What has me talking...

Just some topics I'd like some input on for some sports conversation.

Ray Rice is eligible to return to the league this year. Though it is unlikely any of the few interested teams sign him for 3 week of the season or the play offs, where might he play next year? Does Oakland decide to drop salary weight McFadden and Jones-Drew for Ray Rice?

Does Adrian Peterson sign with another team next year or return to Minnesota? Jerry Jones love him some AP, but Murray is having the best season amongst running backs.

The 76ers won their first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 76ers started the game GOING THE WRONG WAY? Papa Johns already had to change their pizza promotion to hinge on the 76ers scoring 90 points instead of winning. How many more games is it realistic for them to win?

42-year-old Martin Brodeur came out of retirement to suit up for the St. Louis Blues. He saved 20 shots in a 4-3 loss to the Predators. Can the Blues ride Brodeur to a play off appearance? How much wear and tear will a season have on the 42 year old?

What else in the sports world has you talking?

Week 14 Picks

My Thursday night game picks continue to struggle and my Thanksgiving food coma came at expense of my picks last week.

Last night the Dallas Cowboys defeated the Chicago Bears to improve to 6-0 on the road. Brandon Marshall exited the stadium via ambulance due to rib injuries. He has had an injury riddled season but with an outside chance at the play off, maybe this is it for him.

Week 13 record: 8-8

Combined thus far: 29-15

Each remaining week will continue to have strong play off and draft implications. Teams fighting to get in, some playing spoiler and others hoping for pick number 1 next year (here's looking at you Oakland)

My hope is the 49ers can fix themselves in a hurry, win out and get the help they need to make a play off push. It comes down to whether or not the offense (Colin Kaepernick) can get his act together. It's embarrassing. I hope they can even put up half of the points the Rams did against Oakland last week (52).

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) @ Cincinnati Bengals (8-3-1)

AFC North battle for first place continues as this division stands close in records for all teams. Cincinnati needs Dalton to come through in a big December stretch and prep him for a play off run. Pittsburg won't make it easy though. They play again in week 17.

Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

St. Louis Rams (5-7) @ Washington (3-9)

The two teams tied by RG3, THE RG3 BOWL! Will he end up on the Rams next year after all the trade action for Washington to draft him? Strong possibility as the Rams aren't sold on Davis and Bradford has made out like a bandit with the last BIG contract issued to a first round QB. It won't matter which QB the Rams pass rush gets after for Washington in this game.

Winner: St. Louis Rams.

New York Giants (3-9) @ Tennessee Titans (2-10)

Battle of draft pick positioning. Both teams have has disappointing seasons with uneven play all year. Do any of these teams lay over for the draft or continue to fight? Does Tom Coughlin return for the Giants next year? It's a game no one should be forced to watch.

Winner: New York Giants

Carolina Panthers (3-8-1) @ New Orleans Saints (5-7)

It's amazing, sadly enough, how the Panthers have not been eliminated from play off contention yet. The Saints got the win last week that might help redeem their season.

Winner: New Orleans Saints.

New York JustEndTheSeason (2-10) @ Minnesota Vikings (5-7)

I can't fathom the Jets even having two wins. But they won't make it three this week.

Winner: Minnesota Vikings

Baltimore Ravens (7-5) @ Miami Dolphins (7-5)

This will implicate the wild card picture in the AFC. This will hold at the tie break between these two teams. Both teams play good defense, Miami especially against the pass. Ravens took a blow with Haloti Ngata being suspended four games. Miami needs to keep finding ways to finish games late which will be tough against Joe Flacco.

Winner: Miami Dolphins

Indianapolis Colts (8-4) @ Cleveland Browns (7-5)

The Browns elect to continue with Brian Hoyer, which I agree with. They are still in the thick of the play off race this point in the season. Hoyer might be in a shootout with Luck since the Colts defense isn't really that good. It might be a closer game than expected and maybe even a Brown win. But I think Luck can do more than Hoyer to win this game.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-10) @ Detroit Lions (8-4)

I will be cheering on the Bucs all day to pull the upset. I would love the Lions to slip in the wild card race. But I doubt it'll happen this week.

Winner: Detroit Lions

Houston Texans (6-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)

J.J. Watt rushes for 55 yards, has 64 receiving, 3 sacks, 2 pass deflections, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 3 touch downs and delivers a baby in the middle of the 3^rd quarter.

