NFL Week 17 Picks

The regular season comes to an end and so do Loren's chances of winning this season. Including this week and the playoffs there are only 17 games left. As of now my lead stands at 21. 64-31-1 to 43-50-1.

New York Jets at Miami
Derek - Miami. Fingers crossed, but it would be like the worthless Jets to knock the Fins out of the playoffs.
Loren - Miami. Putting this one in to make Derek happy. Yes, the Dolphins make the playoffs!

Baltimore at Cincinnati
Derek - Cincinnati. The Bengals are the better team and have something to play for. AJ Green will have a monster day.
Loren - Cincinnati. Baltimore has been inconsistent and the pressure is on. This feels like a Flacco choke job. 

Green Bay at Chicago
Derek - Chicago. I think the Bears are playing better right now and I'm going with Forte to get the Bears to the playoffs.
Loren - Green Bay. Rodgers' return gives Green Bay the lift they need and Cutler...well, he's Cutler.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans
Derek - New Orleans. Over matched. No way the Saints lose this one.
Loren - New Orleans. Will Tampa keep the Saints out of the playoffs? No.

San Francisco at Arizona
Derek - Arizona. The Cards have more on the line here. I'm thinking they're gonna pull out all the stops.
Loren - San Francisco. I think SF finds their mojo at the right time, becomes the nasty team no one wants to face in the playoffs.

St. Louis at Seattle
Derek - Seattle. The Rams are a decent team but Seattle is better and need the win.
Loren - Seattle. The Seahawks have stumbled lately, but they're still a formidable team and light years ahead of the Rams. The NFC West crown is theirs. 

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NFL Week 16 Picks

Both Loren and I went 3-3 last week so I maintained my 19 game lead. In fact this week I let my brother-in-law make my picks. 60-29-1 to 41-46-1.

Indianapolis at Kansas City
Derek - Kansas City. The brother-in-law is a Chief fan so that pretty much sums up this one.
Loren - Kansas City. The Colts have already clinched their crappy division. The Chiefs are still fighting for the AFC West and a number one seed. The Colts have alternated wins and losses for the past 7 weeks. Guess which result they're due for.

Dallas at Washington
Derek - Dallas. Cause Kirk Cousins sucks was the answer I got on this one.
Loren - Washington. Being so far in the hole means I can make heart instead of head picks. I hope Dallas gets embarrassed. That is all.

New Orleans at Carolina
Derek - Carolina. Cause Carolina's defense is really good.
Loren - New Orleans. They already showed up Carolina 31-13 at home. That gets in your head. Until I see the Panthers play the Saints like they mean business, gotta take the Saints.

New York Giants at Detroit
Derek - New York Giants. Because the Giants can't keep sucking every week.
Loren -  Detroit. Must win game for Detroit to try to salvage the season. They know Chicago is playing a tough game against Philly and a win for them combined with a Chicago loss leaves the division up for grabs. I think they get it done at home, then promptly puke all over the place in the final week.

Arizona at Seattle
Derek - Seattle. Cause Seattle is really good.
Loren - Seattle. Best team in the NFC playing at home? No brainer, right? Arizona is a tough team and they played Seattle close earlier in the year. Defensive struggles are usually fun to watch, but I'm looking forward to this one.

Chicago at Philadelphia
Derek - Philadelphia. Cause Cutler is inconsistent and Shady McCoy won't lose. And He needs Desean Jackson to do well for his fantasy team.
Loren - Philadelphia. I like the Eagles at home. Plus, it would have the added bonus of further burying the Cowboys and making the NFC North really interesting in the final week.

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NFL Week 15 picks

Another bad week for Loren. I got 5 of 6 and he only managed a 2 our of 4 record for the week.  57-26-1 to 38-43-1.

Washington at Atlanta
Derek - Atlanta. The Washington team looks to be in shambles, do they even care anymore? I'll take the home dome team that it at least healthy.
Loren - Washington. It's the battle of broken expectations! Kirk Cousins gives Washington a lift and perpetuates the Falcons' misery.

Seattle at New York Giants
Derek - Seattle. I don't like taking teams traveling across country but this seems to be a miss match at every step. Will the Seahawks score 2 or 3 TDs on Defense?
Loren - Seattle. It's a long trip east, but Seattle shouldn't struggle too much against the Giants. It might be cringe inducing watching Eli throw into the teeth of Seattle's secondary.

New York Jets at Carolina
Derek - Carolina. Ugh. Why do we keep putting Jets games on here?
Loren - Carolina. Can the Panthers recover from a pasting last week? Well, they're playing the Jets, so....

Green Bay at Dallas
Derek - Dallas. This might have signaled a white flag for the Pack. I think the Cowboys bounce back and put up some points on the Green Bay D.
Loren - Dallas. As much as I hate to say it, I have to go Dallas. Home field advantage, no Rodgers, another week further away from the playoffs for the Packers.

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh
Derek - Cincinnati. The Bengals are out to show everyone that this is their division and they should continue a roll against an over the hill Steelers team.
Loren - Cincinnati. Pittsburgh made a nice run weeks 10 through 12, looking like they might turn the season around. Losses the last two weeks have buried them, though, and Cincinnati will make it three losses in a row.

Baltimore at Detroit
Derek - Detroit. The Lions offense should bounce back and you can't expect the Ravens to keep  up.
Loren - Baltimore. This game should be very interesting. Detroit has lost 3 of 4, Baltimore has won 4 of 5 but they're playing on the road. I have a feeling things are coming together for Baltimore right now while injuries and questions are piling up for Detroit.

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NFL Week 14 picks

Well Loren went for the gusto last week picking 4 games differently than I did. Unfortunately for him I picked all the games correctly. 52-25-1 to 36-39-1.

Indianapolis at Cincinnati
Derek - Cincinnati. Tough one here, but I think I'll go with the more consistent team playing at home with a better defense.
Loren - Indianapolis. Well, why not?

