The guys waste no time and jump right in to the discussing the Yankees performance(s) after being down 2-0 to the Astros. TM continues to try to convince everyone that the Yankees aren’t the same old Yankees… yeah, ok TM. Dodgers continue to roll and only so much can be discussed.
What’s going on with Friday night college football and top 10 teams struggling? What can anyone really say except “It’s college football”.
Finally, the Jets/Pats game and controversy is discussed. Has instant replay made the NFL better? Or is it a crutch for the ever growing problem of NFL officiating. A-A-ron goes down and the Packers are screwed. Who’s the best team outside of Kansas City?
Keep an eye out for the Binge Sportscast on a weekly basis through the NFL season!
Before I get to this weekend’s action in the NFL, I wanted to let you know how you did in the voting for the College Football Playoff National Championship this past Monday night between Oregon and Ohio State. In another exciting college football game that broke tons of records, the Buckeyes were victorious 42-20. In the final poll results, 42% of you voted for Ohio State to win. Admittedly, I was not one that voted that way. I didn’t think that they could keep up, but Urban Meyer had that team ready to play. Believe me, it pains me to say this as a Michigan fan, but that win was impressive. But as a fan of the game and of the Big 10, I couldn’t help but respect it. Congrats to the Ohio State Buckeyes. But still, GO BLUE!!!!
Now let’s get to the pro action.
We’re down to four teams left on the road to Arizona. After an exciting and controversial weekend of action (for some anyway), we’re left with a solid final four in the NFL. But before I go on, let me just get something out of the way. As a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, I’ve been asked all week on my thoughts on how the game ended on Sunday afternoon, obviously referring to the Dez Bryant play. And honestly, it doesn’t really matter what I think, does it? I absolutely love sports and I love the teams that I root for and I always will. But seriously, if you let the outcome of a football game ruin your day or ruin your week, then you’ve got problems. Look at what I wrote above. As someone who roots for Michigan, I just congratulated Ohio State. Does that make me a bad fan? Does it make me a bad fan that I haven’t put up fifty memes about the Dez Bryant catch? No, it just means that I can watch a game, be absolutely caught up in the emotions that sports can bring out, but when that final buzzer sounds, I can let it go. Maybe that’s not for everybody, but hey, it works for me. So with that being said, I can still say that I’m excited for some great football this weekend, even with my team being out of it. I’ve always tried to be fair and impartial as your Binge Sports guy, so let me take another crack at it. We’ll start with the early game in the NFC, but before that, take a look to see how you did in the divisional round.
New England-def. Baltimore 35-31 (81% voted correctly)
(2) GREEN BAY PACKERS (13-4, won NFC North)
@
(1) SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (13-4, won NFC West)
WHEN: Sunday, January 18th, 2015-3:05ET/2:05CT
TV: FOX
Current Line: Seahawks favored by 7
Why You Should Watch: Because this is the game that was expected to happen from the start of the year. Hopefully, we’ll get a better contest than the one we had to start the season. Also played in Seattle, the Seahawks bested the Packers by 20 in Week 1. But there’s been a lot of football between then and now.
Similar to last week, the question of the week will be the status of Aaron Rodgers’ calf injury. He battled through last week to defeat the Dallas Cowboys, but as good as they were, that defense isn’t that of the Seahawks, who’ve been on a tear as of late.
The home field advantage obviously helps Seattle on Sunday, who always rely on “The 12th Man” for that extra edge. Having Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch playing at the level they’ve been playing at doesn’t hurt either. It’s going to be hard to beat that Packers-Cowboys game last week, but if any two teams can do it, it’s these two. Expect a classic if Rodgers can go.
[yop_poll id=”168″]
(4) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (13-5, won AFC South)
@
(1) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (13-4, won AFC East)
WHEN: Sunday, January 18th, 2015-6:40ET/5:40CT
TV: CBS
Current Line: Patriots favored by 7
Why You Should Watch: Because you either love or hate the Patriots. Like it or not, New England has become one of those franchises, pretty much the Yankees of the NFL. There’s guys like our very own Jack who live and breathe that team, and there’s those that will tune in to watch them lose. The question is whether or not Andrew Luck is ready to grab that brass ring.
