NEW 610 Post - Something Missing in the Manning Situation

Peyton Manning has visited Arizona, Denver, and is now scheduled to visit Tennessee, Miami, and possibly Houston.  With the exception of Houston, none of these are a better fit than Kansas City (some might be as good, but not better).  There has to be something missing on why Manning won't even talk to the Chiefs and I explore that in this post.

http://www.610sports.com/pages/11209444.php?pid=225719

NFL Lockdown - Week 7

This weeks NFL Lockdown Girl of the Week is the scintillating Genevieve Morton.

Well, last week was pretty poor for me.  This is why I don’t bet money on sports.  You’re up, and then just as quickly you’re down.  Watch the movie ‘Two for the Money’ and you will understand.  Oh, and Renee Russo is in it and I don’t care how old she is, she’s hot. 

I am not sure what happened last week.  I overestimated a couple teams, got screwed by a couple others, and generally broke all my ‘picking against the spread rules.’  That will not happen this week.  This week, I’m back.

Here is where I stand:

Last week: 4-8-1

Season:  23-18-1

NFL Lockdown - Week 6

This week's NFL Lockdown Girl of the Week is the stunning Alexia Cortez.

Photo courtesy of IGN.com

Last week was a great week for me on the pick ‘em front.  I pretty much dominated the week.  I got hurt by the Bucs laying an egg and getting thumped by a 49ers squad that I don’t think anybody saw coming.  Besides that, all went according to my plan.  If this wasn’t for entertainment purposes only and I was actually betting, I could have definitely made some good one.  Let’s hope I can keep the momentum rolling this week.

Last week: 10-3

Season:  19-10

NFL Lockdown - Week 5 (Kate Upton Tribute)

This week's NFL Lockdown is brought to you unofficially by the absolutely gorgeous Kate Upton (I got a little carried away with how awesome Kate Upton is, so there is a little mini-tribute to Ms. Upton throughout this post)

Well it could have been worse last week, that’s for sure.  But it also could have been better.  A couple of backdoor covers got me in trouble as Seattle and Pittsburgh let me down.  Overall I went 9-7 on the week and find myself thinking that it was pretty good.  I am horrible at picking teams against the spread and to have a winning record was a victory in and of itself.

I’m hoping to ride this hot streak and bring a solid week to my season total again in Week 5.  My record is as follows:

Last week:  9-7

Season:  9-7

Week 5:

NFL Lockdown is Back!

 This weeks NFL Lockdown is brought to you in honor of the amazing Aly Michalka:

So it’s been almost a year since I have had an NFL Lockdown post but I am going to bring it back.  With my increased reading of Grantland.com I am becoming more and more fascinated by the sports betting world.  I don’t ever have the urge to bet actual money, but I’m fascinated by betting lines, how they are determined, and the entire process in general.

Last season, I picked my top 5 games and gave my breakdown, but this year I’m going to go through all 16 games and pick my winners.  Keep in mind that I am horrible at this so please, if you do choose to bet, don’t place any faith in this for me, it is for entertainment purposes only.  Here are my picks for Week 4 of the NFL season:

Super Bowl Prediction

Who's it Gonna Be?

The time has come for Jeff-tradamus to come out of hiding yet again and make another prediction.  First of all, let's get this out of the way.  The Jeff Report's preseason Super Bowl prediction was a gigantic failure, we all know this.  I told the Jackie Report after I made the prediction that against my better judgment I picked against the Packers and Aaron Rodgers to go to the Super Bowl and picked them to lose to the Cowboys in the NFC championship game.  That was a bad choice, but I'm ok with it now.  I also picked the Steelers to miss the playoffs, but we don't need to rehash that.

The point of this post is to predict a winner.  When I was younger, every year around Super Bowl time my grandpa would have his annual Super Bowl prediction pot in which every family member (keep in mind I have a large family, so this is a pretty decent number) would pick the winner and the points.  The person who picked the correct winner without going over would win.  My grandpa passed away in 2003 but my mom has kept that tradition alive and it is in honor of that tradition that I am laying out my prediction for you all here:

Steelers over Packers - 30-27

I don't like Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers generally piss me off (if for not other reason than their dominance at Arrowhead and their unruly fans), and I am huge Aaron Rodgers fan, but the reality is, the Steelers don't lose these games.  They have been to 7 Super Bowls and won 6 with their only losses coming at the hands of the Cowboys when Neil O'Donnell was their QB.  Big Ben shows up in big games, Troy Polamalu may be the best Safety to ever live, and like I said, the Steelers just don't lose big games like this.  Hopefully I am wrong, but for the sake of my Grandfather's Super Bowl pot, hopefully I am right on.  We will see.

