Let’s take a look back at some of the things that stood out from Week 15 in the National Football League!

- Very solid win for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Philadelphia Eagles in the final Thursday Night game of the season. No game is an “easy win” for any team and the Bengals needed to get the “W” at any cost. Now they are in the driver seat of playoff positioning with just two weeks to go, a win against Pittsburgh could all but close the door for them to play past Week 17.

- Was hoping to see some more from Philadelphia against Cincinnati on Thursday, but I didn’t. The Eagles needed something encouraging as this season slowly comes to a close for Eagles fans. Amazing to see how far this franchise has fallen since the “dream team” comment.

- Talk about a “statement win.” This is the win Atlanta has been looking for all season long and it has come at the right time with just two weeks to go until the regular season closes out. Watch out for the Falcons, this could finally be their year.

- New York needs to stop play inconsistently and needs to stop now. The Giants are self-imploding and finding a way to back out of the playoff competition. New York entered Week 15 the 4th seed in the NFC playoffs and they walk out Week 15 as they 9th seed in the NFC Playoffs currently; rough loss for the defending Super Bowl Champions.

- Enter this season there were a lot of people out there who doubted the Green Bay Packers. They believe this would be the Bears season to capture the NFC North and it looked that way for most of the season. Since their loss to New York a couple weeks back the Packers have really turned it around by capturing the NFC North division and they are quietly emerging as a scary team entering the playoffs.

- Since Week 10 the Bears have gone 1-5 in their last 6 games. If they can’t make the playoffs with Arizona and Detroit on their schedule to close out 2012 then we can all say “good-bye” to Lovie Smith in Chicago.

- No RG III, no problem! Washington is now your new NFC East division leaders with two weeks to go and they made the right move to sit RGIII against a poor opponent in Cleveland. I will be shocked if Washington is not playing past Week 17 this year, I have really enjoyed watching this team grow in recent weeks.

- Does Nick Saban really want to return to Cleveland? Not sure if a loss like this entices a big-time College Football coach to leave his very cushioned job.

- The NFL needs to give Adrian Peterson the NFL MVP award. He is single-handily putting this team in playoff position with just two games to go. While Minnesota does sit in the 6th spot currently I will be very surprised if they can hold onto it. But then again, nothing should surprise us about this Vikings team.

- I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t think Sam Bradford is the answer in St. Louis.

- Miami beats Jacksonville in a meaningless game in December, nice to see who the best team in Florida is.

- Can this season end any quicker for Jaguar fans? This team looked so much fun to watch a couple weeks ago and then they reappeared to what they always were…

- Welcome back to the NFL, Drew Brees. Where was this type of play the last couple of weeks when they needed it?

- Very tough to see how poorly this Bucs team has collapsed in recent weeks. They were so much fun to watch and a very dangerous team if they continued to be in playoff contention. I just continue to hope they are building forward for next season.

- I’ve been very critical of the Denver Broncos not beating good teams this season. Technically the Broncos beat a playoff clinching team in the Baltimore Ravens but did they really come off like a team playing past Week 17? I’m still not completely sold on this Broncos squad, sorry Denver.

- How is it that the Baltimore Ravens are a playoff team this year? Amazing how quickly this team has fallen in the last month or so.

- Loved seeing the Houston Texans bounce back after that rough Monday Night showing against New England in Week 14. They are the AFC South division champions yet again and are in the driver seat for that 1st round bye in the AFC playoffs. Maybe that Monday Night loss to New England is what this young team needed to get them back to focus.

- Indianapolis could’ve made the AFC South very interesting with just two weeks to go but that won’t be the case now. If I’m the Colts I just focus on preparing myself for the playoffs in these last two games. Indy can be a very scary team if they play their cards right because they weren’t supposed to be a playoff team this season.

- Seattle is the most dangerous team entering the playoffs right now. I have no issues with them running up the score on their opponents because they should never back down from their competitive nature. That Week 16 game against San Francisco is going to be very fun to watch.

- Fire Chan Gailey and consider looking into another starting quarterback. Buffalo has potential; they just need the right people to tap into it before this current crop disbands.

- How did Arizona get the win against Detroit!? Are the Lions really that bad this season?

- Do you believe me now Detroit Lions fans? Fire Jim Schwartz.

- Where was this Panthers team at the start of this season? Another solid week for the Panthers and I’m sure they are hoping this is something they can build off of in 2013.

- Can’t you just fire Norv Turner and A.J. Smith now? I really wonder if the next person in-charge keeps Philip Rivers around in San Diego for much longer…

- Huge win for Dallas and this is exactly what they needed with two games to go. It’s a big victory that can carry this team for the final two games. While they may not be the “media darling” that the Washington Redskins are right now, do not sleep on the Cowboys.

- The Steelers have found a way to back out of the playoffs and now it doesn’t look so good for this team with 2 games to go. They need to beat Cincinnati in Week 16 or they can all but kiss their 2012 season goodbye, should be a very interesting game next week.

- Oakland wins 15-0, congrats on not being the worst team in the NFL this season.

- All Kansas City has to do the next two weeks is play worse then Jacksonville and the #1 overall pick is theirs! Been a while since I wrote something positive about Kansas City…then again, do you consider being the worst team in the league honors necessarily positive?

- So San Francisco beats New England in a matchup that many people believed (including me) put the best team in the NFC against the best team in the AFC. So does that mean the 49ers are the best team in the NFL? I think so.

- New England did not look like New England in the 1st half but bounced back pretty loudly in the 2nd half. It looked like it was the Patriots game to lose at one point in the 2nd half as they were dominating the 49ers throughout their comeback but it just wasn’t meant to be. This loss is something the Patriots needed to motivate them and keep them on their toes with just two games left in the season.

- Well at least Tennessee got to play spoiler at some point in their season…then again it was the New York Jets.

- As weird as it sounded that the Jets were in playoff contention going into the Monday Night game, it made a world of sense when they went out there and performed like that against Tennessee. The fact that this team had a shot at a playoff spot was a shame.
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For every negative there is a positive. The age old question ” do you want the good news or the bad news? ” Is alive and kicking, especially when it comes to crucial fantasy decisions. Yes I got plenty of heat for telling all of you to go against Cam Newton last week. I honestly thought this Atlanta Falcons team was actually good enough, but instead Newton slammed them, and there in made me look quite awful.

However, I was also the guy getting the big thumbs up for telling all of you to bench Eagles RB Bryce Brown. Brown was man-handled by the Bucs excellent run defense. Sure, I always want to be perfect, but even perfect takes a day off, I mean we all need a day off, right?

As for me and my personal work I managed to get all 4 of my teams into the playoffs. 1 big playoff win already pulled off, and now time to do more damage with 2 big money league playoff games this week. There is no better feeling as an owner then to watch your Stat Tracker explode through the day. Mine started with Adrian Peterson and his 51 yard run at the same exact time Alfred Morris rambled for 29 yards. It’s moments like that when you know a good day is ahead. Some guys like Josh Freeman took a little longer to join in, but all in all a great day for ownership. Heck, without the trophy I have nothing, so stay tuned!

