Last night I went to Conor Larkin's on the campus of Northeastern to watch the first NFL start for Brady Quinn. I had a vested interest in the game because I managed to snatch Quinn in a couple fantasy leagues off the free agent list. But I also faced a dilemma. Start him? Or sit him?
I had him in fourleagues, three of which I had Romo as my starter (out) and Pennington as my number two guy. The Dolphins are at Seattle this week, and the Seahawks have been dishing out serious frequent flier miles to opposing offenses. Looking back, I think they've allowed over 300 yards in the air in the last 5 or 6 games. I felt compelled to start him over Quinn in those leagues. Rosenfels was my backup (to Romo) in another league, so I started Quinn there. My keeper league on Fanball.com (worst site, by the way) was a big question mark, as well. I had been rolling with Matt Schaub and Big Ben, but both got banged up last week, Schaub worse than Ben. I dropped Big Ben in hopes that Schaub could return later this year and picked up Quinn and Pennington. This is a touchdown league, and my contention was that Quinn would be efficient but Jamal Lewis, whom I also had, would run it in from a few yards out a couple times. So I went with Pennington.
Let's just say I wish I started both Quinn and Lewis; thankfully I rolled with Lewis though. Meanwhile, karma sure was a bitch last night. I was facing Eddie Royal in my fanball league but had him going in a yahoo league. When he got stuffed at the 1-yd line, I couldn't contain the excitement. As I said to Milano, I don't care if Royal goes 10 for 150 tonight, just don't score.
A 93 yard slant route later, it was a bittersweet moment.
How about Jay Cutler? I'm up against him in our NFL.com league this week and he shoved 35 points down my throat. Terrific. I have Drew Brees going, hopefully he can match that.
Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I still aren't picking well enough to warrant any explanation. But we'd love to hear your thoughts on the upcoming games and how you think some of them will play out.
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 60-70
Browns -3.5 over Broncos (definitely didn’t cheat on this one)
Falcons -.5 over Saints
Titans -3 over Bears
Lions +6.5 over Jaguars
Seahawks +9.5 over Dolphins
Packers +2.5 over Vikings
Patriots -3.5 over Bills
Jets -8.5 over Rams
Texans -1.5 over Ravens
Panthers -9.5 over Raiders
Steelers -3.5 over Colts
Chiefs +15.5 over Chargers
Giants +2.5 over Eagles
Cardinals -9.5 over 49ers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 8-6; Overall: 68-62
Browns -3.5 over Broncos
Saints +0.5 over Falcons
Bears +3 over Titans
Lions +6.5 over Jaguars
Dolphins -9.5 over Seahawks
Packers +2.5 over Vikings
Patriots -3.5 over Bills
Rams +8.5 over Jets
Texans -1.5 over Ravens
Panthers -9.5 over Raiders
Colts +3.5 over Steelers
Chiefs +15.5 over Chargers
Giants +2.5 over Eagles
Cardinals -9.5 over 49ers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 74-56
Browns
Saints
Bears
Jaguars
Seahawks
Packers
Pats
Rams
Texans
Panthers
Colts
Chargers
Giants
49ers
Don't forget Calzaghe v. Jones tomorrow night for the light heavyweight championship of the world. And a week from tomorrow, Brock Lesnar challenges Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight title. Should be a hell of a fight.
-Bess
Friday, November 7, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Rock the Vote!
With today being voting day, make sure you get out there, here are 10 more pressing issues that need your vote. As always feel free to write-in.
Best team in the NFL?
1. Giants
2. Titans
3. Steelers
4. Panthers
Best player in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Chris Paul
4. Dwight Howard
Best show on television?
1. CSI
2. The Office
3. 30 Rock
4. The New 90210
Best college football team?
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Penn State
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Oklahoma
Best NBA rookie?
1. Derrick Rose
2. Rudy Fernandez
3. O.J. Mayo
4. Michael Beasely
Best Will Ferrell movie?
1. Anchorman
2. Old School
3. Step Brothers
4. Talladega Nights
Best pound-for-pound MMA fighter?
