Strengths: Roman Greco Wrestling (in turns leads to good take downs and a top notch clinch game), game planning, high level of pace and quickness

Weaknesses: Lack of size for a HW, no submission game proving difficult to finish some opponents, age

Brock Lesnar
Height: 6 foot 3
Weight: 265 (at weigh in)
Record: 2-1
Only Loss; Frank Mir (or Murr according to Lesnar)

Strengths: strength, wrestling, heavy fists, general athleticism

Weaknesses: prone to submissions, refusal to put hooks and pull own submissions, inexperience (handicapping becomes difficult due to this in turn), questionable cardio, poor instincts due to inexperience. He’s shown some major improvements but because it’s still

Both guys have their question marks that make them almost unbettable. Randy is 45, Brock has the body of a champion and the skills to be a high level fighter but the problem is inexperience. His inexperience entails a lot of things including his jiujitsu skills, his scrambling instincts and the level of his striking.

How will the fight go?

Randy will try to measure Brock with counter punching. Then he will try to put Brock on his back and see how he reacts. Randy might pull off some ground and pound will Brock tries to buck him off. If Brock secures a takedown, he will probably finish Couture. His ground and pound is lethal and there shouldn’t be a reason with Brock’s strength that he will be able to at least hold him down and thus tire out Randy. I really think Randy has to work harder for a victory then Brock.

Who’s the better bet? Brock but it’s still a coin toss. (The odds coincide)

Broncos and Falcons
Last week I picked the Falcons to fall against the Saints, but they managed to pull out a convincing win so this week I’m gonna go Falcons. They are 4-0 at home and Denver has nothing in terms of a ground game. They picked up Tatum Bell and I’m not to sure what to expect from him on Sunday. Matt Ryan will be tossing the ball downfield especially with Roddy White making ridiculous catches in the endzone. Oh ye, and they still have Michael Turner on the ground.
Broncos 24, Falcons 31

Eagles and Bengals
This is pretty much a no brainer. The second worst team in the leauge is playing a hungry NFC East Eagles team. Although the Bengals won their first game last week, let’s remember that Carson Palmer is not QB and I can’t even remember who wears number 85. The Eagles need to make up ground especially with the Cowboys coming off a bye week and Romo supposedly starting. The Eagles will throw everything at the Bengals, most likely as a scare tactic to the rest of the division. Woooo, I’m scared!
Eagles 34, Bengals 20

Saints and Chiefs
The Saints are coming off a tough loss to the Falcons and rumor has it that the Bush will be back in action on Sunday. But don’t count the Chiefs out. They are fighters at the bottom of the barrel. I know there has been a lot of talk about L. Johnson and his off field antics, but the man can still run. Thigpen has evolved as a decent QB throwing 6 TD’s and no INT’s in his short career. I’m taking this as my upset of the week.
Saints 20, Chiefs 24

Raiders and Dolphins
The Dolphins are so hot, I can smell spicy tuna from my house. The Raiders are just a mess. I think the team should just collapse and move.

Forget the Raider nation. Just fold the team. The Dolphins have won 3 straight and they will not lose to the Raiders. Even though rumor has it that Jamarcus will be back, the Fins will take this one away. And let’s not forget the two men that will run over Raider Nation, RONNIE BROWN and RICKY WILLIAMS!
Raiders 13, Dolphins 27

Ravens and Giants
So most people wouldn’t think that this would be a defensive game considering both teams are averaging 30+ points in their last 4 wins. But the Ravens have the best run defense and a great pass rush and the Giants are poised to keep pushing towards another Lombardi. Joe Flacco has turned out to be a very reliable QB amassing more than 40 points last week. Don’t expect that this week. Low scores will be the result of this one. By the way, Plaxico is a sloppy mess.
Ravens 20, Giants 17

Vikings and Buccaneers
So this game looks like a twilight game featuring Garcia and Frerrotte at QB. I’m pretty sure that some of these players could be their sons. Regardless, AP is coming off a 192 yard game against the Packers but don’t expect that on Sunday. The Bucs are suffering similar ailments to Denver, very shallow at RB. Cadillac maybe back, but don’t expect too many touches. Apparently, Tampa has been asking Williams to run “like Adrian Peterson”. Well let’s hope he stays on his feet.
Vikings 21, Bucs 17

