Pick 'em Week 3

Well, week 3 is here and some teams are surprising/disappointing their fans. I'm back with Pick 'em this week as we have more in division games. I'd like to get this out everyweek just for fun and future reference, but who knows.

Also, Alex Capozza will be joining again since he does not at Wells Fargo all day. His comments are in dark blue, while mine are in dark red. Game on.

Cincinnati vs. Carolina

Carolina is already turning to the future with Jimmy Clausen getting the start, and John Fox’s job is doubt already even though his reign ends at years end. Cincy needs to get Benson more involved if Palmer wants to have anytime to throw to Batman and Robin. CINCINNATI.

The Panthers are in disarray after already making the switch to Jimmy Clausen. Meanwhile the Bengals are coming off their 8^th straight win against a division foe and a Super Bowl favorite in the Ravens. The Pick: Bengals.

Buffalo vs. NEW ENGLAND

The Pats returned to Earth with no secondary help and little chance against a good Jets D. This is a perfect matchup with the hopelessly lost Bills. Buffalo is also changing QB’s in an effort to get next year’s number 1 pick and settle that situation with Jake Locker or Ryan Mallett. This one could get ugly. NEW ENGLAND.

Pats coming off a divisional loss is bad news for the Bills, as if they needed anymore. The Pick: Patriots.

San Francisco vs. Kansas City

The newly formed Midwest New England Patriots are 2-0 and atop the AFC West, a certain surprise. The 49ers have been nothing short of a disappointment losing their first two games. I think they right the ship with a “Can’t win with 'em, can’t coach ‘em” attitude and bring the Chiefs back to the pack with a healthy dose of Frank Gore. SAN FRANCISCO

0-2 at 2-0, looks easy on paper, but it’s hard to imagine either one of these teams continuing the trend they’ve started in the first two weeks. The Niners need to get their act together, but they’ve got a little more leeway because of the division they’re in. The Pick: 49ers.

Tennessee vs. New York

When people realize that Eli isn’t that good, they’ll realize the Giants aren’t that good. It is clear Carolina is far overrated and the Saints destruction of NY last week should this team is far from good. I’m giving the Titans the benefit of the doubt against the Steelers and VY’s benching will open his eyes. TENNESSEE.

CJ’s pissed about Hines Ward’s recent comments, and he’s going to take it out on a Giants D that just got scorched by the Colts. The Pick: Titans

Cleveland vs. Baltimore

Ravens D might hang 30 up on Seneca and Co. by themselves since the offense hasn’t proven itself. Flacco has a ton of tools but is slowing showing the sophomore slump. Think of the Ravens D WITH Ed Reed. Yikes. BALTIMORE.

The Browns have lost two close games thus far, and are another team with quarterback issues. For the Ravens, it’s been a slow start for an offense many expected to have a big year. Expect that offense to break out here in Week 3. The Pick: Ravens.

Pittsburgh vs. Tampa Bay

I could be the QB for Pittsburgh and get a win with this team. Tomlin can coach, Mendenhall can run the ball, and Polamula is the best defensive player in the game (Ask Kerry Collins). Tampa is young a good start to the season shouldn’t detour this team after this week. PITTSBURGH.

Give the Bucs credit, not too many people had them starting 2-0, but they’ve done it by beating two of the worst teams in football. They’ll get their first real test this week against maybe the best defense in the league when healthy. The Pick: Steelers.

Atlanta vs. New Orleans

Walking into Candlestick on Monday Night and getting out with a deserved win is a tough thing to do and the Saints proved that they are in the top tier of teams in the league. The Falcons are young, but I’m not sold on Turner being a feature back after only having over 1,000 yards one time. Still, the Superdome comes alive and the Saints go marching on. NEW ORLEANS.

Big measuring stick game for the Falcons to see where they’re at in the division against the Champs. I think they’re much improved, but not quite on the Saints level just yet. The Pick: Saints.

