PIGSKIN 2016: Week Two

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Two

Week One

Week One Record:  5-8-1

Overall Record:  5-8-1

Schmear of the Week:  0-1

BAGELS in the Basket:  -7

Coin Toss:

• An inordinate amount of penalties will be called against the D.C. Hogs defense in reaction to elevated criticisms over un-penalized hits to the helmet of Carolina's Cam Newton.

1st and Ten:

• In a clash of potential Super Bowl candidates, the Cardinals must be kicking themselves over last week's last minute loss against the Patriots.  On the other hand, Bill Belichick, the inactive Tom Brady, and all of New England must be ecstatic.

• The New York Jets recorded their first victory of the season by defeating the Bills 37-31 Thursday nigh in Buffalo.  ICYMI: Play of Darrelle Revis is Jets First Major Concern of Season

2nd and Short:

• Tom Brady and Wes Welker will begin playing catch together until the Patriots QB completes his four week suspension.

No Gain:

• Two straight loses against the Ravens and Jets to open the season has Rexy Ryan in deep Buffalo dung with the Bills and their fans.  The front office requested a "sacrificial lamb" and so Ryan offered up his offensive coordinator Greg Roman.   Rex's brother Rob Ryan has been hired as the team's "new assistant head coach for defense."  What the hell is that?

Punt:

• Trent Dilfer is an idiot.

WEEK TWO
Friday Line ~ NYDN

GIANTS -4 1/2 (Saints)

With Tony Romo sidelined last week, the Giants defense held the Cowboys offense under 20 points.   This week, Drew Brees and the Saints come marching in for the Giants home opener.  Remember how Brees threw for 505 yards against the Giants last season?  That puts all eyes on the defense.  The Giants need bang for their free agent buck, so we'll see if spending big pays off in similar fashion.   Their mission is to disrupt Brees and not to lose sight of defending the run.  Do that, and the offense can cover this.
ICYMI: Weston Richburg at Center of Giants Attack Against Cowboys

ICYMI: New Big Blue Defense Faces First Real Test 
Loss  16-13 Giants

Titans+6 (LIONS)

Despite an underwhelming performance last week, the Titans gave one away.  If they take better care of the ball, they can even come out of Motor City with the victory.

WIN  16-15 Titans

Chiefs +2 1/2 (TEXANS)

Tough call ... that's why I like the points.  This spread is a great hedge against a late game-winning field goal by Houston.
Loss  19-12 Texans

Dolphins +6 1/2 (PATRIOTS)

Despite head coach Simon Bar Sinister, I'm not willing to believe the Patriots will start the season 2-0 with Gronk nursing a hamstring, and Jim Garoppolo at quarterback.  Can I see the Patriots winning by five?  Sure.  Not sure what Miami brings after their 12-10 loss the the Seahawks, but a Patriots correction after last week's win over the Cardinals is in order.
Loss  31-24 Patriots

Ravens -6 1/2 (BROWNS)

Leave a comment telling me why you think the Browns are a better choice.
Loss  25-20 Ravens

STEELERS -3 1/2 (Bengals)

The AFC North's top two teams.  Do I think the Steelers are four points better than the Bengals?  At home, and coming off a convincing victory in Washington, I'm willing to say yes indeed.
WIN  24-16 Steelers

D.C. HOGS -3 (Cowboys)

Speaking of which ... if there was ever a game that should be Pick 'Em, it is this one.  Dallas's front seven will make Kirk Cousins look good.  The Cowboys in turn will receive ample scoring opportunities against the Hogs defense.  Something really stupid therefore needs to happen in order to avoid a push.  I'm sticking with the home team and hoping bad luck continues following the Cowboys around.
Loss  27-23 Cowboys

49ers +13 (PANTHERS)

Not sure ... that's a lot of points.  Not unreasonable to think, but I'll take my chances.
Loss  46-27 Panthers

CARDINALS -6 1/2 (Bucs)

It might be time for me to pay the Bucs a little more respect.  Just not this week on the road against the Cardinals, whom need to make up for last week's "disappointing" loss against the Patriots.
WIN  40-7 Cardinals

Seahawks -6 (RAMS)

It might be time for me to start paying the Seahawks a little less respect.  I remember what the Rams did to the Seahawks last season ... twice.
Loss  9-3 Rams

BRONCOS -6 1/2 (Colts)

The Broncos reinforced an already strong defense, making it even stronger over the off-season.  For Andrew Luck, this will be a Mile High trip to pick-off city.
WIN  34-20 Broncos

RAIDERS -5 (Falcons)

After investing my confidence in them last week, the Falcons need to reprove themselves.  They have key players returning that were not available in week one.  Nice victory last week for the Raiders ... a hot start is just what they need (which is precisely what I expected out of Atlanta).
Loss  35-28 Falcons

Jaguars +3 (CHARGERS)

I'm throwing the Jags a bone.  They showed me something last week against the Packers.  Otherwise, the Chargers put up 27 points last week against the Chiefs.  But you tell me why they're only laying three points at home..
Loss  38-14 Chargers

VIKINGS +2 1/2 (Packers)

Minnesota's new stadium home opener.  Last week's Packers/Jaguars game is one of those things that make me say ... hmmm.
WIN  17-14 Vikings

Schmear of the Week:  0-1

Broncos -6 1/2
WIN

Guten Appetit:

Chicken and pork kabobs over yellow rice, shrimp on sticks, grilled garlic corn on the cob, and salad.  Later, hot apple pie and ice cream with a cappuccino.

Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday everybody!


Post Game:
Week Two Record:  5-9
Overall Record:  10-17-1
Schmear of the Week:  1-1
BAGELS in the Basket:  -8