Bryan Paul’s 2013 Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 2

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The way people read literature has evolved dramatically. A 2012 Pew Internet Research Center survey reported that the percentage of American e-book readers rose from 16 percent in 2011 to 23 percent in 2012, while traditional book readers dropped from 72 percent to 67 percent. The report also stated that the percentage of e-book owners rose from 18 percent in 2011 to 33 percent in 2012 and libraries offering digital content increased from 24 percent to 31 percent. People increasingly listen to books. According to an Aug. 1, 2013 Wall Street Journal article, the audiobook industry has become a $1.2 billion enterprise that allows listeners to take in books during morning commutes to work, exercising or household tasks.

While the way people engage literature might be changing, interest in classical and contemporary works remains high. But do famous literary characters and writers influence National Football League games? In honor of its changing, but still engaging nature, the Week 2 predictions theme is literature.

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New York Jets (1-0) at New England Patriots (1-0)-Sept. 12-8:25 p.m.-NFL Network

Bill Belichick became the Patriots’ head coach in 2000, the year J.K. Rowling released Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. New England was 8-6 against the Jets in years Rowling released a Harry Potter book.

Pick: New England

 

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Cleveland Browns (0-1) at Baltimore Ravens (0-1)-Sept. 15-1 p.m.-CBS

Rowling released the first Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, in 1997, the year Mitch Albom released his best-seller Tuesdays with Morrie. The Ravens are 160-117-1 since 1997.

Pick: Baltimore

 

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Washington (0-1) at Green Bay Packers (0-1)-Sept. 15-1 p.m.-Fox

Album was born in 1958, the year Truman Capote released Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1958. The Packers were 15-51-1 in years Capote released a book. The Redskins were 39-29-1.

Pick: Washington

 

Bryan Paul’s Puzzling NFL Predictions: Week 2

Like the 16 National Football League teams that lost last week, this blog’s unique prediction format didn’t begin the 2012 season well, posting a 1-6 head-to-head record against Chuck Pollock of The Olean Times Herald. There’s plenty of time to improve as Week 2 begins.

Leadership gives football teams the proper guidance to become winners. Determined team owners hire front office officials to find talent on and off the field.  Spirited coaches instill a foundation of toughness and passion that drives players to succeed. Quarterbacks and linebackers guide offenses and defenses respectively to victory.

Because football requires wise, strong and influential individuals, the Week 2 predictions theme is leaders.

Chicago Bears (1-0) at Green Bay Packers (0-1)

Sept. 13-8:20 p.m.-NFL Network

Phil Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association from 1989-98. The Zen Master’s coaching successes didn’t mirror the Bears’ performance against their rivals. Chicago was 6-14 against Green Bay during Jackson’s tenure.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Green Bay

Pollock’s Pick: Green Bay

New Orleans Saints (0-1) at Carolina Panthers (0-1)

Sept. 16-1 p.m.-FOX

Michael Jordan, owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats, played for the Bulls from 1984-99. There were more cheers at this year’s Democratic National Convention in Charlotte than there has been at all the Bobcats games so far under His Airness’ ownership. Panthers fans won’t be cheering at this game either. New Orleans is 4-0 against Carolina since Jordan purchased the Bobcats in 2010.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: New Orleans

Pollock’s Pick: New Orleans

Arizona Cardinals (1-0) at New England Patriots (1-0)

Sept. 16-1 p.m.-FOX

Massachusetts voters elected Scott Brown to the United States Senate in 2010. Having Brown on Capitol Hill could cost New England this game. Brown is the first Massachusetts Republican senator since Edward Brooke held office from 1967-79. The Cardinals were 2-1 against the Patriots during Brooke’s Senate career.

Bryan Paul’s Pick: Arizona

Pollock’s Pick: New England