It’s Halloween Week and the guys get together to drink some drinks, bitch about their teams, and make some picks.
After PJ discusses his favorite football viewing in years, discussions begin about the NCAAs decision to allow for players to make money from their likeness, but how will that be regulated? How will the NCAA monitor booster bribery? Does it matter?
NFL Week 8 is discussed, but what did any of this weeks game prove? Too many injuries, too many bad decisions, and teams not playing to their so called potential. Tickets to the QB Carousel are handed out and the guys discuss Andy Dalton’ ability against himself. Then TM steals PJs picks.
Remember to call us with your questions/comments/suggestions for the show #708-316-8822…
TM gets a break from dealing with one child, only to have to listen to another. PJ bitches about his own teams and their ineptitude, while trying to figure out his own fan bases.
Calls are taken about the Niners and the Vikings, all while watching the Patriots dominate San Darnold and the NY Jets. Who are the actual contenders in the NFC and who can beat the New England Patriots? All these questions are answered and then we make our picks.
Remember to call us with your questions/comments/suggestions for the show #708-316-8822…
After some coordination issues, PJ gets not 1, but 2 special guest to join him on this weeks SportsCast. BSV brings calls about baseball, UFC, and overreaction theater for NFL Week 5.
How did the Colts beat the Chiefs? And have the Vikings figured it out? All these questions are answered and then we make our picks. Somehow, TM loses out on a point given to the Saints!
Remember to call us with your questions/comments/suggestions for the show #708-316-8822…
The SportsCast is back!! Well, half way there… TM is off again this week… still recovering from Lawlapalooza. It must suck getting old. PJ welcomes in BingeViews host and fellow sports fanatic… “You can just call me Chad”… Chad C! After they hit a a quick recap of Lawlapalooza 2018, the guys jump into some MLB talk, NFL news, some Chad C Denver Broncos predictions, and finally catch up on some old BSV (Cue the horn!)
Stay tuned until the end of the show, where the guys debut the Lawlapalooza NBA Jam Commentary!
Remember to call us with your questions, comments, or topics for the show #708-316-8822…
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)
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(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)
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(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)
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(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.
The bye weeks are over and it’s crunch time in the NFL. Welcome to Binge Sports NFL coverage. Over the next couple of days, I’m going to break down every team in the NFL as we enter Week 13 of the regular season and in the weeks to come, I’ll bring you updates as we inch closer to the playoffs.
With five games to go, and so many teams still in the playoff picture, I’ll break down where your team is, who they’ve got left to play, and make my own predictions on how this plays out. And I’m very excited to announce the return of the fan vote. After each division, make your pick on who you think will win each division. I’ve only included teams that have an actual chance. Sorry Raider Nation. We’ll start today with the AFC.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
CURRENT STANDING: 9-2, 1st in AFC East
REMAINING SCHEDULE: @GB, @SD, MIA, @NYJ, BUF
BREAKDOWN: Well, here we are again. Much to Jack’s delight, the Pats are atop the AFC East, the AFC overall, and may be the best team in the NFL to this point. After a disappointing start, New England is hitting on all cylinders and are basically a lock to win this division and are on the fast track to home field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. This week’s matchup against the Packers may be a Super Bowl preview.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
CURRENT STANDING: 6-5, T-2nd in AFC East
REMAINING SCHEDULE: @NYJ, BAL, @NE, MIN, NYJ
BREAKDOWN: The Dolphins will be in a battle for a wildcard slot, but outside of the Patriots game in two weeks, their schedule looks pretty good, especially with two matchups with the lowly Jets.
BUFFALO BILLS
CURRENT STANDING: 6-5, T-2nd in AFC East
REMAINING SCHEDULE: CLE, @DEN, GB, @OAK, @NE
BREAKDOWN: The Bills are one of the best stories in football this year. However, a tough schedule looms ahead. This week’s matchup against the another feelgood team, the Browns, will be a tough test, and it doesn’t get any easier with games left against the Broncos, Packers, and Patriots. But at least they still get to play the Raiders.
NEW YORK JETS
CURRENT STANDING: 2-9, last in AFC East
REMAINING SCHEDULE: MIA, @MIN, @TEN, NE, @MIA
BREAKDOWN: J-E-T-S, J-E-T-S, J-E-T-S, Jets are awful! Okay, maybe that’s now how it goes but it’s true. The Jets certainly aren’t fighting for a playoff spot, but are in a heated battle with the Jags, Raiders, and Bucs for that number one pick.
