NFL Week 6 Picks!

Happy Thanksgiving Canada, and happy Week 6 to everyone!

This week I got back on track by winning the Thursday game – I’m sorry Giants fans… I really don’t like you because of the whole divisional rivalry thing – but 0-6 hurts bad.

Speaking of hurting… after a good start to my pool season I’ve seen a sharp drop off. I’m only 4 games off the lead and 1st place – but it feels like 10.

Here’s hoping that I grab 10-12 wins this week and get back on track again.

Also, big ups to Tony Romo’s Week 5 numbers. I know the end was a heartbreaker for Cowboys fans. But man, what a game!

Let’s take a look at my full list of Week 6 picks before I start eating turkey and cranberries.

☞ Chicago
☞ Cincinnati
☞ Detroit
☞ Kansas City
☞ Carolina
☞ New York Jets
☞ Philadelphia
☞ Green Bay
☞ Houston
☞ Denver
☞ Seattle
☞ New Orleans
☞ San Francisco
☞ DALLAS
☞ Indianapolis
☞ Byes: Atlanta, Miami

Note: Go Cowboys!

It’s going to be an interesting week.

How many points will Denver win by against Jacksonville?

Can the Cowboys win at home and take back 1st place in the division?

What will Josh Freeman look like in a Vikings uniform?

Can New Orleans win on the road against New England? (I Hope So!)

Here’s hoping that you enjoy the games and have some luck with your picks. Unless you’re in my pool – then I hope you’re wrong every time you pick against me.

Enjoy the football.

Be awesome!

NFL Week 5 Picks!

Welcome to week 5!

To start, I need to confess that I am not happy about losing on my Thursday night pick for the first time this season. It sucked. And it sucked even more for the Bills who lost the game and quarterback EJ Manuel with an LCL sprain…

Next, I need to express my desire to have a bounce back week after winning only 9 games in week 4 and dropping to 4th in the pool. Yes, I’m only 2 wins off the top, but it was still a crappy week for picking winners. Week 5 has gotta be better kids. It’s gotta be!

So, here’s hoping that these picks are more… winning.

Note: Dear Tony, please win today. It would be awesome and everyone would talk about you being elite and the team being on track to win the division. Thank you.

☞ New Orleans
☞ New England
☞ Green Bay
☞ Kansas City
☞ Seattle
☞ St. Louis
☞ Miami
☞ NY Giants
☞ Carolina
☞ DALLAS
☞ San Francisco
☞ San Diego
☞ Atlanta
☞ Byes: Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Washington

Note: Go Cowboys!

So there you have it, my picks are in for week 5. I hope that we’re all better off because of them.

And I hope that Josh Freeman finds a job soon. Maybe Buffalo should give him a call.

As always, please remember, it’s all fun and games until you lose a ton of money. So play smart and within your limits.

Good luck to everyone not in my pool.

Enjoy the football.

Be awesome!

Dallas Cowboys 2013-14 Season Preview!

It’s here! It’s here!

This season I wanted to do something special for the start of the NFL season and the Cowboys campaign to make it back to the promised land. So I reached out to my friend and football aficionado, Shannon Kelly, to write the Dallas season preview. With a big win in week 1 against division rival (and all around bad guys) New York Giants, the ‘Boys look like they do have a shot at a solid season.

Without any further ado, I present to you, The Dallas Cowboys 2013-14 Season Preview by guest poster Shannon Kelly of Wears Pearls to the Ballpark.

When asked to write a 2013 preview for the Dallas Cowboys, I was a little frightened. It’s hard for me to say a bad word about my Boys. Being a fan since just after I could tie my own shoelaces, stars run through my blood. But, I’m a football fan first and foremost, and can tell it like it is. This season has me excited and hopeful. With new personnel, and few rookies in the mix as well as a very tuned in Tony Romo at the helm, I believe this team could go all the way. Here’s a few components to consider.

