Steelers (-3)
Bengals (+3.5)
Cowboys (-7)
Bonus Pick:
Daniel Cormier (+160) over Jon Jones at UFC 182
Showing posts with label picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label picks. Show all posts
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Picks du jour
Bruins (-140) & Kings (-140) parlay
Teddy Bridgewater (EVEN) to be picked ahead of Derek Carr
"You miss 100% of the shots you DON'T take. -Wayne Gretzky" -Michael Scott.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Wednesday's Pick
Decided RANGERS about 2 minutes before face-off, which was about 4 minutes before the PENGUINS went up 1-0.
Lot of game left boys!
Lot of game left boys!
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Keefestradamas Picks
Every Friday on the Adam Jones Show, Jones makes 4 picks for the weekend in a little ditty called Jonestradamas.
Well with me filling in we busted out Keefestradamas. Here are my picks for this weekend.
Miami Heat -15.5 over Celtics
Alabama -13.5 over LSU
Phil Kessel WILL get a POINT vs. the Bruins
Dan Henderson over Vitor Belfort
There ya go. Fingers crossed. Only my sterling reputation on the line. No big deal.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
2012-13 NBA Season Preview
Picks you can rip. It’s that time of year again, here are my on the record for picks for everything this season. Playoff teams, the champion, and all the individual awards you can handle. Hopefully this helps you kill time before tonight’s Celtics-Heat game.
WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Memphis Grizzlies
6. Denver Nuggets
7. Houston Rockets
8. Minnesota Timberwolves
EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS:
1. Miami Heat
2. Boston Celtics
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Chicago Bulls
5. Philadelphia 76ers
6. Brooklyn Nets
7. New York Knicks
8. Atlanta Hawks
WCF: Lakers over Thunder
ECF: Heat over Celtics
Finals: Heat over Lakers
Western All-Stars:
Chris Paul, Clippers
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Kevin Durant, Thunder
Blake Griffin, Clippers
Dwight Howard, Lakers
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Kevin Love, Timberwolves
Zach Randolph, Grizzlies
Tony Parker, Spurs
Steve Nash, Lakers
James Harden, Rockets
DeMarcus Cousins, Kings
Eastern All-Stars:
Deron Williams, Nets
Dwyane Wade, Heat
LeBron James, Heat
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
Andrew Bynum, 76ers
Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Paul Pierce, Celtics
Chris Bosh, Heat
Monta Ellis, Bucks
Al Horford, Hawks
Joe Johnson, Nets
Rookie of the Year: Anthony Davis, Hornets
All-Rookie 1st Team
Anthony Davis, Hornets
Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
Bradley Beal, Wizards
Terrence Jones, Rockets
Harrison Barnes, Warriors
All-Rookie 2nd Team
Jared Sullinger, Celtics
Perry Jones III, Thunder
Andrew Nicholson, Magic
Alexey Shved, Timberwolves
Kendall Marshall, Suns
6th Man of the Year: Jason Terry, Celtics
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Lakers
All-Defense 1st Team
Chris Paul, Clippers
Tony Allen, Grizzlies
LeBron James, Heat
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Dwight Howard, Lakers
All-Defense 2nd Team
Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Andre Iguodala, Nuggets
Josh Smith, Hawks
Tyson Chandler, Knicks
Coach of the Year: Rick Adelman, Timberwolves
MVP: LeBron James, Heat
All-NBA 1st Team
Chris Paul, Clippers
Rajon Rondo, Celtics
Kevin Durant, Thunder
LeBron James, Heat
Dwight Howard, Lakers
All-NBA 2nd Team
Russell Westbrook, Thunder
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Blake Griffin, Clippers
Kevin Love, Timberwolves
Andrew Bynum, 76ers
All-NBA 3rd Team
Deron Williams, Nets
James Harden, Rockets
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks
Zach Randolph, Grizzlies
Al Horford, Hawks
-Keefe
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The (Green) Jacket
Many of you are probably in Masters pools and goodluck to you. The greatest golf tournament is well underway on Day 1 (it's 1:30 EST as I write this) yet the TV coverage does not begin for another 90 minutes. Weak.
Keep up with the guys from The Sports Brief's picks listed below...
BESSE:
Dustin Johnson
Martin Kaymer
Martin Laird
Hunter Mahan
Phil Mickelson
Nick Watney
Bubba Watson
Lee Westwood
Mark Wilson*
Tiger Woods
Phil Mickelson
Tiger Woods
Lee Westwood
Martin Kaymer
Dustin Johnson
Rory McIlroy
Graeme McDowell
Bubba Watson
Ian Poulter
Matt Kuchar
Sunday, March 21, 2010
UFC on Versus 1 Tonight!
The UFC makes their Versus debut tonight with... UFC on Versus 1. As far as free cards are concerned this is one of the best, on paper, I've seen in awhile. DirecTV fans were thrilled to find out last week that Versus has come back just in time. I expect a big rating tonight.
The Fights (main card):
Jon Jones vs. Brandon Vera
Junior Dos Santos vs. Gabe Gonzaga
Cheick Kongo vs. Paul Buentello
James "Sandman" Irvin vs. Alessio Sakara
The Picks:
Jones via ill-tempered beat down
Dos Santos via more of the same
Buentello via upset
Sandman via 10 seconds
Enjoy the fights,
Keefe
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Keefe's Pick 3 for Week 13 & TUF 10 Finale
NFL PICKS
Bengals (-13) over Lions
Seahawks (pick) over 49ers
Patriots (-3.5) over Dolphins
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 19-14
The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 Finale:
Houston Alexander over Kimbo Slice
Matt Hamill over Jon Jones*
Roy Nelson over Brendan Schaub**
MMA Picks: 6-3
*Upset special, Hamill (+250)
**Fight is for UFC contract/ winner of Season 10.
-Keefe
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 3 NFL picks
This week Keefe gets the honors as he edged out myself and Random Rob by one pick. For Week 3, we went to the dartboard for Random Rob’s picks. I threw darts at the board and if it landed on a black space, that signified RR was picking the home team for the game in questions. If it landed on a white space, RR went with the away team for said pick. Bullseyes and misfires (yes, both of which did occur) represented an abstention and thus, a redo.
And here we go…
Keefe
Last Week: 11-4
Overall: 16-15
Falcons -4.5 over Chiefs
Chiefs are horrible. Tyler Thigpen is the 3rd starting QB in 3 weeks. Look for Michael Turner have a day somewhere in between his first 2.
Bills -8.5 over Raiders
This is the toughest game to pick of the week. The Raiders have looked like 2 completely different teams in the first 2 games. Buffalo is a tough place to play and Trent Edwards is getting more and more comfortable.
Bears -3.5 over Buccaneers
Not going to be a pretty game, but that Bears D and Forte get the job done.
Titans -4.5 over Texans
I liked the Texans at the start of the year, after Hurricane Ike they’ll have a lot more on their mind then just football. Plus Kerry Collins is better for that Titan O.
Panthers +3.5 over Vikings
Carolina is 2-0 and they just got Steve Smith back. Vikings can stuff the run, so it’s the perfect time to get back one of the premier wideouts in the league.
Dolphins +12.5 over Patriots
Don’t get me wrong, the Pats improve to 3-0 this weekend. But after a 7 point win over the hapless Chiefs and a 9 point win over the Jets, why should I think they beat the Phins by 13?
Giants -13.5 over Bengals
Will Carson Palmer throw a TD this week? It won’t matter, the Bengals can’t stop anyone.
Cardinals +3.5 over Redskins
Kurt Warner and the surprise Cards keep on keepin’ on.
Saints +5.5 over Broncos
Saints may want to guard Brandon Marshall. He only had 18 grabs last week. I think Drew Brees does enough to keep it close, somehow there is no “D” is Denver… think about it.
