Macca

Ha ha ! I will take any sort of win in Seattle . What a crazy day of results . O/T games everywhere , questionable officiating (agree with 'Hipster' - Goodell needs to fix it) , hot favourites losing , a 'Barnburner' in Tennessee - Madness ! Some of you may be watching SNF tonight so I'll wait till after 10pm on that one . Fairly sure there's a Seahawks fan or 2 on this thread as well . Maybe that NFC West isn't done with just yet . Arizona might have some real influence after today . Talk about an unpredictable League ... Big win at home for your blokes 'cbh' . Very good defence yards by the Vikes . You've gotta be happy with that victory 'pantaloons' . Huge comeback win for the Chiefs . Back in town ?

Here's Bill Simmons 'Grantland' column on tomorrow's games ... http://www.grantland...-mailbag#8211referee-armageddon Here are the games ...week 3 ... FRI, SEP 21 10.20 AM NY Giants 36 at Carolina 7 (OneHD) MON, SEP 24 3.00 AM St. Louis 6 at Chicago 23 3.00 AM Buffalo 24 at Cleveland 14 3.00 AM Tampa Bay 10 at Dallas 16 3.00 AM NY Jets 23 at Miami 20 3.00 AM San Francisco 13 at Minnesota 24 3.00 AM Kansas City 27 at New Orleans 24 (OneHD) 3.00 AM Cincinnati 38 at Washington 31 3.00 AM Detroit 41 at Tennessee 44 (Fox 1) 3.00 AM Jacksonville 22 at Indianapolis 17 6.05 AM Philadelphia 6 at Arizona 27 (OneHD) 6.05 AM Atlanta 27 at San Diego 3 6.25 AM Houston 31 at Denver 27 6.25 AM Pittsburgh 31 at Oakland 34 10.20 AM New England 30 at Baltimore 31 (OneHD & ESPN) TUES, SEP 25 10.30 AM Green Bay 12 at Seattle 14 (ESPN)

We got a Jets fan ! Welcome aboard Gonzo (or welcome back!) . Big divisional game against the Dolphins for Rex's men . You confident ? Yeah , that NFC East division is beauty . Dallas host Tampa Bay and won't want to drop that game . RG3 and the Redskins are in a similar spot hosting the Bengals . Ya just gotta get those early wins . At first glance at this weeks games (post #355) there doesn't seem to be too many 'Classic' match-ups but there's certainly quite a few evenly matched games . The 'Late' games offer up 2 rippers with Atlanta @ San Diego and Houston @ Denver . The Rams at the Bears is another vital game for both teams .

Smart punters take note - get ya hard earned on the team I pick against . Easy money ....

I give your blokes a sneaky chance . The 49ers are only 6.5 point favourites . There always seems to be at least 3 or 4 upsets every week and I like those home underdogs . Guess a lot is going to depend on Peterson and San Francisco's renowned defence . I find nearly all games involving the Eagles interesting . You just don't know what you're gonna get with Vick . He may not be the best QB but he's close to the most watchable . Arizona have a real chance to get away to a great start to the season . After Philadelphia they've got (H) Miami , @ St Louis , (H) Buffalo and then @ Minnesota .

Tomorrow's game between the Giants & the Panthers is on OneHD . New York are 1.5 points favourites but I reckon Carolina can win this encounter . Edit (Whoops) FRI, SEP 21 10.20 AM NY Giants 36 at Carolina 7 (OneHD) Here's a light hearted podcast with Bill Simmons and his Cousin Sal . They do a quick recap/overview of the previous weeks games and then discuss the upcoming games and try to pick the lines . http://espn.go.com/e...play?id=8391721 And here's the rest of the week 3 games . New England at Baltimore (SNF) being the standout game . * You can click on any team and it will take you to that teams ESPN page . Lots of stats , news , general info and also that particular team's schedule for the season . MON, SEP 24 3.00 AM St. Louis at Chicago 3.00 AM Buffalo at Cleveland 3.00 AM Tampa Bay at Dallas 3.00 AM NY Jets at Miami 3.00 AM San Francisco at Minnesota 3.00 AM Kansas City at New Orleans (OneHD) 3.00 AM Cincinnati at Washington 3.00 AM Detroit at Tennessee (Fox 1) 3.00 AM Jacksonville at Indianapolis 6.05 AM Philadelphia at Arizona (OneHD) 6.05 AM Atlanta at San Diego 6.25 AM Houston at Denver 6.25 AM Pittsburgh at Oakland 10.20 AM New England at Baltimore (OneHD & ESPN) TUES, SEP 25 10.30 AM Green Bay at Seattle (ESPN)

