Author Archives | Cody Lachance

Alabama poised to make FCS championship run

For years, the FCS College Football rankings system would be a center of debate at the end of the year when it determined the top two teams in the nation that would face off for the national title. Finally, after all these years, the NCAA has converted to a four-team playoff system and this year will be their maiden voyage into a new exciting experience for any football fan. Mixing the excitement of college football with a fun, easy to follow playoff format sounds like a clear win-win.

But, there still needs to be a committee to choose the top four teams in the nation to play out the three games to crown the champion. After what was an exciting weekend of college football, I have, in order, the top four teams in the nation: Florida State University (FSU), Oregon University, the University of Alabama and Texas Christian University (TCU). If the playoffs were to start today, here is how I think it would pan out.

Semi Finals

TCU (4) at FSU (1)

There are few teams putting up more points than those TCU Horned Frogs. They’re putting up nearly 50 points per game, enough to cause any defensive coordinator to lose sleep when preparing for them. But who better to take that type of offensive firepower on than a stout Florida State defense that has experience in playing in big games. Jameis runs too good of an offense to stall out against this defense, and for the second straight year Jimbo Fisher’s Seminoles will play for the National Championship.

Alabama (3) at Oregon (2)

After a big win against Mississippi State, Alabama is back in a playoff spot. Alabama is arguably the best overall team in college football from the head coach all the way down to their punter. But, standing in their way of playing in the National Championship is Marcus Mariotas Oregon Ducks who are keeping the tradition of putting up massive point totals game in and game out. Mariota very well might be the No.1 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, but in this matchup he cannot lead his team over Alabama as they roll to the national title game.

National Championship Game

Alabama (3) at FSU (1)

These two teams are clearly the best that college football has to offer this year. The past two NCAAF Champions matching up in January would be a game of epic proportions. This game could also feature two of the Heisman finalists in FSU quarterback Jameis Winston and Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper. In a game where both teams are pretty equally matched and have experience playing in big games, it comes down to execution. It is hard for me to pick against a Nick Saban led team in a matchup like this, and I see the Alabama Crimson Tide bringing home another national title. Roll tide!

 

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Tanking to rebuild the Celtics

Luck of the Irish? Not so much for the Boston Celtics. After another rough offseason, the team continues to be in a very rough situation. With no top-three draft pick from this past year’s draft, losing out on the Kevin Love sweepstakes, and just recently, Rajon Rondo breaking his hand while “falling out of the shower,” the 2014-2015 season looks grim. But, with these three easy steps, the Celtics might actually have a productive season in terms of putting them back on track towards becoming NBA royalty once again.

So what should the Celtics do this year? The answer is simple: tank. The only way to win in the NBA is to find a marquee, franchise player. Is Rajon Rondo that player? No way. Not even close. The Celtics “captain” has shown that he’s not a great leader when he missed a team flight to go out in L.A. and celebrate his birthday. He’s also shown that he can’t win unless he has All-Star talent around him.

This brings us to step one of what I’ll call “Tankapalooza Round 2”: trade Rajon Rondo. I know that they would only get 50 cents to the dollar in terms of value for him, but he’s just going to walk at the end of the year when his contract runs out anyway. Whatever the best package a team will offer to Danny Ainge, he needs to just bite the bullet and take it. Who knows, maybe a team will be desperate at the trade deadline and “sell the farm” to get a solid NBA point guard that could help them in the playoffs. I mean, Ainge was the one who traded aging superstars Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett for three first round picks. In the words of said Garnett: “Anything is possible!”

Trading Rondo leads us into step two of Tankapalooza Round 2: let the kids play. The Celtics have a plethora of decent, young talent. Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger and Avery Bradley all look like they could be solid role players for the team moving forward. Newly drafted first-round guards Marcus Smart and James Young both could play significant minutes on this young, inexperienced team.

Brad Stevens is a great coach and allowing him to coach up these young players will only increase their value. Value either for the Celtics as players on their team moving forward, or as trade chips. Let them work out the growing pains at the NBA level, as losses are actually a great thing for the team this year.

