On Monday, the Green Bay Packers lost a close division game to the Bears in Chicago, 20-17. Besides the Bears improving to 3-0 and becoming the lone team in the NFL’s young season to remain undefeated in the NFC, the story of the game centered around Packer penalties. The Packers committed a record 18 penalties for an astounding 152 yards during the game. These penalties definitely factored into Chicago’s victory on Monday, but could the Packers have won the game despite setting a franchise record for miscues?
Last night I received an inquiry from one of the blog readers, a self-proclaimed Packers fan, who asked if Green Bay, or any team for that matter, could ever win a game after committing so many errors. I jokingly responded, “sure they could… if they were playing the hapless Detroit Lions instead of a team like Chicago.” After further research, it turns out this off-the-cuff remark was correct.
NFL teams typically win about 54% of their games when they commit fewer penalties than their opponents, which is only slightly different than the roughly 58% of games teams win playing at home. Also, a single penalty at a key time late in a close game is far more likely to cost a team a victory than a bunch of penalties sprinkled over the course of four quarters.
Packer linebacker Nick Barnett, when discussing the loss in Chicago said, “you can’t win a game like that.” Sloppy play resulting in penalties certainly makes such a blanket statement more true than not, but Green Bay only has to look at their own history to see that penalties in and of themselves were not the overwhelming reason for their loss on Monday.
Against the Bears, the Packers committed 18 penalties for 152 yards, but didn’t allow a sack and outgained Chicago in total yardage, 379-276. A key fumble by James Jones late in the fourth quarter, not penalties, cost them the game. By contrast, two games in Packer history stand out for being riddled with penalties and sloppy play by the Green and Gold.
In week 6 of 2009, the Green Bay Packers hosted the downtrodden Detroit Lions. The Packers were quite careless during this game. Officials flagged them 13 times for 130 yards. The Lions vaunted pass rush sacked Aaron Rodgers five times and Green Bay turned the ball over twice. You’d think the Packers would have lost. Against a better team, even a mediocre team, they probably would have, but this particular game they crushed the Lions 26-0, outgaining them in total yardage an impressive 436-149.
Going back further in history, the Green Bay Packers hosted the now defunct Boston Yanks on October 21, 1945. This game, nearly 65 years ago, held the gold standard for illegal Packer activity until last Monday. Green Bay committed 17 penalties for a record 184 penalty yards and turned the ball over three times against the Yanks. The Packers did manage to gain the yardage advantage in this contest, 456-250, but this yardage difference was far more akin to the Bears game than the thrashing of the Lions in 2009. Despite the record number of miscues, the Packers demolished the Yanks 38-14.
Green Bay combined for 30 penalties, totaling 314 yards, five sacks and five turnovers during those two contests, yet still managed to outscore Boston and Detroit, 64-14.
So, Packer fans, take heart. Your team can win big when they repeatedly draw the ire of the officials… but not on Monday Night, not when away from the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field and only if they are playing the inept likes of modern-day Detroit or the Boston Yanks, a franchise that never won more than four games in a single season.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
This Day in Football History - September 30th
*September 30, 1961 - President John F. Kennedy signs a bill legalizing single-network television contracts by professional sports leagues. The bill was introduced in Congress by Representative Emanuel Celler and passed the House and Senate without difficulty.
*September 30, 1973 - Hall of Fame great Johnny Unitas completes a 30-yard pass to Mike Garrett while playing for the San Diego Chargers in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The completion makes Unitas the first quarterback to pass for more than 40,000 yards in a career. Since then only 10 quarterbacks have gone over the 40,000 yard mark - Joe Montana, Dan Fouts, Drew Bledsoe, Vinny Testaverde, Fran Tarkenton, Warren Moon, Peyton Manning, John Elway, Dan Marino and Brett Favre.
*September 30, 2001 - Former tackle Bruce Armstrong is inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.
*September 30, 2002 - Baltimore Raven Chris McAlister ran into the NFL record books against Denver. With 1 second remaining in the first half, Broncos K Jason Elam's FG attempt was short. McAlister caught it in the end zone and returned it 107 yards for a TD - the longest play of any kind in league history. The previous record was 106 yards (3 separate Kick Returns of that distance) and was last accomplished by Roy Green in 1979. During the same game, safety Ed Reed blocked the first punt in Ravens history, leading to the Ravens' second touchdown of the second quarter against the Broncos. Not a good day for Denver special teams. Baltimore defeated the Broncos, 34-23.
*September 30, 2007 - The New York Giants sack Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb 12 times en route to a decisive 16-3 victory in Philadelphia. Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora accounted for a record six of the twelve sacks.
*September 30, 2008 - Tom Cable introduced as Raiders interim head coach, bringing in a new Golden Age to Raider mockery across the country.
Tomorrow, Week 4 game predictions and an update regarding Creative Misfortune's "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." feature.
*September 30, 1973 - Hall of Fame great Johnny Unitas completes a 30-yard pass to Mike Garrett while playing for the San Diego Chargers in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The completion makes Unitas the first quarterback to pass for more than 40,000 yards in a career. Since then only 10 quarterbacks have gone over the 40,000 yard mark - Joe Montana, Dan Fouts, Drew Bledsoe, Vinny Testaverde, Fran Tarkenton, Warren Moon, Peyton Manning, John Elway, Dan Marino and Brett Favre.
*September 30, 2001 - Former tackle Bruce Armstrong is inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.
*September 30, 2002 - Baltimore Raven Chris McAlister ran into the NFL record books against Denver. With 1 second remaining in the first half, Broncos K Jason Elam's FG attempt was short. McAlister caught it in the end zone and returned it 107 yards for a TD - the longest play of any kind in league history. The previous record was 106 yards (3 separate Kick Returns of that distance) and was last accomplished by Roy Green in 1979. During the same game, safety Ed Reed blocked the first punt in Ravens history, leading to the Ravens' second touchdown of the second quarter against the Broncos. Not a good day for Denver special teams. Baltimore defeated the Broncos, 34-23.
*September 30, 2007 - The New York Giants sack Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb 12 times en route to a decisive 16-3 victory in Philadelphia. Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora accounted for a record six of the twelve sacks.
*September 30, 2008 - Tom Cable introduced as Raiders interim head coach, bringing in a new Golden Age to Raider mockery across the country.
Tomorrow, Week 4 game predictions and an update regarding Creative Misfortune's "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." feature.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 3
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings are based on a complicated formula that takes into account, among other things, a team's projected ability to score an Offensive Fumble Recovery TD. All power rankings guaranteed to be less accurate than real NFL team abilities on any given Sunday and are subject to change on a weekly basis. If your team’s ranking remains unchanged for 4 hours or more, please consult with your doctor, as serious side effects may occur.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, winning isn't the only thing, but it is the most important component of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
The Forked Few ~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - Detroit Lions (previous: 31)
Against Chicago and Philadelphia you looked like you were so close to breaking through, but you laid an egg against Minnesota - a division rival you have typically played well against. Your ineptness on Sunday coupled with St. Louis' ability to win a game lands you in the Creative Misfortune cellar.
# 31 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 30)
Three straight weeks you've had the lead in the second half and for the third straight week you've blown your chance to break into the win column. Sadly, your schedule only gets tougher the rest of the season with Cincinnati, Atlanta and Pittsburgh your next three opponents. Talk about being on a fast track to 0-6.
# 30 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 29)
Playing valiant in defeat means you still lost. And how misguided was your coaching staff if up until the start of the regular season you believed Trent Edwards was the guy only to cut him last week for Ryan Fitzpatrick? Your decision making skills have always been suspect, so this move comes as no surprise to anybody. If only Brad Childress had the same courage to swallow his pride and admit he was wrong about T-Jack...
# 29 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 28)
Jimmy Clausen wasn't the answer on Sunday, though it is still too early to tell how his career will play out. For now, the Panthers are up the creek without a paddle and have already lost all hope during what should have been a promising season.
# 28 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 26)
Offensive coordinator - GONE! Personally, I'd look at the defense. Yes, the offense hasn't scored much, but the defense has allowed 31, 25 and 31 points in three straight games and the saddest part of those scores is New Orleans only scored 25. Allowing Seattle and Kansas City to both ring up 31 points on the aggressive, Singletary-masterminded defense is just outrageous.
