Week 8 Predictions!

So we kind of mailed it in last week. I was in Toronto and Omid was drunk when we made the predictions. Somehow drunk Omid finished 7-5 and I did worse 6-6. Omid is ahead in the Game of the week standings with a 4-3 record. We are both above .500 on the year and we look to improve on our records this week. Although one of us will have a bad week as we had very different picks this week......

THE Santana Moss from THE U

1) Tampa +6.5 @ Minny

Adrian Peterson is Minnesota’s offense and their defense has been good as well thus far which is why they are 5-0 at home. Ponder has been throwing 2 int’s the past 3 games and had an embarrassing 58 yards passing last week vs Arizona. The Tampa Bay Bucs on the other hand have a great rushing defense but are dead last in passing defense. They were beaten by NWO last week in a shoot out of a game after being up 21-7 at half. Minnesota will win at home on Thursday night 27-20.

Minny is very good at taking the league through Adrian Peterson and then letting their defense run wild. Washington beat the Vikings by stacking the box and forcing Christian Ponder to throw. That is the way Tampa has to go if they want to beat the vikings. I think Vikings win at home and drop Tampa 24-14,

2) New England -7 @ St. Louis

Leave it up to the NFL to schedule the New England Patriots for a game in London. This should be a much closer game than the line indicates. The St Louis front 7 can get to Brady easily and it will be up to Ridley and Vereen to ease the pressure. New England would've lost last week if it were not for a drop by the Jets. The New England secondary is the worst in the league and Bradford should have a big day. However i still think  NE will pull it out in the end, 27-24.

The Patriots secondary might be better in another continent but i very much doubt that. They have been banged up and it has shown in the last 4 weeks as they allowed season high yard age totals to all 4 qbs they have faced and Sam Bradford is better than 3 of them. Also the Patriots offense hasn't been as deadly as we all assumed and that could be partially due to injuries to the TE’s and maybe playing good defenses. The Rams defense will get to Brady and make it a painful week for him. The issue is can St.Louis score enough points against the Patriots secondary to win the game. New England 24-17.

3) Indy +3.5 @ Tennessee

As an Indy fan I would like nothing more than the Colts to beat the piss out of the Titans. I hate the Titans. The Titans have won 2 in a row thanks to Chris Johnson and he is poised to have another big week like every RB that plays the colts soft run defense. The Colts are a horrible road team but they did play the bears and jets which have good defenses as oppose to the dead last Titans defense.  Andrew Luck has a great day and the colts have just enough on defense to pull out the shoot out. Indianapolis 31-27.

Tennessee have won two in a row since Chris Johnson found his 2009 form again, but Indy will be tough to beat. Andrew Luck will have a field day against a weak Tennessee defense. Both teams are not great, but this could be a very entertaining game. I am also calling a shootout win for Indy, 35-34.

Week 7 NFL Picks

Last week, Jack was 8-6 and Omid was 6-8, but Omid won game of the week after some vintage 4th quarter Peyton magic. This week we are both in Toronto, so we cruched out some picks quickly between us.


Seattle @ San Fran (SF 13-6)

Omid and I both picked San Fran to win, but didn't have enough time to write anything.

Tennessee +3.5 @ Bills

Tennessee won a huge game last week, but we both believe buffalo at home is tough. Buffalo 24-14

Arizona +6.5 @ Minny

Minny at home is tough, and the Cardinals have struggled recently. Kevin Kolb is out with rib injury as well, Minny in a close one, 21-18.

Cleveland +1 @ Indianapolis

Cleveland looked good last week, but we both believe that Indy will bounce back from a tough game last week and take it at home. Indy 17-14

Baltimore +6.5 @ Houston

Houston was riding high, but got embarrassed last week on national TV at home. Wade Phillips loves his cover 2 but without an adequate pass rush they will be torched. Baltimore will get an emotional lift from the return of T-Sizzle, Baltimore 27-21.

Green Bay -5 @ St Louis

Aaron Rodgers continues to play at his 2011 MVP level, GB takes it 28-21.

Dallas -1 @ Carolina

The return of Superman, Cam will be great and Romo will mess up. Carolina in an upset, 24-21.

GAME OF THE WEEK
Washington +6 @ New York Giants

Omid: Giants will beat Redskins, 31-20
Jack: Letdown game alert, RG3 runs all over the vaunted Giants front 7, Redskins win 3 in a row against Giants, WAS 38-34.

New Orleans -1 @ Tampa Bay

Tampa will play New Orleans tough, but NO just came off the bye and will be tough. NO in a tight game, 24-21.

