Week 4 NFL Picks

Well, that was a rough first week for my NFL picks. I went 7-8 last week, which isn't as bad as I thought. But some of the games I missed on I really missed on. I picked the Giants, who got blown out by the Panthers. I wrote that I wasn't impressed with the Ravens, Dolphins, and Colts, who all had impressive wins. I picked against my own team and got it wrong! Plus, some of the picks I got right were gimmes: Seahawks over Jags, Patriots over Bucs, and Broncos over Raiders. Here's hoping I do better this week. Now for the picks:
Browns (1-2) over Bengals (2-1) (Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1:00 Sun. CBS)
I really had to think about this one. Maybe I'm picking the Browns because I want to think they will win this game. I thought about using reverse psychology and picking against them again so they will win again, but that would basically be sacrificing a pick. I really do think the Browns can win this game. Brian Hoyer is a major upgrade over Brandon Weedon, Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron are STUDS, and their defense is formidable. That being said, they didn't show much of a running game last week, and Cincy is definitely the better team on paper and in real life, coming off a big win vs. Green Bay. I love Gio Bernard, and the Bengals showed a lot rallying back to win after losing an early lead. I will leave you with a statement that might be hard to do: BELIEVE IN THE BROWNS.
Ravens (2-1) over Bills (1-2) (Baltimore at Buffalo, 1:00 Sun. CBS)
After looking less-than-stellar to start the season, the Ravens took care of the Texans last week. The defense looks great, and Ray Rice will be back after missing last week's game due to a quad injury. The Bills have struggled offensively, and going up against the Ravens D won't help. EJ Manuel got out-dueled by fellow rookie QB Geno Smith last week, and running back C.J. Spiller has struggled while battling injury. I believe the Bills' struggles will continue this week.
Bears (3-0) over Lions (2-1) (Chicago at Detroit, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
Both if these teams have looked pretty good so far, and I think both are good teams. The Lions O has been like usual, with Matthew Stafford passing and passing and Calvin Johnson catching and scoring, and The Bears D has been like usual, scoring off turnovers routinely. The Lions lost their #2 receiver Nate Burleson this week when he crashed his car trying to save pizza boxes from falling (hey, I probably would've done that too). He has a broken arm, so someone else will have to step up to draw coverage away from Johnson. I think that will be Ryan Broyles, who just came back from surgery last week and will probably be the new #2 receiver. I don't think the Luins will miss a beat, but I do think the Lions will lose to Jay Cutler, Mat Forte, and the rest of a Bears offense that's been clicking.
Chiefs (3-0) over Giants (0-3) (New York at Kansas City, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
The Chiefs have looked very good so far. The Giants have looked very bad so far. Chiefs QB Alex Smith has thrown zero interceptions through three games. Giants QB Eli Manning ha thrown eight. The Chiefs have have Pro Bowl running back Jamaal Charles, who's playing great again this year. The Giants have David Wilson, Brandon Jacobs, and Da'rell Scott, who make up the league's worst rush offense. The Chiefs D leads the NFL in sacks. The Giants D gave up 38 points to Carolina last week. The Chiefs lead the league in turnover differential. The Giants lead the league in turnovers. You see where this is going.
Vikings (0-3) over Steelers (0-3) (Pittsburgh vs. Minnesota (London, England), 1:00 Sun. CBS)
Exciting! This game is in London, England! Too bad it's between two 0-3 teams. Minnesota won't have QB Christian Ponder (fractured rib), so Matt Cassel will get the start. He can't be much worse than Ponder, and maybe he can help open up things a little for Adrian Peterson, who hasn't done much so far this season. For the Steelers, it looks like rookie running back Le'Veon Bell will make his  debut, which should help things a bit. Ben Rothelisberger has been beaten up, like usual, and has struggled a bit. I think this will be an ugly, low-scoring game. But it is in London!
Cardinals (1-2) over Buccaneers (1-2) (Arizona at Tampa Bay, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
Both of these teams have some issues, but Tampa will be starting rookie QB Mike Glennon in place of Josh Freeman, who was benched earlier this week. Glennon has a big arm and tall stature (6'6"), and he has tools like Doug Martin and Vincent Jackson around him, but Jackson is banged up, and I think Glennon will struggle this week In his first career start.
Colts (2-1) over Jaguars (0-3) (Infianapolis at Jacksonville, 1:00 Sun. CBS)
Some call this a "trap" game. I'm not sure the Jaguars can "trap" anybody. Their offense resembles a train wreck, and they're even giving away free beer to get people to come to the game. They do have MJD, who, if healthy, may be able to do some damage, but they're awful. Compound that with the Colts coming off an impressive win against the 49ers, and this could be a blowout.
