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 - Tofurkey Day

Locks

There are two locks this Thanksgiving Day...okay three, but we all know Chris will have to get sweatpants by nightfall because he ate too much.  The first NFL lock of the week is the Packers over the Lions.  Oh finally Detroit has a chance on Thanksgiving Day, they finally have a team!!  And this year they get the undefeated Green Bay Packers.  Detroit isn't as good as it started, or maybe as lucky.  But the real difference is the pass rush.  If they put the pressure to Rodgers they may have a chance, but even with pressure I don't think they have the DB's to match the weapons of the Packers.   You have a lot to be thankful for this year Detroit, its just a win on Turkey Day won't be one of them.  Packers win 31 - 20.

Dallas is the other lock of the week. The Dolphins have won three in a row, and so has Dallas.  But I think the Cowboys have more talent and that should be enough.  Should is the key word, if the good Cowpokes show up it could look a lot like the Bills game.  If bad Romo shows up it could be a squeaker like last week.  Either way I've got the 'Boys ruling the day and helping me have a great Thanksgiving night.  Dallas wins 27 - 13.

Shocks

The battle of the Harbaugh's is great for ESPN and NFL Network, but I'm not sure it really matters.  Unless you are listening to ESPN radio today or tomorrow.  Baltimore has a good team most weeks, but then they can lay some real clunkers.  (see Jacksonville).  The 49ers keep winning, except against Dallas, and I think they will again tonight.  Baltimore should win, but that's why they play the games!!  Good matchup, but the 9ers win 23 - 20.

Jocks

QB's rule the day for jocks.  I've got Aaron Rodgers throwing for 300 yards and two scores against Detroit and Romo throwing for 275 and two scores against the fins. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!  More picks this Sunday and don't forget to tune in Tuesday night as Chris and Matt discuss the week that was in the NFL and whatever else they want too!!

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 

LSJ - Week 3

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Steelers over the Colts.  Without Manning the Colts have a slim chance, and by slim I mean next to none.  The Steelers D is too good, the offense might not be there yet for the Steelers, but luckily for them they have a "get well" game against the Colts.  The Steelers win easily 27 - 6.

The second lock of the week are the Dallas Cowboys.  I believe Romo will play this week, I don't know about Jones or Bryant, but they aren't as important as Romo.  He played three quarters hurt, and his lung is already healed.  It won't be pretty, and the Boys will have to minimize hits to Romo, but in a pick'em game I pick the Cowboys 20 - 17.

Shocks

The first shock is the Bucs are favored over the Falcons by a point.  The Falcons didn't look great against the Eagles, but they came out of it with some confidence and more importantly a W.  They keep their winning ways this afternoon with a quality road win over the Bucs 27 - 17.

The second shock of the week is the Dolphins over the Browns.  The Fins haven't shown much this year, but neither have the McCoy let Browns.  I think the Fins put it all together this Sunday and get a win over the Browns 24 - 20.

Jocks

Chris Johnson hasn't done much this year, but luckily for him the Titans play the Broncos this week.  Johnson goes for a C note this week and two scores.

The second jock is Phillip Rivers.  The Chargers play the Chiefs this year who look more like they are playing for Andrew Luck than for W's.  The Chargers win big and the only reason Rivers doesn't have more yards is because they don't have to throw.  Rivers throws for 275 and three scores on the day anyway!!

Listen Tuesday to Matt & Chris discuss the week that was in the NFL and other current events live at 10:00 pm eastern on www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow 

LSJ - Week 1

Locks

The first lock of the year is the season opener at the not so frozen tundra at Lambeau Field. The Packers will get their rings and a banner, oh and more importantly a W!! They are favored by 5 on ESPN.com but they aren’t going to cover against the Saints. It will be a shoot-out, but the fans will go home happy 37 – 34.

The second lock of Week 1 is on Sunday night and it PAINS me to write it. The Jets will beat the Cowboys at home Sunday night. They are playing on 9/11, in New York, what more do I have to say!! The Jets are favored by 5 according to ESPN, I’m not sure they will cover, but they will get the W 27 – 24.

A bonus lock of the week because of the two Monday night games is a gimme with the Patriots over the Dolphins. I know the Fins have played Bill’s Boys pretty good the last couple of years, but not on Monday. The Patriots are favored by 7 and they will cover. Brady and the boys win 31 – 10.

Shocks

The only shock I can see in the nationally televised games is the Raiders over the Broncos. The Donkeys are favored by three at home, but I think the Raiders will win by at least three. I think the Broncos will have trouble stopping the Oakland rushing attack. Oakland wins 20 – 17.

The second shock is Titans over the Jaguars. This shouldn’t be a shock, but ESPN.com still has the Jags favored by three over the Titans even though they cut their starting QB two days before the season starts. The Titans win 17 – 6.

Jocks

The first jock is Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers will pick up where he left off last year torching the Saints DB’s for over 275 yards and 2 scores.

The second jock is Tom Brady who will torch the Dolphins for over 300 yards and three scores.

Tune in Tuesday night to hear Chris and Matt break down the week that was in the NFL at 10:00 eastern on http://bit.ly/78Rrk.



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 Week 4

Locks

The first lock of the week is the (2-1) Patriots taking on the (2-1) Dolphins in an AFC East Divisional matchup.  Lucky for the Dolphins they are playing at home, but unfortunately they are playing the Pats.  The Pats, favored by 1 on ESPN.com, are coming off allowing the Bills 30 points, but their defense will look sharper and as always Brady & Co. will be slinging it around the field.  The Pats win 31 - 24.

The second lock of the week is the (2-1) Eagles over the (1-2) Redskins.  McNabb comes back to Philly, and the reception won't be warm and neither will the Redskins offense.  Vick will keep the Redskins D guessing with his feet and to his two young electric receivers Maclin and Jackson.  The Eagles win easy 34 - 17.

Shocks

The biggest shock of the year is how Pittsburgh has run their record to 3-0 without Big Ben.  That all ends today as Ray Ray and the Baltimore Ravens come calling.  The Steelers have won because of their defense, but their offense won't get anything going against the stingy Ravens D.  The Ravens O will do just enough to get the W.  Ravens 17 and the Steelers 6.

The second shock is that the (1-2) Giants are favored by 4 points over the (3-0) Bears.  The Bears will run the record to 4-0 and get the league talking about if they are for real.  They aren't, but that isn't the point.  The Giants are in real turmoil.  The head coach is on the hot seat, the offense looks anemic, and we aren't really sure if they have a defense or not.  The Bears win 24 - 17.

Jocks

The first jock is Drew Brees.  The Saints are playing the Panthers at home and will have a field day against the hapless Panthers.  Brees will go for over 300 yards and 3 scores.

The second jock is DeSeab Jackon.  One of the Eaglet receivers is bound to have a great day and we are projecting Jackson because of his electric speed.  Jackson will snagg 2 touchdowns and get over 125 yards.

Well there it is, listen Tuesday at 10:00 eastern to see how we did and hear Chris & Matt discuss the week that was in the NFL week 4.  Listen live at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow 

Locks, Shocks, & Jocks - Week 15

Locks

Holliday travel, snow on the east coast, all kinds of fun for this weeks edition of LS&J. The first lock of the week is one of the undefeated teams will lose. Oh, yeah, that was Nawlen’s last night.

The real first lock of the week is the Jets will beat the Falcons today. The Jets have been a streaky team all year, but thankfully for them they are playing the Falcons. Matt Ryan & Co. have been struggling the last part of the year. Ryan has been injured, Turner has missed some games, and may miss today’s. The Jets are looking for the playoffs and they will win this game and hopefully the AFC playoff picture may clear a little bit by Monday night. Jets win 23 – 17.

