NL Wildcard Game Preview

October 2, 2018October 2, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Colorado Rockies at Chicago Cubs

The Colorado Rockies entered the 2018 NL Wildcard Game with a pretty large disadvantage. Losing a tough game to division rival LA in the afternoon and having to jump on a plan and go half way around the country to face one of the best playoff pitchers of the last ten year in Jon Lester. Not only are they facing Lester but they are facing a team that has found themselves in the NLCS the last three years. Let’s look compare and pick the NL Wildcard Game.

Starting Pitcher- Advantage Cubs or maybe not.

Jon Lester stands out when you compare the two lefties, but is his experience really enough. Lester has faced the Rockies hitters an astonishing 138 times in his career. The most being veteran Matt Holliday who has crushed Lester to a .467 career batting average. I don’t know if Bud Black has the confidence to start the veteran in this do or die game but if he did it would make sense when looking at the numbers. Playing Holiday would most likely mean red hot youngster David Dahl would be taking a seat. If Holiday does get the start it would not be long before he is replaced for defense or base running.

Rockies starter Kyle Freeland has had a breakout season, the 25 year old lefty went 18-8 with a 2.85ERA. Quietly establishing himself as a go to starter for Bud Black. Surprsingly Freeland actually has better numbers at Coors Field then he does on the road sporting a prolific 2.40ERA in the historically hitter friendly park. Freeland was no slouch on the road either posting just 3.23ERA. Freeland’s most intriguing stat line is just giving up 6 homers in 103 innings on the road. Against a powerful Cubs lineup he will need to make sure and limit the damage that can come in bunches. Kris Bryant has the best numbers against Freeland but the sample size is to small to overreact.

I like the matchup of Freeland vs the Cubs lefties but you can’t ignore the experience of the veteran Lester. Slight advantage in starting pitching to the Cubbies. Very slight.

Batting Order- Advantage Rockies

Colorado has pop and speed from 1-7 in their order. Tony Wolters (assuming he starts) may also quietly have an advantage over Lester, going 2-4 with a walk in 5 career AB’s versus the veteran. Nolan Arenado is a better hitter the Javy Baez and the Rockies have multiple threats to deal with including a surging Trevor Story and an always dangerous Charlie Blackmon. I think it is the potential of the bench bats like Gerardo Parra and Matt Holliday that set the Rockies a part from the Cubbies.

The Cubs are no slouches. Kris Bryant, Javy Baez and Anthony Rizzo are as good a middle of the order that you will have in the league but Baez can be inconsistent and over anxious at times. Bryant will be the key to this game, I can see him being in big spots and coming through against Freeland. Albert Almora will also play a big factor if he gets the start.

Both lineup are potent but with the lefty on the mound I am giving a slight edge to the Rockies. Their depth is just a little better, I can also see them trying to take advantage of Lester on the base paths.

Bullpen- Advantage, who knows.

The Rockies spent money in the off season trying to rebuild a bullpen that was not good to say the least. Wade Davis and Bryan Shaw have not lived up to the money they were paid but they still have the experience in a big game atmosphere to be effective. With all hands on deck for an elimination game I would not be surprised to see Jon Gray and Adam Ottavino very early in this game.

The Cubs have made it work with their bullpen despite injuries to Pedro Strop and Brandin Morrow. With the season on the line we could see a quick trigger from Joe Maddon. Steve Cishek and Justin Wilson will be assets that an be targeted at any point of the game.

Both of these teams have their issues in the bullpen but I have to lean to the Rockies in this situation. Wade Davis has been bad this year, but he is the most sure thing in a closing roll that either team has. So advantage Rockies.

Who will win?

This game is tough. Everything points to the Cubs winning. They are better rested, have the more proven starter and a veteran lineup. So, I am going to go with the Rockies. Colorado will make life hell for Lester on the basepaths and force mistakes. Joe Maddon is the best hope for Chicago. His history of making the right decisions in a pinch will make it a great game.

Rockies upset Cubs 6-3.

What I learned from week 4.

October 2, 2018October 1, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Greatest Show on Surf.

The LA Rams were good last season. This season they may be unstoppable. Adding downfield threat Brandin Cooks has opened up the middle of the field for slot receiver Cooper Kupp as well as forcing teams to play Robert Woods one on one. This team can throw, run and control the tempo.

