Akshat 'Aksh' Chandra's NFL Week 4 PICKS

Well, the Week 4 of the NFL season is kicking off soon (in about an hour really), and so I thought I'll make my picks.  The Ravens already took care of business with the Browns.  That moves them to 3-1, and keeps them atop their division for at least another week.  Here are my picks for the rest of the games.  So without further ado, sit back and enjoy:

          

 Panthers : 31          Falcons : 27

Despite these teams coming of two completely opposite games, I believe Cam Newton will find his stride and lead the Panthers to victory on the road over the hot Falcons.

           

                               

 Patriots: 34            Bills : 28

Losing a game is bad enough for the Patriots, losing two games? Angry Tom Brady and co. Well let's just say I feel bad for their opponent, although the Bills will put up some decent points against an unsavvy Patriots defense.

          

                

Vikings : 17          Lions : 24

Despite Ponder pondering his passes well, the Lions will just be good enough to take this one at home by a score.

          

Chargers : 17        Chiefs : 14

A low scoring game, where I don't think the Chargers want to be embarrassed like last year at the Arrowhead. Defenses will hold up, but a late field goal by Kaeding (isn't this the same guy who missed 3 FG's in the 2010 divisional game against the Jets?!) puts it away.

          

     

Seahawks: 20          Rams : 23

I'm taking the Rams here at home, where's Seattle's strong defense will be matched by the Rams running game. Late pick from Russel ends any chance for a comeback.

                    

 49ers : 23          Jets : 27 

Every ESPN reporter is picking the 49ers. All the simulators are. All the blocks stack up in favor of the 49ers. After all, which madman would pick against a team which has one of the best defense, running games, tight end, and explosive receivers? *Guilty*. Yes I'm going with the Jets. I'm biased towards my team, but whenever the Jets are underestimated and nobody gives them a chance, that's when they deliver. Take the 2010 Divisional game against the Patriots, where the Jets went into Foxborough and won. Jets defense has a pick, and forces the 49ers to have an unfavorable FG:TD ratio. Sanchez will throw for 2-3 touchdowns, and the running game will start to pick up some pace.

          

           

Titans : 10          Texans : 24

Battle of the Two T's, where the Texans win in a fairly one sided game.

                    

Raiders: 21       Broncos: 31

Peyton starts to hit his stride as he leads the Broncs to a comfortable win. Palmer will be pressured and throws at least 2 picks.

          

          

Dolphins: 13          Cardinals : 23

I would love to pick the Dolphins here but I just don't think they're that good on the road. Cardinals keep up the momentum and move to 4-0.

          

          Bengals : 34         Jagaurs: 17

Dalton keeps the offense rolling as the Bengals coast to an easy one.  Hercules will have a big day, but he won't be getting much help from Gabbert and co.

          

          Saints : 27         Packers : 31

A high scoring offensive games where the defenses will snooze. I'm sorry Saints fans but "who dat 0-4" is the most likely scenario. Rodgers will throw for 3 TD's.

          

Redskins : 31          Buccaneers : 23

RG3 has a good one, as he confidently leads the 'Skins to victory on the road. 2 TD's and maybe 1 interception. Will we see another "kneel interference" from the Rutgers .. err I mean Buccaneers head coach?

          

Giants : 24           Eagles : 27

Yes I'm calling the upset ( Is it really an upset?!). At home the Eagles will find themselves comfortable, although they might have a lot of turnovers, Vick *cough* Vick. Eli tries to lead a late drive but an interception puts it away.

          

     

Bears : 17           Cowboys : 20

I'm taking America's team at home.  It'll be more of a defensive struggle as putting up points will be tough.  The 'Boys take this one on a late field goal.  

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By now you know - if I a'int writing Chess, then I'm writing Football!  :-) 
You can check out my chess blog at QuestToGm.blogspot.com

Akshat 'Aksh' Chandra's NFL Week 3 Recap

Akshat 'Aksh' Chandra's 

NFL Week 3 Recap

Well Week 3 of the NFL season has come to an end, and a wild week it has been. From two hail mary's, one which ended in infamy, and 3 overtime wins here is the Week 3 Recap:

                               

 Giants : 36          Panthers : 7

After a complete drubbing of the Panthers, is Big Blue back on track for a repeat?

      

Bengals : 38          Redskins : 31

RGIII's home opener didn't end too well.  The Redskin's defense was atrocious, allowing 38 points. Not to mention the Bengals 73 yard touchdown on the first play of the game.

      

Chiefs : 27          Saints : 24

A narrow loss in O.T. To the Chiefs. Need I say more ?. Time to go from "Who dat aints" to

"Who ain't dat."

          

49ers : 13          Vikings : 24

So much for that hype about being the best team in the NFL. The 49ers were even graciously handed two extra challenges and an extra timeout. An enormous morale booster for the Vikings who seem to be getting into rhythm.

          

 Jets : 23          Dolphins : 20

It doesn't get any uglier than that. This suggests that the Week 1 win over the Bills was an aberration.  After the Dolphins missed the game winner in O.T, and the block on Nick Folk's kick didn't count due to Philibin calling  a timeout, Rex Ryan and the Jets should send him some chocolates and a Thank You card.  But the Jets also lost - since Revis is done for the season with a torn ACL.

          

Jagaurs : 22          Colts : 17

A horrendous  run defensive outing. The Colts couldn't contain the wrath of MJD who grounded and pounded for 177 yards and a TD. We saw the human side of Luck who threw an interception straight into the eager hands of linebacker  Paul Poslusny. But it was Gabbert , yes Gabbert, who made the clutch 80 yard go-ahead play with 45 seconds to go. The Colts will have some time to reflect upon this during their bye week. Even Vinatieri is too be blamed for he wound up missing a key go ahead 36 yarder with 5 minutes to go.

          

Broncos: 25          Texans: 31

Peyton still continues to struggle as the Broncos falls short by yet again 6 points. A great victory for the Texans, who are arguably the best AFC team. Unfortunately for their  quarterback, Schaub was levelled  after a vicious illegal hit by defender Joe Mays, taking his ear lobe out. After seeing a comment saying that the ear lobe grows back , all I could say was tell that to Evander Holyfield.

          

Falcons : 27          Chargers : 3

The Falcons are looking good after a sound thumping of Norv Turner's men. We'll see this week if the Chargers are pretenders or contenders.

          

Steelers : 31          Raiders: 34

A shocking loss on the road for the Steelers who fall to 1-2 entering their bye week. This loss could come back to haunt them, since the Ravens and Bengals are starting to take off. Great effort from the Raider's, who couldn't afford to go 0-3.

          

Patriots : 30          Ravens : 31

A rematch of the AFC game, and an emotional one for Torrey Smith, saw the Ravens edging out the Pats on a last second field goal. Here also there were many controversial plays. All I want to know is how the heck did the Patriots defense let Flacco throw for 382 yards, and 3 TD's, and drive 72 yards in less than  2 minutes. Sure there was a controversial call (yes another one) about the pass interference called on McCourt, but there were still many holes in this defense. Tom can't do it by himself. He'll need some help from Jerry.

          

Packers : 12           Seahawks: 14

Finally we reach the game of infamy, which ended on a controversial Hail Mary. Now after watching it a bazillion times, the Packer's Jennings  had the ball, and as they hit the ground Tate put a hand on it. But what happened to the Packers explosive offense which shouldn't have even been in this position the first place?

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By now you know - if I a'int writing Chess, then I'm writing Football!  :-)
You can check out my chess blog at QuestToGm.blogspot.com