The New Jersey Nets are 0-17. That ties the record for worst start in NBA history. They already fired head coach Lawrence Frank, next 5 games: vs. Dallas, vs. Char., @NY, @Chi., and vs. GS. They'll set the record at 18 and then have a couple of chances for a win, but don't count on it.
Celtics look old, but sit atop the division at 13-4, no other team in the Atlantic is .500. In fact the Eastern Conference (as of the last day in Nov.) have only 6 teams with winning records; Magic, Celtics, Cavs, Hawks, Heat, Bucks.
Speaking of the Bucks my boy Brandon Jennings has struggled a little bit lately as they have lost 4 in a row, where he has averaged just 14 points per game over than span. Season averages of 22.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists though for the overwhelming favorite for Rookie of the Year.
In what was supposed to be such a weak Rookie class, check out all the players averaging double figure points right now... Brandon Jennings, Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn, Marcus Thornton, Darren Collison, Stephen Curry, Omri Casspi, Terrence Williams... that's 8 with James Harden, Ty Lawson, and Chase Budinger not far behind. And don't forget the only sure thing in the draft, #1 pick Blake Griffin hasn't played a minute yet.
The Suns continue to surprise me, out to a 14-3 start and the only team that is unbeaten at home (6-0).
The Top 10 scorers in the NBA played a combined 9 seasons of college basketball... with 4 of those 9 belonging to Danny Granger. (Dwyane Wade went to Marquette for 3 years but was ineligible as a freshmen so I only credited him with 2 seasons.)
Closer look at the Top 10 scorers... Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and Chris Bosh were all one and done in college. LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Monta Ellis were drafted out of high school. Brandon Jennings went to Italy for a season. Dirk Nowitzki came over from Germany. Wade and Granger were the only 2 who played college basketball for at least 2 years.
Gerald Wallace is 3rd in the NBA in rebounding, 11.8 per game.
Allen Iverson retired? No he didn't. Did he?
Chris Paul is shooting 65.5% from 3... (19/29).
Chris Bosh has posted a double-double in 15 of his 18 games this year, making a push for a monster contract. With all the talk about LeBron and Wade, how about Bosh? 25.4-12.2 right now.
Alright that's all I got for now. Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.
-Keefe
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Quick thoughts on the Red Sox possibly trading for Halladay
I'm hearing that the package includes Clay Buchholz, Daniel Bard and Casey Kelly. I can certainly deal with sending Buchholz. I think he'll be a very good major league pitcher, but to me he's still unproven at the Major League level. I said to my buddy Kevin last night that last year in the ALDS, Buchholz didn't start a game. In fact if they went to Game 4, it's not a given he would have gotten the ball. But if the Sox had Halladay, where would he have fallen into their plans? Well, he would've started Game 1. Over Lester, over Beckett. Enough said on that front.
With Bard, I'm okay sending him as long as Theo has a plan for Papelbon. If they are going to give him the big dollars he wants, make the deal. He's a top-3 closer in baseball. I have Rivera and Joe Nathan giving him a run for his money. Or if they foresee another free agent closer they'll pursue given Papelbon leaves, then that's okay.
But what I'm not okay with is dealing Casey Kelly. I don't care about how good he is as a baseball player. Look at the kid's girlfriend. Absolute smokeshow. How can you send her to Toronto like that? It's ludicrous. Take a look and judge for yourself. If I'm Theo Epstein, I'm telling the Blue Jays to either find another top prospect or I force Kelly to break up with her and then sign the chick to a lifetime contract as a player wife.
What do you think?
-Bess
With Bard, I'm okay sending him as long as Theo has a plan for Papelbon. If they are going to give him the big dollars he wants, make the deal. He's a top-3 closer in baseball. I have Rivera and Joe Nathan giving him a run for his money. Or if they foresee another free agent closer they'll pursue given Papelbon leaves, then that's okay.
But what I'm not okay with is dealing Casey Kelly. I don't care about how good he is as a baseball player. Look at the kid's girlfriend. Absolute smokeshow. How can you send her to Toronto like that? It's ludicrous. Take a look and judge for yourself. If I'm Theo Epstein, I'm telling the Blue Jays to either find another top prospect or I force Kelly to break up with her and then sign the chick to a lifetime contract as a player wife.
What do you think?
-Bess
Jimmy the Greek's Thanksgiving Treat
I'm posting these having come upstairs from working out at 12:15pm and learning Stafford and Johnson were both playing. Unfortunately, my picks were locked. And I just watched some idiot Jordy Nelson fumble the opening kickoff, then moments later see Stafford AND Johnson hook up for a 7-0 lead. Fantastic.
Please note these spreads are slightly different from Keefe's, as they come from CBSSports.com.
Packers (-10.5) over Lions
I made this pick with the understanding that Stafford was not playing and Johnson was highly questionable with numerous injuries. Unfortunately, Jim Shwartz is as trustworthy as Eric Mangini.
Cowboys (-13.5) over Raiders
Barber could have a field day, same goes for Felix Jones. I think the Cowboys break out of a recent mini-funk on offense and bust one on Oakland. I'm convinced last week's win over the Bengals was an absolute fluke and Gradkowski's outing was an aberration.
Broncos (+6.5) over Giants
Players only meeting? Good enough for me. Plus I heard Tedy Bruschi on ESPN say the Broncos would rebound and win tonight. If Tedy Bruschi told me the Earth was flat, I would believe him.