This leads us to the final step of my plan: take advantage of next year’s draft. With this pick, they can either make a selection and groom the player to be their franchise cornerstone, or even trade it for more assets. Pray that the Celtics could potentially have the opportunity to draft a player that can give them an identity and be the face of the franchise for years to come. Unfortunately, the Celtics are unlikely to get this caliber of player in free agency because Boston isn’t the same attraction as a bigger market like Los Angeles or Miami. They need to hit NBA draft jackpot within the next few years.

The Boston Celtics have no quick fix to get them to return to the ranks of NBA royalty. But, with some smart moves and lots of luck, the light might not be so far down the tunnel. I mean, our mascot is named Lucky, right?

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Fantasy football guide for fifth week

It is in week five where the men are separated from the boys. 2-2 teams will be rising to the top of the league or falling to the bottom of it, so make your choices carefully. Here’s my spin on the week and, as always, I claim no responsibility for your failures, but all the credit for your successes.

 

Stock Trending Up

 

1.) Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be the biggest bust so far this year. New coach, new players, new system, yet some old Tampa Bay results. Well, Drew Brees will be in the comfort of the Superdome when he shreds Lovie Smith’s defense this Sunday. Buy high on all New Orleans offensive starters this week.

 

2.) Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers: What a tough start it’s been for the big man in the Packers backfield. Some injury concerns and tough matchups have led to a slow start. Well, for those of you who were like me and chose Lacy, it’s finally time to see his production turn around. He’ll be at home for his matchup against the Vikings where he should show why he was a top five fantasy pick.

 

3.) Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Is there another wide receiver in the NFL who has played better this year? No, there isn’t. Julio Jones is having a monster season this year after he lost the 2013 campaign for the foot injury. Julio is Matt Ryan’s favorite target in an offense that has enough weapons to take the focus off of just Jones. Add in a bad Atlanta defense that will find themselves in a shootout any given week and Julio’s potential is huge. This week he’ll play a Giants team that does not have a strong secondary, and I have a feeling Julio will be going off again.

 

Stock Trending Down

 

1.) Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington: Could Robert Griffin III be one of the biggest busts of draft history? Well that conversation is for a different day, but right now the Washington Redskins find Kirk Cousins their starting quarterback. Although he has looked great so far, this week he’ll take on the almighty Legion of Boom. And yes, I know Seattle does not travel well and in week two Philip Rivers tore this Seattle defense up when they weren’t in Seattle. I’d only start Cousins if you absolutely need to.

 

2.) Jamaal Charles, HB, Kansas City Chiefs: Speaking of draft busts, Jamaal Charles has been a pretty big fantasy draft bust so far. Yet, the “Big 3” of running backs have all played pretty bad so far. This week Charles will play a ruthless front seven in San Francisco. And yes, I know I told you to be aware of LeSean McCoy last week going against this same team at this same stadium, but that just goes to show how solid the 49ers are. Buy low on Charles this week.

 

3.) Donald Brown, HB, San Diego Chargers: I have torn apart the Jets secondary all year in these columns. But as terrible as their defensive backfield is, they boast one of the best defensive lines in all of the NFL. I can’t see the Chargers running backs doing much against this formidable front lead by Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson. I’d look elsewhere this week.

 

Week 5 Waiver Wire Pickups

 

1.) Knile Davis, HB, Kansas City Chiefs: Anyone that drafted Jamaal Charles best already have this player. Knile Davis has proven that he can be a reliable running back when Jamaal goes down. If Jamaal continues to get beat up or shut down in games, Knile Davis is going to be the back that comes in and attempts to clean up the mess. Definitely worth a spot on your bench.

 

2.) Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis Rams: How can you not like a wide receiver whose last name is “Quick?” I mean come on, this guy sounds like a player I made in Madden 07! Well, regardless of his name, Quick has shown that he can flat out play. He’s also the new favorite target of Austin Davis, which shows he’ll get lots of targets the rest of the way this year. Quick could very well be this year’s version of Keenan Allen and be a key player for fantasy teams down the stretch.

 

3.) San Diego Defense: Is this the second week in a row I’m advising a pickup of the San Diego defense? Yes. Where are they playing this week? In San Diego. Who’re they playing? The New York Jets. Enough said.

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Fallout from a dark week in the NFL

Ray Rice, Greg Hardy and Adrian Peterson will forever be bound to one of the darkest weeks the National Football League will, hopefully, ever have to address. The actions of these three men have forever changed how America looks at the NFL, its owners, and the players who compete every Sunday.

