This year we’ll be releasing a fantasy football guide along with our draft cheat sheet. As of the writing of this post, 4 Jan 09, I’m hoping to have it available to you by mid to late Feb.
They will both be hosted in the forums at this link: http://www.thefootballmaniac.com/forums/index.php?showforum=3
You’ll need to register as a member to get access.
To be continued……
→ No CommentsTags: Eddie Says
2008 NFL Wild Card Weekend
Atlanta Falcons @ Arizona Cardinals
Eddie: (Winner – Cardinals)
I like Atlanta but this game is in Arizona and Kurt Warner can throw the lights out of the ball in University of Phoenix Stadium. I think Matt Ryan will make a couple of rookie mistakes that the Cardinals will be able to capitalize on.
Fred:
Indianapolis Colts @ San Diego Chargers
Eddie: (Winner – Chargers)
Manning, the 2008 MVP, won’t be enough this time. Colts lack of running game will be their demise as the Bolts, not Colts, move on.
Fred:
Sunday – January 4, 2009
Baltimore Ravens @ Miami Dolphins
Eddie: (Winner – Ravens)
The game no one is talking about. I like Ravens defense for this game. Pennington may have won comeback player of the year, again, but he’ll be doing exactly that… trying to comeback.
Fred:
Philadelphia Eagles @ Minnesota Vikings
Eddie: (Winner – Vikings)
I’m not sold on the Eagles and they’ll come into this week big headed from beating up a team that was already bad to begin with. Expect A.P. to have a HUGE game.
Fred:
→ No CommentsTags: NFL Weekly Picks
2008 NFL Week 17
Eddie: (Winner – Ravens)
This is a must win for the Ravens and this game will be won on the defensive side of the ball. Baltimore’s offense is a little banged up but it shouldn’t pose a problem against the extremely disappointing Jaguars.
Fred:
Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles
Eddie: (Winner – Cowboys)
A win and in scenario for Dallas and that should be enough to get it done in Philly.
Fred:
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
Eddie: (Winner – Patriots)
A win and some help will get the Patriots into the playoffs. Expect New England to get it done and hope for the best.
Fred:
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
Eddie: (Winner – Titans)
Neither team’s playoff scenario will change based upon the outcome of this game. Coin toss this one.
Fred:
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
Eddie: (Winner – Packers)
Packers will seal the fate of NFL history as the 08 Detroit Lions go 0-16. In the age of all teams are created equal this is a pathetic accomplishment. Detroit Lion fans deserve better.
Fred:
New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings
Eddie: (Winner – Vikings)
The starters for the Giants may only play a minimal amount of this game so the Vikes at home should come out with a win.
Fred:
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints
Eddie: (Winner – Panthers)
Several things that could happen because of this game that I don’t think will and because of that the Panthers should win. (1) I don’t think Brees will break Marino’s single season passing record. He may try and the focus might be on the wrong thing. (2) If Carolina losses it opens the door for Atlanta to be the second seed. At the beginning of the season I didn’t even think of Atlanta being in the playoffs so a second seed is a bit of a stretch. Fate keeps the Falcons in 5th and Carolina wins.
Fred:
Chicago Bears @ Houston Texans
Eddie: (Winner – Texans)
The Texans at home will want to finish on a positive note. Expect the Bears defense to keep it close for awhile but the Texans offense will be too much.
Fred:
St Louis Rams @ Atlanta Falcons
Eddie: (Winner – Falcons)
At home the Falcons are a deadly team. I think they win but because of Carolina’s win they will have to wait for next year to be division champs.
Fred:
Oakland Raiders @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Eddie: (Winner – Buccaneers)
Raiders offense just isn’t there and Bucs will need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. I don’t expect a high scoring game but I do think Tampa will keep Raiders from scoring much.
Fred:
Eddie: (Winner – Chiefs)
Chiefs offense has been on point the second half of the season. Just a day late and a dollar short. Hopefully next year they’ll continue this offensive sprout but maybe just maybe without the Herm.
Fred:
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Eddie: (Winner - Steelers)
The Steel Curtain will be too much for the Browns.
Fred:
Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets
Eddie: (Winner – Dolphins)
Something is definitely wrong with Favre. I’m not sure if he’s just that love and feelin or he actually may be injured. Nevertheless, the Jets lose.