Let’s face it. The Patriots are going to do what they’ve always done. Brady and Belichick are in their ninth AFC Championship together and they’ll be ready to go. But Andrew Luck and the Colts just went to Denver and beat Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Granted, Manning was injured and doesn’t have the best playoff history in the world, but still impressive nonetheless. With Brady and Manning getting older, Luck has been on the fast track to being the elite quarterback in the AFC. A win in Foxboro on Sunday speeds that up even more. It should be fun to watch.
[yop_poll id=”169″]
And there you have it. We’re in for another great day of football. It’s high profile teams with high profile players. Who’d you pick? As always, you can comment below or follow and tweet @BingeSports and/or @THElukenorris. Binge Sports will return soon with a Pro Bowl preview. I’m completely kidding…nobody watches the Pro Bowl. But I’ll definitely be back before the Super Bowl. Enjoy.
Welcome back to Binge Sports and our continuing coverage of the NFL Playoffs. Outside of the Dallas/Detroit game, Wild Card Weekend wasn’t quite as exciting as I expected it to be, but hey, what are you gonna do? But look at the match-ups we’ve got this weekend. Iconic franchises and future Hall-of-Famers are everywhere on Saturday and Sunday. As I did last weekend, I’ll give you the teams, how they got here, when the game is, the betting line (at least as it is when I write this), and a quick breakdown. I’ll also show you how you did in the voting last week and of course, I’ll give you another chance to vote on this week’s winners. So let’s not waste any more time. Let’s make Jack happy and lead off with the first game on Saturday….
(6)BALTIMORE RAVENS (10-6, 3rd in AFC North)
@
(1)NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-4, won AFC East)
When: Saturday, January 10th, 2015-4:35E/3:35C-NBC
WC Weekend: New England-bye, Baltimore-def. Pittsburgh 30-17 (9% voted correctly)
Current Line: New England favored by 7
Why You ShouldWatch: Because the Ravens can actually win this game. They went on the road and beat a Steelers team that had been a role and did it fairly easily. That gave the franchise ten road victories in the playoffs, tying them with Green Bay for the most in NFL history. What makes that even more impressive is that they’ve only been in existence since 1996. One of those wins happened in Foxboro only two years ago in the AFC Championship game. But the Patriots are well rested and one of the hottest teams in the league. They won ten of their last twelve, but that includes resting their starters in the season finale against Buffalo. Both teams know what it takes to win these big games and this is a nice start to the weekend.
[yop_poll id=”163″]
(4)CAROLINA PANTHERS (7-8-1, won NFC South)
@
(1)SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (12-4, won NFC West)
When: Saturday, January 10th, 2015-8:15E/7:15C-FOX
Why You Should Watch: Because both of these teams have exciting, mobile quarterbacks, good defense, and both are on a hot streak. Carolina comes in having won five in a row and are only allowing about twelve points per game during that stretch. Not to be outdone, the Seahawks enter this game having won six in a row and have only allowed 6.5 points per game during their stretch. Seattle also has the advantage of playing at home. “The 12th Man” should be rocking on Saturday night. The defending champions have only lost two games at home over the past two years and come in as a pretty heavy favorite in this game.
[yop_poll id=”164″]
(3)DALLAS COWBOYS (12-4, won NFC East)
@
(2)GREEN BAY PACKERS (12-4, won NFC North)
When: Sunday, January 11th, 2015-1:05E/12:05C-FOX
WC Weekend: Green Bay-bye, Dallas-def. Detroit 24-20 (78% voted correctly)
Current Line: Green Bay favored by 6.5
Why You ShouldWatch: Because it’s the Cowboys and the Packers. Two of the most iconic franchises in sports renew their rivalry in the opening game on Sunday afternoon. It won’t exactly be “The Ice Bowl”, but it’s going to be cold in Green Bay at game time, topping out in the high teens. But this is one hot match-up. The Packers had last week off and that should benefit Aaron Rodgers, who had some time to recover from the nagging calf injury. The Cowboys come in after a hell of a game against the Lions and will have to adjust to the weather. And in a situation we don’t see very often, the Packers are 8-0 at Lambeau this year, but Dallas was 8-0 on the road. Expect another classic.