Happy Thanksgiving.
-The Greek
Please note these spreads are slightly different from Keefe's, as they come from CBSSports.com.
Packers (-10.5) over Lions
I made this pick with the understanding that Stafford was not playing and Johnson was highly questionable with numerous injuries. Unfortunately, Jim Shwartz is as trustworthy as Eric Mangini.
Cowboys (-13.5) over Raiders
Barber could have a field day, same goes for Felix Jones. I think the Cowboys break out of a recent mini-funk on offense and bust one on Oakland. I'm convinced last week's win over the Bengals was an absolute fluke and Gradkowski's outing was an aberration.
Broncos (+6.5) over Giants
Players only meeting? Good enough for me. Plus I heard Tedy Bruschi on ESPN say the Broncos would rebound and win tonight. If Tedy Bruschi told me the Earth was flat, I would believe him.
Happy Thanksgiving.
-The Greek
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Keefe's Pick 3 for Week 12
Going with the 3 Thanksgiving games this week for the Pick 3. So once again remember to have those fantasy lineups set, this time with 6 teams in action on Thursday.
Packers (-10) over Lions
Cowboys (-14) over Raiders
Broncos (+7) over Giants
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 16-14
*MMA record for November (6-3)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT THE SPORTS BRIEF!
Packers (-10) over Lions
Cowboys (-14) over Raiders
Broncos (+7) over Giants
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 16-14
*MMA record for November (6-3)
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM ALL OF US AT THE SPORTS BRIEF!
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Sports Brief's MMA Rankings 11/23/09
There has been 3 big MMA events since our last rankings, Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers; UFC 105: Couture vs. Vera; and UFC 106: Ortiz vs. Griffin II. Needless to say the rankings have changed since last month. Coming up in December we have The Ultimate Fighter Finale, UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez, Strikeforce: Thompson vs. Melendez, WEC 45, and another SENGOKU event. But before all that let's take a look at the rankings heading into the last month of 2009.
Heavyweight
1. Fedor Emelianko
2. Brock Lesnar
3. Josh Barnett
4. Frank Mir
5. Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera
6. Randy Couture
7. Cain Velasquez
8. Shane Carwin
9. Alistair Overeem
10. Brett Rogers
Junior Dos
Light Heavyweight
1. Lyoto Machida
2. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
3. Quinton “Rampage”
4.
5. Rashad Evans
6. Forrest
7. Gegard Mousasi
8. Thiago Silva
9. Antonio Rogerio Noguirea
10. Randy Couture
Luiz Cane, Rich Franklin, Keith Jardine, Tito Ortiz, Babalu Sobral
Middleweight
1.
2. Dan Henderson
3. Vitor Belfort
4. Nate Marquardt
5. Robbie Lawler
6. Yoshihiro Akiyama
7. Jake Shields
8. Michael Bisping
9. Chael Sonnen
10. Yushin Okami
Demian Maia, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Ronaldo Souza, Nick Diaz, Wanderlei Silva
Welterweight
1.
2. Jake Shields
3. Jon Fitch
4. Thiago Alves
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Paul Daley
7. Martin Kampmann
8. Matt Hughes
9. Dan Hardy
10. Mike Swick
Paulo Thiago, Marius Zaromskis, Jay Hieron, Nick Thompson, Carlos Condit
Lightweight
1. B.J. Penn
2. Shinya Aoki
3. Eddie Alverez
4. Joachim Hansen
5. Tatsuya Kawajiri
6. Kenny Florian
7. Diego Sanchez
8. Frankie Edgar
9. Gilbert Melendez
10. JZ Cavalcante
Gray Maynard, Mizuto Hirota, Satoru Kitoaka, Sean Sherk, Josh Thomson
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Jimmy the Greek's Week 11 picks
Even though the Thursday night game has come and gone, I'll still include that here so you saw my rationale. Let's get to it...
Panthers (-3.5) over Dolphins
Ronnie Brown is out, and Carolina is rolling. If Brown was playing, you would have seen probably the two most dynamic rushing offenses in football, but the Panthers have the edge here. And I think that gives them a definitive edge.
Packers (-6.5) over 49ers
Green Bay is home and coming off an impressive win over Dallas. San Fran looked good against Chicago, but Jay Cutler threw 5 picks. Aaron Rodgers won't do that. The Pack have the 4th best rushing defense, so they should contain Frank Gore and force Alex Smith to throw the football. Expect a 24-14 type win.
Jaguars (-8.5) over Bills
Sometimes a coaching change will inspire a football time. Sometimes having Ryan Fitzpatrick as your quarterback sucks. The latter will be the case here. MJD3 will run wild today.
Redskins (+11.5) over Dallas
Divisional game here, and Washington comes off a big win over Denver while Dallas comes off the aforementioned loss at Green Bay. Dallas wins, but Washington will hang tough and probably register a late FG or TD to cover.
Falcons (+6.5) over Giants
Both teams desperately need a win here. Michael Turner is out, and Matt Ryan will need to step up with him gone. The Giants have key injuries on defense, and I think that's why Atlanta covers. But I do think the Giants will have success running the football, and coming off a bye week, get the win.
