2013 NFL Season: Weekly Picks

[Didi]

What game did you go to Didi?

Against the 49ers in the 2009 season. I don't remember the scoreline but the Pack won. A friend arranged the tickets who's a buddy of Bill Schroeder, a former Pack WR who once played for Rhein Fire, a football team in Germany. That's how they got to know each other. We were lucky that it was a sunny day despite being late November and an early kickoff to enjoy the festive periods and barbecue outside of the stadium. Visiting the Lombardi and Curly statues, the Pack Hall of Fame, the pro shop and the Favre steakhouse was great fun too. I even made a photo right in-between the three superbowl trophies.

The people in the bars and pubs were so warm-hearted and nice, they treat all tourists as one of them and talk about the Pack history all night long with so much enthusiasm. Every pub has tons of cartons with countless newspaper clips and albums from the past. What a crazy city, even MacDonalds was green and gold full of Pack merchandise.

 

[DarthFed]

Sounds like a fun trip. I vaguely remember that game, I think the Packers won easy. I've only been to 2 games as the waiting list is literally hundreds of years for tickets.

 

[DarthFed]

Onto week 11, Dallas and St. Louis have byes so there are 15 games.

Indy @ Tennessee - Interesting game as both are coming off humiliating losses. Indy is better and should win after losing to St. Louis at home by 30 (which is still better than losing at home to Jacksonville).

Jets @ Buffalo - Buffalo
Baltimore @ Chicago - Tough one but Chicago, McCown is decent enough against a mediocre but desperate Baltimore.

Cleveland @ Cincy - Cincy
Washington @ Philly - Philly
Detroit @ Pitt - Another tough one but I think Detroit takes it
Atlanta @ Tampa - 2 game win streak for Tampa
Arizona @ Jacksonville - Arizona
Oakland @ Houston - Houston
San Diego @ Miami - San Diego
San Fran @ New Orleans - Best game on paper but I think New Orleans wins pretty easily at that dome.

Green Bay @ New York - No brainer, GB isn't beating any NFL team on the road with no Rodgers.
Minny @ Seattle - Seattle
Kansas City @ Denver - KC gets their first loss, though if Manning is seriously affected this could go to KC.

New England @ Carolina - Carolina. Should be a great one and New England is all smoke and mirrors this year but Carolina looks really tough. They look like last year's Seattle team, someone no one will want to see in the playoffs.

 

[Didi]

I like Carolina too, arguably the strongest Front Seven in the League right now alongside the Seahawks and a healthy 49ers team. Will be interesting to see how Bill and Brady will deal with that defense this weekend. I hope the Panthers clinch a PO spot as nobody really gave them a snowball's chance in hell before the season started. Anyway, great week ahead with tons of close matchups, arguably the toughest week to predict so far this season.

Colts@Titans
Jets@Bills
Falcons@Buccaneers
Lions@Steelers
Redskins@Eagles
Cardinals@Jaguars
Raiders@Texans
Ravens@Bears
Browns@Bengals
Chargers@Dolphins
Packers@Giants
Vikings@Seahawks
49ers@Saints
Chiefs@Broncos
Patriots@Panthers

 

[DarthFed]

What game did you go to Didi?

Against the 49ers in the 2009 season. I don't remember the scoreline but the Pack won. A friend arranged the tickets who's a buddy of Bill Schroeder, a former Pack WR who once played for Rhein Fire, a football team in Germany. That's how they got to know each other. We were lucky that it was a sunny day despite being late November and an early kickoff to enjoy the festive periods and barbecue outside of the stadium. Visiting the Lombardi and Curly statues, the Pack Hall of Fame, the pro shop and the Favre steakhouse was great fun too. I even made a photo right in-between the three superbowl trophies.

The people in the bars and pubs were so warm-hearted and nice, they treat all tourists as one of them and talk about the Pack history all night long with so much enthusiasm. Every pub has tons of cartons with countless newspaper clips and albums from the past. What a crazy city, even MacDonalds was green and gold full of Pack merchandise.

Also that's cool about Bill Schroeder, I remember him really well. He was a pretty solid receiver for many years in Green Bay, his big problem was the dumb moments whether it be penalties or bad drops, etc. It used to drive Mike Holmgren crazy.

 

[the AntiPusher]

What game did you go to Didi?

Against the 49ers in the 2009 season. I don't remember the scoreline but the Pack won. A friend arranged the tickets who's a buddy of Bill Schroeder, a former Pack WR who once played for Rhein Fire, a football team in Germany. That's how they got to know each other. We were lucky that it was a sunny day despite being late November and an early kickoff to enjoy the festive periods and barbecue outside of the stadium. Visiting the Lombardi and Curly statues, the Pack Hall of Fame, the pro shop and the Favre steakhouse was great fun too. I even made a photo right in-between the three superbowl trophies.