Well this is a biggie for Start/Sit as many of you will have your season come to a close, be it by championship, elimination or just the end. I hope all of you still have faith in The Shark to try and bring it home with a bang! I give it my all, and as I always say, these moves I give to you are the same I would give to myself. Would I steer you wrong? Well, if you were my opponent maybe, yes! Hey, more good news, I made it through this whole article without referring to Jim Mora and his “playoffs?” speech. Aren’t you proud of me! Alright enough fun, let’s get down to business.

Quarterback

Start

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints: The hot and cold Freeman is back on my start sheet, and heck I need him too. 420 yards and 3 TDs against them earlier this year is a nice point to base it on. The Saints play better at home, but this should be a busy passing day.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: In this same game Brees should bounce back. He was banged up by the Giants defense last week, but the Bucs defense he faces was shredded by Nick Foles and Philly last week, and remain one of the worst pass defenses in the league. Stick with Brees.

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers at San Diego Chargers: What has 2 thumbs and will never tell you to bench Cam Newton again this year? This guy! Even though it is December in San Diego, which is when the Chargers usually play their best football, it’s still worth starting Newton.

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears: The Bears defense looks different without Brian Urlacher, and Rodgers needs to be a leader as his team can pretty much lock up another division title with a win here.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens: In the past I used to be worried about Manning against the Ravens, but this year we have a depleted Ravens defense against a red hot Manning. Plus who is sitting him anyway? Not you!

Sit

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Last weeks struggles reminded me of why I backed off of Romeo, and this week it looks like he may be without his top target Dez Bryant. Pittsburgh can still bring the blitz despite being banged up in the secondary. I advise against it.

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers: I hate to do this knowing how badly I need Brandon Marshall to be, well himself, but Cutler has been brutal in his last few outings against the Pack. Green Bay is hurting on defense, but they seem to have a thing with handling Cutler, who has 0 TDs in his last 2 against the cheeseheads.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks at Buffalo Bills: The December chill of Buffalo, New York tends to change trends in even the hottest of fantasy players. Wilson had a slow week last week, but of course the defense did all the work. Plus this game here has a Marshawn Lynch “remember me Bills” revenge game written all over it. Wilson can handle the team, but most likely won’t be huge here.

Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos: Despite 3 TDs last week, the Ravens still did a head scratcher and fired Flacco’s play caller in Cam Cameron. How that solves a sinking offense coming into week 15 is beyond me? Enter with caution, or actually don’t enter at all.

Eli Manning, New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons: Manning’s trends has been cold, hot, cold, and now he is hot. I believe it is cold turn, and Atlanta is a tough place for visiting QB. Eli can just ask his brother that. He is too shaky to lock your hopes on.

Running Back

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks at Buffalo Bills: The Bills not only have a weak run defense, but this guy was the one they let get away. Seattle is on a roll, and so is Lynch. Hey T.O. forget getting that popcorn ready, better get the skittles ready!

Reggie Bush, Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: How sick of me to even think it, but last week he took 43 snaps to just 13 for David Thomas. He is also averaging 4.4 yards per carry in his last 4 games. He has improved, and is always an explosion waiting to happen. If you have him and are in a pinch, you have to go with him.

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders: If Knowshon Moreno’s performance last week taught us anything it’s that the Raiders can be run on almost at will. Charles had a big 80 yard TD run and was red hot until the Chiefs decided they were afraid of not playing Peyton Hillis? It should be a nice week for Charles.

Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams vs. Minnesota Vikings: The possible Steven Jackson farewell tour from St. Louis makes a stop in playoff elimination town. Yes, the Rams are still in a playoff hunt, and a win over the Vikings will better their chances. Also the Vikings did little to slow down the run last week. Jackson can give the Rams one last mighty push, so try it if you need it.

Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins at Cleveland Browns: In the last 3 weeks he has pushed for over 360 yards. While everyone talks Griffin, Luck and Wilson for Rookie Of The Year, everyone ignores a huge rookie campaign by Morris. If Griffin has problems with that injured knee, they will need him more than ever, and that’s big news for his owners.

Sit

Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns at Washington Redskins: Doing decent, but it takes a lot to get digits from him. His yards per carry is down to 3.1, and it takes 25-30 touches per week to get him to about 15 points. He can get some, but eventually this overload may slow him.

Stevan Ridley, New England Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers: He has had a nice season, but this defense is quite a challenge. Usually against big time defenses, mastermind Bill Belichick likes to use lots of different looks and packages, maybe to many to promise any Pats RB to have a huge day.

Mikel LeShoure, Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals: He is getting less touches as Joique Bell continues to run well. The Cards are still a decent front 7 on defense so it should be a heavy time share between these 2 backs. Don’t risk it this week.

Montell Owens, Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins: He did nice work and is the last option the Jags have, but that is no reason to try and get fancy with your season on the line. Only if you are very desperate as the Dolphins play the run well.

Carolina Panthers RB at San Diego Chargers: Is there any backfield I hate more than this one? No! Is there any reason I can find to try them against this decent run defense? No! The end.

Wide Receiver

Start

Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints: When he is on, he is really tough, and looks like a Mack truck out there. Killed the Saints for 7 catches and 216 yards plus a TD last meeting, and this one is a game that is meaning little for both. Expect loads of passing and a nice day for V Jax!

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants: Had 11 targets last week, and scored a TD. His WR mate Roddy White is slowed by a knee injury so it is time for Jones to pick up the pace and earn his high draft stature. Yes, he is usually not as big at home, but it’s time to buck that trend. He could break out here.

Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals: After a brutal defeat last week, what makes us think the Cardinals have any desire left? So go with the monster against the weak! Mega is chasing history, so the ball will come his way plenty.

Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Although I am not big on his QB, Austin could stand to be busy if Dez Bryant is in fact out. He did get 10 targets last week and the Cowboys seem to be united by the loss of a teammate. This could be Miles big week here, give it a look.

Danario Alexander, San Diego Chargers vs. Carolina Panthers: This big 6 foot 5 inch target continues to get his looks, and get good work done. He had 2 TDs last week and another 11 targets is great news for D Alex owners. Roll with him.

Sit

Jeremy Maclin, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Forget the big week he had last week, the Bengals play much better defense than the Bucs. It was nice to see this guy get some glory last week though.

Brandon Lloyd, New England Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers: What? Did I tell you to sit 2 Patriots this week? Yep but they have so many weapons to choose from. Lloyd owners must have done a dance with his 7 catch, 98 yard and a TD performance last week, but that was the same as his output the previous 3 weeks combined. Minus the TD of course! Don’t be sucked in.

Eric Decker, Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens: Flip a coin. Heads is Thomas, tails is Decker. It’s heads, so go with Thomas I guess. Decker had his best week last week out of his last 4, but still just 1 TD in that time.

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals vs. Detroit Lions: Why? Because it’s easy that is why. If you’re using him, you probably aren’t in the playoffs anyway.

Tight End

As for TEs, if needed you play Jimmy Graham all day. Also roll with Aaron Hernandez, Martellus Bennett and in a sneak the Eagles Clay Harbor in place of Brent Celek.

Defenses I like this week:

Wow, come playoff time, not too many. I mean how many times can you get 41 points out of Seattle? Choose yours to the match up.

