NFL - Week 3

[Twiddle]

WEEK 3

(Week 2 Thread)

My Picks:

Bills - Browns

Have to go with the Bills on this one. As usual, the Browns are falling apart and are not impressive. The Bills aren't spectacular either, but C.J. Spiller sure as hell is. This game will be decided by the run., and Bills will come out on top.

Buccaneers - Cowboys

The Bucs are playing with a lot of ferocity, thanks to Coach Schiano. The Cowboys, are... well the Cowboys. They are unstable and unpredictable, and I will still say, they aren't a good team.

Rams - Bears

I am probably going to eat my words here. The Bears have looked anything but impressive, and I don't like Jay Cutler. The Rams have looked pretty good the past 2 games, but I still am not comfortable putting any bets on them as a winner. They have gone 15-60 or so the past 5 seasons. It will take more than 2 impressive games to change my mind. The Bears should easily be able to walk away with this one, that is, if Cutler doesn't collapse and start yelling at his own players and bumping them as a show of aggression. That just looks bad, man.

49ers - Vikings

Ugh. Hate the damn '9ers. But I have to give it to them, they are a good team, with a great coach. There is no way I am picking the Vikings in this matchup. Not much else to say about this one.

Jets - Dolphins

And here we go, with my team :). My Dolphins got off to a rough start, but destroyed the Raiders last week, especially on the ground. Reggie Bush will definitely rush for over 100 yards this game. The Jets run defense is not spectacular, and we should be able to run it on them all day long. As for passing, with Revis out on the field, I don't see us getting much done through the air. It will be a long day for Tannehill. What makes this matchup interesting is the fact the Jets offensive coordinator, Tony Sparano was of course the Dolphins head coach the past 4 years. I am sure that will be a factor, but, the Dolphin's organization knows this and has surely planned for this. Shonn Greene, the Jets running back will get nowhere today. We may not have the best protection against the passing game, but we destroy any teams running game, always have. As long as we can finish our tackles, we will walk away victorious. Dolphins win, 24-17.

Chiefs - Saints

Saints will get their first win today. I don't know too much about the Chiefs, but I do know they have been mediocre the past few seasons, and the Saints are winless so far. No way they are going to start 0-3, even with their terrible defense. Brees will pick apart the Chiefs defense and come out ontop.

Jaguars - Colts

Andrew Luck and the Colts looked impressive last week. I think as an organization the Colts are better. The Jaguars have been a mess for a long time, and Jones-Drew can't carry this team, but Blaine Gabbert still isn't ready (don't know if he will ever be) to do so, either. Colts walk away with an earned win.

Lions - Titans

Lion's head coach, Jim Schwarz has to be furious about last weeks utter ****-poor performance against the 49ers. He is going to take it out on the Titans. Sorry, Titans. You guys are starting 0-3, as there is no way I see the Lions losing this game.

Bengals - Redskins

This is a tough one. The Bengals have looked super impressive this year, definitely a playoff contender. But so have the Redskins. Biggest issue I see with the Redskins, is their best receiver, Pierre Garcon, is out yet again this week. It will definitely be a close game, but RGIII wants that sweet taste of victory again. Either way, should be a really good game, and honestly, it can go either way with this matchup.

Falcons - Chargers

I was proven wrong that week with the Falcons - Broncos game. The Falcons, and Matt Ryan, do look a lot better. At least, better than than the SuperChargers. MediocreChargers is more like it. I will always think Phillip Rivers is a bust QB, and the Chargers are just a really boring team to watch. Falcons will steal this game away.

Eagles - Cardinals

Both of these bird teams have looked damn good. Eagles beating the Ravens last week, Cardinals inching by the Patriots. Who would have thought those outcomes. (Not NFL's analyst, every pick they chose was wrong, lol.) This is going to be a good game, but the Eagles are just way to fired up with a big chip on their shoulders from last year to let this win slide by. This is a recommended game to watch definitely.

Texans - Broncos

I don't care if you do have Peyton Manning as a quarterback, (and on my fantasy team, :p) that Texans defense looks #1. That is a superbowl defense, that not even Manning can handle. This is going to be a game of defenses, which the Texans will come out on top. I hate them, but you have to admit when a team is elite, and these guys are.

Steelers - Raiders

Raiders are embarrassing looking, Steelers are impressive, as always. Not much to talk about here. This isn't a competition, and the Steelers know this. Raiders are going to have a long season, even before they get their first win.

Patriots - Ravens

It sucks when you want both teams to lose, lol. But I am not putting my money on a tie in this league (it hardly ever happens, ever.) I hate picking the damn Patriots, but I am only doing it because I simply cannot see them starting 1-2. Belichick has to be pretty damn ****ed off at his team for losing last week. Me, personally, I love it. I hate the damn Patriots, and the Ravens. About the teams, well, they are the same teams they have always been. Brady may be getting old, along with Ray Lewis, but it will still be a primetime matchup.