J.J. Watt for MVP.

Winner: J.J. Watt (formerly known as the Texans)

Buffalo Bills (7-5) @ Denver Broncos (9-3)

The Patriots loss last week helps Denver try to climb back into the picture for the 1 seed in the AFC. I don't think Kyle Orton can put up the points needed for the Bills to win unless the defense can get after Manning.

Winner: Denver Broncos

Kansas City Chiefs (7-5) @ Arizona Cardinals (9-3)

Alex Smith is familiar with Arizona from his years in the NFC West. Arizona might be having injuries at the wrong time as they will try to find ways to win with a back up quarterback.

Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

Seattle Seahawks (8-4) @ Philadelphia Eagles (9-3)

If there was a game that was to be played that I'd hate to have either team win especially with the play off implications... this would be it. I hate Seattle and I these two need to do unfavorable things for the 49ers to make the play offs. Mark Sanchez continues to be my wild card. Seattle has a big emotional win, maybe they come off too confident while making a east coast trip.

UGH, a tough one.

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles (not so confidently)

San Francisco 49ers (7-5) @ Oakland Raiders (1-11)

BATTLE OF THE BAY! Two teams with different hopes for the year. More importantly, I hope the fans can act right because when these two play, it literally gets deadly for fans. 49ers, just win baby. (and fix your horrid offense)

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

New England Patriots (9-3) @ San Diego Chargers (8-4)

Patriots are coming off a loss to the Aaron Rodgers led Packers. The Chargers continue to quietly remain in the play off picture for the AFC. I can't see how New England starts December with anything but a win.

Winner: New England Patriots

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Atlanta Falcons (5-7) @ Green Bay Packers (9-3)

Battle of first place teams! Surely a made-for-Monday-night matchup- no.

Winner: Green Bay Packers

Week 13 Picks

Week 9 picks:10-3
Week 12 picks: 11-4

I have been 0-2 on Thursday games thus far. The short turnaround and divisional games are tough. And likewise for this week, I will stay away from scores. Except the 49ers... who can't score more than 20 points. so if they win, it will likely be 17-14.

ON TO THE PICKS:

And a fantastic slate of Thanksgiving Day games this year-

Bears(5-6) @ Lions(7-4)
Game would have more play off implications with the Bears being 6-5 instead but this is still a chance for the bears to try to climb into the wild card picture. Lions defense is too good and they are too used to playing on Thanksgiving.

Winner: Lions

Eagles(8-3) @ Cowboys(8-3)
It's a battle for 1st place. Who to trust more on the big stage in Dallas... Tony Romo or Mark Sanchez? It's not week 17 yet.

Winner: Cowboys

Seahawks(7-4) @ 49ers(7-4)
This will factor largely into the 6th wildcard spot. Seahawks are ranked 1st in defense and 49ers 2nd. This series usually features a home and home split. The Seahawks actually have a worse passing ranking than the 49ers. Aldon Smith being back should make the difference in pass rush against Russell Wilson

Winner: 49ers

Washington(3-8) @ Colts(7-4)
Andrew Luck vs RG3 without any sizzle. RG3 is looking like he might crawl into BUST status while Luck is gaining ground to being Elite.

Winner: Colts

Titans(2-9) @ Texans(5-6)
Texans will have a quarterback switch with Mallett being out for the year. Texans will be too good on the ground for the worst run defense in the league.

Winner: Texans

Browns(7-4) @ Bills(6-5)
The Browns have more at stake trying to stay in contention for 1st in their division. The Bills are looking up at the Patriots and hope to stay relevant in the wild card. The Bills offense isn't good enough to overcome a tough Browns defense.

Winner: Browns

Chargers(7-4) @ Ravens(7-4)
The Chargers are the quietest 7-4 team in the league. Their record is better than they team is. The Ravens are coming off a big win in New Orleans. Ravens are also looking to stay at the top in their division.

Winner: Ravens

Giants(3-8) @ Jaguars(1-10)
And no one wants to watch this and I don't even want to pick it. I want to pick the Jaguars to win their 2nd game this week but the best player on the field is probably Odell Beckham and he plays for the Giants.

Winner: Giants

Bengals(7-3-1) @ Buccaneers(2-9)
Bengals are in first in the AFC North with compliments to the tie on their record. They have been inconsistent but the Bucs have been consistently bad. Bengals are often troubled on the road but the Bucs aren't that good.

