Week Two NFL Spread: Winners and Losers/ Week Three Picks By NFL Mikee

Week two had surprises and upsets in the league as teams settled into the season, both on the road and at home.

Let’s break down the point spreads and make some good decisions again this week.

After the first week of 7-9, I expected an improvement and got a small one. This week I am at 8-7 against the line with Miami on Monday night getting three points.

The big game of the week was the Jets coming out party, smoking the Patriots as planned 16-9. One loss for me there, as I had the Pats.

This week the Jets have Tennessee at home and are favored by two and a half. Tennessee is desperate for a win at 0-2, and the Jets will have a natural let down after that big win.

I will go against the grain in this one and take the two and a half points and Tennessee.

Meanwhile, New England must deal with the high powered offense of the Atlanta Falcons. New England is favored by four, and I have to take my NFC Super Bowl pick, the Falcons.

Green Bay, after a stunning loss to the Bengals, will try to regroup against the Rams. This should be a good team to regroup against. The Packers are favored by six and a half, which should be feasible. Go with the Packers.

Washington beat the Rams 9-7 last week, and this is the reason I’m taking Detroit to win this game at home. Detroit played alright against New Orleans in week one, and Adrian Peterson can beat anyone, as we saw in week one and two.

Detroit gets six and a half points, and I will take the Lions with that many points. I think they can win this game outright. 

Minnesota, who is 2-0 have the 49ers in the Metrodome. I will take the Niners to keep this one close, as I am getting seven points.

Philadelphia is at home against Kansas City and the points are not out at press time. Just take the Eagles, whatever the spread is. This may be a shutout by the Eagles’ defense.

The Giants go to Tampa Bay and will hand them a third loss in this young season. The Giants will make few mistakes and win by more than seven.

The Ravens are at home after a big win in San Diego. This game is kind of tough, as I think 13 points, may be a bit high. I will look for Brady Quinn to keep this game a little closer than expected. Look for Cleveland to wake up a bit in week three.

Houston is home, taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Houston will cover this four points with more offense by Schaub and company. That was a gritty win in Tennessee last week.

New Orleans travels to Buffalo and it’s not cold enough yet to bother this offense of New Orleans. I predict another 40 points by Drew Brees, and maybe 28 by Buffalo. New Orleans is only favored by four and a half. Huh?

Chicago goes into Seattle as a one point favorite, and this is not a problem, with Jay Cutler’s first visit to the west coast as a Bear. Take the Bears.

Pittsburgh rolls into Cincinnati with a chip on their shoulder. Pittsburgh is favored by four and a half. I, for one would not take the Bengals.

The Raiders are favored over Denver by two and a half points in Oakland. There is a reason for this. Take the home team in this one.

San Diego hosts the Miami Dolphins and should be favored by about five points. We shall see this line on Wednesday or Thursday, and I like San Diego not to lose two in a row at home.

Arizona is home against Indianapolis after a record breaking performance by Kurt Warner last week, going 24 for 26 passing. I like Arizona up to 5-6 points.

Monday night gets us back to Dallas for another 105,000 people getting charged 40 dollars for a cheese pizza, unless you’re in a suite, in which then the pizza is 100 dollars.

This is a 10 inch pizza for 100 dollars. With only cheese, no toppings. How much are toppings, I wonder?

This overshadows the fact that this is not as big a game as last week, so Tony Romo will win this one. Dallas by 10 points. Carolina is having a horrible confidence problem after that playoff loss at home last season.

There you have it and good luck to all your teams.

I am at 15-16 against the line this season and have the Dolphins tonight.

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland 

 

 

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Week Three In The NFL: It’s an Easy Week To Pick The Winners

This week seems like a set-up. All these games seem very clear to me this coming third week in the NFL.

Not to go out on a limb, but I am calling for you to challenge any of these picks. Let me know any good reasons these teams will not win thier games, and post a comment.

Washington travels to Detroit this week. Have I said enough yet? Redskins win. There’s a shocker.

Jacksonville goes into Houston to play the Texans at home. Houston is usaully good at home, after they always start the seasons slow. The Texans win this one at home.

The Green Bay Packers travel to St. Louis to man-handle the Rams.This will happen. Look for a big day by the secondary of Green Bay, and Aaron Rodgers.

