The Sports Guru

Guru NFL Week 1 Picks

A rough start for the Guru, as I had the Dolphins over the Steelers 20-16. All looked great until Daunte Culpepper remembered he was Daunte Culpepper. Two horrible and picks and that’s the ballgame. Like a head coach after a loss, I won’t look back, only forward to the rest of my Week 1 picks.

NY Jets +2 ½ @ Tennessee – One team has a new Head Coach, the other and new quarterback. At least the Jets know who their coach is. After having the entire off-season to decide, the Titans still appear to have no idea who they are going to start under center on Sunday. Vince Young, the #3 overall picking the draft looks to be 2 or 3 years away, and Billy Volek hasn’t ran with the opportunity to start. The Titans further muddled the situation by signing Kerry Collins late in camp, and he looks to be the front runner to start. Not good in my eyes. On the Jets’ side, Chad Pennington will try once again to come back from a shoulder injury. New head coach Eric Mangini has began to clean the locker room of the old Jets, bringing in new blood on the O-line and defense. I can’t explain why, but I like the Jets in this spot. I have no confidence in any of the Titan’s QBs and the running back situation seems to be just as confusing. Forget the points, I take the Jets to win the game outright, further plummeting the Titans into the NFL abyss.
NY JETS 24-17

Philadelphia -3 ½ @Houston – Another of the league’s new coaches debuts in Houston, where Gary Kubiak will try to duplicate his success in Denver with the Texans. Kubiak shocked the football world in the draft, going defense(Mario Williams) instead of offense(Reggie Bush) and the heat will be on from the beginning to prove it was the correct choice. In Philly, Donavan McNabb returns to the peace and quiet of the Post-T.O. Eagle locker room. The Eagles were able to get to 3 NFC Championship games without Owens, and I expect Philly to be competitive in 2006. I’m in a giving mood, so throw the points away and take the Eagles.
EAGLES 24-14

Cincinnati +4 ½ @ Kansas City – Talk about a trap game? The Bengals have looked great in the pre-season, while the Chiefs have looked, well, like a Herm Edwards coached team. All of a sudden K.C> has appeared to forget how to play offense and score points. Carson Palmer will get his first lengthy action and how he handles the 3^rd and 4^th quarter will go a long way towards how successful the Bengals will be in 2006. For K.C., Larry Johnson becomes the premier back, and looks like he may threaten the 2000 yard barrier. The loss of Willie Roaf will be huge, but the Chiefs are tough to beat at home at any point of the season. I like the Chiefs to win this game, but the Bengals cover the spread.
CHIEFS 31-28

Denver -3 ½ @ St. Louis – Another season, another starting running back in Denver. Even though Mike Shanahan is trying to keep it quiet all signs are pointing to undrafted rookie Mike Bell getting the nod against the Rams. The Rams are off to a new start of their own, with another new head coach making his debut in Scott Linehan. Linehan has simplified the offense, giving Marc Bulger less to think about and more time to simply react and make good throws. On defense, the Rams brought in former Saints Head Coach Jim Haslett to improve a unit that finished near dead last in the league last season. No doubt the unit will improve as the season goes, but against a great offense like the Broncos this unit will struggle. I like the Broncos to attack the middle of the field with rookie TE Tony Scheffler early, before going outside to Rod Smith and newcomer Javon Walker in the 2^nd half. The Broncos will have no problem scoring points, and the only question in my mind is whether or not the Rams can keep up. Give the points, take the Broncos
Broncos 27-13

Atlanta +5 ½ @ Carolina - Talk about no respect. I know the Falcons struggled in 2005 and missed the playoffs, but I expect big things form Michael Vick and Co. this season. I think the coaching staff finally understands what they have in Vick, and for the Falcons to be successful they need to let Vick be who he is. That said, I am really high on the Panthers this season and really like Carolina. The Panthers added Keyshawn Johnson to partner with Steve Smith and I think both are going to have huge years. The NFC South is one of the toughest divisions in football, and all 4 teams seem to beat each other up, with no real advantage going to the home team. Six points is way too many, but look for the Panthers to win by a FG.
Panthers 24-21

