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So there are a few things that as a fantasy football owner you must know or pay attention to going in. One of the biggest things is to keep an eye on your player's bye weeks. Most importantly, the QB, since you only get 1 in your lineup. Well in my family league, I failed to do this, having Tom Brady and Carson Palmer both on byes this week. As a result, I had to go with the best QB available. Well, I guess more importantly, the best matchup, as I had to settle for Mark Bulger. Yep Mark Bulger. Lol here are my matchups.

Family: Me(2-5) vs my cousin's friend Kevin(3-4)

Marc Bulger at DET- Despite his awful numbers, this is a good matchup and hopefully he can pull 20 points out of it.

Steve Smith at PHI- Has cooled off recently but has been tweeting about how focused he is lol so lets hope he bounces back.

Braylon Edwards vs MIA- Has struggled all year except for one game against the Dolphins where he went off. Hoping for deja vu all over again.

Mohamed Massaquoi at Chi- Had Calvin Johnson in this spot but he's inactive today. Going with a so so receiver on an awful offense against a bad defense. We'll see what happens.

Ronnie Brown at NYJ- Ricky killed his touches last week, but can't bench him ever.

LaDainian Tomlinson vs OAK- Getting healthier and more touches. Could have a big one here.

Zach Miller at SD- Had a big TD last week hoping he might get some catches in what should be a pass happy offense trying to come back.

Nick Folk vs SEA- Has seen the field alot recently and should see more this week.

New York vs MIA-Redeemed their poor performances with a killer game last week. Hopefully they can pick off rookie Henne a couple times.

Kevin(3-4)

Brett Favre at GB- Could have a huge game in his homecoming.

Austin Collie vs SF- Could get 2 points or 20 hope Manning looks elsewhere.

Nate Washington- Hasn't done much all year but will prob get a TD this week lol

Michael Crabtree at IND- Looked good last week and they will fall behind so could get his first TD.

Maurice Jones-Drew at TEN- A TD machine, will likely get 20 points here.

Darren Sproles vs OAK- If LT gets more playing time, its doubly good for me then.

Antonio Gates vs OAK- Hoping they jump out to an early lead and don't need him much.

Sebastian Janikowski at SD- Damn this San Diego Oakland game will likely decide the winner lol

San Diego vs OAK- Look above lol

In my ATVN league i had dominated in two straight weeks and this week I'm up against Steven Kim who is also 3-4. Would be great to get a win and get back to 500 as the league is full of 3-4 and 4-3 teams. Here is the matchup.

Me


Matt Schaub at BUF- Dude has been on fire and should be a good matchup for him. Hoping for some big numbers.

Nate Burleson at DAL- Could get lost in this game but the Seahawks will likely be behind most the game and should be passing alot.

Torry Holt at Ten-Had Mario Manningham but he's hurt. Going with Holt who should get 5 catches for 60 yards. Man I miss Ocho cinco already lol.

DeAngelo Williams at Ari They will fall behind early and pass alot, but he's too good to bench.

Thomas Jones vs Mia- Has been killing recently and should get some more good numbers this week.

Jason Witten vs Sea- Would it kill you to get in the endzone Jason?!?!?

Mason Crosby vs Min- Great kicker and should get alot of field time in a potential shootout.

New Orleans vs Atl- Great week last week and could make Ryan look like a rookie again.

Steve

Donovan McNabb vs NYG- Hoping the Giants can contain him but with no Westbrook they will pass alot.

Dwayne Bowe bye- Hopefully Steve doesn't notice he has a bye lol

Santana Moss bye- Look above

Roddy White at NO- He's been on fire in the past couple weeks, but the Saints defense is very solid.

Steven Jackson at Det- Bad matchup for me Jackson could go off here.

Knowshon Moreno at Bal- A very tough run D should make it a nightmare for this rookie.

Owen Daniels at Buf- I feel like I've played him in like 5 straight weeks lol. He's been sick and doesn't look to be slowing down against this bad Bills defense.

Nick Folk vs Sea- Overlaps again. Should get about 10 points here.

New York at Phi- Well if Mcnabb goes off at least it will hurt his defense lol.

