NFL Picks Week 3: The Risk of Trading Trent Richardson

I swear news always break when I go to the gym. This is an unfortunate thing for me because most of the time when SportsCenter or one of ESPN/NBCSN/FOX original programming is on, I tend to watch reality television instead.  Why? Well, it is live-action absolutely brain-numbing entertainment that I can enjoy when I work out, do not judge me. My latest miss was Trent Richardson getting dealt to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2014 first-round draft pick. There is so much to look at with this trade, but right now, it makes Indianapolis smell like a rose and Cleveland like hot garbage. The key word for Cleveland is right now.

Indianapolis finally has their rushing attack to go along with Andrew Luck. This is something Peyton Manning lacked periodically throughout his Indianapolis career and the Colts front office made sure they would not have the same thing with Luck. The former number one draft pick gets a running back who can wear teams down late in games, pass protect and occasionally provide a safety valve in the backfield for passing. The Colts really have all you need in an offense when it comes to weapons although they miss a big part with a weak offensive line. It is hard to tell whether Richardson will do well there because every system is different, but going to one with an offensive coordinator who runs their offense like a college team, it seems like it would bode well for Richardson.

Cleveland is dealing with a public relations disaster. It is a damn good thing they are on the road this week. The fans basically feel like the team has given up the season in Week 3.  The value may never be higher for Richardson and they had to pull the trigger or they really do not give a shit about the fans. The latter is very possible. Cleveland wants to start fresh with their guys, their attitude and get everyone on the same page. The 2014 NFL Draft now becomes extremely important for Cleveland with their cornucopia of draft picks. If they mess up the 2014 NFL Draft, it will be the undoing of this franchise, not just the front office. These are the type of moves that define a franchise. Cleveland fans deserve to be pissed, but you never know what's down the pipeline.

St. Louis (1-1) at Dallas (1-1) (-4) 12:00 pm (FOX) - Fun game I think in the early slate of games. After St. Louis woke up from their slumber, they played pretty well on Sunday afternoon against Atlanta. Sam Bradford played one of his best games to date. Dez Bryant had a big game albeit a bad drop battling through injuries and will definitely could have a major impact again with Julio Jones having a 150+ yard game against this secondary. I really do not have a read on this game. I feel like it will be close and competitive with Dallas pulling it out. DAL 23-20

San Diego (1-1) at Tennessee (1-1) (-3) 12:00 pm (CBS) - In the first two weeks, these are the two teams I had a complete misfire on. San Diego's offense looks rejuvenated with Ken Wisenhunt calling plays for Phillip Rivers. Tennessee should be 2-0 but they let Houston find a way to win the game at the very end. This is the home opener for the Titans and I think they come in there with a little more fire than usual plus even with Rivers playing better, I worry about that defense. TENN 27-17

Cleveland (0-2) at Minnesota (0-2) (-7) 12:00 pm (CBS) - What an awful combination for Cleveland. They have to travel to the Metrodome for the Vikings first home game, Brian Hoyer is starting at quarterback and the Trent Richardson trade has people shook on the team. Minnesota needs this win badly and they smell blood in the water. Big day from all parties involved in the Minnesota offense. MINN 31-14

Green Bay (1-1) (-3)  at Cincinnati (1-1) 12:00 pm (FOX) - See our Packer preview up earlier this morning and feel free to check out the Packer playlist as well.

Tampa Bay (0-2) at New England (2-0) (-7) 12:00 pm (FOX) - The Adrian Clayborn Bowl!! Remember the former Iowa defensive end looked he impaled Tom Brady's knee in training camp when these two team scrimmaged. The Patriots have not been impressive thus far, but they will have a chance to make a statement. I also really think Tampa Bay's chemistry is still warped and not really working right now. This one will be closer than the spread leads on because the Patriots receivers are bad then add a tough secondary, it will become very tough for the Patriots receivers to get open leading to another frustrating day for Tom Brady. NE 24-20

