Thursday, October 30, 2014
Buffalo Bills hit the BYE at 5-3 Podcast
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Week 9 Buffalo Bills Power Rankings Compilation
ESPN 16:
"The Jets blitzed Kyle Orton at the highest rate of Orton's season Sunday, and Orton finished 6-of-8 for 184 yards and three touchdowns against at least five rushers."
No movement from ESPN but some what useful stat about Orton.
CBS 20:
"Kyle Orton has really helped this team. Can he keep it up?"
A giant 2 spot leap but still behind the Dolphins, Giants and Steelers. Kyle Orton is the QB evidently too
Yahoo 15:
"Kyle Orton's production is huge for the Bills, and it really shows how bad E.J. Manuel was before he was benched."
No change in their ranking and a nice shot at ol' Erik Manuel
PFT 14:
"14. Buffalo Bills (No. 14; 5-3): Sammy Watkins‘ premature celebration could end up being a metaphor for his team’s 2014 season."
This hurts because it is true. Again no change.
NFL 16:
"Buffalo fans tweeted me last week to say they didn't know which Kyle Orton they would get drive to drive, much less week to week. I think the Bills Mafia will take four touchdowns and no picks. In other news, Sammy Watkins pulled a Leon Lett, and appropriately got Beebe'd. #footballgods"
Another unchanged ranking and a nice Super Bowl 27 (or 28) reset
Walterfootball 21:
21. Buffalo Bills (5-3). Previously: #22
No comments from Walt this week but the Bills are behind 2 teams they've beat but ahead of the Browns!
Overall no one thought the win over the Jets was important. But if you knew the history you were think it meant something. The Jets do suck though. Highest 14 lowest 21
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Week 8 NFL Expert Picks
Steve 18-16-1 Best Bet 4-3
Raiders @ Browns under 44
Buccaneers -2.5 v Vikings
Cardinals v Eagles PICK
Redskins +10 @ Cowboys
Packers @ Saints over 55
Coast 20-14-1 Best Bet 4-3
Seahawks -6 @ Panthers
Bengals +1 v Ravens
Dolphins -6.5 @ Jaguars
Bears +6 @ Patriots
Browns -6.5 v Raiders
Wreck 21-14 Best Bet 3-4
Redskins +10 @ Cowboys
Raiders +6.5 @ Browns
Jaguars +6.5 v Dolphins
Steelers +3.5 v Colts
Bears +6 @ Patriots
Katman 16-17-2 Best Bet 3-4
Cardinals v Eagles PICK
Redskins +10 @ Cowboys
Steelers +3.5 v Colts
Ravens -3 @ Bengals
Bills @ Jets over 40.5
Friday, October 24, 2014
Bills at Jets - Season on the line
This whole week I have been afraid of this game vs. the Jets. I predicted a 23-13 Jets win. As the days go by, I am starting to wonder why I am afraid of the Jets? The only logical reason is that they are the Jets and we are the Bills and Rex Ryan owns us and we just cannot win in New York, or in any big game vs. this team. This is 2014 though and this Jets team is 1-6. They lost to the Lions and Bears at home, both teams the Bills defeated on the road. The Jets beat Oakland by 5 at home for their only win and lost 31-0 to San Diego. They have been simply awful and now that they have played 2 tough games in a row both of which they lost, they are the best 1-6 team ever. The Jets are the first team in the history of the league to be favored against a team with a winning record, which says about as much about the Bills as it does about the Jets.
The Bills are a Jay Cutler interception, Alex Henery missed field goals and Kyle Orton 4th and 20 away from being 1-6 themselves. How much is really separating this Bills team from the 1-6 Jets? The answer is...not much.
Offensively, the Bills rank 27th and the Jets 28th in points per game. The Bills are 22nd in the league in yards per game, the Jets 26th. Statistically speaking, both teams have been awful on offense (though with Orton in there, the Bills passing offense has been dramatically improved the last three games...running the ball is another story).
Defensively, the Bills have fared much better in points per game allowed (10th vs. 26th), but the Jets are actually allowing fewer yards per game (ranking 8th vs. the Bills 10th). The Jets defense is getting a pass for allowing so many points because they have faced such difficult competition this far. This is part of the reason why the media loves the Jets this week. They are 1-6 but have faced such great quarterbacks. They have faced Manning, Rodgers, Brady, Rivers, Cutler and Stafford. What people are not considering is that the Bills have faced 4 of those 6 players as well. The Bills have beaten Cutler and Stafford and faced Brady and Rivers. The Bills schedule hasn't exactly been a cake walk is all I am saying.