This team has offensive talent throughout the roster. The Vikings defense has not been the dominant force that it was in 2017 but they still were completely dominated an overmatched. The only defense that can maybe slow them down would be the Jaguars but they won’t have to deal with them during the season. Every player on this team is a must start in your fantasy lineup and its not even debatable.

Steelers will finish third in the AFC North.

The Steelers fell to 1-2-1 on Sunday night getting handled easily by division rival Baltimore. The Steelers gave up 14 points right off the bat and never truly were able to overcome the deficit. The Steelers defense is bad and it won’t get much relief for the next two weeks. The Falcons come to town next week followed by a trip to Cincinnati. Both of those games are tough matchups for a Steelers defense that has given up 26. 27, and 42 over the last three games.

It is realistic that the Steelers are going to be 1-4-1 before they get the relief of the Browns coming to Pittsburgh. The Steelers also need to make a decision on what to do with their disgruntled RB LeVeon Bell, it is causing a rift in the team. They are in trouble and are very likely to not make the playoffs this season.

Patriots still own the Dolphins and the AFC East

Last week I wrote that I learned the Patriots may be in trouble. They were beaten on the national stage by a team that had been dominated by Sam Darnold during the first week of the season. Then the Patriots got exactly what they needed to turn themselves around a trip to Miami against their whipping boys the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins were a mirage of 3-0 that had people buying into the potential of them winning the division. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady quickly reminded us that they are the class of the AFC East and they are an AP class while the Dolphins are trying to work their way out of entry level. The Patriots will not have the returning Julian Edelman next week which will only make this team even more dangerous and it will open up the playbook for Gronk and Josh Gordon. The Pats were also able to establish rookie Sonny Michel and the run game. This team is dangerous and I quickly have learned that you never count out the Pats. My bad.

Titans may be for real.

I have been a hater of the Tennessee Titans since the season started. They don’t play the brand of football that grabs your attention. But you cannot ignore what they have done over the last three weeks. Wins over Houston, Philadelphia and Jacksonville put the Titans at 3-1, first place in the AFC South. They have found themselves there despite inconsistent play on the offensive end.

Corey Davis and Marcus Mariota seemed to build a rapport with each other, Davis going for 9 catches 151 yards and a touchdown yesterday against a suspect Eagles secondary. The Titans have found the mojo with their arial attack which can open up the run game for Derrick Henry. With the victory over the Jags the Titans sit in the drivers seat for the division and could be a tough matchup for any AFC teams.

I Talk Sports Picks- NCAAF

September 27, 2018September 27, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

After a few tough weeks of NFL I have decided to separate my NCAA picks. Last week I went 7-2 with a lot of late picks cashing, including Michigan State, Stanford and Wisconsin. Here are the five picks I that jumped out to me first.

Syracuse at Clemson -25

Syracuse enters this matchup at 4-0 for the first time since 1991. Matching up with the beasts of the ACC the Clemson Tigers on Saturday will be a true test to see where the program is. While Clemson deals with the semi-distraction of the transferring Kelly Bryant they can’t look past this he Orange. The Orange are trying to prove that last year’s win over Clemson wasn’t a fluke and that they’re a legitimate ACC contender. A win this Saturday would most certainly do that and potentially land them in the Top 25 for Week 6.

You can be bold here and take Syracuse to upset Clemson, but I am not that bold. I do think this spread is a bit large for this matchup. Syracuse is good and they should keep this close.

Syracuse +25

Indiana -16.5 at Rutgers

Rutgers got blown out by Kansas. That’s Kansas Football. With basically no passing game. After a nice start to the season against Texas State Scarlet Knight quarterbacks have combined to complete just 44% of their passes with no touchdowns, five interceptions, and absolutely nothing happening down the field.

This is more about how bad Rutgers is then how good Indiana is. Don’t worry about where the number goes right now you have to fade Rutgers no matter what.

Indiana -16.5

Oklahoma State -17 at Kansas

I have picked on Kansas all year. It finally paid off versus Baylor. This weekend it will pay off again as the Cowboys come to town. This is a simple case of to much offense for Kansas to stay afloat in this one. Oklahoma State quarterback Taylor Cornelius has thrown for 1,229 yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Justice Hill leads the Cowboys in rushing with 388 yards and five touchdowns. The leading receiver is Tylan Wallace with 442 yards and two touchdowns. Tyron Johnson has 206 receiving.