Winner: Bengals

Raiders(1-10) @ Rams(4-7)
Neither team has had the season they have wanted. Especially the Rams defense. But they have come on stronger as the season has come along. Surprisingly, the Raiders offensive line is 2nd in sacks allowed. Can they hold up against a resurgent Rams pass rush?

Winner: Rams

Saints(4-7) @ Steelers(7-4)
The Saints are in first place. If they play offs were tomorrow, they'd be in. Should the playoff format dictate that a divisional winner be at least .500? The Saints need to be back on track at some point.

Winner: Saints

Panthers(3-7-1) @ Vikings(4-7)
The Panthers are actually still in the hunt in their division. The Vikings haven't found their touch on offense but their defense has been playing well. Without Peterson, their rush offense is 13th in the league. Their defense might be too much for Cam Newton, who has not looked comfortable since the season began.

Winner: Vikings

Cardinals(9-2) @ Falcons(4-7)
Both teams are in first place. Well, the Falcons are slightly behind the Saints but they still stand atop at 4-7. So this battle of first place teams is incredibly mismatched.

Winner: Cardinals

Patriots(9-2) @ Packers(8-3)
Possible Super Bowl preview blah blah that you'll hear all week. Which conference juggernaut will win? Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers? The Patriots find more ways to win than any other team in the league.

Winner: Patriots

Broncos(8-3) @ Chiefs(7-4)
This game is slightly more appealing have the Chiefs beat the Raiders last week, but this still has major play off implications. The Chiefs can climb into first place with a win this week and they are coming off of 10 days rest. The Broncos were pushed to the limit by the Dolphins last week but the Dolphins have trouble closing games.

Winner: Chiefs

Monday Night Football

Dolphins(6-5) @ Jets(2-9)
Jets just got demolished by a team who had 2 days of practice. Geno Smith might be back at the helm at quarterback this week. Dolphins haven't been able to close against the Packers or the Broncos but they are proving to be a strong suitor for a wild card spot. They have to continue to win and try to avenge a loss last year to the Jets in week 17 that pushed them out of the play offs.

Winner: Dolphins

NFL Week 12 Picks

In week 9 I made my NFL picks and went 10-3. So again for week 12, I will be doing my picks for the NFL. I will start with the Thursday game this time, although I don't usually prefer to pick for Thursday games. It's a quick turnaround for the teams, not a lot of time to recover, and divisional games are tough to diagnose. However, with this game featuring the lowly Oakland Raiders, I feel confident of the pick. Just picks and no attempted wizardry on scores.

Kansas City Chiefs (7-3) @ Oakland Raiders (0-10)

Kansas City is on a 5 game win streak with an impressive win last week over the Seattle Seahawks. While Oakland has yet to win a game this year and have lost 16 in a row dating back to last year. While Oakland has improved, they fail to close games late. Largely in part to their inexperience, particularly at quarterback with Derek Carr. It's tough, and for my twin brothers sake I do hope the Raiders can pull a win at some point rest of the year, but I don't think that's this week.

Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

Cleveland Browns (6-4) @ Atlanta Falcons (4-6)

This is a tough one this week. Cleveland went from 1^st place in their division to last with a bad loss last week to Houston. Atlanta, 2 games under .500, are tied for first in their division. Atlanta hasn't looked good as season but their division has been even worse. Cleveland's defense is marginally better than the defense Atlanta played last week.

Winner: Cleveland Browns

Tennessee Titans (2-8) @ Philadelphia Eagles (7-3)

Tennessee can't stop the run and they can't score. Philadelphia will look for redemption after losing to arguably the best team in the NFC last week. Mark Sanchez will look to not turn the ball over as he is prone to doing.

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

Detroit Lions (7-3) @ New England Patriots (8-2)

Two of the best teams in the league this year in what should be a great game. Detroit lost to Arizona last week for the battle for the best record in the NFC. New England has been a different team since Rob Gronkowski has returned from injury. Gronk is my dark horse MVP pick this point in the season. Unlikely as that is, he'll have to settle for leading the team to the 1 seed in the AFC.

Winner: New England Patriots

Green Bay Packers (7-3) @ Minnesota Vikings (4-6)

Divisional game. Best team in the NFC traveling to play a dysfunctional Viking team. Aaron Rodgers plays three quarters in this one.