Well here we go owners. Remember that my annual award special, The Sharky’s is coming up soon. It has been a great year, and here is hoping for you to grab your glory! Best of luck all!

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A loud scream of fear came from out of nowhere! Do you hear the sounds of pure angst and fear, echoing through the air and piercing ears all around? It sounds as if the person was in pure terror and saw no end in sight. The shriek was heard all through the city, could it have been a monster? Could it be a damsel in distress? Children who were scared by something on a Halloween night? No, it was just me, crying about a rough Fantasy week after Frank Gore was kept quiet on Monday night. Yes a real bad week that watched me finish 1-3 in my 4 leagues. No Halloween needed for me that was as scary as it gets!

So to set the record straight and share a serious moment, I was just happy to survive with very little damage from Hurricane Sandy. While most of the East Coast was getting pounded with rain and wind and damage, Fantasy was on my mind, but on the back burner for sure. New York and New Jersey, and parts of my state Pennsylvania came out with bad results, electric lost, businesses closed, cars stranded etc. I want to hope and pray for all of you who have suffered and all of you who may have lost over the last few days. I found myself very blessed. Never lost power, no damage, and family and most friends safe and healthy! A sigh of relief for sure.

Now back to the games at hand. Sports are always a distraction from the every day world, and we need it to keep our minds busy. Well if you are an owner of a Fantasy team you know full well it is always about being busy, and your job never ends. So I am back with more advice to try and help you through week 9, which is the start of the second half of the NFL season.

Bye weeks are coming to an end soon, so this is the moment you can play your best possible line up. As far as pickups, well the wire is thin, so hopefully you can rely on the guys you have on your squad. With that it is time for another Start/Sit for week 9. Yep I heard the bash on Twitter how I said start Reggie Bush and not Doug Martin, but hey if anyone saw that coming from Martin, well then it is time for you to start writing articles, or maybe lottery number books? To help expand it this week, I will give more choices to Start or Sit and less of my chit chat as to why. Next week however, more chit chat. So for now enjoy this new format!

Quarterback

Start

Josh Freeman, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Oakland Raiders: He is a very hot hand right now. Over his last 4 starts, over 1,000 yards and 9 TDs. Good match up too.

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals: Averaging 3 TDs per week over his last 4. He is perfectly back to normal and a must start each week.

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys: Just too good all around, especially at home. The match up doesn’t matter right now.

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Just a hunch, but it is the second half of the season, which is usually Charger time.

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles: If this defense gets shredded at home, what can Brees do to them in New Orleans? Plenty!

Sit

Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks: Seattle at home is far different than the road team. Ponder looked awful last week against a real bad pass defense. He should struggle here.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts vs. Miami Dolphins: This defense is stepping up big time, and Luck has been decent at best the last 2 weeks.

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions at Jacksonville Jaguars: Still only 8 TDs this year, and not the same on the road, despite the good match up.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons: Prime time in Atlanta is usually QB disaster. They beat Peyton Manning, so Romo should be cake!

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans: As good as Fitz can be against bad defenses, he is even worse against good ones. Look everywhere else.

Running Back

Start

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans: The Titans defense is Swiss cheese against the run, and Forte looks pretty healthy again. They need him.

LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints: This defense is so very bad, even Andy Reid can’t blow this one. Run McCoy early and often.

Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Heating up at the right time, and this defense can be had. DMC will get his share here.

Arian Foster, Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills: Fresh after a bye week and this brutal defense comes to town. Even Trick or Treat isn’t this easy.

Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins vs. Carolina Panthers: Should bounce back after a rough one last week. The rookie is still a top yardage back, and should find the end zone here.

Sit

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers defense is a bit banged up, but improving, and Bradshaw is getting beat up lately. Plus Andre Brown may steal goal line touches.

Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens: He’s been hurting, but decent. However, Ravens need this game badly and should be aggressive.

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers: He is getting used less and less and Hillis is back to steal time. Chargers are decent against the run at home as well.

BenJarvis Green-Ellis, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos: He is lost in this offense. The Broncos defense is improving every week, while Green-Ellis is averaging just 50 yards per week. Ouch!

Carolina Panthers RBs at Washington Redskins: As bad as a committee can be, this one is the worst. Use any of these guys out of 100% pure desperation.

Wide Receiver

Start

Victor Cruz, New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: If you like Salsa dancing, then you must love Giants games. He is the top WR for this team now.

Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys: Roddy scores at home, Julio on the road. The Falcons are home. He’s had 4 TDs at Atlanta so far for White.

Denarius Moore, Oakland Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: While you were sleeping on him: 14 catches, 232 yards and 3 TDs the last 3 weeks. He is a nice flex or WR2 right now.

James Jones, Green Bay Packers vs, Arizona Cardinals: 7 more catches last week, but 0 TDs. Teams will work harder to stop Randall Cobb, which means he should see lots of Pat Peterson. Jones is still worth a play.

Sidney Rice, Seattle Seahawks vs. Minnesota Vikings: Call it a hunch, but I think Rice will try really hard to be active against his old team. He is the best WR they have right now, so expect something here. Again this is just a hunch.

Sit

Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants: Just not getting much done right now, and there are at least 3 or 4 TD options ahead of him in this offense.

Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins: He has come around the last 2 weeks with catches and yards, but still 0 TDs this year. The decline of Smith has to be shocking after last year’s rebirth.

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers: This is just a bad offense right now, and the QB mess is no help either. I generally like Bowe, but not here.

Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns: Only 9 catches the last 3 weeks is part of the proof how bad this pass offense has gotten. Flacco has fallen asleep on Fantasy owners of late.

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: As good as Cruz has been, Nicks is like the anti-Cruz. Zero TDs and only 12 catches since returning from injury. He is just a tough option right now.

Tight End

Start

Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Usually on national TV we get a lot from Gates. He is still plenty good when he gets hot.

Owen Daniels, Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills: TDs in 3 of his last 4 and averaging 5 catches per week as well. Buffalo’s defense is usually generous.

Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles: Back from injury and right to the end zone last week. In the grand scheme of things he is their best option.

Sit

Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints: Just not doing anything special, even this bad match up makes me leery.

Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Detroit Lions: He has clearly vanished from this offense and catching only about 2 per week.

Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins: Just another victim of this poor offense. Only 9 catches in his last 3 so no need to rush him out there.

Defenses I like this week:

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals

Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals

Chicago Bears at Tennessee Titans

Defenses I don’t like this week:

Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints

Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons

Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills

Here is my input for NFL Week 9. Read up and enjoy owners, and good luck with the second half of your season!

I have now joined Twitter, so if you would like to ask any questions or need any advice feel free to reach out to my personal account, @JPshark71.

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Let’s take a look back at some of the things that stood out from Week 5 in the National Football League!

- The St. Louis Rams are an underrated team at the moment. That defense looked absolutely fantastic against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night and they are starting to make me into a believer of what they can accomplish this season. At this moment I like this team to be competitive in 2012 and really competing for the NFC West division title next season.

