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Patriots-Dolphins Preview

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The Dolphins’ Home Field Advantage

The way this Patriots team is built and the fact that the Dolphins’ best player, Xavien Howard, is out for the game will help Josh Gordon the most. The one issue is the game is in Miami, a place that always gives New England trouble.

Playing in Miami has always been tough

Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Just in the past 5 years, the team is 1-4 in Miami. Historically the Patriots have not played well at Miami Gardens. The temperature is also expected to be relatively high too which may affect the game as well. The loss in Jacksonville is an example of the heat playing a factor against New England.

Bill Belichick won’t use the weather as an excuse, but we all know since 200, the Patriots have struggled in the heat. Former Patriot Tedy Bruschi said as much on ESPN when asked about why this team struggles in Miami.

Built for Success

The Patriots right now are just built for success. They are extremely healthy, have top 10 players in many categories including one of the best cornerback duos right now. Stephon Gilmore is questionable although Is likely to play, as he flew with the team for this matchup. The Patriots should be able to come out of this with a win. Look for Sony Michel and the running backs to have a big day.

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

New England should look to set up the run game early, using all three backs. Rotating the running backs will keep them from cramping up and running out of steam from the heat. Tom Brady will be able to take advantage of the injury riddled Dolphins. The running game will set up  play action passes, and more defenders in the box.

Patriots-Dolphins Prediction

The Patriots come in as heavy favorites despite recent history, and I don’t think it will be a blowout. Miami has played well at home this year, at 6-6 they will be looking for revenge from week 4. The rash of injuries to this Dolphins team, along with New England coming in almost at 100% will be the difference today. Not the heat.

The Patriots are really starting to look better on offense, defense and are only missing one player. The Patriots will win the AFC East again today, for the 10th year in a row. The players will get up for this “hat and T-shirt game” as they continue to try and get that number one seed.

(Patriots 28 Miami 17)

What to expect from Malcolm Butler and Dion Lewis

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Sunday the Patriots will be facing four former teammates when they kick off in Tennessee. Five counting head coach Mike Vrabel.

Along with former Patriots scout Jon Robinson, Tennessee certainly has some inside information. Although, a lot has changed in New England since then. Here are two players who were on the roster last year, that may or may not do some damage come Sunday.

Dion Lewis Is Still Dion Lewis

Dion Lewis will look to have a big game Sunday against his old team

Courtesy of the AP

Dion Lewis played 3 seasons for New England (2015 through 2017) and his best year was in 2017. As a Titan Lewis has shared the backfield with Derrick Henry, but as of late Henry’s touches have fallen. Dion showed Patriots fans last year that he can be a three down back despite his size.

This year as a Titan Dion Lewis has mainly been more of a receiving threat, and through eight games has already passed his 2017 season in New England.

Last year as a Patriots Lewis had 32 receptions on 33 targets with 214 yards. Through eight games with the Titans he has 33 receptions on 37 targets for 259 yards. Brian Flores and Bill Belichick are going to have to take Lewis out of Sunday’s game, as he is their best offensive weapon. New England needs to make tackles and try to limit Lewis’s receptions.

Dion Lewis Predicts a Victory on Sunday

Dion Lewis predicts a Titans Win

Only a year has passed since Dion dawned the Patriots uniform, so it’s easy to remember that he can also be very dangerous running the ball. Through 8 weeks Lewis leads the NFL in percentage of runs with a broken tackle at 33.0%.

Dion Did You Have to Say That?

Lewis created some bulletin board material while talking about his old teammates. Saying “I don’t talk to nobody before the game,” “I don’t anticipate going out there pregame and hugging and all that.” “I’ll talk to them after the game, after we beat them.” I’m sure as usual the Patriots will use his words as motivation. Did Dion learn anything about teams verbally attacking the Patriots? Doesn’t look like it, and he will most likely be eating those words after the game.