Lions and Panthers
So this rumble in the jungle is gonna be an ugly one. Daunte Culpepper is starting again and what a way to come back playing the Jags and then the Panthers. (What’s with all the animals?) Don’t expect too much from the Lions but let it be known that the Panthers are out for blood, especially Delhomme. He threw 4 INT’s last week against Oakland so expect him to be on the ball and threading the needle. Panthers become the new king of the jungle.
Lions 14, Panthers 31

Bears and Packers
If the Bears need to start Rex Grossman then the Packers have this in the bag as the Bears game plan will revolve around rookie Matt Forte. Expect the Packers to go out strong as they need to make up ground in the NFC. Rodgers has established himself as a leader on the team so look for the Pack to rally around him. One question: What the hell has happened to Brian Urlacher?
Bears 14, Packers 21

Texans and Colts
Sage Rosenfels is awful. And for the first time in a long time, the Colts are playing for a wild card spot. Let’s break this down to who is healthy and who plays smart. The Colts are healthy again, and your damn right Peyton is smarter than Sage Rosenfels. The Texans should lose because their QB’s first name is herb! Anyway, the Colts are coming off a tuff trip of games against the Titans, Pats and Steelers, so don’t expect a ton of points in this one. Oh and another thing Marvin Harrison is playing like an old man. He needs to shave that stash of his.
Texans 20, Colts 23

Rams and 49′ers
If Sage Rosenfels was on the Rams then I can outright say that they would be the worst team I’ve ever seen in football. You know what, even without Sage the Rams are terrible. The Rams can’t do anything and I’m convinced that Torry Holt will want a trade or want to retire at the end of this season. Mike Singletary has learned that keeping his clothes on might help him win some games. 49′ers Shaun Hill is learning the NFL ropes everyweek and there is no better time to pump up your stats then against the Rams.
Rams 13, 49′ers 23

Cardinals and Seahawks
On paper this one doesn’t look close, but the Card’s are putting all their faith in the glove wearing Kurt Warner, but their defense isn’t exactly stellar. The Seahawks might have Hasselbeck back so we might be able to expect something of a game here. If Kurt can keep slinging and the NFL’s best receiving tandem can bring them down then the Cardinals have a great shot. But if their D is sloppy then the Seahawks might win this battle of the birds.
Cardinals 24, Seahawks 21

Titans and Jags
I was watching ESPN and they are picking the Jags. Now you know how i feel about ESPN so i’m going Titans. MJD had 33 yards on the ground last time these two teams met and the Titans D is fierce. It has been since Week 1 and not much has changed since then. Kerry Collins can throw it deep and LenDale White is running like a train. It appears that the Titans have all the pieces.
Titans 27, Jags 20

Chargers and Steelers
LT has been a bust this season and the Chargers have nothing to show except Philip Rivers having a great individual season. Big Ben keeps practicing with his injured shoulder and Byron Leftwich looked good coming in as his replacement. Willie will be back so expect the load to come off Big Ben a bit. Hopefully Ben can keep the INT’s down, he has 8 in three games.
Chargers 14, Steelers 20

Cowboys and Redskins
Never has it been so important for the Cowboys to win a game. Winning this game will not only help in the Division but also in overall NFC standings. The Giants have the division locked up so the best the Cowboys can do is get a decent wildcard spot. Romo is back and with two great options at receiver now, Williams and Owens. DeAngelo Hall will be playing but Campbell has been in a slump. The Steelers D blanketed him and he had a very low production. The Cowboys are on the road, but when Romo is playing, every game is a winnable one. Let’s just hope this doesn’t turn into a spitting war.
Cowboys 30, Redskins 24

