TD's Divisional Round Picks

Last week, I promised Sporting Rants and Raves would be posted within a day. Then, I met my statistics homework and discovered that the post was a pipe dream. And thus, I cannot promise another post this weekend, especially given the fact that I both want to get my homework completed AND I want to watch the games...

That said, let's get to the picks.

Arizona @ New Orleans
The Saints. An offensive powerhouse for most of the season. A fading star in its last few games. They certainly have the talent. But not the experience. The Cardinals. An offensive powerhouse that can light any team up on any given day. But inconsistent, even, at time, within the same game. See last week's game against Green Bay. What wins this game? Defense, ironically. He who can stop the other will win. TD chooses: New Orleans Saints

Baltimore @ Indianapolis
Baltimore has something intangible. A grittiness. A will to win. And a running game. Indianapolis has Peyton Manning. I'm going to take the latter over the former nine times out of ten. And this ain't that tenth time. TD chooses: Indianapolis Colts

Dallas @ Minnesota
I almost wish the Vikings still played outside. That added element could have been the game changer. Then again, Favre most likely wouldn't have played for Minnesota in that case. But this isn't a time for 'what ifs'. Instead, we must consider what is. A Minnesota team that lost two of its last three and saw Favre and Childress vie for leadership in a rather questionable way. And a Dallas team that has virtually annihilated the competition the last couple weeks. Yes, Minnesota will come to play, but Brett will only come close once again. TD chooses: Dallas Cowboys

New York Jets @ San Diego
I appreciate Rex Ryan's cockiness. He got that from his old man. I appreciate the Jets' talent and, perhaps, even its depth. But I must admit that I have little confidence that they can pull off a win against a team that has looked like the second hottest team in the league - next to Dallas. They do have the fact that they are 1-0 against the Chargers in the playoffs (a 20-17 win in 2004). Unfortunately for them, I think that streak won't last. TD chooses: San Diego Chargers

There you have it. One hour and forty-five minutes until kickoff. Until next I write, happy sporting...

TD's NFL Wild Card Picks

Have no fear. Sporting Rants and Raves will be posted either later today or tomorrow. But based on my workload - at work - and the homework that I need to complete - it needs to be posted 24 hours prior to the actual class on Monday - I have decided to off this abbreviated post addressing the picks. And so, without further ado...

New York Jets @ Cincinnati
The only New York team in the playoffs travels to Cincinnati today to see if they can duplicate their efforts - it seems that will be happening a lot this weekend. I certainly don't think it will be nearly the blowout it was last week. But there's something about the Jets right now that is exciting. I think Ryan's a blowhard when he says they'll win it all, but I think they'll win this first one against the stalling Bagels. TD chooses: New York Jets

Philadelphia @ Dallas
I've always wondered which team I dislike the most of these. I hated Philly under Buddy Ryan. But I also hated the Cowboys of the mid-90s. If I were a meaner and angrier person, I'd root for injuries. But I'm not, so I'll root for the Eagles. There's something about saying the Dallas hasn't won a playoff game in 14 years that makes me happy. Still, this isn't about rooting, per se, it's about choosing the winner. And something tells me that Dallas will break the streak at 13. TD chooses: Dallas Cowboys

Baltimore @ New England
I've heard at different times during the year that no one really wants to play New England in the post season because of their experience. That said, I wouldn't want to play Baltimore either. I think it'll be slugfest in chilly New England. A balanced game that sees big plays on offense and bone-crushing hits on D. The difference in this one? I think it's Welker. Unless Brady finds a possession receiver underneath, I call this one for Baltimore. TD chooses: Baltimore Ravens

Green Bay @ Arizona
Green Bay manhandled the Cards last week, but it isn't fair to say they're the better team. Yet... I think they may have the better team on average, but Arizona has such an ability to rev the engine. Not with plain old gasoline, mind you, but with jet fuel. That said, the loss of Boldin is rather huge, though I don't take anything from Breaston, who will most likely fill in as the #2. I personally think Arizona had its run last year. And, I want to see Green Bay beat Minnesota. TD chooses: Green Bay Packers

Sporting Rants & Raves: January 2, 2010

Happy 47th Birthday both to Mr. Edgar Martinez, formerly a well-known designated hitter and potential hall of famer, and Mr. David Cone, formerly a well-known pitcher for the Mets, Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Royals, though not in that order.

