Week 10

You can't sleep on the Chicago Bears. Jay Cutler is a tremendous QB if he stays up right. He has good velocity on the ball, but he throws to average at best receivers. Roy Williams should be out of the league. Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett are number 3 receivers at best. Matt Forte and Marion Barber are a great RB combination and the O line coming together. The Defense always keeps the Bears close. The biggest obstacle will be Detroit and this week will be the judge how good the Bears really are.

I still like the Texans and when Andre Johnson returns their offense should pick up. Matt Schaub may never be in the class of Brady and Manning, but he is a top 10 QB and I think he will lead the Texans to their first playoff appearance.

Eli Manning is an elite QB and yet no one seems to give him his due. He won a Superbowl despite his head coach. When everyone counts him out, he puts up a huge game and makes everyone see how good he truly is.

The Washington Redskins are right where I thought they'd be. Mike Shanahan is a fraud. And if he is brought back next season, it will show the true ineptness that is the Washington Redskins.

Here Are my top 10 Elite QBs of 2011
1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Tom Brady
3. Drew Brees
4. Ben Roethlisberger
5. Eli Manning
6. Jay Cutler
7. Matt Schaub
8. Ryan Fitzpatrick
9. Cam Newton
10. Andy Dalton

The Power Top 10
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. New York Giants
4. Atlanta Falcons
5. Cincinnati Bengals
6. New Orleans Saints
7. New York Jets
8. Houston Texans
9. Detroit Lions
10. Chicago Bears

Last week I finally broke .500 by going 3-1, bringing my totals to 19-17. With Thursday Night Football kicking off this week, here are my week 10 picks a day early.

Indianapolis (+2) against Jacksonville
The Colts are bad, I've said this many times before, but not 0-16 bad. Jacksonville is bad and despite a few more wins, I don't see them much better than Indy. The Colts will win 2-4 games this year and this will be their first. Blaine Galbert is still learning the ropes and I just don't see him as a top QB. I see Indy's Defense all over him
Colts 27 - Jags 14

Miami (-3.5) against Washington
Let's break up the Dolphins, because they will win their second in a row. Matt Moore will have a huge game and get South Beach to actually think he can be the QB of the future. Although I don't see Tony Sporano's job saved, I do see the Dolphins winning big again this week.
Dolphins 38 - Redskins 17

Chicago (-2.5) against Detroit
The Bears are for real and this is their biggest game of the season. Jay Cutler needs to show everyone he is the Man and put the memory of last season's NFC Championship behind him. Detroit will have some rocky games and I don't think they have the running game to control the game.
Bears 24 - Lions 21

Upset Special
Dallas (-5.5) against Buffalo
Dallas is not that good. Buffalo is trying to find themselves. This is a must win for the Bills if they have any hope of a playoff spot and I think Chan Gailey comes back to Dallas and smacks them in the face and beats America's Team. And once again, the critics will be wondering if Tony Romo is a true elite QB.
Bills 29 - Cowboys 27

Week 9 halfway through the season

I definitely feel the lockout has effected most of the teams in a negative way. Most teams could have used the OTAs and normal training camps to improve their continuity. Let's review each division:

AFC West:
I thought San Diego would run away with this division, but they have been inconsistent. Ryan Matthews hasn't become an elite back which I thought he would have. KC is showing a lot after losing Jamal Charles. Todd Haley and Matt Cassel are showing me last season wasn't a fluke. Oakland is all in after trading for Carson Palmer. Denver should have traded Kyle Orton when they had a chance.
I think Oakland wins the division.

AFC North:
The best division in football. You can make an argument for any of the top 3 teams winning the division. Cincinnati is the surprise of the NFL this season. If it wasn't for Cam Newton, Andy Dalton would have a strong case for rookie of the year. The Steelers still have plenty in tank and Big Ben is in the prime of his career. I'm not sold on Baltimore. Joe Flacco has to show he can win games.
Pittsburgh win the division.

AFC South:
I thought the Houston Texans would run away with this division, but with the loss of Andre Johnson and Mario Williams, they are still in first place. I am really surprised how bad the Colts are without Peyton Manning. I thought they would win a few games, but it looks like they don't care. All the talk is if they get the first pick in the next draft, what do they? Andrew Luck or trade Peyton Manning? Tennessee has surprised me, but when its all said and done, I see them as 500 team.
Houston wins the division.

AFC East:
Very competitive division, at least 3 teams are. Buffalo has been a tremendous surprise, but I keep waiting for them to come back to earth. The Patriots have the most potent offense, but a below average defense and the Jets are just muddled in inconsistency. It's time for one of these three teams to step and win this division. Just not sure who will do it.
Jets win the division.