The Creatively Challenged ~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 32)
Sam Bradford shows definite promise as the quarterback of the future, but the Rams will have to beat more teams than just the Redskins before they can truly start to climb out of the ranks of the Forked Few.
# 26 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 27)
Janikowski, the problem child. In a game lost by one point, a few missed field goals certainly could have made a difference. On the bright side, Gradkowski, the other -owski on the team, played solid again. The Raiders aren't back, but they are definitely improved from a year ago.
# 25 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 25)
Not good, Jacksonville. Nobody should lose at home 28-3. Do you even care anymore? At 0-3 you are clearly the worst team in the AFC South and only a win streak of epic proportions will get you a sniff of the playoffs.
# 24 - New York Giants (previous: 22)
I am no quarterbacking expert, but I gotta believe trying a left-handed shovel pass into triple coverage while being tackled may not have been the best choice in that situation, Eli. Would Peyton have done that? I don't think so.
# 23 - Washington Redskins (previous: 23)
You'd think losing to the Rams would warrant a drop in the rankings, but with so many bad teams playing woeful football, I can't help but let Washington just sit here at #23 and think about what they have done.
# 22 - Denver Broncos (previous: 16)
Nearly 500 yards passing from Kyle Orten is still not enough to get this team closer than two touchdowns against Manning and the Colts. In an upside down AFC West, the Broncos still aren't out of it, but they need a few wins here in a hurry otherwise these horses will need to be put out of their misery.
# 21 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 24)
Desperation and urgency lead to a solid road victory against the Texans, but has all the momentum already been lost by an early bye week? We'll find out in week 5 when the Titans come to town.
The Remarkably Average ~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 11)
In a battle of unbeatens you were clearly, resoundly beaten. Pittsburgh destroyed you in all aspects of the game and showed you how much more difficult it is to beat Creative Elite teams than those counted among Forked Few.
# 19 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 10)
So close to taking solid possession of the AFC East, and now so far away. In a three-way fight, you needed every advantage you can get.
# 18 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 21)
Yay! You beat Detroit! We're happy for ya.
# 17 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 6)
Like Rocky, you "yo, yo" through the power rankings. We're good, we're not so good. We're good, we're not so good. Wouldn't that be something if you stumbled through the regular season and then went on a tear through the playoffs? Man, that would confuse some poeple.
# 16 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 20)
One thing appears certain - the Seahawks like playing at home.
# 15 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 19)
You dodged a bullet on Sunday. Multiple bullets. A team of your caliber shouldn't need to get lucky to beat teams like the Oakland Raiders.
# 14 - Houston Texans (previous: 3)
Everything was going your way, you just overlooked the other team from Texas and couldn't muster the same motivation you had when Indianapolis came to visit. If you want to take that elusive step forward this year, you can't lose games like this at home.
# 13 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 18)
In the rain, it's difficult to throw the ball, but at least the running game and the defense rose to the occasion against a struggling foe. Win on the road in Cleveland next week and you might almost be considered among the Fortunate Seven after three straight wins.
The Fortunate Seven ~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 17)
You made the Giants look as bad on Sunday as the Steelers made you look the Sunday before.
# 11 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 15)
Maybe Vick is the answer after all, but he has yet to be tested by a strong defensive team. Next week McNabb comes back to town. How will the Philadelphia fans greet him?
# 10 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 2)
A terrible missed field goal in overtime and silly coaching games cost the Saints this division matchup. Unlike last year, New Orleans is looking a bit more mortal every week and the NFC looks like it will be end up being a war of attrition more than a sprint to the finish. The Saints can definitely run the footrace, but can they win the knock-down, drag-out battles they will need to in order to emerge as champions once again?
# 9 - New York Jets (previous: 13)
Road wins against division opponents are always difficult to come by and for the second straight week Mark Sanchez plays error free. If he keeps it going, the Jets will be flying high come January, because the defense and running game provide a solid foundation for the Sanchize.
# 8 - New England Patriots (previous: 9)
You nearly let one get away at home, but the Bills are still hapless and you are still the New England Patriots. Defeating Miami before the bye week will go a long ways to giving you the inside track to the playoffs.
# 7 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 14)
The defense is showing signs of aging. At least the offense can score points as long as Flacco makes good decisions and doesn't turn the ball over too many times. But what happened to the running game? You haven't forgotten about Rice have you?
# 6 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 8)
You dodged a bullet in New Orleans, but that doesn't matter because you made the most of your opportunities and cashed in against the defending champions. With a half game lead in the division and two solid victories in a row, the Dirty Birds are poised to soar into the Creative Elite. But not this week. They still have some victories yet to achieve.
The Creative Elite ~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 7)
Manning makes everybody he plays with better. Practice squad players on other teams don't score key touchdowns on their own recommended "slant-and-up" calls. A tip of the hat to Manning who continues to use all the weapons available to him to keep the Colts on the winning track.
# 4 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
A tough loss on Monday Night made worse by far too many mistakes and careless play. Maybe the Bears are actually good this year, but in the long run the Packers will be better. No team can stay ranked #1 after making too many inexcusable errors under primetime lights.
# 3 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 12)
I am starting to believe. Come out of the bye week and upset the Colts at home and nobody will ever doubt you the rest of the season.
# 2 - Chicago Bears (previous: 5)
You now stand as the sole remaining undefeated team in the NFC. After a tough victory over your bitter, division rivals, you have solidified your spot among the Creative Elite until the INT Cutler of old re-appears and drives you from these hallowed ranks.
# 1 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 4)
Without Big Ben the Steelers have played lights out defensive football. Now throw in a little offense and Pittsburgh is nigh unstoppable. A tough division test againt Baltimore looms where anything could happen.
Week 3 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Houston Texans (-11), San Diego Chargers (-11), Miami Dolphins (-9) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9)
The Biggest Movers - Kansas City (+9), Baltimore Ravens (+7), Tennessee Titans (+5) and the Cincinnati Bengals (+5)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Jacksonville Jaguars (25) and the Washington Redskins (23)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLV Favorite ~ After Week 3
Indianapolis Colts
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, winning isn't the only thing, but it is the most important component of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
The Forked Few ~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - Detroit Lions (previous: 31)
Against Chicago and Philadelphia you looked like you were so close to breaking through, but you laid an egg against Minnesota - a division rival you have typically played well against. Your ineptness on Sunday coupled with St. Louis' ability to win a game lands you in the Creative Misfortune cellar.
# 31 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 30)
Three straight weeks you've had the lead in the second half and for the third straight week you've blown your chance to break into the win column. Sadly, your schedule only gets tougher the rest of the season with Cincinnati, Atlanta and Pittsburgh your next three opponents. Talk about being on a fast track to 0-6.
# 30 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 29)
Playing valiant in defeat means you still lost. And how misguided was your coaching staff if up until the start of the regular season you believed Trent Edwards was the guy only to cut him last week for Ryan Fitzpatrick? Your decision making skills have always been suspect, so this move comes as no surprise to anybody. If only Brad Childress had the same courage to swallow his pride and admit he was wrong about T-Jack...
# 29 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 28)
Jimmy Clausen wasn't the answer on Sunday, though it is still too early to tell how his career will play out. For now, the Panthers are up the creek without a paddle and have already lost all hope during what should have been a promising season.
# 28 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 26)
Offensive coordinator - GONE! Personally, I'd look at the defense. Yes, the offense hasn't scored much, but the defense has allowed 31, 25 and 31 points in three straight games and the saddest part of those scores is New Orleans only scored 25. Allowing Seattle and Kansas City to both ring up 31 points on the aggressive, Singletary-masterminded defense is just outrageous.
The Creatively Challenged ~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 32)
Sam Bradford shows definite promise as the quarterback of the future, but the Rams will have to beat more teams than just the Redskins before they can truly start to climb out of the ranks of the Forked Few.
# 26 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 27)
Janikowski, the problem child. In a game lost by one point, a few missed field goals certainly could have made a difference. On the bright side, Gradkowski, the other -owski on the team, played solid again. The Raiders aren't back, but they are definitely improved from a year ago.
# 25 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 25)
Not good, Jacksonville. Nobody should lose at home 28-3. Do you even care anymore? At 0-3 you are clearly the worst team in the AFC South and only a win streak of epic proportions will get you a sniff of the playoffs.
# 24 - New York Giants (previous: 22)
I am no quarterbacking expert, but I gotta believe trying a left-handed shovel pass into triple coverage while being tackled may not have been the best choice in that situation, Eli. Would Peyton have done that? I don't think so.