NFL LockDown - Locks of the Week - 1/9/2011 - Playoff Edition

I'm back baby, just in time for the playoffs the NFL LockDown has returned, and just in time for the playoffs.  Without further ado, here we are with my picks for the week in the playoffs.  As there are only 4 games this weekend, it looks like I will be picking them all.  By the way, this weeks picks are brought to you in honor of (you guessed it) Kim Kardashian:

As always winners against the spread in bold winners straight up underlined.

1) New Orleans (-10.5) vs. Seattle (+10.5) - A 10+ point line in a playoffs game seems like a sure bet to take, but the Saints are playing well and Seattle is 7-9 in the playoffs.  No way the Seahawks even touch the saints in this game.  I would take 15 if it was there.

2) New York (+2.5) vs. Indianapolis (-2.5) - Indy has been playing well the last month and the Jets have not.  I really think the Colts will win this one easily, makes me wish the Jets were coming to Kansas City instead.

3) Baltimore (-3) vs. Kansas City (+3) - We all know how much I love my Chiefs, but unfortunately I can't say with any confidence that they will be able to beat the Ravens, or even cover the spread.  The Chiefs' biggest weakness this year has been their inability to handle bigger linemen up front, and guess what, The Ravens have some of the biggest, baddest, and best defensive front 7 guys in the league.  Haloti Ngata presents a horrible matchup for the Chiefs and Terrell Suggs figures to have a pretty good time against us as does Ray Lewis.  Here's hoping I am wrong.

4) Green Bay (+3) vs. Philadelphia (-3) - This one figures to be close.  They played earlier in the season and it was a close game and I expect the same here.  Michael Vick makes the Eagles as dangerous as they come, but with the young, fast athletic defense of the Packers they should be able to stand up to him as well as anybody.  Not to mention the Packers come in the healthiest and playing the best they have all season so far with the stone cold assassin Aaron Rodgers chucking the ball around, this is the most intriguing matchup in wild card weekend.

NFL LockDown - Locks of the Week - 11/21/2010

Another solid week for the Jeff Report Last week.  Who knows, maybe by the end of the season it will be apparent that I can bet the lines and should make some money.  

Last Week:                                     Season:
Spread:  4-1                                   Spread: 11-9
Straight Up:  3-2                             Straight Up: 12-8
LOTW: 0.5-0.5                                 LOTW: 1-3
SPOTW: 1-0                                   SPOTW: 2-2

Here are my picks from this week, as always winners against the spread in bold and straight up winner underlined:

Lock of the Week:
Buffalo (+5.5) vs. Cincinnati (-5.5) - Buffalo has been playing teams close as anybody and just got their first win last week.  Cincinnati is reeling, they have a lame duck coach, and two receivers more concerned with their tv show than winning.


Oakland (+7) vs. Pittsburgh (-7) - This has classic Oakland collapse written all over it.  The Steelers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender with an organization that is used to being in this position.  The Raiders are not used to this, don't know how to handle playing well, and are very cocky now that they are tied for first in the AFC West.  The Steelers are more consistent and my guess is will smack the Raiders with ease, bringing them back down to Earth.

Arizona (+8) vs. Kansas City (-8) - The Chiefs are hurting big time.  Injury problems abound and on a two game interdivision slide makes them reeling.  The Cardinals come in with 4 straight losses and looking to get off the slide.  I think KC gets the win, but it doesn't come easy and it's definitely less than 8 points.

Baltimore (-10) vs. Carolina (+10) - The Panthers are just awful, the Ravens are rolling, somebody's gonna get smacked and it's gonna be the Panthers.

Sexy Pick of the Week Brought to You by - Jenn Sterger:
Indianapolis (+3.5) vs. New England (-3.5) - This has been such a great rivalry the last 10 years.  Shades of Steelers/Raiders in the 1970's and Cowboys/49ers in the 1990's.  Nearly every game is decided by a field goal or less and I bet this year is no different.


Note:  Jenn Sterger did not sponsor this pick and is in no way affiliated with this post or The Jeff Report.  Although The Jeff Report would like to officially invite her to sponsor my pick (which does nothing more than make it the top highlight of my blogging career).

