Gleason

A glowing documentary that follows the post-NFL career of New Orleans Saints specials teams player, Steve Gleason, who shortly after retirement is diagnosed with ALS - Amyotrophic Lateral Sceloris or Lou Gehrig's Disease - and how his once physical body quickly detoriates and a sound literal mind slowly vanishes over a year.

The director Clay Tweel is lucky in respect that an unsung player such as Gleason becomes this incredible walking and talking document about the human spirit and how we can overcome. Tweel is the director and editor of the film, yet the narrator and producer of the content is Gleason himself; a sportsman who does not suffer from vanity or brand awareness, Gleason documented much of his life by means of videotaping or camera phone from his teenage years to college days to archiving his off-season trips overseas when experiencing adventure holidays.

This zest for life continues for Gleason in his retirement and led to him meeting his rock, Michel, a free spirit too who becomes his wife and mother to their son, Rivers.  Their relationship is one of enlightenment and joy, and then Steve starts feeling pains in his arms and chest.

After the diagnosis, Michel becomes pregnant and they go on a two month road trip to Alaska, on this trip Steve's body starts diminishing which hurts Michel yet Steve is eager to not have it stop him experiencing life to the full.  Steve starts a video blog for his unborn child - teaching him about relationships and family, and also a video diary of his day-to-day realisation that he is slowly going more inward as the condition takes hold.

What set Steve Gleason apart from other NFL players was his determination and drive to achieve, Gleason played linebacker at college for Washington State, however, he was considered too small for the position in the professional game yet his speed and desire to win led him to be drafted by the New Orleans Saints who utilised him as a special teams gunner, a player who specifically attacks the punter when he kicks the ball away to attempt a turnover or block to regain possession for the offence.

In the annals of the Saints franchise, Gleason has a play for which he is synonymous - the blocked punt of the Atlanta Falcons' punter in the first few minutes of the first game back at the New Orleans Superdome following the horror of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The game was September 25th 2006, and Gleason's play became christened 'The Rebirth' and helped galvanised a city and fanbase that desperately needed something to cheer about.  Much is made about the way Gleason played, with a hunger and a controlled anger, coming from a broken home his Dad alludes to the fact that the field of play allowed Steve to be cathartic and let out his anger.

Gleason's Dad also says maybe the illness stems from the way Steve played - so hard, so fast - yet ALS is apparent in adults not on the physical level of Gleason and there is no discussion on the CTE discussion so prevalent in the NFL currently.

Nonetheless, the film is a moving document on the treatment of ALS and the fight Gleason shows is paramount to him overcoming his illness as best he can becoming more of an inspiration in retirement than he did when playing - his foundation Team Gleason raises money to help similar ALS sufferers to go on trips with family and he went to Congress to pass the Gleason Act meaning the technology to help ALS sufferers talk via computers be available on Medicare; a legacy perhaps far more reaching than a blocked punt. The punt was a second was a moment; the Act will live on and help far more people.

The film takes time to show the tragedy of the illness on the Gleason family, how Michel has to cope with a newborn child and an ill husband; the living grief she suffers as a chasm slowly comes between their loving relationship yet she is able to grow as an artist and be extrovert in that respect whilst supporting Steve.

There is also a telling sub-text on the dichotomy and difficulty of father-son relationships; how Steve's with his own father has altered over time due a difference of opinion on faith and religion, yet they have slowly grown closely together due to the illness. This is juxtaposed with the closeness Steve - who will be unable to touch and talk to his new son - and how he endeavours to create a vital relationship by way of his video diary and creating a bond by any means.  Gleason due to his intellect also becomes an insightful interviewer such as the moment he asks Eddie Vedder (of Pearl Jam, Gleason's favourite band and huge supporters of his cause) about his own absent father bringing the rock and roll star to tears himself.

A complex subject is given a touching and emotional documentary which at times will have you tearing up, yet Gleason remains an uplifting film about the overcoming of obstacles in your life, how only you yourself can create the legacy you want to leave behind and how debilitating illness does not necessary mean the end of the road.  This is as much a film about patience and how it pays off if you have it.