[yop_poll id=”148″]
CINCINNATI BENGALS
CURRENT STANDING: 7-3-1, 1st in AFC North
REMAINING SCHEDULE: @TB, PIT, @CLE, DEN, @PIT
BREAKDOWN: For the moment, the Bengals sit atop the most competitive division in football this season, and it’s actually due to a tie they had with Carolina. This is anybody’s division right now and every game is crucial. This week’s game against the Bucs should be a breeze, but they finish with three division games and a Week 16 matchup with the Broncos who will probably still be fighting for home field advantage.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC North
REMAINING SCHEDULE: NO, @CIN, @ATL, KC, CIN
BREAKDOWN: I think the Steelers have one more easy game than the Bengals do right now. With two games left against the dreadful NFC South, the Steelers may have a slight advantage, but it will obviously be the two games against the Bengals that will make or break the season.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC North
REMAINING SCHEDULE: SD, @MIA, JAC, @HOU, CLE
BREAKDOWN: The Ravens only have one game left in the division and play three of their last five at home, including a game against 1-10 Jacksonville and finish the season against the Browns, which could be a game to see who moves on and who goes home.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC North
REMAINING SCHEDULE: @BUF, IND, CIN, @CAR, @BAL
BREAKDOWN: The Browns may be the biggest surprise in the AFC this year. They just find a way to keep on winning games. They’ve got a tough three weeks ahead with a game this weekend in Buffalo, but get to stay at home for matchups with the Colts and the division-leading Bengals. They’re punished for that with two games on the road to finish up, but at least one is against a 3-win Panthers team. Somebody is going to be left out in the cold from this division. Will Cleveland get burned once again?
[yop_poll id=”149″]
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, 1st in AFC South
REMAINING SCHEDULE: WAS, @CLE, HOU, @DAL, @TEN
BREAKDOWN: With a two game lead with five to go, I’d say the Colts are a safe bet to win this division. I don’t see them having too many problems this weekend at home against Washington, but three of the last five are on the road. Stranger things have happened, I suppose.
HOUSTON TEXANS
CURRENT STANDING: 5-6, 2nd in AFC South
REMAINING SCHEDULE: TEN, @JAC, @IND, BAL, JAC
BREAKDOWN: It’s hard to make up two games in five weeks, especially chasing a team like Indy, but with two games left against Jacksonville and a huge game against the Colts in three weeks, don’t count out potential MVP J.J.Watt and the Texans just yet.
TENNESSEE TITANS
CURRENT STANDING: 2-9, 3rd in AFC South
REMAINING SCHEDULE: @HOU, NYG, NYJ, @JAC, IND
BREAKDOWN: Tennessee just has nothing going right now. I guess I forgot to mention them in the fight for the number one pick earlier. Sorry.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
CURRENT STANDING: 1-10, last in AFC South
REMAINING SCHEDULE: NYG, HOU, @BAL, TEN, @HOU
BREAKDOWN: This record actually surprises me a little bit. I certainly didn’t think they would be a playoff team just yet, but at least Denard Robinson is entertaining.
[yop_poll id=”150″]
DENVER BRONCOS
CURRENT STANDING: 8-3, 1st in AFC West
REMAINING SCHEDULE: @KC, BUF, @SD, @CIN, OAK
BREAKDOWN: For a while there, the Broncos looked like they were the best team in the NFL. It’s not that they’re not a good team, but they’re in a dogfight in this division. This week’s game at Arrowhead, along with a game in San Diego in three weeks, will give us a good idea about where this division may be headed.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC West
REMAINING SCHEDULE: DEN, @ARI, OAK, @PIT, SD
BREAKDOWN: As you saw above, the Chiefs have a big test this week as the Broncos come to town. It’s nice to have a game against Oakland left, but as we just saw, beating the Raiders isn’t a given for this team. Arizona is fighting for home field advantage and the Steelers and Chargers will be battling for playoff berths as well. Not an easy road for KC.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
CURRENT STANDING: 7-4, T-2nd in AFC West
REMAINING SCHEDULE: @BAL, NE, DEN, @SF, @KC
BREAKDOWN: It’s a tough schedule for San Diego coming home. Every single game they have left are against playoff-caliber opponents and three of them are on the road. At least they get Tom Brady and Peyton Manning at home, if that’s really any consolation.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
CURRENT STANDING: 1-10, last in AFC West
REMAININGSCHEDULE: @STL, SF, @KC, BUF, @DEN
BREAKDOWN: Oh, Raider nation…you poor bastards.
