Saturday, September 28, 2013

Week 4 NFL Top Prediction Picks: Hot Finger Louie Fantasy Report

The fantasy report for week 4  hot picks is a tough one indeed, especially since the 0-3 teams have been a most disappointing start for Vegas odds makers, and fantasy leagues.

Arizona Cardinals 19 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
Buccaneers Fantasy players are left out in the cold since the Buccaneers 3 game losing streak. It does not feel any better for those fantasy players that thought the Cardinals would not be in a losing drought. Arizona will bounce back from a dismal start to finally reach the 500 mark.

Pittsburgh Steelers 17 – Minnesota Vikings 27
Fantasy players’ first picks of the 2013 NFL season for the Steelers and Vikings have turned out to be absolute duds. The only bright spot for fantasy players of the Minnesota picks is Adrian Peterson; moreover it may be a matter of time for this stud to depart from the Vikings team in search for greener opportunities, especially if the team keeps up a losing streak. The Vikings have the edge in this game in both offense and defense.

Baltimore Ravens 28 – Buffalo Bills 19
Fantasy players stick with their top Baltimore offensive picks in a week 4 matchup that will determine next weeks fantasy picks. The Bills have been in some close shoot outs, but their fantasy stock has plummeted due to their QB dilemma. Fantasy players stick with their favorite first choice in this week 4 matchup.

Cincinnati Bengals 24 – Cleveland Browns 17
Fantasy players look at their options at QB and wide receiver, and determine that the Bengals offense will prove to be a most valuable money maker for this week 4 NFL matchup.

Indianapolis Colts 28 – Jacksonville Jaguars 13
Fantasy players look for a big game from second year QB Andrew Luck. Reggie Wayne last week less than stellar performance does not worry fantasy players, Wayne will remain a top pick in week 4. The Colts are favored by 14 points – in a game that will separate the men from the boys.

New York Jets 24 – Tennessee Titans 23
Move over Mark Sanchez, and enter Gino Smith - as Smith is a fan favorite fantasy pick in this week 4 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. Seeing that some fantasy players abandon ship and pick the Titans as 2 point favorites, veteran fantasy players pick the Jets a 1 point favorite in a week 4 knock down showdown.

Dallas Cowboys 31 – San Diego Chargers 21
The Chargers last week heartbreaking lost to the Titans has fantasy players running for cover in their week 4 picks. Many Faithful Chargers fantasy players abandon their favorite picks for new blood. The Cowboys are 10 point favorites in this week 4 matchup.

Washington Redskins 21 – Oakland Raiders 28
This Redskins and Raiders week 4 matchup is a tough fantasy pick. There is no room for error in this week fantasy picks, since both teams are struggling with several injury issues on offense and defense. The Raiders are underdogs in fantasy points, but are fan favorites for fantasy players’ top picks.


All Photo Images --  Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Hot Finger Louie Week 4 NFL Undefeated Matchup Predictions

Enter week 4, and I beg your pardon, what NFL fantasy player could have predicted that the 49ers would whip up on the St. Louis Rams in grand fashion? The 49ers are 500 in the win category, and this without a doubt helps their confidence going into their week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans.

Week 4 in the NFL will come down to one inclusive thing, the team that dominates in defense will remain undefeated. Which ever team reaches 4-0 will have bragging rights going into week 5. It will be a vote of confidence for the team that does remain undefeated going into week 5. Fantasy players will have a chance to stick with their favorites, or jump ship and shuffle their picks for week 5 depending on the outcome of this game.

New York Giants 19 – Kansas City Chiefs 28
The woeful Giants will remain in the dog house in this week 4 matchup, and their lack of offensive discipline will keep Eli Manning frustrated through all 4 quarters.

Chicago Bears 31 – Detroit Lions 24
This is the game that Jay Cutler needs to help the Bears remain undefeated, and it is as though he is walking in the shoes of Joe Flacco. The Jay Cutler bashers who wanted to trade him last season MAY EAT THEIR WORDS if he keeps his winning streak alive in week 4.