Malcolm Butler Has Had This Game Circled For A Long Time

Grass is not greener in Tennessee

Butler gets burned by Amari Cooper

Malcolm Butler has had a horrible start to the 2018 season. Before I continue on I would like to say that Butler will always be a Patriots legend to me.

Butler left New England signing with the Titans for a whopping 5 year $61.25 Million contract, with $30 million guaranteed. Through 8 weeks Tennessee has drawn the short end of that deal as Butler is statistically the worst CB in the NFL. Here are some numbers that you know Bill must be smiling about, all of which are the worst in the NFL.

Through 8 games this season Butler has allowed 7 TD’s which is half of the entire team’s total. He’s also given up 618 yards on 39 receptions, both worst in the NFL.

Malcolm is playing for the number one defense in the league, yet he’s ranked as the worst CB. Against Dallas he gave up both TD’s in a win on Monday night. When asked about going up against NE he said “It’s just a game, I know I used to play for New England and all of that.” “I’m not over hyped, I’m not very pumped.” “It’s just another game” he says, but I have a sneaky feeling that Butler will be over hyped, and very pumped despite what he says before the game.

Malcolm Butler

Courtesy of NBC Sports

He’s a very emotional player, Tom knows this as we all do. So expect whoever our old friend Butler is covering to have a huge game. Head Coach Mike Vrabel said that he’s not ready to replace Butler yet and will continue to start him.

One thing is for sure, Malcolm Butler wants to have the game of his life against Bill Belichick, and personally I don’t blame him. Unfortunately for Butler he will be too amped up, trying to make plays and that is a recipe for disaster against Brady.

(SB49 #21) “Malcolm Go!” Should never be forgotten.

Fantasy Football Love/Hate: Week 8

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Here are the fantasy football players that I love and hate for this week. Reminder, these are not start/sit recommendations, but rather players I feel will exceed, or fall short of, expectations in week 8.

PLAYERS I LOVE IN WEEK 8

KIRK COUSINS, WASHINGTON REDSKINS QB

Kirk Cousins is a top 3 QB this week, he has been on fire as of late. Over his last four games, he has thrown 10 TD passes. He has thrown for over 300 yards in three of those four contests. I fully expect him to continue this trend against Dallas. The Cowboys enter this contest ranked 25th in opponent passer rating. This game is bound to be a shootout with both Dallas and Washington having high-powered offenses. The Cowboys and Redskins rank 7th and 11th respectively in points per game this year. Expect a lot of scoring, and a lot of big plays this week from both teams. Washington is a team that does not run the ball effectively, so they will be relying on Kirk to get the job done through the air against the struggling Dallas secondary.

Image result for kirk cousins

KEENAN ALLEN, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS WR

Juicy match up here for the Chargers top wide out. He is coming off of a tough week where he was held to just 41 yards and three catches against Denver’s stingy defense. Despite last week’s blemish, Allen has been mostly consistent this year, notching at least five catches in five of his first six games this year. His numbers are not that great thus far which is mostly due to his lack of touchdowns (1). Allen is by far Phillip Rivers favorite weapon, he has targeted him 68 times this year, which ranks third in the NFL. This game should be a high scoring affair, and the Chargers will likely be throwing a lot trying to keep up with The Patriots offense. Although they have shown improvement recently, New England’s defense has allowed 323.1 receiving yards per game against opposing wide outs this year, which ranks last in the NFL.

LEGARRETTE BLOUNT, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES RB

I love this match up for Blount. First of all, San Francisco is an awful team. Their defense is ranked 30th in the league in opponent rushing yards per game. They surrendered 147 yards to Ezekiel Elliott last week. This game will likely be a blowout; the Eagles will be running the ball often to drain the clock. While the Eagles backfield remains crowded, Blount is still a fine fantasy option. He has at least 12 carries in every game he has played this season, including 14 carries in each of the past three games. Blount is the clear cut goal-line back for this team, and I expect they will be in that area multiple times in this contest. Assuming the Eagles blow this game open early, Blount will see a massive workload, and potentially receive his largest volume of work this season.

