NFL Week 14 Picks

Loren and I split our games again for the 3rd week in a row, going 3-3. I'm now up 45-32-1 why Loren trails at 36-41-1.

Baltimore at Miami
Derek - Miami. The Ravens have existed for years as a definsive team for years. They don't let you run on them and Miami likes to run. Problem for the Ravens is that this week and the rest of the regular season is Ngata is out. The Fins should control this one.
Loren - Miami. Both teams are 7-5 and they've both been a bit inconsistent. When in doubt, take the home team.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati
Derek - Pittsburgh. I think the Steelers bounce back from last weeks loss and beat the Bengals on the road. Two great WRs are in this match up and I truch Ben more than the Red Rocket.
Loren - Pittsburgh. You couldn't get me to bet on this game. Cincinnati always has a few games each year that begin to inflate their fans with hope only to have it dashed by the end of the season.

Indianapolis at Cleveland
Derek - Indianapolis. The Colts should walk all over the Browns. Doesn't matter who's playing QB for Cleveland.
Loren - Indianapolis. Only reason I might watch this game is the potential to see Manziel go down in flames. Schadenfreude can be a wonderful thing.

Kansas City at Arizona
Derek - Kansas City. Cards are on a slide and while a good team they are not the "best record" in the leauge kinda team.
Loren - Arizona. None of KC's strengths play into the Cardinals' weaknesses.

Seattle at Philadelphia
Derek - Philadelphia. Yeah not sure about this one. The travel and the up and down season are swaying me here.
Loren - Philadelphia. Am I really picking Sanchez against a good defense? I guess so.

New England at San Diego
Derek - New England. Normally I don't like teams traveling across counrty but the Pats made the trip last week after the Packer game. So that shouldn't be a problem. They also won't lose 2 in a row.Loren - San Diego. That's a really long trip to take. All things being equal, I definitely taken NE. But SD is no slouch and is playing to remain in the division lead hunt.

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NFL Week 10 Picks

Another solid week for me going 5-1, but Loren keeps falling behind with a 2-4 record last week. This puts me at 31-22-1 why Loren trails by a game at 23-30-1.

Miami at Detroit
Derek - Detroit. If the game was in Miami I'd take the Dolphns but even as a fan I don't see them as a playoff team and the return of Megatron could be big.
Loren - Miami. An upset special here. I like the way Miami is playing and their defense is really clicking. Dome game means their offense doesn't have to deal with the weather.

San Francisco at New Orleans
Derek - New Orleans. Saints at home and the 49ers are stumbling. How else are the Saints going to win the division with 8-9 wins if they don't win their home games. :)
Loren - New Orleans. Even though San Francisco is getting healthier on defense and is a dangerous team, New Orleans has the momentum and home field advantage. Manning tore apart the Niners this season, I expect Brees to do much of the same.

St. Louis at Arizona
Derek - Arizona. I'm not sure the Cardinals are planning to lose any more games. They're not the best team but they just keep winning. The Rams arn't an easy out but they can't beat the entire division back to back to back...can they?
Loren - Arizona. St Louis sure looks energized the last few games. Unfortunately, the Cardinals are waiting. May not even be close.
New York Giants at Seattle
Derek - Seattle. Giants going across the country to play a far superior team? Good luck Eli!
Loren - Seattle. Boy, things will get ugly in Seattle if the Seahawks blow this one. I'd kind of like to see that, actually. Probably won't happen, but I'll definitely be paying attention to this game.

Chicago at Green Bay
Derek - Green Bay. Packer were playing well heading into their bye week last week. I don't for see any slow starts here and lots of fantasy points will be put up in this one.
Loren - Green Bay. Chicago is a confusing damn team. Loads of talent, lots of yards, little to show for it. Forte is having a great year but everything else is completely schizophrenic. Another game that could be terribly fun to watch.

Carolina at Philadelphia
Derek - Philadelphia. If the Panthers are going to win they better hope that their D comes to the game as they thought it would have all year long. Don't let Sanchez beat you. Of course I'm sure that's why they have that McCoy guy.
Loren - Philadelphia. Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing here. What's the over/under on Sanchez interceptions? Carolina has a fighting chance.

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NFL Week 9 Picks

Now we're seeing the better picker seperate. I went 5-1 last week while Loren went 1-5. This puts me at 26-21-1 why Loren trails by a game at 21-26-1.