# 23 - Washington Redskins (previous: 23)
You'd think losing to the Rams would warrant a drop in the rankings, but with so many bad teams playing woeful football, I can't help but let Washington just sit here at #23 and think about what they have done.
# 22 - Denver Broncos (previous: 16)
Nearly 500 yards passing from Kyle Orten is still not enough to get this team closer than two touchdowns against Manning and the Colts. In an upside down AFC West, the Broncos still aren't out of it, but they need a few wins here in a hurry otherwise these horses will need to be put out of their misery.
# 21 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 24)
Desperation and urgency lead to a solid road victory against the Texans, but has all the momentum already been lost by an early bye week? We'll find out in week 5 when the Titans come to town.
The Remarkably Average ~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 11)
In a battle of unbeatens you were clearly, resoundly beaten. Pittsburgh destroyed you in all aspects of the game and showed you how much more difficult it is to beat Creative Elite teams than those counted among Forked Few.
# 19 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 10)
So close to taking solid possession of the AFC East, and now so far away. In a three-way fight, you needed every advantage you can get.
# 18 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 21)
Yay! You beat Detroit! We're happy for ya.
# 17 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 6)
Like Rocky, you "yo, yo" through the power rankings. We're good, we're not so good. We're good, we're not so good. Wouldn't that be something if you stumbled through the regular season and then went on a tear through the playoffs? Man, that would confuse some poeple.
# 16 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 20)
One thing appears certain - the Seahawks like playing at home.
# 15 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 19)
You dodged a bullet on Sunday. Multiple bullets. A team of your caliber shouldn't need to get lucky to beat teams like the Oakland Raiders.
# 14 - Houston Texans (previous: 3)
Everything was going your way, you just overlooked the other team from Texas and couldn't muster the same motivation you had when Indianapolis came to visit. If you want to take that elusive step forward this year, you can't lose games like this at home.
# 13 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 18)
In the rain, it's difficult to throw the ball, but at least the running game and the defense rose to the occasion against a struggling foe. Win on the road in Cleveland next week and you might almost be considered among the Fortunate Seven after three straight wins.
The Fortunate Seven ~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 17)
You made the Giants look as bad on Sunday as the Steelers made you look the Sunday before.
# 11 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 15)
Maybe Vick is the answer after all, but he has yet to be tested by a strong defensive team. Next week McNabb comes back to town. How will the Philadelphia fans greet him?
# 10 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 2)
A terrible missed field goal in overtime and silly coaching games cost the Saints this division matchup. Unlike last year, New Orleans is looking a bit more mortal every week and the NFC looks like it will be end up being a war of attrition more than a sprint to the finish. The Saints can definitely run the footrace, but can they win the knock-down, drag-out battles they will need to in order to emerge as champions once again?
# 9 - New York Jets (previous: 13)
Road wins against division opponents are always difficult to come by and for the second straight week Mark Sanchez plays error free. If he keeps it going, the Jets will be flying high come January, because the defense and running game provide a solid foundation for the Sanchize.
# 8 - New England Patriots (previous: 9)
You nearly let one get away at home, but the Bills are still hapless and you are still the New England Patriots. Defeating Miami before the bye week will go a long ways to giving you the inside track to the playoffs.
# 7 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 14)
The defense is showing signs of aging. At least the offense can score points as long as Flacco makes good decisions and doesn't turn the ball over too many times. But what happened to the running game? You haven't forgotten about Rice have you?
# 6 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 8)
You dodged a bullet in New Orleans, but that doesn't matter because you made the most of your opportunities and cashed in against the defending champions. With a half game lead in the division and two solid victories in a row, the Dirty Birds are poised to soar into the Creative Elite. But not this week. They still have some victories yet to achieve.
The Creative Elite ~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 7)
Manning makes everybody he plays with better. Practice squad players on other teams don't score key touchdowns on their own recommended "slant-and-up" calls. A tip of the hat to Manning who continues to use all the weapons available to him to keep the Colts on the winning track.
# 4 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
A tough loss on Monday Night made worse by far too many mistakes and careless play. Maybe the Bears are actually good this year, but in the long run the Packers will be better. No team can stay ranked #1 after making too many inexcusable errors under primetime lights.
# 3 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 12)
I am starting to believe. Come out of the bye week and upset the Colts at home and nobody will ever doubt you the rest of the season.
# 2 - Chicago Bears (previous: 5)
You now stand as the sole remaining undefeated team in the NFC. After a tough victory over your bitter, division rivals, you have solidified your spot among the Creative Elite until the INT Cutler of old re-appears and drives you from these hallowed ranks.
# 1 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 4)
Without Big Ben the Steelers have played lights out defensive football. Now throw in a little offense and Pittsburgh is nigh unstoppable. A tough division test againt Baltimore looms where anything could happen.
Week 3 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Houston Texans (-11), San Diego Chargers (-11), Miami Dolphins (-9) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9)
The Biggest Movers - Kansas City (+9), Baltimore Ravens (+7), Tennessee Titans (+5) and the Cincinnati Bengals (+5)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Jacksonville Jaguars (25) and the Washington Redskins (23)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLV Favorite ~ After Week 3
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Week 3 Results - "If Real Football used Fantasy Scoring..."
In a wild Week 3 of action, San Diego, Oakland and Green Bay all won games they lost in real life. The AFC West fantasy standings are now completely upside down from reality!
High score of the week goes to the resurgent Philadelphia Eagles with 101 points. Low score falls to the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose 25 fantasy points weren't even good enough to beat the real 28 points Philadelphia scored on them.
Sunday Games - Creative Misfortune Fantasy Lineups
Monday Night Game - Creative Misfortune Fantasy Lineup
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. Who will be Week 3's Creative Elite and who will fall among the Forked Few after starting the season 0-3?
High score of the week goes to the resurgent Philadelphia Eagles with 101 points. Low score falls to the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose 25 fantasy points weren't even good enough to beat the real 28 points Philadelphia scored on them.