As always you can follow my updates at my twitter @tayke2. Also tough loss for SC tonite and its rough because we have never been absolutely handled like that in a while. But congrats to Oregon they were by far the better team and will represent us well in the Rose Bowl. Thanks for reading guys.

I've been constantly looking to expand the horizons of this blog after having it solely be about poker for a long time. Although today I played maybe my 5th tournament in 3 weeks and got 3rd for 504 bucks, so that was nice. Got another check coming in the mail sweet. Shoulda won but a cooler and suck out killed me. Oh well water under the bridge. I thought it would be good to do some pro football picks. So hope my advice helps you guys out when it comes to bets with friends or bets in vegas haha. Lets get started.

1. Houston at Buffalo: Houston's offense has been on fire, and despite 2 wins in a row by the bills, they are still a pretty bad team. Houston takes this one big 31-13

2. Cleveland at Chicago- Despite getting whooped by the Bengals last week, the Browns are just god awful. Going with the lesser of two evils here ans saying the Bears take this one 17-6.

3. Seattle at Dallas- I've never really believed in all the hype around Dallas the past few years. They have the talent but can't seem to get it together. However, they have looked mighty good the past couple weeks. The Seahawks have a good offense but that's about it. Think this one will be closer then most think. Dallas takes it 27-23.

4. St Louis at Detroit- Two pretty bad teams, but the Lions have shown some promise this year, while the Rams just flat out suck. Going with the lesser of two evils again. Lions get their 2nd win on the year here. 17-13

5. San Francisco at Indianapolis- Sorry New Orleans. I love my Saints and I think they are the best team in the NFC. But the Colts are the class of the NFL this year. The 49ers will put up a good fight, and I'm pulling for Alex Smith to redeem himself, but the Colts win this one 31-17

6. Miami at New York Jets- These two matched up for one of the best games of the year earlier this year on Monday Night Football. I think they are two very even teams, but I like the dolphins here in what many might consider an upset. Their running game is ridiculous, and the secondary is very dangerous and could pick off a few balls from Sanchez. Dolphins win another close one here 27-24.

7. New York Giants at Philadelphia- The outcome of this game will largely be affected by the status of Brian Westbrook. He provides a whole different dynamic to this offense. Having said that, the Giants are the better team here, an I think the only difference Westbrook would make is the closeness of the final score. Giants win this one 24-13

8. Denver at Baltimore- This could very well be the game of the week. Two very talented teams here. The Ravens defense is lesser then it used to be, but the offense has picked their game up to compensate. I like the Ravens at home, and I think they have the tools to shut down the main weapons for the Broncos. Baltimore knocks Denver off the unbeaten list with a tough win 17-14.

9. Jacksonville at Tennessee- My 2nd upset pick so far. I don't know why, but for some reason I like the Titans here. They really have nothing going for them. Jeff Fisher is wearing Colts stuff, they just got utterly destroyed by the Pats, and they lost to this same team by 20 points. I mite look like an idiot hear, but my gut is saying Titans. No other reason, just my gut. Titans get on the win board with a 24-17 win.

10. Oakland at San Diego- A mismatch on many levels that will only stay relatively close due to the conservative play calling of Norv Turner. In Oakland, the Raiders mite have a shot. In San Diego, the Chargers win easily 28-10

11. Minnesota at Green Bay- Will be hyped as the game of the week, and these two teams are fighting for the top spot in the NFC north. I think the Vikes are the better team, and a motivated Favre will come in and lead them to victory. Vikes win 28-20

12. Carolina at Arizona- The Panthers are bad. I mean reallllly bad. When you out gain your opponents by over 250 yards, and you don't come close to beating them, you have a problem. The Cardinals are looking after going into New York and getting a big win against the Giants. Cardinals win in what should be a scrimmage for them 31-13.

13. Atlanta at New Orleans- Should be a great game between two teams that will likely be in the playoffs. The Saints looked god awful in the 1st half against the Dolphins, but proved they can comeback for a win. And on national TV, Drew Brees will lay his claim as the MVP of the league. Although for my money, he might not even be the MVP of his team. That title goes to Free Safety Darren Sharper, who has completely changed this defense. Saints win at home 30-20.

