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 12

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Steelers over the Chiefs.  The Chiefs were looking like a better team, whether they were ACTUALLY a better team is up for debate.  For whatever reason, probably the Steelers are a good national draw NBC decided not to change games.  I'm sure they are right, the Eagles vs. the Patriots won't be a better game.  The Steelers run with this one 31 - 3.

The second lock of the week is the Saints over the Giants.  There are the good Giants that beat New England a couple of weeks ago and then the Giants that lose to the Seahawks.  The G-men have lost two in a row, and it may be four in a row before they get to meet the Cowboys in Cowboys Stadium.  It's a rough patch for the G-men as they lose to the Saints on the road 27 - 20.

Shocks

The Titans are favored over the Buccaneers at home today by 3.  The Bucs haven't been a consistent team, but then again neither have the Titans.  Hasselbeck isn't 100% and Chris Johnson hasn't been Chris Johnson all year, my fantasy team is a clear indication incase you needed one.  I like the Bucs on the road because they have the youth and the talent.  This doesn't always win road games in the NFL, but it will this week 23 - 13.

The second shock of the week is the Redskins over the Seahawks.  I almost went Eagles over Pats, but with Vick out and Maclin doubtful this doesn't seem like much of a game.  So its the Deadskins over the Seaguls in a riveting game on Fox.  Sucks to be you if that's the game in your market.

Jocks

Tom Brady will throw for 300 yards and 2 scores against the Eagles.  The Eagles may have two of their three starting corners on the bench today, like Tom Brady needs any help.  Can I get a witness LeBrun?

The second jock is Eli Manning throwing for 300 yards 2 TD's (but also a couple of INT's) against the Saints.  The Giants will be trying to come from behind which means 40+ throws for Manning.  He will make a couple of mistakes, but also hit a couple of big ones.

Tune in Tuesday to hear about the week that was in the NFL at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow 

LSJ - Week 9

Locks

The first lock of the week is Pittsburgh over Baltimore.  Baltimore embarrassed the Steelers in Week 1 and the Steelers will be looking for payback.  They will get it as Pittsburgh's play has gotten better and the Ravens have fallen off the map.  Its never a good idea to peak in week 1, which is exactly what it looks like the Ravens did.  The Steelers win 31 - 13.

The second lock of the week is Philly over the Bears.  The Eagles look like they have gotten themselves on track and I've always thought the Bears were overachieving.  The Bears may slow down Vick and the Eagles, but they don't have the offensive fire power to keep up.  Eagles win 27 - 17.

Shocks

The Saints are favored by 9 over the Bucs and I'm not sure why.  Sure on paper the Saints should win, but that's why they play the game.  And the Saints haven't played a great game since they shellacked the Colts 62-7.  And yes, I know it was only two weeks ago, but did you?  Anyway, I like the Bucs on the road for some reason this week 20 - 17.

The second shock is the Jets over the Bills.  The Bills are favored at home this week, and the Jets haven't looked like the Super Bowl appearing team I predicted earlier this year.  If the Jets want to make the playoffs, and I think Sexy Rexy does, it is a must win for the Jets this week.  Jets win 20 - 17.

Jocks

Michael Turner gets to face the Colts this week.  And I think a heavy dose of Turner is just what the Falcons have planned for the Colts.  Turner will run for 100 yards and get 2 scores.

Aaron Rodgers gets to face the Chargers today.  Which Chargers team will show up this week?  Great questions, but I think I know which Aaron Rodgers shows up for the Packers.  The kind that throws for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Sucks to be the Chargers.

Tune in Tuesday night at 10:00 pm eastern as Chris & Matt discuss the week that was in the NFL and whatever else they feel like at the time.  www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow 

LSJ - Week 7

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Saints over the Colts. ESPN.com has the one at 14, and I have feeling the Colts will cover. But this isn't about who covers its about who wins. The Saints should keep marching with a win against the hapless Colts. Saints win 31 24-13.

The second lock of the week is the Ravens over the Jaguars. Not a great Monday night game since the Jags dropped their starting QB right before the season started. I don't know what they were thinking, it worked before but they had a decent backup. Now they got nothing but another whipping, and this one on Monday night. Ravens roll 27 - 6.

Shocks

The first shock of the week is the Texans over the Titans. The Titans have had a decent start to the season with Hasselbeck running the offense, but Chris Johnson hasn't been Chris Johnson this year at all. The Texans are the better team and need to show it on the road in Tennessee. The Texans win 24 - 20.

The second shock of the week is the Falcons over the Lions. Detroit got their panties in a wad at the end of the 49ers game, and they will again this week. Maybe not from the handshake at mid-field but because of the whipping on the field. The Falcons need to start winning if they intend to make e playoffs and a road win in Detroit is a good place to start. Dirty Birds win 27 - 23.

Jocks

The first jock is Ray Rice. He will combine (rushing & receiving) for 130 yards and two touchdowns this week. He is one of the most versatile backs in the league and will continue to show why against the Jags.

The second lock is Aaron Rodgers throwing for 300 yards and two scores against the Vikings. Anytime you can embarrass a divisional rival you do it. The Vikings don't need much helps his year, and Rodgers is more than up for the task.

