The Return of the Mustache

With the NFL season less than two weeks away and South Carolina and Vandy kicking off in 6 days, it’s a good time to bring back the Mustache.  For all of you that missed us since we’ve been gone, we’ve missed you too.  I really don’t have any excuses for not posting since last December other than the fact that I work a full time job, spend time with my wife outside of work, and tried to focus on working out and getting my figure back to resemble what it was back in high school.  Good news though, work is going well, my marriage is awesome, and I’ve lost 18lbs since January 1^st (thanks 100 Day Burpee Challenge and T-Rex for the help/motivation). 

    

This time around at Mustache Sports, I’m hoping to accomplish a couple of things. 

More Contributors

I’d really like to get more people involved in writing posts and participating in the comments.  Last year, Colin Nelson (C-Murder), Chris Wernick (Monster), Scott Yasko (Scott Yasko), and Kurt Olson (Bert Kolson) did a fantastic job of providing insights into the world of NFL prognostications, fantasy football,  college football, and the Chicago Bears.  This year, you can all expect to see them back in some sort of capacity.  But as goes life, things change.  Colin is knee deep in his job and commitment to his beloved Molly, Wernick got a new job that involves him being on the road a lot more, Kurt is killing things over at CDW, and Scott had a beautiful baby girl.  So although you can expect to still read the things that pertain to the wonderful world of Mustache Sports, don’t expect to see it on such a consistent basis.  So please, if you have any interest in writing about anything, just let me know, and we will get it up for others to enjoy. 

Picks 

I am still going to be posting NFL and college picks on a weekly basis against the spread, I think that was pretty fun last year.  And I don’t know if I’m going to do much to adjust how all of that information was presented since I felt we did a great job with that last year.  Scott’s college football write ups were something that would put ESPN to shame, Wernick made Matthew Berry look like he didn’t play fantasy football, and when Colin or Kurt wrote up a Bears game preview, it always left me thinking that they should be working for the Score.  I guess the next part goes back to the getting more people involved so if you would like to participate in this portion of the blog and commit to doing it every week, please feel free to let me know. 

Pictures

I want to post pictures this year, they make things more fun.

Email Conversations

This year, my goal is to post more email discussions that I have with different people.  Scott and I did one last year about the FSU Notre Dame Champs Sports Bowl and since things turned out the way I wanted, (I ended up winning the argument, being correct about the result of the game (FSU 18 Notre Dame No Chance), and just looked smarter at the end of everything)  I want to do more of it. 

Interviews

I would also like to interview other bloggers or maybe even someone famous.  That’s sort of on my Mustache Sports Bucket List.  I’ve already had one Chicago celebrity commit to doing such a thing, Scott Bolohan (follow him on Twitter @scottbolohan), so expect that interview sooner rather than later. 

Twitter 

I have also created a Twitter account for the blog so be sure to follow us @Mustache_Sports.  Currently we are following 0 people and have 0 followers.  Impressed?  I thought so, especially since I just created it 3 minutes ago. 

Podcast

I’m also working on being able to post some sort of Podcast.  Once the technology gets worked out, and it’s easy to listen to and record, expect to see these as much as possible. 

All in all, I think this year at Mustache Sports is going to be fun.  I’m excited to see what we evolve into and who else wants to get involved.  I started writing this blog last year as a way to have some fun with things my friends and I had to say about sports without giving the reader a bunch of clichés he/she already hears from anchors at ESPN or the idiot at work that checks the score and comes in to the office the next day and says, “what a game last night, those were some really cool touchdowns.”  So, I hope, at the end of the day, we can provide that. 

It’s good to be back and it’s good to see you.  You look great by the way.  Here’s to a White Sox World Series, a Chicago Bears Super Bowl, an FSU National Championship and a fun year at Mustache Sports!  Let’s go!

Happy Birthday Wayne!

It's Wayne Gretzky's 50th birthday this week and my gift to him is to, once and for all, prove that he is the best athlete to ever play any sport. It's actually quite easy. I could do it with just the next sentence.

If Wayne Gretzky never scored a goal, he'd still be the NHL's all-time leading points scorer.

Boom! Done.

Gretzky had 1,963 assists in his career.

1.Wayne Gretzky—1,963 (assists only)

2.Mark Messier—1,887 (goals + assists)

3.Gordie Howe—1,850 (goals + assists)

If that isn't amazing enough, Wayne Gretzky scored the most goals of all-time, too—894!

Case closed. Game over. So, that makes it:

•Wayne Gretzky—2,857 (goals + assists)

A whopping 970 more points than anyone ever! Absolute bananas. Just the extra 970 points is more than the career totals of:

•Maurice Richard—965 (goals + assists) Hall of Fame

•Chris Chelios—948 (goals + assists) And he played like 40 seasons.

•Bobby Orr—915 (goals + assists) Hall of Fame

If that wasn't enough:

•Wayne Gretzky is the only player ever to score 200 points in a season—and he did it four times.

