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...
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
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
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
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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...
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...
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