Detroit vs. Minnesota

If Matthew Stafford was at the helm, the game would be different. The Vikings D has shown up the first two games with the Offense lagging way behind. All Day goes off and the Vikes get their first win. MINNESOTA

Must win game for the Vikings, and they’ll take care of business at home here against the Lions, who have lost two really tough, close games. Make it a third. The Pick: Vikings

Dallas vs. Houston

This Battle of Texas has first team to 30 wins written all over it. The Schaub-Foster-Johnson Trio with Walter sprinkled in has the makings of some fun all year. However, the Texans have failed to show they can stop anything through the air and Romo and Crew need a win desperately. DALLAS.

Where’s the panic button in Big D? Pretty much a must win game for the Boys if they want to do anything this year. Start the Wade Phillips countdown. The Pick: Texans.

Philadelphia vs. Jacksonville

Probably won’t know who wins this game, because it won’t be on television, Hurray NFL Blackouts. If you do see it, watch Vick run and gun past the Jags D as his return has little a fuse in the Eagles locker room. Vick was a superstar before his incident, don’t forget that. PHILADELPHIA.

Vick or Kolb? For this week, at least, it probably doesn’t matter too much. But for the long run, how can Andy Reid seriously justify this move after just two weeks? The Pick: Eagles.

Washington vs. St. Louis

Upset special. Anyone remember the ‘Skins blowing a 27-10 late in the third quarter? I do. Anyone remember 2006 Steven Jackson? I do. Bradford throws over 40 times and gets his team a win in the 4^th quarter. The fighting Spagnuolo’s rejoice! ST.LOUIS.

If not for an icing of the kicker, the Skins would be 2-0. Still, the new coach and quarterback have people in the Nation’s Capital believing. Plus, it’s the Rams. The Pick: Redskins.

Indianapolis vs. Denver

A Brown/Addai backfield working with a deep receiving core is just trouble for Denver. The game wasn’t even as close as the scores shows from Monday night. Denver can’t stay healthy although I think Orton can put up a fight. INDIANAPOLIS.

Indy got back to their typical winning ways Sunday night, and there’s no reason to believe this isn’t another 12 or 13 win year for them. The Pick: Colts.

Oakland vs. Arizona

It’s Brad Gradkowski’s world, we’re just living in it. Or not. The Raiders are changing quarterbacks after a WIN, and Derek Anderson is still the guy in ‘Zona. Might be the worst game of the season yet one team is going to 2-1. ARIZONA.

I can’t think of anything worse than sitting down on a Sunday afternoon for three hours and watching this game. The Pick: Raiders.

San Diego vs. Seattle

Recall on all Pete Carroll Hero Dolls; last week was reality. A fluky week 1 showed how inconsistent and not ready this team really is. Chargers are back to beating bad teams. Rivers is the real deal, tough to see how the Vincent Jackson saga will play out.

Let’s see, Denver beat up on Seattle in Week 2, while San Diego was dismantling Jacksonville, who had previously beaten the Broncos in Week 1. Got it? Good. The Pick: Chargers.

New York Jets vs. Miami

No Revis Island and the Dolphins’ defense does work against the Sanchise. Take the under, but be ready for good defense. MIAMI.

In a shocking turn of events, the Jets have been making headlines this week. Revis has already been ruled out, who knows how much Edwards will play, and I sense the Jets are a little complacent after their victory over the Pats last week. Plus it’s the home opener on Sunday Night Football for the 2-0 Fins. The Pick: Dolphins.

Green Bay vs. Chicago

Chicago has improved and will probably be much better than anyone predicted. Yet, Green Bay/New Orleans are above everyone. The Pack’s D has improved tremendously and will scare teams. GREEN BAY.

Classic divisional battle and they’re both off to perfect starts. Problem is, I think only one of these two teams are for real. The Pick: Packers.

Dat Foosball Bobby Boucher Part 2

Back at round 2 of the NFL preview before tonight's Vikes/Saints NFC championship rematch, my prediction look flawless as usual while who knows what Capozza is thinking. This side of the 32 teams has a lot more potential than that of the first 16. On way we go, by the way, I'm on the saints tonight. Favre will look old and AP needs to assert himself tonight if he has any hope of being mentioned with CJ this year.