Fred:
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals
Eddie: (Winner – Cardinals)
Arizona should win big now that they are in the comfort of their own home. I’ve never seen such a big security blanket as University of Phoenix stadium. The Cardinals need momentum heading into the playoffs and a huge win is the answer.
Fred:
Washington Redskins @ San Francisco 49ers
Eddie: (Winner – 49ers)
A win over the Skins will give Singletary a huge lift for the decisions he wants to make in San Fran. Rumor is Martz is out so expect a big ground game from San Fran this Sunday.
Fred:
Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers
Eddie: (Winner – Broncos)
The Cutler and Rivers rivalry is strong and this game should intensify it even more. The Broncos pass offense will be too much for the Chargers even if San Diego is playing at home. It was announced that Norv will be returning in 09. They might have wanted to wait to make that decision once the Chargers failed to make the playoffs.
Fred:
→ No CommentsTags: NFL Weekly Picks
2008 NFL Week 15
Eddie: (Winner – Saints)
I changed this pick several times because I’m still unsure who to pick for this game. The Saints remain in must wins and I think they’ll explode on the offensive side of the b all.
Fred:
Sunday – 14 December 2008
Eddie: (Winner – Colts)
Colts continue their win streak while the lonely Lions add one more to the loss column. Three more games to history.
Fred:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons
Eddie: (Winner – Buccaneers)
Ryan is making it tough to pick against the Falcons even when a tough time like the Bucs come into town. Ryan didn’t play too well against the Bucs last meeting so I’m going with the Bucs.
Fred:
Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans
Eddie: (Winner – Titans)
Schaub had an enormous game last week but it is hard to imagine he’ll repeat that against the Titans.
Fred:
Washington Redskins @ Cincinnati Bengals
Eddie: (Winner – Redskins)
Even though the Redskins are falling apart I just can’t see them losing to the Bengals.
Fred:
Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams
Eddie: (Winner – Rams)
Every once in awhile the Rams will pop their heads up out of the sand and play ball. This is that week.
Fred:
Green Bay Packers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Eddie: (Winner – Packers)
Two teams that “should have been”. We had high hopes for both of these teams and they were quick to disappoint. Normally, when unsure you go with the home team but I look for the Pack to bounce back after last week’s game.
Fred:
San Diego Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
Eddie: (Winner – Chargers)
Lack of a running game on both teams make this an interesting game. The Chargers have been playing decent and their defense is looking better.
Fred:
San Francisco 49ers @ Miami Dolphins
Eddie: (Winner – Dolphins)
Hill has the 49ers offense looking good but after the Dolphins beat down of the Bills last week I have to go with the hot hand.
Fred:
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets
Eddie: (Winner – Jets)
Jets are back at home and look to get revenge after an ugly loss on the west coast last week. I don’t see the Bills coming close to this one.
Fred:
Eddie: (Winner – Cardinals)
The Cardinals clinched the division and will look to keep the steamboat moving. At home, like I’ve been saying all year, the Cardinals are unstoppable.
Fred:
Denver Broncos @Carolina Panthers
Eddie: (Winner - Panthers)
If the Panthers play like they did last week this game will be over in the first half.
Fred:
New England Patriots @ Oakland Raiders
Eddie: (Winner – Patriots)
I made the mistake of picking the Raiders last week. I can admit when I was wrong and man was I wrong. I won’t make the same mistake this week.
Fred:
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Eddie: (Winner – Ravens)
Pittsburgh played a tough game last week and should have lost. Can they get up for yet another tough matchup?
Fred:
New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys
Eddie: (Winner – Cowboys)
The Cowboys need a win and at home they have the best chance.
Fred:
Monday – 15 December 2008
Eddie: (Winner – Eagles)
Eagles should destroy the Browns with an extra heavy dose of Westbrook.
Fred:
→ No CommentsTags: NFL Weekly Picks
2008 NFL Week 14
Thursday – 4 December 2008
Eddie: (Winner – Raiders)
Up until last week I was waiting and waiting for the Chargers to turn it around. No more waiting. They looked horrible both offensively and defensively. The Raiders, as well as any bad team can, are coming together and the running game is looking like we all thought it could. Chargers aren’t playing with something to prove. The Raiders are.
