Big-time comebacks, some unexpected blowouts and a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change from week-to-week in the NFL. Week 8, everybody. Let's finish it off right with a solid divisional matchup on Monday night.
Monday Night Game Prediction:
San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 7. Even though I am picking the Chargers, I wouldn’t be shocked at all if the Chiefs won this game by a touchdown or two.
Scottie V's Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3. The Arrowhead crowd will be raucous on a Monday night.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego Chargers by 4. Chargers by 3.5, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3. Chargers better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Kansas City Chiefs by 3.
Week 8 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. As we enter the final 4 games of the fantasy season, many teams are still fighting for their playoff lives...
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 8 (2011)
Another exciting NFL weekend awaits us with some classic matchups and some real clunkers. See how all systems think each game will shake out in week 8.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. The Ravens should win this one by a large margin, but after last Monday, all bets are off.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 17. Flacco and Co. looked unimpressive last weekend, but look for them to have their way with the Cardinals at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 13. Ravens 12.5, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. When Carolina went 1-15 their 1 came against the Vikings. I don’t see any reason to think they can’t beat them again this year.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 4. Ponder vs. Newton… I like Newton at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers by 3, Over/Under 48.
Best Record Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers better at 2-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 14. The Texans might get Andre Johnson back this week. If he returns, he'll add extra power to an already intimidating offense.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 3. If the Texans are ever going to win the AFC South this seems to be the year… Now if they could just pull it together…
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 10. Texans by 9.5, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 4-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3.
Miami Dolphins at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Giants by 10. Miami will remain among the beaten. It's not that I have overwhelming faith in the Giants to win, it's that I have faith the Dolphins will find a way to lose.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Giants by 13. Will the Dolphins ever recover from their late-game collapse last week? And that was against a bad Bronco team.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 10. Giants 9.5, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3. Giants better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 28. Even at home the Rams won’t have a counter for Drew Brees.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 23. Yikes… At least St. Louis has the Cardinals they can be proud of.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 14. Saints by 13.5, Over/Under 48.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 5-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 9. Even a lackluster Titans team should be able to handle the punchless Colts at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 6. This could be the lame-o game of the week… Colts keep their edge in the Luck sweepstakes.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 9. Titans by 8.5, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 3-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. Washington suddenly has no idea what is going on and Buffalo has had an extra week to prepare for this matchup.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. Gotta love Fitzpatrick and the Redskins don't have much fight in their dog.
Vegas Lines Pick: Buffalo Bills by 6. Bills by 5.5, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3.
Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 12. There won’t be any last-second magic for Tebow this week.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. Certainly much shine has come off this Lions squad the last couple games… But aside from some serious Tebow magic, the Broncos are a bad football team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions by 3, Over/Under 42.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 5-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3.
New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 3. The Patriots have played well in Pittsburgh over the last decade. This week they once again prove they are among the AFC's elite.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 6. Though the Patriots have had the Steelers' number as of late, this Steeler team has too much firepower for the Pats D.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots by 3, Over/Under 52.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 5-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3.
Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 7. Cincinnati just looks better than the Seahawks.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. The Bengals have looked much better as of late, but the 'Hawks can be tough at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals by 3, Over/Under 38.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 12. The Browns looked terrible last week and the 49ers are well rested and playing at home.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 8. The Niners are playing their best ball in years.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 9. 49ers by 9, Over/Under 38.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 5-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 2. This gritty game will come down to the wire, but unless Dallas wins big, the NFC East will still be up for grabs.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 6. The Eagles have to win this game or that city just might have a collective conniption.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Eagles by 3, Over/Under 50.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 3-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Arizona Cardinals at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 7. The Ravens should win this one by a large margin, but after last Monday, all bets are off.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 17. Flacco and Co. looked unimpressive last weekend, but look for them to have their way with the Cardinals at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 13. Ravens 12.5, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. When Carolina went 1-15 their 1 came against the Vikings. I don’t see any reason to think they can’t beat them again this year.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 4. Ponder vs. Newton… I like Newton at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers by 3, Over/Under 48.
Best Record Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers better at 2-5.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Houston Texans by 14. The Texans might get Andre Johnson back this week. If he returns, he'll add extra power to an already intimidating offense.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 3. If the Texans are ever going to win the AFC South this seems to be the year… Now if they could just pull it together…
Vegas Lines Pick: Houston Texans by 10. Texans by 9.5, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3. Texans better at 4-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Houston Texans by 3.
Miami Dolphins at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Giants by 10. Miami will remain among the beaten. It's not that I have overwhelming faith in the Giants to win, it's that I have faith the Dolphins will find a way to lose.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Giants by 13. Will the Dolphins ever recover from their late-game collapse last week? And that was against a bad Bronco team.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 10. Giants 9.5, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3. Giants better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 28. Even at home the Rams won’t have a counter for Drew Brees.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 23. Yikes… At least St. Louis has the Cardinals they can be proud of.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 14. Saints by 13.5, Over/Under 48.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 5-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: St. Louis Rams by 3.
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 9. Even a lackluster Titans team should be able to handle the punchless Colts at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 6. This could be the lame-o game of the week… Colts keep their edge in the Luck sweepstakes.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 9. Titans by 8.5, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 3-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. Washington suddenly has no idea what is going on and Buffalo has had an extra week to prepare for this matchup.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. Gotta love Fitzpatrick and the Redskins don't have much fight in their dog.
Vegas Lines Pick: Buffalo Bills by 6. Bills by 5.5, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3.
Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 12. There won’t be any last-second magic for Tebow this week.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. Certainly much shine has come off this Lions squad the last couple games… But aside from some serious Tebow magic, the Broncos are a bad football team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions by 3, Over/Under 42.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 5-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3.
New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 3. The Patriots have played well in Pittsburgh over the last decade. This week they once again prove they are among the AFC's elite.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 6. Though the Patriots have had the Steelers' number as of late, this Steeler team has too much firepower for the Pats D.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots by 3, Over/Under 52.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 5-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3.
Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 7. Cincinnati just looks better than the Seahawks.
Scottie V's Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3. The Bengals have looked much better as of late, but the 'Hawks can be tough at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals by 3, Over/Under 38.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Seattle Seahawks by 3.
Cleveland Browns at San Francisco 49ers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 12. The Browns looked terrible last week and the 49ers are well rested and playing at home.
Scottie V's Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 8. The Niners are playing their best ball in years.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 9. 49ers by 9, Over/Under 38.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3. 49ers better at 5-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: San Francisco 49ers by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 2. This gritty game will come down to the wire, but unless Dallas wins big, the NFC East will still be up for grabs.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 6. The Eagles have to win this game or that city just might have a collective conniption.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. Eagles by 3, Over/Under 50.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 3-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 7 (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, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components 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 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 32)
The Rams keep looking worse every week. They haven't even been close to winning a game all season.
# 31 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 30)
Horrible effort by the Colts last Sunday night in New Orleans. They were never going to win that game, but they certainly should not have been blown out that bad. 45-7, sure. But 62-7, that's ridiculous.
# 30 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 31)
If the last five minutes of the Denver game hasn’t convinced the owners to make a coaching change, nothing will.
# 29 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 25)
One of the best 1-6 teams in the history of the league, Ponder provided a spark for the Vikings on Sunday. Too bad the rest of the team wasn't up to the challenge of playing a full four quarters against the Packers. Three quarters of solid play will never be good enough.
# 28 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 29)
That was an ugly win over the Ravens, but at this stage in the season, the Jags will take them anyway they can get them.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 24)
It's still hard to believe this team has fallen so low after being in the Super Bowl just a few seasons ago. For all of you out there clambering for Peyton Manning to be MVP this season after the Colts' dreadful start, I give you exhibit B for your argument: the Arizona Cardinals in the years since Kurt Warner retired.
# 26 - Denver Broncos (previous: 26)
Say what you want about Tim Tebow's start in Miami over the weekend. Bottom line is he won the game, something Denver has failed to do consistently since Elway retired.
# 25 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 28)
At 2-5, the playoffs are a long-shot, but Carolina is building a team here with Cam Newton that could be a force to be reckoned with next season.
# 24 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 22)
Yuck. Some fans actually had to watch that game.
# 23 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 27)
Have the Chiefs suddenly figured things out and turned the corner on their season? Monday night's matchup against the Chargers has suddenly become interesting.
# 22 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 19)
Just when the Bucs seem to get going, injuries strike down their backfield.
# 21 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 23)
Yuck. At least the Browns rewarded their fans with a win after that miserable outing.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 21)
Out of the bye week they face the Cowboys. It's still anybody's division in the NFC East and the first Cowboys-Eagles matchup will do little to clear up the division race, unless the Eagles get crushed at home.
# 19 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 12)
I am so glad Chris Johnson held out for his new contract. At least he is fat and happy now and the Titans have to be giddy at the thought of paying him six figures a yard after his woeful production this season.
# 18 - Washington Redskins (previous: 14)
The best of Washington's season looks to be behind them.
# 17 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 11)
In a game that featured eight interceptions, the Raiders QBs combined to throw six of them. It's still too early to say the Palmer trade was bad - and I don’t believe it is - but to get smoked at home 28-0 by the Chiefs doesn’t bode well for Oakland's immediate future.