49ers -4.5 over Lions
I got J.T. O’Sullivan going in one of my fantasy teams, so I can’t go against them here against the terrible Lions.
Seahawks -9.5 over Rams
This is a big spread for such a bad team. Hasselbeck gets round 2 of Koren Robinson in Seattle and Keary Colbert. Not great, but the Rams may very well be the worst team in football. Let the St. Louis or USC debates begin.
Browns +1.5 over Ravens
The Browns have to turn it around, right? Anderson, Braylon, Winslow, Jamal Lewis… let’s go! Big game for Romeo.
Eagles -2.5 over Steelers
2 of the best teams after the first 2 weeks, and a Pennsylvania civil war. I’ll take McNabb in a bounce back game.
Jaguars +5.5 over Colts
I don’t like the Jags, said so at the start of the year. They will miss the playoffs. But without Bob Sanders I don’t see the Colts winning by more than 6. I expect a close one.
Cowboys -2.5 over Packers
Cowboys in primetime again. Another great match up here, with 2 of the best teams in the NFC. Packers D will have their work cut out.
Chargers -8.5 over Jets
Brett Favre on Monday Night! Yeah, I’m over it too. San Diego is winless, they’ll come out fast and put away the Bretts early.
Besse
Last Week: 9-6
Overall: 15-16
Falcons -4.5 over Chiefs
Not only should the running game resemble that of Week 1, but the Chiefs could have Keefe under center come week 4.
Bills -8.5 over Raiders
If the Raiders didn’t have to travel so damn far, I might have them covering here despite the fact that both Fargas and McFadden could be out. Bush can play, too, you know. Bills are a better football team, period.
Bears -3.5 over Buccaneers
Bears D could have a field day on this offense. They might actually look impressive as a team this week.
Titans -4.5 over Texans
Something tells me Kerry Collins will be the quarterback of this team for the rest of the season. They’re better with him under center. Texans are facing adversity on and off the field. Tough draw.
Panthers +3.5 over Vikings
AP may be out, and Steve Smith returns for the Panthers. Not a good combination for the Vikings.
Patriots -12.5 over Dolphins
Cassel will open it up with Moss downfield and torch the Dolphins D.
Bengals +13.5 over Giants
I still think the Bengals can turn this offense around. But the Giants will torch that defense. This could actually be a shootout, and I think the Giants win but fail to cover.
Redskins -3.5 over Cardinals
Long trip for Warner and the Cards. They’ll make a game of it, but the Redskins looked much better last week and will continue to improve in a solid win here.
Saints +5.5 over Broncos
Highest scoring game of the week with both defenses better off staying home. Broncos punch one in late again to improve to 3-0.
49ers -4.5 over Lions
49ers get another bad defense this week and should capitalize. Kitna will most likely throw for 300 yards, but he’ll probably toss another 3 picks out there, too.
Seahawks -9.5 over Rams
Hasselbeck and the Seahawks get to forget about their offensive woes for one week, looking like a legitimate offense with practice squad wideouts against the Rams.
Browns +1.5 over Ravens
I like Cleveland to gut one out against the Ravens here.
Eagles -2.5 over Steelers
Should be a terrific football game. Too bad it’s not on primetime. Reggie Brown may be back for the Eagles, and Mcnabb and Westbrook should had enough tricks in their bag to prevail here.
Colts -5.5 over Jags
Colts will pull out a solid victory and send Jacksonville to 0-3. Sadly, I had the Jags winning the division. Woops.
Cowboys -2.5 over Packers
I love TO.
Chargers -8.5 over Jets
This could be a fun game for both offenses. I like to think that the Chargers are just a better football team, though, whether Tomlinson is there or not. Sproles is explosive and should help maintain a nice rhythm on offense.
Random Rob
Last week: 9-6
Overall: 21-10
Falcons (-4.5)
Bills (-8.5)
Bears (-3.5)
Titans (-4.5)
Vikings (-3.5)
Pats (-12.5)Giants (-13.5)
Cardinals (+3.5)
Saints (+5.5)
Lions (+4.5)
Rams (+9.5)
Ravens (-1.5)
Steelers (+2.5)
Colts (-5.5)
Packers (+2.5)
Chargers (-8.5)
And here we go…
Keefe
Last Week: 11-4
Overall: 16-15
Falcons -4.5 over Chiefs
Chiefs are horrible. Tyler Thigpen is the 3rd starting QB in 3 weeks. Look for Michael Turner have a day somewhere in between his first 2.
Bills -8.5 over Raiders
This is the toughest game to pick of the week. The Raiders have looked like 2 completely different teams in the first 2 games. Buffalo is a tough place to play and Trent Edwards is getting more and more comfortable.
Bears -3.5 over Buccaneers
Not going to be a pretty game, but that Bears D and Forte get the job done.
Titans -4.5 over Texans
I liked the Texans at the start of the year, after Hurricane Ike they’ll have a lot more on their mind then just football. Plus Kerry Collins is better for that Titan O.
Panthers +3.5 over Vikings
Carolina is 2-0 and they just got Steve Smith back. Vikings can stuff the run, so it’s the perfect time to get back one of the premier wideouts in the league.
Dolphins +12.5 over Patriots
Don’t get me wrong, the Pats improve to 3-0 this weekend. But after a 7 point win over the hapless Chiefs and a 9 point win over the Jets, why should I think they beat the Phins by 13?
Giants -13.5 over Bengals
Will Carson Palmer throw a TD this week? It won’t matter, the Bengals can’t stop anyone.
Cardinals +3.5 over Redskins
Kurt Warner and the surprise Cards keep on keepin’ on.
Saints +5.5 over Broncos
Saints may want to guard Brandon Marshall. He only had 18 grabs last week. I think Drew Brees does enough to keep it close, somehow there is no “D” is Denver… think about it.
49ers -4.5 over Lions
I got J.T. O’Sullivan going in one of my fantasy teams, so I can’t go against them here against the terrible Lions.
Seahawks -9.5 over Rams
This is a big spread for such a bad team. Hasselbeck gets round 2 of Koren Robinson in Seattle and Keary Colbert. Not great, but the Rams may very well be the worst team in football. Let the St. Louis or USC debates begin.
Browns +1.5 over Ravens
The Browns have to turn it around, right? Anderson, Braylon, Winslow, Jamal Lewis… let’s go! Big game for Romeo.
Eagles -2.5 over Steelers
2 of the best teams after the first 2 weeks, and a Pennsylvania civil war. I’ll take McNabb in a bounce back game.
Jaguars +5.5 over Colts
I don’t like the Jags, said so at the start of the year. They will miss the playoffs. But without Bob Sanders I don’t see the Colts winning by more than 6. I expect a close one.
Cowboys -2.5 over Packers
Cowboys in primetime again. Another great match up here, with 2 of the best teams in the NFC. Packers D will have their work cut out.
Chargers -8.5 over Jets
Brett Favre on Monday Night! Yeah, I’m over it too. San Diego is winless, they’ll come out fast and put away the Bretts early.
Besse
Last Week: 9-6
Overall: 15-16
Falcons -4.5 over Chiefs
Not only should the running game resemble that of Week 1, but the Chiefs could have Keefe under center come week 4.
Bills -8.5 over Raiders
If the Raiders didn’t have to travel so damn far, I might have them covering here despite the fact that both Fargas and McFadden could be out. Bush can play, too, you know. Bills are a better football team, period.
Bears -3.5 over Buccaneers
Bears D could have a field day on this offense. They might actually look impressive as a team this week.
Titans -4.5 over Texans
Something tells me Kerry Collins will be the quarterback of this team for the rest of the season. They’re better with him under center. Texans are facing adversity on and off the field. Tough draw.
Panthers +3.5 over Vikings
AP may be out, and Steve Smith returns for the Panthers. Not a good combination for the Vikings.