This is the best offense Kansas has seen and they will have no answers for it. Oklahoma State literally doubles total yardage both rushing and receiving on a game to game basis. OK State takes over early and never looks back.

Oklahoma State -17

Arkansas vs Texas A&M -21 (Neutral Site)

Arkansas has been down right embarrassing to start the season scoring just 47 points over their last 3 games while giving up 112 to opposing offenses. They now get a matchup with a Texas A&M team that has been averaging 300 passing yards and 250 rushing yards a game. The Aggies have also covered in its last five games.

This will be a chance to Texas A&M to run up a score on a team that looks to have all but given up any chance of winning this season.

Texas A&M -21

Pittsburgh at Central Florida -13.5

In last weeks game against North Carolina, the Panthers defense stayed home and allowed 476 total yardage against a North Carolina squad that had been struggling and battling injuries. They now face arguably the best offense in college football when they face the “National Champion” Central Florida Knights.

I am going to keep it simple here. Central Florida at home steamrolls a struggling defense. Mac Milton throws for 330yards and 4TD’s.

Central Florida -13.5

What I learned from Week 3

September 26, 2018September 26, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

The Broncos QB situation is still a problem.

Case Keenum has had a solid NFL career. Highlighted by a pro bowl season for the Vikings in 2017 he was a prize on the free agent market that many teams were interested in. While he was the the grand prize he still garnered a lot of interest from multiple teams. Eventually he landed with the Denver Broncos. A team with a solid defense and good core of receivers, it made sense for him and the organization.

The Broncos jumped out to a 2-0 start before falling to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday 27-14. Keenum did not play like a prize QB going 22 for 34 for 192 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. What was the most staggering was Denver’s inefficiencies in the red zone. An inability of Keenum to score in the red zone along with an inability

Cleveland has their QB.

The Cleveland Browns have moved into the new era of a QB savior. Baker Mayfield made his debut with the Browns on Thursday Night Football leading them to their first victory in over 600 days. The new savior of Cleveland sports was crowned. The question is whether he will be the new King of Cleveland sports or will he follow in the line of Cleveland QB’s that paved the way. Is he Lebron or Manziel?

No matter what Baker turns out to be the people of Cleveland have fallen in love again. Hue Jackson could be the only one standing in the way of this new affair. Jackson refuses to name Baker the starter despite him leading the Browns to victory. Hue still believes in Tyrod Taylor but the fans are ready for their #1 draft pick to play and play now.

The Patriots have real issues.

The Patriots fell to the Detroit Lions Sunday night 26-10 in a game that they were never truly in. While the loss is bad, it pales in comparison to the issues in the locker room. Reports of turmoil between Tom Brady and Bill Belichick continue to make national attention. Now talks of the Patriots potentially looking to move on from Rob Gronkowski continues to fuel the fire of dissention in the locker room.

We have seen the Patriots get off to slow starts in the past but with the continued in house disruptions you have to question whether this team is on the same page. Eventually losing coordinator after coordinator has to cause a problem for the on-field preparation. There is a lack of talent as well. Is this the year where Brady and Belichick can’t get past their differences?

I Talk Sports Picks- NFL, NCAAF

September 20, 2018September 20, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

2-8 to start the season sucks but we have to tread on. Late adds again helped us out but we can only document what we put on this page. Eventually it all turns around and this week could be the week.

NFL

Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings -17

17 points is a huge margin in the NFL. Let’s look at the facts, LeSean McCoy has busted ribs, Rookie QB Josh Allen making his second start, Bills defense has players retiring in the first half. This has beat down written all over it.

Minnesota was not happy with their performance in week two versus an injured Aaron Rodgers, they will come out hungry to make a statement at home. We could see a few more Bills players retiring at halftime in this one. While 17 points may be a lot, in this case that may be to low.

Vikings -17

Chicago Bears -6 at Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have been the definition of awful through the first two games of the 2018-19 season. Scoring just 6 points over their first two games they now get a matchup with a stingy Chicago Bears defense.