PLAYERS I HATE IN WEEK 8

FRANK GORE, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RB

It appears the Colts may be dividing up touches between Gore, and rookie Marlon Mack, evenly. Mack has looked solid all year in his limited role, but finally received equal work with Gore in week 7. Gore saw 11 fewer snaps than the rookie in week 7, and they both had nine touches. Mack also seemed to be favored in the passing game with 4 catches for 40 yards, while Gore had 0. If this trend continues, Frank Gore will lose some serious fantasy value. It is hard to imagine that Gore has a good game this week considering his dwindling role in the offense. It is a not a favorable match up as they go up against Cincinnati’s defense, which is allowing the 7th fewest point per game.

BEN ROETHLISBERGER, PITTSBURGH STEELERS QB

Big Ben would be a shaky start this week. He is on the road against Detroit, who has had two weeks to prepare for this game, and are they are coming off their bye. Everyone knows Big Ben seems to struggle on the road. This year he has just 5 pass TD and 4 turnovers in his 4 road games. After a solid showing last week at home vs the Bengals, some may think he is out of his 2017 slump, but I am not yet convinced. The offense, as of late, clearly belongs to super star running back Le’Veon Bell. Until Ben proves he can play better, I think the Steelers will continue to hand off the ball to Bell 30+ times a game.

Image result for ben roethlisberger loss

JOE MIXON, CINCINNATI BENGALS RB

Potential breakout performance this week for the rookie running back. Mixon has lead the Bengals in carries in every game since week 2. He had three straight games of at least 15 carries, until earning just 7 last week. Despite only 7 carries last week, he still had as many as Bernard and Hill combined. He is the clear cut lead running back for Cincinnati. He has an enticing match up in week 8 against the atrocious Colts defense. Indi’s defense ranks 26th in the league in opponent rushing yards. I expect the Bengals to blowout Indi, and spend most of the second half draining the clock with run plays. Start Joe Mixon this week.

 

*Follow me on Twitter @MLBfromNH (Kevin Civiello)*

Fantasy Football week 7 Love/Hate

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Well, here it is, my first fantasy football post. In this segment I would like to provide some of my insight for week 7 of fantasy football. You are probably thinking, “Who is this guy, and why should I listen to him?” You are probably right. I am certainly no psychic, and I do not have a crystal football, but I may know a thing or two about fantasy football. Fantasy football is the primary reason why all my friends hate me. In the five years our fantasy football league has existed, I have won the championship four times. The one time I did not win the championship, I was the runner-up.

Before you accuse me of bragging, I ask you to understand that I am no hot-shot for my fantasy football talent. It’s not my coolest attribute, I don’t glue my eyes to my iPhone screen for hours every week trying to figure out which kicker to start. Maybe it would be cool if my talent was on the field rather than behind the computer screen at the click of a mouse, but sadly it does not.

*Note: The following players are not my top options or start/sit recommendations, but rather the players whom I feel could exceed or fall short of their expectations. I want to avoid the obvious ones. For example, if Le’Veon Bell had a mouth watering match up with the lousy Browns, he would not make the “Love” section due to the transparency of the match up.*

Players I Love in Week 7

Melvin Gordon, Los Angeles Chargers RB:

I expect Melvin Gordon to have a big week. He is coming off a great performance against the Raiders in Oakland. Prior to last game, Gordon asked for more touches and he certainly got what he wanted. Gordon racked up 25 carries and 9 receptions, for a total of 150 yards in the Chargers 17-16 win. The third year back accounted for both Chargers touchdowns, earning one through the air and one on the ground. He also was targeted a career high 12 times in the passing game. Despite the tough match-up vs the Broncos elite defense, he could be due for another big game. Denver showed that their defense is vulnerable, as they surrendered 117 rushing yards to Orleans Darkwa last week. Who? Exactly. It helps Gordon that the Chargers have been playing well, while the Broncos looked really shaky last week against a win-less Giants team. I think the Chargers will use their momentum, and home-field advantage, to get the win over their division rival, and Gordon will be at the center of it all.