The people in the bars and pubs were so warm-hearted and nice, they treat all tourists as one of them and talk about the Pack history all night long with so much enthusiasm. Every pub has tons of cartons with countless newspaper clips and albums from the past. What a crazy city, even MacDonalds was green and gold full of Pack merchandise.

Also that's cool about Bill Schroeder, I remember him really well. He was a pretty solid receiver for many years in Green Bay, his big problem was the dumb moments whether it be penalties or bad drops, etc. It used to drive Mike Holmgren crazy.

Billy S didn't seem to drop too many passes against my Niners. Brett and Mike own the 49ers in the late 90 and early 2000.

 

[the AntiPusher]

Colts@Titans
Jets@Bills
Falcons@Buccaneers
Lions@Steelers
Redskins@Eagles
Cardinals@Jaguars
Raiders@Texans
Ravens@Bears
Browns@Bengals
Chargers@Dolphins
Packers@Giants
Vikings@Seahawks
49ers@Saints
Chiefs@Broncos
Patriots@Panthers

 

[britbox]

Colts@Titans
Jets@Bills
Falcons@Buccaneers
Lions@Steelers
Redskins@Eagles
Cardinals@Jaguars
Raiders@Texans
Ravens@Bears
Browns@Bengals
Chargers@Dolphins
Packers@Giants
Vikings@Seahawks
49ers@Saints
Chiefs@Broncos
Patriots@Panthers

 

[Didi]

Slowly but surely the playoff picture in the AFC starts shaping up. The Patriots, Colts, Bengals and Broncos/Chiefs appear to be a lock for the Division titles. Personally I can't remember the last time when all the division titles in the AFC were pretty much wrapped up after week 11 already. Will be interesting who gets the bye and HCA all the way to the Super Bowl.

One wild card spot will surely go to the Broncos/Chiefs. After last night probably the Chiefs.
That leaves the Jets, Fins, Steelers, Ravens, Raiders, Browns, Chargers and Bills fighting for the one remaining wild card spot. Funnily enough they all have almost the same record. Such a shame about Houston. A healthy Texans team would have been a lock for the Playoffs.

In the NFC it appears to be a close race between the Seahawks and Saints for the 1st seed. Besides that, the playoff picture is anyone's guess and super close everywhere. The Eagles, Cowboys, resurgent Giants, Lions, Bears, Pack, Carolina, Arizona and the 49ers will duke it out until the bitter end. Impossible to say who will prevail and clinch the 4 remaining spots. Gun to my head I would say the Cowboys and Lions take their divisions, 49ers and Carolina clinching the wild cards. But really, at this point it's Russian Roulette to predict anything as it will come down to the tie-breakers anyway.

 

[britbox]

Nice game for McGloin - 3 TDs in his first NFL start. Two young quarterbacks with a lot of potential at the Raiders. Oakland will be a decent team in a couple of years.

 

[DarthFed]

AFC homefield will be decided in the next couple weeks with Denver playing @ New England and @ Kansas City. If they win both they will definitely be the #1 seed, a loss to either and it becomes unclear. Can't ever sleep on New England (as much as I hate them) as they have only 2 losses and are starting to play well.

In the NFC you have a wild card team in San Fran and then likely Carolina. The only question is if AR comes back in time to make a run at the NFC North. Detroit and Chicago are far from great teams and could still have 6-7 losses at year end, but if Rodgers isn't back for Thanksgiving I think it will be too late. Lost season for the Packers and they would have had a damn good chance to win it all. Leaves a bitter taste and then some.

 

[the AntiPusher]

AFC homefield will be decided in the next couple weeks with Denver playing @ New England and @ Kansas City. If they win both they will definitely be the #1 seed, a loss to either and it becomes unclear. Can't ever sleep on New England (as much as I hate them) as they have only 2 losses and are starting to play well.

In the NFC you have a wild card team in San Fran and then likely Carolina. The only question is if AR comes back in time to make a run at the NFC North. Detroit and Chicago are far from great teams and could still have 6-7 losses at year end, but if Rodgers isn't back for Thanksgiving I think it will be too late. Lost season for the Packers and they would have had a damn good chance to win it all. Leaves a bitter taste and then some.