- Arizona: what happened to you? For the last 4 weeks of the season you have made all of us into believers in what you are trying to accomplish this season and then you play like that? The Cardinals looked like the way they did in preseason and not the way they looked the last four weeks. This Cardinals team will only be as successful as their offensive line allows them to be and if they can’t stop the Rams defensive line then how will they stop the dominant 49ers defensive line?

- I really have liked the way Miami has played in the last couple of weeks, makes you wonder where this team would be if it wasn’t for a couple overtime losses…

- This really could have been a good “statement victory” for the Bengals at they continue to fly under the radar so far this NFL season but it wasn’t meant to be. I wonder if this is the start of the predicted “real” Bengals team to come out.

- What isn’t there to say that’s already been said about this victory for the Colts? Indianapolis played on emotion and had the heart of a champion to get the “W.” Indy could go winless for the rest of the season and still consider this season a success after the Week 5 win.

- Green Bay is in trouble. The offense has looked depleted without Greg Jennings all season and the injury to Cedric Benson didn’t make it any better. This is currently a 2-3 team taking on a very good Houston team in Week 6, a record of 2-4 on the season is a good possibility at the moment.

- I know its Postseason Baseball season but did the Orioles and Royals have a game on Sunday? Baltimore wins 9-6!? What happened to elite QB Joe Flacco playing as such? A win is a win but the Ravens are very lucky heading into Week 6.

- Shame on the Chiefs fans for cheering a knocked out Matt Cassell. Sometimes fans take things way too seriously…

- Atlanta is 5-0 on the season and while they are looking like the best team in the NFL at this moment I have to wonder if they are better served as the hunter rather then the hunted.

- No RGIII heroics in Week 5 like I predicted there may be. Washington kept the game tight and you’d have to wonder if it would be a different story if he was healthy.

- How many Giants fans are breathing a sigh of relief after the Browns jumped out to a 14-0 lead? I know many Giants fans were worried but c’mon this is the Browns we are talking about!

- Cleveland is 0-5 on the season, no real surprise there. The only shock about this team has been the heart they are still playing with. I know I say this every week but I really like the future of this franchise and where it’s going.

- Pittsburgh is healthy (for the most part) and played like the Steelers team we remembered when they are a healthy squad. Sure they won with a last second field goal but it must feel nice to get back on the right foot; looks like there is still some light peering through that window after all.

- Do you really think Michael Vick is going to stay as the starting QB for the Eagles this season? Philadelphia is a .500 record away from becoming the New York Jets of the NFC with all their QB issues.

- Congrats to the Seattle Seahawks on making it another week without us being concerned about this team and questioning their personnel. It’s nice when a win can by you sometime…

- While on the other hand we are once again questioning Cam Newton. I think it’s safe to say that he is currently in a “sophomore slump” now, right?

- So is Chicago benefiting from a good schedule or actually being a good team? I believe that to be a toss up at the moment.

- Jacksonville lost 41-3. This is why they are the worst team in the NFL.

- The Minnesota Vikings are 4-1 heading into Week 6! This has to be the most surprising story of the season right? Even more so then the Packers and Saints decline?

- Congrats Chris Johnson Fantasy Football owners, you can now put CJ2K back on your bench!

- New England is back in the driver seat after falling to 1-2 a couple weeks ago. No surprise that they are climbing back atop the AFC throne. While some may think it’s happening there is no window “closing” in New England anytime soon.

- Denver had way too many missed opportunities to make this game in Week 5. The Broncos could’ve tied or made the score closer had they jumped at the opportunities presented to them. Hopefully this is a loss Denver can learn from.

- Not only does San Francisco have an incredible defense but their offense has looked pretty good the last two weeks. Remember when I said them losing to Minnesota was the best thing that could happen to them?

- I thought the Bills were supposed to be competitive this season. Talk about disappointment. Maybe Chan Gailey just isn’t the right coach for this team…

- Congrats to Drew Brees on surpassing Johnny Unitas in the all-time consecutive games with a passing TD streak and congrats to the Saints on getting their first win of the season in Week 5. Who would’ve thought that!?

- Should’ve, would’ve, could’ve. That’s the story of the San Diego Chargers and will be until this monkey gets off their back. Every time I think they are bouncing back they pull off a game like this.

- Houston improves to 5-0 on the season but didn’t do so in convincing fashion against a hurting Jets team. A win is a win but you have to question if it could be a sign of things to come for the Texans. By the way, Arian Foster is an absolute beast.

- You can’t say the Jets didn’t try but trying isn’t what the Jets need right now. It’s amazing that this team was in the AFC Championship Game two straight seasons and considered one of the best teams in the NFL.

For more NFL talk join Bower, Chris Johnson and myself Monday – Friday throughout the Football season on 97.9 ESPN in Hartford, ESPN 1300 in New Haven and online at 979espn.com!

You can listen to Jeff on “The Bower Show” every Monday – Friday from 3pm – 7pm ET on 97.9 ESPN in Hartford, CT. You can listen online at www.979espn.com

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Let’s take a look back at some of the things that stood out from Week 2 in the National Football League!

- So it looks like Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall’s trash talking motivated the Packers defense. I wonder if the Packers defense will now turn the corner from their 2011 ways and look more like the 2010 defense that helped them win a Super Bowl.

- Jay Cutler is one of the most overrated Quarterbacks in the NFL and he clearly showed it this past Thursday night. He entered the game “talking the talk” and left the game “limping the limp.” If you want to talk like a top notch QB then you need to play like one.

- Buffalo carried over that 2nd half against the New York Jets into their game with the Kansas City Chiefs with a good bounce back victory in Week 2. I really think when the time comes for Fred Jackson to be healthy again he won’t be welcomed back into the offense like he used to. CJ Spiller is the real deal (finally).

- What is with Jamaal Charles this week with six carries and three yards rushing? Are the Kansas City Chiefs just taking it easy with their star Running Back coming off of a torn ACL or is it something more? It’ll definitely be worth keeping an eye on the next couple of weeks.

- Cincinnati was in a must-win situation as a young team in Week 2 and they got the win they desperately needed. Despite being a playoff team last season they need to prove that they are for real yet again.

- I love what I am seeing from the Cleveland Browns the last two weeks, granted they are 0-2 to start the season but they have pushed both the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals to the limit the last two games to start the season. They may become that really bad team that no one wants to face.

- Congrats to Andrew Luck on getting his first win as a starting Quarterback in the NFL. The “monkey is off his back” per se and now he can focus on continuing to make the Colts a competitive team once again.

- Minnesota obviously still has a ways to go but nearly going 2-0 to start the season shows that they are headed in the right direction no matter the competition they have been playing to start the season. Once again Adrian Peterson proves he is above the normal human being by giving a solid game eight months after tearing his ACL; why do I feel like this will be a common trend with him?

- Ladies and gentlemen please meet the Miami Dolphins and their explosive offense! Reggie Bush shows flashes of what many people thought he would do when he entered the NFL many seasons ago. The only question I have with Bush is if he can keep this going, if he can then he will be one of the best Running Backs (especially for Fantasy owners) in the NFL this season.

- Oakland continues to show that no matter how much they improve they are still the Raiders. This is not a good team at all and for them to reach the near .500 plateau yet again will be a very difficult challenge.