Gleason is released in cinemas on Friday 17th March from

NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview

After going a quite woeful 1-3 in my predictions in the Wildcard Weekend, it is time to mean business and go totally against the grain with my picks for the Divisional playoffs. This weekend the No 1 and 2 seeds enter the fray of the respective conferences. From the AFC the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots come to play and in the NFC the top ranked Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers arrive after the benefit of a two week break to rest weary bodies and prepare for their perspective opponents.

New Orleans Saints at Seattle Seahawks
In a rematch of the regular season encounter, when Seattle rocked the New Orleans hopes of gaining a bye themselves.  The Saints return to Seattle to derail the Legion of Boom and beat an undefeated team at home.  Seattle have the best defense in the NFL and will ask questions of one of the better offenses, however it is those extra dimensions of the Saints offense that may make this closer on this occasion.  If Brees can avoid overthrowing and over-egging the pudding, and rely on Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram to take some carries to the house.

The Seahawks for me rely too much on Marshawn Lynch, whilst Russell Wilson has shown great maturity in his sophomore season, I feel he does not have the weapons in the receiving core that Brees has (Jimmy Graham, Lance Moore and Sproles).

However, you feel the intimidatory feel of the ultimate home field advantage will serve Seattle well, although they have not ended the regular season as dominant as they would have intended.

Prediction: Seahawks by 6

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots
The Patriots lucked out by having the Bengals eliminated, they get the higher remaining seed. In this case they get the comeback kings the Colts who came from a 28 point deficit at home to the Kansas City Chiefs to give Andrew Luck his first playoff victory.  While Luck was inspirational, let it not be forgotten he threw three interceptions.

That is where I feel the game will be decided, the Patriots secondary led by Pro Bowler Aqib Talib has improved significantly from previous early season nightmares.  Andrew Luck has only one receiver remaining in TY Hilton, and the one-two punch of Donald Brown and Trent Richardson.  Yet the Patriots run defense has been good despite the loss of Vince Wilfork.

New England will probably have the most un-Brady playoff game as they rely on the running back trifecta of Stevan Ridley, LaGarrette Blount and Shane Vereen for screens.  The Colts defense leaks points especially against the run. If NE find form and success with the rush, expect Brady to throw the ball no more than 30 times if that, and go to another AFC Championship game.

Prediction: Patriots by 10

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers
Carolina beat San Fran 10-9 at Candlestick about six weeks ago in a result that made people stand up and count these Panthers.  However, that was probably the nadir of the 49ers season, since then they have regained Michael Crabtree from injury which has given Colin Kaepernick options with the ball, something he has not had.  Anquan Boldin has had an amazing first season and Vernon Davis has been a stud as always, but Crabtree with his ball handling skills had 125 yards at Green Bay last week.

The Panthers probably could have done without a bye, the SF defensive line will be too much for the Panthers O-line with pressure coming from the edge to force Cam Newton to panic and scramble when they will then plug the gap sufficiently.

The worry of Steve Smith's health means that there are fewer weapons for Cam Newton to find and you cannot run on this 49ers defence. Whilst it is great to see Cam in his first playoff game, you feel it will be a one and done.

Prediction: 49ers by 7

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos
The Chargers are that team that seemingly exists every year in the playoffs; the team that gets hot late on or fortuitously sneaks in using that momentum to gain shocks on teams.  San Diego went on the road to the Bengals and upset them massively, Cincinnati were a bit complacent and over-reliant on AJ Green who they shut down sufficiently forcing Andy Dalton to aim elsewhere and then intercept him twice.  Whilst Dalton was awful in his third successive one and done playoff game, the Chargers deserve huge credit for winning match-ups all over the field.

The game plan of utilizing the running of a healthy Ryan Mathews and the duck and dive of the ever impressive Danny Woodhead led to big gains on plays, managing the clock and frustrating the opposition causing mistakes that they scored off of.

