The Mondays: San Diego proves they're a good team

San Diego Chargers 32 - Denver Broncos 3- The Chargers are indeed one of the hottest teams in the AFC. They wanted to make a statement and they did it. The Chargers are hot, the Broncos are not. All of the sudden after their 6-0 start, the Broncos have lost four straight. Denver gets the Giants for Thanksgiving. If the Broncos lose in the Meadowlands on Thursday night, then don't expect them to win the West.

Detroit Lions 38 - Cleveland Browns 37- These are two teams that actually put up points. Matthew Stafford and Brady Quinn had big games today. Stafford threw for 422 yards and five touchdowns, including the game winner as time expired.

Dallas Cowboys 7 - Washington Redskins 6- The Cowboys didn't look very good on Sunday. Then again, who really did look good out of the East on Sunday?

Oakland Raiders 20 - Cincinnati Bengals 17- The Bengals had to stumble at some point. They're good, but not that good.

SUNDAY NIGHT RECAP: Philly defeats Chicago- I cursed when the game ended and I'll probably curse for the rest of the week. I don't even want to put in the score, that's how unhappy I am. I just can't bring myself to talk about this game.

MONDAY NIGHT PREDICTION: Houston over Tennessee. (NOTE: I will not be tweeting this game, so you'll have to make your own Gruden jokes.)

Enjoy your Monday! I can only hope I'll enjoy mine.

Tuesdays with Romo: The air is very thin

Pittsburgh Steelers 28 - Denver Broncos 10- This was a statement game for the Steelers. They're on the road against a pretty tough opponent in a place where it's hard to breathe, plus the Steelers are injury plagued. They struck hard though.

Ben Roethlisberger threw three touchdown passes in the win. Big credit though to Tyrone Carter for returning a 48-yard interception for a touchdown. Carter gets the Oh No Romo Player of the Game. For his efforts, he gets a free pair of argyle socks.

The Steelers are playing well, winning four straight. They get another shot at Cincy on Sunday. It's at home and they have a good shot. A win over the Bengals puts the Steelers back in the drivers seat in the AFC North. We'll see what happens.

As for the Broncos, well now they only have a one game lead over the Chargers. A win on Sunday will keep them ahead of San Diego, at least until the two encounter each other the week after.

See you guys on Wednesday.

Tuesdays with Romo: Floating doesn't get Chargers the win

Denver Broncos 34 - San Diego Chargers 23- This game was close until the end. The questionable Stokely touchdown catch in the fourth quarter did prove to be the difference.

Big props to Denver's Eddie Royal though! He returned a punt and kick return for a touchdown, last night. Darren Sproles for the Chargers returned a punt return for a touchdown. The two punt returns and one kick return was a first for the NFL.

Philip Rivers had 270 float yards with a float touchdown pass in the game.

So now the Broncos are 6-0. I totally biffed on this prediction. I had the Broncos going 4-12, just like Rick Reilly. I was once again wrong.

As for the Chargers, it's not too late to discount them. They've definitely shown that they're more of a second half team. We still have a long season ahead.

See you guys on Wednesday.

The Mondays: The Browns and Panthers finally win a game

Cleveland Browns 6 - Buffalo Bills 3- Who would have thought that Billy Cundiff and Rian Lindell would have been the leading scorers today...Then again, who would have thought that Derek Anderson could have a 2-for-17 passing day? Sadly the truth is, there are no winners.

Carolina Panthers 20 - Washington Redskins 17- The Redskins might be the biggest headscratcher in the NFL. They lost to the Lions and now the Panthers. This post from DC Sports Bog should say it all about Jim Zorn and how he's viewed in the media right now.

Cincinnati Bengals 17 - Baltimore Ravens 14- So the Bengals are in first place in the AFC North. I said they'd go 5-11. They're now 4-1 and they get Houston at home this upcoming week. Guess who's eating his words...? In case you didn't figure out, yeah I mean me. The Bengals have played terrific football this season. There's no reason why the Bengals can't make a statement and get to the playoffs.

Seattle Seahawks 41 - Jacksonville Jaguars 0- Great day for Matt Hasselbeck as he threw four touchdown passes.

Dallas Cowboys 26 - Kansas City (Dallas Texans) Chiefs 20- ROMO ALERT: Our namesake threw for 351 yards and two touchdowns. Oh and 250 of those yards belong to Miles Austin. He scored two touchdowns, including the game winner in overtime.

