LSJ - Week 6

Locks

The first lock of the week is New York Jets over the Miami Dolphins.  The Dolphins have lost their starting quarterback for the year, who wasn't very good, and now have to rely on a backup that is even worse.  It would appear the Fins are at the head of the line for Andrew Luck.  That cause will be helped today as the Jets get back to .500 with a 20 - 6 win.

The second lock of the week is Bears over the Vikings.  The Vikings have looked deplorable some weeks and looked like an actual NFL team for a half on other weeks.  McNabb is over the hill and finished...but didn't we learn that last year when he was in Washington?  The Bears aren't great, but they will be good enough to beat their divisional rivals at home 23 - 17.

Shocks

The first shock is the Giants are favored over the Bills.  I'm not jumping on the band wagon of the Bills just yet, but no one circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills.  I don't even know what that means, but I've heard Chris Berman say it so many times, I figured I'd try it out.  The Bills excel at creating turnovers and the Giants excel at turning the ball over.  Sounds like a match made in heaven for the circling wagons of the Bills.  They win on the road 31 - 27.

The second shock will be the Cowboys winning on the road against the Patriots.  That's right, Chris will be crying on his wings this afternoon and singing GaGa on Tuesday night.  Which Romo shows up is key for Dallas, and the Patriots defense blows so with good Romo showing up the Boys get a much needed victory on the road 31 - 30.

Jocks

Tom Brady will throw a lot, because thats what the Patriots do.  The Cowboys D hasn't been that great against the pass so Brady will throw for 300 yards and two touchdowns.

Drew Brees will also throw a lot, because thats also what he likes to do.  Unfortunately for the Saints they play the Bucs who have a decent defense and will "hold" Brees to a 275 yard and 2 touchdown game.

Listen Tuesday night as Chris will serenade Matt with Lady Gaga's You and I because the Pats go down at home.  We are live at 10:00 p.m. eastern on www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow 

NFL Week 15 - LS&J

Locks

The first lock was the (7-6) now (8-6) Chargers over the (5-8) now (5-9) 49ers.

The second lock of the week is the (9-4) Bears over the (5-8) Vikings.  The Vikings have been busy trying to ready a college stadium and decide who was going to play quarterback for them.  Favre and Jackson have been ruled out making Joe Webb the starter on Monday night.  Cutler and the Bears should have no problems dismantling the Vikings who sounded like the season was over last week.  It won't be any better on a cold night in the twin cities, Bears win 23 - 6.

This week we get three locks because there is no way the (11-2) Patriots are losing to the (8-5) Packers.  Especially with no Aaron Rodgers.  The Packers have the same problem as the Vikings, a backup quarterback no one has any confidence in.  The Pats will run the score up on another team in a game only Pats fans want to watch.  The Patriots win 38 - 3.

Shocks

The first shock of the week is (9-4) Eagles over the (9-4) Giants.  The Giants passing game is suspect right now and the running game may be effective but it won't be enough.  The Eagles with Vick are a totally different team and they will win a close one on the road.  Eagles win 27 - 23.

The second shock of the week is (10-3) Saints over the (9-4) Ravens.  The Ravens looked horrible against the Texans in the second half of last weeks game.  The Saints have been looking more and more like the Super Bowl winning team from last year.  They haven't been getting the turnovers like they did last year, and they have been turning the ball over more.  The trends reverse this week, the Saints will win the turnover battle and the battle of the scoreboard.  Saints win 26 - 24.

Jocks

The first jock was Philip Rivers throwing for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Hopefully you didn't mark it down and won't hold it against me.

The second jock is Peyton Hillis.  Sorry Suzy, but with the Browns going against the in-state rivals Bengals.  The Bengals haven't stopped much of anything and we assume the Browns are going to stay with Hillis on the ground while starting Colt McCoy.  Hillis will run for over 100 yards and get 1 score.

We may be on vacation but the NFL isn't.  Don't forget to listen live in January!!

