Bolt Notes: Chargers/Chiefs Recap and Week 2 NFL Picks!

I knew there were a lot of question marks regarding the Chargers as well as many other teams around the league, but I made my picks and found out that my answers were not necessarily the correct ones. I started off this season with a very pedestrian 8-8 mark in week 1.

As for my Bolts.....ugh. Yes, I could use the weather as an excuse. Yes, I could brag about how the Chargers honestly beat the Chiefs statistically, with the exception of special teams, all night long. Heck, the Chiefs were a measly 1-11 for third down conversions and only threw for around 86 yards compared to the Chargers 298! All that may be true, but the fact is that the Chiefs out played the Chargers when it counted.

That's right, the Chiefs had to play in that weather too. Did they play well? NO! However, they made three big plays and the Chargers only made one. The Chiefs ran a punt back over 90 yards. The Chiefs had a touchdown run of over 50 yards. Finally, on the best run of the night for Chargers rookie running back, Ryan Matthews, the Chiefs stripped the ball and returned it to the Chargers 13 yard line from which they were able to score with ease on a Chargers missed coverage assignment.

The Chargers only huge play was a long touchdown pass to Legedu Naanee when Kansas City seemed to forget that he was an eligible receiver and allowed him to stroll down field and into the end zone.


Now, if the Chargers want to us to believe that they were hampered by the weather, or that it was just a fluke, they have to play better this week against the Jaguars. The weather will not be an excuse. The Chargers will have to make tackles, protect the ball, and be much more disciplined on special teams.

It would also be nice if Philip Rivers didn't stomp his feet and act like a spoiled brat who didn't get to eat his pudding because he refused to eat his veggies first. I normally defend Rivers and his competitive personality, but Monday night was embarrassing at times. He played fairly well, considering the conditions, but when things didn't go right, he melted down and had a tizzy. He would have spent some time in the naughty spot if the Super Nanny had been there.

Now, on to week 2!!!!!!!

Last Week: 8-8

Season Total: 8-8


Cardinals 13 @ Falcons 24

I was not impressed by the Falcons last week, but I think they are too much for the Cards. Arizona may have enough to beat the lower level teams, but not the big boys.


Ravens 20 @ Bengals 10

This could be a great game. I was a bit surprised how poorly the Bengals started out last week and I wonder if they have figured yet how to use their talented personnel. The Ravens have a beastly defense and their offense should improve as they get used to their new addition TJ Housmanzada.

Chiefs 24 @ Browns 13

I have to pick the Chiefs to show that the Chargers aren't that bad of a team. I was not impressed with KC's offense, but they do have play makers. The Browns are still a work in progress.

Bears 17 @ Cowboys 24

Not a big fan of either quarterback, but I think the Cowboys have to many players to lose to a team that almost lost to Detroit in week 1.

Eagles 31 @ Lions 6

The Lions will be playing like they have something to prove after the controversial loss to the Bears last week. Both the Lions and the Eagles lost their starting QB in week 1. The Eagles will bring back Mike Vick while the Lions will counter with Shawn Hill. Advantage Eagles.

Rams 24 @ Raiders 13

The effort by the Raiders was shocking to say the least last week. I really expected more from them this year. Until they show me that then can stop the run, and protect the QB, I can 't pick them. Look for a lot of Steven Jackson this week.

Bills 17 @ Packers 41

Terrible game. Packers all over the Bills. Even without their starting running back, the Packers will have no problem wiping the turf with the Bills.

Steelers 13 @ Titans 27

This is an interesting game. Can the Steelers defense stop the run well enough to force Vince Young to win the game for the Titans? If they can, I like the Steelers chances. If not, it will be a long day for Pitt.

Dolphins 20 @ Vikings 24

Favre was a bit rusty, to say the least last week. The Dolphins are a decent team and have the ability to pull off the upset. The problem is that I believe that if Favre is struggling this week, there will be a steady diet of Adrian Peterson and the Vikings will prevail.

Bucs 14 @ Panthers 28

I just can't see picking the Bucs at all this year. There are only a few teams who would even have to game plan for them and the Panthers are one of them. But I still don't see the Panthers losing to TB at home. Not to say that the Panthers are world beaters, but they out class Tampa Bay this year.

Seahawks 24 @ Broncos 10

If you tell me that you thought the Seahawks would play like they did last week, I'll tell you that you are a liar. Or that you are actually Pete Caroll. The Seahawks came out like gang busters and the Broncos were just busts. Honestly, the Broncos did move the ball, but they could not muster up enough to stop the Jags on the road.

Patriots 31 @ Jets 17

This could be a great game! I look forward to seeing Tom Brady and Wes Welker destroy Antonio Cromartie who was picked on last week by the Ravens. I will give Cro credit for the one pick and a nice return, but he looked like he was playing "The Weekest Link" and was about to get voted out. I also don't believe in Mark Sanchez as a leader yet. He has a lot of growing up to do. I can't see him out playing Brady, even if Revis shuts down Moss.

Jaguars 20 @ Chargers 31

This looks like the first regular season television blackout for the Chargers in the last 49 games. Its' a shame, but I can't see those last tickets being sold in time. I believe the fans are sending a few messages here. 1. Times are hard s and football is expensive. Why pay to watch the Jaguars when you can watch better teams later? 2. Disappointment from week 1. 3. Tired of the slow starts that the Norv Turner lead Chargers do year after year.

As for the game. It should be fairly close, if the Jaguars can establish a run game. The Chargers will work all week on fixing their special teams play and hope to do better in front of former Pro Bowler Kassim Osgood who they sorely missed last week.


In the long run, the Chargers offense will thrive in the beautiful San Diego weather.

Texans 20 @ Redskins 17

Another tough game to pick. McNabb looks five years younger and the Texans are riding an emotional high after beating rival Indy. I have to go with the upstart Texans in this one. Too much D for the Skins.

Giants 18 @ Colts 31

Ah yes, the Manning brothers face off again. Peyton is older. Peyton is at home. Peyton is pissed about last week. I don't like Eli. 'nuff said.

Saints 38 @ Niners 10

I was really looking forward to thins one until I saw the Niners play. What was that? Saints in a laugher.

Enjoy the games and feel free to comment.

Bolt Notes and Week 1 NFL Picks!

2010 may be the best chance the San Diego Chargers have had for winning the Super Bowl in years!

That’s right! You did just read that this year is the best opportunity for the San Diego Chargers to win a championship in several years. I know that doesn’t make sense to most of you and I also understand that I am a “homer” and try very hard to find the silver lining in what could be a very ominous cloud hanging over the Chargers teams. So work with me a minute, read what I have to say, and see if it makes any sense to you, and let me know.

The main basis for my argument for the Chargers success this year is wrapped up in one word…EXPECTATIONS! I know what you’re thinking. The Chargers are expected to win the weak AFC West and then lose again in the first round of the playoffs. Most experts don’t think they have the defense and have gone through too many changes to win it all (See Antonio Cromartie, Kassim Osgood, LaDainian Tomlinson, Jamal Williams, Marcus McNeill, Vincent Jackson etc.)
That argument is exactly what makes me think this could be the Bolt’s year. For each of the past four or five years, many “experts” have picked the Chargers to win it all. “The best team on paper” was often the reasoning. Huge expectations, but each year, the Bolts would win the West and then lose in the playoffs. Some losses were due to injury. Others losses were due to a lack of execution (see Nate Keading).

That being said, I believe the number one reason that none of those years ended with the Chargers driving through the streets of downtown San Diego beneath a shower of confetti was the Chargers believed the hype. You see, the Chargers are very physically talented, but mentally…not the sharpest tools in the shed. Of course that does not include all players, but many players totally bought into the idea that they had the best team and that other teams shouldn’t even bother flying out to San Diego to attempt to beat them. When all you think you need to do is throw your helmet on the field and have the other team give up, you are in for a rude awakening (see the New York Jets).

