It's been an eventful season and it's winding down. The playoff pictures are mostly clear, but there's still plenty of excitement to be had.
I went a rough 8-8 last week, taking my season mark to 142-82.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Carolina (2-12) @ Pittsburgh (10-4)
Saturday Night -
Dallas (5-9) @ Arizona (4-10)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
New England (12-2) @ Buffalo (4-10)
NY Jets (10-4) @ Chicago (10-4)
Baltimore (10-4) @ Cleveland (5-9)
San Francisco (5-9) @ St. Louis (6-8)
Detroit (4-10) @ Miami (7-7)
Washington (5-9) @ Jacksonville (8-6)
Tennessee (5-9) @ Kansas City (9-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Indianapolis (8-6) @ Oakland (7-7)
Houston (5-9) @ Denver (3-11)
San Diego (8-6) @ Cincinnati (3-11)
Seattle (6-8) @ Tampa Bay (8-6)
NY Giants (9-5) @ Green Bay (8-6)
Sunday Night -
Minnesota (5-9) @ Philadelphia (10-4)
Monday Night -
New Orleans (10-4) @ Atlanta (12-2)
That's a great Monday Night matchup there, but I'm not betting against the Falcons in their dome, no way. Meanwhile, I'm starting to feel bad for the Vikings - that's a nice run on national TV they've got going, at a time when the team has really just fallen to pieces. I'm amused by the NFL Network's various attempts to sell the Panthers/Steelers game... ouch. I'm not seeing a lot of upsets this week, I think most teams are plotted on their course. I do like the Jets over the Bears, though, as they regain their swagger. I also like Green Bay over the Giants with Aaron Rodgers playing. I think the Rams put the nail in the 49ers season (finally) as they march to 8-8 and the NFC West title. I also like the Lions to notch a 3rd-straight win against a Dolphins team incapable of winning on their own turf, although I admit I like them better with Drew Stanton than Shaun Hill right now, who reportedly took 1st-team reps in practice today. I like Oakland to upset the Colts, though... I don't buy the Colts and I think a team with upfront toughness like the Raiders has a legitimate shot to pound them. I'm tempted to pick Denver over Houston, as I think Tebow will gut that team to at least one win while he's starting, but... that defense is horrible and I expect the Texans to shred 'em no matter what Tebow does.
The Draft Race is on. Carolina has the inside track on the 1st overall pick and I think they'll hold onto it. It'll be interesting to see, though, if Denver and Cincinnati remain the 2/3 or if they win a game or two and let the 4-win teams have a track at the top 3.
My hat's off to Devin Hester of the Bears - 14 KR/PR TDs in 5 seasons is actually a bit misleading... he didn't score any KR/PR TDs in two of those five seasons when the Bears tried to convert him to a full-time WR (and subsequently didn't make the playoffs). So in reality, that's 14 KR/PR TDs in 3 seasons as a full-time returner. What a talent. And what humility - I saw his post-game press conference and he wanted to make sure his 10 special teams teammates got as much glory as he did. It was really something to see him get choked up when a reporter asked him how he felt about those guys. As electric as a guy like DeSean Jackson is, it's clear right there that he's got nothing on Hester in the character department. Congratulations to Hester - who will undoubtedly add much, much more to that current record total.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 15
Last week was an impressive 13-3, improving my season mark to 134-74.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
San Francisco (5-8) @ San Diego (7-6)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Cleveland (5-8) @ Cincinnati (2-11)
Washington (5-8) @ Dallas (4-9)
Houston (5-8) @ Tennessee (5-8)
Jacksonville (8-5) @ Indianapolis (7-6)
Kansas City (8-5) @ St. Louis (6-7)
Buffalo (3-10) @ Miami (7-6)
Detroit (3-10) @ Tampa Bay (8-5)
Arizona (4-9) @ Carolina (1-12)
New Orleans (10-3) @ Baltimore (9-4)
Philadelphia (9-4) @ NY Giants (9-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Atlanta (11-2) @ Seattle (6-7)
NY Jets (9-4) @ Pittsburgh (10-3)
Denver (3-10) @ Oakland (6-7)
Sunday Night -
Green Bay (8-5) @ New England (11-2)
Monday Night -
Chicago (9-4) @ Minnesota (5-8)
Where to begin... I'd like Kansas City if Matt Cassel were healthy, but he's not, so St. Louis gets a big win there in their quest to win the worst division in football. The Jets/Steelers matchup looked good a couple weeks ago, but you have to believe the Steelers defense has a field day with the Jets. If Green Bay can't put Aaron Rodgers on the field, they don't hold a candle to the Patriots and their slim playoff hopes are snuffed out. I think the Lions have a fair shit at breaking their road losing streak against a bruised and banged-up Bucs defense, but I'm still not betting on them on the road. The Vikings look abysmal and I don't see that improving, sadly, especially not outside in the cold, as they should be Monday Night. Jacksonville against Indianapolis for the division should be a fun game, but I like the Jags to get over the hump against a Colts team missing too many parts to function efficiently. Miami plays poorly at home, Buffalo could play spoiler there. I think Dallas gets revenge for their most humiliating loss earlier this season against Washington. I think Cincinnati picks up another win because, as dysfunctional as that team is, Jake Delhomme is simply awful and I can't bet on a team playing him to win again, ever. Which is sad, because I won my first fantasy football championship with him as my quarterback. If Colt McCoy were playing, I'd like the Browns in this one, but he's not, so it's all Bengals. Big game for the NFC East this weekend too, as it comes down to this - and I like the Giants. They almost beat Philadelphia last time, if not for an unfortunate Eli Manning fumble. I think they win at home and take the division.
Also, I'm going to say it here first, my first draft prediction for 2011 - Andrew Luck of Stanford will not declare and will be quarterbacking Stanford next season.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
San Francisco (5-8) @ San Diego (7-6)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Cleveland (5-8) @ Cincinnati (2-11)
Washington (5-8) @ Dallas (4-9)
Houston (5-8) @ Tennessee (5-8)
Jacksonville (8-5) @ Indianapolis (7-6)
Kansas City (8-5) @ St. Louis (6-7)
Buffalo (3-10) @ Miami (7-6)
Detroit (3-10) @ Tampa Bay (8-5)
Arizona (4-9) @ Carolina (1-12)
New Orleans (10-3) @ Baltimore (9-4)
Philadelphia (9-4) @ NY Giants (9-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Atlanta (11-2) @ Seattle (6-7)
NY Jets (9-4) @ Pittsburgh (10-3)
Denver (3-10) @ Oakland (6-7)
Sunday Night -
Green Bay (8-5) @ New England (11-2)
Monday Night -
Chicago (9-4) @ Minnesota (5-8)
Where to begin... I'd like Kansas City if Matt Cassel were healthy, but he's not, so St. Louis gets a big win there in their quest to win the worst division in football. The Jets/Steelers matchup looked good a couple weeks ago, but you have to believe the Steelers defense has a field day with the Jets. If Green Bay can't put Aaron Rodgers on the field, they don't hold a candle to the Patriots and their slim playoff hopes are snuffed out. I think the Lions have a fair shit at breaking their road losing streak against a bruised and banged-up Bucs defense, but I'm still not betting on them on the road. The Vikings look abysmal and I don't see that improving, sadly, especially not outside in the cold, as they should be Monday Night. Jacksonville against Indianapolis for the division should be a fun game, but I like the Jags to get over the hump against a Colts team missing too many parts to function efficiently. Miami plays poorly at home, Buffalo could play spoiler there. I think Dallas gets revenge for their most humiliating loss earlier this season against Washington. I think Cincinnati picks up another win because, as dysfunctional as that team is, Jake Delhomme is simply awful and I can't bet on a team playing him to win again, ever. Which is sad, because I won my first fantasy football championship with him as my quarterback. If Colt McCoy were playing, I'd like the Browns in this one, but he's not, so it's all Bengals. Big game for the NFC East this weekend too, as it comes down to this - and I like the Giants. They almost beat Philadelphia last time, if not for an unfortunate Eli Manning fumble. I think they win at home and take the division.