The same plan will be in effect versus Peyton Manning and the high scoring Denver Broncos at Mile High. The altitude and away trip will hold no fear to the Chargers who won at Denver on a Thursday night when Ryan Mathews had over 130 yards and Denver had the ball for only 21 minutes.  If that plan can be carried out properly it can work, and the loss of Von Miller on the Broncos defense will be sorely tested against a Chargers O-line that gives Rivers enough time in the pocket; Rivers is leading this team well marshaling the troops and controlling the tempo.

This could be an upset and the Chargers could do it again.
Prediction: Chargers by 3

Follow me on twitter @JamieGarwood

NFL Week 14 review

What did we learn in Week 13?

Well the Seattle Seahawks have possibly punched their ticket to New York in February by securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs, while not totally tied up, should they go to San Francisco this weekend and win they will be all but their by owning tiebreaks over the 49ers, New Orleans and Carolina who they have all beaten this season thus far.

What Monday night's dominant performance versus the Saints showed was how difficult it is for visiting teams to function on the road in the raucous atmosphere of Seattle - we all know it is loud, but if a team cannot even get play calls right and have to change personnel constantly they do not give themselves much of a chance.  The loud atmosphere induces mistakes from veterans. 

That coupled with the fact that Russell Wilson is turning into a master orchestrator of this offence with options everywhere for him to distribute - run, play action, wide out, tight end, solo run; helped by the now named Legion of Boom defence which makes the great look bad as Brees did on Monday.

I think back to the draft of 2012 and all the talk about who will win a Super Bowl ring first between RG3 and Andrew Luck. Might Russell Wilson, the 3rd round pick who beat Matt Flynn for the starting job, beat them both to the vaunted status of Super Bowl champion.

Other things to consider: the Packers need Aaron Rodgers back asap, Geno Smith should not be dumped but needs to be benched to save his season, Denver will be the No 1 seed in the AFC and Houston could be the team with the No 1 pick in the 2014 draft.

Week 14 predictions

Texans (2-10) at Jaguars (3-9)
The Jags came up big on the road at Cleveland suddenly becoming a fun team to watch with running backs throwing TD passes.  The Texans were 14 points up on the Patriots but in a shoot-out Tom Brady beat Case Keenum.  Keenum is a decent QB but he needs some more time studying.  The Jaguars are oddly the favourite in this encounter and should win.
Prediction: Jaguars by 7

Colts (8-4) at Bengals (8-4)
The Bengals are still winning without setting the world alight and the same can be said for Andrew Luck. The key to this game will be how well the Bengals D can attack Luck who has taken many beatings this season, and will rely on Donald Brown who is favoured to Trent Richardson at running back. You can run on the Bengals though.
Prediction: Bengals by 4

Falcons (3-9) at Packers (5-6-1)
The Packers are treading water but still have a chance of making the playoffs; whilst Aaron Rodgers has not been cleared he has not been ruled out.  It may ultimately come down to the man himself, but they need him. They still have Lacy and some talent at wide out; however, the Falcons have been playing hard through these awful injuries. They still have Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, and Detroit showed up this poor secondary on Thanksgiving.
Prediction: Falcons by 3 (if Rodgers does not start)

Browns (4-8) at Patriots (9-3)
The Patriots have the chance to further secure the #2 seed behind the Broncos who look unstoppable. The Browns have come close to 6-6 but obviously have had their usual run of bad luck as always.  Brady looks to be back in the groove helped by the return of Gronkowski to full health and Shane Vereen in his best Kevin Faulk impression. Josh Gordon should have another 100+ yard receiving game
Prediction: Patriots by 8

Raiders (4-8) at Jets (5-7)
The Jets will not make the playoffs and you doubt that Rex Ryan will lie down and await the draft.  He benched Geno Smith again, the Raiders did some good things against Dallas on Thanksgiving with Matt McGloin showed some real poise under pressure helped by Rashad Jennings at running back.
Prediction: Raiders by 4 (and £50 to a mate of mine)

Lions (7-5) at Eagles (7-5)
Now Detroit have the lead of the NFC North, a home playoff game is there for the taking, they have to find a key to some consistency. However, Nick Foles rarely turns the ball over and he will be tested by that front 7 for sure.  Expect big numbers for everyone in terms of fantasy.
Prediction: Eagles by 3, over 80 points