1. Anderson Silva
2. Fedor Emelianko
3. Georges St. Pierre
4. B.J. Penn
MLB Free Agent who will have the best 2009?
1. Manny Ramirez
2. Mark Teixeira
3. CC Sabathia
4. A.J. Burnett
NFL MVP at the mid-way point?
1. Philip Rivers
2. Clinton Portis
3. Kurt Warner
4. Andre Johnson
5. Albert Haynesworth
MLB player you would start your franchise with?
1. Hanley Ramirez
2. Evan Longoria
3. CC Sabathia
4. Jose Reyes
5. Alex Rodriguez
Make sure you rock the vote(s) today!
-Keefe
Best team in the NFL?
1. Giants
2. Titans
3. Steelers
4. Panthers
Best player in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Chris Paul
4. Dwight Howard
Best show on television?
1. CSI
2. The Office
3. 30 Rock
4. The New 90210
Best college football team?
1. Alabama
2. Texas Tech
3. Penn State
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Oklahoma
Best NBA rookie?
1. Derrick Rose
2. Rudy Fernandez
3. O.J. Mayo
4. Michael Beasely
Best Will Ferrell movie?
1. Anchorman
2. Old School
3. Step Brothers
4. Talladega Nights
Best pound-for-pound MMA fighter?
1. Anderson Silva
2. Fedor Emelianko
3. Georges St. Pierre
4. B.J. Penn
MLB Free Agent who will have the best 2009?
1. Manny Ramirez
2. Mark Teixeira
3. CC Sabathia
4. A.J. Burnett
NFL MVP at the mid-way point?
1. Philip Rivers
2. Clinton Portis
3. Kurt Warner
4. Andre Johnson
5. Albert Haynesworth
MLB player you would start your franchise with?
1. Hanley Ramirez
2. Evan Longoria
3. CC Sabathia
4. Jose Reyes
5. Alex Rodriguez
Make sure you rock the vote(s) today!
-Keefe
Monday, November 3, 2008
Calzaghe-Jones just six days away
If anyone's happened to tune into HBO last night for episode 2 of Calzaghe Jones 24/7, you would have heard Jones at one point exclaiming, "I'm baaaaack." While victories over Anthony Hanshaw and a washed-up Felix Trinidad are nothing more than confidence builders in my eyes, Jones has looked significantly better in those fights than he did during his horrific three-fight losing streak to Antonio Tarver (twice) and the brutal KO loss to Glen Johnson.
I've been a Jones, Jr. fan for almost 10 years. He was the pound for pound greatest when I first started sitting down to watch boxing matches, and with the likes of YouTube, I've had a chance to enjoy highlights and fights before my spectating began. He was the best in the world in five different weight classes, an entertainer and the most exciting fighter in the world. To see him plummet drastically, almost overnight, like he did against Tarver and Johnson was terrifying to me as a fan and boxing as a sport. Let's face it, Tarver is no where near the businessman, entertainer and fight mogul that Jones is. He can talk a fair game, but after his deflating performance in Rocky Balboa, he's been nothing but a disappointment in the light heavyweight division, particularly following losses to Bernard Hopkins and "Bad" Chad Dawson in his last fight. Couple that with uninspiring decision wins over Elvir Muriqi and Clinton Woods and you no longer have a major draw in the sport.
Glen Johnson, meanwhile, has a lot of John "Quietman" Ruiz in him. Well, actually, maybe it's more the nickname and nothing else. Johnson doesn't build up fights much, he lets his fists do the talking. And while he's probably legitimately lost no more than 3 fights in his career (he's gotten screwed in numerous decision losses), Johnson isn't much of a draw either. Which is why Joe Calzaghe chose Roy Jones, Jr. as his next opponent at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, Nov. 8. Regardless of whether Jones still has the speed, agility and ferocity in his fists that he possessed in the 90's and earlier this century, his aura and mystique along with his personality, confidence and gab are enough to crank out yet another blockbuster fight. I loved what Roy Jones, Sr. said last night:
"If Roy trained for this fight, Calzaghe can't beat him."
