July 2, 2012
I want to believe and like your new show Newsroom!!!
September 3, 2011
Football Preview 2011
Ok Ok so Patriots and Saints didn’t exactly play each other in the Superbowl last season but I did have the Chiefs in the playoffs…I get some credit for that right? So new season, clean slate…let’s make some picks!
Are you ready for some LOCKOUT!!! Actually it really wasn’t that bad, just countless interviews of Adam Schefter and Chris Mortenson saying that a bunch of guys went into a room, then a bunch of guys came out of a room…and then it was over. I can handle that. I was one of the people that said from the get go that too much momentum and money was at stake, and in the end the guys with all the leverage won…the fat cat owners who got a deal that pretty much made sense for them mostly, but the players did get some benefits out of it. Enough of that though, this is FOOTBALL time and I can’t let the season begin without making my predictions (I mean I could, certainly no one would notice but it would just be uncouth to do so).
Predictions:
NFC
NFC EAST: Eagles 10-6 Redskins 9-7 Cowboys 8-8 Giants 5-11 (The BEast) still is a strong division but expectations are a bitch, just ask the “Dream Team” Eagles who will come out of the gate a bit shaky only to recover and win the East. I don’t like the Cowboys despite their more flamboyant looking Ryan brother running the defense now, I just don’t believe Felix Jones and Dez Bryant are stars until they prove it. Now the sneaky Redskins will be much better on defense, but will John Beck (I assume he will get the nod over “worst QB ever in a Superbowl” Rex Grossman)do enough to get them wins. The Giants lost a lot, I’m not sure they realize that yet…they will soon. (Stars of Division-Tim Hightower and Michael Vick) {Sleepers-John Beck QB Redskins and Steve Smith WR Eagles}
NFC NORTH: Packers 11-5 Lions 9-7 Vikings 7-9 Bears 6-10 Last year I didn’t put the Packers in the playoffs (I had them 9-7), but this year it’s hard to argue with them as division favorites, though I do think their defense will be less sharp. I am on the Lions bandwagon, but beware of the hype; this team still has much to prove. The Vikings are interesting to me, their defense should be ok, and I like McNabb still, especially with AP there to bail him out (McNabb has never played with an elite runner…and no Brian Westbrook doesn’t count). Lastly as it has been long established I am not a Jay Cutler fan, or a Lovie Smith Fan, or a Mike Martz fan…so add it up to a 6-10 record for da Bears. (Stars of Division Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson) {Sleepers-Javhid Best RB Lions and Bernard Berrian WR Vikings}
NFC SOUTH: Saints 10-6 Falcons 10-6 Bucs 8-8 Panthers 6-10 Last year I had the Bucs at 3-13 and that cost me (I bet against them for like the first 5 weeks until I finally hoped on board the Freeman Express…I did have Freeman as my break out QB last year though so I get that one at least), this year I still don’t give them respect as I have them regressing to an 8-8 season. I actually like the Panthers a little here giving them 6 wins is a compliment. Between the Saints and the Falcons it’s tough, I like both teams a lot, I give the slightest edge to the Saints though. (Stars of Division-Drew Brees and Roddy White){Sleepers-Cam Newton QB Panthers and Jimmy Grahmn TE Saints}
NFC WEST: Rams 10-6 49ers 8-8 Cardinals 7-9 SeaHawks 3-13 At one time, long ago, this train I rode was full, not a seat to be had, the name of this train you ask?…The Alex Smith Express…now I still ride this train, but I’m the last guy on it sadly…cmon New Coach Harbaugh…make me look smart finally. Even though I like the 49ers, I’m not crazy enough to put them at the top, I think Sam Bradford and Steven Jackson can get it done here. I believe Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals will be solid, but not good enough to break 7 wins. Lastly my guess is that Pete Carroll bought himself a year with that Saints upset in the playoffs, so he’s going to use it to get a top draft pick next year for either Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley…and the way he’s going to do that is to let Tavarious Jackson play QB the he knows he can…just frankly awful. (Stars of Divison-Alex Smith, Steven Jackson, and finally Frank Gore){Sleepers-Mike Sims Walker WR Rams and Braylon Edwards WR 49ers}
AFC
AFC WEST: Chargers 10-6 Broncos 8-8 Raiders 7-9 Chiefs 6-10 I nailed this division two years in a row so I’m going for the 3-peat, I had to put the Chiefs as a regression team, I just don’t see the defense or health for them staying good enough. I think the Raiders are sneaky, Bush and McFadden are solid and maybe…just maybe Jason Campbell doesn’t totally suck. I’m a John Fox fan and because of that I am going to give him credit with an 8-8 season, the Broncos get Elvis Dumervil back and I think Fox can turn Moreno into a star. As for the Chargers, well they are oozing talent so I think even idiot coach Norv Turner can get them to the 10 wins they will need. (Stars of Division-Phillip Rivers, Knowshon Moreno){Sleepers-Dexter McCluster WR Chiefs and Eddie Royal WR Broncos}
AFC SOUTH: Texans 10-6 Colts 8-8 Titans 8-8 Jaguars 4-12 Every year I pick the Texans and every year their Coach finds another awesome player on his roster and squanders that talent away with awful game management skills (really Coach…how many times are you going to try to rush it in on the goal line for the game?...really 7 times?), but with the additions they made on defense they’ve sucked me back into the Kubiak Vortex of heartbreak…I give em 11 wins…I’m all in on the Texans…but beware I’m on tilt. Manning won’t be sharp and that defense is tired, they will have some great games but the Colts days of double digit wins are over. I like Jake Locker a lot, I’m just wondering how long I’ll have to sit through Matt Hasselback before I can see him. As for the Jags, my guess is they start 3-1 and get everyone excited, before they give up on Coach Del Rio (who the Jags should’ve fired 2 years ago anyway?). (Stars of Division Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub, and Chris Johnson){Sleepers Delone Carter RB Colts and Mike Thomas WR Jags}