Browns and Bills
The Bills have been struggling lately and Brady Quinn makes his 2nd start after a loss last thursday. Quinn needs to relax and just play. He has a year of NFL training under his belt even though rookie QB’s seem to be out performing him, Flacco and Ryan. Quinn’s time is now and he’s in a great position to show off, the Browns have nothing to lose. The Bills are in a very fragile position and need to gain some ground in a separating AFC division. Braylon Edwards, please catch 2 TD’s this week!
Browns 27, Bills 20

Well those are the picks for this week. I’ll be honest, i’m not really happy with some of these match ups but hey, in this league anything can happen. The Titans will remain undefeated and my Cowboys will get back on track and into the playoffs. If you have a look at my last post, i’ve given my comments on the first half of the season. The second half will definitely be entertaining as teams will be clawing their way to try and steal a spot into the playoffs. But don’t be surprised if you see some unexpected teams playing in January. You know my deal, I don’t endorse gambling, nor do I endorse using these picks as a source of income. Enjoy, and see you on the gridiron.

QUANSTRONG

p.s. MB, good luck in the office pool.

First, a Brady-less season. No one saw this coming, an NFL season without Tom Brady. I know Robert Kraft is kicking himself but Matt Cassell has stepped up nicely and the Patriots are atop their division. That’s not to say that the Pats don’t need Brady to win, but it goes to show that Bilichek can coach and is doing brilliantly with what he’s got. I’m not sure how far the Pats will go into the playoffs but look for them to play like they have something to prove.

The Rodgers Show and Brett the Jet. Having the cheese heads hopes and dreams on your shoulders is no easy task. But let’s commend Aaron Rodgers for burdening the load and not completely crumbling underneath all the pressure. The Packers’ season isn’t anything special they sit in 11th in the NFC but there is a second half of a season to play. Brett the Jet, just when you thought he could do no more, Brett Favre throws 6TD’s to add another mileston to his already elustrious career. The Jets are having a great turn around season and it is definitely thanks to Favre being able to create plays from nothing and hit receivers deep. Thomas Jones has also picked up his production and has helped in the running game. If the Jets’ defence could just get things together then I think Brett may have a chance at a playoff apperance in January.

Giant doubt and Giant expectations. When the Giants won the Superbowl in February, everyone thought it was a 1-time deal and Eli Manning was just hot at the time. But the Giants have established themselves atop the NFC and are poised to make another Superbowl appearance. The way the rest of the conference is playing, there is a damn good chance they will be there in February. Eli Manning has solidified his presence on the field and should no longer be referred to as Peyton’s little brother. If you asked him who to pick up in a fantasy draft if it were to start today, I’d take Eli over Peyton in a second, even with a stone-handed Plaxico Burress on my team.

Cowboys too slow in a Texas Showdown. The Superbowl favorites have had a mediocre season at best after being plagued by injury the last few weeks and realizing that if Tony Romo goes down again, there is no one to take his place. This coupled with a low production from T.O. is spelling bad news for the ‘Boys.

They will need to win 5 of the remaining 7 games to have a chance at the wildcard this season. And obviously I have faith in them. Felix Jones was also a surprise this season as all the Jerry Jones doubters are probably being gagged right now and told never to doubt JJ again. Rashard Mendenhall has done nothing this season and i’m pretty sure is out for the remainder due to an injury. The Cowboys need to and will shape up for the second half.

AFC Shuffle. The 4 powerhouses that have dominated the AFC the last 5 seasons are showing signs of aging and new teams have emerged. The most surprising is an undefeated season thus far by the Titans and Kerry Collins doing a superb job for the mental patient Vince Young. The Tennesse defence though had high expectations and is living up to the hype. If they can keep up this great production defensively the Titans may go all the way. My only doubt is their lack of playoff experience but their ability to win close games may prove helpful if the pressure gets to them in January.

The Chargers have had just a plain unlucky season losing 2 early games by a point. That would’ve changed a lot of things in the AFC. The Colts are also just hanging in there with a record of 5-4. Marvin Harrison is having a terrible season and Peyton, to be honest, looks tired. He doesn’t have that poise and fire that I’m used to seeing in him. The Colt’s are by no means out of the playoff race. They have excellent coaching and experience which goes along way in this league. Finally, the Patriots have surprised everyone holding the 3rd spot in the AFC. Many thought that without Brady a winning Patriots season was looking very slim.