Arizona (1-1) at New Orleans (2-0) (-7) 12:00 pm (FOX) - This should be a real fun matchup with Drew Brees and his receiving core versus the stacked secondary of Arizona.  It comes down to what 'weak link steps up for the team?'  Arizona offense or New Orleans defense? The Saints have sneaky been good on the defensive side of the football and the Cardinals are using a weaken Larry Fitzgerald. I like the Saints to pull away late in this one. NO 28-17

Detroit (1-1) at Washington (0-2) (-1.5) 12:00 pm (FOX) - Man... Washington is a in a must-win situation. The Lions do not really play well on the road, but they have a potent offense who could explode against the Redskins defense. If Detroit wants to be the team that some people have talked about in September, they need to win these kind of football games where they are a small underdog against a weaker opponent. The Lions looked weak without Reggie Bush who may or may not play plus the Redskins will channel all of the negative talk towards them this week. WASH 30-21

New York Giants (0-2) (-1) at Carolina (0-2) 12:00 pm (FOX) - Both teams in desperate need for a win. If the Panthers lose again, Ron Rivera's seat will get extremely hot. If the Giants lose, we can start up the 'Fire Tom Coughlin' columns for the 904th time which let's be honest would be fun.  The Giants are struggling as a team whether it be with turnovers or their defense being average at best. This will be an unexpected shootout. Eli Manning and Cam Newton both have the opportunity to have major games this week as the defensive backfield of both teams does not look great. I will trust Manning and Coughlin in a late game situation more so than Rivera who is basically as trustworthy as a three dollar bill. NYG 38-34

Houston (2-0) at Baltimore (1-1) (-2.5) 12:00 pm (CBS) - If there is a game where I will tell you to 'Lock it up', it is strangely Baltimore. I am not buying into anything Houston is selling right now. The Texans escaped two games with two great fourth quarters, that's it. I do not know if Baltimore will allow such a thing. Sure, this has not been the best start for the defending Super Bowl champs, but this is the game where everyone starts to come together for them. BALT 28-13

Atlanta (1-1) at Miami (2-0) (-3) 3:05 pm (FOX) - This is a Katy Perry 'Hot and Cold' game for me. I am hot on Miami. I know they do not play well at home, but the Dolphins look like the real deal this year with a tough defense plus Ryan Tannehill keeps doing good things. I am cold on Atlanta. They have a ton of key injuries with Sean Weatherspoon, Kroy Biermann and Steven Jackson. Matt Ryan can only do so much and their defense does not really surprise anybody. I will take the Dolphins in a solid win. MIA 21-16

Buffalo (1-1) at New York Jets (1-1) (-3) 3:25 pm (CBS) - Maybe I am alone here, but it is weird to see both these teams .500 with a legitimate thought they could be 2-1.  E.J. Manuel and Geno Smith are also taking center stage against each other. The Jets and Bills actually play more defense than people give them credit for and we will see it displayed, overshadowing the Smith/Manuel matchup for most of the game. I will take the Bills because it would not truly be an NFL season if Buffalo did not start off blazing hot. BUFF 16-13

Indianapolis (1-1) at San Francisco (1-1) (-10) 3:25 pm (CBS) - Indianapolis did add Trent Richardson but this team has some problems right now. Their offensive line is a mess and hearing that before facing San Francisco on the road is probably not a good thing. Additionally, I expect Colin Kaepernick to do a lot more running this week as the Colts struggled with Terrelle Pryor ability to get out into space. The Niners will roll in this one. SF 30-14

Jacksonville (0-2) at Seattle (2-0) (-19) 3:25 pm (CBS) - There is no way Seattle is covering this spread. I realize the Seahawks can put up points with offense, defense and special teams, but Gus Bradley, the Jaguars head coach did coach the Seahawks defense, he knows them a little bit better than Las Vegas is giving him credit for.  Seattle will win this game, but in no way, do they cover this spread. SEA 35-20

Chicago (2-0) (-3) at Pittsburgh (0-2) 7:30 pm NBC - The Steelers need this win badly, but I just do not know what this offense can really do right now. I would love to tell you Pittsburgh is going to come in there and reverse their fortune but I cannot. Chicago's offense looked like a well-oiled machine in the first two games plus they have a secondary that can create some nightmares for Ben Roethlisberger.  I am not picking Pittsburgh until they show me something.  CHI 24-14

Oakland (1-1) at Denver (2-0) (-15) 7:40 pm ESPN - Peyton Manning on Monday Night Football is like a fine wine or a good bourbon. You just know it will be smooth, clean and great. Denver rolls again and gets 40 again. DEN 45-17

Straight up: 23-9
ATS: 14-18 (Complete newbie central here)

Charlie.