AFC NORTH: Ravens 11-5 Steelers 10-6 Browns 7-9 Bengals 4-12 I still think one of these years the Ravens will break through against the Steelers…this is the year, yes I did say this last year, but why bring it up now? The Steelers are the Steelers I have to give them 10 wins even though it pains me to do so. Everybody thinks the Browns are sexy with McCoy and Hillis, but beware, you are still asking a lot from a team and a QB that have no receivers. (Stars of Division Ray Rice and Joe Flacco){Sleepers-Andy Dalton QB Bengals and Greg Little WR Browns}
AFC EAST: Patriots 11-5 Jets 10-6 Bills 7-9 Dolphins 5-11 Tom Brady is twitching for a fourth ring and I think this team now has the defense to do it! As for the Jets, I think they aren’t quite as good as last year, but still strong enough to get to 10 wins. The Bills will upset a few folks this year, and finish the year being very pleased with Ryan Fitzpatrick (who went to Haaaavard. Chad Henne will play better this year for the Dolphins, but it won’t save Coach Sporano’s job as that defense looks rough. (Stars of Division Tom Brady and Stevie Johnson){Sleepers Chad Henne QB Miami and Fred Jackson RB Bills}
Playoffs: NFC round 1: Falcons @ Eagles, Lions @ Rams. NFC round 2: Falcons @ Packers/ Lions @ Saints. NFC Title: Saints Vs Falcons Champ-Saints
AFC round 1: Steelers @ Texans, Jets @ Chargers. AFC round 2: Texans @ Patriots, Jets @ Ravens. AFC Title: Pats Vs Jets Champ-Patriots
SUPER BOWL 45- Pats 41 Saints 38 MVP Tom Brady
Bonus College Football Title Game-Wisconsin vs South Carolina…The Ol Ball Coach returns to the big stage (I love Florida St. as well…and watch out for sneaky good V Tech.)
March 31, 2011
BASEBALL Predictions 2011
AL East Champ-Red Sox
AL Central Champ-Tigers
AL West Champ-Angels
Wild Card-White Sox
NL East Champ-Phillies
NL Central Champ-Cubs
NL West Champ-Dodgers
Wild Card-Braves
World Series-Braves vs Red Sox
World Champs-Red Sox
NL MVP-Ryan Howard
AL MVP-Adrian Gonzalez
NL CY YOUNG-Josh Johnson
AL CY YOUNG-Jon Lester
Gonna be a great season!!!!!!!
January 31, 2011
Kansas City Shuffle Time
November 19, 2010
Week 13 BYE for the Blog...but heres a mini update!
Good luck to all in Fantasy and Reality!
November 12, 2010
Fantasy Football Update #9 2010 (Week 10)
Fantasy Football Update #9 (Week 10) and My Picks
I didn’t pass 90 points again in week 9, but 85 was good enough to beat a 56 effort from my opponent. With the majority of my BYE players finished I just have to hope for health and this thing will go as planned. I face the only team ahead of me in the standings in week 10 as my 7-2 Dawgs face off against the 8-1 Boston Ball Breakers for first place. I love it when it gets exciting.
Week 10 lineup (subject to change)-QB Tom Brady, RB Ray Rice, RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Roddy White, Jeremy Maclin, TE Brandon Pettigrew, Dan Carpenter, and The Eagles D/ST (though I have an active claim for Tampa Bay out there currently).
Bet on this, but don’t get mad at me-(Week 10)
2009 stats-66% on the Like em bets, 26% on the 3 If you can stomach em underdog picks, and 58% on the Parlay to try picks.
2010 stats-53% (12 for 23) on the Like em bets, 42% (10 for 24) on the 3 If you can stomach em bets, and 64% (16 for 25) on the Parlay to try picks.
It’s never easy to lose your centerpiece game (NWE -4 ½ @ CLE), but we still went 2 out of 3 in the Like em picks and salvaged some of our week 9 roll. The NFL lacks a rock solid great team, but we could use this new “Any Given Sunday” NFL to our advantage, let’s look for some value.
Like em-I’m locking in Over 44 in the DET @ BUF, these two teams can score, and I don’t think the Lions lose a lot whole of firepower with Shaun Hill at QB. I’m in the Brett Favre camp now that he has become the head coach of the Vikings and starts a streak that puts them back in contention…take old man Favre and MIN -1 @ CHI and look for turnovers to make that game go real ugly, but help it go Over that 40 ½ number. Lastly I really like TEN -1 ½ @ MIA, I think without Parcells around, that team loses a bit of its common sense, benching Henne won’t solve the problems of that team, it needs to run more and hold the ball longer to protect its defensive issues. The fins thoughts on making the playoffs will end this week.
3 If you can stomach em-0 for 3 last week and even our bonus pick let us down, that’s ok we bet and learn so that means we have to get off the Dolphins bandwagon…is there any room on the Browns wagon? Week 10, I know the Bills are due to win there first game, and by no means do I think they are the worst team in football…that said I highly doubt that defense will hold the Lions down, even in Buffalo…I like DET +ML @ BUF. It is hard to admit when your wrong sometimes, but I was wrong about overlooking a streaking Browns team, they won’t be able to run against the Jets, but they won’t have to with Colt McCoy vying to show all the scouts why he is better than the overrated Mark Sanchise…this kid is a player and I love it when guys have chips on their shoulder. Take CLE +ML vs. NYJ this week. Lastly take lowly ARI +ML vs. SEA and hold your breath, SEA has obviously gotten tired of the Pete Carroll rah rah rah stuff and is now looking around and wondering where all the talent is, and even though ARI is awful SEA certainly can’t be a road team that is favored yet…they just don’t deserve that. (Look people who know me and are going to scream that I won’t put the Pats in here as they are a 4 ½ point underdog @ PIT…all I can say I am a fan of them, I will most likely play it myself…but watching last week I can’t suggest to you that you should.)