Second Half Hot Streak, Second Half Meltdown.

Meltdown:
Let’s cut the bullshit about the Buffalo Bills. Yes they had a good start to the season with surprising wins, but this is a 16 game season (soon to be 18…. YES) and the Bills have shown that they have changed, but not that much. I predict the Bills finish 9-7 after losing their last 3 games going into the second half.

The Falcons. I just have this terrible feeling that the Falcons are going to hit a wall when they start to play decent teams. Matt Ryan showed that he can crumble when under pressure and make bad decisions. They still have to play the Chargers, Panthers and Vikings this season and that’s where we will see the Falcons fail.

Denver. Injuries have gutted this team to the bone. With no real RB in the game, the Bronco’s offense has become extremely predictable. Denver’s schedule is pretty balanced as they should pull out wins from the Chiefs, Raiders, Bills and possibly the Jets. But with no Bye’s in the second half if the Broncos can muster up a 5-4 record, I will be impressed.

Hot Streaks
The Cardinals. Last night as I was watching MNF I was startled and puzzelled to see Kurt Warner wearing clothes on BOTH his hands. That’s right. BOTH his hands. Now they were playing in Arizona so i don’t see weather being a factor here, regardless, Kurt and the Cards are having a great season both on the ground and in the air.
(Please notice his hands)
Boldin and Fitzgeraled are undoubtedly the best 2 receiver tandem in the league this year (Unless Roy Williams and T.O. can get on the same page). With an impressive 6-3 record this season Arizona is poised to make a playoff run. With two games against the Seahawks and one against the Rams, the Cardinals can definitely finish 11-5 in my mind. They have some tough games against, the Giants, Patriots and Vikings, but pulling out a 1-3 against these teams will be a success.

Ravens. Amassing 41 points last week is no easy task, just ask the Jet’s who’ve done it twice this season. The Ravens have quietly moved through the season, picking up wins here and there and by midpoint they are sitting 5th in the AFC and have won their last 3 games. Joe Flacco has a cannon of an arm and defensivley the Ravens are sound. If Flacco can keep up his production and keep the rookie mistakes to a minimum Ray and the boys might be looking at some overtime come January.

Giants. Silencing the critics is one thing, slapping the face of all the writers at ESPN is another. The Giants have overcome huge doubt in the minds of analysts and may very well take another stab at grabbing the Lombardi. The Giants seem to have a plan for everyone and I guess this was evident against the Patriots last season. Being able to adapt quickly and effectively has allowed the Giants to stay on top othe NFC. Now, if the Superbowl were this Sunday and the Titans and Giants faced off, I’d pick the Giants to win. They have a balanced offensive and a blinding pass rush. The Giants may drop 1 or 2 games in the second half, but don’t be surprised if they finish 15-1.

Tennesse. Yes the Titans are for real. Although people have said that the Titans’ oppenents have been less than worthy, who gives a shit! They are 9-0. Does it matter who you beat during the season to get to the playoffs? Hell no! You worry about it when you get there. The Titans’ D has been relentless putting up an average of 13 points a game. If the entire Detriot Lions team played only the Tennesse defense, they would still lose!

Those are my thoughts on the first half of the season. Like I said before, this league is unpredictable. One week you might be starting, the next you’re being hand fed by a Victoria Secret model. My picks have been pretty good if any of you are playing in office pools or what not. I’m picking an average of 62.5% winners thus far. I’ll get on the horn with my boy John Anthony and see if we can bump that up.

QUANSTRONG

Saints and Falcons
With the injury to Reggie Bush, Deuce will be carrying the load. Drew Brees is establishing himself as an MVP caliber QB this season among a lackluster group so look for another great game against the Falcons. The Falcons have won 3 of their last 4 but the Saints are coming off a bye week. This game should be pretty decent, but rest is always a good thing. Take the Saints. Oh ye and what has Michael Turner been up to?
Saints 24, Falcons 21.