Ha ha ! It's quite a difficult assignment when it's all said and done . You should do it again in a couple/few weeks . Be interesting to see if you have much movement . I know from last year that a lot can happen in a week with these lists . Think I'll stick to the teams list and leave the tricky stuff to others ! I generally liked your order though I'd change a couple . I'd have Vick and Stafford higher but I'm influenced by a bit of 'Wow' factor with Vick and Stafford is a little under-rated by the pundits . Of course , when you're ranking all 32 there's bound to be some differences of opinion . Yours was a good post 'Hipster' and well researched . On the teams rankings I've ranked Baltimore at no.2 and the Pats at no.5 . They play each this week and barring a freak result , one team has to lose . The key is , which team hurts more from a loss ? With only 16 games and top seedings up for grabs , neither team would want to start 1 and 2 .

Slight departure to a bit of acid jazz . A track from Ronny Jordan's early days . This song is from his first album 'The Antidote' . Funky stuff ... Macca 4.5

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!)

That 'National Anthem' thread made me think of this song from 'Thirsty Merc' Macca 10.3 [media=]

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 ... [media=]

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 .

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 . Week 2 ... FRI, SEP 14 10.20 AM Chicago 10 at Green Bay 23 MON, SEP 17 3.00 AM Kansas City 17 at Buffalo 35 3.00 AM Cleveland 27 at Cincinnati 34 3.00 AM Minnesota 20 at Indianapolis 23 3.00 AM New Orleans 27 at Carolina 35 3.00 AM Houston 27 at Jacksonville 7 3.00 AM Oakland 13 at Miami 36 3.00 AM Arizona 20 at New England 18 Fox 3 3.00 AM Tampa Bay 34 at NY Giants 41 3.00 AM Baltimore 23 at Philadelphia 24 OneHD 6.05 AM Washington 28 at St. Louis 31 6.05 AM Dallas 7 at Seattle 27 6.25 AM NY Jets 10 at Pittsburgh 27 OneHD 6.25 AM Tennessee 10 at San Diego 38 10.20 AM Detroit 19 at San Francisco 27 ESPN & OneHD TUES, SEP 18 10.30 AM Denver 21 at Atlanta 27 ESPN

The times they are a changin' . I'm still involved a bit at local sport level and most of the young blokes talk NFL , NBA , MLB , EPL and NHL . It used to be just footy and cricket with a bit of tennis and golf thrown in . The FA cup final was a big 'Overseas' sports event back in the day . Now it's just another event . All good though . You've probably seen the other sports threads . We could do with a few more 'landers getting involved on those threads . Especially at this time of year when there's not a great deal to talk about re the Demons . I'm just a sports nut so you'll see me on nearly all of 'em . That may or may not be a good thing Bill Simmons sports column on the NFL was posted today . Nearly always good for a laugh . It's usually fairly lengthy so you'll need a good half hour . Here it is folks .... http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8377762/the-mailbag-week-2-combo-platter

It's line ball . With the AFL , I certainly don't watch all the games and with some games , I have zero interest . Last night's game for instance - if that was a H & A game I'd describe it as 'The fat rat's clacker's cup' . It was a good game but I don't have any allegiance or connection to either team . With the NFL , it's way different . I know people who follow all sorts of different teams and because of the 8 divisions there are connections everywhere . For instance , I don't know a Bears fan either in person or on this thread but because they're Green Bay's biggest rival (traditionally) I like to watch their games . I would watch just about any NFL game but wouldn't watch at least half of the AFL games . I'm a bit old school as well though . Footy was a much more aesthetically good game to watch back in the day whereas the NFL has in some ways gotten better to watch . It's a toss up , depending on the circumstances .

Might be asking a bit much but there's a school of thought that Brady and Peyton 'Made' a lot of wide receivers and tight ends . Washington coming into St Louis is a fascinating match-up for a number of reasons . RG3 , both teams have to win , is Bradford gonna put a stamp on things ? etc etc . I kinda like the fact the scores from the other games keep flashing up whilst we're watching the early or the late games . Wish they'd cross more to these games for TD's and big runs . Maybe we could have a few less adverts and more highlights from other games ? I keep hearing about the 'Red zone' way of watching the games in the States . You familiar with it ?