Parlay to try-I’ll take Over 45 with DAL @ NYG and give Jason Garrett a chance to get some offense, though I don’t know how he will do it…shouldn’t matter as the Giants are good for 30+ on their own. Take MIN +ML @ CHI as I’m not worried about this game at all for some reason. Lastly put on Over 42 in the PHI @ WAS game on Monday night, it is the right number but I’m an optimist and can see good things happening to make your parlay a winner if you get this far (but hedge if it’s worth it!)
2 to win in College Football-(3-3-1 in 2010)-We return to college football with a couple of picks I really like this week. Take Boston College -3 @ Duke, as BC has really started to play more responsible football and is looking to salvage a 500% record. Another road play that shouldn’t scare you is BYU -7 @ Colorado State, BYU won’t be that far from home and they travel well, they should cover easy. Don’t even think about betting Notre Dame +6 and try to avoid donating money to the Penn St. @ Ohio St. game. Let’s see if we can get back on track.
Results will be posted after Week 10
Good Luck in all Fantasy and Reality!
November 7, 2010
Fantasy Football Update #8 2010 (Week 9)
Fantasy Football Update #8 and My Picks
I escaped week 8 with a 81 to 55 win, but my 6-2 record has a twinge of luck to it as I know 81 won’t get me wins very often. With Roddy White back I hope to go north of 100 again…though the latest on Antonio Gates has me worried again.
Week 9 lineup (subject to change)-QB Tom Brady, RB Ray Rice, WR Roddy White, Jeremy Maclin, WR Johnny Knox, TE Brandon Pettigrew (but I still hope Gates), Dan Carpenter (how bout this guy 2 weeks with 5 Field Goals), and The Saints D/ST.
I feel much better this week especially since my competition is rolling with Matty “ICE” Ryan who throws to my guy Roddy White, but without Gates who really is Mr. Consistent I know there is a chance I lose.
Bet on this, but don’t get mad at me-(Week 9)
2009 stats-66% on the Like em bets, 26% on the 3 If you can stomach em underdog picks, and 58% on the Parlay to try picks.
2010 stats-55% (11 for 20) on the Like em bets, 47% (10 for 21) on the 3 If you can stomach em bets, and 63% (14 for 22) on the Parlay to try picks.
If you went with my Like em’s you went 2 out 3 and made some cash, if you rolled with my Stomach em picks you might have done a little better than even, and if you rolled with my Parlay you are justifiably mad at me. Let’s try to learn from our mistakes and get back to winning on all fronts.
Like em-They are still flawed but N.O. should cover the -7 @ CAR as Carolina is just waiting for their new coach, and their current coach is waiting for Wade Phillips to leave the Cowboys. I like Over 45 in the TAM @ ATL game as I expect an exciting 4th quarter in that game. Lastly the Vegas money smells an upset in Cleveland, but the Vegas money isn’t right all the time, take NWE – 4 ½ @ CLE.
3 If you can stomach em-Only 1 out of 3 in week 8 should give me pause, but after crunching the numbers I just can’t stop myself…this is a great week for the mighty upset, so grab your roll and take some sharp calculated chances. Starting with MIA +185 @ BAL, look this is my least favorite but the value is right and everyone knows -5 is the “Vegas zone” (and if you don’t already you should be listening to the B.S. Report) which basically means Vegas trusts BAL about as far as they can throw them. The next two are a tad crazy but if you want to play Hold Em you gotta roll with the Highs and Lows, Take DET +185 vs. NYJ and then get even nuttier by taking SEA +260! Vs. NYG…one of these home dogs has to turn out. Lastly, and don’t laugh…take DAL +275 @ GNB…yeah I know I’m nuts, but something tells me Dallas actually shocks the Pack for one of their few wins this season.
Parlay to try-Take NWE – 4 ½ @ CLE, then take Over 46 ½ in TNDY @ PHI game, and then lastly go with the old man…and um Derek Anderson? Take Over 42 in the ARI @ MIN game.
2 to win in College Football-(3-3-1 in 2010)-Ok so we have a very mediocre college record so far so I am going to take this week off so I can re-assess the College landscape and come back firing!
Results will be posted after Week 9
Good Luck in all Fantasy and Reality!
November 3, 2010
DVD Review #47 (Get Him to the Greek 2010)
Get Him to the Greek (2010) Russell Brand, Jonah Hill Directed By Nicholas Stoller
Some movies are exactly as advertised and some movies go places that you might never expect…Oddly Get Him to the Greek was advertised as a raunch out comedy full of sex and drugs…but it doesn’t take all that long to figure out that this film written by Nicholas Stoller & Jason Segal (both from the Apatow tree that brought us the genius that is Superbad) is much more than just a straight comedy, it actually has a few messages that are surprisingly poignant and shockingly kinda touching. Unfortunately those moments feel pretty out of place in this film. Unlike Knocked Up or Superbad where those moments fit in seamlessly, Get Him to the Greek just takes sharp turns that aren’t meant to be funny and they take you by surprise in a downer way. Though I did appreciate where the film went, it frankly just didn’t fit quite right…sometimes random works, but mix random with raunch and heavy, things just get convoluted and nonsensical. All that said Russell Brand does a nice job with his popular Aldous Snow character (made famous in Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Jonah Hill makes you laugh. I wouldn’t run to the Redbox or anything, but if your favorite show is on reruns this week, why not rent Get Him to the Greek for some laughs.
