Oden a Bust?

Greg Oden's much anticipated debut was last night on TNT against the Lakers. It didn’t last long. Oden left the game after just under 13 minutes with another injury, this time it was his foot. I’m not gonna get into all his injuries because it would take to long, but he hasn’t been healthy since his junior year of high school. And it isn’t like he has one nagging injury, it’s been his wrist, his knee, and now his foot.

This guy was the number 1 pick overall. He was supposed to be the next Shaq. Now, is it too early to say he is a total bust? YES. Some people are going way too extreme with this. Is this very alarming for Oden, and Portland fans? YES. What we've seen so far is not a good sign.

I'm going to say that Greg Oden winds up kind of like a Grant Hill. I forsee him playing here and there with nagging injuries coming back all the time. Except he won’t pile up all-star years before the injuries. Greg Oden will never be a dominant force. It is a shame, because dominant centers are a rarity nowadays and a lot of fun to watch. He could have really made this young Portland team great. Yet another coulda woulda shoulda.

In his 13 minutes, Oden went 0-4, 5 boards, a block, 2 turnovers and 2 fouls….very subpar

Is this just a phase or is this what Portland fans have to look forward to? Bust or future Allstar? Let me know!

Chargers Take First Step to Turning Their Season Around

After starting this season as a trendy pick to take on the Cowboys in this year's superbowl the Chargers have come out and surprised everybody! They've kind of stunk! They find themselves 3-5 and in 2nd place in the AFC West. This team is WAAAAY too good to be 3-5 (especially with the way that Rivers has been playing lately).

So they flipped the first panic switch by firing D-Coordinated Ted Cottrell and replacing him with Ron Rivera. In my opinion this was the right move. I've always thought Rivera did a great job in Chicago and he has the tools to do great in San Diego now. I've never been a fan of Norv Turner and if it was up to me the second step would be to elevate Rivera to head coach, bumping Norv down to the offensive coordinator position. But let's not hold our breath on that one. Besides, the Chargers offense is certainly not the problem. Philip Rivers has emerged as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL, and he's playing without LaDainian Tomlinson at full speed for most of the season.

This was the right move in my opinion giving the way this team's defense has been playing this year. I think this team still has a shot to turn it around and make the playoffs given their talent on both sides of the ball and their lousy division.

What do you think about this move? Will the Chargers still make their predicted Superbowl run?

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Northwest and Pacific Divisions

West

With the season already starting, we're just going to give some quick predictions.

Northwest
1. Utah Jazz
2. Portland Trail Blazers
3. Denver Nuggets
4. Minnesota T-Wolves
5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Pacific
1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. Phoenix Suns
3. Golden St. Warriors
4. Los Angeles Clippers
5. Sacramento Kings

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Southwest Division

West

1. San Antonio Spurs

It's not a good time to overlook the Spurs; every time they have been, they've turned heads and won a title. It's that time again, another odd numbered year (2009), and they've won their last four titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007. The Spurs are loaded again with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli, Bruce Bowen, and Michael Finley. Ginobli may be injured right now, but once he's back around December, he'll be healthier than ever.

2. New Orleans Hornets
The Hornets will be a very solid team again, especially with as tough of a division the Southwest is. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league and is becoming a superstar. David West can bang it down low and hold his own vs. anybody else in the league. Tyson Chandler is a solid defender and makes the Hornets frontcourt just scary. Mo Peterson is a solid role player and Peja Stojakovic is their deadly three point shooter.

3. Houston Rockets

The top 3 of this division are so even and it will be a horse-race until the end. The Rockets look like a solid title contender this season, they're loaded with experience and some stars. If Yao Ming can stay healthy this season they'll be stellar. Tracy McGrady is their go-to scorer and add Ron Artest as a tough defensive minded player and someone who can rebound and put up points as well, is a terrific 3rd scoring option. PG Rafer Alston is a leader, but must concentrate on making better decisions. If the bench can step up, the Rockets can go deep.

4. Dallas Mavericks
Oh how the might have fallen... The x-factor will be Jason Kidd. He's lost a step and when he goes up against the better NBA point guards, this team struggles. They have a decent frontcourt with Dirk, Erik Dampier, and DeSagana Diop. Jason Terry must step up in clutch situations. He is a key scorer for them. But the big thing that has set this team back is defense, they just give up way too many points and they don't have enough consistent offensive firepower to go far in the playoffs. They may not even make the playoffs this season...

