1-0! Ponder v. Luck!
Hey football fans! Welcome to Week 2 of Mike Otto's Ten & Six. This week Mike breaks down Sunday's matchup between the pride of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Vikings and the pride (?) of Indianapolis, the Colts. Talk to us, Mikey.
Well, it's Week 2 in the NFL. I went 9-6 with my picks last week (though I didn't submit a pick for the Cowboys/Giants game, but I would have been wrong anyway).
I'm pretty satisfied with that, though my personal goal is to be at least 10-6 on picks each week. That being said, let's jump into this week's slate of games!
(Editors Note: In case you missed it, Mike predicted a Packers victory Thursday night. Mike posted that pick (as he will all future Thursday night picks) on our Facebook page, which you can check out here.)
Kansas City (0-1) at Buffalo (0-1)
A battle of two teams that got destroyed in their first game. A battle of seriously overpaid QB's, especially in Ryan Fitzpatrick's case. Who will win? Bills! 24-21 in a close game between two even-matched teams.
New Orleans (0-1) at Carolina (0-1)
Cam Newton played the worst game of his pro career last week and Drew Brees got upstaged by RG III at his home turf. A battle of two hungry, angry elite quarterbacks. I'm not betting against Drew Brees. Saints win 35-21.
Cleveland (0-1) at Cincinnati (0-1)
Poor Brandon Weeden. He got caught under the flag before the game. Then he got caught in his own body during the game. Yup, Ol' Noodle Arm Weeden had 4 INT's, a QB rating of 5.1, and somehow performed worse than The Dog Murderer. This week The Red Menace, Andy Dalton, bounces back & Cincy wins this easy, 27-14.
Houston (1-0) at Jacksonville (0-1)
The Jags really needed a win last week, because they certainly won't be getting one against Houston. The Texans run game never got going last week against the Dolphins and they still won easily. If the Texans stay healthy this year (not bloody likely), they will be scary. 42-21 Texans roll.
Oakland (0-1) at Miami (0-1)
You never miss the long snapper until he's injured. Oakland now knows that after 2 blocked punts swung the momentum out of their favor last week against the Chargers. Ryan Tannehill has a hot wife and a cold (throwing) shoulder. LOL tee-hee. Raiders win 21-10.
Arizona (1-0) at New England (1-0)
As long as Tom Brady & Bill Belicheck are involved, New England will be good. Kevin Kolb saved the day for Arizona, but if the Seahawks receivers don't drop 2 TD's it's never close. This week the Cards Have. No. Chance. Pats win 31-14.
Tampa Bay (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)
The Giants came out a little flat against the Cowboys and paid for it. Tampa Bay looked ten times more disciplined in Week 1 compared to last season. Josh Freeman turned in a pretty decent performance for being the quarterback equivalent of a flaming pile of car wreckage. Giants win 28-17.
Baltimore (1-0) at Philadelphia (1-0)
The Dog Murderer barely pulled out a win against a crummy Cleveland defense. Against Ray Lewis & Ed Reed he will be made to look like a rookie all over again. Love the Ravens defense, been dynamic for the last decade. Ravens win 28-13.
Dallas (1-0) at Seattle (0-1)
Tony Romo was at his improvisational best in Week 1 against the Giants and really carried the Cowboys with his play. I think Seattle is a better team than how they played last week. Marshawn Lynch's health is key, as is providing Russel Wilson time. I think it's a close game won by Tony Romo in the 4th quarter. 27-20 Cowboys.
Washington (1-0) at St. Louis (0-1)
The RG III Show goes on the road! I'm not sure I've ever seen another QB outshine Drew Brees like Mr. Griffin did last weekend. The Rams put up a valiant fight against the Lions, only to be crushed in the 4th quarter under the weight of the realization that they are indeed the St. Louis Rams. Skins win 28-17.
New York Jets (1-0) at Pittsburgh (0-1)
I don't think anyone expected the Jets to put up that many points Week 1. The Steelers may have lost, but if I had to bet, I'd say The Steel Curtain finishes the season with a better record. If only because I truly believe Rex Ryan is fat & doomed. Steelers take this one 24-17.
Tennessee (0-1) at San Diego (1-0)
Phillip Rivers & Norv Turner managed to get off their man-rags long enough to win a football game last Sunday. Chris Johnson just seems to get worse & worse the farther he gets into that fat contract. Not even San Diego can piss this game away. Chargers win 27-13.
Detroit (1-0) at San Francisco (1-0)
Randy Moss must be getting some serious deja vu now. First the Packers, now the Lions? If he runs over a traffic cop this week I'm gonna start to get a little freaked out. Moss will get in the end zone again this week and, if I was a betting man, I'd say it will be on a 30+ yard pass with Chris Houston covering him. Chris Houston, you're gonna learn the hard way that you don't call out Moss before you play him. Niners roll 31-20.
Denver (1-0) at Atlanta (1-0)
Could be the game of the week with two of the most complete teams in the league. Peyton Manning is healthy and Matt Ryan looks ready to take the next step with Julio Jones. I think the Falcons take this one at home 35-28.
On to The Purple...
