There's still time to vote on the People's Playoffs roster for this week (and for Super Bowl week, since the rosters will lock on Sunday). While you contemplate your selections, it's time to tell you what will happen Sunday in the NFL conference championship games. Last week's predictions went 3-1, raising the playoff forecast record to a respectable 4-4.
NFC Championship: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears. We'll set aside the question Bill Simmons fielded Friday about whether these two teams have a rivalry. Instead, we'll focus on what both teams bring to the table. Green Bay brings Charles Woodson, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, as well as Clay Matthews Jr., one of the favorites to take that honor this season. Chicago has Jay Cutler, who will be starting the second playoff game of his professional career. (By contrast, Mark Sanchez will be starting his sixth.) They also have Mike Martz, who sometimes still calls games as if he feels the words "blocking" and "tight end" don't belong in the same paragraph. Evidence? Cutler was sacked a league-leading 52 times this season, or 12 more times than runner-up Joe Flacco. When it comes down to it, the people who bring you the People's Pigskin trust Matthews, Woodson and their cohorts more than they trust Cutler and his offensive line. The Packers win a third straight road game and punch their ticket for the Super Bowl.
AFC Championship: New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. There is no question that Mark Sanchez has evolved into a legitimate NFL quarterback. And Rex Ryan is proving that he can back up his big words with big games. But once again, it's a question of who do you trust. Pittsburgh has Ben Roethlisberger, who may have ridden Jerome Bettis' coattails to one Super Bowl ring but more than earned his second with a drive that culminated with one of the most famous catches in postseason history. On the other side of the line of scrimmage, we have Antonio Cromartie (remember him?), who can stand on his head one week and fall flat on his face the next. He stood on his head last week against the New England Patriots. But if the question is which player is more likely to come through again this week, the answer has to be Roethlisberger until someone proves otherwise. The Steelers march on to Arlington and the House That Texas Taxpayers Built.
We'll be back with the poll results.
Showing posts with label Jay Cutler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jay Cutler. Show all posts
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Fearless Predictions - Week 13
This week is the last week of the regular season for the Landshark Maniacs. All 10 teams will have matchups for the next four weeks, but only four will have a shot at the championship.
It's too bad these predictions are ineligible for the playoffs. They went a solid 3-2 last week, boosting the season record to 34-26.
Peoples Pigskin vs. D.C. Destroyers. Yes, I see the Q that appeared this morning next to Steve Slaton's name. You know what? Even if he doesn't produce, the other players will, and the end result will be a face-saving Pigskin victory.
Tinks Revenge vs. T-day jacks 151rum stumblrs. We have some dueling Qs here (DeAngelo Williams and Visanthe Shiancoe), but the biggest injuries may be to Donovan McNabb's receivers. Chalk up a win for the Revenge here.
Ravens Fan T Sizzle vs. Northeast Dragons. Steven Jackson will get his share of points, but so will Aaron Rodgers, who will fuel a bounceback victory for the Dragons.
Hawaiian Surfriders vs. Big Lough O. Justin Forsett was a shrewd pickup, and Tom Brady seems like the kind of guy who will take out his frustrations over a lousy game by shredding his next opponent. That adds up to a win for the Lough Os.
Houston Wreckin' Crew vs. Southern Rebels. One of the things for which I was thankful last week was that I did not have to ask myself "What on earth is up with Jay Cutler?" this fantasy season. The Rebels bring too much to the table and roll to a win here.
There's still time to vote in our polls. We'll be back with more thoughts tomorrow.
It's too bad these predictions are ineligible for the playoffs. They went a solid 3-2 last week, boosting the season record to 34-26.
Peoples Pigskin vs. D.C. Destroyers. Yes, I see the Q that appeared this morning next to Steve Slaton's name. You know what? Even if he doesn't produce, the other players will, and the end result will be a face-saving Pigskin victory.
Tinks Revenge vs. T-day jacks 151rum stumblrs. We have some dueling Qs here (DeAngelo Williams and Visanthe Shiancoe), but the biggest injuries may be to Donovan McNabb's receivers. Chalk up a win for the Revenge here.