Yes, Chargers fans, this year there are very few experts picking the Chargers to go all the way. Yes, most say they will win the West, but I have only seen a couple pick them to win the Super Bowl. Maybe this is the year when they take the field with a killer instinct and go out to punish opponents, rather than tickle them into submission. Remember, every team in the NFL has talented players. It’s the teams that can look past their talent, look at the other team as a danger, and play their best every week that wins rings.

Well, every long journey begins with one step and the NFL is no different. Week one is upon us and it is time to look at the matchups and decide who will start the year in first place. Will the Colts get off to one of their unbelievable starts? Will the Chargers get off to yet another poor start? Will the Jets be able to keep all of their egos in check? Will the Saints be able to perform at the incredibly high level that they performed last year? I can’t wait to find out the answers to these and many other questions throughout the year. Enjoy the season everyone!

NFL Week 1 Picks!

Vikings 20 @ Saints 31

I just can’t imagine Favre being ready to play at the level he would need to in order to beat the Super Bowl champs. Brett will do well to make it through this one healthy.

Dolphins 24 @ Bills 13

Even with the distraction of losing “The Tuna”, I think the Dolphins are a much better team than rival Buffalo.

Lions 17 @ Bears 20

The obvious pick is the Bears at home, but I don’t think much of Cutler and I believe the Lions are on the rise. The question is, are the Lions quite there yet?

Raiders 20 @ Titans 27

In Oakland, I may have gone with the Raiders this week. I personally think they will make a nice step forward this year as long as they stay healthy. However, I don’t see it happening on the road against a great ground game in Tennessee.

Bengals 28 @ Patriots 31

Should be a great game, but I see Tom Terrific passing to Welker and keeping the football away from the dangerous receivers on the other side. The Bengals will also have to find a way to keep their two divas happy. That could be a challenge as the year goes on.

Panthers 13 @ Giants 27

Honestly, I’m not that excited about this one. Giants are decent and the Panthers are rebuilding.
Falcons 21 @ Steelers 13

This is tougher than it looks on paper. On one side, you have the Steelers without their top two quarterbacks. On the other side, you may have an overconfident Falcons team going up against a determined Steelers team that doesn’t want to go 0-4 out of the gate.

Browns 20 @ Bucs 10

Why?

Broncos 27 @ Jaguars 24

This is a hard one for me due to my obvious bias against the Broncos. Many experts are predicting a horrible year for the Broncos. The Jaguars aren’t expected to do much either. The Jags are at home, and it’s a long trip for Denver. Hmmmmm. Flip a coin here.

Colts 24 @ Texans 20

This could very well be the year that the Texans make the playoffs. Their defense looks very good and their offense racks up a lot of yards. I just don’t like them against Peyton and his Colts in Week 1. Give them a few weeks and then I might pick them for the upset.

49ers 41 @ Seahawks 13

This is Pete Carroll’s first game as head coach of the Seahawks. That could work for them or against them. Getting rid of their number one receiver the week before the first game? That has to be a negative. The Niners are for real this year. Expect some very good things from San Francisco.

Packers 31 @ Eagles 27

Eagles could very well win this game at home but I’m drinking the Packers cheese flavored Kool-Aide until they prove me wrong.

Cardinals 16 @ Rams 20

My upset of the week! I don’t think the Cardinals have a quarterback. Also the Rams are home and playing with nothing to lose.

Cowboys 27 @ Redskins 20

Great week 1 matchup! I’m not sold on the Cowboys are being this year’s champs, as some are. But! I think they get off to a hot start and beat the dysfunctional Redskins on the road.

Ravens 20 @ Jets 13

Love this game for Monday night! Looking for the Ravens to show that their offense is much improved and that their defense can still play with the big boys. The Jets have a lot of talent, but I’m not sold on Mark Sanchez and as a Chargers fan, I think we will see that Antonio Cromartie is more potent off the field than on.

Chargers 31 @ Chiefs 24

This is not the sure thing that many Chargers fans think it is. The Bolts have a lot of question marks that need to be answered. Is the offensive line going to be able to protect Philip Rivers? Can the defense stop the run? Can the defense put any pressure on the quarterback? Can Norv Turner get the Chargers to play in week 1 as if it were week 14?

As for the Chiefs, they seem to lack on defense, but their offense can run the football and given time Matt Cassell will hit open receivers.

Thanks for the read and let me know what you think! Personally, I hate picking week 1, but it’s more fun than not taking a chance.

Enjoy the games!

Chargers GM Tries "Inception" To Lure Players Back

Yes, I'm beginning to believe that San Diego Chargers general manager, A.J. Smith is actually Leonardo Di Caprio is disguise. If you have seen the latest hit movie, "Inception", you may know what I mean. Follow my logic and tell me if you think that Leo is filling in for A.J.

As you know, the Chargers have several key players who haven't signed their tender this season. Not just some third string tight end, but rather a starting left tackle (Marcus McNeil), a starting linebacker (Shawne Merriman), and a number one receiver (Vincent Jackson). Yep, that is three potential pro bowl players who are currently missing camp and have talk about lengthy hold outs.

Just in case you missed it, here are the players complaints, in a nut shell. Let's begin with McNeil, the Chargers Pro Bowl, left tackle. It seems that he would like a long term deal for an amount worthy of a person who is paid to protect the 92 million dollar investment at quarterback. The Chargers want him to sign his one year tender of about 3.5 million and get his large butt into camp. At this point, McNeil is talking about sitting all of camp and the first 10 games of the season. OUCH! That being said, I do believe there is hope in McNeil's case. I'll get back to that later.

Vincent Jackson would also like top dollar and several years, much like teammate Antonio Gates recently received. Smith is telling him the same thing that he told McNeil. Sign your tender and come into camp! Jackson is also holding out and my not be back until after week 10. The reason Jackson doesn't have as much hope as McNeil is that he is not the professional that McNeil seems to be.

Jackson has had two D.U.I. arrest and was actually cuffed and sited for driving on a suspended licence and blaring his car stereo, the morning of the Chargers/Jets playoff game last season. Not to mention that during the game, Jackson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and cost the Chargers critical yards. When asked about his behavior during the game, his response was, "I think it's comedical." Yes, I think that says it all.

Then there is Merriman who, in my humble opinion, should just sign and get into camp to prove that he is healthy and is able to return to his old form. He needs to become the player from before the three major injuries and the suspension for PED's. As Steve Martin, or John Belushi would say...."But noooooo!" Merriman says he wants to be assured that he will not have to worry about being traded during the season. Apparently, he forgot that he is a professional football player, not a short order cook somewhere.

Merriman claims to have abandonment issues that stem from when he was a child. Personally, I feel badly for Merriman, but I think he needs to sign and get into camp. He can use his millions to get some help for his problems. Okay, I don't feel that bad.

Now, why is A.J. Smith actually Di Caprio is disguise? The way he is using the media is much like Di Caprio attmepts inception during the movie. "Inception" is planting a thought in someone else's mind is hopes that they will do what you want them to do. You want it to seem like their idea, so they don't resent you. Smith is trying hard to achieve inception with his prodigal players.

Here is Smith's work in a nut shell:

1. Now that camp is open, the media has been reporting on how individuals look for the upcoming season. Much has been made about the Chargers moving offensive lineman, Brandon Dombrowski to left tackle (McNeil's position). The Chargers brass was talking him up and sharing how he is a natural on the left side of the line and they really don't think he is much of a step back from McNeil.

2. Boy has Buster Davis looked great in camp!!! Wow, you would think this is the second coming of John Jefferson or Charlie Joiner, the way they have been pumping him up. The fact is that he has never made it through a season healthy and I find it hard to believe that the Chargers are counting on him now.

And 3. Larry English is a beast this year! By all accounts, English is reeking havoc this preseason and spending most of his time in Philip River's space.

Well, there is the evidence. Three messages going out of one reason and one reason alone....to make McNeil, Jackson, and Merriman feel like they have no leverage and that they are in danger of losing their positions and a lot of money. With Smith's reputation of being a hard head, they have to already be worried that he would rather lose games on the field than lose them in negotiations.