Detroit at Philadelphia
Derek - Philadelphia. Nick Foles has been a monster lately and the Lions are too up and down. 
Loren - Detroit. Should be a slugfest. Going with the team that has more depth and better D. 

Tennessee at Denver
Derek - Denver. Don't think the Titans can keep up with the Broncos both running or passing.
Loren - Denver. I don't see this being a cakewalk for the Broncos. The Titans pass defense is great. Not saying it will be enough, obviously.

Seattle at San Francisco
Derek - San Francisco. Not sure why but I'm going with the 49ers here. I think they are really gunning for the Seahawks after their first encounter this season. The home field advantage is what I'm betting on.
Loren - Seattle. With Wilson and the defense riding high after last week's demolishing of New Orleans, I'm thinking they carry that momentum on the road. 

Carolina at New Orleans
Derek - New Orleans. What's the one thing the Saints don't do? That's right, they don't lose at home. The Panthers have won a bunch of games in a row, but there have been a lot of close ones there, sign of a good team or a team on the edge?
Loren - Carolina. The Saints are smarting from the beating in Seattle and they get no relief from the Panthers. Newton is in the same mold as Wilson but even more dangerous with his legs.

Dallas at Chicago
Derek - Dallas. Who's the Bears QB? That's right McCown. There you go.
Loren - Chicago. Home team in a viciously cold game. Romo freezes up. 

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NFL Week 13 picks

Wow what a bad week for both Loren and I we put up 1-4-1 records. 46-25-1 to 34-35-1.

Green Bay at Detroit
Derek - Detroit. The Packers don't look too good right now and are relying on Matt Flynn. While he can be good you can't rely on the guy. The Lions have a bad loss this last week but you know they can explode at any min.
Loren - Detroit. The Lions have burned me lately, but I think they right the ship against the short-handed Packers. Early in the season this would have been one of the games most looked forward to. Now you just hope it doesn't stink up Thanksgiving.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore
Derek - Baltimore. The Steelers are playing better and the Ravens look old and well...bad. Why am I taking them? Still think they're better than Pit.
Loren - Pittsburgh. Can't trust either team this year and I've got a lot of ground to make up. Why not take the coin flip?

Tennessee at Indianapolis
Derek - Indianapolis. I think Indy leaned something from their rough stretch and part of that is how to beat the Titans, make them pass. No comeback needed here 
Loren - Tennessee. Great matchup. Struggling Colts against revived Titans. If the Colts can't get anything going on the ground, the Titans excellent secondary will sit back in coverage make life hell for what's left of the Colts passing attack. This feels like Titans get revenge for the 3 point loss to Indy 2 weeks ago.

Arizona at Philadelphia
Derek - Philadelphia. Tough one, but I'm going with the home team. We'll see if the Cards can keep putting up big numbers. 
Loren - Arizona. Another winnable road game this week. Of course, that probably means the Cards will lay an egg after a long road trip. However, if their D plays up to their standards, I wouldn't trust the Eagles to put up considerable points against them.

Denver at Kansas City
Derek - Denver. Lots of revenge here. KC's loss to Denver two weeks ago. KC's melt down last week to San Diego. Denver's melt down last week to the Pats. Whatever it is, this is most likely for the division and to get a first round bye in the playoffs. Lots at stake and I'll take Manning over Smith.
Loren - Denver. Will there be a huge hangover from the epic meltdown in Foxboro? A loss like that can scar a team. I don't think Manning lets the team dwell on it. They come out and put a smack down on their only worthy division foe, essentially wrapping up the AFC West.

New Orleans at Seattle
Derek - Seattle. Really hard to go against Seattle at home. In fact that's my deciding factor.
Loren - New Orleans. Seattleites (Seattleans? Seattlers?) will hate me for this, but I don't think the Seahawks vaunted pass defense has really been tested yet. I think they're extremely good, but I'm not sure they're ready for the different level the Saints bring. Yeah, Seattle will get big chunks of yards on the ground, but can they keep up the scoring pace the entire game? I don't think they can.

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NFL Week 12 Picks

No ground gained or lost last week as we both with 4-2. 45-21 to 33-31.

Minnesota at Green Bay
Derek - Green Bay. The Vikings just don't look good right now and even with the Packs QB issues you have to think they're the far better team. As long as Green Bay's D can slow down AP they should be ok.
Loren - Green Bay. I really wanted to take Minnesota here, but the problem is they suck. Their already mediocre (and that's being generous) defense will be short-handed in the middle of the field. Green Bay gets to skate by another week.

San Diego at Kansas City
Derek - Kansas City. The Chiefs D is too good for a Chargers team that keeps getting worse and worse on offense.
Loren - Kansas City. This will be a good bounce back game for KC. Rivers should freeze in the cold weather and KC gets to look toward a Denver rematch and a first place game next week.

Indianapolis at Arizona
Derek - Arizona. People are not giving enough respect to the Cards and this is a home game against a very up and down Colts team. I'll take the team with the better D at home.
Loren - Indianapolis. Okay, some of the shine is gone from the Colts, but they're facing a team that can't take advantage of their weaknesses. Arizona's insistence on using Mendenhall instead of Ellington keeps one of their most explosive players off the field. The Colts should be able to throw it all day long. 

Dallas at New York Giants
Derek - New York Giants. Look at that the NFLs worst division has let a team in the hunt that started off 0-6. And for that reason alone I'll take the Giants. Lets get crazy in the East.
Loren - New York Giants. The Giants have won four in a row and are in the hunt in the NFC East, primarily because the NFC East sucks. Of course, this is the kind of game both teams like to lose, so who knows?

Denver at New England
Derek - Denver. While the Pats look better lately they still don't seem like they can stop the elite teams and I think the Broncos are one of if not the best teams in the league. 
Loren - Denver. If we're picking against the spread, I'm taking NE. This is going to be a cold, cold game and I have a feeling the Broncos will try to exploit NE's run defense. That could make for a close, low scoring game. Still, Denver is the better teams this year, but I'm always nervous taking Manning on a trip to Foxboro.

