1. St. Louis Rams
   
     Likely Pick- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. This one is pretty much a slam dunk to start the draft. In this era of the NFL, a team can’t sustain success without a capable QB at the helm, something the Rams have lacked since Marc Bulger’s deal with the devil ended. Some will holler for Suh here, but honestly, this is the final draft before a rookie salary cap is implemented, and the Rams have skipped over 3 quality young quarterbacks the last two drafts (Sanchez, Ryan and Flacco) the money (roughly $13 mil a year and $50 mil guaranteed) says to go with the young guy who will hopefully lead your offense for years to come.
    
    Dark Horse- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. Unlike the next two teams who would jump all over this guy, the Rams do not have a pressing need for a once in a generational defensive lineman, not when they have a few DL first round picks already on the roster (Carriker, Long) and a massive need to upgrade the QB position for years to come.

   My Choice- Take Bradford and call it a first round. As many holes as the Rams may have, they can all be addressed to some degree later in the draft, but not the QB position. When you add in the financials to this equation it’s pretty simple. (Caveat- although I do not have it here, I would like the possibility of the Browns or Seahawks moving up here COULD happen, I just don’t think it makes sense)

2. Detroit LionsLikely Pick- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. After getting their centerpiece of their offense last year in Matt Stafford, the Lions would be crazy to miss out on the destructive House of Spears. Suh totalled 85 total tackels with 24 of them coming for loss and 12 sacks. Numbers not withstanding, he just looks the part as and ever growing, hungry DT. With this pick, the Lions are set to be challenging for the playoffs in the 2011 season.

     Dark Horse- Russel Okung, LT, OK St. The choice of Okung would be the biggest shocker since Ricky Martin coming out of the closet. Okung is truly a great talent, and might be the best offensive tackle in this draft, but the only reason why the Lions could ever pass on Suh would be with the thought that they needed to pair Stafford with a protector for the next decade. It would still be dumb.

     My Choice- The only way I see them passing on Suh to take Okung would be if the Lions could swing a deal sending their 2nd rounder to the Redskins for Albert Haynesworth and pair him with Jim Schwartz and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Even then, most would be critical of the move, and the underrated play of Jeff Backus at LT, would make that move an unnecessary risk. Take Suh, and let his play and hunger become the calling card of the new Lions defense.

3. Your 2002 Super Bowl Champion TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS     Likely Pick- Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. With Suh off the board, the move is to take McCoy, someone a lot of experts believe will have more immediate success then Suh. McCoy fits our scheme perfectly, as an upfield, pass rushing DT in the mold of Warren Sapp. With 3rd round selection Roy Miller of the 2009 draft having gotten much needed experience in last year’s campaign, the DL will look and perform drastically better  for the next decade with these two in the middle.

     Dark Horse- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. The third highest rated prospect in the draft, Berry is looking to become the richest paid safety in NFL history. He is pretty well assured of going in the top 6, and if both DT’s are gone at this point and the Bucs cannot move back, this is a great back up plan for the men in pewter.

    My Choice- Seems boring, but stay the formula and take McCoy. We can address our real needs later in the draft (uhm, offense anyone?) and this move will immediately make the rest of our defense play better. We could not ask for a better fit, besides of course, The Man Named Suh.

4. Washington Redskins  Likely Pick- Russel Okung, LT, Ok St. A lot of what I said earlier at the Lions stays true for here, and now that the Skins have their QB in Donovan McNabb, the major flaw for this team is the offensive line. Look for them to address the OL multiple times in the draft, starting with Okung…..

     Dark Horse- Trent Williams, LT, Oklahoma. Unless they choose to go with the more athletically gifted, but less technically sound Williams. Williams also needs to hit the gym more, but ran a 4.8 as a LT, and jumped 34.5 inches, so physicality is not the issues here.

     My Choice- I can’t see them passing on Okung. Look for them to also move Haynesworth at some point, possibly to the Saints at 32, then take another OL to add to the team. This is a HUGE draft for the Skins, and they have to upgrade their offensive line as much as possible.

5. Kansas City ChiefsHEY WAIT! WE HAVE OUR FIRST TRADEEEEE!!!!!!

Kansas City trades the 5th overall to the Cleveland Browns for the 7th and the 92nd picks.

5. Cleveland Browns

     Likely Pick- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. The Browns move up to take Berry, acknowledging the drop in talent at the 7th pick. The move makes sense for both clubs as the Chiefs could use a safety, but have a more pressing need at tackle, and the ability to move back to get one plus add another selection is too enticing to pass on. Cleveland gets it’s own version of Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu to mirror their division rivals.

     Dark Horse- You don’t move up without having a guy in mind.

     My Choice- Man this makes a lot of sense like I said before. If the Browns do sit at 7, I have to think they go Earl Thomas, another impact safety, though maybe a grade lower then Berry. If the Browns end up staying at 7, I still think they take Earl Thomas for the same reason the Chiefs are ok to move back. The Chiefs could still go Thomas also, but are more then likely hoping Trent Williams is still on the board when they pick at 7 now, or else reach a little and take him at 5 if they don’t do the deal.

6. Seattle Seahawks     Likely Pick- Trent Williams, LT, Oklahoma. With the dissapointment of not getting Eric Berry comes the good fortune of getting the arguably best LT in the draft. The Chiefs are obviously bummed if they see the Hawks move on their man, but that doesn’t matter to the boys in neon green. Williams could become the 21st version of Walter Jones, a solid, and some years spectacular LT, who could anchor their offensive line for the next decade, much like Jones has done until this year.

     Dark Horse- Dez Bryant, WR, Ok St. With two first round selections, the Seahawks could always go in a different direction and take more of a gamble then most other franchises. They had Brandon Marshall in for workouts and interviews as he postured for a trade, but deemed the price to steep for the talented, yet troubled receiver. Maybe they believe in the talent of Bryant, while being able to control him better then Marshall would have ever allowed. Matt Hasselbeck in what may be his final season, sure would love this guy to throw to.

     My Choice- Bryant is VERRRRYY enticing for the Hawks here, with their very public courting of Marshall, but I believe the move is Williams. Grab the second best LT and use the second first round pick to take the BPA.

7. Kansas City ChiefsLikely Pick- Trent Williams, LT, Ok St. After the trade, and Seattle’s selection of Dez Bryant, Kansas City is doing backflips as they go to the podium to give Commisioner Goodell the card for Williams. With this move, they get to take Brandon Albert and place him in a much more natural position of RT, and upgrade an offensive line that showed promise of growth as the year went on. Now that they have their left tackle, look for the Chiefs to go WR, RB, and S in the next two rounds, as it all starts to come together for Scott Pioli.

     Dark Horse- Earl Thomas, S, Texas. If they miscalculated, and Williams is no longer there to be had, look for the Chiefs to pass over Dez Bryant for what should be a more certain player in Earl Thomas. If Eric Berry is Ed Reed, then Thomas is the late Sean Taylor, a hammer FS that could be the impact player on defense for Romeo Crennel as the rebuilding process continues.

     My Choice- If the Chiefs stay at 5, look for them to take Berry and address tackle later in the draft. They need a big playmaker in the defense, and Bery would be that guy. Boy, would they be bummed if they didn’t get Williams or Berry, but this team has so many holes, they will need the extra draft choices. Any number of players could help this team, from the LT’s Williams and Bulaga, to Bryant to the safeties. As long as Pioli doesn’t pull a Tyson Jackson, I just can’t see the Chiefs not improving. I’ll say earl Thomas goes here if they move back to 7 and the Hawks go Williams.

8. Oakland Raiders
    

     Likely Pick- a pastrami sandwich, New York City. How can one really tell what is LIKELY for the Raiders to do??? I don’t have a crystal ball, so it’s a little different here……..