Cleveland travels to Baltimore and loses. There’s another big surprise.

Kansas City is on the road against the Eagles. Kansas City is no good on the road, against this good defense. Another no-brainer pick.

Oh no, this might actually be a good game, and perhaps a Super Bowl preview? The Atlanta Falcons have arrived folks, with this win in New England. The NFC just might finally win a Super Bowl this season. Pay attention to this game.

Tennessee goes to New York and shows Mark Sanchez a real NFL top rated defense. Not to burst your bubble, Jets fans, but your not quite ready for prime time with the elite teams yet! Tennessee wins on the road.

Minnesota is at home to face the improving Forty-Niners. Not that I’m not happy with the Niners progress, so far this season, but cmon people. In the happy home court of Adrian Peterson, and Brett Favre, the Vikings will be tough this season. Take the Vikings.

New Orleans plays Buffalo at home. Buffalo can not put up 45 points in a game, so Drew Brees and team win by default. New Orleans 45, Buffalo 28 sounds about right.

Chicago goes out west to meet the Seahawks. Jay Cutler will have a good game, and Matt Forte will rush for 126 yards against this run defense. Bears win.

The Giants play a rebuilding Tampa Bay Buc’s team in Florida. This will be over by halftime. Giants win this one, as Tampa Bay starts thinking about starting Josh Freeman very soon.

Pittsburgh plays the Bengals in Cincy. Oh no, Mr. Bill, what are the Steelers to do? This is another no brainer pick. Why would you take Cincinnati even if you live there?

San Diego is at home against Miami, who never travels well to the west coast. If they took a bus, they would not win this game. I fear a long season for the Dolphins this year.

Oakland is at home against Denver. Denver sucks this season, so even this pick is easy. Guess what? The Raiders are getting better, finally. Take the home team in this one. Go Raiders.

Indianapolis plays the Super Bowl runner-up Arizona Cardinals. This is a good match-up. Can that old guy on the Cardinals have a decent game? Can the Colts win, with that running game? Will we see 100 pass attempts? Probably!

I like Curt Warner to actually win this one, with Boldin, and Fitz both having a fun time against this pass defense.

This gets me to Monday night, where Dallas is at home against Carolina, which is on a losing streak, since that play-off game at home last season. Dallas will win , because remember, it’s only week three.

Dallas are world beaters til week seven or eight at least. Take the Cowboys on a Monday night. The stage is set for Romo to deliver passes to 3-4 receivers for touchdowns. Don ‘t punt into the scoreboard. That thing costs a lot of money.

They you have it. A bold prediction of 13-3.

Thanks for your time. Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland

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The Steelers Will Defend Their Title To Start The Season, 13-10 In Overtime

The Pittsburgh Steelers begin the defense of their Super Bowl title in Pittsburgh against the Tennessee Titans.

The steak is on the grill and I’m so ready for this season to begin.

Al Michaels and Chris Collingsworth have the play by play and I am like a pig in mud. Happy!

Let the game begin.

The Steelers start off with a 40-yard kick off return, but get backed up quickly on the first drive.

Troy Palamalu makes a speedy tackle on the punt and Tennesee is backed up to the four yard line and punts back to the Steelers quickly.

The Steelers start their second drive on their own forty and start to move with a run, and a quick screen to Santonio Holmes.

Pittsburgh moves into Tennessee territory on the thirty of the Titans.

A screen to Heath Miller and it’s third down on the Tennessee 22 yard line.

Big Ben scrambles around but takes a sack and Pittsburgh is backed up and must punt.

Tennessee takes over again on offense.

Both teams are trying to find some offensive rhythm so far in this early going.

Chris Johnson makes a big run and a fifteen yard penalty moves the Titans down the field. Another pass to the tight end, and Tennessee is in business at the Pittsburgh twenty two yard line.

There’s a short run by Johnson and a drop by Crumpler and it’s third and seven. Palamalu is flying around the field and the pass in incomplete.

 One of the best kickers in the league , Rob Bironas misses from 32 yards and it’s still 0-0. Pittsburgh takes over on downs. That was a missed oppurtunity by the Titans.

Rothlisberger goes down again on a blitz by Tennessee.

