blonde poker forum

Welcome to the 2014-15 season

We have a fantasy league thread, think the league is now in its 4th season at http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?topic=54617.1725


this thread for discussions on games, betting, the season, links to plays, newbie questions, league controversies, supporting your teams etc etc


for starters...

Superbowl picks please


x beats y...

your chance to quote your post at the end of January, and look like a genius. Or not


I will start

Green Bay Packers beat San Diego Chargers.

Usual question - this is the year when the Raiders aren't total dogshit, yes? 

Superbowl here we come?

Or maybe not?

Chicago Bears beat Indianapolis Colts 34 - 24 Alshon Jeffery with 3 TD's and takes the MVP

Ooh, great to see this.

I'm afraid I'll be bombarding you all with questions, as I barely understand the game, but I've come to enjoy it very much, & can't wait for tonight's opener, am staying up & everything.

It's the Packers @ Seahawks, so is this (from Wiki) true, or is it all a bit of a myth?


The crowd at CenturyLink Field is notoriously loud during Seahawks games. On September 15, 2013, during a game against the San Francisco 49ers, the fans broke the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar at an outdoor stadium with 136.6 decibels. The record was broken on October 13, 2013 at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs with a roar of 137.5 dB,[4] but fans reclaimed the title on December 2, 2013, during a Monday night game against the New Orleans Saints, with a roar of 137.6 decibels.[5] The noise has contributed to the team's home field advantage with an increase in false start (movement by an offensive player prior to the play) penalties against visiting teams

Incidentally, the Stadium is leased to an outfit named "First & Goal".

In September 1998, First & Goal signed a 30-year stadium lease that includes options to extend for another 20.[18] Per the agreement, the Public Stadium Authority receives $850,000 a year from First and Goal (adjusted for inflation), and First & Goal keeps all revenue from the stadium and parking garage. The company receives 80% of the revenue from the exhibition center while the other twenty percent is allotted to a state education fund. First & Goal is responsible for all operating and maintenance costs, expected to be $6 million a year, and must keep the facility in "first-class" condition. Other details of the lease include the availability of affordable seats, a coordinated effort with neighboring Safeco Field to prevent gridlock, a provision for naming rights, the investment in public art at the stadium, and the giveaway of a luxury suite to a fan each Seahawks' game.

that is true

Seattle is the biggest home advantage of any NFL team (other places are tough to go, as well notably really passionate places like green bay, cleveland)

"“Let’s face it,’’ said Mariucci, now an analyst for the NFL Network, “some home crowds are pathetic. There are stadiums in the NFL in the regular season that are not very loud. Seattle is not one of them. You roll down that 12th Man thing over the end zone and crank it up, and then raise the (12th Man) flag — I think people buy into the fact that we are helping our team win. That we are not here to be entertained but we are here to make life miserable for the enemy. You have to love that philosophy and that concept they have in Seattle. There are only a handful of stadiums that really feel that way.’’"

The validity of Seattle’s home-field edge is enough that Las Vegas oddsmakers typically give Seattle an extra point when establishing their betting line each week.

they are 75-31 since they moved to the new stadium in 2002, or 70%

in a 50-50% sport where teams fortunes wax and wane (and seattle have only been good for the last 3 years), that is massive

Not yet, long road ahead.

more talented than they were, finally shaking off the Al davis years, but would be a major surprise if they were not bottom of the AFC West at the end of the season

Patriots beat the Packers 28-27 after a late Brady Special drive and heroic two point conversion to Tim Wright.

National Anthem will be 1min 58.

Packers will call heads and lose.

The halftime show will not be topless. It will, however, be Coldplay.

(What a bump this could be in five months!)

i would recommend the Hard Knocks programmes by HBO

following one NFL team per pre-season

Atlanta Falacons this year

first episode was on c4 Last night

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/nfl-hard-knocks/4od#3753708


previous seasons on you tube. the Dolhpins one was particularly good, with a cast of dysfunctional nutters that a very staid head coach has to deal with

Bearing in mind I only see it at a superficial level, who are the "personalities" I should watch out for tonight? The Quarterbacks, I suppose?

I'd like a little bet or two, too, preferably stats based, that'll hopefully last the whole game, running or receiving yards, total points, sacks, that sort of thing. Any suggestions?

marshawn lynch is one of the league's top running backs

seattle are a run first offense

green bay lost their top run stuffer BJ Raji for the season

they are a bit undersized in the front 7 of the defense

seattle needs to keep the powerful green bay offense off the field

they will do this by running and controlling the clock

over his career in seattle

http://www.nfl.com/player/marshawnlynch/2495663/careerstats

lynch rushes around 20 times a game, around 4 yards per carry

the match up suggests he will exceed this tonight

hills are too low at +/- 82.5y

expect him to rush over 100 yards tonight

http://www.oddschecker.com/american-football/nfl/green-bay-packers-at-seattle-seahawks/total-rushing-yds-marshawn-lynch

Us Bears fans can dream I suppose!!

Bears defence give up too many easy yards midfield.

Was at that game ;o), can confirm it was amazing. A load of middle aged people shouting themselves hoarse to try and break a record that doesn't really mean much. Fred Couples raised the ceremonial 12th man flag before the game and the noise was incredible. He was quite emotional about it too. (its about 1 1/2 minutes into that clip but it's a shame there is no sound on  it)

I have never really had an attachment to an NFL team, I was fond of The Jets and The Saints but after that game Seattle are now my team.

http://www.seahawks.com/videos-photos/videos/12th_MAN_Flag_Raiser_Major_Bruce_Crandall/3d74fccf-f9a2-4ac3-a59a-fd5a49171fb3

Ravens lose to 49'ers @ Superbowl.

Chiefs to make the playoffs.
Dolphins to secure No 1 draft pick.
Dallas to have 2 or 3 good weeks to give a little hope but end no better then 8-8, possibly much worse.

That 12th Man Flag - what a great way of engaging with the fans, it must make them feel part of the Team.

Name this player.......

Looks like Dave lee travis

The "Mystery Player" is in fact a well known blonde.

Did he used to be in Only Fools and Horses?

It's not Trigg, no.

Bosh!

(http://www.hypun.com/lollibs/gallery_thumbs_l/31393430.gif)

You have actually met the Mystery Player.

My Mystic Meg's for the season.

I think some of the NFC teams with a strong O are now a little over rated in the market

NFC conference game Seattle beat Carolina
AFC Conference game Denver beat Indy


Superbowl

Seattle 27 Denver 16

First TD Jermaine Kearse leaps like a salmon to pluck a 5 yard pass from under the nose of someone  smaller than him (are there any other fish that leap? Salmon seem to get all the hard work)


Tom Brady  becomes even more statuesque and plays his last NFL game. After giving him about $15 million this season Eli Manning gets cut by the Giants after another horrid season .
Jacksonville to win at least 6 games.
Shaun Hill plays just as well at QB for St Louis as Sam Bradford would have done.
Atlanta and Dallas will feature in some complete shootouts and their games will be pointastic
The highest ever game total of 101 gets beaten (I'm looking at you Dallas v New Orleans Sept 28th. Atlanta v Chicago Oct 12th as the most likely spots)

oh no, please tell me that you  think that is me in fancy dress.

I know the name of the player, he is called Santahawk. He was having a break at the game before a heavy work schedule later in the month.

Please tell me you didn't think I went to Seattle to dress up as a 60 year old man in a Santa beard?

say it aint so...er Tony!

What?

Was sure it was you. Looks like you. You sure?

It IS you.

Diet starts now..check
Skin care products...check
Crossing that Kendall bloke from the TV off the Christmas card list...check

He's making a list
Checking it twice
Gonna find out
Who's naughty and nice...

how long have you had the beard Phil?

grecian2000 possibly?

lol, if I knew how to make that my Blonde pic I would.

Defo not Phil

His shirt ain't tight enough.

His name isn't an abbreviation for nothing.

ok, well if you find out how let us know

Super Bowl - Saints 28 Broncos 24

Really looking forward to the season, even though I think the dolphins are going to be mediocre at best.

Feel like a Liverpool/Manure type American Football Supporter.

I know v little about the game/ I used to support the Doplhins when they were good in the days of Dan Marino. When they got crap, I didn't mention AF anymore, and now I support some else too until the glory days return!

Come on the 49ers!

Peyton Manning to Rule the World.

I am going to soar with the eagles this year no idea who we can meet in the superbowl
will have to search which teams are in which conference

brilliant documentary on sky sports 1

I would be ok with that, but no doubt I will be ok with raining skittles too.

Who Dey! Cincy to win postseason this year...

Andrew Luck to take his first step toward the Hall of Fame.

Colts 31 Packers 20

As if by magic all my Christmases came at once.

He does have all the weapons and a weak Div plus an iffy looking running game to put up some numbers this year doesn't he Ollie?

Brilliant.

The absolute spit of you.

After watching a doc on him last year, I really came away with the impression that he was the real deal. The AFC South is really weak imo and he looks to have a healthier and deeper receiving corp which can only be a good thing as well. Bit of luck in the playoffs and he could go all the way.

Would you not be concerned that a) the new rules and b) the Packers secondary might lead them to pass more?

Leggoooo Packers!

nice work tighty cheers

Oh yes, lovely job.


Top Performers

Passing: R. Wilson (SEA) - 191 YDS, 2 TD

Rushing: M. Lynch (SEA) - 20 CAR, 110 YDS, 2 TD

Receiving: J. Nelson (GB) - 9 REC, 83 YDS

Seattle had 207 yards rushing as a team and won for the 18th

Thanks Tighty.

Yup, cheers Tighty!

Quick question: what the hell is going on today?

Texans end their 14 game losing streak, the Bills win in Chicago, Jacksonville were 14-0 up in 15 minutes in Philly, Atlanta beat the Saints...

Oh hang on...Dallas fumble returned for a touchdown. At last, some normality.

great comeback for the eagles i was scared when we went down 2 TD in first quarter

How long before Bortles comes in for Henne?

24/43 266yds and 2 TDs....

Doubt he'll get dropped yet.

Then again I thought he start 1st week so what do I know!

Henne will be fine all season. Jags improving fast, built from the inside out both OL and DL good

Bortles next year, with a good draft on top, will go to play offs

https://vine.co/v/OzZv15XhJpY (https://vine.co/v/OzZv15XhJpY)

Unnecessary roughness?

I would have taken 1/2 that was a video of Ray Rice in a lift.

The Ravens have terminated RB Ray Rice's contract this afternoon.

Saw an anonymous quote from a teammate that Rice had no friends in the squad. Strange that they've taken the decision now, though.

She married him AFTER that incident.
Has the footage inside the lift only just been released? Or was the 2,game ban after the inside was released?

There seems to be some confusion but the NFL say they hadn't seen it. That begs the question as to how you can investigate something and do such a bad job that you don't even ask for the CCTV footage.

In a crazy world Wes Welker got 4 games last week for failing a PED test which he swears blind he knows nothing about. Yet admitting you punched a girl so hard she ended up out cold and its a 2 game ban. Sends out the message they are more interested in making sure none of the players smoke a joint than hitting a woman.

I'm completely confused about the whole thing because I'm sure I saw a video of the incident on The Daily Show a month ago. News suggests it's a video that's only just come to light.

there was a video from outside lift of him carrying her out but this is first time the video inside lift has been released

Are the Lions gona be good or giants just terrible? Pretty impressive performance either way in basically every department.

Think a side with a decent secondary will make it harder for them.  Megatron is borderline impossible to stop totally but some teams will do better than the Giants did which was pretty horrific especially the first TD and I thought they struggled a bit to establish the run and Johnson ain't going to get 164 yards every week so they are going to need production and first downs from their running backs.  Think the jury is out and I would rather be against them next week if the line is inflated off the back of that as it likely will be.

Detroit's own secondary has question marks, too. The Packers games will be interesting. The Lions are talking Superbowl, according to their local press. They'll be reliant on not getting any injuries in their backfield, as they haven't recruited much in that department (a fourth round on a corner and a like for like free agent). With the Bears as well, it might be a tough division to have a weak secondary. Pass rush will help, though.

Giants have a new offensive coordinator and will seemingly take time to settle.

I think a lot of people are seriously underestimating the Vikings in the NFC North. Packers are way to hit and miss for me, have been for the last few seasons. Detroit and Chicago very similar and often poor on the road. Minnesota have 2 good quarter backs this year, a brilliant running game with AP at the helm and some good receivers to help Cassel out. The defence strengthened as a whole in the summer, and although they lost Jared Allen, they could be serious dark horses this year, if not this year then next year i think they will be the strongest side in the NFC north by a margin, with some good acquisitions. The 20/1 to win the conference north is long gone, 8/1 general, and the 125/1 to win the Superbowl now 80/1 best price. Big game sunday at New England will give a big pointer to where they stand for the season, but i expect(biased) another win for Minnesota and to go 2 and 0. Worth a little nibble me thinks still at those prices.

