Being that we have more to talk about than just sports, we've opened our new blog where we will continue discussing sports but also opening it up to other topics as well.
CHECK IT OUT!! http://explodingslacks.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Top 10 MMA Fighters: April 2011
It has only been 4 months, but there was definitely a need to shake up January's list.
10. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
9. Jon Fitch
8. Jake Shields
7. Frank Edgar
6. Cain Velasquez
5. Dominick Cruz
4. Jon Jones
3. Jose Aldo
2. George St. Pierre
1. Anderson Silva
Honorable Mentions: Gray Maynard, Gilbert Melendez
10. Mauricio "Shogun" Rua
9. Jon Fitch
8. Jake Shields
7. Frank Edgar
6. Cain Velasquez
5. Dominick Cruz
4. Jon Jones
3. Jose Aldo
2. George St. Pierre
1. Anderson Silva
Honorable Mentions: Gray Maynard, Gilbert Melendez
The Ultimate Fighter: Season 13
Season 13 of TUF kicked off last Wednesday with probably the most boring initial episode the series has ever seen. What was the problem? The fighters? Probably not. The coaches? Maybe. The relevance to the sport? Most definitely. Unfortunately for Dana White and the UFC, the show that helped launch the sport into a new level of acceptance and popularity is starting to lose its lustre. As MMA has become increasingly popular, the need to have a show as a kind of breeding ground for talent has become less significant. And now that the UFC has merged with the WEC and soon Strikeforce, the abundance of talent will make the need for undiscovered fighters even less. In fact, in looking at past seasons, its hard to believe that more than a handful of the competitors will actually prove to have successful MMA careers. Since season 6, the winners of the show are 15-12 in UFC fights. Not bad, but not overly impressive.
So how will this season fare? Its hard to tell after one episode, but the outlook isn't overly promising. As colorful as Lesnar is as a fighter, he has already proven to be a not so inspiring or insightful coach. His evaluations in the first episode included asking guys why they wanted to be on TUF and then jotting down their answer on a clipboard. How insightful. And as good of a fighter Dos Santos is, he doesn't have the name recognition or personality to add tremendous appeal either.
That being said, it will all come down to how good the fights are. The first episode featured no fights to get into the house as past seasons have done (which was one of the most exciting features of past seasons) so they jumped right into the first fight of the year. It pitted first round Dos Santos selection Shamar Bailey against European Nordin Asrih. The fight was a boring fight dominated by Bailey, who maintained top position for almost the entire 2 rounds, and he won via unanimous decision in the end.
Now lets see if tonight's episode is any more exciting...
Monday, April 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
My thoughts on the 2011 New York Mets
I know there is a bad feeling surrounding the Mets with the whole Madoff thing and Johan Santana getting hurt, but I'm getting why everyone is putting the Mets in bottom tier of baseball. Sports Illustrated even went as far as to predict them finishing below Washington in the NL East. I'm sorry but tell me what Washington did to get out of the NL East basement. Jayson Werth? My friends and I would discuss how someone is going to make the mistake of giving Werth a ton of money to anchor an offense. Losing a guy like Adam Dunn hurts their lineup more than getting a Jayson Werth. But this isn't about Washington.
I've seen Vegas win totals range anywhere from 74 to 76. I'll happily take the over and be on my way. I'm a pessimistic fan at heart but last year was a disaster season for the Mets and they still won 79 games and I don't know how you look at this year's team and don't think they are going to be better. Santana being out is a blow but I don't think that alot of the "question marks" going in to the season are going to play out in favor of the Mets:
Jose Reyes: I'm a big believer in the contract year. Unfortunately I do not think Reyes will be a Met next year because they won't be able to afford him
Carlos Beltran: He definately not going to be a Met next year but he is also playing for one more big contract. I think Beltran is soft and could have played through some of his injuries and didn't. If this was any other year, do you really think he'd be pressing for Opening Day. I expect him to be in the lineup throughout the year.
Jason Bay: Granted, he just got hurt and we don't know the extent yet but I'm going under the assumption that it's going to be a 15 DL stint and he's back. Bay will never be a 30+ homerun guy at CitiField but he is a professional and in a way his season was very much like Beltran's first season. It's tough to remember now but he put up some solid seasons after he got used to New York. Bay is going to be fine.
Brad Emaus: Addition by subtraction. He has to be better than Luis Castillo.
Josh Thole: I don't consider him a question mark. He's decent enough putting the bat on the ball but he's not here to be an offensive catcher.
The Pitching Staff: It's lacking the number 1 with Santana out but Pelfrey is solid, Niese should be acclimated with a full season in the big leagues and not fade down the stretch again, R.A. Dickey...ok...I consider him a question mark. He pitched over his head last year. Even if his ERA is a run higher I'll take it this year. They are injury risks but Chris Young and Chris Capuano have been solid MLB starter in their career. Coming to CitiField is the perfect spot for them to resurrect their careers. I don't imagine they'll both stay healthy for the whole year but only one of them has to make it until Santana comes backs.