San Francisco at Washington
Derek - This match up has made a turn for the meh instead of oooh! Anyway I don't like taking teams traveling across country and losing like they haven't done in a few years. And we'll say that RG3 has to have a good one. 
Loren - San Francisco. Battle of what might have been? Both teams haven't performed to expectations this year, but it's clear SF is the better team. RGIII always gives you a chance, but they could find themselves down early forcing Griffin to throw. That plays right into SF's strength. I see an ugly night for Washington.

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Real quick USC vs. Stanford thoughts

Interesting game tonight with huge PAC-12 implications. Just some quick thoughts.

1. This is why I can't bring myself to say Stanford is an elite team. Sure they're very good and seem to have figured the Ducks out, but they lose to teams they shouldn't every year. This year Utah and USC, last year Notre Dame (say what you will, but Stanford should have won that game) and Washington.
1. Again this is what makes the Oregon losses that much more frustrating.
2. When was the last time you saw people storming the Colosseum field? Act like you've been there, but then again I guess the current students haven't been there before. It doesn't really matter but just an interesting site.

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NFL Week 11 Picks

What's this you say? Loren actually picked up a game on me last week. NOOOOOOOOOOOO! 41-19 to 29-29. Who you got this week?

Baltimore at Chicago

Derek - Chicago. Cutler has a game under his belt now after coming back from injury, he'll play it somewhat safe and let Forte do the work. The Bears will win bu double digits.

Loren - Chicago. Baltimore picked up a nice win last week, but shouldn't we be expecting that every week from the defending champs? Chicago is a tough place to play and as long as the Bear's offense limits mistakes, they'll send the Ravens home in a further AFC North hole.

New York Jets at Buffalo

Derek - Buffalo. EJ Manual should be back and they'll hope that fantasy football bust CJ Spiller will have a good game to go with "Back up" Fred Jackson. They should control the ball and I think the D will do more than enough to limit Geno and the Jets.

Loren - NY Jets. The Bills are terrible against the run, which just so happens to be the Jets strong suit. Worse for the Bills, two of their starting WRs are out, so Manual will have to do more with less. The Jets are coming off a bye week and bringing a top shelf run D against a corps of banged up backs. I don't think Buffalo has a prayer.

Washington at Philadelphia

Derek - Philadelphia. The Eagles will keep up the offensive machine they have going on and I don't think Washington's D will be able to kink in their plans.

Loren - Philadelphia. This sure feels like one of those games the Eagles inexplicably drop. RGIII has 6 TDs against 3 INTs over his last four and he looked comfortable taking off down the field last week against the Vikings. Unfortunately for Washington, their pass D is terrible and Foles is going to have a field day.

Detroit at Pittsburgh

Derek - Detroit. I think the Lions will have a field day at Pittsburgh. Their run they'll pass and make dump mistakes, but still win by 14+.

Loren - Detroit. Even though the Steelers are 3-2 since their bye week, their defense just isn't the same rock steady Steelers D we expect. Oddly, they've performed well against opposing QBs but are getting shredded on the ground. You could see a lot of 1-2 punches with Bush and Bell today.

Kansas City at Denver

Derek - Denver. The Chiefs seem to find a way to win each week but I don't think they have what it takes on the offensive side of the ball to keep up with the Broncos. 

Loren - Denver. Haven't been sold on KC all year, but they still keep winning. Their level of competition goes up over the next few weeks beginning with this trip to Denver. It looks like Manning isn't bothered by the ankle injury, Moreno has really stepped up, and you have to pick your poison between the receivers and the TEs. I just don't think KC is ready for the onslaught.

New England at Carolina

Derek - New England. Big game for the Panthers. They can make a huge playoff run off this game, but I don't think we'll see it. I think we're discounting the 7-3 Pats too much and now that Gronk is back I'd expect the whold O to really come around.

Loren - Carolina. The Panthers started slow but they've gone on a tear, showing they can win defensive battles as well as shootouts. That D is scary and I don't see any indication that NE can slow the run. That means more time for Cam in the pocket and more open lanes to take off down the field. This will be a nice statement win on the home field for Carolina.

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Show's Schedule

Just a reminder that our show air's on TVCTV 6 times a week. Please see below for the Comcast times and channels.

Sunday - 6pm Channel 21
Monday - 6pm Channel 21
Tuesday - 12am Channel 21
Wednesday - 3pm Channel 11
Saturday - 3am Channel 21
Saturday - 4pm Channel 21

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2013 Crazy Blazer bets

It's the better late than ever Crazy Blazer Bets. As a recap we make predictions related to the Blazers that are so far fetched that if anyone of them were to actually happen you'd be willing to pay $5 to the person who made that prediction. As always please feel free to add your predictions to the bottom, of course you're not eligible for the cash.

Derek – Robin Lopez will score 50 points in a game.

Loren - Robin Lopez will be the NBA defensive player of the year.

Philipp - Damian Lillard will score 200 points in a 5 consecutive game period.

Ryan - Will Barton wins 6th man of the year..

Carlos – Robin Lopez gets more All Star votes than Brooke Lopez.

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NFL Week 10 Picks

Loren and I both went 3-3 this week. So my lead stays at 13. 37-17 to 24-28.

Seattle at Atlanta

Derek - Seattle. I don't like taking teams that have to travel across country but the Falcons are just terrible right now and I don't see their offense coming around on the Seahawks D. If Seattle gets their head out of their butts and runs the ball with Lynch 2/3 of the times they'll win easy.

Loren - Seattle. It's troublesome that the Seahawks will be playing an early game on the other side of the country. This looks, feels, smells like a trap game. So why am I picking Seattle still. No faith in Atlanta's ability to play consistently.

Detroit at Chicago

Derek - Chicago. Cutlers back and I think they'll be able to slow down the Lions offense. Hope we get a high scoring game here but I'll go with the home team. 

Loren - Detroit. I really hope this is a barn burner. Chicago at home with a nothing-to-lose QB slinging it around? Could be disaster for Detroit. Still, all things considered, Detroit has more weapons and Stafford doesn't usually get rattled.

