(By Rice World Staff)
RICE WORLD'S NFL WEEK 13 STAFF PICKS
by None, Rice, Gerry
Last week was a fairly
profitable week for us all. We all bagged double digits in wins, and the only reason Gerry
has become Ass of the Week is because his lock lost by a larger margin! Yes! Heh heh...
Anyways, the NFL playoffs just keep creeping closer every week. Ahhh man, Buffalo isn't
playing this week. Sigh... I've lost my passion. I need my Bills. BUT, work before
pleasure... let's see how we're doing so far (Gotta love None's comprehensive final
comments):
|
Wins |
Losses |
Locks |
Back |
None |
109 |
64 |
8-4 |
--- |
Gerry |
106 |
67 |
6-6 |
3 |
Rice |
104 |
69 |
6-6 |
5 |
kurupt |
9 |
5 |
1-0 |
N/A |
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
|
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
Week 3 |
Week 4 |
Gerry |
10-5 - |
9-6 - |
8-6 + |
11-3 + |
None |
9-6 + |
10-5 + |
9-5 + |
12-2 - |
Rice |
8-7 + |
11-4 - |
8-6 - |
10-4 - |
kurupt |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
9-5 + |
|
Week 5 |
Week 6 |
Week 7 |
Week 8 |
Gerry |
7-7 - |
4-10 + |
10-4 + |
8-6 - |
None |
6-8 + |
9-5 + |
10-4 - |
10-4 + |
Rice |
7-7 + |
5-9 + |
9-5 - |
7-7 - |
kurupt |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Week 9 |
Week 10 |
Week 11 |
Week 12 |
Gerry |
6-8 - |
13-2 + |
10-5 + |
10-5 - |
None |
7-7 - |
8-7 + |
8-7 - |
11-4 + |
Rice |
9-5 + |
9-6 + |
11-4 + |
10-5 - |
kurupt |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
vs
Pitts. Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Jacksonville
None: Jacksonville
Rice: JacksonvilleNone:
Alright, the AFC Central is not cool. Jacksonvilles only loss came against
Tennessee, the only other respectable team in the division. These two are headed for a
collision course that will decide the home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Pittsburghs just another fork in the road; its not even a bump. Kordell
Stewarts fall is a symbol of the Steelers fall.
Gerry: Darn me to heck, I wanted to take the Bungals so bad last week. Oh
well. Screw Pittsburgh. The Haguars will continue to roll. Jimmy Smith man.......... he's
proving he won't be mistaken for the ex-NYPD Blue star anymore.
Rice: This is a no brianer. The
Steelers has had one hell of a rollercoaster season, sometimes looking good, sometimes
looking like the Bengals (or worse!)... too bad they're in the lowest pits right now,
while Jacksonville is flying high.
_ |
vs
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Green Bay
None: Green Bay
Rice: Green BayNone:
Didnt the Bears surprise the Packers in Green Bay a couple of weeks ago? However,
then was then, because Favre is finally healthy. Theyre fighting for their playoff
lives, and seemingly, the Bears have been eliminated from it. The Packers need every game,
and they should beat the teams they should beat, and they will.
Gerry: The Packers are fighting for their playoff lives. They have to
hang in there w/ TB, Minn, and Detroit. Favre and Freeman will hit their stride right
about now.
Rice: Jim Miller's busted for
steroid use! Brett Favre's never been better (at least, this season)... another no
brainer.
_ |
vs
Indianapolis Colts @ Miami Dolphins
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Miami
None: Indianapolis
Rice: MiamiNone:
Here it is, the AFC East game of the year. By winning, Indianapolis opens up a two game
lead over their closest opponent with only 4 games to go. Miami struggled mightily with
Dan Marino last week, and though Im sure hell step it back up against the
Colts, I dont think even that vaunted Miami defense can stop Manning. This game will
show how good the Colts truly are. And I think they will show the world.
Gerry: Damn, I love the Colts, but Miami is the one team that could
contain Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison. Their run defense is solid, and Sam Madison is
a freakin blanket on coverage.