# 16 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 18)
Huge win over the Lions. The Falcons may just have saved their season with that victory, now that they hold a wild card tiebreaker over Detroit.
# 15 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 20)
The Cowboys should beat teams like the Rams by 27. I'll believe they have turned a corner if they come out of Philadelphia with a win Sunday night.
# 14 - New York Giants (previous: 16)
The NFC East is theirs to lose at this point, but the Giants still have a long way to go before they get to the playoffs.
# 13 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 8)
What is going on with Rivers? There are few teams more baffling than the San Diego Chargers.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Chicago Bears (previous: 15)
Solid win against a solid foe on the soil of some far-flung country. Detroit's stumbles of late have given the Bears some hope.
# 11 - New York Jets (previous: 17)
If the defense can keep the Jets in a game, the offense should be just talented enough to win it at the end.
# 10 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 10)
The surprise team of 2011 comes out of its bye week fresh and ready to keep on winning.
# 9 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 9)
Another surprise team of 2011 comes out of its bye week fresh and ready to keep on winning.
# 8 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 7)
Nobody was happier about the Ravens' loss than the Steelers.
# 7 - Detroit Lions (previous: 5)
Two losses in a row and now an injury to Matthew Stafford. Will he ever be able to complete a full season without getting dinged up?
# 6 - Houston Texans (previous: 13)
That is how you seize control of the division.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 2)
In their four wins, the Ravens have been stellar. In their two losses, Baltimore has looked about as bad as a team can look. What gives?
# 4 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 6)
Way to shut down the offense late in the third quarter. No need to subject the stars to unnecessary punishment when the game has already been decided and the stats have been accumulated.
# 3 - New England Patriots (previous: 4)
Out of the bye week and on the road to Pittsburgh - a place where the Patriots have done quite well in the past 10 years. We'll see how well they made use of their extra week to prepare.
# 2 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 3)
The 49ers aren’t there yet, but as the best team in the NFC West they are definitely well on their way.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
Nothing like a 20-point third quarter on the road against a division rival to solidify Green Bay as the #1 team in the league.
Week 7 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Tennessee Titans (-7), Oakland Raiders (-6), San Diego Chargers (-5), Washington Redskins (-4), Minnesota Vikings (-4)
The Biggest Movers - Houston Texans (+7), New York Jets (+6), Dallas Cowboys (+5), Kansas City Chiefs (+4), Chicago Bears (+3)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), Buffalo Bills (9), Cincinnati Bengals (10), Denver Broncos (26), St. Louis Rams (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 7
Green Bay Packers
Check back tomorrow for week 8 predictions.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components 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 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 32)
The Rams keep looking worse every week. They haven't even been close to winning a game all season.
# 31 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 30)
Horrible effort by the Colts last Sunday night in New Orleans. They were never going to win that game, but they certainly should not have been blown out that bad. 45-7, sure. But 62-7, that's ridiculous.
# 30 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 31)
If the last five minutes of the Denver game hasn’t convinced the owners to make a coaching change, nothing will.
# 29 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 25)
One of the best 1-6 teams in the history of the league, Ponder provided a spark for the Vikings on Sunday. Too bad the rest of the team wasn't up to the challenge of playing a full four quarters against the Packers. Three quarters of solid play will never be good enough.
# 28 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 29)
That was an ugly win over the Ravens, but at this stage in the season, the Jags will take them anyway they can get them.
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 24)
It's still hard to believe this team has fallen so low after being in the Super Bowl just a few seasons ago. For all of you out there clambering for Peyton Manning to be MVP this season after the Colts' dreadful start, I give you exhibit B for your argument: the Arizona Cardinals in the years since Kurt Warner retired.
# 26 - Denver Broncos (previous: 26)
Say what you want about Tim Tebow's start in Miami over the weekend. Bottom line is he won the game, something Denver has failed to do consistently since Elway retired.
# 25 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 28)
At 2-5, the playoffs are a long-shot, but Carolina is building a team here with Cam Newton that could be a force to be reckoned with next season.
# 24 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 22)
Yuck. Some fans actually had to watch that game.
# 23 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 27)
Have the Chiefs suddenly figured things out and turned the corner on their season? Monday night's matchup against the Chargers has suddenly become interesting.
# 22 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 19)
Just when the Bucs seem to get going, injuries strike down their backfield.
# 21 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 23)
Yuck. At least the Browns rewarded their fans with a win after that miserable outing.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 21)
Out of the bye week they face the Cowboys. It's still anybody's division in the NFC East and the first Cowboys-Eagles matchup will do little to clear up the division race, unless the Eagles get crushed at home.
# 19 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 12)
I am so glad Chris Johnson held out for his new contract. At least he is fat and happy now and the Titans have to be giddy at the thought of paying him six figures a yard after his woeful production this season.
# 18 - Washington Redskins (previous: 14)
The best of Washington's season looks to be behind them.
# 17 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 11)
In a game that featured eight interceptions, the Raiders QBs combined to throw six of them. It's still too early to say the Palmer trade was bad - and I don’t believe it is - but to get smoked at home 28-0 by the Chiefs doesn’t bode well for Oakland's immediate future.
# 16 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 18)
Huge win over the Lions. The Falcons may just have saved their season with that victory, now that they hold a wild card tiebreaker over Detroit.
# 15 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 20)
The Cowboys should beat teams like the Rams by 27. I'll believe they have turned a corner if they come out of Philadelphia with a win Sunday night.
# 14 - New York Giants (previous: 16)
The NFC East is theirs to lose at this point, but the Giants still have a long way to go before they get to the playoffs.
# 13 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 8)
What is going on with Rivers? There are few teams more baffling than the San Diego Chargers.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Chicago Bears (previous: 15)
Solid win against a solid foe on the soil of some far-flung country. Detroit's stumbles of late have given the Bears some hope.
# 11 - New York Jets (previous: 17)
If the defense can keep the Jets in a game, the offense should be just talented enough to win it at the end.
# 10 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 10)
The surprise team of 2011 comes out of its bye week fresh and ready to keep on winning.
# 9 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 9)
Another surprise team of 2011 comes out of its bye week fresh and ready to keep on winning.
# 8 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 7)
Nobody was happier about the Ravens' loss than the Steelers.
# 7 - Detroit Lions (previous: 5)
Two losses in a row and now an injury to Matthew Stafford. Will he ever be able to complete a full season without getting dinged up?
# 6 - Houston Texans (previous: 13)
That is how you seize control of the division.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 2)
In their four wins, the Ravens have been stellar. In their two losses, Baltimore has looked about as bad as a team can look. What gives?
# 4 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 6)
Way to shut down the offense late in the third quarter. No need to subject the stars to unnecessary punishment when the game has already been decided and the stats have been accumulated.
# 3 - New England Patriots (previous: 4)
Out of the bye week and on the road to Pittsburgh - a place where the Patriots have done quite well in the past 10 years. We'll see how well they made use of their extra week to prepare.
# 2 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 3)
The 49ers aren’t there yet, but as the best team in the NFC West they are definitely well on their way.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
Nothing like a 20-point third quarter on the road against a division rival to solidify Green Bay as the #1 team in the league.
Week 7 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Tennessee Titans (-7), Oakland Raiders (-6), San Diego Chargers (-5), Washington Redskins (-4), Minnesota Vikings (-4)
The Biggest Movers - Houston Texans (+7), New York Jets (+6), Dallas Cowboys (+5), Kansas City Chiefs (+4), Chicago Bears (+3)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), Buffalo Bills (9), Cincinnati Bengals (10), Denver Broncos (26), St. Louis Rams (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 7
Check back tomorrow for week 8 predictions.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Week 7 Results (2011) ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
After a bunch of defensive contests last week where no teams scored over 100, this week the offenses exploded in some games and four separate teams - the Saints, Cowboys, Texans and Steelers - all eclipsed the century mark.
In week 7, no teams managed to win a fantasy game they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the New Orleans Saints, who scored 139 points against the Indianapolis Colts.
Low score falls to the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans. Both only managed 16 total points and were unable to even touch the 62 and 41 real points laid on them by the Saints and the Texans.
The St. Louis Rams also checked in with fewer fantasy points (32) than the real number of points (34) the Dallas Cowboys scored against them.
Closest Game of the Week: Denver Broncos 61, Miami Dolphins 58. Sure the game itself was terrible until the last five minutes when Tim Tebow emerged as the greatest non-traditional quarterback to take the field since sliced bread.
Fantasy Stars of the Week: Arian Foster, 40 points. He outscored the Colts and the Titans himself by a full 8 fantasy points this week.