 

San Diego at Miami

Derek - Miami. Both of these teams seem to be up and down, but the Dolphins are always good for a win at home against a decent west coast teams. They won't turn it over as much as they're prone to do and Miller will get over 100 yards and lead them to victory.

Loren - Miami. I was ready to take San Diego until I realized the teams they've beaten are a combined 11-24. San Diego's signature win so far is against 4-3 Seattle at home. Doesn't sound much like a dark horse Super Bowl contender.

Arizona at Dallas

Derek - Arizona. Since Romo's out then the Cowboys will be way too much one diminstional. Murray's been good but already shoulders too much of the load. If your a Dallas fan your hope here is that you walk out of this game healthy.

Loren - Arizona. Having the lone blemish on your record be a loss to Denver isn't such a bad thing. With Romo out, the D-line can stack the box and try to lock down Murray.

Philadelphia at Houston

Derek - Philadelphia. The Eagles should be able to score enough to make Houston throw it and when the QB is a hairy Fitzpatrick that can only be good...for the defense.

Loren - Houston. I still don't know what to expect from the Eagles. Like San Diego, they'e proven they can beat the bad teams. Do they have an extra dimension to call on, a winning spirit to help them in tough games against tough teams? This matchup should help answer that question. Houston plays their best at home and you can bet Foster is looking forward to the sub-par Eagle's D.

St. Louis at San Francisco

Derek - San Francisco. The bye week came at a good time for the 49ers. They can regroup and get a bit healthier. They also get a home game agaisnt a middling Rams team. They should control the ball from the opening kick off.

Loren - San Francisco. With a chance to get healthier through their bye week, San Francisco should come out and blow the doors off St Louis.

Denver at New England

Derek - New England. Yeah no idea, it's in the snow and both teams like to pass...so. I picked agasint Loren's team, that's how I do.

Loren - Denver. Big, big game. Brady and the Pats look back on target and enjoy playing the foil to whatever team Manning is leading. But you still have to consider that the Pats barely beat the Jets and Raiders and have lost to the Dolphins and Chiefs. The Broncos have been more consistent and they have a defense that can actually make a difference in games.

Baltimore at Pittsburgh

Derek - Pittsburgh. Not sure about this one either, but I've done ok picking agaisnt the Ravens, so I'll keep it up. Brown is a stud at WR and I hope Fat Ben uses him well.

Loren - Baltimore. What a mess the AFC North is. You have a 4-2-1 team at the top of the standings because no one else has been able to put it all together and pull away. Even with the Steeler's offensive output last week, the Ravens have scored more points and allowed far fewer. Have to follow the stats in this one.

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NFL Week 7 picks

Another steller week of picks last week. Not. Remeber that? Remember when eveyone said "Not" after they said something obviously untrue. Ahh good times. Anyway I went 2-3-1 (a tie? really?) and Loren when 1-4-1. This leaves me at 17-18-1 why Loren trails by 2 games at 15-20-1.

Cincinnati at Indianapolis
Derek - Indianapolis. The Bengals were looking good this year then dropped the big game to New England. But does that make them a bad team no, but they are without AJ Green and Luck has been playing at an MVP level. Can The Colts D step up? No but they can do enough to keep Cincinnati to 24 points or less.
Loren - Indianapolis. Which good but fatally flawed team emerges victorious? Meh. Unless one of them fixes their weaknesses, there's no light at the end of the tunnel.

New Orleans at Detroit
Derek - New Orleans. Ugh, what am I doing picking any NFC South team on the road? Especcialy the Saints. But they Have Grahm playing and Detroit is without Megatron again. The Saints have to win on the road once this year...right?
Loren - Detroit. Barely beating Tampa last week doesn't fill me with confidence in the Saints' chances.

Carolina at Green Bay
Derek - Green Bay. Carlonia seems to flip flop and the Packers are good but not great. I'll give the advantage to the home team.
Loren - Green Bay. Yet another crap shoot game this week. Neither defense looks up to the task of containing the other team. Could be the most entertaining game of the weekend.

Kansas City at San Diego
Derek - San Diego. The Chargers seem to be the darling of the NFL right now. Lots of love for Rivers and company. And the Chiefs haven't been consitant all year. Until they are I'm going with the Chargers.
Loren - San Diego. Who thought SD would be in first in the AFC West? When firing on all cylinders, the Chiefs can grind out wins. They haven't been firing on any cylinders.

New York Giants at Dallas
Derek - Dallas. Dallas has been rolling, well Murray has been rolling and that seems to be enough. They shouldn't have much problem with the Giants.
Loren - Dallas. If the Giants are going to be relevant, they've got to beat Dallas. Please, for all of us, beat Dallas.

San Francisco at Denver
Derek - Denver. Going with the home team. I don't think Kap will have the same type of game he had last week and their running game isn't as good as it has been in the past.
Loren - Denver. Man, this matchup worries me. Theoretically, SF can slow the game down and keep Denver's offense off. And if Denver doesn't sort out their late game defense, they're going to lose games against good teams.

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NFL Week 5 picks

Still not a great week for us. But I did go 3-3 while Loren went 1-5. This gives me a 1 game lead for the first time this season. Derek 10-14, Loren 9-15.

Chicago at Carolina
Derek - Carolina. The Panthers and the Bears have had up and down seasons so far. But I think the Panthers offense can handle the Bears D easily at home and score in the high 20's. Forte won't have a good game in this one.
Loren – Chicago. The Panthers are hurt on offense and near the cellar in run defense. On defense, Chicago sits back on routes knowing that Cam has to throw the ball. On offense, they can abuse Carolina’s tackles or get it to Forte in the flat and let him do his thing. If Chicago gets out to an early lead, that just plays even more into their hand.

Atlanta at New York Giants
Derek - New York Giants. What am I doing with this pick? The Giants? Oh wait they're playing a NFC South team at home. Nevermind nuff said. I think the NFC South could combine teams and still not win on the road.
Loren – New York Giants. Don’t bet against Eli on a roll. Both teams should have crazy numbers through the air, but Atlanta’s defense is absolutely putrid. Slight edge there to NY plus factor in playing at home and you can see another confounding loss for the Falcons.

Houston at Dallas
Derek - Dallas. DeMarco Murray has been a machine so far this year. If he can keep it up the Texans have no answer. They don't throw it well and they have to stuff Foster down your throat just to have a chance.
Loren – Dallas. What a difference a running back makes. I’m still not sold on Dallas and if DeMarco Murray goes down, so do the Cowboys. But Romo does a convincing impression of an effective QB when defenses have to bring seven up front or risk getting gouged. Houston has been playing solid, but they’ve also had a cream puff schedule. We’ll see who they really are over the next 5 weeks (Dallas, Indy, Pittsburgh, Philly).

Baltimore at Indianapolis
Derek - Inianapolis. The Colts are rolling right now. Luck might be the top MVP canadate and their D is doing ok. Imagine if they could actually run. Either way they have enough to get past the Ravens.
Loren – Indianapolis. There’s room for Luck to sling the ball against a pretty weak Raven’s secondary. The question is whether Indy’s defense can hold on. They’ve played to good teams and lost, albeit closely. They’ve played two terrible teams and won in blowouts. I give Indy the nod based on home field advantage and not much more.

Kansas City at San Francisco
Derek - San Francisco. I'm going with the home team this time. KC played a hell of a game on Monday night but they won't have an easy of time in the Bay. Still this will be a close one but the 49ers O will previeal.
Loren – San Francisco. What was that talk of a depleted 49ers defense? Well, they’re giving up points, but not giving up yards. It’s early enough in the season for these irregularities to be present, but you’d have to a stingy defense will eventually start keeping teams out of the end zone. A home game against a one dimensional team is just what the doctor ordered.

Cincinnati at New England
Derek - Cincinnati. This would be a game that NE wins but not this year. Are we finally seeing the end of the dynasty? As a Dolphin fan I hope so but as a footbal fan...yeah I still hope so.
Loren – Cincinnati. Quiet, efficient Cincy. They’re not dazzling, they’re not flashy, but they are effective. I almost feel sorry for Brady. Almost.

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NFL Week 4 picks

Another bad week for both Loren and I. I had a terrible 1-5 record and Loren was able to pull one ahead by going 2-4. Right now Loren leads with an 8-10 record and I'm sitting at 7-11.

 

Green Bay at Chicago

Derek - Green Bay. The Pack have to turn it around here soon. There O is just too good to be playing this poorly. The bears have been good and bad and I expect a good game.

Loren - Chicago. Yeah, the Bears are up and down. I give them the edge at home.

 

Tennessee at Indianapolis

Derek - Indianapolis. Tennessee ain't that good. I'll give this one to the Colts. Their offense is rolling and Luck should have another big game.

Loren - Indianapolis. Who would have thought this could be an important early season match up? Indy at home, big, to stake a claim.

 

Carolina at Baltimore

Derek - Baltimore. Not sure why I'm picking the Ravens here but They seem like a team that's not going to fall apart and be part of the convo for the playoffs. I see a hard fought win.

Loren - Carolina. Big game for both teams. Gut says Carolina is playing with a chip on their shoulder. Could be surprisingly good.

 

Atlanta at Minnesota

Derek - Atlanta. The Falcons have had a couple of extra days off and are brimming with confidence. The Vikings have nothing going for them expect you get to see their rookie QB earlier than expected.

Loren - Atlanta. Too bad the Bridgewater era opens with a firm home loss.

 

Philadelphia at San Francisco

Derek - San Francisco. If this was anywhere but SF I'd take Philly. But they've been living on the edge and I don't see a 1-3 start for the 49ers.

Loren - San Francisco. This is probably the closest call this week. But Philly has been playing behind. A good team will eventually make you pay.

 

New Orleans at Dallas

Derek - New Orleans. Nothing like curing your road woes then playing the Cowboys D.

Loren - New Orleans. Nothing like a Dallas home loss to cheer me up.

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Week 1 NFL Picks

Sure the NFL is back, but that just means we're back to blogging and will start our weekly 6 pack of picks. Who will win this year? Me of course.

 

Green Bay at Seattle

Derek - Green Bay. Yeah! Right off the bat. More of a shot in the dark pick. Do have good reasons? Sure how about Ole Aaron. I might lose this one but I got to pick a dark horse at some point.

Loren – Seattle. Lots of talk about Seattle’s defense declining, the ability of Russell Wilson to grow into an elite QB, Lynch running on dead legs, defending SB champs dropping off a cliff the following year. I’m not buying it. Seattle’s D is as nasty as the players on it, and they’re nasty. Wilson completed 63% for 3,300 and a 29/9 TD/INT ratio last year, and his receiving corps is better. While Lynch may be past his prime (uncertain), I’m considering Seattle one of the best 2014 teams until proven otherwise.

New Orleans at Atlanta

Derek - New Orleans. I think the Falcons will be a good team this year but I think the Saints outscore almost everyone.

Loren – New Orleans. I’m hoping for a barn burner of a game. We might see both QBs throw over 350 yards. But if you had to pick one of these teams to implode and beat themselves, which would it be? Exactly.

Indianapolis at Denver

Derek - Denver. Home team gets the win here. We'll see if the Broncos offense is the same as last year but the Colts minus Luck aren't a good team.

Loren – Denver. I think Indy has a puncher’s chance here. I expect them to be on the better side of mediocre this season, possibly even legitimately good. But opening in Denver against that offense is brutal. The Bronco’s D may actually get some respect this year, too. Not sure this one is even close.

Cincinnati at Baltimore

Derek - Cincinnati. Don't care for the Ravens much and I'm picking the Bengals to win the division. Good place to start.

Loren – Cincinnati. Two middling to decent teams that should be fighting, with a middling to decent Pittsburgh team, for the division crown. That tells you the state of the AFC North. Dalton or Flacco? Bernard or Pierce? Who knows? Who cares? Edge to Cincy’s D.

San Francisco at Dallas

Derek - San Francisco. The Cowboys D is pretty darn bad. I'll take the 49ers by 10. Cap will have his breakout season this year.

Loren – San Francisco. This is a potentially challenging road opening for SF, but this is Dallas. We’re talking about Dallas, man. How silly is that? And we’re talking about Dallas. I’m not shoving it aside like it don’t mean anything. But we’re talking about Dallas.

Washington at Houston

Derek - Houston. I think Houston will make the playoffs this year and They'll start the season off right by beating a happless Washington team.

Loren – Houston. Blame Derek for having this one on the sched. Fitzpatrick is adequate and has more weapons than in previous stops. Houston’s D will be menacing, and their schedule is a cakewalk. Meanwhile, the Oracle of Delphi couldn’t tell you what’s going on with Washington.

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