NFL LockDown - Locks of the Week - 11/14/2010

Week 9 was my best week yet.  Looks as though, after a couple weeks of feeling things out, I am starting to hit my stride.  Nailed all of my straight up winners last week (which is an accomplishment in the NFL this year) and did better against the spread, although certain things cannot be accounted for in this crazy year in the NFL (Green Bay dismantling Dallas? Miami getting manhandled like they did against the Ravens?  You can't predict these things).  Also, for those who care, getting a "0.5" is for when I pick the winner correct but not who beat the spread.

Last Week:                                     Season:
Spread:  3-2                                   Spread: 7-8
Straight Up:  5-0                             Straight Up: 9-6
LOTW: 0.5-0.5                                 LOTW: 0.5-2.5
SPOTW: 1-0                                   SPOTW: 1-2

Here are my picks from this week, as always winners against the spread in bold and straight up winner underlined:

Lock of the Week:
St. Louis (+6) vs. San Francisco (-6) - I don't care if it's in San Fran, you're gonna put the Rams as 6 point dogs the way the 9ers are playing?  Forget it, lock of the week.  Done and done.


Cincinnati (+8) vs. Indianapolis (-8) - Indy will be coming off an upsetting loss and Cincy's season is done with a lame duck head coach.  I think Indy will come up with the win but Cincy will keep it within 8.


Dallas (+13.5) vs. New York (-13.5) - Dallas is miserable and NY is surging.  Now, against my better judgment I am going to take Giants and the points, normally with a new coach energizing the team and the Giants possibly overlooking, I would say don't take this.  However, the Cowboys are TERRIBLE, and the Giants might overlook the game, but everyone in the league wants to kick the 'Boys when their down.


Philadelphia (-3) vs. Washington (+3) - I know the Redskins won last time, but that was because they injured Michael Vick, there has been a lot of turmoil in the district since then and Vick is back.  Chalk this one up.

Sexy Pick of the Week Brought to You by - Kim Kardashian:
Carolina (+7) vs. Tampa Bay (-7) - This is definitely a sexy pick this week.  Tampa Bay gave ATL all they could handle and I like the way this team is playing.  They are playing hard and they are young with a decent nucleus of talent, not to mention Josh Freeman might just be legit.  As of now, he's looking like the best QB from the '09 draft.  Let's not forget, Carolina is terrible.


Note:  Kim Kardashian did no sponsor this pick and is in no way affiliated with this post or The Jeff Report.  Although The Jeff Report would like to officially invite her to sponsor my pick (which does nothing more than make it the top highlight of my blogging career).

NFL LockDown - Locks of the Week - 11/7/2010

So last week was pretty poor, as was the week before.  The reason I started this post, to see if I could win money gambling, has been shown to be a resounding....NO.  Anyway, there is still time for redemption.  Here is my line from last week and up to the season so far (only started this in week 7):

Last Week:                                     Season:
Spread:  2-3                                    Spread: 4-6
Straight Up:  2-3                             Straight Up: 4-6
LOTW: 0-1                                     LOTW: 0-2
SPOTW: 0-1                                   SPOTW: 0-2

Here are my picks from this week, as always winners against the spread in bold and straight up winner underlined:

Lock of the Week:
Dallas (+8)  vs. Green Bay (-8)
Dallas might not win another game.  Kitna at QB, Wade Phillips doesn't even look like he wants to be there, somebody get that man a bag of funyuns and a couch stat.  That being said, I think they muster enough to cover the spread.

New Orleans (-6.5)  vs. Carolina (+6.5) - Carolina is in complete disarray and after a big win over the Steelers the Saints are looking to get right back on track.  I think they take Carolina and I give them the points.

New York (-6.5) vs. Seattle (+6.5) - New York has shown themselves to actually be the class of the NFC, and Seattle just got destroyed by the Raiders.  With the Giants pass rush and the Seahawks protection issues, I would say the Giants take the game and cover.

Miami (+5) vs. Baltimore (-5) - The Ravens are legit but the Dolphins are feisty and they will stick around.  They are a classic example of a team playing to the level of their competition, they'll keep it close, but lose.

Sexy Pick of the Week - Sponsored by Kim Kardashian:
Tampa Bay (+8.5) vs. Atlanta (-8.5) - Tampa Bay has been nothing but the most surprising team in the league and in the NFC this year anything can happen.  I think ATL is the best team in the NFC but that much better?  Good enough to beat the surging Bucs by 8.5 pts?  Doubtful, the think the Dirty Birds win, but the Bucs cover the spread.

Note:  Kim Kardashian did no sponsor this pick and is in no way affiliated with this post or The Jeff Report.  Although The Jeff Report would like to officially invite her to sponsor my pick (which does nothing more than make it the top highlight of my blogging career).