Week 7 Game Results:
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 110, Tennessee Titans 16
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (40), Matt Schaub (19), Defense (16)
Tennessee's Key Performers: Jared Cook (8), Matt Hasselbeck (4), Javon Ringer (4)
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders
Fantasy Score: Kansas City Chiefs 65, Oakland Raiders 22
Kansas City's Key Performers: Defense (35), Dwayne Bowe (7), Jackie Battle (7)
Oakland's Key Performers: Michael Bush (10), Darius Heyward-Bey (8), Taiwan Jones (4)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 100, Arizona Cardinals 48
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Ben Roethlisberger (26), Mike Wallace (17), Shaun Suisham (14)
Arizona's Key Performers: Kevin Kolb (17), Early Doucet (9), Larry Fitzgerald (7)
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Score: Carolina Panthers 95, Washington Redskins 57
Washington's Key Performers: John Beck (18), Fred Davis (14), Graham Gano (9)
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (25), Olindo Mare (18), Steve Smith (14)
Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns
Fantasy Score: Cleveland Browns 53, Seattle Seahawks 32
Seattle's Key Performers: Defense (18), Leon Washington (4), Sydney Rice (3)
Cleveland's Key Performers: Defense (14), Montario Hardesty (11), Colt McCoy (8)
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 69, Detroit Lions 59
Atlanta's Key Performers: Matt Ryan (14), Michael Turner (12), Matt Bryant (13)
Detroit's Key Performers: Calvin Johnson (17), Mathew Stafford (11), Jason Hanson (11)
Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 139, Indianapolis Colts 16
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Delone Carter (12), Donald Brown (4), Pierre Garcon (3)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (33), Marques Colston (21), Darren Sproles (21)
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy Score: Chicago Bears 75, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 58
Chicago's Key Performers: Matt Forte (23), Roy Williams (11), Defense (9)
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Dezmon Briscoe (13), Josh Freeman (10), Kellen Winslow (8)
St. Louis Rams at Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 102, St. Louis Rams 32
St. Louis' Key Performers: Steven Jackson (13), Brandon Lloyd (7), A.J. Feeley (5)
Dallas' Key Performers: DeMarco Murray (31), Dez Bryant (15), Tony Romo (14)
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 91, Minnesota Vikings 83
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (25), Greg Jennings (20), Mason Crosby (18)
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (23), Michale Jenkins (17), Christian Ponder (15)
Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Score: Denver Broncos 61, Miami Dolphins 58
Denver's Key Performers: Tim Tebow (22), Daniel Fells (9), Demaryius Thomas (8)
Miami's Key Performers: Dan Carpenter (10), Defense (9), Matt Moore (9)
San Diego Chargers at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: New York Jets 74, San Diego Chargers 52
San Diego's Key Performers: Mike Tolbert (11), Antonio Gates (11), Defense (11)
New York's Key Performers: Plaxico Burress (20), Mark Sanchez (18), Shonne Greene (11)
Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars
Fantasy Score: Jacksonville Jaguars 49, Baltimore Ravens 35
Baltimore's Key Performers: Defense (10), Anquan Boldin (10), Joe Flacco (7)
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Josh Scobee (18), Defense (11), Maurice Jones-Drew (8)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings.
In week 7, no teams managed to win a fantasy game they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the New Orleans Saints, who scored 139 points against the Indianapolis Colts.
Low score falls to the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans. Both only managed 16 total points and were unable to even touch the 62 and 41 real points laid on them by the Saints and the Texans.
The St. Louis Rams also checked in with fewer fantasy points (32) than the real number of points (34) the Dallas Cowboys scored against them.
Closest Game of the Week: Denver Broncos 61, Miami Dolphins 58. Sure the game itself was terrible until the last five minutes when Tim Tebow emerged as the greatest non-traditional quarterback to take the field since sliced bread.
Fantasy Stars of the Week: Arian Foster, 40 points. He outscored the Colts and the Titans himself by a full 8 fantasy points this week.
Week 7 Game Results:
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Fantasy Score: Houston Texans 110, Tennessee Titans 16
Houston's Key Performers: Arian Foster (40), Matt Schaub (19), Defense (16)
Tennessee's Key Performers: Jared Cook (8), Matt Hasselbeck (4), Javon Ringer (4)
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders
Fantasy Score: Kansas City Chiefs 65, Oakland Raiders 22
Kansas City's Key Performers: Defense (35), Dwayne Bowe (7), Jackie Battle (7)
Oakland's Key Performers: Michael Bush (10), Darius Heyward-Bey (8), Taiwan Jones (4)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 100, Arizona Cardinals 48
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Ben Roethlisberger (26), Mike Wallace (17), Shaun Suisham (14)
Arizona's Key Performers: Kevin Kolb (17), Early Doucet (9), Larry Fitzgerald (7)
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
Fantasy Score: Carolina Panthers 95, Washington Redskins 57
Washington's Key Performers: John Beck (18), Fred Davis (14), Graham Gano (9)
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (25), Olindo Mare (18), Steve Smith (14)
Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns
Fantasy Score: Cleveland Browns 53, Seattle Seahawks 32
Seattle's Key Performers: Defense (18), Leon Washington (4), Sydney Rice (3)
Cleveland's Key Performers: Defense (14), Montario Hardesty (11), Colt McCoy (8)
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 69, Detroit Lions 59
Atlanta's Key Performers: Matt Ryan (14), Michael Turner (12), Matt Bryant (13)
Detroit's Key Performers: Calvin Johnson (17), Mathew Stafford (11), Jason Hanson (11)
Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints
Fantasy Score: New Orleans Saints 139, Indianapolis Colts 16
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Delone Carter (12), Donald Brown (4), Pierre Garcon (3)
New Orleans' Key Performers: Drew Brees (33), Marques Colston (21), Darren Sproles (21)
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy Score: Chicago Bears 75, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 58
Chicago's Key Performers: Matt Forte (23), Roy Williams (11), Defense (9)
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Dezmon Briscoe (13), Josh Freeman (10), Kellen Winslow (8)
St. Louis Rams at Dallas Cowboys
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 102, St. Louis Rams 32
St. Louis' Key Performers: Steven Jackson (13), Brandon Lloyd (7), A.J. Feeley (5)
Dallas' Key Performers: DeMarco Murray (31), Dez Bryant (15), Tony Romo (14)
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 91, Minnesota Vikings 83
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (25), Greg Jennings (20), Mason Crosby (18)
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (23), Michale Jenkins (17), Christian Ponder (15)
Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins
Fantasy Score: Denver Broncos 61, Miami Dolphins 58
Denver's Key Performers: Tim Tebow (22), Daniel Fells (9), Demaryius Thomas (8)
Miami's Key Performers: Dan Carpenter (10), Defense (9), Matt Moore (9)
San Diego Chargers at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: New York Jets 74, San Diego Chargers 52
San Diego's Key Performers: Mike Tolbert (11), Antonio Gates (11), Defense (11)
New York's Key Performers: Plaxico Burress (20), Mark Sanchez (18), Shonne Greene (11)
Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars
Fantasy Score: Jacksonville Jaguars 49, Baltimore Ravens 35
Baltimore's Key Performers: Defense (10), Anquan Boldin (10), Joe Flacco (7)
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Josh Scobee (18), Defense (11), Maurice Jones-Drew (8)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - MNF - Week 7 (2011)
My picks this week were about as bad as that Seattle-Cleveland game yesterday. Did you see that? You poor soul...
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 20. The Jaguars have no shot against the Ravens.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 6. I got no love for the Ravens, but they are a pretty good team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 8. Ravens by 8, Over/Under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3.
Week 7 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. With the fantasy season half over, every game becomes critical from this point on.
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 20. The Jaguars have no shot against the Ravens.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 6. I got no love for the Ravens, but they are a pretty good team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 8. Ravens by 8, Over/Under 40.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars by 3.
Week 7 "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..." results will be posted on Wednesday. With the fantasy season half over, every game becomes critical from this point on.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 7 (2011)
Another fun week of games in the NFL. After all the drama in the NBA this week, really makes you appreciate football more, doesn't it?
Sunday Game Predictions:
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 6. Cam Newton gets another win as Washington once again makes a change at quarterback.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 6. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm starting to believe in this Cam Newton guy… And it doesn't hurt to have Jonathan Stewart in the backfield.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers by 2.5, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 1. I don’t know. The Browns, I guess. Some games shouldn't be televised.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns fans will equate to a "-12th Man" advantage for the 'Hawks.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns by 3, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Both teams at 2-3, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 6. Feeling feisty and angry after last week, Detroit gets back on the winning track.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. Aw Schwartz… He definitely came out of the Harbaugh confrontation looking like a silly little man… A win over the Falcons will help him to save some face and move on.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions by 3, Over/Under 47.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 5-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. TIM TEBOW! How can you pick against him in Florida?
Scottie V's Pick: Denver Broncos by 6. What better team for Tebow to cut his teeth against… And, no doubt, in front of some adoring Gator fans.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami Dolphins by 2. Dolphins by 1.5, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos better at 1-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
San Diego Chargers at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 2. The Jets looked ok against Miami on Monday Night. The Chargers are not the Miami Dolphins.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3. The Chargers go East and get a big victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego Chargers by 2. Chargers by 2, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3. Chargers better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3. An American classic game in London, let's go with the "home" team.