NFC West: San Fran is the class of the division and probably the second best team in the conference. I am surprised the Rams haven't been better. I really thought they would have a solid defense and Sam Bradford would step up as a top QB, ala Matt Ryan. I still haven't given up hope on them, but I think it will be next season, not this. Seattle signing Tavaris Jackson makes no sense to me. He was average at best in Minnesota and I think they would have been better off drafting a QB and re-signing Hasselbeck. Arizona will have a new regime next season and it will be interesting how Kolb and Fitzgerald play.
San Fran wins the division

NFC North: Very competitive division, but the Packers are just heads and tails above the rest. The Lions and Bears will be fighting for a wildcard spot and they both might knock each other out. The Lions need to stay healthy if they have any chance of getting into the playoffs. Minnesota has been a huge disappointment for me, I thought Donovan McNabb would resurrect his career, but it looks like he will end it there.
Green Bay wins the division

NFC South: I loved New Orleans before the season started. I thought they had a nice mix of leaders and winners to make a legitimate run, but there are a lot of gapping holes and I am not sure if they are even a playoff team. Atlanta needs to get to their stuff together, lots of potential, but small window to succeed. Tampa is a mystery, after last season's surprising 10-6 record, I don't see an improvement.
Atlanta wins the division

NFC East: The Redskins stink, The Cowboys are overrated and the Giants are a mystery. The Eagles are usually a great second half team. I don't know how this plays out, but it's hard to pick against the Giants, they always find a way to win.
Giants win the division

Power rankings:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
4. New England Patriots
5. Buffalo Bills
6. Detroit Lions
7. Houston Texans
8. Cincinnati Bengals
9. New Orleans Saints
10. (tie) New York Jets / New York Giants

Last week, once again 2-2, bringing my total to an even 16-16.
New Orleans (-7.5) against Tampa Bay
The Saints will come out and spread things out and see if the Bucs can keep up. I just don't think the Bucs have the weapons or defense to keep it close.
Saints 38 - Bucs 24

Green Bay (-5.5) @ San Diego
It's hard to bet against the Packers, especially with the inconsistency of San Diego. The Chargers will have a corp of injured RBs and if you can't control the ball, the Packers will eat you up.
Packers 31 - Chargers 17

Pittsburgh (-3.5) against Baltimore
After getting blown out in week 1 by Baltimore, I see Pittsburgh returning the favor. Big Ben is hot and I think they pick apart the Ravens Defense. And until I see Joe Flacco win a game, not manage it, I have a hard time believing they are for real
Steelers 28 - Ravens 23

Upset Special
Bills (-1.5) against NY Jets
This isn't a huge upset, except the Bills are undefeated at home. I think the Jets pull this one out and show they are back. I think Sanchez and company controls the tempo and wins.
Jets 19 - Bills 17

Week 8 is great!

We are almost at the half way point of the NFL Season and I am not too impressed with all of the football. It's most likely due to the lockout, but at this point games should get better.

Green Bay is much better than any one else. I don't see them going undefeated, but it will take a lot to stop their potent offense. Aaron Rodgers slipping down the 2004 draft to 23rd pick, sitting behind the Diva for a few years and just picking up the game without the pressure of being a top pick has been so beneficial. The Packers have been put together to win long term and what we are seeing now is a culmination of great management and excellent coaching.

The Colts are the complete opposite. They are a one show pony and his name is Peyton Manning. Manning is so valuable to Indy and in his absence, all of their gapping holes have been brought to the forefront. Manning should be back next season and the Colts will have a high pick. It will be interesting to see how the team will be rebuilt next season.

I am not a Cowboys fan. Tony Romo hasn't showed me he can win consistently under pressure. He has weapons around him and a much improved Offensive Line. But I'm not buying them yet. This Sunday's game against the Eagles will tell a lot about them.

My biggest surprise so far this season has been Cincinnati. I loved the selections of AJ Green and Andy Dalton, but I didn't think they would get their 4th win til week 17. I still think they are an 8-8 team, but I get more impressed by them each week. Trading Carson Palmer for 2 high draft picks puts a lot of pressure on the front office to make quality selections and build a team ala Green Bay.

