Kansas City Chiefs' 2012 Season: Game by Game Predictions

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Earlier this week, in my 2012 NFL Predictions, I prognosticated our Kansas City Chiefs to finish this season at 9-7.

{collective readership yawn}

Well, just wait till you see how they get there!!! WE'RE GONNA GO THROUGH BUFFALO! AND THEN WE'RE GONNA GO THROUGH NEW ORLEANS! BYAH BYAH BYAH!!!!!

And so forth...

Week 1: Atlanta Falcons - This one's tough. And not only because I personally predicted the Falcons to win the Soup and/er Bowl this year. But, rather, because the Chiefs will be without Tamba Hali (only the most important Chiefs playa), while Brandon Flowers and Derrick Johnson aren't 100% (the next most valuable Chiefs defenders). The Chiefs always have a chance at Arrowhead, but the magic won't be enough this time.

P.S. Cheer for Tony Gonzalez, would ya?

PreDirktion: Atlanta 27, Kansas City 17, 0-1

Week 2: @ Buffalo Bills - I think the Chiefs put their toughness on display right here. The Bills are a popular choice as a surprise team this season, but (hopefully) the Chiefs remember the last time these two met (although I wish I didn't). With a trip to New Orleans looming, this game hovers around must-win status. And I think they're up for it.

PreDirktion: Kansas City 24, Buffalo 20, 1-1

Week 3: @ New Orleans Saints - Nobody expects the Chiefs to win this game. However, the Saints are flooded with turmoil right now. They will be led by an interim to the interim head coach for the first six weeks. They have two very winnable games prior to this game, and a trip to Green Bay awaiting in Week 4. Call me maybe crazy, but I think the Chiefs win this game with a steady dose of the runs.

PreDirktion: Kansas City 28, New Orleans 19, 2-1

Week 4: San Diego Chargers - The Chiefs are sitting pretty, returning home with a 2-1 record, with the NFL world having taken notice of last week's upset. Sound like a classic Chiefs letdown to you? Me too. Heartbreaker of the worst kind.

PreDirktion: San Diego 31, Kansas City 17, 2-2

Week 5: Baltimore Ravens - I hate Baltimore. I'm tired of them. I don't want to look at Joe Flacco's stupid face anymore. The Wire is overrated. The Orioles are gonna blow it. (Ok, one of those is a joke.) This has the feel of a statement game for the Chiefs. It's a game that Baltimore feels they should win, given the playoff debacle of 2010. But I think they're vulnerable this year, and I think the Chiefs help expose that guerilla warfare stylee.

PreDirktion: Kansas City 17, Baltimore 13, 3-2

Week 6: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers - My surprise team of the NFL coming off of their bye week. While most fans have this game circled as a potential road win, I beg to differ. And not because of a feeble effort from the El Jefes. P.S. The Chiefs are 3-17 in their last 20 trips to Florida.

PreDirktion: Tampa Bay 16, Kansas City 13 OT, 3-3

BYE WEEK ~ Dirkness says relax.

Week 8: Oakland Raiders - I'm straight up embarrassed to type these words, but here goes: The Raiders have beaten the Chiefs at Arrowhead five straight times. Fiiiiiive tiiiiiimes. Guess who the Raiders' QB was the last time the Chiefs won at home (answer). Double ve-te-effe! This might be the game I'd most like to see the Chiefs win this season. It's gone on long enough.

PreDirktion: Kansas City 31, Oakland 10, 4-3

Week 9: @ San Diego Chargers - Some Thursday night action. I feel like the Chiefs never win in San Diego. And I certainly never predict them to win there. This year is no different.

PreDirktion: San Diego 30, Kansas City 16, 4-4

Week 10: @ Pittsburgh Steelers - Sweet Haley's revenge! For both sides really. I'm sure Todd hates K.C. as much as we I hate Billy Goat Haley (although I still haven't gotten my chance to kick his dog). Luckily, neither side has Tyler Palko. Another primetime game for the Chiefs means another tough opponent and another raucous crowd. Don't like our chances.

PreDirktion: Pittsburgh 17, Kansas City 9, 4-5

Week 11: Cincinnati Bengals - First time QB at Arrowhead Stadium alert! That still means something right? The Bengals surprised last season, which means they're headed for disappointment this year according to Pythagoras, Lord of the NFL. Who's ready for a mid-afternoon romp?

PreDirktion: Kansas City 27, Cincinnati 10, 5-5

Week 12: Denver Broncos - I saw some classic Peyton Manning highlights on Sportscenter the other day, and I'm happy to report his balls flutter WAY more now than they used to. 80% of him is still scary though. And he's not afraid of Arrowhead Stadium. This game has the feel of an Elway-like heartbreak that'll feel like the end of the season.

PreDirktion: Denver 24, Kansas City 21, 5-6

Week 13: Carolina Panthas - CAAAAAAAMM. CAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMM!! That is all.

PreDirktion: Kansas City 23, Camolina 10, 6-6

Week 14: @ Cleveland Browns - This team looks bad. Trent Richardson has knee-itis. Nobody knows if Brandon Weeden will hit his prime or retire first. And I can't really name another player of note on their team. Easy road win.

PreDirktion: Kansas City 24, Cleveland 13, 7-6

Week 15: @ Oakland Raiders - I will continue my tradition of the past 8 years and pick us to beat the Raiders in both meetings. I really don't see a way around it.

PreDirktion: Kansas City 17, Oakland 14, 8-6

Week 16: Indianapolis Colts - A shitty time to draw the Colts and Andrew Luck, who won't be playing like a rookie QB come December (if at all). With the Chiefs still in the hunt, this is a game that Arrowhead needs to pull out for the team.

PreDirktion: Kansas City 30, Indianapolis 20, 9-6

Week 17: @ Denver Broncos - According to my prognostiDirkifications, this game could might decide the AFC West (which most likely means the bright lights of Sunday Night Football). As much as my hands want to type "W" here, my mind tells me it's a game the Chiefs lose (but still make the playoffs!!!). Reverse jinx confirmed.

PreDirktion: Denver 20, Kansas City 16, 9-7

Goal is to beat my last season's performance of 10-6.

Fuck Roger Goodell,
His Dirkness

2012 NCAA Tournament Thoughts (Monday)

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The Selection Sunday holiday has come and gone, but fear not, because Erection Monday is here!

Damnit, can't a guy masterbracket in this house?!?

With the Chiefs seemingly well out of the Peyton Manning quest, it feels completely appropriate to dive deep into the heart of Bracketville, NJ (for whatever reason, I picture this imaginary bracketeered town in New Jersey, somewhere near Hoboken) all week long.