Sunday Games - Creative Misfortune Fantasy Lineups
| San Francisco 49ers | pts | pts | Kansas City Chiefs | |||
| Alex Smith | 11 | QB | 20 | Matt Cassel | ||
| Frank Gore | 4 | RB1 | 15 | Thomas Jones | ||
| Anthony Dixon | 0 | RB2 | 14 | Jamaal Charles | ||
| Josh Morgan | 7 | WR1 | 12 | Dwayne Bowe | ||
| Michael Crabtree | 3 | WR2 | 0 | Chris Chambers | ||
| Dominque Ziegler | 3 | WR3 | 0 | Terrance Copper | ||
| Vernon Davis | 2 | TE | 10 | Tony Moeaki | ||
| Joe Nedney | 6 | K | 7 | Ryan Succop | ||
| Defense | 1 | DEF | 11 | Defense | ||
| Total | 37 | >>> | 89 | Total |
| Detroit Lions | pts | pts | Minnesota Vikings | |||
| Shaun Hill | 9 | QB | 8 | Brett Favre | ||
| Jahvid Best | 3 | RB1 | 31 | Adrian Peterson | ||
| Maurice Morris | 3 | RB2 | -1 | Toby Gerhart | ||
| Calvin Johnson | 5 | WR1 | 13 | Percy Harvin | ||
| Bryant Johnson | 0 | WR2 | 1 | Bernard Berrian | ||
| Nate Burleson | 0 | WR3 | 3 | Greg Lewis | ||
| Brandon Pettigrew | 4 | TE | 0 | Visanthe Shiancoe | ||
| Jason Hanson | 4 | K | 6 | Ryan Longwell | ||
| Defense | 7 | DEF | 11 | Defense | ||
| Total | 35 | >>> | 72 | Total |
| Buffalo Bills | pts | pts | New England Patriots | |||
| Ryan Fitzpatrick | 14 | QB | 22 | Tom Brady | ||
| Fred Jackson | 0 | RB1 | 1 | Fred Taylor | ||
| CJ Spiller | 9 | RB2 | 15 | BenJarvus Green-Ellis | ||
| Roscoe Parrish | 8 | WR1 | 16 | Randy Moss | ||
| Lee Evans | 5 | WR2 | 4 | Wes Welker | ||
| Steve Johnson | 12 | WR3 | 2 | Brandon Tate | ||
| Jonathan Stupar | 2 | TE | 7 | Aaron Hernandez | ||
| Rian Lindell | 12 | K | 8 | Stephen Gostkowski | ||
| Defense | 5 | DEF | 5 | Defense | ||
| Total | 67 | >>> | 80 | Total |
| Atlanta Falcons | pts | pts | New Orleans Saints | |||
| Matt Ryan | 19 | QB | 22 | Drew Brees | ||
| Michael Turner | 18 | RB1 | 9 | Pierre Thomas | ||
| Jason Snelling | 6 | RB2 | 0 | Heath Evans | ||
| Roddy White | 12 | WR1 | 2 | Marques Colston | ||
| Brian Finneran | 0 | WR2 | 2 | Devery Henderson | ||
| Michael Jenkins | 0 | WR3 | 0 | Robert Meachem | ||
| Tony Gonzalez | 17 | TE | 2 | David Thomas | ||
| Matt Bryant | 9 | K | 6 | Garrett Hartley | ||
| Defense | 8 | DEF | 4 | Defense | ||
| Total | 89 | <<< | 47 | Total |
| Tennessee Titans | pts | pts | New York Giants | |||
| Vince Young | 8 | QB | 11 | Eli Manning | ||
| Chris Johnson | 24 | RB1 | 15 | Ahmad Bradshaw | ||
| Javon Ringer | 3 | RB2 | 1 | Brandon Jacobs | ||
| Nate Washington | 3 | WR1 | 10 | Steve Smith | ||
| Justin Gage | 3 | WR2 | 7 | Mario Manningham | ||
| Kenny Britt | 8 | WR3 | 5 | Hakeem Nicks | ||
| Bo Scaife | 2 | TE | 8 | Kevin Boss | ||
| Rob Bironas | 9 | K | 6 | Lawrence Tynes | ||
| Defense | 14 | DEF | 1 | Defense | ||
| Total | 74 | <<< | 64 | Total |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | pts | pts | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | |||
| Charlie Batch | 17 | QB | 6 | Josh Freeman | ||
| Rashard Mendenhall | 20 | RB1 | 4 | Cadillac Williams | ||
| Isaac Redman | 3 | RB2 | 6 | Earnest Graham | ||
| Hines Ward | 9 | WR1 | 3 | Mike Williams | ||
| Mike Wallace | 22 | WR2 | 1 | Sammie Stroughter | ||
| Antwaan Randle El | 1 | WR3 | 0 | Reggie Brown | ||
| Heath Miller | 2 | TE | 2 | Kellen Winslow | ||
| Jeff Reed | 8 | K | 7 | Connor barth | ||
| Defense | 18 | DEF | 3 | Defense | ||
| Total | 100 | <<< | 32 | Total |
| Cincinnati Bengals | pts | pts | Carolina Panthers | |||
| Carson Palmer | 7 | QB | 2 | Jimmy Clausen | ||
| Cedric Benson | 20 | RB1 | 6 | DeAngelo Williams | ||
| Bernard Scott | 1 | RB2 | 6 | Jonathan Stewart | ||
| Chad Ochocinco | 3 | WR1 | 2 | Steve Smith | ||
| Terrell Owens | 4 | WR2 | 0 | Dwayne Jarrett | ||
| Jordan Shipley | 3 | WR3 | 4 | Brandon LaFell | ||
| Jermaine Gresham | 5 | TE | 1 | Dante Rosario | ||
| Mike Nugent | 10 | K | 1 | John Kasay | ||
| Defense | 13 | DEF | 6 | Defense | ||
| Total | 66 | <<< | 28 | Total |
| Cleveland Browns | pts | pts | Baltimore Ravens | |||
| Senec Wallace | 9 | QB | 22 | Joe Flacco | ||
| Peyton Hillis | 23 | RB1 | 9 | Ray Rice | ||
| James Davis | 0 | RB2 | 2 | Willis McGahee | ||
| Josh Cribbs | 7 | WR1 | 3 | Derrick Mason | ||
| Chansi Stuckey | 0 | WR2 | 32 | Anquan Boldin | ||
| Mohamed Mossaquoi | 0 | WR3 | 0 | TJ Houshmandzadeh | ||
| Benjamin Watson | 10 | TE | 4 | Todd Heap | ||
| Phil Dawson | 5 | K | 6 | Billy Cundiff | ||
| Defense | 0 | DEF | 3 | Defense | ||
| Total | 54 | >>> | 81 | Total |
| Dallas Cowboys | pts | pts | Houston Texans | |||
| Tony Romo | 19 | QB | 9 | Matt Schaub | ||
| Marion Barber | 11 | RB1 | 10 | Arian Foster | ||
| Felix Jones | 4 | RB2 | 1 | Steve Slaton | ||
| Miles Austin | 2 | WR1 | 6 | Andre Johnson | ||
| Dez Bryant | 5 | WR2 | 9 | Kevin Walter | ||
| Roy E. Williams | 23 | WR3 | 5 | Jacoby Jones | ||
| Jason Witten | 5 | TE | 2 | Owen Daniels | ||
| David Buehler | 9 | K | 7 | Neil Rackers | ||
| Defense | 14 | DEF | 0 | Defense | ||
| Total | 92 | <<< | 49 | Total |
| Philadelphia Eagles | pts | pts | Jacksonville Jaguars | |||
| Michael Vick | 32 | QB | 4 | David Garrard | ||
| LeSean McCoy | 5 | RB1 | 8 | Maurice Jones-Drew | ||
| Owen Schmitt | 0 | RB2 | 2 | Rashad Jennings | ||
| DeSean Jackson | 21 | WR1 | 3 | Mike Sims-Walker | ||
| Jeremy Maclin | 20 | WR2 | 0 | Mike Thomas | ||
| Jason Avant | 0 | WR3 | 0 | Kassim Osgood | ||
| Brent Celek | 4 | TE | 1 | Mercedes Lewis | ||
| David Akers | 4 | K | 5 | Josh Scobee | ||
| Defense | 15 | DEF | 2 | Defense | ||
| Total | 101 | <<< | 25 | Total |
| Washington Redskins | pts | pts | St. Louis Rams | |||
| Donovan McNabb | 13 | QB | 11 | Sam Bradford | ||
| Clinton Portis | 5 | RB1 | 11 | Steven Jackson | ||
| Mike Sellers | 1 | RB2 | 0 | Mike Karney | ||
| Santana Moss | 16 | WR1 | 8 | Mark Clayton | ||
| Joey Galloway | 0 | WR2 | 5 | Danny Amendola | ||
| Anthony Armstrong | 0 | WR3 | 0 | Laurent Robinson | ||
| Chris Cooley | 5 | TE | 8 | Daniel Fells | ||
| Graham Gano | 10 | K | 12 | Josh Brown | ||
| Defense | 4 | DEF | 6 | Defense | ||
| Total | 54 | >>> | 61 | Total |
| Indianapolis Colts | pts | pts | Denver Broncos | |||
| Peyton Manning | 25 | QB | 22 | Kyle Orten | ||
| Joseph Addai | 3 | RB1 | 0 | Knowshon Moreno | ||
| Donald Brown | 1 | RB2 | 4 | Correll Buckhalter | ||
| Reggie Wayne | 6 | WR1 | 2 | Eddie Royal | ||
| Austin Collie | 29 | WR2 | 4 | Demaryius Thomas | ||
| Pierre Garcon | 0 | WR3 | 22 | Brandon Lloyd | ||
| Dallas Clark | 4 | TE | 0 | Daniel Graham | ||
| Adam Vinatieri | 9 | K | 7 | Matt Prater | ||
| Defense | 9 | DEF | 0 | Defense | ||
| Total | 86 | <<< | 61 | Total |
| Oakland Raiders | pts | pts | Arizona Cardinals | |||
| Bruce Gradkowski | 13 | QB | 10 | Derek Anderson | ||
| Darren McFadden | 17 | RB1 | 4 | Tim Hightower | ||
| Michael Bennett | 0 | RB2 | 7 | Beanie Wells | ||
| Louis Murphy | 11 | WR1 | 8 | Larry Fitzgerald | ||
| Darrius Heyward-Bey | 4 | WR2 | 10 | Steve Breaston | ||
| Johnnie Lee Higgins | 0 | WR3 | 1 | Stephen Williams | ||
| Zach Miller | 12 | TE | 0 | Steven Spach | ||
| Sebastian Janikowski | 13 | K | 6 | Jay Feely | ||
| Defense | 9 | DEF | 11 | Defense | ||
| Total | 79 | <<< | 57 | Total |
| San Diego Chargers | pts | pts | Seattle Seahawks | |||
| Philip Rivers | 22 | QB | 11 | Matt Hasselback | ||
| Mike Tolbert | 6 | RB1 | 9 | Justin Forsett | ||
| Darren Sproles | 0 | RB2 | 0 | Julius Jones | ||
| Maclom Floyd | 15 | WR1 | 4 | Deion Branch | ||
| Buster Davis | 8 | WR2 | 3 | Mike Williams | ||
| Legedu Naanee | 5 | WR3 | 0 | Ben Obomanu | ||
| Antonio Gates | 16 | TE | 12 | John Carlson | ||
| Nate Kaeding | 4 | K | 9 | Olindo mare | ||
| Defense | 10 | DEF | 27 | Defense | ||
| Total | 86 | <<< | 75 | Total |
| New York Jets | pts | pts | Miami Dolphins | |||
| Mark Sanchez | 22 | QB | 18 | Chad Henne | ||
| LaDainian Tomlinson | 14 | RB1 | 5 | Ronnie Brown | ||
| Shonn Greene | 3 | RB2 | 2 | Rickie Williams | ||
| Jerrico Cotchery | 2 | WR1 | 22 | Brandon Marshall | ||
| Braylon Edwards | 14 | WR2 | 8 | Brian Hartline | ||
| David Clowney | 2 | WR3 | 8 | Davonne Bess | ||
| Dustin Keller | 21 | TE | 7 | Anthony Fasano | ||