Denver Broncos 20 - New England Patriots 17- Looks like Josh McDaniels isn't getting a Christmas card from Bill Belichick anytime soon. More importantly, the Broncos, led by Kyle Orton, are 5-0. Not since the '98 season have the Broncos started 5-0.

SUNDAY NIGHT RECAP: Indianapolis Colts 31 - Tennessee Titans 9- So, umm, the Titans don't look very good. They're 0-5 and face New England this week. Oh and you don't want to face Bill Belichick after a loss. The Titans could go 0-6 heading into the bye week. The odds just aren't good in Tennessee.

MONDAY NIGHT PREDICTION: Miami over New York Jets

Enjoy your Monday!

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos

We wrap up the 2009 edition of the NFL Preview Show Extravaganza with a two teams in one post. We'll keep it short and simple for both teams.

Kansas City Chiefs

Most Offensive Player: Larry Johnson
Most Defensive Player: Tamba Hali
Best New Guy: Tyson Jackson
Coolest Names (Top 3): Hali, Andy Studebaker, Randy Niswanger
Most Likely to Succeed: Larry Johnson
In 2009, the Chiefs will go: 5-11

Denver Broncos

Most Offensive Player: Eddie Royal
Most Defensive Player: Elvis Dumervil
Best New Guy: Knowshon Moreno
Coolest Names (Top 3): Dumervil (1st, 2nd and 3rd)
Most Likely to Succeed: Dumervil
In 2009, the Broncos will go: 4-12


That's it for the previews. I am stoked for this season. We'll have a look at all the games of week 1 on Monday.

The Mondays: Washington wants to be cool

Washington Redskins 24 - Philadelphia Eagles 17- So...are the Redskins for real? Two weeks in a row, they've knocked off a division rival on the road. That is impressive, even for NFC East standards. Coach Jim Zorn has this team firing on all cylinders. In their next three games, the Redskins will play St. Louis, Cleveland and Detroit. The Redskins could easily be 7-1 at the halfway point.

Tennessee Titans 13 - Baltimore Ravens 10- How about the Titans? They are off to an excellent start. I think what needs to be asked is if Vince Young is ready to come back and play. At this point, Kerry Collins is the hot pick.

Chicago Bears 34 - Detroit Lions 7- How about that Kyle Orton fella? He threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears are in great shape. They're 3-2 and could easily be 5-0, had they not lost close cames to Carolina and Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, things are just not looking good for the Lions. Quarterback Jon Kitna was benched in the third quarter and we got our first look at Dan Orlovski. He didn't have a lot of luck.

Atlanta Falcons 27 - Green Bay Packers 24- Would you believe that the Falcons need one more win to match last season's total? It is great to see the Falcons playing good football. Matt Ryan is continuing to mature as quarterback. It helps that he has a good back in Michael Turner, who ran for 121 yards and one touchdown.

New York Giants 44 - Seattle Seahawks 6- The Giants have it going on and they don't look to be stumbling anytime soon. Eli Manning threw two touchdowns on Sunday. Something is wrong with the Seahawks. They're 1-3 to start the season. There's a lot to be concerned about in Seattle.

Denver Broncos 16 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13- The Broncos managed to play defense and won a close game.

ROMO ALERT: Dallas Cowboys 31 - Cincinnati Bengals 22- This one shouldn't have been close, but the Cowboys did struggle. Tony Romo threw for 176 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Sunday Night Recap: Pittsburgh Steelers 26 - Jacksonville Jaguars 21- The Steelers stay strong in the AFC.

Monday Night Prediction: New Orleans over Minnesota


Photo Credit: Washington Times

The Mondays: Happy Jeff Pearlman Book Release Day

Ahh yes, it is another Monday. I'd like to send a friendly reminder to all of you bookworms out there that the new Jeff Pearlman book, Boys Will Be Boys, is being released (UPDATED, depends where I guess) tomorrow. Make sure you pick up your copy today, or tomorrow, or next week. Eventually I guess. Enough with the awkwardness, let's talk football!

Denver Broncos 39 - San Diego Chargers 38- Have you ever wanted to go for two points to win the game? Mike Shanahan did! The Broncos two pointer late in the game made the difference as they defeated the Chargers. Jay Cutler is starting to grow into a very good quarterback. He threw for 350 yards on Sunday, with four touchdowns. Phillip Rivers had a good game for the Chargers, throwing for 377 yards and three touchdowns.