Those are my picks. What are your thoughts? Am I absolutely nuts to pick the Titans to win?! Probably lol. Thanks for reading guys.

So I've had alot of fun with the Fantasy Football updates so I thought i would start a new segment where I break down the BCS top 10 each week. Its a long read but I want to give my full breakdown so hope you enjoy and please comment at the end if you have any thoughts of your own. Lets get started!

1. Florida- What looked like on the scoreboard as a 29-19 struggle against Mississippi State was actually a beatdown that was 2 bad Tim Tebow throws away from being a 29-3 final. This is the best Defense in College football, and a tough offense to contain when running smoothly
Up next: Georgia- Arguably the best team left on their schedule, Florida shouldn't have any problem winning this game by 2 touchdowns. Georgia really isn't that great and any possible edge they mite have had at home is nullified by the neutral site in Jacksonville. Prediction: Florida 31-14

2. Alabama- Bama really dominated Tennessee for 58 minutes before almost letting it go in the last 2. For my money, Bama and Florida are the 2 best teams in college football, despite some shaky results from both in recent weeks. And lets throw some love to Terrence Cody. Whether you see the Heisman as a "most outstanding" or "most valuable" player award, its hard to find a more outstanding or valuable player right now then this defensive machine.
Up Next: Idle

3. Texas- Texas has looked solid all year and should have a spot in the national title this year despite the fact that they are not as good as a Bradford led Oklahoma team, which right now is a mute point with Bradfords injury. And if Texas wins this week, there's no reason why they shouldn't beat everyone else on their schedule by at least 2 touchdowns.
Up Next: at Oklahoma State. Any Legitimate shot that OK State had at winning this game essentially went out the door when stud wideout Dez Bryant was suspended. However, they still have a great offense and the home field, but I think Texas is just too strong. My prediction: Texas wins 34-24

4. Iowa- Really computers. Iowa the #1 team. REALLYYY! This is the team that had to block two last second field goals to beat Northern Iowa, barely squeaked by Arkansas State, and had to get a last second TD to beat a .500 Michigan State team. The sad things is, the rest of their schedule is so weak that they will likely win out and finish undefeated. Take my word though: this team is nowhere near as good as the Ohio State teams that have been destroyed in the BCS the past few years. Iowa will get beatdown by the likes of florida, bama, and Texas...and I will say that they would also lose to TCU or Boise State as well.
Up next: Indiana. Indiana is awful, and Iowa is at home. Iowa will find a way to make this game close, but they should pull this out. My prediction- Iowa 20-13

5.USC- The Trojans D looked invisible against Oregon State, and will need to show up to beat Oregon. The main thing killing the Trojans right now is the poor play of their past opponents. While the Trojans have no one to blame but themselves for the jam they are in, they have gotten no help from the likes of Ohio State or Cal. But a big game against Oregon, and a win against Arizona if they are still ranked mite push SC over TCU or Iowa if they are left to fight it out for the other spot in the title game.
Up next: At #10 Oregon. In the last 6 years, USC has lost to just 2 ranked opponents. One of them was 2 years ago to this team. However, that was against an Oregon team that in my opinion would have gone to play in and win the national title were it not for the injury to Dennis Dixon. While the mobile QB usually kills USC, Carroll will have them better prepared then any other coach could. My prediction: USC squeaks it out 24-20

6. TCU- Is anyone playing better football right now then these guys? Better yet, is anyone playing like they want to be in the title game more then TCU? TCU destroyed a BYU team that beat Oklahoma and more importantly was beating Oklahoma when Sam Bradford was playing. While I still feel that a small school will never play for the tite in the BCS system, TCU has the schedule to make it there, and they are looking like a real threat right now.
Up next: UNLV. TCU really only has one legitimate concern left against Utah in 3 weeks. TCU shouldn't have any trouble against UNLV. My prediction: TCU wins 38-13

7. Boise State- While Boise State will obviously have to focus on winning Saturday, many of the players might be busy scoreboard watching the USC Oregon game. If Oregon loses to SC, Boise will have 0 shot at the title game or a BCS bid if TCU wins out. Oregon is their sole quality win, and if Oregon can pull off the upset, you could argue that it would benefit them even more then it would benefit Oregon.
Up next: San Jose State- The rest of Boise State's schedule is full of awful teams and cake walks. This is no exception. My prediction: Boise kills 35-10

