NFC North through 3 weeks

To me, the NFC North had some of the most interesting story lines coming into the 2010 season. For the most part, I'd say that the division has lived up to the hype. I think we've learned a lot through three weeks, culminating with last night's MNF matchup between the Packers and the Bears.

1) The only people really capable of beating the Packers are themselves. I mean, 18 penalties? Are you kidding me? We had penalties that negated key first downs, took points off the board, and nullified turnovers. And yet we were still in the game, and probably should have beaten a solid Chicago team. One thing that the Packers can do great is pass the ball, without a doubt. If we can get some resemblance of a running game established (Marshawn Lynch, perhaps?) and become more disciplined on defense (rookies, personal fouls), we'll be just fine. I can really only see us losing three more games; one of the Minnesota games, at New England, and maybe either at Atlanta or at the New York Jets. I think we'll right the ship at be sitting at 5-1 heading into Week 7 versus Ol' Brent.

2) The Bears are good. They aren't great, but they don't suck. Jay Cutler has been lucky at times this season, but sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Matt Forte seems to be bouncing back from his sophomore slump, and Greg Olsen seems to have developed a go-to relationship with Cutler. Devin Hester has found his explosiveness again, but I don't completely trust that o-line or the other skill position players. Julius Peppers does scare me however, as does a rejuvenated Brian Urlacher. The Bears could very easily be 1-2, but sit at 3-0. The Bears have a brutal second half of the season, and could easily, easily finish 9-7 - or worse.

3) The Vikings won a game! Wahoo! They are damn lucky they have Adrian Peterson. Brett Favre already has 6 interceptions, and the next four games (@NYJ, Dallas, @GB, @NE) are against four probable playoff teams. Favre is looking at Darrelle Revis, DeMarcus Ware, Clay Matthews and Bill Belichick in the next month. Good thing they have their off week right now. Your 6-10 Vikings, anyone? (And no, I'm not biased. Congrats on beating Detroit.)

4) The Lions will be feisty. Jahvid Best is really looking like a steal at the end of the first round, making plays and giving Detroit a playmaker. They should have beaten Chicago, hung right with Philly, and then fell on the road to a desperate Vikings team. And this is all with Shaun Hill behind center. I'm backing off the Lions going 9-7, but they look like they should win 5-6 games once Stafford comes back. The defensive line is solid (if not downright dirty) and will improve as the season progresses. Will the Lions make the playoffs? No. But they could very much play spoiler, particularly against the Vikes in Week 17.

The Best Players in the Division (according to me, so far in 2010)

1) Adrian Peterson - Carrying the Minnesota offense

2) Julius Peppers - Worth the money to that Chicago defense

3) Aaron Rodgers - Dangerous with weapons at his disposal

4) Clay Matthews - Playmaker.

5) Calvin Johnson - Still bitter about the Week 1 no-catch.

Projected Season Standings:

1) Green Bay 12-4

2) Chicago 9-7

3) Minnesota 7-9

4) Detroit 5-11

Television Thoughts

I can't sleep, so I watched a few episodes of "The Sopranos" season 2 that I have from the library. Which, by the way is incredible - both the library and "The Sopranos". I watch TV seasons like it's my job, having plowed through multiple seasons of "The Sopranos", "Breaking Bad", "How I Met Your Mother", "The Big Bang Theory", "Friday Night Lights", and those are just off the top of my head. I've discovered how much I love television, and why television has become what movies were to the 1990s and prior.

The Sopranos and HBO (btw, I'm done with the quotes for this post. I'm not even sure TV series go in quotes...do you know Andrea?) can take responsibility for this one, turning weekly TV into must see appointment television. TV shows are something people are paying for already and you can do it from the comfort of your own home, and now on your own schedule with the advent of DVR. People don't have to justify spending over $20 for two people to go to a movie, they can just turn on the TV. Half-hour or hour shows also fit into our "busy" schedules easier, and give you something to talk about with fellow watchers as well as something to look forward to for a whole week.

There are some shows out there that anyone who watches it feels obligated to talk about it. I'm looking at you Mad Men. I watched Season 1 right after it came out on DVD (thank you La Crosse Public Library) and then tried to get into Season 2 but I couldn't. With the rave reviews Season 3 and 4 are getting, I would like to catch up, but I feel like I have to go out of my way to avoid spoilers.

I don't really know where I'm going with this, other than to say that there is an abundance of good TV shows out there, some of which are no longer on the air, and some of which I tried watching but couldn't get into for whatever reason (The Wire). I'm going to list a few shows I've thoroughly enjoyed, as well as how far I've watched in the series, and why you need to be watching them.