Trivia of the Week
Martinez became a fixture in Seattle's lineup in 1990. What position did he play? Extra Credit: Which player did Martinez replace?

Trivia of the Week 2
Cone beat this team in his perfect game on 7/18/99. Extra Credit: How many perfect games had there been before Cone's perfect game in recorded baseball history?

Answers to December 26's Trivia of the Week
What did Harry Frazee do 90 years ago today? He sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees.

South Carolina 7, Connecticut 20
Congratulations to the UCONN Huskies for their very convincing win over the Gamecocks of South Carolina. After the tragedy that befell them this year with the death of Jasper Howard, this ending is certainly more sweet than bitter.

The Bowl Cut
The name I chose for my 'team' choosing the bowl winners. Thus far, I'ver been terrible. It seems I have no knack for choosing winners in big games. Unless, perhaps, I'm partial, which may be the only reason I chose UCONN. As for the rest, well, let's say I've chosen 12 of 28 correctly. That's 43%. Yeah, I'll stick to the NFL...

TD's NFL Picks - Week 17
Here we are in the final week of the NFL season. We know who's going in the NFC. Not so much in the AFC. But we do know that Cleveland and Detroit have no chance of getting to their first Super Bowl. I personally hate choosing during this last week mainly because it's not about choosing the best team. That said, here I go...

Indianapolis @ Buffalo
Will Indy play to the best of their ability, i.e. will they play their starters, i.e. will they play Peyton? I dunno. But I think Indy can still beat the Bills. Buffalo would need Jim Kelly to have a chance. August choice: Indianapolis Colts. Present choice: Indianapolis Colts

New Orleans @ Carolina
Drew is sitting. Darren too. Not to mention the Saints just lost to the Bucs. I'm not feeling them right now. A win would be good. But Carolina's been strong too. August choice: Carolina Panthers. Present choice: Carolina Panthers

Jacksonville @ Cleveland
The Jaguars are frauds. They have tried - and failed - to be something they're not. Cleveland is bad. They never tried to be anything other than what they are. Still, I see something in Cleveland. Something. Though I'm still not a fan of their head coach. That said, we'll see if Holmgren can turn this around. August choice: Jacksonville Jaguars. Present choice: Cleveland Browns

Philadelphia @ Dallas
Here we go. The game to choose the champion of the NFC East and potentially the first seed. They're both in. But the seed will make the difference in this one. August choice: Philadelphia Eagles. Present choice: Philadelphia Eagles

Chicago @ Detroit
See my Detroit comment above. Chicago ain't no golden child, but compared to Detroit, they're platinum. August choice: Chicago Bears. Present choice: Chicago Bears

New England @ Houston
New England has proven that it doesn't lie down for big games. They're getting ready for the playoffs. Houston is a good team and still has the slightest chance of getting in. But they won't. August choice: Houston Texans. Present choice: New England Patriots

Pittsburgh @ Miami
Good game. Miami still has a shot. So does Pittsburgh. Both need a lot of help. Which makes this an intriguing game. I think the Steelers bring more to the table. August choice: Pittsburgh Steelers. August choice: Pittsburgh Steelers

New York Giants @ Minnesota
New York laid an egg. A pretty bad egg at that. It not only made them look terrible, it also wiped away any chance they had at the playoffs. Better luck next year. As for the Vikings, I'm not sure where they're going. Either one can win the game, but I don't think it will help either. August choice: New York Football Giants. Present choice: Minnesota Vikings

Cincinnati @ New York Jets
This game marks the end of an era. The last game in Giants Stadium. And after last week's debacle, let's hope that one New York/Jersey team can pull it off. Can they? Well, I was talking to a Jets fan recently, and he had the following reasoning. If Cincinnati wins, they'll most likely play Baltimore (if Baltimore wins) in the first round of the playoffs. If they lose, however, they'll most likely play the Jets again. Who would you rather play in the first round? Yeah me too. August choice: New York Jets. Present choice: New York Jets

