I started to say that maybe the most interesting divisional race so far looks like the Titans and Jaguars tied for first place.
Here were my other picks:
Redskins (1-1) vs Giants (0-2)
Pick: Giants
Thankfully, they got it done. The Redskins were forced to throw more due to the early deficit (9-0, then about 12-3 and 18-6), and they became too one-dimensional.
Falcons (2-0) vs Cowboys (2-0)
Pick: Cowboys
I know about Dallas' injuries, and it won't help the Giants in the standings (maybe not Matt Ryan's fantasy numbers, either!), but the Falcons defense doesn't really intimidate me. They're giving up almost 400 offensive yards each game. If the Cowboys can try to control the clock, focus on the run, and play good defense (258 yards allowed per game to the Giants and Eagles - the same two teams who gained 390+ yards against the Falcons), I give them a shot to stay undefeated.
Colts (0-2) vs Titans (1-1)
Pick: Colts
They've already fooled me twice. I just can't see them losing another game unless they're a last place team with Pro Bowl starters. The biggest issues on a bunch of NFL teams this year seem to be the offensive and defensive lines.
Raiders (1-1) vs Browns (1-1)
Pick: Browns
I'd like that pick better if Johnny Manziel was throwing the ball. The Browns won this same matchup last year (in Cleveland), but I don't think either Manziel or McCown were involved. The Browns may have the most underrated secondary in the league, and they're at home, so I probably favored them for those two reasons.
Bengals (2-0) vs Ravens (0-2)
Pick: Bengals
Pundits keep waiting for Andy Dalton to mess up. What's the deal with that? I see how the Bengals won this series last year (2-0, 50-40 in points scored, +2 in turnovers), and they're playing solid football in most phases of the game. I'm waiting for the Ravens' offense to start looking more effective, and they lost Suggs on defense.
Jaguars (1-1) vs Patriots (2-0)
Pick: Patriots
Last week, I felt above average about the Dolphins beating this team. How did that work out? The Patriots aren't the Dolphins, though. They have a nightmare mismatch in this guy named Gronkowski, and they limit their turnovers. The biggest question for them so far has been a defense that allows 26.5 points and 407 yards, both of which are above the Jaguars' output.
Eagles (0-2) vs Jets (2-0)
Pick: Jets
I don't really think of the Jets as being better than the Eagles in most years. It's just hard to see Sam Bradford not getting flattened by the pass rush or throwing into coverage. The Jets know what to do offensively to maintain drives, control the clock, and then throw to Brandon Marshall in the red zone.
Saints (0-2) vs Panthers (2-0)
Pick: Panthers
The Panthers won this series last year (2-0, 51-38, +2 turnovers), and Drew Brees is injured. I would say the biggest questions have to do with some of the fantasy players in this game (I have Jonathan Stewart on the Carolina side, and Marques Colston got recruited because of injuries to Dez and Alshon Jeffery).
Buccaneers (1-1) vs Texans (0-2)
Pick: Texans
I put a question mark next to them. It seems like the Texans desperately need to get Arian Foster back to keep the defense off the field. I have this defense as my fantasy starters, and the two positives look like a weak Buccaneers offense (303 total yards per game facing the Titans and the Saints), plus 2.0 turnovers per game.
Chargers (1-1) vs Vikings (1-1)
Pick: Chargers
This felt like a bit of a risk, because I see the game going one of two ways. The Vikings could try to slow things down and control possession with Adrian Peterson. That may happen because the Chargers' defense was run over by a good rushing offense (Bengals) in a road game just last week.
On the other hand, the Chargers average 120 more yards of total offense compared to the Vikings, and they might be able to run the score up quickly, tempting the Vikings to abandon the run and try to win a shootout, which doesn't seem to be their style.
The Chargers also scare me a little with turnovers (3 per game), so it's kind of like I picked against some of my intuition there. Overall, it's just hard to see the Vikings as a better team than the Chargers, no matter what the stats are saying.