- The Arizona Cardinals win the award for the biggest upset of the week as they defeated the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Not only is it shocking because the Cards beat the defending AFC Champions at home but because Kevin Kolb was their starting Quarterback throughout the contest. I really liked what I saw out of the Cardinals defense this week as well.

- New England’s loss is obviously a very shocking one and shows that there could be some weaknesses in a very dominant franchise. Obviously anytime a dominant team for the last decade loses a game like this you have to wonder what they will be like at times during the regular season.

- The New York Football Giants stepped up in a big way on both sides of the ball in the 2nd half of the Week 2 game because they needed to or face a horrific way to start their 2012 season after winning Super Bowl 46 last season. Eli Manning played like he did all last season and that’s a great sign for the Giants. Also another great sign was how dominant both Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz were catching the ball for #10.

- Tampa Bay almost pulled off a huge shocker and nearly improved to 2-0 for the start of the season. I like what I saw out of the Bucs and see them as being a pretty decent threat this year in the NFC South. If they can get their defense under control then we could be looking at a surprise team in the NFC this year.

- The Philadelphia Eagles are 2-0 to start the season and a win is a win but they are the worst undefeated team in the NFL right now. They have not looked dominant at all and are just barely beating their opponents. If they can control the ball and not give up turnovers then this could be a much better team then they currently are.

- Baltimore should be 2-0 at this point in the season but they are showing flashes of their inconsistency that plagued them all last season. I blame that inconsistency clearly on Joe Flacco as his leadership skills have still not improved. Hopefully this is a wakeup call for a team that could be AFC Championship bound yet again if they can get themselves under control.

- As heard on Friday’s edition of The Bower Show I really liked Carolina in completing the upset of the New Orleans Saints this week and putting them at 0-2 to start the season. The Panthers did such and now the Saints are in a really bad place to start their 2012 season.

- Since 1990, 12% of teams that start 0-2 make the playoffs. Now that doesn’t mean the Saints won’t make the playoffs but it definitely is an uphill battle for this team. It’s amazing to see how poor they are playing WITHOUT Sean Payton on the sidelines. I was expecting Drew Brees to step up as a leader but he has failed to do such yet.

- Anyone who read my articles last season and my NFL preview this season knows how high I am on the Houston Texans. They play in a very weak division and are a pretty good team. Those intangibles can lead them to the AFC Championship or beyond. Houston continues to play well and has started the season off on the right foot; great things could be brewing in Houston.

- Jacksonville is a team that isn’t going places. They have very little talent on their team and appear to potentially be the worst team in the NFL so far this season.

- Jeff Fisher gets his first win as the St. Louis Rams head coach and he did so against a pretty good underrated team. Sam Bradford is starting to come into his own and looked very strong against Washington in Week 2. They could be a surprise team in the NFC this season.

- So let’s reel in everyone after the “love fest” RGIII received last week after a huge win against the New Orleans Saints. This team is good but they are 2-3 years away from fully competing in the NFC East. If you are a Redskins fan you should be very happy right now despite the Week 2 loss to the St. Louis Rams.

- Entering this season the Seattle Seahawks were one of those teams that many people liked to potentially shock teams in the NFC West. They didn’t do that in Week 1 but after a win against Dallas in Week 2 they are certainly looking like there is still hope to reach that potential, impressive job on both sides of the ball from the Seahawks in this one.

- “The Tony Romo era” for the Dallas Cowboys can be summed up in the last two games from this season so far. You get a really big win against a tough team the week before but get blown out from a team coming off of a loss in the next week. I still don’t know what to think of Romo and Big D just yet.

- Think Pittsburgh heard the whispers that their team was getting old and their window may be closing? Good win for the Steel city against a team they needed to beat in Week 2. While I still think their window is closing they certainly helped me insert my foot into my mouth this week.

- Just like Dallas these last two games for the Jets could be the tale of their entire season: huge offensive explosion the week before and then huge letdown the week after.

- Really like what I have been seeing the last two weeks from Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers. I was a big fan of them having a comeback season from last year’s disappointment and so far they are living up to that potential. Rivers has a lot to prove to the rest of the NFL when it comes to his skills, especially as a leader.

- How are Chris Johnson Fantasy Football owners feeling after this 2nd consecutive horrible week? This could be a long season for the Titans…

- Yep, the San Francisco 49ers is the team to beat not only in the NFC but in the NFL as well. I have seen no weaknesses with this team in the first two games of the year.

- Detroit had their chances to try and make this game close on Sunday Night but Matthew Stafford looked like the pressure from the Niners defense was making him force poor decisions throughout the game. Had Stafford stayed even keel throughout the game maybe it would be a different story for the Lions offense.

- The biggest challenge to the San Francisco 49ers this season may be the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons, like the 49ers, appear to be the most complete team not only in the NFC but in the NFL as well.

- After a great game against the Pittsburgh Steelers the Denver Broncos struggled against a pretty underrated Falcons defense; looks like we need to “pump our brakes” on welcoming the “old” Peyton Manning back to the NFL.

- Please NFL, make a deal with the “regular” refs and bring them back!

For more NFL talk join Bower, Chris Johnson and myself Monday – Friday throughout the Football season on 97.9 ESPN in Hartford, ESPN 1300 in New Haven and online at 979espn.com!

You can listen to Jeff on “The Bower Show” every Monday – Friday from 3pm – 7pm ET on 97.9 ESPN in Hartford, CT. You can listen online at www.979espn.com

You can follow Jeff on Twitter at www.twitter.com/therealjeffpeck

“LIKE” 97.9 ESPN on Facebook: www.facebook.com/979espn

“LIKE” The Bower Show on Facebook: www.facebook.com/bowershow

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Well, to paraphrase former WWE Champion the Rock, FINALLY the 2012 NFL Season has begun. As an NFL fan for over 35 years, I always get excited, especially when the first week of the season arrives. I love seeing the pre-game shows, and seeing the “experts” argue over who they think will win. I love see video of fans tailgating, and hearing about injury reports, Super Bowl predictions, scandals, and the whole kit and caboodle. In my opinion, the NFL Season is the best season ever.

Well, since I have starting writing this blog, I have noticed that writers for this, and other blogs have posted their weekly picks for the NFL. Well, last season, I didn’t partake in doing a weekly blog, but I did do picks for the NFL playoffs, and the Super Bowl, and I had a good time doing, so for this season, I decided to take the plunge, and do weekly picks.

Now, so my readers understand, I do NOT go by the spread, or predict the score. I am going to list the teams, the stadiums, etc. I am going to mention any notable injuries, and do a little analysis, and just make my prediction of which team I think will win the game.

Sound Good? Well, here we go:

Before I start with Sunday’s Match ups, let me do a quick post-mortem on the Dallas Cowboys at the defending champion New York Giants that was played on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at Met Life Stadium. At first, it started out like neither team wanted to score, and it was going to be one of those boring defensive games. However, Dallas’ offense somehow got going, and put 24 points on the board, and New York’s Eli Manning could not quite make one of his miraculous fourth quarter comebacks, and was only able to get the Giants 17 points, and Dallas won.

