20 current and former NBA players, you make the call, do they belong in the Hall? I will provide you with some of the numbers, including career and key stats, honors, and awards, but you decide. I will also make my pick. The list starts with retired players then gets into the current guys. It’s the Basketball Hall of Fame, so remember college honors are also a factor. Let's get on with the star studded list.
Reggie Miller
Resume:
18 seasons
18.2 ppg., 3 rpg., 3 apg. All-time 3 point leader. 8th all-time free throw percentage. 5 time All-Star. 3 time All-NBA 3rd Team. Highest finish in MVP vote: 13th.
Yes. This is a great way to start off. I was on the other side of the fence probably a year ago. After looking through all the numbers and other players who are in the Hall, I give Reggie the nod. 18 points per game over 18 seasons is very impressive, as is his ability from beyond the arc. 0 titles but played against the best, and certainly didn’t run from the moment. I got him in, but it’s very close, and I will probably feel he’s not in by the time I’m done with this.
Brad Daugherty
Resume:
8 seasons
19 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists per game. 5 time All-Star. All-Rookie 1st Team. All-NBA 3rd Team. 2nd Team All-American at UNC. Highest finish in MVP vote: 10th
No. If Daugherty could have stayed healthy and played longer he gets in for sure. Close to 20-10 for his career is impossible to argue. Like Miller didn’t win any titles, but unlike Miller didn’t have a lengthy career.
Chris Mullin
Resume:
16 seasons
18.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals per game. 5 time All-Star. All-NBA 1st Team, All-NBA 2nd Team (2), All-NBA 3rd Team. 1st Team All-American, 2nd Team All-American, Wooden Award Winner at St. John’s. Member of 1992 U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Team. (The Dream Team). Highest finish in MVP vote: 6th.
Yes. This is a great example where achievements outside of the NBA could help a guy get in the Basketball Hall of Fame. Mullin was an incredible college players and a member of the greatest basketball team ever assembled.
Mark Price
Resume:
12 seasons
15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 1.2 steals per game. 4 time All-Star. All-NBA 1st Team, All-NBA 3rd Team (3). 2nd Team All-American, 3rd Team All-American at Georgia Tech. 90.4 career free throw percentage best in NBA history. Highest finish in MVP vote: 7th.
No. Price is one of the best point guards of the past 25 years (wrote a fantastic article about that a few months back, check the archives), but I still don’t think he did enough to get into the Hall. Imagine Price and Daugherty’s legacy had it not been for one Michael Jordan, or if his Airness was drafted by Portland in the Western Conference.
Penny Hardaway
Resume:
14 seasons (parts of)
15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1.6 steals per game. 4 time All-Star. All NBA 1st Team (2), All-NBA 3rd Team. 1st Team All-American at Memphis. Highest finish in MVP vote: 3rd.
No. Certainly began his career on his way to being a 1st ballot Hall of Famer. He was the best PG in the NBA for 2-3 seasons in a row. It looked like the Orlando Magic were going to be contenders for years. His career numbers were ruined as he tried to hang around the league post injuries. In 14 seasons Penny played 82 games just twice.
Larry Johnson
Resume:
10 seasons
16.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists per game. 2 time All-Star. Rookie of the Year. All-Rookie 1st Team. All-NBA 2nd Team. 1st Team All-American (2), Wooden Award, Naismith Award winner, NCAA Champion at UNLV.
No. The Runnin Rebels of the early 1990s was one of the greatest college teams of all-time. Fun to watch, they won a National Title, and nearly went undefeated the next year if the refs and NCAA weren’t so Pro-Duke. That’s a different article for a different time. LJ was the #1 pick in the draft after being the best college player in the country. He wont the Rookie of the Year award the that season, but injuries bit Johnson and he could not play the same game he had out in Vegas or few seasons in Charlotte.
Horace Grant
Resume:
17 seasons
11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds per game. 1 time All-Star. 4 time NBA Champion. All-Defensive 2nd Team (4). 2nd Team All-American at Clemson.
No. Great defensive player and rebounder, Grant had a long career with 4 rings to show from it. Good player who was in the right place at the right time with both the Bulls and Lakers, also was a part of the Magic team that got swept by the Rockets. 1-time All-Stars don’t belong in the Hall.
Kevin Johnson
Resume:
12 seasons
17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 9.1 assists, 1.5 steals per game. 3 time All-Star. All-NBA 2nd Team (4), All-NBA 3rd Team. NBA Most Improved. Highest finish in MVP vote: 7th.
Yes. I got KJ in the Hall. A career average of 18 points and 9 dimes? I’ll take that on my team. This is another great debate, but I only had 6-7 point guards ahead of him in my life time, that’s good enough.
Dennis Rodman
Resume:
14 seasons
7.3 points, 13.1 rebounds per game. 2 time All-Star. All-NBA 3rd Team (2), 2 time Defensive Player of the Year. All- Defensive 1st Team (7), All- Defensive 2nd Team. 5 time NBA Champion. Led NBA in RPG 7 seasons. Highest finish in MVP vote: 10th.
Yes. Maybe his cross dressing and hair color and everything else will keep him out, but he deserves to be in. He had titles like a Horry and Ho. Grant, but the Worm was one of the best defensive players of all-time, and maybe the best rebounding power forwards not named Malone or Barkley. Twice Rodman average more than 18 rebounds a game.
Tim Hardaway
Resume:
13 seasons
17.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.6 steals per game. 5 time All-Star. 1st Team All-Rookie. All-NBA 1st Team, All-NBA 2nd Team (3), All-NBA 3rd Team. Highest finish in MVP vote: 4th.
Yes. The killer crossover is in. Homophobic comments aside, Hardaway was a great point guard for many years in the league. Both with the Warriors and the Heats he was a game changer. He had skillz. (In Hardaway accent)
Shawn Kemp
Resume:
14 seasons:
14.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks per game. 6 time All-Star. All-NBA 2nd Team (3). Highest finish in MVP vote: 7th.
No. If there was a Hall of Fame for in-game dunkers, it would probably be named after him. But unfortunately I’m going to have to leave the Reign Man out of the real Hall. Great moments, and extremely likable teams in Seattle, but not enough to get him in.