Rice: Remember the last time Marino
put in a horrible game? It was against Buffalo, and the next week, he promptly bounced
right back. Indy looked vulnerable against the Jets last week, and this week, Miami's
strong defense will clamp down en route to a big win at home.
_ |
vs
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: New Orleans
None: Atlanta
Rice: AtlantaNone:
This ones actually hard to pick. But judging from the whip that the Saints took over
and over last week against the Rams, and the fact that the Falcons have actually been
competitive of late, I like the Falcons in this match up. Theyre actually the better
team, I think.
Gerry: The Saints always look good in the 1st half for some reason. They
surprised me w/ a balanced passing attack, and if Ricky Williams is healthy, then the
Saints can't lose this game.
Rice: If it wasn't for Kevin Greene,
Chandler would have led the Falcons on an amazing comeback against the Panthers last week.
The Saints have been on a free fall. Ricky is still hurt. They are away... those factor
into a tough loss once again for New Orleans.
_ |
vs
New York Jets @ New York Giants
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: NY Jets
None: NY Jets
Rice: NY JetsNone:
I just changed my mind on account of three things. 1) The Jets defense held the
Colts to only 13 points. 2) The Giants start crappy Kerry Collins. 3) I used the old
"Giants need it more" last week against the Cardinals, and they still lost. So
take the Jets at the Meadowlands.
Gerry: The Jets seem to be able to beat any team in the league, even
though they're severely undermanned. These two teams share the same stadium, so there
won't be home field advantage. Just a pure test of wills.
Rice: This one isn't as no-brainer,
but I'm still pretty confident the Jets can pull this one out. They nearly scored an upset
against the Colts, and the Giants have internal dispute.
_ |
vs
San Francisco 49ers @ Cincinnati Bengals
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: San Francisco
None: Cincinnati
Rice: CincinnatiNone:
Damn, Cincy, they actually won last week. Regardless, these two teams are quite...bad. In
Cincy...wow...cant believe Im going against my book o football pick
rules. Go ahead and take Cincinnati. Ill probably smack myself upside the head come
Monday, but I think the 49ers are too busy trying to break in that 3rd string quarterback,
whats his name...(who actually hasnt been playing too badly) But the Bengals
should win this one.
Gerry: They really are tanking their season. Wow. If that's the case,
they must lose to the Bungals to secure at least a #2 pick. But damn, I think they'll look
in the mirror and say, No way, not to the Bungals.
Rice: The Niners look terrible. It's
actually sad to see such a proud dynasty of the 90's sink so low... The Bengals are
climbing back, and compared to the Niners, at least they can score.
_ |
vs
St. Louis Rams @ Carolina Panthers
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: St. Louis
None: St. Louis
Rice: St. LouisNone:
Another week means another crappy and/or inconsistent defense to pick on for Kurt Warner.
Carolina actually scored 34 against that awe-inspiring Falcons defense (note
sarcasm), but the Rams defense is much better... and so is their offense. If Atlanta
scored 28 on the Panthers, the Rams should score 43. Ha...like last week against the
Saints.
Gerry: This one's easy. Carolina will go through the air, but both
Carruth and Muhammad are out (for way different reasons. Carruth tried to cap his wife.
Muhammad hurt his hammy).
Rice: Soft, soft schedule St. Louis
has. They're not going to win the Super Bowl this season... but then again, Marshall Faulk
may have something to say about that. That guy is a monster player. Why don't they let him
kick field goals too? Poor Panthers... coming off a nice win against Atlanta too.
_ |
vs
Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Baltimore
None: Tennessee
Rice: TennesseeNone:
Lessee... read the Pittsburgh at Jacksonville analysis, replace Jacksonville with
Tennessee, Pittsburgh with Baltimore, and thats about it. The point: The Ravens
arent bad, but they wont win against the Titans.
Gerry: Shit, they deserve to have a way better record. Their defense is
playing well, but what do you expect when you play the NFL's best team? You basically have
to outscore them, and the Ravens have show their offense is still breathing.
