Carolina Panthers @ Dallas Cowboys Monday Night Football Preview

September 28th, 2009 8:38 pm
by Big Dog

Ok, this one’s in brief.

Basically Carolina are screwed. They’re playing the Cowboys at home and this is a Dallas outfit that needs to secure a win at home. Of course the Panthers are motivated coming off a shaky start to the season, but this isn’t going to be their week. The Cowboys running game will continue to be strong and as long as their defense can pressure the Carolina O-Line and Quarterback, they should be able to create enough disruption.

It’s going to be an entertaining game, but the Cowboys will seal the deal with their first home victory.

Prediction

Dallas 34 – 24

Posted in Analysis, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Game, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL on television | No Comments »

Indianapolis @ Arizona SNF Week 3 Preview

September 27th, 2009 5:44 am
by Pro Set

Arizona QB Kurt Warner had a great day last Sunday at Jacksonville. Ticket sales prove it. This starkly contrasted with his terrible performance in the home opener against San Francisco. Warner is at his best with multiple targets that he trusts. In St Louis there was Holt, Bruce, Hakim and Proehl. In the desert, Fitzgerald and Boldin are much more effective when Urban and Breaston are also available. This was evident in Week 1 when the 49ers blanketed Fitzgerald on intermediate routes. Warner responded by holding onto the ball too long. With Colts S Bob Sanders almost certainly not playing, ARZ should be able to pass well enought to set up some running. RB Beanie Wells will probably see more carries as the game progresses.

Indianapolis secured an important conference win at Miami on MNF. Colts QB Peyton Manning will be primed for another nationally-televised victory. Against a Cardinals defense that covers up its deficiencies with blitzes, Manning has the chance to have a big night. Watch for TE Dallas Clark to take some hot reads against secondary blitzes from S Adrian Wilson and the corners. Manning is a quality QB. He will get the ball out against the blitz. The Cardinals will therefore be called upon to make crucial one-on-one tackles. If those tackles are missed, the Cardinals will lose. A 1-2 start could mean a long delay before NBC returns to the desert.

Posted in Arizona Cardinals, Game, Indianapolis Colts, NFL, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL on NBC, NFL on television, Peyton Manning | No Comments »

Indianapolis Colts @ Miami Dolphins Monday Night Football Preview

September 21st, 2009 10:37 am
by Big Dog

Monday Night Football rushes headlong toward us in a week already full of some amazing football. Neither of these two team were particularly impressive in their first week games, although the Colts did come away with the win. It will be interesting to see which team has made the better adjustments coming into week 2.

Indianapolis Colts

It’s got to be tough being Jim Caldwell and inheriting a successful and cohesive unit. Even though he’s been a part of the Colts organisation for many years one has to wonder how open these veterans are to new ideas and new styles of play, and whether Caldwell really will be able to make his own mark in Indianapolis football history. The Colts certainly looked edgy in their first real game of the season and narrowly escaped with the victory against a plucky Jacksonville. With Anthony Gonzalez out due to injury, the Colts lose an important piece of their passing game, and limit their options offensively. This may not be critical though, as the Indy defense has shown that Caldwell’s new philosophy is yielding success, particularly in the pressure they were able to bring against the pass last week. If they can build on their early offensive success and improve their running production this game is there for the Colts to grab.

Miami Dolphins

Even though they suffered yet another ignominious defeat in the first week of the season, Miami can take some positives from their run defense in that game. If they can contain the Colts’ running game and force the pass then they will start to open the game up a little. That said, offensive production is a major issue for the Dolphins right now. Far too many turnovers were allowed last week, and no team in the NFL can afford to give the ball away repeatedly. Pennington is a solid but aging quarterback who is struggling to find his rhythm with a line that allowed 4 sacks last week. In short the Dolphins aren’t carrying themselves like a team that believes they can win, let alone a team that is determined to win. The Wildcat isn’t fooling anyone, the overuse of any system or tactic guaranteeing bland predictability, and so it’s demise cannot come soon enough. If the Dolphins want to win, they need to get back to basics.

Prediction

It’s possible that the Dolphins will pull out an upset here, but based on current performance I think it’s far more likely that the Colts defense will get the job done. Until the Dolphins learn how to play basic football again they’re all roar and no claws.