Get Him to the Greek is the continuing story of rocker Aldous Snow (played perfectly by Russell brand) who after a tragic fall from stardom (with an awesomely racist song called African Child) is convinced to do an anniversary concert at the Greek Theater. Tasked with picking up drunk, drug addicted, and generally unruly Aldous from his London home and bringing him to L.A. is Aaron green (played well by Jonah Hill). As you may imagine things like making flight times and being sober are not in the cards for a rocker, so getting him from one place to another ends up being a pretty hilarious task. There are lots of cameos that will keep you entertained along the ride to include a funny performance from P Diddy and a sweet little role for Mad Men’s own Elisabeth Moss (as Aaron’s Girlfriend who greenlights a threesome!). The movie though funny, does stray from straight comedy as it touches on some serious issues and even may get some emotion out of you (though not many of you, most of you will ask “why did this stop being funny?”. It all just felt a bit messy though in the end, and the original music was less than awesome. Get Him to the Greek isn’t a standout comedy, but it does the job and contains some funny memorable lines that you will take with you. Watch it but don’t rush.
(The Shawshank Scale 1-10) I will give a solid 6.0 on the Shawshank Scale for being both funny and unpredictable…but in the end I did want a bit more funny…right then, cheerio. (Man I miss the British accent in my daily life).
October 30, 2010
Fantasy Football Update #7 2010 (Week 8)
Fantasy Football Update #8 and Week 8 Preview + My Picks
NFL
People are likening the NFL these days to reality TV, they say things like “this is the best reality TV you can find” well except for blurred out hot tub boobies and catfights I suppose they are right…(did I forget to mention the near fatal encouragement of overdrinking…(”hey my producer just bought us another bottle!”). I feel sorry that some of the biggest storylines this year have been reality TV-esque. I actually mostly hate reality TV, I don’t like seeing un-redeeming people sell out for fame, but that’s just me, I understand the entertainment value I suppose. So in week 8 of the NFL season, with a sport I love, I find myself slightly turned off by the Randy Moss/TomBrady hair catfight story or the Penis Pics Brett Favre story…you see the center of any sport is the game itself…we have too many sideline reporters too many sideline stories. Smart people who love the game just want it to be about the game, if we want to see people make bad decisions and do disappointing things, we can just look in the mirror and save some cash on the NFL package, come on NFL clean it up, and ESPN lay off the stuff that is just more fit for TMZ. Thankfully while my disappointment in this stuff lingers I have the NBA starting and the World Series still going (though it should be over by now MLB…baseball has to finish sooner!). Ok now let’s break down some fantasy and make some picks!
A stunning upset 105-97 loss to an Underdog StinkN Pete team has sent my Dirty Dawgs to a more modest 5-2 record entering in what is my worst “talent is on the bye” week. I was shocked to lose last week and blame it solely on the fact that I thought (TE) Antonio Gates wouldn’t play so I put (TE) Ben Watson in and he totally flat-lined with 1 point on one catch for 18 yds. Oh well we live and learn; now my mediocre and underdog bye week lineup must step up!
Week 8 lineup (subject to change)-QB T Brady, RB Ryan Torain, RB Knowshon Moreno, WR Deion Branch, WR Jabar Gaffney, TE A Gates, K MIA Dan Carpenter, D/ST Chiefs.
Without Roddy White, Ray Rice, Jeremy Maclin, and Johnny Knox this week I need the Broncos (with Moreno and Gaffney) to step up which seems unlikely because they are going all the way to England…I expect to lose, but anything’s possible!
Some advice from the guy who is 5-2-Most people plan and draft considering the BYE weeks, but some don’t it is time to take advantage of those who don’t, especially in those leagues where you have roster requirements (like must have 2 kickers and so on…). Trade Kickers and D/ST for good upside value if you can afford it. I was recently offered RB J Stewart of Carolina in one of my leagues…for the Dallas Kicker…seriously? Keep your eyes out and don’t be afraid of sending out offers.
Keep an eye on-Brandon Pettigrew (TE) for Detroit, he is a guy that plays well with Matt Stafford (QB) who I also like. This may sound crazy but I like the upside in the next few weeks of the Texans D/ST who after this week play the Chargers at home, then the Jaguars on the road, I think they are getting healthy and will start to gel finally. I’ve been on LeGarrette Blount (RB) now for awhile as a guy to stash away on your bench, well I think it may be time for him to start as a FLEX now, he is clearly the best talent at that postion on TB. He is no sleeper but if you have invested a roster spot on Felix Jones (RB) of Dallas it may finally payoff off for you with Romo out (nobody ever looked happier to break their collarbone ever…he was giddy that he was sidelined after that game) Dallas should run a heck of a lot more. Also I want to ask for permission to get back on the Matt Moore (QB) bus if there is still a seat on it, I think he is solid and am looking forward to seeing get another shot.
Good luck this week…it is brutal with all the byes so expect the unexpected and slot those high upside guys in and cross your fingers!
Bet on this, but don’t get mad at me-(Week 8)
2009 stats-66% on the Like em bets, 26% on the 3 If you can stomach em underdog picks, and 58% on the Parlay to try picks.
2010 stats-52% (9 for 17) on the Like em bets, 50% (9 for 18) on the 3 If you can stomach em bets, and 68% (13 for 19) on the Parlay to try picks.
With another 2 out of 3 underdog take in Week 6 we took Week 7 off to watch a little baseball (and if you liked the Giants and Rangers like I did…you maybe even cashed in on that), but now its time to get serious in Week 8, teams get defined, and things get tough.
Like em-People seem to be having a hard time defining the Dolphins thus far, you can count me as one of those people, but luckily I have defined the Bengals…not good, I’ll take MIA +1 ½ @ CIN, Now I hate to beat a dead horse but those people who picked on me for dogging on the Chargers…where are you now? Look Norv Turner is a total moron and nobody wastes talent like he does, plus anybody been watching this guy Kenny Britt lately? I like TEN +3 ½ @ SDG. Lastly with Jeff Fisher coaching against Norv Turner I expect garbage time points galore for the Chargers so this one (TEN @ SDG) goes Over 44 1/2 .