Ravens Fan T Sizzle vs. Northeast Dragons. Steven Jackson will get his share of points, but so will Aaron Rodgers, who will fuel a bounceback victory for the Dragons.
Hawaiian Surfriders vs. Big Lough O. Justin Forsett was a shrewd pickup, and Tom Brady seems like the kind of guy who will take out his frustrations over a lousy game by shredding his next opponent. That adds up to a win for the Lough Os.
Houston Wreckin' Crew vs. Southern Rebels. One of the things for which I was thankful last week was that I did not have to ask myself "What on earth is up with Jay Cutler?" this fantasy season. The Rebels bring too much to the table and roll to a win here.
There's still time to vote in our polls. We'll be back with more thoughts tomorrow.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Fearless Predictions - Week 10
It's time once again for the often ridiculed, rarely imitated Landshark Maniacs predictions. Last week's version went an impressive 4-1, missing only the game involving the People's Pigskin. (What's that saying about an infinite number of monkeys?) The season record is now 22-23, and it's time for the forecasts, along with our fantasy football team, to break the .500 barrier.
Peoples Pigskin vs. Big Lough O. The headlines from Thursday night focused on Jay Cutler, but Matt Forte quietly had a solid night, producing 16 fantasy points for you, the Internet. That strong start will fuel a victory for the Pigskin.
Northeast Dragons vs. D.C. Destroyers. The Destroyers are also off to a solid start, getting 7 fantasy points from Greg Olsen. This one will be very close, but the Minnesota Vikings defense will make the difference and secure a win for the Dragons.
Houston Wreckin' Crew vs. Tinks Revenge. Thursday night was disappointing for both of these teams. Vernon Davis, who had the bright idea of running his mouth before the game, produced only 1 fantasy point for the Revenge. Cutler had an even worse night, giving the crew only 2 points. It will be easier for the Revenge to get over Davis' shortfall, so the call here is for a Revenge win.
T-bay jacks 151rum stumblrs vs. Southern Rebels. The Rebels got a windfall from Frank Gore, who scored the only touchdown in Thursday's night game and produced 18 fantasy points. That lead will prove insurmountable, and the Rebels will get another win.
Hawaiian Surfriders vs. Ravens Fan T Sizzle. The Surfriders are starting three Vikings against the Detroit Lions, who are currently 31st in scoring defense. This strategy is the ticket to a victory for the Surfriders.
We'll be back tomorrow with some more recommended reading. In the meantime, be sure to vote in the polls on the right side of the page.
Peoples Pigskin vs. Big Lough O. The headlines from Thursday night focused on Jay Cutler, but Matt Forte quietly had a solid night, producing 16 fantasy points for you, the Internet. That strong start will fuel a victory for the Pigskin.
Northeast Dragons vs. D.C. Destroyers. The Destroyers are also off to a solid start, getting 7 fantasy points from Greg Olsen. This one will be very close, but the Minnesota Vikings defense will make the difference and secure a win for the Dragons.
Houston Wreckin' Crew vs. Tinks Revenge. Thursday night was disappointing for both of these teams. Vernon Davis, who had the bright idea of running his mouth before the game, produced only 1 fantasy point for the Revenge. Cutler had an even worse night, giving the crew only 2 points. It will be easier for the Revenge to get over Davis' shortfall, so the call here is for a Revenge win.
T-bay jacks 151rum stumblrs vs. Southern Rebels. The Rebels got a windfall from Frank Gore, who scored the only touchdown in Thursday's night game and produced 18 fantasy points. That lead will prove insurmountable, and the Rebels will get another win.
Hawaiian Surfriders vs. Ravens Fan T Sizzle. The Surfriders are starting three Vikings against the Detroit Lions, who are currently 31st in scoring defense. This strategy is the ticket to a victory for the Surfriders.
We'll be back tomorrow with some more recommended reading. In the meantime, be sure to vote in the polls on the right side of the page.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Fearless predictions: Week 1
Every week during the season, I plan to offer some predictions about the match-ups in the Landshark Maniacs league. Take them with as many grains of salt as you wish, and please, no wagering.
