NFL Weekly Review/Preview: Kicking and Screaming

Before this season, NFL implemented a rule to move back the spot for extra point tries, trying to make it more challenging for kickers. So far, that plan has worked, and last week saw the most "challenging" week for kickers in recent memory (and possibly ever). Update: apparently, it's the most missed field goals in a week since 2013, so not "ever". There was some good, like Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos scoring all of his team's points (seven for seven on field goals) in a 36-21 loss to Cincinnati, but it was mostly bad. Kickers were 60-74 on field goal attempts last week (four extra points were missed as well). Saints kicker Zach Hocker, Steelers kicker Josh Scobee, Vikings kicker Blair Walsh, Eagles kicker Caleb Sturgis, and Jaguars kicker Jason Myers all cost their teams wins. There are some outstanding kickers, like Santos, Denver's Brandon McManus, Baltimore's Justin Tucker, and others, but the overall quality of kickers in the NFL right now leaves a bit to be desired. Unsurprisingly, their were multiple teams holding kicker tryouts this week.

Week 4 Review

So Close, Yet So Far

This week I am taking a look at three teams who lost in devastating fashion last weekend.

1. Jaguars

The Jaguars got the benefit of playing an Andrew Luck-less Colts team on Sunday, and they were able to put themselves in a position to win. Unfortunately, rookie kicker Jason Myers couldn't close the door. Jacksonville was able to drive down the field and set up a 53-yard game-winning field goal in the closing seconds. Myers went out and missed it wide right, but Indianapolis had called a timeout just before the snap. So, having gotten a second chance, Myers lined up again, and missed it right again (though not as far right). The game went into overtime, and after punts by both teams, Myers had another chance to redeem himself. This time it was a 48-yard field goal for the win... and it went wide left. The colts then marched down the field and made the game-winning field goal.

2. Browns

This one also involves field goals, but it ends differently. Facing San Diego, Browns Quarterback Josh McCown led a fourth quarter touchdown drive down eight that included a magnificent catch by tight end Gary Barnidge (who later scored the touchdown). They went for two and succeeded, tying the game at 27 with just over two minutes to go. Phillip Rivers drove down the field to set up the game-winning 39-yard field goal from Josh Lambo. However, Lambo missed it to the right, presumably sending the game into overtime. But Browns cornerback Tramon Williams was called for offside on the kick, giving Lambo another chance, this time from 34 yards, which he promptly put through as time expired. Williams said this week that the NFL had admitted that he wasn't offside, but the NFL denied that.

3. Lions

The Lions faced a tough task of trying to get their first win against Seattle on Monday Night Football, but they were able to stay in the game thanks to two Russell Wilson fumbles, one of them returned for a touchdown. Detroit had the ball in the redzone with under two minutes to go, and Calvin Johnson caught a pass that looked like it could go for a touchdown. But at the one-yard-line, Seattle safety Kam Chancellor came up from behind and punched the ball out. If that wasn't bad enough for the Lions, a former referee later said that Seattle linebacker K.J. Wright should have been called for an "illegal bat" after batting the ball out of the endzone, which would have given the Lions first and goal.

Plays of the Week

Aside from the strip by Kam Chancellor great catch by Gary Barnidge, there was this David Tyree-like interception by Janoris Jenkins, this great non-catch by Odell Beckham Jr., this WWE takedown by Mario Williams, any run by Todd Gurley, and this fortuitous bounce for the Panthers against Tampa Bay, shown above. Carolina running back Jonathan Stewart had the ball knocked out by a defender, right into the hands of streaking tight end Ed Dickson, who ran it 57 yards for the touchdown.

Plays of the Weak

This week's "Plays of the Weak" go to celebrations. I'm not saying these are bad, or "weak", celebrations, they're just a little interesting. After Saints running back Mark Ingram scored a go-ahead touchdown against Dallas Sunday night, he gave a referee some love. I don't think that's what the referee was looking for. Elsewhere, there was this, this, and this. There were also some touchdown celebrations that were unnecessarily penalized/fined, including pony-riding celebrations in Tampa and New Orleans and "naptime" in Arizona. Oh, there was also this great quote from Seahawks defensive tackle Michael Bennett. 

Game of the Week

Raiders 20, Bears 22

The Bears got their first win of the season Sunday against the trending Raiders, thanks to strong games from quarterback Jay Cutler (in his return), running back Matt Forte, and tight end Martellus Bennett, A.K.A. "Black Unicorn" (his nickname, not mine). It was close the whole game, and Bears kicker Robbie Gould hit a 49-yard field goal with two seconds left to take the lead. What transpired after that was almost remarkable. Oakland did the good 'ol lateral play on the kickoff return and got it all the way to Chicago's 30-yard-line (aided by an illegal forward pass) before a lateral was picked off to end it.

Top Performances

Falcons RB Devonta Freeman vs. Houston (W 48-21): 14 carries, 68 yards, 3 TD; 5 catches, 81 yards

Freeman continued his scorching play on Sunday against the Texans. He didn't put up a gaudy rushing yardage total again, but he was productive on the ground and through the air, and he had another three touchdown game.

Saints QB Drew Brees vs. Dallas (W 26-20 OT): 33-41, 359 yards, 2 TD

Not only did Brees lead the Saints to their first victory of the season in his return to the lineup, but he also became the fifth player in NFL history (and the fastest) to throw 400 career touchdown passes, and he did it to win the game in overtime on Sunday Night Football.

Panthers CB Josh Norman vs. Tampa Bay (W 37-23): 2 INT, TD, 3 PD

Norman continued to play like a Pro Bowl corner, getting two more picks to give him four on the season, two of which were returned for touchdowns. 

Trending Up: Devonta Freeman...The likelihood that the Bengals will win the AFC North...Overtime...Riding the pony...Questionable calls...The "illegal bat" rule...Jeremy Maclin...Duke Johnson...Drew Brees...Dan Quinn.

Trending Down: Kickers...The Browns defense...Calvin Johnson...Tevin Coleman...Joe Philbin (fired by the Dolphins after Sunday's loss in London)...Head coaches after losing in London...Buffalo's running back depth chart.

Week 5 Preview

Quick Picks (Home team listed last)

Last Week: 9-6

Overall: 32-20

Byes: Dolphins, Vikings, Jets, Panthers

Colts 23, Texans 27 (Thursday, 8:25 PM, CBS/NFL)

Browns 24, Ravens 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)

Bears 24, Chiefs 27 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)

Seahawks 24, Bengals 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)

Redskins 17, Falcons 31 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)

Jaguars 22, Buccaneers 23 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)

Saints 37, Eagles 31 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)

Game to Watch: Rams 28, Packers 31 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)

The Rams, coming off a big win over the previously unbeaten Cardinals, go to Lambeau to face the undefeated Packers. This should be a good matchup between a strong Rams defense and a strong Packers offense. And now that St. Louis running back Todd Gurley has shown he's healthy and quarterback Nick Foles has looked better, The Rams could knock off the Pack.

Bills 17, Titans 14 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)

Cardinals 32, Lions 28 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, FOX)

Patriots 34, Cowboys 31 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, CBS)

Broncos 28, Raiders 30 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, CBS)

49ers 35, Giants 28 (Sunday, 8:30 PM, NBC)

Steelers 24, Chargers 31 (Monday, 8:30 PM, ESPN)

Fantasy Sleepers

Rams RB Todd Gurley vs. Green Bay

For those of you who held Gurley for when he completely came back from last year's ACL injury (including myself), you can now confidently start him every week. He showed that he's completely healthy last week when he had 146 yards against Arizona's defense. He probably could have had more, but he's a smart team player, and you have to admire his awareness and intelligence.

Eagles QB Sam Bradford vs. New Orleans

It hasn't been smooth sailing for the many people (including myself) who jumped on the bandwagon before the season, but he's slowly improving along with the rest of the Eagle offense, and he faces a pretty weak pass defense this week.  

Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin vs. Chicago

Maclin seems to have finally broken out in Kansas City's short passing offense, going for 148 yards a week after going for 141 yards. This Sunday he's sure to see a bevy of targets again against a bad Bears defense.

Fantasy Busts

Bengals QB Andy Dalton vs. Seahawks

Dalton has played extremely well thus far, working his way into many fantasy owners' starting lineups. But this week against the Seattle secondary?  No thank you.

Lions WR Golden Tate vs. Arizona

Tate only had three catches for 29 yards last week against the Seahawks, and it doesn't get any easier this week vs. Arizona. Plus, he has yet to score a touchdown this season.

Raiders RB Latavius Murray vs. Denver

Murray is questionable for Sunday with a shoulder injury, but regardless of his playing status, their are probably better options this week. He's coming off a rough game in which he had a pass go off his hands for an interception and he fumbled, and the Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

CFB Weekly Review/Preview: Who's #1?