Bullpen: I'm not too worried about K-Rod. He was on his way to having a solid season before it got derailed. Bullpens are crapshoots year to year. It feels good to be rid of the Raul Valdez and Fernando Nieve types. The Mets were right not to re-sign Pedro Feliciano. Jerry Manuel worked him in to the ground the last few years and he's already starting the season on the DL with the Yankees.
I'm not saying the Mets are going to compete for a Wild Card or anything but all these magazines and websites are putting the Mets down with the dregs of Major League Baseball. The Madoff this has cast a black cloud over the franchise right now but it shouldn't have a direct effect on what happens between the lines. I'm pencilling them down for 82 wins, 1 game above the Marlins for 3rd in the NL East.
I've seen Vegas win totals range anywhere from 74 to 76. I'll happily take the over and be on my way. I'm a pessimistic fan at heart but last year was a disaster season for the Mets and they still won 79 games and I don't know how you look at this year's team and don't think they are going to be better. Santana being out is a blow but I don't think that alot of the "question marks" going in to the season are going to play out in favor of the Mets:
Jose Reyes: I'm a big believer in the contract year. Unfortunately I do not think Reyes will be a Met next year because they won't be able to afford him
Carlos Beltran: He definately not going to be a Met next year but he is also playing for one more big contract. I think Beltran is soft and could have played through some of his injuries and didn't. If this was any other year, do you really think he'd be pressing for Opening Day. I expect him to be in the lineup throughout the year.
Jason Bay: Granted, he just got hurt and we don't know the extent yet but I'm going under the assumption that it's going to be a 15 DL stint and he's back. Bay will never be a 30+ homerun guy at CitiField but he is a professional and in a way his season was very much like Beltran's first season. It's tough to remember now but he put up some solid seasons after he got used to New York. Bay is going to be fine.
Brad Emaus: Addition by subtraction. He has to be better than Luis Castillo.
Josh Thole: I don't consider him a question mark. He's decent enough putting the bat on the ball but he's not here to be an offensive catcher.
The Pitching Staff: It's lacking the number 1 with Santana out but Pelfrey is solid, Niese should be acclimated with a full season in the big leagues and not fade down the stretch again, R.A. Dickey...ok...I consider him a question mark. He pitched over his head last year. Even if his ERA is a run higher I'll take it this year. They are injury risks but Chris Young and Chris Capuano have been solid MLB starter in their career. Coming to CitiField is the perfect spot for them to resurrect their careers. I don't imagine they'll both stay healthy for the whole year but only one of them has to make it until Santana comes backs.
Bullpen: I'm not too worried about K-Rod. He was on his way to having a solid season before it got derailed. Bullpens are crapshoots year to year. It feels good to be rid of the Raul Valdez and Fernando Nieve types. The Mets were right not to re-sign Pedro Feliciano. Jerry Manuel worked him in to the ground the last few years and he's already starting the season on the DL with the Yankees.
I'm not saying the Mets are going to compete for a Wild Card or anything but all these magazines and websites are putting the Mets down with the dregs of Major League Baseball. The Madoff this has cast a black cloud over the franchise right now but it shouldn't have a direct effect on what happens between the lines. I'm pencilling them down for 82 wins, 1 game above the Marlins for 3rd in the NL East.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
2010 NCAA Tournament Picks - Real 1st round (Thursday Edition)
Clemson vs. West Virginia (-2.5) - Clemson did look good in the Play-In game (it'll always be a play in game to me) but I'm choosing to think that it was more of UAB laying an egg. ACC was down this year and Clemson was average most of the year.
Old Dominion (-2.5) vs. Butler - I think this spread is as close as it is because of the Butler name. ODU is beating Pitt next round too.
Morehead State vs. Louisville (-9.5) - I'm as high on Kenny Faried as anyone but everytime I bet on a mid-major against a major conference school I get burned. I'm actually not going to bet this for real since I want to root for Morehead.
Penn State (+3) vs. Temple - I'm not betting this one either. But Penn State was locking people down in the Big 10 Tourney.
Princeton (+13.5) vs. Kentucky - I'll probably take the Princeton 1st half line instead of the game but I have a feeling Princeton will be up at the half.
UNC-Asheville vs. Pittsburgh (-18) - Took Asheville long enough on Tuesday. Pitt will roll,
Richmond (+3) vs. Vanderbilt - Richmond is winning this game outright.
Northern Colorado (+15.5) vs. San Diego State - I'm a little worried about Mountain West teams. San Diego State will win but I think this is the 2 seed that gets the scare in the first 2 days.
UCSB vs. Florida (-13) - You can tell me about Orlando Johnson all you want but one player does not make a team. The thing that worries me is that the line does look a little low. Almost trap like
Wofford (+13) vs. BYU - BYU has been in trouble since the suspension and I really think Wofford has a shot to win this game outright.
Bucknell (+10) vs. UConn - I think UConn will pull it out but remember what happened to Syracuse after their magical run the Big East tourney a few years ago?