     My Choice- Brian Bulaga, LT, Iowa. How about helping out your QB and surprisingly efficient running game??? Baluga may have maxed out as a player, but what he is as a LT now is better then anything they have on the roster and is the safest pick for their 8th selection. Of course, safe is not Al’s game……

     Al Davis’ Choice- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF/Bruce Campbell, LT, Maryland. These guys are physical freaks, putting on a show at the combine last month, so how could someone NOT think Davis picks one of these two. Or maybe he goes Taylor Mays. Or maybe that guy who ran down the cab he saw earlier this morning. I swear the man is senile. How about we just go with Jimmy Clausen, and all start laughing now.

9. Buffalo BillsLikely Pick- Brian Bulaga, LT, Iowa. For this article, let’s all just pretend the Raiders never picked. Baluga fills a desperate need for a team in disarray. The Bills might be the worst team in the league next year even with these draft selections. They have comlpetely ruined their once proud and recently efficient defense by switching to the 3-4 without the personnel, have an offensive line that Middle Tennessee St. would laugh at, and are currently slated to try year three of the Trent Edwards Mistake. Even with a trade for Jason Campbell (I think a 4 gets it done), they are my early favorite in the Jake Locker/ Ryan Mallet Sweepstakes next year.
    
     Dark Horse- Anthony Davis, LT, Rutgers. Davis is more of a project then Baluga, but he has much more upside. All the other reasons stay the same, Buffalo sucks.

     My Choice- Buffalo S U C K S. Take Davis, build for next year’s draft when you can finally get a QB people would recognize.

OUR SECOND TRADE OF THE DAY!
The Jags trade the 10th overall pick to the New York Giants for the 15th and 76th picks

10.  New York Giants

     Likely Pick- Rolando McClain, MLB, Alabama. The Giants fill their biggest need at MLB after the Plaxico Problem cost them Anonio Pierce. Sure, they would love to sit at 15 and wait for CJ Spiller to fall to them, but they can get a compliment back in the 2nd round, and they can’t fill ILB as well as McClain.

      Dark Horse- CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson. The move up kinda makes this a moot point, but if the Giants sit at 15, they will take Spiller to add the offensive punch they lacked in 2009.

     My Choice- You don’t trade up to take a guy who will probably fall to your spot. McClain is the building block of the new Giants defense, as they open the new stadium in New York.

11. Denver Broncos (the pic is actually a band named Broncos)     Likely Pick- Dez Bryant, WR, Ok St. If everyone stays where they are currently, this becomes a slam dunk pick for the Broncos who recently shipped out troubled WR Brandon Marshall. Bryant is clearly the best receiving prospect in the draft filled with them, but has character concerns, so look for him to come up on a lot of draft boards with the hope of late picking first round teams getting a shot if he falls.

  Dark Horse-  Rolando McClain, MLB, Alabama. If the Giants do not move up and Bryant is selected before here, a nice consolation prize would be McClain to pair with DJ Williams. If the Broncs get McClain, their ILB will rack up 3458920 tackles this year, scientific fact.

     My Choice- I mean, Bryant has to be the pick. The “character” issues everyone keeps talking about stem from him taking business tips from the same guy who promoted the Hot Dog Express. Come on! Cut the kid some slack for being dumber then the guy who picked Duke to blow out Butler in the championship game (wait, didn’t I do that….).

WE HAVE ANOTHER TRADE!!!
Miami sends the 12th pick to the Eagles for the 24th and 55th picks

     Likely Pick- Joe Haden, CB, UF. The Iggles are thrilled to move up to get the falling Haden to add to their overhaul. The move wasn’t made possible until the Lions pulled a Matt Millen earlier this week and sent Ernie Sims to Philly for a Tootsie Pop and Tony Scheffler. Just dumb. Anyways, the Eagles are giddy to make the deal and add a huge playmaker to a scary good secondary.

     Dark Horse- Maurkice Pouncey, C, UF- He might not last til 24, but if the Eagles stay put, this has got to be their guy. Wilson, McCourty and Jackson could all get consideration, but Pouncey’s overall dominance inside can’t be overlooked.

     My Choice- I do this deal 10 times out of 10 for both teams. The Eagles are only a few pieces off, and considering they have the Skins 2nd rounder, if they are in love with Haden and what he can bring, this is the move to be made.

13. San Francisco 49ers

     Likely Pick- Anthony Davis, RT, Rutgers. It’s more likely that Davis gets overlooked by the Bills and picked up by the Niners to play RT for them. This move, for both Davis and SF is a marriage made in heaven. Davis grades out as a better RT then a left, with more power and upside, and with Joe Staley already entrenched at LT, look for them to solidify their line with these two book ends.

     Dark Horse- Jason-Pierre Paul, DE, USF. This is of course taking into account that the Raiders end up taking the pastrami sandwich over JPP. Can’t see them really passing on a tackle at this spot for anyone else including possibly CJ Spiller, but JPP could be someone they look at as a pass rusher.

     My Choice- The Niners have a boon with two first round picks, and only one true need. Look for them to address the tackle position here, then use 17 on a luxury pick. Watch out for the Niners this year, atleast in the West.

14. Seattle Seahawks

    Likely Pick- Derrick Morgan, DE, Ga Tech. Seattle retools it’s team by adding two of the best prospsects to each side of the trenches. Morgan may not have the upsdie and sack presence of a JPP, but he plays the run better and is a smart football player. Seattle improves themselves with two picks and can now go in different directions throughout the rest of the draft.

     Dark Horse- CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson. Seem to be a recurring theme huh? Spiller is tantalizing here for the Seahawks, to pair with emerging Justin Forsett. Spiller’s return skills and home run ability could go a long way to helping the Seahawks stay relevant in the NFC West race this year.

     My Choice- As much as I love Spiller, he gets overlooked again for bigger need. Morgan could become the stabilizing element to the first level of the defense that Aaron Curry was for the second and Josh Wilson was for the third.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars

     Likely Pick- CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson. The Jags are bummed because they really wanted Derrick Morgan, but decide that CJ is a nice back up plan. The idea is to pair him with MJD and compete in the high octane AFC South, while giving yourself a good back up in case MJD’s mileage catches up to him.

     Dark Horse- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF. The Jags could get the second best DE in the draft, with the possibility of this selection being a steal if JPP hit’s on his potential. A demon from the edge, Pierre-Paul could give the Jags a Florida flavor while adding talent to what was an atrocious pass rush attack last year.

     My Choice- It’s the closest call of the draft, but I go Spiller here and look to the depth of DE and OLB in the later rounds to fill the roster on defense.

16. Tennessee Titans

     Likely Pick- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF. The Titans high five each other as the Jags pass over Pierre-Paul, and rush to the podium to select the beast pass rusher. After the loss of Kyle Vanden Bosch, JPP will fill in nicely and add much needed youth to an aging defense.

     Dark Horse- Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St. This is a little early for Wilson, but if the Titans feel like they can fill their DE needs in the coming rounds, then they might look to the top of the exsisting CB’s to add to their secondary.

     My Choice- If this pick isn’t JPP or Brandon Graham of Michigan, I don’t know if I will ever remember them again. Get it? huh?

17. San Francisco 49ers

     Likely Pick- Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St. This is a tough decision, with the Niners having filled their biggest need earlier at 13, they now can look at BPA in the secondary or pass rush. They choose the upside of Wilson over the solid play of Brandon Graham, as their secondary aged considerably last year.

     Dark Horse- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. He is the best DE left on the board, but is not nearly as talented as Sergio Kindle at being a pass rusher. If the Niners feel like Kindle could become a destructive 3rd down pass rusher at DE for them, they might reach for him here.

     My Choice- I think it’s a little early for Wilson, but as we said earlier, this is a luxury pick, and considering depth at DE later in the draft, taking the most talented secondary player available is never a bad move.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers

     Likely Pick- Maurkice Pouncey, C, UF. The Steelers might be aggressive  to move up and get Dez Bryant if he fell past the Broncos, but shed no tears taking the Florida Center to stabilize the inside of their line. they can always address WR in later rounds, but getting Pouncey could be a coup for the Steel Curtain for the next decade.