Now, as I stated earlier, McNeil has hope. For one, he is an upstanding citizen. For two, he is a fine left tackle and keeps Rivers on his feet. Most importantly, if English is prospering, than Dombrowski is struggling and there is really no one else to play the position. Let's face it, if English is blowing away Dombrowski, imagine what other top pass rushers will do to him. It's not a pretty picture.

So with all the facts in, I believe that Merriman will sign after sitting out at least half of camp, because he has no leverage. Jackson will sit out and try to make up more words like comedical, because he is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Finally, McNeil will get a new contract and get to play football in 2010, because even A.J. Smith will have to admit that his back is against the wall and he needs a stud at left tackle.

Enjoy the season!

Bolt Notes: Super Bowl Edition

Well, here we are on the eve of the Super Bowl and once again my Chargers are sitting at home (or in a strip club, knowing many of them) preparing to watch the big game. I would love to go on a rant about how the Chargers showed again that they are immature and don't get the responsibility that comes with the paycheck. I could go on and on about LaDainian Tomlinson asking for his release and how it seems star players never leave San Diego in a pleasant fashion, but rather they leave frustrated, angry, and disappointed (See AJ Smith and Norv Turner).

I could talk about those things, but I would rather just move on and focus my attention on the teams that had the talent, maturity, fortitude, coaching, and luck to make it all the way to Super Bowl Sunday!

Yes, the Saints and Colts will meet tomorrow to provide much of the world with something to watch between commercials. We have arguably the best quarterback of all time in Peyton Manning, versus one of the greatest emotional stories in the New Orleans Saints. This should be a barn burner to the end.

I must admit that I am having a hard time picking this game's winner. I have been successful so far in the post season with just three losses, but I think I have changed my mind on this game on a daily basis. Most days, I say, "I want the Saints and Drew Brees, but I expect the Colts and Peyton to win." Then other days it's, "The emotion of the Saints will take them to another level that the Colts won't be able to match. Not to mention, with Freeney being hurt, the Colts defense will be much more vulnerable to the pass and run. Hopefully, I will come to a decision by the end of this post.

Looking at the Colts, I see an excellent passing game, led by Peyton Manning. However, with the late week injury to Reggie Wayne, I could see that attack slowing down if the injury has much effect of Wayne's running or cutting ability.

The Colts have the worst running stats in the league. That is true, but I would not say they have the worst running game in football. That privilege goes to my Bolts thank you. The Colts don't run poorly, they just don't run often. Their reliance, and the success of their passing game, makes it hard to rack up too many yards for Indy running backs.

Defensively, the Colts are small and fast. With Freeney, they have a very good pass rush and with Bob Sanders, they have the ability to cover well and turn the ball back over to their offense. Without Freeney and Sanders, they are average at best.

Coach Caldwell, of Indy, has a ton of pressure on him this week. Not only is he a rookie coach, he is the coach who threw out a possible perfect season in order to rest up for the post season. If he wins, he is mostly vindicated. If he loses, his fans will regret missing out on the perfect regular season. Fortunately for Caldwell, he has a pretty good coach on the field in Manning.

As for the Saints, they have many things on their side. For instance, Drew Brees is no slouch in the passing game. He moves the ball down field with a strong vertical attack and has Reggie Bush to dump the ball off to if the defense shuts down the deep balls.

The Saints also can rely on a solid running game with Pierre Thomas and company. The Saints should try to move the ball on the ground in order to open up the passing game, slow down the rush of the Colts, and keep Manning off the field.

The Saints defense is interesting. They just gave up a little less than 500 yards to Brett Favre and the Vikings. That leads me to believe that the Colts should be able to carve them up for ridiculous yards and with Manning's ability in the "red zone", the Colts should be able to put points on the board. However, the Saints "D" also forced five turnovers against the Vikings. Every defender is trained to strip the ball from runners and the corners and safeties are not afraid to cut a route and try to intercept the ball. Manning has had days in the past where he gets a case of the picks, but not too often.

What it comes down to is, can the Saints D keep the Colts offense out of the endzone? Also, can the Colts D do the same to the Saints? I must admit that my mind says that the Colts will win this game with relative ease. My heart however, and that little voice in the back of my head, says that Brees and Co. will outscore Manning and the Colts and win the game by less that a touchdown. In fact, I see a last minute drive by the Colts actually falling short due to a Manning interception to secure the victory for the Saints. It will be the biggest play the Saints D makes all day.

Final Score: Colts 34 Saints 38

MVP: Drew Brees

Bolt Notes: Pro Bowl Edition

Here is my official take on the NFL Pro Bowl.....WHO CARES?

That's about it! Okay, as a Chargers fan, I would like to see the Chargers who made the team do well and have the AFC win the game. That being said, if they don't, I won't lose any sleep at all.

Now, when this game was played in Hawaii and it was after the Super Bowl, I still didnt care that much, but I was far more interested than I am now. This new way of running the Pro Bowl has to be one of the worst ideas in sports history. The NFL changed the location from Hawaii to the Super Bowl site. Result: Many players were not inspired to go (no offence South Florida). Next, the NFL decides that they should play the game before the Super Bowl (am I allowed to write "Super Bowl"?), instead of the week following. Result: None of the Super Bowl participants will be allowed to play. They get to show up to Florida a day before their team and wave at the crowd during pregame festivities. Sounds like fun to me! Further results: So many players have opted out of the Pro Bowl that it isn't even an all start game anymore.

The NFL says that this new Pro Bowl setup is already a success because the media is talking about the game more than ever! The problem is that the media, and Joe Blow on the corner, are only talking about it to say how stupid it is.

Prediction: AFC 38 NFC 31

MVP Chris Johnson (assuming he is going to play)

Enjoy the game.....if you bother watching.

Bolt Notes: Pissed Off Edition

Well, I was waiting to write this post until I got over the Chargers loss from last Sunday. Apparently, that is not going to happen in time for this week's games. The one thing I will say is that I give the Jets credit for waiting patiently for the Chargers to self destruct. The Jets are a decent team, but do not belong on the same field with the Chargers when comparing talent. However, the Chargers are a bunch of mental midgets who act like they are sill in high school with their coach changing their grades so they can play. MORONS!

Okay, now that that is out of my system, here are my picks for the Championship round:

jets vs COLTS

The Colts are similar to the Chargers on offense with a more mature group of guys. Even the rookies play like veterans. The Colts also have a better defense than the Chargers so they should be able to stop the Jets running game and force the Jets to throw the ball. The Colts "varsity" team will handle the Jets with relative ease.

jest 10 COLTS 24

vikings vs SAINTS

This one could be a toss up, but I am going with Drew Brees at home and the Saints first ever trip to the Super Bowl! The Vikings have the better defense, but the Saints are on fire offensively. I also don't see Favre having the kind of day that he had last week again.

vikings 20 SAINTS 31

Bolt Notes: Divisonal Round Analysis and Picks

Okay, it is late on Friday night and I just got home from a high school girl's water polo tournament. I am hearing my bed calling me, but I have to at least make my picks for this weekends game. After all, it could be the most exciting week of football on the whole season. Anyway, sorry so brief, but I hope you will check it out and give me your picks as well. By the way, I was 3-1 last week.