San Francisco @ St. Louis
An NFC matchup during the last week of the season that doesn't include the Cardinals. Woohoo. Might I add that it feels weird for me to say that about the Cardinals. August choice: San Francisco 49ers. Present choice: San Francisco 49ers

Atlanta @ Tampa Bay
I think Tampa's head coach may have another year. Well, good for him. I didn't think the Bucs entirely devoid of talent. But they do need to build a team quickly. They'll give the Falcons a run for their money, but that's about it. August choice: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Present choice: Atlanta Falcons

Green Bay @ Arizona
This one's a tough one. I never know how Arizona will play. And Green Bay has that ability to lay an egg too. That said, I'm going to say that Green Bay starts to catch on fire at the right time. I think it's also partially because I want to see them oust Minnesota from the playoffs if they get a chance to play. August choice: Arizona Cardinals. Present choice: Green Bay Packers

Kansas City @ Denver
I have to believe that Denver won't just let a 5-0 start slip away like the Giants did. Then again, they haven't shown themselves to be any prize of late. If it were at Arrowhead, I might even choose the Chiefs. August choice: Kansas City Chiefs. Present choice: Denver Broncos

Baltimore @ Oakland
I'd say this one's a drop in the bucket for the Ravens. Then again, it should have been the same story for the Eagles, Bengals, and Denver. Baltimore can lose this game if they assume anything. August choice: Baltimore Ravens. Present choice: Baltimore Ravens

Washington @ San Diego
Washington is absolutely terrible and they have no leadership. Other than that, they're fine. August choice: Washington Redskins. Present choice: San Diego Chargers

Tennessee @ Seattle
I think most Seattle fans are hoping for the higher draft pick at this point. At least the Titans have some pride in themselves and played the second half of the season. August choice: Tennessee Titans. Present choice: Tennessee Titans

There you have it. The last week. I think it will be the Ravens and Jets. Then again, everything could flip 180 like last weekend. So, I'm not holding my breath. Until next I write, happy sporting...

Sporting Rants & Raves: December 26, 2009

Happy 55th Birthday to Mr. Osborne Earl Smith, better known to the baseball world as Ozzie. "The Wizard" played 18 years in MLB, first for San Diego and later, more famously, for the St. Louis Cardinals. He earned his way into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 2002.

Trivia of the Week
What did Harry Frazee do 90 years ago today?

Answers to December 19's Trivia of the Week
Jake Plummer received his nickname from this wrestler. Jake "The Snake" Roberts
Extra Credit: The wrestler with the nickname took the nickname from this NFL player. Ken Stabler

Answers to December 19's Trivia of the Week 2
Bobby Layne won three NFL championships for this team during the 1950s. Detroit Lions
Extra Credit: Name the only 3 teams to have been playing in the NFL since 1970 that have NOT been in a Super Bowl. Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints

TD's NFL Picks - Week 16
Yes, forgot again. Such is life. It was Christmas, and I didn't want to be on the computer. So, I lost the San Diego / Tennessee game. I would have chosen San Diego had I chosen. Back in August, I chose Tennessee. Now, for the rest of them. An interesting web woven in the AFC...

Buffalo @ Atlanta
This game has no affect on this year's playoffs. They'll just play to see who wins. August choice: Atlanta Falcons. Present choice: Atlanta Falcons

Kansas City @ Cincinnati
As strange as it sounds, there is still a VERY low chance that the Bengals don't make it. I don't think they have to worry much given who they're playing. August choice: Cincinnati Bengals. Present choice: Cincinnati Bengals

Oakland @ Cleveland
Both have shown hints of positivity in these waning days of the decade. Too little, too late. August choice: Cleveland Browns. Present choice: Oakland Raiders

Green Bay @ Seattle
I think the Seachickens are really that bad. I know one year is usually too short a time to call on the general management to rid themselves of the head coach. But in this instance, I'll make an exception. Add to this the fact that Green Bay is still working to secure a playoff spot, and you have a Packer win. August choice: Green Bay Packers. Present choice: Green Bay Packers