The Steelers punt again and Tennessee takes over on the 26 yard line.

Scaife catches a nice pass from Collins and the Titans are on the move again. An illegal formation kills a nice gain by Collins to Gage and it’s first and fifteen from the 31 of Tennessee.

Another  completion to the tight end Scaife  and the Titans seem to be moving easily with their passing game.

Not a lot of blitzing going on yet by the Steeler defense.

Palamalu stops that drive cold with a one handed interception, and perfect coverage. Wow! That was a highlight film catch already. Palamalu looks liked he played football last week instead of last season.

Total offensse so far, Tennessee 93 yards, Pittsburgh, 1.

Big Ben throws a horrible pass to end the quarter, and gets it intercepted right back.

He waited way too long to throw that ball, and overthrew his man badly.

The second half starts with Chris Johnson making a nice move and a good gain.

Chris Johnson is slammed by James Harrison on the next play, then a ball is batted into Collins face. Then Farrier sacks Collins with a crossing action blitz, and Tennessee must punt. Pittsburgh takes over on their own five. Still 0-0.

Now the Steelers defense is showing some blitz’s.

A nice pass to Miller gets some breathing room to the thirteen. Willie Parker gets nowhere on the Tennessee gap defense and it’s third and two. Miller makes another catch and it’s a first down.

Big Ben hits Santonio Holmes for anothe nine yard gain. The a holding call gets it to second and six to go.

Another holding call and the Steelers are going the wrong way. On second and 16, Rothlisberger rifles it to Santonio Holmes fot a first down.

Willie Parker gets five yards and it’s third and five from the 38 yard line.

The Steelers punt again and Tennessee takes over on their own 26 yard line.

The number one draft pick from Rutgers, Kenny Britt, makes the first catch of his career from Kerry Collins for fifteen yards and a first down.

Lendale White looks quicker after losing 40 pounds in the off season for Tennessee.

Another pass to the tight end Scaife, and Palamalu gets a personal foul, for a face mask. First and ten at the seventeen of Pittsburgh for Tennessee.

There’s a five yard run, a stop, and it’s third and six. Collins throws incomplete and Bironas gets his field goal attempt blocked and there’s still no score.

The Steelers will try thier first two minute drill of this young season now, as they attempt to get on the scoreboard first.

The defense is ahead of the offense on both teams so far. Two minutes to go in the half and no score. I predicted the Steelers would win , but not cover six points, and so far, Thats what’s happening.

Tennessee should be ahead by six, with the chances they have had so far, but have no points to show for some nice passing and running.

There’s a big catch by Hines Ward, and a gain of 29. Big Ben is so dangerous in closing minutes of a half, or the end of a game. That was a very nice pass. The Steelers are in scoring range.

Touchdown on the next pass to Santonio Holmes for 34 yards. A  fitting way   to start the season to the man who caught the last touchdown in the Super Bowl.

That was 79 yards in five plays as the offense of the Steelers wakes up.

Palamalu is out right now, after Crumpler fell on his knee in the last series.

Kenny Britt catches a pass and gets a gain of 57 yards and Tennessee is all the way down to the Steelers 14 yard line with 54 seconds to go.

The next pass is a touchdown to Justin Gage and it’s tied up 7-7 with an explosion of offense in the last two minutes.

Kenny Britt has two catches for 86 yards and I bet he’s on no one’s fantasy team.

Palamalu and Woodley are both out of the Steeler defense at the moment. Palomalu with  a sore knee and Woodley with cramps.

Heath Miller makes a catch and their’s 35 seconds left. Miller makes another catch for a first down and they are about at mid-field. Time out, Pittsburgh with 27 seconds left in the half.

Hines Ward gets to the Tennessee 43 and gets out of bounds to save a time out.

Big Ben throws incomplete with 16 seconds left.

Rothlisberger gets sacked and that sets the Steelers back. With seven seconds we have time for one hail mary to end the half.

There’s an illegal formation by the Steelers, and that kills a 10 yard gain. There’s a long pass, Finegan intercepts the pass for Tennessee, and races up the field 70 yards to end the half 7-7.

A good first half of action, but Pittsburgh better hope Troy Palomalu is ok.

Tennessee gets the ball to start the second half.