Scottie V's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 13. Buccaneers sound more "British-y" and they are a better team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 1. Bears by 1, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3. Buccaneers better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 2. A week of reflection and rest will help the Titans create some separation between them and the Texans in the division.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 3. "You stole our Oilers!" is the battle cry from Houston.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans by 3, Over/Under 44.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 11. These are not the same Cardinals Pittsburgh defeated in the Super Bowl a few years ago.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 13. Pittsburgh is starting to generate some momentum and I don't think this West coast trip is going to slow them down.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 4. Steelers by 4, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3.
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 10. Carson Palmer may be rusty, but Oakland's D and its running game will be more than enough to give the Chiefs another loss.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 11. Call me silly, but I got a feeling this Carson Palmer move is going to pan out for the Raid'ahs.
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 5. Raiders by 4.5, Over/Under 42.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
St. Louis Rams at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 10. If the Cowboys can’t beat the Rams at home, they might as well give up on the season.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 14. The 'Boys need this game and the Rams aren't really one to put up a fight.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 13. Cowboys by 13, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 2-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 16. Ponder will spark the Vikings at first, but this game should be over by halftime.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 18. The Ponder era begins with this pondering: Just how did the Vikings get so bad so quickly?
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 9. Packers by 9, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 6-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 12. Brees won’t throw 4 interceptions against the Colts. 4 touchdowns is far more likely.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 20. The Super Bowl matchup of 2010, this is not… Only the margin of victory is in doubt.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 14. Saints by 14, Over/Under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 6. Cam Newton gets another win as Washington once again makes a change at quarterback.
Scottie V's Pick: Carolina Panthers by 6. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm starting to believe in this Cam Newton guy… And it doesn't hurt to have Jonathan Stewart in the backfield.
Vegas Lines Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3. Panthers by 2.5, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Carolina Panthers by 3.
Seattle Seahawks at Cleveland Browns
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 1. I don’t know. The Browns, I guess. Some games shouldn't be televised.
Scottie V's Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns fans will equate to a "-12th Man" advantage for the 'Hawks.
Vegas Lines Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Browns by 3, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3. Both teams at 2-3, advantage home.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cleveland Browns by 3.
Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 6. Feeling feisty and angry after last week, Detroit gets back on the winning track.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. Aw Schwartz… He definitely came out of the Harbaugh confrontation looking like a silly little man… A win over the Falcons will help him to save some face and move on.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions by 3, Over/Under 47.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 5-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. TIM TEBOW! How can you pick against him in Florida?
Scottie V's Pick: Denver Broncos by 6. What better team for Tebow to cut his teeth against… And, no doubt, in front of some adoring Gator fans.
Vegas Lines Pick: Miami Dolphins by 2. Dolphins by 1.5, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Denver Broncos by 3. Broncos better at 1-4.
Home Team Wins Pick: Miami Dolphins by 3.
San Diego Chargers at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 2. The Jets looked ok against Miami on Monday Night. The Chargers are not the Miami Dolphins.
Scottie V's Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3. The Chargers go East and get a big victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: San Diego Chargers by 2. Chargers by 2, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: San Diego Chargers by 3. Chargers better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3. An American classic game in London, let's go with the "home" team.
Scottie V's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 13. Buccaneers sound more "British-y" and they are a better team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 1. Bears by 1, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3. Buccaneers better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Tennessee Titans by 2. A week of reflection and rest will help the Titans create some separation between them and the Texans in the division.
Scottie V's Pick: Houston Texans by 3. "You stole our Oilers!" is the battle cry from Houston.
Vegas Lines Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans by 3, Over/Under 44.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3. Titans better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tennessee Titans by 3.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 11. These are not the same Cardinals Pittsburgh defeated in the Super Bowl a few years ago.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 13. Pittsburgh is starting to generate some momentum and I don't think this West coast trip is going to slow them down.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 4. Steelers by 4, Over/Under 43.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Arizona Cardinals by 3.
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 10. Carson Palmer may be rusty, but Oakland's D and its running game will be more than enough to give the Chiefs another loss.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 11. Call me silly, but I got a feeling this Carson Palmer move is going to pan out for the Raid'ahs.
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 5. Raiders by 4.5, Over/Under 42.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
St. Louis Rams at Dallas Cowboys
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 10. If the Cowboys can’t beat the Rams at home, they might as well give up on the season.
Scottie V's Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 14. The 'Boys need this game and the Rams aren't really one to put up a fight.
Vegas Lines Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 13. Cowboys by 13, Over/Under 43.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3. Cowboys better at 2-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Dallas Cowboys by 3.
Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 16. Ponder will spark the Vikings at first, but this game should be over by halftime.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 18. The Ponder era begins with this pondering: Just how did the Vikings get so bad so quickly?
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 9. Packers by 9, Over/Under 46.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 6-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Minnesota Vikings by 3.
Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 12. Brees won’t throw 4 interceptions against the Colts. 4 touchdowns is far more likely.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 20. The Super Bowl matchup of 2010, this is not… Only the margin of victory is in doubt.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 14. Saints by 14, Over/Under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 4-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Creative Misfortune Power Rankings - Week 6 (2011) - Indiana Jones Style
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, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
ADVENTURE WEEK!
The NFL season has been quite the adventure so far for some teams. Let's celebrate with some Indiana Jones-themed power rankings!
“Dr. Jones, what is the National Football League?”
“Fortune and Glory, Kid. Fortune and Glory.”
The Forked Few~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 32)
[At a press conference discussing the Rams woeful 0-5 start]
Coach Spagnuolo: We have top men working on it now.
Media Member #1: Who?
Coach Spagnuolo: Top... men.
# 31 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 31)
[The Dolphins Coaching staff wanders around their practice facility, studying the players preparing for their next game]
Coach Sparano: Who knows. Perhaps the key to our first win is waiting in some new offensive scheme for us to discover. Perhaps there's some vital bit of information which eludes us. Perhaps...
Brian Daboll, Offensive Coordinator: [interrupting him] Perhaps Andrew Luck can help us.
Steve Bush, Wide Receivers Coach: My feeling exactly.
# 30 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 30)
Reggie Wayne: We're in trouble!
Peyton Manning: Trouble? What kind of trouble?
Reggie Wayne: It's a long story. Better hurry up or you won't get to hear it.
# 29 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 29)
[Responding to critics after another lackluster outing]
Maurice Jones-Drew: I can only say I'm sorry so many times.
Jacksonville Fans: Well, say it again anyway!
Maurice Jones-Drew: Sorry.
# 28 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 25)
Steve Smith: You know how to win, don't you?
Cam Newton: Um, no. Do you?
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 28)
[To the other Chief players, while watching the Oakland fans take their seats]
Matt Cassel: Guys, we're pilgrims in an unholy land.
# 26 - Denver Broncos (previous: 27)
[Addressing the team before the first start of his career]
Tim Tebow: Meet me at Sun Life Stadium in Miami. Be ready for me. I'm going after a win.
J.D. Walton, Broncos Starting Center: How?
Tim Tebow: I don't know. I'm making this up as I go!
# 25 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 24)
[Christian Ponder stands at midfield following his first game against the Green Bay Packers and talks with Aaron Rodgers]
Aaron Rodgers: You lost today, kid, but that doesn't mean you have to like it.
# 24 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 26)
Larry Fitzgerald: There are big Steelers in the stadium, Kolb!
Kevin Kolb: Oh, that's just our opponent, Larry.
Larry Fitzgerald: I hate the Steelers, Kolb! I hate 'em!
Kevin Kolb: Come on! Get over the Super Bowl loss, will ya!
# 23 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 21)
Coach Pat Shurmur: [Looks around in dismay at his underachieving players] Does anyone understand a word I'm saying here? This is intolerable!
# 22 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 22)
[The Seahawks studies the standings after their bye week and sees the 49ers have increased their lead in the division]
Coach Carroll: Our situation has not improved.
# 21 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 23)
[Coach Reid, concerned about Vick's propensity for injuries, tries to convince him to stay in the pocket]
Coach Reid: You're gonna get killed scrambling after your damn fortune and glory!
Michael Vick: Maybe. But not today.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 16)
Owner Jerry Jones: You say this has been just another typical day for you, huh?
Tony Romo: NO! It's been better than most.
# 19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 19)
[The Buccaneers step off the plane in London, prepared for their "home game" against the Bears]
London Fans: We should say you all look rather lost, but then we can't imagine where in the world you would look at home. And you are?
Coach Morris: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
London Fans: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one time Super Bowl champion?
Coach Morris: Hard to believe, isn't it?
# 18 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 20)
Matt Ryan: Nickname's the Birds, Dirty Birds.
Matthew Stafford: Dirty Birds?
Matt Ryan: Yeah.
Matthew Stafford: What kind of name is that?
Matt Ryan: It's the one we picked. You got a problem with it?
# 17 - New York Jets (previous: 17)
Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers Safety: Hello, Cromartie.
Antonio Cromartie: Eric Weddle. I always knew some day you'd come walking back through my door. I never doubted that. Something made it inevitable. So, what are you doing here in New York?
Eric Weddle: We need to make up for one of the playoff losses you helped us collect.
[Cromartie surprises weddle with a right cross to the jaw]
Antonio Cromartie: I've learned to hate you in the last few years!