The NFL is coming off of a week in which the main storylines have been grown men beating women and abusing children. It makes me sick to my stomach thinking about how horrible this really is.

Ray Rice, ex-Baltimore Raven running back, was cut after a video surfaced of him punching his then fiancee in the face and dragging her around a hotel. Greg Hardy, Carolina Panthers defensive end, was sidelined after being convicted of two counts of domestic violence stemming from an incident in which he abused a former girlfriend and threatened her life. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings running back, was deactivated after “punishing” two different sons by beating them with a switch and causing damage to their faces, legs, and arms. Nothing justifies the actions of these men, and nothing justifies the lack of action made by the NFL and its owners.

What these men did was reprehensible and the lack of action NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has taken has only added to the embarrassment for the league. It has taken far too long for these players to be disciplined, but after much public outrage all three have been deactivated from their teams for now. The press conference this past Friday did nothing but confirm that Goodell has no intentions on giving true answers as to why it has taken the league so long to address these men and the terrible acts they have done.

Remember this: the NFL did not suspend Ray Rice indefinitely because he hit his then-fiancee and now-wife. He was suspended indefinitely because the public saw that he hit her. What only adds to this fact is how it has recently been reported that Baltimore Ravens upper management had reached out to Goodell right after the incident to ask for leniency towards Rice.

Watching Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson epitomizes how these men are acting like frauds. Richardson was crying as he accepted the Echo Award Against Indifference. While he struggled through his speech, he said, “I stand firmly against domestic violence, plain and simple. To those who would suggest we’ve been too slow to act, I ask that you consider to not be too quick to judge.”

Too quick to judge? Considering that Hardy was convicted on June 15 and it took the team until week two of the regular season to take action, I’d say that we have plenty of justification to judge the character of Richardson himself and the entire Panthers organization.

The only way any of this might change is if the money starts to go. That’s the true underlying driver in everything these owners do. Some advertisers are starting to show signs that they are not pleased with being associated with a corporation that is so openly dismissing domestic violence.

The Minnesota Vikings reinstated Adrian Peterson after their week two loss to the New England Patriots. Just hours after Peterson was reinstated, the Radisson hotel chain pulled all of their advertising from the Vikings.

Anheuser-Busch also issued a statement to the NFL saying that they are “Disappointed and increasingly concerned by the recent incidents that have overshadowed the NFL season.” It’s disappointing that companies like Radisson and Anheuser-Busch will be the driving factors of change, not video and picture evidence. Unfortunately, the only way to get to the NFL and its owners is to hit them where it hurts the most: their wallets.

But what does this all mean for the average fan? Will all of these horrible incidents make them not watch on Sundays? Will it make them delete their fantasy football teams, put away their NFL apparel, and totally boycott the 1.5 billion dollar industry?

Probably not. The fact of the matter is that the NFL has become such a huge part of American entertainment that these incidents won’t slow it down. Three days after the video of Ray Rice knocking out his fiancee came out, the Ravens played the Steelers at home on Thursday night football. Throughout the crowd, countless fans were sporting Ray Rice’s #27 Ravens jersey. Fans couldn’t even stop supporting a man who viciously struck his fiancee; do you think they could stop supporting the whole sport? What was even worse was to see a Minnesota Vikings fan donning an Adrian Peterson jersey just days after news came out about him abusing his child. What put the image over the top was that she was carrying a tree branch, a switch, in her hand.

Mark Cuban famously predicted the demise of the NFL, saying, “Just watch. Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered.” Although it might not be time for its demise, the NFL, its owners and its players are starting to prove Cuban right: they are pigs.

 

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Fantasy football guide for fourth week

Fantasy football, where Average Joe’s like you and I can feel like award winning general managers and put together teams to embarrass our friends. Here’s my spin on the week and as always, I claim no responsibility for your failures, but all the credit for your successes.

Stock Trending Up

1.) Tony Romo, QB, Dallas Cowboys: Yeah, I know Tony Romo is the ultimate punchline of the NFL over the past couple of years. The guy always seems to find a way at the end of the season to make it so the Cowboys can’t get into the playoffs. Well, good thing this is only week four. This week Romo goes up against the Jets and their horrible secondary. I am also buying high on Dez Bryant this week.