Seahawks (+10.5) over Vikings
Vikings are 23rd in pass defense. Hasselbeck and Houshmanzadeh are hitting their stride. And Justin Forsett could find success running some draw plays to keep the defense honest. I wouldn't be surprised if we see an upset here.
Steelers (-9.5) over Chiefs
Palomalu may be out, but the Chiefs don't have Dwayne Bowe for the next four weeks. Pitt is 1st in the league in rushing defense, and Kansas City is ranked 26th and 25th in rushing and passing defense respectively. Look for Pitt to roll here.
Saints (-11.5) over Bucs
Part of me wants to go with the surging, pesky Buccaneers. But the other part of me realizes the Saints can go off at any time. I think Brees and the Saints offense hits its stride today and rolls, despite some key injuries this week. They'll set up a huge showdown with the Pats on Monday night next week.
Detroit (-3.5) over Browns
Gus Johnson game of the week? Has to be.
Colts (+.5) over Ravens
It's basically a pick 'em, but how is Indy getting the half point in case of a tie? The sexy pick this week is Baltimore pulling the upset, but that defense has been inconsistent and shaky at best this year. I think Peyton rolls.
Cardinals (-8.5) over Rams
Arizona's offense in a dome, on the road? I'll take it. The Cardinals are 4-0 away from home this season, and Kurt Warner returns to St. Louis. This offense could explode today.
Pats (-10.5) over Jets
This could be traumatic for the New York Jets. Even though the game is in Foxboro, it could be reminiscent of the Boston Massacre, this time with the Patriots issuing the fatal, devastating blows.
Chargers (-2.5) over Broncos
Chris Simms starting at quarterback is enough for me. Denver is spiraling at this point, and I don't think they recover this week. The 6-0 start was a nice story, but we had to know it would come to and end. We just never thought it would be this ugly.
Cincy (-9.5) over Raiders
Bruce Gradkowski takes over for the immortal Jamarcus Russel. Ouch. Chad OchoCinco promised Adam Schefter on Twitter this morning that he would carry the load and make sure Schefter's upset pick would NOT ring true. I believe him.
Eagles (-3.5) over Bears
I think Cutler folds under the national spotlight once again. And Philly needs a big win in the worst of ways. Mcnabb seems to like this position, and he'll deliver on the road.
Titans (+4.5) over Texans
A few weeks ago, this game looked gross. But all of a sudden Vince Young has the Titans at 3-6 and making people wonder. Chris Johnson, in the words of Gus Johnson, has running from the cops speed. The Texans come off a bye and Matt Schaub could have a field day against this defense. Should be explosive. I like Tennessee with the points.
Enjoy the games.
-The Greek
Panthers (-3.5) over Dolphins
Ronnie Brown is out, and Carolina is rolling. If Brown was playing, you would have seen probably the two most dynamic rushing offenses in football, but the Panthers have the edge here. And I think that gives them a definitive edge.
Packers (-6.5) over 49ers
Green Bay is home and coming off an impressive win over Dallas. San Fran looked good against Chicago, but Jay Cutler threw 5 picks. Aaron Rodgers won't do that. The Pack have the 4th best rushing defense, so they should contain Frank Gore and force Alex Smith to throw the football. Expect a 24-14 type win.
Jaguars (-8.5) over Bills
Sometimes a coaching change will inspire a football time. Sometimes having Ryan Fitzpatrick as your quarterback sucks. The latter will be the case here. MJD3 will run wild today.
Redskins (+11.5) over Dallas
Divisional game here, and Washington comes off a big win over Denver while Dallas comes off the aforementioned loss at Green Bay. Dallas wins, but Washington will hang tough and probably register a late FG or TD to cover.
Falcons (+6.5) over Giants
Both teams desperately need a win here. Michael Turner is out, and Matt Ryan will need to step up with him gone. The Giants have key injuries on defense, and I think that's why Atlanta covers. But I do think the Giants will have success running the football, and coming off a bye week, get the win.
Seahawks (+10.5) over Vikings
Vikings are 23rd in pass defense. Hasselbeck and Houshmanzadeh are hitting their stride. And Justin Forsett could find success running some draw plays to keep the defense honest. I wouldn't be surprised if we see an upset here.
Steelers (-9.5) over Chiefs
Palomalu may be out, but the Chiefs don't have Dwayne Bowe for the next four weeks. Pitt is 1st in the league in rushing defense, and Kansas City is ranked 26th and 25th in rushing and passing defense respectively. Look for Pitt to roll here.
Saints (-11.5) over Bucs
Part of me wants to go with the surging, pesky Buccaneers. But the other part of me realizes the Saints can go off at any time. I think Brees and the Saints offense hits its stride today and rolls, despite some key injuries this week. They'll set up a huge showdown with the Pats on Monday night next week.
Detroit (-3.5) over Browns
Gus Johnson game of the week? Has to be.
Colts (+.5) over Ravens
It's basically a pick 'em, but how is Indy getting the half point in case of a tie? The sexy pick this week is Baltimore pulling the upset, but that defense has been inconsistent and shaky at best this year. I think Peyton rolls.
Cardinals (-8.5) over Rams
Arizona's offense in a dome, on the road? I'll take it. The Cardinals are 4-0 away from home this season, and Kurt Warner returns to St. Louis. This offense could explode today.