CARDINALS @ saints

As with many of these games, my pick has changed on a daily basis this week. It should be a shootout, but who knows where the Saints are right now. I began the week liking the Saints to win at home in a high scoring game. As the week went on, I started dwelling on the fact that the Saints haven't played to win in a month! Are they so good that they can turn off the switch in week 15 and then turn it back on and beat Kurt Warner and the high flying Cardinals? I don't think so. Cards 38 Saints 24

ravens @ COLTS

I hear people talking about the great Ravens defense and the powerful Ravens running game. Okay, I'll buy that (for the most part). I hear others say that the Colts, and Peyton Manning, don't do well in the playoffs after a bye. Okay, I'll buy that (history doesn't lie). Then I look at the fact that Joe Flacco is hurt, the Colts are at home, and the Colts are pissed off that they didn't get a chance to be perfect. Also, the last time these two teams met, Flacco was healthy and his powerful offense only scored on 5 field goals. If the Ravens can't score touchdowns, they can't beat the Colts. Ravens 12 Colts 24

cowboys @ VIKINGS

Here is another game that I have flip-flopped on all week. Yes, the Cowboys are on fire right now. Yes, Tony Romo has knocked the playoff monkey off of his back. Yes, Brett Favre is almost as old as I am. Yes, Adrian Peterson hasn't broken the century mark in a game in the last seven weeks. All that being said, I think the Cowboys don't have the pressure they had on them last week and may relax just a little bit. Also, Favre is sure to have one great game in the playoffs. In fact, I see him playing great this week and having a tough game next week and missing the Super Bowl (at least that is what I feel today). Look for the Cowboys to come back down to earth. Cowboys 20 Vikings 28

jets @ CHARGERS

Well, obviously I am going with the Bolts this week. I always go with the Bolts. I'm a homer and have no problem admitting it! That being said, I must say that the closer we get to game time, the wider I think the margin of victory will be. The way I see it is that the Jets have one studly defensive back in Revis. The problem is that they don't have anymore. They need someone to cover all the other weapons that they Chargers possess. Go ahead and lock down Jackson. Just look out for Floyd, Gates, Nanee, Sproles, Tomlinson and even Tolbert. The Chargers just have too much fire power for the Jets.

The Jets will be able to run the ball, but other teams have run the ball as well and still lost to the Bolts. The Chargers give up a lot of yards, but not that many points. In the last half of the season, the Chargers defense has played very well in the redzone. You can ask the Dallas Cowboys if that statement is true.

The fact is that if the Chargers can score like I think they can, the Jets will be forced to pass the football more than they want to. Not that Sanchez is terrible, but he is a rookie and I don't think he beats Philip Rivers in a battle of the quarterbacks. If it becomes a shootout, the Jets don't stand a chance.

Don't get me wrong, I do think the Jest have a chance to win this game. I am not looking past them. I just think that the Chargers are a better team and if they play their game, the Jets so not have the answers for them. That really became clear to me when I started hearing quotes from Jets coach Rex Ryan. The way I see it is if the coach is talking smack, it is probably to try to get in the Chargers heads and to convince his own team that they have a chance.

Jets 16 Chargers 31

Enjoy the games!

Bolt Notes: Wild Card Weekend Analysis And Picks!

In the immortal words or George Thorogood...."And away we go!" That's right, the 2009/2010 NFL playoffs will begin on Saturday with some great wild card matchups! We have the Jets invading Cincinnati, and the Eagles flying to Dallas! Both games are repeats of week 17 matchups that had the Jets and Cowboys claiming victories and momentum going into the post season. Do last week's victories really mean that much? Or, do we throw them out and start from scratch?

If that wasn't enough excitement for one weekend, we have the Sunday games! We begin with the Ravens trying to rough up the ailing Patriots and the Packers trying to win back to back weeks against the Cardinals.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait. Now, let's see who I pick and why. I would love to see some comments from you sharing how you feel things will work out.

New York Jets vs Cincinnati Bengals

Last Sunday, the Jets hosted Cincinnati and simply put a beat down on them. The Bengals started their first string and accomplished nothing. Literally nothing! Carson Palmer only completed one pass for exactly zero yards! His backup didn't fare much better as the Bengals folded for the Jets, allowing New York to waltz right into the playoffs where they will meet the Bengals again.

The question is, how bad did Cincy want to win that game? It appeared that they tried to keep things simple and not give away too much. That may have been their theory but they had to leave the game wondering why they could not move the ball at all against the Jets top rated defense. Not to mention, Bengals star receive, Chad Ochocinco slipped in pre-game and injured his knee. He will play Sunday, but he may be somewhat limited. Perhaps Ochocinco will be happy in the long run to have an excuse why he got shut down two weeks in a row.

Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan has explained in the media that despite their 9-7 record coming into the playoffs, their top rated defense and their top rated running game should make them favorites to win the Super Bowl. Well, I hear where he is coming from, but I'm not buying what he is selling.

It has been said that the team that can run the ball and play the best defense will win in post season. I would even say that I agree with that statement. However, let's look at why it is true most years. First of all, defense tends to show up every week when offenses can have bad days. Second, there are fewer bad things that can happen when you run the football and you control the clock when you keep it on the ground. Okay fine. I'm with you so far Rex. Here is where I split apart. In my humble opinion, the reason that teams with tough defenses, and offenses that feature the run are so hard to beat in post season is the weather. Normally, there are teams in the post season, hosting games, in the bitter cold, snow, ice, and rain soaked fields. In those conditions, it is very difficult to pass the ball. If you don't have a run game, you are really hurting. Looking at this year's venues, we won't be having inclimate weather games to deal with. After the wild card week, all the games are likely to be played in a dome, or a warm weather site like San Diego. Passing offenses could flourish this year.

As for this game? Well, this is the one exception to the good weather games for this post season. It is supposed to be cold and snowing in Cincinnati on Saturday. That is bad news for Carson Palmer and the Bengals offense. The Jets have shown that they can win without the help of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. He can throw 15 times a game to keep the other team honest and then let his potent ground game take over. Much like the Steelers a few years ago. With that in mind, I have to pick the Jets to win this one in a low scoring, fast moving game.

Jets 20 Bengals 13

Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys

I have flip flopped on this game at least five times this week. Romo and the Cowboys have never won a playoff game together. The Eagles tend to move through the playoffs every year until they lose focus and falter. The thing about this game that makes it a tough call is that the Eagles were shutout by the Cowboys just a week ago! Shutout!!! In fact, the Cowboys defense has thrown back to back shut outs to end the regular season. That is hard to do against anyone, much less the very talented Eagles offense, lead by Donavin McNabb.

Some people say that the Eagles laid down because they had the playoffs locked up. I don't see it that way. They could have earned a bye in week one and a home game next week if they had won the game. They had to be trying. Yet, they failed to even kick a field goal.

Well, just as the Cowboys silenced the critics by showing they can win a game or two in December, I think they are in line to win one in the playoffs this year. Since they are at home, I will be going with Tony Romo and the Cowboys.

Eagles 20 Cowboys 27

Baltimore Ravens vs New England Patriots

As a Chargers fan, this matchup is particularly interesting to me. If the Patriots win, the Chargers will face them in the divisional round. If the Ravens win, the Bolts will face the winner of the Jets/Bengals game. With the injuries that New England has suffered and the veterans they have lost on defense, I think most Bolt fans would tell you that they want the Patriots to win and then come to San Diego to get humiliated! But then again, you can't forget the last couple of times they have met in the playoffs and the game has not turned out so hot for the Chargers. Be careful what you wish for keeps coming to mind.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves though. The Chargers have the luxury of sitting and watching this weeks game. In fact, if the Chargers are hoping for anything it may be that the Patriots and Ravens play a brutally physical game and both teams crawl off the field needing medical attention and perhaps last rights! In that case, it wouldn't matter who won.

The Patriots go into this game with some real challenges. Top clutch receiver Wes Welker blew out his knee last week and will not be available. That is a huge loss, even though they do have a Welker clone in Julian Edleman who came in for Welker last week and grabbed 10 receptions for 103 yards. The question is, can this rookie receiver perform on the big stage? Also banged up in New England is quarterback Tom Brady. Cracked ribs and a broken finger on his throwing hand have been reported. Some of his passes last week leads me to believe the stories are true. Pats coach Bill Belichick claims that Brady is fine, but we all know that Belichick has a different take on what the truth is than most fans outside of New England.

The Ravens had their issues this year but they do have a strong running attack and a very good second year starting quarterback in Joe Flacco. Also, Ray Lewis is still making plays and delivering big hits for the Ravens defense. The Ravens defense is not the feared D that it once was, but they can still come up with plays and hits that make you remember the team that once was at the top of the NFL on that side of the ball.