Indianapolis 24 – 17

Posted in Analysis, Chad Pennington, Game, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television | No Comments »

New England Patriots @ New York Jets Preview

September 19th, 2009 1:03 pm
by Big Dog

Well it’s not really a surprise to anybody that the Patriots are coming off a win against Buffalo. What IS surprising, is how they very nearly didn’t. You can make all the excuses you like, but the simple truth is that the Patriots don’t have it together yet. Brady was very pressured by the Bills‘ pass rush, especially in the first half, and the characteristic Patriots cohesion just wasn’t on display.

At the same time the New York Jets just monstered Houston with the Texans’ only score the result of a combined INT and Fumble Recovery. Rookie QB Mark Sanchez is certainly stirring up the enthusiastic support of Jets fans and with good reason. So far he seems to be stepping up to playing at the elite level with a great deal of poise, maturity and mental presence – all of which he’ll need if he wants to win on Sunday.

New England Patriots

Brady and the Patriots offense put up good numbers last week, with 378 passing yards and 12 receptions each for Randy Moss and Wes Welker. Their running game was seriously hampered and had its lowest output in a while. This formula can’t hold up against the newly revitalised Baltimore Jets defense. Quite simply, the Patriots need to get more yardage on the ground and contain the brutal defensive onslaught the Jets unleashed on the Texans last week. If they can do that, then the Patriots will get the job done.

New York Jets

New head coach Rex Ryan is off to a strong start and has established a foundation for his right to the position on the basis of his defense’s miserly allowance of only 183 total yards against Houston. If his defense can bring that same intensity and success to this Sunday’s game, then they’re in with a chance. The New York Giants showed the way to beat the Patriots in Superbowl XLII, hit Brady hard and often (and pull off a miracle or two). Unsettle the passing game and disrupt the run. Make no mistake, Mark Sanchez is a very good rookie quarterback, but if the Jets are going to beat the Patriots, it will be the defense that wins the game.

Prediction

Any rational football fan has to take the Patriots here. Expect them to bring a journeyman, work-a-day approach to the game, looking to systematically pick the Jets apart. A cold, clinical and methodical approach.

But I’m not a rational fan when it comes to the Patriots. I can respect the team and their success (and I do), but I don’t like their flavour of kool-aid, so I’m not buying it. This might be a case of wishful thinking, but I’m going with the hubris of youth in Sanchez, the point to prove in Rex Ryan and the renewed passion of Jets fans, and most of all – the ferocity of their defense.

New York Jets 31 – 28

Posted in Analysis, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Game, Houston Texans, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, NFL schedule, NY Giants, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Randy Moss, Superbowl, Superbowl XLII, Tom Brady, Wes Welker | No Comments »

NFL Week 2 Best Bets

September 19th, 2009 7:22 am
by Pro Set

Last week went surprisingly well for an opening day: backing up is always tough.

Check out my best bets and make some money on this couch this weekend.

Posted in NFL Betting | No Comments »

Week 2 NFL Game Selections

September 18th, 2009 12:44 am
by Big Dog

Well ProSet and I are seeing it differently again this week. There are some excellent games coming up and I’m sure we’ll all be in for a few surprises and upsets. Here are our selections for week 2. Make sure to check back a little closer to gameday for the best bets and lines.

In the meantime, feel free to tell us why we’re wrong with our picks in the comments. We’ll have our featured previews up for you soon.

Posted in Analysis, Game, NFL | No Comments »

Week 1 Game Results

September 17th, 2009 8:40 pm
by Big Dog

The first week is all played out and I’m proud to be able to claim the crown for the moment. I called one more game correctly than ProSet and am going to brag about it while I can. I know for a fact that we were both sweating on Monday’s games, waiting for New England and San Diego to recover from surprising strong starts from Buffalo and Oakland.

Check out the full results over here and tell us how much better you did in the comments. Keep an eye out, our week 2 selections will be up shortly – the games just keep getting bigger and better!

Posted in Analysis, Buffalo Bills, Game, NFL, NFL on television, NFL schedule, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers | No Comments »

NY Giants @ Dallas SNF Week 2 Preview

September 17th, 2009 5:26 am
by Pro Set

The Giants impressed many, especially FOX network executives, with their win over Washington. In the past, the Giants have played well at Texas Stadium. But of course Sunday night marks the first NFL match at the Jerry Jones theme park known as Cowboys Stadium. To state the obvious, the Giants must run the ball well inside. RB Brandon Jacobs needs to be productive on early downs. Bucs RB Carnell Williams ran over several Cowboys on Sunday. Similar hard running will allow QB Eli Manning to use play action. A poor running game, however, will see Cowboys star DeMarcus Ware at his pass rushing best.