•He won the MVP (Hart Memorial Trophy) eight years in a row. Nine times total.

•His teams won the Stanley Cup four times.

•His jersey number, 99, is retired by every single team in the NHL.

•His list of achievements go on and on and on...

•No steroids. No scandals. Just the most incredible athlete ever.

Picks Year to Date

NFL

C-Murder 35-28-5

Bert Kolson 40-35-6

Sef Sam Holy 36-33-3

Monster 27-37-4

College

Scott 26-17

Sef Sam Holy 25-21

Blake Witzman 7-10

Tim Tebow and Our Weekend Picks

I don’t know if I would bet that Tim Tebow’s success will sustain itself over the course of an NFL career but it’s been really fun to watch, and root for, this year.  I’m hoping the Broncos end up winning the Super Bowl so haters like Trent Dilfer, the worst person in the world on ESPN, eats a big bowl of crow and maybe gets fired for being so consistently wrong about everything he predicts. 

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that next offseason, Tebow works on his passing ability.  Let him start completing just 50% of his passes and he might just turn out to be legit. 

Here’s some fun information:

Tim Tebow’s career numbers

5-3 (8 starts)

12TD 4INT

1,363 yards passing

615 yards rushing

9 rushing TD’s

Last night he drove 95 yards on a Jets defense, that had only allowed 2 first downs through 54 minutes, in 5 minutes to lead the Broncos to a 17-13 win that was capped off by a 20 yard TD run against an all-out blitz.  The legend continues to grow and I continue to be interested. 

Week 11 NFL Picks

Bengals +7 at Ravens

Sef Sam Holy – Ravens

Bert Kolson – Bengals

Monster - Ravens

Bills +1 at Dolphins

Sef Sam Holy – Bills

Bert Kolson – Bills

Monster - Dolphins

Jaguars (Pk) at Browns

Sef Sam Holy – Jags

Bert Kolson – Jags

Monster - Jags

Panthers +7 at Lions

Sef Sam Holy – Lions

Bert Kolson – Panthers

Monster - Lions

Raiders -1 at Vikings

Sef Sam Holy – Raiders

Bert Kolson – Raiders

Monster - Raiders

Bucs +14.5 at Packers

Sef Sam Holy – Packers

Bert Kolson – Bucs

Monster - Packers

Cowboys -8 at Redskins

Sef Sam Holy – Cowboys

Bert Kolson – Cowboys

Monster - Cowboys

Cardinals +10 at 49ers

Sef Sam Holy – 49ers

Bert Kolson – Cardinals

Monster – 49ers

Seahawks +3 at Rams

Sef Sam Holy – Rams

Bert Kolson – Rams

Monster - Rams

Chargers +4 at Bears

Sef Sam Holy – Chargers

Bert Kolson – Bears

Monster - Bears

Eagles +4 at Giants

Sef Sam Holy – Giants

Bert Kolson – Eagles

Monster - Giants

Chiefs +15 at Pats

Sef Sam Holy – Chiefs

Bert Kolson – Chiefs

Monster – Pats

Year to Date

C-Murder – 30-22-4

Bert Kolson – 36-28-5

Sef Sam Holy – 33-25-2

Monster – 22-32-3

Week 12 College Picks

16 Nebraska +3.5 at 18 Michigan

Sef Sam Holy – Nebraska

Blake Witzman – Nebraska

Scott - Nebraska

21 Penn State +7 at Ohio State

Sef Sam Holy – Penn State

Blake Witzman – Penn State

Scott – Penn State

Miami -1 at South Florida

Sef Sam Holy – South Florida

Blake Witzman – Miami

Scott – Miami

USC +15 at 4 Oregon

Sef Sam Holy – Oregon

Blake Witzman – Oregon

Scott - USC

5 Oklahoma -16 at 22 Baylor

Sef Sam Holy – Baylor

Blake Witzman – Oklahoma

Scott - Baylor

Year to Date

Scott – 23-15

Sef Sam Holy – 23-18

Blake Witzman – 5-7

And We're Back!

After watching 7 weeks of NFL football, it’s getting difficult to provide you, the reader, with any sort of analysis that you don’t already know.  The Packers are awesome, the Dolphins/Colts/Rams may not win this year, the Lions and Bills are fun stories but both will probably somehow miss out on the playoffs, and we’ve all had a good time watching the Eagles start out 2-4. 

I’m a numbers fella, so here are some numbers that might make you go, “I uh, I did not KNOW that.” 

Mustache Sports gots backs

Maurice Jones-Drew is second in the league in rushing with 677 yards (96.7 yards per game)

Ben Tate is 9^th in the league in rushing with 466 yards (66.6 yards per game)

Beanie Wells has 6 rushing TD’s tied for 3^rd in the NFL

Matt Forte has 419 yards receiving, most among RB’s.  That’s one less yard than LeSean McCoy, Darren McFadden, and Chris Johnson combined.