Houston @ Miami
Both teams fight for their respective playoff lives. Not to mention, I think they're rather evenly matched. In fact, this might be one of the better games tomorrow. August choice: Miami Dolphins. Present choice: Miami Dolphins

Carolina @ New York Football Giants
Carolina would scare me if they had a better QB at the helm. But I'm betting the Giants are playing to get into the playoffs. Too little too late for the Jints too? Perhaps... I do like, however, that they're not giving up. August choice: Carolina Panthers. Present choice: New York Football Giants

Jacksonville @ New England
It's hard for me to fathom that after some of the 'dogs' the jaguars have played, they still have a chance to get into the playoffs. Not a good chance, mind you, but a chance nonetheless. But this Florida team must go into New England to do it. And New England is still trying to secure their own playoff destiny. Sorry, JAX. August choice: New England Patriots. Present choice: New England Patriots

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
The Saints are fallible. But not that fallible. August choice: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Present choice: New Orleans Saints.

Denver @ Philadelphia
A fascinating game. No idea which Denver will show. They're still playing for the playoffs, after all. As for Philly, they have an outside chance of getting a first round bye. And everyone who thought the 13-3 record I awarded Philly at the beginning of the year thought I was crazy. August choice: Philadelphia Eagles. Present choice: Philadelphia Eagles

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh
Another battle royale anyone? Playoffs will be determined by this game. Pittsburgh holds on for dear life. Baltimore tries to blow the race open and get the Wild Card. And they have to go into Pittsburgh to do it. August choice: Pittsburgh Steelers. Present choice: Pittsburgh Steelers

St. Louis @ Arizona
Eh. NFC West. No one cares. I'm not even sure if Arizona can get hot like they did last year. Still, St. Louis shouldn't be much of a challenge. August choice: Arizona Cardinals. Present choice: Arizona Cardinals

Detroit @ San Francisco
Well, apart from San Francisco being a tad better than I expected, this game has exactly the meaning I thought it would have at the beginning of the season, i.e. it makes a difference on draft day. August choice: San Francisco 49ers. Present choice: San Francisco 49ers

New York Jets @ Indianapolis
Does Indy have anything for which to play? No, not really. Unless you count 15-0 as an aspiration. Or 23 straight. The Jets, meanwhile, can still get a playoff spot. Problem, is I think the J-E-T-S are going to be watching from their H-O-M-E-S come playoff time. August choice: Indianapolis Colts. Present choice: Indianapolis Colts

Dallas @ Washington
After last week's debacle, I can't imagine Washington even putting up a fight. But this is a Cowboys-Redskins game, and anything can happen. And usually does. August choice: Washington Redskins. Present choice: Dallas Cowboys

Minnesota @ Chicago
I won't side with the pundits and say that the Vikings are in trouble. What I will say is that most teams that reach the Super Bowl nowadays are getting hot around this time. See the Cardinals, Giants, and Steelers in the past few big games. I don't see Minnesota getting hot. Yeah, it's possible, but they best watch out for the likes of - dare I say it - Green Bay or Dallas. August choice: Chicago Bears. Present choice: Minnesota Vikings

There you have it. Second to last week. Most of those 7-7 AFC teams will know their fate come Sunday evening. Until next I write, happy sporting...

Sporting Rants & Raves: December 19, 2009

Happy 35th birthday both to Mr. Jake Plummer, an NFL quarterback, and Joe Jurevicius, an NFL wide receiver. Plummer played for both the Arizona Cardinals and the Denver Broncos. Jurevicius played for the New York Football Giants, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Cleveland Browns during his 10-year career.

Today also saw the birth of Mr. Reggie White, the incredible defensive end who played for both the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, and the Carolina Panther, AND Mr. Bobby Layne, a Hall of Fame quarterback during the pre-Super Bowl NFL years.

Trivia of the Week
Jake Plummer received his nickname from this wrestler. Extra Credit: The wrestler with the nickname took the nickname from this NFL player.