Miami Dolphins (8.5 wins)
RT: The AFC East is loaded and one team has to go .500. Henne truly hasn't proven himself in my opinion. Biggest thing they have is still the wildcat. Marshall will help but with Ginn and Camarillo gone, who else is there to cover? OVER.
AC: There’s nothing I hate more than betting on my own teams. Having said that if they don’t win at least 9 games, I’ll be supremely disappointed. Well, now that I’ve doomed them for the next 4 months….OVER.

Minnesota Vikings (9.5 wins)
RT: Like I said, Favre doesn't have a wideout. AP will see 7/8 in the box. The offense struggles and the D crumbles. And Brett slowly fades off into the sunset, ya right. UNDER.
AC: I could see this getting ugly in a hurry in Minnesota. Tough schedule to start the year, and if Favre starts poorly, the roof could cave in. UNDER.

New England Patriots (9.5 wins)
RT: Every year someone questions this team, and every year they produce. Weird how that works. Belichick still coaches the hell of out football and if any of the RB's step up, this team will make noise. OVER.
AC:I have no clue about this team. But I do know that I’m worried about their defense, especially their corners with the loss of Bodden. But there’s still Brady, Moss, Welker, and that Belichick guy. I’m not in love with them at all, but it’s tough to still not see them winning 10. OVER.

New Orleans Saints (10.5 wins)
RT: NFC. Same offense. D might struggle but who cares when you can score 45 on everyone. OVER.
AC:Super Bowl hangover? Doubtful. Easy OVER.

New York Giants (8.5 wins)
RT:Plax still in jail and Eli doesn't know where he is half the time. Not an impressive team and Coughlin gets the boot at the end of the year. UNDER.
AC:Their defense got worse as the season went on last year. I’m banking on them being improved, but there’s still big question marks there. In a division where I expect all four teams to be between 8 and 10 wins, I’ll go with the odds. OVER.

New York Jets (9.5 wins)
RT: Rex Ryan is huge. OVER.

AC:Maybe it’s my utter disdain for them, their head coach, and their entire fan base, but I’m not on the bandwagon. Unlike last year, they’ll have a big target on their back, and Revis will have an even bigger one. UNDER

Oakland Raiders (6 wins)

RT: Anyone else realize that Jason Campbell isn't a huge upgrade at all? Maybe not even an upgrade. Oh wait, is Al Davis still alive??? UNDER.

AC:Good sleeper playoff team. I’m not sure they’ll get that far, but they played well against good teams last year, plus they got rid of their fat quarterback. So that’s a plus. OVER.

Philadelphia Eagles (8.5 wins)

RT: The real question is what running back is going to step up. Kolb or Vick will be fine as the QB, but will a running game emerge or will Andy Dandy Reid throw everywhere? OVER.

AC: I’m driving the Kevin Kolb fan bus. He’ll make everyone in Philly forget about McNabb if they haven’t already. Plus, I’ve already said I think everyone in this division wins between 8 and 10 games. So again, I’ll play the odds. OVER.

Pittsburgh Steelers (8.5 wins)
RT: This defense is real good with Polamula. Without it, big trouble. Mendenhall is just good and there is enough veteran leadership to push this team forward.

AC:Everyone’s focused on Ben being out 4 games, and how that will affect this teams chances. I don’t care that much. This team’s still about defense. Polamalu being out for much of last year killed them, so if he stays healthy, I’d be shocked if they don’t get to at least 9. OVER.

San Diego Chargers (10.5 wins)
RT: It's the AFC West and the Chargers are always above everyone. Matthews is a stud waiting to happen. Watch out. My super bowl sleeper. OVER.

AC: Big number here, but when you realize that this is based on the regular season and not the playoffs, it’s really not that bad. OVER.

San Francisco 49ers (8.5 wins)
RT: Can not win with em. Can not coach with em. But you can win with em. Singletary rises above it this year. OVER.

AC:I’m not in love with this team like seemingly everyone else. However, I’ll tell you what I do love about them—their division. OVER.