# 16 - New York Giants (previous: 15)
[Following the Giants gritty victory over the Buffalo Bills]
New York Reporter #1: The last time I saw Coach Coughlin like this we were at the Super Bowl. He was very close to achieving his life's ambition. I've never seen him so excited. He was as giddy as a schoolboy.
Eli Manning: Who, Atilla The Coach? He was never giddy, even when he was a schoolboy.
# 15 - Chicago Bears (previous: 18)
[Jay Cutler studies film of the Tampa Bay defensive secondary, a grim look on his face]
Jay Cutler: This is it... This is where Brees cashed in last week.
Johnny Knox: A friend of yours?
Jay Cutler: A competitor... he was good. He was very, very good.
# 14 - Washington Redskins (previous: 11)
[Seeing Carolina next on the schedule, Rex Grossman is eager to put his horrible game against the Eagles behind him]
Rex Grossman: Let us hurry. There is nothing to fear here.
[Coach Shanahan stops him before he can take the field]
Coach Shanahan: That's what scares me.
[Shanahan points to the bench.]
Coach Shanahan: Stay here.
# 13 - Houston Texans (previous: 9)
Matt Schaub: Brutal couple of weeks, huh, Coach? First the Raiders, then the Ravens.
Coach Kubiak: We seem to have reached the point in the season where the football gods stop giving us wins and start taking them away.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 12)
Chris Johnson: You know, for an old quarterback, you ain't bad in a game.
Matt Hasselbeck: Thanks.
Chris Johnson: What are you, like, 80?
# 11 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 13)
[Carson Palmer storms out of a meeting with Bengals ownership]
Coach Jackson: Hey, what happened? You don't look very happy.
Carson Palmer: Fools. Bureaucratic fools!
Coach Jackson: What'd they say?
Carson Palmer: They don't know what they had there.
Coach Jackson: Well, I know what I've got here. Come on. I'll show you the playbook. You know, the playbook?
# 10 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 14)
Owner Mike Brown: [Smiling about the draft picks he has gained from the Oakland Raiders] How fortunate our failure to retire you, Carson Palmer. You survive to be of service to us once again.
Carson Palmer: Well, you know me, always glad to help.
# 9 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 7)
[Following the late interception in the loss to the Giants...]
Ryan Fitzpatrick: Give me your helmet.
Stevie Johnson: [takes his helmet off slowly] Why?
Ryan Fitzpatrick: [taking the helmet] Because I'm gonna puke in it!
[Stevie Johnson quickly takes his helmet back]
# 8 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 8)
[Norv Turner meets Rex Ryan in a crowded bar before the Chargers-Jets game]
Coach Turner: Ryan.
Coach Ryan: Good afternoon, Norv Turner.
Coach Turner: I oughta kill you right now.
Coach Ryan: Not a very private place for a murder. Please. Sit down, before you fall down. At least we can behave like civilized people.
# 7 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 10)
Pittsburgh Fans: You're not the men we knew ten years ago.
Steelers Players: It's not the years... it's the mileage.
# 6 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 6)
[Congratulating Coach Raheem Morris on Tampa Bay's victory following the game]
Coach Sean Payton: Next time, Raheem, it will take more than my broken leg to save you.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Detroit Lions (previous: 2)
Aaron Rodgers: Surely you don’t think you can escape from this season into the playoffs with a division title?
Matthew Stafford: That depends on how reasonable we’re all willing to be. All I want is the championship.
Clay Matthews: And if we refuse?
Matthew Stafford: Then your Thanksgiving Day game will have no victory prize.
[Meanwhile, back at Lions heaquarters, Coach Schwartz bickers with the media relations staff]
Coach Schwartz: I told you not to be premature in your communiqué to the media. Football is not an exact science. It does not deal out undefeated seasons easily.
Matt Barnhart, Lions Director of Media Relations: The media members are not patient men. They demand constant reports. You led me to believe-
Coach Schwartz: NOTHING! I made no promises of an undefeated season! I merely said it looked favorable. Besides. With the information in my possession, my lineup calculations should have been correct.
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 5)
Commissioner Goodell: Now what does this Brady look like?
Rich Eisen: Uh… there’s a picture of him right here. [Opens a GQ magazine on the table and places it before the Commissioner] That’s him.
Commissioner Goodell: Good God!
Rich Eisen: Yes, that’s just what the cornerbacks thought.
Commissioner Goodell: [pointing to a beam of light surrounding a football as it leaves Brady's hand] Uh, now what’s that supposed to be coming out of there?
Rich Eisen: Lightning. Fire. Power of God or something.
Commissioner Goodell: I am beginning to understand Belichick's interest in him.
Rich Eisen: Oh, yes. The NFL Gamebooks speak of Brady leveling linebackers and laying waste to entire secondaries. A football team that starts Brady at quarterback… is invincible.
# 3 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 4)
[At dinner following the explosive ending to the San Francisco-Detroit game]
Coach Jim Harbaugh: How odd that it should end this way for us after so many stimulating encounters. I almost regret it. Where shall I find a new adversary so close to my own level?
Coach Jim Schwartz: Try the local sewer.
# 2 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 3)
[Mocking rookie quarterback Blain Gabbert after a sack]
Ray Lewis: I'm like a bad penny, I always turn up.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
Aaron Rodgers: You did it, didn't you?
Ted Thompson, Packers GM: The fans want you to go for it. They want you to get a hold of the championship before the AFC does and they are prepaid to pay handsomely.
Aaron Rodgers: And the museum at Lambeau? They get the Lombardi trophy when this is all finished?
Ted Thompson: Oh, yes. You know, I'm really rather envious. 10 years ago I would have gone after the undefeated season myself with Favre.
Aaron Rodgers: I just have to locate 13 more wins along the way. I think I know where to start. [Pauses] Do you think the Vikings will trip me up?
Ted Thompson: Possibly. But the Vikings are the least of your worries right now, believe me, Aaron.
Aaron Rodgers: What do you mean?
Ted Thompson: Well, I mean that for nearly 40 years teams have been striving for the undefeated season. It’s not something to be taken lightly. No one knows if it’s possible now. It’s like nothing you’ve ever gone after before.
Aaron Rodgers: [laughing] Oh, Thompson. What are you trying to do, scare me? You sound like my mother. We’ve known each other for a long time. I don’t believe in magic, a lot of superstitious hocus pocus. I’m going after a season of incredible historical significance and you’re talking about the boogie man. Besides, [unwraps a copy of the Packers playbook and throws it into his suitcase on top of his championship belt] you know what a cautious fellow I am.
Week 6 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Houston Texans (-4), Dallas Cowboys (-4), Detroit Lions (-3), Washington Redskins (-3), Carolina Panthers (-3)
The Biggest Movers - Cincinnati Bengals (+4), Pittsburgh Steelers (+3), Chicago Bears (+3), Oakland Raiders (+2), Atlanta Falcons (+2)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), New Orleans Saints (6), San Diego Chargers (8), Tennessee Titans (12), New York Jets (17), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19), Seattle Seahawks (22), Jacksonville Jaguars (29), Indianapolis Colts (30), Miami Dolphins (31), St. Louis Rams (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 6
Green Bay Packers
Check back tomorrow for week 7 predictions.
When it comes to Creative Misfortune Power Rankings, production is combined with potential to determine a team's true strength compared to the rest of the league. Winning isn't the only factor, but it is one of the most important components of the rating. I don't believe teams can be powerful if they consistently lose, even to other great teams.
ADVENTURE WEEK!
The NFL season has been quite the adventure so far for some teams. Let's celebrate with some Indiana Jones-themed power rankings!
“Dr. Jones, what is the National Football League?”
“Fortune and Glory, Kid. Fortune and Glory.”
The Forked Few~
Abandon hope and fortune all ye who rank here
# 32 - St. Louis Rams (previous: 32)
[At a press conference discussing the Rams woeful 0-5 start]
Coach Spagnuolo: We have top men working on it now.
Media Member #1: Who?
Coach Spagnuolo: Top... men.
# 31 - Miami Dolphins (previous: 31)
[The Dolphins Coaching staff wanders around their practice facility, studying the players preparing for their next game]
Coach Sparano: Who knows. Perhaps the key to our first win is waiting in some new offensive scheme for us to discover. Perhaps there's some vital bit of information which eludes us. Perhaps...
Brian Daboll, Offensive Coordinator: [interrupting him] Perhaps Andrew Luck can help us.
Steve Bush, Wide Receivers Coach: My feeling exactly.
# 30 - Indianapolis Colts (previous: 30)
Reggie Wayne: We're in trouble!
Peyton Manning: Trouble? What kind of trouble?
Reggie Wayne: It's a long story. Better hurry up or you won't get to hear it.
# 29 - Jacksonville Jaguars (previous: 29)
[Responding to critics after another lackluster outing]
Maurice Jones-Drew: I can only say I'm sorry so many times.
Jacksonville Fans: Well, say it again anyway!
Maurice Jones-Drew: Sorry.
# 28 - Carolina Panthers (previous: 25)
Steve Smith: You know how to win, don't you?
Cam Newton: Um, no. Do you?
The Creatively Challenged~
Folly remains ever their mistress
# 27 - Kansas City Chiefs (previous: 28)
[To the other Chief players, while watching the Oakland fans take their seats]
Matt Cassel: Guys, we're pilgrims in an unholy land.
# 26 - Denver Broncos (previous: 27)
[Addressing the team before the first start of his career]
Tim Tebow: Meet me at Sun Life Stadium in Miami. Be ready for me. I'm going after a win.
J.D. Walton, Broncos Starting Center: How?
Tim Tebow: I don't know. I'm making this up as I go!
# 25 - Minnesota Vikings (previous: 24)
[Christian Ponder stands at midfield following his first game against the Green Bay Packers and talks with Aaron Rodgers]
Aaron Rodgers: You lost today, kid, but that doesn't mean you have to like it.
# 24 - Arizona Cardinals (previous: 26)
Larry Fitzgerald: There are big Steelers in the stadium, Kolb!
Kevin Kolb: Oh, that's just our opponent, Larry.
Larry Fitzgerald: I hate the Steelers, Kolb! I hate 'em!
Kevin Kolb: Come on! Get over the Super Bowl loss, will ya!
# 23 - Cleveland Browns (previous: 21)
Coach Pat Shurmur: [Looks around in dismay at his underachieving players] Does anyone understand a word I'm saying here? This is intolerable!
# 22 - Seattle Seahawks (previous: 22)
[The Seahawks studies the standings after their bye week and sees the 49ers have increased their lead in the division]
Coach Carroll: Our situation has not improved.
# 21 - Philadelphia Eagles (previous: 23)
[Coach Reid, concerned about Vick's propensity for injuries, tries to convince him to stay in the pocket]
Coach Reid: You're gonna get killed scrambling after your damn fortune and glory!
Michael Vick: Maybe. But not today.
The Remarkably Average~
Dancing the fine line between misfortune and glory
# 20 - Dallas Cowboys (previous: 16)
Owner Jerry Jones: You say this has been just another typical day for you, huh?
Tony Romo: NO! It's been better than most.
# 19 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (previous: 19)
[The Buccaneers step off the plane in London, prepared for their "home game" against the Bears]
London Fans: We should say you all look rather lost, but then we can't imagine where in the world you would look at home. And you are?
Coach Morris: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
London Fans: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one time Super Bowl champion?
Coach Morris: Hard to believe, isn't it?
# 18 - Atlanta Falcons (previous: 20)
Matt Ryan: Nickname's the Birds, Dirty Birds.
Matthew Stafford: Dirty Birds?
Matt Ryan: Yeah.
Matthew Stafford: What kind of name is that?
Matt Ryan: It's the one we picked. You got a problem with it?
# 17 - New York Jets (previous: 17)
Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers Safety: Hello, Cromartie.
Antonio Cromartie: Eric Weddle. I always knew some day you'd come walking back through my door. I never doubted that. Something made it inevitable. So, what are you doing here in New York?
Eric Weddle: We need to make up for one of the playoff losses you helped us collect.
[Cromartie surprises weddle with a right cross to the jaw]
Antonio Cromartie: I've learned to hate you in the last few years!
# 16 - New York Giants (previous: 15)
[Following the Giants gritty victory over the Buffalo Bills]
New York Reporter #1: The last time I saw Coach Coughlin like this we were at the Super Bowl. He was very close to achieving his life's ambition. I've never seen him so excited. He was as giddy as a schoolboy.
Eli Manning: Who, Atilla The Coach? He was never giddy, even when he was a schoolboy.
# 15 - Chicago Bears (previous: 18)
[Jay Cutler studies film of the Tampa Bay defensive secondary, a grim look on his face]
Jay Cutler: This is it... This is where Brees cashed in last week.
Johnny Knox: A friend of yours?
Jay Cutler: A competitor... he was good. He was very, very good.
# 14 - Washington Redskins (previous: 11)
[Seeing Carolina next on the schedule, Rex Grossman is eager to put his horrible game against the Eagles behind him]
Rex Grossman: Let us hurry. There is nothing to fear here.
[Coach Shanahan stops him before he can take the field]
Coach Shanahan: That's what scares me.
[Shanahan points to the bench.]
Coach Shanahan: Stay here.
# 13 - Houston Texans (previous: 9)
Matt Schaub: Brutal couple of weeks, huh, Coach? First the Raiders, then the Ravens.
Coach Kubiak: We seem to have reached the point in the season where the football gods stop giving us wins and start taking them away.
The Fortunate Seven~
The best of those not yet elite
# 12 - Tennessee Titans (previous: 12)
Chris Johnson: You know, for an old quarterback, you ain't bad in a game.
Matt Hasselbeck: Thanks.
Chris Johnson: What are you, like, 80?
# 11 - Oakland Raiders (previous: 13)
[Carson Palmer storms out of a meeting with Bengals ownership]
Coach Jackson: Hey, what happened? You don't look very happy.
Carson Palmer: Fools. Bureaucratic fools!
Coach Jackson: What'd they say?
Carson Palmer: They don't know what they had there.
Coach Jackson: Well, I know what I've got here. Come on. I'll show you the playbook. You know, the playbook?
# 10 - Cincinnati Bengals (previous: 14)
Owner Mike Brown: [Smiling about the draft picks he has gained from the Oakland Raiders] How fortunate our failure to retire you, Carson Palmer. You survive to be of service to us once again.
Carson Palmer: Well, you know me, always glad to help.
# 9 - Buffalo Bills (previous: 7)
[Following the late interception in the loss to the Giants...]
Ryan Fitzpatrick: Give me your helmet.
Stevie Johnson: [takes his helmet off slowly] Why?
Ryan Fitzpatrick: [taking the helmet] Because I'm gonna puke in it!
[Stevie Johnson quickly takes his helmet back]
# 8 - San Diego Chargers (previous: 8)
[Norv Turner meets Rex Ryan in a crowded bar before the Chargers-Jets game]
Coach Turner: Ryan.
Coach Ryan: Good afternoon, Norv Turner.
Coach Turner: I oughta kill you right now.
Coach Ryan: Not a very private place for a murder. Please. Sit down, before you fall down. At least we can behave like civilized people.
# 7 - Pittsburgh Steelers (previous: 10)
Pittsburgh Fans: You're not the men we knew ten years ago.
Steelers Players: It's not the years... it's the mileage.
# 6 - New Orleans Saints (previous: 6)
[Congratulating Coach Raheem Morris on Tampa Bay's victory following the game]
Coach Sean Payton: Next time, Raheem, it will take more than my broken leg to save you.
The Creative Elite~
Wielding misfortune at its finest
# 5 - Detroit Lions (previous: 2)
Aaron Rodgers: Surely you don’t think you can escape from this season into the playoffs with a division title?
Matthew Stafford: That depends on how reasonable we’re all willing to be. All I want is the championship.
Clay Matthews: And if we refuse?
Matthew Stafford: Then your Thanksgiving Day game will have no victory prize.
[Meanwhile, back at Lions heaquarters, Coach Schwartz bickers with the media relations staff]
Coach Schwartz: I told you not to be premature in your communiqué to the media. Football is not an exact science. It does not deal out undefeated seasons easily.
Matt Barnhart, Lions Director of Media Relations: The media members are not patient men. They demand constant reports. You led me to believe-
Coach Schwartz: NOTHING! I made no promises of an undefeated season! I merely said it looked favorable. Besides. With the information in my possession, my lineup calculations should have been correct.
# 4 - New England Patriots (previous: 5)
Commissioner Goodell: Now what does this Brady look like?
Rich Eisen: Uh… there’s a picture of him right here. [Opens a GQ magazine on the table and places it before the Commissioner] That’s him.
Commissioner Goodell: Good God!
Rich Eisen: Yes, that’s just what the cornerbacks thought.
Commissioner Goodell: [pointing to a beam of light surrounding a football as it leaves Brady's hand] Uh, now what’s that supposed to be coming out of there?
Rich Eisen: Lightning. Fire. Power of God or something.
Commissioner Goodell: I am beginning to understand Belichick's interest in him.
Rich Eisen: Oh, yes. The NFL Gamebooks speak of Brady leveling linebackers and laying waste to entire secondaries. A football team that starts Brady at quarterback… is invincible.
# 3 - San Francisco 49ers (previous: 4)
[At dinner following the explosive ending to the San Francisco-Detroit game]
Coach Jim Harbaugh: How odd that it should end this way for us after so many stimulating encounters. I almost regret it. Where shall I find a new adversary so close to my own level?
Coach Jim Schwartz: Try the local sewer.
# 2 - Baltimore Ravens (previous: 3)
[Mocking rookie quarterback Blain Gabbert after a sack]
Ray Lewis: I'm like a bad penny, I always turn up.
# 1 - Green Bay Packers (previous: 1)
Aaron Rodgers: You did it, didn't you?
Ted Thompson, Packers GM: The fans want you to go for it. They want you to get a hold of the championship before the AFC does and they are prepaid to pay handsomely.
Aaron Rodgers: And the museum at Lambeau? They get the Lombardi trophy when this is all finished?
Ted Thompson: Oh, yes. You know, I'm really rather envious. 10 years ago I would have gone after the undefeated season myself with Favre.