Defending National Champion Ohio State came in to this season as the overwhelming number one team in the land. While they still are #1 in the polls and still have the most talent of any team in the country, they haven't exactly looked like favorites to repeat. However, neither have a lot of other top teams. The Buckeyes had some offensive struggles (aside from All-World running back Ezekiel Elliott) again last Saturday against a good Indiana team, escaping Bloomington with a 34-27 win. #2 Michigan State also struggled against a conference foe, barely getting past 1-4 Purdue 24-21. Outside of the Big Ten, #3 Ole Miss was embarrassed by #25 Florida 38-10, #6 Notre Dame lost to #12 Clemson 24-22, #7 UCLA was bamboozled by Arizona State 38-23, and #8 Georgia got the wrath of #13 Alabama 38-10. So who deserves to be #1 in the country? TCU? Well, although they walloped Texas last week 50-7, their only two challenging games were a 24-17 win over Minnesota in Week 1 and a 55-52 win over Texas Tech two weeks ago. They could easily be 4-1 or 3-2. Baylor? The toughest team they've played is Texas Tech (in Waco). Right now, Ohio State's keeping the number one spot because nobody else has overwhelmed enough to overtake them, and because voters (be it coaches or writers) know Ohio State has the talent to be the best team in the country. They just haven't really shown it so far. On to Week 6.

Note: I would be remiss to not mention that the majority of the stats and information I gather for my weekly review/preview is from ESPN.com. I also get rankings from the AP Top 25.
Week 5 Review

Observations
1. Running Back League
Here are two numbers: six and 200. Six FBS running backs ran for at least 200 yards last week. In comparison, the top NFL running back last week ran for 166 yards. While the NFL has largely become a "passing league", the running game is still going very strong in the college ranks. That's especially true for Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliott and LSU's Leonard Fournette. Zeke has run for over 100 yards in 10 straight games, including a career-high 274 (and three touchdowns) last week against Indiana. Fournette has been so good, he's raised debate over whether he should sit out next year to preserve his draft stock, since he's still a year away from being eligible for the NFL Draft (I personally don't think he should sit out). He's run for over 200 yards the last three games (228, 244, and 233, respectively).
2. Wild, Wild West
I have probably used the Wild West analogy before, and I will probably use it again. But that's what the Pac-12 has turned into. Eight different Pac-12 teams have been ranked at one time or another this season. Currently, five Pac-12 teams are ranked, one of them for the first time. Only two Pac-12 teams remain unbeaten, and they may not be the ones you would think. Utah and California are the last two undefeated teams remaining in the Pac-12, and they play each other this weekend. Preseason Pac-12 favorites Oregon, Arizona, and Arizona State all have two losses (and both of Arizona's losses are in the conference). The Pac-12 is wide open right now.
3. Close Not Close, But No Cigar
Once again last week, there were quite a few hyped matchups between ranked teams that ended up being blowouts. Who knew Ohio State-Indiana and Michigan State-Purdue would be closer than #3 Ole Miss vs. #25 Florida (Florida won 38-10), Texas Tech (who only lost to TCU by three last week) vs. #5 Baylor (Baylor won 63-35), Arizona State vs. #7 UCLA (ASU won 38-23), #13 Alabama vs. #8 Georgia (Bama won 38-10), #21 Mississippi State vs. #14 Texas A&M (the closest of these scores, A&M won 30-17), #23 West Virginia vs. #15 Oklahoma (OU won 44-24), and Arizona vs. #18 Stanford (Stanford won 55-17). Here's hoping for closer games between top teams this week.

Play of the Week

This is why you never give up on a play. Play until you hear the whistles. That's what Arizona State running back Kalen Ballage did here. He (and the offensive line) took on the entire UCLA defense, and he kept grinding (backwards) into the end zone. What an effort.

Game of the Week
Notre Dame 22, Clemson 24
What was billed as the game of the week lived up to it, albeit in very soggy conditions. Down 14-3 at the half, host Clemson rallied in the second half behind quarterback Deshaun Watson, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for another (he actually had four less yards rushing - 94 - then he had passing). The Clemson rally was helped by four Notre Dame fumbles in what was a somewhat sloppy game (understandable, given the conditions). Notre Dame did drive down the field to get within two with seven seconds left. They had gone for two earlier in the fourth quarter and failed, so they had to go for two again, and once again, they failed, getting stuffed on a quarterback run. The game was followed by an impassioned speech by Clemson coach Dabo Swinney that was interrupted when ESPN inadvertently cut to two Sportscenter anchors (unbeknownst to them) preparing for the upcoming show. Dabo followed that up by doing his token victory dance.

Performances of the Week
Florida QB Will Grier vs. Ole Miss (W 38-10): 24-29, 271 yards, 4 TD
There was doubt about whether Grier would play due to a stomach virus that had spread to many Gator players. But he played, and he played well against the third-ranked team in the country. He was efficient and mistake-free in a rout of the Rebels.
Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott @ Indiana (W 34-27): 23 carries, 274 yards, 3 TD
Zeke powered the Buckeye offense once again, gashing the Hoosier defense and helping Ohio State escape with a win. He had three of Ohio State's four touchdowns.
LSU RB Leonard Fournette vs. Eastern Michigan (W 44-22): 26 carries, 233 yards, 3 TD
Fournette continues to make a mighty strong case to win the Heisman Trophy. It may be early, but Fournette already has 864 yards and 11 touchdowns through four games.

Playoff Picks After Five Weeks
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes struggled again last week, barely getting past Indiana on a last-second batted pass in the end zone, but the fact remains that Ohio State has the most talented roster of any team in the country, and they're still undefeated. Plus, as I said before, no other team has really overwhelmed enough to overtake them. Next Game: Maryland, Saturday, Noon
2. TCU
The Horned Frogs take over the second spot this week after their utter domination of Texas last week. They've had some close calls, but they, like Ohio State, are very talented, especially on offense, and they've completely dominated the games they were supposed to dominate. Next Game: @ Kansas State, Saturday, 7:30 PM
3. Michigan State
The Spartans drop one spot after a close call against Purdue, and the Oregon win looks less impressive each week. However, they are still unbeaten, and they are very capable with an experienced veteran quarterback and other offensive weapons. Next Game: @ Rutgers, Saturday, 8:00 PM
4. Baylor
The Bears at number four makes for just two conferences represented in the top four, which will most likely not happen, but right now, these are my top four teams in the country. Baylor has breezed through everyone on their schedule so far, winning each of their four games by at least 28 (although the best team they've played is Texas Tech). Next Game: @ Kansas, Saturday, Noon
Next Four: Utah, LSU, Clemson, Alabama

Trending Up: The likelihood a running back will win the Heisman...Clemson...The continued legend that is Dabo Swinney..."BYOG" (Bring Your Own Guts)...The Big 12...The middle of the Big Ten...Alabama...Florida...Toledo.
Trending Down: Charlie Strong and Texas...Texas Tech...West Virginia...The top of the Big Ten...Ole Miss...Notre Dame...The Pac-12...Georgia.

Week 6 Preview

Quick Picks (Home team listed last)
Last Week: 12-5 
Maryland 21, #1 Ohio State 38 (Saturday, Noon, BTN)
#2 TCU 42, Kansas State 28 (Saturday, 7:30 PM, FOX)
#3 Baylor 50, Kansas 14 (Saturday, Noon, FS1)
#4 Michigan State 34, Rutgers 17 (Saturday, 8:00 PM, BTN)
Game to Watch: #23 California 34, #5 Utah 40 (Saturday, 10:00 PM, ESPN)
You should stay up to watch this week's best matchup between the last two unbeaten teams in the Pac-12. It features two Pac-12 (and playoff?) sleepers who have taken over the conference. Two players to watch in this one are Cal quarterback Jared Goff (1,630 yards, 15 TD, 4 INT so far this season) and Utah running back Devontae Booker (443 yards rushing, 4 TD, 149 yards receiving).
Georgia Tech 24, #6 Clemson 28 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN2)
#7 LSU 28, South Carolina 17 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, Baton Rouge, LA)
Arkansas 13, #8 Alabama 35 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN)
#10 Oklahoma 42, Texas 20 (Saturday, Noon, ABC)
Upset Special: #11 Florida 27, Missouri 28 (Saturday, 7:30 PM, SEC)
I originally had all chalk, but that's boring (and somewhat unrealistic), so I went with this one (as well as Miami over Florida State), because Missouri could be a trap game for Florida after their big win over Ole Miss, and the Tigers are capable of upsetting the Gators at home.
Miami 31, #12 Florida State 28 (Saturday, 8:00 PM, ABC)
#13 Northwestern 21, #18 Michigan 31 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, BTN)
New Mexico State 3, #14 Ole Miss 38 (Saturday, Noon, SEC)
Navy 31, #15 Notre Dame 34 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, NBC)
Washington 17, #17 USC 28 (Thursday, 9:00 PM, ESPN)
#19 Georgia 28, Tennessee 21 (Saturday, 3:30 PM)
#21 Oklahoma State 37, West Virginia 31 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN2)
Illinois 23, #22 Iowa 32 (Saturday, Noon, ESPNU)
Kent State 14, #24 Toledo 30 (Saturday, 3:00 PM, ESPN3)
#25 Boise State 34, Colorado State 21 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, CBSSN)

NFL Weekly Review/Preview: I'm Not Psychic

Psychic. Someone who can sense things or see into the future. One of my favorite television shows, Psych (check it out on Netflix), features a guy named Shawn Spencer who pretends to be a psychic (he's just hyper-observant) and helps solve numerous criminal cases. I am not going to try to be a psychic. I just try to generally predict how a team or player might do on a given week based on what I know and information I gather (and sometimes gut feelings as well). So far this season, I have been juuuuust a bit outside on some of my predictions, whether it be game picks or fantasy sleepers and busts. Since I believe people should be open about their mistakes and failures so they can learn from them and move on, I am going to reflect on some particularly bad predictions I have made through the first three weeks of this season. How about me picking the 49ers to beat the Cardinals last week? I was way off on that one, as the Cards destroyed San Francisco 47-7. Or me saying Larry Fitzgerald was a "bust" last week because I didn't believe he would replicate the week before? Yeah, he ended up catching nine passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Similar things can be said in the other direction about "sleeper" picks Austin Seferian-Jenkins (Week 2), Duke Johnson (Week 1), and David Johnson (Week 3), who went on to do nothing those weeks. This just shows that anything can happen, and nobody can predict everything. That's why you should look at my predictions as suggestions or evaluations rather than absolute truths or facts. Because I, like Shawn Spencer, am not a psychic (and, unlike him, I'm probably not a good fake psychic either).