Rice: The Ravens are kind of a weird
team... sometimes they look tough, but other times they look like mush. How many times
have I said that consistency always wins out at the end? Eddie George hasn't been flashy,
but he's been getting the job done. I'm putting my money with the Titans.
_ |
vs
Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Detroit
None: Washington
Rice: DetroitNone:
Detroit doesnt have the guns to keep up, nor the defense to stop them. Washington =
shootout.
Gerry: The Redskins make every game too damn close. They need OT to beat
the Eagles??? Gimme a break. I've noticed that Washington has lost their offensive
superiority. Now it's "live and die" w/ Stephen Davis.
Rice: I have a weird feeling about
this one. Washington relies too much on Stephen Davis. If the Lions are smart and shut him
down, they'll force Brad Johnson to beat them in the air. I don't think they can do it.
_ |
vs
Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Arizona
None: Philadelphia
Rice: ArizonaNone:
Philly has been pretty competitive of late, and though the Cardinals played good against
the Giants last week, I doubt they can keep this up. Go Eagles.
Gerry: Jake the Snake is back, and ready show why people have called him
the next Joe Montana. He's got a bit of that Captain Comeback mentality in him. The Cards
are right on the verge of the playoffs. If they keep winning, they're in.
Rice: Jake the Snake all the way
baby. Plummer ought to bring some consistency to a surprisingly resurgent Cardinals team.
The Eagles hang tough each game, but you can't win if you suck!
_ |
vs
Kansas City @ Denver Broncos
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Denver
None: Kansas City
Rice: DenverNone:
KC must win to stay in the playoff hunt, and so they will.
Gerry: The Broncos would like nothing better than to play the role of
spoilers for the playoffs. They suck, but no one wants to play them. Too damn gritty and
resilient.
Rice: Woo! Griese at Mile High
baby... KC won a tough one at Oakland, but they're not going to be so lucky this time. It
will be a close game, however. This is a traditional rivalry, so it'll be extra intense.
_ |
vs
Cleveland Browns @ San Diego Chargers
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: San Diego
None: San Diego
Rice: San DiegoNone:
Ah, San Diego. Ryan Leaf came in Monday after his four-game suspension and genuinely
apologized to his teammates and management. I really hope he gets back on track, because
he does have tremendous talent. Also, now that Leaf has apparently put it behind him, I
think that will serve to unite the team a little more. Against this Cleveland team that
has showed signs of life at times, I think thatll get it done. And that defense
wont hurt either.
Gerry: I want to take the Browns here, since they can pass on the
Chargers. But fuck, Jim Harbaugh can really fucking pass on the Brownies. Won't be another
400 yard performance, but it'll be enough to nab SD a win.
Rice: Finally time for SD to win
one. Cleveland sucks, their victories were sheer miracles. Harbaugh has been airing it out
like mad. Looks like he can pull out a victory here.
_ |
vs
Seattle Seahawks @ Oakland Raiders
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Seattle
None: Seattle
Rice: SeattleNone:
If Oakland had beaten the Chiefs last week, this would have become a huge showdown. It
would be the Raiders against the division leading Seahawks, fighting for their playoff
lives. However, its not. And while the Raiders are fighting for pride, the Seahawks
are trying to get the first-round bye. They surprised me by losing last week to the Bucs,
but this ones important.
Gerry: The Seahawks have the Raiders' number. But damn, once again
Oakland has shot themselves in the foot. How many times have they lost a game they had in
the bag? They gotta be demoralized as hell over there.
Rice: I really wanted to take
Oakland, but alas, the Seahawks are just too prolific. So they lost last week against the
Bucs. Kitna had a bad day. Everybody wakes up on the wrong side of the bed occasionally.
Seattle will bounce back.
_ |
vs
Dallas Cowboys @ New England Patriots
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Dallas
None: Dallas
Rice: New EnglandNone:
New Englands season is done. The last 3 losses have each been devastating, and their
team has been exposed as a weak team with a great quarterback. On the other hand, Dallas
dominated the Miami offense from start to finish, and posted 20 points on the board on
Thanksgiving. I think theyll maul the Patriots.