     Dark Horse- Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame. With the departure of Santonio Holmes, the Steelers at some point need to add to their receiving corp, and Tate coule be a nice addition. Pairing him with the explosive Mike Wallace and the gritty Hines Ward could pay dividends in the short future.

     My Choice- Pouncey has got to be the pick here, with Holme’s replacement coming in the later rounds. The Steelers want to get back to running the ball more and improving the interior o line has to be done to make that happen.

19. Atlanta Dirty Birds

     Likely Pick- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. The Falcons are pleased by getting Graham without having to move up. I think they are really eyeing local Derrick Morgan here, but without the fire power to move up and get him (no 2nd round pick), they settle for the well rounded Graham.

     Dark Horse-  Demaryius Thomas, WR, Ga Tech. When they fail to get Morgan, they could reach for his teammate Demaryius Thomas to fill their secondary need at receiver. One couldn’t argue their need at WR, but for the same reasons they couldn’t move up for Morgan, they need to be careful with taking a WR when they so clearly need a DE.

     My Choice- DE > WR, especially when you look at the guys who would be available to them in the third round where they have 2 choices.  

 20. Houston Texans

     Likely Pick- Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St. If Spiller is the home run hitter, Matthews should be a doubles machine. Not as explosive as Spiller or later on Jahvid Best, Matthews may be the best full time back in the draft. A nice blend of speed and strength, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and gain the tough 1 yard runs.

     Dark Horse- Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers. The other side of the coin is that the Texans just lost their best cornerback in the offseason when Dunta Robinson signed with the Atlanta Falcons. McCourty would aid a secondary that will have to try and keep up with the impressive offenses of Indy and Tennessee.

     My Choice- Man I really want to go Matthews here and finish off the offense, thus moving on to defense for the rest of the draft. BBBBUUUTTTT, runningback is as always incredibly deep and the Texans should go with the best corner available. Give me McCourty to fill for Robinson.

WE HAVE ANOTHER TRAAAADDDEEE!!

     Likely Pick- Jared Odrick, DE, Penn St. The Jets get over anxious, worried that they will not get the man they want, so they move up to get the talented Odrick who would fill a need at DE for them. With the signing of Jason Taylor (Miami fans, you can set yourselves on fire now), their main need for a pass rusher from the OLB is filled, so the next move is to secure the rest of the DL, and Odrick is a natural fit for both the Jets and the Pats. Rex is so giddy, he eats his quality control coach to settle down.

     Dark Horse- Rex only eats 2 sundaes?

     My Choice- Check why they trade up. If they stay at 29, look for Kareem Jackson to come to them and pair with Revis Island.

22. New England Patriots

     Likely Pick- Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas. A DE in Texas’ system, Kindle will fill in as an outstanding pass rushing OLB in the Pats system devoid of pressure on the QB. The rest of the AFC East cannot be happy to see such a great talent fall to them. 

     Dark Horse- The Pats could always pull a Bill Belichik and trade this pick back into the 2nd round and get a 1st for next year from someone dumb like the Bills.

     My Choice- I say take Kindle, but if you can collect more picks for this draft and the future, then you have to do it.

23. Green Bay Packers

     Likely Pick- Mike Iupati, OG/RT, Idaho. The Packers are torn at this selection. On one hand, they are bummed both McCourty and Wilson are gone and that they didn’t move up in time to get Haden. But on the other, they are thrilled to see Iupati fall to them this far. Tackle is not a major need for the Pack (CB, OLB) but they definetely felt the sting of their bad offensive line last year. Iupati should be able to play every position on the line except LT, so his versatility alone will make this pick valuable.

     Dark Horse- Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St. Now this could be really interesting. Matthews doesn’t fill a need persa, but he would be a great addition to their backfield and could eventually take over for Ryan Grant. Other RB’s they would have to consider would be Jahvid Best and if they traded back in to the 2nd, Dexter McCluster.

     My Choice- I think you have to go with the need and take Iupati who is great value here. He will be great insurance in case Chad Clifton or Mark Tauscher go down with injuries again this year, but I am not holding my breathe. Ted Thompson has never drafted a tackle before the 4th round in his career with the Pack.

24. Miami Dolphins

     Likely Pick- Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee. The Fins got the player they wanted all along in Williams, giving them their second rounder back while improving their NT position. Williams is a fantastic prospect that will impact their DL from game one. Jason Ferguson is on his last leg and Paul Soliai is a solid back up, but nothing fancy. With the trade for Marshall, this really is the best case scenario for the Dolphins.

     Dark Horse-  Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, MIZZO. Doesn’t fit their scheme as well as some of the other OLB, but he is a tackling machine and LB is a definite need for them. Jerry Hughes might make sense for the Fins also to replace the production Jason Taylor put up.

     My Choice- This is a no brainer, take Williams and look for safety and linebacker help in the later rounds. If the Fins can get a RB in this draft, they will be set up nicely to push the Pats and Jets for the AFC East crown.

25. Baltimore Ravens

     Likely Pick- Jermaine Grisham, TE, Oklahoma. The winter of adding weapons for Joe Cool continues. Gresham, who was slated for Cincinnati at 21, makes a great fit for a Ravens team that is quickly becoming stronger on offense then their traditionally strong defense. Gresham will serve a nice years worth of apprenticeship under longtime Raven Todd Heap, before eventually becoming the main middle of the field and goal line option.

     Dark Horse- Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama- If the Ravens choose to go back to defense, the biggest need they have is their secondary. Jim Harbaugh also probably yearned for Jared Odrick, but with him off the board, they go with the dynamic CB from Alabama.

     My Choice- I’d go with Gresham, even given the depth in TE this year. With only a 2nd and 2 5th round picks to show for their draft, the Ravens need more impact, and may miss out on the only chance to add to their offense if they pass on Gresham.

26. Arizona Cardinals

     Likely Pick-  Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU. One of the great edge rushers of this draft, Hughes would be a great get for the Cardinals. Hughes can also play some edn in their scheme, but would best be used to be unleashed when getting after the QB.

     Dark horse- Charles Brown, LT, USC. An incredibly gifted physical specimen, Charles Brown has been flying up draft boards with his impressive pro days for teams. Seen as a project LT, who will need a year or two to become a starter, Brown will serve under Levi Brown until he is ready to take over the reigns.

     My Choice- Jerry Hughes will become an absolute monster in any system and I am jealous to say he is going to Arizona instead of hanging back until the Bucs can take him.

27. Dallas Cowboys

     Likely Pick- Everson Griffin, DE, USC. Jerry is in a nice place to take whatever is the best player is available while dancing in front of a new Six Flags. Excellent! Griffin will fit in nicely as a hybrid DE/OLB that can be groomed to take over for Marcus Spears, or if they got a good enough deal, to replace him.

     Dark Horse- Taylor Mays, S, USC. So this is the first time I have put Mays on anyone’s board, and it’s obviously a little late for it. Mays grades out as a superb athlete, but a man without a position, and probably best suited for a later round pick where his unique talents can be used without pressure.

     My Choice- I could see the Cowboys trading back if they didn’t feel the talent fit their needs here, but if they stay, they are probably going with Griffin and shaping him to be a great compliment to DeMarcus Ware in the future.

28. San Deigo Super Chargers

     Likely Pick- Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St. This pick doesn’t fill a need, but man it would be a popular pick. If Matthews lasts this long, the Chargers would gladly grab him and pair him with wiry Darren Sproles to complete the Chargers potent offense. If they take this luxury pick, they need to look long and hard at NT and OL for the rest of the draft, two spots they were very weak in last year.

     Dark Horse- Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama. The big man from BAMA maks the most sense considering where they are picking, the talent around and the needs they have to fill. Cody may only be a 2 down NT currently, but if he could be a dominate run stopper, then that’s all the Chargers need from him anyways.