Baltimore @ Tampa Bay -3 ½ — The Steve McNair era in Baltimore begins for real in a tough place, the pirate ship in Tampa. A lot of “experts” have the Ravens as a possible Super Bowl contender, but I really don’t see it. I love McNair, and there is no doubt he is a warrior. But history shows us that veteran quarterbacks that change teams rarely have success at a high level. Besides McNair, there are questions in the running game with Jamal Lewis trying to regain his 2000 yard season form, and Mike Anderson, who is trying to prove that he isn’t just a product of the Broncos system. For Tampa, everyone has fallen head over heels for Chris Simms, and he really looks like he is ready to break out. There may not be a coach out there that is tougher on his QB than John Gruden and Simms, like his father with Bill Parcells, seems to have the personality and mental toughness to deal with it. The Bucs have a solid running game with Cadillac Williams and the passing game is in good hands with Mark Clayton and Joey Galloway, who seems to get better with age. Of course, the Bucs D is the Bucs D and should still be dominant. Give the points, I like Gruden and the Bucs to win easily.
Buccaneers 24-10

Buffalo @ New England -7 ½ — We have seen a theme this year with new head coaches in the NFL. If there is a team that will struggle more with their new coach it is the Buffalo Bills, who have several question marks, especially on offense, where J.P. Losman will again be the starter. Willis McGahee is a great running back, but defenses will stack the line, forcing the Bills to throw to win. I doubt there is a tougher matchup for Buffalo than New England, who enters a season without defending a Super Bowl title for the 1^st time in 3 years. Tom Brady sill plays with a chip on his shoulder, and with the exception of Tedi Bruschi, the defense is healthy and ready to roll. The Patriots are one of my elite teams this season, and after a close first half should put the Bills away in the 2^nd half, give the points, go with the Brady Bunch.
Patriots 30-14

New Orleans @ Cleveland -2 ½ — I have to give credit where it is due. The loss of LeCharles Bentley on the very first play of training camp could have been a devastating blow, a season killer. Instead of sulking, like a lot of Browns’ fans and Cleveland Radio hosts, the team took action, bringing in three different replacements before acquiring Hank Fraley from the Eagles. Fraley is no LeCharles Bentley, but he started for a championship team and should be a worthy fill in. The Saints have looked awful during the pre-season, and unless Reggie Bush can play linebacker and DB, the Saints are really going to struggle in the passing game. With Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow finally back and healthy I think Charlie Frye is going to have some success in the passing game, allowing Reuben Droughns to have success running the ball. I like the Browns to get off to a quick start, and win a low scoring affair.
Browns 16-6

Seattle -3 ½ @ Detroit – This is my Guru Lock of the Week. The defending NFC Champs go on the road to Detroit, where the Lions are trying to remind everyone that there is a pro football team in Detroit. The Lions are going to be improved under Rod Marinelli, who in my opinion will have the greatest success of all the new Head Coaches. Like many of the teams in the Lions’ shoes, Detroit will struggle early in the season, but will be a team no one wants to play in December. The Seahawks have the reigning MVP and might actually be a better team on defense with the addition of Julian Peterson. They are fortunate to catch the Lions early in the season and will take advantage. The spread is ridiculous! Bet the house on this one!
Seahawks 27 – 14

San Francisco @ Arizona -7 ½ - As bad as the Lions-Seahawks spread is, this spread is equally tough. New stadium, new star player, sellout crowd, Alex Smith the opposing QB. Gotta like the Cards. They still have issues on the offensive line, and the defense will be a work in progress all season, but I was really impressed with the Cardinals during the preseason and Kurt Warner looks like he has found the form that won him a Super Bowl and League MVP. What the Cards lack in the trences, they gain two-fold in skill positions with Edgerrin James, Anquon Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. More weapons than the 49’ers can cover. The 49’ers are still a couple of years away from even thinking about competing and the atmosphere and emotion will be tough for Smith to overcome. The NFL schedule makers seemed to do the Cards a favor, allowing them to get off on the right foot in their new digs. Give the points, go with the Cardinals.
Cardinals 34-17

Chicago @ Green Bay +3 ½ - The downward spiral of Brett Favre has been long and painful to watch. I am still not certain Brett is convinced he wants to be playing, and if the past couple of seasons has proved anything it’s Favre is not a good leader of men. He is going to force the organization to bench him with despicable decisions and horrible turnovers. A trade by the deadline is not out of the question, and if not Favre will find himself on the bench by Week 8. The Bears have some QB questions of their own, with Rex Grossman being handed the starting job while proving nothing on the field. He will be pushed hard by Brian Griese and if the Bears offense struggles early in the season there could be a change there as well. The defense might be the best in the league and will carry the Bears again which could cause some locker room issues. I think the Bears squeek by, but this game is a lot closer than most think. Take the points.
Bears 17-16

