NFL Picks - Week 2

 
Video proof the NFL is stupid.

There were some interesting storylines and upsets in Week 1 of the NFL season.
One upset that stands out was Seattle's dismantling of division favourite San Francisco 31-6. Absolutely unexpected and a game that may have ruined the Niners' entire season. Since the loss, coach Mike Singletary and quarterback Alex Smith have been bickering back and forth. During the game, it felt like Smith and offensive co-ordinator Jimmy Raye were not on the same page. They need to rebound from this debacle quickly. Unfortunately, that is likely easier said than done with New Orleans flying into San Francisco for a Monday night encounter.
The most interesting storyline, obviously, was the Detroit Lions loss to Chicago Bears 19-14 Sunday afternoon and Calvin Johnson's disallowed (but obvious) touchdown reception. The officials may have been following the rule to the letter, but it's a rule that needs to be changed. Today.
A new NFL powerhouse may be developing in Houston, thanks to the emergence of rookie runningback Arian Foster, who trampled all over perennial AFC South champ Indianapolis. Frankly, this game seemed a lot more one-sided than the 34-24 final score. That said, only a fool would write off Peyton Manning's Colts.
As usual, Intell sports reporter Paul Svoboda and “Swedish Chef” Kevin McCrory join yours truly, dazzling readers with their ability to get the picks right half the time ... or, in Svoboda's case, 37.5% of the time.
WEEK 2
Kansas City (+1.5) at Cleveland
Impressive showing by K.C. in week 1, despite a 68-yard passing night by QB Matt Cassel. This team relied on big plays by special teams whiz Dexter McCluster and RB Jamaal Charles. No reason why they can't keep rolling against a lousy team like Cleveland.
Vachon: Chiefs
Svoboda: Chiefs
McCrory: Chiefs
Buffalo (+13) at Green Bay
Green Bay, as expected, won their week 1 contest vs. Philadelphia, but it was a dog fight. LB Clay Matthews was a beast for the Pack. The Pack's O-Line looked weak against Philly, but the Bills are not Philadelphia. Buffalo put up a fight against Miami, but it was their home opener. I like how good the Bills' D looked. Against Green Bay, they're going to have to be even better. The Packers are explosive on offence.
Vachon: Packers
Svoboda: Packers
McCrory: Packers
Baltimore (-2) at Cincinnati
Baltimore got shut out vs. Cincinnati in their season series in 2009. I suspect revenge will be served.
Vachon: Ravens
Svoboda: Ravens
McCrory: Ravens
Pittsburgh (+5) at Tennessee
Tennessee QB Vince Young had a breakout game vs. Oakland last week and RB Chris Johnson keeps rolling. But the Steelers, even with third-string QB Dennis Dixon, are not Oakland. They will not let Young do to them what he did to Oakland.
Vachon: Steelers
Svoboda: Titans
McCrory: Titans
Philadelphia (-5) at Detroit
One has to wonder about the Lions' psyche after a game like last week's. Philly's probably is only slightly better, losing three key players (Kevin Kolb, Leonard Weaver and Stewart Bradley) to injury. That said, Eagles' QB Michael Vick looked spectacular against Green Bay and there’s no reason why he can't do the same against Detroit, whose front four looked great in Chicago. Ndamukong Suh seems like a lock for defensive rookie of the year.