Trivia of the Week 2
Bobby Layne won three NFL championships for this team during the 1950s. Extra Credit: Name the only 3 teams to have been playing in the NFL since 1970 that have NOT been in a Super Bowl.

Answers to December 12's Trivia of the Week
For which team did Randle play after leaving Minnesota until his retirement in 2003.
Seattle Seahawks
Extra Credit: With 137.5 all-time sacks, Randle is tied with this MVP of Super Bowl XX. Richard Dent

Cliff Lee: Trade to Seattle complete & Bradley to Seattle, Silva to Cubs
Seattle is busy. And for some reason, I think it might be a move in the right direction. Jack Zduriencik did some good work in Milwaukee; we'll see if he can duplicate it with the M's. As for all those Bradley doubters, we'll see.

If Ochocinco Honors Henry, Union To Pay Fines
Anyone not living under a rock knows that Chris Henry died this past week. The story of his death is at this point unimportant. It is now about remembering his life and mourning his death. Though I think Chad is generally loco, I respect his decision to honor his teammate. And I also respect the union's decision. Rest in peace, Chris...

TD's NFL Picks - Week 15
For those of you who read my Thursday post about Thursday's and tonight's games, you know that I did not, at that time, have the picks that I made back in August. I chose Indianapolis. And I chose Dallas. But keep in mind that I had New Orleans going 4-12 before the season. Called that one...

Chicago @ Baltimore
I've seen the first Facebook group calling for Lovie to be fired. Cutler hasn't helped the situation. A 5-8 record is a rather sad thing. Baltimore, meanwhile, still seeks a playoff spot. Many pundits think it will be theirs. I tend to agree. August choice: Baltimore Ravens. Present choice: Baltimore Ravens

New England @ Buffalo
It's still New England's division to lose. Will Moss dog it? Will the wheels keep falling off the truck? I think they'll get it done against the Bills. August choice: Buffalo Bills. Present choice: New England Patriots

Arizona @ Detroit
Arizona has been known to play clunkers. See last week's game. But they don't usually play 2 clunkers in a row. August choice: Arizona Cardinals. Present choice: Arizona Cardinals

Cleveland @ Kansas City
Who will get the higher draft pick? Perhaps that isn't a fair assessment as both teams have shown some life towards the end. Not enough life not to be disregarded this year, but enough to make me think twice about the game. Oh, and I wouldn't want to play in Arrowhead in December. Ever. August choice: Kansas City Chiefs. Present choice: Kansas City Chiefs

Atlanta @ New York Jets
An interesting game. And downright intriguing if both Sanchez, Ryan, and Turner all play. New York can still get that last AFC spot. Atlanta can serve as a back breaker. August choice: Atlanta Falcons. Present choice: New York Jets

San Francisco @ Philadelphia
Is it just me or is Philly coming on at the right time? I don't think I'd want to play them in the playoffs. August choice: Philadelphia Eagles. Present choice: Philadelphia Eagles

Green Bay @ Pittsburgh
Let's see, would I want to be the team that had to play Pittsburgh at home after they were embarrassed twice? No. But that's just what the Packers have to do. And what's more interesting is that I think the Packers have it in them to beat a reeling Steelers team. August choice: Pittsburgh Steelers. Present choice: Green Bay Packers

Houston @ St. Louis
The Rams shut down practice this week because of the swine flu. And moving on... August choice: Houston Texans. Present choice: Houston Texans

Miami @ Tennessee
It's amazing to me that Miami can still win the AFC East. What a difference a couple years makes in that division. (Yes, I know they won it last year, but the Pats didn't have Brady.) Tennessee, however, can play spoiler. I had a hard time choosing this one because the Titans have shown that they are a strong team. But, I like the fact that Miami keeps plugging even after losing Pennington and Brown. August choice: Tennessee Titans. Present choice: Miami Dolphins

Oakland @ Denver
This isn't a gimme. Denver best not be thinking it is. If they don't think it is, then they'll probably win. August choice: Denver Broncos. Present choice: Denver Broncos