2.) Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins: Sophomore slump over, Junior jubilation, here we go! Morris has looked solid in year three so far, and this week he’ll play against a Giants team that looks like they’ll be playing for a top five draft pick this year. Expect to see lots of homerun celebrations from Morris as he rolls over the Giants defense.

3.) Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings have been under a lot of scrutiny lately, but the football team still will play every week. Patterson is an explosive player who will only get more touches in the offense now that Adrian Peterson might not play again this year. Receiving, rushing, and returning, he owns it all. Plus, he’ll play a beatable Falcons defense. If this game goes to an old fashioned shootout, Patterson could have a 20-plus point game.

Stock Trending Down

1.) Trent Richardson, RB, Indianapolis Colts: What a difference a year makes. It won’t be too far from now the Colts will be one year into their trade for Trent Richardson. What a waste of a first round pick that turned out to be. Richardson has not looked the same from his rookie year in Cleveland, and I don’t see him turning the page. If you have him, try to trade him or just flat out release him. He’s not worth a roster spot.

2.) Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens: Is Torrey Smith being beaten out for the WR1 job by a 35 year old? Yes, yes he is. Steve Smith Sr. has looked like a stud over the beginning of the year and he has gained Flacco’s trust quickly. Smith isn’t worth a drop just yet, but fielding trade offers might not be a bad idea. Add in the fact he’s playing a top defense in the Carolina Panthers this week, and I’d be sure to sit him.

3.) LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: By absolutely no means am I saying you should sit LeSean McCoy this week. I want to make that clear before I go into saying why I’m not fully in on him putting up a huge week this week. McCoy is one of the most dynamic players in the game today and he does have the ability to break a big play off at anytime. But, this week he’ll play a mean 49ers front seven in San Francisco. He should obviously be in your starting lineup, but if you’re going to rely on him to have a huge day, I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups

1.) Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Indianapolis Colts: While I think Richardson is headed down in the Colts RB depth chart, I think Bradshaw is heading up. He has looked very solid so far this season and could be a great pickup for anyone looking for running back depth.

2.) Geno Smith, QB, New York Jets: I feel like I’ll have to wash my hands after writing this section. Am I actually advising people to pick up a Jets QB in fantasy football? Yes, I am. Smith is turning into a solid dual threat QB in the league and he finally has some solid weapons around him. He is a solid insurance policy for a team with a shaky QB1, especially because he will be in a lot of shootouts to bail out his poor defensive secondary. Now, someone hand me some Purell.

3.) San Diego Defense: They’re playing the Jaguars…at home. Need I say more?

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What-ifs of the Pats’ 2010 draft

Value: The one word Bill Belichick uses to justify trading back in the draft nearly every season to stockpile his draft picks so he can select more players in later rounds. The Pats will take on the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, making many experts debate the trade that the Vikings and Patriots made in the 2013 NFL Draft. New England traded the 29th pick to the Vikings for a second, third, fourth and seventh round selection. The Vikings took the explosive Cordarrelle Patterson and, for now, it seems to be a fair trade.

But all this talk about the Patriots trading down made me look into some other times the Patriots traded down and left great prospects on the table. The most interesting is the 2010 NFL Draft when the Patriots took Devin McCourty, Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. They certainly grabbed some difference-makers, but what else could the Patriots have gotten out of this draft? Two of the most dynamic receivers in the game today.

The Patriots actually held the 22nd pick in the first round that year. That would be until the Denver Broncos called and offered the Patriots their first round pick, 24th overall, and a fourth rounder for the Patriots pick. Belichick made the deal. The Patriots would take Hernandez with that fourth-round pick. On the other hand, the Broncos took a wide receiver from Georgia Tech named Demaryius Thomas. Thomas has turned into an elite NFL receiver and made two Pro Bowls. And for Hernandez? He won’t be taking an NFL field anytime soon.

The story doesn’t end there. The Patriots were then sitting with the 24th pick in the first round when the Dallas Cowboys called and offered their first round pick, 27th overall, and a third round pick for Pick 24. The Patriots would again trade down. Dallas would take Dez Bryant with the pick. Although he has been a headache at times off the field, he has been a beast on it. Through his first four seasons he has over 4,000 yards, 40 touchdowns and was voted to the Pro Bowl last season.