Also, I'm going to say it here first, my first draft prediction for 2011 - Andrew Luck of Stanford will not declare and will be quarterbacking Stanford next season.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 14
Last week was 11-5, putting me at 121-71 on the season thusfar.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Indianapolis (6-6) @ Tennessee (5-7)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Cleveland (5-7) @ Buffalo (2-10)
Green Bay (8-4) @ Detroit (2-10)
NY Giants (8-4) @ Minnesota (5-7)
Cincinnati (2-10) @ Pittsburgh (9-3)
Tampa Bay (7-5) @ Washington (5-7)
Atlanta (10-2) @ Carolina (1-11)
Oakland (6-6) @ Jacksonville (7-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Seattle (6-6) @ San Francisco (4-8)
St. Louis (6-6) @ New Orleans (9-3)
New England (10-2) @ Chicago (9-3)
Miami (6-6) @ NY Jets (9-3)
Denver (3-9) @ Arizona (3-9)
Kansas City (8-4) @ San Diego (6-6)
Sunday Night -
Philadelphia (8-4) @ Dallas (4-8)
Monday Night -
Baltimore (8-4) @ Houston (5-7)
Big win if the Patriots can beat the Bears in Soldier Field, I think. Do the Jets bounce back against Miami? I think so. Dallas is a possible trap for Philly, as are the Lions for the Packers, but I think the better team wins in both. KC/SD could be a very good game... Indy's season goes down in flames if they lose to Tennessee. St. Louis could make a statement with a win against the Saints. Lots of losing teams at home against winning teams... there will be some upsets, but it's hard to see where.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Indianapolis (6-6) @ Tennessee (5-7)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Cleveland (5-7) @ Buffalo (2-10)
Green Bay (8-4) @ Detroit (2-10)
NY Giants (8-4) @ Minnesota (5-7)
Cincinnati (2-10) @ Pittsburgh (9-3)
Tampa Bay (7-5) @ Washington (5-7)
Atlanta (10-2) @ Carolina (1-11)
Oakland (6-6) @ Jacksonville (7-5)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Seattle (6-6) @ San Francisco (4-8)
St. Louis (6-6) @ New Orleans (9-3)
New England (10-2) @ Chicago (9-3)
Miami (6-6) @ NY Jets (9-3)
Denver (3-9) @ Arizona (3-9)
Kansas City (8-4) @ San Diego (6-6)
Sunday Night -
Philadelphia (8-4) @ Dallas (4-8)
Monday Night -
Baltimore (8-4) @ Houston (5-7)
Big win if the Patriots can beat the Bears in Soldier Field, I think. Do the Jets bounce back against Miami? I think so. Dallas is a possible trap for Philly, as are the Lions for the Packers, but I think the better team wins in both. KC/SD could be a very good game... Indy's season goes down in flames if they lose to Tennessee. St. Louis could make a statement with a win against the Saints. Lots of losing teams at home against winning teams... there will be some upsets, but it's hard to see where.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 13
I gambled on my Lions last week and the other traditional Thanksgiving team, the Cowboys, last week, against my better judgment, and paid for it with two losses. As a result, I went 9-7 last week.
On the season, that means I'm 110-66.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Houston (5-6) @ Philadelphia (7-4)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
New Orleans (8-3) @ Cincinnati (2-9)
Chicago (8-3) @ Detroit (2-9)
San Francisco (4-7) @ Green Bay (7-4)
Jacksonville (6-5) @ Tennessee (5-6)
Denver (3-8) @ Kansas City (7-4)
Cleveland (4-7) @ Miami (6-5)
Buffalo (2-9) @ Minnesota (4-7)
Washington (5-6) @ NY Giants (7-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Oakland (5-6) @ San Diego (6-5)
Atlanta (9-2) @ Tampa Bay (7-4)
Carolina (1-10) @ Seattle (5-6)
St. Louis (5-6) @ Arizona (3-8)
Dallas (3-8) @ Indianapolis (6-5)
Sunday Night -
Pittsburgh (8-3) @ Baltimore (8-3)
Monday Night -
NY Jets (9-2) @ New England (9-2)
What a slate of primetime games this week. Well, not so much HOU/PHI (really, Houston's defense against Philly's offense? Go go Eagles for fantasy this week!). But that BAL/PIT and that NYJ/NE game... both of those are huge. Possibly the four best teams in the NFL there and both games will have huge impacts on those division races. Can't ask for better primetime games than that at this stage of the season. If Minnesota beats Buffalo, I'll buy into them a little right now, but Buffalo is one scrappy team and they keep pushing everyone they play to the max. I have more respect for them than the Vikings right now, so we'll see if they make good on it. I don't like the Lions to win, but the Bears should be wary of that as a trap game... I want to believe it, but that Patriots game left a really bad taste in my mouth. I could see Seattle losing to the Panthers, possibly, too. Also, Colts beware, but I expect them to play angry after the Chargers embarrassed them. Tennessee won't win another game until they have a credible QB starting again.
On the season, that means I'm 110-66.
Winners in gold.
Thursday Night -
Houston (5-6) @ Philadelphia (7-4)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
New Orleans (8-3) @ Cincinnati (2-9)
Chicago (8-3) @ Detroit (2-9)
San Francisco (4-7) @ Green Bay (7-4)
Jacksonville (6-5) @ Tennessee (5-6)
Denver (3-8) @ Kansas City (7-4)
Cleveland (4-7) @ Miami (6-5)
Buffalo (2-9) @ Minnesota (4-7)
Washington (5-6) @ NY Giants (7-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Oakland (5-6) @ San Diego (6-5)
Atlanta (9-2) @ Tampa Bay (7-4)
Carolina (1-10) @ Seattle (5-6)
St. Louis (5-6) @ Arizona (3-8)
Dallas (3-8) @ Indianapolis (6-5)
Sunday Night -
Pittsburgh (8-3) @ Baltimore (8-3)
Monday Night -
NY Jets (9-2) @ New England (9-2)
What a slate of primetime games this week. Well, not so much HOU/PHI (really, Houston's defense against Philly's offense? Go go Eagles for fantasy this week!). But that BAL/PIT and that NYJ/NE game... both of those are huge. Possibly the four best teams in the NFL there and both games will have huge impacts on those division races. Can't ask for better primetime games than that at this stage of the season. If Minnesota beats Buffalo, I'll buy into them a little right now, but Buffalo is one scrappy team and they keep pushing everyone they play to the max. I have more respect for them than the Vikings right now, so we'll see if they make good on it. I don't like the Lions to win, but the Bears should be wary of that as a trap game... I want to believe it, but that Patriots game left a really bad taste in my mouth. I could see Seattle losing to the Panthers, possibly, too. Also, Colts beware, but I expect them to play angry after the Chargers embarrassed them. Tennessee won't win another game until they have a credible QB starting again.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 12
Ahh, Thanksgiving. A hallowed time when it comes to football, particularly for Detroiters like me. For me, football is as entwined with Thanksgiving as turkey and family are. Football has happened in Detroit since 1934 and I think a lot of people don't realize what it means to us.