The second lock is Tennessee over the Dolphins. The Titans are wishing the season started in October because then they would be a playoff team. They still have an outside shot, but they have to win out and have some help along the way. The Dolphins need some help too, but the Titans have the momentum. Vince, Kerry, doesn’t matter, the two biggest things for the Titans are Chris Johnson and confidence. Titans win 24-20.

Shocks

The first shock is the Packers over the Steelers. The Steelers are reeling and the Packers are on a roll. The roll continues in Steel town and Pittsburgh fans wonder what might have been. The Steelers will miss the playoffs and become one of the first defending Super Bowl champions to miss the playoffs. The Packers win 27-17.

The second shock will be the 49ers beating the Philadelphia Eagles. The 9ers D has been decent all year, and they will limit the big play and thus taking away the potency of the Eagles offense. This will muddy the waters for the NFC East, but I assume that won’t be decided until Week 17 anways. The 49ers will win 20-17 in a squeaker on the road.

Jocks

Matt Schaub gets to play the hapless Rams today and that means throwing the ball all over the field. Andre Johnson as always will be a huge beneficiary but Schaub will find more than just Johnson open. Schaub will throw for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Chris Johnson will be huge for the Titans when they beat the Dolphins. He will run for 125 yards, catch probably 50 yards, and of course score at least two touchdowns. Johnson may not get to 2,000 yards on the season but it will come down to the last game of year.

To the tens of listeners, have a Merry Christmas and don’t forget to listen live at 10:00 eastern on www.blogtalkaradio.com/sidelinershow or download us on iTunes.

LS&J for Week 12

As the tryptophan wears off from the turkey (and subsequent turkey sandwiches) for most of America we turn our eyes to Week 12 of the NFL.  For the record, I don’t think Worthington’s Dinner Roast has any tryptophan, but I was ready for a nap none the less!  Oh yeah, Week 12.  

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Dolphins over the Bills.  The Dolphins have lost Ronnie Brown for the year, and fantasy owners around the world weep.  Ricky Williams has shown that he can shoulder the load without Brown and the Bills have the second worst run defense in the NFL.  Another problem for the Bills?  They have no quarterback!  It’s hard to win in the NFL when the quarterback position is so unsettled.  Dolphins 20 and the Bills 6.   

The second lock is the Eagles over the Redskins.  In the NFC East nothing is ever a sure thing, but this comes pretty close.  The Redskins put up a good fight against the Cowboys, but they don’t have the secondary to stop all of Philly’s weapons.  They have two injured running backs and they haven’t won a game on the road yet this year.  Eagles win 31-13.

Shocks

The first shock is the Texans over the Colts.  The Texans have never beat the Colts and lost a heartbreaker a couple of weeks ago.  But, it is always a competitive game and the Texans have been closing the gap.  The Colts have a lot of injuries and the Texans have something to prove at home after losing to the Titans.  Look for Shaub and company to put points on the board and give the Colts their first loss.  Texans win 27-24.

The second shock is the Jaguars over the 49ers.  The 9ers started strong and it has all gone to pot, while the Jags have gotten their record to 6-4 and are quietly putting together a nice little playoff run.  The 49ers have been great against the run all year (6th best in the league) and that does not play into the Jaguars hands. But this is of course why it is an upset pick and “why the play the games!”  Jones-Drew will hit the century mark with a TD or two.  Jags win 20-17.

Jocks

The first jock is Tennessee running back Chris Johnson.  He is facing the 8th best run defense in Arizona, but it has a problem with speed.  Johnson has speed to burn and will rack up over 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.  The Titans will need to control the clock and keep Warner & Co off the field.  A healthy dose of Johnson should do that, and with his speed, it could get ugly.

The second jock is Donovan McNabb.  Look for McNabb to have at least one long touchdown play to DeSean Jackson.  McNabb will also have at his disposal Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek.  Too much fire power for a secondary that just lost DeAngelo Hall.  McNabb will throw for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns to add to Jim Zorns misery.  

Join us Tuesday as we discuss the week that was in the NFL and much much more.  Listen live at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow 

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.