NFL LockDown - Locks of the Week - 10/31/2010

Alright, here we are, the Locks of the week against the spread for this week in the NFL.  I'm thinking I should change the name of this post based on last weeks performance but I'll stick with it until the end of the season.  Here is a recap of how I have done so far this season:

Spread: 2-3
Straight up: 2-3
LOTW: 0-1
SPOTW: 0-1

Not too impressive to be honest, but hopefully I'll perform better this week.  Here we are, my picks for the week (winners against the spread in bold, straight up winners underlined):

Lock of the Week:
1. Pittsburgh (+1) vs. New Orleans (-1) - New Orleans is struggling with their Super Bowl hangover and Pittsburgh is rolling with Big Ben back and they are on a mission to win it all this year.

2. Washington (+3) vs. Detroit (-3) - I know Washington aren't the best team in the league but come on, 3 point dogs against the Lions?  Since when have the Lions been favored?  And I do believe Stafford will be back and he will need at least one game to shake off the rust.  This was an easy one.

3. Jacksonville (+6.5) vs. Dallas (-6.5) - Seriously?  The Jags are 6.5 point dogs against the worst coached and most disappointing team in the league?  This should probably be lock of the week, but the Jags will easily cover here and I bet they win.  Dallas is in desperation mode, but that doesn't matter when your start is Jon Kitna and coach is Wade Phillips.

4. Minnesota (+5.5) vs. New England (-5.5) - I went with Minnesota last week but not this time.  The Pats are rolling and they're gonna beat the Vikes by at least a touchdown in Foxboro.

Sexy Pick of the Week (SPOTW) brought to you by Kim Kardashian (sporting her favorite Halloween costume, appropriate for the coming weekend):

5. Tennessee (+3.5) vs. San Diego (-3.5) - You have got to be kidding me if I'm gonna take the pathetically underwhelming Norval coached Bolts against the charged up 5-2 Titans?  I know the Chargers have played better at home, but they haven't played a team like the Titans at home either, I have Titams covering on this one at least.

Note:  Kim Kardashian did no sponser this pick and is in no way affiliated with this post or The Jeff Report.  Although The Jeff Report would like to officially invite her to endorse my pick.

NFL LockDown

The Locks of the Week Against the Spread According to the Jeff Report

Alright, so I am going to start a new post series here.  For some reason the idea of sports betting has intrigued me.  Not so much betting actual money (as if I had any), but the idea of the "line" and the dynamics of betting the line or not.  So, in order to appease this new interest of mine, I am going to pick my five top locks of the week against the line.  From this week going forward we will keep track of my record and see how I end up at the end of the season to see if I actually should be betting money.  Also, it gives me an excuse to put up a gratuitous hot chick picture.

I will put the team in bold who I would take against the spread and then underline the team I think is going to win outright:

Lock of the Week:
1. Jacksonville (+9) vs. Kansas City (-9) - I believe the Chiefs will win, however, I think 9 points is a bit too high, even at Arrowhead.  I would imagine the Chiefs will win by 3-5 points if they do come away victorious.

2. Cincinnati (+3.5) vs.Atlanta (-3.5) - I would take Atlanta and the points in this game.  ATL has been playing well on offense and to say that the Bengal offense has been underwhelming would be an understatement.

3. Oakland (+8.5) vs. Denver (-8.5) - Oakland has been atrocious this season and Denver's high flying passing attack at home means things could get ugly in Denver.

4. Cleveland (+13) vs. New Orleans (-13) - 13 points is just too much, even for this game.  Cleveland has been playing teams tough and New Orleans can't get their offense going.  NO to win but I'd take Cleveland with the on the points.

Brett Favre Wishes He beat the spread

The Jeff Reports Sexy Pick of the week, brought to you by Jenn Sturger:

5. Minnesota (+2.5) vs. Green Bay (-2.5) - The Jenn Sturger sponsorship of this pic is for obvious reasons as Brett Favre will try to helm the Vikes to their second straight win.  Normally, I would say the Pack would take it but they are beat up like crazy and Favre has some weird hold on Lambeau.  Plus, I think they are actually going to take some momentum from their win last week.  It pains me to do it but that's my sexy pick of the week.

This is just cause it's an awesome pic

Note:  Jenn Sturger has no involvement with this pick or post and has no affiliation whatsoever with The Jeff Report.  Although the Jeff Report would officially like to invite Ms. Sturger to become a Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Marisa Miller - Maxim Hottest Woman on the Planet, ridiculously uber-hot SI Swimsuit Model, and now NFL spokesperson

Could There Possibly be a Better Idea Out There?  I Don't Think So Either

Recently, world renowned super model Marisa Miller was tapped by the NFL to be their new spokesperson.  I am not sure exactly what she will be speaking about on the NFL, or even if she will be speaking at all (not that she has to).