Far out with the Wide Out

Calvin Johnson has 10 TD’s already and is on pace to score 23 TD’s for the season

Mike Wallace has 5 TD’s that are 40 yards or longer

Jabar Gaffney has 38 more receiving yards than Miles Austin

Preston Parker has more receiving TD’s (2) than his Bucs teammate Mike Williams (1)

Matt Forte has more receiving yards than Anquan Boldin, Stevie Johnson, Marques Colston, Brandon Lloyd, Dez Bryant, and Santonio Holmes

How are the QB’s doing?

Ben Rothlisberger has more passing yards than Matthew Stafford

Josh Freeman has more passing yards than Philip Rivers

Michael Vick has more rushing yards (378) than Rashard Mendenhall (374)

Cam Newton has more rushing TD’s (7) than every RB in the NFL other than Adrian Peterson

Rex Grossman, Cam Newton, and Philip Rivers are tied for second worst in the NFL with 9 INT’s.

Josh Freeman has thrown 10 INT’s already this year after only throwing 6 all of last year.

Kevin Kolb has throw less interceptions (7) than Tom Brady and Drew Brees (8)

We talkin bout Tight Ends!

Jimmy Graham has 225 more receiving yards than the next best TE, Jason Witten (674 to 449)

Scott Chandler has 4 TD’s this year but does not yet have 100 receiving yards

Fred Davis has the same amount of receiving yards (423) as Vincent Jackson

Did someone say kickers?

Dan Bailey has 16 field goals made in 6 games

Josh Brown has 5 PAT field goals made in 6 games]

D-Fence

The Washington Redskins defense has 17 more sacks than the Buffalo Bills (21 to 4)

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has yet to recover an opponent fumble

The Baltimore Ravens lead the league with 9 fumbles recovered

The Baltimore Ravens defense has only allowed 77 points through 6 games (12.8 ppg)

The Indianapolis Colts defense has allowed 207 points through 7 games (29.6 ppg)

Update on our Football Picking

And I’m with ya, we’ve been slacking in posting our picks for the weekly action the past couple of weeks, but NO MORE!  The fellas at Mustache Sports have been sending them in and I have the email proof to prove it.  So, without further ado, here’s our Picks Standings Year-to-Date.

College Football Picks

Scott Yasko – 23-15

Sef Sam Holy – 19-16

Blake Witzman – 3-3

NFL Picks

C-Murder – 30-22-4

Bert Kolson – 36-28-5

Sef Sam Holy – 33-25-2

Monster – 22-32-3

Quarter Season Review Auction: Fantasy Football Trade or Keep

Monster will discuss players who are over/underperforming at this critical point in the season based on their Yahoo projections before the season started vs their actual rank.

Players to Keep:

Matthew Stafford:  Proj. 68, Actual 13

He’s proven so far that the injury bug has been swatted.  This guy is on fire and he has the weapons to put up devastating numbers.  If you have him, keep him, he’s turning out to be the best middle round pick of this year’s draft through the first quarter of the season.

Eli Manning: Proj 74, Actual 29

Mannings was unlucky early in the season with his WR’s suffering injury, but with that O-line healthy and some of the big playmakers coming back, as well as some rising talent in Victor Cruz, look for Eli to strive hard to turn their season around through the air.  Also, an injury plagued defense could mean battling to come back from behind in second halves all season long.

Cam Newtwon: Proj 211, Actual 4

I don’t think anyone picked this kid to be a star right out of the gate, but he is and we can bank on it because there’s nowhere to go but up for this kid.  Unless Steve Smith suffers a season ending injury, you can count on Newton to perform at a high level all season long.  The scary thing about this guy is that he’s a rookie and he still has a lot to learn.

Rashard Mendenhall:  Proj 5, Actual 122

There’s a lot of running backs I’m giving up on this year….Mendenhall is not one of them.  He plays in a power running offense that has gotten off to a slow start this season, but this team is tough and the Steelers will bounce back in every aspect of the game.  If the defense steps it up, it keeps the ball in Mendenhall’s hands on offense.  There are questions about their O-line’s poor performance this year but it’s still early in a season that had a short offseason from the lockout.  Keep your faith in Mendenhall.

Arian Foster: Proj 2, Actual 145

He’s been sidelined with injury but it seems he’s gotten the rest he’s needed and put up stellar numbers last week.  Consider him back to full speed and buy low on him if there’s a frustrated owner in your league looking to deal.  He is an injury risk but hey, it’s the NFL, everyone’s one hit away from being out for the season.

Steven Jackson: Proj 22, Actual 149

All signs point to recovered from his quad injury, and with a Week 5 bye he should return fresh and hungry as ever.  STL has struggled this year, but look for this team to make Jackson a centerpiece of this offense.  He’s too talented and can help the Rams control the clock to keep them in some football games in a weak NFC West.  Don’t quit on Jackson just yet.

David Nelson: Proj 276, Actual 102

We learned something this year: Buffalo has a good offense.  Stevie Johnson now healthy still helps Nelson, he’ll get the consistent targets which makes him great for a PPR league.  I see this guy only getting better.  No reason to think he won’t continue solid production as a WR2 or WR3/Flex

Dwayne Bowe: Proj 42, Actual 52

You could say this guy is playing to expectation, but the poor performance of KC overall this season is scaring quite a few owners this year.  Don’t fret.  Without a solid run game, I see this team trying to come from behind often this year and Bowe will be the primary deep target for Cassel…that is, if the O-line can keep Cassel standing longer than 2 seconds a play.  Buy low for him if you can.

Nate Washington: Proj 243, Actual 71

I like, I like a lot.  Britt is down, Hasselbeck is shoving it in Pete Carrol’s face, and Tennessee thinks they can make playoffs…maybe they can.  Washington is the new deep threat and favorite target of Hasselbeck.  This guy will have some high scoring numbers this season.  Don’t do anything stupid like dropping him for a favorable matchup with the flavor of the week (see Victor Cruz, Torrey Smith).

Roddy White: Proj 14, Actual 81

I’ll be contradicting this statement later by opting out on Matt Ryan, but here’s why White makes sense:  If the Falcons are this bad, they will have to keep throwing the ball.  I’m sure a big reason they’re struggling is that Roddy is battling an injury.  If he can get enough rest to recover, watch out.  He has the talent and the QB to get him the deep ball.  He’ll have ample opportunity most of the season as I see the Falcons playing from behind.  That, and Roddy is typically their possession receiver in that offense as well.  I’m not giving up on Roddy yet.

Players to Trade:

Matt Ryan: Proj 47, Actual 63

I will give up on Matt Ryan and the rest of this offense.  I don’t know what happened, but they lost whatever they had last year.  Maybe its injuries, who knows, but these guys look nothing like last year’s #1 seed.  Matt Ryan’s name still carries some weight, deal him for something, anything, just hope you have a backup in hand or a Matt Hasselbeck/Rex Grossman combo to start in favorable matchups.  This guy is proving to be a wasted pick.

Sam Bradford: Proj 93, Actual 236

Some had Bradford at the same upside level of Matt Stafford.  I didn’t buy it.  I was right.  Everyone in Missouri says “show me” for good reason.  Deal Bradford if you can, otherwise it’s safe to drop him at this point for someone who has been performing significantly better.

Kevin Kolb: Proj 86, Actual 104

I hope you didn’t over pay for this guy like I did in 2010.  This year is no different.  That offense is struggling behind a weak offensive line and I don’t see a weak NFC West helping them.  Kolb just doesn’t handle pressure well, and despite the weapons he has around him, I was just never sold on his consistency.  That’s what you need most out of the QB position.  Big numbers is nice once in a while, but you need solid production week in-week out from the QB spot.  Kolb can’t do that for you, there’s probably a few guys on waivers that can.  See Jason Campbell, Matt Hasselback, Jay Cutler, Rex Grossman

Chris Johnson: Proj 4, Actual 116

We all knew this was coming.  If you didn’t, make a list of players that hold out until the last couple days of training camp and have stellar seasons.  He clearly isn’t what he was, and I don’t blame the hold out as much as I blame the Offensive Line.  CJ2K is awesome when he has a huge hole to run through, but he can’t make it happen on his own like an Adrian Peterson can, therefore there’s no reason to think this guy will turn it around in 2011.

Beanie Wells: Proj 40, Actual 16

He’s not this good, and despite an easy division, I can’t see him maintaining these numbers.  He’ll get a lot of touches, but I don’t have confidence in that offensive line holding up all year.  They were bad last year, and they’re bad this year.  I wouldn’t bank on him being your RB2 all season long.

Darren Sproles: Proj 110, Actual 27

He’s the 3^rd back in a 3-back running offense.  With Thomas getting touches, and Ingram being the younger/stronger back on the goal line, Sproles is limited.  He’s put up good numbers now, but they’ve been on big plays which you can’t count on week to week.  Sell this guy high if you can and get a solid WR3 or better if possible. 

Eric Decker: Proj 238, Actual 22

I like Decker, I want to believe he’ll be solid all year as I think Orton really does like him, but there’s too many WR’s at the same talent level and if Denver is bad enough half way through they year:  Tim Tebow Time!  Decker owners don’t want to see Tebow behind center, and for this reason I’m selling Decker for something I can flex.

Devery Henderson: Proj 307, Actual 69

You probably already know, but Devery is the odd man out now that Colston and Moore are back to full health.  Devery may have some big catches throughout the season when the Saints go with 4 WR sets, but I don’t see that happening enough to justify starting Devery on a weekly basis.  Last week was an indication that you can’t expect the same numbers the rest of the season.  It’s probably too late to use him as trade bait at this point.