Fred: (Winner – Chargers)
Raiders can’t put up enough points to beat the Chargers.
Sunday – 7 December 2008
Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts
Eddie: (Winner – Colts)
No brainer. Peyton and Co. are starting to come together as a team. They pulled out a tough victory last week and should easily blow by the Bengals.
Fred: (Winner – Colts)
Colts need it. The Bengals suck.
Cleveland Browns @ Tennessee Titans
Eddie: (Winner – Titans)
Okay Tennessee you had your loss. It’s time to get back to business. Browns fan better bring their white flags to the game this Sunday – you’re going to need it.
Fred: (Winner – Titans)
3rd String QB and no Winslow against the Titans D in Tennessee!?!? Easy one here.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Chicago Bears
Eddie: (Winner – Bears)
The Bears forte is Forte; a young Westbrook in the making. Bears win big.
Fred: (Winner – Bears)
Jags have looked atrocious on both sides of the ball. The Bears are at home, so they should win it without too much of a struggle.
Houston Texans @ Green Bay Packers
Eddie: (Winner – Packers)
Looks to be this is the game Schaub decides to return from his injury. Ouch.
Fred: (Winner – Packers)
Ok Packers…you’re killing my picks this year! Four of the Packers losses this year have been by 4 points or less. Green Bay still has a chance to make the playoffs, so at home against the Texans, they’ll get this win.
Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
Eddie: (Winner – Saints)
Two tough road games for the Falcons; last week they pulled the win out but this week may not be so easy. Brees at home is a stat monster and the Saints team as a whole look different at home. Falcons are hot but get cooled down in New Orleans.
Fred: (Winner – Falcons)
2nd toughest pick of the week…and I’m a beliver in the Ryan/Turner/White trio.
Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants
Eddie: (Winner – Giants)
I had to stop and think about this one. I was thinking maybe all this distraction might just be too much but that hasn’t stopped them from winning this entire season. I think the Giants strive on playing to prove they don’t need the “star” players. Back to reality for McNabb.
Fred: (Winner – Giants)
The G-Men appear to be the best team in the NFL. Have to them when they’re at home.
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions
Eddie: (Winner – Vikings)
Not sure what to think about with the Vikings DT’s being suspended. Luckily, Minnesota plays Detroit.
Fred: (Winner – Vikings)
The winless Lions show why they are winless every week…and this week is no different.
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills
Eddie: (Winner – Bills)
Warm environment going to play in a cold environment. Pennington might be used to playing in the northern cold but not so sure about the rest of the team.
Fred: (Winner – Dolphins)
The Bills passing offense has been so erratic as of late. The Dolphins are a balanced team every which way (passing, rushing, offense, defense, etc.). I just don’t trust the Bills.
New England Patriots @ Seattle Seahawks
Eddie: (Winner – Patriots)
Seattle will be tackle dummies while the Pats take out their frustrations on the Seahawks.
Fred: (Winner – Patriots)
Looks like no Hasselbeck for the Seachickens…and against the Patriots, that’s guaranteeing a loss for the home team.
Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos
Eddie: (Winner - Broncos)
Denver is an up and down team. Picking them to win is like trying to pick a stock at their peak. They looked good last week so I’m hoping they’ll carry that momentum into this week.
Fred: (Winner - Broncos)
Even though their defense is awful, their offense is a thing of beauty. Gotta go with Shanahan’s Broncos.
New York Jets @ San Francisco 49ers
Eddie: (Winner – Jets)
Redemption. J-E-T-S… Jets Jets Jets.
Fred: (Winner - Jets)
Niners are no match for a team who’s gotten better and better as the season’s progressed. The Jets, with Favre, look to be playoff bound (as I predicted before the season started). 
Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Eddie: (Winner – Cowboys)
Right when everyone starts talking about the Steelers and how good they are they go and lay an egg. Well - from last week’s win everyone is starting to talk about how good they are. Time to lay that egg.
Fred: (Winner – Steelers)
Steelers defense is too good. It’s like they have more that 11 people on the field the way they can stuff the run and cover the pass. With possibly missing Marion Barber, Romo’s in for a long day on Sunday.
