Scottie V and Vegas Lines are still above the 70% accuracy mark after three weeks of predictions. Will they maintain their position at the top of the leaderboard with their week 4 picks?
Sunday Game Predictions:
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. The Bears Defense can give Aaron Rodgers fits. They'll slow Carolina enough to give their offense a chance to win.
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago Bears by 1. Cutler outduels Newton… Barely.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 7. Bears by 6.5, Over/under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Both teams at 1-2, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 7. Marvin Lewis can make all the ridiculous guarantees he wants, but the Bills are a far better team than the Bengals.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 10. Buffalo really wants to show their 3-0 start is no fluke… Beating the Bengals doesn't do a ton to prove otherwise, but they'll take it just the same.
Vegas Lines Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills by 3, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 3-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 5. Chris Johnson has to remember how to run the ball at some point this season. Why not this week against the Browns?
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 6. Hasselbeck has the Titans playing respectably, but the Dawg Pound fires up the Browns.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 1. Browns by 1, Over/Under 39.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Both teams at 2-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 8. The Cowboys secondary is no match for Megatron. This could get ugly unless Rob Ryan can get the D to play four quarters of inspired football.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. The Lions storm into Jerry-World and, thanks to untimely turnovers by Romo, get another W.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 2. Cowboys by 1.5, Over/Under 46.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 3-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 4. The Steelers have been too careless with the football and turnovers will kill them when they face the explosive Texans.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 6. The Steelers play their crispest game of the season to get the big road win.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 4. Texans by 4, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Both teams at 2-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3.
New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 12. Unless there is a torrential rainstorm, the Jags won’t have an answer for the Saints high-flying offense.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 11. The Jags don't have an answer for Brees.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 7. Saints by 7, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 2-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3.
Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3. The stoppable force meets the movable object. Something has to give and the Vikings will end their streak of second half collapses.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 4. In quite possibly the lamest game of the weekend, the Chiefs get their first win.
Vegas Lines Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 2. Vikings by 1.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3. Both teams at 0-3, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 4. Even one-handed, Vick and the banged-up Eagles should be able to handle the 49ers at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 6. Though Harbaugh's boys come into town looking to prove themselves, the Eagles need this game more.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 9. Eagles by 9, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 2-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington Redskins by 7. The Redskins should not have lost on Monday Night. Like the Ravens before them, Washington makes up for a bad loss by taking their frustration out on the Rams.
Scottie V's Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. The Rams get Steven Jackson back, but their offense is still inept.
Vegas Lines Pick: St. Louis Rams by 1. Rams by 1, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 2-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Giants by 9. As the sole Manning left in the league, it's time for Eli to finally take his game to the next level.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Giants by 8. The Cards get schooled in front of their home crowd.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 1. Giants by 1, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3. Giants better at 2-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3.
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 6. Atlanta will wake up and remember this week that they are a run-first offense. Seattle won’t be able to stop them.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 8. The Seahawks don't have the firepower and the 12th man isn't enough to get 'er done.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 5. Falcons by 4.5, Over/Under 39.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. Both teams at 1-2, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 14. Denver won’t be able to score much against the Pack D and the Broncos won't be able to stop Rodgers.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 16. Yikes.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 13. Packers by 12.5, Over/Under 47.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 3-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 7. Brady won’t throw 4 interceptions again this week, but 4 touchdowns is still very likely.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. The Pats are looking to rebound from their collapse last weekend, but run into a hot Raider team with rabid fans that make the Boston Tea Party look like, well, a tea party.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 4. Patriots by 4, Over/Under 55.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Both teams at 2-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 4. San Diego will finish September with a winning record, but this game will be closer than it should be.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 7. The Dolphs can't get it done on the West Coast.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego Chargers by 7. Chargers by 7, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3. Chargers better at 2-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3.
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. In a battle for AFC supremacy, the Ravens are a better all around team and will have the home crowd behind them.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 6. In a defensive showdown, Flacco leads the Ravens to the game-winning score.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens by 3, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Both teams at 2-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 3 (2011)
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.
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 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 32)
Note to self: At the end of a miserable season, they'll fire you anyway, so you might as well start calling the plays yourself. Signed, Todd Haley.
# 31 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 30)
Note to self: Bruised, but not broken. Shaken, but not stirred. Winless, but not out of it. Signed, Sam Bradford.
# 30 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 29)
Note to self: With Manning most likely gone for the year, talk with coaches about manufacturing some "Luck" for our future. Signed, Jim Irsay.
# 29 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 28)
Note to self: If you can’t be part of the solution, complain loudly about the problem. Signed, Reggie Bush.
# 28 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 26)
Note to self: When up by two touchdowns, let Peterson run the ball. Also, don't forget the game lasts a full 60 minutes. I think that's a new rule this year. Signed, Leslie Frazier.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 25)
Note to self: Take the blame for mental lapses at the end of games. That is the best way to instill team owners with confidence in your leadership abilities. Signed, Jack Del Rio.
# 26 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 31)
Note to self: 7-9 division champions two years in a row? That would be some kind of record! No need to aim high when you play in the NFC West. Signed, Pete Caroll.
# 25 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 27)
Note to self: Points matter more than passing yards. Seems counterintuitive, but isn’t. Signed, Cam Newton.
# 24 - Denver Broncos (previous: 24)
Note to self: You can’t avoid the Tim Tebow question all season long. Signed, John Fox.
# 23 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 21)
Note to self: We weren't built to run. Throw me the ball! Signed, Larry Fitzgerald.
# 22 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 18)
Note to self: When everything is starting to go wrong, guarantee the ridiculous and everything will be fine. Signed, Marvin Lewis
# 21 - Chicago Bears (previous: 14)
Note to self: Tell the coaches we need to hand the ball off more. Less chance of getting killed- I mean - sacked on those kinds of plays. Signed, Jay Cutler.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 16)
Note to self: Play fakes do not work if nobody thinks you can, or are going to, run the ball effectively. Signed, Mike Mularkey.
# 19 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 9)
Note to self: A left-handed, running quarterback does not need his right hand to be successful. Signed, Michael Vick.
# 18 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 23)
Note to self: Never give up the never-give-up attitude. Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Let's just say it has potential. Signed, Colt McCoy
# 17 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 22)
Note to self: Kickers, although slow and dangerous to put on the football field, can still serve a purpose. Signed, Jason Garrett.
# 16 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 20)
Note to self: Next time, don’t do a little birdy dance when you score a rushing touchdown. That looked just downright silly on ESPN. Signed, Josh Freeman.
# 15 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 15)
Note to self: Keep playing down to your opponent's level. That keeps the games so much more interesting for fans. Signed, Philip Rivers.
# 14 - Washington Redskins (previous: 7)
Note to self: Find out what type of football team you have. You don't have time to feel sorry for yourself. Also, big blitz in more obvious situations. Blitzes without mercy always work at this level. Signed, Mike Shanahan.
# 13 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 17)
Note to self: Get revenge for the infamous hot dog incident of 2009. Check. Re-establish the running game a la Marcus Allen. Check. Just win, Baby. Check! Signed, Hue Jackson.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - New York Giants (previous: 19)
Note to self: You are the Manning of the league now. Make the family proud. Signed, Eli Manning.
# 11 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 13)
Note to self: With our team's star wide receiver out for the year with an ACL, gain more than 2 yards a carry, even if all that money in the bank is weighing me down. Signed, Chris Johnson.
# 10 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 11)
Note to self: Aged steel is still strong enough to win. It's been tempered by fire. Signed, The Steel Curtain.
# 9 - Houston Texans (previous: 5)
Note to self: Continue to keep the running backs listed on the injury reports as "Questionable, Game-Time Decisions". Fantasy football players love that stuff. Signed, Gary Kubiak.
# 8 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 12)
Note to self: Now you are following in Walsh's footsteps. He beat the Bengals twice, you know. Signed, Jim Harbaugh.
# 7 - New York Jets (previous: 3)
Note to self: When the media focuses too much on your most recent loss (especially if it's a game that could have easily been won), start bickering with a franchise legend. Sure, it won't be pretty, but then again, neither is your offense. Signed, Rex Ryan.
# 6 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 10)
Note to self: All we have to do is stay one point ahead of the other guys and then everything will be fine. Signed, Drew Brees.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 6)
Note to self: Still young and unproven, we have nothing to lose! Harvard and Coe - what an explosive combination. Signed, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 1)
Note to self: Four touchdowns, good. Four interceptions, bad. If possible, pick up a running game before next week. Signed, Tom Brady.
# 3 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 8)
Note to self: Recipe for success - Passing opens up the running game. Running opens up the passing game. The defense crushes the opposition. Quoth the Raven.
# 2 - Detroit Lions (previous: 2)
Note to self: Get Megatron two touchdowns against the Cowboys this week to shut Cris Carter up. Signed, Mathew Stafford.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 4)
Note to self: Defense wins championships and we are more than just a flashy offense. Signed, Clay Matthews.