Sam Bradford’s QB rating sits at a league worst 55.6 with his longest pass play so far being 15 yards to Larry Fitzgerald. Star runningback David Johnson has been limited to 14 touches in their week two matchup which will never lead to a victory. While the Bears don’t yet feature a top level offense with the still developing Mitchell Trubisky at the helm, they have begun to progress with a new go to receiver in Allen Robinson. Look for the bears to establish Jordan Howard early and Khalil Mack to potentially injure Sam Bradford. Opening up the door for Josh Rosen…a door that should be at the least unlocked.

Bears -6

New England Patriots -6.5 at Detroit Lions

Let’s start with the obvious. Since 2000, New England is 21-6 against the spread following a double digit loss. Tom Brady does not take losing well and Bll Belichick will not allow his former coordinator to look good against him. For what it’s worth, Belichick has faced former assistants who went on to be head coaches on 18 occasions and has posted a 12-6 SU and 11-7 ATS record.

Even without the pickup of Josh Gordon I would think this is a huge advantage for the New England Patriots. Gronk, White, Michel, Hogan and company should all have big days. This should be a blow out.

Patriots -6.5

NCAAF

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan Wolverines -17.5

Nebraska took a humbling loss last Saturday to Sun Belt for Troy, the first time since 1957 that the Huskers have lost their first two games of a season. Many will look at these first two home losses and say the Huskers will be on a mission this weekend in Ann Arbor. I see it a different way.

Nebraskas first two losses of the season came at home to lesser competition then the Wolverines. It is Michigan that has something to prove in this game. They are still look to make a statement on the national scene. If Michigan can avoid turnovers while finally establishing the run they can dominate the game and take this home easily. I may wait and see if the money begins to come in on Nebraska as I expect it will.

Michigan -17.5

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Maryland Terrapins -1.5

I watched this line move from 3 to 1.5 over the last week. With two key injuries for the Golden Gophers, RB Rodney Smith and QB Zack Annexstad the offense should be partially neutralized.

The Terps are coming off a disaster of a game losing to Temple 35-14. They return home to face a Minnesota team that has yet to face a real power five team. Maryland’s offense has been rough early in the season but with the homefield advantage and a litany of injuries Maryland should be able to pull this one out.

Maryland -1.5

Boston College Eagles -6.5 at Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue beat me last week putting up points against the horrid Mizzou defense sinking what looked like a sure thing. But they still took an L in a game where the momentum was in their favor. Boston College will feature AJ Dillon in the backfield spear heading a dominant running attack that has averaged 296 yards per game over their first 3.

Purdue is no doubt better then their record may show but after a few brutal losses and facing a team with a solid pass rush and runningback that will allow BC to utilize clock management this will be a tall task for Purdue.

Boston College -6.5

James “Why Not” Pick of the Week 1-1 .

Cincinnati Bengals at Carolina Panthers

Last week I road the Tannehill train to victory over the Jets. The Dolphins being an underdog in that game never really made much sense but I will take the victory. This week is a little tougher. I wanted to go with a college game but none of them seemed to stand out. So I went with a team that is hot.

The Cincinnati Bengals have started the season 2-0 with a couple of impressive victories, they head into Carolina to take on a beat up Panthers squad. The Panthers will need to rely on their defense, forcing a turnover will be huge especially from Andy Dalton. When Dalton throws one interception in a game, the Bengals are 21-13-1 straight up and 17-14-4 against the spread. However, should Dalton throw two picks, that record dips to 10-16-1 SU and 8-16-3 ATS. I don’t think the loss of Joe Mixon will play a huge factor as Gio Bernard is a veteran that knows the role he must play.

Bengals +3

What I learned from week 2

September 18, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Texans may not be very good.

Division matchups are always tough. The Houston Texans were suppose to be the clear favorites of the AFC South due to the return of DeShaun Watson but things don’t work out how they should in the NFL. Heading into Tennessee Houston’s dominant defensive line had to be licking the chops at the chance to go against the backup Blaine Gabbert and an injury riddled Titans offensive line.

This was a chance for Houston to make a statement in the division….but they lost. The undermanned Titans were able to use trickery and game management to pull off the win. Houston had its bright spots with the return of Will Fuller to the lineup going for 117 yards and a touchdown. But in the end the Texans went to 0-2. This will be a lose that can make a huge impact later on in the year.

The Browns will never change.

The Cleveland Browns were suppose to be on their way out of the cellar of the NFL. An emerging defense, signing veterans Jarvis Landry, Carlos Hyde and Tyrod Taylor to go along with young stars like David Njoku and Antonio Callaway. A coaching staff that consisted of Todd Haley and Greg Williams to mask the issues of Hue Jackson.