NFL Week 7 - LS&J

Locks

The first lock of the week is the (3-3) Packers beating the Vikings (2-3) Vikings. Neither team has show much this year. The Packers have injuries galore and no running game. The Vikings have talent but haven't put it together this year. They won't be able to win this week with Farve really showing his age. Maybe he should start hitting on media relations people for the Vikings...then again they are in Minnesota. Green Bay wins 27 - 20.

The second lock of the week is (4-1) Steelers over the (3-2) Dolphins at Miami. The Steel Curtain looks like it is back with a vengeance, as long as Harrison doesn't retire. Big Ben is back, for now, and while the Dolphins look decent they just don't have the weapons to deploy against the Steelers D. Pitt wins going away 24 - 10.

 Shocks

I'm not sure what is more shocking, the fact that the (1-4) Cowboys haven't won at home yet or they are favored to beat the (4-2) Giants!! They are 4 point favorites at home and I have no clue why!! The Giants will send this Cowboys fan into deeper despair winning on the road 34-31.

The second shock will be the (4-1) Patriots winning on the road over the (2-4) Chargers. The Chargers, my Preseason Super Bowl winner usually start slow. This is a REALLY slow start and show nothing of playoff form let alone championship form. The Pats will put the Bolts in a deeper hole winning 24-17.

Jocks

The first jock is Tony Romo. The Cowboys offense gets a lot of yards and since they will be behind they will have to air it out. Plus, Romo will have to pass more because of all the penalties the team gets. Romo will throw for over 300 yards and 3 tds.

The second jock will be Kyle Orton. That's right, Orton. Who would have thought Denver would be chucking the ball all over the field like its nothing. This week they play the Raiders at home and I fully expect a full air assault. Orton will throw for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Tune in this Tuesday night to hear Chris & Matt discuss the week that was in the NFL at 10:00 eastern at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow!!

NFL Week 5 - LS&J

Locks

The surprise of the week is the line for the (2-2) Eagles at the (0-4) 49ers shows the 49ers a 2.5 point favorite! I am going with the line and saying the winless 9ers will get on the board against the Kolb led Eagles. The 9ers will drop their safeties keeping everything in front of them making the Eagles dink and dunk all the way down the field. The 9ers problem hasn’t been the defense and it won’t be this week. The 9ers win 13-10 in a snoozefest!!

The second lock of the week is the (1-2) Vikings with the newly acquired Randy Moss against the (3-1) Jets. The addition of Moss won’t help the Vikings this week as Revis Island comes back from injury to limit Moss’s touches. The Jets will let Farve expose himself, again for the old quarterback he is. Jets 23 and the Vikes 20.

Shocks

The first shock of the week is the (2-2) Redskins to upset the (3-1) Packers. The Packers are favored by 3 on the road, but never underestimate the home dog. One never knows what they will get from the Redskins, but this week the good Skins show up and stop the air attack of the Packers 24-20.

The second shock is a bad game, but the only one I can really go with. The (2-2) Rams are 3 point dogs to the (0-4) Lions. The Lions are better than their record shows, they have been in every game even with a back-up quarterback. The problem is Detroit doesn’t have a running game and Bradford is putting up pretty good numbers. The Rams win on the road and keep the Lions winless 17-13.

Jocks

The first jock is Peyton Manning, who has the luxury of playing the undefeated Chiefs. That will change Sunday afternoon, but what won’t change is Manning slinging it all over the yard. Peyton will have over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns against the Chiefs.

The second jock is Matt Schaub of the Houston Texans. They are playing the New York football Giants and Schaub will go off. The bad Giants will show up, the one without the pass rush or cohesive offensive line. Schaub will throw for 300 yards and two touchdowns. Mark it down!!

Listen live Tuesday night at 10:00 eastern as Chris and Matt discuss the week the was in Week 5 of the NFL and much much more!! http://bit.ly/78Rrk

LS&J Playoff Style - Championship Weekend

New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts

It seems we watched this game before just a couple of weeks ago.  Yeah we did, Indy pulled the starters and lost their first game.  Ironically, if Indy would have won that game it would have eliminated the Jets from the playoffs.  The Jets have all the confidence in the world, and I'm sure they will use tape of the first half to scheme for Peyton & Co.  But this week I don't see the Jets pulling off the miracle.  Peyton has looked too strong, too smart, all year for this to be his undoing.  It won't be a pretty game, Rex Ryan will see to that, but the Colts will book tickets to Miami and a chance to hoist the Super Bowl trophy.  Colts 27 Jets 17.

The player to watch is Peyton Manning.  He won't have a game where he throws for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns, but he will be reason the Colts win.  He will probably throw for 250 yards and 2 touchdowns, and it will be a great performance against the Jets D.  Sanchez hasn't had great numbers the first two games, but he hasn't had to.  This week it changes, and the rook gets a lesson from the master.

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints

Fox and the NFL have to be loving this matchup.  Farve one game away from the Super Bowl, the Saints revitalizing the city.  Although haven't we been hearing that story for a couple of years now?  Anyways, this should be a great matchup of teams and quarterbacks.  Both defenses were dominant at certain points during the year and both looked vulnerable, even late in the year.  But during the playoffs both have dialed it in quite nicely.  I'm picking the Saints, basically because I picked them pre-season and I have to stick with them.  New Orleans 34 and the Vikings 27.

The player to watch is Brett Favre.  Yeah, I said it, and I'm not happy about it.  But for the Vikings to win he must have a great day.  A day like last Sunday when he didn't have any interceptions, and threw several touchdowns.  I expect the Saints to key on Adrian Peterson, and while Dallas shut down AP, they didn't stop Favre.  Expect "The Old Coot", as one friend refers to him to throw for 275 yards and two touchdowns.  A fine effort, and hopefully a losing one!

Tune in Tuesday night to hear Chris & Matt give their opinions of Championship weekend and to break down the Super Bowl match-ups.  Listen live at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow or download the podcast on iTunes after the show.  Don't forget your opinions are always welcome at (909) 4SL-SHOW.

LS&J Playoff Style - Divisional Weekend

Arizona at New Orleans

Arizona is coming off a shootout win over the Green Bay Packers last Sunday night.  The highest scoring game in playoff history taught us one thing, if Arizona’s defense doesn’t show up again this week the Cardinals playoff run will be over.  Shootouts are fun to watch, but not so much for defensive coordinators.  Aaron Rodgers is a pretty good quarterback, but Drew Brees right now is even better.  New Orleans struggled down the stretch losing their last three.  That streak ends tonight in New Orleans as the Saints will go marching up and down all over the 11 players alledgedly playing defense.  The Saints win 30-20.

The player to watch in this game will be my supposed “man crush” Drew Brees.  If he throws for 300 yards and three touchdowns the Saints will not lose.  Pierre Thomas will play tonight and do just enough to keep the Cards D honest with the run.  Brees will manipulate the safety’s and hit the open man, rust schmust. 

Baltimore at Indianapolis

Ahh the latest Baltimore team against the original team from Baltimore.  Grudge match.  Rematch.  That’s right the two teams met in Indianapolis in Week 11. The Colts won a squeaker 17-15, allowing Baltimore 5 field goals.  Baltimore will have to score touchdowns to win this game, and I do expect a close game considering how Baltimore’s D demolished Chris’ Patriots last week.  Also, because Peyton and the offense could show rust early in the game since they haven’t played meaningful minutes since early December.  The Fightin Peyton’s will be too much for Baltimore this week, the Colts will win a squeaker 20-17.

The player to watch this week is again Ray Rice.  He is the Raven’s offense, and he must get it going against the Colts D to keep Baltimore in the game.  Peyton has had some of his worst days against Baltimore, he will be good enough but not great.  Rice will run for 100, catch for 50, and score at least one touchdown.  A nice day at the office, but not good enough.

Dallas at Minnesota

To me, this is the toughest game to pick.  The teams seem to be matched pretty evenly with Minnesota getting a slight edge because they are playing at home.  But being the homer I am, I can’t pick against the Cowboys.  Especially the way that D is playing right now.  Romo’s record on the road is better than at home in December and January so there’s another good sign.  I look for the Cowboys to put a lot of pressure on Favre forcing him into some bad decisions.  Also, look for Adrian Peterson to have at least one fumble.  The Cowboys win in the last two minutes, 24-23.

The player to watch in this one is Adrian Peterson.  He will be what keeps Minnesota in the game.  Dallas hasn’t played a running back like him all year, speed and strength.  Peterson will rush for 125 yards and two touchdowns.  Ultimately, it will be his one fumble problems that end the season early for the Vikes.

New York at San Diego

The Jets are riding high, playing themselves into the playoffs then delivering the goods once arriving.  Well, the J-E-T-S, JETS JETS JETS, will L-O-S-E LOSE, LOSE, LOSE this weekend against the stronger Chargers.  The Bolts have won 11 in a row, and against some pretty good teams.  Phillip Rivers is showing he is an elite quarterback and he will lead the Chargers against the best D in the league.  The Chargers haven’t been held under 20 this season.  The lowest they scored was 20 at Dallas in December.  I don’t think the Jets will be able to put enough points on the board to offset the Chargers offense.  The Chargers win 27-17.

The player to watch in this matchup is Antonio Gates.  Revis and Jackson will be a great matchup, but that will leave Gates to pickup any slack for Jackson’s lower productivity.  Norv will find the week spots in the Jets D that will allow for Gates to catch the ball in the soft spots.  Expect the big tight end to have 8 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.

That’s the playoff’s this week, tune in Tuesday night at 10:00 pm eastern to see how we did, plus more.  Catch the podcast on iTunes or live Tuesday night at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow .

LS&J for Week 14

Locks

Four weeks left in the NFL season and December is heating up!  The first lock of the week is the Colts to beat the Broncos.  Denver’s D is much better this year, but the Colts are ulmost unbeatable at home. The Colts will lose a game this year, but it won’t be against Denver.  Denver will probably have Bailey on Wayne all game, and Indy doesn’t have a running game to speak of, but Peyton is Peyton and Orton is Orton.  The Fighting Mannings take down Denver 20 - 13.

The second lock of the week is the Packers over the Bears.  The Bears are sill missing Brian Urlacher and the Pack are on a roll.  Brian Grant will help control the clock and the ball and Rodgers will pick apart the Bears secondary.  While this is a rivalry game, I don’t expect much of a game when the fourth quarter rolls around.  The Packers 31 and the Bears 17.

Shocks

The first shock is the Bengals will upset the Vikings at home today.  The Bengals D will stop Peterson and Favre will turn into the Farve of the past several years and throw a couple of interceptions.  Carson Palmer won’t have a stellar day, but he will make the plays necessary and Cedric Benson will show why the Bengals picked him up off the scrap heap and cross the thousand yard mark for the season.  Bengals 24 and the Vikings 20.

The second shock is the Chargers over the Cowboys.  This would have been a lock pick had the Chargers been favored.  Dallas gets three points for being at home, unfortunately December means more than home field advantage in this one.  Dallas needs to make a statement and prove they are a playoff worthy team, but it won’t be this week.  Rivers and Co will roll in Dallas 31 - 24.

Jocks

Drew Brees is the first jock not only because he will become the first quarterback this season to throw 30 touchdowns, but he will creep up on the 4,000 yard mark for the season.  I don’t see him throwing for 470 yards, but 300 is about right with multiple touchdowns.  After a scare in DC last week, this will be a statement game against a divisional opponent.  

The second jock will be Philip Rivers.  The Dallas secondary has one of the highest completion percentages against them on third down.  Rivers is too good of a quarterback to let him be completing passes when they need them most.  Rivers will connect with Gates in the middle of the field and have a great day in Dallas.  Rivers will throw for 300 yards and multiple touchdowns as the Chargers rock on.

Tune in Tuesday night to see how the picks turned out and how LS&J is doing so far this year.  www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow 10:00 p.m. eastern.  