Peoples Pigskin vs. Ravens Fan T Sizzle. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict a victory here. Forte and Warner should have a good day, and so should Rivers, but I can't say I expect the same for Willie Parker.
Hawaiian MaiTai Guzzlers vs. T-Bay Jacks 151rum Stumblrs. The battle of the mixed drinks. If ever there was a week where Peyton Manning was going to set the field on fire, this would be it. I'm taking the stumblers. (And if you're offering, I'll take a 151 and coke.)
D.C. Destroyers vs. Houston Wreckin' Crew. Jay Cutler is the real wild card here. I think he provides just enough offense to complement Michael Turner and give the Crew a victory. Long term, though, you've gotta hope the Broncos either get Brandon Marshall on the field or give Cutler someone else who can go deep.
Big Lough O vs. Northeast Dragons. Some people have been less than enthusiastic about Tom Brady's return to the field. I'm not one of them. I don't care if the Patriots dig up Red Grange's corpse and line it up at running back. (Talk about your galloping ghosts.) I see a big Monday night performance and a win for the Lough O's.
Southern Rebels vs. Tinks Revenge. That "Q" next to Matt Cassel's name has to make you nervous. So does the fact that his team gets to start off against the Ravens defense. Combine that with Drew Brees' match-up against the Lions (making New Orleans a popular pick in suicide pools), I have to take Tink's side here.
Think I'm wrong? Feel free to comment. The snack poll is still open if you're hungry. Coming Tuesday, the first poll on the Peoples Pigskin lineup.
Peoples Pigskin vs. Ravens Fan T Sizzle. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict a victory here. Forte and Warner should have a good day, and so should Rivers, but I can't say I expect the same for Willie Parker.
Hawaiian MaiTai Guzzlers vs. T-Bay Jacks 151rum Stumblrs. The battle of the mixed drinks. If ever there was a week where Peyton Manning was going to set the field on fire, this would be it. I'm taking the stumblers. (And if you're offering, I'll take a 151 and coke.)
D.C. Destroyers vs. Houston Wreckin' Crew. Jay Cutler is the real wild card here. I think he provides just enough offense to complement Michael Turner and give the Crew a victory. Long term, though, you've gotta hope the Broncos either get Brandon Marshall on the field or give Cutler someone else who can go deep.
Big Lough O vs. Northeast Dragons. Some people have been less than enthusiastic about Tom Brady's return to the field. I'm not one of them. I don't care if the Patriots dig up Red Grange's corpse and line it up at running back. (Talk about your galloping ghosts.) I see a big Monday night performance and a win for the Lough O's.
Southern Rebels vs. Tinks Revenge. That "Q" next to Matt Cassel's name has to make you nervous. So does the fact that his team gets to start off against the Ravens defense. Combine that with Drew Brees' match-up against the Lions (making New Orleans a popular pick in suicide pools), I have to take Tink's side here.
Think I'm wrong? Feel free to comment. The snack poll is still open if you're hungry. Coming Tuesday, the first poll on the Peoples Pigskin lineup.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Preseason Week 3 preview
This week is often called "dress rehearsal" week, because this is when the starters will get their longest looks of the preseason. It's also when fantasy players either have a team drafted or are putting the finishing touches on their drafting plans.
Whatever the case may be, this will be a week of games worth watching. Here's a few of the things that should hold the attention of fantasy players for the next several days.
Microscope time. (Jacksonville @ Philadelphia, Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. EDT) Yeah, yeah, that Michael something-or-other will be getting a look, but my eyes will be on Donovan McNabb. After all, he is the starter -- at least, officially -- and I wouldn't waste a fantasy draft choice on a backup quarterback who may miss the first third of the regular season. Still, despite the positive words coming out of Donovan's mouth, there's got to be pressure on the dude to perform well right out of the gate.
Anybody want this job? (Miami @ Tampa Bay, Thursday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m. EDT, Fox) What do Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson, Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown have in common? They're all quarterbacks, and they're all on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster. Can Leftwich cement a spot in the starting lineup with a strong performance?