Philadelphia at Green Bay

Derek - Green Bay. The Eagles are too up and down this season. I'm not sure who's waling through that door. The pack even without Rodgers I know what I'm getting including a good D.

Loren - Philadelphia. Not sure whether to start Eddie Lacy in FFB. Teams are going to stack the box dog pile him. Green Bay's offense has to show me another dimension with Seneca Wallace holding the reigns before I'll feel comfortable picking them.

Houston at Arizona

Derek - Arizona. Houston still has to prove to me that they can score consistently and I thin the Cards have a solid D that will make the difference in this game.

Loren - Houston. How happy is Andre Johnson? Someone who can finally get him the ball where he can do some damage. Foster being out isn't that big a deal. Tate is a premium RB stuck behind a premium RB. On any other team he's an every down runner. Arizona can't run the ball so they'll have to throw and that plays right into the strength of the Texans.

Denver at San Diego

Derek - Denver. Rivers could have a huge day, but I'm not betting against the Denver, they still seems to be working well on offense and they're coming off a bye.

Loren - Denver. Of course I'm taking Denver. I expect this to be a challenge though. The Bronco's secondary hasn't pulled it together yet. Coverage consistently breaks down on passes 15-20 yards down the middle and god help them if there's a one-on-one long down the side. But the Broncos are rested, healthy and still the most dangerous offense in the league.

Dallas at New Orleans

Derek - New Orleans. The Saints at home is usually enough to win most games and their D this year has shown that it's pretty darn good. A bounce back game against an inconsistent team is in the cards.

Loren - New Orleans. If the Saints can stop the Cowboys on the ground (which hasn't been difficult to do this year), their excellent secondary can sit back and wait for Romo to make mistakes. On the other side, the Saints have the fifth most passing yards going against the second worst pass defense in the league. Are you ready for Romo-face?

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NFL Week 9 Picks

Both Loren and I went 4-2 last week so not ground gained or lost. 34-14 to 21-25.

Minnesota at Dallas

Derek - Dallas. The Viks are a bad team right now. Ponder going again? Ok, so Dallas loads up on the run ans tops AP enough to pull out the win.

Loren - Dallas. The cowboys screwed me last weekend giving up a late touchdown to Detroit. AP may run all day but until they get a live body at QB, defenses will stack the line.

Philadelphia at Oakland

Derek - Oakland. East coast team traveling. The Oakland D should be good enough to hold Philly up and I think we'll see another strong rushing game from the Raiders.

Loren - Oakland. This is one of those games I'd take the home team, whoever that happens to be. The Raiders are getting better every week while Philly is coming off two embarrassing losses to division foes. 

Tennessee at St. Louis

Derek - St. Louis. Despite the INTs Clemens through I liked how they ran the ball. I can see the St. Louis D holding up at home.

Loren - Tennessee. Clemens. Yikes.

Indianapolis at Houston

Derek - Indianapolis. This should have been a big game at the beginning of the year but the Texans have stunk it up and are relying on a third stringer. Indy should not have a tough one here.

Loren - Indianapolis. The Texans can hope their excellent pass defense keeps Luck in check. Unfortunately, they'll struggle on the other side of the ball against Indy's run D. I don't think this will be a pretty game, but Indy has a better idea how to use their weapons.

Pittsburgh at New England

Derek - New England. The Pats don't look great, but the Steelers look bad. Last weeks lost to the Raiders has to hurt, and you can see the Steelers trying to make a last stand, unfortunately we know how those turn out.

Loren - Pittsburgh. This one is just a hunch. It feels like the Steelers identity is starting to come together. The Pats aren't as intimidating as years past and they're a patched together team right now. If the Steelers throw Bell at them to the tune of 25-30 carries, I think the Pats cave.

Chicago at Green Bay

Derek - Green Bay. No cutler no chance to keep up with the Green Bay.

Loren - Green Bay. Chicago is schizophrenic. They can't decide if they're actually a good team. That makes it tough for us to decide, too. When in doubt, take the Pack at home.

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NFL Week 8 picks

It's like clock work another 4-2 week for me gives me a bigger lead on Loren after he went 0-6. 30-12 to 17-23.

 

Miami at New England

Derek - New England. I'd love to pick Miami here but I think they're headed for their 4th loss in a row. They haven't beaten the Pats since the Wildcat days.

Loren - New England. Even though the Jets legitimately beat the Pats last week, I don't see Miami going into Foxboro and doing the same. Brady doesn't lose often, and back to back losses are even rarer.

 

Dallas at Detroit

Derek - Detroit. If Dallas can only score 17 on Philly I don't see how they out score Detoit. Look for Bush to have a big game.

Loren - Dallas. Neither team has anything to crow about this year. But Dallas is both scoring more and allowing fewer scores than the Lions. I don't think Dallas is a good team. I think they're the better team.

 

New York Giants at Philadelphia

Derek - Philadelphia. I picked NY last week since they were playing a bad team, this week they're on the road playing a decent team. Yeah I'll go with the Eagles. They have a lot of scoring to catch up on after last week's 3 points.

Loren - NY Giants. Picked against them last week and they get their first win. Pick them this week and their liable to lose again. However, you can see signs that the team is clicking. Eli's picks have been largely the fault of the receivers, but they're getting on the same page.

 

Pittsburgh at Oakland

Derek - Pittsburgh. Ugh tough one. I think Oakland is ok, and they have a major home field advatage here, but the Steelers are playing better and this would be a classic no one believes in us games.

Loren - Oakland. I still think Oakland is better than people give them credit for, and Pryor is a big part of that. He's far surpassed my expectations this year. Home crowd, a weakened Pittsburgh team, and a mobile QB spells opportunity for the Raiders.

 

Atlanta at Arizona

Derek - Arizona. The Cards have a solid team their just in a tough division, they get a nice homefield advantage and the Falcons are still beat up.

Loren - Atlanta. I don't care how far west Atlanta has to travel, they're still a better team than the Cardinals.