Dallas +2 ½ @ Jacksonville – Dallas is getting a field goal? Love It!! All the B.S. that surrounded the Cowboys in the pre-season ends as the games start to count for real. Sure, T.O. is what he is, but he wants to prove a little something-something to everyone, and lay claim to the “Greatest Receiver in the Game” claim. Drew Bledsoe has looked incredible in the pre-season, and Terry Glenn seems rejuvenated with the arrival of Owens. The Cowboy defense is finally where the Tuna wants it and will cause problems for the Jags all day. Speaking of Jacksonville, they may have been the worst 12-4 team in history last season and the playoffs showed as much. One of those teams that might be better with their back-up than they are with their starter, the Jags will need to rely on their defense to get it done. While decent, the defense lacks the star power to dominate games. Much like the city they represent, the Jags are a nice team, but nothing special, and nothing worth getting excited over. Dallas gets the points, Dallas gets the win.
Cowboys 24-13

Indianapolis @ NY Giants +3 ½ — It’s taken 3 seasons, but the first matchup between the NFL’s favorite brothers takes place in the Meadowlands on Sunday Night. Manning v. Manning. Imagine growing up as Peyton Manning’s little brother…You know Eli wants to pound the Colts into submission and prove he is a big time QB as well. Peyton has his own questions, as the Colts begin their quest to finally get to a Super Bowl. They do it without Edgerrin James, who now reside in the Valley of the Sun, and will need to find out who can provide them some running game. There is a way to beat the Colts, and the Steelers showed the league last season. The Steelers were able to get significant pressure on Manning without sending extra people. Easier said than done, since what you need is the personnel to do it. With Strahan, Umenyiora and rookie Mathias Kiwanuka the Giants have the personnel. And with little threat of a running game the Giants D will be pinning their ears back. The Giants, on the other hand, have a running game, and it has become a two-headed monster. Tiki Barber seems to be getting better with age, and Brandon Jacobs has a deadly combination of size and speed. Eli has plenty of weapons outside as well, and I really think the emotion of playing in New York on the eve of the 9/11 anniversary will carry the Giants. A loss wouldn’t be a bad thing for the Colts, seeing how they handled all the undefeated talk last season. Give me the points, give me the win.
Giants 31-27

There ya have it. I hop I win you a lot of money. Look out on Monday for my MNF picks. Enjoy your Football Sunday!

Technorati Tags: NFL WEEK 1 predictions, NFL picks, NFL Winners, NFL Schedule

VS.

It seems like yesterday we were watching Jerome Bettis and Bill Cowher celebrate the Steelers 5th World Title. It has, in fact, been over 7 months, and a long off-season it has been. The 2006 Regular Season gets under way tonite, in Pittsburgh, with the Champs facing the Miami Dolphins. Obviously, emotions will be running high in Heinz Field as the Team and it’s fans will once again celebrate all of last year’s accomplishments. If you would ask Cowher, I am sure he would admit that he could do without all of this fan-fare. All of the back-patting does little to help Cowher and his “us against the world” message he is so good at delivering. He used it all the way to the Super Bowl last season, and will be on the other end, with the target firmly on his back this season.

The off-season has been a rocky one to say the least for Pittsburgh, with Bettis’ retirement, the loss of Antwon Randel El, Big Ben’s accident and all the speculation about Cowher’s future. The latest was the emergency appendectomy, leaving Roethlisberger on the sidelines for the opener. Let’s face it, repeating is hard enough, and when you add all the distractions the Steelers have had to face it might just be impossible.

As I look at this game I had liked the Steelers. Super Bowl winners have won their opening game 6 straight seasons, the last to lose the Denver Broncos in 1999. The common denominator between the Steelers and Broncos is the starting QB. John Elway had retired, and Brian Griese had taken over. The outcome? A loss to the, you guessed it, Miami Dolphins. Scary, isn’t it?

As I write this, my opinion is starting to sway. Daunte Culpepper has looked great during the pre-season for what it’s worth, and the Steelers still look hung over. I know the Steelers defense is the real deal, but the Dolphins have a lot of weapons, and Nick Saban has had the entire off-season to get read for what Pittsburgh is going to throw their way. Add the loss of Ben, and I think the Steelers might struggle. Willie Parker is a question mark as the guy who will have to carry the ball 25-30 times and I don’t know if he is going to be able to carry the load. Without Ben, the Dolphins will stack the line and make Charlie Batch beat them. I don’t think that can happen.

The Dolphins defense, coupled with Culpepper, Ronnie Brown and Chris Chambers, will be just enough to knock of the Steelers. I take the Dolphins — 20-16

Technorati Tags: Steelers, Dolphins, NFL Season Opener, Ben Roethlisberger, Daunte Culpepper

I had written a great post about Anibal Snachez, and the No-Hitter he threw last night against the Diamondbacks. Some computer issues stole it form me, leaving me scrambling to re-write. I won’t try, but to only mention it was the 4th no-hitter in Marlins history, a history that started in 1993. A team that has won 2 World Championships in that time for 3 different owners.