Week 3 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Philadelphia Eagles (-10), Washington Redskins (-7), Chicago Bears (-7), New York Jets (-4), Houston Texans (-4)
The Biggest Movers - New York Giants (+7), Baltimore Ravens (+5), Dallas Cowboys (+5), Cleveland Browns (+5), Seattle Seahawks (+5)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Detroit Lions (2), San Diego Chargers (15), Denver Broncos (24), Kansas City Chiefs (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 3
Green Bay Packers
Check back tomorrow for week 4 predictions.
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 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 32)
Note to self: At the end of a miserable season, they'll fire you anyway, so you might as well start calling the plays yourself. Signed, Todd Haley.
# 31 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 30)
Note to self: Bruised, but not broken. Shaken, but not stirred. Winless, but not out of it. Signed, Sam Bradford.
# 30 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 29)
Note to self: With Manning most likely gone for the year, talk with coaches about manufacturing some "Luck" for our future. Signed, Jim Irsay.
# 29 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 28)
Note to self: If you can’t be part of the solution, complain loudly about the problem. Signed, Reggie Bush.
# 28 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 26)
Note to self: When up by two touchdowns, let Peterson run the ball. Also, don't forget the game lasts a full 60 minutes. I think that's a new rule this year. Signed, Leslie Frazier.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 25)
Note to self: Take the blame for mental lapses at the end of games. That is the best way to instill team owners with confidence in your leadership abilities. Signed, Jack Del Rio.
# 26 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 31)
Note to self: 7-9 division champions two years in a row? That would be some kind of record! No need to aim high when you play in the NFC West. Signed, Pete Caroll.
# 25 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 27)
Note to self: Points matter more than passing yards. Seems counterintuitive, but isn’t. Signed, Cam Newton.
# 24 - Denver Broncos (previous: 24)
Note to self: You can’t avoid the Tim Tebow question all season long. Signed, John Fox.
# 23 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 21)
Note to self: We weren't built to run. Throw me the ball! Signed, Larry Fitzgerald.
# 22 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 18)
Note to self: When everything is starting to go wrong, guarantee the ridiculous and everything will be fine. Signed, Marvin Lewis
# 21 - Chicago Bears (previous: 14)
Note to self: Tell the coaches we need to hand the ball off more. Less chance of getting killed- I mean - sacked on those kinds of plays. Signed, Jay Cutler.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 16)
Note to self: Play fakes do not work if nobody thinks you can, or are going to, run the ball effectively. Signed, Mike Mularkey.
# 19 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 9)
Note to self: A left-handed, running quarterback does not need his right hand to be successful. Signed, Michael Vick.
# 18 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 23)
Note to self: Never give up the never-give-up attitude. Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Let's just say it has potential. Signed, Colt McCoy
# 17 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 22)
Note to self: Kickers, although slow and dangerous to put on the football field, can still serve a purpose. Signed, Jason Garrett.
# 16 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 20)
Note to self: Next time, don’t do a little birdy dance when you score a rushing touchdown. That looked just downright silly on ESPN. Signed, Josh Freeman.
# 15 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 15)
Note to self: Keep playing down to your opponent's level. That keeps the games so much more interesting for fans. Signed, Philip Rivers.
# 14 - Washington Redskins (previous: 7)
Note to self: Find out what type of football team you have. You don't have time to feel sorry for yourself. Also, big blitz in more obvious situations. Blitzes without mercy always work at this level. Signed, Mike Shanahan.
# 13 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 17)
Note to self: Get revenge for the infamous hot dog incident of 2009. Check. Re-establish the running game a la Marcus Allen. Check. Just win, Baby. Check! Signed, Hue Jackson.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - New York Giants (previous: 19)
Note to self: You are the Manning of the league now. Make the family proud. Signed, Eli Manning.
# 11 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 13)
Note to self: With our team's star wide receiver out for the year with an ACL, gain more than 2 yards a carry, even if all that money in the bank is weighing me down. Signed, Chris Johnson.
# 10 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 11)
Note to self: Aged steel is still strong enough to win. It's been tempered by fire. Signed, The Steel Curtain.
# 9 - Houston Texans (previous: 5)
Note to self: Continue to keep the running backs listed on the injury reports as "Questionable, Game-Time Decisions". Fantasy football players love that stuff. Signed, Gary Kubiak.
# 8 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 12)
Note to self: Now you are following in Walsh's footsteps. He beat the Bengals twice, you know. Signed, Jim Harbaugh.
# 7 - New York Jets (previous: 3)
Note to self: When the media focuses too much on your most recent loss (especially if it's a game that could have easily been won), start bickering with a franchise legend. Sure, it won't be pretty, but then again, neither is your offense. Signed, Rex Ryan.
# 6 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 10)
Note to self: All we have to do is stay one point ahead of the other guys and then everything will be fine. Signed, Drew Brees.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 6)
Note to self: Still young and unproven, we have nothing to lose! Harvard and Coe - what an explosive combination. Signed, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 1)
Note to self: Four touchdowns, good. Four interceptions, bad. If possible, pick up a running game before next week. Signed, Tom Brady.
# 3 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 8)
Note to self: Recipe for success - Passing opens up the running game. Running opens up the passing game. The defense crushes the opposition. Quoth the Raven.
# 2 - Detroit Lions (previous: 2)
Note to self: Get Megatron two touchdowns against the Cowboys this week to shut Cris Carter up. Signed, Mathew Stafford.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 4)
Note to self: Defense wins championships and we are more than just a flashy offense. Signed, Clay Matthews.
Week 3 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Philadelphia Eagles (-10), Washington Redskins (-7), Chicago Bears (-7), New York Jets (-4), Houston Texans (-4)
The Biggest Movers - New York Giants (+7), Baltimore Ravens (+5), Dallas Cowboys (+5), Cleveland Browns (+5), Seattle Seahawks (+5)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Detroit Lions (2), San Diego Chargers (15), Denver Broncos (24), Kansas City Chiefs (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 3
Check back tomorrow for week 4 predictions.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Week 3 Results (2011) ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
Some unexpected real-world results - Bills and Lions undefeated - have stayed true in the fantasy standings, but not all results duplicated the NFL's results this past weekend.
In week 3, the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins all managed to win fantasy games they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the Baltimore Ravens, who scored 124 points against the injury-riddled St. Louis Rams.
Low score falls to the St. Louis Rams at 32 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 37 points the Ravens scored against them.
Closest Game of the Week: Miami Dolphins 63, Cleveland Browns 62. One single fantasy point proved to be the difference between this game ending up with a real-life result.
Fantasy Stars of the Week: New England's Wes Welker and Baltimore's Torrey Smith lit up the scoreboards with their scintillating 34-point performances. While Smith's 34 helped the Ravens to the biggest win of the week, Welker's 34 ended up not being enough against the undefeated Bills.
Week 3 Game Results:
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 65, Kansas City Chiefs 57
Kansas City's Key Performers: Matt Cassel (13), Dwayne Bowe (12), Leonard Pope (9)
San Diego's Key Performers: Ryan Mathews (26), Nick Novak (9), Philip Rivers (6)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Score: Carolina Panthers 54, Jacksonville Jaguars 43
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (16), Mike Thomas (11), Blaine Gabbert (7)
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (14), Greg Olsen (13), Defense (10)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 72, Indianapolis Colts 54
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Mike Wallace (20), Ben Roethlisberger (13), Shane Suisham (12)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Joseph Addai (14), Defense (14), Pierre Garcon (8)
San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy Score: San Francisco 49ers 53, Cincinnati Bengals 40
San Francisco's Key Performers: Vernon Davis (11), Defense (11), David Akers (9)
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Defense (13), Mike Nugent (6), Cedric Benson (6)
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 62, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 58
Atlanta's Key Performers: Roddy White (14), Matt Ryan (12), Julio Jones (11)
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Defense (14), Josh Freeman (12), Connor Barth (11)
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 96, Philadelphia Eagles 49
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (26), Victor Cruz (23), Ahmad Bradshaw (19)
Philadelphia's Key Performers: LeSean McCoy (19), Alex Henery (10), Michael Vick (8)
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 88, Chicago Bears 66
Green Bay's Key Performers: Jermichael Finley (26), Aaron Rodgers (21), Greg Jennings (11)
Chicago's Key Performers: Jay Cutler (17), Matt Forte (8), Dane Sanzenbacher (8)
New York Jets at Oakland Raiders
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 85, New York Jets 82
New York's Key Performers: Mark Sanchez (26), Ladainian Tomlinson (20), Plaxico Burress (11)
Oakland's Key Performers: Darren McFadden (29), Sebastian Janikowski (12), Michael Bush (11)
Baltimore Ravens at St. Louis Rams
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 124, St. Louis Rams 32
Baltimore's Key Performers: Torrey Smith (34), Joe Flacco (27), Defense (19)
St. Louis' Key Performers: Brandon Gibson (11), Sam Bradford (8), Cadillac Williams (7)
Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 95, Houston Texans 86
Houston's Key Performers: Matt Schaub (24), James Casey (19), Neil Rackers (15)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (26), Lance Moore (18), Jimmy Graham (16)
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Fantasy Score: Buffalo Bills 100, New England Patriots 93
New England's Key Performers: Wes Welker (34), Tom Brady (23), Rob Gronkowski (22)
Buffalo's Key Performers: Fred Jackson (21), Ryan Fitzpatrick (18), Steve Johnson (15)
Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans
Fantasy Score: Tennessee Titans 54, Denver Broncos 49
Denver's Key Performers: Willis McGahee (11), Kyle Orton (10), Defense (7)
Tennessee's Key Performers: Matt Hasselbeck (18), Nate Washington (15), Chris Johnson (7)
Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns
Fantasy Score: Miami Dolphins 63, Cleveland Browns 62
Miami's Key Performers: Daniel Thomas (17), Chad Henne (14), Dan Carpenter (10)
Cleveland's Key Performers: Colt McCoy (14), Josh Cribbs (10), Defense (10)
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy Score: Detroit Lions 90, Minnesota Vikings 69
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (23), Calvin Johnson (22), Jason Hanson (17)
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (14), Donovan Mcnabb (13), Ryan Longwell (13)
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Fantasy Score: Arizona Cardinals 60, Seattle Seahawks 54
Arizona's Key Performers: Larry Fitzgerald (12), Kevin Kob (11), Defense (10)
Seattle's Key Performers: Tarvaris Jackson (12), Defense (11), Sydney Rice (10)
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 69, Washington Redskins 59
Washington's Key Performers: Tim Hightower (13), Graham Gano (12), Rex Grossman (10)
Dallas' Key Performers: Dan Bailey (21), Felix Jones (15), Defense (10)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings.