Belmont (+5) vs. Wisconsin - Belmont is a solid. Take the moneyline
Michigan State (1.5) vs. UCLA - Because I'm in idiot.
Gonzaga vs. St. John's (-1.5) - Yes DJ Kennedy is out but Sacre is soft and I think the rest of the seniors are going to #DOITFORDJ
Missouri (+1) vs. Cincinnati - Good luck against that pressure with 1 legit point guard Cincy.
Utah State (+2.5) vs. Kansas State - K-State is inconsistant and Utah State can D up. I like Utah State to win this game.
For the record - Kansas, Ohio State, Florida and Texas
Kansas over Ohio State
Old Dominion (-2.5) vs. Butler - I think this spread is as close as it is because of the Butler name. ODU is beating Pitt next round too.
Morehead State vs. Louisville (-9.5) - I'm as high on Kenny Faried as anyone but everytime I bet on a mid-major against a major conference school I get burned. I'm actually not going to bet this for real since I want to root for Morehead.
Penn State (+3) vs. Temple - I'm not betting this one either. But Penn State was locking people down in the Big 10 Tourney.
Princeton (+13.5) vs. Kentucky - I'll probably take the Princeton 1st half line instead of the game but I have a feeling Princeton will be up at the half.
UNC-Asheville vs. Pittsburgh (-18) - Took Asheville long enough on Tuesday. Pitt will roll,
Richmond (+3) vs. Vanderbilt - Richmond is winning this game outright.
Northern Colorado (+15.5) vs. San Diego State - I'm a little worried about Mountain West teams. San Diego State will win but I think this is the 2 seed that gets the scare in the first 2 days.
UCSB vs. Florida (-13) - You can tell me about Orlando Johnson all you want but one player does not make a team. The thing that worries me is that the line does look a little low. Almost trap like
Wofford (+13) vs. BYU - BYU has been in trouble since the suspension and I really think Wofford has a shot to win this game outright.
Bucknell (+10) vs. UConn - I think UConn will pull it out but remember what happened to Syracuse after their magical run the Big East tourney a few years ago?
Belmont (+5) vs. Wisconsin - Belmont is a solid. Take the moneyline
Michigan State (1.5) vs. UCLA - Because I'm in idiot.
Gonzaga vs. St. John's (-1.5) - Yes DJ Kennedy is out but Sacre is soft and I think the rest of the seniors are going to #DOITFORDJ
Missouri (+1) vs. Cincinnati - Good luck against that pressure with 1 legit point guard Cincy.
Utah State (+2.5) vs. Kansas State - K-State is inconsistant and Utah State can D up. I like Utah State to win this game.
For the record - Kansas, Ohio State, Florida and Texas
Kansas over Ohio State
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
2011 NCAA Tournament Picks - First 4 Games (Friday Edition)
(16) Alabama State vs (16) UT-San Antonio
I was actually all over Alabama State in the SWAC tourney even though they were the 4 seed. They were some like 8-1 going in their last 9 going in to it and proceeded to roll. UT-San Antonio on the other hand had a lackluster end to the regular season and won close games in their tournament. But here is where I try to talk myself out of Alabama State:
The Southland and SWAC finished Conference RPI averages that put them 29 and 31 respectively. But the actual RPI number was a pretty big discrepancy. The difference in conference RPI was roughly the equivalent of the difference between the PAC-10 and MAAC. Check the math. Alabama State had an RPI of 263 and UT-San Antonio was 196.
Couldn't do it. I'm taking the Hornets and pumped I'm getting points
Alabama State +3
The song doesn't even have the word Hornets in it but still.
(11) VCU vs (11) USC
I've learned my leasson from last night. I took UAB because they probably shouldn't have been in the tournament and thought they'd be fired up. USC is bigger and more athletic and that's going to be good enough for me. One day too late.
USC -4
I was actually all over Alabama State in the SWAC tourney even though they were the 4 seed. They were some like 8-1 going in their last 9 going in to it and proceeded to roll. UT-San Antonio on the other hand had a lackluster end to the regular season and won close games in their tournament. But here is where I try to talk myself out of Alabama State:
The Southland and SWAC finished Conference RPI averages that put them 29 and 31 respectively. But the actual RPI number was a pretty big discrepancy. The difference in conference RPI was roughly the equivalent of the difference between the PAC-10 and MAAC. Check the math. Alabama State had an RPI of 263 and UT-San Antonio was 196.
Couldn't do it. I'm taking the Hornets and pumped I'm getting points
Alabama State +3
The song doesn't even have the word Hornets in it but still.
(11) VCU vs (11) USC
I've learned my leasson from last night. I took UAB because they probably shouldn't have been in the tournament and thought they'd be fired up. USC is bigger and more athletic and that's going to be good enough for me. One day too late.
