and through the passing game. This isn't 1977 and this isn't the Oakland Raiders and John Madden. This is Clock-Management-Bumbling Andy Reid and a one-dimensional Iggle running game.

Pick:
Dallas 34
Philadelphia 31

FINAL
-----------------

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos
InVesco Field at Mile High Stadium
Denver, Colorado
***MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL***

Over/Under: 40
DEN: +3
PIT: -140
DEN: +120

Why do they keep putting the Steelers on in Prime Time? I know, I know, they "won" the Super Bowl last year but dear GOD they are boring to watch. Orton finally got exposed by a smart defense last week. The Steelers will do the same, but this game won't be watchable. Just follow the scores on NFL Mobile ha. Big Ben HAH. Big RAPIST will throw a back-breaking INT that will seal the game for Denver.

Pick:
Pittsburgh 17
Denver 20

FINAL
---------------

NFL Week 9 Powre Rankings

NFL Week 9 Powre Rankings
M.D. Wright
11.4.09

Hit 'n' Run version this week -- I'm VERY busy with training at work for the next week and a half, but you already know who the best teams in the NFL are, who the worst are, and who are just jockeying for last wild cards and draft positioning erstwhile.

1. Indianapolis Colts.
Again, P. Manning > Brees. PERIOD.

2. New Orleans Saints.
They do it all, score better than anyone, play defense just as well as anyone and that will matter later in the season.

3. Minnesota Vikings.
Won't call the Pittsburgh game a fluke, because their coach gets in his own way or else they'd go 15-1 easily.

4. Cincinnati Bengals.
When teams show you who they are... BE-LIEVE THEM.

5. Dallas Cowboys.
They've done what they were supposed to the past three games. I'm convinced they are good. Stay out of the spotlight and you can win games ROMO.

6. New England Patriots.
Real test coming up against New Orleans. I honestly don't think they're up to it, but hey, if they win that game, the rest of the NFL will be on notice.

7. Philadelphia Eagles.
Cannot forgive them for losing to the Raiders unless they win the Super Bowl.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers.
Ditto with them and their losses.

9. Denver Broncos.
KYLE ORTON = EXPOSED.

10. Baltimore Ravens.
Better than their 4-3 record. Lost all three games in the last possession. That's EXTREMELY hard to do.

11. Arizona Cardinals.
Stunk up the joint royally after losing to an abysmal Panther team.

12. Houston Texans.
People better recognize: I KNOW FOOTBALL. I said this team would win 11 or 12 games and they're on pace to do just that not including the first three games.

13. San Diego Chargers.
Can they put two straight games together against the Giants this week coming off a bye?

14. New York Giants.
Smarting going into the Charger game and then a bye. Should be able to run the ball with ease against this unit -- and pass as well. However, Rivers will be able to pass all day as well. The Giants need to right their ship during the bye because they look worse than the Washington Redskins right now.

15. Green Bay Packers.
Aaron Rodgers doing his best 2002 David Carr Impersonation.

16. Atlanta Falcons.
FRAUDS. And they will catch a serious beatdown in a couple of weeks to prove it.

17. New York Jets.
Got their slump out of the way early rather than late. I think they'll be fine the rest of the way with the best rushing attack in the AFC.

18. Chicago Bears.
PLEASE.

19. San Francisco 49ers.
Not sure what's up with them lately.

20. Miami Dolphins.
A 3-4 team, which wins when I NEED them to lose and loses when I need them to win. Furthermore why I hate them...

21. Jacksonville Jaguars.
......................

22. Carolina Panthers.
Despite 2 wins lately,

...................................................

23. Buffalo Bills.
What is that SMELL???

24. Seattle Seahawks.
The Seabags have been overrated for a decade, who really saw them being any better than 2-5 at the halfway point?

25. Washington Redskins.
HA.

26. Oakland Raiders.
I see so much potential there, but they have clueless coaches who spend more time beating on each other and their wives.

27. Kansas City Chiefs.
I'm still waiting for them to finally turn the corner with all that talent they have.

28. Tennessee Titans.
So they finally "won" a game against the SCHIZOPHRENIC Jaguars.

29. Detroit Lions.
DEAR GOD.

30. St. Louis Rams.
Steven Jackson and run for cover.

31. Cleveland Browns.
............................................................................ (all season)

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
INCOMPLETE IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.

Worst 5 Coaches In The NBA

Worst 5 Coaches In The NBA
M.D. Wright
11.2.09

1. LAWRENCE FRANK. New Jersey Nets.



Why does he still have this job? He only had any success because of Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin -- and they're both LONG GONE. He shows me no skills as a coach whatsoever.

2. MIKE D'ANTONI. New York Knicks.



Still thinks you can run and gun (and play ZERO defense) and win in the NBA. As if Don Nelson and George Karl haven't spent 30 years proving otherwise... And he's not even as good as those two.

3. MIKE DUNLEAVY. Los Angeles Clippers.



Gets to avoid the #1 spot because he was... well, on the bench when the Lakers went to the '91 NBA Finals when Jordan got his first ring.

4. GEORGE KARL. Denver Nuggets.



That Coaching Fraternity is something, right? Tell me going to Carolina isn't still paying dividends for him. Choking like Tony Romo in every big moment certainly isn't the reason he's still coaching an actual NBA Title contender this year.

5. MIKE BROWN. Cleveland Cavaliers.



The Cavs have 4 plays. Five, if you consider that O'Neal and Ilgauskas do the same high low with James -- the same play. He's somehow always looking befuddled as if they have a playbook that rivals Tom Crean's?

Dishonorable Mention: Michael Curry, Don Nelson, Scott Skiles, Vinny Del Negro.

Top 5 Coaches In The NBA

Top 5 Coaches In The NBA
M.D. Wright
11.2.09

No subjectivity here, results matter -- regardless of the players on the team. Good coaching is good coaching.

1. PHIL JACKSON. Los Angeles Lakers.



10 Titles. Best motivator in the game. Best players in the league or not, he keeps them focused so that they do not lose focus of the prize at hand.

2. GREGG POPOVICH. San Antonio Spurs.



He has done it at every level. He has coached, he has served as the Spurs' GM and helped build some of their best teams both as GM (in the past) and coach over the past 15 seasons. He'd be #1 on this list if not for Phil Jackson having the most World Championships ever. The model of consistency and perennially winning 55-60 games.

3. STAN VAN GUNDY. Orlando Magic.



SVG, as we call him, is a better coach than his brother Jeff Van Gundy (referred to as JVG by us online). Shaquille O'Neal tried his best to smear Van Gundy's name, but SVG proved his worth in the 2009 NBA Playoffs. He guided his team to the NBA Finals and should've had an opportunity to do it previously in 2006 before his frontrunning President/GM pushed him out of the door (due to O'Neal's rants).

4. NATE MCMILLAN. Portland TrailBlazers.



Nate is so underrated. He was built to coach, however. I watched his entire career as a player in Seattle and he was a floor general if there ever was one. That has transferred to the coaching seat. He has shaped this team in his own image and they play like those old Seattle teams did in the 80s and early 90s.

5. DOC RIVERS. Boston Celtics.



Doc was overrated to me before a couple of years ago, honestly. But he has learned how to settle on a rotation and gets the most out of what he has with the massive talent that he has at his disposal. Outcoached Phil Jackson in the 2008 NBA Finals -- which is worth noting.

Honorable Mention: Rick Carlisle, Eddie Jordan, Jerry Sloan.