[yop_poll id=”151″]
Is your team getting in? Can they win it all? I know what Jack is going to say, but how about the rest of you? Justify your votes below or follow and tweet @BingeSports and/or @THElukenorris. I’ll be back tomorrow with the breakdown of the NFC.
Let’s finish this up. The start of football that matters is upon us and here is the last in my series of previews. Today, we’ll take a look at the divisions that gave us our two Super Bowl teams from last season, the AFC and NFC West divisions. If you’ve missed the previews of the East, click HERE. If you missed the North, click HERE. If you missed the South, click HERE. So let’s get to the West.
DENVER BRONCOS
LAST SEASON: 13-3, WON THE AFC WEST, LOST THE SUPER BOWL TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2014 PREVIEW:Okay, so the Super Bowl was a little embarrassing, but the Broncos aren’t going away. The offense will be as potent as ever as Peyton Manning and company remain an overall favorite to win the whole thing. Even with Eric Decker heading to New York, the receiver position may be even better. Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker remain and are always consistent, and they’ve added Emmanuel Sanders. Throw in Julius Thomas and we may see yet another record-breaking season from the offense.
Not to be outdone, the defense added defensive end DeMarcus Ware, safety T.J. Ward, and cornerback Aqib Talib. And don’t forget that the Broncos made their run last year without Von Miller. He’ll return to an absolutely loaded defense. The Broncos are the easy favorite to win this division.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
LAST SEASON: 11-5, FINISHED 2ND IN THE AFC WEST, LOST WC ROUND TO THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
2014 PREVIEW: Running back Jamaal Charles has become arguably the best in the league, and he’ll need an outstanding season if the Chiefs want to repeat what they did last year. He’s lost some help up front on the line, but if anybody can make adjustments, it’s head coach Andy Reid. He still has conservative yet effective quarterback Alex Smith, but the receiving core is somewhat limited. Dwayne Bowe has lost a step, A.J. Jenkins is young, and Donnie Avery drops a few too many. Charles will be the workhorse here, but his effectiveness may open a few passing lanes for Smith.
The defense gave out a little towards the end of last season and there’s a little uncertainty that the Chiefs can do what they were doing to open last year. Eric Berry has shown a lot of versatility as he can roam from safety to linebacker, but they lost their best corner in Brandon Flowers and the ability to get to the quarterback may be an issue this year. Most people weren’t expecting 11 wins last year, and I wouldn’t count on a repeat performance.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
LAST SEASON: 4-12, FINISHED LAST IN THE AFC WEST, MISSED PLAYOFFS
2014 PREVIEW: At least the Raiders had draft picks this year. That’s about the only positive thing I can see coming from Oakland this year. After a battle in the preseason with longtime Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, rookie Derek Carr won the starting job. He’s got talent, but his inexperience will show, especially early in the season. But who is he throwing to? At least they’ve got a running game. Or do they? Darren McFadden just can’t seem to stay healthy. They did sign Maurice Jones-Drew and that may help matters a little, especially catching passes out of the backfield, but he’ll have a lot of work to do to get back to his leading rusher in the league form.
They’ve got big names on defense like Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, and Charles Woodson, but all three are just past their prime. Rookie Khalil Mack may be fun to watch, but in this division, no defense means very few wins. Another 4-12 may be in the works and that may be being nice.
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
LAST SEASON: 9-7, FINISHED 3RD IN THE AFC WEST, LOST DIV. ROUND TO THE DENVER BRONCOS
2014 PREVIEW: The Chargers reeled off four straight victories at the end of last season to sneak into the playoffs, and even got a win over the Bengals before falling to Denver. They’ll enter 2014 with some confidence, especially quarterback Philip Rivers, who had a nice comeback season in 2013 to silence a few critics. He’ll need to be at his best to get San Diego into the playoffs again, but has weapons in the always consistent Antonio Gates, along with second year man Keenan Allen, who was thrown to in big spots last year and is looking to become the main target for Rivers.