At the end of the day, these teams are even and given the history of this rivalry the past few years, it is hard to predict a Bills win. In 2008, the Bills were 5-1, lost to Miami and then came home to face off against Brett Favre and the Jets in the "biggest Bills game of the new millenium." The Jets wiped the floor with the Bills in what effectively ended their season. In 2011, the Bills were 5-2 and the Jets were in town with Rex Ryan for the "biggest Bills game of the new millenium." Rex Ryan owned the Bills and completely exposed Fitzpatrick and the offense and Ladainian Tomlinson flashed back to 2005 and ran all over the Bills defense. Those two games were the last two times the Bills faced the Jets with a winning record in which they were having legitimate playoff aspirations (ironically - both of those losses were the 8th game of the season as well). The Jets squashed them and anyone who really knew anything about the Bills knew those respective seasons were over.
The Bills have an opportunity Sunday to make a statement as the 2nd best team in the AFC East and the Patriots number 1 contender. In my opinion, the entire 2014 season rides on this Sunday's game. This is a must win if the Bills want to entertain any realistic playoff opportunities. The next 4 games are KC at home, at Miami, Jets at home and Cleveland at home. A loss vs. the Jets means the Bills absolutely must win the next 4 games (they will likely be dogs vs. KC and at Miami). And EVEN IF they do pull of 4 straights wins to get to 8-4, they will most likely need to win 2 of their last 4. GIving them a win vs. Oakland on the road means they have to win a game at Denver, vs. Green Bay or at New England. Is that really going to happen? Needless to say, a win vs. the Jets is a must but I need to stick to my original 23-13 prediction.
Go Bills!
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Bills at Jets Preview Podcast
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Bills at Jets Preview Stats
Another crucial divisional game this week for the Bills at Jets. Lets take a gander at some stats as we pass over hump day:
Line
Bills +3 (-115) over/under 41
Bills Offensive Rankings:
Total Plays: 11th
Yards per Game: 22nd
Points per Game: 27th (19.3)
Turnovers: 15th (+1)
3rd Down %: 25th 37%
Passing Yards: 19th 230.1
Rushing Yards: 19th 103.4
Jets Offensive Rankings:
Total Plays: 3rd
Yards per Game:26th
Points per Game: 28th (17.3)
Turnovers: 32nd (-9)
3rd Down %: 18th 41%
Passing Yards: 31st 185.4
Rushing Yards: 7th 135
Bills Defensive Rankings
Yards Allowed Per Game: 11th 328
Points Allowed Per Game: 8th 20.3
Rushing Allowed Per Game: 4th 80.4
Passing Allowed Per Game: 20th 247.6
Sacks: 1st 24
Total Turnovers: 12
Jets Defensive Rankings
Yards Allowed Per Game: 9th 326.6
Points Allowed Per Game: 26th 26.4
Rushing Allowed Per Game: 8th 88
Passing Allowed Per Game: 15th 238.6
Sacks: Tied for 6th 20
Total Turnovers: 3
Week 8 Bills Power Rankings Compilation
ESPN 16:
"Kyle Orton has two game-winning drives in his three starts this season but running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller will miss time with injuries."
Boring words but a five spot move up
CBS 20:
"At 4-3, they are in the playoff race. But the backfield injuries will hurt."
A lot of running back chatter already this week and little respect paid with a 2 spot leap.
NFL 16:
"Now that is how you get your first-round draft pick involved, folks. Sure, Sunday's game was bugly (Buffalo ugly). But hey, man -- a win is a win is a win. I got on this team for the manner in which it was able to prevail in Detroit in Week 5 (via some nice, old-fashioned luck), but in the triumph over the Vikings, Kyle Orton -- sans 'stache -- was able to put a couple of throws right where they needed to be. Let's just hope Bryce Brown, Anthony Dixon and whichever Turd Ferguson the Bills sign off the street can provide balance on the ground in the absence of Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller."
A new word! Bugly. It fits.
PFT 14:
"The Bills will face Percy Harvin at the worst possible time — when he’s on his best behavior and without any idea how he’ll be used.:
I'm evidently not the only one a bit scared of Harvin this week. Two spot hop.
Yahoo 15:
"The Bills gave up a fourth-round pick for Bryce Brown, just to have him be inactive for seven weeks. With Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller hurt, we'll get to see if the Bills' investment was actually worth anything."
Lotta running back chatter. Bryce Brown time with a 3 spot leap.
Walterfootball : 22. Buffalo Bills (4-3). Previously: #24
Ouch Walt couldn't even give us a sentence or two this week.