Titans and Bears
So I doubt anyone predicted that this season the Titans would be 8-0 by the mid break of the season. Their defense has been relentless amassing 94 points for my fantasy team. Kyle Orton is nursing a high ankle sprain but all you Bears’ fans pray that Rex Grossman stays on the bench. Kerry Collins will try to spread the field but we’ll have to see how the much pressure he gets from the Bear’s defence. Titans go 9-0.
Titans 24, Bears 17

Jaguars and Lions
So.. Daunte Culpepper has pulled a Brett Favre and is now under centre for the Lions. The Jags have had some issues in the locker room and this has caused a rift within the team. The Lions haven’t won a game this season and to be quite honest, they should have at least 3 wins, but not playing 4 full quarters of football is what has hurt them. This game is definitely a bottom barrel and I wouldn’t recommend putting any money on it or even watching it for that matter. But Jags take this and hopefully Jake Del Rio can get his teams’ shit together.
Jags 21, Lions 17

Ravens and Texans
My last memory of Sage Rosenfels is when he was helicoptered as he tried to run the ball. If things haven’t changed with the Texans since I’ve been gone then I expect the same idiot moves by Rosenfels so that means the Texans are in for a rough game. Earlier in the season their D showed signs of brilliance but look to the Ravens to exploit a week run D. Ravens by 3.
Ravens 20, Texans 17.

Seahawks and Dolphins
I don’t think Mike Holmgren expected his last season as head coach to go like this. A dissappointing 2-6. The Dolphins on the other hand have made huge improvements from last season mainly because of the new Brian Westbrook of the league, Ronnie Brown. Chad Pennington has settled in and pulled out big wins over Denver and Buffalo the last two weeks. The Dolphins are playing with nothing to lose and lots to prove. Sorry Mike, but the fish take the birds this time around.
Seahawks 20, Dolphins 27

Packers and Vikings
Remember when there was all this talk about the Vikings going to the Superbowl and winning and all the great things this team would be able to do this season? Ye, well Jared Allen was fined $50K for low hits on players and the pass game has become almost non-existent. I guess that happens when you have AP running. The Aaron Rodgers show will continue on and he’ll have to be sharp against a rush happy Vikings D. My mid-season report on Rodgers, the man is handling the burden of Carrying the Green Bay Favres on his back pretty well. Give him credit for not shitting his pants every game this season.
Packers 21, Vikings 23.

Bills and Patriots
I’m excited about this game because I have tickets for the last meeting between these two this season, which could end up being a battle for 1st place in the division. The Pats are just trying to get by and Matt Cassel will need to be sharp in Foxborough. Marshawn Lynch was shutdown by the Jets and he’ll need to pick up production if they want to win this one.
Bills 17, Pats 24

Rams and Jets
Steven Jackson is probably out for Sunday so that means Marc Bulger will have to win this game throwing. But let’s not forget what happened when the Rams played the Cardinals, and lost 34-13 to the cannon named Kurt Warner. If Brett can throw more TD’s and no INT’s (I know wishful thinking) then the Jets will take this one away. I’m starting Brett this week hoping for another 6 TD performance.
Rams 17, Jets 42 (Ye i’m telling you, 6 TD’s)

Panthers and Raiders
So the once touted fastest man in the NFL is now in Washington so expect the Panthers to Delhomme and Smith to connect for some big yardage. The Raiders failed to score a single point last week against the Falcons. Having said that, I hope they manage to muster up something. Carolina is looking very good, and the Raider nation is just a black hole of losses.
Panthers 31, Raiders 20

Colts and Steelers
Big Ben is hurt, and he’s hurting my fantasy team, although back up Byron Leftwich looked very good last week stepping in for the injured Ben. The Steelers defence is also very good only allowing 14.5 points per game. The Colts as of late have been looking mediocre at best. The fastest feet on the team belong to Peyton Manning but the Colt’s offensive system still seems to be putting points on the board, just without consistency. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out and will no doubt be a great game to watch. Whether the Steelers put in Big Ben or Big Byron I think their chances look very good.
Colts 20, Steelers 24