 

Seattle at St. Louis

Derek - Seattle. St. Louis is starting Kellen Clemons, he'll have a tough day against this D.

Loren - Seattle. St. Louis is a dangerous team, depending on the week you get them. Seattle is just better across the board and it feel like Wilson is itching for a week to turn it loose.

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NFL Week 7 picks

Another 4-2 week for me gives me one more game on Loren after he went 3-3. 26-10 to 17-17.

Denver at Indianapolis

Derek - Denver. The Broncos are rolling and for all the love that Indy gets they don't seem to be an eleite team. They went out and got a name running back but don't use him that well and have lost 2 close games. Guess what this one won't be close.

Loren – Denver. Okay, everyone is making a big to-do over this, with Manning returning and Irsay being the DB we always thought he was. Long story short, Denver could struggle if the colts go pass happy like the Cowboys did. Still, Denver should remain undefeated.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta

Derek - Atlanta. The bye week couldn't have come at a better time for the Falcons, ok if it happend the week the Julio Jones went out, that would have been better. This team need to regroup in a big way. They still have more talent than the Bucs and I think they'll find their way to win #2.

Loren – Tampa Bay. Fear Mike Glennon! Okay, I'm really taking the Bucs because Atlanta's offense has been decimated and the Bucs' D is decent. Atlanta's secondary is atrocious and should provide Glennon with ample opportunity to get comfortable and hit his targets.

Dallas at Philadelphia

Derek - Dallas. It's for all the marbles! Ok, not all the marbles just the NFC East marbles. Can one of these teams get to 8-8 and win the division. Who knows! Who cares! I picked Dallas to win the division at the begining of the year and I might as well stick with them here. Plus I have two of their crappy WRs on my crappy fantasy team and I need them to do well.

Loren – Philadelphia. Taking the P-Train at home! Wait, that didn't sound right. Regardless, Dallas is near the bottom of the heap in passing yards allowed. DeSean Jackson is going to have a field day.

New England at NY Jets

Derek - New England. J E T S S U C K S!

Loren – New England. Never. Take. The. Jets.

Houston at Kansas City

Derek - Kansas City. Some time the Chiefs are going to loose but not to a bad bad Houston team starting a 3rd string QB.

Loren – Houston. KC keeps winning, but they have a record well above their caliber as a team. Both teams' defenses are eerily similar, but Houston's offense is several steps ahead of KC, even with a new QB stepping in. KC's D is weak against the run and Houston will throw a 1-2 Foster/Tate punch at them all day.

Minnesota at NY Giants

Derek - NY Giants. Close game but the G-Men have to win sometimes. We'll see how the new QB in Minnesota will do but I think Eli will get one here.

Loren – Minnesota. Another new QB, another win. The hapless Giants will not be able to stop AP, Brandon Jacobs will demonstrate his uncanny ability to dash NY's hopes and dreams, and Freeman will have just enough good mojo from a fresh start to help the Vikes win. Will the Giants even get a victory before their week 9 bye?

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NFL Week 6 Picks

I gained another game on Loren last week going 4-2. Our records are now 22-8 and 14-14.

Lions at Browns
Derek – Lions. The Browns have won a few games now, but they’re still the Browns and now they’re back to having Weeden as their QB, I the the Lions will be able to score enough to hold off the Browns now that Megatron is back.
Loren - Browns. The Browns have somewhat quietly won their last three in a row, all against decent competition. Meanwhile, you never know which Detroit team will show up. I like the Browns at home.

Saints at Patriots
Derek – Saints. Lots of back and forth on this one. The Pats don’t look great right now. But Brady hasn’t lost two games in a row in…oh yeah ever. But Brady is 0-3 versus Brees in the pros, his last win over Brees was Michigan over Purdue. I’ll take the team playing better even if it is on the road.
Loren - Patriots. Yes, the Pats just lost a wonky game against Cincy. However, they will likely have either Gronk, Amendola, or both back against the Saints. We know what Brady can do with even a reasonable set of weapons and you gotta believe he's burning to show the league he's still the most dangerous QB in the league.

Packers at Ravens
Derek – Packers. Neither of these teams are taking the world by storm, but only one Ravens wins was dominating, the Packers may have a running game and that should open up the game for Rodgers and I don’t care who he’s playing he can always have a big game.
Loren - Packers. Two teams who haven't taken command of their division like people expected them to. The Ravens haven't lost at home yet, so why am I taking the Pack? Eddie Lacy. It's bad news for opposing teams when the Packers can run and buy even a half second more for Rodgers.

Rams at Texans.
Derek – Texans. The Rams look baaaaadd, but so does matt Schuab. I think Schuab has a better chance to turn things around, at least for this game. There won’t be a 5th game in a row with a pick 6.
Loren - Texans. More so than usual, this game hinges on the two QBs. Both have been erratic this year and you're hearing rumors about job safety for both. So, if you can't confidently pick a QB, what else could be the difference maker. Yeah, I'm going with Houston's ground game.

Cardinals at 49ers
Derek – 49ers. The 49ers are moving back up the board, maybe not elite but they’re still good. The Cards are an ok team but I’ll take the home team that can run and pound the ball.
Loren - 49ers. This game is to see who doesn't get left in the dust by the Seahawks. I like the 49ers at home, with two solid wins in the last two weeks. The Cardinals are good enough to beat bad teams, but bad enough to lose to good teams, along with the occasional shocker. No shocker this week.

Raiders at Chiefs
Derek – Chiefs. Pryor has played better than I thought he would this year, but that still doesn't mean the Raiders are  going to  win a bunch of games. The Chiefs will be their efficient selves at home and when by 7-10 points.
Loren - Raiders. Upset Special! The Raiders are a lot better than they're given credit for. Pryor has the fifth best completion percentage in the NFL. They played the Broncos closer than anyone but the Cowboys. They nearly beat the Colts in their season opener. I think this is the week that reality catches up with the Chiefs and the Raiders win big on the road.

