Week 16 picks

Hey everyone,

Its been really enjoyable writing articles, posting them, and making picks for the latter half of 2009. 2010 will bring about new and exciting adventures and things. Can't wait. So far on the overall records (which I do not know of the top of my head, because my partner who writes on the site Jeff Rupprecht is the one who keeps track of the picks and the records. He informed me that I'm two games down to him, so these next two weeks are big)

Buffalo vs Atlanta
For those of you who follow the site, and I say this week after week, Buffalo dissapoints me week in and week out, and I refuse to pick them, so I'm going to stand strong by my statement and pick the hometown Birds

Baltimore at Pittsburgh
I will NEVER pick against the Steelers. This is a bold statement but if the Steelers make the playoffs, they win the Super Bowl. I believe they got one of the best teams in the league despite their record. This game means everything, and we have Ben at full health, so I think the Stillers come out with the win

Kansas City at Cincinnati
Easy pick. Chiefs suck. Cassell was a one year wonder with the Pats. Palmer and Chad Ochocinco get past the Chiefs.

Oakland at Cleveland
Derrick Anderson comes back to face his former team, but comes up with a loss. This will be the second time I pick the Browns, but I think their new found run game runs past Oakland. Oakland can't find a QB, and that spells trouble, so Browns get the W

Seahawks vs Packers
Aaron Rodgers and company are coming off a crushing loss to our hometown team the Steelers. We can all thank Mike Wallace for that great catch! Pack get to go home to the frozen combines of Lambeau Field. Their will be lots of Lambeau leaps in the game. Easy win for the Packers

Houston at Miami
Miami wins a close game, and keeps their hopes alive for a playoff spot. Next week you will lose to the Steelers though, and thus paving the way for the Steelers to make the playoffs

Carolina at Giants
Giants in a route. I don't care you beat the Vikings last week, your QB still sucks, and your a one headed monster with Steve Smith on offense.

Jags at New England
Theirs a reason why the Pats always win in December, Their magic keeps rolling. Jags will not come up north, bare the cold, wind, and snow in New England and beat Tom Brady and the Pats

Bucs at Saints
Saints will not lose two straight at home this year

St. Louis at Cards
Coach Terry I really hope I am wrong with this pick. I want your son and the Rams to win, but a one win football team going into Cardinal Stadium and beating the team that represented the NFC in the Super Bowl, I don't think is gonna happen. Sorry, really hope I am wrong!

Lions at49ers
Lions really suck, and they don't have a QB. Sorry, but your not gonna go in and beat San Fran. Vernon Davis you better give me a good game, because I want third place in my fantasy football league

Denver at Philly
Birds at home. Somehow year after year Andy Reid gets them to the NFC championship, but they can't get that Big W and win the whole thing

Jets at Indy
Even though Indy has locked up everything it can in the regular season, Jets do not go into Lucas Oil Field and win

Dallas at Washington
Big D goes into the Nation's capital and beats the Skins

Minnesota at Chicago
Vikings on the road. After the lackluster performance they put on display agaisnt the Panthers, they come back strong and put on a show and beat the Bears!

Sports News and Week 16 Picks by Jeff

One day removed from Christmas, there are already major stories hitting the sports world. First, I wake up to hearing Ron Artest falls down his stairs and can't make the trip to Sacramento. How the heck does the man fall down the stairs? Phil Jackson does his team a favor by letting them spend Christmas night at home and with their families. Well Ron Artest takes this gift from his coach and can't even carefully walk down his stairs. More developments will come from this incident.





In other news, Urban Meyer has just announced that he will step down as the coach for the University of Florida after their bowl game against the Cincinnati Bearcats. I think Tim Tebow has helped him realize that there is more to life than football. According to ESPN, a close source to Urban Meyer stated that his family's response to his resignation was, "We are glad to have our dad back." I am glad that Pitt is not playing the Gators in the Sugar Bowl because one thing is for sure, in Meyer's last game, his team is going to "unleash hell" on the Bearcats.



You have to feel bad for Albert Haynesworth, he is playing his heart out each and every play, yet his coaches are allegedly against him! Oh wait, he just signed a 100 million contract this summer. Albert Haynesworth has been a problem his whole career, he stepped on a opponents head when his helmet was off, he has been in numerous fights during games, and former teammates have called him a cancer in the locker room. Haynesworth was sent home on Christmas Day because he was 20 minutes late to a meeting and he said, "What's wrong with being 20 minutes late? It was only my second time being late to a meeting and I get sent home, the coaches are against me." Well Big Baby, you are the leader of this team, you are the face of this franchise, you are being paid 100 million dollars to play on this football team!!!! You need to accept the consequences to being late to practice and understand that it's unacceptable. You have to lead your team, motivate them regardless of your record and try to win these final two games of the season.