1. Friday Night Lights - up to date (Seasons 1-4)

-The most realistic characters of any show I've ever watched. I've never played a down of organized football, nor have I ever been to Texas, but I feel like I know a Eric and Tami Taylor, a Matt Saracen, a Smash Williams, and a Tim Riggins in my life.

2. Breaking Bad - through the first two seasons

-Very smart show. Bryan Cranston's character is book smart beyond belief, and grows more and more street smart as the series progresses. Aaron Paul is deserving of his most recent Emmy, playing a conflicted drug addict/dealer who is incredibly believable on screen.

3. Sons of Anarchy - halfway through season 2

-Katey Segal makes this show, as it delves into a world that 99.9% have no idea about. Biker gangs in California sounds like a great action concept, but it's the internal conflict of the main characters that is the most gripping.

4. Top Chef - up to date on current season

-Best reality show on television, because it requires smart individuals who are creative and immensely talented. I feel cultured watching it, I learn about food, and it's relatively dramatic television.

5. How I Met Your Mother/The Big Bang Theory

-Funny sitcoms that are kind of similar, dealing with 20-somethings living in the big city. Similar to Friends, the ensemble casts provide many story lines that are engaging, topical, relatively mindless, and great to crank out back-to-back-to-back on DVD.

6. Arrested Development/Freaks and Geeks - whole series

-Two series that received high critical reviews that apparently couldn't cut it in the ratings. It's a shame, as both are fantastic shows that deserved longer runs.

I would also like to add that I love The Office, Entourage, and It's Always Sunny, but I feel like everyone knows about all of those already.

I know this has nothing to do with sports. I just felt like writing about something else. If you actually made it this far, I love you.

Big College Football on 9/11

First and foremost, today is really all about remembering what happened nine years ago today and giving thanks for all of the blessings that you have in your life. Never forget those who selflessly sacrificed and for those who lost their lives on 9/11.

Today is a big day in college football all over the country as well. Many intriguing nonconference matchups all over the board, and I'm looking forward to tuning in and seeing American flags flying high.

Florida State vs. Oklahoma

- I like the Sooners in this matchup, but don't be shocked to see FSU putting up quite a fight. Mark Stoops, defensive coordinator for the Seminoles, might have a trick up his sleeve on how to defend his older brother Bob's potent offensive duo of QB Landry Jones and RB DeMarco Murray

Miami vs. Ohio State

-I'm really pulling for the Hurricanes here, mostly due to my hatred of Ohio State and partially to avenge the Willis McGahee knee debacle. I really like how QB Jacory Harris has matured in his career in Coral Gables, and I think Terrelle Pryor might by star-gazing in search of "pal" LeBron James at the Shoe.

Penn State vs. Alabama

-No Mark Ingram, no problem. Penn State has a solid football team, but not good enough to take down the best team in the country in Alabama. JoePa is an icon, but Nick Saban might be the best college football coach in the land.

Iowa vs. Iowa State

-Upset special? Don't think so. QB Ricky Stanzi and the Hawkeyes should be just fine.

Notre Dame vs. Michigan

-You probably know that this is the game that my eyes will be glued to this afternoon. RichRod and the Wolverines come into South Bend for Dayne Crist and head coach Brian Kelly's real first test, and I'm not extremely confident in their abilities just yet. I like what I've seen out of the ND offense, especially Armando Allen and Crist's grasp of the spread, but Michigan has an athletic QB in Denard Robinson that will test the Irish defense. I predict a game in the high 20s, with hopefully the Irish prevailing 27-24.

MLB Thoughts Down the Stretch

While I hate to admit that the Brewers are out of things down the stretch, there have been some things to encourage Milwaukee fans in September. The play of Lorenzo Cain, Casey McGehee's solid season, solid starts by Narveson and Capuano, and the Trevor Hoffman 600 save saga. They still have work to do in the offseason to contend in the NL next year, but there are things to be encouraged by heading into 2011.

With this post, I'd like to shift my focus of teams I like and talk about story lines that I've been excited by this season. In no particular order...

1. The Atlanta Braves

I really really like Jason Heyward, possibly because he's pretty much my age, but largely because he's an outstanding talent that plays the game the right way. As I write this, the Braves sit a half-game behind the Phillies for the NL East league, and I really hope they overtake Philly for a few reasons: 1) I don't like the Phillies and 2) I want Atlanta to succeed in Bobby Cox's last hurrah.