Reggie Wayne: Proj 30, Actual 100

It’s not Reggie’s fault I’m selling him, it’s Peyton’s.  Have you seen Paynter play?  In that Tampa game he was on the same page as all the other WR’s EXCEPT Reggie.  I think Wayne will gain too much attention this year as the primary deep threat and I like all the other WR’s over him right now.  I’m sure you can package this guy for an RB2 or flex player.  I just don’t think you can rely on him every week for catches. 

Fantasy Football Picks - Week Four

Every Friday at Mustache Sports, we do our best to provide you with some advice for your fantasy football team.  Hopefully, it's not the advice you see on every other fantasy site.  Next week, we will let you know how we did.


This week's Fantasy Football Picks were done by Monster.


Who We Really Like


Nate Washington at Cleveland
Two mediocre/borderline bad teams going at it this Sunday and Tennessee’s #1 WR in Kenny Britt is out for the season. Washington has been solid this season despite being on the field at the same time as Britt.  Look for him to be a solid WR the rest of the way.  This is a big game for both teams, I would not be surprised to see unexpected high scoring in this game.


Vincent Jackson vs Miami
Miami is in complete disarray folks, and the Dolphins can’t stop anyone on defense.  We haven’t seen much out of Vincent this season on a consistent basis, he’s either been feast or famine for fantasy owners, but this game should be a big one.  San Diego will be looking to get up early in the first half to blow it out and control the clock in the second half.  Miami’s Vonte Davis has underperformed to this point and I don’t see any improvement.  Jackson should be targeted often and in the red zone.


Michael Turner at Seattle
I’m picking him again.  Seattle sucks at football, but I can’t believe Atlanta has been this bad. They’re too talented on offense for that to continue.  Look for Turner to bust some big runs.  I see 100 yards, 2 TDs out of the back this week.


Jason Campbell vs New England
What did we see last time the Raiders faced a high powered offense from the AFC East?  I fully expect the Pats to dominate the passing game, get up by a ton of points early, and that's great news for Campbell owners.  It means, that unless DMAC can carry the team again, it will fall on Campbell to air it out to keep up with the Patriots. I think Campbell has the talent to do just that, especially with New England being extremely terrible in pass defense.


Who We Might Like


Michael Jenkins at Kansas City
Jenkins is seeing just as many targets as anyone else on the Vikings and he’s one of the few actually catching McNabb’s poor throws. He is especially valuable in PPR formats.  Kansas City is banged up on defense and I don’t see them stopping the Vikings at all.  Jenkins is a nice flex play this week.  


Mario Manningham at Arizona
A weak pass defense in Arizona and Eli finally showing us a flashes of brilliance last week lead me to believe Manningham should have a big week. of last season.  If Manningham recovers from his concussion this week (as all signs point to yes), then I see Manningham seeing the majority of the targets.  I’m sure we’ll see some shots down the field as well….IF he plays.


Jahvid Best at Dallas
I don’t see this game being close. Detroit will be up big early and they’ll turn to Best to eat clock in the second half.  Best had one decent run on the Vikings last week, but the Vikes defense is typically tough to run on.  I don’t have as much faith in the Cowboys stopping the run.  Jahvid Beast should have a solid game here in an offense that is on fire right now.


Andy Dalton vs Buffalo
I’m going out on a limb here, but it’s hard to pick sleeper QB’s without sounding like everyone else.  Dalton, being a rookie, is a huge risk and I’d only suggest starting him if you can flex a QB.  The Bengals are clearly rebuilding, they’ll be down early, and they’ll have to unleash Dalton in the pass game if they want any shot at staying competitive in this one game.  If I’m Cincinnati, I’m thinking this is a game where we put the pressure on Dalton and see how he responds.  The kid has shown talent already this season, I think he puts up some decent numbers this week, 325 yds passing, 3 TD’s


Who We Don't Like


Willis McGahee at Green Bay
Green Bay's number 1 run defense, at home, Denver’s offense struggling….it just doesn’t add up for McGahee this week.  Knowshon Moreno is supposedly back to full practice this week and probably will split the few carries available in this game.  Denver will most likely be getting blown out and passing to try and come from behind.


Matt Schaub vs Pittsburgh
I’m sure you’re starting him no matter what, unless you pick Ryan Fitzpatrick or Matt Stafford late in your draft, but I don’t see a huge game from Houston this week. Houston hasn’t faced that tough a defense yet this season and Schaub has folded under pressure before (see injury history).  I think Pittsburgh brings the juice on defense all day long and Schaub gets frustrated being roughed up all afternoon. I would guess this would be a down week for Matt Schaub.