Patriots -12.5 over Dolphins
Cassel will open it up with Moss downfield and torch the Dolphins D.
Bengals +13.5 over Giants
I still think the Bengals can turn this offense around. But the Giants will torch that defense. This could actually be a shootout, and I think the Giants win but fail to cover.
Redskins -3.5 over Cardinals
Long trip for Warner and the Cards. They’ll make a game of it, but the Redskins looked much better last week and will continue to improve in a solid win here.
Saints +5.5 over Broncos
Highest scoring game of the week with both defenses better off staying home. Broncos punch one in late again to improve to 3-0.
49ers -4.5 over Lions
49ers get another bad defense this week and should capitalize. Kitna will most likely throw for 300 yards, but he’ll probably toss another 3 picks out there, too.
Seahawks -9.5 over Rams
Hasselbeck and the Seahawks get to forget about their offensive woes for one week, looking like a legitimate offense with practice squad wideouts against the Rams.
Browns +1.5 over Ravens
I like Cleveland to gut one out against the Ravens here.
Eagles -2.5 over Steelers
Should be a terrific football game. Too bad it’s not on primetime. Reggie Brown may be back for the Eagles, and Mcnabb and Westbrook should had enough tricks in their bag to prevail here.
Colts -5.5 over Jags
Colts will pull out a solid victory and send Jacksonville to 0-3. Sadly, I had the Jags winning the division. Woops.
Cowboys -2.5 over Packers
I love TO.
Chargers -8.5 over Jets
This could be a fun game for both offenses. I like to think that the Chargers are just a better football team, though, whether Tomlinson is there or not. Sproles is explosive and should help maintain a nice rhythm on offense.
Random Rob
Last week: 9-6
Overall: 21-10
Falcons (-4.5)
Bills (-8.5)
Bears (-3.5)
Titans (-4.5)
Vikings (-3.5)
Pats (-12.5)Giants (-13.5)
Cardinals (+3.5)
Saints (+5.5)
Lions (+4.5)
Rams (+9.5)
Ravens (-1.5)
Steelers (+2.5)
Colts (-5.5)
Packers (+2.5)
Chargers (-8.5)
Friday, September 12, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 2 NFL Picks
Well it’s Friday and we’re just two days away from Week 2 in the NFL. A few interesting matchups lie ahead, particularly the Pats-Jets, Broncos-Chargers, Browns-Steelers and of course, the Cowboys and Eagles on Monday night. Meanwhile, will teams like the Jaguars, Colts, and Seahawks drop to 0-2? And how will the Patriots fare without Tom Brady as they visit, as Keefe so aptly put it, the New York Bretts.
Random Ron took it down last week with 12 correct picks, while myself (6) and Keefe (5) turned in miserable efforts. As in golf, honors go to Ron, whose picks this week come from my girlfriend Tara. I e-mailed her the matchups with spreads and asked her to BOLD her picks. She chose to highlight them in pink and send them back. The picks were sent to her at 2:16pm and I received them at 2:18pm; that should give you an idea as to how much time and effort she put in.
Random Rob:
Last week: 12-4
Redskins (-0.5) over Saints
Jaguars (-6.5) over Bills
Raiders (+3.5) over Chiefs
Bengals (-1.5) over Titans
Colts (-1.5) over Vikings
Giants (-8.5) over Rams
Bears (+3.5) over Panthers
Packers (-2.5) over Lions
49ers (+8.5) over Seahawks
Bucs (-8.5) over Falcons
Jets (-2.5) over Patriots
Cardinals (-6.5) over Dolphins
Chargers (-3.5) over Broncos
Steelers (-5.5) over Browns
Ravens (+4.5) over Texans
Cowboys (-6.5) over Eagles
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 5-11
Saints +.5 over Redskins
Even without Colston I like the Saints to grab a road win.
Bills +6.5 over Jaguars
Bills were impressive vs. Seattle, and Jax is the most overrated team in football, in my opinion.
Chiefs -3.5 over Raiders
Damon Huard another back up getting the start, but did you see the Raiders last Monday?
Titans +1.5 over Bengals
No Vince Young may actually help Tennessee, and Cincy is a mess.
Colts -1.5 over Vikings
Colts can’t lose back-to-back NFC North games, can they?
Giants -8.5 over Rams
Just when you thought the Raiders were the worst team in football… here come the Rams.
Bears +3.5 over Panthers
Bears D came to play against the Colts, maybe they’re not done.
Packers -2.5 over Lions
Let the Aaron Rodgers band wagon continue to grow.
49ers +8.5 over Seahawks
Who is going to catch passes in Seattle?
Falcons +8.5 over Buccaneers
Garcia says he’s healthy, but still not getting the start. Let’s see if Michael “the Burner” Turner can keep it rolling.
Patriots +2.5 over Jets
So weird to see the Pats as underdogs. No Brady, but still a plethora of Pro Bowlers on this team to take down the New York Bretts.
Cardinals -6.5 over Dolphins
Miami has to travel cross country to go to 0-2. Pennington makes them much more respectable than last year, but it Cards still beat them up.
Broncos +3.5 over Chargers
Good rivalry here. Cutler gets his favorite target back in Brandon Marshall, to pair with last week’s favorite Eddie Royal. Also Shawn “Lights Out” Merriman… is out.
Browns +5.5 over Steelers
Not sure the Browns will win this game, but they keep it close.
Texans -4.5 over Ravens
Now a Monday night game, I’ll take the home team with their crowd.
Cowboys -6.5 over Eagles
A Terrell Owens TDs, gives the Cowboys the cover.
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 6-10
Saints (+0.5) over Redskins
Colston is out, but Reggie put on a show last week. Expect to see another one. Redskins offense will look better this week, but not good enough.
Jaguars (-6.5) over Bills
I expect the Jaguars D to thwart the Bills at home here. The offensive line is a bit banged up, but Garrard should find himself with plenty of options to throw to.
Chiefs (-3.5) over Raiders
How bad did the Raiders look on Monday night? Chiefs played tough in New England and should cover here with plenty of LJ and TG.
Titans (+1.5) over Bengals
VY going down was great timing for Week 2. Kerry Collins could light up Cincy, and Palmer and Co. should have just as much trouble with the Titans D as they did with the Ravens last week.
Colts (-1.5) over Vikings
Tavaris Jackson sucks.
Giants (-8.5) over Rams
The Rams offense is surprisingly bad. The defense is expectedly worse. Manning (of the Eli variety) could have a career day.
Bears (+3.5) over Panthers
Interesting matchup here. I don’t think the Bears win. But I think a late field goal or garbage Matt Forte TD helps them cover.
Packers (-2.5) over Lions
The Lions are brutal. I question if this is a trap game, but I can’t help but hope Rodgers can pull this one out. Jennings, Driver and Grant in a dome could turn into a track meet against that D.
49ers (+8.5) over Seahawks
Hasselback is out of receivers. And he doesn’t have a running back either. Tough.
Falcons (+8.5) over Bucs
Veteran back-up against a promising rookie. I think Griese should pull out the win, but not by 9. Ryan has a dynamic duo in the backfield taking pressure off of him right now and allowing him a chance to limit mistakes in the passing game. Tough D this week, but I like them to cover.
Patriots (+2.5) over Jets
I can’t root against New England here.
Dolphins (+6.5) over Cardinals
Oddly enough, this could be a shootout. Big fan of Pennington to Fasano, and Warner should have be a great fantasy QB all year long.
Broncos (+3.5) over Chargers
With Merriman out, this Chargers D is in trouble all year long. Marshall is back for Denver, so Cutler has a nice array of receivers with Eddie Royal making a splash.
Steelers (-5.5) over Browns
Browns were banged up against Dallas and the Steelers are a solid team. I expect to see Big Ben air it out a bit more this week.