Key #1: Get a turnover out of Andrew Luck early.
Key #2: Establish the run right away.
Key #3: Trips to the red zone need to end in touchdowns.
Matchups To Watch:
Matchup #1: Andrew Luck vs. The Vikings Secondary.
Blaow! There you have it, football fans. Mikey's 9-6 picking the league so far this season and 1-0 picking Vikes game. Doubt him at your own risk.
Hey football fans! Welcome to Week 2 of Mike Otto's Ten & Six. This week Mike breaks down Sunday's matchup between the pride of Minneapolis, the Minnesota Vikings and the pride (?) of Indianapolis, the Colts. Talk to us, Mikey.
Well, it's Week 2 in the NFL. I went 9-6 with my picks last week (though I didn't submit a pick for the Cowboys/Giants game, but I would have been wrong anyway).
I'm pretty satisfied with that, though my personal goal is to be at least 10-6 on picks each week. That being said, let's jump into this week's slate of games!
(Editors Note: In case you missed it, Mike predicted a Packers victory Thursday night. Mike posted that pick (as he will all future Thursday night picks) on our Facebook page, which you can check out here.)
Kansas City (0-1) at Buffalo (0-1)
A battle of two teams that got destroyed in their first game. A battle of seriously overpaid QB's, especially in Ryan Fitzpatrick's case. Who will win? Bills! 24-21 in a close game between two even-matched teams.
New Orleans (0-1) at Carolina (0-1)
Cam Newton played the worst game of his pro career last week and Drew Brees got upstaged by RG III at his home turf. A battle of two hungry, angry elite quarterbacks. I'm not betting against Drew Brees. Saints win 35-21.
Cleveland (0-1) at Cincinnati (0-1)
Poor Brandon Weeden. He got caught under the flag before the game. Then he got caught in his own body during the game. Yup, Ol' Noodle Arm Weeden had 4 INT's, a QB rating of 5.1, and somehow performed worse than The Dog Murderer. This week The Red Menace, Andy Dalton, bounces back & Cincy wins this easy, 27-14.
Houston (1-0) at Jacksonville (0-1)
The Jags really needed a win last week, because they certainly won't be getting one against Houston. The Texans run game never got going last week against the Dolphins and they still won easily. If the Texans stay healthy this year (not bloody likely), they will be scary. 42-21 Texans roll.
Oakland (0-1) at Miami (0-1)
You never miss the long snapper until he's injured. Oakland now knows that after 2 blocked punts swung the momentum out of their favor last week against the Chargers. Ryan Tannehill has a hot wife and a cold (throwing) shoulder. LOL tee-hee. Raiders win 21-10.
Arizona (1-0) at New England (1-0)
As long as Tom Brady & Bill Belicheck are involved, New England will be good. Kevin Kolb saved the day for Arizona, but if the Seahawks receivers don't drop 2 TD's it's never close. This week the Cards Have. No. Chance. Pats win 31-14.
Tampa Bay (1-0) at New York Giants (0-1)
The Giants came out a little flat against the Cowboys and paid for it. Tampa Bay looked ten times more disciplined in Week 1 compared to last season. Josh Freeman turned in a pretty decent performance for being the quarterback equivalent of a flaming pile of car wreckage. Giants win 28-17.
Baltimore (1-0) at Philadelphia (1-0)
The Dog Murderer barely pulled out a win against a crummy Cleveland defense. Against Ray Lewis & Ed Reed he will be made to look like a rookie all over again. Love the Ravens defense, been dynamic for the last decade. Ravens win 28-13.
Dallas (1-0) at Seattle (0-1)
Tony Romo was at his improvisational best in Week 1 against the Giants and really carried the Cowboys with his play. I think Seattle is a better team than how they played last week. Marshawn Lynch's health is key, as is providing Russel Wilson time. I think it's a close game won by Tony Romo in the 4th quarter. 27-20 Cowboys.
Washington (1-0) at St. Louis (0-1)
The RG III Show goes on the road! I'm not sure I've ever seen another QB outshine Drew Brees like Mr. Griffin did last weekend. The Rams put up a valiant fight against the Lions, only to be crushed in the 4th quarter under the weight of the realization that they are indeed the St. Louis Rams. Skins win 28-17.
New York Jets (1-0) at Pittsburgh (0-1)
I don't think anyone expected the Jets to put up that many points Week 1. The Steelers may have lost, but if I had to bet, I'd say The Steel Curtain finishes the season with a better record. If only because I truly believe Rex Ryan is fat & doomed. Steelers take this one 24-17.
Tennessee (0-1) at San Diego (1-0)
Phillip Rivers & Norv Turner managed to get off their man-rags long enough to win a football game last Sunday. Chris Johnson just seems to get worse & worse the farther he gets into that fat contract. Not even San Diego can piss this game away. Chargers win 27-13.
Detroit (1-0) at San Francisco (1-0)
Randy Moss must be getting some serious deja vu now. First the Packers, now the Lions? If he runs over a traffic cop this week I'm gonna start to get a little freaked out. Moss will get in the end zone again this week and, if I was a betting man, I'd say it will be on a 30+ yard pass with Chris Houston covering him. Chris Houston, you're gonna learn the hard way that you don't call out Moss before you play him. Niners roll 31-20.