Power 10
1. Green Bay Packers
2. New England Patriots
3. New Orleans Saints
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Buffalo Bills
7. Houston Texans
8. New York Jets
9. Detroit Lions
10. Cincinnati Bengals

Last week I went 2-2, keeping up my average of .500 14-14. This week:
Baltimore (-12.5) against Arizona
The Ravens coming off a pitiful performance against the Jags on Monday Night Football is one of those things they will look back at the end of the season and say, if we won that game, we would have won the division, instead of the being a wildcard team. The Ravens still are good and it's time for Joe Flacco to step up his game. They do not have a deep threat, but they have Ray Rice, so use him early and often. The Ravens Veterans know what they will have to do and I think they will be all over Kevin Kolb. Speaking of Kolb, he has a long way to go to be a top 10 QB, but their is potential. I feel there will be a new regime in Arizona next season and they will be on their way to winning. Unfortunately, that will do nothing for this week.
Ravens 37 - Cardinals 23

Houston (-9.5) against Jacksonville
The Texans were my team in the beginning of the season to take a huge step forward. Last week was a statement game from the Texans, manhandling the Titans by over 30 points. I think the fun continues this week against Jacksonville. Despite Andre Johnson and Mario Williams being out, the Texans have more than enough talent to make up for their ailing superstars. Matt Schaub is one of the premier QBs in the league and now its time to show he is a top 5 guy. The Jags are a mess, I think they played their best game against Baltimore Monday night and they have nothing left, especially on a short week.
Texans 35 - Jags 11

Buffalo (-5.5) against Washington (In Toronto)
I am not a Mike Shanahan fan. I am not a Washington fan. I think they are a marriage made in hell, unless you are a fan of another NFC East team. Instead of trying to get a QB to develop, the Redskins have put D level guys in their. I don't expect them to win more than 3 games the rest of the way out, sorry John Beck, you seem like a good guy. The Bills are so close, despite injuries, they are in every game. They should have beaten the Giants, but lost to the Eagles. I think with a week off, they come back and blow out the Redskins, a true statement game
Bills 44 - Redskins 17

Upset Special
Detroit (-3.5) @ Denver
Are a Tebow believer yet? I didn't think so. But NO ONE can live up to this hype. Tim Tebow is a project and he's in the wrong system. But, this is a great second game for him. The Lions are hurt, they are coming off 2 tough loses and a young team like this will start to have doubt. If the Broncos can A. establish some kind of running back and manage the clock and B. put pressure on the Lions QB and C. contain Calvin Johnson than D. The Broncos win this game. Heck, I think the Broncos will win this game regardless and the legend will continue to grow!
Broncos 23 - Lions 20

Week 7

After 6 weeks, it's safe to say who the haves and have nots are. But, first off, I'd like to congratulate The Bengals Mike Brown for putting his ego behind what's best for the team. The Bengals get 1 possibly 2 first round picks from the Raiders and free themselves from Carson Palmer. Palmer didn't want to be there and the Bengals didn't need him.

More QB news, Donovan McNabb has been benched by Minnesota and probably is the end of the road for him. He'll look good on tv next year.

Rex Grossman benched for John Beck and Washington will finish 8-8 at best

Tim Tebow starts in Miami as he is honored for his UF days, huh?? Makes sense to get people at the game, but why have Dol-fans cheer for the opponent? Speaking of Dolphins, Tony Sporano will be out as coach in 2 weeks.

The Top 10
1. Green Bay Packers
2. See No. 1
3. New England Patriots
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. San Francisco 49ers
6. Detroit Lions
7. Buffalo Bills
8. San Diego Chargers
9. Cincinnati Bengals
10. New Orleans Saints

Last week 2-2, 12-12 for the season.

Cleveland (-3.5) against Seattle
The Browns are up and coming and every week they will get better. Colt McCoy is turning into a solid NFL QB. Seattle is up and down, they are too unpredictable.
Browns 33 - Seahawks 26

Carolina (-2.5) against Washington
I just don't buy into the Redskins. Grossman, Beck it doesn't matter, they aren't that good. Cam Newton is getting better. Plus the Panthers' running game is coming alive
Panthers 27 - Redskins 17

Dallas (-12.5) against St. Louis
Sam Bradford has a high ankle sprain. Steven Jackson isn't 100%. Rams defense isn't that good. Tony Romo has almost all his weapons and DeMarco Murray is going to have his coming out party.
Cowboys 44 - Rams 27

Upset Special
New Orleans (-13.5) against Indianapolis
The Colts will win a game this year, unfortunately, this won't be it. But, they will keep it relatively close.
Saints 27 - Colts 14

Week 6

After 5 weeks, things are starting to fall in place bThe Detroit Lions are for real. The Green Bay Packers look invincible. The Patriots offense is awesome, their defense looks pedestrian. The Bills keep winning, The Bengals are surprising and The Panthers are getting close. The Eagles, Jets and Colts are
Underachieving. The AFC West is more open than I thought it would be, plus the Tim Tebow experiment officially begins on week 7.

Power Top 10:
1. Green Bay
2. New England
3. Detroit
4. San Francisco
5. New Orleans
6. Baltimore
7. San Diego
8. Washington
9. Pittsburgh
10. Cincinnati

Here are my picks. Last week I was 1-3, bringing me up to 10-10.