Ravens (+4.5) over Texans
Not sure how the Ravens are getting 4.5 here. This could be a low scoring affair if the Ravens D has its way. Regardless, Flacco should be able to keep it close against a porous D.
Cowboys (-6.5) over Eagles
Mcnabb won’t be lighting it up against this pass defense. Romo and TO will make sure the Cowboys make a statement at home on Monday night.
Random Ron took it down last week with 12 correct picks, while myself (6) and Keefe (5) turned in miserable efforts. As in golf, honors go to Ron, whose picks this week come from my girlfriend Tara. I e-mailed her the matchups with spreads and asked her to BOLD her picks. She chose to highlight them in pink and send them back. The picks were sent to her at 2:16pm and I received them at 2:18pm; that should give you an idea as to how much time and effort she put in.
Random Rob:
Last week: 12-4
Redskins (-0.5) over Saints
Jaguars (-6.5) over Bills
Raiders (+3.5) over Chiefs
Bengals (-1.5) over Titans
Colts (-1.5) over Vikings
Giants (-8.5) over Rams
Bears (+3.5) over Panthers
Packers (-2.5) over Lions
49ers (+8.5) over Seahawks
Bucs (-8.5) over Falcons
Jets (-2.5) over Patriots
Cardinals (-6.5) over Dolphins
Chargers (-3.5) over Broncos
Steelers (-5.5) over Browns
Ravens (+4.5) over Texans
Cowboys (-6.5) over Eagles
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 5-11
Saints +.5 over Redskins
Even without Colston I like the Saints to grab a road win.
Bills +6.5 over Jaguars
Bills were impressive vs. Seattle, and Jax is the most overrated team in football, in my opinion.
Chiefs -3.5 over Raiders
Damon Huard another back up getting the start, but did you see the Raiders last Monday?
Titans +1.5 over Bengals
No Vince Young may actually help Tennessee, and Cincy is a mess.
Colts -1.5 over Vikings
Colts can’t lose back-to-back NFC North games, can they?
Giants -8.5 over Rams
Just when you thought the Raiders were the worst team in football… here come the Rams.
Bears +3.5 over Panthers
Bears D came to play against the Colts, maybe they’re not done.
Packers -2.5 over Lions
Let the Aaron Rodgers band wagon continue to grow.
49ers +8.5 over Seahawks
Who is going to catch passes in Seattle?
Falcons +8.5 over Buccaneers
Garcia says he’s healthy, but still not getting the start. Let’s see if Michael “the Burner” Turner can keep it rolling.
Patriots +2.5 over Jets
So weird to see the Pats as underdogs. No Brady, but still a plethora of Pro Bowlers on this team to take down the New York Bretts.
Cardinals -6.5 over Dolphins
Miami has to travel cross country to go to 0-2. Pennington makes them much more respectable than last year, but it Cards still beat them up.
Broncos +3.5 over Chargers
Good rivalry here. Cutler gets his favorite target back in Brandon Marshall, to pair with last week’s favorite Eddie Royal. Also Shawn “Lights Out” Merriman… is out.
Browns +5.5 over Steelers
Not sure the Browns will win this game, but they keep it close.
Texans -4.5 over Ravens
Now a Monday night game, I’ll take the home team with their crowd.
Cowboys -6.5 over Eagles
A Terrell Owens TDs, gives the Cowboys the cover.
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 6-10
Saints (+0.5) over Redskins
Colston is out, but Reggie put on a show last week. Expect to see another one. Redskins offense will look better this week, but not good enough.
Jaguars (-6.5) over Bills
I expect the Jaguars D to thwart the Bills at home here. The offensive line is a bit banged up, but Garrard should find himself with plenty of options to throw to.
Chiefs (-3.5) over Raiders
How bad did the Raiders look on Monday night? Chiefs played tough in New England and should cover here with plenty of LJ and TG.
Titans (+1.5) over Bengals
VY going down was great timing for Week 2. Kerry Collins could light up Cincy, and Palmer and Co. should have just as much trouble with the Titans D as they did with the Ravens last week.
Colts (-1.5) over Vikings
Tavaris Jackson sucks.
Giants (-8.5) over Rams
The Rams offense is surprisingly bad. The defense is expectedly worse. Manning (of the Eli variety) could have a career day.
Bears (+3.5) over Panthers
Interesting matchup here. I don’t think the Bears win. But I think a late field goal or garbage Matt Forte TD helps them cover.
Packers (-2.5) over Lions
The Lions are brutal. I question if this is a trap game, but I can’t help but hope Rodgers can pull this one out. Jennings, Driver and Grant in a dome could turn into a track meet against that D.
49ers (+8.5) over Seahawks
Hasselback is out of receivers. And he doesn’t have a running back either. Tough.
Falcons (+8.5) over Bucs
Veteran back-up against a promising rookie. I think Griese should pull out the win, but not by 9. Ryan has a dynamic duo in the backfield taking pressure off of him right now and allowing him a chance to limit mistakes in the passing game. Tough D this week, but I like them to cover.
Patriots (+2.5) over Jets
I can’t root against New England here.
Dolphins (+6.5) over Cardinals
Oddly enough, this could be a shootout. Big fan of Pennington to Fasano, and Warner should have be a great fantasy QB all year long.
Broncos (+3.5) over Chargers
With Merriman out, this Chargers D is in trouble all year long. Marshall is back for Denver, so Cutler has a nice array of receivers with Eddie Royal making a splash.
Steelers (-5.5) over Browns
Browns were banged up against Dallas and the Steelers are a solid team. I expect to see Big Ben air it out a bit more this week.
Ravens (+4.5) over Texans
Not sure how the Ravens are getting 4.5 here. This could be a low scoring affair if the Ravens D has its way. Regardless, Flacco should be able to keep it close against a porous D.
Cowboys (-6.5) over Eagles
Mcnabb won’t be lighting it up against this pass defense. Romo and TO will make sure the Cowboys make a statement at home on Monday night.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Heisman Update (Week 2)
Week 2, how did they do?
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia, 2-0
18-28, 213 yards, 2 TDs in 56-17 win over Central Michigan
Total: 31-49, 488 yards, 4 TDs
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri, 2-0
65 total yards, TD in 52-3 win over SE Missouri State
Total: 299 total yards, 2 TDs
Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State, 2-0
DNP
Total: 13 rush, 111 yards, TD
Pat White, QB, West Virginia, 1-1
11-18, 72 yards, 20 rush, 97 yards in 24-3 loss to East Carolina
Total: 280 pass yards, 5 TDs, 160 rush yards
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georiga, 2-0
18 rush, 168 yards, 3 TD, 3 rec., 30 yards in 56-17 win over Central Michigan
Total: 26 rush, 227 yards, 8.7 avg., 6 TDs, 5 rec., 83 yards
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech, 2-0
7 receptions, 158 yards, TD, in 35-19 win over Nevada
Total: 16 rec., 231 yards, 2 TDs
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida, 2-0
21-35, 256 yards, 2 TDs, 13 rush, 55 yards
Total: 393 pass yards, 3 TDs, 92 rush yards
Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech, 2-0
19-46, 297 yards, TD, 2 INTs in 35-19 win over Nevada
Total: 833 pass yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, rush TD
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia, 2-0
18-28, 213 yards, 2 TDs in 56-17 win over Central Michigan
Total: 31-49, 488 yards, 4 TDs
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri, 2-0
65 total yards, TD in 52-3 win over SE Missouri State
Total: 299 total yards, 2 TDs
Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State, 2-0
DNP
Total: 13 rush, 111 yards, TD
Pat White, QB, West Virginia, 1-1
11-18, 72 yards, 20 rush, 97 yards in 24-3 loss to East Carolina
Total: 280 pass yards, 5 TDs, 160 rush yards
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georiga, 2-0
18 rush, 168 yards, 3 TD, 3 rec., 30 yards in 56-17 win over Central Michigan
Total: 26 rush, 227 yards, 8.7 avg., 6 TDs, 5 rec., 83 yards
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech, 2-0
7 receptions, 158 yards, TD, in 35-19 win over Nevada
Total: 16 rec., 231 yards, 2 TDs
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida, 2-0
21-35, 256 yards, 2 TDs, 13 rush, 55 yards
Total: 393 pass yards, 3 TDs, 92 rush yards
Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech, 2-0
19-46, 297 yards, TD, 2 INTs in 35-19 win over Nevada
Total: 833 pass yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs, rush TD
Sunday, September 7, 2008
UFC 88 Results
Rashad Evans def. Chuck Liddell via violent KO - 1:51 of round 2
(You'll see this next on Ultimate Knockouts 6. Watching this on TV you had no idea how long it took the Iceman to get back to his feet. This was vicious. He was out. Not until after Rashad's interview by Joe Rogan did you see Hackelman and the rest of Liddell's corner holding him up ala Weekend at Bernie's or dare I say Weekend at Bernie's II. Just unbelievable. Who fights Forrest now for the Light Heavyweight title? We shall see.)