2. The Texas Rangers

An exciting team that has all the ability in the world on their team with the likes of Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, Cliff Lee, Neftali Feliz, etc. They have the biggest division lead of any team in the big leagues, and I'm excited to see this team return to the postseason. The feel good story is the re-emergence of Vlad Guerrero, and frankly how he's raked this season and is a definite candidate for AL MVP.

3. Joey Votto and Carlos Gonzalez

The Triple Crown talk is nice and exciting, but the only way that it is going to happen is if CarGo stays on his HR tear and overtakes Pujols. Regardless, these two players were young talents that have exploded into bona fide superstars in the league, and as an NL guy myself, I'm excited to see these players come to Miller Park for years to come, and perhaps earn the Brewers home-field advantage by helping the NL in the all-star game.

4. Surprise Guys

Jose Bautista sits on the league lead for homers at 43, seven ahead of Pujols. I've never really heard of this guy before this year, but I snagged him on my fantasy team and he's carried me into the playoffs. Mat Latos is a surprise leading the NL in ERA, especially considering the elite talent (Halladay, Lincecum, Carpenter) in the National League.

Predictions for the Postseason

AL Division Winners:

Minnesota Twins (Central)

Texas Rangers (West)

New York Yankees (East)

Tampa Bay Rays - Wild Card

NL Division Winners:

Cincinnati Reds (Central)

Atlanta Braves (East)

San Francisco Giants (West)

Philadelphia Phillies - Wild Card

ALCS - Rays over Twins

NLCS - Braves over Reds

World Series: Rays over Braves in 6

NL MVP: Joey Votto, Reds

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

NL Cy Young: Mat Latos, Padres

AL Cy Young: David Price, Rays

NL ROY: Jason Heyward, Braves

AL ROY: Neftali Feliz, Rangers

NFL Thoughts and General Ramblings

So the NFL season is days away, and I was reminded recently that I have not made a blog post for quite some time. I apologize. I really have no good excuse for this, but I feel like putting down my thoughts on the NFL divisions on "paper" before the season starts (so everyone will know what a genius I am when they all come true).

Here are my picks for Division winners, standings, playoff teams, MVP, so on and so forth:

AFC North

1. Ravens (12-4)

2. Steelers (10-6)

3. Bengals (9-7)

4. Browns (4-12)

Like most people, I really like the Ravens this year. Much of it has to do with my man-crush on Ray Rice, but I also really like the upgrade at WR with Boldin and Houshmazilly to complement Flacco's maturation into a very good NFL quarterback. I think 4,000 yards is a lock for Flacco, with this being the year that the identity of the Ravens shifts from defense to offense.

I actually like Dennis Dixon at QB for Pittsburgh, which is why I think they'll be fine through their bye-week. I think Mendenhall will be very solid as well, assuming he can stay healthy as well. I actually think they'll start 3-1, then drop two of Big Ben's first three starts. They'll rally back for 10 wins and be in the playoff hunt down the stretch.

Cincy's defense could become the strength of their team, but I'm not a huge fan of the intangible components that their team has. Unless Carson Palmer turns into a more vocal leader of the offense, they could be undermined by 85 and TO.

The Browns will still suck. I don't like Jerome Harrison or Jake Delhomme.

AFC East

1. Jets (12-4)

2. Patriots (11-5)

3. Dolphins (9-7)

4. Bills (3-13)

Despite their bravado, the Jets have unquestionably the most pure talent in the division. Revis won't miss a beat, and with Antonio Cromartie on the other side, it will be tough for opposing offenses. Sanchez won't need to be great, which is good because I don't think he will be. I think the Jets will need Tomlinson more than they think, but I think he does have enough left in the tank to make the offense dynamic.

The Patriots are solid, as always, and will secure one of the wildcard berths. I really like the Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez additions to an already potent passing attack, but I'm not sure I like the 4-back committee carrying the ball.

Dolphins are ok. Chad Henne makes progress, with help from Brandon Marshall. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are legit, but aren't world beaters.

The Bills are terrible.

AFC South

1. Colts (12-4)

2. Titans (10-6)

3. Houston (9-7)

4. Jacksonville (5-11)

Until you can give me a reason that the Colts won't go 12-4, then they have the AFC South wrapped up.

The Titans and Texans are both formidable in the division, but both I think are a few pieces away from being really good. If VY and CJ2K both have career years, then it could be a very tough offense to contain. Schaub needs to stay healthy, and with question marks in the backfield, Houston just screams 9-7 to me.

Someone has to lose to all these teams, and for me that's the Jaguars.

