Monday 30 May 2011

Scottie Pippen passes to referee on fast break!!!

Got a good laugh out of this one. During game 5 of the ECF.

Friday 27 May 2011

Ryan's 2010 National Treasures Football Box Break

Thanks again Ryan. Chris J.

Monday 23 May 2011

2010 Denver Broncos Predictions

NFL playoff 2010


In Josh McDaniels' first season as head coach of the Denver Broncos, he got rid of quarterback Jay Cutler and surprised everyone by starting the season 6-0, beating the likes of the Bengals, Cowboys, Patriots, and Chargers. The hot start cooled off real fast, as the Broncos went on to lose eight of their final ten games of the season to finish the year 8-8 and outside of the playoffs. This offseason McDaniels got rid of another key player on the offensive side of the ball, as the Broncos traded away wide receiver Brandon Marshall. There is still hope that this team can at least compete for the division crown in 2010, but a lot of things point for a bit of a down year in Denver. Here is a look at what the Broncos bring to the table on both sides of the ball in 2010.

Offense: After acquiring Brady Quinn in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, the Broncos shocked everyone by trading back into the first round to select Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. The move likely seals McDaniels fate with the success of Tebow, who continues to climb up the depth chart and could see action this year if the Broncos get off to a slow start.

The running game should be strong with the return of Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter, but the big question on this side of the ball is what this team will do to replace the production of Brandon Marshall, who led the Broncos with 101 receptions for 1,120 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Broncos drafted Georgia Tech wide out Demaryius Thomas, and he will need to contribute right away, along with guys like Eddie Royal, Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, Brandon Stokely, and rookie Eric Decker.

The Broncos expect both tackles Ryan Clady and Ryan Harris to be ready to go when the season gets underway, but Harris has to fully recover from a number of toe injuries, while Clady tore his patellar tendon playing basketball this April. The Broncos expect rookie J.D. Walton to take over at center, while Chris Kuper and Russ Hochstein will likely start at the two guard spots, but figure to get a big push from rookies Eric Olsen and Zane Beadles and second year pro Seth Olsen.

Defense: The Broncos made a bunch of moves to try and sure up a defensive line that struggled down the stretch in 2009. They brought in veteran Jamal Williams to take over at nose tackle, and added a couple more veterans in Justin Bannan and Jarvis Green to hold down the two end spots. The hope is this group can help the Broncos improve their 26th ranked run defense in 2009.

The Broncos got a pleasant surprise in their switch to a 3-4 defense in 2009, as Elvis Dumervil racked up 17 sacks after switching from defensive end to outside linebacker. The Broncos are hoping that 2009 first round pick Robert Ayers can step in and start opposite of Dumerveil, while Mario Haggan is expected to move inside to team up with D.J. Williams in the middle.

The Broncos had the third best pass defense in 2009, allowing just 186 passing yards a game. This is a very veteran unit that returns corners Champ Bailey (15th season) and Andre' Goodman (9th season), along with safeties Renaldo Hill (10th season) and Brian Dawkins (15th season). There has to be some concern for injuries with this group, but if healthy will be one of the top units again in 2010.

Prediction -4th AFC West: I like what the Broncos will send onto the field on the defensive side of the ball, but I am worried that this unit is going to get over worked because the offense will be unable to get things going without Marshall, who demanded double teams from almost every defense in the league. Not a good combo with so many veteran players on the defensive side of the ball.




Check out where the rest of the teams finish the season in my 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting the NFL this season, than I strongly recommend coming back each week to check out our NFL odds section, ensuring you the best chance at coming out on top.

Saturday 21 May 2011

MADDEN 2004 MIRACLE FUMBLE TOUCHDOWN

16 seconds left in the divisional playoff game between the eagles(me) and the rams(CPU) (fantasy draft teams). The eagles are down 28-24. Mike Vick drops back and throws up a prayer to Laveranues Coles. The ball is intercepted, and the Rams have won the game. But.. Only fate can describe what happened next.

Thursday 19 May 2011

Weekend Preview: Sunday Games

Cowboys battle the Vikings and the Jets play the Chargers. Erik Kramer previews the Sunday matchups in the Divisional Round.

Tuesday 17 May 2011

Minnesota Vikings 2010 Strength of Schedule, Futures Odds and Betting Picks

In a perfect world, I wouldn't write an analysis or give my overview of the 2010 Minnesota Vikings schedule until late August, which is probably when Brett Favre makes his return "official" - with LeBron James finally deciding his NBA future, now it's Favre's "will he or won't he" that probably dominates the sports headlines for a while. But we all know he's playing this year because he already has had ankle surgery that he wouldn't have needed if he wasn't going to play football. And he's also out throwing to high schoolers in Mississippi.

Of course, last season the Vikings won the NFC North at 12-4 and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, losing when the Saints picked off Favre in the waning moments of the fourth quarter of a tie game, won the coin toss in overtime and then drove right down for a winning field goal - leading to an overtime rule change for the postseason. Most people would agree that Minnesota outplayed New Orleans in the Saints' house.

Pretty much every key piece will return to Minnesota, as the team got great legal news in June when a Minnesota judge made a ruling in the StarCaps case that essentially assures that Pat and Kevin Williams won't have to serve their four-game suspensions this season. Those two are the biggest reason that the Vikings have been so good against the run in recent years, with the team ranking No. 2 in rush defense in 2009 at 87.1 yards per game.

Minnesota will have to replace Chester Taylor as Adrian Peterson's backup, but it looks like the Vikes are content with Stanford rookie Toby Gerhart handling that job. There is a bit of concern over a lingering hip injury to WR Sidney Rice, who had a breakthrough year with 83 receptions for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns in 2009. Rice's agent says he doesn't anticipate that his client will need surgery and should be ready for the opener.

The Vikings have won two more games than the previous season each year since 2006. Will it happen again? Let's take a look at the Minnesota Vikings schedule:

Week 1: Thursday, Sep. 9, at New Orleans, 8:30 PM

Week 2: Sunday, Sep. 19, Miami, 1:00 PM

Week 3: Sunday, Sep. 26, Detroit, 1:00 PM

Week 4: BYE

Week 5: Monday, Oct. 11, at NY Jets, 8:30 PM

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17, Dallas, 4:15 PM

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24, at Green Bay, 8:20 PM

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 31, at New England, 4:15 PM

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 7, Arizona, 1:00 PM

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 14, at Chicago, 1:00 PM

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21, Green Bay, 1:00 PM

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28, at Washington, 1:00 PM

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 5, Buffalo, 1:00 PM

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12, NY Giants, 1:00 PM

Week 15: Monday, Dec. 20, Chicago, 8:30 PM

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 26, at Philadelphia, 1:00 PM

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2, at Detroit, 1:00 PM

This schedule ranks 14th in the NFL spreads in terms of opponents' 2009 winning percentage (129-107,.504). There are eight games against seven playoff teams from last year (two vs. Green Bay).

Think Favre will be fired up for that opener back in New Orleans after his mistake in the conference title game? I'd call that game a toss-up, but you have to like the Saints at home as they celebrate the Super Bowl title and raise a banner. New Orleans is a 4-point favorite on BetUS.

We are looking at the football betting lines and expect Minnesota to be at worst 2-1 heading into a Week 4 bye that no team would want that early. And arguably the crucial stretch of the season starts right out of the bye with five consecutive games against 2009 playoff teams, including the New York Jets, Green Bay and New England on the road. That looks like 2-3 at best.

Then you have the Bears, who certainly could be a playoff team this year. And the Bears beat the Vikings 36-30 in OT in Chicago last season. Minnesota probably can expect a 2-1 stretch before returning home for a rare three-game homestand (although it's the second year in a row team has had one). The Vikes will be favored in each of those. Minnesota has also won its last nine regular season home games since 2008 and has a.719 winning percentage at home in the last 12 seasons.

The weather certainly could be a big factor in Philly before the Vikes get to return to the creature comforts in a dome with what should be a win against Detroit. BetUS has this team's win total set at 9.5. I think the Vikings get to 10-6 as long as they don't lose more than one home game. The NFL Power Rankings show Minnesota at +650 to win the NFC and while I think they certainly have a shot to get back to the conference title game, I don't expect it.




Doc Moseman is one of the pioneers of college football and the NFL handicapping industry. Check out his Web site for up -to-the-minute NFL Odds and his famous winning college football and NFL picks.

Saturday 14 May 2011

Bobby C Sports Round-up 1.8.10 - BCS, Jets Playoffs, Knicks Roll & More - Bronxnet Sports

As always, Bobby C looks back at the week in sports, as Alabama wins the BCS championship, the Jets make the playoffs for the first time in years, and the Knicks cruise to three straight wins. Bobby also gives his picks for wildcard weekend in the NFL.

Wednesday 11 May 2011

Falcons Yellin' GA - 2010 Atlanta Falcons Season Highlights

The Atlanta Falcons had a great 2010 regular season and are heading to the playoffs with Dome-field advantage! Song "Folk Yellin' GA." by The Wheeler Boys. Edited by Persist !

Tuesday 3 May 2011

Fantasy Hockey - Sharing the Crease

Drafting goalies is a risky proposition. More than any position, this choice can make or break the fate of your fantasy hockey team. One of the biggest factors you need to consider is how often a goalie is going to play. Some netminders can be counted on to get 70+ starts a season, while others will sharing the net with another man. In short, you want to avoid the split crease scenario. As Philly and others demonstrated last season, NHL teams are more likely than ever to go with a goalie system, rather than depending on one star goalie to carry the load. While that may play well in the NHL, it's a nightmare for fantasy hockey managers. So as you finalize your cheat sheets, consider how secure each goalie's starting job will be throughout the season, and make sure you select at least one workhorse for your roster.

Solid Starters

Roughly half the teams in the NHL have an undisputed #1 goalie. Barring injury or complete collapse, these guys should start 60+ games this season, so no need to be concerned here:

  • Buffalo- Miller

  • Montreal- Price

  • New Jersey- Brodeur

  • Pittsburgh- Fleury

  • NY Rangers- Lundqvist

  • Carolina- Ward

  • Florida- Vokoun

  • Detroit- Howard

  • Nashville- Rinne

  • Vancouver- Luongo

  • Colorado- Andersson

  • Calgary- Kiprusoff

  • Phoenix- Bryzgalov

  • Anaheim- Hiller

  • Dallas- Lehtonen

Almost There

There are a handful of goalies that are almost guaranteed starters, but haven't quite locked up the job 100%.