3 If you can stomach em-I’m 8 weeks into 3 If you can stomach em and still at 50%...this has never happened before, I look to keep it rolling in with these picks: Look I killed Tampa Bay in my preseason column (Football Preview 2010) but I may have to eat my words, Josh Freeman and the guys have some swagger, I’ll take TB +ML @ AZ this week. I would love to bet the Packers against the Jets but I’m holding back as I would love to stay above 50% for another week, so let me give you CAR +ML @ STL instead, the Panthers have too good a coach to just pack it in and in the beginning of the year I really did like Matt Moore…I mean sort of. Lastly and those who read me regularly (and there aren’t many of you!) know where I may go with this one…oh yes my favorite team to bet ML against…the Indy Colts, they have looked beat up, and very pedestrian thus far…mediocrity continues as the Texans outright beat them on Monday Night…seriously take HOU +ML @ IND, The Texans are coming around this year!
Parlay to try-Roll with Over 42 in the SEA @ OAK game as these two teams will be at 30 before halftime, then tack on Over 45 in the WAS @ DET game, and finally add HOU +5 ½ @ IND on Monday night…and you should maybe hedge that if you make it that far…just a thought.
2 to win in College Football-(3-3-1 in 2010)-Ok so we have a very mediocre college record so far so I am going to take this week off so I can re-assess the College landscape and come back firing!
Results will be posted after Week 8
Good Luck in all Fantasy and Reality!
October 24, 2010
On a bye
October 16, 2010
Fantasy Football Update #6 2010 (Week 6)
Fantasy Football Update #6 and Week 6 Preview + My Picks
I had a monster 154-72 win with my Dirty Dawgs Fantasy Football team this week which has me sitting comfortably at 4-1 on the year.
Week 6 lineup (subject to change)-QB T Brady, RB Ray Rice, RB R Torain, RB B Jackson, WR R White, TE A Gates, K Cowboys, D/ST Saints.
Decided to go three RB’s and just hope one is good and one breaks out, with White and Gates playing so well I feel I’m able to take a risk like this, that said I may change my mind and put Knox, Crabtree, or Maclin in place of B Jackson by kickoff.
Some advice from the guy who is 4-1-TRIM THE FAT Ok so you know who is strong on your team and some of us are lucky enough to have a surplus of talent, but not all that talent will fit on your starting roster so I highly suggest starting the process of trimming the fat on your roster to get the playoff starting lineup you want. Depth is good, but if you can move some of it for guys with great playoff schedules then you are doing your team a favor. Recently in a deep Keeper League I am in, I made a move to trade for TE J. Finley even though I know he is most likely out for the season…look keeper leagues play by different rules and if you have a chance to go grab somebody like Finley so you can keep him and build around him next year, I am always going to say go for it…Good Players always play to win, but good franchise players always play to win while keeping an eye on the future.
Keep an eye on-Deion Branch is a guy I think deeper leagues should add, Brady loves him and he is going to get the ball. Ryan Torain who is owned widely now, is still a guy I want to push on you, this guy is “the guy” for Skins so he will be good, and I believe a #2 Fantasy RB by years end. Lastly sleeper WR’s come and go, but I have a feeling a star is born in Washington with WR Anthony Armstrong.
Bet on this, but don’t get mad at me-(Week 6)
2009 stats-66% on the Like em bets, 26% on the 3 If you can stomach em underdog picks, and 58% on the Parlay to try picks.
2010 stats-57% (8 for 14) on the Like em bets, 46% (7 for 15) on the 3 If you can stomach em bets, and 66% (10 for 15) on the Parlay to try picks.
A decent week for us in week going 6-5-1 overall in our picks, and even though we went (yet again) 2 out 3 on our parlay (3-teamer), we still cashed in on 1 underdog and 2 strong Like Em bets. (Things we learned-I really believed the Bills behind Ryan Fitzy would be able to get a win at home against the Jags, but that Bills D is just horrible.) This is another tough week for NFL gamblers…let’s see what we got.
Like em-NWE -3 vs. BAL, look some people out there think the Ravens are the class of the NFL, but the class of the NFL made the Hoody cool again a few years back, and let’s not disrespect Brady’s 22 home win streak and Belichick’s 7-0 record after the bye. It is a tough week and I flirted with the idea of going with the Dolphins +4 vs the Packers, but I’d rather give my Saints one more chance to cover so take NO -4 @ TB. The Last lock seems to be easy so be cautious here, take Over 45 in the SDG @ STL game, I would have thought for sure it would be more like 47.5-49.
3 If you can stomach em-So KC did some good things against the Colts but couldn’t seal the deal in week 5, no problem Jason Campbell and the Raiderzzzz saved the day delivering on a ML bet. I want to go crazy this week right off the bat and give you one of my MORAL HIGH GROUND PICKS…take CLE ML @ PITT just because we don’t think sexual assault is cool and maybe the gods give Colt McCoy a little good fortune in this game. For the less ballsy players give Chad Henne and Fins some respect by saying screw you to the +4 and take MIA ML @ GNB, The Packers are beat up and Aaron Rodgers is concussed…I think the Fins steal this one. Lastly I wanted to take Denver because I believe in the Broncos passing attack and I think the Jets can get spread out and give up big yards in the air, but I am going to go for a bigger payout in the bye week refreshed Seahawks…so try SEA ML @ CHI and hope to god that Jay Cutler is being Jay Cutler and throwing to the Seattle defense early and often.
Parlay to try-2 out of 3 again on the Parlay so let’s try something different. Take Over 42 in the ATL @ PHI game, then add on Over 41.5 in the OAK @ SF game, while rolling large on the Over 44 in the DET @ NYG game, and finishing up (and hedge this if it works out to this point) with the Over 45 in the TEN @ JAC game…who doesn’t like rooting for points !