Chiefs and Chargers
So this is another bottom feeder game. Phillip Rivers is having a great season, but LT is hobbling in the backfield and I don’t expect much from him during the second half of the season but a bunch of empty Campbell’s soup cans. Being injured in this league causes a slew of problems no matter how minor you think the injury is. The Chiefs in my eyes have always been cursed with bad luck even though going into the season no one ever has high expectations of them anyway. I like Herm Edwards, I like his passion for the game, but i don’t like his QB’s.
Chiefs 14, Chargers 27

Giants and Eagles
In this divisional match up the Giants are coming off an ass-whopping of a game against Dallas but I don’t have to remind you who was QBing during that game. Donovan McNabb is mobile and the Giants D will actually have to move their legs if they want to sack him. Brian Westbrook, as i mentioned at the start of the season, is having one hell of year and in my opinion is the best back out there. Plax hasn’t done anything for the Giants except bitch, moan and drop passes. But it comes down to who needs this game. The Eagles do.
Giants 24, Eagles 31

49′ers and Cardinals
This is by no means worth watching on MNF, but if you want to see Kurt Warner light up the sky with footballs, then by all means tune in. Things are ugly in San Fran especially when you have Mike Singletary pulling his pants down in the locker room to psych the guys up at half time. I suggest the 49ers go to the draft board for next season and try to do something productive. Tim Hightower has taken over for Edgerrin James so San Fran will have their work cut out for them both in the air and on the ground. Hell this game is pretty much a shoein, you might as well start Leinhart.
49ers 17, Cardinals 28.

I hope none of you have dug yourselves into financial holes that are 6ft under. My mid-season evaluation is this; teams we thought were going to explode have busted, and players that we thought were going to have breakout or record seasons have been hurt. One thing is for sure. The Giants have proven that a Superbowl win does not make you soft, too much hype makes losing unbearable and you don’t win games based on analysts predictions. T.O. this week talked about the troubled Cowboys and how not living up to expectations can hurt a team very badly. Snap back to reality and play the game, 1 quarter at a time, 1 play at a time, 1 yard a time.

QUANSTRONG

This week is interesting to say the least, not many teams that you could say will outrightly win. Let’s take a look.

Home dogs:

Tampa Bay Buc (-9, -435) vs Kansas City Chiefs (+9, +365)
Pick: 9 points is what the Bucs last week against a very good Dallas d. So to expect them to make up a 9 point differential against a good defense is kind of a) unfair b) not worth betting. I do love Garcia though. He’s also good at picking up very hot women, and in turn making them having cat fights with each other. Even though TO doesn’t like him and calls him gay, maybe he’s just jealous?

Arizona Cardinals (-3, -155) vs St. Louis Rams (+3, +135)
Pick: Cardinals. While the Rams have played decent enough at times to get their spreads in decent range. The Cardinals are better… granted this isn’t a game I would bet on. Divisional game and this game would be huge for the Rams if they win. Haslett has been doing good things. Wouldn’t that be messed up (in a nice way) for the Rams to make the playoffs?

Atlanta Falcons (-3,-145) vs Oakland Raiders (+3, +125)
Pick: Falcons but those damn Raiders can beat people. I’d feel less confident with the Falcons instead of the Jets so I can see the Raiders doing well here. It’s much more of a toss up, so maybe betting the Raiders here may be a wiser choice.

Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) vs Seattle Seahawks (+6.5)
With recent losses, it’s clear: The NFC East is overrated. It looked absolutely crazy a few weeks ago but now, it looks rather average. To make matters worse, they are losing to the worst division in football. Losses to the Cardinals and Rams stick out.
So if it’s any trend, don’t take the Eagles. The +6.5 line may be worth a play.

Jacksonville Jaguars (-7.5) vs Cinncinati Bengals (+7.5)
The Jags lost at home to the Browns.. the Browns could barely beat the Bengals. I think if there’s any game for the Bengals to win, it’s this one. The Jags are struggling mightily. Defensively their line is just not doing well without Stroud. While Fitzpatrick does suck, he does show some positive things at times. Go with the Bengals here.