Tennesse fumbles on the first possesion of the first half and Pittsburgh takes over. Parker gets a decent run and the Steelers try to get a first down as Willie Parker goes over 5000 career yards.

The Steelers fail to get a first down on the ground and punt it back to Tennessee once more. They are going to have to get it together on offense or the Titans will eventually make them pay.

The Steelers defense continue to play big and Tennessee has third and 10 from their own five. Woodley is back  in for  Pittsburgh    and smothers Chris Johnson. Tennessee punts from the back of their own end zone and the Steelers take over on their own 47 yard line.

Big Ben throws incomplete and it’s second down and ten.  Thers’a short run and it’s third and six. Moore catches a swing pass for a first down for the Steelers.

Rothlisberger is pressured and the drive stalls out as Pittsburgh punts again. Pittsburgh is having trouble running on this good gap defense of the Titans.

Parker is not getting to the holes before Tennessee fills them.

Tennessee again goes no where on two plays and it’s third and six at the Tennessee 14 yard line. Gage gets free and it’s a sixteen yard srtike from Collins.

White runs for four yards and then Collins is pressured and throws incomplete. On third and six, an illegal formation stops a first down pass. third and eleven now. A dropped pass by Gage, and Tennessee has to punt.

Pittsburgh takes over on their own fifteen yard line.

 There’s a couple of short runs and Rothlisberger has to throw short to Hines Ward and the  Steelers punt again to start the fourth quarter.

Anyone’s game at this point, and one big play is going to decide this one.

The Pittsburgh running game is non existent and Tennessee is hanging around, waiting for a chance to go ahead.

Collins hits the rookie Britt again for his third catch.

Collins hums a pass in to Gage and it’s a first down to Gage at the Steelers 37 yard line. Chris Johnson rushes to the Steeler 32 yard line.  Collins is 3-0 in his career against the Steelers.

A Steeler Blitz gets it to third and six for Tennessee. A short pass, and we will see Bironas for a field goal attempt of 45 yards. The kick is good, and Tennessee takes a three point lead with eleven minutes to go.

There’s a nice return by Logan of the Steelers and Pittsburgh starts at their own 35 yard line.

Mike Wallace. the rookie, picks up 6 yards. Parker makes a nice catch,  and runs for the first down.  Miller breaks a tackle after a short catch, and get nine yards.

The Steelers have changed the tempo and are running a no huddle offense right now.

I have Heath Miller on a couple of fantasy teams and he is quietly having a good night.

Miller catches another short dump off pass for a first down. Off sides on Tennessee, and it;s first and five to go. Holmes catches a first down pass, and the Steelers are on the move.

Moore picks up three on a short run, down to the 27 yard line of Tennessee. Rothlisberger gets blindsides by Kearse and it’s a big blitz sack. Third and 12.

Santonio Holmes get free for a big first down, and then Moore runs it down to the 10 yard line. Moore again for a short gain inside the ten.

Once again, the Steelers fall short on third and short and  fake going for it, which sets up a field goal attempt for Jeff Reed.

The 32 yard attempt is just good, and were tied at 10-10 with 2:57 to go in the game.

The Steelers were the worst team in the league on short third down conversions last year and that is not changing.

The run game has been horrible for the Steelers tonight.

A holding call on the kick off sets the Titans back to start this drive.

Gage makes a catch to gain eleven yards. First down at the Steeler 29 yard line.

The Steelers blitz twice and it’s third and ten. Collins throw incomplete and Pittsburgh get it back with 1:57 left and all of their time outs.

The punt is short and Pittsburgh gets it at thier own  42 yard line. Santonio Holmes catches a first down pass at the Tennessee 46.   Hines Ward makes a catch and it’s a short gain.

Moore catches a short pass for a first down with 63 seconds left.

Hines Ward makes a nicecatch. but fumbles on the four yard line. Tennessee recovers as Hines Ward is stripped trying to score. with a huge mistake.

Well, were going to overtime on a big mistake by Hines Ward. All he had to do is fall down, but he tried to score and paid the price for his competitive nature.

Tennessee is stalled on the four yard line, and it’s third down  and   41 seconds left. The clock runs out, and we will have a coin toss for overtime, and perhaps  a win for heads or tails.