I wrote some suff on the Vkings this weekend

http://www.bettingemporium.com/tips/index/44

nearly had the double up on first TDs too

I think the Vikings are one of the big improvers this year. For starters the coaching is going to be light years ahead of what it has been, the offense is a lot more balanced

realistically challengers next year to go deep in the play offs but not inconceivable this

Great Article that Rich, if i had seen that on Sunday and was aware of that price I would have been all over it. They were a great price just to win the game in all fairness, and well woth a hefty single IMO. Will keep an eye out for any further reviews from you and Neil on BE.

(http://i.imgur.com/5yQhDyZ.png)

Adrian Peterson indited on child abuse charge....


http://www.tmz.com/2014/09/12/adrian-peterson-indicted-for-child-abuse/ (http://www.tmz.com/2014/09/12/adrian-peterson-indicted-for-child-abuse/)

Something cheerier:

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2195684-nfl-week-2-picks-seahawks-secrets-richardson-probes-and-more

We are top of the league
Say we are top of the league!


(http://fantasysportfans.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Buffalo-Bills-Logo.jpg)

Words we wont hear from you in any Soccer thread.

What are you doing over on this thread? Haven't you got a trophy to polish?

bit annoying that tonights game is live on eurosport2, the only channel i have to pay extra for to get on my ipad so looks like i am going to have to stay up as long as i can

wow go eagles

14-0 down in first game W
20-6 down in second game W

worth staying up for

great finish that was.

Going all the way baby!

When did Chip Kelly get the boot, then, for the Eagles to bring in Tim Sherwood?

Starting every game ten points down is a bit of a tell...

14 points tal just 2 TDs but with our running backs teams are going to need bigger BOATS

And another one

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-29247819

think some drug testing is needed on the tamper bay side i think they are all dopes tonight

OMG

As a fan of the Bears, who have no running game whatsoever, we are not missing Hester much...sigh

Dolphins considering benching Tannehill for Matt Moore, according to reports.

He has been pretty rubbish so far.

Hell I am all up for quitting on the season already and drafting a qb in what should be a favourable class next year. Mariota one time!

Not that is going to happen as philbin's job is done unless we start winning now.

Sitting watching Def Leopard. As you do. If this isn't simultaneously the manliest and campest sport in the world...

Pour some sugar on me...

WTF no red button redzone today is that cause they are broadcasting from englandshire?

Ffs Kelly put McCoy behind a big body and punch that 1 yard in ... Cheers for the 200 quid loss

Carr has sprained his MCL apparently. Could still be McGloin in two weeks' time, after the bye.

Had six bets on the game today and managed to win one (overs on James Jones receiving yards). Additionally, chose the wrong money back option with paddy power, so it was an expensive trip.

£10 programme, £3.60 for a spatula of oven chips, £4 for a diet coke...brummie money don't last in London!

Home in time to see an old Celebrity Poker Club episode on challenge tv. Heads up between Willie Thorne and Victoria Coren. Probably a joke in there about each having two European titles, but I'm tired :)

Painful to watch tonight :(

Both Teddy Bridgewater and Blake Bortles were very impressive today.

Future looks bright for the Jags and Vikings.

i am still in shock eagles offense scoring 0pts

Did you hear the stat that in the history of the NFL a team with 3 return tds (which Philly got) were 70-1-1 prior to today!

.

70 wins 1 loss whats the other 1?

One tie

Wonder how many yards of offense the other team that lost managed...

had philly over 24 points ...pizzled says to me at half time.. ' too early to cheer?'...er that will be yes you chinese Bok merchant !!!

McGloin looked better than Carr according to the Black Hole (which is where I was situated). Definitely the better passer of the two. If it is McGloin in 2 weeks I'd be loading up on receiving yards and laying the overs on rushing, especially as McFadden was shite last night.

Am I the only one who read the new Raiders coach as being Tony Soprano?!

Good afternoon people anybody got any strong fancies for todays games? Really like Cincy at -1 if Burfict passes concussion protocol.

Nope, I did the same. 

Raiders really do need to sort their mess out.  Was painful watching them at Wembley, we could not defend the pass at any point.

Still worth opposing the jags on the spread steelers -6 ?

I think Bortles will have a big day

The Jags may finally cover (repeat each week until they do)

Is this the best set of finishes or what?!

So many one possession games, needless fumbles, insane plays and comedy sacks. How the hell did Dallas win that?!!

Watkins! What a juggle! Sensational defence today, even if against a slightly weakened Lions.

3-2. Unbelievable Jeff!

Did antonio Gates get first TD, SD vs NYJ?

http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/gamecast?gameId=400554275

it's been a while since we've been good

 ;D :D

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_lqWDGBjQ4

Have to admire how Dallas have controlled games this season both finally playing to their strengths and using their O as a way of helping their D. Ten points down and giving away two turnovers in a scoring position is incredibly difficult to get away with in Seattle yet they were superb. Seattle seem to have lost their way a little, I think they had 9 first downs in the entire game, Doug Baldwins interview is pretty revealing if you get a chance to read it.

I thought I saw the halftime numbers for time of possession were summat like 24 minutes Dallas and 6 Seattle which I'm not sure are correct. if they are it's the second loss Seattle have had this year where their oppo has set out to reduce their TOP to restrict them and took them away from what they want to do.

Looks like the MO to beat Seattle going forward is to to play ball control and if you don't score then at least kick it deep and try to get them into spots where they have to get Wilson passing to Baldwin Kearse or Luke Wilson and not running it with either Wilson or Lynch. Harvin looked lost yesterday, think they would be better off forgetting all the gadget plays and running touches he has and get him running more regular passing routes.  He looked more of a threat going downfield last Monday than he did getting it short yesterday, might help the run game too if they can send him downfield more but it feels unfair to say Seattle played badly instead of giving Dallas a load of credit.

Good to see they have finally worked out the best way to use Romo Rich :-).

only three years after it was obvious! run the ball, take the game out of his hands and let him be a "game manager"

hey presto, fewer interceptions and keep the defense off the field

the test will of course be if we make the play offs to see if the mistakes of the past repeat themselves.

Until then it is nice to see the "choke" narrative changed for a bit

What will the line be for the London game, do you reckon?

7 points on a neutral field?

Is there a point where Jax get a small edge from their experience of playing in London?

not that i can see. wembley crowd not exactly a 12th man is it?

travel these days is not a concern for any team, no different from going from oakland to play in NY next week for example

Good to see him in that role and it should help to keep him fit too, that tackle he took on Sunday looked bang out of order and was worried he was hurt again.

I see Doug Free is out for a month which looks a bit of a blow but I love to see teams execute really good game plans. Do you think the secondary is just benefitting from the O doing such a good job in protecting them or can they hold up against strong passing teams?

It's playing far better than anyone expected.

Part of it is not being on the field as much. The winning formula (which saw three OL picks drafted in the first round in a row, and a real focus on building up front) sees Dallas leading the NFL in rushing offense and 3rd-down conversions. Defense averages fewest snaps taken in the league. A huge help!

Part of it is that they have done a tremendous job of recruiting affordable talent on defense, and the trade to acquire Rolando McClain was a big hit

i have my doubts still about the defense against the good offensive teams, but those good offensive teams are not going to have the time of possession they used to have against us.

Assuming they draft defense heavy next year, and hit on the picks, i think they could superbowl favourites this time next year (assuming they get dez and murray on board again, both in final year of contracts)


the fun thing this year is that at least three of the following are not going to make the play offs

49ers, Cards, Seahawks

Eagles, Cowboys

Green Bay, Chicago, Detroit

the NFC continues to be much stronger than the AFC

A shiver went down my spine this week Marky with Brandon Bolden becoming relevant again. Same shiver I had the  last couple of weeks when Andre Holmes went off again after he caught 7 for 130 odd but no TD the week we were on him in the TD markets last year too.

Seattle trades Percy Harvin to the Jets?!?!?

That is the strangest move I've seen in a while.

Why would the Jets give up drafts picks when this season is a bust already?

Why would Seattle give up their one legitimate weapon at WR?

Walters, Baldwin and Kearse aren't going to scare anyone.

Odd. Jets are $21m under the cap. Great chance to use that in free agency next year, and a high draft pick to turn things round. Harvin is paid $13m a year contracted through 2018 so that's most the cap space gone. Seattle I understand more, if he is a royal pain in the arse in the locker-room as is said he is and it gets that underperforming $13m off the cap

They are going to need some serious cap space to get the QB sorted once he is off his rookie min contract and maybe they thought picking up some draft pics as well was a good deal longer term?  Does seem odd given they got the ability to really challenge short term though.  Most teams would die for their current position with their main QB on a tiny salary.

They won the superbowl without Harvin and yes, Wilson has a huge contract coming. Golden Tate was traded after he fell out with Wilson, so could be a number of things. Prefer Seattle's side here, usually far prefer draft building than buying via trades

We were discussing how summat strange seemed to be happening with Harvin earlier in the week too. Just seemed to be used in such a strange way recently and seems all was not well behind the scenes. Maybe club were trying to force him out a little like Buffalo might be doing with Spiller now (and did with Lynch when they traded him to Seattle)

They need the cap space for the new head coach to spend on the quarterback he wants. Geno can't be the answer. They need a franchise QB.

You mean Buffalo mate?

Wouldn't be amazed if Spiller was elsewhere before the trade deadline too. If he stays and becomes a free agent do you reckon he is fav to outlast Marrone?

These things out of the blue are usually behind the scenes related.  (shagging a players wife/other off the field issues which effect chemistry etc etc).  It doesn't make much sense to do it right now for Seattle given they are 2nd favs for the superbowl.  Think it's a bit early to be writing off this season.

Well, I did mean the Jets (seriously, even Alan Pardew thinks Rex Ryan should step down) but I do agree Spiller could be gone before the end of the season.

Jets have needs all across the roster. Mariota appears to be the standout candidate at the moment.

We can assume this ends the Brady speculation..?

Yes, it was common knowledge that they traded Golden Tate as he had been shagging Wilsons wife which has brought on their divorce. No way would they be writing off the season and given the numbers he has put up he hasn't contributed that much. think you probably nailed it and it's a good way of getting the cap room and hope that Kearse/Richardson can contribute more now. Their D is getting a little banged up now, maybe they are looking to bring someone in to fill a need too.

I follow Chris Kluwe on Twitter and he is quick to slag off former team mates.

I've seen him lay into Blair Walsh, Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre.

But he only ever says positive things about Percy Harvin.

 ;applause; ;applause;

Job in the diplomatic core awaits Rich  :)up

'''''According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Seahawks had been shopping Percy Harvin for several weeks.
Multiple reports suggest Harvin's anger management issues led to his trade to the Jets'''''

Excellent Seattle Times Sports story on what led the Seahawks to trade Percy Harvin:

http://bit.ly/1DkDxjW

seems he was a character problem, and they wanted rid and he wanted out

Lions injury list for Sunday is worse than Arsenal's for an average Premier League match.

Megatron playing must be 1.01 now tho. Then the falcons have to double cover etc.

I'm amazed they're only 1/2 to win. Matt Ryan must be wearing extra lumbar support for all the time he's going to be on his back.

Go on then, you can have some 1.05 with me. Very generous!   ;D

Hehe

Bank of Nit doesn't pay out in units of less than a penny, sadly :D

Anyone else going?

Taking Jake for his taste of gridiron action.

I'll be there.

Will be on my own at the Jags-Cowboys game if anyone's up for meeting up beforehand.

Be there with my old man. What looked like a good matchup a few weeks back, I fear could be a big Detroit win.

I'll be there, group of five of us going

I've left this a bit late but there is a new bag policy at NFL games now. You are only allowed to take in clear bags of a certain size so they can search your bag by sight and don't have to empty them to see contents. It's pretty strict too, in the US they provide a locker service if you do have a bag but that's going to be a right pain trying to retrieve after the game. At most grounds their are people handing out clear bags if you don't have one but might be worth searching for the size restrictions before heading to the stadium as they often run out.

Why is the game today @ Wembley described as "Detroit AT Atlanta"?

As it effectively costs Atlanta a home game, (revenue & psychological advantage), how are they compensated for this?

What are the practical differenves in being home or away in NFL?

How many people in total travelled across for this - I mean, the Team & it's entourage of coaches, physios etc. How many would each team comprise?