Packers -Seahawks

It is always hard to not pick the Pack when up against a B-team. But I have to say, I will not be surprised if my pick is wrong and the Seahawks shock the Packers. Playing in that Seattle stadium is a tough job. (Loudest stadium in NFL, registers on richter scale as a small earthquake rumbling with those fans, and they are damn proud of it.) And Aaron Rodgers definitely doesn't like not being able to coordinate his plays when his players can't hear him. Really, I know it is the Packers, but a pick of either team here would be good. This will be a good game, hands down.

__________________________________

Kickoff in a couple hours!

Another beautiful week, and a great time for some football!

[JoeC]

From the games I've seen, it's hard not to have a little laugh at the Raiders - they've got a new head coach (or some other bigwig, think it was HC) who's been saying "it's all about discipline" and they're still giving up the daft penalties. Kind of disappointing, cos I wan't to enjoy watching them, but you just can't. I was really looking forward to see Peyton Manning play, as since I started watching last year there was a whole load of talk, but he looked very mediocre against the Falcons. That said, the commentators kept saying that he's said himself that it'll take time, so I'm hoping they pick up soon enough.

BBC are showing the Packers @ Seahawks match this week, so would you mind putting any analysis for that in spoiler tags, so I can come in here safely please? :p It's not on over here until Tuesday so I don't want to accidentally find out the result, especially as I really enjoyed watching the Packers last season, definitely one of my more favourite teams.

And again, thanks for the post - it's good to keep up to speed with what happens in the rest of the matches :)

[Twiddle]

Ha, yeah the Raiders are definitely in for a long season. Without McFadden being able to run the ball, Carson Palmer is going to need to step up, big time.

I'm not a Manning fan, but I do think he is a great QB, and a very smart individual. He just needs to get back into the swing of things again. They will be a good team, in time.

No problem, I'll wait to post the postgame for the Packers v. Seahawks game.

My pleasure, I'll be here all season! :p

[Boxster17]

Agree with most of those picks with exception of a few:

Cowboys vs. Bucs - The Cowboys are a much better team than the one that showed up last week though it seems they still struggle to find consistency in their game. I just don't see them having 2 bad weeks in a row and think Romo and crew get it together again and pull out the victory in this one.

Jets vs. Dolphins - Can't stand Rex Ryan and the Jets (while not my least favorite team, certainly up there) I don't see the younger Fins team getting the W here. Reggie Bush certainly had a monster game last week but don't see him coming anywhere near it again this week (not to say he won't have a good game, just not 170+ yards of rushing).

Ravens vs Pats - I think the injury to Hernandez will hurt them short term somewhat against these better teams. Flacco has been doing a good job for the most part with the offense this year

I think the Texans vs. Broncos should be a good one and before last week I would've taken the Broncos, but after their showing against the Falcons I'm not so sure. I know they made it a close game at the end but Peyton still looks a bit rusty and if he's turning it over like he did on MNF then they don't stand a chance against that Texans defense. I think CIncy and the Skins should be a good one as well. if Washington wasn't at home I'd likely give the nod to Cincy but RG3 has been playing well and expect more of the same from him this afternoon. Anyways, kickoff is coming up in a bit so I'm off to go watch the games.

Go Pack Go!

[Twiddle]

I feel sick to my stomach after that Dolphin's loss. Thanks to Dan Carpenter, our kicker, for shanking 2 crucial kicks, and losing the game. So unfair to the rest of the team, when he has only 1 job to do, and can't do it. Won't be surprised if he gets fired. And good riddance. Going to wait until later for the postgame, I'm am too frustrated right now to do it.

[moloko]

BROWNS what the hell is wrong with this organization.

[JoeC]

I just found out yesterday that the NFL have an online stream of all matches from the season available for a not-ridiculous price, so I've signed up for it :) Seen about 6 games from this season now, and I know you're gonna die inside a little bit, but some of the teams you hate, I quite like xD An awesome win for the Ravens in a really exciting game to watch, even though I'd have been happy to see either team win.

Because I don't really have any local bias for supporting any team, I'm supporting any team who are good to watch for now, and I'm sure I'll end up with a couple of favourites later on in the season :p

[tsupersonic]

I just found out yesterday that the NFL have an online stream of all matches from the season available for a not-ridiculous price, so I've signed up for it :) Seen about 6 games from this season now, and I know you're gonna die inside a little bit, but some of the teams you hate, I quite like xD An awesome win for the Ravens in a really exciting game to watch, even though I'd have been happy to see either team win.

Because I don't really have any local bias for supporting any team, I'm supporting any team who are good to watch for now, and I'm sure I'll end up with a couple of favourites later on in the season :p

Actually, that's not a bad deal at all! I might sign up for it since I can't get cable (well I can, but it's complicated :s ). I hate not being able to follow the Patriots (yeah, I'm from MA :p), and living in upstate NY, all I get to see is the crappy Bills :laugh:.

[Twiddle]

Actually, that's not a bad deal at all! I might sign up for it since I can't get cable (well I can, but it's complicated :s ). I hate not being able to follow the Patriots (yeah, I'm from MA :p), and living in upstate NY, all I get to see is the crappy Bills :laugh:.