| Nick Folk | 7 | K | 13 | Dan Carpenter | ||
| Defense | 4 | DEF | 1 | Defense | ||
| Total | 89 | <<< | 84 | Total |
Monday Night Game - Creative Misfortune Fantasy Lineup
| Green Bay Packers | pts | pts | Chicago Bears | |||
| Aaron Rodgers | 22 | QB | 13 | Jay Cutler | ||
| Brandon Jackson | 3 | RB1 | 3 | Matt Forte | ||
| John Kuhn | 5 | RB2 | 0 | Chester Taylor | ||
| Greg Jennings | 7 | WR1 | 9 | Johnny Knox | ||
| Donald Driver | 6 | WR2 | 2 | Earl Bennett | ||
| James Jones | 3 | WR3 | 1 | Devin Hester | ||
| Jermichael Finley | 11 | TE | 12 | Greg Olsen | ||
| Mason Crosby | 5 | K | 8 | Robbie Gould | ||
| Defense | 6 | DEF | 11 | Defense | ||
| Total | 68 | <<< | 59 | Total |
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. Who will be Week 3's Creative Elite and who will fall among the Forked Few after starting the season 0-3?
Week 3 - Roundup of Creative Misfortune - Monday Night Game
Monday Night Game Result:
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears (Actual ~ Chicago, 20-17)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay, 26-21. The Packers confirm their selection as Creative Misfortune's #1 power ranking by defeating the Bears in Chicago.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay, 27-17. The Packers truly have the look of a contender with their business-like offensive efficiency.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay, 26-21. Green Bay by 3, Over/Under 46.
Accuscore Pick: Green Bay, 21-17. Green Bay 56% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Green Bay, 17-10. Green Bay won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Both records at 2-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17
Not since the heyday of the Boston Yanks have the Green Bay Packers played such a sloppy, penalty-filled game. Winning on the road is always difficult in the NFL, but committing nearly 20 penalties makes the task far more difficult than it needs to be. The highly-favored, Super Bowl-touted Packers fall to the only undefeated team left in the NFC - the Monsters of the Midway - the Chicago Bears.
This game also featured the first perfect picks by any system so far this crazy, nearly unpredictable season. The blind picks of Home Team Wins, 20-17 proves to be the perfect answer for this Monday Night game. Also blindly picking the team with the best record or home field advantage winning 20-17 allowed for perfection. Of the actual systems with some suspect thought behind them, What If Sports nailed perfectly the 17 points Green Bay scored, but had the Bears scoring only half as many as they did.
After another wild week in the NFL, all systems end up only getting 50% of their picks correct. More's the pity, I say.
Week 3 Predictions - Final Scoreboard...
Scottie V's: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20)
Vegas Picks: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20)
Accuscore: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20)
Home Team Wins Pick: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20) *1 Perfect Pick
Best Record Wins Pick: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20) *1 Perfect Pick
What If Sports: 8-8 (season overall: 25-23)
Creative Misfortune: 8-8 (season overall: 24-24)
Check back later today for the Week 3 results of the Creative Misfortune feature "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." The AFC West is all topsy-turvy.
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears (Actual ~ Chicago, 20-17)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay, 26-21. The Packers confirm their selection as Creative Misfortune's #1 power ranking by defeating the Bears in Chicago.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay, 27-17. The Packers truly have the look of a contender with their business-like offensive efficiency.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay, 26-21. Green Bay by 3, Over/Under 46.
Accuscore Pick: Green Bay, 21-17. Green Bay 56% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Green Bay, 17-10. Green Bay won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17. Both records at 2-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago, 20-17
Not since the heyday of the Boston Yanks have the Green Bay Packers played such a sloppy, penalty-filled game. Winning on the road is always difficult in the NFL, but committing nearly 20 penalties makes the task far more difficult than it needs to be. The highly-favored, Super Bowl-touted Packers fall to the only undefeated team left in the NFC - the Monsters of the Midway - the Chicago Bears.
This game also featured the first perfect picks by any system so far this crazy, nearly unpredictable season. The blind picks of Home Team Wins, 20-17 proves to be the perfect answer for this Monday Night game. Also blindly picking the team with the best record or home field advantage winning 20-17 allowed for perfection. Of the actual systems with some suspect thought behind them, What If Sports nailed perfectly the 17 points Green Bay scored, but had the Bears scoring only half as many as they did.
After another wild week in the NFL, all systems end up only getting 50% of their picks correct. More's the pity, I say.
Week 3 Predictions - Final Scoreboard...
Scottie V's: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20)
Vegas Picks: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20)
Accuscore: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20)
Home Team Wins Pick: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20) *1 Perfect Pick
Best Record Wins Pick: 8-8 (season overall: 28-20) *1 Perfect Pick
What If Sports: 8-8 (season overall: 25-23)
Creative Misfortune: 8-8 (season overall: 24-24)
Check back later today for the Week 3 results of the Creative Misfortune feature "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." The AFC West is all topsy-turvy.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Week 3 - Roundup of Creative Misfortune - Sunday Games
Week 3 proved another .500 or so week of predictions as several favorites fell and others, who obviously should no longer be favored, lost as they were not expected to do. I won't mention any names, but their initials are the San Francisco 49ers!
Sunday Game Prediction Results:
San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs (Actual ~ Kansas City, 31-10)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco, 21-16. San Francisco remembered how to play last week against the Saints and will win this week in Kansas City.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City, 24-23. Alex Smith continues his solid play from last week, but the Arrowhead crowd overwhelms in the end.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco, 21-17. San Francisco by 3, Over/Under 37.
Accuscore Pick: San Francisco, 21-16. San Francisco 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Francisco, 23-17. San Francisco won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17. Kansas City better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17
San Francisco continues to disappoint. I haven't seen a team so highly touted to start a season fall so completely flat on their face. Meanwhile, Kansas City continues on their undefeated roll. Youthful exuberance, key special teams plays, outstanding defense and a willingness to pull some tricks out of their offesnive playbook makes the Chiefs the surprise team of the 2010 season. With San Diego's stumble in Seattle and Denver and Oakland both losing again today, the Chiefs already have a solid 2 game lead in the AFC West. Go figure.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (Actual ~ Minnesota, 24-10)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Minnesota, 20-14. Minnesota prevails in a close game over their division rivals.
Scottie V's Pick: Minnesota, 27-14. Detroit, like San Fran, is much improved this season but both are still 0-3 after Week 3... Minnie gets off the schneid.
Vegas Lines Pick: Minnesota, 28-16. Minnesota by 11.5, Over/Under 43.
