Look Who is Coming to New York

A few weeks ago, I made the prediction that the Miami Dolphins will go into the last game of the season with a chance for a division title against the New York Jets in the Meadowlands. At the time, the Dolphins had an easy road, but still needed to execute. Well here they are, winners of 8 out of their last 9 and one of the hottest teams in football.

This game is definitely something to watch next Sunday. There are so many unbelievable stories about this game. Miami QB Chad Pennington has a shot to go back to New York, against the team that dumped him after last season, and take his surging Dolphins to the playoffs. There is no doubt about it, Pennington wants to win this game more than any other game he has ever played in his career.

On the flip side, the Jets organization can look like total idiots if they lose. They gave up draft picks to acquire Brett Favre. There is a chance that this could be the worst move the Jets have ever made. Imagine if the Jets get beat, don't make the playoffs, and Favre retires after the season? Then they would have given up a ton just to go 10-6 and have Favre on their team. What an embarrassment this would be to them. They better hope they can pull this out.

Another great story is the Miami season itself. A team who struggled to win 1 game a year ago and gave up their best player (Jason Taylor) is on the verge of a 10 game turnaround and stealing the division. Even if they don't win next week, it is arguably the best turnaround of any NFL franchise ever.

I am neither a Dolphins or a Jets fan and this game is extremely interesting to me. My prediction is that the fish pull off a 23-20 win. Not only are they one of the hottest teams but the Jets are so inconsistent, I don't have faith in them showing up. Especially after an embarrassing loss in Seattle. So although many teams are going to be fighting for a playoff spot next week, make sure you keep an eye on this one, it's sure to be an amazing game.

Insomnia

I'm finding it hard to sleep after such a busy day in the sports world. Here's whats on my mind:

• My take on the Brett Favre trade: Everybody loses. I couldn't agree more with Mike. Favre certainly will make the Jets a better team, but are they a playoff caliber team? Not in the AFC...I see them going 8-8 or 9-7. I truly believe Brett loses too, because if reunited in Tampa with Jon Gruden, he would make the Bucs a legitimate super bowl contender. The only real winner here is Jets ownership from a business prospective. No doubt the Jets will profit from this move. Unfortunately we as fans really don't care.
• Ryan Ludwick is an absolute monster, homering in his 5th straight game tonight. Yet another "feel good story" in St. Louis, I really hope he isn't just a one year wonder. He is carrying my fantasy team.
• After trying out NCAA Football 09 today, my excitement for madden has grown exponentially. The gameplay looks outstanding.
• Did Jeff Karstens really come within 4 outs of a perfect game? Wow. The change of scenery is doing wonders to almost every single player moved before the deadline (Sabathia, Harden, Bay, Manny, Griffey, and even guys like Brandon Moss and Karstens).
• The Beijing Oylmpics are underway (sort of), and the US has already experienced its first defeat. I'm pretty surprised by the poor showing of the women's soccer team, but I'm sure the defending gold medalists will bounce back.
  
• I have mixed feelings about this upcoming fantasy football season. It seems like there are just so many boom or bust type players this year. I think I'm going to be a big time risk taker this year.
• Be on the lookout for me and Mikes inaugural fantasy football player rankings. We're anticipating sometime next week.

Thats really all I've got for tonight. I'm looking forward to turning on the T.V. sometime in the near future and not hearing the words "Brett" or "Favre". But as long as ESPN exists and Brett Favre is breathing, we all know this is impossible.

Nonsense Rumor: Favre to Jets?

According to a friend, The New York Jets just waived Punter Joe Smith. Why do I or you or any one care? Because said Punter wore uniform number 4.

I did some research and apparently there is an un-retired QB who wears no. 4 who may be on the trade block.

This is probably inconsequential and possibly, Joe Smith still has a job and I received poor information. Also possible, you heard it here first. So there. Take that Chris Mortensen.

What is Brett Favre worth?

According to earlier reports from the Tampa Tribune and Rotoworld:

"it is believed" that the Packers and Bucs were close to agreeing on compensation in a trade that would've sent Brett Favre to Tampa Bay on Saturday. The Tribune suggests that renewed talks Sunday may have been why Favre and Green Bay are at a standstill. In addition, beat reporter Roy Cummings says "it is believed" that the Jets are not bidding for Favre's services. The Packers are thought to be holding out for a conditional draft pick that could escalate to a first-rounder if Favre plays a certain amount of games.


If these reports are in fact true, I find it completely ridiculous that the Packers would have such a high asking price. Yes, I understand everything that Brett brings to the table, and I truly believe he is an excellent fit in Tampa Bay, but the Pack simply have no leverage in this case.


To me, its pretty clear that the Packers do not want to bring Favre back, based on the resounding support of Aaron Rodgers within the organization. And they have every right to feel that way. Rodgers is a very promising player, and its time to move on. However, the fact that Favre is not likely to be the Packers QB to start the season lowers his value significantly. There is also the chance that Favre never reports to camp, or decides to re-retire. This is a real concern to many teams, which should also lower his value. They are being stubborn in not granting his release, and they need to save face and avoid all-out media mayhem by trading him. Preferably out of the conference, but at least out of the division.


So what is Favre worth? I definitely think its fair to ask for a conditional pick that could escalate, but it should be a 4th/5th rounder that could escalate to at most a 2nd rounder if he meets certain performance bonuses. The packers could also seek a player, such as disgruntled QB Chris Simms.


The longer this whole saga drags on, the more of a distraction this creates for the Packers. They should cut there losses and trade Favre to the highest bidder. This would gave a huge vote of confidence to Aaron Rodgers, and get rid of the media circus that surrounds Packers camp.