Week 5 Mistakes

6-8.

Crap.

First week under .500, and I am not pleased with myself. This should not have been a hard week to pick. Besides the question of whether or not Eli would play, I didn't see much that would sway any of my decisions one way or the other. After seeing the Giants-Raiders game, David Carr probably could have covered that spread. So that's my bad. But who thought the Bengals, Broncos, and Dolphins would upset? No one. And if you did, you are crazy. Period.

Anyways, here are the few games I got right

Minnesota (-10) over ST. LOUIS 38-10
KANSAS CITY (+8) over Dallas 20-26
Cleveland (+6) over BUFFALO 6-3 (Ballsy Pick of the Week SUCESSFUL)
(Quick Note) This game was absolutely dreadful. The Cleveland Browns quarterback (who played the whole game mind you) went 2/17 for 23 yards and 1 INT. The Bills, on the other hand, lost to a team who's quarterback went 2/17 for 23 yards and 1 INT. Honestly, they should be embarrassed. This game was so bad that it has been named: The Worst 2 Teams that Aren't from Oakland or St. Louis Bowl.
Atlanta (+2.5) over SAN FRANCISCO 45-10
SEATTLE (-1.5) over Jacksonville 41-0
Indianapolis (-4) over TENNESSEE 31-9

I was very happy with 4 of the these 6 results (the 3 upsets and the Seahawks destruction of the Jaguars). The other 2 were not exactly surprises. Anyways, if you had told me I would get those 4 games right, I would assume I got at least 11 or 12 games right... not 6.

Here's where I messed up.

CAROLINA (-3.5) over Washington
Score: CAR 20, WAS 17
I thought it was a 2.5 point spread... Life is unfair.

Tampa Bay (+15) over PHILADELPHIA
Score: PHI 33, TB 14
The Buccs kept it relatively close to the 15 point spread. I remember thinking if they just added a field goal in the 4th quarter, the score would be 31-17 and I would cover. Unfortunately, at that exact moment, the Eagles added a safety. Crap. But it is never a good sign when your quarterback is your leading rusher... with 40 yards. You won't win many games like that.

Oakland (+15) over NEW YORK GIANTS
Score: NYG 44, OAK 7
Yeah, yeah, it was a dumb pick. I'm an idiot. Let's move on.

BALTIMORE (-6) over Cincinnati
Score: CIN 17, BAL 14
Cover or not, the Ravens should have won this game. Their offense performed well below its ability, and the defense gave up stupid penalty after stupid penalty and left the door open for the Bengals. And they still had a 4 point lead with half a minute to go. The D makes one big play and they win, but Ray Lewis decides to take a completely unnecessary shot at Ochocinco (drawing a 15 yard penalty) and Palmer beat them when it counted. By the way, that winning touchdown throw was a thing of beauty. I really hope the announcer said "ZING!" when it happened. Amazing throw.

Pittsburgh (-10.5) over Detroit
Score: PIT 28, DET 20
The Lions just live to ruin me don't they? I choose them to cover a 10 point spread against Chicago, they lose by 24. I DON'T choose them to cover a 10.5 point spread against Pittsburgh, they lose by 8. Ridiculous. Pick a side Lions. Team that gets blown out or team that keeps it close but ultimately loses? It's a lose-lose for you but I would like to know.

New England (-3) over DENVER
Score: DEN 20, NE 17 (OT)
(Stunned Silence...)

Houston (+5.5) over ARIZONA
Score: ARI 28, HOU 21
The Texans were down 21-0 at halftime. I was thinking "Oh great, here we go again. I have 30 fantasy players on the Texans offense, and they are letting me down AGAIN." But wait, someone gave them a shot of HGH during the half, and they came out hot. 2 TDs from Schaub to Johnson, plus a rush TD tied the game at 21-21. They had all the momentum, the Cardinals were against the ropes. All they had to do was land one final blow, and... Schaub gift-wraps one for Rogers-Cromartie, throws it right into his gut. Easy 6 the other way and all the momentum (and the lead) vanish. Houston fights back however, getting the ball to the 1 yard line with under a minute left. 2nd and goal from the 1 and Chris Brown (NFL runningback, not to be confused with Kris Brown, NFL kicker, or Chris Brown, muscial artist and domestic abuser) can't get it in. Stupid game.

New York Jets (-2) over MIAMI
Score: MIA 31, NYJ 27
Ronnie Brown is a much better player than I have given him credit for. He means more to his offense than perhaps any other player in the league, short of Peyton Manning. Everyone gets all excited when the wildcat creates a big play, but I don't think that's reason the Dolphins won. Sure the wildcat puts a different spin on defensive packages, but I feel like it was just staright-up blocking and running back talent. Doesn't matter what formation you line up in, if you win the battle in the trenches, your running game will be fine. Give credit to the Dolphins. And give credit to Chad Henne for not making the big mistake.

Curent Record: 33-27
Ballsy Pick of the Week Record: 3-1

Fantasy Update:
League: WeLikeSportz
Lost to Team Like a BOSS! 112.77 - 94.68
If there is one thing I hate, it is leaving points on the bench. If I start Hasselbeck (over Brady), Nicks (over C. Johnson, who left the game after 1 catch, the baby), Benson (over Berrian in my flex position), and Heap (over Cooley, who laid a big fat goose egg this week) I would have scored 146.72 points. Fantasy football is a very stupid game.
Current Record: 2-3 (7th place)

League: League of Imported Spirits
Lost to Team JC 176.38 - 130.36
Let me just give you a quick run-down of how the scoring went this week:
1. 176.38 (JC)
2. 130.36 (me)
3. 113.31
4. 103.48
5. 84.04
6. 79.04
7. 78.82
8. 71.68

I HATE fantasy football...
Current Record: 2-3 (5th place)