Denver (1-0) at Atlanta (1-0)
Could be the game of the week with two of the most complete teams in the league. Peyton Manning is healthy and Matt Ryan looks ready to take the next step with Julio Jones. I think the Falcons take this one at home 35-28.
On to The Purple...
First off, I want to go through a couple negatives and positives that I saw last week against the Jaguars. First up, the positives:
-Matt Kalil: He dominated and gave up no sacks.
-Adrian Peterson: He's healthy, he's still fast, and it appears the knee injury isn't even in the back of his mind when he's carrying the ball.
-Percy Harvin: He can line up anywhere on the field and defenses have no idea how to stop him.
-CP7: Had an awful 1st half, but kept his cool, showed composure, and the game started slowing down for him.
-Erin Henderson: 8 tacks, 1 for a loss, and played every defensive snap. No glaring mistakes from him is a very positive sign.
-Blair Walsh: 4-4 with a game-tying 55 yarder and the game winner in OT. 'Nuff said.
Now, the negatives:
-Chris Cook & Josh Robinson: Both gave up big completions that are easy INT's if they just turn around and locate the ball. It almost cost us the game!
-Mistral Raymond: Still biting on play-action passes in the red zone. Stop that!
-3rd Down Conversions: One of the major goals the offense set for themselves this year was to limit 3rd-and-longs and improve the 3rd down conversion rate (38% last season). Well, we were 2/10 on 3rd down against the Jags & it was at least a long 6 yards every time. This isn't gonna get it done against playoff teams. I really hope to see some improvement on 3rd downs this week against the Colts.
Well, that's that. One thing became apparent to me last week: We have the playmakers to compete in the NFC North. It's going to come down to play calling and execution for this team. Now let's look forward!
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-0) at INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-1)
The Vikings travel to Indianapolis this week to get their look at #1 overall pick Andrew Luck, who was over-matched against a crafty Bears secondary in Week 1. The Colts run game is pretty much non-existent, so the Vikings can expect to get tested through the air early & often.
The first challenge coming off a 3-13 season is being able to beat bad teams at home. The Vikings met this test by dispatching the Jaguars at the Metrodome in Week 1.
The next challenge is here in the game this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Vikings must beat this Colts team at home in a hostile environment.
IF the Vikings are ready to take the next step, they will beat a far less-complete team, the Colts, on Sunday. Will they? I think so.
Three Keys To A Vikings Victory:
Key #1: Get a turnover out of Andrew Luck early.
Doesn't matter how it comes, sack & a fumble or an interception. Get in his head and make him think twice and the rookie's day will go downhill quickly.
Key #2: Establish the run right away.
The Colts run defense is atrocious and their pass defense isn't much better. If Adrian gets to the 2nd level he could unleash a big run easily. Get AP going early and CP7 will reap the benefits in the passing game before long.
Key #3: Trips to the red zone need to end in touchdowns.
We have too many freakishly athletic playmakers (Peterson, Harvin, Rudolph) to not be getting into the end zone every time we get close against this defense. Red zone touchdowns boil down to two things: Play calling & QB performance.
Matchups To Watch:
Matchup #1: Andrew Luck vs. The Vikings Secondary.
If our secondary can even fight to a draw in this match-up we should win the game. As long as we don't get torched by the rookie our guys will have done their job. I think crafty veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield is gonna bait Luck into an ill-advised pass that he will pick off & take to the house. That's right, America, I'm calling a 'Toine pick six!
Matchup #2: Percy Harvin vs. Vontae Davis.
Matchup #2: Percy Harvin vs. Vontae Davis.
Davis is the only cornerback on the Colts team worth a damn and no doubt he'll be shadowing Harvin everywhere he goes. He's good, but Mr. Davis is over-matched on this one. I think Percy finds the end zone.
Mike's All Purpose Flour Lock Of The Week:
#28 Adrian Peterson
18 carries, 100 yards, 2 touchdowns. Adrian abuses a weak Colts defense all day en route to a Vikings victory!
Final Takes:
The Vikings need this one. I predicted 10 victories this season and this was definitely one of them (let's not forget the Vikings play the Niners next week).
The Vikings can't afford to let Andrew Luck get comfortable. If he's feelin' it he can pick apart a defense. Let's hit him hard and rattle his cage. I think Jared Allen gets a couple early sacks, Antoine gets that pick six, and the Vikings jump to an early lead.
Andrew Luck will score some points against our defense, so it's going to be important to keep the pedal to the floor with Peterson, Harvin, & Rudolph. I think two of those guys get in the end zone and the VIkings win another close, exciting game.
FINAL SCORE:
Minnesota Vikings: 28
Indianapolis Colts: 21
Enjoy the games week and LET'S GO PURPLE!
Blaow! There you have it, football fans. Mikey's 9-6 picking the league so far this season and 1-0 picking Vikes game. Doubt him at your own risk.
For more of Mike's rantings about The Purple, be sure to give him a follow on Twitter (@SwervinTaters)
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