They had a chance to pull off two victories against New Orleans and Pittsburgh but the football gods refuse to allow them to take the next step in their development. This team has improved but they have to get over the stigma of being losers.

I may be wrong about Patrick Mahomes.

Patrick Mahomes has been the talk of the NFL over the first two weeks. Throwing for 10 touchdowns, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers. Two teams that most believed would be playoff bound coming into the season. Mahomes has utilized the assets around him better then previous QB Alex Smith could have ever done.

Mahomes arm strength has allowed players like Sammy Watkins and Tyreke Hill to have freedom going down the field. It has opened up the middle for Travis Kelce making this team a dangerous offensive force.

I believed that Mahomes was not ready to make an immediate impact, I figured that he would take some time to adjust to the speed of the NFL. I was wrong.

The Jags are the real deal.

If I told you the Jaguars would bet the New England Patriots last season you would have to assume that it was the defense that controlled the game. While they were good it was the play of Blake Bortles that carried the Jaguars to their first regular season win versus the big boys of the AFC the New England Patriots.

It’s time to stop looking at the Jaguars as an emerging team and realize that they are the class of the AFC. They are no longer looking to just reach the playoffs, they are expected the reach the playoffs.

MLB DFS Lineup- Sept 18

September 18, 2018September 18, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Haven’t posted a DFS Lineup in awhile, but I like a few matchups tonight that I think can be exploited. May make a few changes once official Lineups come out. All prices are based off of Draftkings.

P: Jake Odorizzi vs Detroit ($8,000)

P: Joey Lucchessi vs San Francisco ($7,600)

C: Danny Jansen, Toronto Blue Jays ($3,600)

1B: Ji-Man Choi, Tampa Bay Rays ($4,500)

2B: Joey Wendle, Tampa Bay Rays ($4,200)

3B: Eugenio Suarez, Cincinnati Reds ($4,400)

SS: Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians ($5,500)

OF: Lorenzo Cain, Milwaukee Brewers ($4,500)

OF: Kiki Hernandez, Los Angeles Dodgers ($3,900)

OF: Billy Mckinney, Toronto Blue Jays ($3,700)

I like the matchup of Lucchessi vs a depleted Giants lineup. He has had success against them along with some serious strikeout potential. Teaming him up with Jake Odorizzi could be great low level cost pitchers allowing you to grab some bigger bats.

The bigger bats I went with wer Francisco Lindor, Lorenzo Cain and Ji Man Choi. Choi has been crushing the ball especially vs righties this season. The Rays should be a popular stack playing in Texas and facing the explodable Yovanni Gallardo.

Good luck!

I Talk Sports- Picks ATS (NFL, NCAAF

September 13, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

I will be the first to admit that a 1-4 start to my season was not ideal. Meltdowns from the Steelers, Florida Atlantic and Arkansas were a grocery list of bad beats. Oh and the Saints forgot how to play defense. Luckily late adds like Penn State and the Rams kept me in good graces. Let’s get into this weeks picks.

Houston Texans -2 at Tennessee Titans

Following the longest game in NFL history the hobbled Tennessee Titans return home to take on division foe Houston. Both teams will be looking to avoid an 0-2 start to the regular season.

Let’s start with the obvious, the Texans have dominated the Titans winning 9 of the last 12 meetings. They are also 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games against the Titans. Houston’s defense will look to bring the heat on a Marcus Mariota whom is likely to start despite an elbow injury that caused him to leave their week 1 game. All signs point to Mariota playing on Sunday but with some injuries to the offensive line the Titans could be looking at a long day trying to stop powerhouses JJ Watt and Jadaveon Clowney.

The Texans have lost 8 straight games on the road but this matchup with a healthy DeShaun Watson and and a returning Will Fuller will be to much for the Titans to handle.

Texans -2

Indianapolis Colts at Washington Redskins -5.5

The Washington Redskins have been flying under the radar during the preseason. The addition of Alex Smith was not a sexy one but could pay dividends during the season. His first game was as success full as you would think completing 21 of 30 for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns against an above average Cardinals secondary. Veteran Adrian Peterson showed he’s still got it by rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown on 26 touches. He also caught two passes for 70 yards.