In week 3, the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins all managed to win fantasy games they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the Baltimore Ravens, who scored 124 points against the injury-riddled St. Louis Rams.
Low score falls to the St. Louis Rams at 32 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 37 points the Ravens scored against them.
Closest Game of the Week: Miami Dolphins 63, Cleveland Browns 62. One single fantasy point proved to be the difference between this game ending up with a real-life result.
Fantasy Stars of the Week: New England's Wes Welker and Baltimore's Torrey Smith lit up the scoreboards with their scintillating 34-point performances. While Smith's 34 helped the Ravens to the biggest win of the week, Welker's 34 ended up not being enough against the undefeated Bills.
Week 3 Game Results:
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
Fantasy Score: San Diego Chargers 65, Kansas City Chiefs 57
Kansas City's Key Performers: Matt Cassel (13), Dwayne Bowe (12), Leonard Pope (9)
San Diego's Key Performers: Ryan Mathews (26), Nick Novak (9), Philip Rivers (6)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Score: Carolina Panthers 54, Jacksonville Jaguars 43
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (16), Mike Thomas (11), Blaine Gabbert (7)
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (14), Greg Olsen (13), Defense (10)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 72, Indianapolis Colts 54
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Mike Wallace (20), Ben Roethlisberger (13), Shane Suisham (12)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Joseph Addai (14), Defense (14), Pierre Garcon (8)
San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy Score: San Francisco 49ers 53, Cincinnati Bengals 40
San Francisco's Key Performers: Vernon Davis (11), Defense (11), David Akers (9)
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Defense (13), Mike Nugent (6), Cedric Benson (6)
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 62, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 58
Atlanta's Key Performers: Roddy White (14), Matt Ryan (12), Julio Jones (11)
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Defense (14), Josh Freeman (12), Connor Barth (11)
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 96, Philadelphia Eagles 49
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (26), Victor Cruz (23), Ahmad Bradshaw (19)
Philadelphia's Key Performers: LeSean McCoy (19), Alex Henery (10), Michael Vick (8)
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 88, Chicago Bears 66
Green Bay's Key Performers: Jermichael Finley (26), Aaron Rodgers (21), Greg Jennings (11)
Chicago's Key Performers: Jay Cutler (17), Matt Forte (8), Dane Sanzenbacher (8)
New York Jets at Oakland Raiders
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 85, New York Jets 82
New York's Key Performers: Mark Sanchez (26), Ladainian Tomlinson (20), Plaxico Burress (11)
Oakland's Key Performers: Darren McFadden (29), Sebastian Janikowski (12), Michael Bush (11)
Baltimore Ravens at St. Louis Rams
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 124, St. Louis Rams 32
Baltimore's Key Performers: Torrey Smith (34), Joe Flacco (27), Defense (19)
St. Louis' Key Performers: Brandon Gibson (11), Sam Bradford (8), Cadillac Williams (7)
Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 95, Houston Texans 86
Houston's Key Performers: Matt Schaub (24), James Casey (19), Neil Rackers (15)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (26), Lance Moore (18), Jimmy Graham (16)
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Fantasy Score: Buffalo Bills 100, New England Patriots 93
New England's Key Performers: Wes Welker (34), Tom Brady (23), Rob Gronkowski (22)
Buffalo's Key Performers: Fred Jackson (21), Ryan Fitzpatrick (18), Steve Johnson (15)
Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans
Fantasy Score: Tennessee Titans 54, Denver Broncos 49
Denver's Key Performers: Willis McGahee (11), Kyle Orton (10), Defense (7)
Tennessee's Key Performers: Matt Hasselbeck (18), Nate Washington (15), Chris Johnson (7)
Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns
Fantasy Score: Miami Dolphins 63, Cleveland Browns 62
Miami's Key Performers: Daniel Thomas (17), Chad Henne (14), Dan Carpenter (10)
Cleveland's Key Performers: Colt McCoy (14), Josh Cribbs (10), Defense (10)
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy Score: Detroit Lions 90, Minnesota Vikings 69
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (23), Calvin Johnson (22), Jason Hanson (17)
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (14), Donovan Mcnabb (13), Ryan Longwell (13)
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Fantasy Score: Arizona Cardinals 60, Seattle Seahawks 54
Arizona's Key Performers: Larry Fitzgerald (12), Kevin Kob (11), Defense (10)
Seattle's Key Performers: Tarvaris Jackson (12), Defense (11), Sydney Rice (10)
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 69, Washington Redskins 59
Washington's Key Performers: Tim Hightower (13), Graham Gano (12), Rex Grossman (10)
Dallas' Key Performers: Dan Bailey (21), Felix Jones (15), Defense (10)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - MNF - Week 3 (2011)
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. The NFC East gets a bit more interesting as the Cowboys' walking wounded give Washington their first loss of the season.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 4. The 2-0 Redskins come into Jerry-land fired up to prove themselves, but Romo stays away from mistakes to lead them to victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 4. Cowboys by 3.5, Over/under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
Week 3 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. How many teams improved their fantasy records this week, despite losing in real life?
Friday, September 23, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 3 (2011)
***UPDATE: Finally found enough sources to decide on the Vegas Pick for the Eagles-Giants game on Sunday. I have updated the pick accordingly. See below for more details.***
All human prediction systems, led by Vegas, hit above the 70% accuracy mark with their week 2 picks. Will they be able to duplicate that success in week 3?
Sunday Game Predictions:
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 14. The Patriots remind everybody that the AFC East is their division.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 8. The Bills would love nothing more than to prove that their 2-0 start is not a fluke, but the Patriots' robot-like precision quickly squelches those hopes.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 9. Patriots by 8.5, Over/Under 53.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Both teams at 2-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. If Carolina can hold its own against Arizona and Green Bay, they should be able to handle Jacksonville in the Rookie Bowl.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 6. Cam Newton gets his first win and actually has more touchdowns than picks, but fails to break the 400 mark through the air for the first time in his caree.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 4. Panthers by 3.5, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3. Jaguars better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 2. Either could win or lose this game quite easily, but Cincinnati, surprisingly, has shown more promise and I give them the nod over the 49ers at home.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 4. Harbaugh's squad comes out swinging after their disappointing loss to the 'Boys.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals by 2.5, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Both teams at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. I am not sold on the Browns yet, but Miami has done little to make me think they can win this game on the road.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 7. In a somewhat ho-hum game, the Browns get the win at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns by 2.5, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 11. The Lions always gave the Vikings fits, even when they were 0-16. Now that they are a team on the rise, they are not going to lose this one.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 6. The Lions get a much-needed confidence boost by winning on the road against a divisional rival.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions by 3, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 1. The Saints prevail in the NFL's version of Arena League football. Take the over.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 6. In what could be the most interesting game of the weekend, the Texans are not quite up to the task.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 4. Saints by 4, Over/Under 53.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Even without Vick the Eagles should still be stacked enough to take down the sloppy Giants.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 7. The Eagles bounce back from last weekend to beat their divisional foe.
Vegas Lines Pick: ***UPDATED: Philadelphia Eagles by 9. Eagles by 8.5, Over/Under 48.
UNDECIDED. As of this morning (9/23/11), I could not find where Vegas had set a solid line for the Giants-Eagles matchup. This will be updated once I have found a valid point spread. Apparently, Vick's status for this game has people nervous.