Seattle Seahawks 28 – Houston Texans 24
The Seattle Seahawks and Russell Wilson are the real deal, and they have proved time and time again why they are fantasy players’ favorite in week 4. The Seahawks defense remains a potent catalyst for every offensive team that has to gear-up against a well disciplined defense, and the Texans Big O will have their hands full in this week 4 matchup.

Philadelphia Eagles 21 – Denver Broncos 38
Trial under fire Michael Vick will face against a potent defense in this week 4 matchup. Even though Vick is coming into his own groove, his receivers remain under constant scrutiny as they face a well-built Broncos offense. Peyton Manning mindset is to focus on his wide receiver schemes, given that he is quite aware that the Eagles defense week 4 preparations is to shut down the running game.

New England Patriots 28 – Atlanta Falcons 21
Tom Brady is still missing two of his most valuable receivers, and the Falcons are on the lookout for a way to expose the Patriots offensive woes. This will be a hard fought battle in the trenches as fantasy players scramble to adjust their picks in this AFC versus NFC matchup.

Miami Dolphins 23 New Orleans Saints 38
This Monday Night Football showdown will showcase two teams that fantasy players have on their hot list, and some fantasy players will pick the underdog in a chance to win big bucks. Drew Brees is on track to break another NFL record this season, and his QB skill rating will remain at the top 5 of every fantasy players list for this 2013 NFL season.

 Photo Credit: dbking - Wikimedia Commons - via Flickr


Monday, September 23, 2013

Week 3 NFL Hot Quick Pick: Oakland Raiders 19 – Denver Broncos 38

If you are a last minute NFL quick pick fantasy player like I am, then this is a must week 3 quick pick posts that will make many fantasy players proud.

If Peyton Manning stays healthy for the remainder of the 2013 NFL season, he may have the opportunity to break a couple of NFL records that will set a new standard in the NFL.

Many fantasy players know this game is all about what Peyton Manning brings to the Broncos table, and it is an undeniable fact that the acquisition of Manning has given the Broncos the edge in a competitive AFC West Division.

The Raiders defense without Von Miller and Champ Bailey is still clicking on 6 cylinder overdrive. There are two bright spots that many Indianapolis Colts fans remember when Peyton was a Colt; his uncanny knack to tear down a defense, and know when to hand the ball off in key situations of duress.

My prediction is that Wes Welker will have another standout game, and his 2 TD scores will help seal a Bronco victory.

I’m going out on a limb to predict that Peyton Manning will throw 5 TD passes, have 1 INT, complete 32 out of 45 passes, and have a 99.9 QB rating. If Peyton is able to throw 3 TD passes in this game against the Raiders, it will set a new NFL record.

Another key to a victory for the Broncos will fall on the shoulders of their young Tight End Julius Thomas. The Broncos Tight End knows the importance of defeating the Raiders - in a game that means more to the Broncos from a division standing.

Even though the Broncos got off to a sluggish start in the beginning first 3 games, this game will prove to be a work in progress as the Broncos improve on their first half scoring percentage.
Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Top 6 Worst Beat Down Week 3 NFL Games Recap

The misery in losing to an NFL team you were supposed to beat in week 3 has now become the talk of the town amongst loyal fans that have seen 6 teams play more poorly than ever before. Week 3 of the NFL season has proven that even a fan favorite team can fall from grace.

Here is a recap on the top 6 worst beat down week 3 NFL games.

Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

St. Louis Rams 7 – Dallas Cowboys 31
The Cowboys defense shut down a sluggish Rams offensive line, and their QB faired no better on his own accord. Tony Romo rebounded back from taking a beating in week 2 against a stout Kansas City defense in which the Cowboys were defeated by only one point.

Houston Texans 9 – Baltimore Ravens 30
It came to no surprise to Ravens Fans that it would be a matter of time before the Ravens defense would rise to the occasion, but it came at an unfortunate time for the Texans – as they shut down Matt Schaub air attack.