Image result for melvin gordon chargers

Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears RB:

Jordan Howard is coming off a monster week in which he logged 36 carries. THIRTY-SIX. He took those 36 carries for 167 yards, which is over 4.6 yards per carry. The Bears are not showing much faith in their young QB, Mitchell Trubisky. Trubisky only threw the ball 16 times in the entire game against Baltimore. I do not expect them to throw much against Carolina’s 7th ranked pass defense either. This assures that the volume of work will be there once again this week for Jordan Howard.

Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams WR:

Robert Woods is beginning to settle in with his new team. He is quickly becoming one of Jared Goff’s favorite targets, as he leads the team with 37 targets. Woods has had at least 5 catches in three of the last four games, and has earned 261 receiving yards during that stretch. He has a juicy match up this week against the Cardinals defense that ranks 25th against the pass. With Sammy Watkins likely drawing all the attention from star corner back Patrick Peterson, Woods should be able to go to work against the less talented members of the Arizona secondary.

Other Honorable Mentions:

Dion Lewis, Jamison Crowder, Derrick Henry, Leonard Fournette

Players I Hate in Week 7

Demarco Murray, Tennessee Titans RB:

Prior to last weeks game, the Titans announced that they plan to get Derrick Henry more involved. I am not saying either guy is the better option at this point, but Henry certainly seems to be gaining ground on Demarco. Henry had 19 carries for 131 yards last week, while Murray only had 12 for 40 yards. Murray certainly is not someone who should be sat in any sized-league, in any format, but he does seem to be losing his RB1 status. I see Murray as a more of a RB2 now. I do not expect Murray to get 15-20 carries this week.

Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks WR:

Doug Baldwin is having a down year thus far. This may be a result of the entire Seahawks offense struggling as they rank 16th in the NFL in points per game. 16th is the middle of the pack, but when you have faced SF, IND and TEN, more production is expected. Seattle is going to New York to face the Giants. The Giants own a record of just 1-5, but have had a very tough schedule, and have lost a lot of close games. They are coming off a win against a good Broncos team in Denver without their top three wide receivers (Odell Beckham Jr, Brandon Marshall and Sterling shepard). The Giants will have a lot of confidence coming into the game, and Baldwin will be matched up with Janoris Jenkins. Baldwin has only found the end zone one time this year. Doug has had one productive game this year in which he had 10 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown. Aside from this performance, he is averaging about 4 receptions per game for about 45 yards. Baldwin is a low-end WR2 this week.

Image result for doug baldwin

T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts WR:

Hilton is a tremendously talented wide receiver. However, he has been too inconsistent this year, partially due to playing with backup QB’s Jacoby Brissett and Scott Tolzien. Hilton has had two monster games this year in which he logged 7 catches for over 150 yards, those two performances came against both the 0-6 teams (Niners and Browns). In games against teams with a win, he has just 11 catches for 155 yards in 4 games, not very good. The Colts are hosting Jacksonville this week. Hilton is coming off a one-catch for 19 yards performance, and is about to face a secondary that ranks third in the NFL in pass defense–allowing just 166 passing yards per game. I see the Jags corners’ Jalen Ramsey and AJ Bouye containing Hilton and frustrating the Colts offense.

 

Roger That !! Goodell Scores a Five-Year Contract Extension

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Imagine this if you will.   Just visualize the insanity I speak of.  As the chairman of a large corporation, you have a great relationship with your board but a lousy one with all of your other employees. Probably not the recipe for a rather large contract extension you would not think? Only in the bizarro world that is the NFL would this craziness ever actually take place.

Despite all of the chaos that has occurred in the back offices, in court, and on the field, Roger Goodell has received a five year contract extension through the 2024 NFL season. Looks like money talks to the owners, really all they care about in NFL world. The extension starts at the end of his current contract, which runs out in 2019. Terms were not directly disclosed, but it is thought to be for around 40-42 million dollars annually (sorry that is not a misprint).