Green Bay (-14.5) against St. Louis.
I can't see St. Louis competing in this game Aaron Rodgers will throw for 500 yards and I don't see the Packers punting the whole game.
Packers 48 - Rams 21

Oakland (-5.5) against Cleveland.
An emotional game for the Raiders and I see them beating the Browns rather easily.
Raiders 26 - Browns 13

New England (-7.5) against Dallas.
I don't expect much defense. I'm not sold on Rob Ryan and I see Tom Brady picking the Dallas D apart. Tony Romo will also come up big, but not big enough.
Pats 38 - Cowboys 28

Upset Special
Buffalo (+4.5) @ NY Giants
The Bills find ways to win. Tom Coughlin is not a good coach. Eli will throw the ball plenty, but the Bills will be ready.
Bills 23 - Giants 21

Still Early

As an Eagle fan, my second worse fear has come to fruition, a 1-4 start. But looking at the last 4 games, the team is probably better than their record shows. They were either winning or down by 1 score in every loss and I'd argue should have won at least 2 of those games.

I thought the Eagles were an 11-5 team before the season started and at this part of the season I thought they would be 3-2 (losing to St. Louis & San Francisco). But they are a lot closer than the city of Brotherly Love thinks.

It's time to get back to the fundamentals or as close as you can with Michael Vick as Quarterback. They need to cut down on all mistakes. No stupid penalties. They need to hold on to the ball. They need to tackle and block. No more dropsies. Of course every team says the sane thing. The only difference, the Eagles have talent and probably more than any other team.

The good news is they still have plenty of time. They have 7 games left with divisional foes. I'm not giving up on them. I think they can do it and if they win 8 in a row, I would not be surprised. It's time to focus on playing the game and not focus on making mistakes.

I am the eternal optimist when it comes to the Eagles. I remember all of the lean years and I will take thus regime over any of the past. I believe in the moves they made in the offseason and now after 5 weeks, it's time to gel together.

Week 5

Last week I went 2-2, bringing my record to 9-7, told you I am correct 52% of the time! Before I get into this week's peek, I want to take a look at the first quarter of the NFL Season, so here is the Chaney Report's 1Q report:

The biggest surprise are the Detroit Lions, 4-0, winning games from behind in the 4th quarter. And each week, they gain more and more confidence. Jim Schwartz is doing a tremendous job and so far is the CR's 1Q coach of the year.

The biggest disappointment are the Philadelphia Eagles. I Know the season is young, but man do they look out of sorts. Losing 3 games in a row with 4th Quarter leads. That is an attribute to no running game, which is an attribute to no offensive line and no cohesive units. Andy Reid better right this ship or he will be looking for a job.

Indianapolis really misses Peyton Manning.

Washington can't go on like this the whole season, can they?

Hey Denver, Kyle Orton is the better QB, but you knew you weren't going to sign him long term, now he'll walk after the season and you will get nothing. This is why you stink and just put Tebow in, nothing to lose at this point.

Happy for the Bills early success, but I Still think they finish around .500, but they will be in every game this year.

Surprised Tony Sparano still is employed, guess owner can't admit he was wrong, so he will keep him around the rest of the season. Change in Miami is inevitable.

San Diego is good, but is that because they are in a lousy division?

Cleveland is not surprising me, but Cincinnati is.

Green Bay will finish with 12-13 wins and lose in their first playoff game, that's just how it works.

Donovan McNabb is playing himself out of the Hall of Fame. Stand up and take this personally, Donovan. Not so long ago, you were once a top 5 Quarterback, now you are a bottom 5.

Pittsburgh is getting old at once.

49ers will win 11 games this season, St. Louis will win 4, Seattle 5, Arizona 6.

Power Rankings after week 4:
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Detroit Lions
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. New England Patriots
5. New Orleans Saints
6. Houston Texans
7. Washington Redskins
8. Tennessee Titans
9. New York Giants
10. San Francisco 49ers
11. Tampa Bay Buccs
12. San Diego Chargers

Pittsburgh (-8.5) against Tennessee
The Titans made me a believer. The Steelers got old at once. Even playing in Pittsburgh, The Titans will keep it close.
Steelers 17-Titans 14

Houston (-6.5) against Oakland
Even with Andre Johnson out, I think the Texans will throw all over the place. I expect a good game, but the Raiders fall short.
Texans 24 - Raiders 14

Detroit (-5.5) against Chicago
The Lions are for real. Calvin Johnson is a beast. As long ad they remain healthy, the Lions are hard to stop. The Bears are better than I thought, but still not quite as good to win this one
Lions 34 - Bears 27

Upset special
Green Bay (-5.5) @ Atlanta
Falcons get revenge from last playoffs. Matt Ryan goes crazy and throws For 400+ yards
Falcons 41 - Packers 33