Wayne Huiznega was the original owner of the Marlins, but quickly realized that owning a baseball team was a lot harder than collecting garbage or running a movie rental store. He realized the people of Miami had better things to do in July and August than sit in 95 degree weather watching a bad team play bad baseball. In 1997, he bought as many players as he could, players like Kevin Brown, Gary Sheffield, Bobby Bonilla and Manager Jim Leyland. The plan worked, as the Marlins were able to beat my Cleveland Indians in the 7th Game of the ‘97 World Series.

Then came the fire sale. No sooner had the champagne dried than Huizenga ordered the team dismantled. All the big name were gone, replace by no names like Josh Beckett, Matt Clement, Jose Castillo. The Marlins stumbled in payroll and the standings. In 1999 Huizenga finally sold the team to John henry. Yes, that john Henry who now owns the Boston Red Sox. Henry’s main goal was to get a new, baseball only stadium built for the Marlins. He knew that was the only way for the Marlins to succeed long term. Meanwhile, some of these no name were starting to play a little bit.

In 2002, Henry’s dream of one dy owning the Red Sox came true when he was able to work out a 3-way “trade” involving Expos Owner Jeffrey Lorie and Major League Baseball. In the deal, Henry became the owner of the Red Sox, Lorie took over the Marlins, and MLB took over the Expos. A new stadium deal appeared to be dead and the Marlins future in Florida seemed bleak at best.

Then something funny happened. In 2003, the Marlins, under old-man manager, Jack McKeon, got back to the playoffs for the first time since ‘97 and again won the World Series, this time beating an all-star laden New York Yankees team, with Josh Beckett going the distance in a decisive Game 6 in the Bronx. 2 Championships in 6 years with 3 owners. Not the normal blueprint for success.

The Marlins attempted to keep this group together in 2004 and 2005, adding big name free-agents like Carlos Delgado, but failed to get back to the playoffs. Lorie, like Huizenga before him, ordered the team blown up and again the Marlins started over.

Coming in to 2006, the Marlins total payroll was a little over 14 Million Dollars — TOTAL! Only Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera were notable big leaguers, and the starting rotation included 3 rookies. This team was a joke, no chance to be competitive. An example of everything wrong with the economic structure in baseball.

Again, something funny happened. After starting 11-31, the Marlins got hot, and taking advantage of a weak National League find themselves just 3 games back in the Wild Card. Manager Joe Girardi, who may actually find himself fired at the end of the year, has got these kids playing hard and playing together. What a travesty that would be, byt the way, if Girardi were fired. I have a feeling he’d last about 5 seconds, before the Cubs would swoop him up. But I digress…

All this leads us back to Sanchez, and last night’s no-hitter. Witnessed by about 12 people in Pro Player Stadium, Sanchez accomplished the feat in just his 13th career start. He now has more no-hitters than Roger Clemons, Pedro Martinez, the New York Mets and San Diego Padres COMBINED. Simply amazing and borderline unbelievable.

People often ask me why I am so into sports. I need to look no further than Anibal Sanchez, and the history of the Florida Marlins for good reason. They say anything can happen in baseball, and sometimes, when we’re lucky, it does.

Technorati Tags: Anibal Sanchez, no hitter, Florida Marlins, 1997 World Series, 2003 World Series, Jeffrey Lorie, Joe Girardi, Dontrelle Willis, Miguel Cabrera

Ok, So all of the teams are done. My thoughts on the regualr season have been recorded. When all said and done, there will be 12 teams left standing, playing for the chance to be Super Bowl Champions. Today we’ll look at the Wild Card Rounds teams battling it out in the NFL.

At the end of the season, these will be the 6 Seeded Playoff Teams:

1. Seattle
2. Carolina
3. Dallas
4. Chicago
5. Atlanta
6. Washington
Atlanta, Washington, Philadelphia and NY Giants will all end the season at 9-7 with Atlanta and Washington getting in due to tie-breakers. The Wild Card Round shapes up this way:

Washington @ Dallas — After splitting the 2 meetings in the regular season, each team winning at home, the Redskins and Cowboys renew their rivalry, this time in the playoffs. I really like the Cowboys this year, and really dislike teh Redskins. After watching both teams throughout the pre-season I am really second guessing the fact that Washington will get into the playoffs at all. If they do, they’ll head to Dallas as big underdogs and get beat down by the Cowboys. The NFC is top-heavy, with the 4 division winners being alot better than the rest of the conference. The big play guys on the Cowboys will play big and get the Tuna another playoff win.