Week 3 Review

Observations
This week, I'm going to take a look at the top three teams in the NFL after three weeks.
1. New England Patriots
All of the offseason distractions didn't seem to phase Tom Brady and the defending champs. They came into this season like a wrecking ball, winning their first three games relatively easily. Brady hasn't missed a beat despite his tumultuous suspension and appeal, throwing for 1,112 yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions. The people around him have also been stellar, including diamond in the rough Dion Lewis, who has 325 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. The Patriots currently seem to be well on their way to a return trip to the Super Bowl.
2. Green Bay Packers
I say it all the time: Aaron Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL. His combination of accuracy, arm strength, pocket presence, intelligence, confidence, and athleticism is unmatched. He may even be one of the greatest of all time. So far this year, he has 771 yards passing, 10 touchdowns, and zero touchdowns. It helps that he also has a bevy of options, including running back Eddie Lacy and receivers Randall Cobb and James Jones. And this is without number one receiver Jordy Nelson. The Packers offense has many weapons as the Patriots offense, and may be the best offense in the NFL.
3. Arizona Cardinals
From the best offenses, we shift to the best defense. Arizona's defense is crazy good. It's Pick City. So far this season, Arizona's ball-hawking defense, led by corner Patrick Peterson and safety Tyrann Mathieu, has seven interceptions, three of them returned for touchdowns. In last week's thrashing of the Niners, they picked off Colin Kaepernick four times and returned two of them for touchdowns. But it's not all defense in the desert. Carson Palmer, less than a year removed from knee surgery, has the fourth-best quarterback rating in the NFL. The revitalized Chris Johnson ran for 110 yards last week, and starter Andre Ellington may be back this week. The ageless Larry Fitzgerald leads all receivers in touchdowns (5). The Cards are squarely in the running for Super Bowl 50.

Play of the Week

Ah, the good old punt return fake-out. St. Louis did it to Seattle last year, and Sunday, Seattle did it to Chicago. Richard Sherman was the one who actually took the punt, and he returned it into the redzone in the Seahawks' blasting of the Bears. Honorable mention goes to all of the great catches in the Broncos-Lions game Sunday night and yet another artful catch by Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline.

Play of the Weak
This is a new section where I look at the worst play of the week, because who doesn't love laughing at things?

I'm not sure what Brandon was thinking here, since it wasn't a play where they had to get a touchdown or anything. He did redeem himself later by scoring a touchdown, but the Jets ultimately lost, and he himself called this play "the worst play in NFL history".

Game of the Week
Bengals 28, Ravens 24
This game was a battle between Ravens receiver Benjamin Button Steve Smith Sr. and Bengals receiver and Autobot A.J. Green. Smith had 13 catches for 186 yards and two touchdowns, but A.J. Green somehow outdid him, catching ten passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns, and the undefeated topped the winless Ravens on a touchdown pass in the final minutes. The Bengals are probably number four or five on my list of the top teams in the NFL right now.

Performances of the Week
Falcons RB Devonta Freeman vs. Dallas (W 39-28): 30 carries, 141 yards, 3 TD
With rookie running back Tevin Coleman out, Freeman got tons of carries, and made the most of them as the Falcons went to 3-0.
Bengals WR A.J. Green vs. Baltimore (W 28-24): 10 catches, 227 yards, 2 TD
Green and Atlanta's Julio Jones are probably the best pass-catchers (at least as far as production) in football right now. Nobody can stop them.
Packers QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Kansas City (W 38-28): 24-35, 333 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT
The best quarterback in the NFL tore up KC's defense Monday night, throwing five touchdown passes and continuing his amazing streak of home games without an interception.
Honorable Mention: Chiefs WR Jeremy Maclin vs. Packers (L 28-38): 8 catches, 141 yards, 1 TD
I had to make Maclin an honorable mention this week, not only because he went off after seeming non-existent in the first half Monday night, but because he caught Alex Smith and the Chiefs' first touchdown pass to a wide receiver since 2013. Well done, Jeremy.

Trending Up, Trending Down
Trending Up: Andy Dalton...Tyrod Taylor...The Cardinals...Fake punt returns...Bye weeks...Carolina...Cam Newton...Oakland...Derek Carr...Todd Gurley...Karlos Williams.
Trending Down: The Browns defense...The Dolphins defense...Baltimore...Healthy running backs...healthy quarterbacks...The 49ers...Colin Kaepernick.

Week 4 Preview

Quick Picks (Home team listed last)
Last Week: 10-6
Overall: 23-14
Byes: Patriots, Titans
Ravens 31, Steelers 21 (Thursday, 8:25 PM, CBS/NFL)
Jets 24, Dolphins 17 (Sunday, 9:30 AM, CBS, in London, England)
Jaguars 17, Colts 28 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Giants 27, Bills 34 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Panthers 21, Buccaneers 16 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Eagles 31, Redskins 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Raiders 34, Bears 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Texans 24, Falcons 28 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Chiefs 31, Bengals 27 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Browns 23, Chargers 24 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, CBS)
Packers 35, 49ers 23 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, FOX)
Rams 13, Cardinals 21 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, FOX)
Vikings 26, Broncos 30 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, FOX)
Cowboys 33, Saints 28 (Sunday, 8:30 PM, NBC)
Lions 17, Seahawks 31 (Monday, 8:30 PM, ESPN)

Game to Watch
Texans @ Falcons
Dan Quinn and the Falcons have gotten off to a roaring start, thanks to an attacking defense as well as Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman. Houston is still in quarterback purgatory, but getting star running back Arian Foster back will be a big boost to the offense. He's a game-time decision this week, but he's getting closer to his anticipated return, and if he gets back this week and gets a good amount of action, he could tear it up.

Fantasy Sleepers and Busts
Sleepers
Bills RB Karlos Williams vs. New York Giants
It looks like Buffalo will rest the banged-up LeSean McCoy Sunday, which means more action for the rookie from Florida State. He has scored in each of his first three games, and he ran for 110 yards against Miami last week.
Jets RB Chris Ivory vs. Miami
Speaking of the Dolphins, guess who gets to face them in London this week? Ivory is a bit banged up, but he's expected to play, and if he does, he'll get to run against a defense that is 31st in the NFL vs. the run.
Saints RB Mark Ingram vs. Dallas
Ingram returns to this section for another week, and he's a good play whether Drew Brees plays or not. Last week, Ingram had 99 total yards and a touchdown, and this week he gets to go up against a defense that just allowed 141 yards and three touchdowns to Devonta Freeman.
Busts
Lions WR Calvin Johnson vs. Seattle
I love Megatron, but it hasn't been a very hot start for Johnson this season (by his standards). This week probably isn't the week he'll eclipse 100 yards receiving for the first time this season, as he's going up against Richard Sherman and the Seattle secondary.
Dolphins RB Lamar Miller vs. New York Jets
Miller is a middling running back option to begin with, and this Sunday morning against the strong Jets run defense will be tough sledding.
Steelers TE Heath Miller vs. Baltimore
Three reasons not to start Miller this week: 1) He plays on Thursday night, which gives you less time to consider your options; 2) The Ravens defense has stifled opponent tight ends thus far; 3) He lost his starting quarterback, and while Michael Vick is a serviceable backup, he's not Big Ben.

CFB Week 4 Review/Week 5 Preview: UTAH!

Welcome back for another exciting week of college football. Last week saw a sophomore standout running back take over the Heisman race, wild Big 12 nail-biters, and ranked battles in the Pac-12 that turned into blowouts, including #18 Utah tearing apart #13 (and defending national runner-up) Oregon 62-20. For some reason, I've been infatuated with Utah for a couple of years (I think I randomly started saying "Utah!" at my high school lunch table), and now they're a real threat to make the College Football Playoff. Their most talented player is probably senior running back Devontae Booker, who has 443 yards and four touchdowns so far this season, but senior quarterback Travis Wilson, who threw for 227 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 100 yards and a touchdown in the big win over Oregon, is also a key contributor. Utah beat Michigan in Week 1, a win that looks better each week as Michigan looks better and better, shutting out #22 BYU last week 31-0. Then they put it on the Ducks Saturday, pulling out some crafty trick plays (including a Dovontae Booker touchdown pass and a fake punt return touchdown). Utah was having fun Saturday night, and they hope they have even more fun on their way to a possible spot in the playoff.