Look for this to be a hard hitting, turnover filled game. The weather should not be a huge factor. It should be very cold, but clear. As long as it stays dry, both teams should be able to pass the ball. However, a cold ball is a slippery ball so look for fumbles and picks to make the difference. I have to give the Pats credit for knowing how to win the big games against teams they should beat.

Baltimore Ravens 23 New England Patriots 24

Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals

The last game of the weekend is another rematch form week 17. The Cardinals took a beating last week as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers ran right over them. However, that doesn't mean much this week as you must remember that Arizona had nothing to play for and they had Matt Lienhart at quarterback most of the game. That being said, you have remember that Arizona did decide to play much of their first string which lead to the high ankle sprain of wide receiver Anquan Boldin. That is bad news for Arizona. Although Boldin is as tough as they come, he may not be very effective this week.

The Packers come into this week as the hottest team in football not named the Chargers. Aaron Rodgers is playing at an extremely high level and looking for a possible third matchup with his old teammate, Brett Favre. The Packers have the entire package. They run fairly well, they play solid defense, and they can throw the heck out of the ball. This should be one exciting game to watch!

When it comes down to it, you have to consider the pride of the Arizona Cardinals. They come into this game as the reigning NFC champions! They do not want to lose that honor to a wild card team at their own field. Look for Kurt Warner to make miracles happen on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers 27 Arizona Cardinals 32

Enjoy the games!

Bolt Notes: WEEK 17 Analysis and NFL Picks!

Here we are, the last week of the regular season! Personally, I think this is the toughest week of the year to pick winners. Who is going to rest starters? Who is going to play it safe? Who has already packed it in and started their vacations? Who has something to prove? Who is playing a do or die game? All of these angles make it hard to decide the winners in week 17. That's okay, I'll give it a shot anyway.

Last week I went 10-6 (again), to move my overall record up to 152-88. Read my picks and let me know what you think!

NFL PICKS WEEK 17

colts @ BILLS

It feels strange to pick the Bills over the Colts. However, the Colts have shown that they are going to rest their studs and play their backups. Also, it was obvious last week that the team was let down by their coaches decision to pull starters and lose their perfect season. That could linger as the year comes to a close. The only question is if Buffalo will show up for this game.

jaguars @ BROWNS

This could be four in a row for the Browns!!! Are you kidding me? Leave it to the Browns to win enough to lower their draft pick, yet not make the playoffs. Oh well, it's a sign of improvement. As for the Jags, they could very well win this game. Is going .500 enough of an incentive to go on the road an beat a hot team? I doubt it.

BEARS @ lions

I don't like either team in this one. The Lions don't know how to win. Also, Jay Cutler is a bottom feeder. He loves to pad his stats against the bad teams. He has to want to go out on a good note so the off season isn't filled with people calling for his head on a platter. That should be enough for the Bears to win this in a close one.

NINERS @ rams

If the Niners have folded their tents, they will lose. I'm betting that Coach Singletary will not allow that is his players. If they show up, the Niners should have too much fire power for the lack-luster Rams.

STEELERS @ dolphins

Another tough call. I just think that the champions will show up and force the rest of the league to keep them out of the playoffs. The Dolphins at their best could beat a banged up Pittsburgh, but I don't see Miami at their best right now. That being said, I don't see Pittsburgh in the playoffs either (thank God).

giants @ VIKINGS

Vikings jockeying for position in the playoffs and the Giants looking like a shell of their former selves. There is no way that Favre wants to play anywhere but in a dome in the playoffs and he also really needs a bye week. The Vikings will pull out all the stops to win this game. Fortunately, it shouldn't take that great of an effort to beat the G-Men.

FALCONS @ bucs

Congratulations to the Bucs for their big win last week. Enjoy it while it lasts Tampa Bay. The Falcons will not relax for the Bucs this week. Falcons win easily.

saints @ PANTHERS

The Saints have been struggling and have shown that they will rest Brees and other starters to ready them for the playoffs. If the Panthers are still playing with pride, they should be able to squeak this one out.

patriots @ TEXANS

Billy Boy says he will start Brady, and I believe he will. However, how long will he play and how many other starters will see limited, if any time at all? I see the Pats resting this week and more or less handing the Texans this one. Also, the Texans are playing for their playoff lives at home. Advantage Houston.

EAGLES @ cowboys

Maybe the best game of the week. Both teams need it and both teams are playing well. I almost went with Dallas at home, but I think the Eagles are too explosive for Americas Team. (note to Fox TV. Just because I live an hour North of San Diego does not mean that I am not a Chargers fan. I am very displeased that I will have to watch the Cowboys game when my Bolts are playing a sold out home game. Remember, not everyone is a Cowboys fan!

chiefs @ BRONCOS

It looks like Denver is going to pull off a miracle! They are about to become the third team in NFL history start 6-0 and not make the playoffs. However, for this to happen, it will take a little bit of help since I can't see them losing this game. Coach McDaniels must be confident as well as he picks now to bench his best receiver, Brandon Marshall. Even if the Broncos win, which I think they will, they need the Jets, Ravens, and Steelers to lose as well. Looks like another long postseason for the Broncos. Two first round draft choices next year should help.

RAVENS @ raiders

This game will not be close. As good as the DB's of the Raiders are, I don't believe they will be able to control a motivated Ravens offense. Also, the quarterbacks of the Raiders leave something to be desired. Sorry, Charlie Frye and JaMarcus Russell, I don't think you are saviors.

packers @ CARDS

Another potentially good game. Should be lots of passing and some big plays in this one. I think the Cards are starting to peak and will blow past the Packers at home.

TITANS @ seahawks

They should just flip a coin for this game. The Titans played poorly last week against the Chargers and they are banged up. The Seahawks (let me see if I can put this kindly)...hmmm...are ...............horrible! If the Titans board the plane, they win this game.

bengals @ JETS

New York is fighting for a birth in the playoffs and Cincinnati is pretty well locked in. Playing at home, with a solid defense, and something to play for, should be enough to put the Jets over the Bengals.

redskins @ CHARGERS

This is a much harder game to call then it looks. Coach Norv Turner has said that he wants to get as many starters on the team some quality playing time as possible. However, he has also said that subs like quarterback Billy Volek will get a large amount of snaps. My guess is that the starters will get a quarter and then the most valuable, and banged up starters will be done for the day.

Then you have the Redskins. They should be playing their starters throughout the entire game, unless there are subs they want to look at for next year. Normally, that would give them the advantage. However, judging by the previous two weeks for the Skins, I don't think the starters are trying anymore. They were destroyed in a big rivalry game on Monday night two weeks ago and then turned around and got shut out last week. I can't see the Redskins beating the Chargers in any scenario this week.

My only fear for this game is that a key starter, or two, will be injured and knocked out of the playoffs. A few years back, I watched my Bolts play a meaningless game against the Cardinals in week 17. During that game, Philip Rivers injured his foot and was very limited in the playoffs.

Over the past three years, key players like LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman, Antonio Cromartie, Jamal Williams, Antonio Gates, and others have staggered into the post season and the team has not been able to put two playoffs wins together. This year could be different. I believe if the Chargers stay healthy, this is the best opportunity they have had to win it all. I'm not ordering Super Bowl tickets, nor am I getting my ring finger sized for a championship ring (copy of course). What I am saying, is that their won't be any excuses this year and the Chargers have proven they can play with the big boys. Only time will tell!

Enjoy the games!

Bolt Notes:Week 16 Analysis and NFL Picks

Well, changing my picking style did nothing for changing my luck. Another 10-6 week brought my total through 15 weeks to 142-82. This week I feel pretty strong that I will improve. I'm looking for a 13 win week! The only way I seek another average week is for teams to rest starters, or just not mentally show up for work since they did, or didn't, make the playoffs. For the most part, there are many teams who still have a shot at the playoffs, or a possible bye week, so I expect full effort around the league. Even the Colts who have locked up the number one seed in the AFC have a reason to try...the undefeated season!