Chris Webber
Resume:
15 seasons
20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.4 blocks per game. 5 time All-Star. NBA Rookie of the Year. 1st Team All-Rookie. All-NBA 1st Team, All-NBA 2nd Team (3), All-NBA 3rd Team. 1st Team All-American at Michigan. Highest finish in MVP vote: 4th. (5 Top 10s).
Yes. I wrote an entire article on C-Webb when he retired. Feel free to pour through the archives to find it. He’s a slam dunk Hall of Famer in my mind. Webber is 1 of 6 players to average 20-9-4. The others? Baylor, Wilt, Billy Cunningham, Bird, and Garnett, with the 1st four in the Hall already.
Robert Horry
Resume:
16 seasons
7 points, 4.8 rebounds per game. 2nd Team All-Rookie. 7 time NBA Champion. 244 career playoff games, and 261 playoff 3PM ranks 2nd all-time (Reggie Miller).
No. 7 time NBA Champion! That’s a lot of rings. I know “Big Shot Bob” got that name for a reason, but playing with Hakeem, Shaq, Kobe, and Duncan will help you get those titles. People will point to those championships, I point to the career averages and 0 All-Star selections. Hall of Fame is an individual award, sorry Bob.
Tracey McGrady
Resume:
Playing 12th season
22.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.3 steals per game. 7 Time All-Star. All-NBA 1st Team (2), All-NBA 2nd Team (3), All-NBA 3rd Team (2). NBA Most Improved Player. Highest finish in MVP vote 4th (6 top 8s).
Yes. I know he’s never made it out of the 1st round of the playoffs, but he has time to fix that. T-Mac already ranks 73rd All-Time in points scored in the NBA, and he won’t be 30 until after this season. Say what you want, but be sure to check out the numbers.
Ray Allen
Resume:
Playing 13th season
21 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game. 8 time All-Star. All-Rookie 2nd Team. All-NBA 2nd Team, All-NBA 3rd Team. NBA Champion. 1st Team All-American and 3rd Team All-American while at UConn. Highest finish in MVP vote 9th.
Yes. I would have given Ray the nod before winning the title last year with the Celtics, so I believe that only pushes him over the cliff. He’s 2nd All-Time behind Miller in 3 pointers made and has one of the best shots the game has ever seen. And he played Jesus Shuttlesworth in He Got Game, so come on.
Vince Carter
Resume:
Playing 11th season
23.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists 1.3 steals per game. 8 time All-Star. NBA Rookie of the Year. All Rookie 1st Team. All-NBA 2nd Team, All-NBA 3rd Team. 2nd Team All-American at North Carolina. Highest finish in MVP vote 10th.
Yes. A lot of people would probably argue with this, particularly in Toronto. Vincanity is 67th currently on the NBA’s scoring list, and only going up. 24 points per game career average, is the 18th best all-time. Like him or not he’s a Hall of Famer.
Grant Hill
Resume:
Playing 14th season
18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals per game. 7 time All-Star. NBA Rookie of the Year. 1st Team All-Rookie. All-NBA 1st Team, All-NBA 2nd Team (4). 1st Team All-American and 3rd Team All-American at Duke. Highest finish in MVP vote 3rd.
No. To me, very much like Penny Hardaway. They both began their careers on the fast track to Springfield. I remember thinking when they announced the “50 Greatest Players List” back in the day that they needed to add Grant Hill. (and Dominique Wilkins, whose omission made that list a bit of a joke). But unfortunately not enough good seasons to get him in.
Tony Parker
Resume:
Playing 8th season
16.2 points, 5.5 assists per game. 2 time All-Star. 1st Team All-Rookie. 3 time NBA Champion. Finals MVP. Highest finish in MVP vote 9th.
No. At least not yet. Parker is the youngest guy on this list, and clearly has the most game left barring injuries. His 3 titles put him in the conversation, but the stats needed to increase, and they are.
Chauncey Billups
Resume:
Playing 12th season
14.9 points, 5.6 assists per game. 3 time All-Star. All-NBA 2nd Team, All-NBA 3rd Team. All-Defensive 2nd Team (2). NBA Champion, Finals MVP. 2nd Team All-American at Colorado. Highest finish in MVP vote 5th.
No. I go back and forth on Billups much like Reggie Miller. Right now I’m saying he has not done enough to get in. Just 3 all-star games and the career numbers don’t wow you. Finals MVP helps, but I think he needs to do more.
Paul Pierce
Resume:
Playing 11th season
23 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.6 steals per game. 6 time All-Star. 1st Team All-Rookie. All-NBA 3rd Team (3). NBA Champion, Finals MVP. 1st Team All-American at Kansas. Highest finish in MVP vote 11th.
Yes. Like Ray Allen I felt Pierce was a Hall of Famer before last year’s championship. Well that solidified it for me, and another inevitable All-Star selection won’t hurt. One more championship would make him a slam dunk 1st ballot guy. As Shaquille O’Neal once eloquently put it, “Paul Pierce is the mother f***in truth.”
There it is. Leave your comments with thoughts on 1, 2, or all of these players.
-Keefe
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Sports Brief’s MMA RANKINGS (12/30/08)
Here it is our loyal readers, the Sports Brief's year end MMA Rankings. The UFC finished 2008 with a bang with UFC 92 last weekend. Great card, great fights, great night! Let's take a look at how the new Top 10's look going in to 2009.
Heavyweight:
1. Fedor Emelianenko
2. Brock Lesnar
3. Andrei Arlovski
4. Frank Mir
5. Josh Barnett
6. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
7. Randy Couture
8. Tim Sylvia
9. Alistair Overeem
10. Chiek Kongo
Gabriel Gonzaga, Shane Carwin, Ben Rothwell, Fabricio Werdum, Heath Herring, Aleksander Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Junior Dos Santos
The UFC's 4 Man Tournament dethroned both the Champion and Interim Champ. What looked like a Couture/ Big Nog final turns into a rematch of Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir. Elsewhere Affliction gets going again next month with their 2nd show, Fedor takes on Arlovski. Overeem and Cro Cop fight on New Year's but alas not against each other.