Ahh, there is nothing finer than settling in with a freshly printed bracket, debating all the possibilities in your head, really trying to determine the flow of the Tournament. That's what it's all about right there. I really try to harness that beautiful bracket's chi in that time frame (ranging anywhere from 5 minutes to multiple lifetimes). What's going to define this year's bracket? First round upsets? Sweet 16 showdowns? Mid major surprises? First seed early exits? This is why, as Joey Tribbiani once got inside his map, I feel it's necessary to get inside the bracket.

So, the plan, as of now, is to write on this matter daily, keeping a diary of my unfiltered NCAA Tournament thoughts, so that the (approximately) 34 1/2 hours I spend staring deep into my bracket's eyes this week don't go to waste.

Without making you wait any Longar Longar, let get it...

*I filled out my first bracket last night. This was the celebration that followed...



Final Four: 2 Duke, 5 Vanderbilt, 1 Michigan St, 1 North Carolina
Championship: 1 North Carolina over 2 Duke (I know, right?)
Surprises: 13 New Mexico St, 13 Ohio, 12 Long Beach St (Sweet 16), 11 NC State (Sweet 16), 10 West Virginia (Sweet 16), 7 Florida (Elite 8)

*It should be noted, that the previous bracket was filled out online, which tends to play out different than a bracket scribed by hand. You better believe I'll be tracking which method is superior.

*One of my favorite aspects of this week is determining different bracket strategies. This year, my plan is to fill out 5 brackets, one for each day of the week. I'll listen to a different genre of music for each bracket (last night's was to Nirvana). Each of the 5 will also have their own loosely applied theme (last night's was done before I saw/read anybody else's bracket).

*I just happened to look at ESPN, and good god, if you pick all four #1 seeds to advance to the Final Four (looking at you, Bilas) then you are officially lamer than Jim Halpert (who recently shocked Joe Buck in the Lame National Championship Game).

*The bracket strategy I'm most excited for this year is a brand new one for me, and is heavily influenced by VCU's run last season. It's entirely based on what is said during the CBS Selection Show. Here's my theory: The brackets are exclusively revealed on this hour long show, which means EVERYBODY watches, including the players, coaches, etc. I believe a team's psyche is majorly affected by anything Seth Davis, Greg Anthony and company say. VCU got railed on last year. Everybody said they had no business even being in the Tournament and they responded by playing like they had something to prove. So, this future bracket is to be filled out in complete reaction to everything said on that specific show. They loved 2 Missouri? Boom, going out early. 8 Memphis over 1 Michigan State huh? Not a chance. Davis puts his balls on the table and takes 14 South Dakota State over 3 Baylor - Not in this bracket. I vigorously took notes during this hour, and have high hopes for what might come of this anti-media bracket.

*All that being said, too many people are pointing at Iona to be this year's VCU, which means it ain't happening (still probably pick them to win a game in that specific bracket to stick with the theme).

*Speaking of Iona, anybody else shocked to see a play-in game on the 14 seed line? That hardly seems fair to Marquette. Word on the street is this is because of BYU's weird ass Chick-Fil-A closed on Sunday policy. The teams emerging from the "first four" are extra dangerous because they've gotten rid of any jitters they may have had and they've already tasted victory (see: VCU last year).

*Every March, I find a player or two that I feel the same way towards that I did Kelly Kapowski in 7th grade. Two years ago it was Omar Sanham of St. Mary's. Last year it was Kenneth Faried of Morehead St. This year's leading candidate is Yancy Gates of Cincinnati (is it that obvious I like 6'8 black dudes? Blackpeoplemeet.com here I come!).

*Best I can tell, this year's trendy upset pick is 13 Montana over 4 Wisconsin, closely followed by 12 Long Beach St. over 5 New Mexico. In other words, don't be that guy trying to impress everybody with these "upsets."

*North Carolina drew the easiest of the brackets (and that includes Kansas). Michigan and Georgetown don't scare me in the slightest. It's hard for me to see any team other than KU or North Carolina making it out of the Midwest. Ranking the regions: 1. East 2. South 3. West 4. Midwest

More on KU, Mizzou, and other teams you might care about tomorrow,
His Dirkness

Baseball Playoff Predictions

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Ay. I feel like making predictions for a sport I don't know a whole hell of a lot about. I always feel when I'm making my NCAA Tournament picks that some guy who knows nothing about College Basketball stands a better chance than me. This is my chance to be that guy.

Plus I'm motivated by what was the best 10 minutes of baseball I've watched since the 2004 ALCS (that was between the Yanks and the Sox). Here's what happened to my interest though: The Red Sox won the World Series, and immediately became as unlikeable as the Yankees. This left me with nobody to root for in this rivalry. And since half of ESPN's coverage is devoted to this overrated conflict (yea I said it), I have little choice but to ignore the sport that I've little interest in (probably because I never played it and the Royals have always sucked).

This is what will happen.

Tampa Bay over Texas in 6 4

The Devil Rays are hot. The Rangers did good last year I think. Seems obvious. Especially after seeing everybody on ESPN.com take the Rangers. Idiots.

Detroit over NY Yankees in 7 5

This Turdlander dude from the Tigers seems like the real deal. He wins Game 7 5 in New Yahk. The Yankees aren't even fun to hate anymore, they're just boring.

Milwaukee over Arizona in 5 4

Brewers seem rough. Prince Fielder (The Vegetarian Bomber) has a swagger to him. Ryan Braun wore a leather jacket on an episode of PTI, and passes the Sportscenter test (good highlights, game winning plays). I'm gonna go ahead and root for the Brew Crew in these playoffs. 

Philadelphia over St. Louis in 5 3

This is gonna piss my buddy Brockoli Jones off to no end, but the Phillies are getting to the World Series at the very least. Their pitchers are way better than everybody else's. 

*so apparently baseball begins the playoffs with 5 game serieseses

His dirkliness

2011 NFL Power Rankings - Preseason

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No introduction necessary, lets just rank em boyeeeeee...