Pats (-10.5) over Jets
This could be traumatic for the New York Jets. Even though the game is in Foxboro, it could be reminiscent of the Boston Massacre, this time with the Patriots issuing the fatal, devastating blows.
Chargers (-2.5) over Broncos
Chris Simms starting at quarterback is enough for me. Denver is spiraling at this point, and I don't think they recover this week. The 6-0 start was a nice story, but we had to know it would come to and end. We just never thought it would be this ugly.
Cincy (-9.5) over Raiders
Bruce Gradkowski takes over for the immortal Jamarcus Russel. Ouch. Chad OchoCinco promised Adam Schefter on Twitter this morning that he would carry the load and make sure Schefter's upset pick would NOT ring true. I believe him.
Eagles (-3.5) over Bears
I think Cutler folds under the national spotlight once again. And Philly needs a big win in the worst of ways. Mcnabb seems to like this position, and he'll deliver on the road.
Titans (+4.5) over Texans
A few weeks ago, this game looked gross. But all of a sudden Vince Young has the Titans at 3-6 and making people wonder. Chris Johnson, in the words of Gus Johnson, has running from the cops speed. The Texans come off a bye and Matt Schaub could have a field day against this defense. Should be explosive. I like Tennessee with the points.
Enjoy the games.
-The Greek
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Karo Parisyan Out of UFC 106 & UFC
According to Dana White on twitter, "Karo Parisyan has f****d over the UFC, the fans and his opponent again!!! He will not be fighting saturday or ever again in the UFC!!"
There you go, Karo was expected to make his comeback to the octagon Saturday Night at UFC 106 in the Main Card against Dustin Hazelett. No word yet on if Hazelett will get another opponent or what pre-lim card will move to the Main Card. (Tough blow to the fans as the pre-lims air live and free on Spike TV, so the best one, perhaps Davis vs. Saunders now moves to ppv.)
In Parisyan's only fight of 2008 he was knocked out by Thiago Alves. He was then set to fight Yoshida at UFC 88 but pulled out right before the weigh-ins with a "back injury." He finally returned to in the cage at UFC 94 (Jan. '09) vs. Dong Hyun Kim and won barely in a split decision... which was overturned after getting busted for pain killers.
It's been a bumpy ride for Karo Parisyan, who is still a Top 20 welterweight in the world. He has career victories over Matt Serra, Nick Diaz, Nick Thompson, Ryo Chonan, Chris Lytle, Josh Burkman, Drew Fickett, and Dave Strasser in his 1st UFC fight back in 2003 less than a month after his 21st birthday. His only losses are to Alves, Diego Sanchez, Georges St. Pierre, and Sean Sherk (twice).
If Karo wants to fight, and it seems like a big if at this point, he would be a guy that Strikeforce would certainly target. He's only 27 years old and boosts an 18-5 record.
Karo Parisyan vs. Nick Diaz II perhaps? We shall see.
-Keefe
Keefe's Pick 3 for Week 11 & UFC 106
Keefe's Pick 3 is a perfect 6-0 in the past 2 weeks in the NFL, and 4-2 in MMA. Here's 6 more picks for the weekend. In fact let's get started with the Thursday Night Game. (HEADS UP get your Dolphins/Panthers in or out of your lineup... and if you have Ronnie Brown, I am sorry.)
Panthers (-3) over Dolphins
Lions (-3.5) over Browns
Patriots (-10.5) over Jets
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 15-12
UFC 106
Tito Ortiz over Forrest Griffin
Josh Koscheck over Anthony Johnson
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira over Luis Cane
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 4-2
Enjoy the fights and the football!
-Keefe
Panthers (-3) over Dolphins
Lions (-3.5) over Browns
Patriots (-10.5) over Jets
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 15-12
UFC 106
Tito Ortiz over Forrest Griffin
Josh Koscheck over Anthony Johnson
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira over Luis Cane
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 4-2
Enjoy the fights and the football!
-Keefe
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I liked Belicheck's decision...
"I thought we could make it. I don't know how we could not get a yard on that (play) but we didn't...We came out here to win." - Belicheck via @Trags on Twitter.
That's exactly why I liked Belicheck's play call on 4th and 1 at the NE 28 yard line. If they get a yard, the game is over. Done dada. And the Pats are sitting at 7-2, the Colts 8-1, and New England holding a tie-breaker for home field throughout the playoffs. And he's right, they should have gotten a yard there.
I like the call for a few reasons. He went for the kill. On the road against an undefeated Colts team with one of the best quarterbacks of our era, he tried to finish them off without giving Peyton a chance to win it. But I have to think that Belicheck saw the Jets lose today and figured at this point, it will be hard for the Patriots to lose the AFC East. They hold a 2-game lead over the Dolphins and have already beaten them (27-17 at home last week). The Patriots will contend for a Super Bowl, and he is showing confidence in his TEAM for the rest of the season, which is more important than showing confidence in his defense for one game that, in the grand scheme of things, isn't really that big of a deal.
Let's face it, it's not a guarantee that had the Pats won, the Colts would lose another game and/or the Pats will win out. Because in order to hit that tiebreaker, that's probably what would've needed to happen. And even if the game goes through Indy for the playoffs, I'm a fan of the Pats offense indoors. They dropped 34 points on the Colts tonight. And they can probably do it again. So relax everyone, the Pats are fine. If the Pats were tied for the division lead and on the bubble for a playoff spot, I think Belicheck punts. But they're not. They'll make the playoffs as the AFC East champs and he knows that. You should too.