According to the NFL (via the KC Star), the details are not completely sketched out, but Ms. Miller will be the "Super fan" and will help promote special events for the NFL, all while wearing vintage team gear.

I put this up for two reasons; (1) Good for the NFL on making a smart decision to sexify the NFL and; (2) I get to put up this picture of Marisa Miller.

Brett Favre Gets Hit in the Junk

See more funny videos and Sports Videos at Today's Big Thing.

This made my day.  Awesome.

How Good is Brandon Flowers?

Brandon Flowers is Legit

The Jeff Report noted almost a year ago that Brandon Flowers may be the best player on our defense and was on his way to becoming an ELITE cornerback.  The term “shutdown” corner is thrown around too much these days and there are only 3-5 legit shutdown corners in the league, and I think Flowers is on his way to becoming one.

I remember Flowers from college (he actually played against KU in the Orange Bowl in 2007), and I thought it was a pretty good corner.  He was definitely physical, but the knock was that he may not have the speed to play at the elite level in the NFL.  Key word, MAY not have.  He was still regarded as a late first round talent, and when the Chiefs got him early in the second in 2008, everyone called it a steal.  I thought it was a good pick, but I didn’t know if calling it a “steal” was appropriate.  Well it wasn’t a steal, it was a heist.  This is like stealing the Mona Lisa, Flowers was the 36^th player in the draft and is a top 10 corner for sure (that is unbeatable) and actually more like a top 5. 

Why an 18 Game NFL Schedule Is a Bad Idea

In the past I have been viewed as somewhat of a traditionalist. Tradition is something I have a great amount of respect for. We are who we are because of who we've been and what we've been through, which are all a part of where we're going. Now, I am done waxing philosophical, but I will take this opportunity to say that traditionalism has nothing to do with my opinion on this.

Indianapolis Colts GM Bill Polian recently stated an 18 game schedule was a done deal. This would go into effect the 2012 season if passed. There are quite a few reasons why this is just plain not a good idea.

College Football - Should Reggie Bush be Stripped of his Heisman?

Reggie Bush May be Stripped of His Heisman Due to Inappropriate Dealings While at USC

Apparently Reggie Bush took rough $400,000 while at USC including cars, cash, gifts, and a house for his family.  As this was determined USC was stripped of all the victories they obtained where Reggie Bush played while he was ineligible. 

USC's athletic director ordered that their copy of his Heisman trophy get sent back and all likenesses of him removed, completely distancing themselves from Bush as a player.

Now, the Heisman trust is contemplating completely taking away Reggie Bush's Heisman and striking his name from the record books.  I am gonna go ahead and say this is completely stupid.  Reggie Bush won the 2005 Heisman, done and done.

NFL Playoffs - Who's In, Who's Out?

The Jeff Report's picks for who makes the playoffs and ultimately wins the Super Bowl

I previously gave my opinion on how I thought all teams in the NFL ranked from 1-32.  Based on that you would think you could correctly predict my playoff winners and losers.  While the championship games are all chalk there are a couple surprises in there.  Remember, the best teams don't always win. 

That being said the best teams are the best teams and show themselves to be so over the course of the season.  My Super Bowl winner was painful for me to pick but it's what I said two months ago and I have to stick by it.  Feel free to let me know how bad my picks are or why they suck and be sure to back that up with who you think should be in and who should win in the Playoffs.

So here are my picks for the 2010 NFL Playoffs:

Preseason NFL Power Rankings - Part 5

Elite


Finally, here where are. This is the elite group. These are the teams that I think have it all together and have what it takes to make and win the Super Bowl. Consequently they are my picks for the Championship game matchups and the Super Bowl. Is that really surprising? That’s how it should be, no? I tried not to let my Peyton Manning man-crush push me too much, but he is aging like a fine wine and only gets better as the years go on, so I think it’s deserving.

My top elite teams in the league after the jump:

Preseason NFL Power Rankings - Part 4

Primed for a Big Year

The next group is where it really gets interesting. This is the group of teams that I would believe are going to compete solidly for the playoffs and could make some noise once they get there. These are teams that could win the Super Bowl (anything can happen) but ultimately just seem to be missing something that puts them over the top to make them legit contenders.

My teams that are primed for a big year after the jump: