NFL Week 16 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

I Stole Dustin Byfuglien | NHL Thrashers

Originally posted at FanShots.com


This fall when I was getting ready for my NHL fantasy draft I made up a list of dudes that I wanted to draft if possible. It wasn’t my first rodeo. When the 5th, 6th and even 7th rounds went by I was amazed that I was still getting guys that were in my top 50 or 60.

However, the biggest surprise and maybe the biggest steal in the draft may have come in the 8th round. Because with the 99th overall pick in the draft I grabbed Atlanta’s Dustin Byfuglien and never looked back.

Just before our draft the reports had surfaced that the Thrashers were going to move Byfuglien back to the blue line even though he had lit up the world in the Blackhawks Stanley Cup run last summer. I don’t know if people were worried that the change was going to render him moot. Or if he was thought of so much as a power forward that his spot on defense would be in the 2nd or 3rd pair. But either way I was able to lock him up tight.

If you haven’t been paying attention to the stats this season then you are missing out for sure. Dustin Byfuglien is leading all NHL Dmen with 11 goals, 22 assists and 33 points. He also has 5 game winning goals. 4 goals and 10 assists on the power play. 35 penalty minutes. 132 shots on goal. And he’s a +8!

I’m getting more production from this guy than I could have ever hoped out of a mid-round pick.

He should be an All-Star but after 4 weeks of voting he was sitting in the 10th slot among defensemen.

He should be strongly considered for the Norris Trophy if he keeps this pace up. But we’ll wait to see what happens since he’s stuck in Atlanta.

The reason for the piece was really 2 fold… 1 to swoon over how awesome Dustin Byfuglien has been this year so far. And 2, to brag about getting him in the 8th round with 99th pick!

Can GSP Finish?

Originally posted at FanShots as Wally Z


On Saturday night in Montreal we were all witness to UFC 124.

It was a card that got a lot of hype because of the Main Event between Georges St-Pierre and Josh Koscheck. A re-match that was in the making for a long time and cemented when the 2 fighters appeared together on the Ultimate Fighter as opposing coaches.

While many people were hoping that GSP would come and silence Koscheck with a KO or submission it wasn’t really a surprise to many that the fight went the distance with St-Pierre simply dominating the action. It has become his “style” in recent bouts, not taking chances, pacing himself and showing that in the end he is the better fighter.

He did that at the Bell Centre, without a doubt.

But the question now becomes, does GSP have what it takes to end someone in the Octagon?

The technical skill and know-how are indisputable, but it may be the unwillingness to take the big chance that sticks with him as far as fight fans are concerned. The discussion can and will always come back to wins and losses but until he takes someone down and gets a mid-fight decision people will have fuel for their fire.

I think the answer is most definitely a yes, Georges St-Pierre has the tools to knock a fighter out or to make them submit. Whether or not we see him take the chance and go for it again remains to be seen.

Almost Time to Say Goodbye to Roy Williams | NCAA UNC

Originally posted at FanShots as Sarah


As a life-long Tar Heels fan I have to admit right now that I’m pissed. Things are not going well. The team is losing. Our recruits haven’t made the difference that the fans have hoped for and we’re not even in the AP Top 25 anymore.

This season has already seen us lose 3 games. THREE GAMES! It’s only the 2nd week of December. The only ranked opponent that we’ve beaten so far is #11 Kentucky and that game goes down as an upset. Beating #11 used to be expected. It’s what we did. And that’s because we were #1.

The constant in this equation is Coach Roy Williams. Now I love Roy, I really do. He brought us the 2009 NCAA Title. I’ll always remember that and be thankful. But since then things really haven’t gone his way. I know that we lost pretty much everybody to the NBA after the nets got cut down. But still, it’s the coach’s job to make sure that the program is sustainable and that time marches on.

I never, ever, ever, thought that I would say this. But if the Tar Heels don’t get back in the AP 25 (and with this schedule it will be tough) and get win at least 2 round at March Madness I think it’s time to say goodbye.

I don’t want to start up fireRoyWilliams.com or anything, but I’m getting close.

I’ve got my eye on you coach. I’m sorry. But the time may be coming.

Love, Sarah.

