NFL Week Five Pigskin Predictions

THURSDAY

RAMS over cards

Despite a dreadful rushing attack, head coach Jeff Fisher has his Rams playing some solid football. The Cardinals are 4-0, but its overtime defeat of the Dolphins last week appeared an omen of a long overdue loss this week.

PREDICTION: RAMS 17, cards 13 [RESULT: RAMS 17, cards 3]

SUNDAY (NOON)

BENGALS over fins

Andy Dalton is far from flashy in today’s quarterback-driven league. But the Bengals helmsman has quietly put up quality numbers (67.5% passing percentage for 1,111 yards and 8 TDs) and has his team 3-0 since suffering a 44-13 romp on opening night in Baltimore. Dalton’s Bengals hold its home field advantage against the Dophins today and improve to 4-1.

PREDICTION: BENGALS 20, fins 12

pack over COLTS

The future versus the present is on display this afternoon at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium, where Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers faces the Colts’ Andrew Luck. The Packers get all they can handle from Mr. Luck, but even a lucky horseshoe isn’t enough for an Indy upset. Green Bay wins a close one.

PREDICTION: pack 27, COLTS 24

ravens over CHIEFS

It’s true … Baltimore’s offense just might be better than its vaunted defense. A potpourri of Joe Flacco, Ray Rice, Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin leads the Ravens past the Chiefs in Kansas City today.

PREDICTION: ravens 27, CHIEFS 17

GIANTS over browns

The Super Bowl champions have had its share of injury problems and fell to 2-2 after a crushing two-point loss in Philadelphia last week. But while the G-Men will be without star wide-out Hakeem Nicks today, the team regains its starting running back. Ahmad Bradshaw rushes hard and plows the host Giants past the winless Browns.

PREDICTION: GIANTS 31, browns 10

STEEL over eagles

A fierce competition ensues in Pittsburgh today, as the Steelers host Philadelphia in desperate need of a win. It takes an extra frame, but a raucous home crowd gives Big Ben’s team a boost and enables Pittsburgh to prevail in overtime.

PREDICTION: STEEL 20, eagles 17 (in OT)

falcons over SKINS

Atlanta heads into D.C. as the NFC’s lone remaining undefeated team. Rookie Robert Griffin III is up to the challenge, but the Redskins defense is not enough to stop the high-flying Falcons. Matt Ryan continues his hot play as Atlanta improves to 5-0.

PREDICTION: falcons 33, SKINS 27

SUNDAY (LATE)

VIKES over titans

Minnesota won last week at Detroit and feels good about its 3-1 start. But the team also knows it must continue to improve if it wants to be a playoff contender. A visit by the woeful Titans helps them to do so. Jared Allen gets two sacks and Christian Ponder throws for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns, as the Vikings double up Tennessee at home.

PREDICTION: VIKES 34, titans 17

hawks over PANTHERS

Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was abysmal last week – completing 18 of 34 passes for 153 yards and 3 picks. But the rookie rebounds to have a much better game this afternoon at Carolina. Better ball management by Wilson, combined with a strong defensive effort and a 100-yard rushing game from Marshawn Lynch, leads the Seahawks past the Panthers.

PREDICTION: hawks 23, PANTHERS 17

bears over JAGS

Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert has thrown just one mere interception this season. However, in four games he’s passed for only 654 yards on 113 throws (an NFL-low 5.79 yards per attempt). This is not a recipe for success. Whether it's Gabbert, his receiving corps or something else, the Bears capitalize on its opponent's ineptitude and roll over the Jaguars en route to its third straight win.

PREDICTION: bears 24, JAGS 13

PATS over broncos

An appetite-whetting quarterback matchup is revived this afternoon in New England, where the Patriots’ Tom Brady faces Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Both QBs perform well, but it will be Brady’s team that comes away with the win. New England defeats Denver by five.

PREDICTON: PATS 31, broncos 26

NINERS over bills

The 49ers pick up where they left off in New York last week, pounding its opponent with impenetrable defense. The Bills don’t stand a chance in this one. San Francisco destroys Buffalo and improves to 4-1 for the season.