Accuscore Pick: Minnesota, 31-7. Minnesota 82% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Minnesota, 28-16. Minnesota won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Minnesota, 20-17. Both records at 0-2, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota, 20-17
The Vikings finally break into the win column with a chippy win over the feisty Detroit Lions. Minnesota rubes everywhere rejoice! While Favre is still throwing interceptions, the defense continues to play strong. The Lions fall to 0-3 for the first time since 2009 and will be a full three games behind the winner of the Green Bay-Chicago game later tonight.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (Actual ~ New England, 38-30)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England, 31-13. The Patriots, angry over their embarassing loss in New York last week, will come back with a vengeance and kick the Buffalo Bills while they are down.
Scottie V's Pick: New England, 28-9. The Pats bounce back against the AFC East's favorite whipping boy.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England, 30-14. New England by 14.5, Over/Under 42.5.
Accuscore Pick: New England, 31-7. New England 83% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New England, 23-13. New England won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England, 20-17. New England better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England, 20-17
New England gets it done, but not before allowing the Bills to score more points than they have scored in two prior games this season. With the Jets victory over Miami on Sunday night, The Patriots find themselves in a dogfight for first place in the AFC East. Buffalo has all but fallen out of the division race after starting 0-3.
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (Actual ~ Atlanta, 27-24 (OT))
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans, 23-17. The Saints remain undefeated with a tough victory at home against the Falcons.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans, 28-24. The Falcons put up a fight, but New Orleans continues their hot streak.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans, 27-23. New Orleans by 3.5, Over/Under 49.
Accuscore Pick: New Orleans, 24-10. New Orleans 69% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New Orleans, 26-14. New Orleans won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans, 20-17. New Orleans better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans, 20-17
NO, Hartley! New Orleans collectively groans when your game-winning chip shot field goal sails wide left. Atlanta takes advantage of the error and leaves the Bayou with a well-earned victory over the defending champions. The Falcons, Saint and Buccaneers now find themselves locked in a three-way division tie.
Tennessee Titans at New York Giants (Actual ~ Tennessee, 29-10)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York, 24-20. After both teams suffered humiliating defeats last weekend, New York is the team that bounces back with a solid victory.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee, 23-14. Vince Young gets it done in the Big Apple.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York, 24-20. New York by 3, Over/Under 42.5.
Accuscore Pick: New York, 23-14. New York 62% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 27-21. New York won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York, 20-17
The Titans run wild and Vince Young shows few ill effects from his benching one week ago. The Giants drop their second straight game and look to be in a freefall.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Actual ~ Pittsburgh, 38-13)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh, 14-10. The Steelers win their third in a row with strong defensive play. The Buccaneers, fat on the likes of Cleveland and Carolina, won't be able to move the ball in this low-scoring affair.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh, 31-13. Proving that not all 2-0 teams are equal, the Steelers demonstrate their defensive dominance
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh, 19-14. Pittsburgh by 3, Over/Under 33.
Accuscore Pick: Pittsburgh, 17-14. Pittsburgh 52% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Pittsburgh, 16-9. Pittsburgh won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17. Both records at 2-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17
Pittsburgh's defense scores again and Charlie Batch lights up the Buccaneers secondary for three TDs. The Steelers, now 3-0 without Big Ben, may become the scariest team in the league when he gets back from his suspension. Tampa Bay falls to 2-1, but has already shown great improvement from a year ago, despite the thrashing they took yesterday.
Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers (Actual ~ Cincinnati, 20-7)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati, 21-17. The Bengals passing attack proves too much for the Panthers rushing attack.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina, 17-14. The Panthers play ball control, while Clausen has only minimal miscues.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati, 21-17. Cincinnati by 3, Over/Under 37.5.
Accuscore Pick: Cincinnati, 21-17. Cincinnati 56% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Carolina, 21-20. Carolina won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati, 20-17. Cincinnati better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina, 20-17
Cincinnati wins in the rain on the strength of Cedric Benson's legs, not the receiving duo of Ochocinco and Owens. Carolina continues to struggle. Clausen does not end up being the answer at quarterback, but with a team this young, answers may be few and far between in 2010.
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (Actual ~ Baltimore, 24-17)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore, 17-10. Despite the low score, this game won't be close.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore, 16-13. The Browns keep it close with the help of some timely Raven turnovers.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore, 24-13. Baltimore by 10.5, Over/Under 36.5.
Accuscore Pick: Baltimore, 31-7. Baltimore 82% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Baltimore, 21-13. Baltimore won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore, 20-17. Baltimore better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore, 20-17
The Ravens come from behind to win this game at home. Vegas lines had their score predicted perfectly, but Baltimore didn't cover the spread. Cleveland loses for the third straight week after having led in the second half.
Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans (Actual ~ Dallas, 27-13)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston, 35-31. As much as I hate to say it, Dallas looks primed to fall to 0-3 heading into the bye. If they don't come out with the desperation they showed last year against New Orleans, Houston will win this old-style shoot-out for Texas supremacy.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston, 31-17. The Texans play with a chip on their shoulder... They are no longer the "other team in Texas"... Wade Phillips' seat is getting hotter.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston, 26-21. Houston by 3, Over/Under 47.
Accuscore Pick: Houston, 21-16. Houston 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Dallas, 23-21. Dallas won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston, 20-17. Houston better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Houston, 20-17
The Cowboys save their season with a huge victory on the road and go into the bye week feeling good about themselves instead of trying to figure out how to recover from a devastating 0-3 start. The Texans still have work to do, but remain a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
Philadelphia Eagles at Jacksonville Jaguars (Actual ~ Philadelphia, 28-3)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia, 21-14. The Jaguars defense won't have an answer for the Eagles multi-pronged attack and the Jaguars running game will once again disappoint.
Scottie V's Pick: Jacksonville, 23-16. The Jags keep Michael Vick at bay, Kolb says "I told you so".
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia, 24-20. Philadelphia by 3, Over/Under 45.
Accuscore Pick: Philadelphia, 23-14. Philadelphia 63% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Philadelphia, 20-7. Philadelphia won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17
Vick continues to play stellar, like a man on a mission, and the Eagles look like the best team in the NFC East right now. Jacksonville fails at home again before their two dozen fans and with little mojo from MoJo, their season is already over.
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams (Actual ~ St. Louis, 30-13)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington, 21-17. These woeful teams have battled each other to low-scoring pathetic games in recent years, but McNabb and Shanahan will lead Washington to more points and a victory.
Scottie V's Pick: Washington, 20-13. The 'Skins load up against Steven Jackson and the Rams have no answer.
Vegas Lines Pick: Washington, 21-17. Washington by 3.5, Over/Under 39.
Accuscore Pick: Washington, 24-13. Washington 66% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Washington, 20-17. Washington won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington, 20-17. Washington better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis, 20-17
A year ago the Rams nearly won this game. This year, revenge is sweet. St. Louis upsets the favored Redskins with all facets of their game - offense, defense and special teams. Bradford looks like a true NFL quarterback and the Rams still have a chance to do something this year - even if it is just to avoid drafting #1 overall in 2011. Washington fails miserably after two straight solid games against the Texans and Cowboys. How long before Dan Snyder gets ansy and starts demanding changes?
Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (Actual ~ Indianapolis, 27-13)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Indianapolis, 28-21. The Colts continue their aerial attack and run the ball enough to keep Denver's defense honest. The Broncos, will play strong initially before their tragic, emotional week catches up to them.
Scottie V's Pick: Indianapolis, 27-20. Peyton puts on a clinic, Mile High crowd gives a standing ovation at end of game (well, probably not, but that would be kind of cool).
Vegas Lines Pick: Indianapolis, 27-21. Indianapolis by 5.5, Over/Under 48.
Accuscore Pick: Indianapolis, 24-13. Indianapolis 65% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Denver, 19-16. Denver won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver, 20-17
The Colts win again and play most of the game on cruise control, easily taking care of Denver in the Mile High city. Both Scottie V and Vegas had the Colts number right, while Accuscore gets the Broncos score perfect. Denver, after an emotional week, falls to 1-2.
Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (Actual ~ Arizona, 24-23)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Arizona, 23-13. The Cardinals recover from their wounds after be thrashed by Atlant and thrash the Raiders in the desert.
Scottie V's Pick: Arizona, 28-17. Derek Anderson and his offense start to click... Al Davis flies to St. Louis to watch his team take on the Cardinals... He watches the entire game and wonders whether his team is the one wearing maroon and gold or navy and gold... After the game, he fires everyone in the front office for changing the team's colors without consulting him... Front office members try in vain to explain to him that the Cardinals are now located in Arizona and he was at the wrong game.