Light Heavyweight:
1. Rashad Evans
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Forrest Griffin
4. Lyoto Machida
5. Chuck Liddell
6. Maurcio ‘Shogun’ Rua
7. Thiago Silva
8. Babalu Sobral
9. Wanderlei Silva
10. Keith Jardine
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Tito Ortiz, Vladimir Matyushenko, Brandon Vera, Luis Cane
Another title fight, another Light Heavyweight Champion. Will anyone ever retain this belt? Rashad beat Forrest at UFC 92 and Rampage knocked out Wanderlei. Makes sense for Rampage to get a shot at the title next, but he wants Forrest as well. Machida and Thiago is on the way. Soko failed in the UFC and followed many others to Affliction. Speaking of Affliction Tito Ortiz... will provide the color commentary for the next card. The long awaited return of Shogun Rua is next month, but against Mark Coleman. What? Interesting weightclass to say the least, looks as though everyone can beat everyone in the top 10.
Middleweight:
1. Anderson Silva
2. Matt Lindland
3. Dan Henderson
4. Rich Franklin
5. Robbie Lawler
6. Cung Le
7. Yushin Okami
8. Gegard Mousasi
9. Michael Bisping
10. Nathan Marquardt
Denis Kang, Chael Sonnen, Paulo Filho, Frank Trigg, Patrick Cote, Frank Shamrock, Kazuo Misaki, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Thales Leites, Demian Maia, Chris Leben, Ricardo Almeida, Ronaldo Souza
No changes here since last month. A very deep division world wide, with Anderson Silva head, shoulders, and even a full body length ahead of everyone else. A rumored bout with Thales Leites does not get me goin though. Denis Kang and Chael Sonnen are coming to the UFC. Sonnen to face Maia in a few months. Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin fight in a couple weeks, but at 205. Not sure I get that one. The Spider might as well move up too.
Welterweight:
1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Jon Fitch
3. Jake Shields
4. Thiago Alves
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Diego Sanchez
t-7. Matt Hughes
t-7. Matt Serra
9. Karo Parisyan
10. Carlos Condit
Nick Thompson, Mike Swick, Marcus Davis, Drew Fickett, Jay Hieron
January 31st GSP puts his belt on the line against Lightweight Champ B.J. Penn. We'll see what happens to both divisions after that. Who will Shields fight next? And it looks as though Diego Sanchez will be moving down a weight class to challenge Joe Stevenson.
Lightweight:
1. BJ Penn
2. Eddie Alverez
3. Joachim Hansen
4. Shinya Aoki
5. JZ Cavalcante
6. Takanori Gomi
7. Josh Thomson
8. Tatsuya Kawajiri
9. Sean Sherk
10. Kenny Florian
Gilbert Melendez, KJ Noons, Nick Diaz, Victor Ribero, Joe Stevenson, Roger Huerta, Frankie Edgar
The little hyped WAMMA Championship comes to the Lightweight division on New Year's Eve in Japan with Eddie Alverez vs. Shinya Aoki. B.J. Penn anyone? Even still the Aoki/ Alverez fight should be very entertaining. The UFC dominates many of these divisions, but clearly not this one. Does Penn stay here or move up for good? What kind of splash does Diego make down here?
Heavyweight:
1. Fedor Emelianenko
2. Brock Lesnar
3. Andrei Arlovski
4. Frank Mir
5. Josh Barnett
6. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira
7. Randy Couture
8. Tim Sylvia
9. Alistair Overeem
10. Chiek Kongo
Gabriel Gonzaga, Shane Carwin, Ben Rothwell, Fabricio Werdum, Heath Herring, Aleksander Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Junior Dos Santos
The UFC's 4 Man Tournament dethroned both the Champion and Interim Champ. What looked like a Couture/ Big Nog final turns into a rematch of Brock Lesnar and Frank Mir. Elsewhere Affliction gets going again next month with their 2nd show, Fedor takes on Arlovski. Overeem and Cro Cop fight on New Year's but alas not against each other.
Light Heavyweight:
1. Rashad Evans
2. Quinton Jackson
3. Forrest Griffin
4. Lyoto Machida
5. Chuck Liddell
6. Maurcio ‘Shogun’ Rua
7. Thiago Silva
8. Babalu Sobral
9. Wanderlei Silva
10. Keith Jardine
Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Tito Ortiz, Vladimir Matyushenko, Brandon Vera, Luis Cane
Another title fight, another Light Heavyweight Champion. Will anyone ever retain this belt? Rashad beat Forrest at UFC 92 and Rampage knocked out Wanderlei. Makes sense for Rampage to get a shot at the title next, but he wants Forrest as well. Machida and Thiago is on the way. Soko failed in the UFC and followed many others to Affliction. Speaking of Affliction Tito Ortiz... will provide the color commentary for the next card. The long awaited return of Shogun Rua is next month, but against Mark Coleman. What? Interesting weightclass to say the least, looks as though everyone can beat everyone in the top 10.
Middleweight:
1. Anderson Silva
2. Matt Lindland
3. Dan Henderson
4. Rich Franklin
5. Robbie Lawler
6. Cung Le
7. Yushin Okami
8. Gegard Mousasi
9. Michael Bisping
10. Nathan Marquardt
Denis Kang, Chael Sonnen, Paulo Filho, Frank Trigg, Patrick Cote, Frank Shamrock, Kazuo Misaki, Yoshihiro Akiyama, Thales Leites, Demian Maia, Chris Leben, Ricardo Almeida, Ronaldo Souza
No changes here since last month. A very deep division world wide, with Anderson Silva head, shoulders, and even a full body length ahead of everyone else. A rumored bout with Thales Leites does not get me goin though. Denis Kang and Chael Sonnen are coming to the UFC. Sonnen to face Maia in a few months. Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin fight in a couple weeks, but at 205. Not sure I get that one. The Spider might as well move up too.
Welterweight:
1. Georges St. Pierre
2. Jon Fitch
3. Jake Shields
4. Thiago Alves
5. Josh Koscheck
6. Diego Sanchez
t-7. Matt Hughes
t-7. Matt Serra
9. Karo Parisyan
10. Carlos Condit
Nick Thompson, Mike Swick, Marcus Davis, Drew Fickett, Jay Hieron
January 31st GSP puts his belt on the line against Lightweight Champ B.J. Penn. We'll see what happens to both divisions after that. Who will Shields fight next? And it looks as though Diego Sanchez will be moving down a weight class to challenge Joe Stevenson.