-Bess
That's exactly why I liked Belicheck's play call on 4th and 1 at the NE 28 yard line. If they get a yard, the game is over. Done dada. And the Pats are sitting at 7-2, the Colts 8-1, and New England holding a tie-breaker for home field throughout the playoffs. And he's right, they should have gotten a yard there.
I like the call for a few reasons. He went for the kill. On the road against an undefeated Colts team with one of the best quarterbacks of our era, he tried to finish them off without giving Peyton a chance to win it. But I have to think that Belicheck saw the Jets lose today and figured at this point, it will be hard for the Patriots to lose the AFC East. They hold a 2-game lead over the Dolphins and have already beaten them (27-17 at home last week). The Patriots will contend for a Super Bowl, and he is showing confidence in his TEAM for the rest of the season, which is more important than showing confidence in his defense for one game that, in the grand scheme of things, isn't really that big of a deal.
Let's face it, it's not a guarantee that had the Pats won, the Colts would lose another game and/or the Pats will win out. Because in order to hit that tiebreaker, that's probably what would've needed to happen. And even if the game goes through Indy for the playoffs, I'm a fan of the Pats offense indoors. They dropped 34 points on the Colts tonight. And they can probably do it again. So relax everyone, the Pats are fine. If the Pats were tied for the division lead and on the bubble for a playoff spot, I think Belicheck punts. But they're not. They'll make the playoffs as the AFC East champs and he knows that. You should too.
-Bess
Brandon Jennings is Absurd
Last night Brandon Jennings dropped 55 points on the Warriors in a Bucks win. He shot 62% from the floor including 7/8 from 3. Jennings also added 5 rebounds and 5 assists. He's got a Bucks team, playing without Michael Redd, at 5-2 to start the year.
You think the Knicks (Jordan Hill), T-Wolves (Ricky Rubio debacle), and even Grizzlies (Hasheem Thabeet) would like to have their draft picks back. Minnesota drafted 2 point guards ahead of Jennings. Unbelievable.
Rather than dominating the PAC-10 and all of college basketball, Jennings went to Italy, where he struggled playing professional basketball against grown men. Well, he certainly got the most out of it, and was much more prepared than a year of college (See: Holiday, Jrue).
I am a huge Jennings fan, and the Knicks & T-Wolves will regret their picks for years to come.
-Keefe
Also UFC 105 is in the books. Randy Couture gets the win over Brandon Vera. Dan Hardy, shockingly earns a welterweight title shot following a decision victory over Mike Swick, and Michael Bisping beat Denis Kang.
Tito vs. Forrest II this Saturday!
Jimmy the Greek makes his return - Week 10 NFL picks
Sorry I've been missing lately...had a couple back-to-back busy weekends and couldn't get anything up. However, while I was gone I happened to win $300 in an office pool picking against the spread. I've still been winning, and I'm rolling into this week looking to keep it going. Hit a little roadbump on Thursday night, taking the Bears (+3.5), but I feel I can justifiably blame it on Jay Cutler throwing 5 picks, including 2 in the end zone. Loser. Here are the rest of the picks...
Dolphins (-9.5) over Bucs
Freeman makes his first start on the road, and I think he and the rest of his team will come back to Earth after an unbelievable upset over Green Bay. Miami is much, much better than this team.
Lions (+16.5) over Vikings
Minny will win comfortably, but this many points just scares me. All it takes is a late score to screw you over, and I feel like that will happen here. Detroit is still a threat to cover large spreads. Is that when you know you've hit a new low? When you're labeled as a team that's a threat to cover a large point spread in your favor?
Jaguars (+6.5) over Jets
A buddy of mine said last night the Jaguars are the best worst team in the NFL. Well spoken. MJD3 will slow down the blitzing of the Jets and Garrard will get some passes off. I don't know if they win, but they'll cover.
Saints (-13.5) over Rams
Blowout.
Broncos (-6.5) over Redskins
Denver rebounds against a struggling 'Skins team. Look for Brandon Marshall to have a big day, and the Broncos defense to step up and save this team from a losing streak.
Bengals (+6.5) over Steelers
Pitt wins this game at home, but Cincy threatens late until a Carson Palmer pick by Palomalu seals the deal. OchoCinco scores and Adam Schefter loves it.
Falcons (-1.5) over Panthers
Matt Ryan bounces back with a great game against Carolina. D'Angelo Williams is a little banged up and the Falcons secondary will pick off Delhomme twice.
Titans (-6.5) over Bills
Tennessee is rolling and will keep it going. Can they win out and sneak into the playoffs? Absolutely not.
Chiefs (+1.5) over Raiders
The Gus Johnson Game of the Week.
Packers (+2.5) over Cowboys
Green Bay bounces back and surprises a lot of people with a win over Dallas. Don't count out Aaron Rodgers. The kid is legit and will have a huge day. Hopefully to Greg Jennings.
Seahawks (+8.5) over Cardinals
Arizona wins comfortably through the air, but Hasselbeck and the Seahawks can score too. They'll keep it close.
Eagles (+2.5) over Chargers
Mcnabb and the Eagles bounce back. SD shouldn't have won last week, but NYG choked in the secondary. If Rivers didn't find Jackson in the back of the end zone, this wouldn't even be a thought.