New York +10.5 @ New England


New England is pissed after the loss at Seattle last week, they hate the Jets, NE will destroy the Jets, 27-6.

Jacksonville +4 @ Oakland

Oakland at home will cover, 21-14.

Pittsburgh -1 @ Cinci


Tough AFC north game, Pitt has looked old and slow this year while Cinci will look to solidify their standing as a AFC north contender. Cincy takes close game 21-18.

Detroit +6.5 @ Chicago

Detroit is hitting their stride. Look for them to get back to .500 with a road victory on monday night. Det 24-21.

Week 6 NFL Predictions

After both starting the past week 22-25 on the season, Omid improved to above .500 with a 10-4 week (32-29), and I come in with a 8-6 mark, bringing my season record to 30-31. The experts at ESPN averaged out to 9.75 wins. Once again Omid is ahead of the experts, however, the Game of the week on Sunday night was won by yours truly, bringing the series to a 2-2 deadlock. As always, Omid in Yellow and me in white, here we go.....

Captain Kirk "Sunshine" Cousins will be leading the Redskins if RG3 can't go on Sunday (Photo from Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire) 

1) Pittsburgh -6 @ Tennessee

The Steelers beat the Eagles in a close game last week but what's more significant is the re-injury of Troy Polamalu. That guy can't seem to stay healthy this season and it definitely affects the defense. As long as Big Ben keeps finding ways to win games and make key plays I wouldn't bet against the Steelers. The Titans lost to the Vikings last week in the least interesting game of the week. They are dead last in rushing the football which is making it hard for Jake Locker (or Matt Hasselbeck) to be able to do anything. The defense is in the bottom 3 thus far to make things worse. Pittsburgh covers the spread 24-10.

Oh man, the Titans are awful. I think the biggest fluke this year in the NFL might be the 4 60+ yard TDs they scored against the poor Lions in week 2. I also think they might be the worst team in the league. In my mind the Steelers are that good, but this is a weak team ripe for the picking. Steelers 17-10 in a dreadful game.

2) Cinci -1 @ Cleveland

Ah the Browns, always showing their fans hope, and then snatching it away in the cruelest way possible. First it was the dropped interception opening day that would’ve sealed a huge upset against Philly, then last week, they raced out to a 14-0 lead at the Meadowlands only to be crushed 41-27. Cinci on the other hand missed a huge opportunity against a relatively weak Miami team, losing the chance to go to 4-1. The Law Firm is fumbling for the first time in his NFL career and Andy Dalton struggled against a decent Miami secondary. I don’t see Cleveland going to 0-6, I think they eek out a tight one at home behind some strong running by Trent Richardson, Cle 21-17.

The Bengals blew a win last week in Miami. They were unable to capitalize on chances and score enough points against a sub par defense. By all accounts it was a bad game and it came against a bad team which makes it hurt that much more. Their defense is been all right thus far but since week 1 they really haven't played any offensively talented teams. The Browns got spanked last week by a much better team in the Giants. The Browns just don't have the talent to compete week in and week out. This week is no different. Cincinnati 27-17.

Week 5 NFL Predictions

So Omid had a much better last week, he finished with a 11-4, bringing his total to 22-25. I slumped to a 8-7 record (22-25 overall). ESPN’s panel of experts averaged a record of 11-4, therefore confirming Omid’s belief that he is just as good as the informed people. Omid also took home the game of the week as he correctly predicted an Eagles win on Sunday night, He is now in the lead with a 2-1 record. 

Romo never fails to amuse me, although even I gotta admit most of the interceptions were not his fault. 

1) Arizona -1 @ St Louis (Stl won 17-3)

Well  the Cardinals are 4-0, thanks to some luck, bad opponents and Kevin Kolb. Ummmmm yeah, the defense is scrappy and keeps them in the games. They had a decent game vs the improved Dolphins last week but their pass defense is in the last 10 of the league. The Rams on the other hand beat a good Seattle team at home last week. They have been keeping games tight all season against better opponents. Sam Bradford is starting to get comfortable in the pocket and is learning how to use his receivers better. The Rams pass defense is what keeps them in games and they will shine vs Kevin Kolb. St.Louis wins at home 24-21.

Ah the NFC west, no more 7-9 division winners here, this division is legit. Arizona is coming off a scare at home to the surprisingly competent Dolphins, winning in overtime thanks to a Ryan Tannenhill interception. The D is overly hyped but very solid, and I think they will come out with more purpose this week. The Rams did beat Seattle at home, but that was thanks to two 58+ yard field goals and a TD from their punter. I love St Louis but I think this Cardinals team is just better. Arizona 17-15.