Let us know your thoughts on this week in the NFL at (909) 4SL-SHOW. Listen live every week at 10 pm eastern as Chris and Matt discuss the week that was in the NFL. www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow

LSJ - Week 2

Locks

The first lock of the week is the G-men over the Rams.  The Rams are an up and coming team and the Giants were handled last week by the Redskins, however, it won't happen this week.  I don't think the Rams have enough weapons for Bradford yet, and I think the Giants have a little bit of pride in them they are going to show the league.  The Rams may cover the 7 point spread, but they won't upset the Giants this week.  Giants win 24 - 20.

The second lock of the week is the Saints over the Bears.  I did not see the Bears winning last week, but I really don't see them winning in Nawleans this week.  The Saints are great at home, and Brees won't let his team go 0-2 to start the year.  The Saints have had 3 extra days to get ready for this game, the Saints win 27 - 16.

Shocks

The first shock of the week is the Sunday night game Eagles against the Falcons.  The Eagles biggest weakness this year is the offensive line.  Vick returns to Atlanta, and he will have his supporters there, but unfortunately for him they won't be on the field.  The Falcons D will pressure Vick all night and force a couple of bad throws, resulting in Falcons points.  Its going to be a close one, but Matty Ice comes through for the dirty birds 24 - 23.

The second shock of the week is the Cardinals over the Redskins.  Rex Grossmen threw for over 300 yards against the Giants, but it won't happen again against the Cardinals.  Grossmen will remember he is Grossman and come back to earth.  The Cardinals with Kolb will do enough to beat the Redskins on the road 23 - 17.

Jocks

The first jock is Matt Shaub of the Texans.  The Dolphins will fix some of their problems defensively, but that just means Shaub will throw for over 300 yards and not 500 yards like Brady.  Shaub will add two touchdowns in their win over fins.

The second jock is Drew Brees.  As mentioned earlier he and Sean Peyton will not want the Saints to start the season 0-2, and there will be no better way than to let Brees lead the attack.  Brees will throw for over 275 yards and two scores in their win.

Call 909-4SL-SHOW and tell Chris and Matt why the picks are spot-on, or why you think they are wrong.  Or hit us on Twitter @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 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 - LS&J Turkey Day Special

Game Already Started

There are 12 minutes left in the first quarter and I have no idea what has happened.  But I do know what will happen!  The Patriots will take down the Lions on the road and the woes will continue for the competitive Lions.  Pats win 31 - 17.

Locks

The (8-2) Jets are heavy favorites over the (2-8) Bengals.  The Bengals won't get it going today against the surging Jets.  Sanchez is leading 4th quarter and OT comebacks, but this week it won't be necessary.  The Jets win in a laugher, 34 - 16.  

The (7-3) Saints are marching into Dallas hopefully getting Reggie Bush back against the (3-7) Cowboys.  Firing Wade is the best thing to happen to the 'Boys this year, but it won't help against the formidable Saints.  The Saints Passing will be too much against the shaky secondary for the Boys.  The Saints win a close one 27 - 24.

Jocks

Drew Brees will light up the Dallas secondary for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Getting Reggie back won't be the help it will be next week, but it really doesn't matter this week.  A weak secondary is better for Brees than a Bush back from injury.

Stay tuned for the rest of Week 11 LS&J later in the week.  Happy Turkey day!!

Week 2

This weeks Locks, Shocks, & Jocks (LS&J) will be shorter because basically people might read predictions BEFORE the games kickoff.  Better luck next week.

Lock

The lock of the week is for the Saints to march all over the 49ers.  The 9ers didn't look all that strong last week and the Saints didn't look all that great, but they did collect some rings last week.  Brees may not rack up 350 yards against the improved 9ers defense but it will be enough against the anemic 49ers offense.  Saints win 24 - 10.

Shock

The shock of the week is the Giants over the Colts.  Everyone loves some sibling rivalry, even when its Peyton & Eli. Baby brother will take down his older brother because the Colts can't stop the run, especially without Bob Sanders.  They have a lot of practice playing without him, but apparently in this case practice doesn't make perfect.  The G-men take down the Colts 27 - 24.

Jocks

Peyton will put up great numbers again this week, 2 touchdowns and another 300 yards, but all for not as they take loss #2 on the season.  

We will try to do better next week and get back to 2 locks, 2 shocks, and 2 jocks.  Tune it Tuesday night at 10:00 eastern to see how we did and Chris & Matt's comments on the week that was.  http://bit.ly/78Rrk

LS&J Playoff Style - Super Bowl

Preseason I picked the Saints and it is awfully hard to pick against yourself.  That's why I'm saying "Who Dat!!"  That being said I'm a huge Peyton Manning fan and will not be upset at all, maybe secretly glad, if the Colts beat the Saints.  I'm thinking Dwight Freeney will not hold up and that will be a problem for the Colts D.  The biggest problem for the Saints D is they are facing Peyton Manning.  The last two Super Bowls have been fantastic, going down to the wire.  The game will be settled in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter.  He who has the ball last with a decent amount of time left will win.  I'm sticking with the preseason pick - New Orleans 41 and the Colts 38.

The MVP will be Drew Brees.  No, this is not because of an alleged "man-crush" but because the quarterback of the winning team will be the MVP.

Take the over and take the points - see how the picks turned out as Chris and Matt talk about the Super Bowl and the best of worst commercials of the night.  Listen live at 10:00 eastern on www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow .

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 .