My Top 5 Left-Handed QBs of All-Time | NFL

Originally posted at FanShots


As a left-handed sports fan I have always had an affinity for left-handed athletes. When I was a kid playing baseball I pitched so I always paid special attention to dudes who threw left handed off of the mound. The same thing went on in football. I love watching the guys who rolled out and tossed spirals with the same hand that I did.

Today, because we’re elbow deep in the NFL season, I decided to look at the top 5 left-handed QBs in NFL history.

This is the best top 5 list that I could put together from the lists and info available on this wonderful thing we call the internet and it shakes down like this.

5. Michael Vick. Yup, he’s here already. That’s how few good left-handed quarterbacks there have been in the NFL. Vick does have the skill to perhaps climb this list and the way that he has matured since he came back to the NFL shows that there’s a chance that it good certainly happen.

4. Mark Brunell. He’s here too! Brunell is still hanging on in the NFL with the New York Jets but saw his best days in a Jaguars uniform. He was a 3 time Pro Bowler in his prime. Currently his career totals show 182 TDs, almost 32,000 yards passing and 176 games played. Not a bad career for a guy who played his college ball at Washington.

3. Boomer Esiason. Boomer is not only one of the best left-handed QBs of all time. He also has one of the best football names of all time. The Bengals great was a 4 time Pro Bowl QB and the NFL MVP in 1998 when he took Cincy to the Super Bowl against the 49ers. Boomer through for almost 38,000 yards, 247 touchdowns and played in 187 games.

2. Kenny Stabler. Stabler played for the Raiders for most of his left-handed career. Stabler also has an NFL MVP and Super Bowl ring to remember his career by. His 194 TDs isn’t a bad number at all and close to 28,000 yards is pretty good for the man.

1. Steve Young. Yes, that Steve Young! For 15 years Steve Young played in the NFL and was pretty darn good. He’s got 232 touchdown passes to him name as well as 43 rushing TDs, over 33,000 yards and had a QB rating of 96.8. Young will remain the left-handed quarterback that all other’s will be measured against for a long time.

Honorable mention goes to Denver rookie Tim Tebow… because he gets named on everything these days.

NFL Week 14 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

Time to Stop Hating on the 2010-11 Sidney

Originally posted at Hockey-Fan.net

Ladies and gentlemen, whether you are a hater or a lover of Sidney Crosby it’s time to stand up and take notice. We are 29 games into the Pittsburgh Penguins season and Sid is showing that he has found another gear. I’m not talking about speed down low, or on the drive home to Mario’s house. I’m talking about point production and goal scoring.

Unless you’ve been under a rock for the last month (that’s right MONTH) you’ll have noticed that Crosby is on quite a tear these days. The last time the Penguins played a game and number 87 didn’t record a point it was the 3rd of November. It is now the 7th of December. The streak has now come to 16 games. And we’re not talking about a point a game streak either my friends.

In that 16 game span Crosby has put up 17 goals and 13 assists for a total of 30 points. That’s ridiculous!

What we’re also seeing is a pace from him that we’ve never seen before. Right now he sits at 29 games played with 24 goals and 24 assists. The full season math breaks down like this; if Sid were to keep up this pace (which I doubt he can) he’ll end up with 82 games played, 68 goals and 68 assists for 136 points.

Now, I don’t see the season ending with Sidney Crosby having the same number of goals as he does assists. But without a quality winger to play with him (Chris Kunitz doesn’t count) he might just as well keep shooting the puck and sniping goals for himself.

I know that it wasn’t long ago that I wrote about Steven Stamkos being on pace for a huge year that could have included 82 goals and 50 in 50 games. But to be honest, if I were to give you a choice between that option and the option of Sidney Crosby finishing the season with upwards of 130 points which would you choose as most probable?

My money is on Sid.

NFL Week 13 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

The NHL Loves Movember! | NHL

Originally posted at Hockey-Fan.net

In fact, all month long, on the other side of this monitor Movember has been a living, breathing thing on my upper lip. It’s been scary – sad – creepy and overall a weird experience. But I know that I’ve been a part of something that has raised money and awareness to help fight men’s cancers and that’s a very good thing.

The NHL has had a significant enrollment with this year’s campaign and today we are proud to show off some of the ’staches that have shown up in progress reports around the league.

Enjoy and thank you for supporting Movember 2010!

