All articles by: Howard Knowles

NFL – Gameweek 1 Preview

NFL – Gameweek 1 Preview – After the long wait, Week 1 of the NFL has finally arrived, here we go!

Jets at Bills
Jets are in clear Tank mode, looking for the top Pick in Next Year’s Draft, while the Bills are in similar water, Tyrod Taylor & LeSean McCoy are still enough to win.
I have the Bills winning 17-10
Taylor: 215 Passing YDS, 1 TD
McCoy: 125 YDS Total, 1 TD

Falcons at Bears
The NFC Champs defend their crown against a very weak Bears defense. I expect Big Games from the Falcons offense.
I have the Falcons winning 24-13
Ryan: 310 Passing YDS, 2 TDs
J Jones: 125 Rec YDS, 1 TD
Freeman: 90 YDS total

Ravens at Bengals
Division Rivals majority of the times have good games, I expect a close one. The Ravens Secondary (CB’s & S) are questionable, Andy Dalton and AJ Green are healthy, along with the debut of rookie RB Joe Mixon.
I have the Bengals Winning 20-17
Dalton: 250 YDS 1 TD
Green: 115 Rec YDS, 1 TD
Mixon: 65 total YDS, 1 TD

Steelers at Browns
The Browns made improvements on defense, but not enough for the high powered Steelers offense. With the return of Martavis Bryant, to go along with Ben, Brown and Bell, I expect the Steelers to win big.
I have the Steelers Winning 31-10
Roethlisberger: 275 YDS, 3 TDs
Brown: 135 Rec YDS, 2 TDs
Bell: 150 YDS Total: 2 TDS 1 REC, 1 Rushing

Ben Roethlisberger Photo Credit: skysports.com

Cardinals at Lions
These teams always matchup well, expect a close shootout in this one. Lions have more weapons; Cardinals have the more effective weapons. In the end
I have the Lions Winning 24-21
Stafford: 280 YDS -2 TDs
Abdullah: 88 YDS Rushing, 1 TD
Tate: 100 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Jaguars at Texans
Both team are questionable at QB, however the Texans defense is always effective, also expect a resurgence season from DeAndre Hopkins.
I have the Texans winning 20-10
Hopkins: 88 Rec YDS 1 TD
Miller: 100 YDS Total, 1 TD

DeAndre Hopkins Photo Credit: skysports.com

Raiders at Titans
My Game of the Week, both teams are up and coming, both have good offenses, and questionable defenses. Titans are a little banged up, while the Raiders are coming into the year fully healthy.
I have the Raiders winning a highly contested game 27-24
Carr: 250 YDS, 1 TD
Lynch: 122 Rushing YDS, 2 TDs
Cooper: 1 TD, 100 YDS Rec

Eagles at Redskins
Division Rivals always have a great contested matchup, expecting the same with this one. Eagles added more Weapons on offense; however Kirk Cousins historically performs well at home, and against the Eagles. While the Redskins lost Garcon, and Jackson at WR. I have them winning a close one.
I have the Redskins winning 24-20
Cousins: 300 YDS,2 TDs
Pryor Sr: 88 Rec YDS, 1 TD
Reed: 100 YDS REC, 1 TD

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Colts at Rams
Colts are banged up on both sides of the ball, including key injury to QB Andrew Luck, going against the Rams front 7 the Colts have an uphill battle. The Rams offense is improved, and I expect a resurgence season from RB Todd Gurley.
I have the Rams winning 20-10
Jarred Goff: 200 YDS, 1 TD
Todd Gurley: 150 Total YDS, 1 TD
Sammy Watkins: 88 REC YDS, 1 TD

Seahawks at Packers
My second game of the week, with both teams winning against each other the past 4 years. This is becoming sort of a rivalry, so expect fireworks. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense going against the Legion of Boom and the Seahawks defense is always tough, however I expect the Packers to score 3 Touchdowns. Question is how the Packers defense will do against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense.
In a close game down to the wire I have the Packers winning 27-24
Rodgers: 285 YDS, 2 TDs
Jordy Nelson: 100 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Aaron Rodgers Photo Credit: skysports.com

Panthers at 49ers
The Panthers have added weapons on offense, and I expect them to impress, the 49ers will compete hard, but they will lose this game.
I have the Panthers Winning 20-7
Newton: 300 YDS total, 2 TDs

Cowboys at Giants
This Sunday Night primetime, with the division rivals will deliver fireworks. Cowboys are at home, and will have RB Ezekiel Elliott for this week. Giants star WR Odell Beckhom is battling a hamstring injury which will slow him down. The Giants has the far better defense, because of injury the Cowboys have the better offense.
I have the Cowboys winning 23-17
Prescott: 200 YDS Passing, 1 TD
Elliott: 150 YDS Rushing, 1 TD
Bryant: 88 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Ezekial Elliott Photo Credit: skysports.com

Saints at Vikings
Debuting in their new Stadium the Vikings and their top 5 defense, face off with Drew Brees and the high powered Saints offense. In RB Adrian Peterson’s return I believe the Saints will wear down the Vikings defense.
I have the Saints winning 24-17
Brees: 285 YDS, 2 TD
Peterson: 100 YDS rushing. 1 TD
Thomas: 110 YDS Rec, 1 TD

Chargers at Broncos
Division rivalry matchup should be a good one. Even while injured the Chargers have enough weapons to compete with the top 3 defense in the NFL that is the Broncos. Broncos QB situation is still very unreliable, and they will rely on the running game heavy.
It’s a tossup game; I have the Broncos winning 17-1

Patriots vs Chiefs – NFL Game Preview

Patriots vs Chiefs – NFL Game Preview – The long wait is over! There are no more Sunday’s without the NFL until February. This Thursday we will see the new Champions embark on their title defence, against one of their AFC rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the injury to Julian Elderman, I expect Tom Brady to feature his new Target, off season pick up Brandin Cooks, early and often. Star TE Rob Gronkowsi will be in action for the first time since his injury last year, and will be looking to pick up where he left off.

Tom Brady of the Patriots Photo Credit: skysports.com

On the Chiefs side, in his contract season, QB Alex Smith, will be looking to finally go deep in the playoffs. I expect a more explosive passing game with pro bowl TE Travis Kelce and WR Tyreek Hill. Also rookie, RB Kareem Hunt, will see his first NFL action and will be looking to impress. The Chiefs defences were top 5 in the NFL last season and it will be interesting to see how they fare against the Hall of Famer Tom Brady.

Travis Kelce of the Chiefs Photo Credit: skysports.com

Week 1 of the season is always tricky, normally defences start slow and although the Chiefs are among the elite in the league, I see some struggle this week. I do however expect Coach Andy Reid to instruct Alex Smith to spread the ball more than normal as well, giving us a great opening game to the season.

Prediction –  Patriots Win: 28-17

Statistical Prediction:

Patriots

Tom Brady – 315 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT,

Brandi Cooks: – 85 REC Yards,

Rob Gronkowski – 90 Yards Rec, 1 TD,

Chiefs

Alex Smith – 225 yards, 1 TD,

Kareem Hunt – 89 yards rushing, 1 rushing TD,

Travis Kelce – 100 yards, 1 TD Rec

 

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NFL 2017/2018 – Top 10 Quarterbacks coming into the season

NFL 2017/2018 – Top 10 Quarterbacks coming into the season – With a new season approaching in the NFL, let’s take a look at the top Quarterbacks coming into this season, all hoping for glory at the next Superbowl!

 

  1. Tom Brady – New England Patriots

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Fresh off winning his 5th SB ring, Tom Brady is the number 1 QB going into this season. Although he just turned 40, there are no signs pointing to any downside in Brady’s game. Not to mention a healthy TE Rob Gronkowski, signing TW Dwayne Allen, along with trading for Pro Bowl caliber WR Brandin Cooks, to go along with WR Julian Elderman, one could argue that Brady has the most weapons he’s had in his career.

  1. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Aaron Rodgers had an MVP caliber season last year, winning 8 straight games and giving us the highlight plays we are accustom to seeing. Although he came up short in the NFC Championship, Rodgers at 32 isn’t showing signs of slowing down including recently mentioning he wants to play until he’s 40 years old. With TE Martellus Bennett being signed to go along with WR’s Jordy Nelson, Devante Adams, and Randall Cobb, expect another highlight filled season from Rodgers.

  1. Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Matt Ryan was the league MVP last season, leading one of the best offenses we’ve seen during the regular season. Although Ryan and the Falcons suffered a crushing loss in the SB after being ahead 28-3, the Falcons haven’t lost any key pieces to their system. Expect Julio Jones, Devonta Freeman and Terrence Coleman to contribute to Matt Ryan having another successful season.

  1. Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Mr. Consistent, Drew Brees, is always a lock to be atop any QB list. No matter what’s around him, he is able to make the best out of it, and is a lock to pass for close to 5,000 yards. With the addition of RB Adrian Peterson along with Mark Ingraham, the Saints will look to establish more of a running game to take pressure off of Brees. After his breakout rookie season Brees will be relying on Michael Thomas and veteran Willie Snead to contribute to his success.

  1. Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburg Steelers

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Roethlisberger has arguably the most explosive offense in the league, and although retirement crossed his mind in the offseason, he is returning to make another SB Run. With All Pro WR Antonio Brown, along with Pro Bowl Running Back Le’veon Bell, Roethlisberger has two of the top 3 at their position’s skill players in the league. You add in rookie Juju Smith, along with reinstated WR Martavis Bryant as weapons; Ben is primed to have another great season.

  1. Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Since the retirement of RB Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks offense has revolved more around Wilson, and as a result he has looked more and more comfortable in that role. Wilson lost weight in the offseason and is looking to be more agile in the pocket, which will give him a chance to capitalize on his rushing abilities as well. WR Doug Baldwin and TE Jimmy Graham are Wilson’s top targets, and this season I am expecting Wilson to have his best season with his numbers. We will see if he can reach another SB.

  1. Derek Carr – Oakland Raiders

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Before his injury last season, Carr was deep in the league MVP discussion. Coming into this year he is expected to be in that discussion again. The signing of now unretired RB Marshawn Lynch will open the field more for Carr to connect with pro bowl caliber 3rd year WR Amari Cooper, and team leader in TDs Michael Crabtree. All eyes will be on Carr and the Raiders are viewed as legitimate challengers to the Patriots.

  1. Jameis Winston – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Photo Credit: skysports.com

Winston had a good season last year, and coming into this season the pressure will be on to have an even better season. Tampa signed WR Desean Jackson to help spread the field along with drafting TE OJ Howard, to go along with Pro Bowl WR Mike Evans. Winston has a lot of weapons and is in a division where he will have chances to have great statistical games. I am expecting Jameis to have the breakout season we are all expecting.

  1. Matt Stafford – Detroit Lions

Photo Credit: skysports.com

While Stafford hasn’t experienced the team success as every other QB on this list besides Winston, Stafford’s numbers are consistently good, sometimes great. WR Golden Tate is returning along with hopefully a more consistent WR Marvin Jones as Stafford’s primary targets. The Lions are healthy, and have improved their offensive line in the offseason; hopefully it translates to team success this year.

  1. Marcus Mariota – Tennessee Titans

Photo Credit: skysports.com

The Titans didn’t make the playoffs last year but had one of their best season in the past few years. Mariota had good numbers and similar to has draft class mate Jameis Winston, the pressure for him to have a breakout season is there. The Titans drafted speedy WR Corey Davis, and Signed WR Eric Decker to Join WR Rashad Matthews, Pro Bowl TE Delanie Walker, and pro bowl RB Demarco Murray, giving Mariota plenty of weapons to help him relieve that pressure.