Why You Should Watch: The storyline is pretty easy here. It’s Peyton Manning playing his old team and their new golden boy, Andrew Luck. And Luck looked very good once again in their defeat of the Bengals last weekend. There’s been a lot of football played in between this match-up and the Week 1 encounter between these two teams, which Denver won 31-24 after a late surge by Indianapolis. Is this Peyton Manning’s last ride? Is this the day that the torch is truly passed? We’ll find out in the last game of the weekend.
[yop_poll id=”166″]
There you have it. Eight teams are left on the road to the Super Bowl, with seven of them being division winners. Who’d you pick? Comment below (we already know Jack will) or follow and tweet @BingeSports and/or @THElukenorris. And don’t forget that this isn’t the only playoff going on right now. Check back soon for my preview of the upcoming national title game between Ohio State and Oregon.
Borderlands 2, Parks and Rec, The Wire, Patriots Football and
Jim Lawlapalooza Reflections (From the Outside)
Have I mentioned that Steam is, literally, the greatest thing ever done for video games? Well it is, and one of the amazing byproducts of my revitalized love of PC gaming is revisiting games that I initially may have rushed through. Case-in-point: Borderlands 2. I don’t know how, but my first play-through of this game left me wanting a lot more. I think that was probably due to the fact that, because my brothers aren’t into the games I am I was playing solely by myself. What a mistake, as multiplayer Borderlands 2 is like a completely different game. It’s incredible how high the replay value becomes once you have three other people participating in the mayhem. Again, if you’re on steam, hit me up and let’s play.
I’m happy to report I’ve officially jumped on the Parks and Rec bandwagon. I added the Swanson Pyramid of Greatness to this article because it is literally the moment in this show where I finally got it. The comedy here is solid, layered and full of good characters. I’m now on season 3 and the inclusion of Rob Lowe and Adam Scott is really enjoyable, particularly Rob Lowe, whose comedic chops are on full display here. Once again, glad I stuck it out for this one as it’s becoming a staple in the house.
For those of you keeping track at home, I’m rounding out season 2 of The Wire in prep for our upcoming commentaries. I said it on the BingeCast earlier and I’ll say it here again; give season 2 a break. David Simon went in a totally new direction and gave viewers something radically different than anything done on TV before or since, but that’s far from a bad thing. Frank Sobotka is a great character and provides a strong connection to the normal working class in Baltimore, something very important to the overall journey of the series. I’m actually looking forward to the season 2 commentaries more than season 1, call me crazy.
I can’t believe football is finally here. I’m so ready for this season I can’t stand it, and at 1:00pm this Sunday my ass will be planted firmly in front of a gigantic TV, hopefully with a nice brew and some great company. I’m over the moon for my boys’ roster this year, and the (surprise) announcement that Gronk is good to go for game 1. While Gronk seems to be the lynchpin for the offense in the eyes of many analysts, I try to remember that last year, with a core of rookie receivers and a decimated defense, the Pats still made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game. The consistency of this team is, at this moment, unrivaled across the league, and I’m ecstatic because of that. I’m also glad that Jimmy Garoppolo is getting the backup job this year behind Brady, as I’ve never been too impressed with Ryan Mallett’s production whatsoever. Garoppolo already looks like he understands the mechanics and timing of a football game better than Mallett ever did. I’m not saying the kid is the next Aaron Rodgers, but he looks solid and willing to learn, two traits that made Tommy Touchdown the champ he is today. I’m calling it now, AT LEAST 14-2 this season.
I wanted to take a minute to acknowledge this past weekend’s Jim Lawlapalooza. First of all, thank you gents for the call during the show, it was great to be there in spirit. Second of all, and to all my fellow BingeFans/Staff, how fucking FUN did that look/sound? I’m there next year, by hook or by crook, no doubt. Here’s hoping the boys come out to New York so we can go get drunk outside the New York Public Library and quote Ghostbusters lines. Check back later this week for our daily blogs and a new Strain commentary (which kicked major ass this week!). Binge on!