Here is my take on the week 16 matchups across the NFL!

buffalo @ ATLANTA

I do not think much of the Bills and they have nothing to play for but the chance to be spoilers. Atlanta has shown that they can play despite being banged up. Atlanta at home make sense to me.

kansas city @ CINCINNATTI

A heart breaking loss last Sunday to my Bolts, followed by a tear jerking funeral of their teammate Chris Henry, is a tough way to go into a game. However, the Chiefs might lose to an average division 1 college football team right now. The Bengals will have little to no problem with KC.

oakland @ CLEVELAND

Another quarterback change for Cleveland, and a quarterback mess for Oakland, makes this game a tough call. I have to go with Cleveland and their new found running game, along with their special teams play. I wouldn't be shocked to see Oakland pull this one out, but I have to go with the Brownies this time.

seattle @ GREEN BAY

Seattle may have earned the title, "worst team in the NFL", after last week's performance. I don't care who they are playing, I can't pick them. It doesn't hurt that they are playing a good team coming off of a heart breaker. Green Bay in a blow out!

BALTIMORE @ pittsburgh

I'm not incredibly confident in this pick. If Pittsburgh was healthy on defense, I would go with the home team. However, I can't see Big Ben having another 500+ yards passing performance this week and he needed every one of those yards to squeek out a win last week. Ravens in a tough battle.

houston @ MIAMI

I rarely get the Houston game right. I struggle with Miami as well! I guess it is because they are rather inconsistant teams. They are the NFL's "box of chocolates". I'm guessing that Matt Shaub will have another good day, in another losing effort. Miami is always close at the end so I will take them at home.

jacksonville @ NEW ENGLAND

I may rethink this game if the Chargers win on Christmas. Right now, the Patriots are fighting to get the number two seed in the AFC. If the Chargers beat the Titans, the Bolts lock up number two. In that case, the Pats may pull back a little and keep some guys healthy. Since they are not the Pats of old, that would be enough to put Jacksonville over the top. Oh well, I have to commit, so I will take New England in a close game.

tampa bay @ NEW ORLEANS

The Saints want the number two seed in the NFC and will not let the lowly Bucs get in their way. They can play without that perfect monkey on their backs as well. Even Mercury Morris is not longer casting spells on them from Miami (you know they might worry about that in New Orleans). Beating the Bucs will be a Brees for New Orleans.

carolina @ NY GIANTS

Giants need every game to hope for a playoff birth. Carolina doesn't have enough to get in their way in New York. Giants by a wide margin.

detroit @ SAN FRANCISCO

Detroit has shown the ability to compete, but not the ability to win. The Niners are at least average and should be able to beat the Lions at home. I wouldn't want to be in the post game meeting with Singletary if the Niners lose this one.

st. louis @ ARIZONA

Cards are playing decent, yet inconsistant, football. They should still have enough to beat the Rams. I see Warner having no problem hitting his talented targets all day long. Cards win this home game with ease.

ny jets @ INDIANAPOLIS

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I won't pick against the Colts until they lose, or play the Chargers. Personally, as a Chargers fan, I'm hoping the Colts continue their perfect record into the playoffs. That will add some pressure on them. Who knows, they may even go one and done and never see my Bolts. Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Thinking ahead has killed the Chargers before. For this week, I'll take the Colts to stay perfect.

denver @ PHILADELPHIA

Philly is hot and trying to catch the Vikings for the number two seed in the NFC. The Broncos are inconsistant and coming off an embarrassing loss to the Raiders. They are still looking good for the playoffs, but it they lose this one, they may fall completely out in week 17. No way that the Broncos offense scores with the Eagles high powered offense right now.

DALLAS @ washington

Until last Monday, I may have picked the Skins in this one. However, the Cowboys looked great last week and the Redskins looked like they were already on vacation and just had their practice squad stand in for the starters. There is not doubt that the caos that is going on in Washington has taken its' toll on the players and coaching staff. The end can't come soon enough for these guys. Cowboys in a blow out.

MINNESOTA @ chicago

Good timing for Mimmesota. They are having power struggles between the coach (Chilly) and the quarterback (The Brett Favre). For some teams that would cause them to lose focus and blow games they should win. However, they are playing against Jay Cutler, the interception machine! No one turns the ball over as consistantly as Chokeler, especially in the redzone. I can't see Adrian, oopps, I mean Brett, and the boys losing this one.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS @ tennessee titans

This is a tough one for me. I truly believe that if the Chargers come out, focused, and wanting to win, they will outscore the Titans in a fairly high scoring affair. The Chargers have such a well tuned passing game that the "generous" Titans pass defense could not keep the Bolts out of the endzone. Also, the Titans just lost two starting linebackers, including Bullick, their leader, so the running game may perk up as well. Of course, that does not mean that the Titans won't have their strong drives when they have the ball. The Chargers don't defend the run that well and Chris Johnson is just going nuts! Over 1700 yards on the ground thus far for Johnson! The Titans average over 160 yard per game on the ground. Also, since Vince Young took over the helm, the Titans are 7-1 and he is performing at a level not seen since his days in Texas.

Then there is plan B. Plan B would be to sit the Chargers best players this week to perserve their health. Two years ago, the Titans and Chargers played each other in a blood bath. The Chargers lost several key players including injury prone Shawne Merriman who was chop blocked after leveling Vince Young away from the play. I wouldn't mind seeing the Chargers taking out guys like Rivers, Tomlinson, Gates, Merriman, Castillo, Jackson, Jammer, and Philips. Let them rest and take your chances with their backups. Even center Nick Hardwick would only play half of the game in plan B. He is getting his first playing time since week one. Give him a half and get him out of there! I know that this would look like the Chargers were scared and that would hurt their manhood, but that would be better than losing key player right before the playoffs again.

Another nice part of plan B is that all the Charger would have to do is beat Washington, in San Diego, in week 17 to lock up the number two seed in the AFC. Rest your studs this week, play them next week until the game is locked up. They get another rest for week one of the playoffs and then they should be fresh for their first playoff game. I like it!

As for my prediction....I don't think they will go with plan B. Therefore, I will do the sign of the cross and pray that their are no major injuries.

CHARGERS 31 - titans 23

Enjoy the games and let me know what you think!

Bolt Notes: Week 15 Analysis and NFL Picks!

Week 14 in the NFL is in the books and week 15 is under way. Personally, I had a 10-6 week for my picks which brings me up to 132-76 for the season. So far, there have been two games played for week 15 and I am 1-1. Silly me, not thinking the Dallas Cowboys could go into New Orleans, in December, and walk out with a win. I also never would have guessed that DeMarcus Ware, who got carted off the field last week, would come back and dominate the Saints line and even end the game with a sack of Drew Brees. Once again, that is why I don't bet on the NFL.

As for Bolt Notes, I think I will mix it up this week. If you prefer this method, let me know and I'll stick to it for the rest of the season. Normally, I give a wrap up of the Chargers last game, a preview of the Chargers next game, and then throw in my picks at the end. This week, I'm going to bypass the Chargers victory over Dallas and just focus on my picks and give my reasoning for each pick that I make. I will expand more for the Chargers game. After all, this is Bolt Notes, I owe them that. Here we go!

Week 15 Picks!

COLTS @ jaguars

I have said it before, I will not bet against an undefeated team until they prove they can be beaten. Peyton Manning and the Colts continue to pull rabbits out of their hats each week and this one was no different. Finally, I got a Thursday game right!

cowboys @ SAINTS

Alright, I used the same philosophy for this game as I did with the Colts game. Always back an undefeated team (unless they are playing the Chargers). It didn't work out so well this time. Yes, the December challenged Cowboys but a blemish on the previously perfect New Orleans Saints. Mercury Morris and company are breathing a little easier tonight. At least for his sake, there is sure to not be two undefeated teams in the Super Bowl this year.

PATRIOTS @ bills

Watch Tom Brady and Randy Moss intentionally look to blow this one open this week. The Bills don't cover well and Moss wants to prove that he has not quit on his team. Brady went to the media and supported his receiver after last week's embarrassment. Now that Brady has put his own rep on the line for Moss, he will do whatever he can to help Moss get involved early and often. The other side of the story is that the Bills are not very good. That will help the Pats a lot.