LS&J - Week 8

Locks

Week 8 of the NFL has its share of juicy games, but none juicier than Farve’s return to the Lambeau Field. In Week 4 Minnesota’s D Line dominated the Packer’s and sacked Aaron Rodger’s 8 times. Green Bay hasn’t shown they can protect Rodger’s any better and Jared Allen & Co. are licking their chops to get another shot at him. Minnesota will continue to get pressure, but they won’t get 8 sacks. Green Bay will win at home and ruin Brett’s homecoming of sorts.

The second Lock of Week 8 has to be the game of the week, where the (0-7) Rams head to Detroit to face the (1-5) Lions. The real news of this game is that people are going to PAY to watch this matchup. If you look at the records tossing a coin would be just as effective as choosing a winner (Rams won), but Detroit has shown a lot of fight to me this year. Stafford should be back and running the show, and since the Rams haven’t scored a rushing touchdown this week take the Lions and hope that is the Fox game in your market!!

Shocks

The Saints are once again favored to beat the Falcons by 11 points (ESPN.com). That line seems really high to me, considering the Falcon’s D has looked better than it did against Dallas and the Saints didn’t look that great against the Dolphins. The Saints lost their fullback for the year and I think they lose their first game of the year. It will be close, and it’s hard to go against Brees in the 4th quarter, but the Falcons will bounce back and get a win over the divisional rival Saints.

The second shock is Bills will beat the Texans. The Texans have been inconsistent all year, while the Bills have been consistently bad, and they get the joy of starting a backup as well! All of that says it should be the Texans, that’s why I’m going with the home dog (+4) Bills. A degenerate gambler once told me, never go against the home dog, so we are going to take his advice. The Bills circle the wagons and get the win 20-17.

Jocks

The first jock is Phillip Rivers against the Raiders. The Raiders have looked better the last couple of weeks, but Rivers will carve up the Raiders’ D this week. He will get 300 yards and three touchdowns as the Bolts get a big win over Oakland. The good news for Raider Nation is they can keep dressing up after Halloween.

The second jock is Tony Romo. Here is the recipe the Cowboys have shown this year, Romo plays good, the Cowboys win. Well I’m projecting a win for the Boys over the Seahawks this Sunday, so that means Romo will have a good game. Tony will throw for over 250 yards and get 3 touchdowns. Seattle will try to slow down Miles Austin and in the meantime forget about Jason Witten, which is fine by me as Romo and the Boys roll in Big D.

Listen to The Sideliners Show Tuesday night as Chris and Matt review the week that was in the NFL Week 8, tales from Halloween, and much much more at 10:00 in the east at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow .

Locks, Shocks, & Jocks Week 6

Locks

When there is a battle of undefeated teams going into Week 6, this is a game that demands attention.  The line is 3, which is usually given to the home team by default, so New Orleans being a favorite is due more to the location and less about them being “better.”  The G-men have been good on the road (3-0) but have only played one winning team on the road (Dallas) which they barely won.  Look for the game to be decided in the fourth quarter, and we are taking the Saints to take down the Giants on a late field goal or touchdown.

The next lock is the Jets over the Bills.  The Bills have been disappointing all year, especially offensively.  T.O. has been a bust, maybe Romo wasn’t so bad afterall!  Sanchez has looked like a franchise quarterback for the Jets, and look for him to make the plays to get the Jets a win.  

Locks, Shocks, & Jocks for Week 2 of the NFL

As we look forward to Week 2 in the NFL the crack research staff here at the Sideliners Show and I poured over scouting reports and historical matchups to bring you a preview of Sunday in the first edition of “Locks, Shocks, & Jocks.”

First the LOCKS.  Two teams that will definitely win on Sunday are the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers.  The Redskins play the inept St. Louis Rams.  The Rams failed to score a point last week and don’t look for them to score too many points this week.  Washington’s D will be all over Steven Jackson, the only real threat on offense.  Look for Washington to stack 8 in the box and make the Rams beat them through the air.