Vachon: Eagles
Svoboda: Lions
McCrory: Eagles
Chicago (+7.5) at Dallas
Bears stole their week one win and Dallas looked like crap. On paper, Dallas should cover.
Vachon: Cowboys
Svoboda: Bears
McCrory: Cowboys
Tampa Bay (+3.5) at Carolina
Not sure what to make of either of these teams, but my gut tells me Carolina will rebound in their home opener.
Vachon: Panthers
Svoboda: Panthers
McCrory: Panthers
Arizona (+6.5) at Atlanta
Atlanta couldn't beat Pittsburgh, even with Ben Roethlisberger out of the lineup. This team should have taken advantage of his absence and didn't. RB Michael Turner needs to step it up.
Vachon: Falcons
Svoboda: Cards
McCrory: Falcons
Miami (+5.5) at Minnesota
Is it just me, or did Brett Favre finally look his age last Thursday? I get the impression that he already regrets playing another season. This game could be a season-killer for the Vikes, if they lose. Dolphins had a tough time against Buffalo's D, can't imagine how it will get easier against Minnesota's.
Vachon: Dolphins
Svoboda: Vikes
McCrory: Vikes
St. Louis (+3.5) at Oakland
Every so often, a writer gets humbled ... or the presses make a mistake. I'm sure I didn't call for Oakland to win the AFC West this season.
Vachon: Raiders
Svoboda: Rams
McCrory: Raiders
Seattle (+3.5) at Denver
I didn't expect Denver to fall to Jacksonville in week 1. The Broncos have to get over the Tim Tebow thing. Don't put him in until he's ready - like 2012. Seattle pulled off the upset, not a huge surprise in this corner, but no one could have predicted how lopsided the score would be. This is a very interesting week 2 matchup.
Vachon: Seahawks
Svoboda: Seahawks
McCrory: Broncos
Houston (-3) at Washington
Washington's defence looked great in their home opener, same can't be said for Donovan McNabb and the offence. That D will need to be at its best against the improved Texans. I just don't think Washington has the offence to hang with Houston.
Vachon: Texans
Svoboda: Skins
McCrory: Texans
Jacksonville (+7.5) at San Diego
Monday night's loss may make some believe San Diego is on the downturn. I wouldn't write them off so quickly. This is still a very explosive offensive team - and the D, other than one Jamaal Charles' run, can't be blamed for the K.C. loss. The Chargers need to fix their special teams. The guess here is they will.
Vachon: Chargers
Svoboda: Chargers
McCrory: Jaguars
New England (-1.5) at N.Y. Jets
New England's defence was a shock. Look for them to shut Jets up for another week.
Vachon: Patriots
Svoboda: Jets
McCrory: Patriots
N.Y. Giants (+5.5) at Indianapolis
Manning vs. Manning. I like the older Manning in his home opener. Don't be too quick to dismiss Indy because of one loss. They'll make adjustments.
Vachon: Colts
Svoboda: Giants
McCrory: Giants
New Orleans (-5.5) at San Francisco
To win a division, you have to take care of teams that you're supposed to beat — clearly San Francisco didn't get that done last week. If a team like Seattle can light them up for 31 points, what will New Orleans do? The Niners' Gods better pray for a torrential downpour Monday.
Vachon: Saints
Svoboda: Saints
McCrory: Saints
To date: Vachon 8-8, McCrory 8-8, Svoboda 6-10.