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NFL Week 5 picks

Well it finally happened. Loren got one right over me. Of course I returned the favor and I'm still up by 7. 18-6 to 11-11.

Ravens @ Dolphins
Derek - Dolphins. Homer pick! We'll see I'm not to confident in this pick. But I thnk the Fins D can stop a questionable Ravens O and we'll all hope that they can pass protect.

Loren - Ravens. Baltimore seems to have their defensive mojo back and I'm not sold on the Dolphins, even at home. I don't see a lot of room for the Dolphins to run and they'll probably be playing from behind most of the day. Who's their QB again?

Saints @ Bears

Derek - Saints. I'll go with the hot hand in this one. The Bears just lost their first and the Saints just made a statement on Monday night. 

Loren - Bears. The Saints have to lose some time. On the road against a reborn Bears team is as good a place as any. This could get ugly.

Patriots @ Bengals

Derek - Patriots. The Pats are the better team and seem to be getting better every week. I can't pick the Bengals right now with the way Dolton is playing.

Loren - Patriots. They've been killing me all year when I pick against them. Even though I really want to pick the Bengals, they're not yet ready to take the step. The Pats know how to win tough games, the Bengals are still learning.

Lions @ Packers

Derek - Packers. The Lions are better than I thought they'd be but I think the Packers will be able to out score the Lions at home.

Loren - Packers. I hate to do it, but I've got to take the Pack. I think the Lions are fun, explosive, and unpredictable. I also think the Packers are better (albeit not by much) on both sides of the ball. Throw in home field advantage and the scales tip green/yellow.

Broncos @ Cowboys

Derek - Broncos. Until I see someone slowing them down I'll go with Denver. I'm not sure scoring 35 by the Cowboys will get them within 10.

Loren - Broncos. Do not want. I don't like this matchup on the road for the Broncos who are weakest in their banged up secondary. What do the Cowboys do? Throw the ball. Still, it's hard to bet against undefeated.

Texans @ 49ers

Derek - 49ers. The 49ers seem to be finding their groove again. They're at home and I don't think the Texans are who we thought they were.

Loren - Texans. I was going to take the 49ers until I kept making mistakes while typing their name. Any time I do that, the weird pre-cog part of my brain is trying to tell me something. It might be telling me, "Sucker!" Still, it's not like the Texans don't have a chance and we've seen the 49ers vulnerable so far.

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NFL Week 4 picks

It was a terrible week for both Loren and I last week. I only got 2 out of 6 correct. Lucky for me those two let me pick up another 2 wins on Loren as he went for the bagel 0/6. So after three weeks I already have a 7 game lead. 14-4 to 7-9.

Bears @ Lions
Derek - Bears. Lions are still the crazy team that lives in a violent town. Who knows what they're going to do. I have more faith in the Bears right now, I['ll be interested to see how the Bears D matches up with the potential of the Lions O.

Loren - Bears. I think Chicago is a little healthier, and little stronger on D, and (difficult though it is for me to say) Cutler is in rhythm and slinging it. Bears look too good to pass on. 

Seahawks @ Texans

Derek - Seahawks. I know Seattle isn't going to win all their games, but until they do I'm going to keep picking them. Add that to the fact that Houston hasn't impressed this year.

Loren - Seahawks. Foster can't find the end zone. The means airing it out against arguably the best secondary in the league. Recipe for disaster.

Steelers @ Vikings

Derek - Steelers. The Steelers are too proud and have too good of coach to keep looking so bad every week. I'll say they take this one.

Loren - Vikings. AP gets Felton back. That spells trouble for the Steelers D, already overtaxed because their offense can't move the ball well enough to give 'em a rest.

Eagles @ Broncos

Derek - Broncos. Why's this game on here? Unless the Eagles play flawlessly on the offensive side of the ball this game won't be in the single digit point spread.

Loren - Broncos. As long as the Broncos are winning, and I'm behind therefore picking games, I'll keep putting them here. Doesn't matter that Derek will pick them, too. Some things are bigger than our competition. 

Patriots @ Falcons

Derek - Patriots. The Pats are still the Pats, we've seen Brady turn oh hum WRs into great WRs before and each week they're getting better. The Falcons can't afford to go to 1-3 but they will.

Loren - Falcons. Pats have won, but looked shaky. Atlanta is a very good team. Good enough to get guys open down the field and put points up. Maybe if Gronk and Amendola were playing...

Dolphins @ Saints
Derek - Saints. I'd be happy if the Dolphins won as well. Of course every time Loren picks against them they win so it's the win win situation for me. Go Fins! Oh yeah I think the Saints will win.

Loren - Saints. I don't know how long Derek has been waiting for the Fins to play a meaningful game. I believe Pteranodons may have ruled the skies the last time. I'd be happy for Derek if the Dolphins won. I'd be happier for me if they lost.

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NFL Week 3 picks

Well well well, looks like I know how to pick'em. 12-0 this year which puts me up by 5 over Loren's 7-5 record. On to the picks.

Chiefs @ Eagles
Derek - Eagles. This should be a good game. The toughest D Philly has seen but I thin the Eagles will defend well this time out and make Smith beat them. And I don't see that happening.
Loren – Eagles. I couldn’t care less about Reid’s “homecoming”, but I would like him and the Chiefs to stick it to the Philly fans. Unfortunately, just don’t see it happening. I’m not sure the Philly offense has even gelled yet and they’re only a good day by Phillip ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ Rivers away from being 2-0.

Packers @ Bengals
Derek - Packers. Green Bay's one of the best teams in the league, Cinnci is a good team, but they won't be able to shut down the Packers. Looks for a high scoring game.
Loren – Packers. Again, really want to take the home team here but the Pack are back, bringing confidence from last week’s righting of the ship. I still believe the Bengals are a solid team bound for the playoffs, but the Packers have enough firepower to punch through their D.