The Patriots took Devin McCourty with the 27th pick and wide receiver Taylor Price with the third-round pick. While Price never amounted to much for the team and was waived by the Patriots in 2011, McCourty has turned into a productive player. The free safety has become one of the better defensive backs the Patriots have drafted in awhile. But is he better than Thomas or Bryant? I would have to give the edge to either of the two wide receivers.

The Patriots could have pulled a boatload of offensive talent in the 2010 draft. Imagine what a receiving core of Thomas and Bryant with Rob Gronkowski would look like catching passes from Tom Brady? But, Belichick is all about the value. It’s just one of the many cases where Patriot fans will have to just imagine what could have been. In Belichick we trust… right?

 

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Your week three guide to fantasy football

With week two in the books, football season is gaining steam and, with that, so is fantasy football. Here’s my spin on the week, and as always, I claim no responsibility for your failures and all credit for your successes.

Stock Trending Up

1. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots: Tom Terrific, what’s not to like about him? Three Super Bowl rings, NFL records and a perfect regular season on his resume. While he has struggled on the field at times these last couple of years, he will play at home for the first time in week three against the Oakland Raiders, one of the worst teams in the league. Brady will have a big game on Sunday — mark it down.

2. Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions: It’s pretty easy to be a quarterback when you have weapons like Reggie Bush, Golden Tate, and that guy named Calvin Johnson. Stafford has shown that he can throw the ball all over the field, and that should be no different this coming Sunday. The Packers have a defense with more holes than a block of swiss cheese and Stafford will find them all day long. Add in the chance that this turns into a shootout and the point total could be outrageous.

3. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears: Is this the second week in a row I pick a pair of wide receivers to pick apart a depleted New York Jets secondary? Yup, it is. If Jay Cutler can stay up on his feet, look for Marshall and Jeffery to put in big days at the office.

Stock Trending Down

1. Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos: I am a huge supporter of Montee Ball. I think the kid will be a top eight running back by the end of the year, but this week he will travel to Seattle… to play the Seahawks… in CenturyLink Field. If you have a solid running back you can sub in for Ball this week, I’d advise doing so.

2. Colin Kaepernick, QB, San Francisco: I legitimately think Kaepernick could be the best quarterback in the league if he had half a brain. The guy has all the tools, yet somehow just can’t put it all together to live up to his potential. But this week he goes up against a formidable Cardinals defense in Arizona. Look for the birds to slow down Kaepernick this week.

3. Rashad Jennings, RB, New York Giants: Although he had a great preseason, Jennings has only looked fair in the regular season so far. He was a solid snag around the fourth round of any fantasy draft, but this week I can’t see him putting up much value. Mostly because of J.J. Watt. The NFL’s highest paid defensive lineman leads a solid front seven in Houston and I see them making it a long day for Jennings. If you have a solid running back you can sub in, you should.

Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups

1. Markus Wheaton, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers: Wheaton has shown that he can be an integral part of the Steelers offense this year. Big Ben loves to throw the ball all around the field and Wheaton could fill the role Emmanuel Sanders left void when he signed with the Denver Broncos in the offseason. If he’s not claimed in your league, repeat after me: Must have Wheaton!

2. Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens: Everyone and their mother knows about the horrific Ray Rice story by now. But, the football team will keep playing and they still need another running back to hand the ball off. Forsett has looked solid with the opportunities he’s had, so I’d be sure to add him if you’re short on running back depth.

3. Miami Defense/Special Teams: As a New England Patriots fan, I have come to dread playing the Miami Dolphins in Miami. That defense plays differently at home, and I think they’ll be able to shut down the Kansas City Chiefs offense pretty easily.

 

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Bold predictions for the 2014 New England Patriots

The quest for the New England Patriots’ fourth Lombardi trophy is underway and with it comes predictions for how their season will play out. When the Patriots made signed big-name free agent Darrell Revis, the hype of this team has reached astronomical heights. Here are four bold predictions for the team and how the season might turn out for certain players.