     My Choice- I have to go with Ryan Matthews here to finish off the strength of the Chargers. With NT’s like Terrell Troup and Cam Thomas available in the second and third round, Matthews is a great fit.

29. Cincinnati Bengals

     Likely Pick- Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, MIZZO. At this point, he is the best prospect available, but he still doesn’t fit the mold. The Bengals still play a 4-3, and could use his talents, but already have Dhani Jones, Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga.

     Dark Horse- Demaryius Thomas, WR, Ga Tech. Even with the addition of Antonio Bryant over the offseason, the Bengals receiving corp is thin and could add a young receiver with considerable skills, with time to grow in their system.

     My Choice- Thomas seems to be the pick here, with Weatherspoon falling yet again, and not of his own accord. The Bengals should take him and let him grow slowly while Chad and Bryant lead the way.

30. Minnesota Vikings

     Likely Pick- Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama. It’s no secret they need to get younger and improved at CB, and when the Ravens pass on Jackson, this becomes a no brainer.  Patrick Robinson could also be considered here, but Jackson’s upside makes him more appealing.

     Dark Horse- Jahvid Best, RB, Cal. If they thought they could get a serviceable CB in the second round to groom, how do they pass on Best? He would fill the void that Chester Taylor left when he signed with Chicago, and could be a fantastic change of pace back for the Vikings, 1-2 punch.

     My Choice- As scary and fun as it wold be to pair Best and Peterson, I think the move is obviously secondary help with them targeting Jackson or Robinson, and probably liking Jackson a little bit more.

31. Indianapolis Colts

     Likely Pick- Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, MIZZO. Weatherspoon isn’t exactly at a need position for the Colts, but then again what is needed for this team? He could be a great addition to a team that is famously good at taking value and working rookies into the system.

     Dark Horse- Brian Price, DT, UCLA. Same reasoning applies here, it’s not a need, but the Colts could believe he has the quickest and most impactful road to helping the Colts this year. He is a nice fit for the cover 2 4-3 scheme they run.

     My Choice- I don’t think the Colts pass on Weatherspoon, recognizing the talent and ability that they could cultivate into a great football player. That, combined with a deep DT pool, and I think they have a new SLB for next year.

ONE LAST TRADE!

     Likely Pick- Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama. Mike Shanahan finally gets rid of the $100 million man, and gets the nose tackle he craves to fill the middle of his 3-4 defense.

     Dark Horse- None, they do this deal for Cody, or they wait for day 2 to move Haynesworth

     My Choice- UUUUUGGGGHHHHH! As a Bucs fan, I hate this move. As an unbiased GM of both teams, I love it. Albert, when properly motivated, is the best DT in the game, disrupting pass block schemes and eating 3 offensive lineman on run plays. But his aversion to playing NT in a 3-4 will make him become a cancer for Shanahan’s team, and so shipping him out for a run stuffer like Cody makes too much sense to pass on. Gregg Williams just pissed his pants.

So that’s the first round!  Hope everyone had a good time, and is ready to enjoy what will be three of the funnest days of the sports year, as our teams reload with fresh talent and hope springs anew for all. Good luck to everyone, except those in the NFC South and check back when we all make fun of this article being WAY off next week!

Josh’s Picks
1. Rams- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
2. Lions- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Gerald McCoy, Dt, Oklahoma
4. Washington Redskins- Russel Okung, LT, Ok St.
5. Cleveland Browns (via KC Chiefs)- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
6. Seattle Seahawks- Trent Williams, LT, Oklahoma
7. Kansas City Chiefs(via CLE Browns)- Earl Thomas, S, Texas
8. Oakland Raiders- Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
9. Buffalo Bills- Brian Baluga, LT, Iowa
10. New York Giants (via JAX Jags)- Rolando McClain, MLB, BAMA
11. Denver Broncos- Dez Bryant, WR, Ok St.
12. Philadelphia Eagles(via MIA Dolphins)- Joe Haden, CB, Florida
13. San Francisco 49ers- Anthony Davis, RT, Rutgers
14. Seattle Seahawks- Derrick Morgan, DE, Ga Tech.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars(via NYG)- CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson
16. Tennessee Titans- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF
17. San Francisco 49ers- Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise St
18. Pittsburgh Steelers- Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
19. Atlanta Falcons- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
20. Houston Texans- Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
21. New York Jets(via CIN Bengals)- Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn St
22. New England Patriots- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
23. Green Bay Packers- Mike Iupati, OG/RT, Idaho
24. Miami Dolphins(via PHI Eagles)- Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee
25. Baltimore Ravens- Jermaine Grisham, TE, Oklahoma
26. Arizona Cardinals- Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU
27. Dallas Cowboys- Everson Griffon, DE/OLB, USC
28. San Diego Chargers- Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno St
29. Cincinnati Bengals- Demaryius Thomas, WR, Ga Tech
30. Minnesota Vikings- Kareem Jackson, CB, BAMA
31. Indianapolis Colts- Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, MIZZO
32. Washington Redskins(via trade of Albert Haynesworth)- Terrence Cody, NT, BAMA

A Walk Down Memory Lane- I felt like as we reached the final month of this year, we could look back at the biggest stories of the year, and the ones we thought would be.

Signing of the Year
Before- It would have to have been Mike “ Must Love Dogs” Vick right? How much were we talking about this guy, even though he hadn’t strapped up to play in 3 years? You couldn’t escape the cries of acceptance/damnation for him as he bounced from the big house, and yours truly fell in with a vast majority of people to think Donovan McNabb would eventually get injured (it happened) and that Vick would be given the shot to prove to the league he was back (it didn’t). Looking back now, it’s hard to think he will ever make it back to even the stage of being a shell of himself in Buffalo or worse, Oakland. So the saga of Michael Vick looks more and more like it will end with a whimper instead of the sonic boom even I expected.
Now- Brett Favre. Those two words together bring a white rage to me at most times. But, I have to give it to him and the Vikings. They just wanted and expected him to be serviceable, and he has been EXCEPTIONAL. After a decade plus of him destroying my Buccos, he may never have been as good as he is now. His absolutely ludicrous touchdown-to-interception rate (24 TD’s, 3 INT’s(THAT WAS 3 EFFING INTS! THIS GUYS COULDN’T AVOID THROWING THE BALL TO AN ARMLESS MAN TWICE A GAME LAST YEAR, AND NOW ONLY 3?!?!?!?)) has him set to lead the Vikings to a possible top seed in the NFC and the cozy confines of a weather regulated dome until they possibly make a trip down to Miami.

Comeback of The Year/ Suprise Team of the Year
Before- As far as the Comeback, it must have been a three horse race between the big name ( Tom Brady), the troubled runningback ( Larry Johnson) and the aged wideout (Joey Galloway). All three have underperformed, with two being cut and the QB having the worst (I know Cleveland fans, it is all relative though) season in recent memory for a Pats team loaded with expectations. The suprise team of the year was supposed to be the Houston Texans, with their high powered offense and improving talent on defense, they were supposed to be the next team to join the elites in the AFC. Yeah, about that, Gary Kubiak is getting fired this year.
Now- Who dey Who dey Who dey think they gonna beat them Bengals?! What a year for the city of Cincinnati! First, their Bearcats win the Big East title, and with a win in the Sugar Bowl, are pretty assured of taking home a top three ranking at the end of the year. It’s criminal they aren’t going to be in the National Title game. But the big boy team has made noise like nothing this generation of Bengals fans have ever seen. This is the first time since 1998 that the Bengals have swept the Steelers and the first time in franchise history that they swept the entire AFC North. A lot of the credit goes to the defense playing stoutly, Carson Palmer staying upright and the emergence of the comeback player of the year in Cedric Benson. This guy is phenomenal now that he is out of the blackhole that is Chicago, and without his hard running attitude, the Bengals are still just a marginal team.