Vegas Lines Pick: Arizona, 23-17. Arizona by 4.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Accuscore Pick: Arizona, 23-16. Arizona 61% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Arizona, 16-10. Arizona won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Arizona, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Arizona, 20-17
NO, Janikowski! A 32 yard field goal, no good, and Arizona survives a terrible scare at home. Oakland shows some moxy rallying behind Gradkowski and McFadden. The Cardinals continue to make it look difficult and still have not found any consistency following the retirement of Kurt Warner.
San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks (Actual ~ Seattle, 27-20)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego, 30-17. The Chargers are feeling good and have put their week 1 loss behind them. Seattle is coming down off their week 1 high and won't be a match for one of the best AFC teams.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego, 31-27. The Chargers win by scoring a touchdown in the closing minutes... The shootout game of the week.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego, 26-20. San Diego by 5.5, Over/Under 44.5.
Accuscore Pick: San Diego, 27-10. San Diego 74% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Diego, 30-20. San Diego won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Seattle, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle, 20-17
Seattle special teams shock San Diego with two kickoff return touchdowns in the second half. The Chargers fail once again on the road despite getting nearly 500 yards in passing from Rivers. Seattle improves to an unexpected 2-1 while the favored Chargers fall to a disappointing 1-2, a full 2 games behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (Actual ~ New York, 31-23)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Miami, 16-14. Sanchez struggles away from the friendly confines of New York and Miami's ball control offense takes advantage of the Jets defensive secondary now missing Revis Island.
Scottie V's Pick: Miami, 17-16. A wildcat big-gainer ends up making the difference in this defense-dominated game of the week.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami, 20-17. Miami by 2, Over/Under 35.5.
Accuscore Pick: Miami, 21-16. Miami 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 17-14. New York won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Miami, 20-17. Miami better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami, 20-17
A seesaw battle in South Florida ends up going in New York's favor after a late fourth quarter TD puts the Jets up for good. Mark Sanchez plays lights out for the second straight week and New York creates a three way tie for first in the highly competitive AFC East. Miami falters, but still will have plenty to say about the division race as the season progresses.
Rex Ryan should be embarrassed about his decision to bench Braylon Edwards for just one quarter - only one quarter! - for his DUI arrest earlier this week. Yes, Edwards scored a game-breaking touchdown during the game, but life is far more important than football and his poor decision put other people's lives at risk. The NFL should treat DUI's as no tolerance, automatic 4-game suspensions. Unlike a player taking steroids, where they only put themselves at risk, driving under the influence can destroy the lives of innocent people and should not be tolerated.
Week 3 Prediction scoreboard through Sunday night...
Scottie V's: 8-7 (season overall: 28-19)
Vegas Picks: 8-7 (season overall: 28-19)
Accuscore: 8-7 (season overall: 28-19)
What If Sports: 8-7 (season overall: 25-22)
Creative Misfortune: 8-7 (season overall: 24-23)
Home Team Wins Pick: 7-8 (season overall: 27-20)
Best Record Wins Pick: 7-8 (season overall: 27-20)
Check back tomorrow for the prediction roundup of the Monday Night Football game, the final prediction systems standings and the Week 3 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results.
Sunday Game Prediction Results:
San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs (Actual ~ Kansas City, 31-10)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco, 21-16. San Francisco remembered how to play last week against the Saints and will win this week in Kansas City.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City, 24-23. Alex Smith continues his solid play from last week, but the Arrowhead crowd overwhelms in the end.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco, 21-17. San Francisco by 3, Over/Under 37.
Accuscore Pick: San Francisco, 21-16. San Francisco 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Francisco, 23-17. San Francisco won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17. Kansas City better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City, 20-17
San Francisco continues to disappoint. I haven't seen a team so highly touted to start a season fall so completely flat on their face. Meanwhile, Kansas City continues on their undefeated roll. Youthful exuberance, key special teams plays, outstanding defense and a willingness to pull some tricks out of their offesnive playbook makes the Chiefs the surprise team of the 2010 season. With San Diego's stumble in Seattle and Denver and Oakland both losing again today, the Chiefs already have a solid 2 game lead in the AFC West. Go figure.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (Actual ~ Minnesota, 24-10)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Minnesota, 20-14. Minnesota prevails in a close game over their division rivals.
Scottie V's Pick: Minnesota, 27-14. Detroit, like San Fran, is much improved this season but both are still 0-3 after Week 3... Minnie gets off the schneid.
Vegas Lines Pick: Minnesota, 28-16. Minnesota by 11.5, Over/Under 43.
Accuscore Pick: Minnesota, 31-7. Minnesota 82% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Minnesota, 28-16. Minnesota won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Minnesota, 20-17. Both records at 0-2, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota, 20-17
The Vikings finally break into the win column with a chippy win over the feisty Detroit Lions. Minnesota rubes everywhere rejoice! While Favre is still throwing interceptions, the defense continues to play strong. The Lions fall to 0-3 for the first time since 2009 and will be a full three games behind the winner of the Green Bay-Chicago game later tonight.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots (Actual ~ New England, 38-30)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England, 31-13. The Patriots, angry over their embarassing loss in New York last week, will come back with a vengeance and kick the Buffalo Bills while they are down.
Scottie V's Pick: New England, 28-9. The Pats bounce back against the AFC East's favorite whipping boy.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England, 30-14. New England by 14.5, Over/Under 42.5.
Accuscore Pick: New England, 31-7. New England 83% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New England, 23-13. New England won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England, 20-17. New England better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England, 20-17
New England gets it done, but not before allowing the Bills to score more points than they have scored in two prior games this season. With the Jets victory over Miami on Sunday night, The Patriots find themselves in a dogfight for first place in the AFC East. Buffalo has all but fallen out of the division race after starting 0-3.
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints (Actual ~ Atlanta, 27-24 (OT))
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans, 23-17. The Saints remain undefeated with a tough victory at home against the Falcons.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans, 28-24. The Falcons put up a fight, but New Orleans continues their hot streak.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans, 27-23. New Orleans by 3.5, Over/Under 49.
Accuscore Pick: New Orleans, 24-10. New Orleans 69% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New Orleans, 26-14. New Orleans won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans, 20-17. New Orleans better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans, 20-17
NO, Hartley! New Orleans collectively groans when your game-winning chip shot field goal sails wide left. Atlanta takes advantage of the error and leaves the Bayou with a well-earned victory over the defending champions. The Falcons, Saint and Buccaneers now find themselves locked in a three-way division tie.
Tennessee Titans at New York Giants (Actual ~ Tennessee, 29-10)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York, 24-20. After both teams suffered humiliating defeats last weekend, New York is the team that bounces back with a solid victory.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee, 23-14. Vince Young gets it done in the Big Apple.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York, 24-20. New York by 3, Over/Under 42.5.
Accuscore Pick: New York, 23-14. New York 62% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 27-21. New York won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York, 20-17
The Titans run wild and Vince Young shows few ill effects from his benching one week ago. The Giants drop their second straight game and look to be in a freefall.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Actual ~ Pittsburgh, 38-13)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh, 14-10. The Steelers win their third in a row with strong defensive play. The Buccaneers, fat on the likes of Cleveland and Carolina, won't be able to move the ball in this low-scoring affair.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh, 31-13. Proving that not all 2-0 teams are equal, the Steelers demonstrate their defensive dominance
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh, 19-14. Pittsburgh by 3, Over/Under 33.
Accuscore Pick: Pittsburgh, 17-14. Pittsburgh 52% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Pittsburgh, 16-9. Pittsburgh won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17. Both records at 2-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay, 20-17
Pittsburgh's defense scores again and Charlie Batch lights up the Buccaneers secondary for three TDs. The Steelers, now 3-0 without Big Ben, may become the scariest team in the league when he gets back from his suspension. Tampa Bay falls to 2-1, but has already shown great improvement from a year ago, despite the thrashing they took yesterday.
Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers (Actual ~ Cincinnati, 20-7)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati, 21-17. The Bengals passing attack proves too much for the Panthers rushing attack.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina, 17-14. The Panthers play ball control, while Clausen has only minimal miscues.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati, 21-17. Cincinnati by 3, Over/Under 37.5.