Close games:

Houston Texans (+4.5, +180) vs Minnesota Vikings (-210, -4.5)
Pick: Houston
If I could choose an upset of the week, it would be the Texans. Both teams have a good defense but the difference maker is the Texan’s ability to make plays through the air as Schuab finally has his groove back. Please bring in Tavaris Jackson back or instead of trying to trade for Brady Quinn, trade for Leinart.

Baltimore Ravens (+1.5) vs Cleveland Browns (-1.5)
Pick: Ravens
Yes it’s a divisional game and yes it’s also a rivalry and yes the Browns are at home. Unfortunately I’m going to overlook those things and take a reasonable spread on a reasonable team.

Green Bay Packers (+4.5) vs Tennessee Titans (-4.5)
Pick: Titans.
Much better team, the Pack isn’t that good on the road as well.

Miami vs Denver (-3): I’d pick Miami but… I just hate Denver so i think my judgment may be clouded.

Pittsburgh vs Washington: Hmm.. toss up. Can’t decide.

Quick picks: Jets (+5.5) @ Buffalo : Buffalo should win

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.

Anderson Silva is the MOST overrated fighter in the world. Beyond Fedor as it stands. It’s warranted and he has the skills but the way he’s nuthugged is ridiculous. I don’t think a MMA fight should ever be more then -500 unless you are Fedor (who is literally the best all around). Silva has weaknesses which are involved with his takedown defense and his grappling. The notion that he has wordclass jiu-jitsu is absurd. You WANT to take down Spider and people have done it at will. (See Okami, Takase)

Patrick Cote is probably not the fighter to take down Anderson but to give Cote zero chance, standing and on their feet is a joke. I’m not saying Andy is going to take Cote light but with the right gameplan and a tempered aggression can show you some of Silva’s weaknesses. Cote needs a lot of luck to win but I think he’ll at least impress. P.S. Cote will back away for the first two minutes trying to measure Anderson. Eventually he’ll try to work a clinch game and bait the Thai plumb and take down Silva. What happens from there will determine the winner.
Pick: No one in the right mind is willing to risk 7 dollars to make one. Just makes no sense from a logistic stand point. I’d rather put my money into the stock market. Sprinkle some money on Cote.

Thiago Alves (+120) vs Josh Koscheck (-150)
Pick: Toss up/advantage Koscheck
I’m surprised Alves made weight. Diego Sanchez impied that Alves has a enhanced body and while Alves has been caught with illegal substances before, it definitely makes sense but that’s kind of mean. I don’t know how Alves manages to moves but he’s going to be to raise that level is Koscheck can takedown the best (see GSP). However Alves can scare Koscheck away with his striking. Advantage goes to Koscheck though since he does have good enough striking now while Alves has no real ground game.

Gray Maynard (-225) vs Rich Clementi (+185)
Pick: Maynard but Clementi is great value here.
Maynard was going to be one of my picks and must to my disdain, Maynard is a huge favorite. Maynard has zero value due to inexperience. While Clementi is good match up for Maynard it isnt out of order to see Clementi subbing or outworking Maynard.

Fabricio Werdum (-750) vs Junior Dos Santos (+550)
Sprinkled money on JDS. Though I know nothing about him.
Why is Werdum a -750? He really didn’t impressed me on his feet against Arlovski. We found that he can pass Vera’s guard and got a early ref stoppage. I’m just not as impressed with him.

Tyson Griffin (+220) vs Sean Sherk (-270)
Pick: Sherk all day long.
Tyson Griffin is incredibly overrated. He used to be an exciting fighter but since he’s been afraid to wrestle grapplers and used is striking which is okay but very boring. Griffin’s wrestling will be tested but look for it to go the way of Edgar vs Griffin but with more domination. Griffin might make it look close but Sherk will outclass him.