Cincinnati @ San Diego
This won't be an easy game for the Bengals. But the Chargers better watch out for that emotional boost. I think they can handle it, but then again I'm not certain how much boost there will be for an already good team. August choice: San Diego Chargers. Present choice: San Diego Chargers

Tampa Bay @ Seattle
Seattle generally kills teams that are worse than they. The problem is that they get killed by most that are better. In the end, no one really cares about this game. August choice: Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Present choice: Seattle Seahawks

Minnesota @ Carolina
This is the first Sunday game that I feel is kinda eh. Sure, Minnesota belongs. But Carolina? Not so much. I suppose the networks can't get everything right. August choice: Carolina Panthers. Present choices: Minnesota Vikings

New York Football Giants @ Washington
The Jints need this one - and every other one - from here on out. Unfortunately, they're getting an improved division opponent that can give them a run for their money. We'll see if the G-Men are worth their meddle. August choice: New York Football Giants. Present choice: New York Football Giants

There you have it, sports fans. If I don't speak to you - or write - prior to next Saturday, have a very Merry Christmas. And until next I write, happy sporting...

TD's Week 15 Thursday and Saturday Night NFL Picks

These titles are getting longer and longer... Soon, they'll be playing professional football every night of the week.

Well, as I said, I am taking a hiatus of sorts... except for ranting and raving about sports. In this special edition, I simply choose the winners of the Thursday and Saturday night games:

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville
It's all over the news. Bill Polian says the Colts will play all the healthy players tonight. What does that mean exactly? It means that Bill Polian is speaking instead of Jim Caldwell and Peyton Manning. A stroke of genius, in fact, because it takes the pressure off the team and puts it on the GM. What do I think the Colts will do tonight? I think they'll play the game to win. You might recall a supposedly meaningless final game a few years ago in which the New England Patriots beat the New York Football Giants. Meaningless after all? No. What about injuries? Well, what about them? They happen. And if they happen, you find a way to suck it up and move on. What if the injury is to Peyton Manning? Yes, that would suck. Yes, that would most likely end the Colts' attempt at anything else this season. But what would be the difference, I ask, if Peyton got hurt in the final game of the season versus the first game of the playoffs? In the end, they're not the winners. Same outcome. So, I'm waxing poetic, and I haven't said anything about the opposing team. I'll say it here: the Jacksonville Jaguars are average. How do I call this game? I call it based on who should win given the better team, i.e. Indianapolis Colts. (Alas, my picks are at home - I'm typing at work - and I therefore can't say who I originally chose at the moment. I'll have to include that on Saturday...)

Dallas @ New Orleans
Dallas supposedly has the last, best shot to defeat the Saints. Based on record, perhaps. Based on play, not so much. Meanwhile, Sean Payton has, in my opinion, taken the correct approach to the undefeated season. Full speed ahead! Or better yet, just do it. That attitude is the one to have. And even if they don't win it all, we'll all know that they were one of the best offensive teams - at least - of the decade. You want me to talk about Dallas? Probably not. I already have a bias. But, that bias aside, I'll put it this way. Wade needs to take the Charlie Weis express. Jimmy Jones, I know you have an ego, but Wade just isn't the one. Move on. TD chooses: New Orleans Saints

It's Personal: A Hiatus of Sorts...

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your beers...

No, really, please. As much beer as you'd like to offer...

Anyway...

I speak of a hiatus in the title. And, in truth, I had been on a hiatus of sorts with my vacation that spanned November and December. Christmas planning, school planning, softball planning, and work planning ensued. An excuse (or rather excuses), I know, but one that I must use as they all became higher priorities than this blog. Except for on Saturdays when I rant and rave about something related to sports.

Alas, I do not foresee a time in the near future when that will change drastically. With school coming on January 4th and softball beginning soon after, I'll be lucky to have much time to devote to writing in this blog. I'm not saying I won't, mind you, but it will be a rarer happening.

Yes, I will continue to write the Sporting Rants & Raves post as long as the NFL season persists. And I sincerely hope to capture some other stories from time to time. But I can't promise anything...

Many thanks to those who do read. And I hope to give you food for thought sooner rather than later. Or maybe beer for thought. That would be tasty...