Dolphins (6-6) at Steelers (5-7)
The Dolphins impressively went into the Meadowlands and shut down the Jets to get back to .500 and still have the most realistic chance of making the playoffs.  They can maintain that by beating the Steelers who had gained a second wind but seem to have run out of steam again due to injuries and ageing.
Prediction: Dolphins by 3

Bills (4-8) at Buccaneers (3-9)
This should actually be quite an entertaining game, but the Bills are somewhat like the Browns in that their record should be better whilst the Bucs have done better than people suspected they would.
Prediction: Bucs by 4

Chiefs (9-3) at Redskins (3-9)
Kansas City need to get back on the W bus after two defeats to the Broncos and a solitary shoot out loss to San Diego; luckily they face the woeful Redskins who still play a terribly sub-par RG3 who is not the man he was last season.
Prediction: Chiefs by 10

Vikings (3-8-1) at Ravens (6-6)
The Ravens will win this one, but Adrian Peterson will be the beast he always is.
Prediction: Ravens by 7

Titans (5-7) at Broncos (10-2)
The Broncos won two big games in three weeks sandwiching a close loss in New England. Whilst much is made of Manning's aversion to cold weather, the AFC must go through the Mile High to get to New York. After 4 TDs for Eric Decker last week, which WR will be the popular target, whilst that was merely a match-up decision, expect Welker/D.Thomas to get their fair share of targets this week.
Prediction: Broncos by 10

Rams (5-7) at Cardinals (7-5)
The Cardinals still have ambitions of making the playoffs, but they require the 49ers to slip up and then beat them in the last weeks of the season.  The Cardinals are doing well with Carson Palmer who is finding Fitzgerald/Floyd frequently. That's a lot of f's
Prediction: Cardinals by 6

Giants (5-7) at Chargers (5-7)
The Chargers are another side with a false record, but they should beat the Giants whose momentum has waned and were helped by the Redskins faux pas on Sunday night.
Prediction: Chargers by 7

Seahawks (11-1) at 49ers (8-4)
The Seahawks put down a marker for the rest of the season, and they have the number of Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers offence.  The 49ers have to find an answer to that D and also attempt to stop a rampant Russell Wilson. Good luck
Prediction: Seahawks by 7

Panthers (9-3) at Saints (9-3)
The Saints this week will be the team benefiting from the 2nd loudest home field. However, we know what the Saints can and will do at home. This is the test for these Carolina Panthers, who have avoided banana skins, overcome the Patriots and impressed generally. This is the game for them to make people stand up. The Saints found it difficult to stop Wilson's play action and run option with either himself or Marshawn Lynch. The Panthers have a great run attack whilst Greg Olsen is getting good numbers.
Prediction: Panthers by 3

Cowboys (7-5) at Bears (6-6)
Josh McCown v Tony Romo; this should be a good one.  Alshon Jeffrey has had two 200+ yard receiving games this season, the Cowboys have a poor secondary so McCown may have some fun. But then so will Tony Romo, who is in greater sync with his receivers presently.
Prediction: Cowboys by 3

Follow me @JamieGarwood

NFL Week 5 preview

In Week 4, I got off to the worst start by sheepishly predicting the Rams would upset the 49ers.  However, the Rams could not utilise some good pitch position and some woeful throwing by Sam Bradford led to a sizeable victory by the 49ers who sit 2-2 behind the dominant Seahawks. 
Elsewhere during the week I went 10-5 which adding to the previous week of 12-4, I am now 22-9 over two weeks.

I was even lucky enough to predict the correct margin of victory for the Arizona Cardinals over the hapless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who again succumb to a late field goal.  The Redskins won on the road at Oakland after going 14-0 down.  There were two upsets as the Bills won at home against the Ravens and the Browns convincingly defeated the Bengals at home 17-6. 