Last week I went 12-4, putting me at 101-59 on the year so far. Without further ado, on to the picks... Winners in gold.
Thanksgiving Day -
New England (8-2) @ Detroit (2-8)
New Orleans (7-3) @ Dallas (3-7)
Cincinnati (2-8) @ NY Jets (8-2)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Green Bay (7-3) @ Atlanta (8-2)
Pittsburgh (7-3) @ Buffalo (2-8)
Carolina (1-9) @ Cleveland (3-7)
Jacksonville (6-4) @ NY Giants (6-4)
Minnesota (3-7) @ Washington (5-5)
Tennessee (5-5) @ Houston (4-6)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Kansas City (6-4) @ Seattle (5-5)
Miami (5-5) @ Oakland (5-5)
Philadelphia (7-3) @ Chicago (7-3)
Tampa Bay (7-3) @ Baltimore (7-3)
St. Louis (4-6) @ Denver (3-7)
Sunday Night -
San Diego (5-5) @ Indianapolis (6-4)
Monday Night -
San Francisco (3-7) @ Arizona (3-7)
I'm biased - I'm picking Detroit and Dallas against my better judgment because I expect both teams to play better, play harder on Thanksgiving. Realistically, I expect one of them to pull the upset... but I'm not sure which.
A really remarkable slate of games this week. Lots of evenly-matched teams by record, although only two division matches - SF/ARI is almost irrelevant, except it's the NFC West, so who knows; TEN/HOU is important only because if Houston loses, they're pretty much done. I think they beat a Rusty Smith (is that his name?) led Titans team. San Diego has begun their usual mid-season resurrection and I expect it to continue against a very injured Colts team. GB/ATL is the most important game of the week to me - the winner may very well end up the #1-seed in the NFC... I like the Packers, but I don't pick against the Falcons at home. TB/BAL should be a very interesting game, as well... I'm also picking against the Vikings and Dolphins until they show me something to pick for. The Vikings may have changed coach (finally), but I still don't like Favre under center; he's been awful this year and I'm not sure how Leslie Frazier changes that.
Last week I went 12-4, putting me at 101-59 on the year so far. Without further ado, on to the picks... Winners in gold.
Thanksgiving Day -
New England (8-2) @ Detroit (2-8)
New Orleans (7-3) @ Dallas (3-7)
Cincinnati (2-8) @ NY Jets (8-2)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Green Bay (7-3) @ Atlanta (8-2)
Pittsburgh (7-3) @ Buffalo (2-8)
Carolina (1-9) @ Cleveland (3-7)
Jacksonville (6-4) @ NY Giants (6-4)
Minnesota (3-7) @ Washington (5-5)
Tennessee (5-5) @ Houston (4-6)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Kansas City (6-4) @ Seattle (5-5)
Miami (5-5) @ Oakland (5-5)
Philadelphia (7-3) @ Chicago (7-3)
Tampa Bay (7-3) @ Baltimore (7-3)
St. Louis (4-6) @ Denver (3-7)
Sunday Night -
San Diego (5-5) @ Indianapolis (6-4)
Monday Night -
San Francisco (3-7) @ Arizona (3-7)
I'm biased - I'm picking Detroit and Dallas against my better judgment because I expect both teams to play better, play harder on Thanksgiving. Realistically, I expect one of them to pull the upset... but I'm not sure which.
A really remarkable slate of games this week. Lots of evenly-matched teams by record, although only two division matches - SF/ARI is almost irrelevant, except it's the NFC West, so who knows; TEN/HOU is important only because if Houston loses, they're pretty much done. I think they beat a Rusty Smith (is that his name?) led Titans team. San Diego has begun their usual mid-season resurrection and I expect it to continue against a very injured Colts team. GB/ATL is the most important game of the week to me - the winner may very well end up the #1-seed in the NFC... I like the Packers, but I don't pick against the Falcons at home. TB/BAL should be a very interesting game, as well... I'm also picking against the Vikings and Dolphins until they show me something to pick for. The Vikings may have changed coach (finally), but I still don't like Favre under center; he's been awful this year and I'm not sure how Leslie Frazier changes that.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 11
Last week I went a respectable 10-4, improving me to 89-55 on the year.
We're done with bye weeks, so it's back to 16 games per week! Here we go, winners in gold as always.
Thursday Night -
Chicago (6-3) @ Miami (5-4)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Buffalo (1-8) @ Cincinnati (2-7)
Detroit (2-7) @ Dallas (2-7)
Baltimore (6-3) @ Carolina (1-8)
Cleveland (3-6) @ Jacksonville (5-4)
Oakland (5-4) @ Pittsburgh (6-3)
Washington (4-5) @ Tennessee (5-4)
Arizona (3-6) @ Kansas City (5-4)
Green Bay (6-3) @ Minnesota (3-6)
Houston (4-5) @ NY Jets (7-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Atlanta (7-2) @ St. Louis (4-5)
Tampa Bay (6-3) @ San Francisco (3-6)
Seattle (5-4) @ New Orleans (6-3)
Indianapolis (6-3) @ New England (7-2)
Sunday Night -
NY Giants (6-3) @ Philadelphia (6-3)
Monday Night -
Denver (3-6) @ San Diego (4-5)
Let's see. I still think it's safe to bet against the Vikings drama, especially against a rested division foe coming off a bye. The Lions are on the road, so if you need a survivor pick, Dallas looks good this week. Besides, if Jason Garrett's Cowboys are where the Lions 25-game road losing streak ends, believe me when I say Jerry Jones will not be his employer next year - I think Garrett knows it and his team wins. If the Seahawks can beat the Saints, I'll consider them legit, but I'm not really counting on it. I think the Giants come at the Eagles with everything they have after the embarrassing loss to Dallas. I'm also very interested in the Colts/Patriots game for the first time in a couple years, as both teams look good but flawed this season... this game tells us a lot about the winner. Can Atlanta beat a solid St. Louis team on the road? I still have doubts about the Falcons outside of their dome... and what about Kansas City? I think they bounce back after that Denver game and beat a mediocre Jacksonville team. Also, it's the latter half of the season, so here come the Chargers - don't let that crazy Denver win over Kansas City fool you into picking the Broncos on Monday Night. Oh, and don't be overly confident in Chicago or Miami against the other; when a new QB is under center for a team, anything can happen (the Bears will be watching film from 2008, of Kansas City, to study Tyler Thigpen). I like Chicago, but I wouldn't be surprised if Miami wins, either.
We're done with bye weeks, so it's back to 16 games per week! Here we go, winners in gold as always.
Thursday Night -
Chicago (6-3) @ Miami (5-4)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Buffalo (1-8) @ Cincinnati (2-7)
Detroit (2-7) @ Dallas (2-7)
Baltimore (6-3) @ Carolina (1-8)
Cleveland (3-6) @ Jacksonville (5-4)
Oakland (5-4) @ Pittsburgh (6-3)
Washington (4-5) @ Tennessee (5-4)
Arizona (3-6) @ Kansas City (5-4)
Green Bay (6-3) @ Minnesota (3-6)
Houston (4-5) @ NY Jets (7-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Atlanta (7-2) @ St. Louis (4-5)
Tampa Bay (6-3) @ San Francisco (3-6)
Seattle (5-4) @ New Orleans (6-3)
Indianapolis (6-3) @ New England (7-2)
Sunday Night -
NY Giants (6-3) @ Philadelphia (6-3)
Monday Night -
Denver (3-6) @ San Diego (4-5)
Let's see. I still think it's safe to bet against the Vikings drama, especially against a rested division foe coming off a bye. The Lions are on the road, so if you need a survivor pick, Dallas looks good this week. Besides, if Jason Garrett's Cowboys are where the Lions 25-game road losing streak ends, believe me when I say Jerry Jones will not be his employer next year - I think Garrett knows it and his team wins. If the Seahawks can beat the Saints, I'll consider them legit, but I'm not really counting on it. I think the Giants come at the Eagles with everything they have after the embarrassing loss to Dallas. I'm also very interested in the Colts/Patriots game for the first time in a couple years, as both teams look good but flawed this season... this game tells us a lot about the winner. Can Atlanta beat a solid St. Louis team on the road? I still have doubts about the Falcons outside of their dome... and what about Kansas City? I think they bounce back after that Denver game and beat a mediocre Jacksonville team. Also, it's the latter half of the season, so here come the Chargers - don't let that crazy Denver win over Kansas City fool you into picking the Broncos on Monday Night. Oh, and don't be overly confident in Chicago or Miami against the other; when a new QB is under center for a team, anything can happen (the Bears will be watching film from 2008, of Kansas City, to study Tyler Thigpen). I like Chicago, but I wouldn't be surprised if Miami wins, either.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 10
Last week I was 7-6, which is better than I really expected given how many blown calls I made. That puts me at 79-51 on the season.
Winners in gold as usual.
Thursday Night -
Baltimore (6-2) @ Atlanta (6-2)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Detroit (2-6) @ Buffalo (0-8)
Minnesota (3-5) @ Chicago (5-3)
NY Jets (6-2) @ Cleveland (3-5)
Cincinnati (2-6) @ Indianapolis (5-3)
Tennessee (5-3) @ Miami (4-4)
Carolina (1-7) @ Tampa Bay (5-3)
Houston (4-4) @ Jacksonville (4-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Kansas City (5-3) @ Denver (2-6)
Dallas (1-7) @ NY Giants (6-2)
Seattle (4-4) @ Arizona (3-5)
St. Louis (4-4) @ San Francisco (2-6)
Sunday Night -
New England (6-2) @ Pittsburgh (6-2)
Monday Night -
Philadelphia (5-3) @ Washington (4-4)
Nice slate of primetime games, if you ask me. What a matchup to kick off Thursday Night football! I don't like to go against Atlanta at home, though, even against a team like Baltimore. I like Buffalo, who's been playing tough games week-in and week-out, to get their first win against a Detroit team who has no idea who their quarterback is. After all, the Lions gave the Rams their only win last year. I still don't believe in the Vikings. Houston and Jacksonville is a make-or-break game for both teams, I think. And, of course, we get to witness the first part of the Randy Moss Saga in Tennessee, a game I think they win. New England @ Pittsburgh might be the matchup of the week... tough call, too. New England's offense isn't what it was with Moss, and Pittsburgh should be able to clamp down on them. But can Pittsburgh play well themselves with so many offensive line injuries? Hard to say. I still like Pittsburgh more, though, overall. I don't see Jason Garrett making the Cowboys competitive in his first game as a head coach, not against the red-hot Giants.
From here on out, with Thursday Night Football going, you can expect my picks Wednesday night every week.
Winners in gold as usual.
Thursday Night -
Baltimore (6-2) @ Atlanta (6-2)
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Detroit (2-6) @ Buffalo (0-8)
Minnesota (3-5) @ Chicago (5-3)
NY Jets (6-2) @ Cleveland (3-5)
Cincinnati (2-6) @ Indianapolis (5-3)
Tennessee (5-3) @ Miami (4-4)
Carolina (1-7) @ Tampa Bay (5-3)
Houston (4-4) @ Jacksonville (4-4)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
Kansas City (5-3) @ Denver (2-6)
Dallas (1-7) @ NY Giants (6-2)
Seattle (4-4) @ Arizona (3-5)
St. Louis (4-4) @ San Francisco (2-6)
Sunday Night -
New England (6-2) @ Pittsburgh (6-2)
Monday Night -
Philadelphia (5-3) @ Washington (4-4)
Nice slate of primetime games, if you ask me. What a matchup to kick off Thursday Night football! I don't like to go against Atlanta at home, though, even against a team like Baltimore. I like Buffalo, who's been playing tough games week-in and week-out, to get their first win against a Detroit team who has no idea who their quarterback is. After all, the Lions gave the Rams their only win last year. I still don't believe in the Vikings. Houston and Jacksonville is a make-or-break game for both teams, I think. And, of course, we get to witness the first part of the Randy Moss Saga in Tennessee, a game I think they win. New England @ Pittsburgh might be the matchup of the week... tough call, too. New England's offense isn't what it was with Moss, and Pittsburgh should be able to clamp down on them. But can Pittsburgh play well themselves with so many offensive line injuries? Hard to say. I still like Pittsburgh more, though, overall. I don't see Jason Garrett making the Cowboys competitive in his first game as a head coach, not against the red-hot Giants.
From here on out, with Thursday Night Football going, you can expect my picks Wednesday night every week.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 9
Last week, I was 8-5, giving me a 72-45 mark for the season so far.
Winners in gold as usual.
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Tampa Bay (5-2) @ Atlanta (5-2)
Chicago (4-3) @ Buffalo (0-7)
New England (6-1) @ Cleveland (2-5)
NY Jets (5-2) @ Detroit (2-5)
Arizona (3-4) @ Minnesota (2-5)
New Orleans (5-3) @ Carolina (1-6)
Miami (4-3) @ Baltimore (5-2)
San Diego (3-5) @ Houston (4-3)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
NY Giants (5-2) @ Seattle (4-3)
Kansas City (5-2) @ Oakland (4-4)
Indianapolis (5-2) @ Philadelphia (4-3)
Sunday Night -
Dallas (1-6) @ Green Bay (5-3)
Monday Night -
Pittsburgh (5-2) @ Cincinnati (2-5)
Byes:
Denver, Jacksonville, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tennessee, Washington
I like most of the home teams this week, which means I'm going out on a limb on a few games - yes, that means I'm picking Detroit, Philadelphia, Seattle and even Buffalo this week. I like the homefield advantage Seattle has against a Giants team I haven't fully bought into yet. I think Philadelphia, fresh off their bye, can give an Indianapolis team without Dallas Clark more trouble than Houston could. If San Diego were healthier, I might like them over Houston, but as it stands, I think they're almost out of healthy receivers and Antonio Gates is supposedly out now, too. I like the momentum Detroit is building and while it is a bit of a homer pick, I think Detroit can make a statement win at home against a Jets team that looked incredibly shaky against the Packers last week. I'd love to see Tampa keep rolling, but I think Atlanta - especially at home - is the class of the NFC South and won't be beaten. The KC/Oakland game is certainly the surprise game of the week and I think I'd take whoever is home... in this case, I'm buying into the roll Oakland is on. Until the Vikings prove otherwise, I'm considering them in full implosion and unable to win a game... they need this win, but I don't think they get it. I'm also picking Buffalo for the first time all year - after gutting out close losses against some of the best teams in the AFC, I think they can - at home - beat a Chicago team that can't keep its quarterback upright, even coming off their bye.
Gonna be an interesting week if I called some of these right... definitely playing some homefield advantages and some gut hunches this week.
Winners in gold as usual.
Sunday at 1:00pm ET -
Tampa Bay (5-2) @ Atlanta (5-2)
Chicago (4-3) @ Buffalo (0-7)
New England (6-1) @ Cleveland (2-5)
NY Jets (5-2) @ Detroit (2-5)
Arizona (3-4) @ Minnesota (2-5)
New Orleans (5-3) @ Carolina (1-6)
Miami (4-3) @ Baltimore (5-2)
San Diego (3-5) @ Houston (4-3)
Sunday at 4:00pm ET -
NY Giants (5-2) @ Seattle (4-3)
Kansas City (5-2) @ Oakland (4-4)
Indianapolis (5-2) @ Philadelphia (4-3)
Sunday Night -
Dallas (1-6) @ Green Bay (5-3)
Monday Night -
Pittsburgh (5-2) @ Cincinnati (2-5)
Byes:
Denver, Jacksonville, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tennessee, Washington
I like most of the home teams this week, which means I'm going out on a limb on a few games - yes, that means I'm picking Detroit, Philadelphia, Seattle and even Buffalo this week. I like the homefield advantage Seattle has against a Giants team I haven't fully bought into yet. I think Philadelphia, fresh off their bye, can give an Indianapolis team without Dallas Clark more trouble than Houston could. If San Diego were healthier, I might like them over Houston, but as it stands, I think they're almost out of healthy receivers and Antonio Gates is supposedly out now, too. I like the momentum Detroit is building and while it is a bit of a homer pick, I think Detroit can make a statement win at home against a Jets team that looked incredibly shaky against the Packers last week. I'd love to see Tampa keep rolling, but I think Atlanta - especially at home - is the class of the NFC South and won't be beaten. The KC/Oakland game is certainly the surprise game of the week and I think I'd take whoever is home... in this case, I'm buying into the roll Oakland is on. Until the Vikings prove otherwise, I'm considering them in full implosion and unable to win a game... they need this win, but I don't think they get it. I'm also picking Buffalo for the first time all year - after gutting out close losses against some of the best teams in the AFC, I think they can - at home - beat a Chicago team that can't keep its quarterback upright, even coming off their bye.
Gonna be an interesting week if I called some of these right... definitely playing some homefield advantages and some gut hunches this week.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 8
I was 10-4 last week, which moves me up to 64-40 on the year so far.
Winners in gold as always.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Miami (3-3) @ Cincinnati (2-4)
Jacksonville (3-4) @ Dallas (1-5)
Washington (4-3) @ Detroit (1-5)
Buffalo (0-6) @ Kansas City (4-2)
Carolina (1-5) @ St. Louis (3-4)
Green Bay (4-3) @ NY Jets (5-1)
Denver (2-5) @ San Francisco (1-6)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Tennessee (5-2) @ San Diego (2-5)
Tampa Bay (4-2) @ Arizona (3-3)
Minnesota (2-4) @ New England (5-1)
Seattle (4-2) @ Oakland (3-4)
Sunday Night -
Pittsburgh (5-1) @ New Orleans (4-3)
Monday Night -
Houston (4-2) @ Indianapolis (4-2)
Byes: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, NY Giants, Philadelphia
A good slate of games this week. A few must-wins scattered about, though. I believe Detroit has to beat Washington this weekend to establish any kind of credibility going forward - I believe they can, but it might be difficult as the offense adjusts to having Matthew Stafford under center again. I believe Indianapolis has to beat Houston, much like Houston had to beat them in Week 1. If Indianapolis loses another division game, that'll sink their in-division record and really hurt them when the playoff race heats up. Minnesota and San Diego look to get wins, but both are playing superior teams and I see both falling to 2-6. Cincinnati is a train wreck (who woulda thunk it, with TO and Ochocinco there...) and has to face a resilient Miami team that was victimized by the worst call of the week last week. I like Dallas to beat Jacksonville this week. Jon Kitna or not, if they can't beat Jacksonville at home this week, who can they beat going forward?
Winners in gold as always.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Miami (3-3) @ Cincinnati (2-4)
Jacksonville (3-4) @ Dallas (1-5)
Washington (4-3) @ Detroit (1-5)
Buffalo (0-6) @ Kansas City (4-2)
Carolina (1-5) @ St. Louis (3-4)
Green Bay (4-3) @ NY Jets (5-1)
Denver (2-5) @ San Francisco (1-6)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Tennessee (5-2) @ San Diego (2-5)
Tampa Bay (4-2) @ Arizona (3-3)
Minnesota (2-4) @ New England (5-1)
Seattle (4-2) @ Oakland (3-4)
Sunday Night -
Pittsburgh (5-1) @ New Orleans (4-3)
Monday Night -
Houston (4-2) @ Indianapolis (4-2)
Byes: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, NY Giants, Philadelphia
A good slate of games this week. A few must-wins scattered about, though. I believe Detroit has to beat Washington this weekend to establish any kind of credibility going forward - I believe they can, but it might be difficult as the offense adjusts to having Matthew Stafford under center again. I believe Indianapolis has to beat Houston, much like Houston had to beat them in Week 1. If Indianapolis loses another division game, that'll sink their in-division record and really hurt them when the playoff race heats up. Minnesota and San Diego look to get wins, but both are playing superior teams and I see both falling to 2-6. Cincinnati is a train wreck (who woulda thunk it, with TO and Ochocinco there...) and has to face a resilient Miami team that was victimized by the worst call of the week last week. I like Dallas to beat Jacksonville this week. Jon Kitna or not, if they can't beat Jacksonville at home this week, who can they beat going forward?
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 7
Last week was an outstanding 12-2!
That helps rebuild my season total to 54-36.
So let's get to this week's picks - winners in gold.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Cincinnati (2-3) @ Atlanta (4-2)
Washington (3-3) @ Chicago (4-2)
Philadephia (4-2) @ Tennessee (4-2)
Jacksonville (3-3) @ Kansas City (3-2)
Pittsburgh (4-1) @ Miami (3-2)
Cleveland (1-5) @ New Orleans (4-2)
St. Louis (3-3) @ Tampa Bay (3-2)
San Francisco (1-5) @ Carolina (0-5)
Buffalo (0-5) @ Baltimore (4-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Arizona (3-2) @ Seattle (3-2)
New England (4-1) @ San Diego (2-4)
Oakland (2-4) @ Denver (2-4)
Sunday Night -
Minnesota (2-3) @ Green Bay (3-3)
Monday Night -
NY Giants (4-2) @ Dallas (1-4)
Byes: Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, NY Jets
This is one of those weeks where it all looks pretty simple - lots of favored home teams who look like sure wins. I hate weeks like this because it means there's always a couple absurd upsets lurking. I like Dallas at home, in a must-win environment on Monday Night. I like Green Bay at home on Sunday Night. I think Denver has to beat Oakland, and should, but that game could go upset... Oakland plays some scrappy ball. St. Louis could beat the Bucs, too, but I think the Bucs are playing very solid fundamental football and that will win you games. I hear Jacksonville is starting Todd Bouman at QB, so if you need a lock this week, take Kansas City. Atlanta is back at home, so they'll win, no problem. Miami hasn't won at home yet this year (they're 0-2 at home, 3-0 on the road) and I think that trend continues against the indomitable-looking Steelers.
That helps rebuild my season total to 54-36.
So let's get to this week's picks - winners in gold.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Cincinnati (2-3) @ Atlanta (4-2)
Washington (3-3) @ Chicago (4-2)
Philadephia (4-2) @ Tennessee (4-2)
Jacksonville (3-3) @ Kansas City (3-2)
Pittsburgh (4-1) @ Miami (3-2)
Cleveland (1-5) @ New Orleans (4-2)
St. Louis (3-3) @ Tampa Bay (3-2)
San Francisco (1-5) @ Carolina (0-5)
Buffalo (0-5) @ Baltimore (4-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Arizona (3-2) @ Seattle (3-2)
New England (4-1) @ San Diego (2-4)
Oakland (2-4) @ Denver (2-4)
Sunday Night -
Minnesota (2-3) @ Green Bay (3-3)
Monday Night -
NY Giants (4-2) @ Dallas (1-4)
Byes: Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, NY Jets
This is one of those weeks where it all looks pretty simple - lots of favored home teams who look like sure wins. I hate weeks like this because it means there's always a couple absurd upsets lurking. I like Dallas at home, in a must-win environment on Monday Night. I like Green Bay at home on Sunday Night. I think Denver has to beat Oakland, and should, but that game could go upset... Oakland plays some scrappy ball. St. Louis could beat the Bucs, too, but I think the Bucs are playing very solid fundamental football and that will win you games. I hear Jacksonville is starting Todd Bouman at QB, so if you need a lock this week, take Kansas City. Atlanta is back at home, so they'll win, no problem. Miami hasn't won at home yet this year (they're 0-2 at home, 3-0 on the road) and I think that trend continues against the indomitable-looking Steelers.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 6
Ouuuuuuuuuuuch. 7-7 again last week. What a brutally unpredictable season it's been so far this year!
That puts me at 42-34 so far. That's drawing closer and closer to .500...
So here we go, winners in gold as always.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Seattle (2-2) @ Chicago (4-1)
Baltimore (4-1) @ New England (3-1)
Detroit (1-4) @ NY Giants (3-2)
Atlanta (4-1) @ Philadelphia (3-2)
Cleveland (1-4) @ Pittsburgh (3-1)
Miami (2-2) @ Green Bay (3-2)
San Diego (2-3) @ St. Louis (2-3)
New Orleans (3-2) @ Tampa Bay (3-1)
Kansas City (3-1) @ Houston (3-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Oakland (2-3) @ San Francisco (0-5)
NY Jets (4-1) @ Denver (2-3)
Dallas (1-3) @ Minnesota (1-3)
Sunday Night -
Indianapolis (3-2) @ Washington (3-2)
Monday Night -
Tennessee (3-2) @ Jacksonville (3-2)
I almost picked Minnesota over Dallas. Then a friend of mine reminded me of how the Vikings shamelessly ran up the score on Dallas in the playoffs last year... I see this game as serious retribution for the Cowboys and I see them winning it. As in life, as in sports - karma is a bitch. I want to believe in Denver at home, but I can't... I think Denver is a good team and Kyle Orton is playing out of his mind, but the Jets just look solid. I think the Patriots come off their bye without Moss and hit a win... Brady is no stranger to winning without a highlight receiver, but then again, those were in the glory days of the New England defense, too. Like Denver, I want to believe in Atlanta, but the Falcons have always been a better home team... if they're legit contenders, they win this game. I don't think they're there yet. The Giants seem to alternate good stretches with bad stretches and have won their last two decisively; I want to hope they'll drop one to the Lions, who need to end their road losing streak, but with Calvin Johnson likely out, I have trouble believing in the Honolulu Blue and Silver this week.
That puts me at 42-34 so far. That's drawing closer and closer to .500...
So here we go, winners in gold as always.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Seattle (2-2) @ Chicago (4-1)
Baltimore (4-1) @ New England (3-1)
Detroit (1-4) @ NY Giants (3-2)
Atlanta (4-1) @ Philadelphia (3-2)
Cleveland (1-4) @ Pittsburgh (3-1)
Miami (2-2) @ Green Bay (3-2)
San Diego (2-3) @ St. Louis (2-3)
New Orleans (3-2) @ Tampa Bay (3-1)
Kansas City (3-1) @ Houston (3-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Oakland (2-3) @ San Francisco (0-5)
NY Jets (4-1) @ Denver (2-3)
Dallas (1-3) @ Minnesota (1-3)
Sunday Night -
Indianapolis (3-2) @ Washington (3-2)
Monday Night -
Tennessee (3-2) @ Jacksonville (3-2)
I almost picked Minnesota over Dallas. Then a friend of mine reminded me of how the Vikings shamelessly ran up the score on Dallas in the playoffs last year... I see this game as serious retribution for the Cowboys and I see them winning it. As in life, as in sports - karma is a bitch. I want to believe in Denver at home, but I can't... I think Denver is a good team and Kyle Orton is playing out of his mind, but the Jets just look solid. I think the Patriots come off their bye without Moss and hit a win... Brady is no stranger to winning without a highlight receiver, but then again, those were in the glory days of the New England defense, too. Like Denver, I want to believe in Atlanta, but the Falcons have always been a better home team... if they're legit contenders, they win this game. I don't think they're there yet. The Giants seem to alternate good stretches with bad stretches and have won their last two decisively; I want to hope they'll drop one to the Lions, who need to end their road losing streak, but with Calvin Johnson likely out, I have trouble believing in the Honolulu Blue and Silver this week.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 5
I didn't have time last week to do a Recap, so I'll just leave it at this - I was a rough 7-7 again last week.
That puts me at 35-27 for the season.
Gold remains the color used to denote winners.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Jacksonville (2-2) @ Buffalo (0-4)
Tampa Bay (2-1) @ Cincinnati (2-2)
Atlanta (3-1) @ Cleveland (1-3)
St. Louis (2-2) @ Detroit (0-4)
Kansas City (3-0) @ Indianapolis (2-2)
Green Bay (3-1) @ Washington (2-2)
Chicago (3-1) @ Carolina (0-4)
Denver (2-2) @ Baltimore (3-1)
NY Giants (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
New Orleans (3-1) @ Arizona (2-2)
San Diego (2-2) @ Oakland (1-3)
Tennessee (2-2) @ Dallas (1-2)
Sunday Night -
Philadelphia (2-2) @ San Francisco (0-4)
Monday Night -
Minnesota (1-2) @ NY Jets (3-1)
Byes -
Miami, New England, Pittsburgh, Seattle
So a couple words on my picks - I like Carolina to get an unlikely win against the Todd Collins Show; I don't like Chicago and I like them less without Cutler. I think San Francisco can beat the Kolb-led Eagles. Randy Moss adds a lot to the Vikings, but not enough to beat a team that's better at every position. If Kansas City were hosting Indianapolis, I'd be all over picking them to win... on that note, if you look at ESPN's Eliminator Challenge, 28% of participants are locked into the Colts beating the last unbeaten team... I'm not that confident in that pick, not by a longshot. I think Cincy is overrated and Tampa is underrated, plus I think most teams play with a boost coming out of their bye. The Lions have to win this week at home or I think all of their offseason momentum evaporates and it just becomes another ho-hum year of struggling to be mediocre.
That puts me at 35-27 for the season.
Gold remains the color used to denote winners.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Jacksonville (2-2) @ Buffalo (0-4)
Tampa Bay (2-1) @ Cincinnati (2-2)
Atlanta (3-1) @ Cleveland (1-3)
St. Louis (2-2) @ Detroit (0-4)
Kansas City (3-0) @ Indianapolis (2-2)
Green Bay (3-1) @ Washington (2-2)
Chicago (3-1) @ Carolina (0-4)
Denver (2-2) @ Baltimore (3-1)
NY Giants (2-2) @ Houston (3-1)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
New Orleans (3-1) @ Arizona (2-2)
San Diego (2-2) @ Oakland (1-3)
Tennessee (2-2) @ Dallas (1-2)
Sunday Night -
Philadelphia (2-2) @ San Francisco (0-4)
Monday Night -
Minnesota (1-2) @ NY Jets (3-1)
Byes -
Miami, New England, Pittsburgh, Seattle
So a couple words on my picks - I like Carolina to get an unlikely win against the Todd Collins Show; I don't like Chicago and I like them less without Cutler. I think San Francisco can beat the Kolb-led Eagles. Randy Moss adds a lot to the Vikings, but not enough to beat a team that's better at every position. If Kansas City were hosting Indianapolis, I'd be all over picking them to win... on that note, if you look at ESPN's Eliminator Challenge, 28% of participants are locked into the Colts beating the last unbeaten team... I'm not that confident in that pick, not by a longshot. I think Cincy is overrated and Tampa is underrated, plus I think most teams play with a boost coming out of their bye. The Lions have to win this week at home or I think all of their offseason momentum evaporates and it just becomes another ho-hum year of struggling to be mediocre.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Pierce's Picks - Week 4
Last week was a rough 7-9.
On the season, I'm at 28-20.
We'll keep with the gold color for marking winners.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
San Francisco (0-3) @ Atlanta (2-1)
NY Jets (2-1) @ Buffalo (0-3)
Cincinnati (2-1) @ Cleveland (0-3)
Detroit (0-3) @ Green Bay (2-1)
Denver (1-2) @ Tennessee (2-1)
Seattle (2-1) @ St. Louis (1-2)
Carolina (0-3) @ New Orleans (2-1)
Baltimore (2-1) @ Pittsburgh (3-0)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Indianapolis (2-1) @ Jacksonville (1-2)
Houston (2-1) @ Oakland (1-2)
Arizona (2-1) @ San Diego (1-2)
Washington (1-2) @ Philadelphia (2-1)
Sunday Night -
Chicago (3-0) @ NY Giants (1-2)
Monday Night -
New England (2-1) @ Miami (2-1)
Byes -
Dallas, Kansas City, Minnesota, Tampa Bay
I like to think this might be the week my Lions get an unlikely victory that shocks the world, but that's probably not happening and I'm not betting on it. If Pittsburgh can beat Baltimore and start 4-0 without Big Ben, that team earns my vote of confidence as the most dominant team in the NFL through the first quarter of the season. The Bears might go 4-0 also, but they're winning with luck as much as anything, although the weakness of their schedule going forward might propel them even higher yet. A lot of teams like the 49ers, Seahawks, Giants and Broncos could use victories this week to help even out their records or regain some semblance of respect, but I have trouble thinking it's going to happen.
On the season, I'm at 28-20.
We'll keep with the gold color for marking winners.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
San Francisco (0-3) @ Atlanta (2-1)
NY Jets (2-1) @ Buffalo (0-3)
Cincinnati (2-1) @ Cleveland (0-3)
Detroit (0-3) @ Green Bay (2-1)
Denver (1-2) @ Tennessee (2-1)
Seattle (2-1) @ St. Louis (1-2)
Carolina (0-3) @ New Orleans (2-1)
Baltimore (2-1) @ Pittsburgh (3-0)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Indianapolis (2-1) @ Jacksonville (1-2)
Houston (2-1) @ Oakland (1-2)
Arizona (2-1) @ San Diego (1-2)
Washington (1-2) @ Philadelphia (2-1)
Sunday Night -
Chicago (3-0) @ NY Giants (1-2)
Monday Night -
New England (2-1) @ Miami (2-1)
Byes -
Dallas, Kansas City, Minnesota, Tampa Bay
I like to think this might be the week my Lions get an unlikely victory that shocks the world, but that's probably not happening and I'm not betting on it. If Pittsburgh can beat Baltimore and start 4-0 without Big Ben, that team earns my vote of confidence as the most dominant team in the NFL through the first quarter of the season. The Bears might go 4-0 also, but they're winning with luck as much as anything, although the weakness of their schedule going forward might propel them even higher yet. A lot of teams like the 49ers, Seahawks, Giants and Broncos could use victories this week to help even out their records or regain some semblance of respect, but I have trouble thinking it's going to happen.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Pierce's Picks 2010 - Week 3
Last week, I managed to go 10-6, although for some reason I felt like I did much worse. Seemed like the games I was confident about were off and the ones I was shaky on panned out. Go figure.
That puts me at 21-11 on the season, which isn't too shabby so far.
I've been told that bold is a little hard to discern with white text on black background, so we'll mix it up this week and put the winning team in gold and see how that works. After all, gold is the color of the Saints and they are the reigning champions, so it seems fitting to pick winners in one of the Saints' colors, yes? Let me know!
I'm also including the win/loss records for teams starting this week.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
San Francisco (0-2) @ Kansas City (2-0)
Cleveland (0-2) @ Baltimore (1-1)
Dallas (0-2) @ Houston (2-0)
Detroit (0-2) @ Minnesota (0-2)
Buffalo (0-2) @ New England (1-1)
Atlanta (1-1) @ New Orleans (2-0)
Tennessee (1-1) @ NY Giants (1-1)
Pittsburgh (2-0) @ Tampa Bay (2-0)
Cincinnati (1-1) @ Carolina (0-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Philadelphia (1-1) @ Jacksonville (1-1)
Washington (1-1) @ St. Louis (0-2)
Indianapolis (1-1) @ Denver (1-1)
Oakland (1-1) @ Arizona (1-1)
San Diego (1-1) @ Seattle (1-1)
Sunday Night -
NY Jets (1-1) @ Miami (2-0)
Monday Night -
Green Bay (2-0) @ Chicago (2-0)
A couple notes on these picks: Yes, I really do think Denver might beat Indianapolis at Mile High. I like the way the Broncos are playing and I think they can be legit. I'm low on the Colts this year, part Superbowl loser hangover, part because they're getting older and a bit slower. Yes, I really do think Detroit beats Minnesota. The Vikings are playing slow, uninspired football and I believe that's a bad recipe against a team that is playing hard and is very hungry for a victory. They'll throw the kitchen sink at Favre and he will eat some turf on Sunday.
Oh, and I'm picking 9 away teams to win. That obviously is not going to work, but what can I say, I have to go with the picks I'm feeling, right?
That puts me at 21-11 on the season, which isn't too shabby so far.
I've been told that bold is a little hard to discern with white text on black background, so we'll mix it up this week and put the winning team in gold and see how that works. After all, gold is the color of the Saints and they are the reigning champions, so it seems fitting to pick winners in one of the Saints' colors, yes? Let me know!
I'm also including the win/loss records for teams starting this week.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
San Francisco (0-2) @ Kansas City (2-0)
Cleveland (0-2) @ Baltimore (1-1)
Dallas (0-2) @ Houston (2-0)
Detroit (0-2) @ Minnesota (0-2)
Buffalo (0-2) @ New England (1-1)
Atlanta (1-1) @ New Orleans (2-0)
Tennessee (1-1) @ NY Giants (1-1)
Pittsburgh (2-0) @ Tampa Bay (2-0)
Cincinnati (1-1) @ Carolina (0-2)
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Philadelphia (1-1) @ Jacksonville (1-1)
Washington (1-1) @ St. Louis (0-2)
Indianapolis (1-1) @ Denver (1-1)
Oakland (1-1) @ Arizona (1-1)
San Diego (1-1) @ Seattle (1-1)
Sunday Night -
NY Jets (1-1) @ Miami (2-0)
Monday Night -
Green Bay (2-0) @ Chicago (2-0)
A couple notes on these picks: Yes, I really do think Denver might beat Indianapolis at Mile High. I like the way the Broncos are playing and I think they can be legit. I'm low on the Colts this year, part Superbowl loser hangover, part because they're getting older and a bit slower. Yes, I really do think Detroit beats Minnesota. The Vikings are playing slow, uninspired football and I believe that's a bad recipe against a team that is playing hard and is very hungry for a victory. They'll throw the kitchen sink at Favre and he will eat some turf on Sunday.
Oh, and I'm picking 9 away teams to win. That obviously is not going to work, but what can I say, I have to go with the picks I'm feeling, right?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Pierce's Picks 2010 - Week 2
Last week, I went a respectable 11-5.
As always, winners are noted in bold.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Arizona @ Atlanta
Baltimore @ Cincinnati
Kansas City @ Cleveland
Chicago @ Dallas
Philadelphia @ Detroit
Buffalo @ Green Bay
Pittsburgh @ Tennessee
Miami @ Minnesota
Tampa Bay @ Carolina
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Seattle @ Denver
St. Louis @ Oakland
New England @ NY Jets
Jacksonville @ San Diego
Houston @ Washington
Sunday Night -
NY Giants @ Indianapolis
Monday Night -
New Orleans @ San Francisco
As always, winners are noted in bold.
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Arizona @ Atlanta
Baltimore @ Cincinnati
Kansas City @ Cleveland
Chicago @ Dallas
Philadelphia @ Detroit
Buffalo @ Green Bay
Pittsburgh @ Tennessee
Miami @ Minnesota
Tampa Bay @ Carolina
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
Seattle @ Denver
St. Louis @ Oakland
New England @ NY Jets
Jacksonville @ San Diego
Houston @ Washington
Sunday Night -
NY Giants @ Indianapolis
Monday Night -
New Orleans @ San Francisco
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Pierce's Picks 2010 - Week 1
Every week, I intend to update the blog with my picks for the week. No spread or anything along those lines, just a simple prediction on who will win each game that week. I'll log my record throughout the season and, at the end of the year, divide it down so that it reads out of 16, as per an NFL team's record. We'll see if I make the playoffs or not. So, without further ado, my picks for Week 1 -
Winning team is marked in bold.
Thursday Night -
Minnesota @ New Orleans
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Miami @ Buffalo
Detroit @ Chicago
Oakland @ Tennessee
Cincinnati @ New England
Carolina @ NY Giants
Atlanta @ Pittsburgh
Cleveland @ Tampa Bay
Denver @ Jacksonville
Indianapolis @ Houston
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
San Francisco @ Seattle
Green Bay @ Philadelphia
Arizona @ St. Louis
Sunday Night -
Dallas @ Washington
Monday Night -
Baltimore @ NY Jets
San Diego @ Kansas City
Winning team is marked in bold.
Thursday Night -
Minnesota @ New Orleans
Sunday at 1:00pm EST -
Miami @ Buffalo
Detroit @ Chicago
Oakland @ Tennessee
Cincinnati @ New England
Carolina @ NY Giants
Atlanta @ Pittsburgh
Cleveland @ Tampa Bay
Denver @ Jacksonville
Indianapolis @ Houston
Sunday at 4:00pm EST -
San Francisco @ Seattle
Green Bay @ Philadelphia
Arizona @ St. Louis
Sunday Night -
Dallas @ Washington
Monday Night -
Baltimore @ NY Jets
San Diego @ Kansas City
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Welcome to the Blog!
Welcome, reader.
This is the PW Sports Blog and from here I'll be sharing my thoughts on what is happening in the wide world of American sports. Depending on the time of year, the focus of the blog will change. My personal tastes and interests will result in the blog leaning heavily towards football and hockey.
As for me, I'm from Detroit and maintain loyalty to my hometown teams. I spent a year and a half living in Seattle, giving me a certain degree of empathy for their Mariners and Seahawks and I currently live in Minneapolis, where I endure Vikings and Twins fans on a daily basis. Given my location, expect my blog to pay particular attention to Detroit and Minnesota sports teams and other teams relating to them - i.e. the NFC North, the AL Central, and so on.
I am a careful analyzer of football in particular and you can expect to read my takes on games around the league, my expectations of teams and, as an avid fantasy football, any nuggets of fantasy wisdom I have to share. Football season is upon us and so you can expect the blog to slant towards that sport here as we start. Baseball will be the other focus as teams hit the September stretch and the playoff race heats up, as well, of course.
So enjoy! Feel free to comment, discuss and debate as you like.
This is the PW Sports Blog and from here I'll be sharing my thoughts on what is happening in the wide world of American sports. Depending on the time of year, the focus of the blog will change. My personal tastes and interests will result in the blog leaning heavily towards football and hockey.
As for me, I'm from Detroit and maintain loyalty to my hometown teams. I spent a year and a half living in Seattle, giving me a certain degree of empathy for their Mariners and Seahawks and I currently live in Minneapolis, where I endure Vikings and Twins fans on a daily basis. Given my location, expect my blog to pay particular attention to Detroit and Minnesota sports teams and other teams relating to them - i.e. the NFC North, the AL Central, and so on.
I am a careful analyzer of football in particular and you can expect to read my takes on games around the league, my expectations of teams and, as an avid fantasy football, any nuggets of fantasy wisdom I have to share. Football season is upon us and so you can expect the blog to slant towards that sport here as we start. Baseball will be the other focus as teams hit the September stretch and the playoff race heats up, as well, of course.
So enjoy! Feel free to comment, discuss and debate as you like.
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