Tag Archives: 2013

Joe’s NFL Picks, Week 15: Chiefs and Raiders in OT, Ravens fly high in Detroit

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Picking the winners and losers of week 15 in the NFL.

Last Week: 13-3.  Season: 78-52-1 (60.00%).

NFL weekly picks: 2013, week 15
NFL weekly picks: 2013, week 15

Do we want more snow games? Is Tom Brady on a mission – Gronk or no Gronk? Is the NFL the most addictive drama on television?

The answer is yes, yes and yes. December football in the NFL never disappoints!

Grab your foam fingers, here we go:

Thursday Night Game:

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos (-6.5)
Unless Manning’s throwing arm falls off due to overuse, then I cannot pick against Denver. Especially at home.
Broncos 41, Chargers 38

Sunday Games:

Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons (-3)
This reminds me of the 1987 KU-KSU game (aka the ‘Toilet Bowl’). Seriously, both of these teams have really stunk it up this year compared to lofty expectations. If RGIII were starting, I would pick the Falcons – but I think giving Kirk Cousins the reins for the rest of the year is an excellent move. Gimme the ‘skins on the road.
Redskins 31, Falcons 24

Chicago Bears (-1.5) at Cleveland Browns
I know it was Ditka night at Soldier Field on MNF last week, but DAY-UMM those Bears lit up the scoreboard in the freezing cold. Josh McCown is having a heyday running Trestman’s offense to perfection. Alshon Jeffries is a B-E-A-S-T. Look out Cleveland; the Monsters of the Midway are coming for you.
Bears 42, Browns 28

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans (-1)
I’m supposed to pick the Titans at home here but I can’t. The stuff they’re cookin’ up in the desert is pretty spicy and I think it travels well this week.
Cardinals 32, Titans 28

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (PK)
The Tailspin Texans stand to gain more by losing here (in draft position) than they do by winning. Factor in Kubiak’s firing and the QB woes and I wouldn’t bet a dime on them going into Indy and posting a ‘W’. Reluctantly, I will take the Colts at home.
Colts 30, Texans 20

New Orleans Saints (-1.5) at St. Louis Rams
‘Dem Saints on the road aren’t as good as ‘Dem Saints in N’awlens. I believe the Saints will get caught napping by a spoiler-minded Rams team. I expect some ‘Punch-in-the-mouth’ football. POW!
Rams 35, Saints 24

New England Patriots (-2) at Miami Dolphins
No Gronk? No Problem. The Patriots won all season without him anyway! Time to dust off Kembrell Thompkins. I sense a Brady Super-Bowl push this year – in a big way. Tom Brady wants to add to his legacy and make an argument for G.O.A.T. status. Look out ‘fins.
Patriots 38, Dolphins 21

Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings (-3.5)
The Eagles will be tough to beat this week as the face a beat-up and very suspect Vikings defense. Factor in no Adrian Peterson and it could get UGLY.
Eagles 37, Vikings 20

Seattle Seahawks (-1) at New York Giants
The Seahawks are supposed to crush this one out of the park. But I start adding things up . . . West Coast team traveling all the way to NY . . Cold weather/Nasty Weather game . . . Road game . . . A proud Giants team looking to smack down the high-flying Seahawks . . . and (my favorite) Eli Manning in December. Sorry Seattle, I’m going with the G-Men on this one.
Giants 49, Seahawks 20

Buffalo Bills (-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have momentum going now and will be looking to add to it this week in what I believe may be one of the more hotly-contested games played this weekend. The things have me picking the Bills this week: (1) that wicked front 7 of the Buffalo defense, and (2) no one is overlooking the Jaguars now.
Bills 35, Jaguars 23

San Francisco 49ers (-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A focused San Fran team is rolling into Tampa Bay with the playoffs in mind. The defense that the 49ers field will be giving Mike Glennon nightmares for years to come. Duck and cover kid, duck and cover.
49ers 24, Buccaneers 7

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers (-3)
The Jets have fooled me for the last time this year. Cam and the Panthers at home will be too tough for the bi-polar Jets to beat. Getcha Nyquil.
Panthers 27, Jets 7

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders (PK)
The Chiefs shook off some doubts with last week’s drubbing on the tail-spun Redskins, and this rivalry is always a heated one. I’m expecting a classic battle with the Chiefs edging the Raiders in OT.
Chiefs 30, Raiders 27

Green Bay Packers (-1) at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys will be looking to right the ship after the trip to the Soldier Field woodshed on Monday Night Football last week. Needless to say, the Pack won’t be back until Aaron Rodgers is back.
Cowboys 38, Packers16

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5)
The Bengals will face a nasty battle in Pittsburgh. After last week’s nail-biter, Pittsburgh will be looking to put things back on track. Look for the Steelers to hold serve much like the Bears did on Monday Night Football. Bonus points if Pittsburgh can honor a legendary coach at halftime.
Steelers 34, Bengals 24