I am livid with the play of the 49ers, I think Jim. Has been given the keys to the Ferrari but drives it like it's a Ford escort

 

[DarthFed]

AFC homefield will be decided in the next couple weeks with Denver playing @ New England and @ Kansas City. If they win both they will definitely be the #1 seed, a loss to either and it becomes unclear. Can't ever sleep on New England (as much as I hate them) as they have only 2 losses and are starting to play well.

In the NFC you have a wild card team in San Fran and then likely Carolina. The only question is if AR comes back in time to make a run at the NFC North. Detroit and Chicago are far from great teams and could still have 6-7 losses at year end, but if Rodgers isn't back for Thanksgiving I think it will be too late. Lost season for the Packers and they would have had a damn good chance to win it all. Leaves a bitter taste and then some.

I am livid with the play of the 49ers, I think Jim. Has been given the keys to the Ferrari but drives it like it's a Ford escort

The main thing is Kaepernick right now is not anywhere near what he was last year. It might be a sophomore slump or teams have figured him out a bit but he is struggling. The division is over, now SF should just concentrate on righting the ship and get a good streak going for the playoffs.

 

[the AntiPusher]

AFC homefield will be decided in the next couple weeks with Denver playing @ New England and @ Kansas City. If they win both they will definitely be the #1 seed, a loss to either and it becomes unclear. Can't ever sleep on New England (as much as I hate them) as they have only 2 losses and are starting to play well.

In the NFC you have a wild card team in San Fran and then likely Carolina. The only question is if AR comes back in time to make a run at the NFC North. Detroit and Chicago are far from great teams and could still have 6-7 losses at year end, but if Rodgers isn't back for Thanksgiving I think it will be too late. Lost season for the Packers and they would have had a damn good chance to win it all. Leaves a bitter taste and then some.

I am livid with the play of the 49ers, I think Jim. Has been given the keys to the Ferrari but drives it like it's a Ford escort

The main thing is Kaepernick right now is not anywhere near what he was last year. It might be a sophomore slump or teams have figured him out a bit but he is struggling. The division is over, now SF should just concentrate on righting the ship and get a good streak going for the playoffs.

That was a horrible call on the 49er linesman when he hit less than 6 foot tall Drew Brees, that led to the game tying field goal. Again, Jim is coaching like he was born without man-stones. This is really frustrating watching a team this talented play like this.

 

[DarthFed]

AFC homefield will be decided in the next couple weeks with Denver playing @ New England and @ Kansas City. If they win both they will definitely be the #1 seed, a loss to either and it becomes unclear. Can't ever sleep on New England (as much as I hate them) as they have only 2 losses and are starting to play well.

In the NFC you have a wild card team in San Fran and then likely Carolina. The only question is if AR comes back in time to make a run at the NFC North. Detroit and Chicago are far from great teams and could still have 6-7 losses at year end, but if Rodgers isn't back for Thanksgiving I think it will be too late. Lost season for the Packers and they would have had a damn good chance to win it all. Leaves a bitter taste and then some.

I am livid with the play of the 49ers, I think Jim. Has been given the keys to the Ferrari but drives it like it's a Ford escort

The main thing is Kaepernick right now is not anywhere near what he was last year. It might be a sophomore slump or teams have figured him out a bit but he is struggling. The division is over, now SF should just concentrate on righting the ship and get a good streak going for the playoffs.

That was a horrible call on the 49er linesman when he hit less than 6 foot tall Drew Brees, that led to the game tying field goal. Again, Jim is coaching like he was born without man-stones. This is really frustrating watching a team this talented

That was a borderline call, looked worse live than on replays. But regardless, it is always bad when a personal foul, a controversial one at that, can decide the game.

 

[the AntiPusher]

AFC homefield will be decided in the next couple weeks with Denver playing @ New England and @ Kansas City. If they win both they will definitely be the #1 seed, a loss to either and it becomes unclear. Can't ever sleep on New England (as much as I hate them) as they have only 2 losses and are starting to play well.

In the NFC you have a wild card team in San Fran and then likely Carolina. The only question is if AR comes back in time to make a run at the NFC North. Detroit and Chicago are far from great teams and could still have 6-7 losses at year end, but if Rodgers isn't back for Thanksgiving I think it will be too late. Lost season for the Packers and they would have had a damn good chance to win it all. Leaves a bitter taste and then some.

I am livid with the play of the 49ers, I think Jim. Has been given the keys to the Ferrari but drives it like it's a Ford escort

The main thing is Kaepernick right now is not anywhere near what he was last year. It might be a sophomore slump or teams have figured him out a bit but he is struggling. The division is over, now SF should just concentrate on righting the ship and get a good streak going for the playoffs.