The Cowboys were also impressive with a road win at Tampa Bay. Terrible coverage breakdowns by the Bucs gave easy scores to QB Tony Romo. For all the criticism he recieves, Romo is a good QB. And with serious inury concerns hanging over the entire NYG secondary, Romo and WR Roy Williams will be keen for more big plays. And therein lies they key for the Cowboys. Romo cannot force big plays. His job is to move the chains and exploit the right matchups at the right time: TE Jason Witten should expect a lot of work.

I expect this to be a very close game. NYG will struggle if they fall behind. The Cowboys will not fear the NYG receivers, so if Romo plays a clean game and the Cowboys hold Jacobs in check, the Cowboys should win.

Posted in Analysis, Dallas Cowboys, Eli Manning, Game, Jason Witten, Marion Barber, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL on FOX, NFL on NBC, NFL on television, NY Giants, Roy Williams (DAL), Tom Coughlin, Tony Romo, Wade Phillips | No Comments »

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders Preview

September 14th, 2009 9:48 pm
by Big Dog

Quick question, why are the Oakland Raiders still allowed to play in the NFL? When you’ve set all kinds of records for losing streaks (six straight seasons with at least 11 losses, anyone?), surely it’s time to think seriously about whether or not football is right for you?

Things don’t improve at all for the Raiders as they line up to face fate, destiny, the Chargers again to open their season tonight.

San Diego Chargers

Last season Philip Rivers unequivocally proved that he is the right man to lead this offense, with great improvement with his all round skills, decision-making, pressure plays and reads. Expect him to make good use of tonight as a bonus preseason warmup game. If LaDainian Tomlinson also exhibits some of his potential, then tonight will in all likelihood be a whitewash. Even with the potential distractions of Shawne Merriman’s off-field dramas, I don’t think we can really expect the Chargers to be outmatched, outclassed or overwhelmed in this matchup.

Oakland Raiders

It’s hard to feel sorry for the Raiders anymore. Their management has taken the team beyond lost history and pride, and turned it into a modern day joke. They’ve had about a million coaching changes in the last few years (ok, ok – 5 coaches in six years, but is that really anything to brag about?) and their current coach is allegedly having fights with his assistants. Even so, it’s hard to feel sorry for the guy in spite of the fact that he’s clearly feeling the pressure. Anyone who signs on as the coach of the losingest team in football has to be a glutton for punishment. Even with the trade of former Patriots DE, Richard Seymour, the simple truth is that nobody likes the Raiders.

Conclusion

The Raiders suck, we all know they suck. Heck, the Chargers don’t even have to play good to win this thing. The Raiders have to play great just to avoid dying of embarrassment.

Prediction

Chargers 43-9

Posted in Analysis, Game, LaDainian Tomlinson, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Game Previews, NFL Players, NFL on television, New England Patriots, Oakland Raiders, Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers, Shawne Merriman | No Comments »

Buffalo @ New England MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September 14th, 2009 10:06 am
by Pro Set

Clearly this game is all about the return of NE QB Tom Brady. No doubt the ESPN MNF crew led by Mike Choirboy Tirico will pay homage from intro to sign off. Watch for panegyrics regarding Brady’s great ‘work ethic’ in his recovery adn how he’s ‘just as hungry as ever.’

Anyway, the far more important issue is the NE defensive front. The Patriots have been suspect against straight ahead runners for some time. Bill Belichick trading DL Richard Seymour to Oakland is a gamble. In this game, BUF RB Marshawn Lynch will not play. If the Patriots control the Buffalo run, WR Terrell Owens will be blanketed on passing downs. New England should win comfortably, but those who are thoughtlessly proclaiming the 2009 Patriots as equal to 2007 Patriots are 16 games early.

Posted in Analysis, Bill Belichick, Buffalo Bills, ESPN, Game, Mike Tirico, Monday Night Football, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL on television, New England Patriots, Terrell Owens, Tom Brady | No Comments »