8. Cincinnati- Cincy fell all the way to #8 this week, but the best of their schedule is coming up. Tony Pike is an elite college QB, and should get some votes for the Heisman if he can stay healthy. We will see if Cincy is for real when they take on West Virginia in 3 weeks.
Up next: at Syracuse. This should be a scrimmage for Cincy. Syracuse is awful. My prediction: Cincy rolls 42-14

9. LSU- I will probably get some flack from most of my high school friends for this, but LSU is nowhere near the 9th best team in the country. Heck, they might not even be the 19th best team in the country. While their only loss was to #1 Florida, it was about as big a blowout as a 13-3 final score can be. LSU would not have score a touchdown if they had played 4 more quarters. Not to mention barely squeaking by a bad Miss. State team and a Georgia team that showed how bad it was after they got blown out by Tennessee.
Up next: Tulane. This will be a warm up for the Alabama game in two weeks, a game I predict LSU will be crushed in. My prediction: LSU wins 28-3

10. Oregon- Would anyone else besides me have much rather seen Oregon play Boise state in week 4, or even in week 2 when both teams had the 1st game butterflies out of their stomachs. Oregon is looking very good, and their dominating win over Washington, USC lone loss, will give them alot of confidence going into this week.
Up next: USC. Will probably be the game of the day. Should be a see saw battle that I see Oregon falling just short on. If USC Defense wakes up, they should be able to contain this high powered offense. My Prediction: Oregon loses 24-20

Well thats my breakdown. Agree, disagree? Love what I have to say, hate what I have to say? Please comment I always welcome feedback.

Ok so it looks like it will be yet another 1-1 week for me. In my family league, I'm down by 24 points, but I still have Brian Westbrook playing. I have mixed feelings on this mainly just depends on which Westbrook shows up. Westbrook can get 3 points or he can get 30. The good thing is he can have a reasonable line of 5 catches 50 yards and 90 yards rushing and 2 TD's and I lock up the win.

SO down 121 to 97. For me, the good is Brady and Welker clicking on all cylinders right now. After getting 60 and 32 last week, they get 32 and 22 this week. Sadly, it seems like no one else really wants to play on my team. From Braylon Edwards, Kelen Winslow, and Joe Nedney, I get a combined 5.5 points. In this kind of a league, those scores are absolutely pathetic. After Winslow gets 22 points on my bench 2 weeks ago, he's gotten me 3 and 1 the last two weeks. Very frustrating. On my grandpa's team, I was killed by Romo's 38 point game, and the unexpected 15.5 points each for Lee Evans and Mike Wallace. Oh well we'll c what Westbrook can do for me tomorrow.

I am absolutely loving my ATVN team right now. After 160 points last week, I follow it up with 148 this week, in what is all but a win against the 1st place team in our league, Casey. I am up by 42 points, and he only has Jeremy Maclin left. Granted, Maclin did drop 32 points a couple weeks ago, so anything is possible, especially facing me lol. The good for me....everything right now. Rivers and Schaub give me a win win every week at QB. Ocho Cinco is playing like one of the top 5 receivers in all of football. Collie have me a great game today and could be a solid 3rd option with Nate Burleson. I got the hottest RB in Thomas Jones and the best RB in D will. A top 5 tight end in Witten, and two defenses that scored 20 points each this week. Couldn't be more happier ready to make a run at the 4 spot for the playoffs. Casey had some great players, but Brees's terrible first half hurt him. Also got hurt by the subpar games from his TE, K, and DEF.

Ok so tomorrow keep your eye on Westbrook and Maclin. Hoping for alotttt of screen passes to Westbrook. I've made a living this year of losing close games, and most of them have come down to the Monday Night Football game. Would love to finally have one go my way this time. 2-5 in my family league would suck. Thanks for reading guys, wish me luck.

NFL Sunday once again for those who read you know the drill here are my matchups. IT worked last time so I'll do it again gonna file the matchup with my grandpa as a must win. IF I lose, I fall into lat place. If I win, I'm one game out of 3rd.

