Sport Chit Chat

Home dogs:
San Diego Chargers (-3, -165) vs New Orleans Saints (+3, +145)
Pick: Saints.
I am a Bolts kind of guy but the Chargers as a road favorite just doesn’t suit it as they haven’t earned that right. The Saints are crap in my opinion but just aren’t that bad to be home dogs in this game. Value on the Saints.

Buffalo Bills (-1, -115) vs Miami Dolphins (+1,-105)
Pick: I want to pick the Bills but watchout for Miami.
I’m also a Bills fan but Dolpins are a division rival which means you just never know.

Washington Redskins (-7.5, -335) vs Detroit Lions (+7.5, +285)
Pick: Skins but by their skin…
The Skins already lost a game they were supposed to win and the Lions..suck.

Close games:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+2, +110) vs Dallas Cowboys (-2. -130)
Pick: Tampa Bay
Uh… so isn’t Romo still out? I don’t get this line if Romo is sitting the Boys should be home dogs. If and when I get my money back betting on the UFC. This is the game I’m putting my cash on.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-3, -145) vs NY Giants (+3, +125)
Pick: Giants
I’d feel comfortable taking the +3 with the Giants, simply because the Steelers play in close games and the Giants have beaten up opponents other then the Bengals. Steelers can win by a field goal or lose poorly to the Giants.

I’m lazy this week.

Sorry I missed last week due to being busy.

Home dogs (where most if not all the upsets inexplicably occur)

Tennessee Titans (-9, -375) vs Kansas City Chiefs (+9, +315)
Pick: Chiefs with points may tickle your fancy. The Titans are good but that 9 point spread will be hard to cover. The Titans know how to win games but they are concerned with ball control and grinding it for the win. Which means you can expect a close (ish) game.

Pittsburgh Steelers (-9.5,-450) vs Cinncinati Bengals (+9.5, +375)
Same as above. Not sure if Pittsburgh can pull away. However I suggest not betting this one. The Chiefs proved they can beat a team… Cinnci doesn’t have the D to pull it off.

NY Jets (-3, -175) vs Oakland Raiders (+3, +155)
Pick: Easily take the Jets. Spread within reasonable range and I don’t see Oakland as having that homefield advantage (as long as the psycho Al Davis is around) for awhile.

Indianapolis Colts (-1, -120) vs Green Bay Packers (+1, even)
Pick: Packers… I think it’s a trap for the Colts. Riding on a high wave. Can they stop the run? Or a dangerous pass offense. Lambeau field is no easy task. I’m not touching this being a Colts fan.

Close games:
San Diego Chargers (+1) vs Buffalo Bills (-1)
Uh-oh two of my favorite teams playing. I’ll just bring out the popcorn. I’d say this one is tough. Edwards was hurt and the Chargers aren’t consistent.

Denver Broncos (+3, +145) vs New England (-3, -165)
Pick: New England, better team (defensively) and look for Cassel to step up on Monday night. It isn’t so much Cassel’s fault but it seems like they get conservative once they hit the red zone.

Minnesota Vikings (+3, +155) vs Chicago Bears (-3, -175)
Pick: Bears at -3. Orton being so good is scary (I didn’t expect it). The Vikes need to go back with Tavaris.

New Orleans Saints (+3, +140) vs Carolina Panthers (-3,-160)
Pick: toss up…

That’s all folks.
Vegas make up your mind:
St. Louis and Dallas’ line has yet to be dislocated. Romo watch.

Sorry for the off week last week. Got swamped with work…. On to the pick-ups.

Dallas Cowboys QB Brad Johnson: Well, out with Romo’s pinkie, Felix Jones, Pacman Jones and punter MrBriar, in Brad Johnson & Roy Williams. With Romo down, Johnson steps into the starting role on the most potent offense in the league. If he hasn’t already been grabbed, Johnson is a must pick-up for anyone with a sketchy QB situation. With Witten, T.O. and Roy Williams now offensive options, all Johnson has to do is be sound and effective int he short game to gain the numbers necessary. Look for anywhere from 150-250 yards + a TD.