What is this guy Karo Parysian? I don't doubt that Jones, Jr. abstained from training for a good portion of his fights, particularly during the height of his career against bums like Antoine Byrd, Tony Thornton and Merqui Sosa. But it raises and interesting point. Calzaghe is the ultimate workhorse, a come at you type of fighter who is constantly busy and putting on the pressure. Ironically, he's a heavier version of Ricky Hatton. Jones, however, likes to circle and move, picking his spots and working in spurts, but exploding when he does and unleashing a fury that most have been able to endure. Who's that like? Floyd Mayweather.
Are Jones' skills declining? I don't doubt it. But can you argue that his brief, 3-fight losing streak could also be attributed to complacency and a declining work ethic? I don't doub that either. Personally, 24/7 may have been the best thing for him, because it gave him reason to establish a legitimate, hardcore training camp to prepare for this fight. And while he still thinks he's the best, no one else does. Perhaps he said it in the first episode:
"If I lose on the 8th, who cares? But if he lose, his streak has ENDED."
To me, nothing is more dangerous than a motivated Jones with nothing lose. I'll be tuning in on Saturday to watch the fight. One reason is because I'm still a tremendous Jones fan and still enjoy watching him compete at this level. To see him win the fight, the title, and thus a showdown (and re-match) with Bernard Hopkins could be the best possible scenario for the sport of boxing. Two of the boxing's best meeting over 10 years later to settle a score, and doing it at a different weight class which they both sat at the top of.
The other reason I'll be watching is because of the 24/7 series that HBO keeps pumping out. If you haven't been watching these, you should. The De la Hoya/Mayweather series set the standard, and Mayweather/Hatton was pretty tremendous, as well. This latest has met that standard and De la Hoya/Pacquiao will soon follow on the 16th. Below is episode 1 of Calzaghe/Jones. Check it out. I'll post episode 2 once it's available and you can catch episode 3 this Thursday night.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matchup, where you think Jones stands today as a fighter and how you think things will play out on the 8th and beyond.
-Bess
I've been a Jones, Jr. fan for almost 10 years. He was the pound for pound greatest when I first started sitting down to watch boxing matches, and with the likes of YouTube, I've had a chance to enjoy highlights and fights before my spectating began. He was the best in the world in five different weight classes, an entertainer and the most exciting fighter in the world. To see him plummet drastically, almost overnight, like he did against Tarver and Johnson was terrifying to me as a fan and boxing as a sport. Let's face it, Tarver is no where near the businessman, entertainer and fight mogul that Jones is. He can talk a fair game, but after his deflating performance in Rocky Balboa, he's been nothing but a disappointment in the light heavyweight division, particularly following losses to Bernard Hopkins and "Bad" Chad Dawson in his last fight. Couple that with uninspiring decision wins over Elvir Muriqi and Clinton Woods and you no longer have a major draw in the sport.
Glen Johnson, meanwhile, has a lot of John "Quietman" Ruiz in him. Well, actually, maybe it's more the nickname and nothing else. Johnson doesn't build up fights much, he lets his fists do the talking. And while he's probably legitimately lost no more than 3 fights in his career (he's gotten screwed in numerous decision losses), Johnson isn't much of a draw either. Which is why Joe Calzaghe chose Roy Jones, Jr. as his next opponent at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, Nov. 8. Regardless of whether Jones still has the speed, agility and ferocity in his fists that he possessed in the 90's and earlier this century, his aura and mystique along with his personality, confidence and gab are enough to crank out yet another blockbuster fight. I loved what Roy Jones, Sr. said last night:
"If Roy trained for this fight, Calzaghe can't beat him."
What is this guy Karo Parysian? I don't doubt that Jones, Jr. abstained from training for a good portion of his fights, particularly during the height of his career against bums like Antoine Byrd, Tony Thornton and Merqui Sosa. But it raises and interesting point. Calzaghe is the ultimate workhorse, a come at you type of fighter who is constantly busy and putting on the pressure. Ironically, he's a heavier version of Ricky Hatton. Jones, however, likes to circle and move, picking his spots and working in spurts, but exploding when he does and unleashing a fury that most have been able to endure. Who's that like? Floyd Mayweather.
