NFL

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Yep lost both offensive and defensive play callers, obviously Sean Payton as head coach is a big loss.

It's hard to tell Stan Kroenke the owner, recently put in a bid to buy LA Dodgers although failed it seemed to send an intent to invest in Los Angeles. Ultimately I think it will come down to State funding and whether they are willing to put in the money to get Edward Jones Dome up to the quality as prescribed in their agreement, otherwise I believe Stan will exercise his clause to move the team.

I'm a bit blase about it, on the one hand you have Los Angeles with the attraction of a massive market with roots already establish but they have already had two teams relocate due to financial reasons and have not been as willing to go to football games in comparison to basketball. Whereas St Louis has a solid fan base but they haven't been turning up of recent times and the city is a baseball town first and foremost.

The vikings were being touted along with your rams and I think it was the chargers to be the potential new L.A team. Luckily for Minnesota they just signed a new stadium deal. I think it was after the Cardinals won the World series a few Cardinal players and the GM went to a Rams game and the attendance at that game was huge just so they could see the Cardinals. They love their baseball that's for sure. I hope you stay in St.Louis.

[Macca 17,032]

Just got a multi on Bengals, Ravens, Oakland, Houston and San Fran all covering the line, Monday night football looks a ripper though. Both teams competent on either side of the ball Peyton showing he can still sling it and Ryan looks deadly with his wideout Julio Jones proving to be a real force.

Couldn't resist .......had to have a little 'Flutter' myself 'Hipster' ! Multi's are good hey ? A very small outlay for a decent return . I don't bet lines or on games I watch live . Too nerve-racking Just straight winners for me with a leaning towards 'home' underdogs . I've got Seattle/Dallas and Jags/Texans E/W , along with a bunch of favourites with a couple of home underdogs . Small amounts only of course !

I see you posted on the 'Comedy' thread . Good stuff .

[King Kunta 97]

Oh man these replacement refs are average, two touchdowns robbed off us and its only halftime. Good to see Bradford balling though hopefully defense can bring their game in the second.

What about the Cardinals looked horrible in the preseason but man their defense is showing up.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

I'm pretty sure RG3 is playing by himself as that's all everyone is talking about. Vikings go down to Luck in Indy. Ponder threw for 245 and 2TD's. We just can't make any damage deep down the field unless Peterson goes for a run. We were down 20-6 in the last but got two quick TD's but lost by a field goal 23-20.

[pantaloons 2,019]

Memo KC: please fold. I can only take one pathetic skidmark of a football team at once.

[Whispering_Jack 30,640]

Ha ha ha ! Classic .

Thought I'd bump up the games from an earlier post on Thursday ...

Got a late(ish) start at work tomorrow so will be able to watch the Eagles/Ravens and Steelers/Jets games in their entirety . Beauty ! Normally watch on a 2 hour delay so as to flick through all the adverts . Daylight saving kicking in in a couple of weeks will curtail my viewing pleasure though ! Will only be able to watch the early game from then on . SNF and MNF both look good this week .

FRI, SEP 14

10.20 AM Chicago 10 at Green Bay 23

MON, SEP 17

3.00 AM Kansas City at Buffalo

3.00 AM Cleveland at Cincinnati

3.00 AM Minnesota at Indianapolis

3.00 AM New Orleans at Carolina

3.00 AM Houston at Jacksonville

3.00 AM Oakland at Miami

3.00 AM Arizona at New England Fox 3

3.00 AM Tampa Bay at NY Giants

3.00 AM Baltimore at Philadelphia OneHD

6.05 AM Washington at St. Louis

6.05 AM Dallas at Seattle

6.25 AM NY Jets at Pittsburgh OneHD

6.25 AM Tennessee at San Diego

10.20 AM Detroit at San Francisco ESPN & OneHD

TUES, SEP 18

10.30 AM Denver at Atlanta ESPN

Thanks for that. I've just set the Foxtel IQ for the 49ers game. I have a soft spot for the Lions because I saw Barry Sanders blitz them in one of those college bowls on New Year's Eve 1988 - 5 TD's. I wanted the Dees to recruit him there and then and turn him into an Aussie footballer. Problem was we couldn't pay him like they do in the NFL!