NFL Week 12 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

I’m Thankful For Sports | Thanksgiving

Originally posted at The Reviews Are In

It’s Thanksgiving weekend in the United States so I figured that this was the perfect time to roll out a “things I’m thankful for in sports” post.  I’ll be honest, I’m thankful every day for the sporting world, it’s my haven of refuge when the world gets crazy – or I’m lazy on a Sunday afternoon.  But ‘tis the season to share our thanks, so here we go.

I’m thankful for John Wall.  Every year we get a new rookie class in the NBA and every year there are kids (yes, kids) that come to the Association after 1 year of college ball and start their professional careers.  However, it is rare that we get a player that breathes as much life into the league as John Wall does.  This is a guy that does the Dougie as he comes on the court, he smiles as big as he can and he plays his heart out.  With a triple-double already on his NBA resume you can be sure that the rest of the Wizards’ season is going to be the John Wall show.

I’m thankful for a 16 game NFL schedule.  I know that there’s talk of going to 18 regular season games and that’s going to be a big part of the next CBA, but I’m happy with what we have now.  There are already a ton of injuries and the way things are going this year with team records an 18 game schedule would just embarrass some folks.  It’s not worth the revenue NFL owners, please listen.  Please.

I’m thankful for Twitter.  And as much as I love my followers and the people I follow that’s not what I’m talking about.  I love Twitter the way that athletes use it.  We’ve got Charlie Villanueva (@CV31), Chad (Johnson) Ochocinco (@ochocinco), Paul Bissonette (@BizNasty2point0) are all entertaining with their Tweets most of the time and you can never be sure what’s going to be said next.  And then there’s Bill Simmons (@sportsguy33) from ESPN.com who is all over the Twitterverse and is also kinda my hero.  If you’re reading this you’re probably on Twitter, give these guys a follow and check to see if some of your fav athletes are Tweeting as well.

I’m thankful for the MLB offseason.  I know that yesterday I ruffled some feathers in Toronto and some other American League setting with my post about Manny Ramirez being introduced as a Blue Jay.  But that’s what this time of year is all about.  All 30 teams have decisions to make, players to sign and trade and release.  And there are lots of options that would make sense for each of them.  It’s a great time to be a fan and think about the possibilities as we get ready for Spring Training.

I’m thankful for Steven Stamkos, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.  I have a feeling that we are going to see these 3 names very near the top of the NHL scoring list at the end of the regular season just like we saw last year.  It’s not their production that I’m thankful for though.  I’m thankful for their youth and enthusiasm.  I’m thankful for their marketability.  I’m thankful for the fact that if the NBA or NFL or both get locked out next season the NHL can lean on these 3 guys as they push for more fans and viewers.

I’m thankful that the Heat aren’t running the table early in the NBA season.  I don’t even know if I have to explain this one.  As a sports fan I wasn’t looking forward to a potential 70 win season in South Beach.  And now that the Heat are 8-7 after their first 15 games I can smile for now and see what happens as the season goes on.

I’m thankful for sports.  I know that I said that already at the top of the post, but it’s very true.  Sports are what I love, what I write about, tweet about, watch on TV and the internet and what I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little boy.  I’m thankful that I get to come to work and film an NFL picks Vlog every week that some of you check out.  That I get to write stories about what’s going on in the sporting world and what I think about it.  And I get paid.  Sport is a big part of my life and I’m a happier person because of it.

For that I am thankful.


Happy Thanksgiving.

Manny Ramirez Introduced in Toronto

Originally posted at BlueJaysHomeGames.com

Joshua Murray

Toronto – The Blue Jays made their first major announcement of the offseason today adding a potential Hall of Famer and 500+ home run hitter to their already potent lineup.  General Manager Alex Anthopoulos had a big smile on his face as he introduced Manny Ramirez to the media as the team’s new designated hitter.

The 18 year veteran Ramirez was all smiles as he put on his number 99 Blue Jays jersey and his new cap over top of his flowing dreads.  Contrary to what some skeptical fans had suggested, Manny did not speak through a translator but instead spoke enthusiastically about coming to play with the Blue Jays in Toronto.

When asked about the decision to bring Ramirez to the team Anthopoulos offered a measured response, “After looking at the options and our desired direction of the team we were excited to be able to fit Manny Ramirez into our 2011 season roster.  We all know about the numbers that Manny has put up over the length of his great career and we are certain that he will be able to contribute to our current team and help us to improve in the American League East.”