The veteran Redskins will now have a chance to feast on a Colts defense that has been its achillies heel for an eternity. Statistically, they finished in the middle of the pack in total yards allowed this past Sunday. However, Andy Dalton averaged 8.7 yards per attempt, sixth-highest in Week 1, and Cincinnati gained 5.1 yards per rush as a team, second-most in Week 1. Alex Smith will have homefield advantage and the weapons necessary to pick a part the secondary. Luck will keep the Colts in the game but the Redskins are to solid on offense to let this game slip away. I would love this line to get to three but that won’t happen I’ll settle for where it is.

Redskins -5.5

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons -6

The Carolina Panthers play a gritty style of football. The Falcons don’t like to score in the red zone. This game has tightly contested written all over it. The Panthers come into Atlanta as 6 point dogs most likely due to a litany of injuries including long time tight end Greg Olsen. Cam Newton’s go to receiver broke his foot, he will likely be out for at least three weeks.

The Falcons are dealing with their own injuries as well. The loss of Keanu Neal for the season is a huge blow to the defense, linebacker Deion Jones has also been missing practice due to a foot injury. Other injuries for the Falcons includes mental injuries, offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian tends to forget that he has arguably the best wide receiver in football on his team in the red zone. Matt Ryan has forgotten how to throw a pass with any velocity as well. This game is a tough one to pick. So I am going to go a different direction. I am looking under for this one and leaning towards the Panthers covering.

Panthers +6 and under 44.5

Ohio Bobcats at Virginia Cavaliers -3.5

Virginia fell to Indiana in week two of the college football season but they intrigued me with their ability to keep it close. Virginia Quarterback Bryce Perkins has been good for the Cavaliers, dealing with tough weather conditions last week, he will have a favorable matchup against an Ohio secondary that was picked a part by Howard Quarterback Caylin Newton.

Virginia will need to get out to a lead quickly and not look back. Ohio’s best option will be to play a grind it out style to control the clock. Keep the bad secondary off the field. I don’t think Ohio has it in them.

Virginia Cavaliers -3.5

Mizzou Tigers -6.5 at Purdue Boilmakers

The season could not have started in better for the Missouri Tigers. Two dominate offensive games. Drew Lock looks like a legit NFL prospect, as a team they have scored 91 points in two games and have covered both weeks spreads…Lock is also averaging 396 passing yards per game over the first two.

Purdue on the other hand has not started the season they way they had envisioned. A tough loss to Northwestern in game one was followed up last week with a surprising defeat at the hands of Eastern Michigan. A big problem for the Boilermakers has been on the offensive side of the ball. They are averaging only 23 points per game. They have also had an issue with throwing interceptions. Giving a talented offense like Mizzou multiple opportunities will lead to a long night.

Missouri Tigers -6.5

James “Why Not” Pick of the Week 0-1

Dolphins +3

My “Why Not” pick of the week fell just short of cashing due to a late interception thrown by DeShaun Watson. This week I am sticking with the NFL and going with The Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins will head into the 1-0 New York Jets looking to build on their upset victory over the Tennessee Titans. Sam Darnold looked great outside of his first throw of the game but I still see a rookie QB in a divisional game. The Dolphins also have a passing attack that can be a problem for any secondary. Establishing veteran Frank Gore alongside Kenyan Drake will also give the Dolphins a solid run game to back up Ryan Tannehill. I am not only looking for the Dolphins to cover but I think they win outright.

DFS Picks Day Slate

September 12, 2018September 12, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

I Talk Sports DFS Lineup (Day Slate) September 12 2018-

P: Carlos Carrasco, Ross Stripling

C: Martin Maldonado, Astros

1B: Edwin Encarnacion, Indians

2B: Brian Dozier, Dodgers

3B: Matt Carpenter, Cardinals

SS: Alex Bregman, Astros

OF: Corey Dickerson, Pirates

OF: Marcell Ozuna, Cardinals

OF: Joc Pederson, Dodgers

Looking at the day slate you have multiple options at pitcher. Carrasco has the best matchup at a more affordable price. The Rays can be a tricky to understand at times but they strike out a lot. Gerrit Cole is an obvious choice vs the Tigers but his cost will leave you will little to know room to stack some potentials stud hitters. Save yourself almost 2K for some hitters.