Tennessee calls tails and it’s heads. Pittsburgh gets the ball at home to try and win it.

It’s been a great opener for the season. I’m thinking Hines Ward is going to catch a pass and redeem himself.

Logan out to the 22 yard line and here we go.

Big Ben starts off with a short pass in complete to Moore.  Ward makes a catch for a first down.

Heath Miller catches his eighth pass for eight yards. Moore runs for maybe two yards.

The Steelers have only 35 yards rushing on 22 carries. That’s a first down for the Steelers.

A short run makes it second and nine. Hines Ward catches a short pass and it’s third and two to go. A quck pass to Santonio Holmes and It’s another first down.

An incomplete pass by Big Ben, as they try to sack him and it’s second and ten.

Mike Wallace, the rookie from Mississippi catches a pass at the fifteen yard line.

A thirty three yard field goal will wrap this up, and no one is wanting this to go through the uprights more than Hines Ward.

The kick is up and it’s good. Steelers win 13-10.

Pittsburgh wins the game and Tennessee covers the spread.

A perfect call to start the season by Thomas[NFL Mikee ] Moreland.

I hope you enjoyed the game or this recap in case you missed the action.

 

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Bleacher Report All-Star Pick The Games Contest

Hey, it’s Thomas[ NFL Mikee ]Moreland. I thought I would set up a pick league to pick the games for Bleacherreport.com. This will be for the NFL football season.

Yahoo public league number 45621.

It’s free so have some fun and see if you can beat NFL Mikee.

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NFL Mikee’s Third Fantasy Football Team As Drafted By Fox’s Computer

Where’s Chris Meyers when you need him?  I was lost one Sunday on the Fox website trying to draft a team. My monitor was acting up and my screen was downsized.

When it came time to start drafting, I could not find where to even click to make my selections, so the computer picked all my players on this team.

Again, compare this team to my first two teams I listed in the two previous articles and make any suggestions or comments that could help me!

This is perhaps the worst of the three drafts I have participated in.

At quarterback, well this is not bad, I have Drew Brees, a monster fantasy quarterback.

At running back, I have another great fantasy player in Brian Westbrook.

Now it starts getting a little dicey. My second running back is Felix Jones.

At wide receivers, I have two Philadelphia players in DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin.

My tight end is Zach Miller from the Raiders.

In the Fox format we have a flex player who is Ryan Grant.

Robbie Gould is my kicker and I have the Tennessee Titan defense.

My bench includes Kurt Warner, Donald Brown, and Muhsin Muhammed.

Any suggestions on what to add or prepare for would be helpful, as the season progresses and I am more and more lost.  This is I feel the worst of my three lineups by far.

Again, I pick the games much better than most, so be sure to check out my picks each and every week. There will also be a second article with point spreads.

I will let you know what fun I’m having in fantasy football.

Thomas [NFL Mikee] Moreland

NFL Mikee’s Week One Picks and Playoff Predictions

Welcome to the NFL 2009/2010 season. I am Thomas Moreland , also known as NFL Mikee. I will keep you on a winning path in your office pools and betting endeavors as the season rolls along. Play close attention every week to all my picks and you will do well.

Last season I was 70 games over 500 picking winners, and this season will be no different. In addition to picking the winners, I will also give you the point spreads and picks in a separate article every week, strictly for the gamblers.

Well, we have some great games to start off the season, so let’s get right to it.

The Pittsburgh Steelers begin their title defense at home against Tennessee on Thursday night, Sept. 10th. Take the Steelers in this one, being at home, and the defense being very, very good once more.

The Steelers should win their division once more and contend for another Super Bowl. In fact, they are my AFC pick to go back to the Super Bowl.

Tennessee will have their hands full, competing with Indianapolis and the Houston Texans this season. They have a good team, but I am predicting a bit of a drop off from last season.

The New York Jets travel to Texas to play Houston in the first week. They will absolutely have their hands full and lose that first game to the Texans. I am going out on a limb here, but I predict the Texans finally make it to the promised land this season, and will see a playoff game.

The Jets, on the other hand, will battle Buffalo all season for the bottom of the AFC East.

The Miami Dolphins travel to Atlanta in the first week. That will not be a trip to bring back fond memories. Look for Atlanta, and a very potent offense, to beat Miami.