Week 4 Review

Observations
1. Blowouts Out West
The only ranked matchups last Saturday took place in the Pac-12, and surprisingly, neither was close. I already talked about Utah metaphorically tearing up Oregon's nice uniforms, but there were thrashings elsewhere on the west coast as well. In the only other battle of ranked teams (and the site of College Gameday last week), #9 UCLA trounced #16 Arizona (in Arizona) 56-30. Other highly-anticipated late games also didn't turn out to be competitive, as #19 USC thrashed Arizona State (also in Arizona) 42-14, and #21 Stanford took care of Oregon State on the road 42-24.
2. Nail-Biters Down South
There were some close games down in the SEC and Big 12 last weekend. #3 TCU squeaked by Texas Tech, which I'll talk about later, #24 Oklahoma State got by Texas 30-27 thanks to yet another special teams blunder by the Longhorns, #14 Texas A&M fought off Arkansas in overtime 28-21, Kentucky beat #25 Missouri 21-13, and Tennessee lost to Florida 28-27 when kicker Aaron Medley missed a 55-yard field goal (twice, since the first time a timeout was called just before the snap) as time expired.
3. Fournette 4 President
LSU sophomore running back Leonard Fournette pulled into the driver's seat of the Heisman race last Saturday with an exceptional performance, continuing his monster season and showing that he is arguably the best back in college football (and there are a lot of good running backs). Fournette had 26 carries for 244 yards and two touchdowns as #8 LSU beat Syracuse (who fought admirably considering they started fifth-string quarterback Zack Mahoney) 34-24.

Play of the Week

Fournette was also the recipient of this alert play by quarterback Brandon Harris (This is the only video I could find on Youtube of the play. If you would prefer a better quality video, go to http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:13743753).  Harris was about to be sacked for a big loss, but as he was going down, he tossed it to Fournette, who was running behind him, and Fournette ran it for 48 yards. Both quarterback and running back showed great awareness and presence of mind on this play to turn nothing into something.

Game of the Week
#3 TCU 55, Texas Tech 52
This was a wild and crazy shootout, as only a Big 12 showdown can be. This was all offense, all the time (again, a specialty of the Big 12). TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin threw for 485 yards and four touchdowns, while Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes had 392 yards and two touchdowns. The two quarterbacks combined to throw 99 passes. However, the running backs got theirs too. TCU's Aaron Green had 28 carries for 162 yards and two touchdowns and Texas Tech's DeAndre Washington had 22 carries for 188 yards and four touchdowns. The teams went back and forth until the very end. On fourth and goal down four with 20 seconds left, Boykin's pass was tipped, but receiver Aaron Green caught the tipped ball in the back of the endzone.

Texas Tech got the ball back with only about enough time to throw a Hail Mary or do a play filled with multiple laterals. They did the latter, and it almost worked.

Alas, they were stopped 10 yards short, and TCU escaped with a win.

Performances of the Week
Cincinnati QB Hayden Moore: 31-53, 557 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT (L 46-53 @ Memphis)
Moore took over for Bearcats starter Gunner Kiel when he suffered a scary injury early in the game Thursday night and was carted off the field. He performed exceptionally well, keeping Cincy in it until the final minute, when Memphis scored a go-ahead touchdown after a questionable call on what looked like a fumble. Then Moore drove the Bearcats down the field only to lose on an ill-advised interception off the hands of the running back. It was quite a battle.
LSU RB Leonard Fournette: 26 carries, 244 yards, 2 TD (W 34-24 @ Syracuse)
Of course Leonard Fournette is in here. I've already talked about how good this guy is.
Western Kentucky QB Brandon Doughty: 33-41, 457 yards, 6 TD, 0 INT (W 56-14 vs. Miami (OH))
I could probably put Doughty in here most weeks because of how prolific he and the Hilltoppers offense are. Last week, he threw for 457 yards (ho-hum) and six touchdowns to zero picks.

Playoff Picks After Week 4
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes were still a little shaky at quarterback on Saturday against Western Michigan, but Cardale Jones (and the rest of the offense) played much better. Ezekiel Elliott had another 100+ yard game and the defense had another pick-six (this one by defensive lineman Adolphous Washington).
Next Game: @ Indiana, Saturday, 3:30 PM
2. Michigan State
Still two Big Ten teams at the top. The Spartans played Central Michigan and took care of them 30 to 10. They will once again play a team from the same state as Ohio State's opponent this weekend, continuing to build up to the impending Ohio State-Michigan State showdown in November. Next Game: Purdue, Saturday, Noon
3. TCU
TCU almost fell out of the playoff race Saturday night, but they were able to somehow hold off Texas Tech. The road doesn't get much easier from here, but the Horned Frogs have the ammunition to power through it. Next Game: Texas, Saturday, Noon
4. Notre Dame
I thought about putting a new number four here this week, but since Notre Dame won, I'll stick with them. UMass stayed with them early last week, but Notre Dame pulled away and ultimately cruised 62-27. This week the Irish face a big test on the road at Clemson in primetime. Next Game: @ #12 Clemson, Saturday, 8:00 PM
Next Four: Ole Miss, LSU, UCLA, Utah
Trending Up, Trending Down
A new segment to my weekly review/preview (we'll see how it works out), this is just a (somewhat random) list of players, teams, and other things I believe seem to be trending up or trending down.
Trending Up: The MAC...Leonard Fournette, 2015 Heisman Trophy winner...Running backs...Fifth-string quarterbacks...The state of California...UTAH...West Virginia...Michigan.
Trending Down: The SEC...Special Teams...Primetime nail-biters...The state of Arizona...BYU...Maryland...Arkansas
Week 5 Preview

Quick Picks (Home team listed last)
#1 Ohio State 28, Indiana 17 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN2
Purdue 14, #2 Michigan State 35 (Saturday, Noon, ESPN2)
#3 Ole Miss 28, #25 Florida 23 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPN)
Texas 34, #4 TCU 48 (Saturday, Noon, ABC)
Texas Tech 35, #5 Baylor 42 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ABC/ESPN2)
#6 Notre Dame 31, #12 Clemson 34 (Saturday, 8:00 PM, ABC/ESPN)
Arizona State 24, #7 UCLA 38 (Saturday, 7:30 PM, FOX)
#13 Alabama 35, #8 Georgia 31 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, CBS) 
Eastern Michigan 13, #9 LSU 31 (Saturday, 7:00 PM, ESPNU)
#11 Florida State 24, Wake Forest 17 (Saturday, 3:30 PM, ESPN)
#21 Mississippi State 34, #14 Texas A&M 38 (Saturday, 7:30 PM, SEC)
#23 West Virginia 42, #15 Oklahoma 35 (Saturday, Noon, FS1)
Minnesota 21, #16 Northwestern 24 (Saturday, Noon, BTN)
Arizona 34, #18 Stanford 31 (Saturday, 10:30 PM, PAC12)
Iowa 24, #19 Wisconsin 30 (Saturday, Noon, ESPN)
Kansas State 32, #20 Oklahoma State 42 (Saturday, 4:00 PM, FS1)
#22 Michigan 38, Maryland 21 (Saturday, Noon, BTN)

Game to Watch
Record: 0-1
#6 Notre Dame @ #12 Clemson 
There are tons of good games this week, and many more ranked matchups than last week. Want to see a good old SEC slugfest? How about Mississippi State-Texas A&M, Alabama-Georgia, or Ole Miss-Florida? More of a northern person? Minnesota-Northwestern, Iowa-Wisconsin, and even Ohio State-Indiana or Purdue-Michigan State could be interesting. Love those Big 12 shootouts? Texas-TCU, West Virginia-Oklahoma, Kansas State-Oklahoma State, or Texas Tech-Baylor may be for you. For those of you out west, you've got Washington State-California, Arizona State-UCLA, or Arizona-Stanford, among others. The start of widespread conference play is a beautiful thing. Notre Dame isn't in a conference (yet), but they may be playing in the biggest game of the week, against future conference foe Clemson. Both teams are led by athletic young quarterbacks who can be electric, but this could come down to the defenses. Notre Dame's average points allowed so far this season is 19.8, while Clemson's is 12.3.

Upset Special
Record: 2-1
Arizona @ #18 Stanford
This wouldn't really be a monumental upset, since a week ago Arizona was ranked higher, but this would still be an upset considering Arizona's on the road, coming off a big loss, and possibly without their starting quarterback, Anu Soloman. Despite all that, the Wildcats still have talent, including running back Nick Wilson, and could pull off the upset.

NFL Week 2 Review/Week 3 Preview: Manziel Mania Pt. II

We're through two weeks of the 2015 NFL season, and there is already much to discuss. But let's start with the league's most talked about backup quarterback, Johnny Manziel. He started for the first time this season last week for the concussed Josh McCown, and he played pretty well and showed improvement in a 28-14 win over Tennessee. He didn't throw much, but he looked much better and completed two long touchdown passes to Travis Benjamin. However, despite showing promise last Sunday, coach Mike Pettine said McCown, who is now cleared to play, will start this Sunday. While many are calling Pettine dumb for the decision, it isn't really that ridiculous. McCown was brought in to be the starter and kept the job throughout training camp and the preseason, and he was driving the offense down the field in the first game before suffering a concussion trying to dive into the endzone. Johnny is closer to being starting quarterback material, but spending some more time sitting behind the veteran won't hurt. And the Browns don't lean on the passing game anyway.