Tony Romo vs Detroit
Suh plays dirty and Romo is as fragile as your mom’s glass vase
you just glued back together.  If he can make it through the whole game I’m sure Romo will put up the numbers, but I don’t think he makes it, I really don’t.  Everyone and they’re sister knows Tony Romo has a collapsed lung and broken ribs. Unless he can show super human scrambling skills, this man is as good as dead. 


Anquan Boldin/Lee Evans vs New York Jets
If Baltimore is going to win this game, (and I think they do) they’ll do it on the ground. The Jets pass defense is too good and I can’t see Bolding and Evans (coming back from injury) creating any kind of serious separation from Revis Island and company. I don’t see double digit targets for either of these guys.


Last week's pick results: Blue = hit, Green = ok, Red = bust


Who We Really Liked


Chris Johnson:  21 rush yds, 4 rec, 54 rec yds, no TD’s
Philadelphia Eagles Offense:  16 points 
Vick: hurt mid game for 176 pass yds, 0 TD, 1 INT  
McCoy:  128 rush Yds, 1 TD, 3 rec for 13 rec yds 
Maclin:  5 rec for 69 yds
Jackson:  2 rec for 30 yds
Beanie Wells:  Didn’t play due to last minute injury decision
Michael Turner:  20 rush yds, 0 TD’s


Who We Might Like


David Nelson:  6 rec for 84 rec yds, 0 TD’s
Maurice Jones-Drew:  122 rush yds, 3 rec for 45 rec yds, 0 TD
Nate Burleson:  2 rec for 12 rec yds
Dexter McCluster:  45 rush yds, 5 rec for 17 yds, 0 TD


Who We Didn't Like


Eli Manning:  16 for 23, 254 yds, 4 TD, 0 INT
Mark Ingram:  38 rush yds, 2 rec for -3 yds, 1 TD
GB Rushing:  Grant: 92 rush yds, 1 TD
Mike Thomas:  4 rec for 55 yds, 1 TD

Week in Review - How Did We Do?

Every week at Mustache Sports, we take a look at the previous weekend to see how we did in giving you our prognostication.

Week 4 – College Football Picks

See, we told you so

Scott and I were each 4-2 this weekend against the spread.  We both agree, and correctly picked, Bama, LSU, and Oklahoma State. 

In my opinion, LSU should be ranked number one right now.  Led by Tyrann Mathieu, the best defensive playmaker in the country (and by far the guy I would least want to fight in all of college sports), the LSU defense is fast and relentless.  Through 4 games, the Tigers have only given up 213 yards rushing and they’ve had to go against guys like LaMichael James, Darron Thomas, Chris Relf, and Vick Ballard.  Their offensive domination is done in a way that most people won’t find sexy; not turning the ball over (only 3 in 4 games) and punting on 4^th down.  Jarrett Lee has only thrown 1 pick in 87 drop backs and is doing everything Les Miles has asked him.  The Tigers still have games to play against Florida, at Tennessee, Auburn, at Alabama, Arkansas, and possibly South Carolina, or Florida again, so I don’t think they run the table.  But I’m starting to see why a one loss SEC team deserves to be in the National Championship Game more than an undefeated Boise State, Pac-12, or ACC team.    

Please don’t hear me say Alabama sucks because I think they are ridiculously good.  And I’m not saying Bama doesn’t have a chance when they play LSU in a month, they absolutely do and will probably be favored in that game.  I just believe, after watching LSU three times and Alabama twice, LSU is better. 

It’s like me saying Jordan is better than Kobe.  I’m not saying Kobe sucks, I’m just saying, the best player of all time, is better than him. 

I hope both squads get past Florida these next two weeks and we go into November 5^th with all eyes on what happens in Tuscaloosa.  The winner that night, most likely, punches their ticket to New Orleans and the BCS National Championship Game.     

Ok, so we are idiots

Florida State has killed both of us these past two weeks.  I don’t really want to talk about another FSU loss at Clemson, especially when FSU is clearly a more talented team, so I won’t.  It’s my blog, if you want to read about Clemson football, go somewhere else. 

Scott Yasko – 4-2 (6-4)

Sef Sam Holy – 4-2 (6-4)

Week 3 – NFL Picks

See, we told you so

Monster and I were both right about the Vikings +4 and Ravens -4 and that’s it.  It’s worth it to note that we only agreed on 6 games all together. 

I said before this season began that the Vikings are a 5 win team.  They have started 0-3 and I’m starting to think I’m actually wrong about them.  I watched the Lions Vikings on Sunday and Minnesota should have won that game.  I know Vikings fans will say that about the Bucs (didn’t see the game so I won’t give an opinion) and Chargers (I did watch that and never thought, even when the Vikings were up 10 at halftime, the Vikings were going to win), but last Sunday, it was absolutely the case.  If AP gets the rock 10 times in the second half, including the 4^th and 1 play, Detroit doesn’t have enough time to ever catch up. 