Lightweight:
1. BJ Penn
2. Eddie Alverez
3. Joachim Hansen
4. Shinya Aoki
5. JZ Cavalcante
6. Takanori Gomi
7. Josh Thomson
8. Tatsuya Kawajiri
9. Sean Sherk
10. Kenny Florian
Gilbert Melendez, KJ Noons, Nick Diaz, Victor Ribero, Joe Stevenson, Roger Huerta, Frankie Edgar
The little hyped WAMMA Championship comes to the Lightweight division on New Year's Eve in Japan with Eddie Alverez vs. Shinya Aoki. B.J. Penn anyone? Even still the Aoki/ Alverez fight should be very entertaining. The UFC dominates many of these divisions, but clearly not this one. Does Penn stay here or move up for good? What kind of splash does Diego make down here?
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Gentlemen's Club Champion Crowned
As posted by NFL.com: Arkham Asylum (Rich Keefe) won the Gentlemens Club Championship by a score of 86 to 85 over A-Rod still has meat curtains (Tristan Besse). Randy Moss led the team in scoring in the championship round and Michael Turner led the team in scoring for the season. Congrats once again to Arkham Asylum on a terrific Fantasy football Season. Hope to see you all next year!
As posted by the Brief: Rich Keefe joins former champions Tristan Besse, Rick Keefe, and Will Woodward on the plaque. Besse finished 2nd for the 2nd time in 4 years as well as capturing the 1st title since keeping track on said plaque.
Matt Vaughn finished the regular season as the number 1 overall seed in his first season as Owner/ GM, before succumbing to the eventual champ. Vaughn had worked the previous 3 seasons as assistent GM to Brian Sharkey, who also made the playoffs this season. Vaughn edged out Besse and Keefe for 2008 Executive of the Year.
The Commissioner of the League will go over the final statistics of the season to see whether or not changes need to be made. But at this time, just a "Job Well Done" goes out to Rich Keefe and the rest of the Gentlemen's Club for a great season.
As posted by the Brief: Rich Keefe joins former champions Tristan Besse, Rick Keefe, and Will Woodward on the plaque. Besse finished 2nd for the 2nd time in 4 years as well as capturing the 1st title since keeping track on said plaque.
Matt Vaughn finished the regular season as the number 1 overall seed in his first season as Owner/ GM, before succumbing to the eventual champ. Vaughn had worked the previous 3 seasons as assistent GM to Brian Sharkey, who also made the playoffs this season. Vaughn edged out Besse and Keefe for 2008 Executive of the Year.
The Commissioner of the League will go over the final statistics of the season to see whether or not changes need to be made. But at this time, just a "Job Well Done" goes out to Rich Keefe and the rest of the Gentlemen's Club for a great season.
Friday, December 19, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 16 NFL picks
Well, this is the week we’ve all been waiting for. It’s Championship Week for The Gentlemen’s Club of the NFL.com fantasy football variety, and Keefe and I will lock horns for the league title. There are a couple reasons we’re excited about this matchup…first and foremost is the fact that we’ve always discussed the excitement that would surround the two founders of The Sports Brief competing head-to-head for a league title. Second is the fact that the plaque will no longer be owned by Woody (which was despicable and embarrassing for The Brief) and will now be mounted in the Keefe or Besse household.
And we’re going to have ourselves a fairly competitive match. I’ve listed the starting lineups for this week’s final and would love to hear your input as to who you think will have the upper hand in this matchup. Obviously by Monday night we’ll have crowned a new champion.
And now for the introductions, let’s go to the voice of UFC, Bruce Buffer…
Introducing first, in the red corner, Arkham Asylum (Keefe):
QB: Kurt Warner v. Patriots
RB: Chris Johnson v. Steelers
RB: Michael Turner v. Vikings
WR: Braylon Edwards v. Bengals
WR: Randy Moss v. Cardinals
WR: Eddie Royal v. Bills
TE: Tony Gonzalez v. Dolphins
K: Matt Bryant v. Chargers
DEF: Colts (13 points during last night’s game against the Jaguars)
And now introducing, the former, undisputed champion of the Gentleman’s League, A-Rod Still Has Meat Curtains (Besse):
QB: Drew Brees v. Lions
RB: Ronnie Brown v. KC
RB: Pierre Thomas v. Lions
WR: TJ Houshmandzadeh v. Browns
WR: Terrell Owens v. Ravens
WR: Kevin “Don’t call me Ken” Walter v. Raiders
TE: Greg Olsen v. Packers
K: Kris Brown v. Raiders
DEF: Texans v. Raiders
A couple interesting things to note with this matchup, as well. Earlier this season I traded Kurt Warner and Tony Gonzalez for Ronnie Brown and a bag of chips. I think there was a TE involved, but I can’t remember if it was Olsen or not and I don’t feel like looking it up. But the trade worked out well for all of us. Bush was injured at the time and Pierre Thomas had yet to evolve into a significant fantasy force. I literally did not have an accomplished running back, so I was in dire need. Meanwhile, Keefe needed a QB after JT O’Sullivan hit the crapper and he picked up a solid TE in the process. Both our teams got over slow starts and were able to land ourselves a berrth in the final. Great stuff.