Aaron Rodgers: I just have to locate 13 more wins along the way. I think I know where to start. [Pauses] Do you think the Vikings will trip me up?
Ted Thompson: Possibly. But the Vikings are the least of your worries right now, believe me, Aaron.
Aaron Rodgers: What do you mean?
Ted Thompson: Well, I mean that for nearly 40 years teams have been striving for the undefeated season. It’s not something to be taken lightly. No one knows if it’s possible now. It’s like nothing you’ve ever gone after before.
Aaron Rodgers: [laughing] Oh, Thompson. What are you trying to do, scare me? You sound like my mother. We’ve known each other for a long time. I don’t believe in magic, a lot of superstitious hocus pocus. I’m going after a season of incredible historical significance and you’re talking about the boogie man. Besides, [unwraps a copy of the Packers playbook and throws it into his suitcase on top of his championship belt] you know what a cautious fellow I am.
Week 6 Power Ranking Awards:
The Free Fallers - Houston Texans (-4), Dallas Cowboys (-4), Detroit Lions (-3), Washington Redskins (-3), Carolina Panthers (-3)
The Biggest Movers - Cincinnati Bengals (+4), Pittsburgh Steelers (+3), Chicago Bears (+3), Oakland Raiders (+2), Atlanta Falcons (+2)
Maintaining The Status Quo - Green Bay Packers (1), New Orleans Saints (6), San Diego Chargers (8), Tennessee Titans (12), New York Jets (17), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19), Seattle Seahawks (22), Jacksonville Jaguars (29), Indianapolis Colts (30), Miami Dolphins (31), St. Louis Rams (32)
Creative Misfortune Super Bowl XLVI Favorite ~ After Week 6
Check back tomorrow for week 7 predictions.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Week 6 Results (2011) ~ "If Real Football Used Fantasy Scoring..."
Defenses rose up in this past week and not only were key players in many games, they also kept the scores lower than in recent weeks. No team cracked the century mark.
In week 6, only the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys managed to win fantasy games they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the Chicago Bears, who scored 94 points against the hapless Minnesota Vikings.
Low score falls to the Minnesota Vikings at 35 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 39 points Da Bears dropped on them.
Closest Game of the Week: Detroit Lions 73, San Francisco 66. The Lions continued their winning ways despite losing their real game in the final seconds against the 49ers.
Fantasy Stars of the Week: Ahmad Bradshaw, 30 points. Bradshaw paved the way for another Giants victory with his impressive 3 touchdown day against the Buffalo Bills.
Week 6 Game Results:
Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 63, Cleveland Browns 51
Cleveland's Key Performers: Colt McCoy (15), Mohamed Massaquoi (9), Greg Little (7)
Oakland's Key Performers: Darren McFadden (15), Defense (11), Jacoby Ford (10)
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 84, Houston Texans 37
Houston's Key Performers: Matt Schaub (12), Arian Foster (9), Kevin Walter (5)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Billy Cundiff (20), Ray Rice (16), Joe Flacco (14)
St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 84, St. Louis Rams 55
St. Louis' Key Performers: Steven Jackson (11), Sam Bradford (10), Danario Alexander (9)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (23), Jordy Nelson (16), Defense (12)
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 67, Carolina Panthers 47
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (14), Jonathan Stewart (12), Steve Smith (6)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Michael Turner (25), Matt Ryan (16), Defense (9)
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Detroit Lions 73, San Francisco 49ers 66
San Francisco's Key Performers: Frank Gore (20), David akers (13), Defense (7)
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (19), Calvin Johnson (11), Jahvid Best (10)
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy Score: Cincinnati Bengals 78, Indianapolis Colts 45
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Donald Brown (10) Curtis Painter (10), Dallas Clark (9)
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Defense (16) , Andy Dalton (14), A.J. Green (11)
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Fantasy Score: Chicago Bears 94, Minnesota Vikings 35
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (9), Donovan McNabb (7), Percy Harvin (7)
Chicago's Key Performers: Defense (17), Jay Cutler (16), Devin Hester (15)
Buffalo Bills at New York Giants
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 79, Buffalo Bills 70
Buffalo's Key Performers: Fred Jackson (22), Ryan Fitzpatrick (13), Naaman Roosevelt (12)
New York's Key Performers: Ahmad Bradshaw (30), Eli Manning (11), Hakeem Nicks (9)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 70, Jacksonville Jaguars 46
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (9), Blaine Gabbert (9), Jason Hill (8)
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Rashard Mendenhall (20), Mike Wallace (13), Ben Roethlisberger (12)
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 84, New Orleans Saints 64
New Orleans' Key Performers: Marques Colston (17), Drew Brees (15), Jimmy Graham (12)
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Josh Freeman (20), Connar barth (16), Arrelious Benn (14)
Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 70, New England Patriots 61
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (15), Dan Bayley (11), Defense (11)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (16), Wes Welker (10), Stephen Gostkowski (8)
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Fantasy Score: Philadelphia Eagles 84, Washington Redskins 35
Philadelphia's Key Performers: LeSean McCoy (19), Michael Vick (16), Defense (14)
Washington's Key Performers: Graham Gano (9), Feed Davis (9), Defense (5)
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: New York Jets 77, Miami Dolphins 38
Miami's Key Performers: Brandon Marshall (10), Reggie Bush (7), Dan Carpenter (6)
New York's Key Performers: Defense (23), Mark Sanchez (18), Santonio Holmes (12)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. The adventure of the NFL season continues...
In week 6, only the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys managed to win fantasy games they lost in real life.
High score of the week goes to the Chicago Bears, who scored 94 points against the hapless Minnesota Vikings.
Low score falls to the Minnesota Vikings at 35 points, who were unable to score enough fantasy points to beat the real 39 points Da Bears dropped on them.
Closest Game of the Week: Detroit Lions 73, San Francisco 66. The Lions continued their winning ways despite losing their real game in the final seconds against the 49ers.
Fantasy Stars of the Week: Ahmad Bradshaw, 30 points. Bradshaw paved the way for another Giants victory with his impressive 3 touchdown day against the Buffalo Bills.
Week 6 Game Results:
Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders
Fantasy Score: Oakland Raiders 63, Cleveland Browns 51
Cleveland's Key Performers: Colt McCoy (15), Mohamed Massaquoi (9), Greg Little (7)
Oakland's Key Performers: Darren McFadden (15), Defense (11), Jacoby Ford (10)
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy Score: Baltimore Ravens 84, Houston Texans 37
Houston's Key Performers: Matt Schaub (12), Arian Foster (9), Kevin Walter (5)
Baltimore's Key Performers: Billy Cundiff (20), Ray Rice (16), Joe Flacco (14)
St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers
Fantasy Score: Green Bay Packers 84, St. Louis Rams 55
St. Louis' Key Performers: Steven Jackson (11), Sam Bradford (10), Danario Alexander (9)
Green Bay's Key Performers: Aaron Rodgers (23), Jordy Nelson (16), Defense (12)
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Fantasy Score: Atlanta Falcons 67, Carolina Panthers 47
Carolina's Key Performers: Cam Newton (14), Jonathan Stewart (12), Steve Smith (6)
Atlanta's Key Performers: Michael Turner (25), Matt Ryan (16), Defense (9)
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
Fantasy Score: Detroit Lions 73, San Francisco 49ers 66
San Francisco's Key Performers: Frank Gore (20), David akers (13), Defense (7)
Detroit's Key Performers: Mathew Stafford (19), Calvin Johnson (11), Jahvid Best (10)
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
Fantasy Score: Cincinnati Bengals 78, Indianapolis Colts 45
Indianapolis' Key Performers: Donald Brown (10) Curtis Painter (10), Dallas Clark (9)
Cincinnati's Key Performers: Defense (16) , Andy Dalton (14), A.J. Green (11)
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Fantasy Score: Chicago Bears 94, Minnesota Vikings 35
Minnesota's Key Performers: Adrian Peterson (9), Donovan McNabb (7), Percy Harvin (7)
Chicago's Key Performers: Defense (17), Jay Cutler (16), Devin Hester (15)
Buffalo Bills at New York Giants
Fantasy Score: New York Giants 79, Buffalo Bills 70
Buffalo's Key Performers: Fred Jackson (22), Ryan Fitzpatrick (13), Naaman Roosevelt (12)
New York's Key Performers: Ahmad Bradshaw (30), Eli Manning (11), Hakeem Nicks (9)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers
Fantasy Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 70, Jacksonville Jaguars 46
Jacksonville's Key Performers: Maurice Jones-Drew (9), Blaine Gabbert (9), Jason Hill (8)
Pittsburgh's Key Performers: Rashard Mendenhall (20), Mike Wallace (13), Ben Roethlisberger (12)
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Fantasy Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 84, New Orleans Saints 64
New Orleans' Key Performers: Marques Colston (17), Drew Brees (15), Jimmy Graham (12)
Tampa Bay's Key Performers: Josh Freeman (20), Connar barth (16), Arrelious Benn (14)
Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots
Fantasy Score: Dallas Cowboys 70, New England Patriots 61
Dallas' Key Performers: Tony Romo (15), Dan Bayley (11), Defense (11)
New England's Key Performers: Tom Brady (16), Wes Welker (10), Stephen Gostkowski (8)
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Fantasy Score: Philadelphia Eagles 84, Washington Redskins 35
Philadelphia's Key Performers: LeSean McCoy (19), Michael Vick (16), Defense (14)
Washington's Key Performers: Graham Gano (9), Feed Davis (9), Defense (5)
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
Fantasy Score: New York Jets 77, Miami Dolphins 38
Miami's Key Performers: Brandon Marshall (10), Reggie Bush (7), Dan Carpenter (6)
New York's Key Performers: Defense (23), Mark Sanchez (18), Santonio Holmes (12)
Tomorrow, The Art of Creative Misfortune Power Rankings. The adventure of the NFL season continues...