Rich Franklin def. Matt Hamill via TKO - 0:39 of round 3
Dan Henderson def. Rousimar Palhares via unanimous decision
Nate Marquardt def. Martin Kampmann via TKO - 1:21 of round 1
Dong Hyun Kim def. Matt Brown via split decision
UNDERCARD:
Kurt Pellegrino def. Thiago Tavares via unanimous decision.
Tim Boetsch def. Mike Patt via TKO - 2:03 of round 1.
Jason MacDonald def. Jason Lambert via submission - 1:20 of round 2.
Ryo Chonan def. Roan Carneiro via split decision.
How we did...
Keefe UFC 88 Picks: 8-1, (14-5 overall)
Besse UFC 88 Picks: 5-4, (13-6 overall)
(You'll see this next on Ultimate Knockouts 6. Watching this on TV you had no idea how long it took the Iceman to get back to his feet. This was vicious. He was out. Not until after Rashad's interview by Joe Rogan did you see Hackelman and the rest of Liddell's corner holding him up ala Weekend at Bernie's or dare I say Weekend at Bernie's II. Just unbelievable. Who fights Forrest now for the Light Heavyweight title? We shall see.)
Rich Franklin def. Matt Hamill via TKO - 0:39 of round 3
Dan Henderson def. Rousimar Palhares via unanimous decision
Nate Marquardt def. Martin Kampmann via TKO - 1:21 of round 1
Dong Hyun Kim def. Matt Brown via split decision
UNDERCARD:
Kurt Pellegrino def. Thiago Tavares via unanimous decision.
Tim Boetsch def. Mike Patt via TKO - 2:03 of round 1.
Jason MacDonald def. Jason Lambert via submission - 1:20 of round 2.
Ryo Chonan def. Roan Carneiro via split decision.
How we did...
Keefe UFC 88 Picks: 8-1, (14-5 overall)
Besse UFC 88 Picks: 5-4, (13-6 overall)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Heisman Update (Week 1)
Throughout the college football season I will monitor my “Big 8” Heisman picks with some stats and analysis from each week. Let’s cut the small talk and see how they did. (Note: Maclin and Wells both left their respective games with injury, but should be back.)
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
13-21, 275 yards, 2 TD in 45-21 Win over Georgia Southern
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
234 total yards, TD, (99 yard KR TD) in 52-42 Win over #20 Illinois
Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State
13 rush, 111 yards, TD in 43-0 Win over Youngstown State
Pat White, QB, West Virginia
25-33, 208 yards, 5 TD, INT, 9 rush, 63 yards in 48-21 Win over Villanova
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georiga
8 rush, 59 yards, 3 TD, 2 receptions, 56 yards in 45-21 Win over Georgia Southern
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
9 receptions, 73 yards, TD in 49-24 Win over Eastern Washington
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
9-14, 137, TD, 9 rush, 37 yards in 56-10 Win over Hawaii
Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech
43-58, 536 yards, 2 TD, INT, rush TD in 49-24 Win over Eastern Washington
-Keefe
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
13-21, 275 yards, 2 TD in 45-21 Win over Georgia Southern
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
234 total yards, TD, (99 yard KR TD) in 52-42 Win over #20 Illinois
Beanie Wells, RB, Ohio State
13 rush, 111 yards, TD in 43-0 Win over Youngstown State
Pat White, QB, West Virginia
25-33, 208 yards, 5 TD, INT, 9 rush, 63 yards in 48-21 Win over Villanova
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georiga
8 rush, 59 yards, 3 TD, 2 receptions, 56 yards in 45-21 Win over Georgia Southern
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
9 receptions, 73 yards, TD in 49-24 Win over Eastern Washington
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
9-14, 137, TD, 9 rush, 37 yards in 56-10 Win over Hawaii
Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech
43-58, 536 yards, 2 TD, INT, rush TD in 49-24 Win over Eastern Washington
-Keefe
Sunday, August 10, 2008
UFC 87 Results
Here are the results from Saturday night's UFC event, and you can see how the guys from the Brief did with their picks.
Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas via submission (arm-bar). Round 2, 2:28.
Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno via unanimous decision.
Jon Jones def. Andre Gusmao via unanimous decision.
Cheick Kongo def. Dan Evensen via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 4:55.
Tamdan McCrory def. Luke Cummo via unanimous decision.
Demian Maia def. Jason MacDonald via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 3, 2:44.
Kenny Florian def. Roger Huerta via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Rob Emerson def. Manny Gamburyan via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 0:12.
Brock Lesnar def. Heath Herring via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26).
Georges St. Pierre def. Jon Fitch via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 50-44), to retain his Welterweight Championship.
The Sports Brief Picks
Besse: 8-2
Keefe: 6-4
Ben Saunders def. Ryan Thomas via submission (arm-bar). Round 2, 2:28.
Chris Wilson def. Steve Bruno via unanimous decision.
Jon Jones def. Andre Gusmao via unanimous decision.
Cheick Kongo def. Dan Evensen via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 4:55.
Tamdan McCrory def. Luke Cummo via unanimous decision.
Demian Maia def. Jason MacDonald via submission (rear-naked choke) -- Round 3, 2:44.
Kenny Florian def. Roger Huerta via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Rob Emerson def. Manny Gamburyan via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 0:12.
Brock Lesnar def. Heath Herring via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26).
Georges St. Pierre def. Jon Fitch via unanimous decision (50-43, 50-44, 50-44), to retain his Welterweight Championship.
The Sports Brief Picks
Besse: 8-2
Keefe: 6-4
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Sports Brief breaks down this weekend's MMA cards
The weekend that MMA fans have long awaited for is finally here. In what was supposed to be the debut of Affliction’s fighting organization on the main stage, is now a competition between Free UFC fights on Spike and the stacked Affliction card on PPV. We here at the Sports Brief will take you through each and every fight going on this weekend. Rich Keefe covers the Affliction card, with his take on the UFC main event, while Tristan Besse breaks down UFC Fight Night 14 and also weighs in on Fedor vs. Sylvia. Rather than ripping on Dana White for hurting the sport, we’ll just give you our picks.
J.J. Ambrose def. Mike Pyle via submission in the 1st round
Aleksander Emelianenko def. Paul Buentello via decision
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Edwin Dewees via submission in the 1st round
Vitor Belfort def. Terry Martin via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Ray Lizama def. Justin Levens via decision
Mark Hominick def. Savant Young via (T)KO in the 2nd round
Only on PPV:
Babalu Sobral vs. Mike Whitehead
Babalu is one of the best submission fighters in the game. In his 29 victories, 16 have come via submission, including a guillotine choke on Shogun Rua. He has faced the best fighters in the world including Fedor, Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Kevin Randleman, and the aforementioned Shogun. Whitehead on the other hand enters the ring with a 12 fight win streak. He’s fought a lot at heavyweight in his career, but this one is at 205. Babalu’s ground game will be too much for him, and there will no lucky 13 for Whitehead.