Do they charter a 747 to bring them across? With the 2 Teams, it must be at least half a Jumbo load. 

this is a great read from someone who had to organise an nfl team's trip across

http://nflphilosophy.com/the-london-experience/


the home team is compensated. a significant portion of the proceeds (though that, as with most things in the NFL, isn't made public). The reasons vary; for example, teams with small home stadiums and/or difficulty selling out seats will likely make a profit, as Wembley Stadium is reasonably large and typically sells over 80,000 seats per game, buying relatively expensive tickets ($150-$200 depending on the exchange rate, which is on par for a large-market team and more than smaller market teams will typically get). That's why teams like Jacksonville and Tampa Bay agree to do this

its a big thing to lose a home game (you only have 8 a year anyway) so none of the "elite" franchises would lose one

practical differences, mainly timezones, practice times, sleep times

huge entourages

53 in a team, 20 coaches, same medical staff, trainers, admin, team bosses

"When we went on away trips, we typically traveled with 120-140 people. This included staff, coaches, players, and a few guests of marketing. My boss and I were responsible for making sure that everyone knew when and where they were supposed to be and to make sure everyone was accounted for. Similar to a long snapper, it’s one of those jobs where it’s better to go unnoticed. If I was getting noticed, then that usually meant something had gone wrong. With a trip to London, there are limitless opportunities to get noticed.

London, from an operations standpoint, is like a normal away trip on steroids. Lots of them.

Instead of being responsible for 140 people, our total London traveling party was in the neighborhood of 275. Instead of one hotel, we dealt with a total of four hotels. Instead of one or two nights, the team stayed seven nights. Not to mention that everything is different in London – food, driving, language, everything. And I had to work blind."

 

to deal with some of the ancillary issues, travel times etc teams typically get the week after as their bye week. typically they play on the east coast the week before too


if and when there is a london franchise the team will play blocks of 4 weeks in london, then 4 weeks in the US etc

the most pressing issue for the NFL is to re-introduce a team to LA though, probably via relocating the Rams

do they ever add more teams in or is it a set number of teams forever and one of thouse franchises has to be relocated?

better answer

the NFL gives them the average gate revenue they’d receive at their home stadium in the U.S.
...
It pays for five-star accommodations for 140 traveling members of each franchise and picks up the tab for the international charter, usually a 747 or 777, which has a base cost of $600,000.

Source: http://mmqb.si.com/2014/10/02/nfl-team-in-london-international-series/

great read tighty.  It amazing how much cash it must cost to ship these teams over for one game.

no its not set. its been 32 teams since the intorudction of the Texans, and before that the Panthers and Jags

franchises do move, rarely, or else new franchises are created "expansion franchises"

these build a roster as follows

- first pick in each round of the draft in the two years after they are formed

- each NFL team has to offer the new team 3 players

the new franchise then picks the ones it want, inheriting their contracts


the aim is to get the new franchise competitive as quickly as possible

Cmpetitiveness is everything, for TV rights, stadium revenues etc


for the other teams, this is an opportunity to get rid of bad contracts, ageing players etc


LA is the 2nd biggest city in the US and has no team since the rams and raiders left

an obvious thing to rectify for revenues for the league

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0jFzTJCIAAfA9c.jpg:large)

That is awesome. Took me a while to spot it.

I don't get whats wrong

Edit got it!

Think I just saw camel on the telly, is he is at the NFL?!!!!

Blue coat lol

Yes

Keith. yourself and Jake on the coverage with 10.45 left in the second quarter if you get to watch it back on 4 on demand

Yes? lol

Get that chilli dog down you son  rotflmfao

(http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq167/Andr4w/imagejpg1_zps25dccf84.jpg) (http://s444.photobucket.com/user/Andr4w/media/imagejpg1_zps25dccf84.jpg.html)

Haha quality

Mods can you remove my pic of camel please until he confirms he is ok with it. Cheers.

Bitch who stole the glove one of the Lions gave to Jake is also in that pic.

This is not going well as a hidden account really.

Still will fool BMU's lolodds compilers.

It's fine Woodsey.

Do you think I look a little bit chubby in stripes?

I'd ban this new poster however.

Obvious spam account.

Can add schizophrenia to my long list of mental problems now.

Shirt with stripes down better than stripes around, can confirm this as a fat bastard myself  :D

Defo not doing this at Wembley, can take any sort of bag in

People were taking holdalls in yesterday. It's all well and good saying that you'll be fine, but if I took a bag and then couldn't take it in, I'd be in right trouble!

Well in regards to phil's post, yes you would have been fine. Security/searches was as relaxed as I have seen for an NFL game at Wembley

I'm in club for the next game, so I'm expecting I'll be able to bring in a hamper, some opera glasses and my valet.

Have been giggling about this all day at work:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRXtzsq4zl4

What do Falcons do?

I expect it will be fine. Not heard from Jeeves for a goodly while, take him as your valet for the day  ;D ;D ;D

As long as DJ Ray is there, I'm sure it'll be fine.

Sorry bud hope I didn't mislead anyone.

I was lucky in the US that the first game I attended was in Philly and I was staying 10 mins from the ground so could take my stuff back to the hotel. It was strictly one clear bag per person at all the games I went to.I took these bags with me on Sunday after checking out the bag policy link on the email that came with my tickets which said it was adopting the NFL bag policy for the game.

The security was much lighter on Sunday at Wembley tho.

This guy isn't very happy

http://deadspin.com/radio-host-mike-francesa-rants-about-the-jets-for-over-1651419724

haha, that is brilliant and you can just see the pain in his face too.

'He's never picked a player before he got here and you could still say the same thing now'

'Orton completed 10 passes for 9.000 yards'

' you know how long it takes a Jet's wr to get 157 yards?...3 years!!

Excellent, didn't spot a NFL discussion thread. Saw the Fantasy Football one, but that's way over my head.

I'm sort of a new NFL convert. I used to watch a bit back in the very early Ch4 days and quite enjoyed it, but never really made time to follow it since. There's a friend of mine who's hosted a super bowl party for 20 years this February, and I've finally decided it's time to go to one.

Conscious that I had no idea what was going on in NFL these days, I had the idea of each week picking a few nailed on favourites and having an accumulator. That way I would have interest in several games and hopefully pick up info fairly quickly, so by Super Bowl time I had at least a feel for it. I've been keeping a nice spreadsheet of all the results and form and, after some early wobbles (I would start betting on NFL the year they're saying it stands for No Form League) have started having a bit of success.

I had a win weeks 5, 7, 8 and only got 1 wrong all the other weeks. I've got a bunch of guys from the Super Bowl party chipping in with a bit of advice on my picks, but now I know you guys are here, I'll tap you up for some feedback on my bets too.

This week, I've had to go for 5 games, which is more than I'd like, but some of them are so nailed on, to get over evens, I've had no choice. (I'm match betting, rather than betting the spread).

Week 9 I'm on:
Chiefs to beat Jets
Bengals to beat Jaguars
Seahawks to beat Raiders
49ers to beat Rams.
Browns to beat Buccaneers

lol, seriously though WTF was going on with them getting a guy dressed like a teacher pretending to be a DJ :dontask: :dontask:

All I could think of was Ray Von.

"Remember to hold on tight or you may die...

...Shabba"

LONDON (AP) — An NFL franchise in London could generate more than $250 million a year for Britain, according to a study released Wednesday.

The study by accountancy firm Deloitte, commissioned by the NFL and a London marketing agency, also casts doubt on the feasibility of a Super Bowl in the British capital and warns of a negative reaction from the United States.

The prospect of a team being permanently based in London has been growing since the NFL first brought regular-season games to the city in 2007. With three games at Wembley Stadium this season, the British government recently offered its backing to persuade a franchise to base itself overseas.

The feasibility study forecasts the city enjoying an annual economic boost of 102 million pounds ($165 million) from hosting eight home games, largely driven by fan spending.

Including spending outside of the capital linked directly or indirectly to a franchise, Deloitte says a London team's total potential gross output in Britain is estimated to be 158 million pounds ($255 million) per season. Deloitte is assuming players and staff would play two games on four visits each season, rather than being based in London.

While the 30-page report paints a positive picture, there are reservations about Wembley hosting the Super Bowl.

A major hurdle to overcome with a Super Bowl in London would be selecting a suitable the kick-off time. Starting at 4 p.m. EST would be 9 p.m. in London and make transport away from Wembley challenging on a Sunday night. Deloitte says a 6 p.m. local time kickoff "may be unlikely to attract the desired television audience in the U.S.," where it would be 10 a.m. on the West Coast.

Predicting that fewer die-hard fans and season-ticket holders would be able to cross the Atlantic, Deloitte cautions that the atmosphere inside the stadium and on television could be affected and impact on the "wider global brand presence."

"The reaction from the NFL's core U.S. market could focus on the negative implications of moving a definitively 'American' event overseas for reasons that may be perceived as solely financial or commercial," the Deloitte report says.

If the NFL instead opted for expanding the International Series to four games in London, the city would still enjoy an annual financial boost of 58 million pounds ($94 million), Deloitte predicts.

The firm estimated that the two games in 2013 directly generated 32 million pounds ($52 million) for London, with league spending accounting for a quarter of that. Renting and securing Wembley cost 2.1 million pounds ($3.4 million) for the two matches.

All these figures of financial benefit to London from an NFL team are obvious bullshit.

There's no way the NFL does this without a whole load of financial chicanery ensuring that most of the money generated goes back to the US (remember, this is an organisation that pays fuck all tax as it is). Despite the horrific prices, I'm pretty sure the guys selling the hot dogs aren't going to make $250m from the games.

And I honestly doubt if a London team would garner the support of British people. Especially if they suck.

Most everyone who likes the NFL here has a team they follow already.

We are a more mature audience than the typical American one who "if you build it they will come"

Inventing a new team doesn't equal millions of new supporters.

MK Dons lack of support proves a new team isn't guaranteed be a success.

It might be different if it was a British team made up of British players, but any London team would just be full of American rejects from other teams who would commute in every month to play a couple of games - hardly something to get the juices going when they end their first season 2-14.

I don't really agree with these posts

Personally I would be happy to support a UK franchise as my second team

I would buy a season ticket for 8 home games if the pricing was sensible

it wouldn't be made up of rejects...for starters expansion teams are giving the number 1 draft pick in two drafts so theoretically you'd get a top quarterback for one of these. You could strike it Andrew Lucky, and have a poster boy for your franchise

for past expansion teams each NFL franchise has to make 3 of its roster available for transfer for the new franchise - teams have in the past chosen to get rid of some higher priced players to enable them to do their own rebuilding, so you would almost certainly have some familiar names as part of your new roster

yes an expansion team would typically take several years to have a winning record but it would be fun to watch a good GM build a team

i would imagine a UK team would be placed into the AFC or NFC East (so you get more east coast than west cost games as divisional games, reducing travel)

nothing to stop a london team repeating the success after formation of the panthers and jags who hit the play offs within 5 years of their start

blocks of four games at home make logistical sense.


 

My biggest concern is how many players are actually going to want to play for a franchise outside of the US and presumably live in a different country for 6 months a year from the start of the playoffs to potentially a Superbowl?

Imagine the 2 QBs drafted with the first 2 picks in the '98 draft (Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf) are in a London team's 1st draft, and they have the #1 pick. The Eli Manning situation from 2004 happens with the guy (Peyton) you want to draft as your franchise QB. Instead of drafting the next Peyton Manning, you get the next Ryan Leaf, instead.

Is a London franchise going to be disadvantaged by having some significant % of players not wanting to play for a London team?

they won't live here for six months

Off season workouts and training camp would be in the US

they would be in the UK for their blocks of games, 3-4 weeks at a time

Tax and residency will be an issue to being based here full time


the eli manning/philip rivers trade of 2004 is a real rarity. 99% of the time players start off with the team that drafts them. Wll be no different for London

I would say living in London for the vast majority of nfl players would be preferable to living in Green Bay, Carolina, Minnesota etc etc.  Like one of the US comm's said last week at the Wembley game 'players will be happy to play in Alaska as long as they get their pay check'.  I really don't see this being an issue at all.  US sports pros are used to huge volumes of airline travel as standard (even from their college days).  Some will obviously prefer to stay at home but the vast majority of players look like they really enjoy their trip to London during interviews etc.

Agree with this and think it would be important for the fan base element that they were indeed a london based team and not just a team that fly in.

I have been thinking what would I do if I were the NFL with the calls for London, LA and Vegas franchises. I wouldn't want to move 3 teams from their current markets so the other option would be an expansion.

