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 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 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 5

Locks The first lock of the week is the Patriots over the Jets. The Jets feel like this is a must win game early in the season so it will be entertaining to see how Rex Ryan spins it after the game. Pats win 27 - 17. The second lock is the Lions over the Bears. Stafford to Johnson just can't be stopped. Lions win 24 - 10. Shocks The first shock is the Bills over the Eagles 23-20. The second shock is the Falcons over Packers 30-27. Jocks Tom Brady 300 yards and 2 TDs. Aaron Rodgers 300 yards 2 TDs.

LSJ - Week 4

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Bucs over the Colts.  The Colts have to pin all of their hopes on Painter...yeah thats how they feel as well.  The Bucs aren't great, but they will be good enough.  The Colts lose bad 24 - 6.

The second lock of the week is the Falcons over the Seahawks.  The Falcons haven't looked like the PreSeason Super Bowl pick that I made, but its only the quarter pole.  The Falcons have a get right game this week against the Seahawks and Michael Turner will get back to running the ball.  The Falcons win 31 - 13.

Shocks

The first shock of the week is the Lions over the Cowboys.  I hate picking against the Boys, but Detroit looks for real.  What also looks for real is Stafford to Johnson, they should hook up at least twice this week.  The Lions win 31 - 20.

The second shock of the week is the Jets over the Ravens.  The Ravens handled their business week 1 against the Steelers, and the Jets stumbled last week, which is all the logic I need to pick the Jets to win 24 - 23.

Jocks

Calvin Johnson will score two touchdown on the Boys and gain 125 yards receiving.

Drew Brees will throw for 300 yards and two scores.

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.



2011 NFL Picks

Well last week we gave you our AFC picks for the upcoming season.  Yesterday we were going to go through our NFC picks but technical difficulties kept us off the air.  You can download the PDFs here but we'll also recap our Superbowl picks for you:

Matt has the Falcons beating the Jets
Chris has the Patriots beating the Packers

Championship Weekend - LS&J

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Packers over the Bears.  The Packers have been playing better football of late and I trust their offense more than I do the Bears.  The Packers will put pressure on Cutler and he will turn into the Cutler of old and turn the ball over.  Rodgers won't be as sharp as he was in Atlanta, but they should put enough points on the board to punch their tickets to Dallas.  The Packers win an ugly game 20 - 16.

The second lock is the Steelers over the Jets.  This was a harder game for me because I wanted to pick the Jets all week.  But I think the Steelers D will rattle Sanchez a little and he will make some bad plays.  He was on the verge against the Patriots but that D isn't as good as the Steelers.  The Steelers win 23 - 20.

There are no shocks and the jocks to watch are Troy Polamalu and Clay Matthews.  With the cold weather it is the defense that will carry the Pack and Steelers to Dallas.

Tune in Tuesday for your Super Bowl preview and the week that was in the world of sports, politics, and current events!

NFL Divisional Playoff Round - LS&J

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Steelers over the visiting Ravens.  The Steelers just seem to have Baltimore's number with Big Ben and they are at home.  This game should be close with the Steelers winning by a field goal.  The Steelers win 20 - 17.

The second lock of the week is the Patriots over the Jets.  I think the Jets have talked themselves out of this win.  If Cromartie didn't like Brady before the game he really won't like him after it.  The Jets lose the second biggest game in franchise history 27 - 20.

This week we have three locks because there is no way Seattle beats the Bears this week.  I have not been big on the Bears all year but Peppers will neutralize the passing game and there isn't much of a running game.  The Bears control this one start to finish 20 - 6.

Shock

The shock of the week is the Green Bay Packers will go into Atlanta and beat the Falcons at home.  The Falcons are great at home but I really like how the Packers defense is playing.  The Packers win a close one 31 - 30.

Jocks

The first jock is Tom Brady.  The Jets have been flapping their gums all week and that just seems to fire the Patriots more.  Brady will throw for 275 yards and two touchdowns.

The second jock is Aaron Rodgers who will throw for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Falcons.  

Should be a good weekend of football.  Tune in Tuesday night to hear Chris and Matt discuss the week that was in the NFL Playoffs.  Listen live at www.blogtalkradio.com/sidelinershow

NFL Week 13 - LS&J

Locks

The first lock of the week is the (7-4) Eagles over the (5-6) Texans at home.  The Texans secondary is horrible and Vick is throwing the ball the best he ever has.  I don't see the Eagles having too many problems Thursday night with the Texans.  Look for the Eagles to win 31-20.

The second lock of the week the (9-2) Falcons on the road over the (7-4) Buccaneers.  The Bucs have had a great season but the Falcons are way too strong.  It will be a low scoring affair but Matty Ice and Co. will walk out of Tampa with a 20 - 16 win.

Shocks

In a Sunday night showdown the (8-3) Steelers take on the (8-3) Ravens on the road.  The Ravens won the first in Steel town but Big Ben was missing.  He is now walking with a boot on but should be ready to play Sunday night.  With Roethlisberger in the pocket the Steelers will take one from the Ravens on the road.  Steelers win 16 - 13.

The second shock is the (9-2) Jets over the (9-2) Patriots on the road.  Rex Ryan says his team was built to beat the Pats and I'm going to believe him based on their track record.  Also, I have to respect him for comparing himself to Brady.  To the game, the Jets win a squeaker over the Pats with Revis coming up with a key interception in the last two minutes to preserve the win. Jets win 27-24.

Jocks

Peyton Hillis will cross the 1,000 yard mark on the season and will get 125 yards against the Dolphins.  The Dolphins will limit him to one score, but the former Razorback will help the Browns take down the fish.

The second jock is Drew Brees.  SI's Sportsman of the Year gets the chance to go against the horrible Bengals.  Brees will add another 300 yards to his stat sheet and throw at least 2 touchdowns. 

Listen live Tuesday night as Chris & Matt discuss the week that was in the NFL.

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!!

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 Week 3

Well it may have taken three weeks but we finally have a full fledged Locks Shocks and Jocks for Week 3 of the NFL season.

Locks

The first lock of the week is the Monday night game between the 2-0 Packers and the 2-0 Bears.  The game is in the Windy City and sets up to be a great NFC North rivalry game.  It sets up that way, but it won't be played that way.  Jay Cutler will come back to earth, the Green Bay defense will force him into silly mistakes.  Through the first two games the Bears leading receiver is a running back.  The Bears aren't that great, but the Packers are.  The Packers will by 10.

The second lock of the week is 1-1 Colts over the 1-1 Broncos.  People may be thinking the Colts are vulnerable after the first week lost to Houston, but they are the Colts after all people.  The fighting Peytons will beat down the Donkey's like they are a government mule.  The Colts win this going away 31-17.

Shocks

The first shock of the week is the 1-1 Falcons will upset the 2-0 Saints at home in the Superdome.  I was high on the Falcons in the preseason and I see no reason to abandon them now.  Matt Ryan and company will march into the Crescent City and ruin the Saints parade.  It will be a close game, but the Falcons will win on a last minute field goal.  Falcons 27 and the Saints 24.

The second shock of the week is the 1-1 Jets over the 2-0 Dolphins.  The Jets will be without Revis Island and most people think that Marshall will go off.  The problem is that Chad Henne is throwing the ball to Marshall.  Henne will have a fine career, he just doesn't have the experience right now to deal with a Rex Ryan defense.  The Jets win a squeaker, 20-17.

Jocks

The first jock is Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers.  He will light up the Bears defense for over 300 yards and three scores.  Romo had no problems lighting up the Bears for over 350 yards, and he looked off.  Rodgers hasn't looked off at all this year and the Packers will be going to the air early and often.

The second jock of the week is Chris Johnson of the Titans.  They are facing the New York Giants and their defense has been erratic all year.  Johnson is coming off a bad game by anyone's standards and he will have something to prove.  Johnson will run for over 125 yards and grab two scores in helping the Titans take down the G-men.

Call or text us your locks of the week at 909-4SL-SHOW.  Listen live Tuesday night at 10:00 eastern to hear Matt & Chris talk about the week that was in the NFL.  http://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 .

LS&J Playoff Style - Wild Card Weekend

For Wild Card Weekend we will do something different for LS&J.  I am going to pick the winners for all four games and then a player to watch.  

Jets @ Bengals

In the first of three rematches from Week 17, the Jets meet the Bengals.  The Bengals were 6-2 at home and the Jets were 5-3 on the road.  The Jets dismantled the Bengals in Week 17, but I don’t think the Bengals were properly motivated.  What did they have to play for?  I think the Bengals will have a chip on their shoulders after losing to the Jets BAD last week on national television.  The Bengals will win 23-17 over the Jets.  

The player to watch is Cedric Benson.  All eyes may be on the Chad Ochocinco and Darrelle Revis matchup but in really matters how Cincy runs the ball.  If they can get Cedric going then maybe Chad might catch a ball or two.  If they don’t it could be a long afternoon for Ochocinco and Co.  I think Cedric will run for a C Note and have a score to boot.

Eagles @ Cowboys

The next matchup is another matchup from Week 17.  But not only is this a rematch, it is a divisional rivalry.  Dallas embarrassed Philly by shutting them out, but Dallas’s D won’t score it’s third shutout in a row.  Wade has the D hitting on all cylinders and Romo just had the best year of any Dallas quarterback, and Dallas has had more than it’s share of hall of famer’s at the position.  Dallas will beat Philly for the third time this year, but it will come down to the last five minutes of the game.  Cowboys 27 and the Eagles 23.

The players to watch are DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, and Anthony Spencer.  These guys HAVE to get pressure on McNabb if Dallas is going to win it’s third straight over Philly and get the first playoff win since 1996.  Ware didn’t record a sack last week but Ratliff got two.   These guys will get 5 sacks on McNabb or force him into a bad pass resulting in an interception.  A Dallas win will be on the back of the D.

Ravens @ Patriots

New England just hasn’t been the New England we have all come to expect over the past several years.  And it only got worse when Wes Welker went down with a knee injury last week and will miss the playoffs.  The Pats looked bad earlier this year when Welker was out.  Welker caught 120 passes from Brady, and that’s with missing three games.  Brady lost his favorite target, and the Ravens will make sure New England loses the game.  Baltimore look to put pressure on Brady and shutting down Moss will be easier with no Welker.  Baltimore wins 24-20.

The player to watch is Ray Rice.  Baltimore is still a run first team and the running starts and ends with Rice.  Ray will run for 100 yards and score at least two touchdowns.  One of his TD’s may be receiving because Flacco also likes to throw to him, he’s the leading receiver with 78 receptions.  For the Ravens to win, Rice will have a big day, count on it.

Packers & Cardinals

The last of the grudge matches happens in the desert Sunday night.  The Packers are the team no one wants to play and the Cardinals are looking for an identity.  Warner looks like the Warner of New York and not the Warner of the Rams, which is not good news for Cardinal fans.  Also, with Anquan Boldin doubtful to play in Sunday’s game there is only one team to take.  The Packers will win going away 38-24.

The player to watch is Aaron Rodgers.  He had a great year throwing for over 4,400 hards with 30 TD’s and only 7 pics.  Rodgers will throw for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in a laugher in the desert.  Grant will keep the defense honest while Rodgers makes the big plays, sorry Arizona, just be glad you broke the Super Bowl Loser hex.  

Tune in Tuesday at 10:00 pm eastern, for Chris and Matt discussion of the pics and the week that was in the NFL and more.  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 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.  

LS&J for Week 10

Locks

The first lock of the week is the the (4-4) Jaguars traveling to the (4-4) Jets.  The Jets started the year off with three straight wins and have since gone 1-4.  The Jags have been up and down all year with not much excitement all year.  The Jets will get it right this week and get the job done against the Jaguars.  The Jets D will be the key, and we fully expect Rex Ryan to come up with a scheme that will give Garrad & Co. fits all week.  Jets win 24-17.

The second lock is the Ravens smacking down Cleveland Browns Saturday night.  I’m not sure what ESPN was thinking when they scheduled this game, but I can’t imagine they thought the Browns would be in total disaray and have a record of 1-7.  The second half of the season will not start great for the Man-genius as he gets it handed to him 31-10.

Shocks

The first shock is the Patriots over the Colts.  The Pats may be on the road in Indy but the past several weeks Brady has looked like Brady and Moss is chewing up DB’s and spitting them out.  We expect the game to be decided in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter with the Patriots making the plays on D to stop Manning and Brady with a clutch play to lock it up.  The Patriots win 27-24.

The second shock is the Bengals, seven point dogs, will beat the Steelers in Steel town.  The terrible towels will be needed to dry the eyes of Pittsburgh fans as Carson Palmer and Co. prove they are for real.  It is a battle of 6-2 teams and first place in the AFC North is up for grabs.  Cedric Benson will continue to get yards on the ground and Palmer & Ochocinco will hook up for a late touchdown to give the Bengals the 27-24 win over the Steelers.

Jocks

The first jock is Joe Flacco.  That’s right, a Baltimore QB has made the list as a jock instead of a RB or LB.  But Joe has been steady all year and may throw for 4,000 yards this year.  He will get a good chunk this week against the Browns will throw multiple touchdowns.  The Ravens won in Week 3 and Flacco threw for 342 yards.  He might not get 342, but he will throw more than the 1 he did that week.  

The second jock is Wes Welker.  Moss may get all the media attention, but Welker makes that offense go.  The two losses suffered by the Pats were when Welker was out with injuries.  Welker gets more catches and more importantly frees Moss up to make the big plays because you HAVE to cover Welker.  Welker may not have a ton of yards, but watch the game and you will see why Moss is more open with him on the field and he will have the most receptions of any reciever in the game.  

Send your thoughts to us by calling or texing (909) 4SL-Show and tune in Tuesday night at 10:00 pm eastern as Chris and Matt will discuss the week that was in the NFL, and much much more at www.blogtalkradio/sidelinershow or podcast whenever is convenient.