Denver Broncos RB Ryan Torain: This is not a pick-up for now. But there are rumors that the Broncos are just keeping the starting RB job warm until Torain is fully healed from injury. This pick-up could really help down the road in playoff weeks. If you have the empty bench spot, do it!

Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub: If he’s out there think of adding him for his match-up with the Lions this week. Schaub has back-to-back 300 yard games and is going up against a winless, shotty defense in the Lions.

Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan: Another, “if he’s there, grab him” guys. He has shown that he is a legit QB in the NFL. He won’t help this week as he has a bye but if you need a QB for the stretch run, snag him!

New England RB Sammy Morris: Maroney is not preforming up to par. Morris has stepped in and taken over the majority of the work load. If you need a low end RB or RB3 or are in a deep league, take a look if Morris can help you out.

P.S. Don’t feel too bad for Romo. 4 Weeks at home with Jessica Simpson is not such a terrible consolation prize!

-Maxmillien the Fantasy Guru

This year, TSN bought the rights to the “Hockey Night in Canada” theme song. That means that Saturday night hockey in Canada, which is broadcast on the publicly owned CBC, will not longer have its epic musical accompaniment that most Canadians have come to hold dear. Some have called this song a second national anthem for Canada.

This summer the CBC has been running a competition to come up with a new Hockey Anthem. Well guess what CBC? THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER HOCKEY ANTHEM. There may be many more theme songs in my lifetime, but this will stay as the Hockey Anthem for a very long time. Unlike Sunday/Monday night football which has a different theme every year, Canadians wait patiently From May to October to hear those powerful chords that signify that the puck drop is near. While I commend CBC in its marketing campaign that has gained a lot of publicity from its contest, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation needs to understand that there is will only ever be one Anthem. Anything else is simply a theme song.
TSN meanwhile has been struggling with the fact that they bought an expensive piece of music and CBC still has all the publicity. To combat this, TSN is getting Canadian artists to cover the coveted hockey anthem. I hope the Tragically Hip do something sweet.
The new CBC theme will be announced today. www.cbc.ca has the finalists. Check em out.

-Apples

Straight to the pick-ups…

Philadelphia Eagles WR Kevin Curtis: If he’s available still, grab him. If he was dropped at some point this season by a frustrated owner, then snag him and stash him. He could pay HUGE dividends if him and McNabb rediscover their rhythm.

Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester: Hester is a definite 50-50 crap shoot each week. But if your in a league that counts all purpose yards then Hester is clearly your man. If Orton and him ever begin to connect in the passing game, it’s only up from here.

Philadelphia Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter: Well, he’s back on the radar. With Westbrook’s broken ribs Buckhalter will have to step in an take the snaps. If you need a bye week fill in or are desperate for a RB2, then Correll is your man!

New England Patriots QB Matt Cassell: After some pretty awful starts, the owner who added him after Tom’s injury may have given up and dropped him.After showing some deep ball skills last week with a deep throw to Moss, Cassell looks more like a real QB. For the Pats to win, Moss will have to be involved and Cassell will have to air it out from time to time, leading to some scores for the QB. If you need a desperate/bye week fill in, or you just want some ack-up QB security, look at Cassell.

Denver Broncos WR Brandon Stokley: Eddie Royal left with an injury and that’s all you need to know. If Royal misses any time then Stokley will benefit from Cutler and the Broncos passing game.

-Maxmillien

Another week in the books. A huge week from my man Brett Favre, a career day of 6 TD’s! It also looks like Lavereus Coles is finally in the mix catching 3 of the 6 TD passes. In addition, I hope Carson Palmer’s game day sit down didn’t screw you as it did someone in my league. Anyways, onto the pick ups…

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Mewelde Moore: Ok so I had Mendenhall here last week but that ended badly and I’m sorry if you started him. But he’s done for the season with a shoulder injury and now Moore emerges with some value. If your in desperate need of a low low low end RB2 or an ok bench RB grab Moore, he may help in a bye week down the road if Parker is unable to return.

St. Louis Rams QB Marc Bulger: Now clearly he was drafted in all leagues but after a terrible first 3 games, and then a benching for Trent Green he may have made his way onto your leagues waiverwire. The Rams could turn it around a little and at least turn out to have a semi-competent offense. If you need a back-up QB with a high ceiling, see if Bulger was dropped and is out there.