Me(2-4) vs Gramdpa(1-4-1)


Tom Brady at TB- Should ride the momentum from last week's output and get me some more big points.

Steve Smith vs ARZ- Hoping he can get back on track vs a weak pass defense.

Wes Welker at TB- Loving him right now two solid weeks in a row.

Braylon Edwards at Oak- This is more by default this week lol not expecting much but hoping for the best.

Brian Westbrook at Was- Should be a great matchup for him hoping for alot of points.

Ronnie Brown vs NO- This D is for real, but Ronnie has been the best back in the league. Can't bench him.

Kellen Winslow vs NE- Hoping they fall behind early and will be looking to pass alot.

Joe Nedney at Hou- Hope to see plenty of the field against this good but not great defense.

New York at Oak- They have sucked the past few weeks but nothing like a matchup with the Raiders to get back on tract defensively.

Grandpa


Tony Romo vs ATL- This will be the matchup to decide my fate. Need the Falcons to come up big.

Terrell Owens at Car- Hasn't done shit but with my luck he'll go off this week.

Lee Evans at Car- Hopefully the Panthers D shows up today.

Mike Wallace vs Min- Due for one big catch a game but that should be it.

Thomas Jones at Oak- Had a sick game last week but Raiders D is more solid.

Joseph Addai at Stl- Too many weapons on the Colts O for him to get a big day hopefully.

Jason Witten vs Atl- Will get his usual 8 catch 80 yard game hopefully with no TD

Lawrence Tynes vs Arz- Best kicker in the league due for 10 points in this potential shootout

Carolina vs Buf- Hoping they dominate the pass but allow a bunch of running yards.

Then there is me(2-4) vs Casey (5-1) Gonna be a tough matchup as he has Mr Brees. But I have faith.

ME


Philip Rivers at KC- Hard to bench Schaub right now but River has the better matchup.

Chad Ochocinco vs Chi- Should get plenty of looks today against a weaker defense.

Austin Collie at STL- Could get 8 catches or could get 0.

Steve Breaston at NYG- Should get alot of looks with Boldin hurt.

DeAngelo Williams vs Buf- Finally went off last week. Should do the same against a D that allowed 200 yards to Thomas Jones last week.

Thomas Jones at Oak- Tough matchup, but cant bench him after last week. Dam overlaps!

Jason Witten vs Atl- DAM OVERLAPPPPPPS lol.

Mason Crosby at Cle- Should see the field all day Cleveland is miserable.

New Orleans at Mia- Tough offense but this D has been too good recently.

Casey

Drew Brees at Mia- Solid corners. Might hold him to 30 points. lol

Larry Fitzgerald at NYG- Weak corner play could lead to a big day for fitz.

Vincent Jackson at KC- Lots of weapons on this team and I have Rivers so hoping his impact is minimal.

Jeremy Maclin at Was- Like Collie for me, will have 2 points or 20.

Steve Slaton vs SF- Very inconsistent. Hoping this is a down week.

Ronnie Brown vs NO- Freakin overlaps man lol.

Visanthe Shiancoe at Ptit- Hoping the Steelers lock in on him and shut him down. Polamolu one time buddy!

Lawrence Tynes vs Arz- Ugh him again. Lame

Minnesota at Pit- Could be a shootout so hoping Big Ben is comfy at home.

As always you can follow my updated at my twitter @tayke2. I'll be in the house at about 11:30ish so I'll miss the 1st half of the first games. but after that I'll be giving updates there. Wish me luck! Thanks for reading.

Ok so I played in a 235 buy in 6 handed tournament at Hustler's casino today. Started at 3 o clock was hoping it would get 100 players but only got 48 pretty pathetic but still a nice 4k to first 537 to 5th. Ok so here we go.

Nothin really in the 1st level started at 12k had 12.5k after. In 2nd level big hand came up blinds 25 50 I call a 300 raise with 77 as does the bb. Flop Comes Q75 rainbow...Pretty good flop!! BB bets 600 raiser calls I call. Turn 6 brings str8 and 2 clubs on board. BB gets 2k..raiser calls and I finally pop it to 6k. BB folds and raiser who has a bout 8k left thinks for 20 seconds and folds KQ face up. BB says he had AQ. Shoulda raised the flop! Oh well up to 18k.