2) Cleveland +9.5 @ NY Giants

Cleveland is tough to read, they would have won last week if Greg Little could make a few more routine catches, but I think Baltimore was not at their best playing in their 4th game in 17 days. Giants on the other hand almost make Andy Reid look like a fool with the ridiculous “freezing the Kicker” timeout. Alas Tyne’s field goal fell just a few yards short. Cleveland will be tough again, but the Giants will come out fired up at home and I Really think they have too many offensive weapons for Cleveland, NYG 28-14.

Giants lost a tough one to the Eagles Sunday Night thanks to some bad decisions by Eli and the play callers. They were upset about it all week so look for the offense to score lots of points this week. the defense was solid like usual and there is no issues there. The Browns are really bad, and dont really have anything positive going for them other than Trent Richardson. NYG 31-14.

3) Miami +3 @ Cincy

I’m surprised Cincinnati is not favored by more after winning three in a row and two on the road. AJ Green is the best receiver this season thus far without a doubt. The running backs are also doing their jobs keeping the other teams defenses have to stay honest. Their defense is not very good but that shouldn’t be an issue vs the Dolphins. Tannehill had a great game last week vs the Cardinals weak secondary. The running offense hasn’t been as powerful since that outburst by Reggie Bush several weeks back. Their run defense is number one in the league and their pass defense is last so look for them to over commit to the pass. CIncinnati 31-17.

RYAN TANNEHILL! BRETT HARTLINE! WHITE PEOPLE!!! Those two connected for 250+ yards and two Ts last week against a very good Arizona secondary. Miami had a good shot to win last week but could not close the deal. Ryan Tannehill has the gunslingers mentality but needs to avoid mistakes in their own territory such as the INT in overtime which handed the game to Arizona. Cincy has looked very good on offense and is relying on the sophomore connection of Andy Dalton and AJ Green to drive the offense. Cincy has too many weapons for this young Dolphins team, 28-17 Bengals.

3) Green Bay -7.5 @ Indianapolis

Green Bay somewhat righted the ship last week with a slightly unconvincing win at home against the 0-4 Saints. Aaron Rodgers looked great but the defense is still a huge question mark. Luckily the Indy D is just as bad as the Saints and Aaron Rodgers should have another fun day this Sunday. Indy had their bye week last week and will be well rested. However, they will be without their head coach (Leukemia) and have a tough task against the reigning MVP. I think Luck will have a strong game against an uninspiring GB defense but Aaron Rodgers will be too much for Indy to overcome, GB takes it 30-24.  

Green Bay won a tight game vs the Saints last week at home in a tough fought game. The defense is stellar at getting pressure on the qb but their secondary is still the biggest problem on the team, they take too many gambles that result in big plays. The offense is been up and down and that won’t change with Jennings sitting this one out. The Colts on the other hand are coming off a bye week after a loss to the Jags. As a young team the bye week should have helped but the bad news about their coach probably had a negative mental effect. Andrew Luck is improving every week and has the Colts in the top half of passing offense. The defense is still horrible vs the run but has been able to limit other teams points. Green Bay 24-14.

Premier League Predictions - September 28, 2012

So out of the first five weeks of the season, we’ve only posted one prediction post. Funny enough we actually did one last week but neither of us remembered to publish. Anyways, we are 3-5 so far on the season, lets try and get this above .500.

Alex in white, Jack in blue.

There are some big games this weekend, and none bigger than the opening fixture. Arsenal host Chelsea, at the Emirates at 12.45pm on Saturday. Huge game. Thoughts?

Yep, huge game, Arsenal and Chelsea both had big midweek wins against championship teams, I think the fact that the game is at Emirates may play a factor, 2-1 Arsenal.

It’s odd that so far this season, Arsenal have been better defensively than Chelsea, and I think that is what might win it for them. I’m completely torn between 1-1 and 2-1, but I’ll agree with you and go for a Gunners victory.

Olivier to score?

Haha. No. I think he’ll start on the bench.

Now I know Southampton got their first win last weekend but they’re up against Everton on Saturday, who have been in scintillating form. I can’t see this going any other way. 3-1 to the Toffees.

I think it’ll be a tight game actually, Everton lost during the week to Leeds, and the Saints did have a 4-1 win last week. I’m thinking 2-2. (I obviously think very highly of Villa)

Haha, don’t we all?