The defense will get a few players back from injury this season as Dwight Freeney looks to get back to form, as does linebacker Melvin Ingram. San Diego also made a big free agent pickup in acquiring cornerback Brandon Flowers. The Chargers finished at 9-7 last year and an identical record may be in the cards.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
LAST SEASON: 10-6, FINISHED 3RD IN THE NFC WEST, MISSED PLAYOFFS
2014 PREVIEW: Last season, the Cardinals were a casualty of the system. They finished with a better record by two games than the North-winning Packers, but didn’t make the playoffs. The chip on their shoulder could play a big part in the 2014 campaign. If Carson Palmer can play to his potential in his twelfth year, the Cardinals could be dangerous on offense. He’s still got Larry Fitzgerald to throw to, and if Michael Floyd can continue to improve, it could open up some running lanes for Andre Ellington, a second year back who averaged 5.5 yards per carry in a limited role last year.
The defense took a big hit when Darnell Dockett went down with an ACL injury and linebacker Daryl Washington was suspended for the year, but they’re still pretty strong. The hope is that Tyrann Mathieu can return from a torn ACL and LCL and be the player everyone thinks he can be. They signed cornerback Antonio Cromartie to play opposite All-Pro Patrick Peterson, who may be the best man-to-man corner in the league. If all goes well for Arizona, they could be a factor this season.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
LAST SEASON: 12-4, FINISHED 2ND IN THE NFC WEST, LOST NFC CHAMP. TO THE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
2014 PREVIEW: Can a team that’s reached the NFC Championship three years in a row get better? When your head coach is Jim Harbaugh, you don’t really get a say in the matter. Play well or you’re off the field. The athleticism of quarterback Colin Kaepernick leads an offensive attack that includes the veteran Anquan Boldin and Kaepernick’s favorite target, the dangerous Michael Crabtree. You also can’t forget about tight end Vernon Davis, who still performs at a high level, as does running back Frank Gore, who will be mentoring Carlos Hyde. That’s a ton of players that can burn you.
The defense will have a different look this year as the Niners lost a few players, especially at cornerback. Last year’s freak injury to NaVorro Bowman won’t help matters any, but guys like Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks will be looking to pick up the slack. Throw in the immense talent and intelligence of safety Eric Reid, and the defense should still be better than average. Harbaugh won’t settle for anything less than the Super Bowl, and it’s a real possibility.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
LAST SEASON: 13-3, WON THE NFC WEST, BEAT THE DENVER BRONCOS TO WIN THE SUPER BOWL
2014 PREVIEW: There’s not much I can say about Seattle that you don’t already know. They’re the defending Super Bowl champs. They have the biggest home field advantage in sports. They’re loaded with talent. You know the names: Russell Wilson will only continue to get better. Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas have signed long-term deals and are basically the best at what they do at cornerback and free safety, respectively. Percy Harvin will be back healthy and Marshawn Lynch is a beast. Did I miss anything? The Seahawks have a solid chance to repeat.
ST. LOUIS RAMS
LAST SEASON: 7-9, FINISHED LAST IN THE NFC WEST, MISSED PLAYOFFS
2014 PREVIEW: Poor St. Louis. Just when things are starting to turn around under head coach Jeff Fisher, the 2014 season may already be lost. The season-ending injury to quarterback Sam Bradford has changed everything. What’s worse is that his huge salary is hindering the Rams’ ability to go out and get a comparable solution. They recently signed Case Keenum, but the starting job will go to Shaun Hill, but can he effectively get the ball to Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and Brian Quick? I’m sure the quarterback situation will be a question all season.
If the Rams are going to win games this year, it’s the defense that’s going to do it. The strongest piece comes with the front line, which may be the best in football, anchored by defensive end Robert Quinn, who has become arguably the most feared end in the league. Unfortunately, it may not be enough. The Rams have been moving in the right direction for a few years now, but with yet another injury to the most important position on the field, St. Louis will likely find themselves at the bottom of this division.
Now you’re ready for some football….almost. I’ve previewed all 32 teams, but I haven’t yet given you my picks. Check back with Binge Media Sports as I give you my full season predictions leading all the way to the Super Bowl. Make sure to cast your votes (as soon as we get it fixed) in every division and check back each and every week to pick each and every game of the year. And as always, you can justify your picks in the comments section below or follow me and tell your friends to follow me and tweet @THElukenorris all season long.