GGW Final Four Edition

QUEST FOR THE GRIDIRON GURUS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

2010 GGW Odds:
AIKMAN'S ARSENAL: 9:5
ACHILLES BOYS: 2:1

IRISH BULLDAWGS: 3:1
SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES: 5:1

1. ACHILLES'S BOYS (11-3) vs. 5. IRISH BULLDAWGS (8-6)
LINE: BOYS -9.5
Head-to-Head: Boys 104-98 in week 8

QUARTERBACK

Drew Brees vs. Ben Roethlisberger
- Big Ben comes off a 500 yard performance, while Brees is still trying to get the embedded Cowboys Star removed from his chest. Both quarterbacks will have something to play for and should throw the ball frequently. Brees should light up the scoreboard against the Bucs at the Dome and the only real cause of concern is if the Saints get out to a big lead that he may put on a visor before the game is over. Big Ben has a much tougher task against the Ravens, but this isn't your typical Ravens D. The Steelers will need to throw the ball to win and Big Ben will get his.
GGW ADVANTAGE: BREES +8

RUNNING BACKS

Ray Rice & Adrian Peterson vs. Jonathan Stewart & Ryan Grant
- If Achilles is going to advance to the finals, I have a feeling that he will be thanking his RB stable like he has all year long. Ray Rice will be running against the Matador defense formerly called the Steel Curtain and Adrian Peterson will be playing under the MNF lights against a Bears team that I think quit in early October. The Bulldawgs have to keep this match-up close and for that to happen Ryan Grant will have to run all over the Seahawks. Grant should have a big game, but the way the Giants defense looked against the Redskins has to limit Stewart's upside.
GGW ADVANTAGE: RICE & PETERSON +19

WIDE RECEIVERS

DERRICK MASON, WES WELKER & DWAYNE BOWE vs. VINCENT JACKSON, GREG JENNINGS & STEVE SMITH
- Keep it close Anthony K. Vlahos and you should be one step closer to your greatest moment in 2010. Bowe could struggle against the tough Bengals defensive backs, but the Boys just need 20-30 points from this trio. Vincent Jackson should go crazy against the Titans secondary. Jennings should see the endzone against a Seattle team that is ready to play golf. Steve Smith is the x-factor in this game. Smith MUST put up 15+ points for the Bulldawgs.

GGW ADVANTAGE: JACKSON, JENNINGS & SMITH: +18


TIGHT END


ANTONIO GATES vs. BRENT CELEK
-Who Rivers looks to in the redzone between Gates and Jackson will be huge. Celek could have a huge game against the Broncos with Champ Bailey covering DeSean Jackson. Celek will need 60+ yards and a TD.
GGW ADVANTAGE: GATES +2

KICKERS and DEFENSE
Stephen Gostkowski and Bengals D (vs. KC) vs. Robbie Gould and Cardinals D (vs. STL)
-An eleven point advantage for the Boys with the offensive performers means that the luck of the special team can come into the play to decide a winner. We like the Cardinals D slightly over the Bengals D and prefer Gostkowski over Gould.
GGW ADVANTAGE: GOSTKOWSKI and BENGALS D +4

FINAL GGW ADVANTAGE MARGIN: ACHILLES'S BOYS +15


2. AIKMAN'S ARSENAL (10-4) vs. 6. SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES (7-6-1)
LINE: ARSENAL -25.5
Head-to-Head: Arsenal 99-57 in week 4

QUARTERBACK

TONY ROMO vs. CARSON PALMER
-Mr. December will look to build on last week's performance and lead his Arsenal into the GGW Championship game. Will the Redskins quit after last night's debacle or be motivated to knock the Boys out of the playoffs? We think the latter. Palmer had a big day at "A Whale's Vigina" and should have no problem carving up a dreaded Kansas City defense. These two Top-10 QBs in the NFL should cancel each other out.

GGW ADVANTAGE: PALMER +2

RUNNING BACKS

CHRIS JOHNSON & JAMAAL CHARLES vs. FRANK GORE & BRANDON JACOBS*
-Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles have been money lately and either back can take it to the house at any moment. Johnson should find room against the Chargers D; while, Charles could have a tougher time against the Bengals D. Gore should and will need to have a big game against the Lions at home. We are going to assume that the Groupies bench the banged up Reggie Bush and insert Jacobs into the lineup.