CARDINALS @ lions

This is the time of year when some teams are playing meaningful games and others are making reservations and planning fishing trips. The Lions are not exactly in the playoff hunt with a 2-11 record. The Cards, on the other hand, are trying to win the NFC West and earn a home game in the playoffs. Emotion, motivation, and way more talent will help the Cards prevail.

dolphins @ TITANS

This could be the shortest game of the week. Both teams will pound the ball on the ground and throw when necessary. With the emergence of Chris Johnson, the Titans will run, run, run. They may not make the playoffs this year, but they want Johnson to break the all time rushing record. A big day against the Fins will help a lot. Johnson currently has over 1600 yards rushing and over 2000 all purpose yards. All that and the Titans are still 6-7.

BROWNS @ chiefs

It's not often I pick the Browns, especially on the road. However, it appears that the Chiefs may be the worse of two evils in this match up. The Browns are playing better football of late, but they are hardly world beaters. The Chiefs........are just bad.

TEXANS @ rams

I just did the Rams the biggest favor I could do for them. I picked the Texans. I have the incredible ability to almost always get the wrong side of Texans games. I just can't figure them out! Just when I think they are playing some solid ball, they get smoked. Then, just when I give up on them, they beat someone decent. Go figure. The Rams are the Rams and should continue to lose, no matter who I pick.

falcons @ JETS

Honestly, I am not very confident in this pick. The Falcons are banged up at running back and quarterback. That tells me that they are in for a long day. The Jets are at home and they are getting their starting quarterback, Mark Sanchez, back in the lineup. The only thing that worries me is that I'm not sure that the Jets are better off with Sanchez at this point of the season. The shine has fallen off of this star. Still, they should have enough to beat the Falcons practice squad.

raiders @ BRONCOS

I hate this game. I want so badly, as a Chargers fan, to pick the Broncos to lose. However, the Raiders are starting their third string quarterback and the Broncos are a pretty good team that is most likely headed to the playoffs. If the Broncos lose this game, they should forfeit the rest of the season.

niners @ EAGLES

This is another game that I'm not that confident in. Yes, the Eagles are playing very well on offense. Yes, the Eagles are at home. However, the Niners have shown the ability to come up large and play big in big games. I just don't think they will be able to this time while traveling back East and having to outscore the potent Eagles offense.

PACKERS @ steelers

The world champion Steelers are in the middle of a long losing streak. They are not going to make the playoffs and their best player is out (Troy Polamalu). That being said, I must admit that I worry that the pride of a champion may be enough to lift the Steelers over the visiting Packers. However, Aaron Rodgers is a very good QB and should be able to pick apart the porous Steel Curtain defense.

bears @ RAVENS

The Ravens are not an elite team this year, but they're not a bad team either. The Bears are pretty bad. The leader of the Bears, the "Savior" if you will, is quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler has been horrible this year and has continued to show his inability to play inside the redzone. Cutler turns the ball over more than a breakfast cook turns over pancakes. The Ravens defense should have a great day and force several turnovers on their way to victory at home.

bucs @ SEAHAWKS

The Seahawks are another team that I usually pick wrong. They will score 40 one week and then get destroyed the next. Word around the league is that they are soft. Even their own coach says they need a few "dirt bags" on their team. That is not a good sign. However, sometimes the schedule makers are kind and let you play teams like the Buccaneers. Look for the Saints defense to tally at least three picks.

VIKINGS @ panthers

Panthers are not the most consistent team in the NFL. They are also not the worst team. However, they aren't very good either and tonight's loss by New Orleans will inspire the very talented Vikings to go into Carolina and bury the Panthers.

GIANTS @ redskins

If you had told me 10 weeks ago that I would hesitate to pick the Giants in this game, I would have told you that you were crazy. But, I actually considered picking the Redskins at home this week. Then I remembered that the Giants are trying to make the playoffs. Then I remembered that the Skins are interviewing head coaches, while they still have Jim Zorn at the helm (classless move). The Skins are a mess. Even though they have shown signs of improvement, the end of the season is near and they should fade back to being the poor team that they started out as.

bengals @ CHARGERS

This could prove to be the game of the week! The Bengals trail the Chargers by one game in the race to be the number two seed in the AFC. That is important because the number two seed gets a bye and a home game in the playoffs. That gives teams a chance to get healthy and plan for extra time and gives them a decided advantage.

One sad note going into this game is the passing of Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry. Such a sad situation can't help but take a toll on the entire Bengals team, as well as those who knew him around the league. That being said, the thing we have not seen yet is how it will effect the Bengals on Sunday. The way I see it, one of two things will happen. One, the Bengals will try to play inspired football, but will be distracted and unable to focus on the game. If that happens, look for the Chargers to win and win big.

Two, the Bengals will use this tragedy to raise their level of play and will play in a way that will be reminiscent of the way the Saints played when they reopened to Super Dome. In that case, the Chargers could get bush whacked! Only time will tell.

One side story that people are watching in this game is Chad Ochocinco. Ochocinco says that he hates Shawne Merriman and wants to "beat his head in." Merriman, who has a four inch and 50 pound size advantage on Ochocinco, had traded Tweets with Chad earlier in the year, but lately has laughed it off and said that if Ochocinco tries to fight him, he would just put his hand on Chad's head and let him swing his arms wildly like a little kid.

The latest move by Ochocinco is that he says that he wants to wear Chris Henry's number 15, is honor of his fallen teammate. The league says that he will be fined if you wears any number other than 85. In my opinion, it is a nice idea, but more than that it is just another way for Chad Ochocinco to try to make the story about him, and not the game. His act is getting old in my opinion. I believe the story should be about the Bengals running backs against the questionable Chargers run defense, and the Chargers offense against the stout Bengals defense. Instead, it's about Chad Ochocinco. That being said, I think his antics are usually harmless and he should not be fined as much as he has been.

My guess is that the superior talent of the Chargers will prevail in this game. Yes, the Bengals have two great defensive backs who may well shut down Chargers wideouts Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd. However, I don't see an answer for Antonio Gates, Legadu Nanee, Darren Sproles, and LaDainian Tomlinson. Antother thing you have to consider is the will to win inside one Philip Rivers. Rivers is quickly getting national attention and is actually in MVP talks these days. That says a lot for a West coast player who isn't often talked about in the East.

Final Score:

bengals 17 CHARGERS 31

Bolt Notes: Wrap Up; Preview; and Week 14 NFL Picks!

Alright, I had a little slip last week with a 8-8 total for my picks. That brings my overall total to 122-70. I would be more upset about the eight losses, but a few of them were upsets almost nobody picked, even the players on the winning teams! Who would have picked the Raiders over the Steelers? Most would not have picked the Dolphins to beat the Patriots, or the Cardinals to destroy the Vikings! Oh well, that was last week....time to move on to week 14!

Wrap Up: Chargers 30 @ Browns 23

The Chargers went into Cleveland as heavy favorites in week 13. They were so confident that they could walk all over the Browns that they sat some of their defensive stars (Merriman & Castillo) so they could heal up for the game against the Cowboys this week. In the long run, everything worked out just fine, but there were some tense moments that leave Chargers fans wondering if they have what it takes to beat a top notch team like the Cowboys.

The first drive of the game you could see that the Chargers were not mentally in the game. Brady Quinn marched his offense down the field and quickly put seven points on the board. Fortunately for the Chargers, Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates did take the plane ride to Cleveland. The two teamed up for several big plays and a total of 167 yards through the air. Cleveland had no match for Gates down field.

The Chargers running game was nothing to be excited about, although, future Hall of Famer, LaDainian Tomlinson did move up the ladder of all time leading rushers by passing the legendary Jim Brown. This moment was extra special being that it took place against Browns old team with him present in the stadium. Tomlinson pointed and saluted to Brown after the run that put him into 8th place all time.

In the long run, I can sum the game up fairly easily. The Chargers offense seemed to cruise all day and racked up 30 points as they usually do. The Chargers defense was caught by surprise by an improving Brady Quinn and gave up a large number to the Browns offense, 23. The Bolts leave with the win and fairly healthy for their next game against the Cowboys. However, they did learn that some of their second string guys may not be enough to beat a better team.