Carolina Panthers WR Mushin Muhammad: He may be gone in your pool already, in fact he may have been swiped up several weeks ago. But I was able to grab him in my 10 team pool so maybe you can do the same. I’m using him as bye week fill in, but with 147 yards, 8 receptions and 1 TD he is a legit 3rd WR on a good team. Scour your waiver wire and see if he’s still out there.

Philadelphia Eagles WR Kevin Curtis: Now this pick-up won’t help you this week, or maybe even next. But when Curtis returns he’s sure to regain his starting job. The Eagles have shown that they are contenders this year and if McNabb stays healthy Curtis could show to have some value. Sure, DeSean Jackson may have taken over #1 duties but Curtis will get he ball for sure.

-Maxmillien, Fantasy Guru at your sercive

I know it’s friday, and yes some things can change in one day when you’re talking about the NFL, but i’m busy tomorrow and this is the only time I have. So again i was 10 - 6 last week, which is better than 60% of the ESPN analysts which includes Mike Ditka and Keyshawn. That being said week 4 is upon us and after reading Maximillien’s fantasy report, Chansi Stuckey was a HUGE pick up for me last week. Here we go, 12 - 4 baby! C”MON!!!!

Vikings and Titans
This will be a defensive onslaught. Both QB’s are nothing special in this game. Look for the Vikings to establish the run early and then beat the Titans late with some post routes. AP is having another great season. If i could sum up the Vikings game in one word, it’d be efficient. They do what needs to be done to win games (Thank you John Madden) but without a lot of flare. The defense is a huge help and with Gus Frerotte behind centre it’s definitly a running game. This one will be close and defenses will have a field day. Lots of INT’s.
Vikings 27, Titans 24

49er’s and Saints
Gore vs. Bush. Reggie Bush is emerging as a great back, both rushing and receiving. Frank Gore’s power house style will give JT O’Sullivan some time to throw. I like the Saints even though San Fran has the better record going into this one. You don’t mess with team who has outlasted two hurricanes in the last 4 years.
49′ers 20, Saints 30

Packers and Buccaneers
Aaron Rodgers’ 15 minutes came to an end last week when Dallas marched in and stole the show. Earnest Graham was held to less than 20 yards last week in Chicago. But this is Green Bay, 26th in the run defense. Graham will be running and running hard. Rodger’s will look to secure the critic’s votes in Tampa and I feel will be throwing a lot more. Could be a few INT’s in this one. Aaron get’s 2.
Packers 24, Bucs 30

Browns and Bengals
Wow, never has it been so important for two teams to pull out a win in week 4. Derek Anderson is in the hot seat and if a big lead is not made early, Brady Quinn, the EAS superathlete will be finishing this one. Braylon Edwards needs to smarten up to. I think he’s been talking to Vince Young too much. Carson Palmer is having an okay season, it’s just that O-Line that is absolutely dreadful. Chad Johnson hasn’t done anything in his 3 games. To put things in perspective. In one game, Miles Austin had more receiving yards and touchdowns than Chad has in 3 games. Nuff Said.
Browns 20, Bengals 10

Texans and Jaguars
The Jags have found life in their defense, and Matt Shaub will be under fire all game. That’s not to say that the Texans will let Garrard have a cup of tea back there. This is another defensive game and I like the Texans. They lost last week to a great Tennesse defense but RB Steve Slaton emerged as a premier back and look for him to do some running. The Texans also had that bye in week 2 because of the weather. More rest= more better. All in all, this game will be close, not a lot of offensive elements here that spell a high scoring game to me.
Texans 20, Jags 17

Broncos and Chiefs
Finally, the horse will ride the Chief in this one. Jay Cutler has been playing great and Mike Shanahan’s play calling has been as ballsy as Boise State. The Chief’s really don’t stand a chance in this one. Cutler loves Brandon Marshall and Brandon Marshall catches footballs. Damon Huard is starting for the Chiefs. Oh gosh. This one could be ugly. I like the Bronco’s D but that’s because i’m a Bailey’s fan. (Just the brothers, not the drink).
Broncos 31, Chiefs 24