So my expansion plan would be as follows:

Create two more divisions per conferance and have 3 teams in all divisions - this gives 36 teams in total, 4 extra allowing for the 3 named locations and another.
Each of the new divisions would be made up of one new team and two teams from existing divisons.
With 6 divisions per conferance the Wildcard spots into the playoffs would be replaced with division winners
As the new teams would be getting the first draft picks the worst teams in the NFL lose that edge that otherwise suposedly brings parity so therefore the teams that finish bottom in each division the year before expansion are the teams that are moved to the new divisions. While these new divisions may initially be seen as weaker divisions it gives all the teams in them a chance to make the playoffs rather than new teams struggling for the first few seasons. Yes the winner of the divisions may end up with a losing record in the regular season but then again look at the NFC South this year.

What do you think? I would support a London team if there was one though they would be my second team

Vegas is never getting a franchise

Why not?  I have aways thought it strange that there was no NFL franchise in Vegas.

There's no major sports team in Vegas because of sports betting.

Article by an NFL rookie

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/10/29/joel-bitonio-cleveland-browns-rookie-what-ive-learned/

Thought that might be the answer but would also have thought it one of the reasons to have a major franchise there.  Meh who knows. 

Yeah, as Andrew posted. Too much risk to games being rigged due to betting.

Did anyone go in the 5-a-side sports bar right outside the stadium last week? I went to watch 2nd half of the ManU-Chelsea game and girl behind the bar didn't have a clue on the prices. Five pints were £14!!!

Each? Yeah that's pretty standard at Wembley.

That's cheaper than it was last time I went out in London, about 5 years ago!

It is interesting that this has never been suggested as a bar to having a franchise in UK.  Fwiw I don't think a franchise in the UK would work.  The odd game is great and people will travel for it but it is prohibitively expensive to travel to London for a game (especially a late game) and the tickets themselves are pretty expensive.  Effectively they will probably have to get 60k a fortnight from the London area which seems a bit of a stretch to me and I am also not sure about the corporate sales element either unless they are going to be able to sell to the States.

I agree with this eso for the NBA which has been discussed about moving to London, I really think we should keep it as it is now. The best of both worlds, imagine if burnley moved to Kansas to play in the epl. How many Kansas lol donks would rock up to support them?

Cheaper than it usually is at this bar too. The regular guy wasn't there and it is usually £4 a pint. Poor girl wasn't expecting a large crowd, just the usual kids who play football there and only go in the bar to watch the game

MNF kicking off at 1.30am at Wembley would be fun.

Having the Detroit/Atlanta game at 1pm was awesome. Meant people outside London could come to the game and have a chance of getting home by train.

Completely agree. I was home for the Strictly Results show.

It's called Red Zone.

:D

"There's a flag on the play!"

Ruling on the field stands. Penalty is declined.

http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2250821-nfl-week-9-picks-its-brady-manning-xvi-merry-bradymanningmas

BradyManningmas used to be about the football. Now it has been commercialized and sensationalized. It sets expectations so high that fans can only be disappointed. It causes seasonal depression for folks around the country who have been forced to watch decades of Blaine Gabbert, Charlie Frye or JaMarcus Russell while Patriots, Colts and now Broncos fans (plus inveterate frontrunners) bask in reflected BradyManningmas afterglow.

In other words: BAH! HUMBUG! This is not backlash or weariness. Alert Fox News: I am declaring war on BradyManningmas!

There are talks about an NHL team going to Vegas

http://www.reviewjournal.com/business/stadium/mgm-preliminary-talks-bring-nhl-vegas

The NFL will never go with the current administration, way too anti gambling. Which is ironic given the interest that betting and fantasy sports brings to the NFL finances.

Oner of the movers behind this is none other than Jeffrey Pollack, the ex WSOP Comish, & later, Epic Poker guru.....

They have been trying to get an NHL team to Vegas for a while. Have they finally given up on having a hockey arena on the top of one of the Downtown casinos?

Must admit I was expecting Arizona to be double digit favourite over St Louis.

Third straight road game for the Rams and on the back of a bruising game at the 49ers.

Injury riddled, Austin Davis is not progressing much at QB - he hasn't passed for 200 yards in any of the last 3 games. To be fair to him, he's lost his favourite target Brian Quick.

The running game isn't much better - they haven't had a 100 yard rusher all season.

The d is ballsy, but the secondary is banged up badly and has to match up against a premier group in Larry Fitz, Floyd and the Browns.

The only hope I can see for the Rams is Arizona letting down after their super impressive performance in Dallas. Arians has been super impressive so far, and I doubt he'll let his charges do that with their foot on the throat of the Seahawks and Niners in the division.

I think Arizona - 7 is an unload the clip job.

How incredible is this?

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WooPp3UVCp8

Vinatieri is excellent, hall of famer


this is my favourite

In his rookie season (1994), Cowboys offensive lineman Larry Allen runs down Saints linebacker Darion Conner after a Troy Aikman interception

Conner is 50lbs lighter than Allen, and look at Allen run him down

Allen didn't have a bad career


    11× Pro Bowl (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
    7× All-Pro (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
    Super Bowl champion (XXX)
    NFC champion (1995)
    NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
    NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
    Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
    Pro Football Hall of Fame (2013 inductee)

one of the reasons i started supporting the Cowboys, a complete monster

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztHfr5uBIqk

@mikerodak

The Bills at Jaguars game at Wembley Stadium will be Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015. No time announced yet




 ;woohoo; ;mexicanwave; ;karabiner; ;letsparty; ;cheerleader; ;sexybanana;

For everyone except Tal and Kevin Cadle, these look the most uninspiring game possible.

Jets @ Dolphins 4 Oct
Bills @ Jags 25 Oct
Lions @ Chiefs 1 Nov

Three AFC East teams, three of this year's teams back as well (including Jax granted) and I agree not an awful lot to cheer about on paper. Interesting to have consecutive weekends for the second and third games. Assume that's something to do with England internationals?

But THE BILLS!!!

What's odds on Eagles coming over in nxt cpl of years?

Loving this

Be playing for third already by then ;)

Makes no odds to me, but Dalton just seems to be getting worse each season...

Is anyone going on Sunday?

Pre-match beverage?

I'm going, got a couple of newbies in our group, so will probs be showing them around the tailgate etc, will be in the 5 a side bar before the game I expect

i will be there Tal, but not until within an hour of kick off unfortunately

Enjoy seeing the best* NFL franchise, bar none


* other opinions are valid, if ultimately wrong

i didnt know the eagles were in town

I'll be there booing the Cowboys as loudly as possible.

Chances are we'll be savouring the 2-pint glasses at the Premier Inn just to the right of Wembley Park station ahead of the game.

Wow, you've really gone over the top about the Jags there.

Guys stick up your thoughts on the games please I am going to go for breakfast and watch the early games before taking the Mrs for dinner so a win would be appreciated to cover costs :-)

Dumber than dumb thing

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11844727

I really hope DJ Ray is here again.

anyone know if the jets/bills game is being shown anywhere?

Probably only on GamePass, based on previous postponed games.

is this what you mean? so i could take a 7 day free trail and watch tonights game free?
https://gamepass.nfl.com/nflgp/secure/packages?ttv=3&cvosrc=PPC.Bing.nfl%20gamepass&matchtype=e&search=1&content=&creative=5907884730&keyword=nfl%20gamepass&key=24560633030&campaign=Brand-Search|Game%20Pass_SEM&cvokid=4986f67c-0954-cce8-0a12-00006fd40eaf

ok i think i have signed up for the right thing get to watch jets/bills on pc and saints/ravens on tv

bit like the red zone

how much is a season pass at start of the season?

About £120 from memory

How good/slow are the feeds on season pass and how many games can you watch at once?

This is Tighty's set-up.


(http://www.ooyala.com/sites/ooyala.com/files/TV%2520screen%2520wall.JPG?itok=yUr8gBHD)

I assume no betting sites show the nfl streams foc as a service like they do all NBA games?  Assume the NFL is just too expensive for them to purchase?  I used to pay for NBA league pass at around £160 a season but now i can watch every game free on betfair on their live stream.  I assume the NBA must charge these betting sites a big lump of cash for providing this because the NBA no longer gets my £160 which i was more than happy to pay until i found out it was free on betfair (you don't even have to place a bet on the game to watch it quite incredibly).

Generally very good.  Slightly behind live action, which can be annoying if you're tracking fantasy stats as they tend to update one play ahead.

On a PC I think you can watch 4 games simultaneously.  The ones showing on Sky at 6pm and 9:30pm on a Sunday are blacked out until they finish.

Pretty much unrestricted access to archives after the games end.

Just fired it up to take a screenshot.  Pulled in some Wk 12 games.

Condensed mode is insane to watch.  No replays, just one run of each play with no gaps.  I think you can watch a whole game in something like 27 minutes!!

i thought the pass was great last night could watch both games on a split screen and switch coms when a game was getting intresting
as curtis said it was annoying watching the scores aswell as the stream and points would be added then you would see the pla
could never do in running betting with them obviously

dont think it is worth the money with sky covering the games and red zone but i think cetain weeks the <£10 could be ok
this week will be good as well as i am not sure how many of the thursday games are on sky

All 3 games on Thursday are live on sky.

cheers mate, I might sign up to it next season so I can watch the matches again during the week via the condensed re runs

perfect got my thursday night planned

Looking forward to a Texans-Vikings superbowl.

This really is a daft season!

used to have NFL & NBA game pass piped through my system onto my main TV..both services are awesome and well worth the money..  i stopped this year as realised I actually needed to gat a life :)

http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2013/09/08/john-boyett-and-the-10-most-moronic-nfl-players/?utm_source=zergnet.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=zergnet_293848#slide_51

This is a pretty funny read.  Sure most of the nfl hardcore crew will know most of this anyway.

awesome preview show on the Great Wall of Dallas in the 90's on sky sports now.  I wasn't into the NFL this early but this team looks unreal.  Amazing how much more physical US sports were in this era.  The NBA was the same.  All of them massive 'roid abusers i would imagine in that era?  They are just incredibly huge.

Ray Rice reinstated.

Form an orderly queue.

who?

The Colts' new running back. Possibly.

he better not be i have boom herron

i picked him up just incase

Isn't Evens Cincy to win the AFC North just the best bet ever?

You are probably right

Have to play Pittsburgh twice. If they at least split those 1-1 then Pitt unlikely to catch them

Obviously if they lose both then Pitt overtake them and have the tiebreaker, but do we think Cincy will lose both? I don't

Browns are dicking around at QB (which i don't understand. Hoyer got them to 7-4, Manziel can't help them make the play offs this year)

The Ravens have to go the the Dolphins and the Texans and yesterday's loss was a big one for their season

Crikey.


YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo1UMV1GATQ

While this is an extremely disturbing video, doesn't it put in perspective the calls for Ched Evans to be allowed to play football?

Rape is infinitely more serious crime than assualt, yet people are willing "to give him a second chance".

Do people need to see a video of Evans crime before deciding it is not appropriate to see him return?

I think the point of living in a civilised society is not only to punish but rehabilitate... we all agree to abide by our lands law...Evans has served his punishment as decreed by our laws whether we agree with it or not..think it wasn't long enough etc etc... is irrelevant..the law is there to decide and we have agreed to abide by it..if we are to continue to vilify him for his crime then we may as well keep him locked up and never let him out... to deny a person the opportunity to continue to earn a living in their chosen profession is draconian and unfair...if he was a plumber are you saying he couldn't mend pipes ? of course not..but because he happens to be a footballer his held extra accountable because his seen as a role model.. sorry are you saying there are people out there that look up to Ched Evans and think...' his alright that Ched think ill do a bit of raping meself cos he did it '

if we are not going to give people a chance or pick and choose on the basis of what they do we may as well revert to sticking them in the town square and throwing rocks at them..

As for Rice... in a way his crime is almost as heinous as he has or been brought up with the mentality that its perfectly OK to assault a woman in such a way as  almost a way of life...tbh she does herself little favour by pretty much saying its ok for her old man to knock her sparko... Jay Z managed to deal with a similar incident without resorting to chinning her into unconsciousness

As an arguably less controversial aside, how do people think the Michael Vick situation was handled?

There are certainly parallels between the 2 cases with one crucial difference - Rice was released by his Club, & so the Ravens are not in such a diffucult spot as Sheff U seem to be. 

I beleieve Evans had his contract cancelled as soon as he was found guilty.

The only thing that surprises me in these cases is that people are surprised these things happen with brain dead athletes who have spent their whole life being told how great they are by friends/family/clubs/colleges/agents/sponsors (the vast majority who only care for their own selfish needs) and become used to the whole sense of being able to walk on water and do whatever they want.  Add huge amounts of money into the mix when they turn pro at a young age with no previous experience of dealing with money and a poor level of upbringing/education in a lot of cases and it's surprising it doesn't happen more often imo.

