LSJ - Week 17

Locks

The first lock is the Dallas Cowboys will miss the playoffs finishing the year 1-4 in December and January?  Why?  Because they don't know any different.  I'm not sure the team is strong enough mentally to overcome missed field goals, blocked field goals, and 12 point leads with 5 minutes to go.  The game will be close, and I will be screaming at the TV, if only in my head because I can't wake the kids...Giants kill my New Years, 34 - 31.

The Saints beat the Panthers trying to lock up the #1 seed in the NFC.  They also have some records they will want to break, and you may have heard that Cam Newton is playing in the game and beat the Saints the first time around.  I don't see this happening, I got the Saints winning 38 - 31.

Shock

The first shock is the Jets over the Dolphins.  They Jets are still playoff eligible, before the games start anyway, but they need help from like half the league.  Since they have Rex as their coach I can't see them giving up, especially because they are the noon kickoff.  The Jets win a wild game with the Dolphins (aren't all Jets v. Dolphins games wild?) 24 - 23.

The second shock of the week is Chargers beating the Raiders in the last week of the season.  Norvel will be trying to save his job...again...but more importantly than that is the Chargers are hot right now and the Raiders aren't.  Chargers win 23 - 20.

Jocks

The first jock is obvious, Drew Brees 300 yards and 3 touchdowns.  I think that is all he knows how to do this year.

The second jock is Eli Manning who will torch the Dallas defense for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Happy New Year everyone and enjoy the final games of the regular season.  Chris and Matt SHOULD be back Tuesday night at 10:00 p.m. eastern at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow

LSJ - Week 15

As an early Christmas gift I decided instead of just tweeting out the picks I would write them down for you.  I know some of you need it to keep track of them.  You know who you are BMA grads!!

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Baltimore Ravens over the San Diego Chargers.  The underachieving Chargers look nothing like the teams they have in the past, especially in December.  It would appear they will miss the playoffs and probably start shopping for a GM and a head coach.  Another nail goes in the Norv coffin today, Ravens win 23 - 17.

The second lock of the week is the Patriots over the Holy Rollers aka the Denver Broncos.  Maybe if Tebow played like it was the last 5 minutes all game they would have a chance, but lets not get carried away.  The "Hoody" will have something special for Timmy and everyone will start jumping off the Tebow for MVP bandwagon.  That award still goes to Peyton Manning.  Patriots win 31 - 10.

Shocks

The first shock of the week is the Jets over the Eagles.  The Jets are in a must win situation and the Eagles are still trying to find their way out of the paper bag.  I'm sure they will find their way out next week against the Cowboys, but this week not so much.  The Jets win 23 - 20.

The second shock is the Steelers over the 49ers.  The Steelers haven't played great, and they travel cross country to play in San Fran, and Big Ben is banged up, so add it all up and you get a Steelers win.  Yeah I know, consider it new math.  I just don't trust the 49ers and its Monday night and ESPN will need to heap platitude upon platitude on Worthlessburger.  Doesn't Worthington or LaLoma make that?  Anywho, Steelers win 24 - 17.

Jocks

Drew Brees 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.  It's a broken record for a reason, I think he will have a break some records by season end.  Plus it doesn't hurt they are playing the Vikings!!

Tom Brady 300 yards and 2 touchdowns as well.  I thought about putting Tebow here, but then I didn't think anyone would see the humor in a 50 yard day.  

LSJ - Week 8

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Chargers over the Chiefs.  I'm not sure who the Chiefs have been channelling the past couple of weeks, but I'm pretty sure it won't work this week.  The Chiefs have a nice little win streak going and the Chargers record is better than it has been at this point in the season before, but they don't look like the San Diego Chargers.  So with the logic the Chiefs are playing great and the Chargers aren't, the Chargers win 24 - 17.

The second lock of the week is Patriots over the Steelers.  The Steelers haven't looked like the Steelers of the past, especially on defense and the Patriots have shown they can score.  The Pats D will do just enough and Brady will do more than just enough to have the Pats win 23 - 20.

Shocks

The first shock of the week is the Boys over the Eagles.  I have thought long and hard about this one, it really depends on which QB shows up for each team.  But to me this game is all about the front 7 on defense.  The Cowboys have a better front 7 and will generate good pressure on Vick which is necessary to beat the Eagles.  The Eagles are horrible against the run and the Cowboys may have found something in Murray.  The Cowboys in on the road 27 - 24.