NFL Picks - Week 1

This year, sports reporter Paul Svoboda has handed off NFL Picks column to this writer. Svoboda will continue to contribute his picks.
It's been a few years since we've published this column, but we've always wanted to bring it back.
If you bet serious money based on our picks, don't call us looking for handouts when you're living under a bridge.
This year, the guest picker is local NFL nut and Dallas Cowboys fan (don’t hold that against him) Kevin “Swedish” McCrory — the only person to volunteer for the job.
This week, I'll start off with my season predictions and picks. Next week, it will strictly be quick game analysis and the picks.
AFC EAST
1. N.Y. Jets (12-4): Most talent in the division, Ladainian Tomlinson seems re-energized, defence and run games top-notch. Getting Darelle Revis back was huge.
2. Miami (11-5): Brandon Marshall gives them an added dimension, Chad Henne takes a step up and the run game is very good.
3. New England (8-8): Too one-dimensional on offence (all passing), and their defence is below average. That won't cut it in this division.
4. Buffalo (2-14): This teams has too many holes. First pick in 2011, here we come.
AFC NORTH
1. Baltimore (13-3): Best in the division on both sides of the ball. Late addition of T.J. Houshmanzadeh huge. Only weakness here is a suspect pass defence.
2. Cincinnati (10-6): Terrell Owens will make a difference, because defences won't know who to double cover. The Bengals aced this division in head to head games in 2009. Will be interesting to see if they can pull it off again.
3. Pittsburgh (9-7): Will start Dennis Dixon while Ben Roethlisberger is out for four games. This will be a critical stretch for the Steelers' playoff hopes. When Roethlisberger returns, he could suffer from rust.
4. Cleveland (3-13): Jake Delhomme. Enough said.
AFC SOUTH
1. Indianapolis (13-3): Still the king until proven otherwise. Peyton Manning the best player in the NFL.
2. Houston (11-5): Runningback Arian Foster a big factor. If he plays like he has in the pre-season, this team will be a force. If not, they will be one dimensional on offence ... again.
3. Tennessee (9-7) - Will miss Kyle Vanden Bosch, and that's two very key D-linemen lost in two years. Not sold on Vince Young.
4. Jacksonville (4-12) - Poor Maurice Drew-Jones. Great player on an awful team
AFC WEST
1. Oakland (11-5) - Yeah, I said it. Oakland is going to overtake the Chargers this year. Every year a surprise team emerges. Based on the second half of 2009 and a much-improved QB situation, I think the Raiders will be that team.
2. San Diego (10-6): Those holdouts, especially Marcus McNeill, will hurt this team more than they think. Guys don't like seeing owners being cheap.
3. Denver (8-8): Desperately need one of their RBs to stay healthy, and will miss Brandon Marshall.
4. Kansas City (5-11): Two years in a row they've busted on top 5 defensive linemen in the draft (Tyson Jackson, Glenn Dorsey, and spent $60 million on a system quarterback (Matt Cassel) who is on a very short leash.
NFC EAST
1. Dallas (13-3): Player for player, the most talented team in the division. Will be hard to stop.
2. N.Y. Giants (11-5): Expect a rebound, but they're not in Dallas' class.
3. Philadelphia (8-8): New quarterback, absolutely brutal schedule and a head coach that thinks a 95/5 pass-run offence will win a Super Bowl.
4. Washington (5-11): Obviously upgraded at QB and coach, but they're in the wrong division.
NFC NORTH
1. Green Bay (14-2): Aaron Rodgers a pick by many to be the league's MVP. Only question mark, IMO, is the age of their corners. I think their run game keeps them from the Super Bowl.
2. Minnesota (11-5): No chance in hell Favre repeats what he did in 2009, but this is still a very formidable team.
3. Chicago (7-9): Overpaid Julius Peppers and are simply too old, period. Wide receivers are all No. 3-4 types, not a good thing.
4. Detroit (6-10): Maybe next year, kid ... but wouldn't be a total shock if they overtook Chicago. They're building the right way now.
NFC SOUTH
1. Atlanta (12-4): Matt Ryan will step up in year three and Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White give this team nice weapons. Need defensive end John Abraham to rebound.
2. New Orleans (11-5): Still a very good team, but that D might get exposed a bit more this year.
3. Carolina (8-8): Great run duo, Steve Smith and a decent D. It's all on quarterback Matt Moore's shoulders now.
4. Tampa Bay (3-13): Honestly, I can't think of one area where this team stands out. Will compete with Buffalo for the Toilet Bowl.
NFC WEST
1. San Francisco (11-5): I believe in Alex Smith. I think he has the tools to be a solid NFL QB. Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis give this guy a lot of weapons. If Brian Westbrook stays healthy, it's an added dimension. Patrick Willis a beast.
2. Seattle (9-7): I buy this team overtaking Arizona for second. Matt Hasselbeck will rebound and their talent level is good enough for nine wins or so.
3. Arizona (7-9): Derek Anderson isn't the answer — and this team heavily relied on its quarterback the past few years. A complete collapse isn't out of the question, but runningback Chris 'Beanie' Wells might save them by giving the Cards some offensive balance.
4. St. Louis (4-12): Sam Bradford will start all 16 games and this team will show progress, but that's it.
AFC PLAYOFFS
Wild card
No. 6 Miami over No. 4 Oakland
No. 3 N.Y. Jets over No. 5 Houston
Divisional
No. 1 Baltimore over No. 6 Miami
No. 3 N.Y. Jets over No. 2 Indy
Conference final
No. 1 Baltimore over No. 3 N.Y. Jets
NFC PLAYOFFS
Wild card
No. 6 New Orleans over No. 4 San Francisco
No. 3 Atlanta over No. 5 N.Y. Giants
Divisional
No. 1 Green Bay over No. 6 New Orleans
No. 2 Dallas over No. 3 Atlanta
Conference final
No. 2 Dallas over No. 1 Green Bay
(I'm taking Dallas here because of their run game — always a factor in cold weather)
SUPER BOWL
Dallas 27 Baltimore 17