Read More

32 in 31: Chicago Bears

Another year of 32 in 31. Sports News on Tap takes the month of August to preview the National Football League. We spend every day of the month looking at a new team and how they will fare in 2013.

People say all the time, change is a good thing. Sometimes it is to convince yourself that the horrible breakup you just suffered is actually okay and life will get better when truly you are mess playing Mumford & Sons' first album with the shades down for the whole afternoon curled in the fetal position.  Other times, change really is a positive and can put a person or a team in our case in the right direction.

The Chicago Bears no longer have Lovie Smith in the saddle as head coach meaning the days of Aaron Rodgers tearing through a Cover 2 zone are probably gone as well as Lovie's explanations as to why the offensive line is not performing poorly.  Marc Trestmann is the new chief coming over from Montreal's CFL team and formerly an offensive coordinator in the NFL for a couple successful teams.  The Bears' change is a good one and they might be dangerous this season.

OFFENSE
Jay Cutler is in a contract year.  Like we said with Hakeem Nicks last week, this sometimes goes unnoticed when it comes to football players. Cutler is finally playing for a coach whose an offensive mind and not dealing a revolving door of offensive coordinators.  This might be the year where we see Cutler's numbers go leaps and bounds above what we are used to seeing from him. The interceptions have always been an issue for Cutler, but I feel like most people should be at the point with him where it is expected versus trying to believe he will cut down on him.  Like Brett Favre, he is a gunslinger and sometimes takes unneseccary risks.

The offensive line looks as good as it has been in some time. They spent some money to get Jermon Bushrod from New Orleans giving them an actual left tackle, not just someone trying to look the part. They picked up Matt Slauson from the New York Jets, an offensive guard whom probably does not get the credit he deserves because he plays for the Jets.  They added Kyle Long in the draft and it appears like their only gloomy spot might be right tackle.  That's better than having three or four of the line position look like a mess.

The receiving core will be improved this year as well with the addition of Martellus Bennett. He had a breakout year for the New York Giants last season and there is no reason to believe it will not continue in Chicago. Easily, the one guy I was actually upset he went to a rival team. I love me some Marty Bennett.   Bennett, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery are complete nightmares to teams with small secondaries as all three of the men are at least 6'3 in height. I assume we will see many vertical routes and jump balls for these receivers.  

DEFENSE
Brian Urlacher is missing from this defense as he retired in the offseason.  This is not an earth-shattering move for the team as the Bears looked better on defense without the future Hall of Famer. His leadership will be missed, sure, but his actual play declined in the final years of his career. Their linebackers are not much to write home about though. D.J. Williams, a signee from Denver, has struggled injury and legal troubles throughout his NFL career. James Anderson is a fine player, but nothing special.  Lance Briggs is an esteemed linebacker, but his fastball seems in decline as well.

The rest of the defense though is stellar.  Henry Melton and Julius Peppers on the defensive line are two of the best in the business. Melton like Cutler is in a contract year and you would figure a big season is probably the goal.  Corey Wootoon was a serviceable defensive end playing opposite of Peppers as he had seven sacks last season.  Their secondary is great led by Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings. Both of those players can change a game with their ability to force turnovers.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Robbie Gould is still the kicker and probably will be until I am 50 years old. Adam Podlesh still punting the ball for the Bears.  Devin Hester lost a step last season in the return game, and usually when that happens, it does not come back, ask Dante Hall.  

KEY ADDITIONS
TE Martellus Bennett, OT Jermon Bushrod, OG Matt Slauson, LB D.J. Williams, S Tom Zbikowski - Touched on almost all except for Zbikowski, a Chicago native and former Notre Dame player. I will bet money there will be more Zbikowski jerseys popping up at Soldier Field than anyone probably believes there to be.  