Arizona Cardinals 7 – New Orleans Saints 31
Drew Brees air attack proved to be doom for a struggling defensive line in week 3. The Saints are getting back to their old style of whip ‘em up defense and that only means trouble for their next opponent in week 4.

New York Giants 0 – Carolina Panthers 38
The New Giants whole team put on a pitiful display in week 3 – as their lackluster performance against the Panthers is one of their worst outings since Eli Manning took over the QB helm in 2004. The Panthers defense played a sparkling game, and they will have time to cherish this whip down as they take this upcoming bye week to study film for their bout against the Arizona Cardinals.

Jacksonville Jaguars 17 – Seattle Seahawks 45
When you have a quarterback such as Russell Wilson that can throw on the run, and is also very mobile in the pocket, it was a disaster in the making for the Jaguars offensive linemen. The Seahawks are a complete team both on offense and defense, but their next matchup against a solid Houston Texans defense in week 4 will be another test for Russell Wilson.

Chicago Bears 40 – Pittsburgh Steelers 23

Jay Cutler has taken a lot of flak throughout his playing time in Chicago, but somehow he has managed to help his team win some really thrilling games in 2013. The Bears defense has risen to the occasion several times this season, and that is why they remain undefeated. 


Saturday, September 21, 2013

Hot Finger Louie Week 3 NFL Predictions

Week 2 NFL games are now official past history, and many teams that were picked as fantasy football favorites turned out to be duds for fantasy league players. Upsets in week 2 have fantasy players scratching their heads – as they hurry up within picking their fantasy favorites in week 3. Larry Fitzgerald is dealing with a hamstring problem, and the Denver Broncos are waiting to see if Champ Bailey will suit up to play in their week 3 matchup against the Oakland Raiders. There are several teams that are dealing with injury issues which may derail their opportunity to win in week 3, and this gives an opportunity for fantasy players to reshuffle their picks in week 3.

Houston Texans 28 – Baltimore Ravens 27

New York Giants 24 – Carolina Panthers 21

Detroit Lions 20 – Washington Redskins 19

St. Louis Rams 24 – Dallas Cowboys 31

Green Bay Packers 31 – Cincinnati Bengals 17

San Diego Chargers 27 – Tennessee Titans 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14 – New England Patriots 28

Cleveland Browns 13 – Minnesota Vikings 28

Arizona Cardinals 20 – New Orleans Saints 34

Atlanta Falcons 28 – Miami Dolphins 31

Indianapolis Colts 28 – San Francisco 49ers 24

Buffalo Bills 16 – New York Jets 27

Jacksonville Jaguars 13 – Seattle Seahawks 27

Chicago Bears 24 – Pittsburgh 13



Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Week 3 NFL Hot Pick Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 24 – Philadelphia Eagles 34

Former Coach Andy Reid returns to his old stomping ground, but there will be no cheers from the Philly crowd as their ex-coach face a hostile Eagles defense. This NFC versus West showdown will be a hard fought battle on both fronts, and the Eagles new head Coach Chip Kelly will be bettered prepared to face a coach who knows all of the Eagles prior game plans.

Coach Chip Kelly will have a few tricks up his sleeve to combat the stout Kansas City defense. The offensive play calling of ex-Coach Andy Reid will play in Michael Vick’s favor, as he will use this to his advantage against the 3rd rank defense in the NFL.

This week 3 matchup will be a game that both coaches will place an emphasis on pass protection as well as defensive turnovers. This will be a huge test for the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line – as they face a well disciplined Kansas City Chiefs defense.

This will be a coming out game of sorts for Michael Vick, indeed, a game that may determine a divisional playoff run for Super Bowl 48.

Several syndicated networks and sports analyst predict that Alex Smith will not be able to keep pace with Michael Vick, but my prediction is just the opposite. My Alex Smith prediction is that the veteran QB will help the Chiefs lead in the 2nd and 3rd quarter, which will make it a much closer game predicted by the majority of fantasy sports players.