I get moved to a new table where I'm 2nd in chips the big stack has around 25k. I win a couple pots, then 3 bets the big stacks raise preflop with JJ to 2500. He calls and I bet 3k on a K high flop and he folds. The very next hand, big stack raises and the button calls. In the small blind I look down at KK! I raise to 3k and the bb immediately moves all in for 5k more. Both get out of the way and I snap call he shows QQ and I hold. Up to 27k and in the lead.

Then the biggest hand of the tournament occurs. I limp in the sb with K7 of clubs after the big stack limped for 200 in early position. The flop comes 1086 with two clubs, and I just call the big stacks bet of 600. Turn is a 4 of clubs. Yahtzee!! Big stack bets 600 again and again I just call. River brings A of spades, so one hand has me beat. Big stack bets 1200 and I raise to 4k. He thinks for about 15 seconds and moves all in!!! WOW He has to know I have a big hand. This is essentially for everything I have. I wait about 20 seconds, and realize that I cant fold this in this kind of tournament. I call, and he flips up......Q6 of clubs!! I take down the massive pot and am dominant chip leader. It was only after the hand that I remembered something critical. This was a fairly old man and when the A came on the river he asked if it was the A of spades. Now unless he was a mental genius, this gave away the fact that he didn't have the A of clubs, cause if he did, he would know that it had to be the A of spades. So a very easy tell that I shoulda picked up on, but i won the hand regardless.

A few hands later I get moved, and I continue to play aggressive and chip up to about 70k when I get moved once again. With 25 left I was dominating chip leader when this hand came up. blinds probably at 300 600 and I call a raise to 1800 in my BB with KJ. Flop comes J76. I bet 1500 and the button raises to 4100. I just call. turn comes a blank and we check check. River comes another 7 and I check he bets huge 10k. I thought for about 30 seconds and figured it had to be a bluff and called. IT wasn't. Just a suckout..he had 74 of diamonds. Should repopped the flop I let him get there oh well.

I was still the chip leader when I got moved to a solid table with 18 left. I hover around 90k until there are about 11 left, when I start to bleed chips...and badly. I didn't pick up any hands, and when I did I got outflopped. In a short handed game, this kills, and I was widdled all the way down to 30k. Two crucial hands come to mind. One I raised to 4500 in the BB with AK blinds at 500 1k after the big stack bully had limped in the SB. He called. Flop came J105 all hearts I had the K of hearts. We check check. Turn comes a 4 of clubs. He bets 8k. I raise to 20k and he instantly moves all in. Pretty sure he had two pair, or top pair with a heart draw. Either way I woulda been drawing for my entire stack. I have to fold. Other hand I raise with A10 big stack called flop KK4 check check turn Q I bet 5k he calls river deuce check check he flips J4.

So we were at 8 players for 30 minutes when I shove utg for 27k blinds at 1k2k with K10. The SB thinks for a few seconds and calls he is exactly even in chips with me. Not good. He flips JJ and I need to get lucky. Flop blanks but the turn K OF SPADES! Bam and I hold up to 54k. On the FT bubble it only takes about 4 hands to get down to the final table. Sadly, I was not a part of it. The big stack raise on the button to 9k blinds at 1500 3000 I look down at JJ and shove he thinks for 10 seconds and say "ok one loose call." Of course that means the end for me lol. Flop comes KK...A. Cant' catch up and I'm out.

I'm still kind of in shock more then anything I was cruising the whole way then just ran dry and missed some flops. But overall, I feel like I played at the top of my game, and thats all I can ask for. They are running the same tournament next weds. except its 300 instead of 200. Mite play in it not sure. Thanks for reading guys.

Tomorrow I'll be playing a 200 buck 6 handed tournament at Hustlers Casino at 3 pm. First time I'll be going to Hustler's so we'll c how it is. Prob only gonna get 100 players so 20k prize pool and 5k for 1st I'm guessing. I'll try to set up my phone to twitter so that I can tweet updates occasionally. You can follow the action at my twitter @tayke2. Wish me luck!