Dallas’ Tony Romo was having a good night despite his offensive line’s inability to stay still as they drew offside penalties like crazy. Surprisingly, Romo’s main target was Kevin Olgletree. Dallas’ defense stifled the Giants’ receivers all night, and their running game. One the other hand, Giants defense started out good, but their secondary was falling apart. On offense, Victor Cruz was dropping balls as if they were hot potatoes.

Game was just OK overall. I didn’t go nuts like everyone does over Dallas. It is only Week 1. Let’s see how these guys are, especially Romo in December.

Now, for Sunday, and Monday Night:

All 1:00 P.M. Games:

Indianapolis Colts AT Chicago Bears
Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill
The main injury concerns for the Colts concern the availability of Austin Collie (WR). At first, he was declared likely, but now he is a game time decision. LB Pat Angerer is out. For the Bears, despite his saying the knee won’t be the same, MLB Brian Urlacher will play.

Final Analysis: This is the official NFL debut for the much touted rookie QB from Stanford, Andrew Luck who is the new Colts QB. He looked very much the part of a professional QB in the preseason, but before we put him in Canton, let’s remember he is a rookie. He will make rookie mistakes, and he is facing a good Bears Defense that will try to confuse him.

On the other side, it will be interesting to see how Bears QB Jay Cutler can rebound after the season ending injury he had last season. Now that he has his favorite target on offense, we will see if that offense improves. The running game should be good as well.

Pick: A lot of people are very high on Luck, and think he can win. With Urlacher not quite up to speed, and the fact that Luck, and his offense are apparently on the same page, I am going to gamble a bit, and go with the rookie. Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Philadelphia Eagles AT Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, OH
The injury report for the Eagles is interesting for the fact that Michael Vick is NOT on it. The Browns’ Trent Richardson is listed as questionable. I am hearing he is supposed to play though. Browns’ Scott Fujita is now available (for now) to the team thanks to the overturning of his Bounty related suspension.

I don’t mean to sound like a smart ass but I don’t really think it matters. I mean, seriously. The Eagles should beat the Browns like a drum. Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

St. Louis Rams AT Detroit Lions
Ford Field in Detroit, MI
The Rams will be without their First Round pick Michael Brockers due to an ankle injury. The Detroit Lions will be banged up in the secondary as CB Chris Houston is doubtful due to an ankle injury, and Safety Louis Delmas listed as doubtful due to a knee injury.

Well, this game does not look all that exciting to me. Rams’ QB Sam Bradford has yet to show me that he is worthy of that #1 overall pick. It is true that he has hardly any receivers. The defense is just alright. The Lions have a fierce front seven with that Suh, Vanden Bosch, etc. Of course, their offense features Matt Stafford, and Megatron. Rams will be eaten by the Lions. Winner: Detroit Lions

Miami Dolphins AT Houston Texans
Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX
The only person that is hurt for the Dolphins is Tony McDaniel. Their opponents, the Texans have of interest, LB Brooks Reed (hip), and star RB Arian Foster (knee) who are both game time decisions. Foster said he expects to play though.

Even though it is great that the Dolphins are coming into Houston healthy, I don’t think they are going to come out of there with a win. Houston is one of the top teams in the AFC, and I just think they are going to just crush Miami. Winner: Houston Texans

Atlanta Falcons AT Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has been bombard with injuries, and as many as six could be out for this game. DE Allen Bailey with an ankle injury, Safety Kendrick Lewis with a shoulder injury, DT Anthony Toribio with an ankle injury are all listed as doubtful. LB Jovan Belcher with a groin injury, CB Brandon Flowers with a foot injury, and LB Derrick Johnson with an ankle are listed as questionable.

It looks like Matt Ryan, and his group of receivers, and his Hall of Fame (surely) tight end, Tony Gonzalez may just have a field day at Arrowhead despite that stadium being one of the hardest places to play. I am not sold on Matt Cassel being a good QB, and I just don’t think the Chiefs are up to the task. Winner: Falcons

Jacksonville Jaguars AT Minnesota Vikings
Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota
The main injuries in this game are the Jaguars will be without Daryl Smith, their best LB who will miss the game with a groin injury, and Derek Cox, their top CB with a hamstring injury. Their rookie receiver Justin Blackmon is probable with an ankle injury. For the Vikings, the main injury of note is their top RB Adrian Peterson who is coming back from that ACL tear suffered on Dec 24, 2011. Listed as questionable, there will be a decision Saturday morning whether he plays or not.

Well, people will be watching this game to pretty much see (if he plays) how Peterson does. If he is allowed to play, it will be a great thing to see. As for who wins, with Maurice Jones-Drew just getting back to the team, and getting back into football shape, I am thinking that the Vikings will wind up winning it. It will be ugly though. Winner: Vikings

Washington Redskins AT New Orleans Saints
Super Dome in New Orleans, LA
Well, the news that NFL Commissioner Goodell got repelled (for now) by that three person panel, puts an interesting spin on notable injuries. Jonathan Vilma is now eligible to play, but he has an injury where he won’t be ready (not that he is anyway, football-wise) for a few weeks. Saints could put him on PUP for six weeks. Will Smith could play right away as he is healthy. The Saints, before all this has WR Marques Colston (foot), CB Jabari Greer (groin), LB David Hawthorne (knee), and LB Curtis Lofton (ankle) listed as questionable. All seem likely to be able to play.

Well, we have another rookie QB in the highly touted Robert Griffin III in his debut with the Washington Redskins. I prefer him to Andrew Luck, but in this game sadly, Griffin is making his debut against the wrong team at the wrong time. The Saints are at home with their crowd backing them up, and after the terrible offseason, and now with the latest news, they are going to be mad as hornets. Winner: New Orleans

Buffalo Bills AT New York Jets
Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Buffalo Bills WR Stevie Johnson is listed as questionable with a groin injury, and for the Jets, the significant injury is TE Dustin Keller who is questionable with a hamstring, but both are expected to play. The other injury for the Jets is LB Sione Pouha who’s also questionable with a back injury, but doesn’t look likely to play.

Well, I am going to be “from Missouri” so to speak with these two teams. They are going to have to show me they are worth the hype, especially ESPN’s favorite team, the Jets. The Bills, on paper have improved their defense with the addition of former Texans’ Mario Williams. Let’s see though if QB Fitzpatrick can play well for more than 5 games.

For the Jets, who I feel is the most over hyped team in the NFL, they better live up to the hype. I am reading that Tebow is going to play 10-20 percent of the game. Well, call me old school, but when you have two QBs, you don’t have any. Jets Owner Woody Johnson does not like the team being called a “circus?” Well, maybe his team better stop acting like clowns then.

I think from looking at the Jets’ O line, especially that right side, I think Buffalo could exploit it with their defense. Jets have no pass rush, and a pop gun offense. Winner: Buffalo

New England Patriots AT Tennessee Titans
LP Field in Nashville, TN
The only notable injury for the Patriots is RB Shane Vereen (foot). The injuries of note for the Titans are LB Sen’ Derrick Marks is doubtful with his knee, and CB Jurrell Casey questionable with his elbow.

This should be an interesting game. The Titans are giving the reins to second year QB Jake Locker while former starter Matt Hasselbeck is the backup, and mentor. Locker is going up against one of the most elite QBs in the NFL, and arguably one of the best QBs ever in Tom Brady. I’m looking forward to this game.