2 to win in College Football-(2-2-1 in 2010)-Tough to pick this week but I think Under 53 ½ in the Iowa @ Mich game is likely and I really think NEV (Wolf Pack) -6 ½ shouldn’t have any problem with Hawaii even on the road.
Bonus 2 Team Teaser-(for those who get into the finer points of gambling) Take PITTSBURGH +4 {-2 to start}@ SYRACUSE and Take NEVADA -1 {-7 to start}@ HAWAII for a -110 @ Team Tease…then thank me later.
Results will be posted after Week 6
Good Luck in all Fantasy and Reality!
October 9, 2010
My Football Picks! (Week 5)
A sneaky 74-72 win for me in week 4 catapults my team to a solid 3-1 record despite not having great weeks out of Brady and Rice. Taking the week off (just like my Pats) from Fantasy Yakety Yak to catch up on sleep but didn’t want to deprive the many fans (um 9) from my picks…enjoy.
Bet on this, but don’t get mad at me-(Week 5)-2009 stats-66% on the Like em bets, 26% on the 3 If you can stomach em underdog picks, and 58% on the Parlay to try picks. 2010 stats-55% (6 for 11) on the Like em bets, 41% (5 for 12) on the 3 If you can stomach em bets, and 66% (8 for 12) on the Parlay to try picks.
A good week for us in week 4 going 6-9 overall in our picks, and even though we went (yet again) 2 out 3 on our parlay (3-teamer), we still cashed in on 2 underdogs and 2 strong Like Em bets. (Things we learned-Really misjudged the Seattle offense and St. Louis Defense as I suggested Over 39 in that game, we live and learn each week). After a good week it’s my custom to take some chances, so let’s hit it out of the park.
Like em-I’ll take ATL -3 @ CLE The Browns got their win and those who think they can string wins together with that roster are nuts, though they are better than awful they ain’t good. KC +7 ½ @ INDY, look they are coming off a bye and will hang with a bad Indy defense, I’ll take more than a TD. Lastly fool me once…um…you gotta fool me more than once, I’ll take Over 42 in the STL @ DET game, maybe Seattle let me down, but the Lions, I’ll take my chances (but if it doesn’t work out I’m off this bandwagon).
3 If you can stomach em-Some great Dogs this week, we went 2/3 last week…let’s take some chances. Let’s start slow taking BUF +ML vs. JAC, Ryan Fitzy can throw, and we know the Jags love to let people throw…the Bills get a clean win this week. Now we step it up a notch with OAK +ML vs. SDG, I love M Bush RB for the Raiders and we all know how I feel about Norv “sleeps through the first 6 weeks” Turner…I could see a 27-24 home upset by the RAAIIIDERZZZ! Lastly I can’t help myself here, take KC +ML (and coming off the bye) @ INDY for a big winner! Frankly I can’t justify this one, I hate the Colts and Love Crennel and Big Fat, but lovable Charlie Weiss, so just bet it and root for Matty Cassel Magic!
Parlay to try-We are due to snag a 3 teamer so let’s try to be smart about this one, The Over 42 in the DET vs. STL game (STL can’t screw us twice in a row can they?), Over 41 in the BUF vs. JAC game, and lastly close it up with a NO -7 @ ARI play.
3 to win in College Football (1 for 2 in 2010 50%)-I’m going to take a chance on Mich St. +4 ½ @ MICH, I just think the Rich Rodriguez show can be sorted out by good coaches. I’ll continue on with my Notre Dame goes on a streak now theory with ND -6 vs. PITT. Lastly I really like Auburn -6 ½ vs. Kentucky, even on the road the great coached Auburn knows how to take care of business.
Results will be posted after Week 5
Good Luck in all Fantasy and Reality!
October 4, 2010
Movie Review #47 (The Social Network)
The Social Network (2010) Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield Directed by David Fincher
“You don’t get to 500 million friends without making a few enemies” is the tagline for David Fincher’s (Fight Club, Zodiac, Benjamin Button, and Seven…all good BTW) latest film and it is quite fitting. The Social Network is the story of the Facebook creators and their long complicated road to the billionaire club…but that’s not really what it’s about, it’s really about you wanting to be liked…you post something clever on Facebook and you sit at your computer looking at something else occasionally refreshing to see if anyone has commented or laughed at your clever post…you get so happy when they do and you crave more…you (and by “you” I mean all of us) want to be liked, Mark Zuckerberg (Creator) really wanted to be liked, accept in your very early 20’s sometimes when that’s your goal, you do stupid things attempting to attain that goal. This film brilliantly depicts a man that loves to be an a**hole, but no matter how stone he is, underneath he really just wants to be liked (no spoilers but the beginning and ending scenes really spell it out for you). Fincher and Sorkin really do an excellent job telling the story they want to tell, making it both entertaining and frankly quite educational. I really liked this movie, now I am bias considering how much I love Sorkin (who wrote my favorite TV Show of all time in The West Wing), and how much I respect the filmmaking abilities of David Fincher. Even considering my bias though, I am hard pressed to find another movie that is quite as smart as this one in this year’s bag of crap that Hollywood has lit on fire and threw on our front porch so far this year. This film will be very near the top of Best of the Year list and I’m grateful for finally seeing a film that is both intelligent and entertaining…we need more…please Hollywood…no more Transformers and Katherine Heigl!