AFC West

1. Chargers (10-6)

2. Chiefs (8-8)

3. Raiders (8-8)

4. Broncos (4-12)

Don't really like any of these team, which is why I think the top three will be pretty bunched together. I like Jamaal Charles and Jason Campbell to be the breakout players in this division, but I am not huge fans of either of their teams. I'm not as high on Ryan Mathews as everyone else, but the Chargers still have Darren Sproles, Philip Rivers, and Antonio Gates.

I think Tebow will not start a game this season. With nothing to play for the last few weeks, I can see him getting a lot of live looks to give Denver fans hope for next year.

NFC North

1. Packers (13-3)

2. Vikings (9-7)

3. Lions (8-8)

4. Bears (6-10)

Maybe a little personal bias here, but I do really like the Packers this season. I think Ryan Grant will have a great year with many defenses keying in on A-Rodge and the Packers offense.

I think the Lions are legit. They have playmakers all over their offense (Stafford, Jahvid Best, Calvin Williams, Brandon Pettigrew) and their defense is much, much improved as well.

The 2009 Vikings were a perfect storm, with the play of Favre, the emergence of Sidney Rice, and the dominance of the defensive line. With the first two of these in serious question, so are the Vikings playoff chances. Don't get me wrong, they'll be solid. I think they have the talent of a 11-5 team but will fall short at 9-7.

The Bears don't really warrant my attention. Matt Forte will bounce back, but I still don't like Jay Cutler.

NFC East

1. Redskins (9-7)

2. Eagles (8-8)

3. Cowboys (8-8)

4. Giants (7-9)

I think McNabb will have a serious chip on his shoulder, and with a competent coach behind him, the Redskins should emerge from a deep, deep division. He has recievers (Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas) that should make a jump this year, and hopefully Haynesworth will be around to stable that defense.

I love Kevin Kolb this year, so much so that I haven't gone through a fantasy draft without getting him. I think 4,000 yards are a lock. I heard the comparison of him to Aaron Rodgers two years ago, and those comparisons make perfect sense.

I'm not really high on the Cowboys, or at least as high as everyone else. I just don't trust Tony Romo, and I don't think he has the receiving corp to make him great. I don't think Miles Austin is elite, and I think Dez Bryant will be great in the future but he is just a rookie.

Someone has to finish last, and unfortunately that is New York. Eli is the only QB in the division with a ring, but somehow he looks like the worst of the four to me heading into this season. I am high on Ahmad Bradshaw, because I think Brandon Jacobs could be on his way out, which is a HUGE mistake. They are the epitome of thunder and lighting, and could be really effective for the G-Men.

NFC South

1. Saints (12-4)

2. Falcons (10-6)

3. Panthers (7-9)

4. Buccaneers (4-12)

The defending champs are who we think they are, a dynamic offense led by a true gamer in Drew Brees.

The Falcons are definitely good enough to make the playoffs in the NFC, led by a QB who I can see making a jump this year. Matt Ryan has a legit #1 in Roddy White, and is bolstered by a running attack that will garner the respect of d-coordinators league wide. Plus, the ageless Tony Gonzalez is a great security blanket.

I like Jonathan Stewart, but that's really about it in Carolina. I just hope Jimmy Clausen gets some PT come winter.

Josh Freeman gives TB some hope, but in the end, they still suck.

NFC West

1. 49ers (9-7)

2. Cardinals (8-8)

3. Seahawks (6-10)

4. Rams (6-10)

I really like Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis to help Alex Smith evolve into a competent NFL quarterback, And most of all, I really like Frank Gore. He's pudgy and just adorable.

I think the Cardinals fall off a little bit this year, and will really miss Kurt Warner. Derek Anderson is not a long term answer, and neither was Matt Leinart for that matter.

Not much that I like about the Seahawks, other than Leon Washington and (hopefully) Golden Tate. I think Matt Hasselbeck is getting too old, and I really hate Pete Carroll.

Rams will show fight, but not ready to make the jump yet. Bradford will be a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.

Playoff Teams

AFC: Ravens, Steelers (WC), Jets, Patriots (WC), Colts, Chargers

AFC Championship: Ravens over Steelers

NFC: Packers, Vikings (WC) Redskins, Saints, Falcons (WC) 49ers

NFC Championship: Saints over Packers

Super Bowl: Saints over Ravens

I think by not picking the Ravens, Packers, Steelers, or Colts to win, like everyone else seems to be, I think I'm actually going out on a limb. I know how difficult it is to repeat, but I really don't think 2009 was a fluke.

MVP: Drew Brees

Defensive MVP: Darrelle Revis

Rookie of the Year: Jahvid Best