Welcome back to Binge Media Sports coverage of the 2014 NFL season. Last time, we looked at the teams in the AFC and NFC East divisions. If you missed it, click HERE. We’re still having some trouble with the voting option, but hopefully it will be fixed soon. Today, we’ll be covering the North divisions, so let’s get to it.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
LAST SEASON: 8-8, TIED FOR 2ND IN THE AFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS
2014 PREVIEW: After a disappointing 2013, the Ravens look to get back on track and a few key free agent signings will give QB Joe Flacco more options. The running game was dreadful last year and if you haven’t heard, Ray Rice will miss the first two games of the season due to his suspension (don’t even get me started on that fiasco). Bernard Pierce will be the lead back in his absence. However, the offense this year may come through the air. The signing of longtime Panther Steve Smith is huge. If you’ve ever listened to him talk, then you know he thrives in situations in which people tell him he can’t do something. At 35, he’ll be looking to prove he’s got some gas left in the tank. With speedster Torrey Smith on the other side, and Owen Daniels and Dennis Pitts at the tight ends, you may see more passes this year from Flacco.
Baltimore fans are still getting used to not seeing Ray Lewis and Ed Reed dominating the defensive side of the ball, but the Ravens still have some good players. Terrell Suggs can still get to the quarterback and Elvis Dumervil is proving to be a nice pickup as well. Ravens football may look a little different these days, but I expect them to contend for this division.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
LAST SEASON: 11-5, WON THE AFC NORTH, LOST IN THE WILD CARD ROUND TO THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
2014 PREVIEW: So QB Andy Dalton got the big money contract. The question is whether or not he can live up to it. Don’t get me wrong, I think Dalton is a very efficient quarterback, but he’s not even close to being in that top tier. He’s also lost his offensive coordinator, Jay Gruden, who’s gone on to be the head coach in Washington, so he’ll have to learn a new system as well. A.J. Green is his best option to throw to, but I think this season, he’ll be handing the ball off a little more. Giovani Bernard is still young, but is very exciting to watch, and second-round pick Jeremy Hill will get his share of touches as well.
The defense is still very solid. However, much like the offense, they’ll have to get used to a new coordinator, as Mike Zimmer took the head coaching job in Minnesota. They’ve lost a few players to injury and free agency, but their 4-3 package is one of the best in football. The Bengals have made the playoffs for three straight seasons. If they can figure out all the new things they’re trying to do, they’ll be in a position to contend in this division.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
LAST SEASON: 4-12, FINISHED 4TH IN THE AFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS
2014 PREVIEW: The big question here is obvious. How many games will it take before Johnny Manziel takes over the starting quarterback job? While Brian Hoyer is more experienced, Manziel will continue to get the press. But no matter who the quarterback is, who are they throwing to? The talented yet moronic Josh Gordon is lost for the entire year due to another drug-related issue, leaving Miles Austin as perhaps the best option, and that’s if he can stay healthy. The run game is decent, however, with Ben Tate running behind a good offensive line.
The defense is going to have to try to keep the Browns in games. They’ve got a solid ground defense as Jabaal Sheard can get to the quarterback and Paul Kruger can stop the run. On the outside, you’ve got Joe Haden and rookie Justin Gilbert, but I just don’t think the Browns have enough quite yet. If they do improve upon the four wins they got last year, it won’t be by much.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
LAST SEASON: 8-8, FINISHED TIED FOR 2ND IN THE AFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS
2014 PREVIEW: A .500 record doesn’t sit well with Steelers fans and I’m looking for Pittsburgh to get back to the smashmouth style that defined them for years. One of the reasons for that is that Ben Roethlisberger doesn’t have an upper level wideout to throw to. Antonio Brown is efficient enough, as is newly acquired Lance Moore, but I think they’ll rely heavy on Le’Veon Bell out of the backfield. I will say that Big Ben has become a lot smarter in the way he approaches a game, and it will certainly help this offense.