Now to our Weekly Picks. Mark gained a game on me last week as he improved his record to 87 and 41. Meanwhile, I boosted my record to 89 and 39. With two weeks left, each game is so important.


Christmas Night Game
Chargers at Titans
With the Chargers on a 9 game win streak and playing for the second seed in the AFC Playoffs, I thought that they would send a strong message to the rest of the AFC that they are one of the best teams. Granted, the Titans were still playing for a playoffs seed, but their chances weren't looking so good. So, I went with the hot team, the Chargers.

Sunday's Games
Bills at Falcons
While both teams do not have a chance to make the playoffs, I think the Falcons will have more passion than the Bills to win this game. Does anyone seriously believe that TO will give it his all in this meaningless game???? I don't. Dirty Birds win by 10.


Chiefs at Bengals
How the heck did the Steelers lose to the Kansas City Chiefs???? I still don't understand how that debacle happened. The Bengals come back home after a heart breaking loss to the Chargers, and regroup as they will crush the Chiefs.


Raiders at Browns
Brady Quinn was doing some impressive things in Cleveland in the past weeks, but he ends up finishing the season in the Injured Reserved List. Jerome Harrison and Michael Bush will both have great games but it all comes down to the quarterbacks, which are?????? DOES ANYONE KNOW WHO WILL BE STARTING FOR THE BROWNS AND RAIDERS???? I think Mark and I both would get a look to be the starting quarterback for these two teams. This game is a tossup, but I will go with the Cleveland Browns because the Raiders can only beat good teams.


Seahawks at Packers.
The Packers lost on a last second play here in Pittsburgh. The Seahawks got blown out by the one win team, Buccaneers. The Packers are a very good team, potentially the team that represents the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Packers do not lose at home in December and will demolish the wingless Seahawks.


Texans at Dolphins
The Texans are looking for their first 9-7 record. This is a huge game for both teams, both having a 7-7 record, and looking for a winning season. While the Texans have been eliminated in the playoffs, the Dolphins still have an outside chance. Even though the Dolphins still have a chance at the playoffs, I believe that the Houston franchise really wants that winning record, finishing 9-7. Matt Schaubb and Andre Johnson are a top 5 combo in the NFL and they will have a huge day tomorrow. GO TEXANS!


Jaguars at Patriots
This is a tough game to pick, Tom Brady has been struggling and people are wondering if the dynasty is over. I really think Jacksonville can win this game, but as a Steelers fan, we need the Patriots to win to help the Steelers chances of making the playoffs.


Buccaneers at Saints
The Saints will bounce back after their first loss of the season against the sword less and boat less Buccaneers. Look for Drew Brees to have a 300+ passing yards and 4 or 5 touchdown passes.


Panthers at Giants
The Giants looked great against the Redskins, however it was against the Redskins. The Giants D which has struggled for a while, will face another depleted offense as Matt Moore and Jonathon Stewart attempt to put up points for the Carolina Panthers. Eli Manning will help the Giants beat the Panthers by 20+ points.


Ravens at Steelers
Steelers will beat the annoying Ravens tomorrow at Heinz Field and will try to help their chances of making the playoffs.


Rams at Cardinals
Rams suck, there is no other way to put it. Cards crush.


Lions at 49ers
As Stafford hit the IR, the Lions lost any chance they had to beat the 49ers. Mike Singletary has created new life in a once storied franchise. With Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree and Frank Gore on offense, the 49ers will have way too many weapons for the Lions to stop.


Jets at Colts
Colts continue with their undefeated record and improve to 15-0.


Eagles at Broncos.
I absolutely hate everything that deals with Philadelphia. I must admit that I think the Eagles are a very good team, possible Super Bowl contenders. Additionally, Steelers fans need the
Broncos to lose this game, so I will be an Eagles fan for three hours tomorrow evening.


Cowboys at Redskins
Is there really any chance that the Redskins win at home this weekend? After watching the Giants absolutely embarrass them on national television last week, one would think that they would bounce back. However, this is a Redskins team that has only won 5 games. Tony Romo and the talented running backs for the Cowboys will help them get another big win and to help their chances on making the playoffs.


Vikings at Bears
Like I said in the previous game, the Redskins were embarrassed on national television but I doubt they will be able to respond against the Cowboys. Unlike the Redskins, the Vikings are a very strong team, and are poised to make a strong run in the playoffs. I think after the tough loss to the Panthers, the Vikings will come back and declaw the Bears.