It will be interesting to see if the Patriots’ young, and hopefully improved defense can stop the star RB for the Titans in Chris Johnson. Seeing the McCourty twins is going to be really cool. The main question for the Patriots is can the offensive line which is still coming together (no Brian Waters, and Matt Light retired) protect Tom Brady? I think so. Winner: New England Patriots

4:25 pm NFL Games:

Seattle Seahawks AT Arizona Cardinals
University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
Injury of concern for the Cardinals is Beanie Wells who was listed as questionable with a hamstring. For the Seahawks, the injuries are tackle James Carpenter, and WR Golden Tate are out with knee injuries, and RB Marshawn Lynch is questionable with back spasms.

Well, it is obvious to me that despite having a beast of a WR in Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals, outside of Kurt Warner, can not find a QB to throw him the ball. I mean, it is just tragic. Now, I am not as high on Seattle as a lot of people, but let’s see what the rookie QB Russell Wilson can do. Winner: Seattle Seahawks

San Fransisco 49ers AT Green Bay Packers
Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI
The only injury of any importance is Ted Ginn being listed as questionable due to an ankle injury.

This game should be the best game of the week. Great QB match up in the sense that 49ers Alex Smith was the #1 overall pick in the 2005 Draft, and the first QB taken, and he is going up against Aaron Rodgers who sat in that green room for the longest time, before being taken at #25. In most experts’ eyes, this was supposed to be the NFC Championship game last post season, but it didn’t happen. Should be a good one.

For the game, even though the 49ers have an excellent defense, and the Packers defense hopefully have improved some, and I am not sure I have faith in them, I think Rodgers will put on a light show. Winner: Green Bay Packers

Carolina Panthers AT Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL
RB Jonathan Stewart for the Panthers is listed as questionable. He has not practiced all week, so it is not likely he will play. Arrelious Benn, WR for the Bucs is listed as questionable despite practicing all week.

The Bucs were awful last year, and this preseason, they didn’t look all that great. I am a Rutgers graduate, so in that sense I want new Bucs Head Coach Greg Schiano to do well, but it will take awhile to turn this around. The Panthers once again have Ron Rivera as their head coach, and Cam Newton as QB. Will he have the dreaded sophomore slump? Will he be even better? We will see. He should lead the team to a win though. Winner: Carolina Panthers

8:20 pm SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Pittsburgh Steelers AT Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO
Notable Injuries for the Steelers are Safety Ryan Clark will not be playing due to his sickle cell illness which is aggravated by playing in the high altitude. There are conflicting reports as to whether LB James Harrison (officially listed as questionable) will play or not. RBs are pretty banged up: Rashard Mendendall (knee) listed as doubtful. Issac Redman (ankle) is listed as probable, and Baron Batch is listed as questionable with a groin. The Broncos have no important injuries.

Well, this is a huge game for a one Peyton Manning. It is his first game back after losing a year of his career due to a fourth neck surgery. Most fans know about his parting with the Colts. It will be strange to see him in other than a Colts uniform, but life goes on. It will be interesting to see how healthy, and how back to 100% he REALLY is. He looked pretty decent in preseason.

The Steelers come to town to try to avenge the post season loss to the Broncos. Of course, this time they face a much superior QB. The Steelers come in a bit banged up, and they have Ben, their elite QB learning a new offense, and getting to know new Offensive Coordinator Todd Haley, but I think this game as a whole will be a good game.

Defensive guru Dick LeBeau turns 75 tomorrow, and I think the Steelers will give their Defensive Coordinator a birthday gift. I think it will be close though. Winner: Steelers

9/10/11 MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Game 1 at 7pm: Cincinnati Bengals AT Baltimore Ravens
M &T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland
No notable injuries for either team.

This game shows why, at least in my view, the AFCN is the best division in the NFL. You have four tough, hardnosed teams who are physical not only with opponents outside their division, but with each other. This should be a pretty good game. It will be interesting to see how Terrell Suggs (on PUP due to Achilles ) absence affects the defense, and if Flacco can be the elite QB he claims he is.

The Bengals need to prove they can continue to be a playoff contender, and if this game somehow becomes a scoring fest, QB Andrew Dalton has show he can keep up. Their defense has to get after Flacco, and hold down RB Ray Rice. However, since Flacco has an excellent record at home, I expect him to hold on to that. Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Game #2 at approximately 10:15pm San Diego Chargers AT Oakland Raiders
Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, CA
The only notable injury for both teams is RB Ryan Matthews for the Chargers being out due to the collar bone injury as he had no contact in practice.

Well, I think this year is do or die for both the Chargers, and their coach Norv Turner. If they don’t get in the playoffs, I think their “genius” of a GM has to see that Turner is not the answer. Rivers has to cut down on the turnovers. The entire Chargers team has to cool it with their brashness, and bravado, and not start out so late, and hope to be Silky Sullivan (he was a great racehorse in the ’50s who would start his run about 40 lengths back), and somehow get into the playoffs. They can get off to a great start by destroying the Raiders. The Raiders are what they are. It will take awhile to get that team turned around. Winner: Chargers

Well, those are my picks. Good luck to everyone, and I pray there are no serious injuries in Week 1.

Terri Bey currently blogs for CamelClutchBlog.com about Wrestling, NFL, and other sports/pop culture related subjects. Her work has appeared in BleacherReport and for F4WOnline.com. Terri can be found here at Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/TerriBey and at Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/giopontifan

Fantasy Football Almanac 2012: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide

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Fantasy Football for Smart People: How to Dominate Your Draft

On Wednesday, the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Champion New York Giants kick off the 2012/13 Season on Sept. 5, 2012 at the Met Life Stadium against the much hated Dallas Cowboys. After this past off season that came with a lot of drama, the season could not have come any faster. During the off season, NFL fans heard about the woes of the New York Jets where they gave their supposed starting quarterback Mark Sanchez a new contract with more money, and then they went out, and traded for Denver’s Tim Tebow. The news of Mr. Tebow, and the Jets have dominated not only the New York tabloids’ back pages, but ESPN. ESPN Sports center has turned into Jets Center. Silly me, and I thought there were other teams in the NFL.

The NFL off season also gave us the Peyton Manning drama. It was not enough that during the Super Bowl in Indianapolis, where Peyton’s brother Eli was supposed to be having his day in the sun, that the media focused on Peyton vs Colt’s Owner Jim Irsay, even I think both were at fault, but the whole entire feud was brought out in the open with Irsay cleaning house. Anyway, Petyon finally landed with the Broncos. Of course, Peyton has been under a microscope ever since.

Of course, NFL fans had to deal with hearing about the Saints’ bounty Scandal. It is in the courts now. I have written a blog about how I felt. I have done a bit of rethinking, and even though I still stand by my feelings about Gregg Williams (that he should be thrown out of the NFL), and I don’t have a high opinion of the coach either, but I think the players who were nailed got hit way too hard. Vilma especially got harder than I thought. I think too hard.

However, even though some of that will seep into NFL discussions for this upcoming year, this year is pretty much a new year, and as a fan, and a blogger, (but a fan first) I am thrilled. I am going to see if the Giants, or their Super Bowl opponents can return to the Super Bowl. I want to see how Peyton does after four neck surgeries, and a year away. Every year, there is turnover as far as the playoffs where teams who made it last year, don’t make it the following year. Who will they be, and who will be the new shooters? 2012 sounds like a fun season.