Seattle Seahawks (7.5 wins)

RT: Petey is back in town. First thing he does: Cut the guy he signed at the beginning of the summer camp. Second thing: Cuts his pro-bowl wide out. UNDER.

AC:I’m going to take the wait and see approach with Pete Carroll this time around in the league. Until then, UNDER.

St. Louis Rams (5 wins)
RT: I don't know and I don't care. NFC West helps and I've never been a fan of the 1st overall pick coming off an injury. Thank their schedule. OVER.

AC:I like Bradford, but he’s going to take a beating. They’ll be improved, but that’s not saying much. UNDER.

Tampa Bay Bucs (5.5 wins)

RT: Another don't know/ don't care. Except the fact I'm gonna have to watch this crap for the year. UNDER.

AC:They’re going to play tough and surprise some teams, and I’m a Josh Freeman believer. OVER.

Tennessee Titans (8.5 wins)

RT:Might get Haynesworth which helps anyone no matter how big of an ass he is, yet Jeff Fisher still shows he's a genius. This team will surprise this division. 9-7 is the only record I see for this team. OVER.

AC:Telling year for Vince Young. We know what Chris Johnson brings to the table, but the verdicts still out on VY. Plus, I can’t name anyone on their defense anymore. UNDER.

Washington Redskins (7.5 wins)

RT: No, just no really. I don't see it. I like Shanny, but give it a year. McNabb only has cooley and I don't think the O-Line can make big enough holes for Booty-do. UNDER.
AC:Solid upgrade at quarterback. Huge upgrade at head coach. Everyone in this division will be pretty evenly matched. OVER.

Well folks, it's late, but the world goes on. This did not into consideration of week 1. I will say I was wrong about the Vikes/Saints, that was a snoozefest. Good luck to your fantasy teams, dawgfights are a coming.

Til next time, play it back to play it forward.

Dat Foosball Bobby Boucher

Well, the NFL season has arrived and Thursday night will usher in the new teams, players, and division rivalries as the Vikings and Saints will kickoff. I'm going to adopt to my friend Alex Capozza's style with the over under wins and my prediction. I don't with mostly anything he does, but maybe some of his viewpoints.

My prediction will be first followed by his attempt of Tom Jackson. Part 1 for the first half of the league followed by part 2 tomorrow.

Arizona Cardinals (7.5 wins)
RT: You get the NFC west and you're virtually guaranteed 3 wins. The 49ers will surprise everyone and Fitz won't get the ball now that he's quad-covered. Derek Anderson sucks that much. Barely OVER
AC:I would’ve gone under if Leinhart was still there, but I think Derek Anderson is worth at least a couple of more wins. Yikes, what does that say about Leinhart? OVER.

Atlanta Falcons (9 wins)
RT:Turner is as overrated as they come. They need to involve Gonzalez and White as much as possible. Matt Ryan is real good if a line shows up. PUSH.
AC:Traditionally lots of turnover in this division, and I like them for a Wild Card spot. Big comeback years for Matty Ice and Turner. OVER.

Baltimore Ravens (10 wins)

RT: If you've seen their road schedule, you'll know 10 wins is a high watermark. Addition of Houz puts these guys atop the North with the Steeler right behind. OVER

AC:Trendy Super Bowl pick, and I’m buying in. Big image change this year for the Ravens, as they easily have the most weapons they’ve ever had on offense. OVER.

Buffalo Bills (5 wins)

RT: This team sucks. First overall pick next year. CJ Spiller wasn't needed. Jimmy Clausen was. This will be the NFL pee-on. UNDER.

AC:This team’s atrocious. Add in a brutal division and the fact that they still don’t have a quarterback. But hey, at least they’ve got Chan Gailey, he’s gotta be worth something, right? If this number were 3, I’d still go UNDER.

Carolina Panthers (7 wins)

RT: Honestly, first real disagreement. When you have two star running backs, trade one and get a high draft pick for a wide out to help out Steve Smith. Losing Pepper will be evident. PUSH.

AC:Matt Moore starts all 16 games and no one wonders where Jimmy Clausen is. Plus they run the football better than anyone else. OVER.