More respect for a 4-3 record this week. Highest 14 lowest 22.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Week 7 NFL Expert Picks
Lions -2 v Saints
Colts -3.5 v Bengals
Bears -3 Dolphins
Titans +5 @ Redskins
Cardinals -4 @ Raiders
Ten +6- best bet
Arz -4
Pit -3
Sd -4
Bal -6.5
oak
stl
jac
nyg
sf
Rams
Browns
packers
steelers
Friday, October 17, 2014
Vikings at Buffalo Bills Preview Podcast
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Week 7 Buffalo Bills Power Rankings Compilation
ESPN 21:
"Revis Island was a lonely place. Sammy Watkins had career lows in catches (two) and targets (three) Sunday, but the Vikings' defense should be good for a bounce-back performance."
Someone watched the game or at least the stats and the schedule. A small three spot drop.
CBS 22:
"The new owner got off to a tough start with a bad home loss. They just aren't good enough to beat the Patriots."
Pegula crack back and a true statement with a three spot drop seems appropriate.
PFT 16:
"So much for the Bills being competitive."
Huh?
NFL.com 21:
"Fielded many complaints about Buffalo being too low in last week's Power Rankings, but the thought here was that the club reached (and knee-jerked) with Kyle Orton -- and, generally, was not playing all that well. Well, the offense does look better with Orton under center. But while I understand gripes about the Bills being lower than the Lions and Bears (both of whom Buffalo beat), both of those teams won in convincing fashion Sunday and are still better at pro football's most important position -- quarterback. What we need to see from Doug Marrone's team is consistency, even if it is just for two games in a row."
You know someone messed up a week ago if you move up a spot after a bad home L.
Yahoo 18:
"Like the Cordarrelle Patterson situation, the Bills are well aware how many touches they give to C.J. Spiller. And at some point, you have to wonder what's wrong with Spiller that the Bills don't want to involve him more."
Good question, I'd add Watkins.
Walterfootball 24:
"What I wrote last week: "I have a feeling that Buffalo fans will be the next group of people to flood my comment board now that the Cincinnati backers have been silenced."
Sure enough, Buffalo backers pounced on the comment board below even though I picked the Bills both in Weeks 5 and 6. Buffalo ended up costing me four units, but the silver lining is that the team's annoying homers can shut up until the team's next bogus victory."
U Mad Bro? Why would you bet on the Bills when you are such a hater?
Highest 16, lowest 24, pretty boring week
Monday, October 13, 2014
New Owner, Same Result - Pats outsmart Bills
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Week 6 NFL Expert Picks
Here are your 2014 Week 6 NFL Picks:
Steve 15-10 Best Bet 4-1
Chargers -7.5 @ Raiders
Bengals -6.5 v Panthers
Steelers +1 @ Browns
Buccaneers v Ravens under 43.5
Packers -3 @ Dolphins
Coast 13-11-1 Best Bet 2-3
Browns -1 v Steelers
Chargers -7.5 @ Raiders
Cowboys +8.5 @ Seahawks
Buccaneers +3.5 v Ravens
Broncos -10 @ Jets
Wreck 15-10 Best Bet 3-2
Jets +10 v Broncos
Raiders +7.5 @ Chargers
Cowboys +8.5 @ Seahawks
Panthers +6.5 @ Bengals
Eagles v Giants under 50.5
Katman 11-13-1 Best Bet 2-3
Steelers +1 @ Browns
Chargers -7.5 @ Raiders
Chargers @ Raiders over 43.5
Patriots @ Bills under 45.5
Broncos @ Jets over 48
Friday, October 10, 2014
Patriots at Bills Preview
By Steve
We all know what time it is. The Bills are ready for their bi-annual ass whooping by Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Cheatriots. Here we go again, right?
The Bills and New England have the same record 3-2, a top a weak AFC East. The Pats just throttled the Bengals in prime time and the Bills just won as 7 point dawgs at the Lions. Buf is 1-0 in division beating the Dolphins and N.E. is 0-1 with a loss to the same phins. Seemingly this game, if the names were different, would be a game the Bills would be favored.
But the Patriots are -3 because they are 24-2, twenty-four AND TWO in the last 13 seasons against the Bills. How is that possible? Well, for one, their qb has 3 rings and plays in championship games like I take shits (regularly) and our QB recently retired, smokes cigars and has a mustache.
Sure I wanted to pile on and say the cheatriots were done after losing badly to the Chiefs two weeks ago like everyone else. But I know better. I've been to more than half of those previous 26 games. I've been to Foxboro with my Fuck da Patriots shirt. I used to remember every defeat.