USC -4
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
2011 NCAA Tournament Picks: First 4 Games (Thursday Edition)
First Four Games (Tuesday Edition):
(16) UNC-Asheville vs (16) Arkansas-Little Rock
UNC-Asheville -4
I'm not going to lie. I've seen each of these teams play once this year each. I'm going to base my picks lightly on the eye ball test and some numbers. The Big South and Sun Belt are right next to each other in Conference RPI so Asheville going 11-7 in the Big South is more impressive than Arkansas-Little Rock going 7-9 in the Sun Belt. As a matter of fact, before Little Rock ran off the 4 wins they were a sub .500 team on the season and which would be 8th in the conference if they weren't split into 2 divisions. Asheville was the beneficiary of some good luck in their conference tournament. Coastal Carolina did not have their best player throughout the tournament and you'd have to think that they would have won the tournament if Desmond Holloway was available. That being said, they did have to beat Coastal in the final on their home floor and did so handily. I'm going to go with UNC-Asheville giving the 4. They won their last 3 games going in to the tournament and winning their tournament games by an average of 13 points.
(12) Clemson vs. (12) UAB
UAB +4
I need less analysis for this game since I've seen these teams play a few times. I believe that Clemson is the better team but UAB has been dumped on by everyone for being included in the tournament. I'm going to bank on that as the motivation for them to win this game outright.
(16) UNC-Asheville vs (16) Arkansas-Little Rock
UNC-Asheville -4
I'm not going to lie. I've seen each of these teams play once this year each. I'm going to base my picks lightly on the eye ball test and some numbers. The Big South and Sun Belt are right next to each other in Conference RPI so Asheville going 11-7 in the Big South is more impressive than Arkansas-Little Rock going 7-9 in the Sun Belt. As a matter of fact, before Little Rock ran off the 4 wins they were a sub .500 team on the season and which would be 8th in the conference if they weren't split into 2 divisions. Asheville was the beneficiary of some good luck in their conference tournament. Coastal Carolina did not have their best player throughout the tournament and you'd have to think that they would have won the tournament if Desmond Holloway was available. That being said, they did have to beat Coastal in the final on their home floor and did so handily. I'm going to go with UNC-Asheville giving the 4. They won their last 3 games going in to the tournament and winning their tournament games by an average of 13 points.
(12) Clemson vs. (12) UAB
UAB +4
I need less analysis for this game since I've seen these teams play a few times. I believe that Clemson is the better team but UAB has been dumped on by everyone for being included in the tournament. I'm going to bank on that as the motivation for them to win this game outright.
After Selection Sunday
Took a few months off to regroup after football season but now it's time to come back for the best sporting event in the world.
Once again, Pete and I tried to predict the brackets before they were announced. This year we missed three teams again. We had Colorado, Alabama and Virginia Tech in the field instead of UAB, VCU and Clemson.
The team with the biggest gripe, in my opinion, is probably Alabama. I have no problem with Georgia being in but I don't see how you put Georgia in and not Alabama when Alabama was 12-4 in the (albeit, weaker half of the) SEC and beat Georgia twice in a week. Plus they do have a win against SEC tourney champ Kentucky.
I like VCU and actually like the fact they made the tournament. But in all honesty, this year, they do not deserve it. I'm a big fan of the Colonial but you can't finish 4th in that conference and be in line for a bid. Pete and I discarded VCU pretty early in the process. Granted they had two good wins against Old Dominion and George Mason in conference but their next highest RPI wins were non-tournament teams Drexel and Wichita State.
I know the committee doesn't look at conferences when comparing teams, but in this case I'm going to compare Clemson and Virginia Tech. The RPIs were close enough that it didn't matter. Clemson did beat Virginia Tech head to head but as showed by Georgia and Alabama, that doesn't matter that much either. Apparently the selection committee was big on playing people outside your conference. If you look at Clemson's non conference SOS it's 206 and Virginia Tech's is 181. Both gross but Virginia Tech should get the nod there. Clemson has zero top 50 wins. Virginia Tech has 2 (Duke and Penn State). I'm not sure about this one.
Pete and I didn't even discuss Colorado. We had them locked in. I think like everyone else we saw them beat Texas, beat Nebraska is a bubble eliminator and beat Kansas State for a 3rd time. Based on those wins it didn't seem necessary to look any further. That's where we were wrong. I do think Colorado passes the eyeball test of a tournament team but you'll have to do alot better than 9-9 in the Big 12 when your non-conference SOS is 331 (comfortably sandwiched between powerhouses South Dakokta State and North Carolina Central). I still probably would have put them in over UAB but I get it. At least UAB won the regular season championship of their conference. Their non-conference SOS was 167 which is still bad but dwarfs Colorado's. They had a better RPI (31 to 66) too. I get the line of thinking but I still would have put Colorado in. The job of the committee is to make the most competitive tournament they can. This feels like a message was being sent.
In order of the 6 teams talked about I would probably have them as Alabama, Virginia Tech, Colorado, UAB, Clemson and VCU if I was to redo my last 3 in, last 3 out.