Chicago Bears (8 wins)

RT: Matt Forte gets underused. Pack and Vikes abuse. You can't have your best wide out play both ways, this ain't high school babbyyyyyy. UNDER.

AC:Never have and still don’t get everyone’s fascination with Mike Martz. Yes, I expect Cutler to rebound a little in his second year in Chicago, but that’s not saying much. UNDER.

Cincinnati Bengals (8 wins)

RT:Anyone remember they signed a guy for 4 yrs, $28mil and then cut him. This front office and coaching staff are not getting it right. TO didn't help. Expect the over a lot, but you can thank the D for it. UNDER.

AC:Horrendous finish to the season last year, and they’re not going 6-0 in the division again. It’s not 2006 and Carson Palmer isn’t good. UNDER.

Cleveland Browns (5.5 wins)

RT: Get me that 6th win baby. Could be 2-0 and then be 2-7 by week 10. C'mon Joshua Cribbs. Anyone realize Mangini is terrible and the fact that Mike Holmgren might be coaching by week 6? OVER.

AC:They played well down the stretch last year, plus they’ve got a new quarterback. Problem is Mangini’s still the coach and that new quarterback is Jake Delhomme. UNDER.

Dallas Cowboys (10 wins)
RT: Team is fine. Kolb needs atleast another year and Cowboys prove they're just better than most teams in the NFC. Another division and they might be in trouble. OVER.

AC:I HATE this number. I like the team a lot, but that division’s always tough and their road schedule is brutal. Can’t believe it, but I’m going UNDER.

Denver Broncos (7.5 wins)

RT: I'll use the same math. Crappy quarterback(Life time 29-19) + trading your stud receiver(who is the biggest pain in the ass) + losing your best defender to injury(Hurts, but secondary is still good) = OVER.
AC:Simple math. Crappy quarterback + trading your stud receiver + losing your best defender to injury = UNDER.

Detroit Lions (5 wins)

RT: Best starts by week 4 and Stafford is actually the real deal. Surprised myself that's for sure. Anything is still an improvement from 2 years ago. OVER.

AC:I LOVE this team. Did I really just say that? I did and I mean it. Great sleeper playoff team. This offense should fun to watch IF they can all stay healthy. OVER.

Green Bay Packers (9.5 wins)
RT: This team is flat out loaded and I'm actually surprised the over-under is this low. Brett Favre ain't that good this year especially without wide out. ARodgers wants the title shot and I think this team wins the division. OVER.

AC:I’m down on the Vikes and Bears, so somebody’s gotta step up in this division. Another offense that will be fun to watch. OVER.

Houston Texans (8.5 wins)

RT: Answer: Andre Johnson is a man. You got the Jags twice, Chiefs, Raiders, and the Titans twice. OVER.
AC:Question: How many years in a row can you be someone’s “sexy” playoff pick? I’ll believe it when I see it. UNDER.

Indianapolis Colts (10.5 wins)

RT: I hate the Colts and their defense is the reason. Still Peyton will have two good commercials by years end. OVER.
AC: Don’t they win like 13 or 14 games every year? As long as the umpire stays out of Peyton’s way, they’ll be right there again. OVER.

Jacksonville Jaguars (7 wins)

RT: The actual over/under is week 7 for Jack Del Rio. Something smells like under. Too bad half the league won't know what their record is considering their games will all be blacked out.
AC: This team is dead to me. Remind me again why I just took MJD 3rd overall in a fantasy draft. Whatever, he’s good, but they suck as a team. End of the line for the David Garrard/Jack del Rio era. Way UNDER.
Kansas City Chiefs (6.5 wins)

RT: Chances Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel eat a child by week 5? Highly likely. Chances of 7 wins? Even better. Played well down the stretch and have a relatively week schedule based on last year. OVER.
AC: They’ve got some talent on offense. See Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe. Add in a capable quarterback due for a nice rebound year. Just have to account for the wackiness that is Todd Haley. But I’m still going OVER.

That's all for today. Check back tomorrow for the full update.

As always, you have to play it back to play it forward.