Pats (+2.5) over Colts
Brady engineers a late TD drive, just moments after Manning engineered one of his own for a short lived lead. An all-time classic.
Ravens (-10.5) over Browns
This is awful.
This week: 0-1
Last week: 10-3
Overall: 74-56
-The Greek
Dolphins (-9.5) over Bucs
Freeman makes his first start on the road, and I think he and the rest of his team will come back to Earth after an unbelievable upset over Green Bay. Miami is much, much better than this team.
Lions (+16.5) over Vikings
Minny will win comfortably, but this many points just scares me. All it takes is a late score to screw you over, and I feel like that will happen here. Detroit is still a threat to cover large spreads. Is that when you know you've hit a new low? When you're labeled as a team that's a threat to cover a large point spread in your favor?
Jaguars (+6.5) over Jets
A buddy of mine said last night the Jaguars are the best worst team in the NFL. Well spoken. MJD3 will slow down the blitzing of the Jets and Garrard will get some passes off. I don't know if they win, but they'll cover.
Saints (-13.5) over Rams
Blowout.
Broncos (-6.5) over Redskins
Denver rebounds against a struggling 'Skins team. Look for Brandon Marshall to have a big day, and the Broncos defense to step up and save this team from a losing streak.
Bengals (+6.5) over Steelers
Pitt wins this game at home, but Cincy threatens late until a Carson Palmer pick by Palomalu seals the deal. OchoCinco scores and Adam Schefter loves it.
Falcons (-1.5) over Panthers
Matt Ryan bounces back with a great game against Carolina. D'Angelo Williams is a little banged up and the Falcons secondary will pick off Delhomme twice.
Titans (-6.5) over Bills
Tennessee is rolling and will keep it going. Can they win out and sneak into the playoffs? Absolutely not.
Chiefs (+1.5) over Raiders
The Gus Johnson Game of the Week.
Packers (+2.5) over Cowboys
Green Bay bounces back and surprises a lot of people with a win over Dallas. Don't count out Aaron Rodgers. The kid is legit and will have a huge day. Hopefully to Greg Jennings.
Seahawks (+8.5) over Cardinals
Arizona wins comfortably through the air, but Hasselbeck and the Seahawks can score too. They'll keep it close.
Eagles (+2.5) over Chargers
Mcnabb and the Eagles bounce back. SD shouldn't have won last week, but NYG choked in the secondary. If Rivers didn't find Jackson in the back of the end zone, this wouldn't even be a thought.
Pats (+2.5) over Colts
Brady engineers a late TD drive, just moments after Manning engineered one of his own for a short lived lead. An all-time classic.
Ravens (-10.5) over Browns
This is awful.
This week: 0-1
Last week: 10-3
Overall: 74-56
-The Greek
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Keefe's Pick 3 for Week 10
Finally did what I set out to do when I started (Week 2) and that's a 3-0 week. Also went 3-0 on the Strikeforce fights. Let's try and make it another 6-0 weekend between NFL Week 10 and UFC 105.
Bengals (+7) over Steelers
Patriots (+3) over Colts
Ravens (-11) over Ravens
UFC 105
Couture over Vera (decision)
Swick over Hardy (2nd round KO)
Kang over Bisping (1st round KO)
NFL Pick 3:
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 12-12
-Keefe
Bengals (+7) over Steelers
Patriots (+3) over Colts
Ravens (-11) over Ravens
UFC 105
Couture over Vera (decision)
Swick over Hardy (2nd round KO)
Kang over Bisping (1st round KO)
NFL Pick 3:
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 12-12
-Keefe
Out onaliM's Daily Streak for the Cash Lock
There are more than a few matchups ESPN has given us that I would love to bite on today. Spain over Nigeria in the U-17 World Cup Semi looks promising, but rumor has it Nigeria is at home and is very tough to beat there. Bowling Green over Miami-OH is another attractive matchup, but BGSU's has a lowsy run defense and Miami has a solid run game. Both teams don't score a lot of points so I would think we'll see something very close.
I may be going against the grain with my pick today (with just 23% of the picks), but this game is as close to a lock as you can get without calling Tim Donaghy for a little help.
Cleveland is coming off a physical game last night with the Magic. Yes, we all know Lebron is on fire (averaging 30 pts/gm in the Cavs last 4), but so is DWade (who has dropped 40 in 2 of his last 3). El Heat arguably have the league's best pure scorer in Wade, and with the Cavs coming off a hard fought battle last night I suspect we will see Wade pick the tired Cleveland defense apart at home.
The Pick: Miami Heat over the Cleveland Cavs (Dwayne Wade over Lebron James)
Current Streak: 3
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Out onaliM's Daily Streak for the Cash Lock
The guys in Bristol aren't giving us much to work with today: lots of European soccer, a Tiger Woods golf line, and some NHL pick 'ems. The one that stood out to me that looks too easy to be up there is a tennis match line:
ATP - BNP Paribas Masters (Andy Murray vs. James Blake): How many TOTAL GAMES will be PLAYED? 11:45 AM
20 Games or Fewer
21 Games or More
You have to be crazy not to take the over here. You can get to 21 games in 2 sets if there is a tie breaker. I checked out their rankings and Murray is currently #4 and Blake is #41, so you'd suspect Murray would make quick work of him. However, looking at Blake's history, he's had pretty good success against top ranked opponents and holding his serve. I suspect we'll see well over 21 total games in this match. Better get on this quick though, they stop taking picks on this match at 11:45am EST.