Video of the Week

I might not do Video of the Week every week, but for the second straight week, there is a video I want to show you. This week, it's Madden 16's promotional movie preview for Madden: The Movie, featuring multiple NFL stars. When it came out in August, I didn't watch the whole movie preview. But I did on Sunday, and it made me regret not watching it sooner. It was hilariously awesome and amazing, and it made me wish that this was an actual movie. Just watch it.

Week 2 Review

Week 2 Observations
This week I've decided to take a brief look at three teams off to somewhat surprising 0-2 starts.
1. Eagles
Chip Kelly had a solid offense, but still decided to wheel-and-deal this offseason, trading star running back LeSean McCoy to Buffalo for linebacker Kiko Alonso, who was coming back from a torn ACL, trading quarterback Nick Foles to St. Louis for oft-injured quarterback Sam Bradford, signing 2014 NFL rushing leader DeMarco Murray, and drafting speedy USC receiver Nelson Agholor. His moves haven't really worked out so far. Alonso played well in Week 1 but then got injured again and may be out for the rest of the season. The offense has sputtered thus far. Bradford hasn't looked good and has constantly been under pressure, throwing two picks in each of the first two games. Murray has NINE TOTAL RUSH YARDS. And the receivers, other than Jordan Matthews, have been quiet. The line has also struggled. The Eagles need to figure it out, and Bradford needs to improve, or he may lose his job.
2. Colts
The Colts also made some big moves in the offseason, signing veteran running back Frank Gore and veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson to pair with quarterback Andrew Luck and receiver T.Y. Hilton. They were heralded as having potentially the best offense in the NFL. They're still waiting for that offense to show up. They've scored a total of 21 points the first two weeks, as Luck has not looked like an elite quarterback, Gore hasn't done much aside from fumbling on the one yard line last week, and even reliable veteran kicker Adam Vinatieri has missed both field goals he has attempted. The defense was never a strength, so the talented offense will need to step it up. Luckily, a weak division allows the Colts to rebound.
3. Seahawks
The defending Super Bowl runners-up have lost the first two games, not being able to stop the Rams or Packers. They just haven't been able to keep up. Seattle is probably in the least trouble of these three teams, though, since those two teams are good and star safety Kam Chancellor has ended his holdout. The Seahawks are still a very good team and have 14 more games to play, so Hawks fans need not panic too much.

Game of the Week
Broncos 31, Chiefs 24
Last week's Thursday night game was wild and crazy. Peyton Manning and the Broncos looked stagnant for most of the first half, falling behind 14-0. But just before halftime, Manning engineered two consecutive touchdown drives to tie it up. In the second half, the teams went back-and-forth until the end. Kansas City scored a touchdown with just over two minutes to play to take the lead, but then Manning threw a touchdown pass to Emmanuel Sanders with 36 seconds left to tie the game at 24. The Chiefs got the ball back and proceeded to run out the clock, content with taking the game to overtime. But running back Jamaal Charles fumbled the ball and it was scooped up and taken into the endzone by cornerback Bradley Roby with no time left on the clock. Charles ran for 125 yards and a touchdown, but also had two key fumbles, including the game-losing one.

Top Performances
Browns WR/PR Travis Benjamin vs. Tennessee: 3 catches, 115 yards, 3 TD; 154 punt return yards, 1 TD
Benjamin showed he's the most explosive player on the Browns, teaming up with Johnny Manziel once (and twice) again for a long touchdown pass, and scoring a touchdown on 78-yard punt return.
Steelers RB DeAngelo Williams vs. San Francisco: 20 carries, 77 yards, 3 TD
Williams ran all over the Niners defense in a 43-18 drubbing, as did the rest of the Steelers offense. As a reward for his strong performance, he gets demoted back to second-string with Le'Veon Bell back from suspension this week.
Patriots QB Tom Brady vs. Buffalo: 38-59, 466 yards, 3 TD
Brady aired it out Sunday and tore up the Bills defense. having his way and spreading the ball around (four different players had at least 87 yards receiving) in a game that was a blowout until late.

Play of the Week
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-cant-miss-plays/0ap3000000534279/Can-t-Miss-Play-Benjamin-goes-coast-to-coast
Of course my play of the week is Travis Benjamin's 78-yard punt return for a touchdown. My favorite part is when the punter gets plowed right in front of him and Benjamin just hops over him.

Week 3 Preview

Quick Picks (Home team listed last)
Last Week: 5-11
Overall: 13-18

Redskins 24, Giants 34 (Thursday, 8:25 PM, CBS/NFL)
Player of the Game: WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Raiders 21, Browns 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: CB Joe Haden
Falcons 28, Cowboys 27 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: WR Julio Jones
Colts 21, Titans 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: WR T.Y. Hilton
Bengals 28, Ravens 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: WR A.J. Green
Jaguars 28, Patriots 34 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: TE Rob Gronkowski
Saints 17, Panthers 14 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: RB Mark Ingram
Eagles 27, Jets 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: WR Jordan Matthews
Buccaneers 28, Texans 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: WR Vincent Jackson
Chargers 28, Vikings 23 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: QB Phillip Rivers
Steelers 21, Rams 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: DT Aaron Donald
49ers 21, Cardinals 17 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: LB Navarro Bowman
Bills 28, Dolphins 24 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: QB Tyrod Taylor
Bears 21, Seahawks 24 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: DT Michael Bennett
Broncos 31, Lions 21 (Sunday, 8:30 PM, NBC)
Player of the Game: QB Peyton Manning
Chiefs 24, Packers 31 (Monday, 8:30 PM, ESPN)
Player of the Game: QB Aaron Rodgers

Game to Watch
Bills @ Dolphins
These two 1-1 teams square off in a battle of two underrated quarterbacks (Buffalo's Tyrod Taylor and Miami's Ryan Tannehill). Both teams also have very talented defensive lines that may put pressure on the two quarterbacks. They are both coming off losses last week. The Bills almost came back and beat New England but fell 40-32, while the Dolphins lost 23-20 to Jacksonville on a game-winning field goal in the final minute.

Fantasy Sleepers and Busts
Sleepers
Saints RB Mark Ingram vs. Carolina
It looks like Saints quarterback Drew Brees will start Sunday, but he's banged up with a shoulder injury. That means New Orleans might lean more on Ingram, who hasn't started the season exceptionally strong, although he had 98 yards receiving the first week and a rushing touchdown last week. 
Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders vs. Detroit
Emmanuel Sanders has been Peyton Manning's favorite option so far this year. Demaryius Thomas has more yards, but Sanders had been targeted one more time and has two touchdowns to Thomas's zero. The Lions also don't have a strong defense.
Cardinals RB David Johnson vs. San Francisco
All Johnson does when he touches the ball is score. He had just one touch in Week 1, and it was a 55-yard touchdown catch. Last week, the rookie from Northern Iowa had six touches, one of those being a rushing touchdown. Even though Chris Johnson is technically the starter in Andre Ellington's absence, look for David Johnson to get more touchdowns touches against a Niners defense that looked good vs. A.P. but awful vs. DeAngelo Williams.
Busts
Saints QB Drew Brees vs. Carolina
See Ingram, Mark.
Bengals RB Giovani Bernard vs. Baltimore
After Jeremy Hill took his job last year, Bernard kind of faded from fantasy relevance. He re-emerged last week, carrying the ball 20 times for 123 yards in a 24-19 win over San Diego. This was largely because Hill fumbled the ball twice. It may have been an anomaly, since Hill will get another chance and, barring another two-fumble game, will receive the bulk of the carries again.
Cardinals WR Larry Fitsgerald vs. San Francisco
Larry had a game last week, catching three touchdown passes and totaling 112 yards in a 48-23 win in Chicago. It was a vintage Larry Fitsgerald game. But don't expect an encore performance this week. The stats in recent games before last week show that it was an outlier.

CFB Week 3 Review/Week 4 Preview: Bama Down

Three weeks into the 2015 college football season, at least half of the top four teams have already changed. One week after Oregon lost to Michigan State, #2 Alabama fell to Ole Miss. More big games and playoff-shaping upsets are sure to come, and now I can finally watch college football all day Saturday (I only work on Tuesdays now, instead of Saturdays). Let's get started.

Week 3 Review

Week 3 Observations

1. Heavyweights Struggle

Aside from Alabama, who lost to Ole Miss 43-37 Saturday night, #10 UCLA barely got by an underrated BYU team 24-23, #6 USC was upset by rival Stanford at home 41-31, and #1 Ohio State only beat Northern Illinois 20-13 as both quarterbacks struggled. Which brings me to my next observation...

2. Ohio State's Offensive Struggles

The best team in the nation has not performed well offensively since they showed the potential to be an explosive, multidimensional offense in their first game vs. Virginia Tech. Since then, Braxton Miller has been quiet and neither quarterback has proven himself to be the clear-cut starter. Urban Meyer said Cardale Jones will start this week against Western Michigan, but J.T. Barrett will come in if Jones doesn't perform well. Luckily, the defense picked up the slack last week and Ezekiel Elliott had another 100 yard game. The offense should round into form despite a rocky couple of weeks.