I was looking at this as well.  Only thing which puts me off as well as playing pitt home and away they have to go to cleveland on the road and play Denver at home.  Not the easiest of run ins.  Pitt must be around the 7/2 mark to beat Cincy twice (which is pretty much their Division price)  Balt lost twice to Cincy and got poor divisional record for the tiebreaker.  albeit the breaker shouldn't be an issue as much in this division with the tied game for Cincy.

Well that's exactly what happened in the Ray Rice case.

I dont think its the preserve of the rich and famous..unfortunatly woman beating is an all too regular occurance in everyday society and the excuses for it are even less tenable than those above.... the fact the person is in the public eye makes it becomes news..like anything else in life when a celebrity is reported to be going through a real life crisis its as though they were the first person in history to be affected like this

Arguably, Ray Rice's 2013 form will be a bigger deterrent to his chances of getting signed than the incident in question!  That is by no means intended to imply that the video wasn't abhorrent, but if everything had been accelerated by a year then he would possibly have been signed to someone's roster already.

Ched Evans' case is on another level to this, but the NFL have been down a similar route previously (Ben Roethlisberger springs to mind as an example).  Go back even further and one of the true NFL-greats of recent times, Ray Lewis, was caught up in a murder case cast a shadow on his career, but ultimately became a foot-note to what he achieved on the field.

The NFL has had more than it's fair share of murky waters to negotiate.

What we backing tonight folks. 

Few lines I liked. 

Under 49.5 Colts @ Browns (I know its a national game and we should be on overs but I think that may well be factored into this line)
Bills + 10
Under 40.5 9ers @ Raiders
Vikes - 3.5
Jags + 6.5

I was toying with Carolina + 9.5 but the line has moved here.

Giants -2.5. Tennessee are just awful and have pretty much given up. Even the Giants and their terrible run defense should ensure they win by a score.

Ha, I had Giants took them out.  Put them in.  Took them out. The line  being so close has mind fucked me into a state of confusion. 

As ever, backing a poor team against a terrible one is fraught with danger.

Bills +10
Giants -2.5
Jax +6.5 (if watt is on the field, Jacksonville defense, try marking him)
Colts -3 (Colts defensive anytime TD bet on the side)
Steelers +3 (really like this, even in Cincy)
Rams -2.5 (just opposing the Redskins can't be that bad!)

Paddy 20% bonus acca, please, for Christmas!

Cinci -3
Colts -3
Texans -6.5
Giants -2.5
Saints -8.5
Rams -2.5

Perm me up, buttercup :)


Dalton has to have a big game sometime, right?

Sigh.

Such a bullshit call against the Chiefs there. 

Wonder who the officiating crew want to see reach the playoffs in a decent spot. 

Now there speaks a man from Glasgow.  :)
PS Don't go off on one here KMac its meant in jest.

Even Hugh Dallas and Willie Collum wouldn't have got that one wrong. Who said video replays were a good thing?

I would suggest not watching Bills@Broncos

I was happy with the overall outcome there.  #talkingthroughthepocket

Shouldn't have even been close as to whether we covered the spread.

Why are the 49ers so bad? Often when I watch them they seem to be better than their opponents, but ending up self destructing. Or sometimes they can't get anywhere on offence. Has everyone figured out Kaepernick now?

I think it's more to do with the coach having lost the squad.  They just don't seem interested.  Does it come from higher up the organisation?

You may well be right about CK, but The Camel thought him one of the greatest things since sliced bread, and he is pretty awesome but do they rely too much on him to be the game changer, and when it doesn't work they have zero back-up. 

very good defence (though missing willis and bowman is unfortunate)

Kaepernick has been worked out, no great arm strength. Range of receving options poor (V Davis at end of career, crabtree inconsistent)

big off field problems. dressing room hates harbaugh, front office hates harbaugh. he will leave then they can go again


this week at seattle Seattle are 10 point favourites and the point make up is 38 or so

this assumes 49ers points of c14, one of the lowest expectations ever

this tells you where the problem is

Why do you think they hate him so much? I've read a bit but it all seems to be tittle-tattle.

The fad for running-around quarterbacks who can run about and throw seems to be coming to an end. It all started with Tebow, who could run around but not throw, but people like Kap and RGIII seem to be going out of fashion.

It's a real shame Tebow isn't playing any more- being honest he was pants, but he was tremendously entertaining when he was QB at Denver.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4XC5MRCEAA6kiz.png:large)

As to Harbaugh, difficult to say unless you are on the inside. Certainly an abrasive character. Almost certainly will go elsehwere and have more success. was a brilliant drafter and builder of a team after singletary was fired and the 49ers really set the blueprint for developing a team from the inside out by drafting offensive and defensive line first, skill positions later

C K is not accurate enough. When he entered the league he had two big advantages

a) 49ers had drafted heavily on the OL and they protected him fantastically for the first two years. this year, with injuries, less so, particularly at right tackle where jonathan martin is not good enough

b) teams look at film, they develop defensive strategies to deal with running quarterbacks. the only one still having success is russell wilson and he has marshawn lynch as a foil

ultimately, with only a very few exceptions, the great quarterbacks are pocket passers with cannon arms

I've been reading the NFL articles more and more online and see this phrase there as well.  What are defined as "skill positions"? 

quarterback

wide receiver

running back

tight end (though that is a hybrid of receiving and blocking)

basically the positions which score points

never let it be said sports fans are fickle, with short term memories

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/09/some-49ers-fans-burn-kaepernick-jerseys/

Thanks Tighty - makes sense.  Kind of like football teams building a solid defense first and building from there.

One other question - lots of articles have been raving about the Rams and how they will be a huge force when they add a new QB.  Do they need to draft/trade one or do you think they are just waiting on Sam Bradford to return from injury next year?  I remember him being a number 1 pick a few years back, but he seems to have suffered a lot with injuries. 

He was

they are very close, maybe a QB and a WR away

defense is top notch, had a lot of draft picks from the RG3 trade and are stocked up there and have built the OL too

will undoubtedly look to draft one, and then see if Bradford recovers so they have a few clubs in the bag

probelm is it is not a good draft for QBs. Mariota, Wnston and maybe Hundley and thats it

Is RG3's fall from grace injury-related or more Kaepernick 'not as good as we thought/found out by opposition'?

both

two bad injuries

but also, apparently, a real attitude problem that meant he didn't respond to coaching. spent a lot of his college career working out of the shotgun and that gives you some time to find the right pass, when asked to operate under center in the pros he didn't have the footwork to be an accurate passer

behind the scenes in washington..management of the franchise, building a roster has been a bonfire for years too


so a combination of injury, talent around him and attitude

all of this with hindsight of course

I'm very much enjoying this Tighty-explains-the-NFL thread.

So, is RGIII toast, or does he have a future.

Johnny Football- a terrible attitude problem or just a bit precocious?

My question was sparked by this - which just seemed really odd to me about a player who was supposed to be the bee's knees.

http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/video/robert-griffin-iii-kicking-a-ball-to-himself-sad-story-120814

RG3. leaves Washington, becomes a back up somewhere. matures, gets coached well and yes comes back. Will he have the patience for it?

Manziel - starts this week, and we'll see. Bit precocious, no more than that. Another quarterback who runs, will be fun to see if he matures

N doubt he has a tough winning mentality on the field, so thats a start

Most of this correct, but C K has definitely still got a cannon of arm.

Playing with no confidence at the moment.

Frank Gore is shot, not sure why Carlos Hyde hasn't been starting for the last 8 games.

Offensive line is a massive problem too.

You can get the Cardinals to win the superbowl @ 28/1. Now I don't know much about american football but they're top of their division, unbeaten at home and the superbowl is played at their home stadium if they get there. Am I missing something here? Seems like ridiculous value

Their last three games are big division games v St Louis, Seattle and 49ers. They might only win one, or maybe lose all three. If they lose the division to Seattle, they might be 6th seeds, which will probably mean having to win at Green Bay in January - gl with that.

I couldn't back them at 100/1

They are injured riddled all the place.

Even though they have the joint best record in the NFC they are no lock to even make the playoffs.

They are playing a surging Rams squad this week followed by a huge trip to Seattle which they will double digit underdogs.

Then it will be a must a win against the niners just  to playoffs.

Drew Stanton has a lot of attributes, but he just isn't good enough to lead the team to wins at Seattle and Green Bay, which they'll have to beat to just make the Superbowl.

And they might not even make it to Green Bay if they lose the wildcard game or miss out altogether - at least one decent team is not going to make the post-season from the NFC.

Right I'll avoid that bet like the plague then, cheers for bring this to my attention. Personally I can't see much further than a Packers or Seahawks vs Patriots superbowl, but I only watch the odd bit here and there

They way the Packers secondary was ripped apart by Julio Jones was eye opening last night.

But Rodgers might be maturiing into the best QB I've ever seen. You'd fancy them to outscore anyone at the moment if he stays fit.

it looks like that, they are the three current favourites but in all probability it won't be

someone will need to win at Lambeau or Foxboro for it not to happen though, hence why these teams are so short and will shorten again if they secure the number one seeds

I'm hoping the patriots slip up to put the broncos @ number 1 seed for the 2nd year.

Just saw this online -

'Aaron Rodgers (107.1 in 99 starts) could go 0 of 69 with 69 INTs tonight & still have best passer rating in 1st 100 NFL starts in SB era'


Different gear!

Yes, there's quite a few of those in here:

http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24873157/falcons-packers-preview-14-things-to-know-about-week-14s-mnf-game?v=1&vc=1

I would be surprised if RG111 left Washington without giving a QB whisperer type coach a chance to get him sorted out first. Think it's more likely Gruden goes. Triesman be the right type if he gets the bullet from Chicago?

Shit, I hope this turns out well.

According to the Charlotte Observer, Cam Newton was injured in a major car crash in North Carolina Tuesday afternoon.
A truck crashed into another car and overturned at about 12:30pm ET Tuesday. It's reportedly Newton's truck. He was spotted getting medical attention before being loaded into an ambulance via a stretcher. Our thoughts are with Newton right now as we wait for more details to emerge.

Hopefully this is nearer the mark from Rotoworld

Updating an earlier item, Cam Newton was "conscious and smiling" following his Tuesday car accident, and did not want to be taken to the hospital.
WBTV's Steve Crump went so far as to report that Newton suffered "no injuries," and that being loaded onto a stretcher before being taken to the hospital was a "precaution." That would obviously be the best-case scenario after Newton's truck got crunched up in scary fashion. The situation will be updated Tuesday afternoon.

Saw a pic of his truck and would be very surprised if he suffered anything serious.

Fractures in his lower back, same thing Romo had this year and missed 1 game (with bye week and long week) with.

Yep. Two transverse fractures in his lower back. No internal injuries.

The things you find on YouTube

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1UZy7SSdDI

"Hello, this is 118 118, how can I help you?"

"I'd like a number for TEBOW, Mr Tim TEBOW. ESPN Studios, New York"

"Ok, I've got a number, would you like me to connect you?"

"Yes please"

"Can I tell them who is calling?"

"Tell him it is Bruce Arians. And it is urgent"

Season tickets for Wembley 2015 are on sale now.

Still lots of halfway line or end zone seats available in the relatively cheaper areas. A nice feature is you have the option to keep the same seats the following year if you buy a season ticket.

(http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/002/832/095/hi-res-cbdd04eeebe7e5ed15f1b4ba61294fe0_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75)


(http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/610/img/photos/2014/11/06/04/e4/110614_jaguars.png)

If you had a season ticket this year you could get the tickets a week or two ago. My guy got our same seats as this year

Yes. I didn't last year (just bought them separately - different levels and different numbers), but should be able to keep my seat for the following year now.

Sorry, my bad. Remembered you had gone to all 3 games and thought u had one this year. TBH I only knew because my mate that sorts the tickets texted me on the 4th to say he had them and how much they were.

Be interesting to see if they can sell out Buffalo v Jacksonville.

Must be the most unappealling matchup imagineable.

I'd rather watch Tal throw an incomplete dump off pass to Tighty while being rushed by Adzy than that dross.

Are any of the games at 1pm next year?

Times of kick offs have not been decided, they are often decided only a few weeks before from past experience. Would think at least one of the games will be an early kick off as this years game got ok viewing figures

Atmosphere in the Jags game was probably the best of the three. Might have been because they had a bigger show beforehand for Remembrance Sunday, but I get the impression they've built a casual fanbase here now. They also have the best mascot in sport. I don't remember Chirpy zip-wiring off the roof of White Hart Lane.

I'd expect 80k+ but I've been wrong before :D

I wonder if Chris Conte will feel the same in 35 years.