Also, I have had the Ravens defense all season, but this week I’m going to go with the Texans. Houston has played solid football as of late, and I actually think the Ravens will turn in a stinker like they did against the Colts earlier this year. And I’m pulling for Romo and Owens to have solid outings as well, as I have Owens going in this league and Romo starting two Yahoo leagues, both of which I made the final in. For the record, of my six leagues this year, four made the playoffs and all four made the final. I already won a title last week in my ESPN league, so it’s been a satisfying season thus far. It’d certainly be nice to add some more hardware to the shelves.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 4-12; overall: 108-116
Colts -6.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +4.5 over Cowboys
Browns -3.5 over Bengals
Saints -6.5 over Lions
Titans +1.5 over Steelers
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Cardinals +7.5 over Patriots
Chargers +3.5 over Buccaneers
Seahawks +4.5 over Jets
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Bills +6.5 over Broncos
Redskins +4.5 over Eagles
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Bears -4.5 over Packers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 6-10; overall: 123-101
Colts -6.5 over Jaguars
Cowboys -4.5 over Ravens
Bengals +3.5 over Browns
Saints -6.5 over Lions
Steelers -1.5 over Titans
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Patriots -7.5 over Cardinals
Chargers +3.5 over Buccaneers
Seahawks +4.5 over Jets
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Broncos -6.5 over Bills
Eagles -4.5 over Redskins
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Packers +4.5 over Bears
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 12-4; overall: 128-96
Jaguars +6.5 over Colts
Ravens +4.5 over Cowboys
Browns -3.5 over Bengals
Lions +6.5 over Saints
Steelers -1.5 over Titans
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Cardinals +7.5 over Patriots
Buccaneers -3.5 over Chargers
Jets -4.5 over Seahawks
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Bills +6.5 over Broncos
Eagles -4.5 over Redskins
Vikings -3.5 over Falcons
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Packers +4.5 over Bears
Enjoy the games this weekend and we’ll check in next week before the holiday.
-Bess
And we’re going to have ourselves a fairly competitive match. I’ve listed the starting lineups for this week’s final and would love to hear your input as to who you think will have the upper hand in this matchup. Obviously by Monday night we’ll have crowned a new champion.
And now for the introductions, let’s go to the voice of UFC, Bruce Buffer…
Introducing first, in the red corner, Arkham Asylum (Keefe):
QB: Kurt Warner v. Patriots
RB: Chris Johnson v. Steelers
RB: Michael Turner v. Vikings
WR: Braylon Edwards v. Bengals
WR: Randy Moss v. Cardinals
WR: Eddie Royal v. Bills
TE: Tony Gonzalez v. Dolphins
K: Matt Bryant v. Chargers
DEF: Colts (13 points during last night’s game against the Jaguars)
And now introducing, the former, undisputed champion of the Gentleman’s League, A-Rod Still Has Meat Curtains (Besse):
QB: Drew Brees v. Lions
RB: Ronnie Brown v. KC
RB: Pierre Thomas v. Lions
WR: TJ Houshmandzadeh v. Browns
WR: Terrell Owens v. Ravens
WR: Kevin “Don’t call me Ken” Walter v. Raiders
TE: Greg Olsen v. Packers
K: Kris Brown v. Raiders
DEF: Texans v. Raiders
A couple interesting things to note with this matchup, as well. Earlier this season I traded Kurt Warner and Tony Gonzalez for Ronnie Brown and a bag of chips. I think there was a TE involved, but I can’t remember if it was Olsen or not and I don’t feel like looking it up. But the trade worked out well for all of us. Bush was injured at the time and Pierre Thomas had yet to evolve into a significant fantasy force. I literally did not have an accomplished running back, so I was in dire need. Meanwhile, Keefe needed a QB after JT O’Sullivan hit the crapper and he picked up a solid TE in the process. Both our teams got over slow starts and were able to land ourselves a berrth in the final. Great stuff.
Also, I have had the Ravens defense all season, but this week I’m going to go with the Texans. Houston has played solid football as of late, and I actually think the Ravens will turn in a stinker like they did against the Colts earlier this year. And I’m pulling for Romo and Owens to have solid outings as well, as I have Owens going in this league and Romo starting two Yahoo leagues, both of which I made the final in. For the record, of my six leagues this year, four made the playoffs and all four made the final. I already won a title last week in my ESPN league, so it’s been a satisfying season thus far. It’d certainly be nice to add some more hardware to the shelves.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 4-12; overall: 108-116
Colts -6.5 over Jaguars
Ravens +4.5 over Cowboys
Browns -3.5 over Bengals
Saints -6.5 over Lions
Titans +1.5 over Steelers
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Cardinals +7.5 over Patriots
Chargers +3.5 over Buccaneers
Seahawks +4.5 over Jets
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Bills +6.5 over Broncos
Redskins +4.5 over Eagles
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Bears -4.5 over Packers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 6-10; overall: 123-101
Colts -6.5 over Jaguars
Cowboys -4.5 over Ravens
Bengals +3.5 over Browns
Saints -6.5 over Lions
Steelers -1.5 over Titans
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Patriots -7.5 over Cardinals
Chargers +3.5 over Buccaneers
Seahawks +4.5 over Jets
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Broncos -6.5 over Bills
Eagles -4.5 over Redskins
Falcons +3.5 over Vikings
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Packers +4.5 over Bears
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 12-4; overall: 128-96
Jaguars +6.5 over Colts
Ravens +4.5 over Cowboys
Browns -3.5 over Bengals
Lions +6.5 over Saints
Steelers -1.5 over Titans
Dolphins -3.5 over Chiefs
Rams +5.5 over 49ers
Cardinals +7.5 over Patriots
Buccaneers -3.5 over Chargers
Jets -4.5 over Seahawks
Texans -7.5 over Raiders
Bills +6.5 over Broncos
Eagles -4.5 over Redskins
Vikings -3.5 over Falcons
Panthers +3.5 over Giants
Packers +4.5 over Bears
Enjoy the games this weekend and we’ll check in next week before the holiday.
-Bess
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 15 NFL picks
So Keefe and I are involved in a league on NFL.com which we’ve been affiliated with for several years now; it dates all the way back to our teenage years at St. Paul’s. So three years ago I took down the championship before losing to Keefe’s dad in the finals the following year. It was all good, my name was first on the plaque and after losing to Pocket Hercules, I drove up to NH and we had a ceremony in which I handed off the plaque to the new king of our FFL. It was like Tiger Woods helping Lefty get his new green jacket on. The whole thing was moving, really. But last year, a dark cloud was cast over our league. Woody came out victorious and everyone was left with a bitter taste in our mouths. The only got worse when Keefe and I joined a Fantasy Baseball League with him and his friends on ESPN. Neither of us realized it was rotisserie style, and after a month we realized we were playing it the wrong way. Woody, meanwhile, shot out to an insurmountable lead and never looked back. It was our goal to dethrone him in football this fall.