Seahawks (3-0) over Texans (2-1) (Seattle at Houston, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
The Seahawks and Broncos are the two best teams in the NFL, I just don't know in what order. The Seahawks have a great power running game and tenacious defense, along with The 12th Man. The 12th Man won't be a factor here, since it's in Houston, but I don't think the soaring Seahawks will
have too much of a problem with the struggling Texans, who are coming off a loss to Baltimore that
wasn't close.
Titans (2-1) over a Jets (2-1) (New York at Tennessee, 4:05 Sun. CBS)
Both teams have pleasantly suprised so far this season, starting 2-1. The teams have the two leading rushers in the AFC, Chris Johnson oft the Titans and Bilal Powell of the Jets, and quarterbacks Jake Locker and Geno Smith have been suprisingly solid thus far. I think the home Titans take this one.
Broncos (3-0) over Eagles (1-2) (Philadelphia at Denver, 4:25 Sun. FOX)
I'm looking forward to watching this game. I still believe in Chip Kelly's high-octane offense, with my fantasy running back LeSean McCoy and the shifty DeSean Jackson, but it will be a little harder at Mile High. Plus, Peyton Manning and all of his weapons will tear the Eagles defense up. I'm predicting a high-scoring game won by the team who in my opinion is the best in the NFL so far.
Redskins (0-3) over Raiders (1-2) (Washington at Oakland, 4:25 Sun. FOX)
The Redskins league-worst defense is lucky that dual-threat Terrelle Pryor won't be starting for the Raiders today due to a concussion (even though he's been medically cleared). If Pryor was starting, I would have chosen the Raiders. But instead, Matt Flynn is starting. Flynn isn't a good runner like Pryor, which takes out a dimension of the offense. I think RGIII will Be improved and beat the Raiders, without their electric QB.
Cowboys (2-1) over Chargers (1-2) (Dallas at San Diego, 4:35 Sun. FOX)
This is a showdown between two up and down quarterbacks, and it could be a shootout. I think it might come down to the defenses, and the Cowboys defense, even without Anthony Spencer, who was placed season ending IR this week, are better. They still have DeMarcus Ware, and they lead the NFC in sacks. I think that wins them the game.
Falcons (1-2) over Patriots (3-0) (New England at Atanta, 8:30 Sun. NBC)
The Patriots are 3-0, but they haven't looked great in their wins. Tom Brady still won't have his two biggest weapons back in Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola. Atlanta hasn't looked good either, but they have more healthy weapons and they have home-field advantage. Plus, like I said last week, I like running back Jacquizz Rodgers. I think Atlanta wins what could be another shootout in the Georgia Dome.
Saints (3-0) over Dolphins (3-0) (Miami at New Orleans, 8:30 Mon. ESPN)
I now believe in the Dolphins. They are a good team with an improved quarterback and new weapons, as well as a solid defense. But the Saints have been really good too, with a much improved defense and their same old lethal offense with Drew Brees (my fantasy QB). These are two very good teams, but I think the Saints take care of the Dolphins in the Superdome.

I hope I fare better than lat week, but we'll see. Either way, I'm excited to see some good football this weekend. Remember, please post any comments or suggestions you have. I'm all ears.

Post #1; Week 3 NFL Picks

Hello friends, acquaintances, and even enemies. This is the first post of my sports blog. This blog will consist of game picks, analysis, reactions, and my personal thoughts on a variety of sports and sports topics. I am a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ohio State Buckeyes, but I will try to be as unbiased as possible. I get some stats and info from ESPN.com, but this blog is mainly comprised of my personal thoughts, feelings, and analysis. As much as I want it to happen, I'm not predicting the Browns to win the Super Bowl. I hope you enjoy my blog and feel free to comment on it, ask me questions, and suggest ideas for blog posts. Thank you for reading. Now for my week 3 NFL picks: (Note: This was published after the Thursday night game. The Chiefs beat the Eagles 26-16. I'm going to be honest; I had the Eagles)
Vikings (0-2) over Browns (0-2) (Cleveland at Minnesota, 1:00 Sun. CBS)
The misery of being a Browns fan continued Wednesday when the Browns basically threw in the towel on the 2013 season by announcing that 3rd-stringer Brian Hoyer (whom one of my friends thought was named Brian Boyer) would start Sunday in place of the injured Brandon Weedon (sprained thumb), then traded running back Trent Richardson to the Colts for a 2014 first round pick. Their starting QB and RB on Sunday, Hoyer and either Chris Ogbannaya, Bobby Rainey, or the Willis McGahee, whom the Browns signed Thursday, will be starting in those spots for the first time this season. I'd really like to be wrong with my pick here, but the Browns will have a hard time putting points on the board, and the solid Browns defense will give up just enough to Adrian Peterson and the Vikings to lose a low-scoring game.