3. The Next Aaron Rodgers?

Cal junior quarterback has been heralded as one of the best in the nation under center this year, seemingly coming out of nowhere (or maybe I just wasn't paying attention). I have even heard that he might be better than Aaron Rodgers was when he was at Cal. Goff was 27 of 37 for 268 yards and three touchdowns in a wild win at Texas last week, 45-44. On the season, he has 898 yards, 9 touchdowns, and two interceptions. It's only Week 4, and I haven't seen Goff yet, but he'll be someone to keep an eye on as the season goes along.

Upset of the Week
Stanford 41, #6 USC 31
My upset pick last week, Stanford went to Pasadena and played tough, physical football to beat the rival Trojans. Quarterback Kevin Hogan was 18 of 23 for 279 yards and two touchdowns, 153 of those yards and one of those touchdowns to receiver JuJu Smith-Shuster (what a name), and running back Christian McCaffrey ran for 115 yards on 26 carries.

Playoff Picks After Week 3
1. Ohio State
Despite an underwhelming victory over Northern Illinois, the Buckeyes still have the most talent of any team in the country and a winnable road ahead. As I said before, their loaded offense will probably shrug off the poor game last week, and the defense is already elite (they have as many defensive touchdowns (one) as their opponents have total touchdowns the past two weeks). Next Game: Western Michigan, Sat., 3:30 PM
2. Michigan State
The Big Ten currently rules my top two. The Spartans were very impressive in a win over Oregon two weeks ago, and they didn't struggle too much with Air Force last Saturday (they won 35-21). Their offense is firing on all cylinders right now. Next Game: Central Michigan, Sat., Noon
3. TCU 
The Horned Frogs remain number three after pulling away from SMU 56-37 Saturday night. As they enter conference play, they will be tested more after cruising through the last two games (they got by Minnesota in a close one in Week 1). Next Game: @ Texas Tech, Sat., 4:45 PM
4. Notre Dame
Number four is always the toughest spot to fill. There are many teams who could make a case for this spot, including Ole Miss, who beat the (alleged) best team in the SEC. But I went with the Irish, who are making a strong case for the playoff despite not having starting quarterback Malik Zaire. Looking at their wins so far, Texas and Virginia were more like tasty muffins than cupcakes, and #14 Georgia Tech was a quality foe. Next Game: Massachusetts, Sat., 3:30 PM 

Play of the Week

This play easily could have gone horribly wrong, but instead it ended up being one of the defining moments of Ole Miss's statement win over Alabama. The snap was high, Chad Kelly had to corral it and heave it off his back foot as defenders came bearing down on him, it went off of Laquon Treadwell's hands and a defender's helmet, and Quincy Adeboyejo caught it on the run off the carom and ran for a touchdown. What a crazy play.

Week 4 Preview

Game of the Week
#9 UCLA @ #16 Arizona (Saturday, 8:00 PM, ABC)
One of two ranked matchups this week, both in the PAC-12 (the other being #18 Utah at #13 Oregon), these two dark horses for the PAC-12 title meet in Tuscon Saturday night. Both teams have strong offenses led by talented young quarterbacks. UCLA freshman Josh Rosen struggled against BYU last week (he threw three interceptions), but on the year, he has 680 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions. Arizona sophomore Anu Solomon has played flawlessly (albeit against weak opponents), throwing for 778 yards, 10 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. My Pick: Arizona

Upset Special
Record: 2-0
Texas Tech over #3 TCU (@ Texas Tech, Sat., 4:45 PM)
I'm kind of going for broke here, but I don't feel as strongly about any other potential upsets. Tech's Air Raid offense has been in full effect so far this season, as they have scored 35, 69, and 59 in their three wins. SMU kept it reasonably close with TCU until late in the game last week, so the Red Raiders could pull off a shocker in Lubbock this week.

NFL Week 1 Review/Week 2 Preview: Reign of TError

Week 1 of the 2015 NFL season is in the books, and a lot of overreactions can be made based on the first week of the play. Some of those include "the Colts are going to finish last in their division", "Marcus Mariota will win MVP", "Peyton Manning has nothing left", "the Seahawks won't make it back to the playoffs", and "the 49ers won't lose a game". Those may or may not be true, but it's a little early to speculate. Some more reasonable reactions based on the first week may include "the Browns are still the Browns" and "the Raiders are still the Raiders". Let's take a look back at the action from Week 1.

Before I get started, I just want to share this little video Nike put out. I think it's wonderful. It's apparently based on the toga scene from Animal House (a movie I know about but have never seen), and there are a lot of cameos from well-known Oregon alumni and supporters. Please just watch it.

Week 1 Review

Week 1 Observations
1. Tight End Revolution
Tight ends dominated last weekend's action, showing that rumors of the impending death of the tight end has been greatly exaggerated. It started Thursday night, when Pittsburgh decided not to cover Rob Gronkowski, and Gronk made them pay dearly for it, scoring three touchdowns with 94 yards receiving in a 28-21 New England victory. The Tight End ambush continued on Sunday. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had 106 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-20 Kansas City win over Houston. St. Louis's Jared Cook was the leading receiver (5 catches, 85 yards) in the Rams' 34-31 overtime victory over Seattle. My man Austin Seferian-Jenkins went off in Tampa's 42-14 loss to Tennessee, catching five passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Arizona tight end Darren Fells had 82 yards and a touchdown in a 31-19 win over New Orleans. Cincinnati tight end Tyler Eifert had 104 yards and two touchdowns in a 33-13 blowout of Oakland. Jason Witten had 60 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning one, in Dallas's 27-26 win over the Giants Sunday night. Tight end is clearly a playmaking position in the NFL.
2. Key Injuries
Many big-name players got injured Sunday (with varying degrees of severity), including Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (PCL sprain), Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton (knee bruise), Panthers linebacker Luke Keuchly (concussion), Jets corner Antonio Cromartie (knee sprain), Browns quarterback Josh McCown (concussion), Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (bruised thumb), 49ers running back Reggie Bush (calf strain), Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (torn Achilles), who's out for the season, and Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (broken foot), who could be out for up to 12 weeks.
3. First Week Sloppiness
The first week of the season looked a little sloppy at times. There were tons of penalties, shaky offensive line play, wide receiver drops, turnovers, and poor special teams play. A total of 11 field goals were missed, and due to the new extra point rule (ball moved back to 15), four missed PATs. Teams should cut down on the sloppiness as the season goes along.

Top Games
Rams 34, Seahawks 31, OT
It's always a great battle when these two teams get together, especially on defense and special teams. Although 65 points were scored, that was still the case Sunday. Seattle corner Cary Williams stripped Rams quarterback Nick Foles and returned it for a touchdown, Seahawks rookie return man Tyler Lockett had a 57-yard punt return for a touchdown, and Rams return man Tavon Audtin had a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown. The game went into overtime, where Rams kicker Greg Zurlien kicked a 37-yard field goal and the Rams defense won it by stopping Russell Wilson and the Seahawks.
Cowboys 27, Giants 26
Just like Rams-Seahawks, most of the time these two teams meet, it's appointment viewing (and usually on Sunday night). This was no different. It was about defense early, as New York scored two touchdowns off turnovers. But the Cowboys came back (aided in part by a phantom pass interference call on Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie), and the Giants blew their opportunity to put it away with under two minutes to play when Eli Manning threw an incomplete pass on third down (he also later said he told running back Rashad Jennings not to score on first and second down), stopping the clock and allowing Tony Romo to lead a game-winning touchdown drive.
Falcons 26, Eagles 24
These high-flying birds met on Monday Night Football, and it was a great game. The Eagles struggled early, frazzled by new Atlanta coach (and former Seattle defensive coordinator) Dan Quinn's aggressive defense. Interceptions were exchanged, but the Eagles couldn't cover Falcons receiver Julio Jones, who had nine catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Philadelphia got back in it and had a chance to take the lead down 26-24 late, but kicker Cody Parkey missed a 44-yard field goal on fourth and one. The Eagles defense stopped the Falcons, giving Sam Bradford and company one more shot, but a high pass went through the hands of receiver Jordan Matthews and was intercepted by Atlanta safety Ricardo Allen. Matthews put his face in his hands and sunk to the ground in heartbreak.

Top Performances
Titans QB Marcus Mariota vs. Tampa Bay: 13-16, 209 yards, 4 TD
In his NFL debut, Mariota outperformed the guy drafted ahead of him, Jameis Winston. He didn't throw much, but when he did, he was magnificent, only throwing three incompletions and passing for four touchdowns.
Falcons WR Julio Jones vs. Philadelphia: 9 catches, 141 yards, 2 TD
We've talked about Julio, who may be making a case for best receiver in the league, and may make me regret choosing Detroit's receiving corps over Atlanta's in my NFL preview piece.
49ers RB Carlos Hyde vs. Minnesota: 26 carries, 168 yards, 2 TD
The second-year back out of Ohio State literally took the opportunity and ran with it in his first start, pounding his way through the middle, outrunning defenders on the outside, and paying homage to former teammate Braxton Miller with a sick spin move.

Play of the Week
There were multiple plays that caught my attention last weekend, like Hyde's spin move (see above) and multiple one-handed catches, including one the Brown's Brian Hartline made on his knees, and a one-handed interception cornerback Bryce McCain of the Dolphins made. But this week's Play of the Week goes to another one-handed interception, made by Eagles linebacker Kiko Alonso, that looks almost Odell Beckham-ish.