Mark and I are really looking forward to our first show of the year, January 6th! We have Melquan Bolding as a guest and are also trying to get Colin Dunlap, Post Gazette Duquesne Basketball sports beat writer.


Other quick notes.
The Pitt Panthers pulled out a last minute victory over the basketball school North Carolina. Dan Hutchins made a 33 yard field goal with 55 seconds remaining in the game. Pitt finished the 2009 campaign with 10 wins and have a lot of key players returning for next season. Look for the Panthers to be ranked in the Top 15 next season.


Joe McKnight has been ruled ineligible in the Emerald Bowl Games against Boston College.


Daniel Alfredson has been ruled out for the next 4-6 weeks after receiving a big hit from Penguins forward Craig Adams.


The Olympics are less than 2 months away, and the hockey rosters are being released! Team Russia just released their roster and wow, they look very strong. Russia-Canada final? One can hope. Team USA and Team Canada are going to be releasing their rosters in the next few days, cant wait.


Thanks for reading.
Jeff

Week 15 Picks by Mark

Sorry we weren't able to get the Thursday and Saturday night games posted on time. We got done with finals, and were busy relaxing. Personally I did not watch much of the times, so that's ok, but here are the rest of my picks

Cardinals at Lions
Easy pick, Lions suck, and that high flying Cards offense are gonna fly past the Lions

Falcons at Jets
Just received a text that Matt Ryan and Michael Turner are playing. Falcons offense with the pass and the run too much for the Jets, slowly diminishing the Jets playoff chances

Texans at Rams
In somewhat of an upset, I'm going to go with the hometown team and the Rams. Gotta give a shout out to my boss Terry Smith. Athletic director at Gateway High school. His son Justin King plays on the rams. Go Rams baby!

Browns at Chiefs
Chiefs win this one. Two horrible teams playing each other, just going to pick the hometown team here

Pats at Bills
If you listen to our show, you know I do not like the Bills, and am not going to pick them here. Pats win

Dolphins at Titans
Chris Johnson is all that needs to be said here

Raiders at Broncos
Broncos win at Mile High

Bengals at Chargers
Chargers win at home

Bears at Ravens
Ravens win at home

Steelers at Packers
I really don't need to make this pick, because I will NEVER go against my Steelers baby

49ers at Eagles
Eagles win at home

Bucs at Seahawks
Bucs have to travel across the country into a cold Seattle. Seattle wins at home

Vikings at Panthers
Vikings on the road

Giants at Redskins
Redskins at home

Week 14 Picks by Jeff

With 4 weeks to go, I lead Mark 68-33 to 64-37. This week, we have so many different picks, so this could the determining week for who wins the weekly pick contest!

Check out the bottom of this article for instructions on how to participate in our Bowl Mania!!!

Tonight's Monday Night Football Game
Ravens at Packers
Jeff - Ravens
Mark - Packers
I hope that the Packers win so then the Steelers have a better chance at making the playoffs, but I think the Ravens are too strong for the Packers, even though it's in Green Bay.

Thursday Night Football
Both pick the Steelers, hopefully we end the 4 game losing streak.

Jets at Bucs
Jeff - Bucs. I believe that Sanchez won't be playing and the Bucs are due for a win.
Mark - Jets

Dolphins at Jaguars
Jeff - Dolphins. There is no such thing as home field advantage for the Jags, plus I am a believer in Chad Henne and Ricky Williams
Mark - Jaguars

Seahawks at Texans
Jeff - Seahawks. Dumb pick, but could be a big upset.
Mark - Texans

Redskins at Raiders
Jeff - Redskins. No way the Raiders can win two in a row!
Mark - Raiders

Chargers at Cowboys
Jeff - Chargers. Cowboys can't win in December, plus this Chargers team is on a roll.
Mark - Cowboys

Sunday Night Football
Eagles at Giants
Jeff - Eagles. Giants have had a few struggles this season, but with DeSean Jackson coming back, I see McNabb having a big day against my soft fantasy football defense.
Mark - Giants

Monday Night Football
Cardinals at 49ers
Jeff - Cardinals. Cards are better on the road than they are at home, plus Kurt Warner is finally finding his stud receiver Anquan Boldin, good things are happening in Phoenix.
Mark - 49ers


Common Picks
Colts over Broncos
Vikings over Bengals
Packers over Bears
Saints over Falcons
Ravens over Lions
Patriots over Panthers
Bills over Chiefs
Titans over Rams

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Upcoming Guests in the month of January
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Melquan Bolding, Sophomore Guard for the Duquesne Basketball team.
Ron Dick, Duquesne University Marketing Professor
Brandin Knight, Pitt Assistant Basketball Coach
Rob Madore, University of Vermont Goalie

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