Week 2 Picks

Alright, I apologize for not posting my picks last week, but unfortunately The Conzz was out after some minor surgery.  As for my picks last week, I went 9-7 (ask anyone in my Yahoo! Pick 'Em league for validity).  I won with the Giants, Saints, Eagles, Bills, Jets, Patriots, Panthers, Packers, and Broncos; while I lost with the Lions, Texans, Jaguars, Bengals, Browns, 49ers, and Colts.  Week 1 brought some shenanigans, I just hope to improve upon the performance because I feel lucky I am still in a tie for first with 9 wins.  Without further ado my week 2 picks are as follows:

Titans (+1) over BENGALS

The Titans without Vince Young, people may say is a terrible pick.  However, are you really convinced that a team that was in the playoffs a year ago can be stopped by that daunted Cincinnati Bengals defense?  Also Kerry Collins I feel provides more stability to the passing game than Vince Young does.  Vince Young adds a whole different dynamic to the game...just not in the pocket.

Packers (-3) over LIONS

A lot of people had the Lions as the best team in the NFC North last week.  Those same people are starting to dust off those infamous Fire Matt Millen t-shirts now after last week's abysmal performance to Michael Turner, Matt Ryan, and the Falcons.

Saints (Pick 'em) over REDSKINS

This game should not be a pick 'em in my mind.  The Saints started off the year with a great performance against a divisional rival last week, and the Redskins were lucking their defense kept the game as close as they did.  I give to the Saints by a touchdown at least.

CHIEFS (-3.5) over Raiders

Brodie Croyle is not the answer for the Chiefs.  Damon Huard is not the answer for the Chiefs either.  However, watching Oakland basically get turned into a mop, soak up a beating by Denver's offense, and then get wrung out to dry on Monday night....I think a Damon Huard led offense that almost beat the Patriots could fare pretty easily against a poor Oakland Raiders' defense.

Bears (+3) over PANTHERS

Both of these teams had very surprising Week 1 victories last week over whom a lot of critics felt were far superior opponents.  I was impressed by both of these teams, but I give the nod to the Bears this week because I feel their victory over the Colts last week was much more dominating.  Matt Forte established himself as a significant threat in the Bears offense in the running game, something lacked last year, and Kyle Orton led this team to the playoffs a few years ago.  Da Bears are a sleeping giant to be reckoned with.

Giants (-8.5) over RAMS

The Rams are in a lack of better words....pathetic.

Bills (+5.5) over JAGUARS

The Bills are probably the most underrated team in the league this season.  Trent Edwards looked solid against the Seahawks who Chris Berman picked to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this year.  Look for them to continue their success against a weakened Jacksonville team who are still reeling from some major injuries.

Colts (-2) over VIKINGS

The Colts really can't lose 2 in a row to start the season to the NFC North can they?

SEAHAWKS (-7) over 49ers

The Seahawks will be looking to recover from a weak Week 1 performance.  All I have to say is J.T. O'Sullivan better be prepared to see the ground because the Seahawks defense will be angry and have a bullseye square on his back after their terrible performance in Buffalo.

Falcons (+7) over BUCCANEERS

I am not necessarily saying the Falcons will win this game, but I am saying I was impressed with what I saw last week versus the Lions.  I say a late score will decide this game with a touchdown.  Remember...for the last few years the last place team in the NFC South has come back to win the division the following year...Who knows what the Falcons have in store for us this year?

CARDINALS (-6.5) over Dolphins

This was a tough pick.  I mainly took Arizona because I need to balance out my pick against home teams vs. away teams.  I feel this game can go either way, but given Arizona covered last week...I will give them the benefit this week.

Chargers (-1.5) over BRONCOS

The Chargers got a reality check last week versus Carolina.  It will probably work out for the best because they will have a bad taste in their mouths as they head up to Denver.  San Diego will be looking to put that win up in the divisional column, but Denver will be no pushover in the fight.  Look for a late score to put this game away in the Chargers favor.

JETS (-1.5) over Patriots

This just scares me all together.  As a Jet fan, its not I am obliged to pick the Patriots, but Mr. Boston Sports Guy himself...Bill Simmons...picked the Jets as well.  For certain, my pick for wild card of the season goes to Matt Cassel.  If he performs well, this game will be close...if not, I can't even start to think about the possibilities this season has ahead.

Steelers (-6) over BROWNS

The Browns failed to impress me last week.  They really did.  My biggest question in all of my fantasy drafts was how much could I trust Derek Anderson?  Well, he cost me my week one matchup in one league so I have a bad taste in my mouth.  Also, after last week I think with Brady going down the Steelers will be looking to solidify itself as one of the favorites in the AFC.  A win versus Cleveland goes a long way to helping that cause.

Eagles (+7) over COWBOYS

The Eagles might not win this game, but they most certainly will not lose by less than a touchdown.

Will be back later next week with an assessment of the Jets in Week 2.

Peace,

The Conzz

Jets Week 1 Breakdown

In Favre I Trust.

Alright, so the Jets did not play the perfect game against the Dolphins in Week 1, but some great things did come out of it.  Here are a few of things I noticed:

• Brett Favre did what he had to do out there.  He didn't do anything over the top to make himself seem superhuman (Yet, that toss up prayer throw to Chansi Stuckey was amazing)

• Thomas Jones will have a very solid fantasy year.  And all the moves along the offensive line have seemed to pay off.  Jones had a solid day of rushing with 101 yards on 22 attempts.  Even though the line was called for a handful of penalties, they will easily provide Jones with the holes he needs to become a 1,000 yard rusher again.

• When he was drafted in April,  I said Dwight Lowery would win out the starting corner job by the end of the season...well with opening day done, I think he secured it up yesterday.  All around, our secondary played solid.  Most notable play of the game was obviously Revis' interception that saved the game in the end.

• Finally, our front 7 played very well and gave Chad Pennington adequate pressure.  It was sad seeing Chad go, but I still feel Favre can get us further than he ever could.   It was nice to see Calvin Pace get involved, as well as Bryan Thomas realizing his job is on the line all season get two sacks for us.  If we can keep this up, our defense should be a formidable unit for the entire season.

With that said,  I do not count my chickens especially after week 1.  Yes, Tom Brady might be out for the season but once again we must understand...this is the New York Jets.  This is the team that breaks their fans hearts year after year after year.  However, the buzz is out there.  We are 1-0, and it seems like we were noticed.  It will be an interesting year as we move forward.

I give the Jets performance all around a B+.  There was plenty of room to improve with penalties and a near collapse late, but I was very impressed by what I saw in the first week.

Until next time,

The Conzz