Now, as a Bears fan, am I going to sit around and feel sorry for Vikings fans?  No, I’m enjoying this second half collapse thing they have going on.  My point is, the Vikings are better than 0-3, and I think, better than 5-11.  I can find at least 6 wins on their schedule (at KC, Arizona, at Carolina, Denver, at Washington, and Chicago) and I’d be willing to bet someone $20 that they win one of the following games; Green Bay, at Green Bay, Oakland, at Detroit, New Orleans, at Chicago.  Now, if they do all that, they finish 7-9, good for 3^rd in the NFC North. 

Ok, so we are idiots

Monster are I both incorrectly picked the Eagles -7.5, Falcons +1, Cardinals -3.5, and Steelers -11.    Vegas, once again, shows up Mustache Sports. 

I really hate NFL Power Rankings.  There are dumb for a variety of reasons, but my biggest beef with them is the inaccuracy they spew and the way Power Rankers mercilessly defend their points even after they are wrong.  If I’m ever wrong about something, I’ll admit it and do so right away.  I mean, everything we talk about on this site is in one way or another related to giving you our predictions and then letting you know how those predictions went.  Nothing makes someone look more like a jerk than when they won’t admit when they are wrong. 

The Steelers are one of those teams that Power Rankers will have in their top 10 even though they have looked really horrible through two weeks.  And do you know why they will have them in their top 10?  Because they are the Steelers and they ranked them in their top 10 before the season started.  That’s it.  That’s all that team has going for them through three weeks.  Their offensive line is horrible, their defense is old and not as deep as it normally is, Rashard Mendenhall can’t find a hole to run through, and Big Ben looks Eli Manningish. 

So let’s be bold and do what we did with the Vikings, only this time, I’m going to assume the Steelers do, what most teams that lose the Super Bowl do, suck the next year.  I see 9-7 for this team, missing the playoffs, and finishing outside of Peter King’s Fine Fifteen.  They have 3 really obvious losses on their schedule (at Houston, New England, Baltimore) and I think they split with the Browns putting them at 5 losses.  Is it possible for a team that was a 4^th quarter defensive touchdown away from losing to the Colts to lose 2 of the following games?  They play Tennessee, Jacksonville, at Arizona, at Cincinnati, at Kansas City, Cincinnati, at 49ers, and Rams.  Yes, and I say those loses come to the Titans and 49ers with maybe losses at Cincy and at Arizona.

What the hell is a maybe loss?  Don’t be a jerk, I meant they are losable games.  Like, the Bears playing the Panthers this week is a losable game.  It’s a game they should win, but if they lost, it wouldn’t surprise me.  That’s what a maybe loss is ya nerd. 

C-Murder – 10-5 (18-12-1)

Sef Sam Holy – 8-8 (24-22-2)

Monster – 6-10 (12-19-1)

Bert Kolson – 0-0 (16-14-2)

Week Three - NFL Picks

49ers +3 at Bengals

I’m not sure why Jerome Simpson had 6lbs of weed delivered to his house Wednesday afternoon when he could have just had 49ers LB Ezra Butler bring it.  Fun Fact:  This would be the game of the week if this game was being played in 1989.

Monster – Bengals

Sef Sam Holy – 49ers (and to win)

Patriots -9 at Bills
Bill Belichick said this week that he hopes the entire Bills team and all of their fans die in some sort of tragedy before the game.  Man, that guy is a really mean piece of crap.  Fun Fact:  The Bills haven’t beaten the Patriots since I hit puberty.
Monster – Patriots
Sef Sam Holy – Bills

Texans +5.5 at Saints
The Texans have never started 3-0 in their franchise history and I don’t expect that to happen Sunday when they travel to New Orleans.  Drew Brees will extend his TD pass streak to 30 games, but I do like Houston to cover.  Fun Fact:  Fantasy owners that drafted Arian Foster with their first pick are all not in first place.  
Monster – Saints
Sef Sam Holy – Texans

Giants + 7.5 at Eagles
Coming off a concussion in last week’s contest against the Falcons on Sunday Night Football, Mike Vick will look to beat up on a depleted Giants secondary.  He will also look to not get any more concussions.  Fun Fact:  Patton Oswalt is a really big Giants fan and he is also one of the ugliest people that has ever been on TV.
Monster – Eagles
Sef Sam Holy – Eagles

Dolphins +3 at Browns
Jason Taylor said this week, “I believe we’re going to win every game.  And I believe we’re going to get in this airplane Saturday and go up to Cleveland and kick somebody’s ass.”  Well, if someone on the Dolphins thinks they are going to win, it’s going to be pretty hard to pick against that.  After all, he is in the NFL and probably knows a lot more about this game than I do.  Fun Fact:  In my fantasy football league, Reggie Bush was traded for a large pizza from Pizza Hut.
Monster – Browns
Sef Sam Holy – Dolphins (and to win)