Gerry: I usually just pick them out of blind faith, but this week I
really like their chances. To beat the Patsies, all you gotta do is pressure Bledsoe and
take away Terry Glenn. Deion Sanders will give them nightmares.
Rice: Muhaha... For some strange
reason, Dallas is undefeatable at home, but on the road, they play like the Browns.
Hrmph... New England will romp the Cowboys. Weird huh?
_ |
vs
Minn. Vikings @ Tampa Bay Bucaneers
--------------------------------------------
Gerry: Minnesota
None: Minnesota
Rice: Tampa Bay
None: If Tampa Bay can
do what San Diego did last week against the Vikings, they have a chance to be successful.
Well, the Chargers fell behind big early, but they did put 27 points on the board against
a lackluster Vikings defense. Unfortunately, they gave up 35. And while I think the
Bucs defense is better than the Chargers, I doubt their offense can put up double
digits- let alone 27 points. So, its just a matter of pure firepower- take the
Vikings.
Gerry: I woulda taken TB, but Shaun King ain't the answer. Eric Zeier
ain't the answer either. Yes, I will be judged to Hell for this, but Trent Dilfer woulda
been the savior. But instead TB will get beat by a nicely distributed passing attack led
by Jeff George.
Rice: Tampa Bay's
defense really scared me last week against the Seahawks. They were such monsters. The
Vikings seem like they're rejuvenated, but it's fake. All of their games are close...
unlike last year when they routinely blow people out. Too close... If any team can shut
them down, it's the Bucanners.
_ |
{ Bye week }(sniff... sniff... ) |
None:
OVERALL ANALYSIS- Lets head back to the AFC playoff picture. Last week cleared a lot
of stuff up, but now, we talk about positioning. Who gets the first round bye? One of the
two will go to either Jax or Tenn (both Central) on account of their weak schedules. The
other team must also be a division champion, so its either the East winner or the
West (Seattle, at 8-3). Also, theres the matter of the wild card home field
advantage. Lets break it down some more.
Colts (9-2): By winning Sunday at Miami, they practically clinch the division.
Miami (8-3): If they lose vs. the Colts, their record is the same as the Bills. However,
since they lost both games against the Bills, the Bills jump above them. Thus, by losing
Sunday, Miami loses that first-round bye, plus probably become the #6 seed in the
playoffs.
Bills (8-4): If Miami beats the Colts, then the Bills have a chance to win the division.
Why? The Colts would then have 3 losses. The Bills have one more clash with the Colts, and
if they win, their records would be both 12-4. Their division record would thus be better
than the Colts, and they become the number 2 or 3 seed in the playoffs, depending on the
Seahawks.
Im discounting both the Chiefs and the Patriots (6-5) because New
England has to play the Cowboys this week, and KC still have the Vikings and the Seahawks.
I dont think a 10-6 record is enough to make the playoffs. Final thing. AFC
Centrals amazing fact: If the playoffs started today, Jacksonville and Tennessee
will have combined for 2 games played against playoff teams! 2!!! And both are on
Tennessees schedule (Win against unproven St. Louis, lost against Miami) And
excluding their 2 meetings with each other, neither team will face anyone that even has a
shot in hell make the playoffs! What does that mean in the long run? First round playoff
upset. |
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.
Gerry's LOCK OF
THE WEEK: |
Arizona -> Is this wussy?
Hmmm........... based on the most recent power rankings it ain't. Jake Plummer is back.
Rob Moore is back. Pittman might be back. Murrell is playing decent. They're at home. They
can't lose! Or can they......... |
None's LOCK OF
THE WEEK: |
Cincinnati -> Damn, I couldnt
find any real good games. So Ill make my little upset special my lock of the week. I
think Cincys bad like hell, but so are the 49ers. |
Rice's LOCK OF
THE WEEK: |
Tampa Bay -> I remember the last
time I locked this. I got raped so hard. Let's see if history repeats itself. =) |
|