There is now a three way tie atop the AFC North between those two teams and the Ravens with all three 2-2; so will the winner of that division be the only representative in the playoffs. The AFC is shaping up to have six from Patriots, Broncos, Colts, Ravens, Bengals, Chiefs, Texans and now add the Dolphins. 

I would have considered the Titans but the loss of Jake Locker to a hip strain for a supposed four weeks may disrupt their momentum at a crucial time, the replacement Ryan Fitzpatrick is one of the more capable back-ups, however, he needs to have good ball control and avoid turnovers, something Locker had done thus far.

This week's predictions (Byes this week for Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Washington, Tampa Bay)

Bills at Browns
Thursday night football usually means bad football, however with these two .500 teams we might be in for a surprise. The Browns are riding a wave of momentum thanks to the play of Brian Hoyer who is throwing for fun and is 2-0 since getting the starting gig.  The Bills probably have more offensive weapons yet there is an inconsistency to EJ Manuel's play along with injury concerns over running backs CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson.
Prediction: Browns by 3

Saints at Bears
Jay Cutler finally had his bad game and will want to bounce back in this shoot out against Drew Brees and the 4-0 Saints.  However, this is a match-up of two decent offences; yet player of the month Jimmy Graham is having a purple patch of form as well as some receiving yards for Darren Sproles.
Prediction: Saints by 7

Patriots at Bengals
The Patriots having won by 7 at Atlanta on Sunday night, face another tough road trip to the Bengals who are smarting after a shock loss to the Browns.  The Bengals will be hoping to pressure Brady like they did against Aaron Rodgers two weeks ago.  However, Brady showed signs of clicking with his young receiving core.  The Bengals will need to attack the run defence of the Pats without Vince Wilfork whose ruptured Achilles means he is done for the season.
Prediction: Patriots by 4

Lions at Packers
The Packers come off a bye week and the Lions have a spring in their step.  If the Detroit defence and vaunted front seven can unsettle Rodgers like they did Cutler, and Rodgers has looked susceptible to pressure versus Bengals.  Yet you feel Rodgers has more weapons and the Packers need to stop a rampant Reggie Bush who is the real star of the Lions offence.
Prediction: Packers by 3

Chiefs at Titans
If Locker was fit the Titans would have been favourite for me, yet the Chiefs are playing solid mistake free football led by Alex Smith and the great play of Jamaal Charles who is rushing big and catching out of the backfield for big yards. Whilst fans of Dwayne Bowe will feel aggrieved at this, the defence of the Chiefs is making huge plays as Michael Vick and Eli Manning will attest to.
Prediction: Chiefs by 7

Seahawks at Colts
This should be a great one. The Colts are making noise and are being heard.  The Seahawks had a huge win on the road at Houston after being 20 points down to win in overtime led by a Richard Sherman pick six off Matt Schaub.  Andrew Luck will be targeted but also tempted to throw down field, and Trent Richardson might have a big day.  Another stat this week was that Marshawn Lynch has less yards per carry on the road than when at home. A tough one to predict.
Prediction: Seahawks by 3

Jaguars at Rams
Not the greatest spectacle on paper,  a possibility for the Jaguars perhaps to score double-digits yet the Rams will require a response and will have the chance if they can get the run going.  Do not expect fireworks.
Prediction: Rams by 7

Ravens at Dolphins
This writer was not a fan of the Dolphins before the season, yet they have the potential to be a playoff team due to the consistency of Ryan Tannehill and this under-rated defence.  They will have another chance to make a statement such as their victory over the Falcons against Joe Flacco, who threw five (FIVE) interceptions versus the Bills last week. The Ravens also ran the ball only nine (NINE!!) times, a sheer waste of Ray Rice's ability and yet the Dolphins run defence is pretty good.
Prediciton: Dolphins by 5

Eagles at Giants
1-3 versus 0-4 in the awful NFC East. Eli Manning has no protection and the Chip Kelly offence could not keep up with Peyton Manning. This match will be decided by the play of LeSean McCoy against a run defence that is non-existent; pay note fantasy fans.
Prediction: Eagles by 7