Week 2 Preview

Quick Picks: (Home team listed last)
Last Week: 8-7
Overall: 8-7

Broncos 28, Chiefs 21 (Thursday, 8:25 PM, CBS/NFL)
Player of the Game: WR Demaryius Thomas
Titans 21, Browns 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: DE Jurrell Casey
Texans 16, Panthers 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS) 
Player of the Game: RB Jonathan Stewart
49ers 24, Steelers 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: RB Carlos Hyde
Buccaneers 24, Saints 34 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: QB Drew Brees
Lions 27, Vikings 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: WR Calvin Johnson
Cardinals 24, Bears 23 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: FS Tyrann Mathieu
Patriots 31, Bills 34 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: RB LeSean McCoy
Chargers 28, Bengals 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: QB Phillip Rivers
Falcons 24, Giants 28 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: WR Odell Beckham Jr.
Rams 34, Redskins 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: WR Tavon Austin
Dolphins 17, Jaguars 13 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: DE Cameron Wake
Ravens 42, Raiders 24 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: WR Steve Smith Sr.
Cowboys 28, Eagles 31 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: WR Jordan Matthews
Seahawks 30, Packers 32 (Sunday, 8:30 PM, NBC)
Player of the Game: QB Aaron Rodgers
Jets 31, Colts 28 (Monday, 8:30 PM, ESPN)
Player of the Game: WR Brandon Marshall

Games to Watch
Broncos @ Chiefs
The top two teams in the AFC West go at it on Thursday Night Football. Both teams won last week, but while Alex Smith and Kansas City's offense played well against the Texans, Peyton Manning and the Denver offense struggled against Baltimore. Both teams did play exceptional defense in their opening games. The Broncos had two interceptions against Joe Flacco, one of them returned for a touchdown and the other in the endzone to seal the win. The Chiefs had five sacks and chased Brian Hoyer from the game in Houston.
Cowboys @ Eagles
The Cowboys are in another must-watch game as they face NFC East foe Philadelphia. Dallas pulled out a Week 1 win over the Giants thanks to some Tony Romo heroics (and some bad clock management by Eli Manning and the Giants), while the Eagles got off to a slow start against Atlanta and could not pull out a win, missing a field goal and throwing an interception late. Nonetheless, this will surely be an offensive slugfest.
Seahawks @ Packers
This week's Sunday Night Football game is a rematch of the "Fail Mary" game a couple of years ago, but more importantly, it's a rematch of last year's NFC Championship, where Green Bay blew multiple opportunities, allowing Seattle to come back and win in overtime on their way to the Super Bowl. The Pack took care of Chicago last week behind their lethal passing attack, while the Seahawks lost to St. Louis in overtime.

Fantasy Sleepers and Busts
Sleepers
Cowboys WR Terrance Williams vs. Philadelphia
With Dez Bryant out for an extended period of time with a broken foot, Williams now takes over as the Cowboys' number one receiver. He had five catches for 60 yards last week, and that was with Bryant healthy for most of the game. Plus, the Cowboys play Philly in what will probably to be a shootout.
Cardinals RB Chris Johnson vs. Chicago
Johnson hasn't been CJ2K in a long time, but he still has some speed and will get the bulk of the carries for Arizona with Andre Ellington out. He had 10 carries (for 37 yards) last week, when Ellington was active. Against the Bears, he'll be able to find some running room.
Buccaneers TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins vs. New Orleans
ASJ broke out last week in a blowout loss to Tennessee, and although that was mostly in Garbage Time, he proved that he is a real threat. This week he goes up against a Saints defense that allowed 82 yards and a touchdown to Arizona tight end Darren Fells, who isn't as good as Seferian-Jenkins.
Busts
Patriots QB Tom Brady vs. Buffalo
Brady threw four touchdown passes last week against the Steelers, but this week he faces a stout Bills defense that held Andrew Luck to 243 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The intimidating Bills defense also gets defensive tackle Marcell Dareus back from suspension this week.
Redskins RB Alfred Morris vs. St. Louis
Morris was busy last week vs. the Dolphins, totaling 121 yards on 25 carries. But this week he has to battle a defense that held Marshawn Lynch to 73 yards on 18 carries. Morris also probably won't get that many carries this week, especially if the 'Skins are down big early.
Eagles RB DeMarco Murray vs. Dallas
Murray did not get off to a roaring start in Philadelphia, running for nine yards on eight carries (although he did have a touchdown) Monday against Atlanta. Dallas doesn't have a suffocating defense, but they did hold Dallas to 99 yards rushing Sunday night.

CFB Week 2 Review/Week 3 Preview: Heating Up

Week 2 of the college football season is usually when the action really heats up, There are more competitive games and more ranked matchups. Last week saw two ranked teams lose to unranked opponents, including #18 Arkansas to Toledo (couldn't handle that MAC speed!), and #6 Auburn almost lose to FCS opponent Jacksonville State (the Gamecocks, if you were curious). It saw two backup quarterbacks lead their teams to improbable victories (Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer vs. Virginia and BYU's Tanner Mangum vs. #20 Boise State). It saw the first top-ten battle of the season (Michigan State over Oregon), and it was a good one. It should only get better from here (which is good, since I missed most of the first two weeks' games due to work). This week, there are four ranked matchups and many more good games. Let's get started.
Week 1 Review
Week 2 Observations
1. Two Playoff Teams From Big Ten?
After a shaky Week 1 for the Big Ten, followed by a few SEC coaches complaining about Ohio State's schedule (those coaches' teams would go on to lose their Week 2 contests), the conference got a big boost from Michigan State's 31-28 victory over Oregon Saturday night, along with some argument for whether the Big Ten could get two teams in this year's playoff. If Ohio State runs the table and Michigan State's only loss is to the Buckeyes, both teams could conceivably get in. It's too early to know for sure, of course, but there is a strong possibility.
2. Rough Week for the SEC
After complaining about Ohio State's strength of schedule, Brett Bielema's Razorbacks lost to Toledo. Same thing with Dan Mullen and Mississippi State, who lost to LSU, as well as Steve Spurrier and South Carolina, who lost to Kentucky. Auburn, the second-best team in the SEC heading into the week, had to go into overtime against FCS opponent Jacksonville State (they won 27-20). The SEC looked a little shaky last week behind Alabama.
3. Sleepers in the Pac-12
Out west, there are some possible playoff contenders. #13 UCLA, led by freshman quarterback Josh Rosen, easily disposed of UNLV last week 37-3. Cody Kessler and #8 USC demolished Idaho 59-9. Nick Wilson rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns as #22 Arizona beat Nevada 40-22. Davonte Booker and #24 Utah beat rival Utah State 24-14.
Upset of the Week
Toledo 16, #18 Arkansas 12
This was an easy choice, as Toledo, out of the MAC, beat #18 Arkansas, out of the SEC, in the first game of the Rockets' season. Toledo quarterback Phillip Ely, who used to play in the SEC (he was a backup at Alabama), threw for 237 yards and a touchdown, and the Rocket defense held the Razorbacks to a touchdown and a field goal.
Playoff Picks After Week 2
1. Ohio State
The Buckeyes didn't cover the spread Saturday, but still easily shutout a decent Hawaii team 38-0. They don't have many daunting tasks ahead, as their next ranked opponent is Michigan State in November, but anything can happen. Next Game: Northern Illinois, Sat., 3:30 PM
2. Alabama
Like Ohio State, the Crimson Tide didn't cover the spread Saturday, but still dominated Middle Tennessee 37-10. They are clearly the best team in the SEC right now, but they have to go through the gauntlet that is the SEC West, starting this week. Next Game: #15 Ole Miss, Sat., 9:15 PM 
3. Michigan State
The Spartans vaulted into the top four with a big win over Oregon Saturday night, and should be able to stay there until the Ohio State game unless they really drop the ball, which is unlikely with a veteran quarterback, veteran coach, and good defense. Next Game: Air Force, Sat., 12:00 PM
4. TCU
TCU stays in my top four not because of what they did last Saturday (they destroyed Stephen F. Austin 70-7), but because they are the most talented of the teams vying for the last spot right now. Next Game: SMU, Sat., 8:00 PM
Play of the Week

This beautiful fake field goal that went for a touchdown from backup quarterback DeShone Kizer, who would go on to take over for the injured Malik Zaire and score the game-winning touchdown, to tight end Durham Smythe, who is now out for the season after getting surgery this week, helped Notre Dame beat Virginia 34-27.

Week 2 Preview
Game of the Week
#15 Ole Miss @ #2 Alabama, Sat., 9:15 PM, ESPN
There are a few good ranked matchups this week, including #14 Georgia Tech at #8 Notre Dame, #18 Auburn at #13 LSU, and #19 BYU at #10 UCLA, but this clash of SEC powers gets this week's spot. These two teams have dominated their first two opponents, with Ole Miss scoring 73 and 76 points, respectively, in their first two games.
Upset Special
Record: 1-0
Stanford over #6 USC (@ USC, Sat., 8:00 PM)
Stanford came into the season ranked but got upset by Northwestern the first week of the season.They came back to destroy Central Florida 31-7 last week. USC has talent and destroyed their first two opponents, but those opponents were Arkansas State and Idaho. This game is in Pasadena, but Stanford is always a tough team.