Monday, October 17, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - MNF - Week 6 (2011)
A moment of silence for those impacted by the terrible tragedy at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway over the weekend... Rest in peace, Dan Wheldon.
Monday Night Game Prediction:
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 10. The Jets will really have fallen low if they lose to Miami.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 6. Rough way to break in new QB, Matt Moore… On the road against a feisty and talented Jets D.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 7. Jets by 7, Over/Under 42.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 2-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Week 6 "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:
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New York Jets by 10. The Jets will really have fallen low if they lose to Miami.
Scottie V's Pick: New York Jets by 6. Rough way to break in new QB, Matt Moore… On the road against a feisty and talented Jets D.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Jets by 7. Jets by 7, Over/Under 42.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3. Jets better at 2-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Jets by 3.
Week 6 "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, October 14, 2011
Predictions of Creative Misfortune - Week 6 (2011)
After a less-than-stellar week 5, all systems look to rebound with a strong showing in week 6.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Buffalo Bills at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 1. Buffalo is hot and the Giants will make just enough mental mistakes to lose a second straight game.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. The Bills are eager to beat their in-state rival and the Giants just don't seem to want it.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 3. Giants by 3, Over/Under 50.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 14. The reports of Pittsburgh's demise were greatly exaggerated.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 11. The Steelers have not been close to living up to their AFC Champion status, but they stay on the Ravens' heels with a victory at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 12. Steelers by 12, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3.
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 10. Tampa Bay is looking for answers after last week's beat down in San Francisco. They won’t find any against the Saints.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 4. Still don't think the Bucs are the same calibre as the Saints.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 5. Saints by 4.5, Over/Under 49.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 14. Take the over. As much as I'd like to see the Cowboys pull an upset, New England will most likely win this one 49-35 in a shootout.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 8. Who is more unlikeable: Jerry Jones or Bill Belichick? Bill is a good coach though.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 7. Patriots by 6.5, Over/Under 55.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington Redskins by 1. The Eagles are wounded and the Redskins will make the most of their struggles and take control in the NFC East race.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. The Redskins try to put the nail in the Eagles' coffin, but Vick pulls off some late-game heroics.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 2. Eagles by 1.5, Over/Under 47.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 3-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3.
Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 7. Inspired by last week's victory, Oakland will remain undefeated in the post-Al Davis era.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 14. With Al Davis revisionism in full-effect, the Raiders dominate the dojo.
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 7. Raiders by 6.5, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 8. The Ravens defense is fresh and the Texans are banged up on offense.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 4. The Ravens shake off a little post-bye week rust to knock off the Texans.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 8. Ravens by 7.5, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 3-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 23. Possibly the mismatch of the year, at least St. Louis had an extra week to prepare for this debacle.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 20. Yikes.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 14. Packers by 14, Over/Under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 5-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 7. The Falcons will get a late touchdown to win, but up until that point, Carolina will look like they have their number.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 7. Cam Newton scraps together a decent showing for the Panthers, but the Falcons are a better team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 4. Falcons by 4, Over/Under 50.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. Falcons better at 2-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. The game of the week nobody would have expected before the season started. The Lions stay perfect at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 9. I'm not sure I'm quite as high on the Lions as many media pundits are this week, but I do think they'll get the win at home against a surprising 49er squad.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. Lions by 4, Over/Under 46.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 5-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 5. Cincinnati is playing inspired ball and will keep the struggling Colts winless.
Scottie V's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 1. Oh man… What say they just a flip a "Luck-y" coin before the game to see where he goes in April and just not play this game??
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 7. Bengals by 7, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Surely the Bears can beat the Vikings at home. Can’t they?
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago Bears by 6. Cutler licks his wounds and leads the Bears to victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears by 3, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 2-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
Sunday Game Predictions:
Buffalo Bills at New York Giants
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 1. Buffalo is hot and the Giants will make just enough mental mistakes to lose a second straight game.
Scottie V's Pick: Buffalo Bills by 4. The Bills are eager to beat their in-state rival and the Giants just don't seem to want it.
Vegas Lines Pick: New York Giants by 3. Giants by 3, Over/Under 50.
Best Record Wins Pick: Buffalo Bills by 3. Bills better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: New York Giants by 3.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 14. The reports of Pittsburgh's demise were greatly exaggerated.
Scottie V's Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 11. The Steelers have not been close to living up to their AFC Champion status, but they stay on the Ravens' heels with a victory at home.
Vegas Lines Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 12. Steelers by 12, Over/Under 40.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3. Steelers better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers by 3.
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 10. Tampa Bay is looking for answers after last week's beat down in San Francisco. They won’t find any against the Saints.
Scottie V's Pick: New Orleans Saints by 4. Still don't think the Bucs are the same calibre as the Saints.
Vegas Lines Pick: New Orleans Saints by 5. Saints by 4.5, Over/Under 49.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New Orleans Saints by 3. Saints better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 3.
Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots
Creative Misfortune's Pick: New England Patriots by 14. Take the over. As much as I'd like to see the Cowboys pull an upset, New England will most likely win this one 49-35 in a shootout.
Scottie V's Pick: New England Patriots by 8. Who is more unlikeable: Jerry Jones or Bill Belichick? Bill is a good coach though.
Vegas Lines Pick: New England Patriots by 7. Patriots by 6.5, Over/Under 55.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3. Patriots better at 4-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: New England Patriots by 3.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Washington Redskins by 1. The Eagles are wounded and the Redskins will make the most of their struggles and take control in the NFC East race.
Scottie V's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 3. The Redskins try to put the nail in the Eagles' coffin, but Vick pulls off some late-game heroics.
Vegas Lines Pick: Philadelphia Eagles by 2. Eagles by 1.5, Over/Under 47.
Best Record Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3. Redskins better at 3-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Washington Redskins by 3.
Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 7. Inspired by last week's victory, Oakland will remain undefeated in the post-Al Davis era.
Scottie V's Pick: Oakland Raiders by 14. With Al Davis revisionism in full-effect, the Raiders dominate the dojo.
Vegas Lines Pick: Oakland Raiders by 7. Raiders by 6.5, Over/Under 44.
Best Record Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3. Raiders better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Oakland Raiders by 3.
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 8. The Ravens defense is fresh and the Texans are banged up on offense.
Scottie V's Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 4. The Ravens shake off a little post-bye week rust to knock off the Texans.
Vegas Lines Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 8. Ravens by 7.5, Over/Under 45.
Best Record Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3. Ravens better at 3-1.
Home Team Wins Pick: Baltimore Ravens by 3.
St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 23. Possibly the mismatch of the year, at least St. Louis had an extra week to prepare for this debacle.
Scottie V's Pick: Green Bay Packers by 20. Yikes.
Vegas Lines Pick: Green Bay Packers by 14. Packers by 14, Over/Under 47.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3. Packers better at 5-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Green Bay Packers by 3.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 7. The Falcons will get a late touchdown to win, but up until that point, Carolina will look like they have their number.
Scottie V's Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 7. Cam Newton scraps together a decent showing for the Panthers, but the Falcons are a better team.
Vegas Lines Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 4. Falcons by 4, Over/Under 50.
Best Record Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3. Falcons better at 2-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Atlanta Falcons by 3.
San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. The game of the week nobody would have expected before the season started. The Lions stay perfect at home.
Scottie V's Pick: Detroit Lions by 9. I'm not sure I'm quite as high on the Lions as many media pundits are this week, but I do think they'll get the win at home against a surprising 49er squad.
Vegas Lines Pick: Detroit Lions by 4. Lions by 4, Over/Under 46.
Best Record Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3. Lions better at 5-0.
Home Team Wins Pick: Detroit Lions by 3.
Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 5. Cincinnati is playing inspired ball and will keep the struggling Colts winless.
Scottie V's Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 1. Oh man… What say they just a flip a "Luck-y" coin before the game to see where he goes in April and just not play this game??
Vegas Lines Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 7. Bengals by 7, Over/Under 41.
Best Record Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3. Bengals better at 3-2.
Home Team Wins Pick: Cincinnati Bengals by 3.
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Creative Misfortune's Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Surely the Bears can beat the Vikings at home. Can’t they?
Scottie V's Pick: Chicago Bears by 6. Cutler licks his wounds and leads the Bears to victory.
Vegas Lines Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears by 3, Over/Under 41.5.
Best Record Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3. Bears better at 2-3.
Home Team Wins Pick: Chicago Bears by 3.
Check back next week for Monday Night's prediction.
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