KEY SUBTRACTIONS
LB Brian Urlacher, TE Kellen Davis, DE Israel Idonije, OG Lance Louis, CB D.J. Moore, TE Matt Spaeth, LB Geno Hayes

BEARS DRAFT PICKS
OG Kyle Long, LB Jon Bostic, OLB Khaseem Greene, OT Jordan Mills, DE Cornelius Washington, WR Marquess Wilson - Bostic and Greene could be impact players right out the gate and Wilson could be a dangerous forth wide receiver.

GAME TO WATCH
Monday December 9th - vs. Dallas 7:40 pm - Here's my thinking with this game. They play in December and both, I figure to be playoff contending teams.  They will need this win for the division and NFC standings plus it could be a tiebreaker by the end of the year.

WIN TOTAL 
10-12 - Yup, I think the Bears will be a playoff team and they have an outside shot at winning the division. Cutler will be scary good this year and maybe be a fringe MVP candidate plus their defense will force enough turnovers creating a 'bend not break' D.  

Charlie.

Read More

SnoTap Buzz: Friday August 2nd

I could watch Robin Thicke, The Roots and Jimmy Fallon signing 'Blurred Lines' with elementary instruments all day long.

Kansas City Chiefs 2012 first round pick Dontari Poe, a defensive tackle, quits eating barbecue and loses 20 pounds. When you live Kansas City, I have no idea how that's possible. There is a zero chance I could do that. (Sporting News) 

Everyone in Detroit Lions camp are getting excited about 'Kickalicious' their kicker from Norway. I hope he makes the team, but it will be weird not seeing Jason Hanson kicking meaningless field goals against the Packers. (NFL.com) 

Here's Kyle Scott, the creator of Crossing Broad, talking about blogging, buying and releasing the Riley Cooper tape.  I always wonder what would happen if I am offered something like this about a Wisconsin athlete. I have no idea honestly, it would all depend. (Crossing Broad) 

The Chicago Bears are so lucky to have Martellus Bennett for his skills and also his demeanor. He is completely out there, but it makes him so great. (MMQB) 

Read More

Five in, Five Out: The NFL Playoff Complex

The 2012 NFL season was madness. Things happened that we have never seen happened before while that could be said every year, it seems like last year had a unique feel to it. For the first time in over a decade, the National Football League did not get five new playoff teams. This is weird quirk in the league and truly showing the depth of the NFL. Instead they got four, but we here at SnoTap believes that is a blip in the trend.

Three of new playoff teams last year had rookie quarterbacks and the other one had a one-year quarterback with a freak running back. We are bound to get this wrong just like last year when we gave Indianapolis, Seattle and Minnesota no shot.

This year seems to be very hard again to predict given they're so many teams that could be in the playoffs. The NFC has two teams in each division worthy of a playoff spot if not more while the AFC does not have that much depth yet they still have very good teams on the cusp of the playoffs.

The Vince McMahon No Chance in Hell Group

Oakland Raiders - The quarterback situation is a complete mess. They seem to have too many missing pieces at this very moment. In my opinion, this will be the worst team in the National Football League. I cannot see them being very successful.   

Jacksonville Jaguars - I like the direction the Jaguars are heading because they will be back in the playoffs in the next three to five years without question.  They have nothing going for them at quarterback, but their defense is not shabby plus Maurice Jones-Drew is still a monster.  

San Diego Chargers - This is a team no one is circling as a squad who might pick in the first five picks in the 2014 NFL Draft. Phillip Rivers is not a good quarterback anymore and even though Mike McCoy is an upgrade from Norv Turner, I feel confident in saying Rivers' goose is cooked. 

New York Jets - Another team in freefall. They will be the most talked about 4-12 team of all-time. I cannot see Mark Sanchez or Geno Smith reviving this team with the wide receiving core and their running game although that part could be improved versus last year.  

Maybe a chance, but the same chance as I have of getting gold toilets unless I'm Kanye 

St. Louis Rams - I think the Rams have the best chance out of this group. They are a good team playing in a tough division. If the Rams were in the AFC West, they might be a playoff team, but the fact they play in NFC West is a death blow to this team's chances playing San Francisco and Seattle twice a year. 