Babalu def. Whitehead via submission in the 2nd round
Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Negao
Matt “The Law” Lindland may be Anderson Silva’s toughest test at 185, but we’re not going to see that fight, thank you Dana White. In his last 11 fights Lindland has lost twice, to Fedor and Rampage, not bad. But he has not had a fight since April of 2007. There will be some ring rust for sure. Negao never fought in the UFC or Pride and hasn’t faced anyone like Lindland. He could really put himself on the map with this huge upset, but I don’t see that happening.
Lindland def. Negao via (T)KO in the 2nd round
Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo
Two guys here who each fought Randy Couture for the heavyweight title during his first reign. Rizzo could never beat The Natural while Barnett did win, but was disqualified after testing positive for steroids. It’s also a rematch as this two men squared off in the UFC octagon back in February of 2001. Rizzo earned a KO victory in the 2nd. Pedro “The Rock” last saw action in the fall of ’07 while Barnett is 2-0 in ’08. I think Barnett has a lot to prove and would love to face the winner of the Fedor fight at the next Affliction show. Surprisingly Barnett and Fedor never crossed paths in Pride. Barnett split two fights with current UFC interim heavy weight champ Big Nog, lost 3 times to Cro Cop, and defeated Mark Hunt and Aleksander Emelianenko.
Barnett def. Rizzo via submission in the 1st round
Andrei Arlovski vs. Ben Rothwell
Rothwell is riding an impressive 13 fight win streak, including all 9 of his fights in the IFL. Equally impressive will be his near 25 pound weight advantage over the Pit Bull. Arlovski just another disgruntled former UFC champion and star turned new Affliction poster boy. After beating Fabricio Werdum, Arlovski has 1 fight remaining on his contract, so Dana put him on the under card where he beat Jake O’Brien. Way to treat a former champ. Tons of intriguing match ups in the heavyweight division here in Affliction, and with a great performance Andrei could find himself headlining the next event.
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia
This is it. Fedor is fighting a top of the line heavyweight for the first time since back in December of 2006, when he submitted Mark Hunt. Fedor has just 1 loss in his amazing career and it was in 2000, just his 3rd pro fight. The list of fighters he has beat is long and incredible, (Ricardo Arona, Babalu, Heath Herring, Big Nog (2), Mark Coleman (2), Kevin Randleman, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, and Matt Lindland.) This guy is for real.
Sylvia’s last fight was for the UFC’s interim heavyweight championship against Big Nog. He lost by submission, but it was one of the more entertaining fights by Big Tim in quite a while. He’s even admitted to just trying to not lose fights, thus watching him just push around a smaller opponent for 3-5 rounds and raising his arm to a chorus of boos. Well know he knows he is fighting the best. Really doesn’t have a thing to lose here.
Affliction needs this to be an awesome “Fight of the Year” type of fight that people will be talking about long after it’s over. Sylvia is tough to read. He could deliver that kind of fight, or he could just lumber around the ring until getting caught in a submission. I think it will be somewhere in between. It’ll be exciting, but ultimately Sylvia will get caught, and lose via submission like he has against other great ground fighters like Big Nog and Frank Mir.
Fedor def. Sylvia via submission in the 2nd round
UFC Fight Night 14
Preliminary bouts:
Shannon Gugerty def. Dale Hartt via submission in the 1st round
Brad Blackburn def. James Giboo via (T)KO in the 2nd round
Nate Loughran def. Johnny Rees via decision
Rory Markham def. Brodie Farber via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Tim Credeur def. Cale Yarbrough via submission in the 2nd round
Jesse Taylor v. CB Dolloway
This is basically a match pitting two outstanding wrestlers with highly credible collegiate resumes against one another. That being said, my thought from TUF7 was that Jesse Taylor was a one-dimensional fighter. He was too big and too strong for anyone to handle his wrestling, and he essentially held people down while inflicting enough ground and pound to prevent the referee from standing it back up. CB Dolloway is just as strong a wrestler, so I expect his takedown defense to be very technical and effective in avoiding Taylor’s wrath. Dolloway should be able to keep this on the feet long enough to land some strikes and earn a 29-28 decision. I think at some point Taylor will get him down and ride out a round.
The light heavyweight debut for Vera and the UFC debut for Andy. I don’t think the weight cut will be a factor for Vera, as he walks around at 225 and fights around 215. He’s just so athletic and solid with his striking that he was able to hang with the heavyweights. Andy, meanwhile, is just a name to me. I’ve never seen the guy fight nor do I claim to know anything about him, except what his Fight Finder page on Sherdog tells me. He’s an IFL lifer with a bunch of decision wins. I think Vera will make a statement here, but I also don’t know if his stay in this division will last long. He wants to avenge his loss to Verdum, and with Frank Mir getting a title shot – a guy that Vera destroyed – he has some issues to resolve with the heavyweights.
Main Event
Anderson Silva v. James Irvin
The light heavyweight debut for Anderson Silva, as well! Imagine if they had Silva and Vera debut AGAINST each other. I should have Joe Silva’s job. Anyway, Irvin is a dangerous striker, no doubt about it, but he’s fighting arguably the most technical striker in the world, pound for pound. This is the middleweight champ who destroyed a former 205-pounder (Rich Franklin) twice, as well as Dan Henderson, who cut from 205 to contend for the UFC crown. Silva is moving up in weight, and while I don’t know how much stronger he’ll be because of it; his striking will be quicker than Irvin’s. And if this goes to the ground, lest we forget that Silva is a dangerous submission guy with a black belt in jiu-jitsu. Irvin, meanwhile, just blew away one of the more feared strikers in the division in Houston Alexander. He finished “The Assassin” in a record-tying eight seconds, which is impressive considering Alexander seemed to have a strong chin up to that point. Ten of Irvin’s wins have come by some form of a KO, so he’s definitely game. This will be explosive for sure.
Silva by T(KO) late in the 1st round
Affliction: Banned
Preliminary bouts:
J.J. Ambrose def. Mike Pyle via submission in the 1st round
Aleksander Emelianenko def. Paul Buentello via decision
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira def. Edwin Dewees via submission in the 1st round
Vitor Belfort def. Terry Martin via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Ray Lizama def. Justin Levens via decision
Mark Hominick def. Savant Young via (T)KO in the 2nd round
Only on PPV:
Babalu Sobral vs. Mike Whitehead
Babalu is one of the best submission fighters in the game. In his 29 victories, 16 have come via submission, including a guillotine choke on Shogun Rua. He has faced the best fighters in the world including Fedor, Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Kevin Randleman, and the aforementioned Shogun. Whitehead on the other hand enters the ring with a 12 fight win streak. He’s fought a lot at heavyweight in his career, but this one is at 205. Babalu’s ground game will be too much for him, and there will no lucky 13 for Whitehead.
Babalu def. Whitehead via submission in the 2nd round
Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Negao
Matt “The Law” Lindland may be Anderson Silva’s toughest test at 185, but we’re not going to see that fight, thank you Dana White. In his last 11 fights Lindland has lost twice, to Fedor and Rampage, not bad. But he has not had a fight since April of 2007. There will be some ring rust for sure. Negao never fought in the UFC or Pride and hasn’t faced anyone like Lindland. He could really put himself on the map with this huge upset, but I don’t see that happening.