Matt Ryan will be better, that’s right, better this season, and he has added Tony Gonzales to his weaponry. White has signed, and Micheal Turner will be a workhorse one again.

I am taking Atlanta to win that tough NFC South, with Miami also making the playoffs, as a wild card. Atlanta is also my pick to make it to the Super Bowl for the NFC this season.

Detroit is on the road against the New Orleans Saints, who are a good team at home. Take New Orleans in this one. Detroit may win a game or two this season, but not this week against Brees and company.

Jacksonville travels to Indianapolis to meet the Colts, and this should be a pretty good game. Of course, you have the ever-dangerous Peyton Manning against an expanded role in Jacksonville’s offense with Maurice Jones Drew now that Freddy Taylor is gone.

Take the home team in this one. I can ‘t take Jacksonville quite yet until I see something positive from them in 2009/2010.

Jacksonville will probably finish out of the playoffs again, while the Colts win their division.

The Philadelphia Eagles travel on their first week to Carolina. This is a tough pick, with Michael Vick in the picture, and the horrible playoff loss Carolina suffered against the Cardinals last season.

I think the Panthers have a bit more to prove in this opener, so again, take the home team in this one. It will be interesting to see the Eagles offense tries to overcome a good team at home, as Carolina usually is during the season.

Minnesota goes to Cleveland in their opener, and expect a heavy dose of Adrian Peterson in this one. The run will set up the pass, and Brett Favre will get some kinks out, and start to get comfortable with the Vikings offense.

Cleveland will miss the playoffs in the first year of Mangini’s reign. The Vikings are my favorite to win this division. I, for one, can’t wait for Favre to play Green Bay. That’s going to be fun, no matter what happens.

Dallas meets Tampa Bay in the first week, and with all the change in Tampa, this will be a tough start for the new coach in Tampa. Dallas will be all over the Buc’s in this one. Dallas plays well the first couple of months of most seasons. Tampa Bay finishes last in the NFC South this season. Dallas may make the playoffs as a wild card.

Cincinnati hosts Denver in week one. Flip a coin. The Bengals showed signs of life late in the season, and Denver has Kyle Orton, an angry receiver, and a new coach. I will take the Bengals to win at home.

Kansas City with Matt Cassel travels to take on a playoff team from last season in the Baltimore Ravens. Joe Flacco should get better, and Cassel will feel much more pressure this season than he did with New England last year.

I will take Baltimore at home, but I am not confident to pick the Ravens or Kansas City to make the playoffs. Remember, I have Houston in that wild card spot this season.

The two worst teams of the league last season start off playing each other this season. The Rams travel to Seattle. Both teams should not have high expectations for the coming year, but I will give the edge to the Seahawks in this one.

This next game is very interesting as far as any chance of knocking Arizona out of that division title in the weak NFC West. Arizona should be able to win at home however, as the Forty-Niners are not quite there yet. 

The Giants open their season at home against Washington in a division rivalry, and I like the Giants at home. The tough NFC East is especially difficult to beat in their own stadiums. I think New York, Philadelphia, and Dallas will battle all year long in a very close division race. 

Washington will fizzle again, and perhaps Philadelphia will confound defenses with the addition of Vick. Or that could backfire, and New York and Dallas will benefit. This should be the most competitive division in the NFL this season.

Chicago goes into Green Bay to start the season, and Jay Cutler should give a big boost to the Bears’ offense. Matt Forte will have more experience and it could be another long season for the Packers. I like Chicago in this one.

Finally, to end the first week, two games on Monday night. Buffalo hosts the Patriots, and this is a no-brainer. New England wins this one easily as my lock of the week.

San Diego opens up in Oakland, and I have to pick San Diego, with a healthy back field, and proven quarterback to win this game.

San Diego should win the AFC West, and New England steals the division from Miami this season.

There you have it. That’s the first week in a nutshell. I see 10-6 quite easily, perhaps 11-5.

Look for my point spread winners on my next article two days before the season starts.

Thanks to all my fans and readers, and enjoy the 2009/2010 NFL season.

Thomas “NFL Mikee” Moreland

Brady, Favre, and Vick! A Tale Of Three Cities

Hi readers. It’s getting that time of year again, finally. Football season is almost upon us, and what a season it’s going to be.