Sobering reading nonetheless

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/12040968/chris-conte-chicago-bears-says-playing-nfl-worth-long-term-health-risk

Any thoughts on this drab affair tonight?

Feels dirty backing unders at 39.  But nothing else appeals at all. 

I really don't know enough about players on both rosters to be able to look into some of the outlier markets.

Marv heard the name Washington being banded around in previews I was watching and back first TD scorer @ 25/1 Washington scores first I whoop whoop and realise I have backed some guy called Nate Washington. 

Been settled as a winner must have backed the right guy.  :-)

wait, wat?

At some point someone decided that Jags v Titans was something people wanted to see?

How did this thing happen?

question
a RB fumbles but it goes out of play before anyone recovers where is the ball placed at the next down
same goes for a wr i suppose

I think if the ball goes forwards and out of play then the next line of scrimmage is where the fumble occurred.

No words necessary

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTjKu4Y0Kx8

are the colts trying to gift dallas the game?

come on the colts the eagles need you

That's a bit rich!

Joe Flacco can fuck right off, inept *****. 

You're playing against the Texans, who are blitzing frequently. Then your right tackle gets injured. Then your left tackle gets injured. Every single play, you can see the whites of this guy's eyes...

(http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1618177/thumbs/o-JJ-WATT-facebook.jpg)

There are more enviable situations in football!

over my head

When I am raging and licking my wounds for a scoop of over 4k there are no excuses that will satisfy me Tal.  

Eagles trying to gift Dallas the division last night?

nah didn't try, they succeeded

Commentators in the Giants-Rams game don't half talk some rubbish.

Let them get on with it. Nothing wrong with a bit of handbags. They're all wearing helmets and armour. Let's get on with it.

Colts all wearing gloves covered in butter...

I believe if the ball goes backwards, it's wherever the ball went out of bounds. If it goes forwards then it's definitely the spot where the ball was fumbled. Basically you can't gain yardage by fumbling out of bounds - Imagine 4th and short if all you had to do was stick all the receivers on the short side of the field, give it to a running back and have him run that way then fumble the ball forward across the line to gain and out of bounds to pick up the first down.

There's also a rule about fumbling forwards must be picked up by the player who fumbled the ball on 4th down, or inside the 2 minute warning, to stop a repeat of this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y1SeAjv5ao

http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2014/12/22/7432949/marshawn-lynch-run-seattle-radio-call

Holy catfish!

:D

Lol, "runaway dude-train".

Good to see you here Andy.

 Ahrt 2h 3h 3s

Really?

Get outa here.

;)

Want CJ Anderson to score a couple early doors, so that Manning can just hand the ball off, and Demaryius gets minimal action!

Not a bad start to tonights game!!

Do Catfish eat Skittles?

Loving this new Manning.

About to put my weekly accumulators on, but need some advice on something.
Now Patriots have top seed sown up, should I avoid putting their home game against Bills in any bets?
I'm new to NFL betting this year, and although I understand it has some bearing, I don't know how much.

I mean, Broncos will still beat Raiders and Colts beat Titans even though it doesn't alter standings won't they?

Week 17 is a nightmare for the punters because you've got no idea who's resting, which far reaches of the playbook are going to be on display or anything else.

I would keep an eye on the news for the rest of the week and see if you can spot a trend or two in the reports to help you.

Tighty mentioned another thing to factor in, if I recall correctly - even though some teams have nothing to play for, many of the players DO have an incentive to give their very best, as it affects their ratings in the draft, & thus the size of their next contract.

If I were Adam, I'd tread very warily on this.

Yes, some players are up for free agency in the summer (say, like a couple of the big players in the Detroit defense). A couple of sacks and some highlight reel plays might add a floor to that new house they have their eye on.

As I say, it's my first year betting on NFL.
I have a friend who's hosted a super bowl party for the last 20 years and I never got round to going, but am definitely going this year.

I though it would be a good way to learn what's going on fast by having accumulators every week to focus me on a lot of teams.
The plan was to get the veterans to help me pick 3-5 nailed on favourites and roll them into a bet, but by all accounts I've picked the worst year to start betting because it's been crazy, with upset after upset.

I've been keeping a form spread sheet and have managed 4 winning weeks out of 16. Of those I missed, there were some close calls, missing out by just one result. My best week was #12 where I picked a 7 game accumulator. I also picked a few upsets that confounded the veterans, including last night's Bengals win which scored me pundit points (if not money because the accumulator was already dead).

Bogey team have been Saints. "Bet on the saints at home" they said. "Hardly ever lose at home" they said.
5 home losses on the bounce.

Had a lot of success betting against dogs rather than on favourites. Anyone Vs Jets, Jags, Titans, Raiders, Bucs, Redskins has been a good tactic.

Only been betting small. Started with £25 and sadly went broke week 16, requiring a reload for the run in.
I had said any profit would be spent forst on some apparel of my team for the super bowl (who I will pick based on who's won the most games when I've backed them: currrently Patriots and Colts neck and neck), then any extra would be spent on beer for the superbowl part. Need a few wins to turn a profit now.

I also try and not mix my days/kick off times. Had a few accumulators killed Thursday night which means a re-bet to enjoy Redzone on a Sunday.

So for the final week I was planning on splitting the bets up into three.
Reasonably confident bets for sunday 6pm
longer shots/potential trap bets sunday 6pm
late kick offs

I could really have done with Broncos winning last night because they and Patriots would have been easier to back as they'd still be playing for home field advantage. Now Patriots have that tied up, I think they move into the trap bet section. I still think Broncos will be handing Raiders a shoeing but they have #2 spot sown up thanks to the win against Colts in week 1.

Sunday early
Confident about
Cowboys (A) beat Redskins - AFC #1 seed still up for grabs, so expect Cowboys to throw the kitchen sink at the Reskins.
Texans (H) beat Jaguars – even when it doesn’t matter, I see the Titans being comfortable winners.
Colts (A) beat Titans – As above, don’t see any way Titans beat Colts.
Ravens (H) beat Browns – Ravens look solid favourites. As a novice, I've been watching this Johnny Football thing with interest.

Traps/longer shots
Patriots (H) beat Bills – I think I have to move this from the section above. Patriots did win the away leg by a couple of possessions, so if they needed the win I’d be confident. I still think they’ll win, but it could be a lot closer that I’d like.
Falcons (H) beat Panthers – week 11 meeting was really tight and this is a vital game for both teams. Edging towards Falcons home win, but wouldn’t want an otherwise green accumulator to hang on it.
Giants (H) beat Eagles – This is my predicted upset of the week. Eagles will probably be favourites with the bookies, but Eagles have lost 3 straight, Giants have won 3 straight and I think they’ll nail the final home win.

From the Sunday 6pms I’m skipping:
Saints @ Buccaneers – bogey team
Chargers @ Chiefs – Chargers will probably win, but one of my veterans is a Chiefs fan and I only bet against them if it’s nailed on.
Jets @ Dolphins – Close call. Jets’ Defence were brutal last week.
Bears @ Vikings – too hard to call.

Sunday late
49ers (H) beat Cardinals – Another upset. Cardinals have been collapsing since their QB woes. Only in the play off picture because of the strong opening.
Broncos (H) beat Raiders – me and my mum could give Raiders a game, so eeven if they rest players, Broncos should be fine.
Seahawks (H) beat Rams – Seahawks must be big favourites.
Steelers (H) beat Bengals – Crunch game. Steelers thumped Bengals away a few weeks ago and should do the double.

Probably a fiver each on those three bets.

Thoughts?

Cowboys NFC not AFC

The number one seed is not really up for grabs, they need to win and Seattle/Arizona both to lose

I expect them to be resting players from early in the game..try and get a bye week into Romo, Murray etc

wouldn't be backing them giving away points this weekend. its a fierce rivalry and the redskins will be up for it too

--


play point spreads not outrights, good way to take a view on a dog covering etc rather than taking cramped money lines on favourites

sorry, yes, NFC

I know betting seems to be very much on points spread, but as a novice, just looking to learn who's good and who's not, match betting has been easier to get my head round.

Maybe next year I 'll be more confident to dip my toes into that.

Not even too worried about profit/loss this season. Just using the betting to "make it interesting" while I learn :)

Do you still think Cowboys will get the W?

I think this is a good idea personally. As mug puntery as it seems, getting a return on a few 4/7 shots winning is nice, while you're learning about the sport.

Fantasy league next season?

gods no, I'm miles away from that. Have been lurking to pick up info, but wouldn't dream of taking a stab at it yet.

It has been satisfying on my winning weeks, and even losing weeks have been max 2 -4 wrong.
towards the season I'd started going for top 3-5 results, plus a full coupon for fun. only missed out by 2 from 15 one week for about £800

seem to have missed Packers (H) beat Lions off that lot.
Happy to put that in the late bunch.

Not to an extent that I would be betting on it. My mates a diehard skins fan and this game is as acrimonious as it gets in NFL.
Skins really need to put a performance in as a few of em need to justify their place/contract for next year imo.

Would expect Cowboys to rest players to as more important games to come

my first real season watching the nfl was made more enjoyable with fantasy league after a cpl of games you will feel like a veteran

PRO BOWL

Offense

Quarterback: Tom Brady, Patriots; Andrew Luck, Colts; Peyton Manning, Broncos; Aaron Rodgers, Packers; Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers; Tony Romo, Cowboys.

Running back: Le'Veon Bell, Steelers; Jamaal Charles, Chiefs; Arian Foster, Texans; Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks; LeSean McCoy, Eagles; DeMarco Murray, Cowboys.

Wide receiver: Antonio Brown, Steelers; Dez Bryant, Cowboys; A.J. Green, Bengals; T.Y. Hilton, Colts; Calvin Johnson, Lions; Julio Jones, Falcons; Jordy Nelson, Packers; Demaryius Thomas, Broncos.

Tight end: Jimmy Graham, Saints; Rob Gronkowski, Patriots; Greg Olsen, Panthers; Julius Thomas, Broncos.

Fullback: John Kuhn, Packers; Marcel Reece, Raiders.

Tackles: Ryan Clady, Broncos; Jason Peters, Eagles; Tyron Smith, Cowboys; Joe Staley, 49ers; Joe Thomas, Browns; Trent Williams, Redskins.

Guard: Jahri Evans, Saints; Mike Iupati, 49ers; Kyle Long, Bears; Zack Martin, Cowboys; Josh Sitton, Packers; Marshal Yanda, Ravens.

Center: Travis Frederick, Cowboys; Jason Kelce, Eagles; Nick Mangold, Jets; Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers.

Defense

Defensive end: Calais Campbell, Cardinals; Robert Quinn, Rams; Cameron Wake, Dolphins; DeMarcus Ware, Broncos; J.J. Watt, Texans; Mario Williams, Bills.

Interior linemen: Marcell Dareus, Bills; Aaron Donald, Rams; Gerald McCoy, Buccaneers; Dontari Poe, Chiefs; Ndamukong Suh, Lions; Kyle Williams, Bills.

Outside linebacker: Connor Barwin, Eagles; Elvis Dumervil, Ravens; Tamba Hali, Chiefs; Justin Houston, Chiefs; Clay Matthews, Packers; Von Miller, Broncos.

Inside linebacker: Luke Kuechly, Panthers; C.J. Mosley, Ravens; Lawrence, Timmons, Steelers; Bobby Wagner, Seahawks.

Cornerback: Vontae Davis, Colts; Brent Grimes, Dolphins; Joe Haden, Browns; Chris Harris, Broncos; Patrick Peterson, Cardinals; Darrelle Revis, Patriots; Richard Sherman, Seahawks; Aqib Talib, Broncos.

Free safety: Tashaun Gipson, Browns; Glover Quin, Lions; Earl Thomas, Seahawks; Eric Weddle, Chargers.

Strong safety: Kam Chancellor, Seahawks; T.J. Ward, Broncos.

Special Teams

Punter: Kevin Huber, Bengals; Pat McAfee, Colts.

Placekicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots; Adam Vinatieri, Colts.

Return specialist: Devin Hester, Falcons; Darren Sproles, Eagles.

Special teamer: Justin Bethel, Cardinals; Matthew Slater, Patriots.

Any suprise exclusion on people's teams? As a Bengal I expected Andrew Whitworth at left tackle and Pacman Jones on punt/kick returns.

Johnny Highlight Reel Heller on punts.

Super Aaron Donald!

Raiders fan, only Khalil Mack here, although not really a surprise because his stats don't reflect how well he's played and he suffers from being on a poor team that doesn't get the same exposure (We only played on TNF once vs. KC). If it was 100% based on performance, and if he wasn't playing on a team that is currently 3-12, then he'd be there IMO.