Fulham against Manchester City is next. Not quite cut and dry, this one?

Yeah, Man City lost to Villa midweek (!!!) but they were starting a very young team. Fulham will also be without Berbatov. This is a tough game to call, so 1-1 draw. What do you think?

On current form it’s hard to disagree. Fulham have been playing very well - I think Jol is doing a sterling job - and City have been faltering. That said, I think City’s strength in depth might just see them through this one. 2-1 City, Balotelli with the winner, and celebratory cigarette.

Liverpool take on Norwich. A chance for Rogers to get his first win, and I think he will. I don’t have too much to say about this one except that I’m backing Liverpool to win 2-0. Possibly 3-0. They’ve been getting better each game, despite not winning.

Yes I agree with you. Norwich simply aren’t very good and it looks like Liverpool are getting their team together. 2-0 Liverpool for me as well.  

Reading Vs Newcastle. Newcastle should win, but something is telling me they won’t. Alan Pardew just signed an eight year contract, and the club deserves to lose just for offering it to him. 1-0 Reading!

Eight! EIGHT! I’m shocked by the length of the contract. But this does bring stability to the management team. That said, eight is just ridiculous. I do think they have a good squad though, so I will go 1-1 draw.

Two teams that have been a bit up and down, next. Stoke take on Swansea, in this week’s designated game that I don’t care about one bit :) Your thoughts? (Actually, I’ve just looked at the fixtures and the next game is Sunderland/Wigan. I now care about Stoke/Swansea.)

Yep, we are getting into that section of the fixture list. I like Swansea, but they have a few key injuries and are not defending like they did at the start of the season. But I really hate Stoke, so 2-1 Swans?

I’m ok with that.

Sunderland Vs Wigan. Steven Fletcher is in lethal form. I think Sunderland will create one or two more chances than Wigan, and he has been taking them. So 2-0 Sunderland, I think. You?

Sure, Sunderland wins 2-1. I don't have anything to say about this game.

Haha. Oh! A good game. Old Trafford will witness Manchester Utd against Tottenham. Take it away.

Well, Man Utd have a problem at the back because Vidic is out again, so is Smalling. They will be relying on their youngsters this week. Tottenham has been playing well but this will be a really tough game at Old Trafford. I’m calling a 3-2 thriller for Tottenham.

I have to say, I hope so. If Villas Boas can get a win at Old Trafford - something Spurs haven’t done for fucking years - he will get a lot of credit, and the English media should start to cut him some slack. I think this game depends on the central midfield. Utd barely have one, so if Sandro, Dembele and Dempsey/Sigurddson can be strong and disciplined, Spurs have a good chance. I’ll take your 3-2 Spurs prediction.

On Sunday, your boys Villa take on West Brom, in the first of the midland derbies! I have no idea what the score will be, but I’m putting this down as a draw, with Lukaku scoring again. Because I love him.

We all love him, but Villa are playing well, especially the young midfield. Gabby is back on track and I think we will pull one out in this derby, 2-1, with the other Belgian, Benteke scoring.

Oh, yes! I forgot this was the battle of the (massive) Belgians. Brilliant sub-plot. Lets move on to the final game, which takes place on Monday night. Two teams I don’t particularly care for...it’s a London derby. QPR against West Ham.

More derby games, this I see as a 1-1 draw, neither teams are playing particularly well. I will also go out on a limb and say there will be a confrontation between Big Sam and Mark Hughes.

I would LOVE to see that, but I actually see them as two blokes that would probably get on quite well. Which is why I dislike both of them. 1-1 sounds about right.

That’s it for this week. Sorry for not posting these consistently! We’ll strive to do so from now on. Got an opinion on our predictions? Let us know.

Week 4 NFL Picks

Last week was a rough week for Omid and I. I finished with a 5-11 record (14-18), and Omid slumped to a 4-12 record (11-21).  Obviously we have been sub par so far, but the ESPN panel averaged out to a 7-9 record, so no one did well last week. Omid did win the game of the week though, so we are tied at 1-1. On to the picks.....  

The "catch" that brought the real officials back. 

1) Browns +12 at Ravens (Ravens win 23-16)

The Ravens got a big win last week vs the Patriots in a high scoring game.The Baltimore defense is not as good as it has been in the last decade but to their credit they did  pulled out the stops when they needed to. Joe Flacco threw over 375 yards and had 3 touchdown passes last week while Ray Rice ran for over 100 yards and also had a TD. The offense is licking its chops coming into this game against the Browns. The Browns lost last week to Buffalo in an ugly, ugly game. Weeden is a rookie QB and that inexperience is showing. Unfortunately for him the rest of the Cleveland team isn't very good either and his WRs can't seem to catch a ball. Trent Richardson will have a much better game this week but it won’t be enough to make it close. Baltimore 27-14.