Well , welcome aboard 'Hipster' . I'm a little more buoyant with regards Green Bay . Last years playoff loss burns deep and the Packers would feel the same . I'd be surprised if we're not thereabouts when the whips are cracking . If I'm wrong I'll be the first to admit it - don't worry . And for what it's worth I genuinely hope the Rams have a good year . Bradford could easily have a great season (and that's half the battle)

New from 'Switchfoot' Macca 10.2

Yeah , it's interesting with rivalry's . Many Demon fans hate Collingwood but do they hate us the same way ? 'They' tend to hate everything that isn't Collingwood ! As much as I like the Packers , I really like the sport itself . Can watch just about any match-up with a great deal of interest (save end of season games that have no bearing on things) I don't mind the Vikings at all . I didn't even seem to mind when Favre played 2 seasons there . Of course , that might all change in the future - esp if you pip us for a playoff spot This thread (started by Dappa Dan) has been largely angst free . We don't wanna turn it into a bar room brawl . We all follow different teams but we're also all Melbourne fans . Nothing wrong with healthy debate and spirited conversation though ! I was pretty happy with the Packers yesterday but they're not perfect by any means . They were challenged after last weeks loss to the 49ers . The media and the general public were asking some serious questions and they answered in emphatic style IMO . I can understand some just wanting to point the finger at the Bears . In that situation it's probably just better to agree to disagree .

Your form line is way too recent . We're not on the same page and I doubt we'll get there either . Are you totally new to 'land ? Or have you you been here before under another guise ?

And you follow the Rams yeah ? You're hardly in a position of strength . Your team won 2 games last season - 2 . Bit like a GWS fan having a go at a Sydney fan . Your 'lot' need to just have a winning season . That would be a good start . What the hell have the Falcons and Cowboys done lately to impress you so much ? Some real data to back up your comments please . You know , playoff wins etc etc .

Well , we recruited 6 defenders with our first 6 draft picks in the off season . So we're being proactive and recognize that it's a definite weakness . Stung into action after last week as well . Woodson and Matthews have always been decent players but last years defensive stats were damning . Today was a big step in the right direction . Just always good to win over Chicago . Big rival . Obviously , your blokes are a divisional rival as well but Peterson is a great player to watch . About the only teams I have a dislike for are the Cowboys and the Jets . Though , strangely enough , both those teams are very interesting to watch in action (for different reasons) . I also find Rex Ryan entertaining and Sanchez and Romo can both play . Dallas' Rob Ryan seems to get more of the camera than their head coach (Garrett) Anyway , the Pack were terrific today and we're taking it one week at a time

Packers = Defence . Who'da thunk it ! 7 sacks and 4 interceptions . Maybe that secondary has a bit of fire-power . We beat those Bears at their own game . Cutler 11/27 . Who knew ! And Cedric Benson ran the ball for 81 yards . With Starks still to return , Green Bay might just have a decent running game . Great win . We're not goin' away ! Good work 'Cs' ps ... Just need Collingwood to lose now ....C'mon Eagles !

My listings has a college game scheduled . 'NFL Network' are covering the Packers/Bears match . From memory we don't always get those NFL network games . Might change at the last moment but I'm not holding my breath . Obviously us Packer fans are annoyed but I reckon most fans of the NFL would have been looking forward to seeing that match-up .

With about 20 games to go its looking like Washington , Cincinnati and San Francisco should get through in the National League . There are still 7 or 8 wild-card chances in the NL though , including last years World Series winner , St Louis . Philadelphia are also making a late run . Other teams with chances of advancing are Atlanta , Pittsburgh , Milwaukee , the LA Dodgers , Arizona and San Diego . Over in the American League it's a lottery . There are still 8 teams with realistic chances to advance . The Yankees and Baltimore are having a great battle with Tampa Bay close behind . The White Sox have a narrow lead over Detroit and Texas are locked in a tussle with Oakland and the LA Angels are not far off . Remembering there are an extra 2 wild-card spots this season . Both wild-card teams in each league will play a 'One off' elimination game . The date for both these elimination games is Fri, Oct 5 (Sat, Oct 6 AEST) . Here are the standings ... http://espn.go.com/mlb/standings