The second shock of the week is the Colts over the Titans.  I know they got run out of the stadium last week, but I'm not sold on the Titans.  Johnson hasn't run like Chris Johnson and they don't have Britt anymore.  The Colts will win a game this year, and why not this one.  The Colts win 17 - 13.

Jocks

The first jock of the week is Arian Foster.  The Jags won't have two great weeks in a row so Foster will run for 125 yards and a touchdown. 

The second jock is Wes Welker.  He is the primary receiver of Brady and against the Steelers that's good enough for me.  Welker catches a TD pass and gains 125 yards receiving.

Text us with your thoughts to 909-4SL-SHOW and listen live Tuesday night at 10 pm 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 12 - Continued

Since I gave locks with no shocks I have only upsets for Sunday & Monday.

Shocks

The Colts are favored by three but they will go down to the surging 'Bolts Sunday night.  Chargers win 31 - 23.

The Cardinals will take down the 49ers at home 23 - 16.

Jocks

Eli Manning will throw for 300 yards and 2 scores against the Jags.

NFL Week 11 - LS&J

Locks

The first lock of the week is the (6-3) Eagles over the (6-3) Giants.  It's a huge matchup in the NFC East for the outright lead in the division.  Vick is coming off a historic performance and the Giants are coming off a humiliating loss to the Cowboys at home.  It won't get any better in Philly this week as the Eagles soar with Vick once again 31 - 23.

The second lock is the (4-5) Chargers over the (3-6) Broncos.  The Denver Donkey's showed some life last week against KC, but the Chargers are getting healthy and they always play well in November & December.  The Broncos will cover the spread, but lose on the scoreboard.  Chargers win 27 - 20.

Shocks

The first shock is the (6-3) Bears over the (5-4) Dolphins.  Yes its shocking the Bears are 6-3, but it is also shocking the Dolphins are favored at home.  The Bears are 3-1 on the road and the Dolphins are 1-3 at home.  Who am I to argue with history and trends?  Bears win an ugly one 19-17.

The second shock is the (6-3) Colts over the (7-2) Patriots.  Another late year matchup everyone wants to watch.  At least everyone associated with The Sideliners!!  The Colts are banged up but keep winning games and the Pats are quietly putting together quite the record.  The Fighting Mannings will roll into Gillette Stadium and pull one out in the 4th quarter. Colts win 27 - 23.

Jocks

Since the Colts have no running game to speak of Peyton Manning will have to throw the ball around the yard to put points on the board.  He is averaging almost 300 yards a game and will go over that mark on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough with at least 2 touchdowns for good measure.

The other jock of the week is Ray Rice.  The Ravens are playing the 1-8 Panthers who are having BIG quarterback issues.  The issue is keeping them healthy!!  The team is in disarray and Baltimore should have a big day.  Ray Rice makes the engine run and he will gain 125 total yards and score a couple of touchdowns. 

Tune in Tuesday to listen to the week that was in the NFL and hear how Chris & Matt's AFC picks are turning out.

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!!

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 13

Locks

Lots of great games on the schedule this week, too bad LS&J won’t be reflecting that!! The first lock of the week is San Diego over the Browns. Yep, that’s right we are REALLY going out on a limb with this one!! Rivers will have a great day and the running game will be serviceable as the Chargers light up in the inept Browns. The Chargers win going away 38-10.

The second lock is Pittsburg to take down Oakland. I don’t know if Big Ben will be back, but it doesn’t matter. Oakland is in total disarray. “Just Win Baby” has turned into, “Just show up on time and collect a check, Baby!” There is no defense for the offense and the defense has been offensive! Yeah, while your thinking about that, Pittsburgh scored again!! Steelers start to make their playoff push with a 24-10 win over the Raiders!!

Shocks

The first shock of the week is the Ravens over the Packers. While Aaron Rodgers has had a pretty good year it has felt uneven for the Pack this year. The Ravens are trying to make the playoffs in the tough AFC. That is why we are taking the Ravens to pound the ball with Rice & McGahee and shorten the game while keeping Rodgers off the field. Ravens win a boring low scoring affair 20-13.