GGW ADVANTAGE: JOHNSON & CHARLES +5

WIDE RECEIVERS


ANDRE JOHNSON, LARRY FITZGERALD & RANDY MOSS vs. SANTONIO HOLMES, DEVERY HENDERSON & CHRIS CHAMBERS
-The Arsenal's trifecta once again looks like a mismatch on paper. Johnson should have fun in the sun, but Fitz and Moss have suddenly become more questionable. Is Fitz 100% and does Moss care? Holmes and Henderson could both receive lots of passes from the QBs of the other semi-final match. Chris Chambers will need to get past the Bengals secondary and hook up for some long bombs. I think the Arsenal is too much here.

GGW ADVANTAGE: JOHNSON, FITZGERALD & MOSS +24

TIGHT END

-Dallas Clark has been a machine this season and he should once again have a big day against the blitzing Jets. Manning will look to dump off to his safety valve often. The biggest concern is how long Clark is in the game. Tony G will be playing in the 72 degree Georgia Dome and should find the endzone against the Buffalo Bills. Clark is just too good though.

GGW ADVANTAGE: CLARK +7

KICKERS and DEFENSE
Nate Kaeding and Packers D (vs. SEA) vs. David Akers and Vikings D (vs. CHI)
-A twenty point advantage for the Arsenal with the offensive performers means that the Groupies will need a huge game from their special teams. We think the kickers are a wash and that both defenses should put up huge numbers. However, the Vikings D against Jay Cutler has potential to change the outcome of this match.
GGW ADVANTAGE: AKERS and VIKINGS D +6

FINAL GGW ADVANTAGE MARGIN: AIKMAN'S ARSENAL +14

QUEST FOR THE GRIDIRON GURUS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

2010 GGW Odds:
AIKMAN'S ARSENAL: 7:5
ACHILLES BOYS: 2:1

IRISH BULLDAWGS: 6:1
IRISH PRIDE: 7:1
SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES: 10:1
BAXTER BEASTS: 15:1

Quick thoughts from the Commish:
Good luck to the six playoff teams and congratulations on a successful season!
- The Old Brigade put up 1336 points (2nd best in the GGW) and still missed out on the playoffs by 1/2 a game.
- Orton Hears a Who started out the season 5-2, but lost 6 of their last 7. Repeating the plan from last season.
- Wolf Packers made some questionable keeper decisions and the results were defending champion to 4-10. The winner will be receiving a late Christmas present from Mr. Wilson.

LEAGUE PAYOUTS:
1st: $800
2nd: $300
3rd: $100
12th: Pays the $10 plaque fee for the beautiful trophy

Now, let's present some awards....

REGULAR SEASON MVP

CHRIS JOHNSON
AIKMAN'S ARSENAL
2009 Winner: Aaron Rodgers, Vankirk's Bronson

BARGAIN OF THE YEAR

RAY RICE ($8) ACHILLES'S BOYS
2009 Winner: Chris Johnson ($4), Aikman's Arsenal


COACH OF THE YEAR

MICHAEL HEGARTY AIKMAN'S ARSENAL
2009 Winner: Ray Wilson, Wolf Packers

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
ANTHONY VLAHOS ACHILLES'S BOYS
2009 Winner: Michael Hegarty, Aikman's Arsenal

BONEHEAD OF THE YEAR
RAY WILSON
WOLF PACKERS
2009 Winner: Cory Pittman, Orton Hears a Who

BUST OF THE YEAR

CLINTON PORTIS ($55)
SHOW ME YOUR TD'S
2009 Winner: Joseph Addai ($58), Dr. Kenneth Noisewater/Achilles's Boys

GOAT OF THE YEAR
MICHAEL DOOLEY
VANKIRK'S BRONSON
2009 Winner: Chris Norris, Springsteen Groupies

Playoff Picture

1. Aikman's Arsenal: (8-3)
Games Remaining: Achilles Boys (8-3), Wolf Packers (4-7), Orton Hears a Who (5-6)
Outlook: Tough one-point loss to an impressive Baxter Beasts prevented the Arsenal from clinching a playoff spot and separating from the pack. Huge game this week against the Boys as the winner will have the inside track for home-field advantage; meanwhile, the loser will be fighting out for a first-round bye.
Prediction: 11-3, #1 Seed

2. Achilles's Boys: (8-3)
Games Remaining: Aikman's Arsenal (8-3), Dr. Kenneth Noisewater (3-8), Old Brigade (5-4-2)
Outlook: The Boys took care of business in their first test by pounding Poppy's Irish Pride. If the Boys can defeat the Pride and Arsenal in back-to-back weeks, nobody can say they don't deserve to be the favorite heading into the GGW playoffs. However, we see a heartbreaking defeat to the Arsenal and a slip-up with one of the remaining two games (Noisewater is peaking and the Brigade could be a desperate bunch in that final week looking for a spot in the playoffs).
Prediction: 9-5, #3 seed