Before I go any further, I am going to go on a little mini rant about something that could cast a pall over the NFL season, at least the first few games. As of this writing, the NFL, and the NFLRA (the referee’s union) have NOT reached an agreement. They attempted to do so this past Friday on August 31, 2012, but failed. As many fans know, the preseason games have been officiated by these substitute referees from high school, to the Lingerie Bowl. They have been HORRIBLE. Now, I KNOW the real referees such as Ed Hochuli, and Mike Carey screw up calls. However, at least they are used to the speed of the game, and know the rules, and updated rules. These refs don’t have a clue what they are doing. They don’t even know where to put the ball after a play. They make blatant incorrect calls that the fans know are wrong. I fear that one of these refs are going to screw up a call where someone gets seriously injured, or costs a team a game, and may indeed cost that team a playoff spot. The NFL, and the NFLRA have to keep working to get an agreement, and get the regular refs back on that field.

[ad 2Well, now that I have said my peace about the refs, I am ready to give my predictions and preview for the 2012/2013 Season, and my predictions for the Super Bowl which takes place in New Orleans, LA.

Before I begin, I wish everyone who roots for whatever team, good luck, and I wish all the teams to have healthy players throughout the year. I also wish those who play Fantasy Football, good luck!

NFC

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY PACKERS: 13-3
DETROIT LIONS: 10-6
CHICAGO BEARS: 9-7
MINNESOTA VIKINGS: 7-9

Aaron Rodgers is fantastic. He will , barring injury, easily lead the Packers to win the division. I am not in love with the Vikings, as I am not sure how Peterson will do coming off the ACL, and the Chicago Bears don't impress me that much. Lions should do well if Stafford stays healthy.

NFC WEST

SAN FRANSISCO 49ERS: 12-4
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: 9-7
ST. LOUIS RAMS: 7-9
ARIZONA CARDINALS: 5-11

49ers may take a slight step back, but should fairly easily win the division. I am not sure how the Seahawks will do with a rookie QB. Coach Carroll must believe in him though. The Rams got Gregg Williams taken from them due to the suspension, so I don't know how they will be defensively. QB Stafford hopefully will step up. The Cardinals are a dumpster fire, period.

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA FALCONS: 11-5
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: 11-5
CAROLINA PANTHERS: 8-8
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: 5-11

To start with the obvious, Tampa Bay is a mess. We will see if the Panthers' Cam Newton will have the "Sophomore Slump." I still don't like their defense. Even without Coach Payton, the Saints should be able to manage 10 games. Whether Brees can break his own passing record, that is another thing. I have the Falcons winning the division by means of splitting their series with the Saints. I think this division will be competitive.

NFC EAST

GIANTS: 12-4
EAGLES: 11-5
COWBOYS: 9-7
REDSKINS: 9-7 (COWBOYS AND SKINS SPLIT)

This is the toughest division to call. All four teams are hated rivals, and all get physical with each other. They're all tough to play against. I think Giants just get the division, with the Eagles finishing second. Cowboys, and Redskins finish with the same record, but Cowboys end of ahead due to a split.

PLAYOFF DIVISION WINNERS: GIANTS, FALCONS, PACKERS, 49ers
PLAYOFF WILD CARD WINNERS: EAGLES, SAINTS

Now, let's go to the

AFC

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: 12-4
BALTIMORE RAVENS: 10-6
CINCINNATI BENGALS: 9-7
CLEVELAND BROWNS: 3-13

Well, you have a couple of tough teams in this division. You have two teams that just "hate" each other, the Ravens, and the Steelers. They get together late in the year, but that should be good. They won the division last year, by tiebreaker, but with Terrell Suggs, their best pass rusher out (for now) with an Achilles tear, and an aging defense, and a QB who is trying to show the is the "best," I think they step back a bit. The Steelers have a new offense, and people doubt if Ben can get along with new offensive coordinator Todd Haley, and learn the offense. I think he can, and fortunately, Mike Wallace, the team's star wideout came back. I think the Steelers take the division. Bengals will do OK, but miss the playoffs. The Browns are the Browns.

AFC WEST:

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: 11-5
DENVER BRONCOS: 10-6
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: 8-8
OAKLAND RAIDERS: 7-9

I did a lot of thinking about this division, and I think the Chargers bounce back from a couple of dismal seasons, and go 11-5, and make the playoffs for a change. Maybe it is hopeful thinking, as I do not like this team much, but it is guess on my part.I am taking Peyton Manning's health, and the fact he has not played in a year into consideration, so that is why I have the Broncos where I have them. I think they make the playoffs if Manning stays healthy. The Chiefs, and the Raiders are just the other two teams. I don't think they will do much. I could be wrong, but I don't think so.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON TEXANS: 13-3
TENNESSEE TITANS: 8-8
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: 7-9
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: 5-11

Well, after all these years of hearing how Houston is going to break through, it looks like they finally arrived. Well, sort of. I think this team is going to wind up with an awesome record regardless like they did last year. However, what ruined the whole thing is that like many times before, Matt Schaub, their top QB could not stay healthy. They did beat the Bengals in the playoffs last year with the rookie, and had their special teams been in operating order, I think they would have beaten the Ravens. However, I am sure they will win the division. The Titans could challenge, but we will see what Locker does. I know the experts are in total man love with Andrew Luck, and think he may do something with the Colts ala Ben Roethlisberger in 2004, but the guy’s a rookie, and I will judge for myself on Mr. Luck. Jaguars got their weapon, Maurice Jones Drew back, but I still think the Jaguars are going to be in the cellar.

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS:14-2
BUFFALO BILLS: 8-8
NEW YORK JETS: 7-9
MIAMI DOLPHINS: 6-10

This division was an easy call. The New England Patriots, as long as they got Mr. Thomas Edward Brady under center, and Bill Belichick as head coach, they are going to win a lot of games, and I think they are definitely winning the division. I am not one of the chicken little people worrying about the offensive line, and such. They know what they are doing. I am not buying the Bills. The Bills have improved on their defense, at least on paper. The Dolphins still look like a mess. I can’t even figure the Jets out. Rex Ryan says this is the best team he has had. Rex…..don’t talk……show me. I am going to be “from Missouri” as they say when it come to the Jets. They have to show me.

PLAYOFF DIVISION WINNERS: PATRIOTS, TEXANS, STEELERS, CHARGERS
PLAYOFF WILD CARD WINNERS: BRONCOS, RAVENS

Now, I am not going to go into the entire playoff bit, but I will just give you, my readers my representative for the AFC, and for the NFC, and the winner of the Super Bowl.

For the NFC: SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

For the AFC: TEXANS

WINNER OF SUPER BOWL 47 IS: THE HOUSTON TEXANS

Terri Bey currently blogs for CamelClutchBlog.com about Wrestling, NFL, and other sports/pop culture related subjects. Her work has appeared in BleacherReport and for F4WOnline.com. Terri can be found here at Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/TerriBey and at Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/giopointfan

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