While Anthropoulos sat on his left, Ramirez smiled as he heard the praise and positive words being spoken about him.

Ramirez, who has often been known as a fun loving individual, maintained his smile as he started answering questions from the media in attendance.  In response to a question about what he would be able to bring to the team Manny offered this, “I’m here to have fun and win baseball games.  Toronto is a city that I (have) loved for a long time and am happy to be here now.  I am healthy again and know that I can hit home runs and play for the full season and maybe more and help this team win in the AL East.”

The Ramirez interest started when former Boston Red Sox Pitching Coach, John Farrell was named the Manager of the Blue Jays.  It was no secret that Manny had thought about Toronto in the past, during the prime of his career but he was never a fit for the plans of the organization.

“When John Farrell was hired here I knew that this was the team that I wanted to play for in 2011.  John is a smart baseball guy and I know that he can make us a winner” Ramirez said when he was asked about what made him think about Toronto as a free agent this winter.

Financial terms of the agreement were not made public immediately but it is believed that Anthopoulos and Ramirez’s agents were able to agree on a 1 year contract worth somewhere between 6 and 7 million dollars with a team option for the 2012 season.

The addition of a healthy Manny Ramirez to the Blue Jays lineup will replace the 20 home runs that last year’s catcher, John Buck provided.

Note:  Anthopolous refused to name Adam Lind the starting first baseman for the 2011 Blue Jays but there are reports that the GM and Lind have been in contact and that the young slugger has started taking ground balls and working on his footwork during his offseason workouts.

NFL Week 11 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

NFL Week 10 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

NFL Week 7 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Originally posted at FanShots as Wally Z

While millions of North American’s are lamenting the end of summer there are those of us who are more than excited for what comes next. It has nothing to do with the leaves changing color. It isn’t about wearing nifty argyle sweaters. And it isn’t at all connected to the Halloween candy appearing all over the shelves at your local grocery store. Forget about Christmas, my favorite time of year is here.

It is the best and busiest time of year for sports fans.

The baseball playoffs are here. The have-nots have been separated from the pack and the games that are left are starting to feel more and more important every day. We will witness walk off heroes, pitchers having the start of their life (Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Tim Lincecum) and questionable managerial and umpire decisions. Even if your team isn’t playing there’s nothing not to love about the whole process. This is what every player and fan is looking forward to on those cold February days of Spring Training. My gut is saying to look out for the Texas Rangers to walk away with the World Series trophy.

Baseball isn’t the only thing getting our attention though. The NFL season is in full swing and fantasy players, gamblers and fans all over are rejoicing. For weeks I saw tweets about contract situations (Darrelle Revis & the Jets), 1st overall fantasy picks (Titans’ Chris Johnson vs. Packers’ Aaron Rodgers), the “Brett Favre will he/ won’t he retire/ play” saga and Patriots’ fans complaining about Tom Brady’s hair. There is no doubt that the NFL is the crown jewel of pro sports for gambling. In the office we have a weekly pick ‘em pool where there’s a little bit of money on the line for the winner every week. I won’t tell you how it’s going so far, because I don’t want to jinx myself, but it’s fun. And there are more people playing fantasy football than any other fantasy sports combined. In fact, it has been reported that approximately 30 million Americans are involved with fantasy football. The other great thing about the NFL is the spectacle that is Sunday. No other sport offers the frenzy and fan experience that the NFL does on Sunday afternoon, with games on multiple channels and in varying time zones, fans can sit down and watch from kick off at 1pm Eastern until the last gun goes off after 11pm. My gut is saying to watch out for the collapse of Brett Favre’s ankle and the cohesion of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Football fans are also treated to the NCAA game this time of year. Weekends start early and are full of game action from Thursday night to Saturday’s full slate. And while the NCAA game doesn’t have the same prestige that the NFL game does with many people, if you’re a football fan you need to be watching these kids play. There is something very refreshing about watching players run up and down the field with reckless abandon and no paycheck coming in. And while the BCS system may be flawed beyond a shadow of a doubt, the football is still great to watch. My gut is hoping for Boise State to get a lot of Championship consideration this year if they play up to their potential, but my brain is saying to watch for Alabama who opened the season as a 9 to 2 favorite.