Are Jones' skills declining? I don't doubt it. But can you argue that his brief, 3-fight losing streak could also be attributed to complacency and a declining work ethic? I don't doub that either. Personally, 24/7 may have been the best thing for him, because it gave him reason to establish a legitimate, hardcore training camp to prepare for this fight. And while he still thinks he's the best, no one else does. Perhaps he said it in the first episode:
"If I lose on the 8th, who cares? But if he lose, his streak has ENDED."
To me, nothing is more dangerous than a motivated Jones with nothing lose. I'll be tuning in on Saturday to watch the fight. One reason is because I'm still a tremendous Jones fan and still enjoy watching him compete at this level. To see him win the fight, the title, and thus a showdown (and re-match) with Bernard Hopkins could be the best possible scenario for the sport of boxing. Two of the boxing's best meeting over 10 years later to settle a score, and doing it at a different weight class which they both sat at the top of.
The other reason I'll be watching is because of the 24/7 series that HBO keeps pumping out. If you haven't been watching these, you should. The De la Hoya/Mayweather series set the standard, and Mayweather/Hatton was pretty tremendous, as well. This latest has met that standard and De la Hoya/Pacquiao will soon follow on the 16th. Below is episode 1 of Calzaghe/Jones. Check it out. I'll post episode 2 once it's available and you can catch episode 3 this Thursday night.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this matchup, where you think Jones stands today as a fighter and how you think things will play out on the 8th and beyond.
-Bess
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 9 NFL picks
Trick or treat from The Brief.
Last week was somewhat of a recovery for The Brief, although Rich was still below .500 with his picks at 6-8. Random Rob rebounded from a tough week 7 to once again take the crown. I'm waiting for Rob to hit the proverbial wall in his rookie season. This is getting downright ridiculous.
Speaking of ridiculous, how about Danyelle Sargent as a sports reporter? In case you're not familiar with Sargent or her work, here's a snipet from a couple years ago when she was working for ESPN. Talk about a brutal opening to the show. Sargent vented her frustration to the producers in the back, but didn't realize she was sharing it with the millions watching at home. It's now classic YouTube material:
Anyway, Sargent was at it again last weekend as she is now working as a sideline reporter for FOX. Before the 49ers and Seahawks game, Sargent pulled aside Mike Singletary for a pre-game interview, the significance being that it was the first time Singletary was leading the troops onto the field as the head coach since Mike Shula got canned. The interview started a little something like this:
"I heard that your mentor Bill Walsh was one of the first phone calls that you made when you found out that you had the job. What does it mean to you to be the head coach of the 49ers?"
Singletary was caught off-guard, understably so since Walsh died in July 2007 and Singletary actually played for the Bears. If anyone was his mentor, it was Mike Ditka. Apparently producers were screaming wildly in Sargent's ear, because she stopped the interview saying, "I'm sorry. Oh. I'm sorry. What, what did I, what was wrong?" Did she do any preparation for this interview? Or did she simply rely on football knowledge she clearly didn't possess? Regardless, what an idiot. The video of the interview was available on the internet earlier this week but has since been taken down. Nonetheless, she's been taking a lot of heat for it. Could this have been the beginning of the end for Singletary, leading to that solid post-game press conference meltdown?
Another solid YouTube clip from this past week's football action. Gotta feel bad for this kid. What the hell are these carts doing in the back of the end zone? Going all out to make a catch and this is how he's rewarded. As much as I want to fault the QB for making such a terrible throw, the WR had to realize at some point that the ball was clearly way out of the back of the end zone. It wasn't even close. I won't put this on the same level as Dan Orlovsky bad, but jesus, this is bad. So in the resulting injury. If you couldn't handle Willis Mcgahee, Napoleon Kaufman or even Alvin Mack getting his leg stretched another foot and a half in the program, this video isn't for you.