3. Irish Pride: (7-3-1)
Games Remaining: Wolf Packers (4-7), Old Brigade (5-4-2), Irish Bulldawgs (7-4)
Outlook: The Pride were sitting pretty two weeks ago, but a two-game slide and a tough closing stretch could see the Pride's playoff seed get lower. The GGW sees the Pride losing 4 of their last 5 games.
Prediction: 8-5-1, #5 seed

4. Irish Bulldawgs: (7-4)
Games Remaining: Vankirk's Bronson (2-9), Springsteen Groupies (5-5-1), Irish Pride (7-3-1)
Outlook: After starting the year off with four straight wins, the Bulldawgs dropped their next four and have now won three in a row. The Bulldawgs have somewhat of an easy schedule and we think they can pull three in a row to get to 10-4. That Bulldawgs and Pride game could be a huge game for a first-round bye.
Prediction: 10-4, #2 Seed

5. Old Brigade: (5-4-2)
Games Remaining: Springsteen Groupies (5-5-1), Irish Pride (7-3-1), Achilles's Boys (8-3)
Outlook: The Old Brigade continue to just hang around around .500. Never able to string a couple of wins together, but also keeping the L's one at a time. Very tough stretch to end the season and this week's match-up with the Groupies is huge. A win there and they are looking good for the playoffs, a loss and they join the muck of teams. We think the Brigade slip past the Groupies and then lose out.
Prediction: 6-6-2, #6 seed

6. Baxter Beasts: (6-5)
Games Remaining: Orton Hears a Who (5-6), Vankirk's Bronson (2-9), Show Me Your TD's (4-7)
Outlook: Huge win against the Arsenal to put the Beasts just in front of the the log jam of mediocre teams. Even nicer than the win over the Arsenal is the cupcake schedule to finish out the season. The Bronsons are a joke and Orton Hears a Who is playing terrible football. The Show Me's are playing pretty well, but the Beasts will have already locked up a spot by then anyways.
Prediction: 9-5, #4 seed (Just barely missing the Greek by total points for the #3 seed)

7. Springsteen Groupies: (5-5-1)
Games Remaining: Old Brigade (5-4-2), Irish Bulldawgs (7-4), Wolf Packers (4-7)
Outlook: A drastic improvement over last season's disaster, but the Groupies still don't have the firepower to advance to the playoffs. The Old Brigade game is a huge swing game, but like we said earlier we see the Brigade narrowly escaping. We don't see them beating the Bulldawgs or Packers.
Prediction: 5-8-1, #9 seed

8. Orton Hears a Who: (5-6)
Games Remaining: Baxter Beasts (6-5), Show Me Your TD's (4-7), Aikman's Arsenal (8-3)
Outlook: History repeating itself. What a disaster for this team to collapse two season in a row. This team was 4-1 and then 5-2, but now four consecutive losses have them looking outside of the playoffs. We see the slide closing out with a seven-game losing streak. However, an upset over the Beasts has the Who right back in the mix.
Prediction: 5-9, #11 seed

9. Wolf Packers: (4-7)
Games Remaining: Irish Pride (7-3-1), Aikman's Arsenal (8-3), Springsteen Groupies (5-5-1)
Outlook: Left for the dead and researching prices on the shipment of a 20lb trophy, but the champ would not go down without a fight. However, last night Rob Bironas might have put the final bullet in the champ. Might be time to sleep with the trophy every night for this last month. A sweep of the final three games could (and would probably) be enough to get the #6 seed. However, we see the Arsenal ending the repeat season in week 13.
Prediction: 6-8, #7 seed

10. Show Me Your TD's: (4-7)
Games Remaining: Dr. Noisewater (3-8), Orton Hears a Who (5-6), Baxter Beasts (6-5)
Outlook: The TD's started out 2-6 and rumors were swirling of a retirement announcement from the legendary Hampey Russell. However, the TD's rallied around him and have put themselves at least in position for a playoff run. We see the TD's slipping by the Noisewater, running over the roadkill Orton Hears a Who with his newly repaired pick-up truck to set-up a win and in match-up with the hot Baxter Beasts. Knock, knock...Hamp, that's William putting in the final nail in the coffin for the TD's season.
Prediction: 6-8, #8 seed


11. Dr. Kenneth Noisewater: (3-8)
Games Remaining: Show Me Your TD's (4-7), Achilles's Boys (8-3), Vankirk's Bronson (2-9)
Outlook: The Noise just never could get it going this season. While they could easily run the table here, we just don't think it is mathematically possible to advance to the playoffs at 6-8 (we aren't going to try and figure it out either, yet).
Prediction: 5-9, #10 seed

12. Vankirk's Bronson: (2-9)
Games Remaining: Irish Bulldawgs (7-4), Baxter Beasts (6-5), Dr. Kenneth Noisewater (3-8)
Outlook: Last season's semi-final win over the Arsenal was the biggest fluke of the GGW. Rumors of this team selling and relocating.
Prediction: 2-12, #12 seed

Comments, Thoughts, Complaints, Cuss Words???

Power Rankings: Women of Curb Edition

BARE MIDRIFF DIVISION

12. VANKIRK'S BRONSON (1-6)

11. DR. KENNETH NOISEWATER (1-6)

These teams are unbearable to watch.

Bam Bam Funkhouser Division

10. SPRINGSTEEN GROUPIES (2-5)

9. SHOW ME YOUR TD'S (2-5)
8. WOLF PACKERS (2-5)

Just a trainwreck, but not all is lost.


LORETTA BLACK DIVISION
7. BAXTER BEASTS (4-3)
6. IRISH BULLDAWGS (4-3)

Still potential for great success, but might need to get out before the bad news hits.

Denise Handicapped Division

5. Orton Hears a Who (5-2)
4. Old Brigade (5-1-1)

Still some disabilities, but starting to figure out all the positives.


Cheryl David Division


3. Achilles's Boys (5-2)
2. Irish Pride (5-1-1)
1. Aikman's Arsenal (5-2)

It's good to be back!

Comments, thoughts, complaints, cuss words? Let us know how you feel below.

The Guru's Locks of the Week (SEC Edition)

While we wait on the Gridiron Gurus to select their keepers, we have asked the Guru to look into his NCAA crystal ball and give us the outcome for the 2011 season:

SEC WEST

(1) LSU--Just at the right place at the right time, enough experienced talent in the inexperienced but talented SEC West, and they have the right schedule.

(2) Auburn--Repeat to ATL is attainable, but this year AU travels to the SEC Champ roadblock, Baton Rouge. Coaching and defense gets it done this year for the Real Tigers.

(3) Alabama--Lost 3 best players on offense, but while they have enough talent in the tank to make a run at ATL, they just don't have the right players at the right positions to make this dream a reality.

(4) Arkansas--Key talent at key positions, but the defense is not strong enough to compete for a SEC West title.

(5) Mississippi State--Typical season in the SEC West with the Mississippi teams at the bottom.

(6) Ole Miss--Ditto.

SEC EAST


(1) UGA--Aaron Murray is just too damn good in a wide open East. UGA rights the ship in 2011.

(2) Tennessee--Dooley has his team heading for glory in the near future, just not enough eggs to put in the SEC Champ basket quite yet.

(3) South Carolina--Two extremely dynamic players on offense in Lattimore and Alshan, but Garcia will fox it up and the defense remains a weak area.

(4) Florida--Will Muschamp wishes he was back in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

(5) Kentucky--Just don't have it to compete.

(6) Vanderbilt--Great baseball team.

SEC AWARDS

SEC Off. POY--Aarron Muray (UGA) (Best QB in nation)


SEC Def. POY--Barkevious Mingo (LSU)

SEC Freshman of the Year--Trevon Reed (AU)

SEC COY--Derek Dooley (Tenn)

SEC CG -- LSU 24, UGA 21

BCS Champ--No SEC team will finish undefeated. Old Big 12 rivals Texas and Nebraska, who benefits from a weak Big 10, meet in the BCS Championship, with Texas coming out on top 31-27.


Please direct all comments, complaints, cusswords in the comment box below. The Guru will answer you at his convenience if you are so lucky.

Game of the Week

Week 2:
Vankirk's Bronson (1-0) vs. Irish Bulldawgs (1-0)

TV: Tape Delayed on BravoTV. Tues, Sept. 22 at 2:30am et.
Location: Auburn, AL
Line:

The Gurus couldn't ask for a better opening week game between the league's last two champions. Coach Hegarty had to hand over the trophy in July to Coach Wilson and now will have to watch the banner be raised tonight in Greensboro, NC. ESPN has projected both teams to have the highest point total, but for the defending champs to start the year off right with a 117-114 victory.

QUARTERBACK:
Tony Romo vs. Tom Brady
Edge: Wolf Packers
We have a feeling that Tom Brady just might be a little pumped up to get back on the football field. Tony Romo is probably happy to not have #81 and Mrs. Colt Brennan to deal with this season. Brady will have a monster game on Monday Night Football, Arsenal just has to hope he is throwing it to his #81.

RUNNING BACKS:
Michael Turner and Mike Bell vs. DeAngelo Williams and Julius Jones
Edge: Push
The outcome of this match-up will probably be decided by who wins the running back battles. Interestingly, both coaches have benched big time studs in Chris Johnson (@Pit) and Ryan Grant (vs. CHI). Will Julius (vs. STL) or Bell (vs. DET) have the bigger game against the weaker opponent.

WIDE RECEIVERS:
Randy Moss, Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Johnson vs. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Lance Moore and Eddie Royal
Edge: Aikman's Arsenal
The Arsenal's Big 3 is going to win them a lot of games. Coach Hegarty is hoping for at least 2 of the 3 to have big games each week. Wolf Packers WRs have solid match-ups this week and might play close to the Arsenal's trio.

TIGHT END:
Anthony Fasano vs. John Carlson
Edge: Wolf Packers
A slight edge goes to the Wolf Packers. If either TE can catch a ball in the endzone, it could shift the W/L column.

KICKER:
Mason Crosby vs. Rob Bironas
Edge: Push
Both kickers could have some opportunity with their respective teams playing stout defenses (Bears and Steelers).

DEFENSE:
Chargers vs. Giants
Edge: Aikman's Arsenal
Slight edge to the Arsenal's defense. Both team will be going up against average QBs in JaMarcus Russell and Jason Campbell. It's the Raiders though.

PREDICTION:
BravoTV has to pleased to televise this game and this match could reach up to 7 households this week. We expect both teams to reach triple digits in week 1, but we think the Wolf Packers have one too many Seahawks in their starting lineup.

ARSENAL 116, Wolf Packers 105

The Other Game
(Tape Delayed on BravoTV Wed nights at 5:00am et)

Irish Pride vs. Old Brigade

Prediction: Brigade 85, Pride 78

Gridiron Gurus Championship Trophy

She's a beauty! That's right Gurus, this is what you will be competing to have in your home for 365 days. The Gridiron Gurus Championship Trophy currently resides in Greensboro, NC until December.

TANSTAAFL?
Yes, all good things come with a price. I'm asking all Gurus to help pitch in with $25 (Your Commish will pay $100)

Rules:
The GGCT will be like the Stanley Cup where it resides with the Champ until he is no longer the champ. It is your responsibility to get it to its rightful owner.

Make things a little more interesting. The loser of the 11th/12th place game will be responsible to pay for the plaque ($10). Enough of a hassle to avoid losing in 12th.

What all Gurus dream of...

Keeping up with the Keepers: (Continuously updated until July 31 deadline)

Aikman's Arsenal:

Chris Johnson: $9... Michael Turner: $24... Randy Moss: $50... Larry Fitzgerald: $30... Andre Johnson: $33... Fred Jackson: $3... Jamaal Charles: $1...


Dr. Kenneth Noisewater:


Joe Flacco: $1... Steve Slaton: $6... Kevin Smith: $14... Calvin Johnson: $25... Steve Smith: $27... DeSean Jackson: $8... Dustin Keller: $1...

Irish Bulldawgs:

Jay Cutler: $22... Matt Forte: $16... Jonathan Stewart: $19... Greg Jennings: $20... Vincent Jackson: $6...

Achilles's Boys:

Drew Brees: $27... Cedric Benson: $11... Ray Rice: $8... Anquan Boldin: $20... Kevin Walter: $6... Owen Daniels: $6...

Cunning Linguists:

Kurt Warner: $14... Tim Hightower: $6... Brandon Marshall: $23... Donnie Avery: $3... Jets D/ST: $1...

Vankirk's Bronson

Aaron Rodgers: $11... Matt Ryan: $7... Willis McGahee: $32... Wes Welker: $21 ... Dwayne Bowe: $16...

Irish Pride:

Matt Schaub: $14... Trent Edwards: $6... Pierre Thomas: $16... Roddy White: $18... Reggie Wayne: $38... Jason Witten: $23... Josh Scobee: $1

Schroll Pick Sixed Me:

Matt Cassel: $10... Maurice Jones-Drew: $40... Clinton Portis: $55... Tony Gonzalez: $21...

Baxter Beasts:

Ronnie Brown: $24... Nate Kaeding: $1...

Springsteen Groupies:

Nobody

Wolf Packers:

Shaun Hill: $1... DeAngelo Williams: $12... Eddie Royal: $8... Lance Moore: $5... Giants D/ST: $5...

Old Brigade:

Philip Rivers: $16... Steven Jackson: $58... Marques Colston: $30... Roy Williams: $23... Domenik Hixon: $2...