The Paul Thomas Anderson 3-named Fav's:
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Green Bay Packers
3. New England Patriots
4. San Diego Chargers

The Annuals:
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Baltimore Ravens
7. Philadelphia Eagles

The Pretenders:
8. New York Jets
9. Atlanta Falcons

The X(-Ray) Factor:
10. Indianapolis Colts

The Little Lebowski Urban (under)Achievers:
11. Houston Texans
12. Dallas Cowboys

The Overpicked Surprise Team:
13. Detroit Lions

The Potential Surprises:
14. Cleveland Browns
15. Minnesota Vikings
16. Buffalo Bills

The One Year Kevin Arnold Wonder Years:
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
18. Kansas City Chiefs

The Jackie O'Nassis Has Beens:
19. New York Giants
20. Chicago Bears

The Quin Snyder D-League:

21. St Louis Rams

22. Arizona Cardinals

23. San Francisco 49ers

24. Seattle Seahawks

The Potential Harry Houdini Spit On Her Back Surprise Team:

25. Denver Broncos

The Bob Loblaws:

26. Oakland Raiders

27. Tennessee Titans

The White Flaggers:

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Spergon Wynn Division:

29. Washington Redskins

30. Miami Dolphins

31. Carolina Panthers

The Andrew Luck Frontrunners:
32. Cincinnati Bengals

NBA Western Conference Finals Preview

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EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS PREVIEW

Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

I couldn't imagine a funner pairing. Two of my three favorite teams battling it out for the Western Conference Finals (reminds me a lot of the Mavs-Suns series in 2006). Dirk and Durant are two of my very favorite playas in the NBA (interestingly enough, the last time I cheered against Durant, I applauded him throughout the game - against KU in Allen Fieldhouse). However, there is little doubt in my mind that my allegiances align with the Mavs (and with The Man). I am unbelievably excited for this to begin (only the premier of Franklin & Bash could compare), and will be glued to my TV for every single minute of this series.

*Dirk's Last Run? With Dirk's body wearing down more and more (although, he seemingly reinvents his game a little bit every year as the process proceeds) you have to wonder if this is his last chance at a ring. The Mavs are the type of team that can only truly make runs in transition years in the NBA (their last run coming before the Laker years). The Spurs were around before that, but they do the same thing, just better (however, even they are done now). The NBA is easier to forecast than the other professional sports, and we are entering a time that will be dominated by the Heat, Thunder, Bulls, and maybe Knicks. Once the Thunder evolve into what they are destined to be, the Mavs will have a much tougher time upstaging them. So even though I only project one dominant team in the Western Conference over the next handful of years, I expect them to be so superior to the Mavs, and that this will indeed be Dirka Dirka's last run at an NBA Championship.

*Rusty Mavs - My biggest concern (or atleast 1 of 2) is the time off in between games for the Mavs. They last played two Sundays ago. That's 8 days in between. The time off may be good for the legs of fogies like J-Kidd and Peja and Marion and Terry and Dirk (damn, this team is old), but you never encounter anything like that throughout the entire season. Basketball is a rhythm sport (and they were coming off the best rhythm I may have ever seen), and it's impossible to tell whether they still have the touch or not. This has me very worried about Game 1 for the Mavs, where it'll take atleast a quarter for them to get back into rhythm with each other. In fact, I fully expect the Thunder to come in and steal home court advantage tonight because of the Mavs' reliance on jumpshots.

*Mavs as favorites? I was all excited about how the Mavs were sitting pretty following their clubbing of the Lake show, because of how little they were being talked about nationally. Their performance in Game 4 was the best game a team has played in these NBA Playoffs (not as big a case of the Lakers quitting as everybody, including me, wanted to think). The barrage of 3 pointers was really like nothing I had seen before (Jason Terry and Peja StojankyNuts combining to go 15-16. Seriously. 15 of 16.). The Lakers may have been well on their way to quitting, but we'll never really know because the Mavs buried them alive. Not to mention, how everybody had foolishly fallen head over heels for the Heat after squeaking out victories against a team who's 2nd best player had 1 elbow. The Mavs were flying perfectly under the radar, just how they like it, or so I had thought...

But the past two days I've been watching ESPN and I literally haven't heard a single expert pick the oKC Thunder. Not a single one. I think I saw a fan poll on the series winner that came out to about 50-50, but I was in some kind of haze at the time. Needless to say, the Mavs do not thrive in the role as favorites (although this team has been turning many of their perceptions into misconceptions). I think if it were up to them, they'd fly under the radar the whole way, not necessarily as the underdogs, but just not talked about. They don't want the spotlight shone on them (hence the meltdown in the Finals, where the lights are the brightest). However, if they are able to handle the spotlight, and their new roles as favorites, I believe it's finally time to put everything we once thought about the Mavs to bed.

*Series Breakdown/The Wire - My biggest worry is who will guard Russell Westbrook (Stringer Bell), who scares the bejesus outta me. He seemed to have finally found the correct balance in Game 7 as a scoring point guard and a distributor to Kevin Durant (Avon Barksdale). Kidd is definitely not fast enough. DeShawn probably isn't either. Terry is, but he gives up a lot in size to RWB (I will say that I like Marion covering Durant though). I think we might see a lot of Corey Brewer in this series, the most athletic perimeter player the Mavs have (and somebody I believe in). It might take a few games to figure that out though (however, coaching advantage goes to the Mavs). I'm also very excited for the rebounding wars (corner wars) between Kendrick Perkins (Slim Charles) and Tyson Chandler (Chris Partlow). Meanwhile, Jason Whitlock (Prop Joe) thinks Serge Iblocka (hopefully not Kenard) could provide the best cover on Dirk (Omar) in the NBA. All these matchups got me feeling a little bit like Clay Davis...."Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit."

*PreDirktion - This series boils down to who's on a bigger mission - Dirk or Durant. While I think Durant showed great prowess in a Game 7 victory, I think he knows he's got many years ahead of him. Meanwhile, I think Dirk has been meditating somewhere in the Himalayas for the past 8 days, and is ready to fully seize the opportunity in front of him. He can't say "there's always next year" as easily as The Durantula can. So, even though I began writing this preview with the belief that I was picking the Thunder, I have settled back on to the Mavs, because I truly believe that Dirk is on a mission.

Mavs over Thunder in 7

his dirkness

NBA Playoffs Preview Extravaganza

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I am pumped for these NBA Playoffs. The best regular season I can remember hopefully leads directly into the postseason. However, I must admit that a little bit of the momentum has been lost because of how stupid long the regular season is. Shorten the season to 50 games and the NBA skyrockets in popularity (I hesitate to say NFL territory, but if the lockout continued...who knows?).

I'm gonna hit you all with a few lists to get you ready for a weekend chalk full of 8 games. I'm gonna appetize you all by ranking the 16 teams in order of my personal rooting interests, entree you by ranking the teams' chances of winning the Championship, impress you with my top 10 most intriguing players souffle, and finally rank the playoff series in pumptitude for your midnight delight (predictions included - hanky panky not included). Bon appetit.

Ranking my favorite NBA Playoff teams:
1. Dallas Mavericks (some competition from the Knicks but not enough)
2. New York Knicks (may pass the Mavs if they go on any kind of run and I get sentimental)
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
4. Memphis Grizzlies
5. Portland Trailblazers
6. Indiana Pacers
7. Chicago Bulls
8. Boston Celtics
9. Philadelphia 76ers
10. Denver Nuggets
11. Atlanta Hawks
12. New Orleans Hornets
13. Orlando Magic (don't really dislike but they are somewhat favored)
14. Miami Heat (huge dropoff from 14 to 15)
15. Los Angeles Lakers (hate them more than #16 but
16. San Antonio Spurs (so boring I can't watch them)

Ranking the NBA Playoff teams' title chances:
1. Los Angeles Lakers - They're the favorites, but I feel like their run is over at the same time. I feel like if they do win it this year, it'll be their last.
2. Miami Heat - I've gone back and forth about loving and hating the Heat. I've finally settled on rooting against them, but they certainly have made things interesting. No matter how they do in these playoffs, it's bound to be dramatic and spectacular. My biggest question is if they've gone too hard in the regular season trying to prove everybody wrong and don't have much left. My biggest fear is that they've been saving something for everybody in the playoffs and blow everybody to smithereens.
3. Boston Celtics - Everybody is making a big deal that the C's haven't played that well the last month of the season (9-10). People might've forgot they finished last season 27-27. Then they made the NBA Finals. This is what the Celtics do.
4. OKansaslahoma City Thunder - Became a legitimate threat with the acquisition of The Kobe Killah Kendrick (or as I like to call him, KKK). Love their chances this year, but am worried about too many teams hopping on their bandwagon and them blowing their first round matchup with the Denver Dankness.
5. Chicago Bulls - Worried about their title chances because NBA teams usually have to pay their dues before they win an NBA title. Remind me of the 2011 Kansas Jayhawks with Boozer and Noah bangin' down low like the Morrissi, and D-Rose banging chicks at midcourt of the United Center like Tyshawn. Will their supporting cast (of Deng, Bogans, Korver, Gibson, Thomas) let them down like KU's?
6. San Antonio Spurs - The final Finals candidate. Yes, this is a 6 team tournament. I just don't see it out of the Spurs this year (as you'll find out later), or maybe it's just wishful thinking. I'm not sure what it is about them, but I'd rather watch the WNBA Draft than a Spurs game. Seriously.
7. Orlando Magic - Became semi-contenders by trading away Vince Carter. Gonna need Turd Glue to dominate in order to make a run. I'm bored with them.
8. Dallas Mavericks - Never good when the bottom teams are jockeying for position to play you in the first round. I hope the Mavs have a run in them, but I don't see it. Once again, they have no second option to His Dirkness. In fact, since Steve Nash departed, the Mavs have only had two All-Stars opposite Dirk - Josh Howard (who was so bad that I swore the Mavs off until they cut him - also he was an injury replacement) and Jason Kidd (who was an honorary selection in 2010) - That's it, that's the list.
9. Portland Trailblazers - Sucks that they're squaring off with the Dirks in the first round. In Sports Guy's playoff podcast he said "Dirk might be the best player in the series, while the Blazers might have the next best 4-5 guys." Eeks, egads!
10. New York Knicks - Very excited to watch meaningful basketball in the Gahden. I was hoping and pleading for Knicks/Heat in the first round so we could hopefully see another big time brawl. Seriously, when was the last time a big fight took place in the playoffs?
11. Memphis Grizzlies - The Grizz beat the Spurs twice in the month of March, and lost to them earlier in the season in overtime. AND, apparently, they tanked at the end of the season in order to draw the Spurs in round one. I'm intrigued.
12. Denver Nuggets - Astounding 10 players averaging double figures for them this season (more amazingly, 8 of those players are still on the team).
13. Atlanta Hawks - Could be fired up after getting absolutely embarrassed by the Magic (their opponent again this year) last season. Either way, nobody in Atlanta will care.
14. Philadelphia 76ers - Literally have no players of note.
15. Indiana Pacers - Like a College all-stars team with Brandon Rush (BRong), Tyler Hansbrough (secretly become a fan), Darren Collison, Roy Hibbert, Josh McRoberts (he made the NBA! And he plays!), and TJ Ford baby! Haven't watched them all year, but am secretly very excited to.
16. New Orleans Hornets - For whatever reason Chris Paul bores me.

Top 10 Most Intriguing Players:
**Kobe Bryant will not be included out of respect for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance**

1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks - Here's a player who isn't interested in his own image, legend, or perception of him (he's soft) filling people's minds. He's not afraid to be himself, despite getting crushed for not carrying himself like the western media thinks he should. Despite that, he's more interested in self-depracating himself than self-promotion. He leaves it all on the floor each and every game but accepts losing if that is his fate. And if you said to me that's not a winner's attitude, then I wouldn't argue with you. But my love for him is complicated and goes deeper than just winning. I think his biggest problem might be that he goes all out every time he steps on the floor, and therefore doesn't have that extra gear come playoff time. I believe he's of the mindset that everything is bigger than wins and losses. I might not like him as much if he played for "my team," but casually watching him he's really developed into one of my favorite athletes of all time.
2. Kevin Durant, oKC Thunder - Declared his greatness after seeing him live at Allen Fieldhouse 4 years ago (best athlete I've ever seen live - yes I saw LeBron this summer). I've believed he's had a certain special nature about him. I've seen him score in the NBA, but now I'd like to see him dominate. I can't perfectly describe what I mean, but if you watch him in these playoffs you might see it. He is special.
3. LeBron James, Miami Heat - I'm glad Bron bolted for Miami because he could've easily become very stale and boring in Cleveland. Now he's polarizing and has become very interesting. Now if only he'd embrace his role as the villain (I'm talking Hollywood Hogan style) he could gain my undying support.
4. Kendrick Perkins, oKC Thunder - Stands as the reason the Celtics can't win it all and the reason the Thunder can. Could be the best defensive big man in the league. The Kobe Killah has now walked off the Staples Center floor (without injury) victorious three times in a row. He don't like Kobe.
5. Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls - I love any player that ever records more rebounds than points in a game (not to mention players that shoot free throws like my mom). Noah has to be commended if the Bulls do win it all. Dude is just a winner.
6. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks - Just excited to see what he can do. I have never really rooted for him before, but he is delightful to watch. He's a big body and likes to play physical. Would love to watch him v. LeBron in a 7 game series.
7. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics - Actually led the NBA in +/- per minute (the most important stat in all of basketball). Always a joy to watch the most unheralded clutch player in the game clash with the LeBroner.
8. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic - I'm excited for the day when he wins an NBA title. Why? Because Howard seems really immature and I don't think he'd handle the success very well, which I'd love to see.
9. Gerald Wallace, Portland T-Blazers - Seems like a uniquely special player that we've never really seen before because he hasn't made the playoffs before (Stat Boy tells me he made the playoffs with the Bobcats last year, but there's little evidence to support that).
10. Brandon Rush/Mario Chalmers/Darrell Arthur, Kansas Jayhawks - Good to see both bottom seeded teams with KU players in the regular rotation. It's cool see these guys in the playoffs, and gives me a reason to support the lesser teams in games that might otherwise be meaningless to me.

Ranking the Playoff series (Predictions included):
1. Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks - Celtics in 7
2. Dallas Mavericks vs. Portland Trailblazers - Mavs in 7
3. oKC Thunder vs. Denver Nuggs - Thunder in 6
4. San Antonio Spurs vs. Memphis Grizzlies - Grizzlies in 6 (oh no he didn't!)
5. Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers - Heat in 5
6. Chicago Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers - Bulls in 5
7. Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans Hornets - Lakers in 4
8. Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks - Magic in 6

NBA Finals Prediction:
Miami Heat over Oklahoma City Thunder

2010 NFL Playoff Predictions

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Chiefs playoff preview extravaganza wrapping up later today, with the keys to victory for our CHIEFSSS!!!!

To get you caught up here's links to anything and everything you need to know this week:

• Opening Thoughts on Why Ravens are Better Matchup Than Jets
• Ranking The Playoff Quarterbacks
• Ranking The Playoff Teams
• Breaking Down the Baltimore Ravens

Now for some playoff predictions, which I usually struggle mightily with.....

AFC-

Wildcard Round:

New York Jets over Indianapolis Colts 20-17

Kansas City Chiefs over Baltimore Ravens 20-10

Divisional Round:

New England Patriots over New York Jets 30-14

Pittsburgh Steelers over Kansas City Chiefs 13-7

AFC Championship:

Pittsburgh Steelers over New England Patriots 31-27

NFC-

Wildcard Round:

New Orleans Saints over Seattle Seahawks 24-21

Philadelphia Eagles over Green Bay Packers 28-14

Divisional Round:

New Orleans Saints over Atlanta Falcons 27-10

Philadelphia Eagles over Chicago Bears 23-13

NFC Championship:

Philadelphia Eagles over New Orleans Saints 30-20

Super Bowl:

Pittsburgh Steelers over Philadelphia Eagles 17-13

His Dirkness

2010 Kansas Jayhawks Basketball Preview

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This is the kinda team KU is more likely to win a championship with. Or maybe I should say, this team is more like the team that DID win the National Championship at the University of Kansas. That team was not filled with stars, but a collection of good players that all played together.

A humorous hindsight: The biggest worry from the 2007-08 Kansas Jayhawks team was a fear of who would take the big shot when the situation called for it. I'm still confident in my Brandon Rush pick.

When Bill Self spoke about this year's team at the media conference a few weeks ago, he had this to say, which I found very interesting....

Last year, Sherron needed to know he was responsible for everything...This year doesn't have anyone like that. This team is closer than last year's team.

This quote stuck with me. Were we catering to one player too much? Maybe a more balanced team leads to more success in the NCAA Tournament. Duke's National Championship team would definitely be evidence of that fact. The quality of that team that stuck out above all else was how well each of their players knew their role. They didn't step outside of their talents, played with a great chemistry, and probably ranked in the lower half of the Top 25 in terms of pure talent. Kansas may have had a more talented team last year, but this year's team may be better built for success when it matters most.

The leaders of this Jayhawks team begins, but doesn't end, with the Morrisi (oh, it's back baby!). Here's what Marcus Morris had to say after losing to Northern Iowa last year....

I know I’ll be back next year, and I’ll be a leader of this team next year. Summertime, I’ll work as hard as I’ve ever worked in my life and try to bring a national championship to KU before I go anywhere.

I can remember my head filling with confidence for the 2010-11 season immediately after hearing this. I felt like he was speaking on the entire team's behalf. A team that figured out that things aren't handed to you in the NCAA Tournament. You have to go out and earn it. Now they know.

Marcus Morris elevated his game from last year in the exhibition game on Tuesday, pouring in 28 points and 7 rebounds (and perhaps more importantly, 11-11 at the free throw line). Combine that with brotha man Markieff's 12 points and 8 rebounds, and there might be quite the brotherhood (eh eh?) building on the low block this year. I expect the Morrisi to thrive without Cole clogging up the lane (yea, I said it). Traditional centers aren't the way to win in College Basketball. I'd much rather have, ahem, athletic big men that can get out and run the floor as well as bang inside. Give me all the 6'8 power forwards you got! I'd start five of them if I were running things.

I have high expectations for Mario Little this year as well. Remember, he was the National JUCO Player of the Year before coming to KU in 2008. He had a few injury problems that year and was forced to play catch up the entire season. I also believed he was playing out of position and would be moving back to his more natural "3" spot on the wing this year. However, exhibition night, against them dang Ichabods, there he was down low again. Why? Put him out on the wing Bill! He reminds me of a Michigan State style wing player, which is a definite compliment. Little needs to become a major factor for this team to be something, and 18 minutes and 8 points (vs. Washburn) isn't going to get it done.

How about the freshman from last year? Thomas Robinson is very mobile down low, but still raw. He will be allowed to develop off the bench this year, and hopefully has things figured out come conference play. Elijah Johnson will most likely be starting alongside Tyshawn Taylor in the backcourt, at least until the Selbinator shows up. Eli-souljah Boy provides some much needed athleticism in the backcourt, offsetting the Tighty Whiteys' (it's backkkk) abilities. And seriously, Bill, it was cute and all starting both of them for the first game, but we've got to move on. I'm cool with lil' Tyrel chucking up 3's, but Cornbread hasn't been the same since this unfortunate, yet hysterical, incident....



Bill's pissed about something else and demands to know why everybody is laughing, Dooley is beside himself because he once hit 127 straight free throws, Cole doesn't want to be the first person to laugh because his Pa would yell at him, while Markieff can't find his brother to commence immediate cackling. What a great, great video. Go ahead and watch it again, with an eye on the players in the backcourt while it's happening. Fantastic! Oh yea, but Cornbread's career ended right there. Hey, more than most of us have ever accomplished.

I have yet to really comment on the Josh Selby situation, which I haven't really been following at all. I assume he is going to play at some point. I also assume that I'm the only person hoping that he doesn't. The Jayhawks don't need him. Let me remind you of my thoughts on one-and-done players, with an anecdote from my reaction to the Northern Iowa loss.....

I don't ever want a one-and-done player at Kansas EVER AGAIN! It is a set back for the program. It is a stepping stone for players that have very little-to-no interest in the college game. They play the Tournament with one eye on their stats and one eye on the signing bonus that is 2 months away. In the case of JR Giddens II (Henryzation X), he was so hyped coming into the year, that he never even had anything to prove. Show up, wait a year, get paid. I understand Self going after him for this year with the idea that he is the missing piece to an almost complete team. I hope he learned his lesson. The worst part is that they don't breed championships. Carmelo Anthony is the exception, not the rule. Now, if a player leaves after one year following a deep Tournament run that is fine, but no more players that are assured to leave after one year. Get 'em out!

Geez, Dirkness, tell me how you really feel. I have to stand by my beliefs, and have done so, voicing my displeasure to anybody that would listen since first hearing about Selby potentially signing with KU. I truly hope it doesn't cost KU again, but I do believe it was a major factor (in a bad way) on last year's team.

I'll leave you all with some predictions for this year's Kansas team. I believe they will win the Big 12, because I see no reason to believe they won't. (This isn't a shot at K-State, who I think will be really good, but KU just seems to always win it. I will say if Curtis Kelly gets better and becomes an elite player, they have the potential to win it all). I'll say that KU earns a 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, makes the Final Four, but loses in the National semifinals. I'll take it. Final Four is my expectation/goal for the season.

Rockity Chalkity,
His Dirkness

2010 NFL PREDICTIONS

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AFC East
Miami Dolphins 11-5
New England Patriots 8-8
New York Jets 7-9
Buffalo Bills 3-13

AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals 11-5
Baltimore Ravens 10-6 (WC)
Pittsburgh Steelers 9-7
Cleveland Browns 5-11

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts 11-5
Houston Texans 10-6 (WC)
Tennessee Titans 8-8
Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11

AFC West
San Diego Chargers 10-6
Kansas City Chiefs 7-9
Oakland Raiders 6-10
Denver Broncos 5-11

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys 12-4
Washington Redskins 10-6 (WC)
New York Giants 8-8
Philadelphia Eagles 7-9

NFC North
Green Bay Packers 13-3
Minnesota Vikings 11-5 (WC)
Detroit Lions 9-7
Chicago Bears 6-10

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons 11-5
New Orleans Saints 10-6
Carolina Panthas 6-10
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3-13

NFC West
San Francisco 49ers 10-6
Seattle Seahawks 6-10
St. Louis Rams 5-11
Arizona Cardinals 3-13



~:~PLAYOFFS~:~

AFC

Wildcard Round
Bengals over Texans
Ravens over Chargers

Divisional Round

Bengals over Dolphins

Colts over Ravens

AFC Championship
Bengals over Colts


NFC

Wildcard Round
Vikings over 49ers
Falcons over Redskins

Divisional Round
Vikings over Packers (in Lambeau!)
Cowboys over Falcons

NFC Championship
Cowboys over Vikings


SUPER BOWL


Cowboys over Bengals (same as Tedy Bruschi)




~Awards~


MVP: Donovan McNabb, Wash (2nd- Matt Ryan- AtL)
Offensive Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers, GB (2nd- Calvin Johnson, Det)
Defensive Player of the Year: Mario Williams, Hous (2nd- Patrick Willis, SF)
Most Improved Player: Felix Jones, Dal (2nd- Carson Palmer, Cin)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: C.J. Spiller, Buff (2nd- Dez Bryant, Dal)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Det (2nd- Jerry Hughes, Ind)
Coach of the Year: Tony Sparano, Mia (2nd- Marvin Lewis, Cin)

2010 College Football Preview: PREDICTIONS

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It's prediction time baby. Time to separate the men from the boys. And me, I'm a man. I'm 24! My annual laundry list of predictions consist of records for every Big 12 team, the surprise team and champions of every conference (big or small), and the combatants and winners of the BCS Bowl Games. And if the heisman was still relevant, I'd predict that too (Ok, Jacquizz Rodgers). Lets light this candle...

Big 12~

North:
1. Nebraska 10-2 (7-1)
2. Missouri 9-3 (5-3)
3. Kansas St. 7-5 (4-4)
4. Iowa St. 5-7 (3-5)
5. Kansas 4-8 (2-6)
6. Colorado 3-9 (1-7)

South:
1. Oklahoma 10-2 (7-1)
2. Texas 10-2 (6-2)
3. Texas A&M 8-4 (5-3)
4. Baylor 8-4 (5-3)
5. Texas Tech 5-7 (2-6)
6. Oklahoma St. 5-7 (1-7)


Conference Champions:


ACC- Virginia Tech over Florida St.
Surprise- Georgia Tech

Big East- Pittsburgh
Surprise- UConn

Big 10- Ohio St.
Surprise- Michigan

Big 12- Oklahoma over Nebraska
Surprise- Baylor

Conference USA- Houston over Central Florida
Surprise- SMU

MAC- Northern Illinois over Temple
Surprise- Golden Flashes of Kent St.

Mountain West- TCU
Surprise- The Wyoming David Leonards

Pac-10- Oregon St.
Surprise- Arizona

SEC- Alabama over Florida
Surprise- Kentucky

Sun Belt- Middle Tennessee St.
Surprise- This conference still exists

WAC- Boise St.
Surprise- Nevada


BCS Bowl Games


Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma over Boise St.
Orange Bowl: Miami over Oregon
Rose Bowl: Iowa over Oregon St.
Sugar Bowl: Alabama over Pitt
National Championship: Ohio St. over Virginia Tech


These picks were made while under the influence and are all subject to change...

FOOTBALL!!!

His Dirkness

2010 College Football Preseason Top 25.....BUT

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Making a National Championship pick this year is a struggle. Go ahead and try, it's not easy. Last year you chose between Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, or maybe Alabama if you were crazy like a fox (like this guy--will post my 2009 predictions for everybody to marvel at--just ignore my NFL picks). All the same teams are back, but with major questions to answer. I can think of at least one clear cut reason not to pick each and every team to win it all (and I'll prove it here in a bit), which leads me to believe we could be looking at the 2010 National Champion in possession of a loss (never fun-because too much is decided by preseason polls). Alabama is considered the favorite (although I've heard few people actually pick them to win it--Ohio St and Oklahoma are the two teams I've been hearing the most) almost by default. The College Gameday preview had 3 analysts pick six different teams to reach the National Championship game. This is precisely what you want going into a season.

This Top 25 list is not reflective of my final predictions (coming soon!). With each team I will give the main reason (BUT...) I am hesitant to place the preseason crown atop their head. Every team is flawed, which means the difference could arise from a source we're completely unaware of, which is always fun. On to the rankings....

1. Ohio St- Could be Terrell Pryor's breakout year, BUT...can he be trusted? Also two tough road games at Wisconsin and Iowa stand in the way.

2. Alabama- Return near everybody on offense, BUT...return only 1 starter from their dominating defense of 2009.

3. Boise St- 49-4 under head coach Chris Peterson, BUT...the odds aren't in their favor. It's difficult to go undefeated, you need breaks along the way, and sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way. How motivated did everybody stay coming off last year's success?

4. Oregon- Was my National Champion pick, BUT...returning Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli got booted from the team (now at Ole Miss) amidst team-wide discipline issues.

5. Oklahoma- The chic pick to fulfill the Big 12's annual losing position in the National Championship, BUT...common sense stands in their way. They lost three Top-5 picks to the NFL Draft off a team that lost five games.

6. Virginia Tech- 12th year senior Tyrod Taylor returns along with 1,655 yard rusher Ryan Williams, BUT...lose 8 starters on defense. First week matchup against Boise St should be a doozy. Mark your calendars-Sept. 7th.

7. Iowa- Should have the best defensive line in the country, BUT...high expectations have derailed the Hawkeyes before.

8. Florida- Urban Meyer got over his Post-Tebowum Depression, BUT...losing Tebow was probably worth getting depressed.

9. Nebraska- Mucho preseason love from pundits and friends (somewhat scary to me), BUT...do they have a Quarterback worthy of the praise? Are we all underestimating the impact of losing Ndominant Suh.

10. Wisconsin- Return 10 starters on offense, BUT...only 5 on defense. Maybe overachieved a little bit last year, which could leave them vulnerable to underachievement.

11. Miami- Super recruiting class is all entering their junior years, BUT...Jacory Harris (my annual "athletic" QB that I've fallen for) faded down the stretch last year and threw 17 interceptions.

12. TCU- Bring back most from the offense from last year's near-undefeated team, BUT...lose their two best players from defense. Also, tough to go undefeated (see Boise St).

13. Georgia Tech- Add Al Groh as Defensive Coordinator and join the biggest fad in College Football this year by moving to the 3-4 defense (copyright: Alabama), BUT...lost two top draft picks on each side of the ball. Annually underrated because the national media hates the option.

14. Texas- Probably lower than anybody else has them this preseason, BUT...Garrett Gilbert hasn't shown me enough to think he'll be ready this season. They lost a lot from last year.

15. Arkansas- My favorite pro-prospect Quarterback, Ryan Mallett, leads them, BUT...is the rest of the team up to speed with the SEC?

16. Oregon St- Love the lil' squirtster, Jacquizz Rodgers, BUT...have zero experience at Quarterback.

17. Auburn- Return 8 starters on offense and defense, BUT...have zero experience at Quarterback.

18. Clemson- Nasty defensive line (easy way to raise my expectations), BUT...must replace all-everything C.J. Spiller.

19. Houston- Return 8 starters on offense along with QB Case Keenum (who only threw 44 TD's last year), BUT...their defense will most likely be terrible.

20. Florida St- Return all five offensive linemen along with QB Christian Ponder, BUT...it's been a while since the Seminoles were any good.

21. Georgia- Joining the 3-4 party, BUT...might not be enough talent to pull off the move. Also, looking at starting a freshman at QB.

22. Stanford- Return 8 starters on offense including a McGillicuddy, BUT...I'm not sold on Andrew Luck (the near-consensus belief to be the first pick of the 2011 NFL Draft) yet.

23. North Carolina- Was all set to make them my surprise team this year, BUT...two different scandals being investigated means eligibility issues are anybody's guess.

24. Pittsburgh- Running Back Dion Lewis is the real deal, BUT...(say it with me) have zero experience at Quarterback. And they're still coached by Wannnnnnnnnnnnny.

25. Nevada- Slipped them in there because of Colin Kaepernick's game, BUT...probably have little business making the list.

Final Thoughts on Nebraska as well as 2010 College Football predictions coming this week!!!

His Dirkness

2010 World Cup Preview Extravaganza

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'll start off with my thoughts on the United States team (uh, squad) before getting into predictions for the 2010 World Cup. I'd like to give a shout out to my DVR for the load it is about to handle, and for making it possible for me to witness the World Cup sans a 6 A.M. wake up call (I wouldn't have stood a chance 8 years ago). But, please World Cup, return to Asia soon so I can once again experience live sporting events in the midnight to 6 A.M. hours- the original reason that I got into the sport of soccer (er, futbol).

United States~ They are better set up for success this time around than they were in 2006, when unfair expectations were placed on them due to an overachieving 2002 team. You follow? Overachieving leads to expectation, which ultimately leads to failure. You see it all the time in sports. This year they bring a more seasoned team ready to handle more moderate expectations. This is my analysis based on no soccer knowledge whatsoever.

What's the key on the field (ahem, pitch)? Jozy Altidore. He is their chance. What I remember from 2006 was that we fielded a good team throughout the field, but lacked a striker, which when it comes down to it, is the name of the game. We had to work too hard for goals. He is our chance at a difference maker.

So what are The Dirkness' expectations for the United States? Anything less than reaching the knockout stage would have to be considered a disappointment (the top two of each group advance for those not in the know). I say winning a game in the Round of 16 is a great success, and anything above and beyond is just tea and crumpets (?). If they can just come out of the England game with a tie (draw) than they are in great shape, with the belief that England is the most celebrated team of the group. But, this is no "Group of Death" (the term applied to the toughest group of the World Cup) where the U.S. found themselves in 2006, and we should expect The Yanks to make an appearance in the knockout round.

Prediction Time~

Group A:
1. Mexico- Odds on winning it all went from <125-to-1> to <60-to-1> ruining my betting plans (but helping my online gambling problems).
2. Uruguay- No I'm not....not that there's anything wrong with that.
3. France- Handballs won't be allowed in this tournament, Henri.
4. South Africa- Would become the first host country to not make the knockout round.

Group B:
1. Argentina- Led by the former (Diego Maradona) and current (Lionel Messi) best players in the world.
2. Greece- I find Greeks to be tough and resilient.
3. Nigeria- The worst team from the original FIFA Soccer game for Super Nintendo.
4. South Korea- Midfielder Park Ji-Sung is nicknamed 'Three-Lung Park' for his impressive stamina.

Group C:
1. England- History of dominating the Group stage but faltering in the knockout round.
2. United States- Chuck Klosterman really believes soccer could be the sport of the future in the U.S. (and if you don't know who he is, quit reading me and read him!)
3. Slovenia- Dominating defense scares me a bit.
4. Algeria- Awesome nickname- 'The Desert Foxes.'

Group D:
1. Serbia- Makes me think of Siberia, which makes me thinks they'll be tough.
2. Australia- You can never question the heart of a Socceroo.
3. Germany- My shocker. Lots of missing players due to injuries (and their top goalkeeper committed suicide!) Would be the first time missing the knockout round since 1938.
4. Ghana- Suffer in this year's 'Group of Death.'

Group E:
1. Cameroon- My choice for African team that rides the wave of home turf.
2. Netherlands- My favorite European team (despite leaving Chili Peppers' lead man Ruud Van Nistelrooy-pictured-off the squad) donning the fresh out of the penitentiary uniforms (kits).
3. Denmark- Something about Denmark.
4. Japan- Can't imagine them being good at soccer.

Group F:
1. Italy- 'The Floppin Racist Terms' have the best goalie in the world, Gianluigi Buffon.
2. Paraguay- Dedicating the tournament to their top qualifying scorer who was shot in the head. Sold.
3. Slovakia- Won't be motivated because they've already advanced further than their former name sharers, Czech.
4. New Zealand- Just here for the swag.