PREDICTION: NINERS 27, bills 6

SNF

SAINTS over chargers

On one hand, Saints quarterback Drew Brees leads the league in passing (throwing for 1,350 yards); on the other, he ranks 18^th (with a QB Rating of 86.1). Why the disparity? Perhaps it’s partly Brees’ fault. Perhaps it’s his team’s NFL-worst defense – whose 1,853 yards allowed is nearly 200 yards more than 31^st-ranked Tennessee …  The season does not look good for the 0-4 Saints, who are staring at its first playoff absence since 2008. And facing a strong 3-1 Chargers team doesn’t help. But an impressive Brees effort does not go for naught in New Orleans tonight. In a game that amasses 1,000 combined total yards, the Saints beat San Diego in the Superdome.

 

PREDICTION: SAINTS 37, chargers 27

MNF

texans over JETS

Taking to the Monday Night stage in New York tomorrow night, Houston convinces many that they boast the best team in the NFL. Led by its relentless defense, the Texans dispatch the Jets in workman-like fashion.

PREDICTION: texans 23, JETS 3

Bye teams: Dallas, Detroit, Oakland, Tampa Bay

NFL Week Four Pigskin Predictions

THURSDAY
RAVENS over browns
Will the Browns ever be a match for the Ravens? ... Maybe after Ray Lewis retires. Well, probably not.

PREDICTION: RAVENS 27, browns 10 [RESULT: RAVENS 23, browns 16]

Lions WR Calvin Johnson

SUNDAY (NOON)
LIONS over vikes
Minnesota is coming off an impressive win over San Francisco last week. Christian Ponder continues to improve, Kyle Rudolph is becoming a revelation and Ponder will get a new weapon as WR Jerome Simpson makes his Vikings debut this week. But Detroit's  Calvin Johnson is too talk of a task today. In an entertaining, nip-and-tuck battle, the Lions emerge with the home win.

PREDCITION: LIONS 31, vikes 27

FALCONS over panthers
The Falcons are looking like a serious contender. Carolina cannot keep up with Matty Ice and company today. Atlanta wins at home.

PREDICTION: FALCONS 31, panthers 23

pats over BILLS
It's no longer a cake walk to mosey on into Buffalo and pick up a win. The Bills offense is respectable and its defense is improving. Tom Brady finds a way to win though, as the Pats win by three.
 

PREDICTION: pats 20, BILLS 17

chargers over CHIEFS

After incurring absolute beatdowns in its first two weeks, Kansas City pulled off a shocking overtime win in New Orleans last week. This week, the Chiefs revert to its lesser form and fall prey to the Chargers at Arrowhead.

PREDICTION: chargers 28, CHIEFS 17

hawks over RAMS
Seattle wins its third straight, toppling its division opponent Rams in St. Louis.

PREDICTION: hawks 23, RAMS 17

niners over JETS

49ers TE Vernon Davis

After a disappointing lost in Minnesota last week, the Niners are angry. San Francisco takes its frustration out on the Jets, throttling them in New York.

PREDICTION: niners 24, JETS 7

TEXANS over titans
Houston has no trouble with its lesser AFC South foe today. Tennessee's Chris Johnson continues his struggles against a tough Texans defense as Houston wins this game easily.

PREDICTION: TEXANS 31, titans 17

SUNDAY (LATE)
BRONCOS over raiders

Opening its season with three consecutive playoff team opponents, Denver welcomes Oakland into Mile High this afternoon. The Raiders can be good, but are still incredibly erratic and not playoff-worthy. Denver dispatches its division rival and draws its record to an even 2-2.

PREDICTION: BRONCOS 27, raiders 17

CARDS over fins
Arizona continues to be a serious team to reckon with. Miami does not have the pluck to plunder the Cards from its winning ways. Arizona wins by a touchdown

PREDICTION: CARDS 17, fins 10

JAGS over bengals
In a lackluster game at Jacksonville, a Josh Scobee field goal leads the Jaguars by the Bengals.