Preview: Chargers @ Cowboys

Now we're talking! The San Diego Chargers have been criticized all year for playing in a week division. Now, we could go into the fact that the Broncos, Chiefs, and Raiders have all beaten "great" teams this year, but that is another story. Most experts are looking to the next three games to decide if the Chargers are for real, or just talented bottom feeders.

This week, they fly into Dallas for a shootout with the Cowboys. Tony Romo and company ran up quite a number of yards last week against the reeling Giants, but still managed to lose the game. This has been quite concerning for the Cowboy faithful who know that the Cowboys have a terrible record in December and fear that this year's team has started it's annual fall from grace.

The Chargers, on the other hand, love December. Since Philip Rivers became the starting quarterback, the B0lts have never lost in December. That is a perfect 15-0! This year, that perfect record will be tested. The Bolts play the Cowboys in Dallas, the Bengals at home, and they end up on Christmas night against the Titans in Tennessee! All of this with a slim, one game lead on division rival Denver.

This game has some great story lines:

• Dallas Head Coach, Wade Phillips was formerly the defensive coordinator in San Diego



• Current Chargers Head Coach, Norv Turner was formerly the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys and is credited for a huge part of why they won three Super Bowls during his tenure.



• Philip Rivers has been perfect in December as a starter 15-0



• Tony Romo has built a reputation of being a December choker



• Igor Olshansky, defensive lineman for the Cowboys was drafted by the Chargers and played with the Bolts up until this year.
  


• The Chargers are hanging on to a slim lead in the AFC West



• The Cowboys are currently tied with Philadelphia and have a one game lead over the Giants
  


• Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been complaining about how Phillips has been using Marion Barber



• Wade Phillips has been complaining that he has not been offered a contract extension



• LaDainian Tomlinson is playing a personal home game. He grew up in Waco and played at TCU

It all that doesn't inspire you to watch this game, just go back to sleep until February and wake up in time to watch the Super Bowl commercials.

Week 14 NFL Picks! Winners in bold caps

STEELERS @ browns (I really hate Thursdays)

SAINTS @ falcons (Atlanta has too many injuries to compete)

PACKERS @ bears (I just don't trust Cutler)

broncos @ COLTS (We'll see which Broncos team shows up)

BILLS @ chiefs (I hate this game. Should end in a tie)

bengals @ VIKINGS (Could be an upset in the making)

PANTHERS @ patriots (Pats should win at home, but they are realing and Brady is banged up)

JETS @ bucs (Jets second string QB could be improvement.)

dolphins @ JAGUARS (Could go either way)

lions @ RAVENS (Ravens too tough for Lions)

SEAHAWKS @ texans (I can't figure either of these teams out)

rams @ TITANS (Could be Rams game if Young is out, or limited)

redskins @ RAIDERS (Tough call, both teams inconsistent)
EAGLES @ giants (Eagles too good for Giants)

CARDINALS @ niners (Cards starting to click on offense)

CHARGERS 38 @ cowboys 24

Enjoy the games!

Bolt Notes: Wrap Up; Preview, and Week 13 NFL Picks!

Welcome back to another edition of Bolt Notes. As always, I greatly appreciate that you take a few minutes out of your day to read what I have to share and I would greatly appreciate any and all comments that you leave. I will respond to all comments left, even if you disagree.

Week 12 was another great week for my Bolts and another solid week for my picks as well. With a 12-4 record in week 12, my overall record moved up to 114-62. Definitely getting back to a respectable level, but still not blowing away the "experts" by any means. That's okay, no money is being lost, or made on my picks, just a lot of fun is being had making them.

Wrap Up: Chiefs @ Chargers

As I said, week 12 was a great week for the San Diego Chargers. The Chiefs flew into San Diego feeling really good about themselves after taking down last year's Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most people still believed that the Chargers would win this game, but many worried that it would be a trap game and the Chargers would look past the Chiefs and get beat.

I didn't see it that way. I saw that the Broncos had already won on Thursday and that the Chiefs win over Pittsburgh would be enough to remind the Chargers that they had to show up for this one. Show up they did!

Throughout the game, the Chargers had their way with K.C.. Although they didn't rush for a bunch of yards, they did run effectively when they tried. Rivers controlled the game with his arm, moving the offense up and down the field. Both Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson had two touchdowns a piece as the Chargers offense racked up 34 points, with the defense adding 9 points of their own!

Yes, the Chargers defense showed up as well. They did have some typical problems stopping the run, but not so much that the Chiefs could strictly rely on it. The Chiefs did have to throw the ball and when they did, quarterback Matt Cassell was running for his life most of the game. Cassell was only sacked once, but he was hit and forced to scramble consistently throughout the game forcing a Cassell fumble (returned for a TD) and throw a pick to Quinten Jammer. The Chiefs threw in a couple more fumbles as well to help the Bolts cause. Final score: Chiefs 14 - Chargers 43

Preview: Chargers @ Browns

This is one of those games where I wish I had some money to bet. Although the Chargers go into it with three defensive starters sitting out due to injury (Merriman, Weddle, and Castillo), I still can't think of a way that the Browns win this game. Even in Cleveland the Browns simply do not match up with the Bolts. Some Browns fans on Internet chat boards have admitted that the Chargers will win, but that San Diego will be held down my the Browns defense. Sorry, I don't see that either. Right now, the Chargers are 13.5 point favorites with the over/under at 42..5. Do yourself a favor, if you have some discretionary funds, and throw down some cash on the Chargers and the over. The Chargers alone have a decent chance of getting 43 points, much less the two teams combined.

Here are some of the stats that bring me to believe this will be a complete blow out:

• The Browns have only 10 offensive touchdowns this entire season.
  
• LaDainian Tomlinson alone has 8 touchdowns and he has been considered washed up by many.
  
• The Browns have only scored 20 or more points twice this season and they lost both games.


• The Chargers have not scored less than 21 points in any game this season. They are also averaging 31 points per game during their six game winning streak.


• Brady Quinn
  
• Philip Rivers


• Philip Rivers 14-0 in December for his career as a starter

Now, what will the score of this fiasco be? That is a tough question. I want so badly to predict my first 50 point game of the year. I just can't do it. You see, the problem is that the Browns give up almost 160 yards per game rushing. That tells me that the Chargers will use Tomlinson, Sproles, Tolbert and Hester all day and chew up the yardage, and the clock. With all that running, the game will be very fast since the clock will not stop often when the Chargers are on offense. With that in mind, I have two scores to use this week for my prediction. 1. Chargers 38 - Browns 6 and 2. Chargers 45 - Browns 6. The difference being if the defense scores a touchdown or not. It the defense (or special teams) scored a touchdown, the Chargers will go over the 40 mark. If not, they should end up in the 30's like they usually do. Enjoy the game!

Week 13 NFL Picks: Winners in all caps

jets @ BILLS (I hate Thursday night games)

EAGLES @ falcons (Many injured players on both sides...flip a coin)

rams @ BEARS (Bears win despite Chokeler)

lions @ BENGALS (Cincy too much for Detroit but could be close)

titans @ COLTS (Ride the Colts until they lose or play San Diego in the playoffs)

BRONCOS @ chiefs (I sure hope I'm wrong)

PATRIOTS @ dolphins (Pats have to take out frustration of someone)

raiders @ STEELERS (Big Ben back and has something to prove)

SAINTS @ redskins (SAINTS COULD GO 16-0)

bucs @ PANTHERS (Don't like either team, but Bucs are worse)

TEXANS @ jaguars (Another coin flip)

COWBOYS @ giants (Giants look bad and Sheli is hurt)

NINERS @ seahawks (Could be a good game but who knows about Seattle?)

VIKINGS @ cards (Vikings seem to be in a hurry to get to Arizona)

RAVENS @ packers (Low scoring, close game)

CHARGERS 38 @ browns 6

Enjoy the games!!!