Panthers at Cardinals
Carolina might have too much for the Cardinals who are plainly a hot and cold team.  The Panthers got a win before their bye week thanks to utilising the power of Cam Newton's prowess out of the pocket.  The Panthers might goad Carson Palmer to throw considering Rashard Mendenhall is not getting much joy with the rushing.
Prediction: Panthers by 3

Broncos at Cowboys
Can the Cowboys come up with a plan to slow down the accurate and precision machine of Peyton Manning's led offence that averages 40+ points a game.  Manning has no interceptions and 16 touchdowns, whilst sharing the joy for touches with Welker, the Thomases and Eric Decker.  Romo can sling it but can he sling it enough versus these Broncos? Probably not.
Prediction: Broncos by 10

Texans at 49ers
The Texans keep beating themselves and the 49ers are seemingly turning the corner thanks to getting back to the sort of defence that got them to the Super Bowl last year, and with Aldon Smith away from the team more players are coming to the party.  Schaub will probably not have enough and with Arian Foster not producing, the 49ers D will have too much.
Prediction: 49ers by 6

Chargers at Raiders
Terrelle Pryor returns for the Raiders following Matt Flynn stinking out the joint.  They go up against a resurgent Philip Rivers in this AFC West contest, along with Danny Woodhead becoming the focus of the offense. Most of these matchups I have predicted thus far have been picking the better defence over a weaker defence; in this case you pick the better quarterback.
Prediction: Chargers by 10

Jets at Falcons
The Falcons need to win this otherwise they will be an incredible four games behind the Saints if they beat the Bears. The Falcons came close against a good Patriots side, but the comeback was too late.  Whilst the Jets defence has turned some heads you do wonder if they will be able to contain Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, who had a career day on Sunday. Career day at the age of 37, yeah its about time.
Prediction: Falcons by 7

My thanks to the boys at DundeeNFL who hosted me as we talked the Week 4 action, follow this link to the podcast

NFL - Week 13 Picks

I know it has been a while since I gave my selections for the NFL owing to time and getting a lot wrong, but this is a good week to step back inside.

Green Bay continue on their road to perfection at Kansas City, Tebow sees if he can go toe to toe with Tom Brady at home, the Giants host the Redskins to cement supremacy in the NFC East and we have a titanic tussle on Monday Night as the Harrison-less Steelers travel to San Francisco with question marks over the starting place of QB Ben Rothliesberger.

Here are my picks with brief explanations:

Jaguars @ FALCONS - The Jags had a fine win last week, but the Falcons are pretty good at home even though MoJo will have more huge numbers.

COWBOYS @ Tampa Bay - not a bad game to have on the bounce back after the loss to the Giants, but then we all thought they would beat the Cardinals.

Panthers @ TEXANS - T.J. Yates did a great job at Cincy last week with a last second TD drive to win the game 20-19; the Panthers had a good win last week but the Texans are on a mission after securing the division, now they need to get a bye.

Redskins @ GIANTS - Eli Manning is controlling this offence so well, and with Jason Pierre Paul making big plays on defence, the Giants can suddenly build momentum towards the huge week 17 matchup at home to Dallas.

Dolphins @ BILLS - Miami lost their starman, Matt Moore to injury and the Eagles took advantage, the Bills still have Fitzpatrick fully fit so going with the home-field advantage on this one. Even though without Moore, both teams are equal now.

Seahawks @ BEARS - the Bears have to win one game, although Marshawn Lynch is lights out at the moment, close one.

SAINTS @ Vikings - an indoor game for the Saints to enjoy, they are on a roll Brees is on the march for that 2 seed.

BENGALS @ Rams - Cincy were unlucky last week but still have a shot at the playoffs so need to wipe the floor with the sorry Rams.

TITANS @ Colts - The Titans are also in the hunt for that playoff spot so need a road win also.

PACKERS @ Chiefs - no brainer on this one.

LIONS @ Raiders - the Raiders looked to have imploded, full of injuries, bad decision making and miss McFadden badly. The Lions are in the driving seat for a playoff spot and have Suh returning from suspension.