For potential lineup stacks the obvious choice is the Astros going against Daniel Norris. The Astros middle of the order can feast of of Norris. Alex Bregman and red hot Tyler White are potential bats that can bring you some power. White was a little to pricey so I decided to go with the upside of a cheap Edwin Encarnacion. I also like the Dodgers in a . must win spot against the pesky Reds and Anthony Desclafani. Brian Dozier and Joc Pederson were affordable options that have homerun potential in Great American SmallPark.

What I learned from Week 1.

September 11, 2018 / italksportsandthatsit / Leave a comment

Aaron Rodgers is the GOAT.

If you didn’t already believe Rodgers was the greatest of all time he finds a way to make you discuss it again. Looking like he was dead in the water to a much improved Bears team, potentially to injured to return. Aaron Rodgers pulled his best Willis Reed impression Sunday entering the game down 20-0 and inspiring a monumental comeback against hated rival the Chicago Bears. Rodgers threw for 286 YDS and three touchdowns while many questioned his potential return.

Bears coach Matt Nagy was having flashbacks of 2017 playoffs as he watched his team crumble blowing a lead in a early season division showdown . While Nagy can be blamed for playing conservative. Was their really anything he could do when Rodgers came back into the game. We watched him enter and we knew what was going to happen. Hate him or love him Rodgers has cemented himself as the best currently playing the game. Even the immortal Tom Brady has to see the greatness that is Aaron Rodgers,

The Chargers are the Chargers.

The Los Angeles Chargers have a stigma that may never leave them. They are always considered the best team in their division pre-season, yet no one really expects them to win said division. The Kansas City Chiefs continued their recent dominance over Phillip Rivers and the gang defeating them 38- 28.

The Chargers season did not start off very immaculate as Tyreke Hill immediately made an impact on special teams running back a first quarter punt. The Chargers were playing from behind right away, a position they have all but come accustomed to in their recent history. The gunslinger Phillip Rivers did his part in throwing for over 400 yards but as we have seen for what seems like an eternity Rivers can be great but come up short as they so often do.

This team still has the talent to win the division and be a contender, but they have to prove it to themselves first. A history of coming up short is hard to overcome. Ask the Bills.

Jameis Winston is overrated.

Ryan Fitzpatrick showed us the potential that has been talked about with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the last few seasons. With great offensive talent like Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and OJ Howard the Buccaneers have been a sleeper pick of many to breakout the last few seasons. On Sunday we saw what this team is capable of as they took down defending NFC South Champions the New Orleans Saints in convincing and dominating fashion.

Jameis Winston has all of the talent a star Quarterback in the league needs. Mobility, athleticism, arm strength, but I have always questioned his ability to lead. Talent can win games in sports, sometimes the best athlete is just to much for the opposing team to handle. But leadership wins championships. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t see Ryan Fitzpatrick taking this team to the Super Bowl especially in the stacked NFC. I do see a team that seemed to play inspired football with a QB that they trusted. I have said it before I think Winston is overrated and needs a change of scenery. Maybe Sunday’s performance will show Buccaneers management that the time has come for Jameis to be moved.

Maybe the Cowboys are better with Dez?

This question may be a bit premature but the first game of the season did not go the way Jerry Jones had envisioned losing to the Carolina Panthers 16-8. Dak Prescott was underwhelming to say the least throwing for just 170 YDS and 0 touchdowns. The Panthers defense is no joke but it seemed as if the Cowboys never could find a rhythm.

I bring up Dez Bryant because this team seems to lack a real threat on the outside that can help to open up the dominate run game of Ezekiel Elliot. While Bryant was not a star last year statistically, Bryant does bring reputation and prestige to the position. A defense is forced to keep an I on him and potentially utilize a top defender to him. Without that threat the Cowboys will have an issue moving the ball in 2018-19.

The Lions are bad.

Matt Patricia is cool. He is not the cookie cutter mold that most coaches are. He has his own style on the field. But his team stinks. They can’t play defense, they can’t play offense, they got owned on Monday Night at home against a rookie QB that actually threw a pick six on the very first play.

Mathew Stafford is good but he will never be great. If Patricia is going to be successful he needs to abandon the ways of previous seasons. Take the ball out of Staffords hands, utilize the three runningbacks Bloung, Riddick and rookie Kerryon Johnson. Establish the run and keep the horrid defense off the field. This team has 5-11 written all over it.