Week 1 NFL Preview

I'm back again this year with my weekly NFL preview and picks, but in a different format this time. This year, I plan to have "quick picks" of all the games, along with who I think will be the player of the game. I also plan to highlight three games to watch and three fantasy sleepers and busts for the week. I hope you enjoy!

Quick Picks (Home team listed last)
Packers 34, Bears 24 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: QB Aaron Rodgers
Seahawks 21, Rams 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: CB Richard Sherman
Panthers 24, Jaguars 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: RB Jonathan Stewart
Dolphins 34, Redskins 14 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: QB Ryan Tannehill 
Colts 28, Bills 21 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: RB Frank Gore
Browns 17, Jets 14 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: LB Paul Kruger
Chiefs 24, Texans 17 (Sunday, 1:00 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: RB Jamaal Charles
Saints 17, Cardinals 28 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: RB Andre Ellington
Lions 21, Chargers 34 (Sunday, 4:05 PM, FOX)
Player of the Game: QB Phillip Rivers
Ravens 24, Broncos 31 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: QB Peyton Manning
Bengals 20, Raiders 21 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: WR Amari Cooper
Titans 14, Buccaneers 17 (Sunday, 4:25 PM, CBS)
Player of the Game: DT Gerald McCoy
Giants 28, Cowboys 38 (Sunday, 8:30 PM, NBC)
Player of the Game: QB Tony Romo
Eagles 34, Falcons 17 (Monday, 7:10 PM, ESPN)
Player of the Game: QB Sam Bradford
Vikings 24, 49ers 21 (Monday, 10:20 PM, ESPN)
Player of the Game: RB Adrian Peterson

Games to Watch (Three games to watch this weekend)
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
The Packers-Bears rivalry renews for another year, and things are a little different this time, mainly due to some defensive changes and injuries in the receiving corps. Green Bay lost Jordy Nelson in training camp to a torn ACL, while Chicago lost rookie wideout Kevin White for most, if not all, of the season, and have listed their top three wide receivers as questionable for Sunday.
Tennessee Titans @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This year's top two draft picks face off in Week 1 when Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston goes up against Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota. There are also many other intriguing young players in this game and some playmaking pass-catchers.
New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Giants vs. Cowboys on Sunday Night Football is always a good game to watch, and usually a shootout, especially with game-changing receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Dez Bryant. Quarterbacks Eli Manning and Tony Romo will duel in what is sure to be a barn-burner.

Fantasy Sleepers and Busts (Three players I think could outperform expectations this week, and three I think could underperform expectations this week)
Sleepers
Eagles QB Sam Bradford vs. Atlanta
Sam Bradford is poised for a big year, as long as he can finally stay healthy. With a playmaker-rich offense that can make any quarterback look good (remember Nick Foles?), Bradford has been pegged as a breakout candidate by many, and looked impressive in the preseason. He should rack up the points this week against a Falcon defense that was very porous last season.
Packers WR Davante Adams vs. Chicago
Adams is also poised for a big year, partly due to the injury suffered by Jordy Nelson. Adams is now Green Bay's number two receiver behind Randall Cobb, and has the benefit of having the best quarterback in football. Plus, the Bears secondary isn't outstanding.
Browns RB Duke Johnson Jr. vs. New York Jets
Johnson may be more of a deep-sleeper, but now that he's gone through concussion protocol, he's sure to get a lot of action Sunday as one of only two healthy backs currently on the Brown's active roster (the other being starter Isaiah Crowell). He looked explosive in camp, and the Browns don't have many options in the passing game.
Busts
Saints QB Drew Brees vs. Arizona
This will be Game 1 for Drew Brees sans Jimmy Graham, and while he'll still probably be a solid fantasy starting quarterback at the very least, this week is not the week to bank on a good fantasy performance. He is facing a dangerous Cardinals pass defense in Phoenix.
Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch vs. Rams
I'm not telling you to bench Beast Mode, just like I'm not telling you to bench Drew Brees or Cam Newton, because in most cases, you probably don't have another solid option. But Lynch will probably not have one of his better weeks against a suffocating Rams defense. Same goes for quarterback Russell Wilson.
Panthers QB Cam Newton vs. Jaguars
Cam is without his top receiver, and is stuck with a dearth of established playmaking pass-catchers aside from tight end Greg Olson. He also goes up against a much-improved Jaguars defense, especially the pass rush.

G-Rex's 2015 NFL Preview: Best Units in Football

Football isn't an individual sport; A quarterback can't win a game by himself. He relies on the line, receivers rely on the quarterback, running backs rely on the line and quarterback, etc. It's a team sport, and more specifically, a sport of units. So I'm going to try to find the best units in the NFL (in my opinion). This is based mostly on past performance, of course, but this is also partly predictive. Some of these units weren't necessarily the best at the position last season, but could be this season.

Offensive Line:  Dallas Cowboys
For me, this one came down to the Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns. Dallas was the best offensive line in the NFL last season, and Cleveland was still among the better lines in the league after All-Pro center Alex Mack went down with a broken leg. Both teams added rookie depth (19th overall pick Cam Erving for the Browns, and La'el Collins, a first round talent who was undrafted due to being involved (though not criminally) in a murder investigation, for the Cowboys). The 'Boys return their stellar line, which includes young studs in left tackle Tyron Smith and right guard Zack Martin, two of the best in the NFL at their positions. They also have strong young center Travis Frederick and strong young left guard Ronald O'Leary, as well as veteran right tackle Doug Free. Providing depth along with Collins is huge guard/center Mackenzy Bernadeau, rookie left tackle Laurence Gibson, and right tackles Darrion Weems and Chaz Green.
Quarterback: Green Bay Packers
The Packers feature the best quarterback in the league (in my opinion) in Aaron Rodgers. Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady are also in the conversation, but right now Rodgers is the best. Last season, he threw for 4,381 yards, 38 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. The most interceptions he's thrown in a season since being drafted 24th overall by Green Bay in the 2005 draft and spending three seasons behind Brett Favre is 13. The Packers have serviceable backups in Scott Tolzien and rookie Brett Hundley (who have the benefit of throwing to a deep wide receiver group).
Running Back: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles already had one of the top running games in the NFL with the combination of LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles, but Chip Kelly wanted better, so they shipped McCoy to Buffalo and signed last season's leading rusher, DeMarco Murray, and injury-prone talent Ryan Matthews. While Murray probably won't lead the league in rushing again this season, he's a talented back, and the Eagles also still have Sproles, a 3rd down jitterbug. Philly's backfield is also helped by a strong offensive line.
Wide Receiver: Detroit Lions
The best at the receiver position was the toughest decision to make. Teams like the Falcons, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Giants, Packers, and Broncos all have strong groups of receivers, but I went with the dominating duo of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate in Detroit. Each went over 1,000 yards receiving last season. It may not be the deepest receiving corps in the league (though it does have decent depth), but it may have the most talent at the top.
Tight End: New England Patriots
This wasn't nearly as hard of a decision as the receiver group, since the clear number one tight end resides in Foxborough. Rob Gronkowski is an unstoppable force, and one of the best players in the league, regardless of position, when healthy. Gronk had 1,124 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns last season. The Pats also got a solid veteran backup in Scott Chandler, and still have that Hoomanuwaio.... guy (actual name: Michael Hoomanawanui).
Defensive Line: Buffalo Bills
Teams like the Browns, Dolphins, and Bengals have deep defensive line groups, but the heads of the class are the Jets and Bills. The Jets already had a strong line led by monsters Muhammed Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson (who's expected to be suspended) before using the sixth overall pick in this year's draft on Leonard Williams, thought by many to be the draft's top prospect. But Buffalo takes the cake. Their line consists of Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus (who just got paid today), Kyle Williams, and Jerry Hughes, a quartet that helped the team lead the league in sacks last year.
Linebackers: Carolina Panthers
I honestly didn't think very hard about the best linebacker group, because the Panthers linebackers are as solid as they come. They are, of course, led by tackling machine Luke Keuchly, and also include Thomas Davis, who successfully came back from three ACL injuries to be a leader and contributor, and A.J. Klein, who, along with Keuchly, was a Pro-Bowler last year. The Panthers also drafted athletic and versatile Shaq Thompson in the first round, and he may eventually be Davis's replacement.
Secondary: Seattle Seahawks
An argument could be made for the Jets and Browns, who have defensive backfields with multiple Pro-Bowlers, but I'll stick with the Legion of Boom, even without holdout Kam Chancellor. They still have two of the best in corner Richard Sherman and safety Earl Thomas, along with Cary Williams and Dion Bailey. The race is much closer for best secondary now then it was when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, but getting Chancellor back will create a bit of space between them and the other competitors.
Special Teams: St. Louis Rams
The Rams have a fun special teams group. Greg "the Leg" Zurlein has a cannon leg, and although he struggled with accuracy last season, he is still a solid kicker. Johnny Hekker is one of the best punters in the league (and he can pass when needed, which we'll get to later), and Tavon Austin is an electric punt return. Plus, Jeff Fisher likes to get creative sometimes when it comes to special teams, which leads to moments such as this and this and this.