Week 14 Mistakes

8-8

Well at least it wasn't a losing week, I suppose. Besides the Thursday and Monday night games, not a very surprising week. Most of the teams who were favored won (although not all of them covered their spreads, mind you) and nothing that happened was entirely shocking. The Chargers were a slight underdog on the road, but are we really surprised they beat Dallas in a December game? Same thing with Miami. Slight underdog against Jacksonville, but is anyone shocked that they edged out the Jaguars? No. We did learn a few things though. Things we thought might have been true before, which have now been confirmed:

1) The Chargers and Vikings are real contenders
2) The Steelers are done
3) St. Louis is the worst team in the league
and 4) Something is definitely wrong in New England

Now that last one is interesting because they are still 8-5 and atop their division, but they are definitely not the Patriots we are used to. Randy Moss isn't trying at all, pulling in just 1 catch (which he promptly fumbled). Brady had a season-low passing day again a less than average Panthers D, and it is becoming glaringly apparent that he is unable to rally his teammates. While the defense held the Panthers to just 10 points, there is still a flatness about it. There is just no excitement for them anymore. It's sad to watch.

Anywho, I correctly picked these 8 games:

INDIANAPOLIS (-7) over Denver 28-16
MINNESOTA (-7) over Cincinnati 30-10
Buffalo (PK) over KANSAS CITY 16-10
Green Bay (-3) over CHICAGO 21-14
Carolina (+13.5) Over NEW ENGLAND 10-20
Washington (-1) over OAKLAND 34-13
San Diego (+3) over DALLAS 20-17
Philadelphia (-1) over NEW YORK GIANTS 45-38

But I incorrectly picked these 8:

Pittsburgh (-10) over CLEVELAND
Score: CLE 13, PIT 6
Come on, did anyone think the Browns were going to win this game? I myself have defended the Browns D in the past so I am not shocked that the Steelers had offensive troubles, but that Browns offense... I guess they just weren't utilizing Joshua Cribbs before. I dunno.

TAMPA BAY (+3) over New York Jets
Score: NYJ 26, TB 3
So maybe I got a little wrapped up in the whole Kellen Clemens thing and forgot that Josh Freeman was playing on the other side. The Jets were able to run the ball and Freeman's interception problems continued (8 in the past 2 games now). It's looking pretty bleak again in Tampa Bay. At least they have that Green Bay win under their belt.

New Orleans (-10) over ATLANTA
Score: NO 26, ATL 23
I keep picking the Saints to cover double digit spreads, and every week I look and they are barely holding off a mediocre team late in the game. They should be blowing out these teams. I can't figure it out. We all know they have the offensive capabilities, but it seems like they are always holding back just a bit. Do they not want to run up the score or something? Are they content with just staying in games and giving themselves a chance to win at the end? If so, that is a major problem. They need to have that killer instinct. They need to put teams away when they get the chance.

Detroit (+13.5) over BALTIMORE
Score: BAL 48, DET 3
Holy cow, the Lions weren't even pretending like they belong in the NFL, were they? This had to be the best thing that could ever have happened to the Ravens offense right? They have had a few rough weeks in a row now and Flacco's competency was really starting to come into question. But thank god for the Lions defense. They literally laid down and let the Ravens go up and down the field on them, accumulating approximately 14,000 yards in the game. I really don't know what I was thinking...

St. Louis (+13) over TENNESSEE
Score: TEN 47, STL 7
Speaking of not knowing what I was thinking... Are we sure this line wasn't Titans (-41) before? I feel like that's the only way I would have taken the Rams... We're sure? Well crap.

JACKSONVILLE (-2.5) over Miami
Score: MIA 14, JAX 10
I still don't like Miami. You can't make me like them. I refuse to believe they deserve to make the playoffs. They have won some nice games this year, sure. But they play down to other team's levels (teams they should supposedly beat soundly). And their passing offense is still leaving a bad taste in my mouth. I don't like them without Ronnie Brown. Not one bit.

Seattle (+6) over HOUSTON
Score: HOU 34, SEA 7
I am so glad the Texans decided to show up for this game. After I blindly picked them every week, and they continually burned me, I am so glad they start covering easily when I start picking against them. It's ridiculous. How am I supposed to know who to pick when everyone plays so flipping erratically? Quick Note: I am glad Andre Johnson had a big day, keep up the good work champ.

Arizona (-3.5) over SAN FRANCISCO
Score: SF 24, ARI 9
That Niners D looked awfully scary didn't it? I know you have to put some or most of the blame on Arizona's offense for their 7 turnovers, but the 49ers D was hacking at the ball like they thought it was Shaquille O'Neal. Warner was frustrated all night by that pass rush, and I really think the Cardinals just become demoralized by all the turnovers. Real ugly game for them. Real nice win for San Fran.

Overall Record: 108-98-2
Ballsy Pick of the Week Record: 9-3

Fantasy Update:
League: WeLikeSportz
Lost to Kyle 124.3-96.77
Total let down by Brady and S. Jackson. I stood no chance with them combining for just 18 points. Vincent Jackson returned to form and contributed 16, and Fred Davis caught 2 TDs on his way to 18 points, but it just wasn't enough. I am out of contention and walk away from the league, again, winning no money.

League: League of Imported Spirits
Beat Team Unicorns 169.25-104.95
I told you I could beat him. And I didn't just beat him, I DESTROYED him. Everyone on my team (except Anquan Boldin) put up double digits, highlighted by Jamaal Charles (24.1), Peyton Manning (26.5), and Andre Johnson (31.6). It was a complete team effort and I could not be prouder of my guys. Now we must turn our attention to preparation for Team Pearly Gates (whom I swept 2-0 in the regular season)