Always the staple in the Steel City, defense will play a big part in Pittsburgh’s success this season. Troy Polamalu is still the big name here, but others are vying for that top spot. Lawrence Timmons is proving to be a great linebacker, both against the run and the pass. They drafted Ryan Shazier from Ohio State, and Jarvis Jones is crazy athletic. Overall, I think the Steelers are well balanced, and their continuing rivalry with the Ravens should make this a very interesting division race.
CHICAGO BEARS
LAST SEASON: 8-8, FINISHED 2ND IN THE NFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS
2014 PREVIEW: This is another case of the often criticized quarterback getting the big contract, and Bears fans seem to be torn on Jay Cutler. You can’t deny the big arm as it may be the strongest in football, and you can’t deny the weapons he has. Alshon Jeffery has become a dangerous threat, which should open the door for Brandon Marshall to play one-on-one a little more. Anchored by Kyle Long, the offensive line should give Cutler plenty of time to throw and provide some room for Matt Forte to sliver through. If these pieces can stay healthy, Chicago could have one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL.
The health issue was a major problem for the defense last year. D.J. Williams and Lance Briggs combined to start thirteen games last year, not what you want from your linebackers. The defensive line will have a completely different look to it, with the biggest signing being Jared Allen, who surprised everyone by accepting the Bears’ offer. Cornerback Charles Tillman can still produce on the outside and will look to mentor first-round pick Kyle Fuller. The Bears have the talent. The question will be if this is the year they can finally put it all together.
DETROIT LIONS
LAST SEASON: 7-9, FINISHED 3RD IN THE NFC NORTH, MISSED PLAYOFFS
2014 PREVIEW: A new offensive system in Detroit will define the season for the Lions. They’re another team that has talented skill players. QB Matthew Stafford is still trying to live up to his full potential. Luckily, he has the best wide receiver in football to throw the ball to. Calvin Johnson remains the biggest threat in the NFL and combined with a solid 1-2 in the backfield in Reggie Bush and Joique Bell, the Lions will put up some points.
The problem they have is much like the problem the Dallas Cowboys have. They can’t stop anybody. Sure, Ndamukong Suh is a beast, albeit a dirty one, but until some of these first-round picks can learn how to play in this league, Detroit will hover around that .500 mark for a while.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
LAST SEASON: 8-7-1, WON THE NFC NORTH, LOST WILD CARD ROUND TO THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
2014 PREVIEW: As someone who roots for the Cowboys, but also pulls for Chicago, it pains me to say that the Packers are going to be really good. The Packers won the division last year, even with QB Aaron Rodgers on the sidelines for seven weeks with a broken collarbone. They did so by pounding the football with the surprising Eddie Lacy, who will become an even bigger force this season. All that’s going to do is open up the passing lanes for a fully healthy Rodgers. With Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb to get the ball to, expect an MVP type of season from Aaron Rodgers.
The defense should be pretty solid as well. They brought in Julius Peppers to fill a void at defensive end, and resigned cornerback Sam Shields to a hefty contract, and in this division, you need a great corner to match up with guys like Calvin Johnson and Brandon Marshall. As I said above, if the Bears can stay healthy, they’ll compete, but I still have to believe that the Packers are the slight favorite in this division.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
LAST SEASON: 5-10-1, FINISHED 4TH IN THE NFC NORTH
2014 PREVIEW: Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is going to have to wait his turn as he’ll spend his time with a clipboard watching Matt Cassel control this offense that has Adrian Petersen and not much else. Norv Turner is going to have to work some of his magic for this offense to thrive.
There’s not much to say about this Vikings defense either. Rookie linebacker Anthony Barr could be fun to watch, but do the names Linval Joseph, Fred Evans, and Sharrif Floyd really get Vikings fans excited? Expect another season like last year.
Okay, we’re halfway there. Next time we’ll be looking at teams from the South. So if you or someone you know is a fan of the Panthers, Saints, Falcons, Bucs, Colts, Titans, Jags, or Titans, make sure to check back with Binge Media Sports for all your NFL needs. When we’re up and running with the vote, who are you going with in the North? Let me know why @THElukenorris.