The Social Network is the story of Mark Zuckerberg (played brilliantly by fine young actor Jesse Eisenberg who was great in last year’s Adventureland) who is the main founder of Internet juggernaut Facebook. When you invent something like Facebook you are “inspired” by many things (in this case a girl, an idea, and exclusivity are few of them), but once your monster is created some of those people that inspired you on your way are going to want a piece of the pie…and frankly they probably deserve it. The most important relationship of the film is with Mark and his best friend and partner Eduardo Saverin (played by the next Spiderman Andrew Garfield) who is painfully and slowly pushed out of the company over time. The most entertaining character however (and after he is introduced he dominates the film…which I think is ok even though the storytelling gets a tad hazy after he is introduced) is Napster founder Sean Parker (played well by Justin Timberlake P.S. go Youtube “history of rap” with him and Jimmy Fallon…BRILLIANT!), he really gets things moving in a direction where conflict is inevitable. Sorkin isn’t trying to hide any of the messages (or cautionary tales) in this film in nuance or clever dialogue, he actually makes a brilliant move by opening the movie with one major conflict and then all but spelling out another when Lawyer Marylin Delpy (played solidly by Rashida Jones) delivers one of the best lines of the film, Sorkin doesn’t want us to decide for ourselves about these guys, he wants to tell us what it must have been like to be a 24 year old billionaire. This film is great on so many levels and I do believe it has some rewatchabilty factor to it, I highly recommend it and think it is a shoe-in for a Best Picture nod. Now stop checking your old girlfriends relationship status and go see this movie!
(The Shawshank Scale 1-10) “If you guys were the inventors of Facebook, you’d have invented Facebook” classic Sorkin, The Social Network is so well done and so clever. I don’t care how much of it is accurate, I care how much could have been, and how simple the conflicts are…this film is a very good 8.0 on the scale and could with time move even higher.
Food For Thought: Fincher is doing the American version of the very popular book The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo out in 2011, which I am really excited about, while Sorkin is wrapping up the film version (which he wrote) of the great baseball book, Moneyball also coming out in 2011. For Jesse Eisenberg there is an odd comedy called 30 Minutes or Less coming out next year about a pizza guy being kidnapped and as mentioned before Andrew Garfield will be the next version of Peter Parker in the latest incarnation of Spiderman, that’s aiming for 2012.
September 30, 2010
Fantasy Football Update #4 2010 (Week 4)
A very workman like 128-84 victory in week 3 for the Dirty Dawgs. Even though I didn’t get any production from my running backs (Portis 4 pts, Rice 8 pts), I still put up very solid numbers getting value from every other position.
Dirty Dawgs (CBS) 10 Team League/Mostly Standard Scoring/6 Playoff spots (5th Pick)
Current Record 2-1
Week 3 Lineup (Subject to change):
QB-Tom Brady (@MIA)-Brady on Monday Night @ the Dolphins worries me a bit, but I still think he gets over 250 (yds) and at least 2 TD’s.
RB-Brandon Jackson (DET)-This will be a down to the wire call for me as it’s starting to look like Rice will start (@PIT), but it’s the Steelers and he doesn’t sound like he’s a 100% healthy. My RB situation after losing R Grant and K Moreno early is going to be a work in progress all year. All I can say in defense of this move is that B-Jax last 100 yd game came in 2008…against guess who?…the Lions.
WR-Roddy White (SF)-He has been great every week for me and I could really use a big day again from him as my roster is thin this week. I am hoping for a 2 TD day, but I expect at least one TD.
WR-Jeremy Maclin (WAS)-After his 2 TD day last week its hard for me to bench him, he seems to really have connected with QB M Vick. I got him as a value pick late in this years draft, and he’s been invaluable to this team thus far.
WR-Johnny Knox (@NYG)-He is Cutler’s go to guy so far, and he is explosive and capable of big plays as he averages 23.5 yds per catch thus far. My RB’s are all hurting right now so he is in there as a fill in, but I hope he plays like a starter.
TE-Antonio Gates (@SEA)-Just another 109 yds and a TD last week for Mr. Gates who without Vincent Jackson on that offense is the go to guy.
K-Jay Feeley (@SD)-I have no idea what Feeley will do here…I hate kickers, seriously hate them.
D/ST-Saints (CAR)-I really try to get the right defense in there at the right time, I can’t think of a better defense (the opportunistic Saints D) against a really bad offense (the lost in the sauce Panthers with a rookie QB)…maybe Defense will get me the win this week?
Some advice from the guy who is 2-1-Here come the bye weeks which means 2 things, guys who don’t normally start find themselves in your lineup, and guys who have glaring needs for the immediate matchup are more likely to trade to fill in the gaps…so my advice is no matter how much people get offended by trade offers they deem not worthy, just keep cranking out offers and staying active looking for the right trade.
Keep an eye on-Ben Jarvis Green Ellis, LaGarrette Blount, and Ryan Torain. 3 RB’s that I think will all be getting much more work than they are right now in the next coming weeks…ok that’s it for this week as I need more room to do my betting section.
Bet on this, but don’t get mad at me-(Week 4)-2009 stats-66% on the Like em bets, 26% on the 3 If you can stomach em underdog picks, and 58% on the Parlay to try picks. 2010 stats-44% (4 for 9) on the Like em bets, 33% (3 for 9) on the 3 If you can stomach em bets, and 66% (6 for 9) on the Parlay to try picks.
Like em-The Packers screwed us out of a perfect week last week so I’m staying away from them this week, instead try the Pats -1 @ MIA as they go into the bye looking strong. Take Over 39 with SEA @ STL as both these teams are young and big play friendly. Lastly, though I like Ryan Fitzpatrick I don’t like him being hurried around the pocket by the Jets Defense so take NYJ -5 ½ @ BUF.
3 If you can stomach em-Coming into this last game Sebastian Janikowski had made 19 straight FG’s…he missed 3 including a game winner…that was hard to stomach. Look Pit can’t keep this up forever and BAL could use a win I like BAL +ML @ PIT. I may be looking at this wrong but I am rolling with McNabb in his return game…Reid might let him win this one…go for WAS +ML @ PHI. I don’t love this game but you guys would kill me if I went with the Bronco or 49ers again so here we go: take Cutler and his Bears +ML @ NYG, even though it’s a must win for the Giants.
Parlay to try-HOU -3 @ OAK, Over 39 in the SEA @ STL game, and seal it up with NYJ -5 ½ @ BUF.