Biggest surprises for me are Dan Bailey, Johnny Hekker, and the Baltimore Full Back whose name I'm not even going to try to spell missing out.

Would've gone with Wilson over Luck as the 6th QB. Sen'Derrick Marks deserves an honourable mention but not sure who he replaces, also has the same problem as Khalil Mack of playing on a bad team. However, being on a 3-12 team that isn't going to get as many opportunities to pass rush makes his 8.5 sacks even more impressive for an Defensive Tackle.

By far the biggest surprise inclusion for me is Jimmy Graham, who got in for no other reason than because he's Jimmy Graham. Think Antonio Gates should be there instead but Travis Kelce and Zach Ertz both impressed me more this year, too.

u sure about ertz?

Travis Kelce can gfto.

Fumbles in different games cost me about 5 grand.

Confirmed butterfingers.

First thought was Heath Miller. Just had a look at Football Outsiders (my new favourite website this year - is there an equivalent in Association Football?)

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/te

Incredibly, the best tight ends for the two main opponent-adjusted rankings the site uses are the two Pats TEs.

Per ESPN:

With a fourth-quarter collapse, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earned the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft.

The Bucs lost to the New Orleans Saints, 23-20, despite carrying a 13-point lead into the fourth quarter. The collapse happened with the Bucs (2-14) playing a lot of backups, and it led to questions about whether the team "tanked" to get the No. 1 pick. Coach Lovie Smith strongly denied that.

"It had nothing to do with substitutions," Smith said. "You look at how we played. To me, I'm going to go back, we're moving the ball fairly well even in the second half. They played a lot better. We played a lot of guys the first half also. Vincent Jackson only played a few reps. That happened in the first half also, and the team we put on the football field had a chance to win right up until (the end).

"Yeah, we didn't have some of our best players there right in the end. But the guys we had in there we felt like we could move the ball and be able to win."

The Bucs played the fourth quarter with three young offensive lineman that aren't starters, lots of changes on defense and without their starting wide receivers. Quarterback Josh McCown said the Bucs were playing to win.

"It's unfortunate, I don't think anybody tanked it," McCown said. "We played the guys we played to rotate guys in to give them a look. As far as players are concerned, the draft and that stuff isn't relevant to us as far as how we're playing. We play and execute the plays that are called. That's our job. All that other stuff is for people to try to speculate about all those things. We competed hard and that's the main thing."

Having the No. 1 pick could end McCown's days as the Bucs' starting quarterback. There already is lots of speculation that the Bucs will draft Oregon's Marcus Mariota or Florida State's Jameis Winston.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said on the team's pregame radio broadcast that he plans to attend the Rose Bowl, which will feature Mariota and Winston. Licht said Smith also may make the trip to California.

The Bucs haven't had the No. 1 overall pick since 1987, when they selected Vinny Testaverde.

Tampa Bay had won its previous 24 regular-season games in which it led by at least 13 at the start of fourth quarter, with their last loss in such a situation coming against theIndianapolis Colts in 2003, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

The Buccaneers entered the day 72-2 in regular-season games when leading by at least 13 points to start the fourth quarter.

The Tennessee Titans, who lost 27-10 to the Colts, also finished 2-14 but will pick No. 2 in the draft due to tiebreakers with the Buccaneers.

Haha, comedy!

Not if you had Saints -4

You can wipe your tears away, with a few of the 20s that you picked up on Floyd first TD ;)

Ok, usual HC clear out today...

But Kyle Orton retiring? What's going on there? Can't see the Bills trading for a first round pick, as they'd need to get in the top three to stand a chance of getting Winston. So that leaves an experienced alternative from elsewhere.

Who would be a realistic option? I'm assuming EJ Manuel will at the very least need an experienced support guy.

No QB, no first-round-pick (Cleveland have it for Watkins) and the best free agent options are Mark Sanchez, Brian Hoyer and Jake Locker. Good luck Bills. A shame as the defense is very very good

Tebow time :D

What's the plan then? Draft/trade the best guards available (Spiller likely going), hope Fred Jackson stays fit and the young WR crop improves?

Doomed

(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l3dkbxrwmv1qc073co1_400.gif)

http://overthecap.com/salary-cap/buffalo-bills/

there is about $30m in cap space. c$8m for rookies reduced because no first rounder

you can play around with who might be released or extended to see what sort of money might be available

Draft well rounds 2-7

strengthen OL via free agency

run a low risk offense knowing your defense will keep you competitive


--

i like the next few months, seeing who teams hire and sign and seeign how they all deal with their issues

franchises who need a quarterback in a year with only two draftable, without a top 3 pick and with not a lot in free agency (there are quite a few) are in a spot...but its a perennial problem..if you are good enough to get an 8-8 record you'll never pick high enough to get a franchise quarterback unless you strike lucky eg russell wilson.

On this topic, how did the Patriots manage to find Tom Brady in the sixth round of his draft? Was he a late developer - did the Pats make him a great QB, why was he ignored for so long?

drafting is an imperfect science. there are no guarantees high picks will work and there are always players who don't scout well (perhaps they are late developers, perhaps performed poorly at a pro day, perhaps poor film from college)

Brady, Romo (undrafted) are one extreme

Manning (number one pick) is the other

someone like Rodgers was only picked 23rd and sat behind Favre for three years. he sat on draft dray as 22 teams passed up the chance to draft him

its why its such fun to watch

Tighty will be pleased to hear that Suh has been given the day off next week...

who gets the better draft spot next season

the eagles as they didnt make the play offs or the panthers as they performed worse over the season?

also with the contracts do teams not try to extend contracts before they become free agents
some pretty big names out of contract just now

Just saw this on ESPN, and don't understand exactly what it means...

In a deal turned into the NFL office Monday, quarterback Tom Brady restructured his contract to give the New England Patriots $24 million more in cash to spend this offseason, according to league sources.

Under the new deal, Brady changed the $24 million in "skill" guarantee to only "injury" guarantee, meaning that Brady now would get the guaranteed money only if he were injured.

Brady also now can be released by the Patriots without any liability, but he then would become an unrestricted free agent, free to command the type of guaranteed money he has agreed to surrender.

Brady will receive a $1 million bump in each of the three remaining years of the deal. His base salaries will now be $8 million in 2016, $9 million in 2016 and $10 million in 2018.

The move frees up cash for the Patriots to use on other players. New England needs the cash to help re-sign some of its own free agents, including cornerback Darrelle Revis, safety Devin McCourty, tackle Nate Solder and running back Shane Vereen, among others.


Obviously he's never gonna get through all his dough anyway, but is he essentially taking a paycut, so that the team can strengthen?

Seem to remember reading something similar last year, or the year before, or was I dreaming?

Eagles.  They get pick 20 which is the last pick for a non-play off team.  Panthers will pick later depending on where they get to in the post-season.

Salary cap is the big issue, which means teams sometimes have to release star players to get under the cap.  Big contracts (e.g. QBs) tend to be back-end loaded for salary cap hits so if you have a franchise QB about to get a big bump in pay in, say, year 4 of his contract then it may mean you can't keep your stud WR who's rookie contract has ended and will command a huge bump in salary from a free agency deal.

Quite often, teams get around this by restructuring big contracts and converting guaranteed salary into bonuses, which gives players the money up front and reduces their ongoing cap hit.

It's quite a delicate juggling act, but it means that you'll see some surprising departures each year.

This is a good example of the cap-space contract restructuring described in the last post, albeit this is slightly different to the norm as it's not a simple restructuring via finding different ways to pay out the same money.

Looks like he's giving up a lot of guaranteed bonus money, which he'll now only get if injured, but getting additional $1m salary each year.  He also loses security of pay-off in his contract if released, but as an unrestricted free agent in that case he'd get an equivalent deal elsewhere (and the Patriots wouldn't release him anyway, unless he was injured, in which case he'd still get the guaranteed money in his contract).

Seems odd at first, but for Brady its obviously more important that the team stays competitive by retaining key players on the roster instead of him taking up huge amounts of cap space and seeing them move elsewhere, which is why he's agreed to do it.

I read the article, and then made the mistake of reading a few comments. It's like NVG on 2p2, and the person has a different perspective on it dependent on who they support!

Seems like the sensible thing to do, if you're already rich, and you want to give yourself the best chance of winning more rings.

Wonder if Cutler will offer to restructure his deal...

why a coach might go to college football, + no interference, total control

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6HtQPiIcAEJ5UO.jpg)

why they paid this one

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6Hx30DCQAApKdq.jpg)

I read that 4 Head Coaches were relieved of their duties at Season's end, or left for whatever reason. Why, just poor results?

Does NFL have "Next Coach to be Sacked/Hired" Markets, like the Manager's Markets over here in Association Football?

Certainly has a good record of improving teams!

So why has he left the 49ers, is it purely down to a clash of personalities with the owner?

not really

the NFL teams soon put out short-lists of who they are interviewing.

they also have to cpmply with the "rooney rule" - have to interview someone of ethinc minoirty for Head coach positions

whole thing is pretty transparent, compared to our system of massive market moves by in the knows etc

certainly the organisation appears to have become very dysfunctional.

the offense hasn't fired all season either, which hasn't helped

michigan have certainly outbid oakland, who tried hard to get him this week

Amazing that there is so much money available at the college level.

Is it funded by rich alumni of the Universities?

Yes donations (and college fees) (and the share of the college football TV deal)

college football was estimated to be a $10bn marketplace last year

and the players aren't paid (well, not officially)

Buddy Garritys all over the place, handing out envelopes :D

The Monday after the regular season ends is known as "Black Monday" as it's the traditional day when coaches of underperforming teams get fired in the NFL.  4 is about standard, to be honest, but there were also a few General Managers and co-ordinators relieved of their duties as well.

Sounds brutal but it gives teams the maximum amount of time to build for the following season.

The football coaches are public officials - here's the job of the highest paid publicly funded official in each state.

(http://b.fastcompany.net/multisite_files/codesign/slideshow/2013/06/1672861-slide-750highest-paid-public-employees.jpg)

Incred!

Looks like Doug Martine is considering his future, after a fall-out with some of the suits. Has a three day window in his contract to decide what he wants to do, apparently.

Would the Bills go in for Jay Cutler? Seems like the cap space could offer room for someone who can find receivers.

Surely that precludes Cutler?

The Bears didn't think so at the start of the season when he signed a gazillion pound contract.

It's all gone wrong this season but that isn't solely his fault. If we draft well, we are likely to have better pass protection but he's a massive upgrade from Orton and should help develop Manuel.

Financially, a massive gamble, but why risk so much for a WR if you aren't going to have a QB that can find him?

Sure worked out well for them :D

Of course it's not his fault, but in the games I've watched, he just doesn't look interested half the time.

I quite like the Bills, apart from them turning over the Packers, and costing them the #1 spot  :P

That defense would be even better if the offense could get a few first downs. Kiko Alonso back next year, too.

I can see us moving Spiller on and making room. Cutler guaranteed $16m next year on his current deal. He's a miserable sausage, but still a top 15 QB, which is better than we've had for a long time.

Just seems a bit like signing Balotelli, and hoping he'll solve all your problems, albeit that you don't have to worry about him causing too much aggro on social media :)

Who would you rather have? Fitzpatrick, Manuel, Orton or Cutler?

Can't imagine the niners are going to let Kaepernick go and trading with the Rams for an injured Sam Bradford is two kinds of mad. Bottom line is, without a franchise QB, we can't win ten games and that's what gets you into the AFC wildcard spot.

I honestly don't know any of the others well enough, but I know Orton has decided to hang up his cleats.

Just don't like Cutler much, and would hate to be the guy who decided that Cutler was worth 9 figures :D

Its a really interesting time of year isn't it. Tennessee could be the main cog in the roundabout as they seem to be making noises about being happy to go with Mettenberger at QB next year. If we assume that what they say isn't really what they mean three things could happen there, they are really happy to go with Mettenberger, they could use up some of their cap room in Cutler but if they wanted to draft a QB to compete with Mett then they have the 2nd pick and will get either Mariota or Winston and then possibly use the cap room to upgrade other areas of need. If they did get Cutler(who went to college in Tennessee) they could then auction off their number 2 pick and as we know QB needy teams will give up plenty for QB's they see as the one. Mett looked ok this season but Cutler has to be an upgrade so spending on Cutler and then getting at least 2-3 decent picks for their number 2 pick in the next draft looks a decent way to go.

So they are probably the team that shapes where some of the QB's end up and any team in Buffalo's position that really likes Winston might have a chance to trade for him.

With Tampa seemingly tanking in the 2nd half last week it looks pretty clear they have a strong preference between  Mariota and Winston. If Cleveland really do want to take Kirk Cousins as a cheaper option than keeping Brian Hoyer then Hoyer who isn't on a big contract now (but should be paid better) could be a decent fill in for someone and still wouldn't/shouldn't cost the earth.

Winston isn't going to evaluate well during draft season due to his off the field history. going to be a huge gamble to trade up giving away a lot of picks for such a bust-risk

buffalo don't have a number one pick this year, not at all easy to get up in this draft without giving away picks in 2016-2017


the problem these quarterback limbo teams have (buffalo, philly?, chicago, cleveland, washington, jets, rams? texans? etc)  is

a) there aren't 32 franchise or even starting quality quarterbacks in the league

b) this year is a bad quarterback draft

this was one analyst's version of the senior quarterbacks (mariota and winston are juniors)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B2_7FebCQAA75YC.png:large)

a team like buffalo might as well go for Hoyer/mid range option and wait it out, certainly compared to taking on cutler's contract 


it, and the risks with winston, also help explain why tampa bay tanked the last game
 

I saw a scenario Rich where Chicago could  actually give up a pick to get Cutler off their hands given how restrictive his contract is, so Cutler plus say a 4th-5th rounder for a pick later in the draft. How likely do you think that is?

Not sure. can't remember too many instances of a team giving up a pick to trade away a player

i did see Shanahan (who i think drafted cutler and marshall at denver) is in the frame to go to the bears, with the thought being that cutler would be his big reclamation project

makes a change from everyone else chasing seattle and arizona coaches for interviews i suppose


from early looks the strengths in this draft is in pass rush and running back

leonard williams at usc looks like a richard seymour type up front. there's melvin gordon and todd gurley and many other running backs that will make an immediate impact, there's a couple of wide receivers too (amari cooper)...but it doesn't look like a draft class that had the depth of last year


there's quite a bit of hidden luck in building a team, does the draft class fit with what you need to draft in a given year and where you are picking etc...part of the reason why many teams' successes go in cycles

As I saw it explained teams cannot trade a player and a pick without receiving a pick in return which is why the last rounder is just a make up in the deal. Doesn't the lack of depth at QB in this years draft increase Winston's value for QB needy teams and  Tennessee's chances of getting decent value for him?

Yes, in principle it must do

he and his agent have a lot of work to do in the draft process to overcome this sort of stuff

http://www.businessinsider.com/jameis-winston-nfl-draft-value-2014-9?IR=T

http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/jameis-winston-incidents-timeline-091714

drafting a quarterback very high and getting it wrong costs millions and is difficult to reverse, so expecting teams to automatically jump to get him is premature
 

Cheers, it could be a real merry go round couldn't it. Kyle Shanahan in the frame for Chicago job too, that could give Cousins a chance to replace Cutler.

Explains why Manziel got to sit there looking awkward while everyone else was drafted around him.

Feels like a draft with a lot of risks to me.  Not sure I would want to take Winston and would love to find a way to be against him.  Also Gurley seems a fairly big risk given he tore his ACL this year and got a suspension too (albeit for violating NCAA rules rather than something ore serious). 

Winston is still tabbed to go between 2 and 6 on  draft boards so his rep has recovered or is being overlooked by the analysts. A team like Buffalo might see this as a moment to take a chance and trade future picks for a QB as their D, WR and RB groups are competitive. Cam Newton had a major off field issues before he was drafted and Wilson was considered too small so not all QB's with issue are busts. Johnny M looks more likely to be a Ryan Leaf than and a Tom Brady tho at the mo doesn't he?

have you seen the film "draft day"?

not tremendously realistic but entertaining nonetheless

http://www.spacemov.com/draft-day-2014/

Arizona and Seattle defense coaches plus Denver and New England offensive coaches.

To what extent is the fact these are the in demand coaches purely down to the fact they are coaching the best group of players at their position in the NFL?

Who is to say the Jacksonville OC (who was fired yesterday) isn't a better coach than Adam Gase at Denver?

The Jax geezer had to work with Bortles, Gerhart and Ceeeeeeeeecil Shorts, while Gase has Peyton, Demerius and Julius.

very good question,

the Seattle DC Quinn is implementing Carroll's philosophy with a roster drafted by GM Schneider. Superb drafting has given them a great defense

now the world and his wife wants to hire Quinn. Is it Quinn's doing, and is it replicable?

getting these big picutre decisions right when hiring is the key to turning round franchises quickly

Whoever makes the draft/scouting decisions for Seattle is the real genius of that organisation.

Not Pete Carroll who is just a glorified Jason Garrett and certainly not the cordinators.

Kam Chancellor round 5
Richard Sherman round 5
Russell Wilson round 3
Earl Thomas pick 14. (were there really 13 better players than him in the 2010 draft?)
Marshawn Lynch the scrapheap

These are all remarkable IMO.

agreed

no dissing jason garrett though. Much much improved Coach, and with one notable exception fantastic drafting by the organisation since 2010

As far as I can see Garrett does nothing except pat players on the backside after they've made a good play and hug Dez, DeMarco and Tony after another win.

"Boy, can I coach!" As Mike Carlson is prone to say.

Scott Linehan's play calling and the best O Line in the league is the reason they've been so successful this season.

he gave up play calling to Linehan, not every coach would have done

he was the architect of drafting the OL. Jerry Jones had to be persuaded to draft the grunts not the sexy picks.

some of his stuff working to gel what was always a dysfunctional "me me me" locker room together has been brilliant

Yeah, I thought it was a very good film.

My old man enjoyed it as well, and he has no interest in the NFL.

I was under the impression it was a "Give the play calling to someone else or you can hit the road Ginge" ultimatum from JJ.

As I haven't got any significant ante post positions this year I am rooting for the Cowboys.

I think Romo is the most under rated player of the last decade. He is fantastic.

Would love him to stick all the criticism from the last few years up the analysts collective jacksys.

Was watching someone debate the Mariota/Winston head to head yesterday, and they couldn't split them for the game.

They said Winston has never lost a game as QB?

I remember following the Winston off field troubles, because we were all up to our necks in Mariota slips for the Heisman at big prices.

Must be hard for these kids trying to be so responsible, when really they should just be playing sport for fun, and getting out of their faces every other night.

wasnt there a college QB that got 90% of vote or something for player of year?

The best SI pictures of the 2014 NFL season

http://mmqb.si.com/2014/12/31/2014-nfl-season-best-pictures/

Marcus Mariota, will be drafted 1 and play for the Buccaneers, and throw to Mike Evans amongst others

going to turn round that franchise quickly assuming reasonably sensible drafting/coaching around him

That seems to have been part of the power struggle in San Fran too with the GM wanting the credit for getting the team in place and Harbaugh believes he was the one that turned those players into a winning team. The owner is in line with the GM in that they think they would still have been successful with a different coach but wouldn't have been successful if they had drafted badly and sided with GM when push came to shove.

 

The backbone of the 49ers roster was built before Harbaugh arrived.

Willis, Boone, Staley, Gore, Crabtree, Davis, Bowman all played with spectacular underachievement for Mike Singletary. (To be fair, Gore was a top RB actually before Harbaugh came to town)

Would they have reached 3 NFC Championship games under Singletary? I doubt it.

Harbaugh's use of Kaepernick was a great piece of coaching, but is Kaep's regression the fault of Harbaugh too?

I suppose if you take the plaudits, you have to take the brickbats too.

They sold him up the river in the end of season press conf too by saying that  lack of player discipline was a factor in his release. Its probably fair to say that player behaviour traits should be one of the first things a good GM looks at. They blamed Harbaugh tho.

For me GM is the most important job, there are always coaches that can coach but a smaller pool of really good GM's.

The word is that Thomas Dimitroff is at risk in Atlanta.

Which would be the most ridiculous thing ever if he got the tin tack.

He has built a massively impressively roster.

Injuries and the fact Mike Smith is a total buffoon are not his fault.

(EDIT: Does the GM pick/hire the coach?)

Tal and I were chatting last week about Rex Ryan leaving the Jets at the end of the season. Ryan obv has a decent rep as a good coach, more on the defensive side and my feelings were he must be fist pumping hard as most of the decent jobs that would be available had decent O's in place already(San Fran misfiring but with talent). It looks like Atlanta are keen on him as their next head coach which looks perfect for him, he must be praying he gets the job and gets hold of a good QB and WR combo on a team that needs a big upgrade on D. He looks ideal.

The GM in New York got both of them sacked so it would be a blow if the Atlanta GM with a solid rep got the sack just as Ryan finally got a chance to handle a situation he looks made for.

Doug Marrone opts out of his contract. Reports suggest Pegula refused to give him a contract extension.

Depends who you listen to but could be a play that has backfired for Marrone. Pegula has made his position as head honcho clear now, even if Marrone gets a $4m goodbye.

9-7, eh? Good while it lasted...ffs

Looking forward to watching Mariota v Winston tonight!

Was rooting for the Ducks, but after reading an article on Payton Poulin on ESPN, I was swayed :)

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL7mkBxJ34c

Winston's mob getting taken to school!

 Longy must be loving life, because this Oregon side is incred ;D

Wasn't planning on staying up, but I'm glad I did.

Incred scenes in the Ohio v Alabama game!

Winston looks like Byron Leftwich and sadly played like him last night too (the Jax version that is). Mariota looked all class didnt he?

Yeah, looks like a very special talent.

Byron Leftwichs senior Bowl game is one of the all time most heroic sporting performances I have ever seen.  Broke his shin and came back on and had to be carried between downs by his linesmen and nearly pulled off the comeback too.  Was gutted he never made it as a pro after that.

yes was amazing, you know you have blown it when the Jags cut you ;o)

Winston says he's going to play baseball for his college for the next few months. Does this suggest he's not going to be in the draft or is the whole thing a ruse?

Looking at the free agency lists, will Dallas have to make a choice between Demarco Murray and Dez Bryant?

After they've won the superbowl, obviously...

Tough choice.

Dez is a unique talent but a complete head case. Likely to do something off the field which jeopardises his whole career at any time.

Murray is a model pro who has had a incredible season. But he's always been liable to fumble and the stock of rbs has fallen dramatically in the last couple of years. They are seen as replaceable.

I'd keep Murray, but I'm pretty sure the Cowboys will keep Bryant.

They'll keep Bryant and get AP

Marcus Mariota has been responsible for 56 TDs and 6 turnovers this season; would be 1st player in CFB history with differential of 50+ if he has more TDs than Ints against ohio state

it is not expected to keep both

murray has got 2,200 all purpose yards and dallas has got that for $1.4m in the ladt year of his rookie deal

murray will want to get paid and deserves to be paid

however dez has to be the first priority. dallas won't mind a franchise tag for a year at around $12m as working out a long term deal is fraught with difficulties as dez understandably wants big bucks and its risky for the team, as the camel implies

behind the dallas OL, a lot of backs will run for 1200-1500 so the plan will be to draft a good three down back, and pair him with randle and spend the salary cap on areas its required. that drafted 3 down back would haver every opportunity to do an eddie lacy or jeremy hill and have a great rookie season

jerry jones may not resist peterson either, though fortunately he has resisted daft deals for a few years now. depends how team friendly a deal could be

murray will go to a team with plenty of salary cap, sell a lot of shirts for that team and hopefully stay fit

Anybody had a decent bet tonight or left well alone?.Ive gone over 37.5 on the cards panthers and under 46 on the ravens steelers.

there's quite a few mentioned on this thread if you go back through the day

steelers/ravens just looks tough, meant to be freezing, wet and windy. think you can get under 44.5 yards longest field goal which looks a bet

i have newton first td in the early game, which i linked too earlier

that still looks like an unders game to me, even at 38

I've taken Steelers -3. 

I'll sette for someone taking care of Flacco though, still seething at his performance 2 weeks back. 

Ari +6.5
Ravens ML
Under 38
Under 44.5

Collect.

Enjoy reading your thoughts on the NFL good luck with the Newton,Stewart 1st touchdown..

Yeah was awesome, Mariota has got this ducks offence looking more efficient than ever, he really is the ideal fit for oregon's style whether that translates at the next level I am not sure. He is not a slam dunk elite qb like luck was coming out.

Think we exposed fsu for what they were this year which was a marginal top 10 not an elite team like last year.

Bet Chip Kelly is wishing the Eagles had had to play Sanchez all season :D

as an eagles fan should i be hoping dallas go far in the play offs so they get a worse first round draft position ?

As an Eagles fan, you should be feeling sick to the stomach at this moment in time.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHa4hUTWydw

How can anyone not love the NFL?

boom. Double boom and boom. Get the fuck in

i am dont worry

Tighty!

LOL, enjoy it!

Go Cheeseheads!!