Cardinals and Jets
War of the Old QB’s. Warner vs. Favre, this is just as good a match up as Balboa vs. Drago. Brett is nursing a sprained ankle but like Cal Ripken Jr. Brett is starting. The Cardinals have really turned things around in my eyes this season and that is definitely thanks to Kurt. Fitzgerald and Boldin have been doing wonders for this team and Edggerin James is starting to really re-emerge as a back. Although, Coles, Stuckey and Cotchery are great WR’s, the Cardinals will fly higher than the Jet’s in this one.
Cardinals 30, Jets 27

Chargers and Raiders
Who would’ve thought that in 2008, the Raiders and Chargers would have the same record going into week 4? No one! The Chargers have received the short end of the stick in their first 3 games and I don’t know how much Norv Turner is gonna take. The Raider’s defense is something of an inconsistency and I don’t see them doing much against this offense. Last week the Chargers steam rolled over the Jets, so i don’t see anything different against Oakland. Plus it’s a Cali showdown. Chargers win. Oh and L.T looks like a ninja turtle.
Chargers 34, Raiders 17

Bills and Rams
The Bills bandwagon is growing every week. Who knew that such an underdog team would end up being a “playoff contender”. Roscoe Parrish is out, so special teams will be taking a hit. Marshawn Lynch looks like a catfish, but that doesn’t stop him now does it? The Rams are just awful. But awful enough to go 0-4? I’m gonna take the Ram’s on a whim here. The Bills are young, and i’m hoping all this winning is getting to their head.
Bills 20, Rams 21

Redskins and Cowboys
Hello! Another NFC rivalry game. Jason Campbell has made me happy since week 2, but c’mon it’s the Cowboys. The Packers lost to a mediocre performance from Tony Romo, so i don’t really see daylight for the Redskins if the same situation occurs. T.O. had 17 yards receiving but Marion had 157 all purpose yards. When one is silent the other speaks volumes. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget that other guy Miles Austin.
Redskins 20, Cowboys 34

Eagles and Bears
This will definitely be a great game. We are looking at a two great teams at the moment, even though the Bears are 1-2, they did beat the Colts for that one win. The Eagles D killed Big Ben last week, and this week I see Chicago repaying the favor. McNabb is injured (sore chest), but what else is new? Hopefully DeSean Jackson will hold on to the damn ball till he breaks the touchdown barrier. The Eagle’s have the best run defense in the league so it’ll be tested against rookie Matt Forte.
Eagles 27, Bears 24.

Ravens and Steelers
Big story around this game? Rashard Mendenhall makes his start and Ray Lewis is licking his chops. Big Ben is beat up nursing a shoulder and throwing hand injury. If that O-Line doesn’t do a better job i’m gonna have to pick up a new QB for my fantasy league. Steelers lost a crappy game to the Eagles and it wasn’t the D that kept the score low. Joe Flacco and company take this one.
Ravens 20, Steelers 17.

So that’s it, i’m consistently 10 - 6. If your making money off me then congrats. I don’t endorse betting nor do i recommend using these picks are a source of income. Happy Fantasy this week and enjoy!

QUANSTRONG

p.s. Reggie Bush is a lucky man.

An interesting week 4 is behind us. I hope you started Ronnie Brown as my opponent this week did not. His 4 rushing TD’s, 1 passing TD and 113 yards rushing may be the fantasy line of the season. Also, some solid performances from Michael Turner (104 yards, 3 TD’s), Reggie Bush (73 rush yards, 75 receiving yards, 1 TD) and LT showed he is still alive (67 rush yards, 20 recieving yards, 2 TD’s).

On to the pick-ups….

Tampa Bay Bucs QB Brian Griese: Sure, his week was up and down. He threw for 2 TD’s but also got picked 3 times. However, the 407 passing yards are something that can’t be messed around with. Yes, it is true that the Bucs will not be passing as many times as they did last week but if you need a decent back-up QB to use during your starters bye week Griese could be worth a look.

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall: Willie Parker has been ruled our for week 4’s Monday Nighter (click above link). It is likely that Rashard was drafted in your league, but following 10 carries in week 1 and none in week 2 and 3 he was probably dropped by a frustrated owner. If he’s on the wavier wire grab him. He’ll be a decent RB2 this week as he’ll get a bulk of the workload. Also, try to grab him before Parker’s owner and trade him to that owner. Finally, if you have Parker yourself grab him for some insurance if the injury to Parker lingers.

New York Giants WR Amani Toomer: I’m just as shocked as you are but it’s true. Toomer is worth a look. It has been reported that Plaxico Burress has been suspended for one game by The Giants for not reporting to a team meeting during this weeks bye. Sure, this pick-up won’t help you during week 4 but grab him now, stash him on your bench and use him in week 5. He’ll be one of Eli’s main targets as he really doesn’t have many others.

New York Jets WR Chansi Stuckey: With Brett behind center in New York the Jet’s offense is spreading the ball around in a big way. Cotchery has emerged as Favre’s favorite target, while Coles finally caught his first TD pass in week 3. But under the radar is Brett’s 3rd WR Chansi Stuckey He has emerged as one of Favre’s options and has a TD catch in each game this season. The Fantasy Football Geek agrees with me as Stuckey has become a red zone target. The Geek also suggests some other pick ups you may want to look at.

-Maxmillien The Fantasy Guru

With a winning record in 2007-08, it only makes sense that the man, the legend, the one person Toronto fans love to cheer for most starts between the pipes for the Leafs in pre-season 2008-09. CUJO was 3-2-0 with Calgary last year and that earns him the start in Toronto tonight.

As I write this and watch Jason Blake take the ceremonial puck drop, I am immediately reminded of the feelings I get watching CUJO in net. I have never been a goalie fan. What I mean by this is that I have never liked a goalie more than I like a player. I like tough goal scoring forwards and although Patrick Roy really stole my heart during the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup runs in the ’95 but the only goalies whose jersey I would buy are Felix Potvin and for some reason Curtis Joseph.

My brother had a CUJO jersey as a kid and I was jealous. CUJO is not the best goalie in the world. Hell at this point in his career I’m not even certain he is the best goalie I can see right now (Shout outs to Maxmillien the Fantasy Guru), but CUJO can make saves that makes my heart leap with joy. He passes the puck majestically; he does things that keep his team in games when they shouldn’t be. While I realize that lots of goalies do this, CUJO has the luxury of being a Leaf and therefore having a spot in my heart.

But the other side of CUJO is the letdown side. And the presence of this side is why I never bought a CUJO jersey of my own. CUJO can be awesome but CUJO can also suck. Everyone who was watched him knows what I mean. They know that he can let ion goals from bizarre angles, leave space between his pads and the post and what I like least is just look disinterested. Some goalies have a fiery passion (Dominic Hasek), but CUJO always looks like a businessman who couldn’t care less. That frustrates me beyond belief.

If I had a nickname like CUJO id try to live up to it game in, game out. But I will probably only see CUJO a handful of times this season so I will hope that I can see the good and not the bad. Hopefully he will save the bad for his off days and only screw up opening the bench door for his team mates.

Good Luck CUJO, I’ll be rooting for you.

Another week in the books, even more storylines… etc. If you’ve kept up with my guides, I don’t bet on every game and I always look for value. I was 3 for 3 on my personal bets (e.g. games I actually had money riding on it).

Home dawgs:

Dallas Cowboys (-3, -160) @ Greenbay Packers (+3, +140)
Pick: Tempted to take the Packers but taking the Boys is the much better pick. The only real reason to NOT take the Cowboys is the Monday night hang-over that teams suffer from. However, they are clearly the better. Don’t forget the the Lions actually came back to lead with 8 minutes to go and just flopped. Take the Boy’s. (Rodgers proved he was for real but it’s time to meet the best in the league now). The Money line is also sweet but I think the Boys can cover.