[King Kunta 97]

I'm pretty sure RG3 is playing by himself as that's all everyone is talking about. Vikings go down to Luck in Indy. Ponder threw for 245 and 2TD's. We just can't make any damage deep down the field unless Peterson goes for a run. We were down 20-6 in the last but got two quick TD's but lost by a field goal 23-20.

Yeah saw his stats looked like he rarely missed 27-35, were there red zone problems?

Rams Redskins is coming down to a thriller a Saverio Rocca blocked punt has just helped us get back in front

[King Kunta 97]

RAMS WIN BABYY!!!

[Demon2 58]

Damn.....hey new age was the game on TV

[Demon2 58]

just read a quick review of the game and we bloody had the chance of getting the field goal if it wasn't for bloody Morgan and his unsportsmanlike like behaviour.....but again it was good to see that Griffin did well

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Yeah saw his stats looked like he rarely missed 27-35, were there red zone problems?

Rams Redskins is coming down to a thriller a Saverio Rocca blocked punt has just helped us get back in front

The problem is we don't throw deep passes to Percy Harvin or anyone else. There were way too many screen passes today. It is too predictable all we do is make Peterson run and then throw screen passes and try to get 1st down after 1st down. That's all good if Peterson can get on a long run but he ran for 60 yards today. We played a safe defence and Luck just picked us off way too many times. Winfield is in his 14th year but looks cooked. Jared Allen has 0 sacks. Sigh.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

RAMS WIN BABYY!!!

That's a fair effort by your Rams. I didn't see any of the game. You must be happy.

[King Kunta 97]

just read a quick review of the game and we bloody had the chance of getting the field goal if it wasn't for bloody Morgan and his unsportsmanlike like behaviour.....but again it was good to see that Griffin did well

Haha yeah it was classic, Cortland Finnegan our nasty cornerback who you love if he's on your team but hate him if he's on the opposition, was in his face and gave him a little shot after the play and then Morgan retaliated which drew the flag also taking them out of field goal range. Probably wasn't there but we had two touchdown's not given so I will take it.

Yeah Griffin was impressive his arm was solid threw two lovely long bombs one went for a touchdown the other was dropped, but his mobility and athleticism was incredible especially in the red zone.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

How is your multi bet going hipster?

[King Kunta 97]

No good, still shocked the Cardinals got within 14 points let alone won. You should have got on the Rams and Carolina two juicy wins if you had a few on them

[Macca 17,032]

Pats lose to Arizona ! Think they were a 13pt favourites . That is an upset . Arizona did it with great defence by the looks of it . From memory New England dropped 1 or 2 games last year that they should have won - fairly sure it happened early in the season as well .

Rams on the board . That'll make a few on this thread happy Bradford had a ripper game . The Saints lose to Carolina in another 'mini' upset . New Orleans would have to be a bit concerned now . Losing breeds doubt .

There's no doubt about Eli . This bloke just knows how to perform in clutch situations . The Giants came home like a train . That NFC East division could be give us another cliffhanger . All games in that division are often must viewing - more so this year with RG3 involved and also with the Eagles starting the season 2 and 0 .

Luck got his first win for the Colts in a close one . Ditto Tannehill with Miami winning over Oakland . Houston won well again and San Diego thrashed Tennessee . Norv has got 'em firing early !

Got through the 2 OneHD games - finally . The 2nd game was just a classic exhibition by the Steelers . Their defence knows how to get off the field and their offence knows how to stay on the field . Way too good for the Jets . Big Ben was tremendous - he just shrugs those 'arm' tackles off !

The 1st game between the Eagles and the Ravens was a cracker . Baltimore unlucky to lose though Flacco's 2nd half wasn't great . Michael 'Must see TV' Vick was great . So much happens with this bloke - 23/32 for 371 yards with 1 TD and 2 interceptions .

What the hell happened to Dallas ? 'Sleeping in Seattle' ! The Seahawks kept 'em to 7 points . Wilson gets his first win as their new QB . Geez , they play well at home . My blokes go there next week . Not confident , in fact this fella sums up how I feel ...