Bengals (1-1) over Packers (1-1) (Green Bay at Cincinnati, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
The Bengals impressed in the Monday night game against the Steelers last week, with well-known studs like A.J. Green and new studs like Giovani Bernard. I know the Packers have arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, as well as a stacked receiving core, but they won't have their starting running back Eddie Lacy, who's out with a concussion, and the Bengals defense is pretty good. I'm riding the Bengals in a close one.
Cowboys (1-1) over Rams (1-1) (St. Louis at Dallas, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
First of all, I'd like to get something out of the way. I am a huge fan of the Rams kicker, Greg Zurlein, a.k.a. Greg The Leg. He's a second-year player out of Div. II Western Missouri who can bomb the ball at least 60 yards. Trust me, he'll break the record for longest field goal sometime in the next couple of years. Anyway, on to the game. I think this will be a shootout. Neither team has much of a run game, but they both have talented weapons in the passing game, like Jared Cook for the Rams and Dez Bryant for the Cowboys. I say Tony Romo and the 'Boys win this one in Jerry's World.
Chargers (1-1) over Titans (1-1) (San Diego at Tennessee, 1:00 Sun. CBS)
Phillip Rivers showed last week he can still play at an elite level, throwing for 419 yards and three touchdowns in a 33-30 win at Philadelphia. Wide receiver Eddie Royal also showed he can be productive, catching all three TD passes. I think Rivers continues his strong play against Chris Johnson and the Titans.
Patriots (2-0) over Buccaneers (0-2) (Tampa Bay at New England, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
The Patriots are 2-0, winning two games they really could have won, and the Buccaneers are 0-2, losing two games in the final seconds. Tampa Bay's offense has been a mess thus far, while Tom Brady is making the best of what little he has at receiver, and might get tight end Rob Gronkowski back this week. The Buccaneers will probably make a stupid mistake to lose the game in the final seconds (again).
Saints (2-0) over Cardinals (1-1) (Arizona at New Orleans, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
I like both of these teams. I like the Saints' high-powered offense. I like Cardinals defense. I like the Cardinals creative use of athletic corner Patrick Peterson on offense (He had two offensive plays: a 17-yard reception and a 17-yard pass). I like Drew Brees and Darren Sproles, because they're on my fantasy team (I'll probably reference my fantasy team a lot). I also like Drew Brees and the Saints at
home in this one.
Redskins (0-2) over Lions (1-1) (Detroit at Washington, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
Washington has not looked good the first two weeks of the season. RGIII looks rusty coming back
from ACL surgery, and the defense has been awful. Detroit, meanwhile, has looked pretty good thus 
far, especially offseason acquisition Reggie Bush, who had 191 total yards in a week 1 won vs. 
Minnesota, but was injured in the second quarter of last week's loss to Arizona when he took a helmet to his left knee. He's a game-time decision Sunday. I think RGIII and Washington will improve and 
beat Detroit and a banged-up Bush at home.
Giants (0-2) over Panthers (0-2) (New York at Carolina, 1:00 Sun. FOX)
The Giants have looked ugly so far, with QB Eli Manning and RB David Wilson turning the ball 
over, and the defense getting lit up. I think Eli will improve, but I'm not sure about the running back 
platoon of Wilson, Brandon Jacobs, and Da'Rell Scott. Carolina is also 0-2, although their two losses 
have been close games. I think Carolina could win this one, but I'm going with Eli to lead the Giants 
over the Panthers.
Texans (2-0) over Ravens (0-2) (Houston at Baltimore, 1:00 Sun. CBS)
The defending Super Bowl champions have not looked good the 1st two weeks, getting trounced by 
Denver and almost losing to the Browns. The Texans, on the other hand, are 2-0 behind the great 
performance of quarterback Matt Schaub (644 yards, 6 touchdowns in two games) along with the 
emergence of rookie wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who had the game-winning touchdown catch 
in overtime last week. Add to that the already known commodities Arian Foster and J.J. Watt, and the Texans look like a good candidate to go 3-0 against a struggling defense in Baltimore.