But after twenty or so defeats, the games have started to blend together. The Bills are close and choke, they blow big leads, they give just enough to dash our hopes. Sure the game at home in 2012 was euphoric but it was an outlier. It barely matters at this point.
Basically, I'm not burying the New Englanders until they are on fire with knives in their eyes their heart in my hand and heads on sticks Jason style. To be the man you have to beat the man.
Despite a nice win last week, a seemingly solid defense and a few playmakers on offense I dont have faith. QB v QB, coach v coach both huge advantages for NE.
When the Bills can run Belichick stacks the box, when the Bills can pass they blitz. When the Bills secondary owns, running backs I barely know have 100 yard games, when we have a solid front seven, receivers run buck wild in the secondary. Basically, they figure it out, adjust and beat us.
Sorry, I can't predict a win. With a win the scene will be better than in '12 but even if they lose the season isn't over.
The Bills have the easiest schedule in the league left based on winning %. The Patriots after the Jets (on Thursday) face Cutlet, Manning, Luck, Rodgers and Rivers in a row! So its not a must win but it is the biggest game of the season and could turn the tide on a 14 year playoff drought.
29-24 Cheatriots.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Buffalo Sabres 2014/15 Season Preview
By Steve
Is it June 2015 yet? Thats when the draft is right? Is anyone really anticipating this season with much fervor other than for a desire for the team to lose? (Well besides moron fanboy homers)
Then again I'm not totally convinced this team will be horrendous. Whilst the head coach is a moronic neanderthal who hates analytics, he does have a history of getting more out of less. That is concerning but the team was sooo bad last year it is difficult to fathom the team improving so much they aren't high in the lottery next year. Or is it?
Tim Murray is super cereal and knows he needs top end talent (of which the Sabres have little, at least on offense). The way to get top end talent is luck or high draft picks (as long as you don't look at Edmonton). But why did he bring in some whily old vets that have some talent?
I fear the team will be mediocre this year. Nothing will be worse than if the Buffalo Sabres (and the Islanders [ and the Blues for that matter]) are mediocre or better. Drafting 8th will not bring in a perennial All Star center. Drafting top 3 will.
The lemmings who buy hockey tickets around here will continue to any way so fuck em. Lose, lose, lose! I dont care if it is boring, pathetic or embarrassing. Finishing 10th is any way and it is worse.
For the love of god Nolan, do your job and lose. Then quit at the end of the season, find a young analytics-minded head coach and become a real NHL team in 15/16. Leggo
Prediction: Sabres finish 14th in the conference and will draft 5th.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Week 6 Buffalo Bills Power Rankings Compilation
ESPN 18:
"This week's edition of "just like everyone expected" -- down 14 on the road, Kyle Orton and the Bills rattled off 17 straight points for a big win in Detroit."
Five point jump and a meaningless comment. How are the lines 12th though?
CBS 19:
"Kyle Orton is 1-0 as the starter. Now comes a big one against the Patriots for the division lead."
Petesy Prisco has always been a hater only moving the Bills up four spots and he has the Lions five spots ahead of the Bills. Oh and they play the Patriots this week.
NFL 22:
"What a performance by Kyle Orton in his first start for the Bills. Before the game, Ian Rapoport offered up some odd intel about Orton's departure from Dallas. We're guessing Tony Romo did not endorse Orton on LinkedIn."
The Bills move up one spot and are behind not one not two but three teams they've already beaten. HUH?????
Yahoo! 16:
"Kyle Orton played well, and he'll have a few games like that. Next week's home game against New England is big for a Week 6 tilt."
Another non believer seemingly although Buffalo was moved up eight spots.
PFT 14:
Walterfootball 26:
" I have a feeling that Buffalo fans will be the next group of people to flood my comment board now that the Cincinnati backers have been silenced.
Speaking of angry people, Jim Schwartz may have finally been able to mellow out after beating his former team. I wanted to get Schwartz's reaction, so I sat down with him for an interview. Here's the transcript:
Me: Hey Jim, thanks for agreeing to the interview.
Schwartz: It's my pleasure, Walt. I've always sent tons of traffic your way, even when you were clamoring for my firing for several years. I love your work.
Me: Aww, thanks, Jim! Anyway, I was wondering how you feel about beating your former team.
Schwartz: It feels great, Walt. It's better than any sex or high I've experienced.
Me: That's great. So, how did you stymie Matthew Stafford, exactly? He struggled mightily, though I suppose Calvin Johnson's injury hurt him.
Schwartz: Yeah, that was an easy one. I snuck into Calvin Johnson's house the night before and bashed his foot with a hammer. I then knocked him unconscious so he wouldn't remember anything.
Me: Wow, that's pretty extreme.
Schwartz: Meh, it's OK. I also needed their kicker Alex Henery to screw up, so I kidnapped his wife and kids and told him that I'd decapitate them if he made any field goals.
Me: Uhh... that's kind of not cool.
Schwartz: Not cool? Those a**holes ran me out of town, Walt. The fans need to get their just desserts as well. That's why I've planted a dozen bombs around Detroit, and they're all set to go off sometime this week.
Me: Bombs!? Hold on, I'm getting a call.
Schwartz: Put down the phone, Walt. I saw you dial 9-1-1.
Me: No, I didn't, I swear!
Schwartz: You know too much. Prepare to meet my hammer of doom!
Me: No, Jim, put down the hammer, Jim! Put it down, Jim, put it down!!! "
You can always count on Walterfootball to pile on the hate even if he isn't very funny. Ha
Highest ranking is 14 lowest is 26.
Monday, October 6, 2014
MLB Total Wins Prediction Review
Back in March I predicted the win totals of all 30 MLB teams, NL and AL, lets see how I did:
American League
East
4-1 with my only wrong prediction being the Orioles.
Central
3-1-1 the Tigers were at exactly 90 wins and I was off on the Royals
West
3-1-1 again, the A's were exactly at 88 and Seattle surprised me.
National League
East
2-3 only ones I got right are the Nattys and Phillies
Central
3-2 the Reds let me down and the Brewers were hot early.
West
3-2, Dodgers won by half a win and the Diamondbacks were atrocious.
In total 18-10-2!! Call me a genius, thank you see you next year!
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Week 5 NFL Expert Picks
Chargers -7 v Jets
Ravens +3.5 @ Colts
Cowboys -6.5 v Texans
Rams @ Eagles over 47.5
Steelers @ Jagurs under 47
Wreck 11-9 Best Bet 2-2
Texans +6.5 @ Cowboys
Bills +7 @ Lions
Titans -1 v Browns
Patriots +1.5 v Bengals
Falcons @ Giants under 50.5
Coast 11-8-1 Best Bet 2-2
Falcons +4 @ Giants
Buccaneers +10 @ Saints
Cowboys -6.5 v Texans
Bills +7 @ Lions
49ers -5.5 v Chiefs
Katman 9-10-1 Best Bet 2-2
Chargers @ Jets over 44
Steelers -6.5 @ Jaguars
Chargers -7 v Jets
Cardinals +7.5 @ Broncos
Bills @ Lions over 44
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Bills at Lions Preview Podcast
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Week 5 Buffalo Bills Power Rankings
ESPN 23:
"EJ Manuel was 5-of-18 for 36 yards and two interceptions against at least five rushers Sunday. Manuel has a 2.3 Total QBR against the blitz this year (53.1 last year)."
Four spot drop and some useless Erik Manuel stats
CBS 23:
"The Bills have lost two straight and now must take a tough road trip to Detroit. Is it a trip back to reality?"
Another 4 spot drop and I have no clue what that comment means. Weren't the last 2 games a trip back to reality already?
Yahoo 24:
"I don't agree with benching EJ Manuel. If it's close (and while Manuel hasn't been good, we all know Kyle Orton won't be good either), then you go with the young guy and hope he improves. There's no upside with Orton, now or later."
6 spot plunge but some actual insight and opinion. Why do all the local guys love the qb change and the national guys hate it?
NFL.com :
Walterfootball 28:
" - The Twitter account @buffalorumblings summed up the Bills' season quite well in a single tweet:
"I think it needs to be said: Kyle Orton was signed less than a month ago and fans are CLAMORING to see what he's got. Says a lot.""
Only a two spot drop and a tweet from a rival, ouch.
PFT 21:
"Quarterback change now, coaching change later."
No faith in Kyle Orton or Doug Marrone.. hmm 3 spot drop but the highest of any other site.
NFL.com 23:
"Massive drop, based on consecutive uninspired performances and the sudden decision to bail on EJ Manuel. While I understand the coaching staff's position, I have my own take on what Buffalo is and isn't doing regarding its young quarterback -- click here to see what it is.
The Bills' defense has certainly played well enough to win. They have allowed opponents to post just 16.5 offensive points per game -- so don't put J.J. Watt's great play (and Manuel's blunder) on them."
huge drop down twelve slots. And no i'm not clicking on your other links.
Highest 21 lowest 28, best comment from nfl.com and dumbest from Walterfootball.