Indianapolis Colts 18 - Minnesota Vikings 15- One of these two teams was going to finish Sunday with an 0-2 record. Peyton Manning wasn't about to allow that to happen. The Colts scored 18 unanswered points to beat the Vikings. Adam Vinatieri kicked a 47-yarder in the final seconds to clinch the game for the Colts. The Vikings did a good job shutting down the running game, giving up only 25 yards rushing. The Vikings could very well have won this game, but they didn't score any touchdowns, which hurt them in the long run. You can't win games only scoring field goals, especially against the Colts.

Oakland Raiders 23 - Kansas City Chiefs 8- In what could be Lane Kiffen's last game, the Raiders had their finest showing yet in the young coach's second season. Darren McFadden had 164 rushing yards on the day. He had one touchdown.

Sunday Night Recap: Pittsburgh Steelers 10 - Cleveland Browns 6- To be fair, it was very windy. Neither side was going to get the job done passing, even though Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass. Willie Parker was able to run the ball better than Jamal Lewis did. Lewis has not been able to turn on the jets. He has only 62 yards rushing in two games this season.

Monday Night Prediction: Dallas edges out Philly 24-20

NFL Preview Show Extravaganza: Denver Broncos

Today, our look at the AFC West continues as we profile the Denver Broncos.

It's been more than 10 years since the Broncos won back-to-back Super Bowls. Despite all the changes, one thing has remained a constant and that would be head coach Mike Shanahan. Shanahan has no doubt been there for the Broncos in their victories and defeats. He's been there in their triumps and their tragedies.

Shanahan has seen many different quarterbacks start since John Elway retired, which includes Brian Griese, Jake Plummer and current quarterback Jay Cutler.

Many running backs have come and gone through after Terrell Davis; These backs include Mike Anderson, Tatum Bell, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns and many, many more.

No matter, Shanahan has remained the constant. He's entering his 14th season as the Broncos head coach. Only Jeff Fisher has had a longer tenure as a head coach than Shanahan.

Shanahan has done a lot for the city of Denver. He gave the city two Super Bowl rings. Shanahan has 208 wins as a head coach in Denver (228 total).

He has a win percentage of .625 as Broncos head coach, which is better than Dan Reeves' mark. Shanahan has led the Broncos to the playoffs seven times in 13 seasons. He's 8-5 in the playoffs. Shanahan is definitely a coach who should be considered for the Hall of Fame.

The Broncos face their division rivals, the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football to open up the regular season. At home, the Broncos will face Tampa, Jacksonville and Buffalo. On the road, the Broncos will face New York (Jets), Carolina and New England.

Now it's time for those burnin' questions (yearbook style):

• Jay Cutler will: Throw for 3200 yards
  
  
• Cutler touchdowns: 23
  
  
• Cutler interceptions: 15
  
  
• True or False, Cutler wins Strongman Award: False, you're thinking of the bodybuilder
  
  
• Name that running back: Selvin....No.....Andre....No....Okay, your guess is as good as mine
  
  
• Leading receiver is: Brandon Marshall- 1023 yards
  
  
• How long does Shanahan stay in Denver: Until he decides to retire
  
  
• Coolest names (Top 3): Elvis Dumervil, Ceci Sapp and Ebenezer Ekuban
  
  
• 80s song to best describe team: Don't Worry, Be Happy- Bobby McFerrin
  
  
• In 2008, the Broncos will: Go 9-7
  

Friday Briefs: Part Two of the NFL Schedule

Happy Friday to all!

As apart of the NFL schedule being released earlier this week, I am breaking down the 2008 season. For each week, I will give three games to watch for. On Wednesday, I did weeks one and two. Today, I will do weeks three and four. Monday, I'll have weeks five and six ready for you.

Week 3- September 21 & 22

Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts- Two AFC South rivals going at it in the early part of the season. Chances are, both of these teams will be undefeated heading into this game. Somebody will leave the RCA Dome with their first loss- 4:15 PM ET on CBS

Arizona Cardinals at Washington Redskins- One of these teams are legit playoff contenders. Can you guess which one?- 1 PM ET on FOX

Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles- It's the Pennsylvania state championship game, only with pro teams. Only one team will win- 4:15 PM ET on CBS

Week 4- September 28 & 29

Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans- Adrian Peterson takes on Vince Young- 1 PM ET on FOX

Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs- AFC West rivals go face to face. It can only be the NFL on CBS- 1 PM ET on CBS

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys- NFC East foes. There can only be one!- 4:15 PM ET on FOX

I'll see ya on Monday

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The Mondays: Back from a couple of days off

Greetings to all who come in here and read my wonderful crap everyday. I am back from my Thanksgiving break. I enjoyed my time off and I hope everyone else did as well. Time for the recap:

• Chicago Bears defeat Denver Broncos in OT, 37-34- Let me start out by saying this, I don't know what to believe anymore. Beardo led two late drives downfield to give the Bears the victory in overtime. I don't know what to think anymore.
  