Lindland def. Negao via (T)KO in the 2nd round
Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo
Two guys here who each fought Randy Couture for the heavyweight title during his first reign. Rizzo could never beat The Natural while Barnett did win, but was disqualified after testing positive for steroids. It’s also a rematch as this two men squared off in the UFC octagon back in February of 2001. Rizzo earned a KO victory in the 2nd. Pedro “The Rock” last saw action in the fall of ’07 while Barnett is 2-0 in ’08. I think Barnett has a lot to prove and would love to face the winner of the Fedor fight at the next Affliction show. Surprisingly Barnett and Fedor never crossed paths in Pride. Barnett split two fights with current UFC interim heavy weight champ Big Nog, lost 3 times to Cro Cop, and defeated Mark Hunt and Aleksander Emelianenko.
Barnett def. Rizzo via submission in the 1st round
Andrei Arlovski vs. Ben Rothwell
Rothwell is riding an impressive 13 fight win streak, including all 9 of his fights in the IFL. Equally impressive will be his near 25 pound weight advantage over the Pit Bull. Arlovski just another disgruntled former UFC champion and star turned new Affliction poster boy. After beating Fabricio Werdum, Arlovski has 1 fight remaining on his contract, so Dana put him on the under card where he beat Jake O’Brien. Way to treat a former champ. Tons of intriguing match ups in the heavyweight division here in Affliction, and with a great performance Andrei could find himself headlining the next event.
Arlovski def. Rothwell via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia
This is it. Fedor is fighting a top of the line heavyweight for the first time since back in December of 2006, when he submitted Mark Hunt. Fedor has just 1 loss in his amazing career and it was in 2000, just his 3rd pro fight. The list of fighters he has beat is long and incredible, (Ricardo Arona, Babalu, Heath Herring, Big Nog (2), Mark Coleman (2), Kevin Randleman, Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, and Matt Lindland.) This guy is for real.
Sylvia’s last fight was for the UFC’s interim heavyweight championship against Big Nog. He lost by submission, but it was one of the more entertaining fights by Big Tim in quite a while. He’s even admitted to just trying to not lose fights, thus watching him just push around a smaller opponent for 3-5 rounds and raising his arm to a chorus of boos. Well know he knows he is fighting the best. Really doesn’t have a thing to lose here.
Affliction needs this to be an awesome “Fight of the Year” type of fight that people will be talking about long after it’s over. Sylvia is tough to read. He could deliver that kind of fight, or he could just lumber around the ring until getting caught in a submission. I think it will be somewhere in between. It’ll be exciting, but ultimately Sylvia will get caught, and lose via submission like he has against other great ground fighters like Big Nog and Frank Mir.
Fedor def. Sylvia via submission in the 2nd round
UFC Fight Night 14
Preliminary bouts:
Shannon Gugerty def. Dale Hartt via submission in the 1st round
Brad Blackburn def. James Giboo via (T)KO in the 2nd round
Nate Loughran def. Johnny Rees via decision
Rory Markham def. Brodie Farber via (T)KO in the 3rd round
Tim Credeur def. Cale Yarbrough via submission in the 2nd round
Only on SpikeTV:
Jesse Taylor v. CB Dolloway
This is basically a match pitting two outstanding wrestlers with highly credible collegiate resumes against one another. That being said, my thought from TUF7 was that Jesse Taylor was a one-dimensional fighter. He was too big and too strong for anyone to handle his wrestling, and he essentially held people down while inflicting enough ground and pound to prevent the referee from standing it back up. CB Dolloway is just as strong a wrestler, so I expect his takedown defense to be very technical and effective in avoiding Taylor’s wrath. Dolloway should be able to keep this on the feet long enough to land some strikes and earn a 29-28 decision. I think at some point Taylor will get him down and ride out a round.
CB Dolloway by unanimous decision.
Anthony Johnson v. Kevin Burns
Has anyone else seen “Rumble” Johnson’s two wins via KO in the UFC? They were both exciting, and he reminds me of a Melvin Guillard at welterweight. Kevin Burns scored a shocking submission victory over Roan Carneiro in his UFC debut, but “Rumble” seems to have a bit more ring acumen than Guillard. If he puts Burns on his back, he’ll have the ref stand him right back up. I think Johnson will absolutely light up the arena on Saturday night with a sensational KO that elevates him up the rankings in a flash. If he blows away Burns like I expect him too, I’d actually encourage Joe Silva to pit him against Josh Koscheck and see where that one goes.
Anthony Johnson via KO in 1st round
Cain Velasquez v. Jake O’Brien
Interesting match-up here. Velasquez is being touted as the second coming of Christ in the heavyweight division. In fact his trainer has been quoted as saying he could defeat Randy Couture RIGHT NOW and needs only a year before he can take out Fedor. Wow. That’s some mighty high praise. O’Brien, meanwhile, seems to be a UFC whipping boy. He was brought in to be a cake walk for Heath Herring, but shocked a live SpikeTV audience. Then he was injured, then later brought in as an opponent for former champ Andrei Arlovski. That went as planned, and O’Brien was released again, only to be brought back as an opponent for Velasquez. The little I’ve seen of Cain is impressive. This guy is great on his feet and also has a solid wrestling pedigree. O’Brien won’t have the tools to compete, as he’s a one-dimensional guy with his wrestling.
Interesting match-up here. Velasquez is being touted as the second coming of Christ in the heavyweight division. In fact his trainer has been quoted as saying he could defeat Randy Couture RIGHT NOW and needs only a year before he can take out Fedor. Wow. That’s some mighty high praise. O’Brien, meanwhile, seems to be a UFC whipping boy. He was brought in to be a cake walk for Heath Herring, but shocked a live SpikeTV audience. Then he was injured, then later brought in as an opponent for former champ Andrei Arlovski. That went as planned, and O’Brien was released again, only to be brought back as an opponent for Velasquez. The little I’ve seen of Cain is impressive. This guy is great on his feet and also has a solid wrestling pedigree. O’Brien won’t have the tools to compete, as he’s a one-dimensional guy with his wrestling.
Cain Velasquez by (T)KO in the 1st round
Hermes Franca v. Frankie Edgar
Edgar is coming off his first professional loss, a bout in which he was outwrestled and outstruck by Gray Maynard. Franca, meanwhile, returns from his suspension after testing positive for steroids in the same title bout that Sherk tested positive. How about that! Edgar is a wrestler who pounds out decision victories, while Franca is a tested veteran with 11 submission wins to his credit. Look for Edgar to take this fight to the ground, only to have Franca catch him in a submission.
Edgar is coming off his first professional loss, a bout in which he was outwrestled and outstruck by Gray Maynard. Franca, meanwhile, returns from his suspension after testing positive for steroids in the same title bout that Sherk tested positive. How about that! Edgar is a wrestler who pounds out decision victories, while Franca is a tested veteran with 11 submission wins to his credit. Look for Edgar to take this fight to the ground, only to have Franca catch him in a submission.
Hermes Franca via 2nd round submission
Brandon Vera v. Reese Andy
The light heavyweight debut for Vera and the UFC debut for Andy. I don’t think the weight cut will be a factor for Vera, as he walks around at 225 and fights around 215. He’s just so athletic and solid with his striking that he was able to hang with the heavyweights. Andy, meanwhile, is just a name to me. I’ve never seen the guy fight nor do I claim to know anything about him, except what his Fight Finder page on Sherdog tells me. He’s an IFL lifer with a bunch of decision wins. I think Vera will make a statement here, but I also don’t know if his stay in this division will last long. He wants to avenge his loss to Verdum, and with Frank Mir getting a title shot – a guy that Vera destroyed – he has some issues to resolve with the heavyweights.