PATRIOTS @ Broncos - the Patriots need to get out to an early lead otherwise this will be close and when it is close, Tebow always has a chance.  Patriots need to win and hope one of Ravens/Texans slip up to maintain a 1 or 2 seed, currently they are at 3.

JETS @ Eagles - might be the game of the weekend; Sanchez is not dominating but he is scoring, the Eagles will be competitive but when the season is on the line for the last two years the Jets get the job done. Expect Shonn Greene to have another big day.

Browns @ CARDINALS - the Cardinals are having a good end to the season, thanks to the fine work of John Skelton

RAVENS @ Chargers - this could be a tough one but I can see the Ravens just grinding out the victory if they allow Rice to have enough of the ball

STEELERS @ 49ers - the wheels have come off the SanFran bus due to their lack of redzone potency, I give this to the Steelers if Big Ben starts if he does not then I feel San Fran might win but they need to trust Gore with the ball in the red zone or alternatively go for some big plays downfield with Crabtree.

Should be another great weekend of action, what will be the headlines on Monday morning.  Hopefully you will check back in with me for a review.

All the best and Go Pats.

NFL - Week 7 picks

Byes this week belong to: Bills, Bengals, Patriots, Giants, Eagles, 49ers

The picks:
Chargers @ Jets - the Jets all of a sudden have a roll, they are at home against the Chargers who hate travelling; but have had two weeks prep so dont be surprised if Rivers turns up. But the Jets defense is waking up

Bears @ Bucs - okay not necessarily a home game for Tampa, but they are spending all week in London. Chicago dont turn up until Thursday.  The Bucs are bouncing around after beating the Saints and will continue.

Redskins @ Panthers - Cam Newton is still playing well and the Redskins are who we thought they would be.

Falcons @ Lions - big test for these Lions, if the Falcons can control the clock with Turner expect a road win here and the Lions have lost Best now.

Seahawks @ Browns - two awful teams, but go with the home field advantage.

Broncos @ Dolphins - Tim Tebow returns to Florida, he leaves with a W

Texans @ Titans - the Texans have to win this win to get back on the rails, Foster is back and will go big.

Chiefs @ Raiders - the Raiders are rolling; with ground and pound.

Steelers @ Cardinals - expect a professional display from the Steelers here, in a tough road trip.

Packers @ Vikings - how easy is Green Bay's schedule, and they are the champions.

Rams @ Cowboys - I want to see the Cowboys get angry, they should be 4-1 instead they are 2-3 and I pity the poor Rams for turning up, even with a break. They will wish you can have a 2 week bye week.

Colts @ Saints - the Saints lost a tough divisional match-up, like the Patriots did to the Bills (on the road), they are meant to lose. They are not meant to lose to the Colts.

Ravens @ Jaguars (MNF) - Ravens are quietly doing the business under the radar.

Week 6 picks - How did i do???
49ers @ LIONS -          25-19 : No handshake for me here
Rams @ PACKERS -    3-24 : Easy peasy
Panthers @ FALCONS - 17-31 : down day turned up
Colts @ BENGALS - 17-27 : the defence turned up for Bengals
Bills @ GIANTS - 24-27 : Giants bounce back
Jags @ STEELERS - 13-17 : Tighter than expected
Eagles @ REDSKINS - 20-13 : Grossman is bad
Texans @ RAVENS - 14-29 : Under the radar indeed
Browns @ RAIDERS - 17-24 : McFadden doing the business
Cowboys @ PATRIOTS - 16-20 : Give Brady two final minutes he'll give you the win
SAINTS @ Bucs - 20-26 : Big statement for the Bucs
Vikings @ BEARS - 10-39 : Damn the Vikings are bad
Dolphins @ JETS - 6-24 : The defence is here

Week 6: 10/13
Combined: 19/26

If you are going to Wembley Stadium this Sunday, enjoy the game and make sure you wear the colours of your team.  This is the 5th year (i've been every year) and it remains a great day out.  I expect points on Sunday as you have two offensive minded teams and if the weather holds and the turf does not cut up then expect a lot of things on the ground and through the air.  Although I am taking the Bucs, wouldn't it be great to see Devin Hester score a punt or kick-off return on the hallowed turf.  I expect him to run each time, so do not leave your seats when Tampa punts.