The pick: Andy Murray vs. James Blake (21 Games or More)
ATP - BNP Paribas Masters (Andy Murray vs. James Blake): How many TOTAL GAMES will be PLAYED? 11:45 AM
20 Games or Fewer
21 Games or More
You have to be crazy not to take the over here. You can get to 21 games in 2 sets if there is a tie breaker. I checked out their rankings and Murray is currently #4 and Blake is #41, so you'd suspect Murray would make quick work of him. However, looking at Blake's history, he's had pretty good success against top ranked opponents and holding his serve. I suspect we'll see well over 21 total games in this match. Better get on this quick though, they stop taking picks on this match at 11:45am EST.
The pick: Andy Murray vs. James Blake (21 Games or More)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Keefe's 12 Favorite & Least Favorite NBA Players
Favorite:
1. Paul Pierce
2. Gilbert Arenas
3. Shawn Marion
4. Brandon Jennings
5. Deron Williams
6. O.J. Mayo
7. Dwyane Wade
8. Brandon Roy
9. Jason Kapono
10. Ray Allen
11. Caron Butler
12. Rudy Fernandez
Least Favorite:
1. Joakim Noah
2. J.J. Redick
3. Tyler Hansborough
4. Andersen Varejao
5. Andrew Bynum
6. Ben Wallace
7. Hedo Turkoglu
8. Robin Lopez
9. Oleksiy Pecherov
10. Luke Walton
11. Tony Allen
12. Derek Fisher*
*If he never played for the Lakers he would be no where near this list.
-Keefe
1. Paul Pierce
2. Gilbert Arenas
3. Shawn Marion
4. Brandon Jennings
5. Deron Williams
6. O.J. Mayo
7. Dwyane Wade
8. Brandon Roy
9. Jason Kapono
10. Ray Allen
11. Caron Butler
12. Rudy Fernandez
Least Favorite:
1. Joakim Noah
2. J.J. Redick
3. Tyler Hansborough
4. Andersen Varejao
5. Andrew Bynum
6. Ben Wallace
7. Hedo Turkoglu
8. Robin Lopez
9. Oleksiy Pecherov
10. Luke Walton
11. Tony Allen
12. Derek Fisher*
*If he never played for the Lakers he would be no where near this list.
-Keefe
Friday, November 6, 2009
Keefe's Pick 3 for Week 9
Texans (+9) over Colts
Seahawks (-10) over Lions
Bengals (+3) over Ravens
Last week: 2-1
Overall: 9-12
-Keefe
I'll also take Gegard Mousasi, Jake Shields, and Fedor Emelianenko, but you wouldn't win squt with those picks because they are all heavy favorites. If you want an underdog this weekend try Kevin Randleman (+160) vs. Stanislav Nedkov at SENGOKU 11 in Japan. Goodluck!
Seahawks (-10) over Lions
Bengals (+3) over Ravens
Last week: 2-1
Overall: 9-12
-Keefe
I'll also take Gegard Mousasi, Jake Shields, and Fedor Emelianenko, but you wouldn't win squt with those picks because they are all heavy favorites. If you want an underdog this weekend try Kevin Randleman (+160) vs. Stanislav Nedkov at SENGOKU 11 in Japan. Goodluck!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Sports Brief's MMA Rankings (11-5-09)
A pair of big free fight weekends coming up here in November. This Saturday CBS will be showing their Strikeforce event featuring the #1 Heavyweight in the world Fedor vs. the #10 Heavyweight (according to The Sports Brief) Brett Rogers. Also on the card Jakes Shields fights Jason "Mayhem" Miller at middleweight and Gegard Mousasi battles Sokoju. (You'll find 3 out of those 4 names below.)
And then a week from Saturday you get UFC 105 from Manchester, England, Live and Free... (well tape delayed and free) on Spike TV. Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera at Light Heavyweight is the headliner, but it also features Mike Swick vs. Dan Hardy, and Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang.
These rankings are sure to change after those two cards are complete, but let's take a look at where we stand right now.
MMA RANKINGS
-Besse & Keefe
And then a week from Saturday you get UFC 105 from Manchester, England, Live and Free... (well tape delayed and free) on Spike TV. Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera at Light Heavyweight is the headliner, but it also features Mike Swick vs. Dan Hardy, and Michael Bisping vs. Denis Kang.
These rankings are sure to change after those two cards are complete, but let's take a look at where we stand right now.
MMA RANKINGS
Heavyweight
1. Fedor Emelianko
2. Brock Lesnar
3. Josh Barnett
4. Frank Mir
5. Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera
6. Randy Couture
7. Cain Velasquez
8. Shane Carwin
9. Alistair Overeem
10. Brett Rogers
Junior Dos
Light Heavyweight
1. Lyoto Machida
2. Quentin “Rampage”
3. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua
4.
5. Rashad Evans
6. Forrest
7. Gegard Mousasi
8. Luiz Cane
9. Thiago Silva
10. Babalu Sobral
Rich Franklin, Keith Jardine, Brandon Vera, Antonio Rogerio Noguirea, Tito Ortiz
Middleweight
1.