2 to win in College Football-Take the Irish ND +1.5 @ BC…they are due for a win after a tough run and BC is my team, I watch them, they won’t be able to handle this well coached team. I’d love to tell you to take Penn St. +7 @ Iowa but I know better this is about winning and if you want to win take Arkansas St. -6.5 vs. Louisville.
Results will be posted after Week 4
Good Luck in all Fantasy and Reality!
September 23, 2010
Fantasy Football Update #3 2010 (Week 3)
Well I guess in a way I deserved to lose this week, as I was rooting for the 49ers to cover, that said if they had failed to tie the game my Dirty Dawgs Fantasy team would be a strong 2-0 right now…oh well that’s fantasy.
Dirty Dawgs (CBS) 10 Team League/Mostly Standard Scoring/6 Playoff spots (5th Pick)
Current Record 1-1
Week 2 Lineup (Subject to change):
QB-Tom Brady (BUF)- Look if Ray Rice was going to lay another egg I needed Brady to actually produce something in the 2nd half of the Jets game…he didn’t and I lost. About mid 3rd quarter all I could think about was where is my Pats Hoodie and get a freaking haircut! Brady can make up for it this week by pummeling the Bills at home…which he will.
RB-Ray Rice (CLE)- Rice was supposed to carry me, 87 RuYards and 30 RecYards wasn’t quite good enough, but I’m still not worried about him really. Now if he doesn’t dominate the Browns at home…then I’m worried.
RB-Clinton Portis (@STL)- I went Jerome Harrison over Portis last week and it cost me, it was probably because I was rooting for Harrison to do well as he was one of my big sleeper picks, but that sentiment ends now as Portis vs the Rams awful defense is a week I have to pencil him in for double digit fantasy points.
RB-Knowshon Moreno (IND)- Look he hasn’t been bad so far this year, but he hasn’t been that great either, I figure that the Colts vs Broncos game will actually be a close one, and I don’t really like the Colts run defense, so here we go Knowshon you get a start.
WR-Roddy White (@NO)-Anybody else think Roddy White is a legit top 3 WR in the NFL? How about anybody else think that the Falcons can beat the Saints in New Orleans?
TE-Antonio Gates (@SEA)-THIS IS WHY YOU DRAFT GATES EARLY…I hope if you drafted Tony Gonzalez or Chris Cooley and thought meh that’s good enough, you have learned your lesson.
K-David Buehler (@HOU)-The Cowboys can’t find the endzone…well at least I know their kicker will be useful.
D/ST-Eagles D/ST (@JAC)-This Defense isn’t good, but they do have playmakers and they are going up against JAC who just threw a million INT’s last week…I think it is a smart start.
Some advice from the guy who is 1-1-Make adjustments as quickly as you can, look if you had Pierre Thomas he is bumped up a notch…if you don’t have him, you may want to consider going out and getting him now that Bush is out. There are a lot of players that benefit from injuries and QB switches that you may recognize but others don’t. Remember Michael Vick and TE A. Crumpler?…now consider Brent Celek? How about Sammy Morris (in a deeper league) from New England, because someone has to play the Kevin Faulk roll? These are guys you can “buy low” on and get away with.
Keep an eye on-Demaryius Thomas (WR DEN) I was really on board with Jabar Gaffney (there were lots of us that were), but right now this guy looks legit. I thought about Louis Murphy (WR OAK) in a few drafts but just couldn’t bring myself to pull the trigger on him, now I think if you have room he might be worth it, Bruce Gradkowski is a fan favorite and I think will unseat Campbell and that should be good news for Murphy. I’m just not buying Hester but give me a week and I may reconsider. Deep Sleeper Alert! Ok don’t laugh…I think Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB BUF) is ownable in 2 Quarterback leagues…they play the Pats who have a hard time with the pass this week, and maybe the Harvard boy gets on a roll after that…call me crazy but I like him WAY better than Trent Edwards.
Bet on this, but don’t get mad at me-(Week 3)-2009 stats-66% on the Like em bets, 26% on the 3 If you can stomach em underdog picks, and 31% on the Parlay to try pick. 2010 stats-33% (2 for 6) on the Like em bets, 33% (2 for 6) on the 3 If you can stomach em bets, and 66% (4 for 6) on the Parlay to try picks.
Like em-Cincy -3 @ CAR at first glance this would appear to be a game John Fox and his Panthers would win, but take a closer look at that Bengal defense and that Notre Dame QB…yeah I think this is a lock. I love Over 42 in the NE vs. BUF game…look the Pats will score…and sadly so will the Bills as the Pats Defense is WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE! Finally the Packers -3 @ the Bears is one I can’t lay off of, I don’t care what they say about Martz and Cutler…he throws 2 picks in this game!
3 If you can stomach em-So last week didn’t go so well, who knew the 49ers were going to hand it to the Saints? Let’s try some more reasonable upsets this week…well maybe one crazy one. Take Oakland +ML @ AZ as I still see almost nothing good in Glendale. Give some props to Atlanta +ML @ New Orleans as I don’t see the Saints going 3-0, though I do think they will ultimately win that division. I was so tempted to go Detroit @ Vikings but my senses won’t let me so how about an equally crazy one…Denver +ML vs. Indy…I hate Indy so it may be blinding me, but even taking that into consideration I still could see this a Bronco victory.
Parlay to try-I want to try Tenn +3 @ NYG, Over 42 in the Pats vs. Bills game, and seal it with the 49ers -3 (I will regret this) @ KC in what will be a huge test for fragile minded Alex Smith in a LOUD stadium.
***BONUS COLLEGE FOOTBALL PICKS***It’s one week early (I like to go week 5 on College before betting) but I will throw you two games I like this week, Penn St. -15 vs. Temple is a lock and I’ll take the +4 with BYU at home vs Nevada.
Results will be posted after Week 3
Good Luck in all Fantasy and Reality!