St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals
Eddie: (Winner – Cardinals)
In University of Phoenix the Cardinals look like a dynastic team. Steven Jackson is back but not so sure it’s enough to stop the locomotive that is the Arizona Cardinals at home.
Fred: (Winner – Cardinals)
Back at home, on the west coast, the Cardinals turn back into the team that crushes the opponent. Sorry Rams fans.
Washington Redskins @ Baltimore Ravens
Eddie: (Winner – Ravens)
Ravens D on prime time? I’ll take them every time.
Fred: (Winner – Ravens)
Redskins are due for another big win game that tells the world they’re for real again. This should be a low scoring affair, and when that’s the case, the Ravens will almost always when.
Monday – 8 December 2008
Eddie: (Winner – Buccaneers)
Panthers are good especially with Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams playing well but it won’t be enough to stop the Bucs.
Fred: (Winner – Panthers)
Toughest pick of the week, and one helluva MNF game. I’m going with the Panthers because they haven’t lost at home yet, while the Bucs are 3-3 on the road.
→ No CommentsTags: NFL Weekly Picks
2008 NFL Week 13
Thursday – 27 November 2008
Tennessee Titans @ Detroit Lions
Eddie: (Winner – Titans)
Lions used to be solid on Thanksgiving Day but the Titans will feast on this day.
Fred: (Winner – Titans)
Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys
Eddie: (Winner – Cowboys)
Cowboys will continue to roll and stuff the hawks.
Fred: (Winner – Cowboys)
Arizona Cardinals @ Philadelphia Eagles
Eddie: (Winner – Cardinals)
Any team that sits their franchise QB is not in the right state of mind. Warner, on the other hand, is having an MVP season. Break out the gravy – it’s time for some baked eagle!
Fred: (Winner – Cardinals)
Sunday – 30 November 2008
Carolina Panthers @ Green Bay Packers
Eddie: (Winner – Panthers)
I’m going out on a limb and picking the Panthers here. Green Bay at home is tough to beat but the Panthers seem to be clicking on offense.
Fred: (Winner – Packers)
San Francisco 49ers @ Buffalo Bills
Eddie: (Winner – Bills)
Momentum is key and after that beat down the Bills gave the Chiefs I’d be looking for the white flag if I were the 49ers
Fred: (Winner – 49ers)
Indianapolis Colts @ Cleveland Browns
Eddie: (Winner – Colts)
The Browns are a mess and it looks like Quinn may be out this Sunday because of his finger. Regardless, the Colts win either way.
Fred: (Winner – Colts)
Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals
Eddie: (Winner – Ravens)
Ocho OH-NO it’s time to go. The Bengals are horrible.
Fred: (Winner – Ravens)
New York Giants @ Washington Redskins
Eddie: (Winner – Giants)
Eli is the “Man” and the Giants are just too good.
Fred: (Winner – Giants)
New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Eddie: (Winner – Buccaneers)
At home the Saints are super bowls champs. On the road they are the Detroit Lions.
Fred: (Winner – Buccaneers)
Miami Dolphins @ St. Louis Rams
Eddie: (Winner – Dolphins)
At the time of the writing it looks like Steven Jackson is a no go. He is the backbone of that offense and without him odds are they lose.
Fred: (Winner – Dolphins)
Denver Broncos @ New York Jets
Eddie: (Winner – Jets)
I can’t seem to figure the Broncos out. Go with the Jets.
Fred: (Winner – Jets)
Eddie: (Winner – Chargers)
Chargers need a win and at home they’ll get it.
Fred: (Winner – Chargers)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Oakland Raiders
Eddie: (Winner - Chiefs)
They Raiders aren’t that good. They just played against a lousy defense last week.
Fred: (Winner – Chiefs)
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots
Eddie: (Winner – Patriots)
Well – I’m drunk on the Cassell kool-aid .
Fred: (Winner – Steelers)
Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings
Eddie: (Winner – Bears)
If the QP position was more stable in Minnesota I’d probably pick them.
Fred: (Winner – Vikings)
Monday – 1 December 2008
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
Eddie: (Winner – Texans)
I only know of two markets that will probably want to watch this game. Who thought this game would have been a good match up.
Fred: (Winner – Texans)