The second shock of the week is Tennessee to continue their winning ways against the Colts. Yes I’m picking on the Colts for the second week in a row but the Titans are on a roll, having run off 5 straight wins after starting with 6 straight losses. The Titans won’t end up in the playoffs when it is all said and done, and with Vince Young it isn’t always pretty, but they just win. The Titans just win with Vince, simple as that. With Texas taking on Nebraska Saturday night we are sticking with the Texas theme and Vince winning it in the final seconds. Titans 23 and the Colts 20.

Jocks

The first jock is Drew Brees. The Redskins have played two tight games, but they were against NFC East rivals. The Saints will march up and down the field with Brees playing with the Redskins DB’s like a cat plays with a mouse. Brees will have over 300 yards and account for 3 touchdowns.

The second jock is Carson Palmer. Palmer gets the pleasure of going up against the Lions and will take full advantage of it. It must be the Bengals year because they are 8-3 and could be 9-2 if not for a fluke loss against Denver in Week 1. The Lions have nothing going for them, other than the season is almost over! Palmer gets 300 yards and multiple touchdowns. The Bengals should ROMP!!

LS&J for Week 11

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Patriots over the Jets.  The Jets took it to the Patriots in Week 2, but don’t look for a repeat performance.  The Jets have lost 4 of the last 5 and while the Patriots are coming off a last second loss to the Colts, the Jets will not make it two in a row.  Brady will light up the Jets and it won’t be close.  Patriots win 31-10.

The second lock is the Ravens over the Colts. After a last second win over the Patriots, look for a letdown in Baltimore.  The Ravens are tough at home (3-1) and while they have lost some games late, the Colts D doesn’t intimidate anyone.  The Ravens will run for 200 yards and Flacco will do just enough for the Ravens to hand the Colts their first loss of the year.  Ravens 24 and the Colts 20.

Shocks

The first shock is that the Broncos are four point favorites over the Chargers!!  Orton is a game time decision and didn’t practice on Friday, with that being said, the Chargers will win in the thin air of Denver.  This won’t be a pretty game, if you like seeing a lot of punts this could be your game!  The Chargers will make less mistakes and take advantage of Denver’s.  The Broncos will continue to be called the Donkeys another week.  I got the Chargers over the Denver Donkey’s 17-10.

The second shock is the Falcons over the Giants.  The Falcons are seven point dogs to the Giants and neither team has really shown much the last several weeks.  The Giants have lost four in a row after winning their first five games.  The Falcons on the other hand have lost three out of their last four with their only win against the Redskins.  This is a battle of 5-4 teams, with the winner having a leg up for a possible playoff berth on the line.  There are four 5-4 teams and only two spots!  The Falcons D will harass Eli all afternoon and Matt Ryan will find White & Gonzalez all afternoon.  The Falcons win 24-20.

Jocks

The first Jock will be Rashard Mendenhall. The Steelers play against the Chiefs this year, and the Chiefs have not played that great against the run, they rank 26^th.  The Steelers have always loved running they ball, and they will be loving it again Sunday afternoon.  Mendenhall will have over 125 yards running with multiple touchdowns.

The second jock will be Kurt Warner.  He goes back to St. Louis and will torch the secondary of the Rams for over 300 yards and at least three touchdowns.  Steven Jackson running the ball will be the best defense the Rams play all day.  Keep the ball out of the Warners hands, that is what the Rams must do to keep it close.  A healthy Bolden isn’t what the doctor ordered for St. Louis.  

Locks, Shocks, & Jocks - Week 3

This post was written Friday night but due to technical difficulties wasn't posted.  The games have already started and I didn't change anything, and maybe I should have!!  Here it is anyways!!!

It’s time for Week 3’s installment of Locks, Shocks, & Jocks. The crack research team went on vacation this week so hopefully the picks will be better. Week 3 Locks are Indianapolis and Dallas. Indy travels to the desert to face the Cardinals who are coming off their first win of the year after beating Jacksonville like a government mule. Indy is coming off a win over Miami on Monday night where the offense seemingly never had the ball. Look for Indy’s quick strikes to continue and turn the game into a shootout. I give the edge to Indy because of the “Peyton Factor.” Indy wins 41-38.