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Edited September 17, 2012 by Macca

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

No good, still shocked the Cardinals got within 14 points let alone won. You should have got on the Rams and Carolina two juicy wins if you had a few on them

Yeah I should have. Once I do put some coin on them they generally don't show up and play.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

49ers look damn good. The NFC is going to be tight this year. Vikings have them next week. God help us. Would anyone care to take a punt at who will contend the AFC championship? I wouldn't have a clue.

[Demon2 58]

Haha yeah it was classic, Cortland Finnegan our nasty cornerback who you love if he's on your team but hate him if he's on the opposition, was in his face and gave him a little shot after the play and then Morgan retaliated which drew the flag also taking them out of field goal range. Probably wasn't there but we had two touchdown's not given so I will take it.

Yeah Griffin was impressive his arm was solid threw two lovely long bombs one went for a touchdown the other was dropped, but his mobility and athleticism was incredible especially in the red zone.

Yeah i don't want to get excited about him too much yet, I am sure Dan Synder our wonderful owner will stuff it up somehow....like try and trade him for John Elway.....

But on a serious note...i am hoping now with Griffin we might finally be serious finals contenders in the years to come.

[King Kunta 97]

49ers look damn good. The NFC is going to be tight this year. Vikings have them next week. God help us. Would anyone care to take a punt at who will contend the AFC championship? I wouldn't have a clue.

Yeah good to see NFC West previously the laughing stock of the league (Seahawks made playoffs at 7-9), go 4-0 for the week and shaping up to be pretty tough on the defensive side.

Yet to see Houston tested, but they are really strong on both sides of the ball, have a great playmaker (and fantasy player) in Arian Foster a nasty defence lead by Brian Cushing and JJ Watt who both stepped up big time in the playoffs last year. If Matt Schuab stays healthy and in relatively good form I think they will win the AFC, but ultimately I see the Superbowl being won by the NFC for the fourth year in a row.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Yeah good to see NFC West previously the laughing stock of the league (Seahawks made playoffs at 7-9), go 4-0 for the week and shaping up to be pretty tough on the defensive side.

Yet to see Houston tested, but they are really strong on both sides of the ball, have a great playmaker (and fantasy player) in Arian Foster a nasty defence lead by Brian Cushing and JJ Watt who both stepped up big time in the playoffs last year. If Matt Schuab stays healthy and in relatively good form I think they will win the AFC, but ultimately I see the Superbowl being won by the NFC for the fourth year in a row.

Yeah agree NFC is a fair chance to take the Super Bowl again. Those cowboys look ordinary and the jets couldn't get going after a good first drive TD. Big Ben tore them apart. They may have a chance.

[Macca 17,032]

Last year , we periodically did some TEAM and QB rankings . I'll just post my team rankings for now . Might be a bit early to do the QB rankings but happy to have a go if others want to . I think we did RB and WR rankings on occasions as well .

With these rankings I've included 6 teams from each conference . With the 'top 4' having 2 teams from each conference . I based the rankings on last years form , current form and form projections .

I found it quite a tricky exercise ...

1 : San Francisco (fully deserve no.1 status )

2 : Baltimore (at home to New England this week . Big , big game - SNF)

3 : Houston (if Schaub stays healthy they'll win their division and possibly get a 1 or 2 seed )

4 : Green Bay (obviously a bit biased and the Packers have a tough game next week at Seattle - MNF)

5 : New England (that loss to Arizona may hurt them long term)

6 : Pittsburgh (can't be discounted)

7 : Philadelphia (Vick needs to stays healthy)

8 : Atlanta (They should win their division)

9 : NY Giants (could be higher but their current form is only ok)

10 : San Diego (started well and their schedule isn't tough)

11 : Denver (Peyton should win them enough games)

12 : Arizona (host the Giants this week , Thursday Night Football)

I've left out Dallas , Chicago , Detroit , the Jets , New Orleans , St Louis , Cincinnati , Minnesota , Indianapolis and Washington . All these teams have some claims though 9 or 10 wins is a big ask for a number of them .

ps - sorry 'pantaloons' , I couldn't squeeze the Chiefs in (for now!)

Edited September 18, 2012 by Macca

[King Kunta 97]

Love a list, since you've done teams I'll have a go at a QB power ranking.

Note this is not based on solely this season alone but also expectations for the rest of the season.