Accuscore Pick: Cincinnati, 21-17. Cincinnati 56% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Carolina, 21-20. Carolina won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati, 20-17. Cincinnati better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina, 20-17
Cincinnati wins in the rain on the strength of Cedric Benson's legs, not the receiving duo of Ochocinco and Owens. Carolina continues to struggle. Clausen does not end up being the answer at quarterback, but with a team this young, answers may be few and far between in 2010.
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (Actual ~ Baltimore, 24-17)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore, 17-10. Despite the low score, this game won't be close.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore, 16-13. The Browns keep it close with the help of some timely Raven turnovers.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore, 24-13. Baltimore by 10.5, Over/Under 36.5.
Accuscore Pick: Baltimore, 31-7. Baltimore 82% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Baltimore, 21-13. Baltimore won all 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore, 20-17. Baltimore better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore, 20-17
The Ravens come from behind to win this game at home. Vegas lines had their score predicted perfectly, but Baltimore didn't cover the spread. Cleveland loses for the third straight week after having led in the second half.
Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans (Actual ~ Dallas, 27-13)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston, 35-31. As much as I hate to say it, Dallas looks primed to fall to 0-3 heading into the bye. If they don't come out with the desperation they showed last year against New Orleans, Houston will win this old-style shoot-out for Texas supremacy.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston, 31-17. The Texans play with a chip on their shoulder... They are no longer the "other team in Texas"... Wade Phillips' seat is getting hotter.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston, 26-21. Houston by 3, Over/Under 47.
Accuscore Pick: Houston, 21-16. Houston 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Dallas, 23-21. Dallas won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston, 20-17. Houston better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Houston, 20-17
The Cowboys save their season with a huge victory on the road and go into the bye week feeling good about themselves instead of trying to figure out how to recover from a devastating 0-3 start. The Texans still have work to do, but remain a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.
Philadelphia Eagles at Jacksonville Jaguars (Actual ~ Philadelphia, 28-3)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia, 21-14. The Jaguars defense won't have an answer for the Eagles multi-pronged attack and the Jaguars running game will once again disappoint.
Scottie V's Pick: Jacksonville, 23-16. The Jags keep Michael Vick at bay, Kolb says "I told you so".
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia, 24-20. Philadelphia by 3, Over/Under 45.
Accuscore Pick: Philadelphia, 23-14. Philadelphia 63% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Philadelphia, 20-7. Philadelphia won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville, 20-17
Vick continues to play stellar, like a man on a mission, and the Eagles look like the best team in the NFC East right now. Jacksonville fails at home again before their two dozen fans and with little mojo from MoJo, their season is already over.
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams (Actual ~ St. Louis, 30-13)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington, 21-17. These woeful teams have battled each other to low-scoring pathetic games in recent years, but McNabb and Shanahan will lead Washington to more points and a victory.
Scottie V's Pick: Washington, 20-13. The 'Skins load up against Steven Jackson and the Rams have no answer.
Vegas Lines Pick: Washington, 21-17. Washington by 3.5, Over/Under 39.
Accuscore Pick: Washington, 24-13. Washington 66% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Washington, 20-17. Washington won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington, 20-17. Washington better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis, 20-17
A year ago the Rams nearly won this game. This year, revenge is sweet. St. Louis upsets the favored Redskins with all facets of their game - offense, defense and special teams. Bradford looks like a true NFL quarterback and the Rams still have a chance to do something this year - even if it is just to avoid drafting #1 overall in 2011. Washington fails miserably after two straight solid games against the Texans and Cowboys. How long before Dan Snyder gets ansy and starts demanding changes?
Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos (Actual ~ Indianapolis, 27-13)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Indianapolis, 28-21. The Colts continue their aerial attack and run the ball enough to keep Denver's defense honest. The Broncos, will play strong initially before their tragic, emotional week catches up to them.
Scottie V's Pick: Indianapolis, 27-20. Peyton puts on a clinic, Mile High crowd gives a standing ovation at end of game (well, probably not, but that would be kind of cool).
Vegas Lines Pick: Indianapolis, 27-21. Indianapolis by 5.5, Over/Under 48.
Accuscore Pick: Indianapolis, 24-13. Indianapolis 65% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Denver, 19-16. Denver won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver, 20-17
The Colts win again and play most of the game on cruise control, easily taking care of Denver in the Mile High city. Both Scottie V and Vegas had the Colts number right, while Accuscore gets the Broncos score perfect. Denver, after an emotional week, falls to 1-2.
Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals (Actual ~ Arizona, 24-23)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Arizona, 23-13. The Cardinals recover from their wounds after be thrashed by Atlant and thrash the Raiders in the desert.
Scottie V's Pick: Arizona, 28-17. Derek Anderson and his offense start to click... Al Davis flies to St. Louis to watch his team take on the Cardinals... He watches the entire game and wonders whether his team is the one wearing maroon and gold or navy and gold... After the game, he fires everyone in the front office for changing the team's colors without consulting him... Front office members try in vain to explain to him that the Cardinals are now located in Arizona and he was at the wrong game.
Vegas Lines Pick: Arizona, 23-17. Arizona by 4.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Accuscore Pick: Arizona, 23-16. Arizona 61% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: Arizona, 16-10. Arizona won 3 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Arizona, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Arizona, 20-17
NO, Janikowski! A 32 yard field goal, no good, and Arizona survives a terrible scare at home. Oakland shows some moxy rallying behind Gradkowski and McFadden. The Cardinals continue to make it look difficult and still have not found any consistency following the retirement of Kurt Warner.
San Diego Chargers at Seattle Seahawks (Actual ~ Seattle, 27-20)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego, 30-17. The Chargers are feeling good and have put their week 1 loss behind them. Seattle is coming down off their week 1 high and won't be a match for one of the best AFC teams.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego, 31-27. The Chargers win by scoring a touchdown in the closing minutes... The shootout game of the week.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego, 26-20. San Diego by 5.5, Over/Under 44.5.
Accuscore Pick: San Diego, 27-10. San Diego 74% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: San Diego, 30-20. San Diego won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Seattle, 20-17. Both records at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle, 20-17
Seattle special teams shock San Diego with two kickoff return touchdowns in the second half. The Chargers fail once again on the road despite getting nearly 500 yards in passing from Rivers. Seattle improves to an unexpected 2-1 while the favored Chargers fall to a disappointing 1-2, a full 2 games behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West.
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (Actual ~ New York, 31-23)
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Miami, 16-14. Sanchez struggles away from the friendly confines of New York and Miami's ball control offense takes advantage of the Jets defensive secondary now missing Revis Island.
Scottie V's Pick: Miami, 17-16. A wildcat big-gainer ends up making the difference in this defense-dominated game of the week.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami, 20-17. Miami by 2, Over/Under 35.5.
Accuscore Pick: Miami, 21-16. Miami 58% win confidence
What If Sports Pick: New York, 17-14. New York won 4 of 5 simulations.
Best Record Wins Pick: Miami, 20-17. Miami better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami, 20-17
A seesaw battle in South Florida ends up going in New York's favor after a late fourth quarter TD puts the Jets up for good. Mark Sanchez plays lights out for the second straight week and New York creates a three way tie for first in the highly competitive AFC East. Miami falters, but still will have plenty to say about the division race as the season progresses.
Rex Ryan should be embarrassed about his decision to bench Braylon Edwards for just one quarter - only one quarter! - for his DUI arrest earlier this week. Yes, Edwards scored a game-breaking touchdown during the game, but life is far more important than football and his poor decision put other people's lives at risk. The NFL should treat DUI's as no tolerance, automatic 4-game suspensions. Unlike a player taking steroids, where they only put themselves at risk, driving under the influence can destroy the lives of innocent people and should not be tolerated.
Week 3 Prediction scoreboard through Sunday night...
Scottie V's: 8-7 (season overall: 28-19)
Vegas Picks: 8-7 (season overall: 28-19)
Accuscore: 8-7 (season overall: 28-19)
What If Sports: 8-7 (season overall: 25-22)
Creative Misfortune: 8-7 (season overall: 24-23)
Home Team Wins Pick: 7-8 (season overall: 27-20)
Best Record Wins Pick: 7-8 (season overall: 27-20)
Check back tomorrow for the prediction roundup of the Monday Night Football game, the final prediction systems standings and the Week 3 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results.
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