Things to Watch:

Travis Frederick – there’s been issues with the Cowboys center in the last few years. Phil Costa is currently better known for his engagement to Brooke Hogan than his play on the field. I swear, google it. Frederick was drafted in the first round this year to solve the problem, the only issue, he’s a rookie. In first game of the season, he did a good job with room for improvement. Only having one play with a fumble on the hand off could be a good sign for the Cowboys o-line.

Miles Austin – Miles Austin has been plagued with injuries during his time with the Cowboys, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a weapon for the Cowboys offence. With a total of 72 yards vs. the Giants, Austin proved he can be a go-to guy for Tony Romo. This eases the pressure on Dez Bryant, who was facing double coverage all night.

4-3 Defense – talk about a switch up. The Cowboys have been playing a 3-4 pattern since before DeMarcus Ware suited up in the blue and white. Monte Kiffin replacing Rob Ryan has truly made all the difference. Blitzing all night didn’t help the Cowboys in the 2012 season and they look to be on track to destroying all of last years statistics. Watch for more forced turnovers and key playmakers like Sean Lee and DeMarcus Ware to man-up and shut down the run game.

Issues that Need to be Worked On:

4-3 Defense – while I think this will be the difference for the Cowboys in the 2013 season, is also needs improvement – fast. The Cowboys won their Home Opener because of 6 turnovers, not because their defense shut down Eli Manning and his offence. Victor Cruz scored 3 touchdowns too many, and the Giants clocked 450 yards. Far too many for a team that needs to keep winning games.

Cowboys Depth – yet again the Cowboys wasted a Draft. Travis Frederick and wide receiver Terrance Williams are the only two rookies who could make an initial impact, the others will have to prove they can play in the big league. Not to mention the Defensive line. Injuries will be the true sign as to whether this team can be a playoff team or not.

The Question of Tony Romo:

Like him or not (I don’t really) Romo keeps the Cowboys dream alive every year. There is no clear indicator as to whether or not he could be a Super Bowl QB, but he could be a post-season QB. That’s enough to hang your hat on for now. If he remains injury free, the Cowboys should be at the top of the NFC East.

Prediction: 10-6 for the Season

NFL Week 1 Picks!

Yes, I know, the NFL season started last night in Denver with a weather delay, a tight first half and then Peyton Manning showing the world that he’s still one of the best QBs in the game. 7 touchdowns ain’t nothing to sneeze at. That’s HUGE!

Anyway, I didn’t get a post up with my picks before kick-off and I feel a little bad about that. Like you guys might think that I was fudging things when I tell you that I had the Broncos to win last night over the Ravens. It’s true, I really did. And I have proof. Last night at about 5:30 I got an invite to a Pick ‘Em Pool and I immediately said yes. However, I was on my way to a CNE wrap thingy and had to rush to get registered and pick a team name (which usually gets days and days of thought and consideration) and then make my picks before Denver kicked the ball to Baltimore to start the season.

I did it. It’s done. And I was right about last night’s game. Just like 10 of the other 13 teams in the league.

So, here’s the screenshot of my simple pick ’em pool which I will be playing every week this season in hopes of winning the big cash prize at the end of the season. If you’ve got any hunches or inside information let me know. Like maybe your cousin’s girlfriend’s brother works the parking lot in Buffalo and you find out the Cam Newton didn’t get a good sleep at the hotel before Carolina plays the Bills in Week 2… you could tell me that and I’d use that info!

Here’s the picks
As you can see, I did indeed take Denver at home last night. My other 15 Week 1 Winners are:
☞ New England
☞ Cincinnati
☞ Miami
☞ Detroit
☞ Indianapolis
☞ New Orleans
☞ Tampa Bay
☞ Pittsburgh
☞ Seattle
☞ Kansas City
☞ Arizona
☞ San Francisco
☞ DALLAS
☞ Washington
☞ Houston

Note: Go Cowboys!

Here’s hoping that I’m right on a bunch more of these picks. It sure would be nice to start that season with at 12 or 13 wins on the board.

And good luck to you with your picks too. Unless you’re in my league. Then I hope you lose.

Oh ya, my team name is… Romo’s Revenge!