Once again, Pete and I tried to predict the brackets before they were announced. This year we missed three teams again. We had Colorado, Alabama and Virginia Tech in the field instead of UAB, VCU and Clemson.
The team with the biggest gripe, in my opinion, is probably Alabama. I have no problem with Georgia being in but I don't see how you put Georgia in and not Alabama when Alabama was 12-4 in the (albeit, weaker half of the) SEC and beat Georgia twice in a week. Plus they do have a win against SEC tourney champ Kentucky.
I like VCU and actually like the fact they made the tournament. But in all honesty, this year, they do not deserve it. I'm a big fan of the Colonial but you can't finish 4th in that conference and be in line for a bid. Pete and I discarded VCU pretty early in the process. Granted they had two good wins against Old Dominion and George Mason in conference but their next highest RPI wins were non-tournament teams Drexel and Wichita State.
I know the committee doesn't look at conferences when comparing teams, but in this case I'm going to compare Clemson and Virginia Tech. The RPIs were close enough that it didn't matter. Clemson did beat Virginia Tech head to head but as showed by Georgia and Alabama, that doesn't matter that much either. Apparently the selection committee was big on playing people outside your conference. If you look at Clemson's non conference SOS it's 206 and Virginia Tech's is 181. Both gross but Virginia Tech should get the nod there. Clemson has zero top 50 wins. Virginia Tech has 2 (Duke and Penn State). I'm not sure about this one.
Pete and I didn't even discuss Colorado. We had them locked in. I think like everyone else we saw them beat Texas, beat Nebraska is a bubble eliminator and beat Kansas State for a 3rd time. Based on those wins it didn't seem necessary to look any further. That's where we were wrong. I do think Colorado passes the eyeball test of a tournament team but you'll have to do alot better than 9-9 in the Big 12 when your non-conference SOS is 331 (comfortably sandwiched between powerhouses South Dakokta State and North Carolina Central). I still probably would have put them in over UAB but I get it. At least UAB won the regular season championship of their conference. Their non-conference SOS was 167 which is still bad but dwarfs Colorado's. They had a better RPI (31 to 66) too. I get the line of thinking but I still would have put Colorado in. The job of the committee is to make the most competitive tournament they can. This feels like a message was being sent.
In order of the 6 teams talked about I would probably have them as Alabama, Virginia Tech, Colorado, UAB, Clemson and VCU if I was to redo my last 3 in, last 3 out.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
2010 Super Bowl Pick
I feel like I'm jumping on the hype train a little bit and going with the sexy pick but I like Green Bay -3.
I'm also taking tails and James Starks +24.5 yards vs Rashad Mendenhall. I don't think either team will be able to run that effectively today.
I'm also taking tails and James Starks +24.5 yards vs Rashad Mendenhall. I don't think either team will be able to run that effectively today.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
2010 AFC/NFC Championships
I expect these to both be great games this week. I'm going to keep it short and sweet this week because I'm taking the points in both games. I wouldn't be surprised if the Jets or Bears win their games this week and the Jets line going up to 4 makes betting that a lot easier.
Minus the Week 13 anomaly in Foxboro, the Jets don't get blown out. If you discount that loss, the other 4 losses were by a combined 18 points. What that tells me is that even if the Jets don't win this game, they'll be in it.
Chicago has beaten Green Bay at home this year already and only lost 10-3 in Week 17 when Green Bay was home and playing for their playoff lives while for Chicago it was a meaningless game.
Jets (+4) at Pittsburgh
Green Bay at Chicago (+3.5)
Minus the Week 13 anomaly in Foxboro, the Jets don't get blown out. If you discount that loss, the other 4 losses were by a combined 18 points. What that tells me is that even if the Jets don't win this game, they'll be in it.
Chicago has beaten Green Bay at home this year already and only lost 10-3 in Week 17 when Green Bay was home and playing for their playoff lives while for Chicago it was a meaningless game.
Jets (+4) at Pittsburgh
Green Bay at Chicago (+3.5)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
2010 NFL Divisional Round Picks
Saturday night's games are going to be awesome
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh (-3)
Even when Baltimore has beaten Pittsburgh it was with Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch starting. I like Pittsburgh A LOT today.
Green Bay @ Atlanta (-1)
I'm going to wait til the zero hour to bet this in hopes that it becomes a PICK. James Starks' performance seemed to solidify Green Bay as the sexy pick but Atlanta doesn't lose at home.
Seattle (+10) @ Chicago
Seattle is riding high right now after legitimizing their season last week, plus they go in with some confidence having beaten Chicago earlier in the year. I do think Chicago moves on but 10 is too many points in the playoff game
New York (+9) @ New England
As a Jets fan I assume New England is going romp but using the same philopophy as above. 9 points is too much for a playoff game.
Baltimore @ Pittsburgh (-3)
Even when Baltimore has beaten Pittsburgh it was with Dennis Dixon or Charlie Batch starting. I like Pittsburgh A LOT today.
Green Bay @ Atlanta (-1)
I'm going to wait til the zero hour to bet this in hopes that it becomes a PICK. James Starks' performance seemed to solidify Green Bay as the sexy pick but Atlanta doesn't lose at home.
Seattle (+10) @ Chicago
Seattle is riding high right now after legitimizing their season last week, plus they go in with some confidence having beaten Chicago earlier in the year. I do think Chicago moves on but 10 is too many points in the playoff game
New York (+9) @ New England
As a Jets fan I assume New England is going romp but using the same philopophy as above. 9 points is too much for a playoff game.
Friday, January 7, 2011
2010 - Wild Card Weekend Picks
REGULAR SEASON FINAL
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 29-20-2
Pick of the Week: 10-6-1
As much as I would have liked to finish 10 games over .500, I'll be happy finishing around 59% for the regular season. It's an improvement over my 24-24-3 of last year.
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I'm going to continue on with the weekend playoff games:
New Orleans at Seattle (+10.5)
I'm going to do it. I'm going to overthink this game. Qwest field is already one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL and with everyone telling Seattle they don't belong in the playoffs I believe the fans will be rabid. Seattle also was 5-3 at home this year. Please don't look at their 5 wins though. It will make that record a lot less important (fine, the were a combined 29-51...but still). Everyone is 0-0 now and 10.5 is a giant number for a home playoff dog.
New York Jets (+2.5) at Indianapolis
I will not be putting any money on this game. I do now wager on or against my Jets. But for this purposes of this blog I will pick the game. I'm normally a very pessimistic fan but I really have a relatively good feeling about this game. The Jets defense is not as good as they will advertise it is but they are good enough against the run that I think that aspect of the game will be a non-factor. The difference between this year and last year is that I feel the Jets are more equipped to cover the Colts receivers due to the combination of Colts injuries and Jets additions in the secondary.
Baltimore @ Kansas City (+3)
I guess I'm overrating stadiums this week. Arrowhead is another one that's notoriously tough to play. The Chiefs were nearly unbeatable at home with their only loss coming in Week 17 when there really wasn't a whole lot at stake. Unlike the Seattle game where I just think 10.5 is a huge number for a playoff game. I ask myself in this game if I would be shocked if Kansas City wins this game and my answer is no. So I'm taking the points.
Green Bay @ Philadelphia (-2.5)
Green Bay is back to being a popular pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. I picked them in the beginning of the year but that was before Michael Vick. If you follow this blog you'll know that I'm a big believer in the storyline. I thought Brett Favre was destined to make the Super Bowl last year and that should have happened. Something was very weird about that NFC Championship. As much as Favre was trying to blow it they some how stayed in the game. This year's biggest story is Michael Vick. I just don't believe the story ends this week.
I'm still picking week by week in the playoffs but my predictions for the whole tournament are:
New Orleans over Seattle
Philadelphia over Green Bay
Atlanta over New Orleans
Philadelphia over Chicago
Philadelphia over Atlanta (Michael Vick going back to Atlanta in the NFC Championship is too fun of a story not to happen)
New York over Indianapolis
Kansas City over Baltimore
New England over New York
Pittsburgh over Kansas City
New England over Pittsburgh
New England over Philadelphia
Last Week: 1-2
Overall: 29-20-2
Pick of the Week: 10-6-1
As much as I would have liked to finish 10 games over .500, I'll be happy finishing around 59% for the regular season. It's an improvement over my 24-24-3 of last year.
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I'm going to continue on with the weekend playoff games:
New Orleans at Seattle (+10.5)
I'm going to do it. I'm going to overthink this game. Qwest field is already one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL and with everyone telling Seattle they don't belong in the playoffs I believe the fans will be rabid. Seattle also was 5-3 at home this year. Please don't look at their 5 wins though. It will make that record a lot less important (fine, the were a combined 29-51...but still). Everyone is 0-0 now and 10.5 is a giant number for a home playoff dog.
New York Jets (+2.5) at Indianapolis
I will not be putting any money on this game. I do now wager on or against my Jets. But for this purposes of this blog I will pick the game. I'm normally a very pessimistic fan but I really have a relatively good feeling about this game. The Jets defense is not as good as they will advertise it is but they are good enough against the run that I think that aspect of the game will be a non-factor. The difference between this year and last year is that I feel the Jets are more equipped to cover the Colts receivers due to the combination of Colts injuries and Jets additions in the secondary.
Baltimore @ Kansas City (+3)
I guess I'm overrating stadiums this week. Arrowhead is another one that's notoriously tough to play. The Chiefs were nearly unbeatable at home with their only loss coming in Week 17 when there really wasn't a whole lot at stake. Unlike the Seattle game where I just think 10.5 is a huge number for a playoff game. I ask myself in this game if I would be shocked if Kansas City wins this game and my answer is no. So I'm taking the points.