Photo Credit: Ed Yourdon - via Flickr - Wikimedia Commons

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Hot Finger Louie Week 2 NFL Predictions

Cleveland Browns 14 – Baltimore Ravens 21
Joe Flacco has a brand new baby boy, and with their heartbreaking loss to the Broncos last week, the Ravens defense and Flacco’s air attack will be much too much for the baby Browns to handle.

Minnesota Vikings 31 – Chicago Bears 28
Another big game for Adrian Peterson and the offense will do a better job at protecting Christian Ponder.


St. Louis Rams 27 – Atlanta Falcons 34
The Atlanta Falcons home game will be a must needed win to keep pace with their NFC rival – the New Orleans Saints.

Miami Dolphins 24 – Indianapolis Colts 27
This will be a hard fought battle on both defense and offense for both teams, and a key turnover in the game will help Indianapolis get their second victory of the season.

Dallas Cowboys 33 – Kansas City Chiefs 20
First year Coach Andy Reid play calling will not be enough fire power to help defeat Tony Romo no huddle high powered offense. Dallas will incorporate more no huddle plays designed this week for the sneaky Kansas City defense.

Tennessee Titans 20 – Houston Texans 29
Jake Locker will have success in the 1st half of the game, but the QB will be contained by a stout Texans Defense. Matt Schaub will have a better 1st half, and will manage the game in the 2nd half to help the Titans keep pace with the AFC South Division.
Photo Credit: AJ Guel - Wikimedia Commons

Carolina Panthers 24 – Buffalo Bills 20
A must need win for the Panthers.

San Diego Chargers 24 – Philadelphia Eagles 35
This will be a close game in the 1st half, but the Eagles new high powered offense of Coach Chip Kelly will wear down the Chargers defense in the 2nd half.

Washington Redskins 26 – Green Bay Packers 31
RG3 dust off his sluggish 1st game against the Eagles to make it a competitive close game, but the skill set of Aaron Rodgers will help the Packers get their 1st win of the season.

Detroit Lions 24 – Arizona Cardinals 17
Matthew Stafford versus Carson Palmer proves to be too much to handle – as the Lions get their second win of the season. The NFC North will be one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL this season.

New Orleans Saints 33 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
The Saints will dominate this game both on offense and defense.

Denver Broncos 38 – New York Giants 31
This game will be the third time the Manning brother face off, and this may turn out to be another great shootout. Peyton will have another great game to help the Broncos remain a favorite in the AFC West.

Jacksonville Jaguars 19 – Oakland Raiders 17
Two teams with a not so bright future for the 2013 season, but the Jaguars offense will help gain a victory over the sluggish Oakland defense.

San Francisco 49ers 34 – Seattle Seahawks 28
Colin Kaepernick brings excitement and new energy to the San Francisco team, and Russell Wilson does the same for the Seahawks. Both teams are evenly matched on both offense and defense. Russell Wilson’s interception turnover – leading to a touchdown will seal their fate in losing to their NFC rival.
Photo Credit: Au Kirk - Wikimedia Commons


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Week 2 NFL Hot Pick Prediction: New York Jets 17 – New England Patriots 30

Even though the Patriots may have a depleted receiving team, Tom Brady is not happy with last week’s performance against the Buffalo Bills. Forget about the infamous Mark Sanchez "buttfumble" game in which Tom Brady and the New England Patriots single handily massacred the New York Jets during last year Thanksgiving Day game. Gino Smith will not have the same success as he did against his 18-17 win over the Tampa Buccaneers.

The film room this week will not help Gino Smith in his attempt to clear a victory over the sluggish Patriots defense. Coach Bill Belichick week 2 game plan is to have his defense in sack mode. Even though Gino Smith will have some growing pains in this rival AFC match-up, this trial under fire will be his coming out game.

New York Jets
Despite the many injuries the Patriots are dealing with, there will be a few players that will step up their game and help the Patriots seal a victory in week 2.

Tom Brady 3 touchdown scores will be a better outing for the franchise QB, as his 98.9 passer rating will be a pleasant outing for a team seeking to stay above the pack in the AFC wavering division.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Hot Finger Louie Week 1 NFL Predictions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24 - New York Jets 10
Buccaneers pass rush will be to much for rookie QB Gino Smith to handle, fumbles and turnovers will play a big part in the win for the Buccaneers.

New England Patriots 38 – Buffalo Bills 17
Even though Tom Brady has lost 5 key receivers, he will manage the game at a super efficient pace – as he will connect with his young receivers. The Patriots defense will do a good job on controlling rookie E.J. Manuel, it will be a frustrating day for the rookie QB - as his passer rating will be 79.5 percent.

Minnesota Vikings 28 – Detroit Lions 24
Adrian Peterson will be the key in defeating the Lions; the work horse will rush for 2 touchdowns. Matthew Safford 3 touchdowns and Calvin Johnson big plays will not be enough to overcome some bad happenings in the second half of the game.

Oakland Raiders 13 – Indianapolis Colts 35
The pitiful Oakland Raiders defense will be no match for second year marvel Andrew Luck. The Raiders offense will be snuffed out by a stingy Indy defense that will make it a long day for Terrelle Pryor.

Tennessee Titans 17 – Pittsburgh Steelers 27
Not much talk of Big Ben Roethlisberger since the beginning of the 2013 season, but all of that will become old news as Big Ben shreds the Titans defense by throwing 3 touchdowns. Pittsburgh defense will shut down Ryan Fitzpatrick, turnovers will dictate Pittsburgh win over the Titans.

Kansas City Chiefs 23 – Jacksonville Jaguars 17
Alex Smith field general skills will help his struggling defense overcome a close game. Blaine Gabbert will have an efficient game, but Kansas City’s defense will make it a learning lesson for the young QB.

Seattle Seahawks 42 – Carolina Panthers 38
This will be a grand game to remember – as Russell Wilson and Cam Newton will both have great stats when the game is over. Russell Wilson will bring out the best in Marshawn Lynch as he will have a huge game to help defeat the Panthers at home.
Photo Credit: Larry Maurer


Cincinnati Bengals 17 – Chicago Bears 24
Jay Cutler will best Andy Dalton in a gun slinging duel that will be an exciting game. Chicago Bears defense will force Dalton to throw some unwanted picks. The Bears and Cutler need to start the season off with a win.

Atlanta Falcons 35 – New Orleans Saints 38
The return of Head Coach Sean Payton is just what the Saints need to help defeat the Falcons high powered offense. The Saints new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan play schemes will give the defense the edge to contain the Falcons run game. The acquisition of Steven Jackson will give Matt Ryan more air attack, but Drew Brees is seeking revenge for his teams sub-par last season.

Miami Dolphins 20 – Cleveland Browns 13
Will the new Miami Dolphins uniform help second year QB Ryan Tannehill play better? Dolphins’ fans would hope so, but they know in reality if Tannehill can throw TD’s instead of INT’s - it will give the Dolphins a much needed win. Brandon Weeden will have his hands filled due to the Dolphins revamped defense.

Green Bay Packers 34 – San Francisco 49ers 24
Week 1 will prove to be a week of super match-ups, and this game may be one that goes in the record books as one of the most exciting games to date. Aaron Rodgers air attack will lead to 4 TD scores. Colin Kaepernick will be contained by San Francisco’s defense, but he will have a great game, although a costly pick will cost San Francisco the game.


Arizona Cardinals 20 – St. Louis Rams 24
Sam Bradford has something to prove this season, and he knows that a first season win will help him and his team as a confidence booster. Carson Palmer is a feel good comeback story in the NFL, but an opening season loss will be an uphill battle for an already struggling Cardinals team.

New York Giants 31 – Dallas Cowboys 27
The New York Giants own the Dallas Cowboys in the win category, and even though the Cowboys have home field advantage – the Giants defense will prove to be too much for Tony Romo to Handle. This is a game that Eli Manning needs to win from a team perspective. This will be a hard fought battle in the trenches, but a heartbreaking loss for Tony Romo and his Dallas team.
Photo Credit: Mike Morbeck - Wikimedia Commons


Tim Tebow vs. the NFL: Top 10 Reasons Tebow will never be an NFL QB

The drama and debate about Tim Tebow’s current decision to opt out of the Patriots organization probably will be a very bad move pertaining to his learning curve as an NFL QB. Tebow has without the shadow of a doubt has squandered away an opportunity to play with one of the best teams in the NFL, and he may have ruined his chance of ever becoming a first string QB in the ranks of the NFL.