Last week, Keefe won his final regular season match, as did Sharkey, meaning Sharkey took down the division and Keefe edged Woody for wildcard spot via points. It was truly a glorious day. Even more exciting is the fact that I take on Shark and Keefe takes on Vaughn, setting up a potential Sports Brief blockbuster in the finale. And tonight’s game will have major implications. I have Brees starting at QB, Bush at RB and Greg Olsen at TE. I’m leaving Pierre Thomas on the bench tonight b/c I believe the Saints will pass the ball and utilize Bush out of the backfield and in the slot. Meanwhile, I have Bush going on two other playoff teams, as well as Colston in two other leagues, one of which is a playoff team. What makes the situation a little sticky is that I have Lance Moore going for my ESPN league team (which is in the championship against my cousin Matt, nonetheless). That’s one of the teams Bush is also on. However, Sharkey has Moore going in our NFL.com league. It’s ugly. I guess that’s what I get for having six fantasy football league teams this year. I’m thinking of cutting it down to four next year, but we’ll see. It’s made the weekends quite dramatic over the last several months.
Oh and Vaughn has Forte going tonight. So here’s to hoping Forte gets shut down, Brees lights it up with Bush and Colston, Moore doesn’t have many receptions but has a modest evening, Olsen has a TD receptions and Forte takes the night off.
Seems pretty simple, right?
Anyways, if you didn’t check out the UFC Fight for the Troops card on SpikeTV last night, you may have missed what was arguably the most action packed, exciting card in UFC history. Four of the five main televised bouts were absolutely brutal stoppages, while the one decision was awarded fight of the night honors and giving an extra $30K to each participant. Ridiculous. I e-mailed my buddy Scotty this morning and said the following:
“Of the following fights, let me know the order in which you’d like to view the corresponding videos…”
a) Knockout of the Year and arguably one of the most brutal, if not THE most brutal KO in UFC history
b) A vicious right hook followed by an absolute flurry of punches ultimately putting a man to sleep
c) An arm being snapped and bent backwards
d) One of the most ferocious and overwhelming attacks via Muay Thai clinch that Joe Rogan claimed was more impressive than Anderson Silva over Rich Franklin
Scotty chose C, B, D, A and that’s how I’ll give them to you here. There’s a bonus video of Corey Hill at the end that wasn’t televised last night. And for good reason. It’s a clip that will live in infamy.
And finally, the Corey Hill video…
In closing, I had one of the most incredible realizations yesterday. Please spell out the name of the object show below:
Last week, Keefe won his final regular season match, as did Sharkey, meaning Sharkey took down the division and Keefe edged Woody for wildcard spot via points. It was truly a glorious day. Even more exciting is the fact that I take on Shark and Keefe takes on Vaughn, setting up a potential Sports Brief blockbuster in the finale. And tonight’s game will have major implications. I have Brees starting at QB, Bush at RB and Greg Olsen at TE. I’m leaving Pierre Thomas on the bench tonight b/c I believe the Saints will pass the ball and utilize Bush out of the backfield and in the slot. Meanwhile, I have Bush going on two other playoff teams, as well as Colston in two other leagues, one of which is a playoff team. What makes the situation a little sticky is that I have Lance Moore going for my ESPN league team (which is in the championship against my cousin Matt, nonetheless). That’s one of the teams Bush is also on. However, Sharkey has Moore going in our NFL.com league. It’s ugly. I guess that’s what I get for having six fantasy football league teams this year. I’m thinking of cutting it down to four next year, but we’ll see. It’s made the weekends quite dramatic over the last several months.
Oh and Vaughn has Forte going tonight. So here’s to hoping Forte gets shut down, Brees lights it up with Bush and Colston, Moore doesn’t have many receptions but has a modest evening, Olsen has a TD receptions and Forte takes the night off.
Seems pretty simple, right?
Anyways, if you didn’t check out the UFC Fight for the Troops card on SpikeTV last night, you may have missed what was arguably the most action packed, exciting card in UFC history. Four of the five main televised bouts were absolutely brutal stoppages, while the one decision was awarded fight of the night honors and giving an extra $30K to each participant. Ridiculous. I e-mailed my buddy Scotty this morning and said the following:
“Of the following fights, let me know the order in which you’d like to view the corresponding videos…”
a) Knockout of the Year and arguably one of the most brutal, if not THE most brutal KO in UFC history
b) A vicious right hook followed by an absolute flurry of punches ultimately putting a man to sleep
c) An arm being snapped and bent backwards
d) One of the most ferocious and overwhelming attacks via Muay Thai clinch that Joe Rogan claimed was more impressive than Anderson Silva over Rich Franklin
Scotty chose C, B, D, A and that’s how I’ll give them to you here. There’s a bonus video of Corey Hill at the end that wasn’t televised last night. And for good reason. It’s a clip that will live in infamy.
And finally, the Corey Hill video…
In closing, I had one of the most incredible realizations yesterday. Please spell out the name of the object show below:
If you’re like me, you didn’t realize that it’s actually wheelbarrow and not wheel barrel. What I struggled with the most was that I feel like I knew this, but every time I went to say it yesterday it sounded like wheel barrel. For some reason I can’t get myself to pronounce it properly. What the hell is the barrow, anyway? Ridiculous. I can’t believe Merriam and Webster screwed this up.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s Picks:
Last week 9-7; overall: 104-104
Saints +2.5 over Bears
Buccaneers +2.5 over Falcons
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Colts -16.5 over Lions
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Packers -1.5 over Jaguars
Texans +3.5 over Titans
Seahawks -3.5 over Rams
Dolphins -6.5 over 49ers
Jets -7.5 over Bills
Vikings +3.5 over Cardinals
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Ravens -1.5 over Steelers
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Giants +2.5 over Cowboys
Browns +14.5 over Eagles
Besse’s Picks:
Last week 12-4; overall: 117-91
Saints +2.5 over Bears
Falcons -2.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Colts -16.5 over Lions
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Packers -1.5 over Jaguars
Texans +3.5 over Titans
Seahawks -3.5 over Rams
Dolphins -6.5 over 49ers
Jets -7.5 over Bills
Cardinals -3.5 over Vikings
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Steelers +1.5 over Ravens
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Cowboys -2.5 over Giants
Browns +14.5 over Eagles
Random Rob’s Picks:
Last week 8-8; overall: 116-92
Bears -2.5 over Saints
Buccaneers +2.5 over Falcons
Redskins -6.5 over Bengals
Lions +16.5 over Colts
Chargers -5.5 over Chiefs
Jaguars +1.5 over Packers
Texans +3.5 over Titans
Rams +3.5 over Seahawks
49ers +6.5 over Dolphins
Bills +7.5 over Jets
Cardinals -3.5 over Vikings
Panthers -7.5 over Broncos
Steelers +1.5 over Ravens
Patriots -7.5 over Raiders
Cowboys -2.5 over Giants
Eagles -14.5 over Browns
Enjoy the weekend.
-Bess
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 14 NFL picks
It’s Week 14 of the NFL season and for some, the commencement of playoff action in fantasy football leagues worldwide. For the record, I got crazy this year and joined six different leagues. Let’s face it, I kept getting asked by people and couldn’t say no. I mean who could possibly resist another fantasy football draft. Tons of fun. So anyway, I’m definitely playoff bound in three of those leagues – top seed in one - and await the verdict this week in a fourth. As for the two leagues I did not make the playoffs in? I’m top three in scoring. Brutal. Nonetheless, it should be a lot of fun heading down the stretch. Tonight’s game is a disaster with the Chargers and Raiders. Could this potentially have one of the lowest ratings ever for a nationally televised game? I’ve been getting jacked up every week for Thursday night football, but this is more dreadful than going to work. In fact, I’m benching Antonio Gates this week in favor of John Carlson in my ESPN league for the first round of the playoffs. Now I definitely have no reason to tune in tonight.
Before we get to the picks, I thought I’d share some YouTube videos I came across last night. I was bored watching the final two episodes of TUF8, which by the way had some of the sh*ttiest fights I’ve ever seen. I might not even tune in to the live finale, and the fact that I’m going to the Foxy for BJal’s birthday doesn’t help either. But check out some of these vicious hits, they’re pretty good.
And here’s a bonus clip. I love this b/c it’s a Pop Warner game and this kid pulls out a video game juke move. Unbelievable.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 9-7; overall: 95-97
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Vikings -9.5 over Lions
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Falcons +3.5 over Saints
Eagles +8.5 over Giants
Jets -3.5 over 49ers
Chiefs +9.5 over Broncos
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals -13.5 over Rams
Cowboys +2.5 over Steelers
Redskins +5.5 over Ravens
Buccaneers +3.5 over Panthers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 9-7; overall: 105-87
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Vikings -9.5 over Lions
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Saints -3.5 over Falcons
Eagles +8.5 over Giants
49ers +3.5 over Jets
Chiefs +9.5 over Broncos
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals -13.5 over Rams
Cowboys +2.5 over Steelers
Ravens -5.5 over Redskins
Panthers -3.5 over Buccaneers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall: 108-84
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Lions +9.5 over Vikings
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Falcons +3.5 over Saints
Giants -8.5 over Eagles
Jets -3.5 over 49ers
Broncos -9.5 over Chiefs
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Rams +13.5 over Cardinals
Steelers -2.5 over Cowboys
Ravens -5.5 over Redskins
Buccaneers +3.5 over Panthers
Also, if you haven't had a chance check out the Miguel Angel Torres v. Manny Tapia WEC bantamweight title fight on Versus last night. Torres just may be the best pound for pound fighter in the world right now. The guys tried a forward roll axe kick for god's sake. Anyway, check out the link below and hopefully Versus or the WEC hasn't taken it down yet. As of now it's still working...
http://www.fightchat.com/665-wec-37-torres-vs-tapia-video/
-Bess
Before we get to the picks, I thought I’d share some YouTube videos I came across last night. I was bored watching the final two episodes of TUF8, which by the way had some of the sh*ttiest fights I’ve ever seen. I might not even tune in to the live finale, and the fact that I’m going to the Foxy for BJal’s birthday doesn’t help either. But check out some of these vicious hits, they’re pretty good.
And here’s a bonus clip. I love this b/c it’s a Pop Warner game and this kid pulls out a video game juke move. Unbelievable.
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 9-7; overall: 95-97
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Vikings -9.5 over Lions
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Falcons +3.5 over Saints
Eagles +8.5 over Giants
Jets -3.5 over 49ers
Chiefs +9.5 over Broncos
Dolphins +1.5 over Bills
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals -13.5 over Rams
Cowboys +2.5 over Steelers
Redskins +5.5 over Ravens
Buccaneers +3.5 over Panthers
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 9-7; overall: 105-87
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Vikings -9.5 over Lions
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Saints -3.5 over Falcons
Eagles +8.5 over Giants
49ers +3.5 over Jets
Chiefs +9.5 over Broncos
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals -13.5 over Rams
Cowboys +2.5 over Steelers
Ravens -5.5 over Redskins
Panthers -3.5 over Buccaneers
Random Rob’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall: 108-84
Chargers -10.5 over Raiders
Bears -6.5 over Jaguars
Lions +9.5 over Vikings
Texans +6.5 over Packers
Titans -13.5 over Browns
Colts -13.5 over Bengals
Falcons +3.5 over Saints
Giants -8.5 over Eagles
Jets -3.5 over 49ers
Broncos -9.5 over Chiefs
Bills -1.5 over Dolphins
Patriots -5.5 over Seahawks
Rams +13.5 over Cardinals
Steelers -2.5 over Cowboys
Ravens -5.5 over Redskins
Buccaneers +3.5 over Panthers
Also, if you haven't had a chance check out the Miguel Angel Torres v. Manny Tapia WEC bantamweight title fight on Versus last night. Torres just may be the best pound for pound fighter in the world right now. The guys tried a forward roll axe kick for god's sake. Anyway, check out the link below and hopefully Versus or the WEC hasn't taken it down yet. As of now it's still working...
http://www.fightchat.com/665-wec-37-torres-vs-tapia-video/
-Bess
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Sports Brief's Week 13 NFL picks
With a short week and three games on the docket tomorrow, we wanted to make sure we got these out today. By the way, last night I joined a few former teammates over at Northeastern for the NU-BU men’s hoops game. It was being dubbed the “Battle of Boston”. NU took a 41-40 lead into the half, but the Terriers came out firing in the 2nd half and took home an 83-75 win. I have to say, although I was excited about the Catamounts in America East this year, the Terriers are the team to beat. That’s a legit squad that could give a lot of major teams some fits, especially come tournament time. They shot 15-31 from behind the 3-point line. It was ridiculous.