1. Rob Gronkowski will match his 2011 season production

Rob Gronkowski, when healthy, could be considered one of the top offensive weapons in the game. His mixture of size, strength, and great hands make him a match-up nightmare for the opposing defense. The obvious issue here is that he has not been able to stay healthy long enough to put up the numbers he should be. Although I don’t think he’ll play the full 16-week schedule, nor do I believe he should be relied on for 16 games. I feel this is finally the year he plays around 14 games. The big guy needs to finally catch some luck. ACL tears are like oil changes in today’s advanced world of medicine. Add in that Gronkowski is more of a power player who doesn’t rely on his speed and he should return to form after tearing his ACL last year. If Gronkowski can play 14 games, his historical stat line of 90 catches, 1,327 yards, and 17 touchdowns of 2011 could easily be matched.

2. Chandler Jones will be a household name by the end of the season

The former first round pick out of Syracuse had an impressive career with the Patriots thus far. Through his first two years, he has lead the team in sacks with 17.5. This year could be his coming out party though. With the boosted secondary, Jones will have more time to get to the passer and bring him down. This was on display in the third preseason game when Jones had two sacks on Cam Newton in just the first half. Add in the fact that he was recently given  an award for spending the entire offseason in Foxboro and focusing on leg strength to help him power through offensive linemen, I think that the sky’s the limit. Don’t be surprised to see Chandler Jones make a run for Defensive Player of the Year honors this year and pile up 15 plus sacks.

3. Tom Brady will win his third MVP award

Last year, Peyton Manning put up a record-breaking season and it was only fitting that the only other player who received a first place vote was Tom Brady. Brady put up one of his worst seasons statistically last year as he struggled to form chemistry with his revamped receiving corps. Somehow he found a way to will his team to a 12-4 record and play in the AFC Championship game for the third year in a row. Now, in 2014, Brady is returning with the majority of his receivers from last year, including newcomer Brandon LaFell who is already receiving praise from the quarterback. Brady has many weapons at his disposal, from the speedy running back Shane Vereen to second year field-stretching receiver Aaron Dobson; Brady should be able to attack all levels of the field. That’s not even including Brady’s favorite weapon from this first prediction. Brady has the ultimate statistical bounce back year from last year and wins the regular season MVP, but that isn’t where my predictions stop.

4. The New England Patriots will defeat the New Orleans Saints in the Super Bowl

Hop on the bandwagon now because the Patriots will be heading to Glendale, Arizona, for the first weekend in February for a date with destiny and the New Orleans Saints. I think the Saints actually making the Super Bowl is more bold than saying that New England will be there. The Saints added safety Jairus Byrd to a defense that was showing promise last year, and their offense always ends up as a top 5 unit in the NFL, but the NFC is deep with powerhouse teams like the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers. That being said, this will not be enough as the Patriots will finally capture their fourth Lombardi trophy. The defense will be the crucial factor that will put the Patriots over the top. Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty, Brandon Browner, Jamie Collins, Jerod Mayo, Vince Wilfork, Chandler Jones… the list goes on and on of playmakers for the Patriots. With the confidence that his defense can get off the field and put the ball back in his hands, Brady won’t have the pressure to carry the team. Mark it down now: Patriots over Saints 24-17 in Super Bowl XLIX.

 

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Week two picks for fantasy football

Fantasy football: Where average Joe’s like you and I can feel like award-winning general managers who put together teams to embarrass our friends. Here’s my spin on the week. As always I claim no responsibility for your failures, but will accept all of the credit for your successes.

Stock Trending Up

1. Percy Harvin, WR, Seattle Seahawks: In the words of Richard Sherman, “Lord have mercy, we’ve got Percy.” Man, is there anything this guy can’t do? On Thursday night, Harvin was key in the receiving, rushing, and return game. My key stat from Harvin’s night: he had seven receptions on seven targets. The guy makes plays. If he can stay healthy, Harvin is due for a BIG season.

2. Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: The NFL’s favorite redhead will take on a weak Atlanta defense in week two with a pocket full of weapons. AJ Green, Giovanni Bernard, Tyler Eifert, Marvin Jones and the rest of this Bengals team has a lot of talent. That’s good news if this game turns into a slugfest since Atlanta QB Matt Ryan has one of the most dynamic receiver duos on the other side of the field. Dalton will earn his absurdly large paycheck this week with a big game at home against the Falcons.

3. Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers: Man, what an embarrassment for the Cheeseheads on opening night. Now they’ll get to return home and take on an absolutely abysmal Jets secondary. I’m expecting HUGE days from Nelson and Cobb and could see them both going for over 100 yards and each with at least a touchdown. Discount Double Check, indeed.

Stock Trending Down

1. CJ Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills: I’ll admit, I was one of the guys who thought CJ Spiller would turn into an certified fantasy stud last year. But, a season full of injuries and a committee backfield for the Bills did not help make that a reality. Spiller is once again the main return man for the Bills but this time, I’m not buying. Sell high on Spiller now because I can’t see him having a good year.

2. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers: Rivers against the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom defense? Ha! Good luck with that one. Rivers will be a solid fantasy QB this year, but I would advise starting someone who is not playing the best defense in the league.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders: MJD has been a decent value pick in most fantasy leagues this year, but I can’t see the Oakland backfield going anywhere against the Texans defense. JJ Watt and first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney are poised to turn the Houston front seven into a nightmare for offenses and the Oakland backfield is far from the class of the NFL.

Week Two Waiver Wire Pickups

1. Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints: If you can pick up Ingram in your league, I advise you do it now. Ingram looked great in the preseason, and he has the potential to become the Saints bellcow back for the year. I have him in most of my leagues, and he’s a good bench RB that can potentially be put in the starting rotation during a bye week or if someone gets injured. ROLL TIDE!

2. James Starks, RB, Green Bay: I was a HUGE Eddie Lacy guy this year. Seeing him go down week one with a concussion diagnosis is not good news for Lacy owners like myself. I highly advise picking up Starks, who proved last year he can be an effective back in the Green Bay offense both rushing the ball and catching it out of the backfield.

3. Tampa Bay Defense: Lovie Smith’s squad will take on a depleted St. Louis offense that just lost Sam Bradford for the season. They should be able to put up very good numbers for a defense. Anyone with a defense that isn’t named the Seattle Seahawks should look to add Tampa Bay as a solid D/ST play this week.

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Should Red Sox fans already be worried about 2014 season?

The Boston Red Sox have started the year not quite the way you would hope the reigning World Champions would.

Bad breaks, unlucky calls and some overall poor play have led the Sox to an 8-10 record through the team’s first 18 games. Should fans start to hit the panic button already?

Last year nearly everything went right for the Red Sox. From Koji Uehara having a career year to David Ortiz’s legendary performance in the playoffs, the Red Sox never really hit a bad stretch of baseball. From Opening Day onward they were playing well and barely ever seemed to hit a bump in the road on the field or off of it. Unfortunately, this type of play would be hard to replicate.

Enter 2014. Even in Spring Training it was apparent this team would not benefit from the same good luck as last year’s squad. Jake Peavy nearly cuts his finger off while taking his son fishing. Manager John Farrell is clearly not happy with the defensive skill of the left side of the infield, and even David Ortiz is complaining about a contract extension. The spring was a very busy time for the Red Sox for the wrong reasons. And now that same theme has carried into the regular season.

Starting pitcher John Lackey has had some rough starts, shortstop Xander Bogaerts looks mediocre at best defensively, and right fielder Shane Victorino has yet to step on the field. The cards have not fallen well for the Red Sox this far in the season. Tempers are starting to rise as well, with Farrell criticizing the replay system and continuing the circus that has been Boston Red Sox baseball.

Fortunately, the season is still early. An MLB campaign is a marathon, not a sprint, as the 162 game season makes it so a team can afford having a rough stretch and still put together a successful season.

So is it time for Red Sox fans to panic and give up on the season entirely? No. This team does have talent and has shown that they are a deadly team come October. Fans should not think that because they are the defending World Series Champions that they are entitled to making the playoffs this year. The Red Sox do need to start putting some good baseball together sooner rather than later to put some faith in not only themselves, but also the fan base.

This season could very well turn into a circus season like 2012 very quickly. So hold off on hitting that panic button, Red Sox fans. But I would keep your button hand ready until they show signs of life for 2014.

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