Broncos +6.5 at Titans
Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 621 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first two games as a member of the Titans.  Couple that, with a stout Titan defense that’s only allowing 14.5 points per game, and I think we have the makings of a Tennessee victory.  Kyle Orton will try and keep Tim Tebow on the sidelines, and getting Brandon Lloyd back, will certainly help.  Fun Fact:  Google Image “Kyle Orton drunk,” it’s pretty funny.  
Monster – Titans
Sef Sam Holy – Broncos

Lions -4 at Vikings
Will the Vikings be able to put together an entire game where they play well from start to finish?  Or will Detroit be able to beat Minnesota in the dome for the first time since 1997?  I guess we will have to watch the game and find out, sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.  Fun Fact:  In 2004, Matt Leinart was voted a better football player than Adrian Peterson.   
Monster – Vikings
Sef Sam Holy – Vikings

Jags +4 at Panthers
Blaine Gabbert will make his first NFL start Sunday at Carolina, but it’s Cam Newton who will steal the show and notch his first NFL win.  Fantasy owners should expect Maurice Jones-Drew to have a big day.  You hear that MJD?  Please, have a big day, I can’t afford to go 0-3.  Fun Fact:  Deangelo Williams has 17 carries for 43 yards in two games.  I’m not even joking, those are his real stats.  
Monster – Jags
Sef Sam Holy – Panthers

Chiefs +15 at Chargers
Jamal Charles is on IR, Matt Cassel is playing quarterback, and the Chiefs are on the road.  The only question about this game is, “will the Chargers cover the biggest line of the season thus far?”  I’m going to say they can.  I’d guess they score 35-42 points and I don’t see the Chiefs scoring more than 14.  Fun Fact:  Todd Haley sued McDonalds when his wife found a dead rat in her salad.  
Monster – Chiefs
Sef Sam Holy – Chargers

Jets -3.5 at Raiders
With Nick Mangold’s beautiful, long hair not playing in this game, and the Jets struggling to run the ball, Mark Sanchez will be called on to win this game with his arm.  Rex Ryan’s feet will be pacing on the sideline while Plaxico Burress’s legs carry him into the endzone for the game winning score.  Fun Fact:  Al Davis is also very fun to Google Image.
Monster – Raiders
Sef Sam Holy – Jets

Ravens -4 at Rams
After blowing out the Steelers in week one, the Ravens came out last weekend flat and lost to the Tennessee Titans.  The Rams, who many predicted to win the NFC West, are 0-2.  Because of all of that, I expect one of these two teams to come out and win this game.  Fun Fact:  Josh McDaniels is a huge douche.  
Monster – Ravens
Sef Sam Holy – Ravens

Falcons +1 at Bucs
Bipolar starts for both of these teams have pundits everywhere, including myself, because I’m a pundit, wondering which one of them will compete for a playoff spot.  I don’t like the Falcons defense, but I’m not really sold on the Bucs being for real.  I do think Michael Turner is the difference in this game, and Turner outperforming Legarrette Blount in this one gives Atlanta the win.  Fun Fact:  Aqib Talib has been arrested more times than Mike Tyson.
Monster – Falcons (and to win)
Sef Sam Holy – Falcons (and to win)

Cardinals -3.5 at Seahawks
Seattle is a very tough place to play so I understand why Vegas might give the Seahawks some points there, but 3.5 points?  This game seems like one where you take your mortgage payment, call your bookie, and bet everything on the Cardinals.  Fun Fact:  Tavaras Jackson is one of 32 human beings who start at quarterback in the National Football League.  
Monster – Cardinals
Sef Sam Holy – Cardinals

Packers -4 at Bears
These two teams always play really tight games.  In three games last year, one was decided by a field goal and the other 2, by only 7 points.  As a Bears fan, it pains me to say that I think the Packers break that trend this week and win big.  Grumblings about getting rid of Jerry Angelo and Lovie Smith will take over sportsradio in Chicago and Bears fans everywhere will give up on the season.  Fun Fact:  Bears fans overreact to every win or loss.  
Monster – Bears
Sef Sam Holy – Packers

Steelers -11 at Colts
This is another game where the only question will be is if the heavily favored team covers.  Big Ben hasn’t looked very good thus far, but he won’t need to Sunday because Rashard Mendenhall will have a huge game and lead all RB’s in fantasy football points.  Fun Fact:  The Colts have been awesome for the past decade, seriously, stop feeling sorry for them because Peyton Manning is hurt.    
Monster – Steelers
Sef Sam Holy – Steelers

Redskins +4 at Cowboys
Tony Romo silenced all of the critics who talk about how much of a sissy he is last Sunday coming back into the game with two cracked ribs and a collapsed lung leading the Cowboys to an overtime win at San Francisco.  But he’s playing on Monday Night Football so he might do something really dumb in the 4th quarter and blow this game.  Fun Fact:  Rex Grossman is still Rex Grossman.
Monster – Redskins
Sef Sam Holy - Cowboys