5. Memphis Grizzlies

Look for the Grizz to be improved from last season. They're a young team and Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay, and OJ Mayo are solid young talents. I am very high on Rudy Gay, he will put up some good numbers this season. Mike Conley is developing into a pretty good PG, look out for him. This team won't be a playoff contender, but they will continue to get better as the season progresses.

TSF NFL Week 8 Game Picks

WEEK 1 - BYE

WEEK 2 - 12-3

WEEK 3 - 13-3

WEEK 4 - 9-4

WEEK 5 - 6-8
WEEK 6 - 6-8

WEEK 7 - 9-5

TOTAL - 55-31 (.640%)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Dallas Cowboys

Washington Redskins beat the Detroit Lions

Buffalo Bills beat the Miami Dolphins

New Orleans Saints beat the San Diego Chargers

New England Patriots beat the St. Louis Rams

Baltimore Ravens beat the Oakland Raiders

New York Jets beat the Kansas City Chiefs

Houston Texans beat the Cincinnatti Bengals

Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers beat the New York Giants

San Francisco 49ers beat the Seattle Seahawks

AFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Tennesse Titans beat the Indianapolis Colts

NFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Carolina Panthers beat the Arizona Cardinals

UPSET SPECIAL: Atlanta Falcons beat the Philadelphia Eagles

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Southeast Division

East

1. Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard should only be better, even after a breakout season last year. The Magic have one of the better offensive teams out there with Howard, Rashard Lewis, Hedo Turkoglu, and Jameer Nelson. I really love their starting line-up (add in Michael Pietrus to the other four), especially in the mediocre southeast. The Magic should no doubt dominate this division.

2. Miami Heat

The Heat, yes the Heat will make the playoffs this year. I think this team will turn it around with a healthy Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and rookie Michael Beasley. We all saw what Wade did in the Olympics and I don't think it's out of the question that he's back to his old-self; he'll bounce back and regain his stardom Marion's been talked about being dealt, but that's only if they continue their woes from last season, which I don't think they will. Beasley should be able to step in right away and provide this team with a key 3rd scoring option.

3. Atlanta Hawks
I think the Hawks' 37 wins from last year is a sign of things to come. Look for the Hawks to be improved. They did lose Josh Childress, but they still have Josh Smith, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Marvin Williams, and Mike Bibby. This is a dangerous team and they give a lot of match-up problems for opponents with their versatile guards and forwards. Look for this team to be a legit threat this year.

4. Washington Wizards

This will be a down year for the Wizards with Gilbert Arenas and now Antwain Jamison out for sometime with injuries. Their loses will be felt drastically. Caron Butler will be their go to guy and he is battling some injury woes as well. Brendan Haywood is likely done for the season, which will be a big load for big men off the bench and DeShawn Stevenson. I am expecting the Wizards to miss the playoffs with all of their injury woes.

5. Charlotte Bobcats
This Bobcat team has shown flashes over the years and has been improving bit by bit. They have the make up of a potential playoff threat team, but it's just a matter of the coaching and roles players and the bench stepping up. If Emeka Okafor can stay healthy I think they could do some damage and move up the southeast standings. Jason Richardson looks primed for a big year and Gerald Wallace is a solid 3rd scorer for this team. Raymond Felton is also a solid PG; this team is fairly young and if they can get through the bulk of the season, watch out.

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Central Division

East

1. Detroit Pistons

This team still has a shot at winning a title because of their veteran core still intact. Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton, and Tayshaun Prince can still get it done and keep this team a championship contender. Rodney Stuckey and Jason Maxiell are up and coming studs and can fill the void off the bench. Look for the Pistons to contend with the Celtics again for east supremacy.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Obviously any team with Lebron James is going to be a playoff contender, but this year the Cavs could upend the Pistons for first place in the division. But a lot will depend on Lebron's supporting cast; Mo Williams is an underrated PG who can help lead this team and complement Lebron. This team is very good in the frontcourt with Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Ben Wallace, and Anderson Varejao, but the problem is that's all they have inside. They need more depth up-front. Second round playoff finish isn't out of the question again.

3. Indiana Pacers

Look for the Pacers to be improved this season. Look for them to make the playoffs. They don't have a straight up superstar, but Danny Granger is close to it. Granger is an underrated player averaging nearly 20 ppg last season. Mike Dunleavy can shoot and score and complement Granger very well. T.J. Ford is looking for a new beginning after years of injury, I think he's found a new home in Indy. The bench isn't that bad either, Jarrett Jack is a good guard and Roy Hibbert could be a key player down the stretch. This team will turn heads this season.

4. Chicago Bulls

The Bulls were terrible last season with all of the hype and talent they have. But it seems like the chemistry isn't there. Ben Gordon continues to complain about money and playing time; and it seems everybody else has been under performing. Look for Derrick Rose to take over at PG for Kirk Heinrich sometime during the season. We all know Luol Deng, Kirk Heinrich, Ben Gordon, and Andres Nocioni have gotten it done before. The talent is there, it's just a matter of executing, coaching, and egos.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

This should be an interesting season for the Bucks. They finally have a playmaker that compliments Michael Redd well in Richard Jefferson. Luke Ridnour is a great addition at PG. If Andrew Bogut stays healthy he could be a big factor. But the problems lie at the defensive end and up-front. They don't have much depth or scoring for that matter off the bench. They need someone to step up to help out Redd, Jefferson, and Ridnour.

2008-2009 NBA Preview: Atlantic Division

East

1. Boston Celtics

They're the defending champs and still have the playmakers to get it done once again. The "Big 3" are back and should be the favorite to win it all. After what Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen did last season there's no way you can question their age. The Celtics play the best defense in all of the NBA and it truly showed last season. It wasn't just all the "Big 3", PG Rajon Rondo stepped up and made plays. Kendrick Perkins is a capable presence at center but if his shoulder doesn't get any better they can still play Leon Power or Garnett there. Tony Allen and Bill Walker could contribute off the the bench. It should come down to defense and the role players if the Celts wanna win another title.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers can definitely contend with Boston in the Atlantic. They picked up Elton Brand over the off-season and he is as healthy as he's been since being injured from the beginning. Look for Andre Igoudala to improve even more, he has tremendous upside and is truly becoming a superstar. Andre Miller is the veteran PG that they need to help them get over the top. Thaddeus Young is young but should improve. Philly should also have a solid bench lead by Willie Green, Reggie Evans, and rookie Marreese Speights. Look for the Sixers to be improved this season. 50 wins is not out of the question.

3. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have the potential to be one of the top teams in the league. They have a dominant front court in Chris Bosh and newly acquired Jermaine O'Neal. Jose Calderon is a solid PG and Anthony Parker can shoot the trey, but the one thing that this team lacks is bench depth.

4. New York Knicks
Isiah Thomas gone... check. New coach that will get this team in the right direction... check. Stephon Marbury gone... no check. Knicks will make the playoffs this year... no check. There's no doubt this team has the talent but they've lacked the coaching and chemistry. Now with Mike D'Antoni at the helm they can definitely turn it around. Zach Randolph, Eddy Curry, and Jamal Crawford can get this team to compete again.

5. New Jersey Nets

This looks as a rebuilding year for the Nets after trading Richard Jefferson over the summer and are now looking to deal Vince Carter. Gone are the veteran superstars of this team, other than Vince Carter (for now). If Carter isn't gone before the season starts, he'll be gone somewhere throughout the season. But this is still a very formidable team with Yi Jianlian, Josh Boone, Bobby Simmons, Devin Harris, and Sean Williams. But all in all, look for this to be another down year as the Nets look to rebuild.

My first shot at Sports Radio

As some of you may know I want to be involved with sports radio as my career. Well, tomorrow I get my first shot at it.

There's a sports show on my college's radio network, KNDS (Thunder Radio), and one of the hosts asked me to fill in for one of the guys.

The show will be on Friday afternoon from 3-4 p.m., the show is called "The Sprengler Sports Show".

So if you want to listen tune in here: KNDS Radio

Just click "Listen Online" and you'll be set. Let me know what you think.

TSF NFL Week 7 Game Picks

Last week was less than stellar once again and I need to turn this around NOW before I completely spoil my hot start.

WEEK 1 - BYE

WEEK 2 - 12-3

WEEK 3 - 13-3

WEEK 4 - 9-4

WEEK 5 - 6-8
WEEK 6 - 6-8

TOTAL - 46-26 (.676%)

Chicago Bears beat the Minnesota Vikings

Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnatti Bengals

Tennesse Titans beat the Kansas City Chiefs

Dallas Cowboys beat the St. Louis Rams

Miami Dolphins beat the Baltimore Ravens

New York Giants beat the San Fransisco 49ers

Houston Texans beat the Detroit Lions

New York Jets beat the Oakland Raiders

Green Bay Packers beat the Indianapolis Colts

Washington Redskins beat the Cleveland Browns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Seattle Seahawks

Denver Broncos beat the New England Patriots

AFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Buffalo Bills beat the San Diego Chargers

NFC GAME OF THE WEEK: New Orleans Saints beat the Carolina Panthers

UPSET SPECIAL: Thought about Cleveland over Washington but just couldn't do it...