Brandon Weeden is not a good QB; lets get that out of the way. If he had legitimate weapons, and a solid line, he would be decent. But he plays on Cleveland, so he has neither. According to football outsider, Brandon Weeden has a QB rating of 15 when pressured, and you bet that Baltimore will put a huge amount of pressure on him. Coming off a huge win against rivals NE, I think Baltimore rocks Cleveland at home, 28-14.


2) New England -4 at Buffalo (Patriots win 52-28)

Buffalo might be one of the better teams in the AFC, they gave up at half in the opening game blowout against the Jets. Other than that, the Bills have played very well. They will be in tough this week as they will probably be missing their best player in CJ Spiller. Fred Jackson, with the healing prowess of Adrian Peterson will probably be back this week, and that will help. However, the Pats will be angry after last week’s mess in Baltimore, where many questionable calls ruined what was otherwise a fantastic football game. Look for NE to come out and remove all doubt in people’s minds about their talents, NE 31-24.


Buffalo is a surprising 2-1 thus far in the season but the injury bug has hit them hard in the RB position. After Spiller had a fantastic week 2 he injured his shoulder in week 3 and is most likely going to miss week 4. Considering the running game is what sets up the passing offense for Buffalo they are in trouble this week. New England lost a tough one to Baltimore last week and will be hungry to bounce back. Tom Brady and the offense didn't miss a beat without their stud TE Hernandez last week and an extra week will make them even better. The defense so far has been up and down but will have an easier job this week (The Ravens have a top 5 offense attack in my opinion). New England 27-13.


3) Minnesota+5 at Detroit (Vikings win 20-13)

If you picked the Vikings to win last week and you weren’t a Vikings fan then................none of you, just as I thought. The Vikings ran the ball, took care of the ball and played defense like the 49ers last week. Christian Ponder is flying slightly under the radar and he looks poised to have a breakout year this season. Adrian Peterson is looking better and better each week and if it wasn't for the fumbles by Gerhart the game could have been more one sided. The Vikings defense also had a good game pressuring the QB, making it difficult for the 49ers to run the ball like they would like. the Detroit Lions were involved in a shootout and nearly came up with the best win of the week until the went for it on a 4th down in OT instead of kicking the field goal. No excuse for the “miscommunication” that happened, but they should have probably lost in regulation anyways so it all worked out; if you’re a Titans Fan. The Lions defense needs to get their act together before Green Bay figures it out or they could be out of the playoffs by week 7. This is a tough game to call but in Detroit I don’t see them blowing this one. Detroit 24-20.

Minnesota proved last week that winning on the road is a tough task in the NFL, by thoroughly beating the 49ers. Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin and Kyle Rudolph are studs on offense and Christian Ponder looked amazing last week. However they will have a tough time this week in Detroit. The Lions finally found a running back in Mikel LeShoure; the bruising runner is the perfect complement to the explosive passing attack of Detroit. Detroit lost to Tennesee last week in a game where everything went right for the Titans, but look for Stafford and Megatron to right the ship this week against the Vikes, DET 32-24.  

Theo Theo, get yourself together

Yesterday Theo Walcott publicly stated that the reason he has not yet agreed a new contract with Arsenal is that he wants assurances that he will play in his favourite position - as a striker. I won't quote him, but you can read his full statement right here. Whether this explanation is a cover for "I want more money and Arsenal won't give it to me" remains to be seen, but for argument's sake I'll take it at face value.

This isn't the first time Walcott has expressed a preference for playing as a striker. Expressing a preference is fine. Demanding to play any position, especially one you are quite clearly not suited to, is patently ridiculous.

I've always likened Theo to a Pokemon - briefly dazzling when chosen, but ultimately fucking pointless. Let me explain why Walcott is not suited to being a modern striker.  Arsenal play with one centre forward, as do all the best teams in Europe. 4-4-2 is used sparingly by some clubs, but overall some variation of 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1 is the most commonly used set-up. Playing up front on their own, the striker needs to do more than just put the ball in the back of the net. The lone striker needs to be able to drop deep, link the play, hold the ball up, lay it off to supporting midfielders and have some heading ability. The lone striker needs good technique, a great first touch and nuanced tactical intelligence. Robin Van Persie could do all of those things, and had all of those qualities. Olivier Giroud can do most of those things and has most of those qualities. Theo Walcott on the other hand...