  I do know this, all those promos that tell all NFL fans to "Send their favorite player to Hawaii" have convinced me to vote Grossman in to the Pro Bowl. Before you go and accuse me of taking crack, hear me out.
  
  My plan is to vote Grossman to the Pro Bowl. Once he gets in, he will be lost in Hawaii and I will never see him in a Bears uniform again. It's an evil plan, but I am an evil man.
  
• New England Patriots defeat Philadelphia Eagles, 31-28 - Thank you for playing the game otherwise known as "YOU......CAN'T.........WIN!!!!!" You don't get a prize, but thank you for playing. Message from FBI Director: Winners don't use drugs!
  
  Seriously though, will the Patriots lose? Here is a look at their remaining schedule:
  
  Baltimore Ravens- They will be spotted 15 points, 20 if Kyle Boller starts.
  
  Pittsburgh Steelers- They have some hope. Only some though.
  
  New York Jets- No loss is worse than one to a division foe. If the Mangini's come to play, there is some hope. But Big Bad Bill is looking for some revenge for the SpyGate controversy.
  
  Miami Dolphins- There is a ton of pressure on this team to win a game. There will be even more pressure on them to beat the Patriots and keep them from going undefeated.
  
  New York Giants- There's somewhat of a chance, but nobody will know since half of the country can't get the NFL Network.
  
• Oakland Raiders defeat Kansas City Chiefs, 20-17- Major props to Chiefs rookie Kolby Smith, he had 150 yards rushing against the Raiders. The Chiefs certainly won't have to worry about the running back position now.
  
• Cleveland Browns defeat Houston Texans, 27-17- Why aren't people talking about Derek Anderson? He already has 22 touchdown passes this season, fourth best in the NFL. Plus wide receiver Braylon Edwards has 11 touchdown receptions this season, tied for third best in the NFL.
  
  We need to give this team some more love. They have a favorable schedule and have an opportunity to make the playoffs.

That's all the time I have.

SEE YA

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Friday Brief's: Everybody's Working for the Weekend

Happy Friday, everybody.

It is time for those crazy NFL Picks. Last weekend, I went 3-2 and am now 10-5 on the year. I am still over .500, but I need to keep on going.

• Green Bay Packers over Minnesota Vikings- Brett Favre and his team of youngins are on fire at this point. Do not expect the Vikings to win, unless you are a poor Vikings fan.
  
• San Francisco 49ers over Seattle Seahawks- Yes the Niners don't have a great offense, but they're playing at home. It will be close, very close.
  
• Indianapolis Colts over Denver Broncos- It's Indy, at home, this is going to be fun fun fun. Still not convinced, let this change your mind.
  
• Carolina Panthers over Tampa Bay Buccaneers- David Carr, or Jake Delhomme? I think Delhomme starts and the Panthers win. If Carr starts, I might as well add a loss to the column.
  
• Kansas City Chiefs over San Diego Chargers- Hey somebody has to win. This game will be very painful to watch, and not because of Randy Cross.

See ya

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Friday Briefs: The Denver Broncos

It's Friday and we continue to profile the AFC West, with the one and only Denver Broncos.

The Broncos finished the regular season in third in the AFC West, going 9-7, missing out on the playoffs.

They drafted DE Jarvis Moss out of Florida in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. They open up the regular season on the road, as they take on the Buffalo Bills. The Broncos will also face the Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans on the road.

At home, they'll face the Tennessee Titans, the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Time to do those burnin yearbook style questions:

1. Most likely to win Mr Olympia again: Jay Cutler (Oops wrong one)
2. Cutler will: Throw for 3,500 yards
3. Running Back who comes out of the Shanahan woodwork to run for 1,000 yards: Cecil Sapp
4. Most likely to not get a 1,000 yard receiving season: Rod Smith :(
5. Injuries that Mike Shanahan will keep secret: Gerard Warren, Ben Hamilton and Kyle Johnson
6. Most likely to win an Olympic Medal: Ian Gold
7. 'Kiss' song for the Broncos: 'Room Service'
8. In 2007, the Broncos will: Win the AFC West

Stay tuned for my college picks a little later on.

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