1. Tom Brady, after a solid week 1 opening Brady was outscored by an offence lead by Kevin Kolb, yet we know how good he is (QB Rating: 94.7 Touchdowns: 3 Interceptions: 1 Yards: 552 Completion rate: 66.2%

2. Aaron Rodgers, preseason everybody would have told you he is undoubtedly the best but has yet to dominate, although has had two top defence and will face another strong secondary this week. (QBR: 89.9 TD: 3 INT: 2 YDS: 522 CR: 68.4%)

3. Ben Roethlisberger, his pocket presence seems as strong as he tore open a widely acclaimed defence in the Jets (QBR: 99.5 TD: 4 INT: 1 YDS: 520 CR: 64.8%)

4. Matt Ryan, has been the best quarterback to date and he looks to have taken the next step up to the elite level. Ultimately his test will be in the Postseason, as it has been a sticking point for the widely talented Falcons of late. (QBR: 117.6 TD: 5 INT: 0 YDS: 518 CR: 70.1%) plus a rushing TD

5. Eli Manning, Eli's ability to produce in the 4th quarter, usually when down is quite remarkable last year he had a 4th Quarter rating of 110, and on Sunday he seemed to be back to his best going 9-11 243 yards and 2 touchdowns in the final quarter, continuing to come up big when Giants need it most. (QBR: 91.6 TD: 4 INT: 3 YDS: 723 CR: 62.7%)

6. Cam Newton, the rookie of the year is showing no signs of a Sophomore slump as he continues to get it down on the ground and in the air. (QBR: 100.8 TD: 2 INT: 2 YDS: 556 CR: 69.8%) plus 72 yards and a TD on the ground

7. Phillip Rivers, after having a season riddled by interceptions Rivers is minimising his turnovers while maintaining his red zone efficiency. (QBR: 110.7 TD: 4 INT: 1 YDS: 515 CR: 73.8%)

8. Drew Brees, the Saints have been ugly. The signs were there following a shocking offseason whereby the coaching department has had a massive turnover and not to be forgotten Drew Brees contract holdout which lead to missing part training camp. I'm sure we will see him, back to his gunslinging ways in the not too distant future though. (QBR: 71.6 TD: 4 INT: 4 YDS: 664 CR: 54.5%)

9. Tony Romo After a huge where he destroyed the Superbowl champions secondary (although a beat up one), Romo came back to earth with a disappointing show at CenturyLink Field. Yet not all the offences troubles can be bestowed upon him as he was consistently pressured or sacked behind his woeful O/line. (QBR: 97.4 TD: 4 INT: 2 YDS: 558 CR: 65.2%)

10. Alex Smith, the former no.1 pick has copped large amounts of scrutiny throughout his career but when Jim Harbaugh walked through those doors something clicked for the Utah graduate. Given the title of the "game manager" last year, not putting up big numbers and throwing short passes as the 49ers ran a predominately run-based offence. Smith has managed to develop even further as he out shown Rodgers on Lambeau Field in week 1, certainly no easy task. (QBR: 115.9 TD: 4 INT: 0 YDS: 437 CR: 70.2%)

11. Matt Stafford

12. Sam Bradford

13. Robert Griffin III

14. Matt Schuab

15. Peyton Manning

16. Joe Flacco

17. Michael Vick

18. Andrew Luck

19. Christian Ponder

20. Andy Dalton

21. Jay Cutler

22. Mark Sanchez

23. Josh Freeman

24. Kevin Kolb

25. Ryan Fitzpatrick

26. Carson Palmer

27. Jake Locker

28. Matt Cassell

29. Russell Wilson

30. Blaine Gabbert

31. Ryan Tannehill

32. Brandon Weedon

[pantaloons 2,019]

ps - sorry 'pantaloons' , I couldn't squeeze the Chiefs in (for now!)

No apology necessary. Even if Nic Naitanui was our QB, Kevin Bartlett would still not squeeze us in. Even accounting for the injuries on D, it's a disgraceful start to the season. At least we're on tv this week so I get to have a good look at what's going on.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

I was actually happy weedon played well. After getting stuck in the flag last week and then having a QBR as low as a demons score it was good to see him come back well.