Falcons (1-1) over Dolphins (2-0) (Atlanta at Miami, 4:05 Sun. FOX)
The new look Dolphins have impressed so far with a 2-0 record, an improving young QB in Ryan Tannehill, and new offensive weapons in Mike Wallace and Lamar Miller. But I think people should their excitement a bit about this team. So far they've faced the Browns (bad team with awful offense) and the Colts (average team with bad defense). They will face their first "tough" test vs. Atlanta Sunday. The Falcons won't have starting running back Steven Jackson (thigh), but I like backup Jacquizz Rodgers (mostly because he has a cool name), who will split time in the backfield with 
Jason Snelling. Plus, they still have QB Matt Ryan and WR Julio Jones, and I think the Falcons take 
this game.
Bills (1-1) over Jets (1-1) (Buffalo at New York, 4:25 Sun. CBS)
This is a showdown of rookie quarterbacks who have each led their team to a win, but I'm more impressed by Bills QB E.J. Manuel out of Florida St. He almost led the Bills to an upset of the Patriots in week 1, then did lead a long game-winning touchdown drive in the final seconds last week. I believe he has the athleticism, poise, and maturity to be at least a solid NFL starting quarterback. Jets QB Geno Smith, meanwhile, has been a little shaky, though he, like Manuel, has led his team to a 4th quarter comeback and shown poise. The Bills are better at running back with the elusive C.J. Spiller, and in my opinion the better overall team.
49ers (1-1) over Colts (1-1) (Indianapolis at San Francisco, 4:25 Sun. CBS)
I don't think the addition of Trent Richardson will make the Colts a Super Bowl contender. And no, I'm not just saying that because I'm a Browns fan. The Colts still don't have a good defense, and I don't think Andrew Luck will be as good as he was last year. Don't get me wrong, I think their offense will be good, and Andrew Luck is a special talent.I think they could possibly get a playoff 
spot, but not much beyond that. San Francisco is coming off a rough week that saw them lose a prime time matchup to Seattle and their best defensive player get arrested for suspicion of DUI and marijuana possession, but they're a very good team whom I believe will have few problems with Indy.
Seahawks (2-0) over Jaguars (2-0) (Jacksonville at Seattle, 4:25 Sun. CBS)
Ugh. This game will not be pretty. It features the league's best defense vs. the league's worst offense and overall team. If it was possible to score negative points, the Jaguars probably would Sunday. Plus, running back Maurice Jones-Drew (left foot strain) is questionable Sunday. If in some 
alternative universe the Jaguars did beat the Seahawks Sunday, I would actually be happy. I love 
upsets. I would laugh. But since that won't ever happen, I have the Seahawks in a rout.
Bears (2-0) over Steelers (0-2) (Chicago at Pittsburgh, 8:30 Sun. NBC)
The Steelers have been ugly to watch so far. Their offense only has two touchdowns through two 
games. Only the Browns and Jaguars have scored less points. They have a beaten up offensive line, 
with their Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey out, and their rookie starting running back Le'veon Bell is still out, but may be back soon, and they will get tight end Heath Miller back from injury. New coach Marc Trestman has led the Bears to a 2-0 record, partly thanks to TE Martellus Bennett, who has quickly become QB Jay Cutler's new favorite target. Bennett already has 3 touchdowns this season. I say Chicago takes the Sunday night game with ease.
Broncos (2-0) over Raiders (1-1) (Oakland at Denver, 8:30 Mon. ESPN)
Through two weeks of the regular season, I believe, along with many other people, Peyton Manning and the Broncos are the best team in football. Manning has a bevy of weapons at his disposal, and the defense is great even without the suspended Von Miller. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor has been a pleasant surprise for the Raiders, almost beating the Colts in week 1 before easing past the lowly Jaguars in week 2, mostly doing damage with his feet. In week 1, Pryor was second in rushing by any player at any position, with only LeSean McCoy of the Eagles gaining more on the ground. But other than Pryor and running back Darren McFadden, the Raiders are a bad team, and the Broncos should 
cruise.

I hope you enjoyed (or at least read) my my first blog post and week 3 NFL picks. Remember, my picks don't necessarily reflect who I want to win, they reflect who I think will win. Also remember, this was my first post, and I probably made some mistakes or could have done some things differently. As I become more experienced, I will add more things and will do more posts. Feel free to comment and check back for next week's picks as well as picks and analysis from other sports.