Atlanta @ Chicago — Chicago will win the AFC North, if only by default. The division is terrible and the Bears play defense well enough to get to 10 wins. They’ll face a resurgent Falcons team that enjoys going on the road in January playoff games. The Bears have been known for falling flat at home during the plpayoffs that past few years, struggling against top notch athletes. Last season it was Steve Smith and Carolina, this time, it’s Michael Vick. Vick led the Falcoons into Lambeau Field and beat the Packers in the playoffs and will do the same to Chicago. Another disappointing ending for the Falcons move on.

AFC Wild Card Round –

The AFC playoff teams are much better than their NFC counterparts, with each team in double-digits in wins:

1. Denver
2. Indianapolis
3. New England
4. Pittsburgh
5. Miami
6. Kansas City

The Wild Card Weekend in the AFC is going to be a blast. Just look at these matchups:

Kansas City @ New England — For the 2nd straight season the Pats will have to win three games if they want to get to the Super Bowl. They’ll face a Kansas City team that will play just enough defense to get into the playoffs. If it isn’t K.C. in this spot than I’ll take the Bengals, but no matter who it is The Pats aren’t going to lose this game at home. Tom Brady is going to have his best season yet and the Pats defense will be healthy and ready. Don’t underestimate the return of Rodney Harrison in the defensive backfield. I like the Pas to move on.

Miami @ Pittsburgh — In a rematch of Week 1, the Dolphins head back to Heinz Field to face the Steelers. By this time, Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward should be healthy and the Dolphins are going to have to deal with the tropical Pittsburgh weather in January. Miami is an up and coming team, and the fact that they are even in the playoffs only 2 years from total chaos is amazing to me, but the defending champs won’t lose at home to start the playoffs. Look for the Steelers to beat the Dolphins and move on in their attempt to repeat.

Technorati Tags: NFL Preview, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks

Ok, I admit it.  I was watching the NFL Network.  Watching 5 or 6 different seemingly meaningless preseason games when on came a commercial.  I flipped around and came upon the U.S.Open and Andre Agassi.  At the time he had just lost the 3rd set, but was still leading 2 sets to 1.  Immediately I became fixated on the action.  I am the Sports Guru, mine you, and this site encompasses all sports big or small, team or individual.  For anyone not into tennis, or Agassi, all of this is a big deal because Andre announced his retirement effective after the Open.  Every next match could possibly be the last.  Being the sports fanatic that I am I couldn’t miss this.  It’s not often when you can watch a legend compete for the last time.  I remember watching this same tournament a few years ago when it was Pete Sampras preparing to leave the stage.  He was facing  Agassi in the Final.  That night the crowd was with Sampras.  He beat Agassi, and rode off into the sunset.   Now it is Agassi’s turn.  20,000+ screaming Americans at his side.

It reminds me of another U.S. Open, and another over the hill legend looking for one last chance at glory.  It was 1991, and Connors was 39.  Way too old to compete in such a young man’s game, a game dominated by young men in their early 20’s.  But there he was, feeding off the spirit of the Flushing, NY crowd, charging all the way to the Semi’s before finally caving.  But what a ride it was.  For players and fans alike, 2 weeks that will never be forgotten, that transcended sports.

Back to this night, Agassi’s night.  It is only the 2nd Round, but the atmosphere is electric.  People want to see the magic, they want 1991 and Jimmy Connors back.  Agassi has been down and out before, first as a phenom that was too rebellious to succeed.  It was always the focus of a champion that seemed to elude Agassi, and his critics were quick to point out he may never gain it.  He did, in fact gain the focus, and it lead him to 8 Major Titles, including the career Grand Slam, something Pete Sampras was never able to accomplish.

Agassi has been mch more than a tennis layer, he has transcended his sport.  He became a media darling, pitching everything from credit cards to cameras.  He was once married to Brooke Shields, and lived the Hollywood life.  On the court, however, he was dominant.  There were better grass court players, better clay court players, better hard court players.  But as a total package, Agassi was one of the best.

The marathon has just ended.  Agassi prevails and continues.  The story isn’t over, the clock yet to strike midnight.  Tonite, somewhere, Pete Sampras is smiling.  Tennis fans are smiling.  Guys like me, who wouldn’t consider themselves more than casual observers, are smiling.  And without a doubt, Jimmy Connors is smiling.  The magic is back, and Andre Agassi just pulled a rabbit from his hat.

Technorati Tags: Andre Agassi, U.S. Open, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras