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NFL WEEK 12; HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY Y'ALL!
Happy turkey day y'all, hope all our American friends are all having a great day wherever you are. For me it means I can watch lots of football on a thursday as well as a Sunday, and eat turkey sandwiches, but I can give thanks for that.
And for the first time in years, today actually has three hum-dingers (so pleased I'm not working until 3 tomorrow) worth staying up for.
First the NFC north divisional clash between the Packers and the Lions. And for the first time ever, THE LIONS DON'T STINK! this will hopefully be really exciting, the pack showed they were human last week by nearly slipping up against the Bucs, while the Lions nearly reminded us of their dark past, but pulled back a heroic victory to claim they are legit. I do think the Pack will have too much for the Lions, but they are certainly going to give everything tonight, and it will probably be really high scoring as a result! (Pack by 7)
Then the two form teams, Miami visit Dallas. Miami are pretty much out of contention for playoffs unless they win every single game, (and even then, probably not) but seem to be playing for general pride and un-suck-for-luckiness. Dallas saw themselves suddenly in control of their division, and a win here would put them a game ahead of NYG (until monday at least) so it should be an interesting one. Dallas probably have more weapons at their disposal with the emergance of DeMarco Murray and Laurent Robinson, but Miami have been defending very well in the past 3, so this should be a much tighter one. I'm gonna go with homefield advantage though, Dallas by 3.
and then, the real feast, San Francisco @ Baltimore, Harbaugh vs. Harbaugh. Inspired scheduling by the NFL, really was, turning a family holiday into a (luckily) very important game of football. Whoever loses will at least find some comfort in that it was inter-divisional, but that really will only be a minimal comfort. Two of the best teams in the NFL right now, a potential Superbowl match-up, and of course the brothers at the middle of it, this one has it all. The Niners have been extremely impressive, and Baltimore are really going to have to step it up if they're going to get away with this one. However, this is the first real challenge we've had outside of Pittsburgh (and we ALL know what happened there) coupled with the fact that we're at home, and Joe "cool" (no, not that one Niners fans) has only lost 1 game at home in his career is still highly remarkable. I'm a bit shaky to go too much into the prediction business as I don't want to jinx anything, but this will obviously be very tight, and for heart sakes I'm gonna go Baltimore by 3. It easily could go either way though and thats why it will be a fascinating watch.
And as if you hadn't had your fill, this weekend has some crackers too:
Clear highlight of the early games, the Bills travel to the Jets after their humping in Buffalo only a couple weeks ago. These are two teams whose seasons are hanging in the balance, with no-one being able to afford to win. Buffalo however are in complete free fall, and have much more to worry about than the slightly embarrassed, post-Tebowed Jets, who after a long week will be looking to rectify ALOT of wrongs. Jets by 7.
in the later games we are spoilt for choice:
the two surprise teams post-Jay Cutler/Baldwin Chicago travel to Oakland who have found a lot of legit form with Carlson Palmer (but for how long, who knows?) Tough one to call, Bears certainly had the better team on paper before Cutler was injured, but the Raiders have been overacheiving all season and presumably it has to end somewhere. Both teams could really do with the win, so it will be a contest, it just depends on nerves and whether Caleb Hanie works out. Bears by 4-5
Then there is also New England at Philly. Philly are a maddeningly frustrating team to watch, but it was pretty hilarious to see Vince Young roll in and be like "sit down kid, this is how its done". There is a lot of intrigue here. It will either be a total blow-out for New England or perhaps another stolen base for Philly, it just depends which team shows up. For now though I'm going with consistency: New England by 7.
And then there is also Tebow at San Diego. Incredibly, despite San Diego's collapse, they are still only two games behind Oakland, and one behind Denver. So a win here gets them right back into it and a tie-breaker. However, if Tebow does what he does AGAIN, that surely will be it for San Diego. The Chargers were pretty decent against the Bears and missed an opportunity to win the game, whereas Tebow has mostly been running around poorer teams. I hope to god (thats the joke) San Diego can pull this one out. Bolts by 6.
SNL is Pittsburgh travelling to Kansas, in their second primetime game is as many weeks against far superior opposition. Can't really see it being any different from their drubbing at New England on monday either. Steelers by +7
MNF sees a beauty (and, for those paying attention, a Treme reference) as the Giants travel to the superdome, New Orleans. This one should be a lot of fun, and depending on how my essay for Tuesday goes, I could well be staying up for this one too. Scoring everywhere, could go either way, gonna stick my neck out with the Saints though, by like 5.
and the others:
Atlanta beat Minnie by +7
Cincy beat Cleveland by 7.
Carolina beat Indy by +7
Houston beat Jax by 7. (It would be more if Schaub was fit)
Arizona beat St. Louis by 3-4.
Tennessee beat Tampa by 3-4.
Seattle beat Washington by 5. (Yeah calling it, Seattle are on form, unlike those silly Skins)
Phew, that was a load. What are y'all looking forward to, fantasy issues and the like, anyone here celebrating thanksgiving in any way?
MOTOR CITY RULES OKAY
'mon the Lions!
For one thing, I can't decide whether to play Ray Rice tonight
he's an undisputable talent, but the Niners will try everything to keep him quiet. But then he does receieve too. mmm.
Epic OP.
No-one else is allowed to start the NFL threads.
Fantasy: I'm playing the team with no manager this weekend. They've unbelievably been winning games despite having no RBs, mainly due to having the best QB and the best point-scoring D in the NFL. Could be a close one. Also, ANDRE IS BACK. I've been pretty screwed over by his injury this year, hopefully he can get me some points even with Leinart at QB.
hah, there was a lot to talk about!
sorry, procrastinating and such :(
What are you sorry for?
I meant I would be disappointed if anyone else started the NFL thread because it wouldn't be as good!
There's been a fair few injuries this week. What are the owners of Fred Jackson/Matt Schaub/Jay Cutler doing to rectify their situations?
That Fred Jackson one's a killer.
I imagine Da Bear Necessities are sobbing into their turkey, particularly when they look on their bench and see Spencer Larsen. Who the hell he?
The owners of Schaub and Cutler will have to scrape by with Cam Newton and Tom Brady respectively. My tears of pity remain unspillt, especially with old twiglet-ribs himself Michael Vick still out for me.
twiglet ribs
:D
Yeh but you've got former Pigeon Matt Ryan and he's doing well atm.
I think if Stafford stays within 10 points of Rodgers this evening, I'll win the matchup.
I'm also wary of starting V. Davis against the Ravens but there seem to be no decent alternatives. Think I'll go with it as he's on a bit of form.
Don't get me wrong, I'm mighty relieved to have Ryan
And as you say, he's doing well. But I spent a first round pick on Vick, he's meant to be the focal point of my team.
You've got to do us all a favour and beat PFGB. If a team can get to the playoffs without even having a manager, it makes the not inconsiderable effort we all put in look even more of a waste of time than it already is.
Going OK so far.
Stafford was only 6 points off Rodgers in the end, I think a monster game from Rodgers would have had me worried.
Next up: the battle of the 'boys receivers. Robinson to outscore Bryant plz.
So far so good on that one.
Unless Mark Ingram scores 50 points tonight
we're good.
Dude, these threads are better than the soccer threads by far.
I too feel that Texans will jake the Jags, seeing as the Texans are on form. a
I cannot wait to see SF-BR. Its gonna be amazing. I am so sad to not be america for this days football.
In other college football it's the LAST ever lonestar showdown between the aggies and UT. Such a big game, and last year Aggies took it 9-3 thanks the WRECKING CREW defense. So... very excited to watch it later on.
ha - hope to god!
I just really want the Chargers to win again. It's about time. Couldn't watch the Bears game but it sounded like Rivers was better for the majority of the game....maybe.
I know nothing about college football but saw some of Ohio the other day and Tyler Tettleton looks an exciting QB, great passing & rushing and very exciting to watch. (I'll stop now as I'm well out of my depth!)
Great OP also.
I'm working til 8 tonight
dunno whether to try and sneakily watch the Lions game at work or wait til I get home. Not bothered about the Cowboys game but I'll definitely save the battle of the Harbaughs for tomorrow.
Fantasy wise I'm faced with the dilemma of wanting to start Eli, Tebow and Newton but only being able to have 2 of them (I'll prob bench Tebow) and who to bench out of Michael Bush, CJ2k and MJD.
Has anyone else filled out a Pro-Bowl ballot yet? I started one yesterday but got really annoyed that Victor Cruz is missing from the ballot; he's been a fantasy stud for me, I fell like i should reward him with a vote
Tebow doesn't get that many points
I only played him once when Eli was on a bye, and he hasn't outscored him yet. Can't imagine Newton either.
I'm working til 8 too but should be able to get home fairly sharpish so I'm hoping the Pack/Lions still have a contest in the 4th quarter.
I haven't yet, been too busy, will next week when I have some freedom from uni.
CJ2K has a great matchup against Tampa's run D.
Houston and Chicago have strong run Ds. Flip a coin. I think you have to choose who will throw less. Probably Gabbert? So MJD.
Go with MJD.
Sit Bush.
WIsh the Dolphins/Cowboys & 49's/Ravens was the other way round,
got a free evening to watch all games but can't really stay up for the final game.
aye I'd rather that too
but you know tradition vs. a couple of selfish britons
hahaha, fair!
god
forgot about just how bad nickleback are
Thank fuck
Nickelback have finished.
I guess that's what I'm thankful for.
Why is Pam Oliver doing an indoor game?
I barely recognise here without a wolly hat in a blizzard.
Really Matt Stafford?
Really? Do you want me to have a crappy fantasy week?
Oh well, I'm not too bothered about missing the majority of the game
these two teams are still worlds apart.
Just completed my ritual turkey sandwich and Red Stripe, final 2k of my dissertation being sent off tonight, I have a lot to be thankful really (even the mad rain couldn't dampen me)
hahaha that was nice of the Packers
to let the lions fans have a cheer/share some fantasy points, thats some true thanksgiving spirit there.
Massive ^this
Stafford in 2 teams, Johnson in another 2.
Megatron helped me in my 4 team mates league which I can win this week. It's difficult to pick lineups because all teams are rammed with great players.
anyone around? do i play Murray or Wells (not dis league)
NEED ANSWER QUICK
Murray!
He's the form player, Wells is carrying an injury.
I'm bad at this though bare that in mind.
Murray has looked good, but Miami have the 3rd best run D.
The rams aren't great against the run, but Wells lacking fitness and form.
I'd edge to Murray, but just because you know he'll certainly play.
so Murray and Rice (despite the niners?)
Ooh, Rice?
There's a question. Hard to sit him, but... I'm not calling that one. You should pick him. Believe in your Ravens!
Rice likes to hit the edges and get round the outside right? 49ers are strongest up the middle. He might do OK.
And he catches a lot of passes.
Rice is unbenchable imo.
I agree
in that he's basically our only good offensive player, but the Niners are gonna do everything they can to keep him quiet.
how is 8.30 for unbenchable?
;)
So Murray's done hardly anything so far.
Well
I did say do with him, but after having only spoken about his big downside today.
he got 12.80
so, Rice, Wells or McGahee
Just seen this.
You had McGahee? You didn't say that when I was reading.
its too late now, i've burnt both my rbs
watch as Wells and McGahee between them rack up 50 points on my bench.
I like McGahee this week
It's just a shame I no longer have him in any of my teams.
I'd actually like him to get hurt. I picket up Lance Ball in a league or two.
I have him in one league but (rightly) didn't play him against the Jets
due to Tebowing.
28.30
How many points Beanie Wells got on my bench
This is a pretty turgid effort from Iglesias
Sounds like a FIFA endorsed world cup song.
Nice to see he couldn't be bothered to actually perform live either.
Reggie Bush is looking pretty comfortable in this offense now.
WHAT
A throw and catch.
Come on 'phins. Noone wants to see Dallas win.
Is ANYONE with me?
I'm starting to wobble now I've realised there is a replay tomorrow lunchtime
take that as a no then, well in case anyone is avoiding spoilers tomorrow
here is a live-blog of me reacting to the Harbaugh bowl while drinking and getting more sleepy/emotional
Kick off; HERE WE GOOOOOOOOO
touchback, fuck off
Ray Rice runs into a wall
disguised as a Lineman
Boldin makes two decent gains.
C'MON
Baltimore field goal, after the gains dry up.
mmmmmmm
Niners go 3 and oot
so far, so OK
2nd quarter, Defensive power struggle
not at all surprising
Rice stopped on the goal line
balllls
6-3 Baltimore at the half
interception from Webb saved a Niners TD just before half price, so that was something. Highly defensive, not massively exciting in terms of big plays but interesting. Considering bed.
6-6, they kept the ball for along time there
more of the same, really.
TOUCHDOOOOOOOOOON
4th quarter, 13-6 Bmore
its only Half 3! This has been so defensive its passed by really quickly, the football equivalent of a no hitter.
going for a field goal with 3 and a half to go
so probably for the win...
GOT IT!
Bmore challenging a potentially generous first down call
from a 4th down, so if successful, we win.
Call stands
should still have this with only 2 mins left
Well that was great
it may not have been a thriller but full of intrigue and nuance, and most importantly, we were FANTASTIC. Basically shut out a team with a superior record to us (one we should have too to be honest). We defended like the Baltimore of yore. And we did it without Ray Lewis.
Even if we lose to the Colts in a couple weeks time, if we keep beating the best like this then we're going a long, long way this year. Very exciting times.
Night, hope you've enjoyed.
Just watched the game (at work :D)
B'more looked very good, stout run defense plus blitzing Smith whenever possible is clearly how you beat the Niners. Hope Tomlin & Lebeau were watching carefully.
I'm sure they were
I'm still convinced you'll beat us in the playoffs, but right now, if we can defend like that in all our big games, we can beat anyone!
So its sunday, thoughts? concerns? expectations?
Might go Redzone for the earlies, if not Bills/Jets perhaps, definitely going Pats/Eagles later on though!
the problem with the earlies is that, other than jets-bills
every game has at least one team who are out of the running. that said, i've got a feeling that falcons-vikings is going to be really good. plan for the day: liverpool-city, bills-jets, tebow-chargers, probably will flake out on the late game, can't see anything other than a comfortable steelers win. MNF should be boss though
aye this^
should be a comfortable win for steelers, tomorrow should be great though and I have an essay in for tuesday so who knows :P
im gunna get my sleep done in the evening
wake up at midnight then power through
redzone rollcall.
who's watching
got bills/jets on
decent so far
the bills, not content with their thanksgiving attributes just yet
just tossed away a half time lead after an interception followed by TD by scuffing the ensuing kick off giving the Jets amazing field position.
arian foster
errrrm
what?!
the fumble-return-touchdown silliness
he fumbled?
yup.
also, we've got some pretty entertaining if not particularly important games going on here. a nice little hors d'oeuvre before the 3 big ones later
no surprises from the earlier games then
nope
but 7 really good games. eagles off to a flyer
aye no blow-outs which is something I suppose
Brady's started kinda quiet every game of the year so far, he'll do this yet
this week's been much faster than all the others
for this thread descending into a conversation between us two. people need to pull their socks up
I'm procrastinating from my essay as it is!
Horrible fantasy week so far, all of the dude I'm playing in dis league's guys have pitched in to cover for the fact he played an injured stevie jackson. fuck this shit.
i was away during the dis draft but
ive got one team at 8-3, 11 points down, marshawn on at the minute and drew brees to come
other one's 6-5, 45 points down but with colston, jimmy graham, brandon jacobs and eli all to play, need a high scoring monday night game
oh for gods sake
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7287093/matt-leinart-houston-texans-injures-shoulder-jacksonville-jaguars
Someone really doesn't want the Texans in the playoffs.
Its getting quite ridiculous.
If a few more go down in Texas I reckon I might get a go. How hard can it be? Is Arian Foster standing next to you? Give it to him. If not? Give it to Ben Tate. Congratulations, you win again.
Surely this is the week
That Tebow finally falls on his arse. The Broncos haven't scored a point yet, but having said that, the Chargers are remaining suspiciously within range of some crazy-nonsense comeback
I've switched over to this
Brady's single-handed dry-humping of the Eagles was getting sad
again timothy?
are you going to do this again?
haha literally no one wants to win this game
a missed field goal for the win (albeit a long one) suggests it very much is tebow time, and that he is in fact the second coming.
outrageous
that field goal was tight as a nun's chuff too
this can't be acceptable
that's his 4th 4th quarter career comeback. silly
oh for gods sake
he's gonna get into the playoffs somehow isn't he? That's basically the Chargers eliminated right there so its well within the realms of possibility, let alone his divine power.
I'm going to bed, that was half an hour of my life I'll never get back :P
so tonight then
i need 7 from brees to win one fantasy game and a miracle from both offences to win the other. more importantly. i think this'll be a bit of a shootout and, when that happens, it comes down to the 2 qb's. eli's having his best season ever but drew brees is on track to break marino's passing record and won't throw the picks that i reckon eli will. also, he's got a better recieving corps to throw to. it'll be tight until the 4th but the saints by 2 scores
so what you're saying is
football.
soccer?
yeah basically. gunna get a quick nap in, i'll probably be marvelling at all of those men doing those things what they do and pretending i understand any of it on here come kickoff.
no, football.
We're all American in here.
This game should be pretty nuts. Which has varying effects on my essay.
i'm back. with a potent mix of coffee, batchelor's pasta n' sauce,
a couple of beers and some ill thought out opinions. FOOTBALL!
New York Jet Says A Stupid
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8248d981/article/jets-pouha-bills-wr-johnson-crossed-line-with-celebration?module=HP11_headline_stack
The usually irreverent and hilarious Woody Paige
was like one step away from suggesting this on Around the Horn earlier, bizarre stuff.
good start
don't know how the first went pointless. if new orleans can run like this all game it could be a big win
I feel like whats happening here is that enough people said the words "blow-out" that the sporting gods are intentionally keeping us on our toes
or I should go to bed
(but yeah, its good, tight and that)
if the saints get the ball back and score this half
i might call it a night
good completion, might be a late one then
mm, Giants are really not in this at all right now
They have started a lot of games like that this season though
thing is, without being at all impressive
they could well go into the half down by 4. too many penalties and the silly early call with the fake field goal could end up costing the saints. still can't see them not winning it, but it could be more interesting than it should be
*shoot-out
even.
nope
right the first time.
ok
this drive decides my bedtime
and whether or not i get to my 9am lecture
It's not even funny how good these saints receivers are.
So strong at the catch, whilst the Giants just keep dropping balls.
and there's so many of them
only green bay are on the same level
Patriots too when they're blazing.
Sportsnation called Baltimore the most overated team in the NFL right now :(
interesting question
pre-season or now. pre: eagles (obvs)
now: lions maybe
nah Lions are still really good
they're just not Packers good. Everyone will probably say Giants now :P
nah fuck it, i'll stay awake, this has been a good watch
and that's the game. see you all thursday
DiS Fantasy gubbins
I'm back amongst the big boys on 7-5 after a tight battle against the league leading ICT Browns thanks to the utter dominance of my latent man-crush Drew Brees. What a pro. And he's always so nice to Ellen DeGeneres, too! Looking at the points against column I've had some tough match ups this year and what with my constantly rotating and underperforming receiver corps I'm pretty happy with how my first season in management has gone. Next week looks like another humdinger against Plymouth Unremarkables, who've got a pretty badass team all round.
Won my fantasy this week, mostly thanks to Eli and Cruz
Victor Cruz is currently 4th in the league in receiving yards, he's got 7 TDs but still isn't on the Pro Bowl ballot! What a complete farce
Kind of gutted I traded Victor Cruz now.
I have an emotional attachment to people who I discover on waivers.
If it's any consolation, he hasn't exactly taken me to the next level.
I doubt McCoy has helped you much either though.
Drew Brees won one of my games single-handedly pretty much
wish I had him more
Janikowski pretty much brought me home.
The second time my kicker has scored nearly 20 points. What. A. Dude.
It is tight as hell in the DIS league. Anyone know how the playoffs work? I reckon one more win should see me in. Big game against the Battlefield Canaries this week, Sproles and Fitz up against their former teams.
Love Seabass
The drunken cop briber.
Pretty tame by NFL standards.
Hell, Plaxico took a gun to a club and shot himself in the leg with it. Now THAT's crime.
Top 4 go through to the playoffs
Then week 16 and 17 are the playoff games: semi-finals and final.
I by all rights should have been out of contention years ago
but then again by that logic, so should have everyone else
Dear whoever is going to play Dallas in the playoffs
Please thrash them
I'm done in the DiS Championship
Valiant late-season push but killed by a loss now.
In the other league I won by 0.02 points, which I think is Victor Cruz stretching for an extra 20cm.
Time for a week 13 thread I reckon.
Come on Severed, I want my form guide and detailed predictions, we're not paying you to sit on your arse replying in here over and over. You've built up a certain level of trust, don't let us down now.
can't handle all this pressure
Am oot. (Also, its not Thursday yet)
Is it a Thursday thing?
OK then, I'll let you off. Until tomorrow, then me and deadwrong are coming round with a seriously pointy stick and we're not taking no for an answer.
given I finished my penultimate term yeseterday
there's no reason why I won't be writing a 5 page essay on week 13 tomorrow
you could write a 5 page essay on the chaos in Jacksonville alone
guest on PTI last night was like
"London is as just a big of threat to Jax as L.A... we WILL see a London franchise in our lifetime" and am pretty sure he's part of the NFL's media team
I can't believe London is as likely to get a franchise as L.A
can you imagine the uproar in the States if we got a team before Los Angeles. Personally I think Jacksonville will end up in L.A pretty soon, unless Minnesota gets there first.
I'm still undecided as to whether a London based team is really a good idea; I'll always be a Steelers fan first.
yeah and I don't think you're alone
if I live closer to London when/if it happens then I'd probably try and go as much as I could, it would be like the lower echelon NBA teams who market themselves on the basis that "Kobe Bryant's coming to beat us tonight!" but hopefully by then I'll live in America anyway...