Rams @ Cowboys
Derek - Cowboys. I'm going with the home team here. I think they'll finally be able to score enough to put away a decent but lacking Rams team. 
Loren – Rams. The Cowboys laid a big egg last week and their win over the Giants doesn’t mean much with the way the Giants got shellacked last week. I’m probably picking with my heart here, but I’d love the Rams to walk into Dallas push their fans into a cascade of Romo-booing. One lingering question, is it better for the Rams to play with a lead or play from behind?

Falcons @ Dolphins
Derek - Falcons. Last week I went with the Homer pick and it paid off. The problem here is that Falcons are one of the better teams in the NFL and the Fins just can't stand up to the passing game Atlanta is going to bring with it.
Loren – Falcons. It’s not a long trip, so travel fatigue shouldn’t be a factor. The Falcons have weapons galore, they just need to minimize mistakes. Who knows if the Dolphins are for real this year? When faced with that thought, take the proven commodity.

Bills @ Jets
Derek - Jets. Yuck, why do we have these teams here? I'll take the home team I guess. EJ still has to prove it for more than a couple quarters, although he's better at this point than I thought he'd be. Spiller might get hurt and it adds up to an ugly game of football, the kind the Jets win.
Loren – Bills. Hmmm, should I pick the Choking Champ or the Champ of Choking? Oh, what the heck. I’ve got some games to make up so let’s see if the Bills can beat a Jets team that has scored a grand total of 28 points this year. At least the Bills broke 20 in each game.

Colts @ 49ers
Derek - 49ers. We're the 49ers and we're pissed. It doesn't matter who their playing this week, I would have picked them to win.
Loren – 49ers. The jury is out on Richardson and I’m not sure he’ll factor much without a chance to learn the system. Niners are also furious and looking for a statement after the clobbering Seattle gave them. 49ers, and big.

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NFL Week 2 Picks

Last week I called each of our games correctly giving me a 6-0 to 3-3 lead over Loren. Can he catch up? We'll see.

Vikings @ Bears
Derek - Bears. I'm still going to ride my theory that the Bears are a good first half of the season team. They can score and proved last week they can come from behind. One way to beat the Vikings is to keep the ball away from AP, you can do that be taking a sizable early lead.

Loren - Bears. Last week I bet against the Bears and it cost me. I expected the Bengal's offense to be better and for Chicago to stumble early, but Chicago looked good against a good team. Even with AP, I don't think the Vikings will be able to consistently move the chains.

Redskins @ Packers

Derek - Packers. The Packers will jump to a big lead in this game and cause more mistakes from RGIII in critical moments. Expect the superior team to win.

Loren - Packers. Tough games last week for both teams. Honestly, though, the Packers will win more games than they'll lose, and they don't usually lose to inferior teams.

Dolphins @ Colts

Derek -  Dolphins. Alright I'll risk a pick here to stay loyal. I say the Dolphins get to Luck early and hold off a furious comeback in the waning seconds.

Loren - Colts. Trap game for Derek? We'll see if he homers out on this one. Maybe the Dolphins will be better than people anticipated, but that doesn't mean they'll be good.

Broncos @ Giants

Derek - Broncos. I think the Manning's combined for 11 TD's last week, not too shabby. I hope to see more fireworks in what looks to be the last head to head match up barring a Super Bowl. The Bronocs are one the best teams in the league and should beat the G-Men fairly easily.

Loren - Broncos. Manning Bowl! Eli didn't look great in week one, while the Broncos showed their doubters (i.e. me) something. Based on that first performance, there aren't a lot of teams I'd take over Denver.

Rams @ Falcons

Derek - Falcons. Despite the loss last week, Atlanta is a pretty good team and should have their way with inferior opponents. The Rams are a decent team but don't have the firepower or D to hold the Falcons down for four quarters.

Loren - Falcons. I expect this game to be close. As a mediocre team, the Rams won't win big or get blown out often. But the Falcons are talented and you know that offense is going to click soon.

49ers @ Seahawks

Derek - Seahawks. I like San Fran and I think they have the better team but I think the Seahawks will score in bunches and  get a lift from playing at home. Wilson leads them and Lynch dominates the 49ers D on the ground.

Loren - 49ers. Sorry Seattle. You might be fun, you might be a good story, and my heart might be with you. Unfortunately, you're playing a top 3 team this week. You'll need excellent D and ball control offense to be in this one and that still might not be enough.

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NFL Week 1 picks

Hmm, football, can you smell it? Yeah I know you can. That also means it's time for our annual 6 pack of picks. Last year I beat Loren 76-61 in correct picks. On to the picks!

Baltimore at Denver
Derek - Denver. I was 50/50 on this pick but once Loren picked the Ravens I had to jump on the Broncos, because if there's one thing better than beating Loren it's beating Loren with his favorite team. Plus I don't think Baltimore will be too good this year, their D will slide back and I don't think the offense will be that good with out a great position receiver like Bolden.
Loren – Baltimore. I can’t tell you how much it hurt me to type that but the desire to win our competition trumps my homerism. Denver’s D just isn’t up to the task. Yet. They’re missing some key pieces, are a little banged up, and they won’t have Von Miller for the first six games. It might be close, and Denver’s got a puncher’s chance, but Baltimore is a more well-rounded team at this point.

Cincinnati at Chicago
Derek - Chicago. Cincinnati should be a good team again this year, heck they might win their division. But I'm going to go with Da Bears here. They start off well, they're at home and Cutler hasn't had time to screw the proverbial pooch.
Loren – Cincinnati. The Bengals are one team that played well last year and should be even better this year. Combine a nasty defense with an efficient and improving offense and that spells trouble for Chicago. Also, Cutler. Ick.

Atlanta at New Orleans
Derek - New Orleans. Here comes the Saints redemption tour. They'll start off with a bang and don't think the fans in the Superdome will be any less enthusiastic then when they won the Superbowl a few years back. Brees will connect with Graham on two TDs.
Loren – New Orleans. When did people forget that the Saints are a good team? All I’ve heard about them this off-season is how old Brees is and how they can’t keep up with their division. This is a team you can’t sleep on and I think they’re fired up to show everyone they’ve still got it. Yeah, the D is still suspect, but whether you win 42-35 or 42-0 you’re still winning.

Minnesota at Detroit
Derek - Detroit. I think the Lions have just enough to hold off the Vikings. Ponders not great, plus I'm not sure who's he's throwing too these days.
Loren – Detroit. Not confident here. I wouldn’t be surprised if AP torched Detroit for 200 on the ground. However, Detroit still has a killer offense (admittedly, it hasn’t really gelled in the pre-season) and home field advantage. Meanwhile, Ponder. Ick.

Green Bay at San Francisco
Derek - San Francisco. You know my rule about teams traveling across country. Add that to my other, lesser know rule about better teams usually winning and this should equal a nice 49er win.
Loren – San Francisco. Doesn’t it feel like the 49ers have got under the skin of the Packers players? I picture Rodgers sitting in a dimly lit room in his mansion, clippings of Kaepernick and Gore thumbtacked to the wall, muttering over and over to himself, “Forty five to thirty one…forty five to thirty one…” Well, if anything, San Francisco should be even better this year. Green Bay get to see how high the mountain is after their first game.

NY Giants at Dallas
Derek - Dallas. What team starts seasons well? What team starts seasons poorly? Yeah Even with Romo and the underachievers I'll take the home team by a FG.
Loren – NY Giants. I’m torn between two of my pick ‘em rules. One rule is don’t bet on the Giants early in the season. The other says don’t bet against Eli Manning playing the Cowboys. Ah, what the heck, it’s never too early for a little Dallas hating.

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Week 6 of the RFA Cup

Can you say Football? Fantasy Football.

The Cup attended a draft this past week.

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Week 5 of the RFA Cup

The Cup saw a lot of beer the last few days. Loren, PR and I are drinking our way through Portland Monthly's 50 best Oregon beers.

The Cup only travels while protected.

 

The Cup watching some board game play.

The Cup sharing some beers.

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Week 4 of the RFA Cup

Yes it's true, I've missed a few weeks and some good photo ops as well. Oregon Brewfest anyone? On to our pics.

 The Cup is keeping the Bookie Productions Poker trophy company. Side note Roofball's own Adam Willis won the Poker tourney but said he'd trade it for the Cup.

 The Cup went to the Meirweather driving range.

The Cup watching Bob tee off from the third hole.


















The Cup at Little Cooperstown enjoying some grub.

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Week 3 of the RFA Cup

The Cup came with me to the coast this past week as part of the in laws family get-together over the fourth of July. I wish I had more pics.

The Cup chilling on the balcony of the rental house by Siltcoos Lake.

The Cup with the Elephants at the Zoo.

The Cup at the train at the Forestry Center.

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Week 2 of the RFA Cup

The Cup is now home. I picked it up today from Adam. It's already had a few small trips.

First the Cup made it to my softball game. Unfortunately it did not provide any luck at all as we lost 17-1. But it was a good conversation starting for Roofball.

Then the Cup came with me to my normal Monday evening Podcast for oregonsports.com's Sportsland podcast. We record at the Blitz in the Pearl.

And finally for the night it was put to bed with it's brothers and sisters.

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The RFA Cup

The RFA Cup, no not the tournament, I mean the actual cup. It's the trophy you get for winning the tournament. All the Roofball Championship trophies are perpetual trophies, and the World Championship and US Open trophies always reside at the RFA headquarters. The Cup however gets to leave, the winner of that years tournament gets to decorate their favorite mantel with it.

This is the second time I've had the pleasure of holding the Cup. The first time I placed it on my kitchen bar where anyone who walked in the house could see it. This year though I'm going to show it a good time. Thus begins my at least weekly updates on where the Cup has been.

We'll start out with the standard Cup presentation.

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2013 RFA Cup preview

We’re a few days away from the 7th annual RFA Cup. Now I’m sure everyone is aware of the RFA Cup but just in case here’s some background.

The RFA Cup is the middle event in the Roofball season. The simplest explanation of Roofball is: a sport where a player throws a football at a target located on a roof.

Preview time:

On June 23rd 24 players will compete for the 7th annual RFA Cup. Defending Champion Christian Verkest, the youngest champion ever, will try to defend his title against seven time champ, Casey Campbell, six time champ Dan O’Reilly and four time champs Adam Willis, Derek Weber and Buddy Emmons. With a win Casey, Dan and Adam would become the second player ever to win all the major tournaments, the World Championship, RFA Cup and the US Open. Buddy in the mean time looks to win his third RFA Cup.

Other competitors include:

Steve Stupey – 2009 US Open Champ

Beth Willis – 11 time woman’s champion

Amy Determan – Two time woman’s champion

If you’re interested in learning more check out www.roofball.org where you can find out more about the rules, players and records. Interested in showing up watching or possibly playing? Email president@roofball.org.

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Talkin' Timbers with Bruce

Here's our most recent episode. We take a tour of the Timbers Army Fanladen and talk Timbers.

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Super Bowl picks

I’m doing well in the playoffs with a 8-2 mark. The Ravens made both Loren and I look silly holding the Pats to 13 points. Oh well on to our Super picks.

Standings
Derek 76-36
Loren 60-52

Loren – Baltimore. I have no clear cut reason why I think the Ravens will win. Some years you can simply look objectively at the two teams and know that the better team will win, like last year with the Giants and Patriots. Wait, bad example. More like in 2008, when it was the Giants and Patriots. Shoot, that doesn’t work either. I guess it’s not that easy, at least when those two teams match up. I guess I’m going with the Ravens because I still haven’t forgiven the 49ers for the beat down they gave the Broncos in 1990. Yes, I’m bitter 23 years later.

Derek – San Francisco. I think these teams are evenly matched. Solid on both sides of the ball. One QB can throw deep one can take it the distance on any play. But looking at everything from a high level I’d say the 49ers have the better team overall. I think Kaepernick will win the MVP and jump into the some deranged 49er fans pantheon of great QBs.

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