2. Dan Henderson
3. Vitor Belfort
4. Nate Marquardt
5. Robbie Lawler
6. Jorge Santiago
7. Yoshihiro Akiyama
8. Chael Sonnen
9. Yushin Okami
10. Demian Maia
Michael Bisping, Jason “Mayhem” Miller, Denis Kang, Ronaldo Souza, Nick Diaz
Welterweight
1.
2. Jake Shields
3. Jon Fitch
4. Thiago Alves
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Mike Swick
7. Paul Daley
8. Martin Kampmann
9. Matt Hughes
10. Paulo Thiago
Marius Zaromskis, Jay Hieron, Nick Thompson, Dan Hardy, Carlos Condit
Lightweight
1. B.J. Penn
2. Shinya Aoki
3. Eddie Alverez
4. Joachim Hansen
5. Tatsuya Kawajiri
6. Kenny Florian
7. Diego Sanchez
8. Frankie Edgar
9. Gilbert Melendez
10. JZ Cavalcante
Gray Maynard, Mizuto Hirota, Satoru Kitoaka, Sean Sherk, Josh Thomson
-Besse & Keefe
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
NBA Grab Bag
We have made it through the first week of the 2009-2010 NBA season. Here are a few of my observations early on.
The Celtics (5-0), Nuggets (4-0), and Suns (4-0) are the only remaining unbeaten teams.
The Nets (0-4), Pacers (0-3), and Warriors (0-2) are the only teams still in search of their first win.
Allen Iverson is already making comments about he is not a 6th man, and how frustrated he was sitting on the bench in his first game back with the Grizzlies. Didn't he know he was coming off the bench? I knew he was coming off the bench. But for the next month or so I don't think it would be a bad idea to start AI and Mayo along with Gay, Randolph (21.5-9.5 thru 4), and Gasol. Just try it.
One of my favorite players in this year's draft, Brandon Jennings, looks like the real deal. Obviously only 3 games in but 22 points and 5.3 assists. I was watching the Bucks/Bulls last night and without Redd in the lineup they just wait for Jennings to do something, they have nothing else.
Carmelo looks like a man possessed. Leading the league in scoring, went for 40+ twice in four games.
Kings guard Kevin Martin dropped 48 in a win over the aforementioned Iverson and the Grizz.
Gerald Wallace and Luol Deng have both posted 20-20 games already. Each had 24 points and 20 rebounds to be exact.
Quentin Richardson (with the Heat after getting passed around in the off season) actually looks like he's in shape. Double-double 18-10 in his last game. Must be a contract year... yes it is!
#2 overall pick by Memphis, Hasheem Thabeet is averaging 8.3 minutes per game, and did not get on the court in the Grizzlies only win in four chances so far this year.
Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul do not like each other. Apparently Rondo told Paul, "I have a ring, and you will never get one." Well as true as that may be, come on. We don't need to go over this but Rondo plays with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen... Paul's been working with David West (who he made an All-Star), Tyson Chandler up until this year, and Mo-Pete. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the NBA period. But if Rondo thinks he can get under his skin... well then maybe I see the point.
In 2 games (who the hell made the GS schedule) Andris Biedrins is 8-9 from the field good for 88.89%, can he keep that up?
And you, keep checking back in to the Brief for more "NBA Grab Bags" throughout the year.
-Keefe
The Celtics (5-0), Nuggets (4-0), and Suns (4-0) are the only remaining unbeaten teams.
The Nets (0-4), Pacers (0-3), and Warriors (0-2) are the only teams still in search of their first win.
Allen Iverson is already making comments about he is not a 6th man, and how frustrated he was sitting on the bench in his first game back with the Grizzlies. Didn't he know he was coming off the bench? I knew he was coming off the bench. But for the next month or so I don't think it would be a bad idea to start AI and Mayo along with Gay, Randolph (21.5-9.5 thru 4), and Gasol. Just try it.
One of my favorite players in this year's draft, Brandon Jennings, looks like the real deal. Obviously only 3 games in but 22 points and 5.3 assists. I was watching the Bucks/Bulls last night and without Redd in the lineup they just wait for Jennings to do something, they have nothing else.
Carmelo looks like a man possessed. Leading the league in scoring, went for 40+ twice in four games.
Kings guard Kevin Martin dropped 48 in a win over the aforementioned Iverson and the Grizz.
Gerald Wallace and Luol Deng have both posted 20-20 games already. Each had 24 points and 20 rebounds to be exact.
Quentin Richardson (with the Heat after getting passed around in the off season) actually looks like he's in shape. Double-double 18-10 in his last game. Must be a contract year... yes it is!
#2 overall pick by Memphis, Hasheem Thabeet is averaging 8.3 minutes per game, and did not get on the court in the Grizzlies only win in four chances so far this year.
Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul do not like each other. Apparently Rondo told Paul, "I have a ring, and you will never get one." Well as true as that may be, come on. We don't need to go over this but Rondo plays with Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen... Paul's been working with David West (who he made an All-Star), Tyson Chandler up until this year, and Mo-Pete. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the NBA period. But if Rondo thinks he can get under his skin... well then maybe I see the point.
In 2 games (who the hell made the GS schedule) Andris Biedrins is 8-9 from the field good for 88.89%, can he keep that up?
And you, keep checking back in to the Brief for more "NBA Grab Bags" throughout the year.
-Keefe
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)