There is so much to talk about, with all the changes in personnel, and draft moves, that I will give you my pre-season updated predictions on division winners and my picks to make it to the super bowl later this week.

Right now, let’s focus on three stories of note, and I’m sure I have a surprise for the readers that know my articles from last season.

First of all, welcome back to the Patriots, one of the premier quarterbacks of all time, Tom Brady.

The knee should be good to go, and I look for the Patriots to win that division, sneaking by the Dolphins, by a game or two.

Cassel did a very nice job getting them to 11-5 but no playoffs. That was bad luck, but the competition for that wild card spot in the AFC last season was very tight.

This season however, I would think with Brady, and some key acquisitions at running back, wide receiver and defense, the Patriots will be 12-4  and comfortably in the playoffs and Super Bowl quest.

Second, Brett Farve will quarterback the Vikings. We all know the key motivation for Favre is sticking it to the Packers.

I am a student of motivation, being in sales, and I understand how much of a force this can be. We all want to prove something to someone, once in a while, and this is Favre’s way of showing the Packer’s they should have just kept him.

He did give his heart and soul to that team for many years and loves the game of football. Lombardi would have never let him go. He was always the force behind the Packers returning to the league elites, as far as good teams go.

With that said, teams will not be able to put as many guys up front against the Vikings. Adrian Peterson will be a better weapon, because of Favre’s arm, and Minnesota now has the edge in winning that division again.

Green Bay should be better, and Chicago has Cutler. Given all the drama, this should be a very fun division to watch. When the Packers play the Vikings, watch the TV ratings go off the charts.

And last but not least, the Eagles have picked up Michael Vick. I know I’ve said and written some harsh things about Vick, and if you’ve read any of my articles on the Vick happenings, this will be the surprise I was talking about.

After watching Vick on 60 Minutes last week, he touched me with his words. I now have forgiveness for the situation. This is coming from a dog rescuer, and Pit Bull owner.

He talked about the culture of having been brought up to accept the fighting. He spoke of police seeing the fights and not stopping to break up the madness.

He spoke of his money he lost and it did not matter how much he lost, because he knew in his heart he was wrong.

He spoke of having the power to stop the fighting and quit the dog ring, and not stepping up to do just that.

Michael Vick, to me looked sorry for what he did. In my eyes, and God’s, this is all that’s required to get a second chance.

With that said, it should be interesting to see a form of the wildcat offense, with McNabb and Vick in the same backfield. This will take some pressure off the running game, and give them some needed options.

I thought I could never forgive Vick and would despise him for all his days, but I bought into the fact thet Tony Dungy, a man I respect to the utmost would take the time to mentor Vick, and help him be a good person.

If Tony Dungy uses his valuable time for this guy, then maybe there is something good to come out of all this.

I ask everyone to look past the cruelty, and just be positive about Vick turning his life around.

I will preview each Division winner in my next NFL article, and give you my playoff predictions. Look for my picks every week, and you all know I do this well.

This season I will pick winners and do a separate pick article each week, strictly on the point spreads, keeping track of each record.

That way, the gamblers will be happy too. Some people last season said anybody can just pick the winners, it’s the spread that matters. It’s hard enough going 70 games over 500 picking winners as I did last season.

The season before, on a local radio station, I was 50 games over 500 against the points.

You will see that I am…….NFL Mikee.

Thomas[ NFL MiKEE ]Moreland

Josh Freeman: Questions To Ponder

Josh Freeman was selected in the first round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009.

He is an amazing physical specimen, weighing in at 250 lbs, and standing six feet and six inches.

He was a better than average quarterback at Kansas State who passed for an incredible amount of yardage in his college career.

The question becomes can he succeed in the NFL, and be a great remembered quarterback? Or will he slip into obscurity like so many others before him?

Here are some questions I would have for Josh Freeman at this pivotal moment in his career:

While you were growing up, who did you look up to and pattern your play after?

What changes in workout regimens, training, and conditioning are foreseen to be better than just average in the professional rankings?

Do you expect to compete for the starting job right away against Byron Leftwich, an established starter with Jacksonville and the holder of a Super Bowl ring, as a proven back-up?