I’m also a big NHL fan, and if you’re on Twitter I’m sure that you saw the #isitoctoberyet hash tag floating around this summer. While hockey fans may not be the largest group in the sports market, they are some of the most vocal. Fans are anxious to see what will happen with the Blackhawks in Chicago after Stan Bowman was forced to juggle a lot of his Stanley Cup winning roster to stay under the salary cap. They also want to see how Ilya Kovalchuk lives up to the hype of his contract debacle that ended up with him receiving a 15 year, $100 million deal with the (New Jersey) Devils. And in Toronto the fans just want to see Colton Orr fight and Phil Kessel score goals on the way to the playoffs for the first time since the 2003-2004 NHL season. Personally I want to see Carey Price stand up and show the world that Pierre Gauthier was justified in trading away Jaroslav Halak this summer. My gut believes in Carey Price.

And near the end of October we will all be witnesses to the start of perhaps the most anticipated NBA season in history. By now everyone knows about the Miami Heat and their summer acquisitions. The question now is how will it all play out? I understand that there is probably no trifecta of players more talented than LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. But I’m still not sold on the fact that those three players will bring a championship to Miami this season. There are too many holes on the bench, too many people wishing for them to fail, and too many teams that will want nothing more than to beat the Heat every chance that they get. It will be an interesting season that will have a lot of people talking on a daily basis. My gut is saying that the Lakers win another NBA title. But more than that, it says that Kevin Durant from the Oklahoma City Thunder has a real chance to steal the MVP trophy from both Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

So, if you’re a sports fan, the time is now to get on the phone with your cable or satellite provider and sign-up for whatever sports package they have available. There won’t be a night of the week that there isn’t a game worth watching. And if you don’t have access to the TV whenever you want this gives you a much better chance of finding a game when you do have the remote in your hand. I promise that you will be able to find a game to watch and enjoy any of the 7 days of the week. That, my friends, is why I’m not crying over the end of summer, it’s why I’m welcoming fall with open arms.

Tim Tebow Needs Your Love! | NFL Broncos

Originally posted at Fanshots.com

Tim Tebow is the greatest thing since sliced bread. If you haven’t heard by now you’ve clearly been living
under a rock for the last 4 years or so.

He’s a Heisman winning, All-American, National Champion, First Round NFL Draft Pick, charity giving,
big smiling, prayer saying prince.

However, he is not without his detractors. There are people who have a big hate on for Tim Tebow. They
will tell you that he hasn’t accomplished anything. That he is got too much press and love as a college
player. And that he shouldn’t have gone in the first round of the NFL draft at all.

He has become a lightning rod of controversy among football fans. College fans (outside of Florida) thought
that he got far too much credit for excelling in a system that was built around his skills sets and designed for
him to succeed. NFL fans don’t seem to think that his game will translate to the pros where things will move
faster, the defenses will be better and he’ll have to use his arm more than his legs.

Tebow also gets slagged for being a big proponent of his religious beliefs. He is a practicing Christian and
regularly talks about his love for the G-O-D. He writes bible verses (John 3:16, Joshua 1:8-9, Mark 8:36, etc.)
on his eye black strips and is given all kinds of media praise for the mission work he does in his birth
country of the Philippines. There is nothing wrong with any of this of course. I’m not a big fan of
anybody from any religion telling me how great they are and why I should give them my consideration and
such. But in a world where 90% of musicians thank God when they win an award, I don’t think we should
be that concerned if Tim Tebow wants to talk about his guy.

There’s one point though in that paragraph that I think sums up the reason for most of the hate. Tebow is
a media darling. He’s the straight laced, well spoken, hard-working kid that TV folks can parade in front
of the camera and get a big smile and bigger ratings out of. He has been on the cover of magazines like
Men’s Fitness, The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated and ESPN the Magazine.

The media machine is failing Tim Tebow.

What is amazing is that we’re talking about such a young athlete in this discussion. There are athletes that
I hate on for various reasons. I’ve made no bones about it. But it takes a lot longer than 3 college seasons
for a guy to get my skin enough for me to post tweets or message board responses degrading a player. I’m
willing to hate Tebow in the future. But I want to give him the chance to earn it.

Love Tim, hate Tim, have no idea who Tim is? Let us know, I’m sure there are people who will be happy
to tell you how they feel about him.