Dallas Cowboys Committed to Winning, or just Desperate?

So I was pretty disgusted yesterday when I came home from playing racquetball with my roommate and I saw that Roy (E.) Williams was a Dallas Cowboy. I've always hated the Cowboys since their dominance in the 1990s. The deal was so intriguing. The thought of having TO and Roy Williams as a 1-2 receiving corps was flabbergasting. That offense is now so completely loaded it's unreal. (Not to mention I have Roy Williams in fantasy in one of my 2 leagues and this move benefits me a lot there).

But is this move genius or desperate? I want to hear from Cowboy's fans how they see it. Obviously many are going to be excited because they JUST GOT ROY WILLIAMS! On the other hand they gave up A TON to get him. And at this point it looks to me like they have more pressing issues on special teams and defense rather than offense.

Is Jerry Jones being genius or is he being desperate? Obviously I'm sure most fans are excited but you can't deny the fact that they gave up a lot (possibly too much?) to get him at a position where they don't really need a lot of help? It's going to be really interesting to see his impact on the team, my fantasy team as well, whether it's catching passes from Romo or B. Johnson.

Dallas Cowboys fans and football fans in general. Do you like the trade? Was it a little desperate here? Who got the better deal? Lemme know what you think!

College Football Weekend Preview

We have a big weekend of College Football coming up with some huge games on the line.

Oklahoma St. at Missouri

We have a big game here between two pass happy teams. QB Chase Daniel is putting up Heisman-like numbers with 1665 yard and 15 TD. Jeremy Maclin has been one of the top WR out there. Oklahoma St. meanwhile has been putting points at will too. The Cowboys have put up 50+ points in 4 of their 5 games this season. Expect a shootout in this one. We may have a case where the last offense on the field will win this game.

The Pick: Missouri

Penn St. at Wisconsin

This should be the Nittany Lions' first true test this season and Madison is a tough place to play. The Badgers played Ohio St. tough at home, we should have another great game on our hands. PSU QB Daryl Clark is a tough Michael Robinson like QB and their WRs are among the best in the nation. The Nittany Lions' offense can put up some points and move the chains, Wisconsin needs their defense to step up if they want to come away with a tough home win; they're very capable of doing just that.

The Pick: Penn St.

LSU at Florida

This is a must win for the Gators if they want any part of a national title shot. Florida's dynamic offense will take on LSU's stellar defense. Florida must stop the Tigers' dominant front four if they want any part of LSU. LSU meanwhile has had QB troubles thus far, but expect this to be another down to the wire battle as it's been in the past.

The Pick: Florida

Upset of the Week:
Mississippi St. over Vanderbilt

MSU is a different team at home. They've lost some tough games this season. Vanderbilt has been impressive thus far, but only at home. Their only road wins have been at Miami (Oh) and a close one at Mississippi. This should be a close game and look for the Bulldogs to hang tough and upend the Commodores at home.

D-1AA (FCS) Game of the Week
James Madison at Richmond

The #1 team in the FCS, JMU, has a tough road game here against the Richmond Spiders. Both teams are usually among the top in the country. JMU has been impressive thus far with some big wins. They upset then number 1 Appalachian St., plus had an impressive win over UMass. This may be a do or die game for the Spiders if they want a part of the CAA Title.

The Pick: James Madison

Game of the Week

Texas vs. Oklahoma

This is definitely the game of the week. Texas lost last season to OU but has won 2 of the past 3 games vs. the Sooners. Expect this to be a close game both ways. QB Sam Bradford has been one of the best in the country and OU's defensive front is phenomenal. Meanwhile, Texas's QB Colt McCoy has put up some impressive stats as well and is arguably the Heisman front-runner right now. Texas' depleted secondary may hold the Horns back on this one.

The Pick: Oklahoma

TSF NFL Week 6 Game Picks

Week 1 - BYE

Week 2 - 12-3
Week 3 - 12-3

Week 4 - 9-4

Week 5 - 6-8

TOTAL: 39-18 (0.64%)

Last week was BAAAAD. I gotta get back up off the snide this week before I ruin my hot start!