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Both teams at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 8. Chris Johnson finally gets it going against a suspect Denver D.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 4. Hasselbeck and the boys, riding high off their victory over Baltimore, get another victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 7. Titans by 7, OverUnder 42.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Both teams at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
New York Jets at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 2. This is probably a trap game for the Jets, but I have a feeling that a safety and a missed field goal will prove to be the difference in this game.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. The rabid (and idiotic) fans in Oak-town set the mood as the Raiders knock the Jets down off their high-horse.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets by 3, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 14. Both teams are licking their wounds after losses last week, but the Chargers will make the most of this golden opportunity to get their game back on track.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 20. The Rivers Gang shows no mercy on the slumping and ailing Chiefs.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego Chargers by 15. Chargers by 14.5, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3. Chargers better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3.
Baltimore Ravens at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 11. The Rams are the walking wounded and the Ravens are looking to tear somebody up after their loss to Tennessee.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 4. After their dominating performance over the Steelers in week 1, the Ravens laid an egg in Tennessee… The truth lies somewhere in between.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 4. Ravens by 3.5, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 6. The Saints highlighted Chicago's weaknesses last week and Green Bay will take full advantage of that knowledge.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 13. The Pack are clearly the superior team in the battle of the Midway.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 4. Packers by 3.5, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 4. Kolb and his receivers will find plenty of room to run against Seattle.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. After last week's miserable performance in Pittsburgh, the Seahawks ride the emotional "wave" of the 12th man.
Vegas Lines Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 4. Cardinals by 3.5, Over/under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3. Cardinals better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 4. Both big winners a week ago, Atlanta has more talent and will win this one on the road.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 10. The Falcons continue their positive momentum from knocking off the Eagles.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 2. Buccaneers by 1.5, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3. Both teams at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 9. Indianapolis is still trying to figure out how to succeed without Manning. They won't put it all together against Pittsburgh.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 17. The Colts play with some semblance of pride for the first 1.5 quarters before the Steelers break the game open.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 10. Steelers by 10, Over/Under 39.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
All human prediction systems, led by Vegas, hit above the 70% accuracy mark with their week 2 picks. Will they be able to duplicate that success in week 3?
Sunday Game Predictions:
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 14. The Patriots remind everybody that the AFC East is their division.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 8. The Bills would love nothing more than to prove that their 2-0 start is not a fluke, but the Patriots' robot-like precision quickly squelches those hopes.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 9. Patriots by 8.5, Over/Under 53.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Both teams at 2-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. If Carolina can hold its own against Arizona and Green Bay, they should be able to handle Jacksonville in the Rookie Bowl.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 6. Cam Newton gets his first win and actually has more touchdowns than picks, but fails to break the 400 mark through the air for the first time in his caree.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 4. Panthers by 3.5, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3. Jaguars better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 2. Either could win or lose this game quite easily, but Cincinnati, surprisingly, has shown more promise and I give them the nod over the 49ers at home.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 4. Harbaugh's squad comes out swinging after their disappointing loss to the 'Boys.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals by 2.5, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Both teams at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Miami Dolphins at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. I am not sold on the Browns yet, but Miami has done little to make me think they can win this game on the road.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 7. In a somewhat ho-hum game, the Browns get the win at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns by 2.5, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 11. The Lions always gave the Vikings fits, even when they were 0-16. Now that they are a team on the rise, they are not going to lose this one.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 6. The Lions get a much-needed confidence boost by winning on the road against a divisional rival.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions by 3, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Houston Texans at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 1. The Saints prevail in the NFL's version of Arena League football. Take the over.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 6. In what could be the most interesting game of the weekend, the Texans are not quite up to the task.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 4. Saints by 4, Over/Under 53.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Even without Vick the Eagles should still be stacked enough to take down the sloppy Giants.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 7. The Eagles bounce back from last weekend to beat their divisional foe.
Vegas Lines Pick: ***UPDATED: Philadelphia Eagles by 9. Eagles by 8.5, Over/Under 48.
UNDECIDED. As of this morning (9/23/11), I could not find where Vegas had set a solid line for the Giants-Eagles matchup. This will be updated once I have found a valid point spread. Apparently, Vick's status for this game has people nervous.
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Both teams at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 8. Chris Johnson finally gets it going against a suspect Denver D.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 4. Hasselbeck and the boys, riding high off their victory over Baltimore, get another victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 7. Titans by 7, OverUnder 42.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Both teams at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
New York Jets at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 2. This is probably a trap game for the Jets, but I have a feeling that a safety and a missed field goal will prove to be the difference in this game.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. The rabid (and idiotic) fans in Oak-town set the mood as the Raiders knock the Jets down off their high-horse.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets by 3, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 14. Both teams are licking their wounds after losses last week, but the Chargers will make the most of this golden opportunity to get their game back on track.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 20. The Rivers Gang shows no mercy on the slumping and ailing Chiefs.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego Chargers by 15. Chargers by 14.5, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3. Chargers better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3.
Baltimore Ravens at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 11. The Rams are the walking wounded and the Ravens are looking to tear somebody up after their loss to Tennessee.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 4. After their dominating performance over the Steelers in week 1, the Ravens laid an egg in Tennessee… The truth lies somewhere in between.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 4. Ravens by 3.5, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 6. The Saints highlighted Chicago's weaknesses last week and Green Bay will take full advantage of that knowledge.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 13. The Pack are clearly the superior team in the battle of the Midway.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 4. Packers by 3.5, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 2-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 4. Kolb and his receivers will find plenty of room to run against Seattle.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. After last week's miserable performance in Pittsburgh, the Seahawks ride the emotional "wave" of the 12th man.
Vegas Lines Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 4. Cardinals by 3.5, Over/under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3. Cardinals better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 4. Both big winners a week ago, Atlanta has more talent and will win this one on the road.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 10. The Falcons continue their positive momentum from knocking off the Eagles.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 2. Buccaneers by 1.5, Over/Under 45.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3. Both teams at 1-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 9. Indianapolis is still trying to figure out how to succeed without Manning. They won't put it all together against Pittsburgh.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 17. The Colts play with some semblance of pride for the first 1.5 quarters before the Steelers break the game open.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 10. Steelers by 10, Over/Under 39.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 1-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 2 (2011)
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.
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 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 32)
If I could rank the Chiefs lower than last overall, I would. I have never seen a team so dead and buried after two games as this 2011 Kansas City squad. Injuries and poor execution on both offense and defense have devastated this division champion from one year ago. But no worries. A trip to San Diego may be the cure for what ails them, since the Chargers are infamous for playing down to their opponent's level. Still, the Chiefs are beyond forked.
# 31 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 30)
The Seahawks have looked absolutely terrible with Tarvaris Jackson at the helm. Was Matt Hasselbeck really that bad? I don't think so and the Titans don’t think so. Unlike with Kansas City, there is still hope for Seattle to turn things around. They play in the NFC West afterall and in a division where the teams are a combined 2-6 after two weeks, anything can happen. Just ask the 2010 Seahawks.
# 30 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 29)
The Rams are better than their 0-2 record and are probably better than their 30th ranking, but injuries and bad decisions have St. Louis trying to figure out what is going on. The game against the Giants was sloppy and not the best way to highlight your talents in primetime. Like Seattle, the Rams still have more than a good chance in the NFC West, but how truly terrible is the division if two of its four teams are considered Forked?
# 29 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 31)
I really thought the Colts would rally around Collins enough to get by the Browns without incident, but Indy looks completely out of their element without Manning behind center. The Colts have been designed for a vertical passing game led by their formerly indestructible general and are now forced into a balanced attack with an emphasis on defense. That can be a formula for success in the long run, but the 2011 season is all but lost.
# 28 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 27)
Before the season started, if you had to guess which AFC East team would be 0-2 after two weeks, few people would have picked the Dolphins. Further burying them deep in the division cellar is that they are the only AFC East team to lose a game yet this season. That changes this week when the Bills and Patriots square off, but that's little consolation for Miami.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 26)
400+ yards against the Cardinals is one thing, 400+ yards against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, totally different. Despite Cam Newton's jaw-dropping stat lines, the bottom line remains that the Panthers are 0-2 and play in a stacked division. They will not go 1-15 this year, but they are still at least one year away from being a serious contender for the division title.
# 26 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 23)
Two straight weeks, two straight fourth quarter collapses. At least the Vikings are consistent. Defensively, the Vikings have failed to stop anybody for long stretches of time and offensively, the Vikes have struggled to string together successful drives resulting in touchdowns. It will be a long, tough season in Minnesota if their only hope for victory each game is that the defense contains the opposing offense just enough so that Adrian Peterson can breakaway for the winning score. Three more weeks of ineptness and Christian Ponder should be named the starting quarterback.
# 25 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 16)
Garrard, gone. McCown, benched after a terrible three quarters of play filled with four interceptions and a safety. Welcome to the party, Gabberts. Coach Del Rio needs you to take him to the playoffs if he wants to be coaching the Jaguars next season. But don’t worry. There is no pressure on you.
# 24 - Denver Broncos (previous: 24)
Kyle Orton has kept the "Tebow" chants at bay for at least one more week, but a two-point victory at home over the Bengals is not going to instill a lot of confidence in any quarterback.
# 23 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 28)
The Browns should be 2-0 now, but a bad loss to the Bengals still has people wondering if Cleveland can rise above the underachivement of the past few seasons and actually challenge for the playoffs. When Miami comes to town this week, the Browns better win if they hope to start building any positive momentum this season.
# 22 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 21)
As impressive and gutsy as any comeback win you will ever see, Dallas should not have been behind the 49ers to begin with. Injuries have taken a toll on them and it is still yet uncertain whether Romo or Austin or Jones or Bryant will be in uniform when their Monday Night matchup against the division-leading Redskins kicks off. Are the Cowboys better than 22nd in the league? Absolutely, but only if they can weather the early season storm of injuries.
# 21 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 15)
The aerial attack of Kolb to Fitzgerald seems to be coming along nicely, yet Arizona still has too many question marks on their roster for anybody to tell if they are for real or not. Being real in the NFC West is one thing, being real in the rest of the NFL is totally different.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 19)
Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay saved their season with their fourth-quarter heroics against the Vikings on Sunday. The game was absolutely crucial for them to keep pace with the Saints and Falcons. Their upcoming clash with Atlanta in Florida will help determine if the Young Bucs are finally coming of age or if their still just the annoying little brothers of the NFC South.
# 19 - New York Giants (previous: 25)
Sloppy wins are still wins. Manning has been careless with the football and had the Rams not gift-wrapped so many points for the Giants on Monday, the game easily could have slipped away from New York. Against Philadelphia they will have to play turnover-free football if they hope to keep pace in the hotly-contested NFC East.
# 18 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 12)
For my money, the Bengals are second only to the Detroit Lions as the surprise team of the early season. Already they have one more victory than some experts predicted and they nearly had two. They are certainly no match for Baltimore or Pittsburgh, but they are a match for the 49ers and a victory in front of the home crowd could have them tied for first place after three weeks.
# 17 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 14)
A heartbreaking loss on the road. Oakland has their sights set squarely on an AFC Wild Card spot, but they can’t afford to let games slip through their fingers if they hope to get there.
# 16 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 20)
A big win for the Falcons over the Eagles on Sunday night. Though it merely kept them even with the Saints and Bucs in the standings, the victory could pay huge dividends at the end of the season when tiebreakers determine who gets into the playoffs and where they'll play.
# 15 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 7)
The New England Patriots gave the ball to the Chargers at midfield in the fourth quarter and challenged them to score and take the lead. San Diego responded with a weak series that ended in a turnover and then the Patriots were off and runnning. San Diego will never be the championship team everyone keeps hoping they will be if they cannot move the ball 50 yards for a touchdown against a good team when their backs are against the wall.
# 14 - Chicago Bears (previous: 5)
Chicago's week one victory over Atlanta looked like a fluke after their week two loss to New Orleans. Things don't get any better for the Bears when they face off against Green Bay in week three. A loss will put them all but out of the division race if Detroit stays hot.
# 13 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 18)
Solid defense and a surprising passing game elevated Tennessee over the highly-rated Ravens. Still, where was Chris Johnson? In the past he's had more rushing yards in a single quarter than he had in the first two games of the 2011 season. If Tennessee can’t get their running game going, they have little hope of making it to the playoffs.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 8)
The 49ers. The best team in the NFC West. That isn’t saying much. A total collapse against Dallas on Sunday can't do much for their confidence, either, with the latest reports that Romo beat them with broken ribs and a punctured lung.
# 11 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 22)
The Seahawks were cooked before they ever left Seattle after the embarassment Pittsburgh suffered in Baltimore during week one. Since the Ravens stumbled, the division is once again a two-team race that won't be decided until November when Baltimore comes to town for round two.
# 10 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 17)
New Orleans, so close to knocking off Green Bay, left no doubt that they were better than Chicago with a solid victory before the home fans. Now they need to stay true at home and knock off the Texans this week in order to stay tied for first place with the winner of the Falcons-Buccaneers game.
# 9 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 3)
Beaten, bruised and bloodied. Not quite the homecoming Vick hoped for with his return to Atlanta. Now Philadelphia may be forced to face the Giants without their superstar quarterback. As a team, the Eagles should be strong enough to defeat the Giants, whether or not Vick plays.
# 8 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 1)
It's a little early in the season for the curse of the Creative Elite #1 to rear its ugly head, but, man did it ever. As good as the Ravens looked when they dominated the Steelers in week one, Baltimore looked just as bad and confused in their week two loss to Tennessee. A loss like this should wake them up and I expect them to head to St. Louis with a chip on their shoulder and a desire to show that their embarassing game last week was nothing but a momentary lapse of focus.
# 7 - Washington Redskins (previous: 10)
The Redskins are 2-0 and in sole possession of first place? Their upcoming Monday Night matchup against Dallas looks scarier than ever. Washington can play defense. If the offense can continue to move the ball consistently from week to week, Rex Grossman may very well be right about their chances to win the division.
# 6 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 9)
A 2-0 start means nothing if the Patriots go into Buffalo this weekend and lay 50 on the Bills. Sure, Buffalo has started out with two impressive wins, but since they are not even supposed to be here, a victory over New England will silence their critics until they finally lose a game.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Houston Texans (previous: 6)
With Foster out and gimpy, Ben Tate has filled the void nicely at running back for the hard-charging Texans. The division remains theirs to lose. If Houston can’t make the playoffs this year, rules should be put in place to keep them out indefinitely.
# 4 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 4)
The Packers may still be the best team in the NFL, but two straight near-misses - an excusable one against the Saints, a surprising one against the Panthers - give me enough pause to wonder when they will stumble first. Will it be in Chicago this weekend or in their first game against Detroit down the road?
# 3 - New York Jets (previous: 11)
The Jets won by 29 points while only rushing for 100 yards and passing for less than 200. If they aren't the anti-Patriots, I have no idea who is.
# 2 - Detroit Lions (previous: 13)
Detroit's defense was solid last season and showed signs of greatness. The offense, too, showed flashes of inspiration last year. It looks like everything is finally coming together for the Lions in 2011. I can’t remember the last time the Lions were undefeated this late in the season. Could this mean their annual Thanksgiving Day game (against Green Bay this year) might actually be something worth watching?
# 1 - New England Patriots (previous: 2)
Until they are beaten, the Patriots remain the team to beat in the NFL. Belichick's cutthroat tactics, even when they fail (see 4th and 4 from midfield against the Chargers with only a six point lead), still seem to have other coaches shaking in their boots. The Evil Empire is alive and well, though regular season success has been nothing new of late for the Patriots. It's playoff victories they need to secure before everybody should really fear that New England is back to their Super Bowl winning ways.
Week 2 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Chicago Bears (-9), Jacksonville Jaguars (-9), San Diego Chargers (-8), Baltimore Ravens (-7), Philadelphia Eagles (-6)
The Biggest Movers - Detroit Lions (+11), Pittsburgh Steelers (+11), New York Jets (+8), New Orleans Saints (+7), New York Giants (+6)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (4), Denver Broncos (24), Kansas City Chiefs (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 2
New England Patriots
Check back tomorrow for week 3 predictions.
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 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 32)
If I could rank the Chiefs lower than last overall, I would. I have never seen a team so dead and buried after two games as this 2011 Kansas City squad. Injuries and poor execution on both offense and defense have devastated this division champion from one year ago. But no worries. A trip to San Diego may be the cure for what ails them, since the Chargers are infamous for playing down to their opponent's level. Still, the Chiefs are beyond forked.
# 31 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 30)
The Seahawks have looked absolutely terrible with Tarvaris Jackson at the helm. Was Matt Hasselbeck really that bad? I don't think so and the Titans don’t think so. Unlike with Kansas City, there is still hope for Seattle to turn things around. They play in the NFC West afterall and in a division where the teams are a combined 2-6 after two weeks, anything can happen. Just ask the 2010 Seahawks.
# 30 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 29)
The Rams are better than their 0-2 record and are probably better than their 30th ranking, but injuries and bad decisions have St. Louis trying to figure out what is going on. The game against the Giants was sloppy and not the best way to highlight your talents in primetime. Like Seattle, the Rams still have more than a good chance in the NFC West, but how truly terrible is the division if two of its four teams are considered Forked?
# 29 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 31)
I really thought the Colts would rally around Collins enough to get by the Browns without incident, but Indy looks completely out of their element without Manning behind center. The Colts have been designed for a vertical passing game led by their formerly indestructible general and are now forced into a balanced attack with an emphasis on defense. That can be a formula for success in the long run, but the 2011 season is all but lost.
# 28 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 27)
Before the season started, if you had to guess which AFC East team would be 0-2 after two weeks, few people would have picked the Dolphins. Further burying them deep in the division cellar is that they are the only AFC East team to lose a game yet this season. That changes this week when the Bills and Patriots square off, but that's little consolation for Miami.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 26)
400+ yards against the Cardinals is one thing, 400+ yards against the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers, totally different. Despite Cam Newton's jaw-dropping stat lines, the bottom line remains that the Panthers are 0-2 and play in a stacked division. They will not go 1-15 this year, but they are still at least one year away from being a serious contender for the division title.