Green Bay @ Philadelphia (-2.5)
Green Bay is back to being a popular pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. I picked them in the beginning of the year but that was before Michael Vick. If you follow this blog you'll know that I'm a big believer in the storyline. I thought Brett Favre was destined to make the Super Bowl last year and that should have happened. Something was very weird about that NFC Championship. As much as Favre was trying to blow it they some how stayed in the game. This year's biggest story is Michael Vick. I just don't believe the story ends this week.
I'm still picking week by week in the playoffs but my predictions for the whole tournament are:
New Orleans over Seattle
Philadelphia over Green Bay
Atlanta over New Orleans
Philadelphia over Chicago
Philadelphia over Atlanta (Michael Vick going back to Atlanta in the NFC Championship is too fun of a story not to happen)
New York over Indianapolis
Kansas City over Baltimore
New England over New York
Pittsburgh over Kansas City
New England over Pittsburgh
New England over Philadelphia
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Top 10 MMA Fighters as of January 2011
2010 was a very interesting year for the MMA world, with several belts changing hands, the merging of the UFC and the WEC, and the solidifying of several other MMA outlets, like Strikeforce. Below is my pound for pound ranking of the top 10 MMA fighters going into 2011.
1. Georges St. Pierre: Winner of 7 fights in a row, 30 consecutive round decisions, and an absolute dismantling of Josh Koscheck. His recent resume features wins over Koschcheck, Fitch, Penn, Alves and Hardy. Not a slouch among them.
2. Jose Aldo: Aldo has not just risen through the ranks over the last year, he has torched everyone in his path. Notable names like Faber and Brown didn't stand a chance against Aldo. And with the exception of the Faber fight, his last 7 decisions have been via KO/TKO. That's not only the mark of a great fighter, but of a great finisher.
4. Cain Velasquez: Maybe this is a little high for him, considering how recent he is to the belt, but his win against Lesnar was extremely impressive and he is said to have the most powerful punch (as measured by scientific measurements) in all of MMA. Velasquez could dominate this weight class for the next year and some.
5. Mauricio Shogun Rua: Many people thought Machida was unbeatable, and Rua has beaten him for the belt and narrowly lost to him in a 5 round contest that most people had Rua winning. He also has wins over Lidell, Overeem and Coleman and might move up this list if he can beat Evans in March.
6. Frankie Edgar: I have become an enormous Frankie Edgar fan, and the comeback he mounted against Maynard at UFC 125 was the greatest comeback Ive seen in MMA. He has fought 3 times since April, and 2 of those were wins against the legend BJ Penn and Edgar also has wins against Sherk, Franca and Veach. The third bout between him and Maynard will help cement his status at the top or cause a major shift in the rankings.
7. Dominick Cruz: Winner of 7 in a row, Cruz has been on a rampage through the Bantamweight class for the last 2 years. The knock on him is that he can't finish fights, as evidenced by 6 decisions in those 7 wins, but a win is a win and this kid is good at notching them.
8. Rashad Evans: He hasn't fought in 7 months, but he still only has one loss to his record (Machida) and has one of the most outstanding resumes in all of MMA. He faces a tough matchup in Rua and will also have to avenge his loss to Machida at some point, but for now he is still an elite.
9. Jake Shields: Its hard to argue with 15 straight wins and previous belts in Elite XC, Strikeforce and Shooto championship to his credit, but Shields still seems to have something to prove. He fights GSP in April, and win or lose, how he fares against the #1 fighter in the world will speak volumes to Shields status among the MMA greats.
10. Fedor Emelianenko: This 10th spot was up for grabs for me, and although I would much rather give it to Fitch, Emelianenko deserves this spot until he proves he isn't a powerhouse anymore. His loss to Werdum could easily have been a fluke, but the fact that he hasn't fought since then hasn't helped his legacy. Prior to that, he had an 11 win streak and a 17 win streak sandwiching a No Contest to Nogueira. That's as good as it gets.
Honorable Mentions: Jon Fitch, Lyoto Machida, BJ Penn, Gilbert Melendez, Gray Maynard
1. Georges St. Pierre: Winner of 7 fights in a row, 30 consecutive round decisions, and an absolute dismantling of Josh Koscheck. His recent resume features wins over Koschcheck, Fitch, Penn, Alves and Hardy. Not a slouch among them.
2. Jose Aldo: Aldo has not just risen through the ranks over the last year, he has torched everyone in his path. Notable names like Faber and Brown didn't stand a chance against Aldo. And with the exception of the Faber fight, his last 7 decisions have been via KO/TKO. That's not only the mark of a great fighter, but of a great finisher.
3. Anderson Silva: I never thought Id see the day where Silva was 3rd on any list, but after watching him get picked apart by Chael Sonnen before eventually winning via triangle, Ive determined he is human. His victories before that were impressive, but not the highlight reel wins we're used to. If he can beat Belfort impressively, then we'll know he's back.
4. Cain Velasquez: Maybe this is a little high for him, considering how recent he is to the belt, but his win against Lesnar was extremely impressive and he is said to have the most powerful punch (as measured by scientific measurements) in all of MMA. Velasquez could dominate this weight class for the next year and some.