That was a horrible call on the 49er linesman when he hit less than 6 foot tall Drew Brees, that led to the game tying field goal. Again, Jim is coaching like he was born without man-stones. This is really frustrating watching a team this talented

That was a borderline call, looked worse live than on replays. But regardless, it is always bad when a personal foul, a controversial one at that, can decide the game.

Darth, this is tackle Football, How else can Ahmad Brooks tackle Drew , he isn't that tall.. But Agree that game is over and the Niners need to refocus

 

[DarthFed]

I am livid with the play of the 49ers, I think Jim. Has been given the keys to the Ferrari but drives it like it's a Ford escort

The main thing is Kaepernick right now is not anywhere near what he was last year. It might be a sophomore slump or teams have figured him out a bit but he is struggling. The division is over, now SF should just concentrate on righting the ship and get a good streak going for the playoffs.

That was a horrible call on the 49er linesman when he hit less than 6 foot tall Drew Brees, that led to the game tying field goal. Again, Jim is coaching like he was born without man-stones. This is really frustrating watching a team this talented

That was a borderline call, looked worse live than on replays. But regardless, it is always bad when a personal foul, a controversial one at that, can decide the game.

Darth, this is tackle Football, How else can Ahmad Brooks tackle Drew , he isn't that tall.. But Agree that game is over and the Niners need to refocus

He is close to 6 feet, not 4 feet. It was a high tackle and he didn't do himself favors by wrapping the arms in a clothesline position. All in all, he could have done a lot better to avoid that situation.

I can't fault you for being ticked though, I know I would be. Any penalty or mental mistake that costs a team a game is a tough pill to swallow.

 

[the AntiPusher]

The main thing is Kaepernick right now is not anywhere near what he was last year. It might be a sophomore slump or teams have figured him out a bit but he is struggling. The division is over, now SF should just concentrate on righting the ship and get a good streak going for the playoffs.

That was a horrible call on the 49er linesman when he hit less than 6 foot tall Drew Brees, that led to the game tying field goal. Again, Jim is coaching like he was born without man-stones. This is really frustrating watching a team this talented

That was a borderline call, looked worse live than on replays. But regardless, it is always bad when a personal foul, a controversial one at that, can decide the game.

Darth, this is tackle Football, How else can Ahmad Brooks tackle Drew , he isn't that tall.. But Agree that game is over and the Niners need to refocus

He is close to 6 feet, not 4 feet. It was a high tackle and he didn't do himself favors by wrapping the arms in a clothesline position. All in all, he could have done a lot better to avoid that situation.

I can't fault you for being ticked though, I know I would be. Any penalty or mental mistake that costs a team a game is a tough pill to swallow.

Darth, I disagree.. He had to try to prevent Drew from attempting a pass, thus that why he had to wrap his arms. There was nothing he could have done to avoid a Tackle football QB sack.

 

[Didi]

Huge win for Carolina last night. Congrats to the Panthers and to DarthFed who takes week 11 with a stunning 12-3 record! Might be the best week anyone had so far. I was 11-4, Kate 10-5, Britbox 9-6 and AntiPusher 8-7.

Current standings after week 11:

106-56 DarthFed
100-62 Didi
99-63 KsKate2
97-65 AntiPusher
94-69 Britbox

 

[DarthFed]

That was a horrible call on the 49er linesman when he hit less than 6 foot tall Drew Brees, that led to the game tying field goal. Again, Jim is coaching like he was born without man-stones. This is really frustrating watching a team this talented

That was a borderline call, looked worse live than on replays. But regardless, it is always bad when a personal foul, a controversial one at that, can decide the game.

Darth, this is tackle Football, How else can Ahmad Brooks tackle Drew , he isn't that tall.. But Agree that game is over and the Niners need to refocus

He is close to 6 feet, not 4 feet. It was a high tackle and he didn't do himself favors by wrapping the arms in a clothesline position. All in all, he could have done a lot better to avoid that situation.

I can't fault you for being ticked though, I know I would be. Any penalty or mental mistake that costs a team a game is a tough pill to swallow.

Darth, I disagree.. He had to try to prevent Drew from attempting a pass, thus that why he had to wrap his arms. There was nothing he could have done to avoid a Tackle football QB sack.

Well one thing I will say is that Brees has been sacked tons of times being hit well below the neck area. It was tough and it's true that if Brees was normal height for an NFL qb that doesn't draw a flag but it is what it is. New England has a lot of beef after last night. 2 of the 3 biggest games this week had controversial endings. Shades of last year and replacement refs :s