# 26 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 23)
Two straight weeks, two straight fourth quarter collapses. At least the Vikings are consistent. Defensively, the Vikings have failed to stop anybody for long stretches of time and offensively, the Vikes have struggled to string together successful drives resulting in touchdowns. It will be a long, tough season in Minnesota if their only hope for victory each game is that the defense contains the opposing offense just enough so that Adrian Peterson can breakaway for the winning score. Three more weeks of ineptness and Christian Ponder should be named the starting quarterback.
# 25 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 16)
Garrard, gone. McCown, benched after a terrible three quarters of play filled with four interceptions and a safety. Welcome to the party, Gabberts. Coach Del Rio needs you to take him to the playoffs if he wants to be coaching the Jaguars next season. But don’t worry. There is no pressure on you.
# 24 - Denver Broncos (previous: 24)
Kyle Orton has kept the "Tebow" chants at bay for at least one more week, but a two-point victory at home over the Bengals is not going to instill a lot of confidence in any quarterback.
# 23 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 28)
The Browns should be 2-0 now, but a bad loss to the Bengals still has people wondering if Cleveland can rise above the underachivement of the past few seasons and actually challenge for the playoffs. When Miami comes to town this week, the Browns better win if they hope to start building any positive momentum this season.
# 22 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 21)
As impressive and gutsy as any comeback win you will ever see, Dallas should not have been behind the 49ers to begin with. Injuries have taken a toll on them and it is still yet uncertain whether Romo or Austin or Jones or Bryant will be in uniform when their Monday Night matchup against the division-leading Redskins kicks off. Are the Cowboys better than 22nd in the league? Absolutely, but only if they can weather the early season storm of injuries.
# 21 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 15)
The aerial attack of Kolb to Fitzgerald seems to be coming along nicely, yet Arizona still has too many question marks on their roster for anybody to tell if they are for real or not. Being real in the NFC West is one thing, being real in the rest of the NFL is totally different.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 19)
Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay saved their season with their fourth-quarter heroics against the Vikings on Sunday. The game was absolutely crucial for them to keep pace with the Saints and Falcons. Their upcoming clash with Atlanta in Florida will help determine if the Young Bucs are finally coming of age or if their still just the annoying little brothers of the NFC South.
# 19 - New York Giants (previous: 25)
Sloppy wins are still wins. Manning has been careless with the football and had the Rams not gift-wrapped so many points for the Giants on Monday, the game easily could have slipped away from New York. Against Philadelphia they will have to play turnover-free football if they hope to keep pace in the hotly-contested NFC East.
# 18 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 12)
For my money, the Bengals are second only to the Detroit Lions as the surprise team of the early season. Already they have one more victory than some experts predicted and they nearly had two. They are certainly no match for Baltimore or Pittsburgh, but they are a match for the 49ers and a victory in front of the home crowd could have them tied for first place after three weeks.
# 17 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 14)
A heartbreaking loss on the road. Oakland has their sights set squarely on an AFC Wild Card spot, but they can’t afford to let games slip through their fingers if they hope to get there.
# 16 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 20)
A big win for the Falcons over the Eagles on Sunday night. Though it merely kept them even with the Saints and Bucs in the standings, the victory could pay huge dividends at the end of the season when tiebreakers determine who gets into the playoffs and where they'll play.
# 15 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 7)
The New England Patriots gave the ball to the Chargers at midfield in the fourth quarter and challenged them to score and take the lead. San Diego responded with a weak series that ended in a turnover and then the Patriots were off and runnning. San Diego will never be the championship team everyone keeps hoping they will be if they cannot move the ball 50 yards for a touchdown against a good team when their backs are against the wall.
# 14 - Chicago Bears (previous: 5)
Chicago's week one victory over Atlanta looked like a fluke after their week two loss to New Orleans. Things don't get any better for the Bears when they face off against Green Bay in week three. A loss will put them all but out of the division race if Detroit stays hot.
# 13 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 18)
Solid defense and a surprising passing game elevated Tennessee over the highly-rated Ravens. Still, where was Chris Johnson? In the past he's had more rushing yards in a single quarter than he had in the first two games of the 2011 season. If Tennessee can’t get their running game going, they have little hope of making it to the playoffs.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 8)
The 49ers. The best team in the NFC West. That isn’t saying much. A total collapse against Dallas on Sunday can't do much for their confidence, either, with the latest reports that Romo beat them with broken ribs and a punctured lung.
# 11 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 22)
The Seahawks were cooked before they ever left Seattle after the embarassment Pittsburgh suffered in Baltimore during week one. Since the Ravens stumbled, the division is once again a two-team race that won't be decided until November when Baltimore comes to town for round two.
# 10 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 17)
New Orleans, so close to knocking off Green Bay, left no doubt that they were better than Chicago with a solid victory before the home fans. Now they need to stay true at home and knock off the Texans this week in order to stay tied for first place with the winner of the Falcons-Buccaneers game.
# 9 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 3)
Beaten, bruised and bloodied. Not quite the homecoming Vick hoped for with his return to Atlanta. Now Philadelphia may be forced to face the Giants without their superstar quarterback. As a team, the Eagles should be strong enough to defeat the Giants, whether or not Vick plays.
# 8 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 1)
It's a little early in the season for the curse of the Creative Elite #1 to rear its ugly head, but, man did it ever. As good as the Ravens looked when they dominated the Steelers in week one, Baltimore looked just as bad and confused in their week two loss to Tennessee. A loss like this should wake them up and I expect them to head to St. Louis with a chip on their shoulder and a desire to show that their embarassing game last week was nothing but a momentary lapse of focus.
# 7 - Washington Redskins (previous: 10)
The Redskins are 2-0 and in sole possession of first place? Their upcoming Monday Night matchup against Dallas looks scarier than ever. Washington can play defense. If the offense can continue to move the ball consistently from week to week, Rex Grossman may very well be right about their chances to win the division.
# 6 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 9)
A 2-0 start means nothing if the Patriots go into Buffalo this weekend and lay 50 on the Bills. Sure, Buffalo has started out with two impressive wins, but since they are not even supposed to be here, a victory over New England will silence their critics until they finally lose a game.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Houston Texans (previous: 6)
With Foster out and gimpy, Ben Tate has filled the void nicely at running back for the hard-charging Texans. The division remains theirs to lose. If Houston can’t make the playoffs this year, rules should be put in place to keep them out indefinitely.
# 4 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 4)
The Packers may still be the best team in the NFL, but two straight near-misses - an excusable one against the Saints, a surprising one against the Panthers - give me enough pause to wonder when they will stumble first. Will it be in Chicago this weekend or in their first game against Detroit down the road?
# 3 - New York Jets (previous: 11)
The Jets won by 29 points while only rushing for 100 yards and passing for less than 200. If they aren't the anti-Patriots, I have no idea who is.
# 2 - Detroit Lions (previous: 13)
Detroit's defense was solid last season and showed signs of greatness. The offense, too, showed flashes of inspiration last year. It looks like everything is finally coming together for the Lions in 2011. I can’t remember the last time the Lions were undefeated this late in the season. Could this mean their annual Thanksgiving Day game (against Green Bay this year) might actually be something worth watching?
# 1 - New England Patriots (previous: 2)
Until they are beaten, the Patriots remain the team to beat in the NFL. Belichick's cutthroat tactics, even when they fail (see 4th and 4 from midfield against the Chargers with only a six point lead), still seem to have other coaches shaking in their boots. The Evil Empire is alive and well, though regular season success has been nothing new of late for the Patriots. It's playoff victories they need to secure before everybody should really fear that New England is back to their Super Bowl winning ways.
Week 2 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Chicago Bears (-9), Jacksonville Jaguars (-9), San Diego Chargers (-8), Baltimore Ravens (-7), Philadelphia Eagles (-6)
The Biggest Movers - Detroit Lions (+11), Pittsburgh Steelers (+11), New York Jets (+8), New Orleans Saints (+7), New York Giants (+6)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (4), Denver Broncos (24), Kansas City Chiefs (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 2
Check back tomorrow for week 3 predictions.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Week 2 Results (2011) ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
The Patriots and the Lions continue to roar as fantasy juggernauts (so weird to put those two teams in the same sentence praising their abilities), while the Seahawks and Chiefs added speed to their dead spin into fantasy irrelevance.
In week 2, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Philadelphia Eagles managed to win fantasy games they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the surprising Detroit Lions, who scored 131 points against the hapless Kansas City Chiefs.
Low score falls to the Kansas City Chiefs at 9 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 48 points the Detroit Lions scored against them. Interesting point regarding this matchup - 7 different starting players for Detroit would have outscored or tied the 9 points Kansas City managed as a team.