His plus points: He can finish. His technique has improved somewhat over the last couple of seasons, as has his run-making. He's obviously as quick as a rabbit being chased by anything hungry. Nevertheless he cannot claim to have the qualities necessary to play up front on his own. Look at the top forwards in Europe right now, in no particular order: Ibrahimovic, Van Persie, Ronaldo,* Torres, Aguero, Benzema, Messi, Lewandowski, Gomez etc. All of them either have a big physical presence, superior technique, or both. Walcott has neither.

I think my point is made. I'll now move on to why it was such a terrible bloody idea for Theo to say what did in public. Can a top, well-respected manager such as Arsene Wenger really be seen to submit to an ultimatum from an over-paid, inconsistent player? Can Theo Walcott really hold Arsenal to ransom? No. And that's why he isn't starting games at the moment (though he likely will in the Capital One Cup, tomorrow). He is being shown that he needs Arsenal far more than Arsenal need him. His public stand means that even if Wenger had been planning on giving the kid a chance up front, he might now re-think it  for fear of the public perception problem.

Ultimately, if his manager gives him the chance up front and he does alright, fair enough. If AW doesn't give him the chance and tells him to sling his hook, also fair enough. Walcott is a decent bloke and a dangerous player at times. He'll be snapped up if he becomes a free transfer. But he should know his place. He isn't that good. He isn't a natural striker. He isn't consistent. He is in no position to be telling his manager where he will and will not play.

*It would be suitable to point out that Cristiano Ronaldo has scored a goal-a-game for Real Madrid since he joined them, and has done so playing mostly from a wing-forward rather than central striking position. Take note, Theo.

Week 3 NFL Predictions

By Jack Yang and Omid Naisani

Omid (in yellow) and I (in white) are back for our week 3 picks. I finished a respectable 9-7 last week while Omid struggled to a 7-9 finish. Omid also lost the game of the week so I’m currently winning the friendly wager (with a yet to be determined prize). As a reference, 12 ESPN analysts finished with an average record of 9.25-6.75, so we are not far off. Let’s see if we cannot do better this week. (Btw we both picked the Browns to win, so maybe not)

(Fun fact, when Michael Turner was arrested late Monday for DUI, that broke a NFL record of 38 days without an arrest of a player. Disclaimer: Records only have been kept for 5 years, plus with the 1700 players in the league, the arrest rate is similar to average citizens, however these are role models and DUI's are just stupid)

1) Giants +1 at Panthers

ELI MANNING. I don't know what to say about this guy. I don't know anyone who has had as many ridiculous comebacks as him in the last 2 seasons. They will be missing Nicks this week so that will take away from their passing offense a bit. Defensively they have struggled so far and I don't see this game being any easier for them. Carolina had an impressive showing last week against the Saints. They scored a lot of points and looked in control throughout the game. Their defense is getting better as the season goes on but they need to get pressure on Eli or he will shred their defense. Carolina 27-24.

The Saints clearly aren't who we thought they are, so it is hard to put too much faith in Carolina for their win last week. However this game is in Carolina and the Giants will be without Nicks and Ahmad Bradshaw. The Giants secondary is still without 4 starters, this is a very tough game to call, but I think Cam Newton will have a great game and Carolina wins it at home, 34-32.

2) St Louis Rams +9 at Chicago Bears

I don't know how Chicago is so favoured in this game. This Rams defense is legit. They are chippy and dirty, and they play hard to every whistle. Coming off an emotional win against my Redskins (sigh), they are looking for the upset in Chicago. The Bears got crushed in Green Bay last week, but they have had 10 days to prepare for this game. I see them harassing Sam Bradford all night. Defensive battle, close game, Chi 17-12.

The Rams showed that week one was no fluke vs the Detroit Lions. Jeff Fisher has got that defense playing hard and they are making it difficult and painful for anyone to score. Sam Bradford is back to performing how I believed he would once he got some decent talent on his team and didn't have to worry about a new offensive scheme every season. People forget how good he was in his rookie season. The Bears on the other hand had a tough loss vs Green Bay but more embarrassing was the way Jay “Baby” Cutler acted. If he wants to win maybe he should take some responsibility for what happens on the field as he is the QB. Green Bay got to Cutler too easily and if the o-line continues to perform poorly it will be a long season for Cutler and the Bears. Bears come out hungry and win this game but it will be close. Look for Bradford to outperform Cutler. Chicago 20-17.