Baltimore Ravens beat the Indianapolis Colts

Minnesota Vikings beat the Detroit Lions

New Orleans Saints beat the Oakland Raiders

New York Jets beat the Cincinnati Bengals

Chicago Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons

Washington Redskins beat the St. Louis Rams

Philadelphia Eagles beat the San Francisco 49ers

Green Bay Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks

Dallas Cowboys beat the Arizona Cardinals

New England Patriots beat the San Diego Chargers

New York Giants beat the Cleveland Browns

AFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Denver Broncos beat the Jacksonville Jaguars

NFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Carolina Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

UPSET SPECIAL: Houston Texans beat the Miami Dolphins

Tom Emanski Who?

I don't know if you guys remember but ESPN used to run commercials for "Tom Emanski's Instructional videos". They were endorsed by Fred "Crime Dog" McGriff and they boasted having produced BACK-To-BACK-To-BACK AAU National Champions. The kids were like robots who could throw it into a side-tipped 5-gallon bucket from deep center.

Well this is a absolutely HILARIOUS video spoof on the Tom Emanski videos. If you know what I'm talking about I would strongly recommend watching the whole thing!

TSF Head-To-Head Fantasy Football Showdown Preview!

Sorry for the ridiculously long title but this is epic. Stefan and myself (Joe) will be facing off head-to-head in our yahoo fantasy football league this Sunday pitting two of the greatest sports minds on the blogosphere against one another.

It's going to be intense and a lot of fun so I'm going to break down everything for everyone since you can't physically get into our league to see and then we'll let you know next Tuesday how the weekend shakes down.

Background
This is our league with friends from home (Bismarck, ND) and from our summer softball team(s). Another noteable blogger in the league is twins25 or Jon Reed from http://www.completesports.blogspot.com/. Anyways, our records going in have me (The PurplePussy Eaters) at 2-3 and stefan (Romophobic) at 3-2. That puts me in 9th (but tied for 7th) and stefan in 5th (tied for 2nd). So, as you can see it's a tight league. I'll be looking to even up with stefan and get back to .500 this weekend.

Our Lineups
Joe (The PurplePussy Eaters)
QB- Eli Mannings at Cleveland
WR - Roddy White vs Chicago
WR - Brandon Marshall vs Jacksonville
WR - Steve Smith at Tampa Bay
RB - Marion Barber at Arizona
RB - Ronnie Brown at Houston
TE - Kellen Winslow vs NYG
WR/RB - Tim Hightower at Dallas
K - Josh Scobee at Denver
D - Dallas at Arizona

Stefan (Romophobic)
QB - David Garrard at Denver
WR - Andre Johnson vs Miami
WR - Laveranues Coles vs Cinci
WR - Steve Breaston vs Dallas
RB - Steve Slaton vs Miami
RB - Steven Jackson at Washington
TE - Owen Daniels vs Miami
WR/RB - Jamal Lewis vs NYG
K - Jason Elam vs Chicago
D - NYJ vs. Cinci

Predictions
Yahoo has Stefan predicted to win 135.75 - 132.88. Which is basically a tossup. I think it's going to be really close but I like my chances. Who do you think will win and why?

It's going to be a great weekend in fantasy football (and ND pheasant opener!) we'll be sure to let you know how this one turns out!

On the Ball

After years of being a Division 1-A bottom dweller, Ball St. is now turning heads.

Auburn, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Ball State.

Which team does not belong?

These teams are the 20-25th ranked teams in this weeks AP Top 25 Poll.

After a surprising 6-0 start and wins over Navy and Indiana, Ball State is ranked in the Top 25 for the first time ever.

Who would've thought? Who would've guessed that Ball St. would be undefeated and ranked 25th at this point in the season? Most people don't know where Ball St. even is located (Indiana so you know).

These Cardinals have thoroughly impressed me. They're doing all this without their best WR, Dante Love, who suffered a career ending spine injury vs. Indiana (My prayers go out to Love and I hope he recovers fast).

RB MiQuale Lewis has been one of the best in the nation, rushing for 802 yards and 12 touchdowns thus far. QB Nate Davis has been impressive as well, showing he's one of the best QB in all of the MAC.

With tough tests coming up at the end of the season vs. Central and Western Michigan, don't be surprised if Ball St. is 10-0 for the first time heading into November 19.

After several long seasons of being an abysmal team, only to be looked at as fresh meat ready to beat down upon, Ball St. is finally the real deal.

Take Your Pick: Big 12 vs. SEC

Just who is the best conference in College Football? Well, I'll tell ya...

This may be one of those rare years that another conference is better than the SEC.

Every once and awhile there's another major conference that comes about one season, to flex its muscles and show they're just as good or even better than that defensive-minded, top-heavy coaching, and talent rich conference in the southeast.

The Big XII may just be that conference this year. Currently, they have 4 teams in the AP Top 10 and 6 teams in the Top 25. The SEC meanwhile, has 3 teams in the top 10 and 6 overall as well.

The SEC usually has the best matchups year in and year out. We've already witnessed Florida-Tennessee, LSU-Auburn, and Alabama-Georgia, yet we still have Florida-LSU, Florida-Georgia, Alabama-LSU, and more to enjoy.

But the Big XII has great matchups as well, Texas-Oklahoma is this weekend, plus we get to look forward to Texas Tech-Texas, Texas Tech-Oklahoma, Missouri-Kansas, and Kansas-Texas.

Not to mention the Big 12 has all those stellar QBs; "The top five passers in the Big 12 have completed 73 percent of their passes for 306 yards a game, with a 6-to-1 TD-to-interception ratio (77 TDs, 13 interceptions) and a ridiculous 10.5 yards per pass attempt." According to Foxsports.com.

The SEC although has actually started it's conference games. I believe their conference showdowns have been in full-fledged for 3 weeks now and that is why the Big 12 has more in the top 10 and more higher ranked teams than the SEC.

Georgia's had to play South Carolina and Alabama, Florida's played Tennessee and Mississippi already, Tennessee took on Auburn, Vandy has topped South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Auburn. Auburn's played Mississippi St., LSU, and the others I've mentioned, LSU took on Mississippi St., and Alabama rolled Georgia. You get the point...

Need I say more. I must say every year, this conference completely beats each other up and yet you still see them have the most teams ranked out there.

The SEC has been beating each other up for 3 weeks now. This past Saturday was the first weekend of Big 12 conference matchups and yet they still don't have more ranked teams than the SEC.

It's the dominant defenses, best of the best coaches, top-heavy contenders, and the overall teams from top to bottom that wins it for the SEC. You can make it an argument that the top teams in the Big XII are just as good as the SEC, but the SECs bottom feeders easily take it over their counterparts.

Once we get more into the season you will see the SEC separate themselves from the Big XII.

And once again, you will see another SEC in the BCS National Championship game.

The Big XII this year has a lot to boast about, but sorry Big XII, the SEC still takes the cake.

TSF NFL Week 5 Game Picks

Week 1 - BYE

Week 2 - 12-3
Week 3 - 12-3

Week 4 - 9-4

TOTAL - 33-10 (0.77%)

New York Giants beat the Seattle Seahawk

Carolina Panthers beat the Kansas City Chiefs

San Diego Chargers beat the Miami Dolphins

Indianapolis Colts beat the Houston Texans

Chicago Bears beat the Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers beat the Atlanta Falcons

Denver Broncos beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dallas Cowboys beat the Cincinatti Bengals

Buffalo Bills beat the Arizona Cardinals

San Francisco 49ers beat the New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings

AFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Pittsburgh Steelers

NFC GAME OF THE WEEK: Philadelphia Eagles beat the Washington Redskins

UPSET SPECIAL: Baltimore Ravens beat the Tennessee Titans

2008 World Series Prediction

Phildelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Angels

This would be a great matchup if it were to happen. Both teams have the pitching to get here and both have very potent offensive line ups. The heart of the order of both teams are arguably the best in both leagues.

Breaking it down:

Bull Pen: Advantage Angels
With K-Rod as your closer you should always get the edge. He's arguably the best closer in the MLB. Add Jose Arrendono and Scott Shields and they're virtually unstoppable. They have the arms to win it all.

Starting Rotation: Advantage Angels
Once again I have to give the edge to the Angels. The Phillies rotation may not be the best but they still have some capable arms. Cole Hamels is one of the best aces out there when he's on his game. He never gives up a lot of runs and he'll keep you in every game. The Angels may not have a dominant starter, but they are deep. John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders is an outstanding trio to have.

Offense: Advantage Phillies
Both teams can put up runs, but the Phillies make up on offense is unbelievable. Jimmy Rollins is one of the best lead off hitters out there, plus he is the most efficient base runner in the league (47 SB out of 50 attempts). Shane Victorino can come up with the big hit and move Rollins over. Chase Utley is a dangerous three hitter and Ryan Howard has that raw power. Pat Burrell is a scary 5 hitter too. The bottom of the order can produce with Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz.

Defense: Advantage Angels
The infield is solid with SS Erick Aybar and 2B Howie Kendrick up the middle. They may be one of the best up the middle defensive teams out there. Chone Figgens is also a solid 3B and utility player. The outfield is the best in all of baseball with Torii Hunter patrolling center field and Vlad Guerrero's arm out in RF.

The Pick: Los Angeles Angels in 7

This is a pretty even matchup but the Angels will get it done. They have a big pitching advantage over the Phillies and that's what will get it done in the end.

2008 MLB Playoff Predictions

AMERICAN LEAGUE

ALDS

Boston Redsox vs. Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem

Well we all watched the Red Sox run all over a weak Angels team last year; this year, the Red Sox are facing off against the team that’s not only the best in the AL but enjoyed a 17-9 September. It shouldn’t be close. Especially with Beckett coming in a little dinged up. Obviously it's hard to bet against the Red Sox Nation but I think this is one of the only circumstances that it should be done. The Angels are waaaay too complete of a ballclub. The Angels pretty much owned the Red Sox throughout the Regular season this year and I expect more of the same. Especially if the Angels can put themselves in save situations I fully expect K-Rod to be dealin his meanest. But don't completely write off the Red Sox. They're THE RED SOX. This is the PLAYOFFS. This will be a damn good series.

The Pick: Angels in 5

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox

Okay, let’s be honest. I love the concept of what the Rays have done this year. I mean this franchise was pure crap for their entire existence. Now finally they are playing good all season. What a beautiful story. Here is the problem with all of this: it has to end somewhere. I think it ends here. That’s right, the fun is over. I hate to say it because I loathe the White Sox, I really do. Tampa will be good for several more years but I think they are tired. It has shown a little down the stretch. The lack of experience against a veteran team like the White Sox will be their undoing. With all the veteran leadership on the White Sox side and the momentum they're riding off the win against the Twins I just don't see the Rays taking this one. I think you can look for veterans like Pierznsky and Griffey Jr. to have big series'.

The Pick: Chicago in 4

ALCS

Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem vs. Chicago White Sox

This matchup is just laden with veteran leadership and good starting pitching. However if this is indeed the ALCS matchup I think you can look for the Angels to have an easier time with the White Sox than the Red Sox. The White Sox are a good team and I think Ozzie Guillen is a good enough manager to make this as close as possible but I think the Angels are in a class above the White Sox. Their pitching is all around better and I also think their lineup is a little more potent.

The Pick: Angels in 4

2008 MLB Playoff Predictions

National League

NLDS

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Phildelphia Phillies

The Phillies and Brewers have been pretty impressive lately, but with Sabathia having a big workload the past week he won't be throwing Game 1. I don't think the Brewers have the pitching to compete with the Phillies, with Coles Hamels able to throw game 1, the Phils are set. The Phillies offense has been pretty consistent lately and they can put runs on just about anybody. While, the Brewers have been very inconsistent in scoring runs themselves; they've been one of the top run scoring teams in the league until September. Right now they're 16th in the NL. It could all come down to the bullpen, which i give a big advantage to the Phillies. Brad Lidge is one of the most dominant closers out there, plus JC Romero and Chad Durbin can get them through the late innings.

The Pick: Phillies in 4

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs

The Dodgers could very well pull it off here. They have the pitching and offensive potential to do it. Should the Cubs pitch to Manny with runners on base? No way! The Cubs rotation is what will probably get them over the top. Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden back to back could be too much to bare for LA. Both bullpens are pretty deep and consistent. It may all come down to who gets it done on offense.

The Pick: Cubs in 5

NLCS
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs

Could be a matchup for the ages. I am really looking forward to this series (if it happens). The winner could no doubt win the World Series, this may be as wide open for an NL team in years. The Cubs have the advantage rotation wise but the Phillies bullpen may get the nod. Both offenses can put up runs as well, which means the bullpens should be a huge factor in the series. I think in the end the potent Phillies offense in Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Pat Burrell will step up and get it done for Philadelphia. I picked the Phillies to go all the way back in June and I'm sticking with my gut.

The Pick: Phillies in 7