Best Coach/Worst Coach
Before- Best, Bill Belichek Worst, Eric Mangini
Now- Best, Sean Payton Worst, Eric Mangini (Sidenote- the pure fact Mangini is still around is by an act of God. Or Randy Lerner got some kind of sexual payment to allow him to stay. I don’t know, but what I do know, everything they have done in Cleveland has markedly made them worse. This guy is like kryptonite to NFL teams. The sooner the Browns go with someone else and get Jeremy Green in as GM, the better they will be)

Sophomore Slump
Before- Remember how everyone worried about Chris Johnson? I know I did, I definetely thought the Titans run last year was fairly fluky, and a lot of that was based on CJ’s big rookie year. So it only made sense that Matt Forte was the sure thing.  yeah about that…….
Now- WHAT IS WRONG WITH CHICAGO?! There has to be some kind of problem within that organization when two backs fall off so badly, especially now that Ced Benson is an MVP candidate in Cincy. Forte has been horrible, and other then those hwo took LT in the first round of their fantasy drafts, this guy has to be the biggest bust of the year and have led to an increase in nerd stress breakouts.

VEGAS! BABY VEGAS!- Gonna slum it this week and just give you who wins. Holidays eat my life away!

Man, oh man, I have been slacking like a kid who got Modern Warfare 2 last week! Oh yeah, I kinda did. Needless to say, I am back to my regularly scheduled banter about my trivial NFL opinions. This week, the 1-8, not going to be winless, Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the undefeated, and my pick to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, NOLA Saints!

UNDENIABLE FACTS! You may deny the implications, but you cannot deny the UNDENIABLE FACTS!

1.The  Saints have lost a whopping 10 fumbles this season, putting in a tie for most fumbles lost in the league.

2. NOLA ranks 11th worst in the league in peanlties this season.

3. Nawlins vaunted defense is hit or miss, with a lot of big plays, but also with a lot of yards given up. They are 11th worse in the league in yards given up per game with teams racking up 343 yards on them per game.

4 Aquib Talib ranks 3rd in the league in interceptions.

5. Although it is only ridiculous speculation that Josh Freeman is Joe Namath in a robot body, it is a fact that Freeman’s blood is actually lion’s blood, making him both a noble and ferocious king among boys.

Vegas, Baby VEGAS!!!- Each week I look at the lines for this week’s games and give you who is going to win and why. Think of it as Christmas Eve with booze.

Didn’t get my lines in last week (obviously) so I am still sitting on 62-48 for the year.

 This week we go to MCM Mirage!

 MIA@CAR(-3) -  As good as MIA has looked this year, this game is about two teams going in opposite directions. MIA is falling, with the loss of Ronnie Brown for the year and CAR is on the way up now that Jake Delhomme isn’t handing the ball over to the opposition every other play. Give me the Panthers to cover.

CLE@DET(-3.5)- DET wins and covers, they both suck

BUF@JAX(-9)- JAX is looking good lately, but their jekyl and hyde routine makes me scared to pick them to cover. I think JAX wins, but give me BUF and the points

PITT(-10)@KC- PITT wins big, not even close, especially now that Dwayne Bowe is gone.

INDY(-1)@BAL- How is an undefeated team only giving up 1 point to a 5-4 team, even if they are on the road. Ridiculous! I don’t care if their secondary is destroyed, I won’t bet against Peyton. Colts win by more like 10 in this one.

ATL@NYG(-6.5)- This one is tougher then you’d think to call because of the line alone. ATL has played poorly this year, with Matt Ryan throwing two more picks by week 9 this year (11) then he had all last year (9). Yet they could come out and play inspired football and keep it close. Still, I love my home team’s coming off a bye, so give me the Giants to right their ship at home, and cover the spread.

SNF@GB(-6.5)- I am not ready to bury SNF and I am definetely not ready to anoint the Pack as back. The Pack got dominated by my Bucs and lucked out with a Dallas team that got away from running the ball. Look for SNF to win the battle of attrition in the trenches, run the ball effectively and take the cross routes away from the GB receivers. Give me the points and Niners, and look for them to bounce back with a strong performance.

SEA@MIN(-11)- Mom, make the bad games stop! Vikes HUGE

WAS@DAL(-12)- WOW! Why do people think Dallas is any good??? Their o line is spotty at best, they don’t run the ball and WAS defense is strong enough and talented enough to stop Tony Romo, even at home. This game will be close, with the Redskins riding high from their win over the Broncos. I think the Cowboys are trash actually, give me the Redskins in my UPSET SPECIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NO(-11.5)@TB- Alright, as an alert, I am going homer here and saying that NO doesn’t cover. I know, I know, this team is undefeated and we have one win, but I am a big believer in the importance and desire in divisional games. We may not win, but look for the game to be closer then any expert believes. Give me the points.

AZ(-9)@STL- AZ will be covering this spread on the legs of Beanie Wells, and Kurt’s Co. getting hot again.

NYJ@NE(-10.5)- Man, Rex Ryan will really have something to cry about this week when NE takes it’s frustrations out on the lowly jets from their loss last week to the COlts. Pats cover huge.

CINCY(-9.5)@OAK- Does anyone believe in the Bengals yet? Even if you didn’t, they win this week with Bruce Gradkowski at the helm of the Raiders. Who Dey Covers!

SDG@DEN(PKM)- This game is a Pickem, and I can’t agree more. This is my game of the week and I think it will come down to the last possession actually, so give me the Broncos at home even with Chris Simms, on the strength of their defense and run game.

PHI(-3)@CHI- PHI is going to beat up on the Bears and with that knowledge, give me the Eagles to cover.

TENN@HOU(-4.5)- Wow what a fun game this Monday! Give me TENN in a slight upset as Chris Johnson kills the Texans

UNDENIABLE FACTS!- You may deny the implications, but you cannot deny the UNDENIABLE FACTS! 5 reasons why the Bucs can win this week

1. The Pack have given up a league high 32 sacks for the year.

2.  Green Bay is the third worst team in giving up penalty yards (474 yards for the year) and overall penalties (57 total for the year)

3.  Green Bay is ranked 25th overall in the league in time of possession.

4.  Aquib Talib is ranked 4th in the NFL in interceptions.

5.  Kellen Winslow has more catches this year then anyone besides Donald Driver on the Pack.

Vegas, baby, VEGAS!!!- Each week I pick against the lines, and give you who will win them and a little reason why. Think of it as finishing your Halloween candy, then finding a Snickers bad in the fridge later today. Back to the MIRAGE!

KC@JAX(-7)- What a line for the Jags! 7 might end up being too much, and I wish I was a braver man, but…….. I don’t believe KC will stay with MJD and I believe Garrard will rebound with hook ups to Sims-Walker and Torry Holt. Give me the Jags to cover

BAL(-3)@CINCY- I love teams coming off the bye at home. Cincy has had 2 weeks to prepare and of course, get a little healthier. Give me Cincy to solidify their spot at the top of the AFC North

HOU@INDY(-9)- This game feels very trappy to me. Houston NEEDS this win if they have any post season hopes. Houston could hang with Indy for awhile based on that adrenaline rush, but Indy has been a house of horrors for Houston, and I think that keeps up even if Houston move the ball a bunch. Give me the points cause I don’t think Indy covers, but Indy probably still wins.

WAS@ATL(-9)- ATL in an easy one

GB(-10)@TB- The Bucs qualify for the home team coming off a bye week idea. This game will be gross, but this is my UPSET SPECIAL!!!!!!!!! BUCS WIN OUTRIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AZ@CHI(-2.5)- I think the Cards got the punch in the mouth they needed from the Panthers. This could be a fun, close game, and I would not be surprised if Beanie Wells has a lot of looks with Q out. Give me the Cards to get back on track, but it should be the best game of the week.

MIA@NE(-10.5)- As much as I respect the Fins, they are walking into a buzzsaw. The Pats are coming off a bye, are at home and get to play against a secondary which 3/4 of it will be rookies. Pats will cover.

CAR@NO(-12.5)- I am going to go out on a limb and say the Panthers keep it closer then some people may think, obviously closer then Vegas. Look for the Cats to control the clock with their fantastic running game, but in the end they lose at NO.

DET@SEA(-10.5)- DET is getting their rookie franchise QB back today, but still look for the Hawks to use a great game from matt hasselbeck to cover.

TEN@SF(-4.5)- I think now that TEN has gotten their first, they could go on a roll. Look for the Titans to take it to a reeling Niners team.

SD@NYG(-5)- I think this is a mini Upset Special. New York’s passing game has finally crashed and burned and their defensive warts have been magnified. Take the Bolts.

DAL@PHI(-3)- This is going to be the game of the week on a really good week’s worth of games. I love this game, it will be high scoring because both secondaries will not be able to stop the high powered offenses.

MNF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PITT(-3)@DEN- Everyone dropped off the Broncos bandwagon this week. NOT ME! Look for Denver to bounce back at home against a banged up Pitt defense.

What I Want To Happen This Week- 5 things that make me want to watch the NBA this week. 

1. Come on Memphis, just trade Allen Iverson to the Bobs. I need the extra fantasy points he will give me by being the only scoring option there. Plus, real talk, you guys aren’t going anywhere and you’re not going to sell extra tickets with an unhappy, over the hill, used to be superstar. So just become the blurb on the Answer’s road back to Larrytown, and go back to trading good players to the teams that matter for a bag of used socks.

Don't piss him off

2. Kevin Durant is hosting the Lakers Tuesday night. I really hope he goes off on them, because he has so few times in the year to showcase his talent that he needs to embarass the good teams when he gets the chance. So here’s to you Kev, may you score a triple double on L.A., and may you get your first posterization of the year on Andrew Bynum.

Boy's got skills

3. CP3, dude it’s only a week into the year, and as frustrating as it may be, you gotta make the best of it. Oh hell yeah, your team is going nowhere, but think of where you live! Nawlins! NOLA has got the best nightlife and awesome food, so just go take a shot everytime your teammates screw up. Then again, knowing the 09-10 Hornets, you probably would contract cirrosis of the liver.

Bottom's up Chris, long year ahead

4. Has anyone else  thought about how BAD the Cavs are going to be next year?? Especially once they trade Big Z’s contract to get Stephen Jackson. What are the chances a team of Delonte West, Capn Jack, Anderson Varejao, Mo Williams, and Anthony Parker not only have the worst record in the NBA next year, but actually kill some dude? I would have to open the line at 4-1 if that happens, and it is probably a bet you take.

This guy can hang with Delonte any day

5. So Rajon got his contract? Congrats! In 3 years you will be the last remnants of Boston’s latest run at the championship! And even better? You will have the team ALL to yourself as the C’s go back to winning 27 games a year until they can find desperate teams to take advantage of again.

Remember the good times, they will fade like KG's knees

The Kate Beckinsale Games of the Week

1. LA Lakers @ Houston Rockets- Trevor Ariza gets to host his old team and their new beau Ron Ron. Should be a fun one, with Ariza probably playing with a little more energy then usual to show up the team he got dissed by this off season.

2. Chicago Bulls @ Cleveland Cavs-Just a hunch on my part, but this one could be fun, and maybe a little ugly. Joakhim Noah and Anderson Varejao seems to lead to some dirty plays, and maybe a test like the Bulls is the fire that needs to be lit to get this Cavs teams going.

3. Orlando Magic @ Oklahoma City Thunder- My two favorite teams, beyond that point, this should be a really fun one, with lots of scoring. The Magic should also have a healthy Vince Carter and Michael Pietrus, so look for a high tempo game.

The B Arthur Game of the Week- Ones you can miss

1. Indiana Pacers @ New York Knicks- Eww to this game! I have a bet going with some friends that the Knicks won’t win more then 15 games this year. They are alotted two wins a month in my eyes, so since they already got an improbable one from the slumping Hornets, they better not get one here. Come on Indiana Wonderbreads!

2. Memphis Grizzlies @ Sacramento Kings- Wednesday night has some bad games! The Grizz come to town to play the NBA’s version of a bad Euro team. When are they finally going to move the Kings to a city that will not force them to play in a condemned building?

3. Milwaukee Bucks @ Minnesota T Wolves-  So to be perfectly honest with you, I would actually have loved the T Wolves…… had they not taken Ricky Rubio, or at the very least had taken him in the draft and then ponied up to get him over here to play. Never the less, this game is for the supreme dominance in suckage for the north midwest.

With that being said, there is still a lot to cover this week.

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS- from this point on, what teams are making the playoffs and why.

NFC
1. New Orleans Saints
Remaining Schedule- ATL,CAR,@STL,@TB,NE, @WAS,@ATL,DAL,TB,@CAR 
Projected Record- 15-1
Why- I mean have you seen the remaining schedule for this team? This same team that has steamrolled all it’s competition by atleast 10 points a game? The Saints should be 10-0 going into hosting the Pats, and then the only other conceivable loss for them is the Falcons. Early favorites to win it all this year.

2. Philadelphia Eagles
Remaining Schedule- NYG,DAL,@SDG,@CHI,WAS,@ATL,@NYG,SNF,DEN,@DAL
Projected Record- 11-5
Why- So I know it’s a little far reaching for this team, considering just how hard their remaining schedule is, but the Eagles have gotten through tougher things this year with extended stays on the sidelines for Donovan Mcnabb and now Brian Westbrook. Desean Jackson has truly come into his own, and the offense hasn’t lost a step with Lesean McCoy at RB.

3. Minnesota Vikings
Remaining Schedule- @GB,DET,SEA,CHI,@AZ,CIN,@CAR,@CHI,@NYG
Projected Record- 11-5
Why- This team has all the potential in the world to be a 14 win team, but I am just waiting for Favre to play some cold weather games outdoors and to see his old bones hold up. Still, this team is also one Adrian Petersen injury away from losing their grip on the North.

4.Arizona Cardinals
Remaining Schedule-CAR,@CHI,SEA,@STL,@TEN,MIN,@SF,@DET,STL,GB
Projected Record- 10-6
Why-  Arizona is getting hot at the right time, and their stout defense and soft schedule should send them to their second NFC West crown and back in to the playoffs.

5. New York Giants
Remaining Schedule- @PHI,SDG,ATL,@DEN,DAL,PHI,@WAS,CAR,@MIN
Projected Record- 10-6
Why- This team looked poised to win 13-14 games earlier in the year, but the recent struggles of this past two weeks have really brought attention to the brown spots on this team. They are still good enough to make the playoffs, but if the Giants can’t get their defense healthy and the running game going, Eli’s passing attack won’t be enough to get them far as the weather gets colder up north.

6. Atlanta Falcons
Remaining Schedule- @NO, WAS,@CAR,@NYG,TB,PHI,NO,@NYJ,BUF,@TB
Projected Record-10-6
Why- The Falcons will edge out the Pack, Niners, and Cowboys (who should all easily win 9 games) for the last wild card with solid play from their offense and an easy schedule.

AFC1. Indianapolis Mannings
Remaining Schedule- SNF,HOU,NE,@BAL,@HOU, TEN,DEN,@JAX,NYJ,@BUF
Projected Record- 13-3
Why- Peyton freaking Manning is why. This guy has taken his game to another stratosphere. Little less then a major injury to him will keep this game from out gunning everyone else in the AFC to the top seed.

2. Denver Broncos
Remaining Schedule- @BAL,PITT,@WAS,SDG,NYG,@KC,@INDY,OAK,@PHI,KC
Projected Record- 12-4
Why- How well have the Broncos played this year? They have given up only 10 points in the second half of games………. ALL YEAR COMBINED! The win against the Pats earlier in this year will prove to be huge as it will give Denver the bye from the first week of playoffs.

3. New England Patriots
Remaining Schedule- MIA,@INDY,NYJ,@NO,@MIA,CAR, @BUF,JAX,@HOU
Projected Record- 12-4
Why- Brady has gotten himself through the tough part of the year for QB’s coming back from knee surgery. The Pats have also found new life in their defensive play and are getting healthier every week. If they can get Jerrod Mayo back soon and Randy Moss back on track, they will once again be a favorite for the AFC crown

4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Remaining Schedule-@DEN,CIN,@KC,@BAL,OAK,@CLE,GB,BAL,MIA
Projected Record- 11-5
Why- So the Steelers are now a high flying offense, throwing the ball around everywhere. The Steelers offense is going to lead them over the Bengals this year to win the North and allow them to defend their Super Bowl crown.

5.Cincinnati Bengals
Remaining Schedule- BAL,@PITT, @OAK,CLE,DET, @MIN,@SDG,KC,@NYJ
Projected Record- 10-6
Why- Watch everyone jump off the Bengals bandwagon the two weeks after they come off the bye because they will be playing two pissed off teams who they beat earlier this year. But past these two games, the rest of the schedule looks tasty for a surprise team this year.

6. San Diego Chargers
Remaining Schedule-OAK,@NYG,PHI,@DEN,KC,@CLE,@DAL,CINCY,@TEN,WAS
Projected Record- 9-7
Why- The rest of this schedule besides two or three of these games will be easy and winnable for the Chargers as they make their traditional late season push on the shoulders of Phillip Rivers.

Vegas Baby VEGAS!- Each week, I like to pick against the Vegas lines for each game, and I’ll give you a little reason why.  Think of it as going to Taco bell at 2 a.m. and getting an extra soft taco. This week we’ll go back to the Hilton!

DEN@BAL(-4.5)- Jeez, just what do the Broncos have to do to get some respect? I really like this game actually, and I think it will be the best game on the slate for the week by far. BAL has had a tough road lately, and usually a home team coming off the bye is a lock in my eyes. But, the Broncos are also coming off a bye, and surprisingly have the MUCH better defense out of these two. Look for it to be close and the Broncos to win by a touchdown or so.

CLE@CHI(-11)- The only hope I have for this game is that Derek Anderson doesn’t give me a negative number in my 20 team fanatasy league. This will be an embarassing blowout, go CHI giving da points.

HOU(-3.5)@BUF- I am a little more afraid of this game then other people. But, I do think the Texans end up winning this game pretty handedly, but a Bills shocker could be had. Still, take the Texans on the road laying the points

MIN@GB(-3.5)- This game is all about Favre, if he has a huge day, the Vikings will win. The Pack on the other hand, could embarass if Favre faulters. I feel like it will be between these two extremes, but the Pack will win with their explosive offense.

SNF@INDY(-11)- Manning will crush. Gire will get his. Colts win easy.

MIA@NYJ(-3.5)- MIA has been really hot with their run game lately. Without Kris Jenkins, the jets could be had. Still, I believe Rex Ryan will figure out a way to better handle the Fins running game and make Chad Henne beat them. Give me the Fins and the points, but I think the Jets will still win.

STL@DET(-3)- The game today for these two teams is basically their Super Bowl. Detroit will be without Clavin Johnson, so that worries me. In fact, it worries me enough to say that the Rams finally win! UPSET SPECIAL!

SEA@DAL(-10)- SEA just lost yet ANOTHER player to injury for the year, when Lofa Tatupu went to the IR. DAL has finally found the person they though T.O. would be in Miles Austin. Give me DAL huge at home.

OAK@SDG(-16)- How can a team that is 3-3 hosting a 2-5 team be giving 16 point?!?!?!?! Man that scares me, but the Raiders are really bad, and had two lucky wins this year. Give me Phillip Rivers to Vincent Jackson to cover the spread by themselves. Hopefully the defense holds enough to make me not look bad.

JAX@TEN(-3)- I really really really want to say that TEN would get a win at home, but I still think their defense is actually STILL overrated. Look for Garrard to Lewis and Sims-Walker to be a much used statement today.

CAR@AZ(-10)- I think AZ will keep up the hot streak, and now that they figured out that using Beanie Wells is a smart move, they will start murdering teams on both offense and defense. AZ pretty big.

NYG(-2.5)@PHI- Give me the Eagles at home, in a tough fought NFC East battle.

ATL@NO(-11)- There just doesn’t seem to be a big enough number to make me pick against the Saints. Give me the Saints to score a ton and win monday night.

Last Week- 8-5 For the year- 55-48

I apologize for being late with the post and the cutting of material, the failure will not happen again even if I stay sick next week

Eastern Conference

1.   Cleveland Cavaliers- I am only picking this team to win the most games in the regular season, since let it be noted now that I believe the Cavs as presently constituted, cannot stay with the Magic in the playoffs. Lebron is the single best player in the game, but their offseason moves aren’t going to close the gap for them. Shaq is a slower, more beaten down version of Big Z, which just means everyone who can run a pick and roll correctly will get by them easily. Still, Lebron is Lebron, and his talent alone will get them the first overall seed in the East.

Bold Prediction- Through injury or the realization he is a better player then both Shaq and Z, Leon Powe will go into the playoffs as the Cavs starting center.

2.   Orlando Magic- Man, our boys look good this year. Dwight will be his superself and having a healthy Jameer back will do wonders for our team. National media would have you think that matching the five year deal Hedo Turkuglu got would have been the best move, but I would rather have Vince Carter for two instead of the albatross that Turkuglu’s contract will be in three years. The Magic had easily the best offseason, addressing glaring needs and gathering more depth then they have ever had.

Bold Prediction- Ryan Andersen will be a starter by the end of the year, and will average 14 10 and 2, while shooting 36% from three.

3.   Boston Celtics- This team has red flags ALL over it. Kevin Garnett is one of my favorite players of all time, but his knees are really shot. They lost a lot when they lost Leon Powe and with Big Baby Davis laid up for 2 months for an incident with a former college teammate, the C’s are left with only Garnett, Rasheed Wallace (who is no spring chicken) and Kendrick Perkins to hold down the front court. Add in Rajon Rondo (the C’s ONLY great player under 30) turning down an extension due to an offseason filled with trade rumors, and the Celtics are in some major trouble.

Bold Prediction- Rondo will demand a trade at the deadline. Look for the Knicks to be the other team.

4.   Chicago Bulls- This team looks so good…… next year. Derrick Rose is going to keep getting better, and Joakhim Noah really turned a corner in last year’s playoffs. He embodies the notion of a glue guy, the stats can’t explain how good this guy has been for the Bulls. They make the playoffs, obviously, but don’t expect them to upset anyone just yet.

Bold Prediction- Wade will be a Bull as of 2010. The Bulls will then make 3 consecutive Eastern Conference finals.

5.   Philadelphia 76ers- This team impressed last year, and they can only get better. Having Brand back and healthy is a big time improvement to this year’s team. Brand will give the Sixers yeat another versatile weapon to go with Young, Williams,  Dalembert, and the otherwordly Iguodala. They also have a great backup center in Marreese Speights, and a good coach in Eddie Jordan. Look for them to make a huge splash.

Bold Prediction- After dispatching the Bulls in the first round, look for the Sixers to take the Cavs to 7 games.

6.   Atlanta Hawks- I like this team enough, they have some really nice depth this year unlike years past, But, I just don’t see them making a big jump anytime soon. Joe Johnson is waiting for his chance to get out of dodge and become a well played secondary player for a contender. Look for Bibby to have a big decline this year after signing his extension.

Bold Prediction- Al Horford will make the Eastern Conference All Star Team and back up Dwight.

7.   Miami Heat- This team is the hardest to predict. On one hand, Wade is so good that they could be slotted about 3 sports too low. He could very well hitch this entire team on his back and take them to the postseason. But much like the Cavs, without Wade, this is a lottery team, winning 25 games at best. The fortunes of South Beach lay at Flash’s feet this year.

Bold Prediction- Wade will spurn the transitional Heat this summer as they get Boozer and Joe Johnson, to sign with the Chicago Bulls.

8.   Washington Wizards- I am not convinced this team will ever be healthy. Gilbert Arenas is the NBA’s version of Glass Jaw Joe from Super Punch Out, and I saw a stat today that said the Wizards have not had all three of their Big Three (Arenas, Jamison and Butler) on the court together since April 1^st…….. 2007!!! Still, they made some nice moves to at least bring them to a .500 record and the rest of the East is just plain bad, so I think they get the 8^th seed.

Bold Prediction- Even though Gilbert Arenas will play the majority of games this year, he will not be a top 20 player in the East in points, assists and t/o ratio.

The Outside Looking In:

New Jersey Nets- This is a good young team, with an emerging core of Devin Harris, Courtney Lee and Brook Lopez. They are still one big time finisher from making the playoffs, so they will miss the playoffs this year by the narrowest of margins.
Toronto Raptors-Who honestly thinks this team is very good??? They quit on their coach, got rid of their second best player, overspent to get a 30 year old forward who has one move and no defense and their star player is marking each day that passes with a smiley face sticker. This team is bad, and there really is no way of turning this around for a long time.

Detroit Pistons-Wowed, how the mighty have fallen! This team has been a dominant force for most of this decade, but this will be a year they will want to forget. Gone is Rasheed Wallace, Chauncey Billups, and even the guy they traded Billups away for, Allen Iverson. In their place are an aging Tayshaun Prince and Rip Hamilton, unproven and overhyped youngsters Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum, and overpaid cast offs, Kwame Brown, Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. This team needs to make some deals for glue guys and break up this logjam at the 2 that they have.

Charlotte Bobcats-Jordan is off playing golf instead of being an executive, they missed out on signing Allen Iverson and did nothing to address their defensive woes by trading for oft injured Tyson Chandler. This team isn’t talentless, but you wouldn’t say their cup overflows either.

Indiana Pacers- The Wonderbread team of the league, the Pacers have been stuck in a rut of getting great glue guys, but no help for the second best player people outside of Indiana would never know about in Danny Granger. If they ever put a team around this guy, and not waste picks on guys like Tyler Hansborough, the Pacers could creep up to the 8^th seed on Granger’s talented shoulders.

Milwaukee Bucks- This team should just forfeit their games all year. But then again, I guess that would deprive the Bucks faithful from getting to see Brandon Jennings play, which should be exciting at worst.

New York Knicks- This just in, the Knicks have decided to take a 15 win record and forfeit the  rest of the season. Hey, it’s a better solution then marching the scrubs they got out there for 82 games.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Los Angeles Lakers- I mean what is there not to like about the Champs? Yeah they did bring in Ron Artest to offset the loss of Trevor Ariza, and he COULD become a huge distraction to the team. My gut says that Ron Ron gets his shit together and falls in line with Kobe and Crew, and actually will eventually provide a spark. The Lakers should cake walk through  the West and seal home court by the Super Bowl.  The only thing that could take them down is if another Kardashian gets with Artest, sheesh, think of the craziness that relationship would be!

Bold Prediction- Pau Gasol ends the year as the highest point per game total of centers in the West

1.  San Antonio Spurs- The Spurs made quite possibly the best single move in the offseason, atleast in the West, to expand their championship window for atleast one year. Richard Jefferson is going to add a punch to their already potent offense, and help safe guard against the Spurs losing their Big Three formula if and when Manu Ginobilli gets hurt again. Their only true weakness is their lack of big men, but as long as they have Timmy Duncan, they can piece together a front court with cast offs like Theo Ratliff and Antonio McDyess. It also helps that pop is done having that creepy bea…….. oh wait, it’s still there.
                    

Bold Prediction- DeJuan Blair finishes third in Rookie of the Year ballots, making everyone who let him slip to the 7th pick in the 2nd round rue the decision

1. Portland Trailblazers- The kids are back and better then ever. This team oozes the most future potential of any team not named the OKC Thunder. Look for Brandon Roy to step into a different stratosphere of good, just a step short of the Lebrons, Kobes and Wades of the world. Their only true weakness is going to end up being their lack of complimentary players for Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, since their other pieces (Travis Outlaw, Rudy Fernandez,  Jerryd Bayless and Patty Mills) are all still a good year or two away from hitting their potential.

Bold Prediction- Greg Oden will spend more time on the court then in the trainer’s room

1.          Denver Nuggets- Last year’s darlings will find a lot of the same success they had last year, especially with a full year of Chauncey Billups to lead the charge. The problem is, they will also dip further and are an injury away from the 8th seed in the West. Carmelo Anthony would make my Top 8 of most singularly important players to his team this year, and he needs to play at a MVP level for the Nugs to dream of anything more then a second round exit.

Bold Prediction- Chauncey Billups, a stout steady player for years now, will experience a drop off  that will begin the end of his career

1.   Phoenix Suns- The Suns had a nightmare of a season last year, watching as their best player, Amar’e Stoudemire, suffer through injury after injury. This team is too loaded and they possess what seems to be the fountain of youth seeing as how Steve Nash, Grant Hill and Shaq all had good years last year even though they are 978 years old combined. Look for the Suns to get back to a run and gun style, and becoming a power in the West again.

   Bold Prediction- Amar’e leaves the Suns after this season to sign with the OKC Thunder, but Earl Clark ends up as a better player then him anyways next year.

2.  Dallas Mavericks- It wasn’t the best of offseason’s for the Mavs. They swung and missed on Marcin Gortat, and had to take an aging Matrix as their big move. Still, this team is too good to not make the playoffs thanks to Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki.

   Bold Prediction- Jason Terry will win the sixth man of the year award

3.  Oklahoma City Thunder- That’s right ladies and gentlemen, this will be the only place you see the next two teams make the playoffs in projections. Kevin Durant……… I mean besides Lebron, Kobe and Wade, there just isn’t a better player in the game……. And that’s coming from a Magic and Superman fanatic. I don’t know how much you have see this kid play, but in two years, it will be Lebron, Wade and Durant as the three best players in the league. He also has talented, young role players all around them, and if they are close, they will make a move at the deadline because they have oodles of cap space.

   Bold Preidction-  Kevin Durant will win his first (of many) scoring titles this year.

4.  L.A. Clippers- I told you I would be the only person picking the last two teams in the West playoffs. Yes, I know that Blake Griffin is out for 6 weeks and is a rookie anyways, but so what? The rest of the West has major red flags, and this team is on the rise. Look for a huge comeback year from Baron Davis as well as a major jump from Eric Gordon. This will all set the table for what will happen during the offseason.

   Bold Prediction- Lebron James will spur the Cavs and Nets, and come to the Clips based on A) young talent B) media market and C) an ability to stick it to Kobe every couple of months in his own building.

The Outside Looking In:

Houston Rockets- Just too many injuries to deal with. Although I love this team for their grit, they cannot win without Yao and a healthy Tracy McGrady. Ariza is a nice role player, but he is not a big dog.

Utah Jazz- Deron Williams is the second best point guard in the league, but with all the uncertainty of Boozer and an unhealthy Kyle Korver, I just see this team losing steam down the  stretch.

New Orleans Hornets- This team makes the Minnesota Timberwolves look smart when comparing offseason moves. Chris Paul IS the best point guard in the league, but he can’t do it all, and this is a 20 win team if he goes down.

Golden State Warriors- UUUGGHHHH! How do the Warriors have some of the most talented players in the league and they won’t make the playoffs?? Because they are poorest coached team in the league. Stephen Jackson has to go before they can ever be any good.

Minnesota Timberwolves- This team should be better, but they won’t be. Not getting the Rubio deal done was a huge blow to this team. Look for Jonny Flynn to give Blake Griffin a run for his money on Rookie of the Year, but this team is still two years off.

Memphis Grizzlie- At least they have A.I.

Sacramento Kings- Does anybody else feel like this team builds itself to play in the Europe leagues?