Anyway, after the game we went to Conor Larkin’s on campus for Tuesday Night Trivia. We got 17 of 19 correct but didn’t take home the title. However, our consolation was winning best team name and a free pitcher of Bud Light. The winning team name was “Mangini’s Magnificent Meat Curtains”. I assume the owners of the bar thought we meant Eric Mangini and thus found it humorous. However, it was not Eric we were referring to…let your mind wander where it may. Regardless, it got us the consolation victory and that much closer to being fully inebriated.
During trivia, a few sports questions came up. I’ll share them and post the answers at the end of the picks:
1) Of the five major BCS bowl games, FOX has the TV rights to all but one. Which is it?
2) Who is the only player in college football history to win the Heisman trophy twice?
3) Which NHL player holds the record for most goals scored in a season (92)?
4) Bonus question, each answer being worth a point, was: What are the four remaining undefeated teams in college football?
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 5-11; overall: 86-90
Titans -11.5 over Lions
Cowboys -12.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals +2.5 over Eagles
Bills -6.5 over 49ers
Ravens -7.5 over Bengals
Colts -4.5 over Browns
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
Dolphins -7.5 over Rams
Saints +4.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins +3.5 over Giants
Falcons +5.5 over Chargers
Jets -7.5 over Broncos
Raiders -2.5 over Chiefs
Steelers +1.5 over Patriots
Vikings -3.5 over Bears
Texans -3.5 over Jaguars
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall 96-80
Titans -11.5 over Lions
Cowboys -12.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals +2.5 over Eagles
49ers +6.5 over Bills
Ravens -7.5 over Bengals
Colts -4.5 over Browns
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
Dolphins -7.5 over Rams
Saints +4.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins +3.5 over Giants
Chargers -5.5 over Falcons
Broncos +7.5 over Jets
Chiefs +2.5 over Raiders
Patriots -1.5 over Steelers
Bears +3.5 over Vikings
Texans -3.5 over Jaguars
Random Rob’s picks
Last week: 6-10; overall: 97-79
Lions
Cowboys
Eagles
49ers
Ravens
Browns
Packers
Dolphins
Saints
Giants
Falcons
Jets
Chiefs
Steelers
Bears
Texans
Answers to the trivia questions:
1) Rose Bowl (ABC)
2) Archie Griffin
3) Wayne Gretzky
4) Alabama, Utah, Boise State, Ball State
Oh and by the way, remember how I hyped up Delaware’s volleyball team during last Sunday’s picks? Yea, they went ahead and beat Northeastern 3-2 to win the CAA championships. Can you say four in a row? Remember where you heard it first!!!
Happy thanksgiving to everyone from The Sports Brief.
-Bess
Anyway, after the game we went to Conor Larkin’s on campus for Tuesday Night Trivia. We got 17 of 19 correct but didn’t take home the title. However, our consolation was winning best team name and a free pitcher of Bud Light. The winning team name was “Mangini’s Magnificent Meat Curtains”. I assume the owners of the bar thought we meant Eric Mangini and thus found it humorous. However, it was not Eric we were referring to…let your mind wander where it may. Regardless, it got us the consolation victory and that much closer to being fully inebriated.
During trivia, a few sports questions came up. I’ll share them and post the answers at the end of the picks:
1) Of the five major BCS bowl games, FOX has the TV rights to all but one. Which is it?
2) Who is the only player in college football history to win the Heisman trophy twice?
3) Which NHL player holds the record for most goals scored in a season (92)?
4) Bonus question, each answer being worth a point, was: What are the four remaining undefeated teams in college football?
Onto the picks…
Keefe’s picks:
Last week: 5-11; overall: 86-90
Titans -11.5 over Lions
Cowboys -12.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals +2.5 over Eagles
Bills -6.5 over 49ers
Ravens -7.5 over Bengals
Colts -4.5 over Browns
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
Dolphins -7.5 over Rams
Saints +4.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins +3.5 over Giants
Falcons +5.5 over Chargers
Jets -7.5 over Broncos
Raiders -2.5 over Chiefs
Steelers +1.5 over Patriots
Vikings -3.5 over Bears
Texans -3.5 over Jaguars
Besse’s picks:
Last week: 11-5; overall 96-80
Titans -11.5 over Lions
Cowboys -12.5 over Seahawks
Cardinals +2.5 over Eagles
49ers +6.5 over Bills
Ravens -7.5 over Bengals
Colts -4.5 over Browns
Panthers +3.5 over Packers
Dolphins -7.5 over Rams
Saints +4.5 over Buccaneers
Redskins +3.5 over Giants
Chargers -5.5 over Falcons
Broncos +7.5 over Jets
Chiefs +2.5 over Raiders
Patriots -1.5 over Steelers
Bears +3.5 over Vikings
Texans -3.5 over Jaguars
Random Rob’s picks
Last week: 6-10; overall: 97-79
Lions
Cowboys
Eagles
49ers
Ravens
Browns
Packers
Dolphins
Saints
Giants
Falcons
Jets
Chiefs
Steelers
Bears
Texans
Answers to the trivia questions:
1) Rose Bowl (ABC)
2) Archie Griffin
3) Wayne Gretzky
4) Alabama, Utah, Boise State, Ball State
Oh and by the way, remember how I hyped up Delaware’s volleyball team during last Sunday’s picks? Yea, they went ahead and beat Northeastern 3-2 to win the CAA championships. Can you say four in a row? Remember where you heard it first!!!
Happy thanksgiving to everyone from The Sports Brief.
-Bess
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