What do you think will be your most difficult challenge as you try to become an NFL quarterback?

How far can you throw a football? I had to ask.

Besides your parents and coaches, who has been your greatest influence in your life?

With a huge contract coming, whats the first thing you will buy, that you’ve always wanted, but could not afford it?

Are you single, or have a girlfreind , fiancee, or wife? Your female Florida fans want to know.

Who’s your favorite NFL player, and why?

Besides football, what is your favorite sport to play or watch?

What’s your favorite meal?

Who’s your favorite musical artist or group?

What do you plan on doing after your football career comes to an end, whenever that may be?

What the first thing you want people to think of when they hear the name, Josh Freeman?

And last, but not least, can i get some tickets for your fist home game Josh, for conducting such a friendly, non confrontational interview?

Thomas “NFL Mikee” Moreland

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009: One Fans Expectations May Not Be Anothers

I recently wrote an article about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2009 campaign, and received a rebuttal from a probable long time fan.

I was asked what Kool-Aid I was drinking, to have such little hope in the upcoming season for the Bucs.

Well, reading CBS Sportline.com, it seems Pete Prisco, an NFL expect journalist, had the same thoughts just a couple days after my article.

Prisco gave his power ratings and Tampa Bay was in the bottom 10 out of the 32 NFL teams.

He questioned who would play quarterback, commented on the defense being slow and old, and how the coach will have a hell of a season, and not in a good way. He mirrored my comments 100 percent.

Every preseason, fans think they have a Super Bowl contender. They are like blind roses that bloom in the spring and die in the fall, like teams and their fans.

Every year this happens to fans and occasionally they have a great season.

Sports writers like to grade how teams do in the draft, but the draft is only a small part of the equation.

It’s what the coaching staff does with the players.

Using the Steelers as an example, last years draft was rated A- to B+, but not one rookie accomplished much, and still they won the Super Bowl.

Watch those rookies this upcoming season and next. The rookie who won best rookie last season for Pittsburgh was a special teams player who was not drafted by the Steelers.

Remember for every Ben Rothlisberger, Joe Flacco, or Matt Ryan, there is a Tim Couch, Ryan Leaf, David Carr, or Joey Harrington who were first round busts.

Tampa Bay has many holes to fill, new schemes to learn, key coaching changes, and much trial and error coming up.

Even a .500 season is highly unlikely, and they must get on the proverbial rebuilding horse, and plan strong for the future.

It may be painful to watch for Tampa Bay fans this season, but you have to crawl before you can walk. Enjoy the good plays and hope for many more in the next couple of seasons.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Shift Gears in a Tough Division

Raheem Morris is the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2009 season.

The departures of former head coach Jon Gruden and long-time defensive wizard Monte Kiffin leaves Bucs fans with plenty of questions. They can anticipate of new offensive and defensive schemes.

Morris’ experience is limited—he served most recently as the Bucs’ defensive back coach in 2007 and 2008.

Morris has done away with Tampa’s Cover Two scheme, and in its place will be a run-contain system that will emphasize the middle linebacker, rather than the outside backers; the system will employ bigger defensive tackles as well.

Jeff Jagodzinski takes over the offense and will use a run-oriented version of a West Coast offense.

The defensive coordinator, Jim Bates, will have to get this defense firing right away, as Morris will be more of an observer than a hands-on coach.

Morris’ lack of play-calling experience means the pressure will fall squarely on the shoulders of Jagodzinski, the former Green Bay Packer offensive coordinator and Boston College head coach, to make this offense efficient.

I expect an up-and-down season. The slow-of-foot Byron Leftwich and inexperienced Josh Freeman have to learn the system. An inconsistent Brian Griese will wait in the wings in case of an injury to Leftwich.

None of these quarterbacks impress me, and I fear this will be a problematic position all year.

Tampa Bay has the makings of a decent defense, but key slots will have to be addressed if the Bucs hope to have any chance of making the playoffs.

The NFC South was one of the more competitive divisions last season. Given that all four teams have improved their rosters, I expect a similarly tight race in 2009.

It could be a very long season for Tampa Bay if things do not go right—and quickly.

I wish the best for Tampa Bay, but remain skeptical of the team’s chance at success this year in the NFC South.

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