THIS WEEK'S PICKS

Minnesota (+5.5) at New Orleans
Vachon: Vikings;
Svoboda: Saints
McCrory: Saints

Carolina (+7) at N.Y. Giants
Vachon: Giants
Svoboda: Giants
McCrory: Giants

Miami (-3) at Buffalo
Vachon: Fins
Svoboda: Bills
McCrory: Fins

Atlanta (-2.5) at Pittsburgh
Vachon: Steelers
Svoboda: Falcons
McCrory: Falcons

Detroit (+6.5) at Chicago
Vachon: Lions
Svoboda: Bears
McCrory: Lions

Cincinnati (+4.5) at New England
Vachon: Bengals
Svoboda: Bengals
McCrory: Pats

Cleveland (+3) at Tampa Bay
Vachon: Bucs
Svoboda: Browns
McCrory: Bucs

Denver (+2.5) at Jacksonville
Vachon: Broncos
Svoboda: Jags
McCrory: Broncos

Indianapolis (-2) at Houston
Vachon: Colts
Svoboda: Texans
McCrory: Colts

Oakland (+6) at Tennessee
Vachon: Raiders
Svoboda: Titans
McCrory: Titans

Green Bay (-3) at Philadelphia
Vachon: Packers
Svoboda: Packers
McCrory: Packers

San Francisco (-3) at Seattle
Vachon: Seahawks
Svoboda: Niners
McCrory: Niners

Arizona (-4) at St. Louis
Vachon: Rams
Svoboda: Cards
McCrory: Cards

Dallas (-3.5) at Washington
Vachon: Cowboys
Svoboda: Skins
McCrory: Cowboys

Baltimore (+2) at N.Y. Jets
Vachon: Ravens
Svoboda: Jets
McCrory: Jets

San Diego (-4.5) at Kansas City
Vachon: Chargers
Svoboda: Chargers
McCrory: Chargers

Paul Corman video - Bay of Quinte

Quinte area resident Paul Corman submitted an interesting video to us.
Here it is:

Sony Playstation 3 firmware update to add 3D

Of course, you still need a 3D TV and the glasses (which generally run over $200).
I anxiously await the day glasses are not required for 3D viewing. I already wear glasses, I don't need an extra pair over top of them.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20010230-1.html

NCAA Football '11 on shelves Tuesday.

NCAA Football '11 is out for the Xbox 360 and PS3 Tuesday (July 13) in Canada.
This year's title looks very promising and has been getting stellar reviews.
Suffice to say, I will be at a store picking this one up.

Here is a video review from Gametrailers.com:

Video Games | NCAA Football 11 | Review

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

The complete guide to the iPhone's new OS

 Image: www.gizmodo.com

msnbc.com has an excellent article today on the iPhone's new operating system: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37854737/ns/technology_and_science-tech_and_gadgets/

The biggest upgrade is the ability to multi-task.

Msnbc.com has quickly become my favourite U.S. news website. I like the layout and it has way more information on its frontpage than CNN.