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Health & Fitness

Chef's Football Rants, Raves and Picks

The Chef gives you his picks for Friday's NFL preseason games.

This will be my first blog entry for the year. I will give you my thoughts, reaction and overall NFL & NCAA football insight or lack there of. I'm sure you will let me know based on your feed back. In tonight's NFL action, yes I know It's only preseason but the starters will play the first half for most teams, which should gives fans a pretty good idea where they team is at with the labor dispute shortened training camps etc.

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JACKSONVILLE -3 VS. Atlanta

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Intrested to see Blaine Gabbert, who will be the starter at some point this year vs  a legit playoff team in the Falcons. The Jags have a running game, but their WR might not be better than anything in the Big Rivers. In Atlanta they want to see cohesive ol play and get Matt Ryan and Julio Jones some real work together.

Fantasy Player to Watch:Jacquizz Rodgers - I love this Oregon State product, he is a real threat watch and see how ATL gets him involved.

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My Pick: Atl +3

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GREEN BAY -5 vs. Arizona

Kind of a no-brainer, Rodgers & Co. should have no problem putting up some points a week secondary and line backing groups. Do pay attention to OL play for Green Bay. As far as the Cards go all I can see is the Denny Green clip "They are who we thought they were," That's right the Packers are the defending Super Bowl Champs and no matter what Kolb does, it won't matter.

Fantasy Player to watch - Jermichael Finley, he is supposed to play, so see how he comes back from the knee and how they mix him in the the WR group that excelled in the playoff(minus James Jones and his drops)

My Pick: GREEN BAY -5

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BALT -6.5 vs Kansas City

Though call, I really like former Badger Lee Evens with the Ravens, and we know Ray Lewis and friends will be tough, but is Ray Ray and the other Miami Alumni distracted by the South Beach scandal, I think it is preseason so maybe. On the Chiefs side I am excited to see how the new offensive coordinator Bill Muir will handle this collection of talent. Ground and Pound with Charles & Jones, or spread it out a little more? Not sure but can't wait to see.

Fantasy Player to Watch - Ricky Williams, Ditka once traded a whole draft to get this guy, and his mileage is not as high as you would think at 34, he did spend some time out of the league. How much will they use him, is he a viable goal line sniper?

My Pick: KC +6.5

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MIAMI -6 vs. Carolina

Not really a match-up that gets one excited, especially when you look at the QB's involved on both sides of the ball. Newton will not be much to speak of this year, his time will come on down the line. Carolina's OL might be worse than the Bears. Which is a shame when you have three talented RB's(Williams, Stewert & Goodson). As far as the Dolphins go get out your check book and write a big number down Favre can't pass up on, because even he is better than anything you got and they only chance to compete against the Evil Empire(Patriots).

Fantasy Player to Watch - Daniel Thomas, he will lead the Dolphins in carries and yards, not flashy like Reggie Bush, but worth a look. Will suffer from lack of a threat at QB, to take the def away from keying on the running game.

My Pick: Miami -6

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CLEVELAND -2.5 vs. Detroit

Interesting, Colt McCoy is being coached by Brett Favre. Does that come with texting lessons as well? Both teams seem to be headed to better records than last year, which is nice but remember they both play in tough divisions. I really like the one, two punch of the Motor City Kitties at RB of LeShoure and Best. And does it really matter if Stafford stays healthy, Hill is a quality player who could start for a number of teams(Seahawks, Raiders, Redskins, Vikings, Dolphins, Panthers, Bengals, Jags & 49ers). Cleveland lacks playmakers on off, so lets hope McCoy can dink and dunk, and let Hillis bull run.

Fantasy Player to Watch - Greg Little, Cleveland drafted him high. Not that it means a lot, can't remember a offense impact player out of UNC, ever(the best I can do is William Hernderson).

My Pick:Detroit +2.5

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WASHINGTON -5 vs. Indianapolis

Yeah that's not a typo, the Redskins are favored. Mark it on your calender won't happen often this year. No Peyton Manning as he recovers from off season surgery, so it will be former Purdue standout Curtis Painter driving the first team tonight and I think he will do just fine. The real deal is which running back will push himself ahead for the Colts (Addai, Brown or Carter). And is Dallas Clark healthy? I like the Tyler Brayton pick up for their def. For the Redskins it's so hard to see this once proud franchise never get it done. Daniel Snyder spends the money just not very well(he is worse than Al Davis). Shannahan is a hall of fame coach who will come to find out, he will never be allowed do what he needs or wants with Snyder around. Let's just hope they are not the worst teams in the NFL this year, Andrew Luck deserves better.

Fantasy Player to Watch - Roy Helu. Not a household name, but neither was Terrell Davis, Orlandis Gary, Tatum Bell, Ruben Droughns or Mike Anderson when Shannahan acquired them. All were legit back under him in Denver and rushed for 1,000 yards, but never did anything anywhere else after they left. And Remember he drafted Peyton Hillis. So Mike knows RB and Helu might just be the next system back.

My Pick - Colts +5

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Tomorrow: Reaction and Vikings vs. Seahawks preview.

Looking forward: Sept. 1 Badgers vs. UNLV

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