Here's McGahee's injury at Miami in the National Championship game:
And different sport here, but you gotta love a little Sid Vicious:
Alright, onto this week's picks...
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 54-62
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Titans -6.5 over Packers
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 60-56
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Chief +8.5 over Bucs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Random Rob:
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 67-49
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Lions +12.5 over Bears
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +1.5 over Browns
Rams +2.5 over Cardinals
Vikings -4.5 over Texans
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Seahawks +6.5 over Eagles
Raiders +2.5 over Falcons
Colts -5.5 over Patriots
Steelers +2.5 over Redskins
-Bess
Last week was somewhat of a recovery for The Brief, although Rich was still below .500 with his picks at 6-8. Random Rob rebounded from a tough week 7 to once again take the crown. I'm waiting for Rob to hit the proverbial wall in his rookie season. This is getting downright ridiculous.
Speaking of ridiculous, how about Danyelle Sargent as a sports reporter? In case you're not familiar with Sargent or her work, here's a snipet from a couple years ago when she was working for ESPN. Talk about a brutal opening to the show. Sargent vented her frustration to the producers in the back, but didn't realize she was sharing it with the millions watching at home. It's now classic YouTube material:
Anyway, Sargent was at it again last weekend as she is now working as a sideline reporter for FOX. Before the 49ers and Seahawks game, Sargent pulled aside Mike Singletary for a pre-game interview, the significance being that it was the first time Singletary was leading the troops onto the field as the head coach since Mike Shula got canned. The interview started a little something like this:
"I heard that your mentor Bill Walsh was one of the first phone calls that you made when you found out that you had the job. What does it mean to you to be the head coach of the 49ers?"
Singletary was caught off-guard, understably so since Walsh died in July 2007 and Singletary actually played for the Bears. If anyone was his mentor, it was Mike Ditka. Apparently producers were screaming wildly in Sargent's ear, because she stopped the interview saying, "I'm sorry. Oh. I'm sorry. What, what did I, what was wrong?" Did she do any preparation for this interview? Or did she simply rely on football knowledge she clearly didn't possess? Regardless, what an idiot. The video of the interview was available on the internet earlier this week but has since been taken down. Nonetheless, she's been taking a lot of heat for it. Could this have been the beginning of the end for Singletary, leading to that solid post-game press conference meltdown?
Another solid YouTube clip from this past week's football action. Gotta feel bad for this kid. What the hell are these carts doing in the back of the end zone? Going all out to make a catch and this is how he's rewarded. As much as I want to fault the QB for making such a terrible throw, the WR had to realize at some point that the ball was clearly way out of the back of the end zone. It wasn't even close. I won't put this on the same level as Dan Orlovsky bad, but jesus, this is bad. So in the resulting injury. If you couldn't handle Willis Mcgahee, Napoleon Kaufman or even Alvin Mack getting his leg stretched another foot and a half in the program, this video isn't for you.
Here's McGahee's injury at Miami in the National Championship game:
And different sport here, but you gotta love a little Sid Vicious:
Alright, onto this week's picks...
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 6-8; Overall: 54-62
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Titans -6.5 over Packers
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 7-7; Overall: 60-56
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Bears -12.5 over Lions
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Browns -1.5 over Ravens
Cardinals -2.5 over Rams
Texans +4.5 over Vikings
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Chief +8.5 over Bucs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Eagles -6.5 over Seahawks
Falcons -2.5 over Raiders
Patriots +5.5 over Colts
Redskins -2.5 over Steelers
Random Rob:
Last week: 9-5; Overall: 67-49
Bills -5.5 over Jets
Lions +12.5 over Bears
Bengals +7.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +1.5 over Browns
Rams +2.5 over Cardinals
Vikings -4.5 over Texans
Packers +6.5 over Titans
Buccaneers -8.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +3.5 over Broncos
Cowboys +7.5 over Giants
Seahawks +6.5 over Eagles
Raiders +2.5 over Falcons
Colts -5.5 over Patriots
Steelers +2.5 over Redskins
-Bess
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
NBA ’08-’09 Preview
Tonight the NBA season kicks off with a trio of games including the Boston Celtics raising their 17th banner before their showdown with LeBron and the Cavs. Also tonight marks the NBA debut of one Greg Oden as the Blazers face the Lakers. I’m looking forward to another great basketball season, many teams have improved themselves thanks to free agency, trades, and the draft. I will get on record now with my picks for playoff teams and individual awards. (playoff teams in bold)
Eastern Conference
Atlantic:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New York Knicks
5. New Jersey Nets
The Celtics will miss James Posey, but not enough to effect them winning the division again. The 6ers made the most noise bringing in Elton Brand, but I like Calderon running the point for a Raps team that, if healthy, have the best 4-5 duo in the East with Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Mike D’Antoni will actually keep the Knicks out the basement. The Nets will struggle and eventually trade Vince.
Central:
1. Detroit Pistons
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Chicago Bulls
Pistons got the same crew back, and the Cavs added Mo Williams which should make it a good battle at the top. Pacers are sneaky good with the likes of Danny Granger and a surprisingly good Mike Dunleavy, I think they beat out the Hawks and Wiz for the 8 seed. I liked the Bucks pick up of Richard Jefferson at first, but even he and Michael Redd will need more help, losing the aforementioned Mo Williams is going to hurt. The Bulls have plenty of guards, and they’ll also have plenty of losses.
Southeast:
1. Orlando Magic
2. Miami Heat
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Washington Wizards
5. Charlotte Bobcats
Can the Heat turn it around? I think they can. Wade looked great in the Olympics and will be one of the best players in the NBA all season. It may be tough but they need to keep Marion happy, by letting him shoot, and throwing him oops. Dwight Howard will continue to improve, scary right? Wizards have the 2nd best “Big 3” in the East, but how many games will they play together? They’re certainly an X-factor.
Western Conference:
Northwest:
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Deron Williams will miss the start of the season, but once again the debate of who is the best PG in the league will come down to him and CP3 at the end of the year. I know I’m not alone in liking the Blazers, how can you not? Great young team that could be stalled by injuries once again. Nuggets will score plenty of points, but the loss of Camby makes them even worse defensively, they’ll battle for the 8th seen to no avail.
Pacific:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings
Lakers look like the clear cut favorite bringing everyone back from the Western Conference championship team plus Andrew Bynum. After that it could get interesting. A full season with Shaq and Grant Hill in Phoenix with a new coach. Nash and Amare are good enough to get any team to the playoffs. Corey Maggette is now on the Warriors with Baron Davis and Marcus Camby playing for the Clips. The injury of Monta Ellis significantly impacts their chances of a post season appearance.
Southwest:
1. New Orleans Hornets
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Memphis Grizzlies
The Celtics lost James Posey and the Hornets found him. He could very well be the missing piece. Ron Artest comes to Houston to shake things up a bit. If Yao and T-Mac stay healthy (goodluck) they could be a major player. The Spurs are the Spurs, and the Mavs have Dirk and a new head coach. Put everything together and you got the toughest division in basketball, and the only one with 4 playoff teams.
Playoffs:
Eastern Finals: Celtics over Raptors
Western Finals: Hornets over Jazz
Finals: Celtics over Hornets
Awards:
MVP: Chris Paul, Hornets
Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley, Heat
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett, Celtics
6th Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Lakers
Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers
All-NBA 1st Team:
Chris Paul, Hornets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Dwight Howard, Magic
All-NBA 2nd Team:
Deron Williams, Jazz
Dwayne Wade, Heat
Chris Bosh, Raptors
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Tim Duncan, Spurs
All-Rookie Team:
Michael Beasely, Heat
Greg Oden, Trail Blazers
Derrick Rose, Bulls
O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
Eric Gordon, Clippers
Rudy Fernandez, Trail Blazers*
*Some how left him off, the next day had to add him. Watching the Olympics I said he could potentially win the ROY over Beasley and teammate Oden. Also we've seen at least 6 guys be named to the All-Rookie team before, so I'm keeping 6.
-Keefe
Eastern Conference
Atlantic:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Toronto Raptors
3. Philadelphia 76ers
4. New York Knicks
5. New Jersey Nets
The Celtics will miss James Posey, but not enough to effect them winning the division again. The 6ers made the most noise bringing in Elton Brand, but I like Calderon running the point for a Raps team that, if healthy, have the best 4-5 duo in the East with Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal. Mike D’Antoni will actually keep the Knicks out the basement. The Nets will struggle and eventually trade Vince.
Central:
1. Detroit Pistons
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Indiana Pacers
4. Milwaukee Bucks
5. Chicago Bulls
Pistons got the same crew back, and the Cavs added Mo Williams which should make it a good battle at the top. Pacers are sneaky good with the likes of Danny Granger and a surprisingly good Mike Dunleavy, I think they beat out the Hawks and Wiz for the 8 seed. I liked the Bucks pick up of Richard Jefferson at first, but even he and Michael Redd will need more help, losing the aforementioned Mo Williams is going to hurt. The Bulls have plenty of guards, and they’ll also have plenty of losses.
Southeast:
1. Orlando Magic
2. Miami Heat
3. Atlanta Hawks
4. Washington Wizards
5. Charlotte Bobcats
Can the Heat turn it around? I think they can. Wade looked great in the Olympics and will be one of the best players in the NBA all season. It may be tough but they need to keep Marion happy, by letting him shoot, and throwing him oops. Dwight Howard will continue to improve, scary right? Wizards have the 2nd best “Big 3” in the East, but how many games will they play together? They’re certainly an X-factor.
Western Conference:
Northwest:
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Deron Williams will miss the start of the season, but once again the debate of who is the best PG in the league will come down to him and CP3 at the end of the year. I know I’m not alone in liking the Blazers, how can you not? Great young team that could be stalled by injuries once again. Nuggets will score plenty of points, but the loss of Camby makes them even worse defensively, they’ll battle for the 8th seen to no avail.
Pacific:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Los Angeles Clippers
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Sacramento Kings
Lakers look like the clear cut favorite bringing everyone back from the Western Conference championship team plus Andrew Bynum. After that it could get interesting. A full season with Shaq and Grant Hill in Phoenix with a new coach. Nash and Amare are good enough to get any team to the playoffs. Corey Maggette is now on the Warriors with Baron Davis and Marcus Camby playing for the Clips. The injury of Monta Ellis significantly impacts their chances of a post season appearance.
Southwest:
1. New Orleans Hornets
2. San Antonio Spurs
3. Houston Rockets
4. Dallas Mavericks
5. Memphis Grizzlies
The Celtics lost James Posey and the Hornets found him. He could very well be the missing piece. Ron Artest comes to Houston to shake things up a bit. If Yao and T-Mac stay healthy (goodluck) they could be a major player. The Spurs are the Spurs, and the Mavs have Dirk and a new head coach. Put everything together and you got the toughest division in basketball, and the only one with 4 playoff teams.
Playoffs:
Eastern Finals: Celtics over Raptors
Western Finals: Hornets over Jazz
Finals: Celtics over Hornets
Awards:
MVP: Chris Paul, Hornets
Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley, Heat
Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett, Celtics
6th Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Lakers
Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Trail Blazers
All-NBA 1st Team:
Chris Paul, Hornets
Kobe Bryant, Lakers
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Amare Stoudemire, Suns
Dwight Howard, Magic
All-NBA 2nd Team:
Deron Williams, Jazz
Dwayne Wade, Heat
Chris Bosh, Raptors
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Tim Duncan, Spurs
All-Rookie Team:
Michael Beasely, Heat
Greg Oden, Trail Blazers
Derrick Rose, Bulls
O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies
Eric Gordon, Clippers
Rudy Fernandez, Trail Blazers*
*Some how left him off, the next day had to add him. Watching the Olympics I said he could potentially win the ROY over Beasley and teammate Oden. Also we've seen at least 6 guys be named to the All-Rookie team before, so I'm keeping 6.
-Keefe
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 8 NFL picks
The Sports Brief hits the road this weekend. We will be up at Jillian's tomorrow night in Manchester, NH to watch the execution of Patrick Cote. Anderson Silva will play the role of executioner. All kidding aside, Cote does have boulders for hands and a chin of granite, so it could be fairly exciting. If he get inside the long reach of Silva, you never know what will happen. Mark Delagrotte is a master of gameplans, so perhaps this will be just a taste of what he brings to the table if Kenny Florian ever gets to match up against BJ Penn.
On Sunday, we take our act to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA for a rematch (of sorts) between the St. Louis Rams and your New England Patriots. Should be interesting to see if there's a letdown for either team. The Pats have scored some impressive wins and followed that up with horrible losses. The Rams, meanwhile, are streaking under new head coach Jim Haselett. Steven Jackson is questionable, and I would assume that every Patriots fans is hoping he's unable to go. The last thing the Pats need is another Ronnie Brownesque performance. Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I have been taking a beating as of late. Let's hope it gets better.
Keefe's picks:
Last Week: 5-9 overall: 48-54
"I will not comment on each game until I am above .500. It’s not worth it for anyone involved. Let’s see if I can get back in it with these…"
Buccaneers +3.5 over Cowboys
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -7.5 over Rams
Chargers -3.5 over Saints (in London)
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Raiders +6.5 over Ravens
Cardinals +4.5 over Panthers
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Titans -4.5 over Colts
Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 53-49
This week I gave up on trying to figure out matchups, as well. Instead, I clicked on teams I want to win. Not sure how that'll work out, but at least I'll be rooting for teams that I want to cover.
Bucs +3.5 over Cowboys
Saints +3.5 over Chargers
Panthers -4.5 over Cardinals
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Ravens -6.5 over Raiders
Pats -7.5 over Rams
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Colts +4.5 over Titans
Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 58-44
Cowboys
Chargers
Cardinals
Eagles
Ravens
Pats
Redskins
Jets
Bills
Jaguars
Texans
Steelers
Seahawks
Titans
-Bess
On Sunday, we take our act to Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA for a rematch (of sorts) between the St. Louis Rams and your New England Patriots. Should be interesting to see if there's a letdown for either team. The Pats have scored some impressive wins and followed that up with horrible losses. The Rams, meanwhile, are streaking under new head coach Jim Haselett. Steven Jackson is questionable, and I would assume that every Patriots fans is hoping he's unable to go. The last thing the Pats need is another Ronnie Brownesque performance. Anyway, onto the picks. Keefe and I have been taking a beating as of late. Let's hope it gets better.
Keefe's picks:
Last Week: 5-9 overall: 48-54
"I will not comment on each game until I am above .500. It’s not worth it for anyone involved. Let’s see if I can get back in it with these…"
Buccaneers +3.5 over Cowboys
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -7.5 over Rams
Chargers -3.5 over Saints (in London)
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Raiders +6.5 over Ravens
Cardinals +4.5 over Panthers
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Titans -4.5 over Colts
Besse's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 53-49
This week I gave up on trying to figure out matchups, as well. Instead, I clicked on teams I want to win. Not sure how that'll work out, but at least I'll be rooting for teams that I want to cover.
Bucs +3.5 over Cowboys
Saints +3.5 over Chargers
Panthers -4.5 over Cardinals
Falcons +8.5 over Eagles
Ravens -6.5 over Raiders
Pats -7.5 over Rams
Redskins -7.5 over Lions
Jets -12.5 over Chiefs
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Browns +6.5 over Jaguars
Texans -9.5 over Bengals
Giants +2.5 over Steelers
49ers -4.5 over Seahawks
Colts +4.5 over Titans
Random Rob's picks:
Last week: 5-9; Overall: 58-44
Cowboys
Chargers
Cardinals
Eagles
Ravens
Pats
Redskins
Jets
Bills
Jaguars
Texans
Steelers
Seahawks
Titans
-Bess
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