Monday Night Game:

Baltimore Ravens at Detroit Lions (PK)
I can’t figure out the Detroit Lions. They’re like a more talented version of the Jets. If there is any team in the league that you look at and think “Why aren’t they winning damn near every week?!” then the obvious choice is Detroit. A proud Baltimore team will look to come in and trip up a bumbling Lions franchise. To me it was a coin flip, but after Elam said the Megatron is old? Wow, I have to go with the Lions now.
Lions 41, Ravens 30

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Joe’s NFL Picks, Week 14: Chiefs over Redskins, Bears over Cowboys

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Picking the winners and losers of week 14 in the NFL.

Last Week: 8-8.  Season: 65-49-1 (57.01%).NFL weekly picks: 2013, week 14

Welcome to REAL football. December football in the NFL – where teams pull out all the stops as the race for playoff spots heats up. What to look forward to? Intense competition and (my favorite) SNOW GAMES!

It is one-liner week. Buckle up, here we go:

Thursday Game:

Houston Texans (-4.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaguars are hot, Texans are not.
Jaguars 28, Texans 24

Sunday Games:

Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5)
Bengals defense > Colts offense + Game is in Cincy =
Bengals 27, Colts 21

Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-3)
The Bills will come into Tampa and take home a win.
Bills 21, Buccaneers 20

Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins (-4.5)
Redskins are lost. Chiefs are looking to make a statement.
Chiefs 36, Redskins 20

Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5)
Ravens always play well at home. Minnesota is inconsistent.
Ravens 28, Vikings 20

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots (-8.5)
Patriots are looking like a Super Bowl team, Cleveland is looking like Cleveland.
Patriots 34, Browns 28

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints (-3.5)
The Saints at home? That is all I need to know about this one.
Saints 41, Panthers 31

Oakland Raiders at New York Jets (-6)
Raiders: a team on the rise. Jets: a team stuck in the mud.
Raiders 27, Jets 13

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles (-1)
Eagles are on the right path. The Lions lack focus.
Eagles 30, Lions 28

Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5)
Steelers are back in form AND at home.
Steelers 27, Dolphins 24

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos (-10)
Broncos are a Championship-caliber team. The Titans are mediocre.
Broncos 42, Titans 17

New York Giants at San Diego Chargers (PK)
The Chargers are just a few plays away from being a dominant team. They keep scratching the surface – look for a breakthrough on the road this week.
Chargers 34, Giants 27

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers (-2.5)
I figured these teams to split the series, which means:
49ers 24, Seahawks 21

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals (PK)
Cardinals are the better team and are tough in the desert.
Cardinals 20, Rams 17

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (-3)
With or without Rodgers, the Pack beats the Falcons in GreenBay in December.
Packers 23, Falcons 16

Monday Night Game:

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears (-3)
The Cowboys don’t have the mettle to go into Chicago in December and get a win.
Bears 33, Cowboys 21

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Joe’s NFL Picks, Week 9: Chiefs Go 9-0, Cowboys, Bears Win

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Picking the winners and losers of week 9 in the NFL.NFL 2013 Week 9 Match-Ups and Predictions

Last Week: 10-3.  Season: 29-14 (67%).

Week 9 in the NFL! The start of the stretch run toward the postseason. A lot of close battles will take place this week in some great match-ups.

Will the Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated for another week? Can the Texans turn it around? Let’s take a look.

Thursday Game:

Cincinnati Bengals at Miami Dolphins (-1)
Cincinnati is red hot. Their defense has been strong all season, and now with the added deep threat that Jones brings, it is ‘pick your poison’ for opposing defensive coordinators. Miami is struggling and will continue to. Give me the Bengals in a close one.
Bengals 28, Dolphins 21

Sunday Games:

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills (-1.5)
Halloween? Call the Ghostbusters! Kansas City has been dispelling a lot of ghosts this season, and their 26 year losing streak in Buffalo is next up. Buffalo is tough and scrappy and this will be a very physical game. Buffalo’s DL is going to cause problems for KC. Good thing Andy Reid can scheme for that.
Chiefs 24, Bills 17

San Diego Chargers at Washington Redskins (-3.5)
AFC West vs NFC East? Hmmm. Yes, I think I know how this one goes. The Chargers are playing excellent football, and the Redskins (as usual), have problems. I think the Redskins will start winning again when they finally change their name to the Washington Bravehearts.
Chargers 34, Redskins 21

Atlanta Falcons (-1) at Carolina Panthers
The Falcons are in free fall. Injuries have stacked up and morale is down. Carolina is playing well and will be tough to beat at home. Give me the Panthers at home.
Panthers 23, Falcons 20