5. Mauricio Shogun Rua: Many people thought Machida was unbeatable, and Rua has beaten him for the belt and narrowly lost to him in a 5 round contest that most people had Rua winning. He also has wins over Lidell, Overeem and Coleman and might move up this list if he can beat Evans in March.
6. Frankie Edgar: I have become an enormous Frankie Edgar fan, and the comeback he mounted against Maynard at UFC 125 was the greatest comeback Ive seen in MMA. He has fought 3 times since April, and 2 of those were wins against the legend BJ Penn and Edgar also has wins against Sherk, Franca and Veach. The third bout between him and Maynard will help cement his status at the top or cause a major shift in the rankings.
7. Dominick Cruz: Winner of 7 in a row, Cruz has been on a rampage through the Bantamweight class for the last 2 years. The knock on him is that he can't finish fights, as evidenced by 6 decisions in those 7 wins, but a win is a win and this kid is good at notching them.
8. Rashad Evans: He hasn't fought in 7 months, but he still only has one loss to his record (Machida) and has one of the most outstanding resumes in all of MMA. He faces a tough matchup in Rua and will also have to avenge his loss to Machida at some point, but for now he is still an elite.
9. Jake Shields: Its hard to argue with 15 straight wins and previous belts in Elite XC, Strikeforce and Shooto championship to his credit, but Shields still seems to have something to prove. He fights GSP in April, and win or lose, how he fares against the #1 fighter in the world will speak volumes to Shields status among the MMA greats.
10. Fedor Emelianenko: This 10th spot was up for grabs for me, and although I would much rather give it to Fitch, Emelianenko deserves this spot until he proves he isn't a powerhouse anymore. His loss to Werdum could easily have been a fluke, but the fact that he hasn't fought since then hasn't helped his legacy. Prior to that, he had an 11 win streak and a 17 win streak sandwiching a No Contest to Nogueira. That's as good as it gets.
Honorable Mentions: Jon Fitch, Lyoto Machida, BJ Penn, Gilbert Melendez, Gray Maynard
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2010 NFL Picks - Week 17
I'll keep Bob alive by not picking what would be my Pick of the Week (Giants).
**Jacksonville (+4.5) at Houston**
I know it's Trent Edwards and Rashad Jennings leading Jacksonville but Garrard and MJD are only 2 of 11 guys out there and as a team Jacksonville has alot more motivation to win. They won't know what Indy has done yet so they will be playing hard.
Chicago (+10.5) at Green Bay
I'm banking on Green Bay winning but Chicago won't make it easy for them
St. Louis (-3) at Seattle
Throw the records out. This is a playoff game in Week 17. I'm very uncomfortable going with a road favorite in a game that determines who goes to the playoffs but I'm going with the better team here.
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 28-18-2
Pick of the Week: 10-5-1
**Jacksonville (+4.5) at Houston**
I know it's Trent Edwards and Rashad Jennings leading Jacksonville but Garrard and MJD are only 2 of 11 guys out there and as a team Jacksonville has alot more motivation to win. They won't know what Indy has done yet so they will be playing hard.
Chicago (+10.5) at Green Bay
I'm banking on Green Bay winning but Chicago won't make it easy for them
St. Louis (-3) at Seattle
Throw the records out. This is a playoff game in Week 17. I'm very uncomfortable going with a road favorite in a game that determines who goes to the playoffs but I'm going with the better team here.
Last Week: 3-0
Overall: 28-18-2
Pick of the Week: 10-5-1
Bobs NFL Picks: Week 17
Im still alive, barely. Keith is 28-18-2 and I am 25-20-3, so I can still technically tie or win if Keith goes 0-3 to my 3-0. So these are big picks in a brutally tough week to make picks.
Pittsburgh (-6.5) @ Cleveland: Pittsburgh can lock up the division and a bye if they win and Baltimore loses, so I expect Pitt to take care of their business.
Giants (-4.5) @ Redskins: Why on earth would I pick Big Blue after the last 2 weeks? Well, first and foremost they are better than the Redskins. Second, they do still have a glimmer of hope for the playoffs. And third, they might be playing for Coughlins job.
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans (-7): I originally had Jacksonville with this 3rd pick until finding out MJD is out. Tampa Bay still has a playoff shot, but its a slim one and the Saints have a bye to play for. I'll take Brees.
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 25-20-3
Pittsburgh (-6.5) @ Cleveland: Pittsburgh can lock up the division and a bye if they win and Baltimore loses, so I expect Pitt to take care of their business.
Giants (-4.5) @ Redskins: Why on earth would I pick Big Blue after the last 2 weeks? Well, first and foremost they are better than the Redskins. Second, they do still have a glimmer of hope for the playoffs. And third, they might be playing for Coughlins job.
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans (-7): I originally had Jacksonville with this 3rd pick until finding out MJD is out. Tampa Bay still has a playoff shot, but its a slim one and the Saints have a bye to play for. I'll take Brees.
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 25-20-3
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