  • Boston- Rask/Thomas
  • Rask is a sexy-bold pick for your starting goalie this fall, but don't get overconfident here. Thomas didn't exactly lose his job, as much as Rask earned it. Things could easily go the other way this time around. Thomas is making too much cash to sit idle all season long, and his no-trade says he'll be a Bruin for awhile.

  • Chicago- Turco / Crawford / Huet?
  • All signs point to a successful bounce back season for Turco as he assumes the #1 spot for the Cup champs. However, Crawford will push hard for starts, and the Huet situation hasn't technically been resolved yet. I can't see any goalie getting more than 50 games in Chicago this season.

  • St. Louis- Halak / Conklin
  • Halak should have the edge as the go-to guy in St. Louis, but the Blues have said there's no clear starter. Conklin has had a very solid career and is capable of being a #1, though he's never earned the role. Like Chicago, 50 games may be the ceiling for either guy, so grab a cowbell and simmer down on that Halak-fever.

    Split Creases

    Roughly one third of the teams in the league enter the season without a clear-cut number 1 goalie. There are some darn good goalies in this group, so don't write them off entirely. Just be aware that questions remain, and you should consider drafting both options as a safety net.

  • Ottawa- Elliot / Leclaire
  • Leclaire was brought in to be the #1 guy, but injuries opened the door for Elliot. Both are capable options, and both will see some net. Safer bet is Elliot, but don't forget they went back to Leclaire in the playoffs. And then there's that "other Brodeur" guy who may make a guest appearance again.

  • Toronto- Giguere / Gustavsson
  • Giguere is obviously Burke's favorite, but he's the GM, not the coach. Both men are highly skilled and injury prone. Toronto's defense is stellar and should allow both to put up solid stats, but there's just no way of getting past the playing time questions here.

  • Washington- Varlamov / Neuvirth
  • Bottom line is that I just don't see Varlamov as a long-term solution in Washington. Neuvirth will be given the chance to win the job, but don't be surprised if McPhee swings a deal for an outsider at some point this season, if neither of these men seem sufficient to bring the Cup to D.C.

  • Atlanta- Mason / Pavelec
  • Pavelec was in a great spot following the Lehtonen trade last season. He's back to singing for his supper, as the Thrashers brought in a capable starter in Chris Mason. I see this one playing out right down the middle, 50/50. And since most of those starts will be losses either way, neither goalie should crack your top 20.

  • Tampa Bay- Ellis / Smith
  • (See Atlanta)

  • Columbus- Mason / Garon
  • You've got to believe that last season was a fluke for Mason, and that he'll be back on top in 2010 (particularly if you're from Ohio). There's no long-term future in Garon. Mason will be motivated as he plays for his first big pay day. However, until he earns it back, we'll stick Mason in the split-crease heap with the rest.

  • Minnesota- Backstrom / Harding
  • The Wild have been grooming Harding for a few years now, and Backstrom's health is always a concern. Backstrom's $6m price tag suggests he'll be favored, but then again, Harding has the UFA carrot dangling out there if he can perform. Should be an interesting battle in the State of Hockey.

  • San Jose- Niemi / Niittymaki / Greiss?
  • For years now, the San Jose net was a place of comfort for fantasy owners. Draft Nabokov and have no worries. Now, what to do? 3 adequate goalies on a team that will pile up the wins, regardless of who they dress in net. This is the definition of risk-reward when it comes to goalies. As tempting at each may be, my advice is avoid the heartburn.

  • Los Angeles- Quick / Bernier / Ersberg?
  • Sure, Quick piled up 39 wins in72 games last season, so why isn't he in Category 1 you ask? Well, I get the impression he was just keeping the crease warm for Bernier. Don't forget, Quick went a couple months last winter when he couldn't buy a win. It's a good problem to have for Kings fans, but an awful dilemma for us fantasy nuts.

    Anybody's Guess

    Finally, there are three teams that merit their own special category, as we have no idea how the goaltending will play out over the course of this season. Best advice is to just completely ignore these options at your draft.

  • Philadelphia- Leighton / Boucher /???
  • Fantasy football offers the cop-out "Team Defense" category. Teams like the Flyers make you want to push for such an option in our game. If the last 10 years gave us anything to go on, Philly will enter the playoffs with Jose Theodore, Vesa Toskala, or Dominic Hasek as their starting man.

  • NY Islanders- DiPietro / Roloson
  • You have a young guy with an old-man's medical chart and an old guy with the stamina of a college student. Anybody's guess how this will play out. Best to steer clear.

  • Edmonton- Khabibulin / Gerber / Drouin-Deslaurier / Dubnyk / Ranford??? / Fuhr???
  • No threat of the Jennings trophy making an appearance in Oil country next spring, thanks to this goalie carousel. Just stay away.




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