Hit me with your best shot. (New England @ Washington, Friday, Aug. 28, 8 p.m. EDT, CBS) Yes, Tom Brady took a good shot last week against Cincinnati, and yes, he will be taking hits as long as his career continues. But there's no getting around this: Everyone, especially fantasy players, will be studying how many hits Tom takes, and how well he shakes them off, physically and mentally, pretty much from now through January.
Maybe it was a fluke. (New York Giants vs. New York Jets, Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.) OK, Mark Sanchez did not set the world on fire Monday against the Baltimore Ravens. So how did the Jets brass respond? Naming him the opening day starter, of course. And how will he celebrate this early career achievement? By facing the one defense that might make people hesitate before spending that fourth-round pick on the Steelers. Good luck, kid.
You again? (Chicago @ Denver, Sunday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m. EDT, NBC) Here's hoping Kyle Orton resists the urge to throw any left-handed passes. And here's hoping Jay Cutler proves to be worth all those fifth- and sixth-round picks people are going to spend on him in the fantasy world. And speaking of quarterbacks with something to prove...
Uh, oh. (Minnesota @ Houston, Monday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. EDT, ESPN) Now, no one is going to argue that the Vikings should have stood pat at QB. I wouldn't want to face a season of Tarvaris-or-Sage questions, either. But this Brett Favre experiment has the potential of exploding like the Hindenburg. At least, if the reports of a locker room "schism" are anywhere close to accurate. Of course, wins have a way of healing these wounds. And Brett needs to win quickly, for both his teammates and anyone who drafts him.
Whatever the case may be, this will be a week of games worth watching. Here's a few of the things that should hold the attention of fantasy players for the next several days.
Microscope time. (Jacksonville @ Philadelphia, Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 p.m. EDT) Yeah, yeah, that Michael something-or-other will be getting a look, but my eyes will be on Donovan McNabb. After all, he is the starter -- at least, officially -- and I wouldn't waste a fantasy draft choice on a backup quarterback who may miss the first third of the regular season. Still, despite the positive words coming out of Donovan's mouth, there's got to be pressure on the dude to perform well right out of the gate.
Anybody want this job? (Miami @ Tampa Bay, Thursday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m. EDT, Fox) What do Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson, Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown have in common? They're all quarterbacks, and they're all on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster. Can Leftwich cement a spot in the starting lineup with a strong performance?
Hit me with your best shot. (New England @ Washington, Friday, Aug. 28, 8 p.m. EDT, CBS) Yes, Tom Brady took a good shot last week against Cincinnati, and yes, he will be taking hits as long as his career continues. But there's no getting around this: Everyone, especially fantasy players, will be studying how many hits Tom takes, and how well he shakes them off, physically and mentally, pretty much from now through January.
Maybe it was a fluke. (New York Giants vs. New York Jets, Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.) OK, Mark Sanchez did not set the world on fire Monday against the Baltimore Ravens. So how did the Jets brass respond? Naming him the opening day starter, of course. And how will he celebrate this early career achievement? By facing the one defense that might make people hesitate before spending that fourth-round pick on the Steelers. Good luck, kid.
You again? (Chicago @ Denver, Sunday, Aug. 30, 8 p.m. EDT, NBC) Here's hoping Kyle Orton resists the urge to throw any left-handed passes. And here's hoping Jay Cutler proves to be worth all those fifth- and sixth-round picks people are going to spend on him in the fantasy world. And speaking of quarterbacks with something to prove...
Uh, oh. (Minnesota @ Houston, Monday, Aug. 31, 8 p.m. EDT, ESPN) Now, no one is going to argue that the Vikings should have stood pat at QB. I wouldn't want to face a season of Tarvaris-or-Sage questions, either. But this Brett Favre experiment has the potential of exploding like the Hindenburg. At least, if the reports of a locker room "schism" are anywhere close to accurate. Of course, wins have a way of healing these wounds. And Brett needs to win quickly, for both his teammates and anyone who drafts him.
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