Vera by decision
Main Event
Anderson Silva v. James Irvin
The light heavyweight debut for Anderson Silva, as well! Imagine if they had Silva and Vera debut AGAINST each other. I should have Joe Silva’s job. Anyway, Irvin is a dangerous striker, no doubt about it, but he’s fighting arguably the most technical striker in the world, pound for pound. This is the middleweight champ who destroyed a former 205-pounder (Rich Franklin) twice, as well as Dan Henderson, who cut from 205 to contend for the UFC crown. Silva is moving up in weight, and while I don’t know how much stronger he’ll be because of it; his striking will be quicker than Irvin’s. And if this goes to the ground, lest we forget that Silva is a dangerous submission guy with a black belt in jiu-jitsu. Irvin, meanwhile, just blew away one of the more feared strikers in the division in Houston Alexander. He finished “The Assassin” in a record-tying eight seconds, which is impressive considering Alexander seemed to have a strong chin up to that point. Ten of Irvin’s wins have come by some form of a KO, so he’s definitely game. This will be explosive for sure.
Silva by T(KO) late in the 1st round
My take on the Main Event of Affliction: Banned
Fedor is the pound for pound best on some experts rankings, while Sylvia is the former UFC champ who has come under fire lately for his passive nature in the ring. As Keefe said, he’s admitted to just trying not to lose fights. But I was actually impressed with Big Tim in his last fight against Nogueira for the interim UFC Heavyweight title. He was aggressive, controlled the fight on the feet, and was dominating the Big Nog until he got caught with a sick submission in the 3rd round. Sylvia has a distinct height and reach advantage, much like he did against Randy Couture back in March of 2007. But he’s a different fighter.
Fedor, meanwhile, has been inactive lately having fought twice in ’06 and twice in ’07. This is first tilt in ’08. His last win was against that giant Hong Man Choi, who also happened to be a tomato can. He fought three name opponents prior to that (Lindland, Coleman and Mark Hunt), but Lindland fought up two weight classes, Coleman is overrated and Hunt is a K-1 guy. Sylvia is clearly his toughest test in a long, long time.
Fedor, meanwhile, has been inactive lately having fought twice in ’06 and twice in ’07. This is first tilt in ’08. His last win was against that giant Hong Man Choi, who also happened to be a tomato can. He fought three name opponents prior to that (Lindland, Coleman and Mark Hunt), but Lindland fought up two weight classes, Coleman is overrated and Hunt is a K-1 guy. Sylvia is clearly his toughest test in a long, long time.
I think Sylvia will come out much in the same way he did against Nog, using his jab and aggressively mixing in nice combinations trying to pepper Fedor. Sylvia has a great, great sprawl, and his long, lanky build causes problems for guys on top of him. If he knocks down Fedor, I don’t think he makes the same mistake as he did against Nog. He’ll certainly try and finish the fight, but if Fedor comes to and regains his composure, look for Sylvia to back off and stand it back up. I’ll be shocked if he gets submitted again. I’m picking the upset…
Sylvia via decision
Keefe’s take on the main event at UFC Fight Night 14
Anderson Silva has just decimated the middleweight division. Hendo, Franklin, Leben, it doesn’t matter. Brining the Spider up to fight some of the guys from the loaded light heavyweight division makes some sense to me. And why not have this spectacle go up against the Affliction card. Well I’m not sold on James Irvin. Sure he has knockout power, but he is not a Top 10 guy in the division, and maybe not Top 15. If Silva fought a Soko, Rashad Evans, Thiago Silva, Wanderlei, Jardine, or even Vera as Besse mentioned, I would be tempted to watch the UFC live. But I’m not. Silva should smoke this guy like everyone else since he’s stepped into the octagon.
Silva def. Irvin via (T)KO in the 1st round
Keefe’s take on the main event at UFC Fight Night 14
Anderson Silva has just decimated the middleweight division. Hendo, Franklin, Leben, it doesn’t matter. Brining the Spider up to fight some of the guys from the loaded light heavyweight division makes some sense to me. And why not have this spectacle go up against the Affliction card. Well I’m not sold on James Irvin. Sure he has knockout power, but he is not a Top 10 guy in the division, and maybe not Top 15. If Silva fought a Soko, Rashad Evans, Thiago Silva, Wanderlei, Jardine, or even Vera as Besse mentioned, I would be tempted to watch the UFC live. But I’m not. Silva should smoke this guy like everyone else since he’s stepped into the octagon.
Silva def. Irvin via (T)KO in the 1st round
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Keefe's Picks on the Record
Here are my picks for the tourney so you can follow along. Scroll down to see Besse's picks as well. Keepin it simple like Bess and going just with winners. Enjoy, and goodluck with your bracket.
East
North Carolina over Mt. St. Mary's
Indiana over Arkansas
Notre Dame over George Mason
Washington State over Winthrop
Saint Joseph's over Oklahoma
Louisville over Boise State
Butler over South Alabama
Tennessee over American
North Carolina over Indiana
Notre Dame over Washington State
Louisville over Saint Joseph's
Tennessee over Butler
North Carolina over Notre Dame
Tennessee over Louisville
Midwest
Kansas over Portland State
Kent State over UNLV
Villanova over Clemson
Vanderbilt over Siena
USC over Kansas State
Wisconsin over Cal St. Fullerton
Davidson over Gonzaga
Georgetown over UMBC
Kansas over Kent State
Vanderbilt over Villanova
USC over Wisconsin
Georgetown over Davidson
Vanderbilt over Kansas
USC over Georgetown
South
Memphis over Texas-Arlington
Oregon over Mississippi State
Temple over Michigan State
Pittsburgh over Oral Roberts
Marquette over Kentucky
Stanford over Cornell
St. Mary's over Miami
Texas over Austin Peay
Memphis over Oregon
Pittsburgh over Temple
Marquette over Stanford
Texas over St. Mary's
Memphis over Pittsburgh
Texas over Marquette
West
UCLA over Mississippi Valley State
Texas A&M ove BYU
Drake over Western Kentucky
UConn over San Diego
Purdue over Baylor
Xavier over Georgia
West Virginia over Arizona
Duke over Belmont
UCLA over A&M
UConn over Drake
Xavier over Purdue
West Virginia over Duke
UCLA over UConn
West Virginia over Xavier
Elite 8
Tennessee over North Carolina
USC over Vanderbilt
Memphis over Texas
UCLA over West Virginia
Final 4
Tennessee over USC
UCLA over Memphis
Championship
Tennessee over UCLA 77-71
East
North Carolina over Mt. St. Mary's
Indiana over Arkansas
Notre Dame over George Mason
Washington State over Winthrop
Saint Joseph's over Oklahoma
Louisville over Boise State
Butler over South Alabama
Tennessee over American
North Carolina over Indiana
Notre Dame over Washington State
Louisville over Saint Joseph's
Tennessee over Butler
North Carolina over Notre Dame
Tennessee over Louisville
Midwest
Kansas over Portland State
Kent State over UNLV
Villanova over Clemson
Vanderbilt over Siena
USC over Kansas State
Wisconsin over Cal St. Fullerton
Davidson over Gonzaga
Georgetown over UMBC
Kansas over Kent State
Vanderbilt over Villanova
USC over Wisconsin
Georgetown over Davidson
Vanderbilt over Kansas
USC over Georgetown
South
Memphis over Texas-Arlington
Oregon over Mississippi State
Temple over Michigan State
Pittsburgh over Oral Roberts
Marquette over Kentucky
Stanford over Cornell
St. Mary's over Miami
Texas over Austin Peay
Memphis over Oregon
Pittsburgh over Temple
Marquette over Stanford
Texas over St. Mary's
Memphis over Pittsburgh
Texas over Marquette
West
UCLA over Mississippi Valley State
Texas A&M ove BYU
Drake over Western Kentucky
UConn over San Diego
Purdue over Baylor
Xavier over Georgia
West Virginia over Arizona
Duke over Belmont
UCLA over A&M
UConn over Drake
Xavier over Purdue
West Virginia over Duke
UCLA over UConn
West Virginia over Xavier
Elite 8
Tennessee over North Carolina
USC over Vanderbilt
Memphis over Texas
UCLA over West Virginia
Final 4
Tennessee over USC
UCLA over Memphis
Championship
Tennessee over UCLA 77-71
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