I just found out yesterday that the NFL have an online stream of all matches from the season available for a not-ridiculous price, so I've signed up for it :) Seen about 6 games from this season now, and I know you're gonna die inside a little bit, but some of the teams you hate, I quite like xD An awesome win for the Ravens in a really exciting game to watch, even though I'd have been happy to see either team win.

Because I don't really have any local bias for supporting any team, I'm supporting any team who are good to watch for now, and I'm sure I'll end up with a couple of favourites later on in the season :p

Yuck, to the both of ya! Lol.

I wish that package was available in the US. Sadly, the way the contracts are set up here, you HAVE to either get DirecTV or a PS3 and it cost $299.99 for the season. Wish they would have an exclusive streaming package for US natives at a decent price. =/

I'll do my postgames after I get off work. Still highly upset at the way the Dolphin's lost, and now we are without Reggie Bush for who knows how long... It is going to be a long season. :(

[DClark]

This Patriots fan was not impressed with the secondary and pass rush last night (although the first quarter was ridiculously awesome). Although the officiating was crap, I always expect the Patriots to overcome the errors of officials - since they are human. At least the offense still looks hot.

[AJerman]

VIKINGS!!

[Twiddle]

I promised I wouldn't spoil the Packers v. Seahawks outcome. But, I have to say, that was the most ludicrous call I have ever seen in my life. The NFL this week, these replacement refs, all of it, has just made me utterly sick.

I'm not a fan of either team, but the Packers just got robbed, bigtime. I would honestly, not be surprised if they boycott playing until the real referees finish their lockout deal, and get back in the game. I'm sick and ****ing tired of watching these games with these bull**** crap refs, and their ****ty calls. First the offensive pass interference, which somehow magically gets called on the defense. Then offensive pass interference in the endzone, shoving a man in the back, and doesn't even have but one hand on the ball, yet he gets a touchdown?

I think I might be done for the season, at least until the real refs come back. This is just stupid.

[Mathachew Veteran]

I don't know what's worse: the replacement refs or my Saints. The NFL should be as embarrassed with these guys as I am with the Saints.

[spenser.d]

I promised I wouldn't spoil the Packers v. Seahawks outcome. But, I have to say, that was the most ludicrous call I have ever seen in my life. The NFL this week, these replacement refs, all of it, has just made me utterly sick.

I'm not a fan of either team, but the Packers just got robbed, bigtime. I would honestly, not be surprised if they boycott playing until the real referees finish their lockout deal, and get back in the game. I'm sick and ****ing tired of watching these games with these bull**** crap refs, and their ****ty calls. First the offensive pass interference, which somehow magically gets called on the defense. Then offensive pass interference in the endzone, shoving a man in the back, and doesn't even have but one hand on the ball, yet he gets a touchdown?

I think I might be done for the season, at least until the real refs come back. This is just stupid.

QFT.

[Elliott]

I promised I wouldn't spoil the Packers v. Seahawks outcome. But, I have to say, that was the most ludicrous call I have ever seen in my life. The NFL this week, these replacement refs, all of it, has just made me utterly sick.

I'm not a fan of either team, but the Packers just got robbed, bigtime. I would honestly, not be surprised if they boycott playing until the real referees finish their lockout deal, and get back in the game. I'm sick and ****ing tired of watching these games with these bull**** crap refs, and their ****ty calls. First the offensive pass interference, which somehow magically gets called on the defense. Then offensive pass interference in the endzone, shoving a man in the back, and doesn't even have but one hand on the ball, yet he gets a touchdown?

I think I might be done for the season, at least until the real refs come back. This is just stupid.

Too true. This game better be the last straw. I have never seen anything more ludicrous in the game of football in my life.

[JoeC]

What's the reason all of the normal refs have been pulled by the way? That's been mentioned a few times in commentary but they haven't said why.

[spenser.d]

What's the reason all of the normal refs have been pulled by the way? That's been mentioned a few times in commentary but they haven't said why.

Same reason the player's were out much of training/preseason last year - they're locked out until they and the owners can come to an agreement on a new contract.

[Twiddle]

What's the reason all of the normal refs have been pulled by the way? That's been mentioned a few times in commentary but they haven't said why.

They want more money and are basically in a lockout, or on strike, until they get it.

[Astra.Xtreme]

That was more of a Buffalo Wild Wings commercial than an actual game. What a joke.

I guess they are holding a conference today to announce something regarding the refs, so hopefully they just give in and end this strike. There's really no point in watching games until they fix the system. With penalties every other play and wrong calls most of the time, it's gotten pretty stupid.

[Boxster17]

Easily the most frustrated I've felt over a "loss" before, can't believe the bad calls down the stretch there. Not to mention the league's statement on the whole situation was a complete joke as well. At the end of the day I'm not worried about the Pack overcoming this, and there's a lot of other teams that have dealt with poor officiating as well (just not quite to this magnitude). Looks like we took one for the good of the league, but at least the professionals are back for tonight's game. The games before were just getting way too out of control, so it's about time we get some quality games to watch.