3) Buffalo - 1.5 at Cleveland

The Bills destroyed the Chiefs last week thanks to a dominant C.J. Spiller. Fred Jackson who??????? Ok maybe thats too far but Spiller looked awesome last week.  Besides that what I learned was how bad the Chiefs are. The Browns looked much better in week two as well., specially rookie QB Weeden. They scored a lot of points against what I consider to be a decent defense in Cincinnati. If they can perform with the same level of intensity and execution against the Bills they will win this game. a big IF. Browns 21-20.

LOL is Fred Jackson a product of the system? Sure looks like it so far. Maybe CJ Spiller finally realized football is a contact sport. Buffalo has looked great at times and awful at other times, I really can’t put my finger on this team. I like Cleveland too, Trent Richardson is a stud and if Weeden can avoid being awful, that D will give them a chance to win. Add in the atmosphere at the Dog Pound and I think Cleveland beats the spread, 24-18.

Week 2 NFL Predictions!

Omid Naisani and Jack Yang


OK so first off, a series of posts from Omid and I predicting each week’s NFL results, obviously with commentary you can’t get anywhere else. As bragging rights are on the line, we will be taking this very seriously. We’ll try and accurately predict the score of the game of the week for additional swag. (Omid in orange and Jack in white)

GAME OF THE WEEK
1) At Green Bay -6 VS Chicago, what do you think?

It will be close, both offenses can score and GB will not want to lose two in a row to start off the season. The Bears can score with the best of them now and their defense is always solid but its not SF good. I say they score tons of points on a Thursday night game.  Green Bay 33 - 31.

Ok cool, strange to say but game two is already almost a must win for Green Bay. Their defense cannot cover anyone, I see Cutler and Marshall having a field day. I think Chicago covers but still lose, so I agree with your pick. GB 28-24.

THE REST OF THE SLATE
2) At NY Giants -7.5 VS Tampa Bay

This is a tough one to call as well. Tampa’s D looked great against Carolina, swarming the panthers after every reception and stuffing the run easily. That Mark Barron kid is the real deal. New York meanwhile is trying to bounce back after the loss on opening day against the Cowboys. I see a close game, but NY pulling it out at home, 21-17.

I didn’t see too much of either of these teams last week. Tampa was able to shut down the Panthers and Cam Newton which is no easy task while the Giants lost to the Cowboys in a really boring game. I cannot see Tampa having the same success vs Eli and the Giants this week, however I don’t see any reason why the Giants should be better. New York 24 - 21.

3) At New England -13.5 VS Arizona

Well, New England revamped their D with two early picks (Chandler Jones and Don’ta Hightower) and they looked great last week, getting out to an early lead and forcing Jake Locker to throw. Arizona meanwhile squeeked one by Seattle with Kevin Kold engineering a late TD drive after taking over for Skelton. I don’t see any way the Pats don’t cover, NE 28 ARI 10.

New England looked awesome against the Titans last week. The defense is looking much better as you pointed out and the offense has Brady. The Cardinals managed to win last week but they will be down quick in this game and they won’t be coming back. The Patriots are at home too if it wasn’t already bad enough for the Cardinals. New England 35 -10.

A call for patience in the Premier League

Alexander Nathan

I think I noted in our Premier League preview that this is a season of young managers. Brendan Rogers, Andre Villas Boas, Roberto Di Matteo, Chris Hughton, Steve Clarke, Nigel Adkins, Michael Laudrup, Paul Lambert and Mark Hughes. It's a long list. I can't think of a time in recent football history when there has been so many inexperienced (at the top level) managers in the league or indeed trusted with some of the biggest jobs in the game, such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham.

These are bold  appointments by clubs who want more than a short-term fix. They are carefully chosen appointments that represent a desire for vision, for values, for long-term planning and for connecting the club with a style of football. Look at all the above names. Each is a relatively young, dynamic manager who believes in playing football the right way. Some are more pragmatic than others - Lambert often overtly tailors his tactics to suit his opposition - but as a group they represent a new breed of coach that aims not only to win, but to win in style.

They are competent managers, but they will need time to get things right. So far, Clarke, Di Matteo and Laudrup have made dream starts with West Brom, Chelsea and Swansea, but harder times will surely come. Meanwhile, those hard times are already upon Adkins, Lambert, Rogers and Villas Boas.