Quick Picks:
Thales Leites vs Drew McFedries: at -455, Leites takes it. Worth a parlay.
Franca vs Aurelio: Franca has the striking advantage and I could see him KOing Aurelio.
Pete Sell vs Josh Burkman - at +180 I like Sell here, not much to bet on but Burkman is overrated and has been lackluster inawhile. The fact that he missed weight is very telling. Pete Sell at 170 is very scary, he just gets a bad rap for getting KO’d by Nate Quarry (and that awesome KO by Smith) but ask Kalib Starnes how he feels about Quarry’s strikes (well he can’t answer you, he’s already ducking that).

He’s taking a lot of flak from switching goalies for the shootout. Granted it doesn’t seem like a smart idea that it hasn’t worked but it’s more then what other coaches are trying.

It’s more demoralizing to lose shootout after shootout, isn’t it worth trying something to switch things up?

That’s exact what Wilson is doing. Other then Kulemin we’ve had different shooters.

To$kala doesn’t seem like the type fazed. He’s enjoying himself out there in which he knows he’s playing for a season that’s mean to be lost. It also looks like Toskala and Joseph were told of the switching happening. How is that hurtful to Toskala’s psyche?

The Leafs should probably think of trading Toskala anyway if they can get the right price. Otherwise it’s dumb/shallow to think the Leafs made the wrong choice. Wilson has gotten the Leafs to work hard in every single game and while a 1-2-3 record isn’t sexy the outright losses are to the two best teams in the conference (New York is overrated :P).

Don’t listen to the media on this… it just isn’t important. You can’t fault a guy for trying to pull some strings.

Wilson was meant to fail this season.. it can’t hurt if he makes some insane choices or decisions. The fact that these things are still front page stories on Canadian outlets is dumb.

P.S. It IS a good strategy to switch goalies in a shoot out provided it’s done correctly. WARM the fuck up. Have the goalie in the back constantly warming up and taking shots from the guys who were scratched or something. The fact the goalies are cold shouldn’t be a big deal, back up goalies should be able to warm up in time if they know they are being called upon.

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.

Chris “The Crippler” Leben (+180) vs Michael “The Count” Bisping (-220)
Pick: The Crippler.
Who has The Count faced that makes him so good? He lost to Rashad Evans in a close but rather decisive decision. He lucked out against Matt Hamill and in general he beats on Ju-jitsu guys/grapplers. His main strength is his technical striking but he’s been dominated based on control. He just ground and pounds weaker foes and will probably have to take it to the ground against Leben to win. The Crippler will keep moving forward and most shots will probably unfaze him. Leben’s a good bet here as an almost to 2 to 1 dog. Leben’s achilles heel are guys who are willing to go to the ground and that isnt Bisping.

Keith Jardine (+155) vs Brandon Vera (-185)
Pick: Keith Jardine. Jardine is a more proven fighter while The Truth still remains a question mark after disappoint performances. To win, Vera must be ruthless and pick up and the pace looking for the KO. Or else he will be strategically picked up by Greg Jackson and Co. Vera has more improving to do but I don’t bet my money on how good a fighter will become but what he already is and Vera is just another overrated fighter who hasn’t done squat lately.

Luiz Cane (-105) vs Sokoudjou (-125): Too CLOSE to call! Should be an awesome fight. If Cane was a bigger dog I would take him as I think Sok is overrated after some big wins.

Chris Lytle (-350) vs Paul Taylor (+280): I would take Lytle here. Not betting since he’s my favorite fighter.

Paul Kelly (+235) vs Marcus Davis (-295): Kelly’s a live dog here, the odds are justified but we’ll see if he has the moxie to pull off an upset.

Dan Hardy (+285) vs Akhiro Gono (-355): Gono is a decent fighter and Hardy will be hard pressed to beat the guy the weird blog posts.

Neil Wain (+500) vs Shane Carwin (-700): Who? (Of course I know Carwin want to see more of him before laying a big one at -700)

Liaudin (+125) vs Bielkheden (-155): Liaudin isn’t very good and is a staple on these English cards. Dominating by Diego Sanchez didn’t really give us an idea where Bielkheden is.

Terry Etim (+240) vs Sam Stout (-300): Stout is overrated? Etim shouldn’t be that big of a dog though I don’t know as much. From what I’ve seen from Stout… he doesn’t belong as a 3 to 1 favorite yet.