Buffalo Bills - I just do not see it this year. I thought the Bills had a great draft and as we learned last year, rookie classes can make all the difference. I think they are a couple years away from being a playoff contender, but their window is more open than ever before. 

Tennessee Titans - They really could be in the Vince McMahon category. Jake Locker does not seem like an NFL quarterback. Chris Johnson could be truly hit or miss. They added some more on the line and defense, but that does not feel like it would be enough. 

Carolina Panthers - I would love to put the Panthers in the sleepers category and this will be something we touch on in our 32 in 31 series in August but their schedule is absolutely ridiculous for a team that drafted in the first 16 picks. Poor Cam Newton.  

Sleepers That Aren't Sleepers 

Philadelphia Eagles - A team where the hype is way bigger than what this team will actually be this year. They still need a year or two to really formulate a team for Chip Kelly. He will not have all the pieces there this year which will lead people will make wild opinions about this team that are unjust.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - I wish I could trust this team more. I love Josh Freeman but he is so inconsistent. If he hits, this team could be a playoff contender without question with their running game and their offensive line plus their talented receivers.  The offense is there, the defense is there, but is their quarterback going to be along with them?  That question remains unanswered.   

Cleveland Browns - People are high on the Browns because they have some true talent there with Trent Richardson and Joe Haden as well as a blue-chip player like Joe Thomas. Cleveland will definitely win some games, but the fact they have one of the worst quarterback groups in the NFL will bite them hard.  

Actual Sleepers 

Detroit Lions - With a team with four wins, the assumption would be they have an easy schedule for the season. That is inaccurate as they have to play the NFC East and AFC North, both tough divisions. The Lions added some pieces, but they will need to be better in the secondary to be a playoff team. If they are, they could get back to the playoffs.      

Arizona Cardinals - They would have to catch a ton of breaks in the NFC West, but they have a strong defense plus quality special teams with Patrick Patterson and the Honey Badger. They added Carson Palmer giving Larry Fitzgerald is first true quarterback in awhile. I am not saying Palmer is an elite quarterback, but he is an upgrade from the John Skelton's of the world.

Miami Dolphins - I could really buy this team into the playoffs. They have a solid defense and play in a weak division that could be weaker with the unknown ceiling of the New England Patriots. Ryan Tannehill's second year could be great. Yes the same guy I completely shitted on all throughout last year and during the NFL Draft, but hear me out. He had a pretty good season and could take his game to another level.    

The Great Five 

Dallas Cowboys - It is put up or shut up time for this team. The NFC East is a very tough division to break through yet the Cowboys seem to be putting it all together to make a playoff run. Dez Bryant looks like he might be the superstar wide receiver, their defense is tougher than people give it credit for and I feel more confident that their line can protect Tony Romo than ever before.   

New Orleans Saints - If I were heading to Vegas, I would put a lot of money on this team making the playoffs plus hitting their over in terms. Sean Payton being back for this team is a huge boost for this team and will help them immediately. They also added some talent all over the field. While Drew Brees interceptions totals scared me last year, he is still a hell of a quarterback and someone whom can wins games on his own.  

Pittsburgh Steelers - A team that did a great job at rebuilding for a year and they should be ready to contend again. Big Ben was not healthy for the entire season and for what seems to be the sixth straight year, the offensive line could not have been more of a disaster. Big Ben is healthy, line looks better and their defense will be top notch again as well.  

Kansas City Chiefs - Andy Reid has only three seasons where his team did not have at least eight wins. The Chiefs were plagued by injuries last season with Eric Berry and others. Adding Eric Fischer to their offensive line will help them out big time along with Brandon Albert. Add to the fact, they are playing in the weak AFC West.  This might be a playoff team.   

Chicago Bears - It feels like the Bears will be a playoff team. They should have been last year. Their schedule is not easy by any means, but I feel Jay Cutler plays at another level this year among other things they improve on.  Their defensive front seven worries me a bit, but they still have many playmakers that can force turnovers, something the Bears pride themselves on.

Charlie. 

Read More