What must be understood is the size of the job facing them. While there is perhaps a little less pressure and expectation on the others, Rogers and Villas Boas have been under the microscope from the second they walked in the doors at their respective clubs. Their signings were judged before kicking a ball, as were their tactics ("AVB likes to play a high line, but none of his centre backs are gazelles so it won't work!" "Rogers likes his defenders to pass out from the back but one of Carragher's legs is a cannon! It won't work!").

Spurs' new back four?

There were boos at White Hart Lane when Spurs left the field after drawing 1-1 with Norwich. A short way into Liverpool's first home game of the season, there were chants for Kenny Dalglish. Admittedly, the perpetrators of these egregious vocal absurdities were a minority - but football is going that way. One only needs look at twitter or the blogosphere after a game or tune into football phone-ins to hear idiotic, uninformed and utterly fickle short-termism.  

 
Brendan Rogers has to impose a completely new style of play on a team that have no recent history of silky football, with an incomplete squad, inadequate funding and club owners who freely admit to not knowing much about football. He will need time, and the Liverpool faithful need to give it to him. They got Benitez sacked. They got Hodgson sacked. They are a powerful force, and they need to use their power for good, for once.

Andre Villas Boas also has to impose his own style on Tottenham while re-shaping a squad and attempting to integrate five players (Lloris, Vertonghen, Dembele, Dempsey, Sigurddson) that were not at the club last season. He will have to do so while keeping Spurs in the fight for the top four, and without Joao Moutinho - the signing he so desperately wanted to orchestrate his vision from midfield.

Both of these are huge projects, and both will require time and serious patience. Chelsea and Manchester City have shown that with a bottomless pit of money and the right manager, success can be bought with relative ease. For all the other clubs that aren't funded by the oligarchs Gorbachev left behind or Middle-Eastern oil wealth, the road to success is a long one.

I shouldn't need to remind anyone that Sir Alex Ferguson took a long time by today's standards to make Manchester United successful. Arsenal may not have won anything in some years but objectively they are one of the most successful clubs in Europe and that is down to the consistency of their manager. Everton have been punching above their financial weight for years because David Moyes has been left alone to do a wonderful job.

The longest serving managers in the league are the best managers in the league, by a long way. That is no coincidence.

Pointless Premiership Predictions!

Alexander Nathan & Jack Yang discuss their predictions ahead of this weekend's round of English Premier League games: 

Calvin & Hobbes predicted Twitter more accurately than we'll ever predict a football match.







Alex:  Alright first up we have Swansea against West Ham, who just completed the signing of Matt Jarvis for 10m (lol).

 Jack:  LOL

 Alex:  Swansea battered QPR last week but West Ham & Fat Sam might be tougher.

 Jack:  West Ham were dominated possession-wise by Villa, but the gangly ginger held the fort and they got a lucky goal to win 1-0

(James Collins)

 Alex:  I can't work out who he plays for any more

Villa or West Ham?

 Jack:  West Ham

 Alex:  he looks exactly the same in both kits

 Jack:  he was very good

LOL

 Alex:  anyway

what do you reckon the score will be for Swansea/West Ham?

 Jack:  2-1 Swans

you?

 Alex:  I'd agree with that. I think their confidence is going to be high after last week. 2-1 Swansea. Next up is your team Villa against Everton

 Jack:  A draw would be good, but after Everton's win last week, i think Villa will be outclassed

 Alex:  I think so too, I'm sorry to say. Everton were bloody impressive against Utd. If Pienaar, Fellaini and Jelavic are on form Villa are in trouble

3-0 Everton.

 Jack:  Yeah, Villa can't get service to Bent, and without Agbonglahor the Bent is lonely up front, 2-0 Everton

 Alex: haha

"Bent is lonely"

I want to see what his latest musings on twitter are. One sec.

Can't wait to get my hands on FIFA 13 after seeing the new front cover released yesterday
— Darren Bent (@DarrenBent) August 21, 2012

Alex: ...great

 Alex:  at least he spelled everything correctly

 Jack:  LOL

oh god, why is he wearing a hat in his profile picture

 Alex:  he's a knob

Man Utd V Fulham

your thoughts?

 Jack:  How Fulham scored five goals last week is beyond me, they are strong in the middle but I think Man U will bounce back

 Alex:  Fulham have a good team, despite the Dempsey saga hanging over them..Dembele is a monster. I hope they don't lose him. That said, Van Persie is starting and Kagawa's pace is going to be a problem for Diarra, so I'd expect Utd to outscore them. 1-0 or 2-1 Utd.

 Jack:  yeah, I'll go 3-2 for United

More after the jump....