Tim Tebow may not fully become conscious that he lacks the skill to be converted into a starting quarterback in the NFL, until teams no longer accept his offers at the QB position. Tim Tebow does not have the skill set to be an NFL QB, and he will never be a starting QB in the NFL for a prolonged period of time. My top 10 reasons why Tim Tebow is not an NFL QB is based on his prior performances, and a 10 step analysis on why he should reconsider playing football in the NFL.

#1 Tim Tebow under pressure; bad decisions lead to bad throws, and this is where Tebow has not improved or impressed other NFL teams to give him the opportunity to play quarterback in the NFL.

#2 Given the opportunity Tebow has not proven to be a reliable QB under pressure that is why Coach Belichick decided not to invest time in trying to improve on something that is not there. This may be one of the harshest realities for Tebow to consider.

#3 Time is running out for Tebow. Even though Tim Tebow is twenty five years old, his biological clock to play in the NFL is winding down.

#4 Tebow is not the only NFL player who has been slighted to play another position besides what they were groomed for. Tebow should have felt privileged that the Patriots organization chose him to play for a team that had so much to offer. Tebow blown opportunity may have cost him one of the best opportunities of his life; simply put, learning from Tom Brady, one of the greatest QB’s to play the game today.

#5 What Tebow should have learned from other QB’s who have had little to no success in the NFL. Tim Tebow will not be the last quarterback who had an opportunity to switch positions for the better good of their NFL career.

#6 Quarterback efficiency means success in the NFL. Can Tim Tebow look himself in the mirror and honestly feel that he can be a successful QB in the NFL?

#7 Size does matter in the NFL, and despite Tebow’s dream to play quarterback, his size suggest he would be a better fit at the running back or tail back position.

#8 NFL coaches know best, and after reviewing Tebow’s quarterback skills, only a team in desperation will let Tebow play at the QB position in 2013, even that option would be no guarantee for an extended period of time.

#9 Durability in the NFL equals success. Tebow’s unpredictable style of play invites the fate of injury - that places him on a short list as first string QB nominees. Tebow should consider playing in the Arena Football League for a year or two at the quarterback position. Change may be just what Tebow needs to reevaluate his quarterback skills, and if his faith in God is as he says it is, then just maybe he will accept what God has in store for his NFL future.

#10 What does the future hold for Tim Tebow? There may come a time this season when Tim Tebow has the opportunity to play at the quarterback position, but the reality remains, Tebow will never be an NFL QB.



Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Hot Finger Louie Week 1 Sports Pick: Broncos 31 - Ravens 24

There is only one thing in the back of Peyton Manning’s mind; the taste of revenge for losing to the Ravens last season playoff game at Mile High Stadium. As the Denver Broncos host the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday night’s super season opener, the majority of fantasy odd makers have Denver as 8.5 favorites over the Ravens.

The two key elements in this game will depend on how well Manning can have success on third down conversions, and if the Broncos can muster up a running game that will confuse the Ravens defense. The acquisition of Wes Welker helps in Peyton Manning’s air attack, and this may be a breakout game for Welker in his first game as a Bronco.

Even though The Ravens no longer have the supporting cast of Anquan Boldin and Ed Reed, Joe Flacco does have some young receiving corps that will make this a closer game than first anticipated by fantasy players. According to six out of eight CBS sports analyst have predicted the Broncos to win.

My prediction analysis leans towards Peyton Manning throwing 4 touchdowns, in comparison to Joe Flacco’s 3 touchdowns. This will be an interesting match up – as Dallas Clark faces his former QB from the glorious Colts era. Both teams have something to prove, but the Broncos want nothing more than to open the season with a win.  
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Beall - Wikimedia Commons