Goodell Still Has The Owner’s Support

Goodell took on probably the two most powerful owners in the NFL in Kraft and Jones.  But that does not seem to have cracked the foundation holding up that giant inflated head of Goodell. The owners appear to be solidly on Goodell’s side as long as the NFL machine continues to make money.

Both of Goodell’s run-ins with the Patriots (I won’t even say anything about, this I promise) and the Cowboys involved player suspensions. I personally thought that the owners would turn on Goodell like a pack of wolves with these suspensions. Brady’s four-game sentence came right out of the Dark Ages, requiring no proof if the Overlord (that’s Goodell by the way) wants things to happen a certain way. That’s enough of the old wound, Pats’ fans. The suspension that the NFL and mainly Goodell levied against Ezekiel Elliott seemed along the same lines, in my opinion. Elliott avoided a  criminal offence charge, but the NFL forged ahead with a six-game suspension. I am not saying that Elliott is a model citizen, but six games seems like a hefty suspension without the man even getting criminally charged. If the Overlord wants it to happen, then damn it make it happen, he says. Let’s not forget the  whole “Bountygate” fiasco where Goodell hung the entire Saints organization out to dry because he felt like he should.  Ridiculous.

Show Me The Money

The NFL has taken a hit in the ratings department recently, but that does not stop the cash from flowing into the NFL vault. The league makes bushels from TV rights, merchandise sales, multimedia rights, and ticket sales, the rationale for owners signing Goodell to the whopping extension. If the owners are making money and Goodell takes the flak for all of the stupid moves he makes, then they will welcome him with open arms.

Another reason that Goodell gets the owners’ blessings?  There will likely be labor unrest when the current CBA ends in 2021. Goodell and the owners previously locked out the players and hammered out a deal that has benefited the owners handsomely. The players got screwed in the current CBA and the owners made out like champs, and this is what the owners are hoping for again. I will bet you that the whole mess of guaranteed contracts will be the stickiest point for the two sides to deal with, That will be a nasty negotiation and may require a long work stoppage.

Can The Clown Negotiate A New TV Deal?

Goodell’s biggest challenge, outside of the new CBA, will be negotiating the new TV contracts for the NFL. The cable companies have crapped the bed and only the major networks will be carrying around any cash for the NFL. I do not see how they will be offering the enormous dollar figures that the league has become accustomed to. Let’s see how Goodell will spin that around to make it look like someone else’s fault.

To sum things up, you can be a gem of a person to your immediate superiors who are the NFL owners and you will receive a great new contract. It does not matter that you treat the actual employees of the company (the players) like a herd of cattle.  Goodell does not believe that the growing body of evidence that playing football causes head injuries has merit.  This fact alone makes Goodell a major idiot in my books. How can you deny something so obvious?   Simply ridiculous to believe otherwise. Oh yeah, because the owners want him to think that way. Goodell might be an ass, but he is a rich one that is way up the owners’ butts.

Every AFC North’s Fantasy Football Sleeper of 2017

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The AFC North has some good talent year in and year out when it comes to fantasy football. Guys like Antonio Brown, Le’Veon Bell, A.J. Green, etc. all play in the AFC North. We also have three talented quarterbacks in that division as well. Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco, and Andy Dalton are all QB1/QB2 options when it comes to fantasy football. The AFC North remains competitive year in and year out, because they have some star talent in that division.  Take a look at the list that @thefrizz87 and I put together for the sleeper pick on each team in the AFC North.

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Every AFC East Team’s Fantasy Football Sleeper Of 2017

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With fantasy football just a few short weeks away it is time to focus on drafting your fantasy team. Every NFL team has a player who most people sleep on during the season. Others tend to forget about certain players which slip the fantasy owner’s mind. Every team has that player that fantasy owners don’t think could be effective for them.  @Cjoneswho and @TheFrizz87 put their fantasy football knowledge together, to build an AFC East sleeper list. With that being said here are every AFC East team’s sleeper pick for the 2017 fantasy football season.

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