@missy2916 
@phjoshua I don't mind him & because everyone else seems to hate him so much it makes me like him
more. I don't quite get all the hate.

@BlackAcesBlog 
@missy2916 @phjoshua two words: "proselytizing eyeblack." #getbentTebow

@guyl4rj 
@phjoshua About Tebow: Im not sure he's going to start a game this season...anyways, I dont predict a
good season for denver: 6-10!

@NastyKnate 
@phjoshua bad haircut

@missy2916 
@BlackAcesBlog @phjoshua I don't agree with most of the stuff he says but there are FAR worse ppl in
the NFL who don't get half the hate-on.

@BlackAcesBlog 
@missy2916 @phjoshua oh, for sure. he hasn't done anything criminal. i just don't like people using sports
as a platform to preach/politics.

@NastyKnate
i dont even know what team tim tebow plays for

@BlackAcesBlog
@missy2916 @phjoshua i would Dan Ellis him back to the Stone Age. and i don't even really love football
that much.

Note: Tim Tebow scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 6 on a 5 yard run into the end zone. I was happy
for him.

NFL Week 6 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

NFL Week 5 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

NFL Week 4 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

Packers @ Bears – Week 3 Is Coming!

Originally posted at PackersvsBears.net

So, the time has come to really break down Week 3’s Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. And ladies and gentlemen I am ready!

After Week 2 both teams have 2-0 records which certainly didn’t make picking this game any easier. I looked at some numbers, looked at some history and looked at some hunches and broke it all down.

Here are my thoughts and some of the numbers:

-Aaron Rodgers is a stud. It’s not a coincidence that he was taken so high in almost every NFL fantasy draft on the planet this year. He has an arm that you can dream on, he’s smart with the ball and he’s becoming a better quarterback every week. The future is bright in Green Bay with Rodgers in the huddle.

-Jay Cutler has been a huge surprise to me this season. His 649 passing yards and 5 touchdowns in the first 2 weeks of the season shock the heck out of me. This is a guy that I didn’t believe in at all but he seems to want to prove me wrong personally this season.

-The Packers are averaging over 30 points a game so far in the young season. That’s a big number. I don’t expect that they will keep that average over 16 games, but a hot start is a hot start. I can’t argue with that.

-Likewise, the Packers defense has been impressive giving up an average of 13.5 points per game. I know that one of those games was against Buffalo, but still. Not a bad start.

-Da Bears are scoring a touchdown less per game at 23 points per game despite the passing numbers that Cutler is putting up. That tells me that the running game is lacking something.

-The Bears are also allowing more points with a 17 point average after the first 2 games of the season. And you can at 3.5 to that number after the disallowed TD catch from Calvin Johnson of the Lions in Week 1.

-Rodgers has a 3-1 record against the Bears since he took over for Brett Favre. And his only loss was a 20-17 squeaker in overtime in Chicago. He looks comfortable playing in the big rivalry match-up.

-Meanwhile, Cutler had 2 losses hung on him last year against the Pack. Not great.

-I love watching Clay Matthews and Al Harris play defense for the Packers.

-I have always loved watching new Bears DE Julius Peppers eat quarterbacks.

-Green Bay place kicker Mason Crosby is 3 for 3 in field goal attempts over 40 yards so far this season in 2 outdoor stadiums.

-Robbie Gould has been perfect in field goal attempts, but his longest so far this season has been 40 yards.

When I take a look at all of this information together and add in my gut feeling the answer starts to become clearer for me.

I don’t believe in Jay Cutler enough in this type of game to keep his big numbers up. I believe in Al Harris’ ability to shut down Johnny Knox in the secondary. And if the game is on the line, on the road, I like Mason Crosby’s chances of knocking in a long field goal to seal the deal.

My pick for Week 3 Monday Night Football is the Green Bay Packers.

Look for them to win outright and improve their record to 3-0.

For all of my NFL picks this week check out the video below and if you disagree with any of them let me know at fanshots.com.

Have a great weekend fans and good luck with your picks!

NFL Week 3 Football Picks - Vlog

Originally posted at FanShots

2010 Week 3 – Packers vs. Bears! Pre-Preview

Originally posted at PackersvsBears.net

We are only 9 days away from the first meeting of the season between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears. And this year the rivals get the biggest stage of them all, Week 3 Monday Night Football!