But the Chiefs weren't the only team to be completely manhandled by their opponent in Week 2. Both the Seattle Seahawks (19 fantasy points vs 24 real points) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (17 fantasy points vs 32 real points) failed to score enough fantasy points to beat the real numbers their opponents scored against them.
Week 2 Game Results:
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
Fantasy Score: Cincinnati Bengals 83, Denver Broncos 62
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Andy Dalton (21), AJ Green (18), Jerome Simpson (13)
Denver's Key Performers: Eric Decker (21), Willis McGahee (16), Kyle Orton (13)
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 87, Chicago Bears 48
Chicago's Key Performers: Matt Forte (15), Jay Cutler (12), Dane Sanzenbacher (9)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (22), Devery Henderson (16), John Kasay (14)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 69, Minnesota Vikings 65
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: LeGarrette Blount (19), Josh Freeman (12), Preston Parker (9)
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (26), Donovan McNabb (10), Ryan Longwell (8)
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 77, Seattle Seahawks 19
Seattle's Key Performers: Tarvaris Jackson (7), Ben Obamanu (3), Justin Forsett (3)
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Mike Wallace (18), Ben Roethlisberger (15), Defense (15)
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins
Fantasy Score: Washington Redskins 84, Arizona Cardinals 73
Arizona's Key Performers: Larry Fitzgerald (19), Kevin Kolb (16), Beanie Wells (15)
Washington's Key Performers: Rex Grossman (15), Fred Davis (14), Santana Moss (12)
Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 84, Miami Dolphins 48
Houston's Key Performers: Matt Schaub (17), Andre Johnson (15), Ben Tate (13)
Miami's Key Performers: Brandon Marshall (13), Chad Henne (10), Daniel Thomas (9)
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 97, San Francisco 49ers 60
Dallas' Key Performers: Miles Austin (32), Tony Romo (21), Jason Witten (10)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Alex Smith (15), Frank Gore (11), Delanie Walker (9)
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 109, San Diego Chargers 74
San Diego's Key Performers: Vincent Jackson (29), Philip Rivers (18), Ryan Mathews (18)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (28), Rob Gronkowski (20), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (13)
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy Score: Cleveland Browns 61, Indianapolis Colts 56
Cleveland's Key Performers: Peyton Hillis (21), Colt McCoy (13), Phil Dawson (9)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Adam Vinatieri (15), Dallas Clark (9), Joseph Addai (9)
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Fantasy Score: Tennessee Titans 93, Baltimore Ravens 39
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (15), Billy Cundiff (8), Joe Flacco (7)
Tennessee's Key Performers: Kenny Britt (19), Matt Hasselbeck (16), Rob Bironas (14)
Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Detroit Lions 131, Kansas City Chiefs 9
Kansas City's Key Performers: Dwayne Bowe (11), Thomas Jones (4), Dexter McCluster (3)
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (25), Jahvid Best (23), Defense (21)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: New York Jets 82, Jacksonville Jaguars 17
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (9), Josh Scobee (5), Jarett Dillard (2)
New York's Key Performers: Defense (19), Dustin Keller (16), Nick Folk (13)
Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills
Fantasy Score: Buffalo Bills 95, Oakland Raiders 87
Oakland's Key Performers: Jason Campbell (24), Darren McFadden (24), Denarius Moore (22)
Buffalo's Key Performers: Fred Jackson (25), Ryan Fitzpatrick (22), Steve Johnson (15)
Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 89, Carolina Panthers 78
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (21), Jordy Nelson (14), Mason Crosby (12)
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (26), Steve Smith (13), Olindo Mare (11)
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: Philadelphia Eagles 81, Atlanta Falcons 78
Philadelphia's Key Performers: Jeremy Maclin (29), LeSean McCoy (23), Michale Vick (13)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Tony Gonzalez (20), Michael Turner (20), Matt Ryan (19)
St. Louis Rams at New York Giants
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 73, St. Louis Rams 46
St. Louis' Key Performers: Sam Bradford (16), Josh Brown (10), Mike Sims-Walker (9)
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (14), Defense (13), Brandon Jacobs (12)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. Will Detroit's fantasy prowess help them in this week's rankings?
In week 2, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Philadelphia Eagles managed to win fantasy games they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the surprising Detroit Lions, who scored 131 points against the hapless Kansas City Chiefs.
Low score falls to the Kansas City Chiefs at 9 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 48 points the Detroit Lions scored against them. Interesting point regarding this matchup - 7 different starting players for Detroit would have outscored or tied the 9 points Kansas City managed as a team.
But the Chiefs weren't the only team to be completely manhandled by their opponent in Week 2. Both the Seattle Seahawks (19 fantasy points vs 24 real points) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (17 fantasy points vs 32 real points) failed to score enough fantasy points to beat the real numbers their opponents scored against them.
Week 2 Game Results:
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
Fantasy Score: Cincinnati Bengals 83, Denver Broncos 62
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Andy Dalton (21), AJ Green (18), Jerome Simpson (13)
Denver's Key Performers: Eric Decker (21), Willis McGahee (16), Kyle Orton (13)
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 87, Chicago Bears 48
Chicago's Key Performers: Matt Forte (15), Jay Cutler (12), Dane Sanzenbacher (9)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (22), Devery Henderson (16), John Kasay (14)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 69, Minnesota Vikings 65
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: LeGarrette Blount (19), Josh Freeman (12), Preston Parker (9)
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (26), Donovan McNabb (10), Ryan Longwell (8)
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 77, Seattle Seahawks 19
Seattle's Key Performers: Tarvaris Jackson (7), Ben Obamanu (3), Justin Forsett (3)
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Mike Wallace (18), Ben Roethlisberger (15), Defense (15)
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins
Fantasy Score: Washington Redskins 84, Arizona Cardinals 73
Arizona's Key Performers: Larry Fitzgerald (19), Kevin Kolb (16), Beanie Wells (15)
Washington's Key Performers: Rex Grossman (15), Fred Davis (14), Santana Moss (12)
Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 84, Miami Dolphins 48
Houston's Key Performers: Matt Schaub (17), Andre Johnson (15), Ben Tate (13)
Miami's Key Performers: Brandon Marshall (13), Chad Henne (10), Daniel Thomas (9)
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 97, San Francisco 49ers 60
Dallas' Key Performers: Miles Austin (32), Tony Romo (21), Jason Witten (10)
San Francisco's Key Performers: Alex Smith (15), Frank Gore (11), Delanie Walker (9)
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots
Fantasy Score: New England Patriots 109, San Diego Chargers 74
San Diego's Key Performers: Vincent Jackson (29), Philip Rivers (18), Ryan Mathews (18)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (28), Rob Gronkowski (20), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (13)
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts
Fantasy Score: Cleveland Browns 61, Indianapolis Colts 56
Cleveland's Key Performers: Peyton Hillis (21), Colt McCoy (13), Phil Dawson (9)
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Adam Vinatieri (15), Dallas Clark (9), Joseph Addai (9)
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Fantasy Score: Tennessee Titans 93, Baltimore Ravens 39
Baltimore's Key Performers: Ray Rice (15), Billy Cundiff (8), Joe Flacco (7)
Tennessee's Key Performers: Kenny Britt (19), Matt Hasselbeck (16), Rob Bironas (14)
Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Detroit Lions 131, Kansas City Chiefs 9
Kansas City's Key Performers: Dwayne Bowe (11), Thomas Jones (4), Dexter McCluster (3)
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (25), Jahvid Best (23), Defense (21)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: New York Jets 82, Jacksonville Jaguars 17
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (9), Josh Scobee (5), Jarett Dillard (2)
New York's Key Performers: Defense (19), Dustin Keller (16), Nick Folk (13)
Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills
Fantasy Score: Buffalo Bills 95, Oakland Raiders 87
Oakland's Key Performers: Jason Campbell (24), Darren McFadden (24), Denarius Moore (22)
Buffalo's Key Performers: Fred Jackson (25), Ryan Fitzpatrick (22), Steve Johnson (15)
Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 89, Carolina Panthers 78
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (21), Jordy Nelson (14), Mason Crosby (12)
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (26), Steve Smith (13), Olindo Mare (11)
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: Philadelphia Eagles 81, Atlanta Falcons 78
Philadelphia's Key Performers: Jeremy Maclin (29), LeSean McCoy (23), Michale Vick (13)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Tony Gonzalez (20), Michael Turner (20), Matt Ryan (19)
St. Louis Rams at New York Giants
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 73, St. Louis Rams 46
St. Louis' Key Performers: Sam Bradford (16), Josh Brown (10), Mike Sims-Walker (9)
New York's Key Performers: Eli Manning (14), Defense (13), Brandon Jacobs (12)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. Will Detroit's fantasy prowess help them in this week's rankings?
Monday, September 19, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - MNF - Week 2 (2011)
All human prediction systems, led by Scottie V, hit above the 70% accuracy mark with their week 2 picks on Sunday. Will their luck hold with their Monday night picks?
Monday Night Game Prediction:
St. Louis Rams at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Giants by 5. The Giants seem to be in disarray and the Rams are beaten up. This may not end up being the most entertaining Monday Night game, but it will be nice to see the Rams back in primetime for a change.
Scottie V's Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3. Steven Jackson and the Rams are out to prove they are on the rise… What better place to show that than on Monday Night?
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 6. Giants by 6, Over/Under 44
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3. Both teams at 0-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
Week 2 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. How many teams improved their fantasy records this week, despite losing in real life?
Monday Night Game Prediction:
St. Louis Rams at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Giants by 5. The Giants seem to be in disarray and the Rams are beaten up. This may not end up being the most entertaining Monday Night game, but it will be nice to see the Rams back in primetime for a change.
Scottie V's Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3. Steven Jackson and the Rams are out to prove they are on the rise… What better place to show that than on Monday Night?
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 6. Giants by 6, Over/Under 44
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3. Both teams at 0-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
Week 2 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. How many teams improved their fantasy records this week, despite losing in real life?
Friday, September 16, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 2 (2011)
All systems are still looking to reach that mythical 70% accuracy mark. Will the Week 2 matchups provide them with more success?
Sunday Game Predictions:
Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 2. Oakland hasn't had much success against non-AFC West teams, but Buffalo hasn’t had much success against anybody recently. In a toss up pick, I'll go with the Bills at home to win on a missed field goal.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. It feels like the Marv Levy era all over again… Well not quite, but I like this overachieving Bills team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills by 3, Over/Under 43
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Both teams at 1-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3.
Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 22. Let's see how Cam Newton performs against a playoff-tested defense when they know he has to throw the ball to play catch-up against the Packers high-powered offense.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 4. The Pack suffer a bit of a week 2 letdown to start the game, but overcome Cam Newton in the late stages of the game.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 10. Packers by 10, Over/Under 47
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. The Lions are the hot, young team in the NFL now and the Chiefs don’t seem to know what is going on.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. The Lions continue to make strides and the Chiefs seem to have forgotten that the preseason is over.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 8. Lions by 8, Over/Under 45
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 4. The shock of Manning being out has come and gone. The Colts will rally around Collins at least this week to win one at home against a reeling Browns squad.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 10. Life without Peyton continues to not look so rosy.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns by 2.5, Over/Under 40
Best Record Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3. Both teams at 0-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3. The Vikings still have a lot to figure out, but they should be able to take care of the Buccaneers at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3. Though the Vikes had a decent showing in SD last weekend, I gotta like the Bucs in this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3. Vikings by 3, Over/Under 41.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3. Both teams at 0-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 4. This game will be closer than it should be, but New Orleans will win at home. On a personal note to Brian Urlacher, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 13. Unlike the Packers last week, the Bears can't keep up with Drew Brees' air assault.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 7. Saints by 6.5, Over/Under 47.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 7. New York will win and win ugly.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 7. I still don't like them, but the Jets continue to find ways to get it done.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 9. Jets by 8.5, Over/under 39.5
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Both teams at 1-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 13. The Steelers were embarrassed last week in Baltimore and are still licking their wounds. Nothing will help them feel better quicker than roasted Seahawk for lunch.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 17. The Steelers actually played pretty well last weekend, but 7 turnovers will kill you… Ben and the gang will take out their angst and get on the right track in a big way in this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 14. Steelers by 14, Over/Under 40.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Both teams at 0-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3.
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. The Ravens now know they can beat anybody. The Titans have to work through too many issues and won't be able to stop them.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 4. While the Titans put up a fight, Tennessee doesn't have the manpower to get it done down the stretch.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 6. Ravens by 6, Over/Under 38
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington Redskins by 5. Carolina gave Arizona all they could handle last week and the Redskins are a far better team than the Panthers.
Scottie V's Pick: Washington Redskins by 9. The Cards squeaked out a win last week, but that was at home…
Vegas Lines Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins by 3, Over/Under 44.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Both teams at 1-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Fewer second half mental errors will give Dallas their first win of the season.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. I'm a believer in Jim Harbaugh and in Tony Romo, I do not trust.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys by 3, Over/Under 42.5
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3.
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. One of these teams has to win. Might as well go with the home team.
Scottie V's Pick: Denver Broncos by 4. Orton is able to stave off the "TE-BOW" chants for one week... Thanks, Cincinnati!
Vegas Lines Pick: Denver Broncos by 4. Broncos by 3.5, Over/Under 40
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3.
Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 8. Houston improves to 2-0 with a shoot-out win over Miami.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 7. Houston kind of comes back down to earth after last week as the Fins put up a fight.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans by 3, Over/Under 47.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 6. One key fourth quarter defensive stop may be all it takes to win this game.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 10. The Pats are out to prove they are the class of the AFC.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 7. Patriots by 7, Over/Under 54
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Both teams at 1-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 1. Philadelphia wins a close one in Vick's return to Atlanta.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 11. In an excellent early-season NFC showdown, the Falcons show they have the upper hand.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 2. Eagles by 1.5, Over/Under 49.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Eagles better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Oakland Raiders at Buffalo Bills
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 2. Oakland hasn't had much success against non-AFC West teams, but Buffalo hasn’t had much success against anybody recently. In a toss up pick, I'll go with the Bills at home to win on a missed field goal.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. It feels like the Marv Levy era all over again… Well not quite, but I like this overachieving Bills team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills by 3, Over/Under 43
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Both teams at 1-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3.
Green Bay Packers at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 22. Let's see how Cam Newton performs against a playoff-tested defense when they know he has to throw the ball to play catch-up against the Packers high-powered offense.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 4. The Pack suffer a bit of a week 2 letdown to start the game, but overcome Cam Newton in the late stages of the game.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 10. Packers by 10, Over/Under 47
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Kansas City Chiefs at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. The Lions are the hot, young team in the NFL now and the Chiefs don’t seem to know what is going on.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. The Lions continue to make strides and the Chiefs seem to have forgotten that the preseason is over.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 8. Lions by 8, Over/Under 45
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Cleveland Browns at Indianapolis Colts
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 4. The shock of Manning being out has come and gone. The Colts will rally around Collins at least this week to win one at home against a reeling Browns squad.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 10. Life without Peyton continues to not look so rosy.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns by 2.5, Over/Under 40
Best Record Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3. Both teams at 0-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Indianapolis Colts by 3.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3. The Vikings still have a lot to figure out, but they should be able to take care of the Buccaneers at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3. Though the Vikes had a decent showing in SD last weekend, I gotta like the Bucs in this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3. Vikings by 3, Over/Under 41.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3. Both teams at 0-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 4. This game will be closer than it should be, but New Orleans will win at home. On a personal note to Brian Urlacher, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 13. Unlike the Packers last week, the Bears can't keep up with Drew Brees' air assault.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 7. Saints by 6.5, Over/Under 47.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 7. New York will win and win ugly.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 7. I still don't like them, but the Jets continue to find ways to get it done.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 9. Jets by 8.5, Over/under 39.5
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Both teams at 1-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 13. The Steelers were embarrassed last week in Baltimore and are still licking their wounds. Nothing will help them feel better quicker than roasted Seahawk for lunch.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 17. The Steelers actually played pretty well last weekend, but 7 turnovers will kill you… Ben and the gang will take out their angst and get on the right track in a big way in this one.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 14. Steelers by 14, Over/Under 40.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Both teams at 0-1, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3.
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. The Ravens now know they can beat anybody. The Titans have to work through too many issues and won't be able to stop them.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 4. While the Titans put up a fight, Tennessee doesn't have the manpower to get it done down the stretch.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 6. Ravens by 6, Over/Under 38
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington Redskins by 5. Carolina gave Arizona all they could handle last week and the Redskins are a far better team than the Panthers.
Scottie V's Pick: Washington Redskins by 9. The Cards squeaked out a win last week, but that was at home…
Vegas Lines Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins by 3, Over/Under 44.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Both teams at 1-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Fewer second half mental errors will give Dallas their first win of the season.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. I'm a believer in Jim Harbaugh and in Tony Romo, I do not trust.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys by 3, Over/Under 42.5
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3.
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. One of these teams has to win. Might as well go with the home team.
Scottie V's Pick: Denver Broncos by 4. Orton is able to stave off the "TE-BOW" chants for one week... Thanks, Cincinnati!
Vegas Lines Pick: Denver Broncos by 4. Broncos by 3.5, Over/Under 40
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3.
Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 8. Houston improves to 2-0 with a shoot-out win over Miami.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 7. Houston kind of comes back down to earth after last week as the Fins put up a fight.
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans by 3, Over/Under 47.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
San Diego Chargers at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 6. One key fourth quarter defensive stop may be all it takes to win this game.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 10. The Pats are out to prove they are the class of the AFC.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 7. Patriots by 7, Over/Under 54
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Both teams at 1-0, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 1. Philadelphia wins a close one in Vick's return to Atlanta.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 11. In an excellent early-season NFC showdown, the Falcons show they have the upper hand.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 2. Eagles by 1.5, Over/Under 49.5
Best Record Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Eagles better at 1-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
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