Winner: Green Bay Packers

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-4)

Jacksonville cannot defend the pass and will have trouble against the number 1 ranked passing team in the Colts. Too much offense for the Jaguars to handle as Indy looks to stay among the top in the AFC.

Winner: Indianapolis Colts

Cincinnati Bengals (6-3-1) @ Houston Texans (5-5)

Ryan Mallet seems to give Houston a different dynamic on offense that they need to compliment their run game. Cincinnati's defense has not been what it was last year and it's shown. Andy Dalton has been inconsistent this year to say the least and J.J. Watt can do anything he wants on a football field for the Texans. I don't see another touchdown this week for Watt, but I see him getting acquainted with Andy Dalton in the back field often.

Winner: Houston Texans

New York Jets (2-8) @ Buffalo Bills (5-5)

Another divisional contest. But this one has fans saying J-E-T-S... Just End The Season.

Winner: Buffalo Bills

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-8) @ Chicago Bears (4-6)

Da Bears have played cubs this year. My upset of the week is going to be in this game. Matt Forte won't be able to do enough to save the Bears this week.

Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Arizona Cardinals (9-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (6-4)

Best division in football is the NFC West. These two teams are both looking to prove something this game. Seattle came off a tight loss to KC last week but at home, will look to rebound against the team they are looking up at in the division standings. A MILD upset call this game as the defending champion Seahawks are difficult to consider underdogs at home.

Winner: Seattle Seahawks

St. Louis Rams (4-6) @ San Diego Chargers (6-4)

How the Chargers have a 6-4 record is surprising to me. They seem broken most of the time this year. Philip Rivers doesn't seem right and he can't rely on the run game for any help. Meanwhile the Rams have found the defense they were hoping would carry over from last year.

Winner: St. Louis Rams

Miami Dolphins (6-4) @ Denver Broncos (7-3)

It's hot in Miami and cold in Denver. Much like how these two teams have been playing. Miami can take a page from the Rams and pressure Peyton Manning all game long with their elite pass rushers. The Denver defense needs to find itself and there is no better place to do that than at home. This has the makings of an upset and my heart wants to say Miami but my head is saying Denver. I do think Miami can win this game. My youngest, and only other brother, will be furious for a Miami win, and I hope they do for him.

Winner: Denver Broncos

Washington (3-7) @ San Francisco 49ers (6-4)

Every week is a do or die game for the 49ers. They need to win to stay alive in the play off picture. While Washington is just bad. San Francisco got a boost to their defense last week with Aldon Smith returning and this week he'll rack up a few sacks. Too much defense for Washington to handle.

Winner: San Francisco 49ers

Dallas Cowboys (7-3) @ New York Giants (3-7)

Any hope of saving their season has to start this week for the Giants. However, Dallas has won the last three meetings and their coming back from a bye week.

Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Monday Night Football

Baltimore Ravens (6-4) @ New Orleans Saints (4-6)

New Orleans sit atop the dismal NFC South with a 4-6 record. They are tied with the Falcons to seemed all but out of any contention from week 1. The Saints need to rebound and they need it to happen last week. Unfortunately they are playing a solid defense coming off a bye week. I don't see a shoot out or a high scoring affair. And their won't be many chances for grumpy Saints fans to steal footballs from opposing fans.

Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Introduction!

Hello, welcome to my blog. Quite simply put, this blog is for Sports Talk. My goal is to pursue all fan angles of recent or even historical events in sports. I aim for sports fans such as myself to express their passion for the sports they love. Football, Baseball, Soccer (Futbol), Hockey, or even MMA. I have grown up my entire life loving sports and physical activities. I miss playing football having played for 10 years of organized football until I graduated high school. Now my pursuit of a Sports Marketing and Media degree allows me to pursuit a career in something I am truly passionate about. So I hope this blog will allow others to express their sport passions with other passionate fans.

Blogs are so important for users to be able to read any sort of review on a product or service. People offer first hand accounts on anything they do from eating pizza to sky diving. Maybe even eating pizza while sky diving. So for the sports fan, it allows fans to connect to one another in a way that maybe they can't at work or school. I am a 49ers fan on the east coast, which makes it difficult enough to watch their games. I always look for a way to find similar fans to express our passion. Blogs are a way to do that. Fans can connect with fans nearby that they never knew about or fans across the country. It builds relationships amongst fans that enables the possibility for social gatherings and joint tailgating.