Jon Gruden, Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski will be in Chicago to call the game on ESPN and it should be a good one.

Both the Packers and the Bears won their Week 1 match-ups and looked pretty good doing so (although the Lions did have the Bears beat). Week 2 will go a long way to show how the Bears look as they travel to Dallas. While the Packers get Buffalo at home in what should be a little bit easier of an assignment.

I don’t want to make any picks before I’ve seen both teams play their second games, but I did look back at the last few years to see how the Packers vs. Bears rivalry has been going.

In 2009 the Packers won both games (Week 1 & Week 14) by almost identical scores going 21-15 and 21-14. Both were close affairs, but wins are wins.

In 2008 the season series was split as the Packers won 37-3 at home in Week 11 and the Bears won 20-17 in overtime at Soldier Field.

Looking at the 4 games I pull out 2 pieces of information that are important to me:
1) Aaron Rodgers has a 3 wins and 1 loss record head to head against the Bears, including that tough Week 16 win in Chicago in 2009.
2) Jay Cutler is winless in his two starts against the Packers in a Bears uniform. And going back to 2007 (The Favre Era) Cutler has never beaten the Packers in 3 attempts.

So, before all the information is in I will make my pre-preview pick. This pick comes with the stipulation that I may change it based on Week 2 results, injuries, individual performances and hunches. With this ill advised and under-informed pick I will take Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to march into Soldier Field and beat the Bears.

Come back next week for more lead up, information, stats, photos and trash talk as Week 3 and Monday Night Football get even closer!

Welcome To Mike And Murph’s

Originally posted at The Reviews Are In

A long time ago my boy Mike and I talked about opening a Sports Bar named Mike & Murph’s.
It was a dream then and remains a dream now. But sometimes I think about it and all of the wicked possibilities that could be part of our bar and how it would work out.

Not all of these ideas are original. It would be impossible for all of them to be. But there a couple dandies in here that I like a lot and think could be pretty awesome.

Here we go!

Atmosphere:
A small town, inclusive, inviting feel. Every sports fan is welcome no matter where you’re from or who you cheer for. Always a game on the TV from open to close whether it’s live or recorded.

Staff Uniforms:
- Golf shirts
- 3/4 sleeve baseball t’s
- retro look baseball pullover t’s
- Soccer jerseys

Seating:
- Bar stools
- small tables
- booths (few)
- long tables

The goal with the seating is to make everyone feel part of the crowd. Just like at a game.

Mike and Murph’s probably wouldn’t be where you’d take a girl on a first date. But power to you if you do!

Entertainment:
- pool tables
- huge HD screens
- basketball shooter game
- sports trivia
- air hockey/ table top hockey

Menu:
- chicken wings
- burger(s)
- grilled cheese w/ bacon
- assorted chicken bites
- pickled veggies
- french fries
- sweet potato fries
- poutine(s)
- nachos
- ballpark hot dogs
- salad
- meatloaf
- specials

Summer Sunday Brunch:
- Eggs
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Salads
- Soup
- Stew
- Veggies
- Home Fries

Beer:
- Molson Stock Ale
- Labatt 50
- Molson Export
- Coors Light
- Bud
- Bud Light
- Canadian
- Corona
- Moosehead
- Guinness

Speciality Drinks:
- Fire-Lager (available w/ any beer except Guinness)

Ticket and Photo wall:
Customers can bring in ticket stubs from pro sports games/ events and redeem them for discounts on appetizers. Ticket stubs will be displayed for customers to see.

Photos can also be brought in to be pinned on the wall showing off customers with their favourite athletes or their photos taken at sporting events.

While there will be no discounts given for photos with athletes the photo wall does give customers a chance to brag and revel in their memories.

Community Involvement:
Sponsor men’s/ women’s league softball, hockey and soccer teams. Buy jerseys, host team parties, become a positive and active member of the community.

Host/ participate in charity events like auctions, contests, marathons, tournaments, etc.

Activities/ games/ contests:
- Weekly NFL Pool.
- NCAA March Madness Bracket Contest
- Beat The Streak contest all year long w/ monthly winners.
- Organize group trips to games/ events.
- Ladies Night!
- Wing Night.

Decor:
Semi-tacky, lots of sports memorabilia. Pennants, photos (including photo wall), flags, plaques, trophies, sticks, bats, jerseys, etc.