Steelers (1-1) vs Rams (1-1)
Pick: Steelers
One thing I didn't analyze were the splits between the Steelers on the road (they still scored 21 points in Foxboro) compared with at home. They have a 176 yard advantage offensively, so it looks like the Rams' defense will be more overwhelmed trying to stop that, while the Steelers were able to absorb the Patriots in week 1 and even lots of passing yards when the 49ers fell behind in week 2. I thought the Rams might be able to pull off some special teams magic, but even the Steelers' punt and kick coverage has been excellent this season.
49ers (1-1) vs Cardinals (2-0)
Pick: Cardinals
Are the Cardinals the best team in the NFC? They might not even win their division, but once you get past the Packers and the Seahawks, I'm not sure who else stands out. The whole East and South divisions look like average or losing teams.
This exact matchup (including location) finished Cardinals 23 - 49ers 14 last season, even with the 49ers winning time of possession and the turnover battle (+1). The Cardinals have scored an insane amount of points from just 364 yards per game, and their defensive strength (stopping the run) could force the 49ers to throw more. I like that for fantasy purposes (Torrey Smith in the starting lineup), but I don't think the 49ers can keep pace in a road shootout, based on last week's game.
Bills (1-1) vs Dolphins (1-1)
Pick: Bills
This surprised me, and is an example of why I put all the effort into researching stats. The series last year was split, with both home teams winning. In the game the Dolphins won, though, they had to control the clock, deal with five sacks, and they were -2 in turnovers. I don't see them being able to run against the Bills, since they weren't able to do it against the Redskins or the Jaguars. I do see how it looks possible for the Bills to run against the Dolphins, and they force 2.5 turnovers per game (that was against guys like Luck and Brady), so I'm thinking the Bills can pull this one off.
Bears (0-2) vs Seahawks (0-2)
Pick: Seahawks
It's not that I like Seattle. They finally get to play at home, and the Bears are missing too many starters from the offense. Somehow, the Bears defense has only given up 311 yards per game, but the Packers and the Cardinals (possibly the two best NFC teams) converted those yards into 79 points!
Broncos (2-0) vs Lions (0-2)
Pick: Broncos
Based on the stats, this is a game where something has to give in the matchups. The Lions haven't been running the ball well, but the Broncos allow more than double the yards the Lions are used to gaining. The Broncos are also bad trying to run, but the Lions are very generous defensively. The Broncos have by far the best pass defense in the league after two weeks, and they've forced an amazing seven turnovers. I think Peyton just has to play like Peyton, and the defense should take care of the rest, even in a road game.
Chiefs (1-1) vs Packers (2-0)
Pick: Packers
I noticed how this was a Super Bowl from years past (similar to Steelers vs Rams). The most interesting thing statistically is that the Chiefs may be able to establish a running game. If Green Bay scores quickly, though, or the Chiefs settle for field goals, then I think the game would favor the Packers (the Chiefs might need to throw more than usual). You know that Aaron Rodgers doesn't seem to throw interceptions at home, but some team has to end that streak eventually, right?
There was also a MNF game last year, Patriots vs Chiefs, where I wouldn't have expected a Chiefs blowout, but this looks different (Chiefs are the road team). One good thing for KC is how they've been resting since last Thursday.
My other picks were:
Eliminator - Patriots
Record Breaker - Jamaal Charles
With the Patriots, I'm hoping the Jaguars don't beat me two weeks in a row. Since I already lost, I doubt I'll be in the running for the grand prize. ESPN still lets you keep picking, so I'll try for a 16-1 record this season.
In record breaker, I need somebody to break out soon. After two weeks, I'm only at 122 rushing yards. The best matchups this week looked like Charles, and then Adrian Peterson for the Vikings (home game vs the Chargers). I think it really depends on the circumstances of both games. Like I mentioned with the Vikings, can they impose a run game, or will San Diego use a quick striking offense to run up the score?
Well, I wanted to try and play "Disney Infinity" at 3 PM today. It's already after 2 PM, so let me edit and post this.
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WWE 2K18 ROSTER & MATCH TYPES | ||||
If you see multiple of the same name, it just means different versions that can be in the ring together. Names highlighted in blue are Cruiserweights | ||||
1 Up Man Adam Cole Aerostar Aiden English AJ Styles Akam Akira Tozawa Albert Aleister Black Alexander Wolfe Andrade "Cien" Almas Andre The Giant Angelo Dawkins Animal Apollo Crews Ariya Daivari Arnold T101 Austin Aries B Brian Blair Bam Bam Bigelow Baron Corbin Barron Blade Batista '10 Beautiful Bobby Eaton Big Boss Man '91 Big Boss Man '99 Big Cass Big E Big Show Big Show '00 Bo Dallas Bobby Fish Bobby Roode Booker T Braun Strowman Bray Wyatt Bret Hart '97 Bret Hart '98 Brian Kendrick British Bulldog Brock Lesnar Brutus Beefcake Bryan Danielson Buddy Roberts Butch Cactus Jack '92 Cactus Jack '98 Captain Jobber Cedric Alexander Cesaro Chad Gable Chris Jericho |
Chris Jericho '00 Christian Col Sanders Cole Quinn Curt Hawkins Curtis Axel Daniel Bryan Dark Link Darren Young Dash Wilder DDP '92 DDP '98 Dean Ambrose Dennis Condrey Diesel Doc Louis Dolph Ziggler Donatello Drago Drew Gulak Drew McIntyre Dude Love Dusty Rhodes Earthquake Eddie Guerrero Edge El Mago Elias Enzo Amore Epico Colon Eric Young Erick Rowan Fandango Finn Balor Finn Balor Demon The Godfather Goldberg Goldust Gorgeous George Gran Metalik Greg Valentine Hawk Heath Slater Hideo Itami Hurricane Jack Gallagher Jake Roberts Jason Jordan JBL Jeff Hardy Jey Uso Jim Brunzell |
Jim Neidhart Jimmy Garvin Jimmy Uso Jinder Mahal John Cena John Cena '06 John Cena '10 Johnny Gargano The Joker Kalisto Kane Kane '98 Karl Anderson Kassius Ohno Kerry Von Erich Kevin Nash Kevin Owens Kevin Von Erich Killian Dain King Cuerno King Feck Kofi Kingston Konnor Kurt Angle '01 Kurt Angle '06 Kyle O'Reilly Larry Zbysko Lars Sullivan Leonardo Lex Luger Lince Dorado Link Little Mac Luigi Luke Luke Gallows Luke Harper Mankind Mario Mark Henry Matt Hardy Michael Hayes Michaelangelo The Miz Mojo Rawley Montez Ford Mortis Mr.205 Live Mr. McMahon Mr. Perfect Mustafa Ali Necroplasm |
Neville Nick Miller No Way Jose Noam Dar Noob Saibot Oney Locan Optimus Prime Otis Dozovic Papa Shango Pentagon Jr Pete Dunne Primo Colon Prince Puma R-Truth Randy Orton Randy Savage Raphael Razor Ramon Reptile Retro Rick Rey Fenix Rey Mysterio Rezar Rhyno Ric Flair '88 Ric Flair '91 Rich Swann Rick Martel Rick Rude Ricky Morton Ricky Steamboat '91 Ricky Steamboat '94 Rikishi Rob Van Dam '06 Robert Gibson The Rock The Rock '01 Roddy Piper Roderick Strong Roman Reigns Rusev Sami Zayn Samoa Joe Sawyer Fulton Scorpion Scott Dawson Scott Hall Seth Rollins Shane McMahon Shane Thorne Shao Khan Shawn Michaels '97 |
Shawn Michaels '98 Sheamus Shelton Benjamin Shinsuke Nakamura Sin Cara Snoop Dogg Stan Lane Starman Steve Austin '97 Sting Sting '88 Sting '91 Sting '98 Sting '99 Stormtrooper Stunning Steve Austin Subzero MKX Superman Sycho Sid Tatanka Tatsumi Fujinami Ted DiBiase TehJew22 Titus O'Neil TJP Tommaso Ciampa Tony Nese Triple H Triple H '01 Triple H '98 Tucker Knight Tye Dillinger Tyler Bate Tyler Breeze Typhoon Tyson Kidd Ultimate Warrior Ultimo Dragon Undertaker (Classic) The Undertaker Undertaker '00 Vader Vampiro Velveteen Dream Venom Viktor Voltron Waluigi Wario William Regal Xavier Woods Zack Ryder |
WOMEN | ||||
Alexa Bliss Alicia Fox Alundra Blayze Asuka Bayley Becky Lynch Beth Phoenix Bianca Belair Billie Kay Brie Bella Cammy Carmella Charlotte Chun Li Dana Brooke Ember Moon Emma Ivelise Velez |
Ivory Jacqueline Jade Kairi Sane Kharma Kitana Lana Lita Liv Morgan Mandy Rose Mariposa Maryse Mickie James Mileena Naomi Natalya Nia Jax |
Nikki Bella Nikki Cross Paige Peyton Royce Ronda Rousey Ruby Riot Sarah Logan Sasha Banks Sexy Star Shayna Baszler Sonya Blade Sonya Deville Stephanie McMahon Summer Rae Tamina Taya Valkyrie Trish Stratus Wii Fit Trainer | ||
VALETS & MANAGERS Anyone above can be a "manager" plus... | ||||
Bobby Heenan Lana |
Mr. McMahon Paul Ellering Paul Heyman |
Stephanie McMahon Ted DiBiase | ||
MATCH TYPES | ||||
*** ONE ON ONE *** Normal |
*** TRIPLE THREAT *** Normal |
*** FATAL 4 WAY *** Normal |
*** TWO ON TWO *** Normal *** 8-MAN *** Tag Team |
*** 6-MAN *** Tag Team *** HANDICAP *** One on Two Tag |
MATCH MODIFIERS | ||||
Pin & Submission Both, Pin, Submit, Off 2 Out of 3 Falls Iron Man |
Over the Top Rope On, Off K.O. Last Man Standing |
Perform Finisher to Win On, Off First Blood Climb out of Cage (Cage Match Only) DQ |
Rope Break (Automatic) On, Off Ring Out Elimination |
Falls Count Anywhere On, Off Time Limit Entrance Interval (Chamber/Rumble) |
SUPER SMASH BROS. ROSTER & SETTINGS | |||
Akira Alph Austin Powers Bayonetta Bob Ross Bowser Bowser Jr Burger King Captain Falcon Charizard Charlie Brown Chuck Norris Cloud Col Sanders Corrin Dark Pit Diddy Kong Donkey Kong Dr. Mario Dracula Drew Carey |
Duck Hunt Dumbledore Falco Fox Ganondorf Greninja Iggy Jr Ike Jacky Jigglypuff Joker King Dedede Kirby Larry Jr Lemmy Jr Link Little Mac Lucario Lucas Lucina Lucy Ludwig Jr |
Luigi Majora Mario Marth Mega Man Meta Knight Mewtwo Morton Jr Mr. Game & Watch Mr. Miyagi Ness Olimar Pac-Man Palutena Peach Peppermint Patty Pikachu Pit Popeye R.O.B. Retro Rick Robin |
Rosalina & Luma Roy Roy Jr Ryu Samus Sheik Shulk Snoop Dog Sonic Steve Urkel TehJew22 Toon Link Villager Wario Weird Al Wendy Jr Wii Fit Trainer Yoshi Zelda Zero Zerosuit Samus |
BATTLE TYPES TIME BATTLE: All characters battle for a set amount of time scoring one point per KO and LOSING one point each time they are KO'ed. STOCK BATTLE: All characters have a set number of lives and when they run out, they're done. When combined with a time limit whomever has more lives left when time runs out wins. COIN BATTLE: For 2-4 characters ONLY! Coins are knocked out of characters as they battle. After a fixed time limit whomever has the most coins wins. SETTINGS TIME LIMIT: Can be from 1 to 15 minutes. |