Minnesota Vikings at Dallas Cowboys (-1.5)
The Vikings QB situation is reminiscent of last year’s Chiefs. It is a debilitating distraction with no good options. Dallas is looking to make a statement. This is where they speak up.
Cowboys 30, Vikings 10

Tennessee Titans at St. Louis Rams (-4.5)
The Rams are strong up front and they need their skill positions to hold up their end of the bargain. Expect a close one with the home team managing to eke out a ‘W’.
Rams 20, Titans 16

New Orleans Saints (-1.5) at New York Jets
The Saints have no business even making this game a close one. The J-E-T-S are a disaster.
Saints 42, Jets 14

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Seattle Seahawks (-7)
Seattle is a monster. They are an even bigger monster at home. The Bucs have leadership issues with the lame-duck Schiano. Also, morale can’t be very high for this team.
Seahawks 28, Buccaneers 21

Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5) at Oakland Raiders
Another AFC West team, another NFC East team. Chip Kelly’s Eagles are going to get swallowed in the Black Hole.
Raiders 34, Eagles 17

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots (-4)
Belichik has been talking up the Steelers, which is an old Lou Holtz trick. He’s pulling out all the stops because his start QB has a fat hand, the receiving core is maligned and the defense has experienced significant losses. The Pats win if the can keep Le’Veon Bell from putting cleat marks all over them. Hopefully the new DT they picked up can plug the hole left by Wilfork’s absence. I’ll take the home team. There’s still some magic left in Foxborough.
Patriots 30, Steelers 28

Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) at Cleveland Browns
Which Ravens team is going to show up on the road? My gut tells me the defending Super Bowl Champs will come in and pound Cleveland. Just because they are supposed to.
Ravens 24, Browns 17

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (-4.5)
Hello trap game, it’s been a long time. Houston is sick (x3) of losing, and Case Keenum gets his first home start. I sense a lot of emotion will be coming from the Texans. Keenum either wins this one or Houston fans can start looking forward to the Johnny Manziel era (which may actually be coming to Dallas if Romo can’t earn his paycheck in the playoffs this year).
Texans 31, Colts 17

Monday Night Game:

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (-4)
Finally, a MNF game worth watching! Da Bears. Da Packers. Green Bay is shallow in the receiving department and will miss Clay Matthews on Monday night. I’ll take the flying Ditkas on the road.
Bears 31, Packers 28

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NFL Week 6 Picks: Chiefs Over Raiders and Jags Put Up A Fight in Denver

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NFL Week 6 PredictionsWelcome to the Chief's Kingdom

I’ve always wanted to officially do this. So here goes:

Thursday Game:

New York Giants at Chicago Bears
Giants continue tailspin, Bears need a win to keep pace in Division.
Bears 28, Giants 14

Sunday Games:

Cincinatti Bengals at Buffalo Bills
Bengals continue to flex and Bills rookie QB gets tough lesson.
Bengals 31, Bills 17

Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens
Green Bay will come in more motivated. Not sure which Ravens team will show up. Anyone got a coin to flip?
Packers 35, Ravens 28

Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns
An ugly game for Detroit with Megatron highly questionable to suit up. Cleveland seems to be getting the job done lately even though they traded T-Rich and their QB shuffle rolls on. I’ll take the home team.
Browns 28, Lions 24

Carolina Panthers at Minnesota Vikings
I expect an emotion Vikings team delivering an excellent effort. Especially from ‘All Day’.
Vikings 38, Panthers 21

St. Louis Rams at Houston Texans
Schaub gets well this week by thumping a snake-bit Rams team. Bradford continues to look confused.
Texans 42, Rams 20

Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs finally get offense rolling and unwrap Dwayne Bowe this week. A dominating performance and a statement game by the Chiefs. All this in the middle of the World’s biggest BBQ party and LOUDEST NFL stadium (Sorry Seattle).
Chiefs 44, Raiders 10

Pittsburg Steelers at New York Jets
The Ugly Bowl. I see Steelers rookie LaVeon Bell having a geat day against the J-E-T-S very tough defense.
Steelers 24, Jets 20

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lots of question marks here. I believe the ego of Chip Kelly wills this victory.
Eagles 31, Buccaneers 20

Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos
A 28-point spread? I’ll take the Jags and the points. I predict an actual game. Henne has a career day, ‘Sooner Magic’ makes an appearance in Denver and the Broncos look remarkably human. Denver still wins.
Broncos 38, Jaguars 28

Tennessee Titans at Seattle Seahawks
Titans win by out-muscling the Seahawks. Seattle loses some mojo and a home game.
Titans 23, Seahawks 20

New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots
New Orleans is going to do to the Pats what the Pats used to do to everyone else. Wilfork is missed.
Saints 35, Patriots 14

Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
Kaep has an injured foot. Cardinals smell blood.
Cardinals 27, 49ers 20

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Romo earns his money this week as the ‘Boys roll in Jerryville.
Cowboys 41, Redskins 20

Monday Night Game:

Indianapolis Colts at San Diego Chargers
Andrew Luck is even better this year. T-Rich gets back on track. Bad news for the Chargers.
Colts 34, Chargers 27

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2013 - Your Best Year Ever

Make Every Day Count in 2013

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2013 - Your Best Year EverI am going to endeavor to Make Every Day Count – day by day in 2013 – and track it. I want 2013 to be my best year so far in my life on a number of levels.