There you have it. The current idea list and concept for my dream ownership gig.

BTW we’re always looking investors and ideas so shoot ‘em our way and let’s see what we can do.

Cheers!

The March Madness Widow Surivival Guide

Originally posted at The Reviews Are In

Hello ladies.

This blog is for you. I know that I don’t often write about things that are focused on the female gender. But I feel that this is an important and time sensitive subject.

There may be a few of you who know what to do in the situation that I’m going to bring up here. But for those of you that don’t, I hope to help.

The situation that I’m talking about is March Madness Widow syndrome.

It’s a phenomenon that comes up every year. And every year there are millions of girlfriends, fiancés and wives who are disheartened and disappointed by their men from mid-March to early April. This year will be exactly the same, unless you are able to look at that positive possibilities that this tournament brings to you. That’s why I’m here. I want to help. It’s what I do. I’m a helper. So, let me help you through this time. And by the time the tournament is over and he’s bothering you to pay attention to him again, you’ll be wishing for the NHL play-offs.

My girlfriend is one of the afore mentioned Widows. She knows it and I know it. And I love her very much, but I also love the tournament. And so today, I do not plan on telling you how to stop your significant other from watching and loving March Madness. What I do plan to do is help you come up with ways to deal with your situation between now and the national final on April 5th.

The first idea is one that my girlfriend came up with herself. Take a trip. It’s the perfect time of year to take a couple of days and go and see some friends out of town. That way you won’t be upset when you realize that your dude is watching basketball from noon until he can’t stay awake any longer. You won’t feel the neglect that comes from his mental distance. And you get to have some time with people that you love and miss. Everyone wins.

The second idea is one that could work well too. Catch up on some reading. If reading is something that you love to do and just don’t seem to have the time to do it this is the perfect time. He won’t be calling for you or bugging you to cuddle or talk or even acknowledge that he exists. And you can melt away into a fantastic place where NCAA basketball doesn’t even exist.

Next comes a great idea that you can even talk him into helping with. Laundry! If it seems like it has piled up and you just can’t get ahead of the washing and the folding and the putting away, make him help. Recruit him to fold the laundry while he watches his bracket go down the drain. And when the games are done and the fans have left the stadiums, he can put everything away before you let him into bed. Win.

Here’s one that might seem a little bit out there, but I think it might be worth looking into. Learn a second language. I know, sounds crazy right? But think about it this way. Just last week I was reading in the newspaper that Matthew McConaughey believes that his fiancé speaking Spanish has helped their relationship. He says that when she gets upset with him or frustrated she has the ability to cuss him out in Spanish, which he speaks a little of, but not enough to fully understand her every word. This ability keeps him from getting his back up about the things that she says about him because he doesn’t know what they are. Wouldn’t you like to be able to mumble to yourself in Spanish or Italian or German when your lazy man forgets to take out the garbage? After the tournament is over of course.

This next one might be crazy too, but I like it a lot. Watch some basketball with him. Most guys will enjoy the heck out of it. Fill out a bracket and cheer against him. Pick teams based on their nicknames or uniforms or alumni. Cheer for Kentuky because Ashley Judd has season tickets. Secretly that’s why your guy cheers for them too. That and John Wall. Either way, why not have some fun with it. Bet against him and hope that he loses. See what chores or favours you can get him to do. Just remember, when his favourite team loses he will take it personally, so try to not rub it in too hard.

You can also cash in on his attachment to the TV by bartering with him. Tell him that you’ll trade prime time right now for dinner and a movie after the tournament. And you pick the movie. Make him watch The Bounty Hunter with you. Make him take you shopping on a Saturday afternoon when he would rather clean the garage than be at the mall. Get to work writing that Honey Do list and trade each game that he wants to watch for something on the list. Be fair though, some things on your list might be worth 2 games. I know that getting him to treat you nicely shouldn’t require blackmail, but getting him to treat you extra nicely and having him feel like you are letting him enjoy his favourite time of year all at the same time sounds like a win, win situation to me.

So there you have it ladies. 6 ideas to help you cope with being a March Madness Widow. You can’t stop the tournament from happening this year or next year or the year after that, but you can control how you let it change your life. Why not take the opportunity to get something out of it. I would.

Good luck.