NFL - Week 6 picks

This week there are some interesting divisional matchups and teams returning from the first Bye week of the season, for some it was a much needed break for recuperation and re-evaluation, whilst for others it is a chance to regain some composure and rebuild momentum into their second half of the season. Teams with byes this week are Denver, Tennessee, Arizona, San Diego, Seattle and Kansas City. Whilst returning we have the Cowboys who get a fit again Miles Austin and Des Bryant, and a Ravens team eager to continue their good form.

Week 6 picks
49ers @ LIONS - what a match up this will be but the Lions roll on because of their D-line, which will snuff out the threat of Gore and will attack Alex Smith and make him attempt to escape the pocket therefore make mistakes and force turnovers.

Rams @ PACKERS - i dare call this my lock, but this will be a long day for the sorry Rams.

Panthers @ FALCONS - Cam Newton is due a down day, and the Falcons are a better team at home and even though they lost to the Packers, a lot of teams will have the same fate but expect a home team to bounce back here.

Colts @ BENGALS - the Bengals are on a roll and will look to continue, the Colts so close to a first win might not get a chance for another in a few more weeks.

Bills @ GIANTS - the Giants need to bounce back and the Bills will need to make a statement. The pressure will be on the Bills to win again, the Giants play better when they are expected to lose, as here.

Jags @ STEELERS - Big Ben showed that even on one leg he belongs in the elite status.

Eagles @ REDSKINS - the Eagles make mistakes, Rex Grossman is being told not to. Ball retention and less turnovers wins this one, and the Eagles just make too many at the moment on both sides of the ball.

Texans @ RAVENS - the Texans go back to their stuttering ways and the Ravens with their older defense come back from a week's rest hungry for a QB to maul, beware Matt Schaub.

Browns @ RAIDERS - whilst the Browns have improved, the Raiders are rolling with a typical ball and air combo,expect big numbers from McFadden in this one.

Cowboys @ PATRIOTS - expect a close one here than any line suggests, the deep threat of returning Austin/Bryant will be important test for the young Pats defence but maybe the fact Brady does not turnover will be the difference, and Romo does.

SAINTS @ Bucs - oddly I consider this to be the only road win of the week, but I feel the Bucs will be eager to bounce back, but the Saints are growing into a major threat this season with a rejuvenated defence and always inspirational Drew Brees

Vikings @ BEARS - a slugfest on Sunday night in Chicago, but the Bears need to find this balance again on offense:give Forte the ball but allow Cutler to do his thing.

Dolphins @ JETS - the Jets are there for the taking, unfortunately they play a woeful Miami team still searching for a first win.

Last weeks picks
Eagles @ BILLS                    24-31     Turnovers that the Bills capitalised on 1/1
CHIEFS @ Colts                  28-24      Colts were close but seemingly not close enough  2/2
CARDINALS @ Vikings      10-34     3 TDs early from AP were enough to hurt heartless Cards 2/3
Seahawks @ GIANTS          36-25     Shocker, but a last minute INT cost Eli             2/4
Titans @STEELERS              17-38     Should have been my lock                              3/5
SAINTS @ Panthers              30-27    As close as i expected                                     4/6
Bengals @ JAGS                   30-20     2 young QBs, lot of mistakes                          4/7
Raiders @ TEXANS              25-20    Damn Texans, but RIP Al Davis                      4/8
Bucs @ 49ERS                      3-48       A San Fran coming out party                         5/9
CHARGERS @ Broncos       29-24   Tim Tebow made this a lot closer than it should have been 6/10
Jets @ PATRIOTS                21-30   Go my Pats!!                                                    7/11
PACKERS @ Falcons           25-14    These Packers are good                                  8/12
Bears @ LIONS                    13-24    Big TDs from Best & Johnson help Lions         9/13

Last week: 9/13

What do you guys predict, any shocks worth noting.