Close games:

Cleveland Browns (+3,+125) @ Baltimore Ravens (-3, -145)
Pick: Cleveland Browns *if the line doesn’t move. It looks like the money is on Cleveland here for obvious reasons. Baltimore didn’t play last week though…and Cleveland made it through a tough game. I’ll a little weary of this one because we didn’t get to see enough of Flacco and Co.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+3. +145) @ Chicago Bears (-3, -165)
Pick: Bears. The Bears went 1-1 on two road games where they faced off against two teams will are likely going to be in the thick of things in the Panthers and the Colts. The Bucs beat the lowly Atlanta Falcons. I think Chicago is the better team and can really pound out the much older Tampa team. Orton doesn’t need to do anything.

Carolina Panthers (+3, +160) @ Minnesota Vikings (-3, -190)
Pick: Are bettors smoking crack? Nothing against oddmakers because +3 is an appropriate line but it’s clear that the Panthers are the better team. The Vikings hit the panic button and removed Tavaris Jackson already. He wasn’t as bad as he looked, the offense was conservative. Alas the only reason why the Vikings were good against the Colts was stopping the running game. They aren’t doing that against the Panthers. I gave up the points and took the Panthers at +160, a bargain and I think the Panthers will win outright.

Arizona Cardinals (+3, +155) vs Washington Redskins (-3, -175)
Pick: No bets. Arizona is an unproven 2-0 which is why they are the dogs. Miami and San Fran don’t instill much confidence, though I did think it would be closer. An interesting match up I’d rather be a spectator for.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+3, +160) vs Philadelphia Eagles (-3, -190).
Battle of Pennsylvania. I can’t decide… it’s more of coinflip for me. Take that as what you will but I don’t put my money on 50-50 chances.

Big Spreads:
Oakland vs Buffalo (-9): Buffalo will probably destroy Oakland but I can see Oakland playing a conservative running game and keeping it somewhat close. Otherwise I think Buffalo is a decent pick though I personally avoid larger then -7 teams.

Unbettable games:
Miami (+12) vs New England (-12): Miami does better against the Pats for some reason..and then again -12 is not a safe bet.

Jacksonville Jags vs Indy Colts (-4.5). At -4.5, it’s not safe to take the Colts. They probably could pull out a victory but the Jags are going to be a desperate team who had arguably a tough schedule. The Colts need to get a WHOLE lot better. They had their share of luck/big plays at the right time against a much weaker Minny team. If anything the Jags seem like a decent pick with their duo running game and d.

Texans vs Titans (-4.5): I want to see more of the Texans before I make any opinions. They were destroyed by the Steelers…

Bengals vs Giants (-13): The Giants have covered the spread in both ganes but the Bengals could bust out… or Marvin Lewis should be fired already. I just don’t feel comfortable with the Giants covering any spread with Coughlin as coach (he plays it smart/conservative).

Saints vs Broncos (-5.5): I don’t agree with Quanstrong that Cutler should be considered MVP. The stats are there but he did it against the Raiders and a weak Chargers d (one that can’t halt a drive against Carolina for crap or a 2 point conversion). I don’t know if the Broncos will cover because they were in command at one point and the Chargers came all the way back and it took some major cojones (but the right move) from Shanahan to win the game. It’s a weak New Orleans D but the offense should do just as well as what San Diego did, so expect a close game.

New York Jets vs San Diego Chargers (-8.5): An 0-2, 8 1/2 point underdog for the win? It just doesn’t make sense. The corner backs for the Chargers have been disappointing at best and guess who they are facing, the ultimate CB burner, Brett Favre. I think the Chargers can win and it’s been heartbreaking to lose 2 games at the last play of the game but this is why defense is so important. Betting against Favre is unwise with as a good of a defense as the Chargers. I still have the Bolts winning…but I doubt they cover.

Games you should not bet on unless you’re an addict:
Detroit vs San Francisco (-4.5): I could not justify betting on either though San Fran was impressive late in the game with Seattle. Fire Matt Millen.
Kansas City vs Atlanta (-6): I would never put my money on Atlanta even if they were the better team. Kansas City sucks, fire Herm?
Seattle Seahawks (-9) vs St. Louis Rams: Seattle blew it against San Fran after building a commanding lead. At -9, you can’t justify betting on such a garbage team even if the Rams are the waste of the NFL.

Money I put on: Panthers +160, Cowboys -3