This is not my list of goals for 2013, this is my approach to attaining those goals (in addition to a written plan).

I figure if I can make a concerted effort to keep track of my daily efforts to make every day count – then I have a chance to really realize some dreams.

What would make the day count?

I guess that is a personal question (and dependent on one’s goals for the year). Here is my take:

1. Monday-Friday will be my primary work week.
2. Saturday will be for fun/rest,
3. Sunday will be for God/rest/fun.
4. I will keep a record of what I did each day to make the day count (some will be better than others).
5. If I am sick that day, I will consider resting, recovering and taking care of my health to be the optimum way to make the day count.
6. I may spend time working on Saturday/Sunday as needed for projects.
7. I may spend time M-F for R&R to counteract #6.
8. Fitness (stretching/weightlifting/running) will be a regular point to Make Every Day Count.
a. If I feel better every day then every day will be much more productive.
9. Spending time with family, loved ones and friends will be an important part of Making Every Day Count.
10. I will stretch my mind with reading, learning, music, art and travel.

It will be interesting to keep track of this Making Every Day Count program. In addition to growth, joy and abundance – I want to enjoy KNOWING that I am not spinning my wheels, having unproductive days or wasting time.

If I am not sure of the inherent value of my endeavors or activities – I will gauge how I think I would assess the goal/activity as my future/older/higher self. As in:

1. How would I view/value this in retrospect 20 years from now? 40 years from now?

Figure I’ll sleep better and develop a greater hunger to Make Every Day Count as I go along. Probably become a heck of a lot more productive, happy, healthy and fulfilled.

I suspect if a person does this every day – they will get better at it.

Join me if you want to.

Love, Happiness and Success!

Joe

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It’s Time for the “Te-Vick” Offense in Kansas City: The Chiefs Gameplan for 2013.

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2013 Kansas City Chiefs - The "Te-Vick" Offense
How to fix the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013? Here’s a plan.

Oh, if they made me the decision-maker for the Kansas City Chiefs, here is what I would do.

  • It would win.
  • It would be revolutionary.
  • It would be exciting.

Some would hate it. Most would LOVE it. ALL would watch it. I’d sure love to see it.

The Kansas City Chiefs in 2013:

  • GM: Marty Schottenheimer
  • Head Coach: Brian Billick
  • Offensive Coordinator: Josh McDaniels
  • Defensive Coordinator: Rex Ryan
  • Offensive Game Plan: The “Te-Vick”
  • Starting QB: Michael Vick
  • FB/QB: Tim Tebow
  • RB: Jamaal Charles

Draft Plan:

  • 1st Round: O-Lineman
  • 2nd Round: O-Lineman
  • 3rd Round: Wide Receiver
  • 4th Round: Big Running Back
  • 5th Round: O-Lineman
  • 6th Round: Tight End
  • 7th Round: Fullback

The “Te-Vick” Offense:

The “Te-Vick” Offense = a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators. A run-based offense of ground and pound running game with the backfield featuring Vick, Tebow and either Charles or a Fullback.

  1. Jumbo package on the field 70% of the time
  2. Multiple snap options at all times
  3. Tebow or Vick can go in motion
  4. Tebow doubles as a FB to run or block for Jamaal Charles
  5. Play-action and bootleg options for Vick
  6. Screens to Tebow/Charles
  7. Outlet passes to Tebow/Charles
  8. Bowe and New Receiver stretch field for long gains

A few thoughts on this game plan:

  1. No one is built to stop this type of attack anymore in today’s pass-happy NFL.
  2. No one will adjust their defensive personnel to stop just ONE TEAM on their schedule.
  3. Teams will HATE playing us because we’re physical.
  4. Defensive personnel are predominantly lighter, faster guys who are drafted for their speed and ability to cover receivers will get bulldozed and will start to wish they were somewhere else at about the 3:00 mark in the 3rd Quarter.
  5. Interest and Media Coverage would be INTENSE.
  6. If the first year is a sour one, then use our high draft pick in 2014 on Johnny ‘Football’ Manziel.

Clark Hunt, here is your winning plan. It wins. It is relevant. Fans will love it. Jerseys and merchandise will sell like hotcakes. Arrowhead will once again be the biggest and best BBQ party on the planet.

I can almost smell it!

Thanks for your time.

Joe Wooldridge
Future President of Football Operations
Kansas City Chiefs

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