Group G:
1. Brazil- Led by forward Kaka (Spanish for poop) and coach Dunga (American for poop). Cue Clay Davis: Shieyyyyyyyit!
2. Ivory Coast- My personal favourite (!) player from the 2006 World Cup, Didier Drogba, may or may not be out for the tournament.
3. Portugal- Soccer is no place for pretty boys like Cristiano Ronaldo...or atleast my predictions aren't.
4. North Korea- Suffer from this year's 'Group of Chinese Water Torture.'

Group H:
1. Spain- The World Cup Favourite has lost one time in its last 45 games (to the U.S. baby!)
2. Chile- Their coach is nicknamed El Loco for his sideline antics (he most likely gets liquored up on Loko's before games).
3. Honduras- Come oh so close to being the tournament Cinderella.
4. Switzerland- They plan to stay neutral in hopes of not upsetting any of the other Group H teams.

Knockout Stage:

Round of 16:

Mexico over Greece
England over Australia
Cameroon over Paraguay
Brazil over Chile
Argentina over Uruguay
United States over Serbia
Netherlands over Italy
Spain over Ivory Coast

Quarterfinals:

England over Mexico
Cameroon over Brazil
Argentina over United States
Spain over Netherlands

Semifinals:

England over Cameroon
Argentina over Spain

Third Place Game:
Cameroon over Spain

World Cup Final:
Argentina over England

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLL!!!!!!

His Dorkness

2010 NFL Championship Round Predictions

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dirkness missed his deadline last night so these predictions are coming at you too fast and too furious. BOOM!

Indianapolis-NY Jets: I see the Jets confusing Peyton Manning all day with exotic blitzes. I see Darelle Revis shutting down Reggie Wayne in a bad way. I see Shonn Greene finding some running room against Indy's defense. I see the Jets playing with the swagger necessary to win this game. I don't see it being enough. I don't see the Jets being able to mount anything of a passing attack. Combine that with the fact that Peyton is in his prime and won't take unnecessary chances today, and I'll take the Colts pulling it out at the end.

Indianapolis 13, NY Jets 10


New Orleans-Minnesota: Props to both home teams this week for playing in a dome so that we are deprived of real football for the weekend. I see an Adrian Peterson break out game against a Saints defense that is waiting to be pounded. I see Brett Favre outplaying Drew Brees. I see the Vikings playing a bend but don't break defense and shutting the Saints down in the red zone. I see Reggie "Don't call me Ramsey" Bush being a non-factor. I see Visanthe Shiancoe looking BIG. I see Jared Allen being the most important player in the game. I see you Prince (although your new Vikings song is so incredibly lame). I see the Vikes.

Minnesota 34, New Orleans 23

Dirkness

2010 NFL Divisional Round Playoff Predictions

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was planning on making predictions for every playoff game this year through the Dirkness, but couldn't find time before the annual ski trip commenced, and couldn't find a computer (or enough brain cells) while on the trip. Let's just say I dominated them though, and anyone who says I went 0-4 can answer to my fadeaway. And no, I will not be answering any questions regarding Dirk's conquest of ruining his legacy by cutting his hair. Warum?!?!?!?!



On to the picks...

Arizona-New Orleans: The Saints are the most vulnerable of all the teams with the bye week. Atleast the Colts porous ending was self-induced, the Saints just plain fell apart. The Cardinals are clearly the weirdest team in the NFL, they fully depend on what side of the bed Kurt Warner rolls off on. These two teams seem the exact same to me, so where's the advantage? The Saints are playing at home? eh. This same Cardinals team went to the Super Bowl last year? Closer. Drew Brees hasn't really proved it in the playoffs and Kurt Warner has? There it is. Oh yea, and don't eff with Kurt Warner in the playoffs!

Arizona 31, New Orleans 27



Baltimore-Indianapolis: The Colts have seemed destined for a stellar regular season followed by a disappointing postseason since about Week 3. The Ravens are led by Avon Lewis and Stringer Reed (praise The Wire). Oh, and they beat up the falsely feared faux-Faderiots (T-minus 389 days until Belichick heads to Kansas City). They got on them early though, and Joe Flacco was never asked to make a play. The Ravens will want to pound away again this week, and will win if they can, but Flacco will definitely have to make some throws. I don't think he can handle the heat from Marlo Freeney and the rest of the new boys in town. Remember, the Colts own the Ravens. They have beaten them 7 times in a row with much of the same personnel on both sides. The only thing that changes is that this is the playoffs, that's never been a problem for Peyton and the Colts has it? Not that I can remember...

Indianapolis 23, Baltimore 13



Dallas-Minnesota: The Cowboyz are purely the hottest team in the league right now. The Vikings are purely the best team in the league right now. The winner of the Super Bowl comes from this game. How do they match-up? Favre's best is better than Romo's best, but Favre's worst is worse than Romo's worst. Read that again. So, I would say heavily dependent on Favre. The Boys have the second best defense left in the league (Jets), but I think they're more suited to shut down wide-open passing attacks, akin to the Eagles and Saints. Can they shut down Adrian Peterson? Will AD's hush-hush case of 'Adrian has the fumbles' rear its head (6 this year)? The Cowboys won't be able to run the ball, but should find some room through the air, and if they can set up the run through that, will be able to win the game. For the Cowboys-I love Tony Romo, Felix Jones, DeMarcus Ware (the most underrated player in the league), and for the fact that we get to see Keith Brooking's pregame pump-up speech. For the Vikings-I love Jared Allen, Chester Taylor, Sidney Rice, and the aesthetics of Visanthe Shiancoe. For the game-I love the unders and that it's the toughest game to choose. I'm going against my Super Bowl pick of about Week 10, and I'm going all in with Tony Romo.

Cowboys 17, Vikings 13



NY Jets-San Diego: The Jets have the best defense and, perhaps, the best coach left in the playoffs. (There is a severe lack of top coaches left in the postseason, and for that matter the whole league. I think you only have 3 elite coaches left with Andy Reid being a rung below Billy Goat Belichick and Jeff Fisher. Who else?) The Chargers have the best mix of consistency and hotness coming into the playoffs, which makes them dangerous. They have been hearing about Darelle Revis all week (deservedly so - screwed out of Defensive Player of the Year), but will surely have a plan to counter him. I expect the Jets to roll the safeties to the other corner's side, which will result in Vincent Jackson getting opportunities for one-on-one jump balls against Revis. I see him winning a couple of them. The Chargers offense thrives off the deep ball more than any other. The problem with the Jets is if they get behind in this game at all, they are done. This is the week you see great teams with bad quarterback play go out.

San Diego 24, NY Jets 13