Week 9

The Buffalo Bills won an important “away” game against the Redskins shutting them out in the process.  Ryan Fitzpatrick signed a new contract for $59 million over six years; $24 million guaranteed; $33 million in the first three years.  The Patriots got beat in a great game against the Steelers.  The Miami Dolphins were oh-so-close to getting their first win, but good Eli Manning showed up and snatched it away from them.  A couple of other random notes before we get into the week eight discussion.

• I was really impressed with the World Series this year, and I know that isn’t going out on a limb to say, but game six was absolutely amazing. 

• I want to take a little bit of space to give a shout-out to all the people at The Plant, a net-zero energy vertical farm.  I haven’t been down to volunteer lately due to scheduling issues; however as soon as I get a free Saturday I would love to get back.  Anyone in the Chicago area should check it out.

• I started another batch of lovely homebrew on Sunday.  My “pico” brewing company, Amber Valley Brewing, will be releasing its “Old Professor”; a ginger beer around Thanksgiving, and its “Job Hunter” porter sometime early 2012.  And by releasing I mean giving to family and friends to drink.

• As a Atlanta Braves fan, it was a painful end of the season watching the Braves tank and miss the playoffs (although I am glad the Cardinals won the Series as it makes it easier to justify losing the wildcard) however, the first three offseason moves made by the Braves have been in the right direction.  Trading Derek Lowe (and a good chunk of his salary) to the Cleveland Indians for a pitching prospect makes me very happy as a fan.  The Braves also picked up Eric Hinske’s option but declined Nate McLouth’s, both solid moves.

• A big thanks to Bridie McKenna’s for having an outstanding Halloween  costume party, band, and Guinness beef stew.  There is nothing I enjoy more than a Saturday night, great USC vs. Stanford football game, great Irish pub food, fantastic beer, good people, a great band all the while everyone being dressed up for Halloween.  I literally spent most of the night sitting at the bar between some dude dressed as “Thing one” from Dr. Seuss and a really attractive cowgirl. Awesome

• Had a very enjoyable time in Milwaukee last week with friends.  Hit up Blu for the view, Dicks for milkshakes (alcoholic of course), and Distil for some of the best cocktails in Milwaukee.  All three incredibly fine establishments with very talented staffs.

• North Dakota State University beat the University of Northern Iowa on Saturday to take over the #1 ranking in FCS football.  Probably one of the biggest games in Fargo Dome history.  I love this football team.  Quarterback Brock Jenson is unbelievable, running back DJ McNorton and wide receiver Warren Holloway are a joy to watch, wide receiver Ryan Smith is plucky and quick, definitely the Wes Welker of the team, and the defense with end Coulter Boyer and defensive backs Marcus Williams and Colton Heagle is absolutely stifling.  So much to like about this team and I am incredibly hopeful I can get back to Fargo for a playoff game and ultimately Texas for a National Championship game.  Up next on Saturday, Indiana State University (Larry Bird University).

Week 8 – How close was I?

2-1 this week. For the year 15-10 not bad, not good.

                        Predictions                              Actual

Mia @ NYG      35-13                                    20-17

Was @ Buf        17-28                                      0-23

NE @ Pit           31-30                                    17-25

Miami @ Kansas City

Miami played a pretty decent game against the New York last week going ahead for most of the game; however the Dolphins defense let them down at the end of the game allowing Eli Manning to throw for 349 yards and two touch downs.  The Giants defense sacked Matt Moore five times and got key plays at the end of the game with multiple sacks and an interception to seal it.  Kansas City played a great game beating San Diego on Monday Night Football to take a share of the lead in the AFC West.  Both quarterbacks had numerous turnovers and neither looked sharp overthrowing their receivers on key plays.  Jon Baldwin, the rookie wide receiver for Kansas City had a nice game getting his first touchdown.

Personally, I still don’t believe in Kansas City, I think they have too many holes to be a good team, however they have won a few games in a row now and Miami is still looking for their first win.  Look for Kansas City to roll out their ground game heavily.

Key Injuries: Mike Pouncey C (Mia), Jon McGraw SS (KC)   

Predication: Miami 17 – Kansas City 27

New York Jets @ Buffalo

Buffalo had ten sacks against the Washington without NT Kyle Williams or LB Shawne Merriman.  Rookie Marcell Dareus looked outstanding recording 2.5 sacks.  It was the first time a team coached by Mike Shanahan has been shut out and the only other time Shanahan has been involved in a shut out he was the wide receivers coach for the Broncos in 1984.  The Jets are coming off of a bye and still hungry for wins sitting 4-3 and currently third in the division.  Look for the Jets to pressure Ryan Fitzpatrick all day long.  Both running games are going to play key roles in this game and whichever one is the most successful, more than likely will win the game.  Stevie Johnson gets banished to Revis Island this weekend, tough news for fantasy owners and Ryan Fitzpatrick.  I am really optimistic about this game as a win would be huge for how the division plays out, however I think coming off a bye the Jets will be itching for a win and really fired up.  Hoping for a close game, but I think New York pulls this one out to get even in the division.

Key Injuries: David Harris LB (NYJ), Demetrius Bell LT (Buf), Donald Jones WR (Buf)   

Predication:  New York Jets 23 – Buffalo 21

New York Giants @ New England

The Giants got a big come back win against lowly Miami last week to stay atop the NFC East by a two game margin.  New England got beat in what was definitely one of the best games of the week against Pittsburgh.  I do want to point out that if you had told me at the start of the season “at week nine, Buffalo will have more total points for and less total points against than New England” I absolutely would have slapped you, or thought Tom Brady got seriously injured.  No deep threat for a second year in New England and a defensive secondary that is highly suspect has prevented New England from being totally dominant.  Still a very good team, I think New England gets back on track this week against the Giants, especially if the Giants start slow like they did last week.

Key Injuries:  Ahmad Bradshaw RB (NYG), Hakeem Nicks WR (NYG), Justin Tryon CB (NYG), Shaun Ellis DE (NE), BenJarvus Green-Ellis RB (NE)  

Predication:  New York Giants 24 – New England 34

Email me at l_presser@hotmail.com

Twitter @ldpsci

Questions? Comments? Quemments? Tweet or email me, and until next week, the dude abides.