PREDICTION: JAGS 13, bengals 10

PACK over saints

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

In a wildly entertaining shootout, Aaron Rodgers surpasses the 400-yard mark to lead Green Bay past Drew Brees' Saints.

PREDICTION: PACK 34, saints 31

skins over BUCS
Robert Griffin III puts his talents on display in Tampa today, as his Skins handle the Bucs at Raymond James Stadium.

PREDICTION: skins 24, BUCS 20

SNF

EAGLES over giants
Philly wins again. The Eagles improve to 4-0 by sneaking past the G-men in overtime tonight.

PREDICTION: EAGLES 23, giants 20 (in OT)

Cowboys DE Demarcus Ware (Left)

MNF
BOYS over bears

Demarcus Ware versus the Chicago Bears woeful offensive line ... Advantage: Ware.

PREDICTION: BOYS 23, bears 17

NFL Week Three Pigskin Predictions

THURSDAY

PANTHERS over giants

The Giants’ rash of injuries (RB Ahmad Bradshaw, WR Hakeem Nicks, among others) is too much for the team to overcome in Carolina. Super Cam and Steve Smith hook up for a pair of touchdowns as the Panthers win a close one.

Prediction: PANTHERS 24, giants 20 [RESULT: giants 36, PANTHERS 7]

49ers LB Patrick Willis

SUNDAY (NOON)

niners over VIKES

Vikings QB Christian Ponder (47-for-62 for 515 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs through two games) faces his toughest test yet – San Francisco’s suffocating, staunch defense. The second-year vet out of Florida State performs well, but it’s not enough to pull the upset. Niners LB Patrick Willis sacks Ponder twice as it will be Purple Rain, not Purple Reign for the Vikings today at the Metrodome.

Prediction: niners 17, VIKES 13

BEARS over rams

Jay Cutler survives its woeful offensive line as the Bears defeat St. Louis at home.

Prediction: BEARS 23, rams 17

BROWNS over bills

Cleveland rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson pace the Browns past the Bills for its first victory of the season.

Prediction: BROWNS 20, bills 16

BOYS over bucs

Dallas makes sure to maintain its focus and handle Tampa Bay for its 2012 Jerry World debut. Tony Romo passes for 300 yards as the Cowboys win by two touches.

Prediction: BOYS 31, bucs 17

FINS over jets

No amount of sleep is enough to wake a punchless Jets offense. Mark Sanchez gets replaced by Tim Tebow in the fourth quarter, but the tandem is not enough to lead Rex’s bunch to a win this afternoon. In a game that offers New England little reason to worry about claiming its ninth AFC East championship in 10 years, Miami defeats New York by a field goal.

Prediction: FINS 13, jets 10

SAINTS over chiefs

Enough is enough. New Orleans shows its home fans its offense is still today’s greatest show on turf. In a game the this team desperately need a win, the Saints roll up 500 yards in blowing out the struggling Chiefs.

Prediction: SAINTS 41, chiefs 16

Redskins QB Robert Griffin III

SKINS over bengals

The Redskins rue the loss of Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Orakpo – out for the season with a torn pec. However, Robert Griffin III is able to rally his troops for an overtime defeat of Cincinnati to lift Washington to 2-1.

Prediction: SKINS 20, bengals 17 (in OT)

lions over TITANS

The Titans continue to try to find its way. Detroit QB Matthew Stafford strikes for three touchdowns en route to a comfortable win in Tennessee.

Prediction: lions 27, TITANS 10

COLTS over jaguars

Young Andrew Luck continues to progress as Peyton Manning’s heir-apparent in Indianapolis. The Colts’ prized prodigy glides by Jacksonville to tie his team’s entire 2011 win total.

Prediction: COLTS 27, jags 17

 

SUNDAY (LATE)

eagles over CARDS

Eagles RB LeSean McCoy

Arizona appears like a better team than most have given them credit for. After shocking the reigning AFC champion Patriots in New England last week, the Cardinals welcome Philadelphia to its humble desert abode this afternoon. So will the overachieving flukes show their true colors? Or can the Cards defeat its second straight quality opponent to notch its eight win its past nine contests and finally (maybe) be considered credible? I’m thinking it will be a little bit of both. Led by Pro Bowl RB LeSean McCoy, the Eagles eke by Arizona to improve to 3-0.

Prediction: eagles 23, CARDS 20

falcons over CHARGERS

San Diego looks strong, beginning its season with a nice road win in Oakland and a romp of the Titans. In a battle of 2-0 teams, the Bolts welcome the Falcons to Qualcomm Stadium this afternoon. In a tenuous tussle, Atlanta continues its ascension as the Dirty Birds cross the coast and claim a quality win.

Prediction: falcons 27, CHARGERS 23

texans over BRONCOS

In game No. 3 of the Peyton Manning era, the Broncos host the mighty Texans this afternoon in Denver. Led by its staunch, pesky defense (allowing a NFL-best 196.0 yards per game), Houston corrals No. 18 and rides out of Mile High with the win.

Prediction: texans 20, BRONCOS 17

steelers over RAIDERS

It looks like it might be a long season for the Raiders. A visit by Ben Roethlisberger today, results in another Oakland loss. The Steelers stay undefeated, while the Raiders remain winless.

 

Prediction: steelers 27, RAIDERS 17

Patriots DT Vincent Wilfork (right)

SNF

pats over RAVENS

Following an ugly, rare home loss last week, New England displays sheer guile tonight in Baltimore. The Patriots survive a contentious defensive battle with the Ravens and emerge victorious.

Prediction: pats 17, RAVENS 14

MNF

pack over HAWKS

San Francisco may be the strongest team in all of football right now, but the Seahawks just might give them a run for their money this year. It will be a very tall task, however, as Seattle fall short to Aaron Rodgers’ pesky Pack to start its season 1-2.

Prediction: pack 23, HAWKS 17

NFL Week Two Pigskin Predictions

THURSDAY

PACK over bears

The Packers are not going to open the season 0-2 at home. Green Bay beats the Bears by six.

Prediction: PACK 30, bears 24 [RESULT: PACK 23, bears 10]

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson

SUNDAY (NOON)

vikes over COLTS

Coming on an impressive week one re-debut, Adrian Peterson steamrolls the Colts to lead the Purple to 2-0.

Prediction: vikings 24, COLTS 20

BILLS over chiefs

The Chiefs allowed 40 points at home to the Falcons last week. Buffalo’s offense may not be as prolific, but it will be enough for a win.

Prediction: BILLS 23, chiefs 17

Bengals S Reggie Nelson (left)

BENGALS over browns

Cleveland has no hope in this one. Cincinnati rebounds from a sloppy second half at Baltimore last week to clobber the visiting Browns this afternoon.

Prediction: BENGALS 27, browns 6

raiders over FINS

The Dolphins hope to bounce back from a 20-point drubbing in Houston last week –the operative word being hope. Oakland rumbles by Miami as Fins fans realize in person just how bad their team is this year.

Prediction: raiders 23, FINS 10

PATS over cards

New England offers no shred of light for Arizona today. The Patriots win its 2012 home debut in blowout fashion.

Prediction: PATS 31, cards 10

GIANTS over bucs

Following a dismal 4-12 season last year, the Buccaneers began its new campaign with an impressive win over Carolina. But there’s no way the reigning NFL champs lose this one. The Giants halt Tampa and win handily.

Prediction: GIANTS 27, bucs 10

Eagles QB Michael Vick

EAGLES over ravens

Michael Vick rebounds from a four-pick debacle in Cleveland last week to lift his Eagles past the Ravens in today’s battle of the birds.

Prediction: EAGLES 20, ravens 17

Saints over PANTHERS

Cam Newton and company gives their hometown faithful a show. But the visiting Saints have too much firepower and survive this shootout by six.

Prediction: SAINTS 33, panthers 27

texans over JAGS

Blaine Gabbert was impressive last week in Minnesota. However, he’ll face a tougher defense today. The visiting Texans tame Gabbert’s Jaguars in Jacksonville.

Prediction: TEXANS 23, jags 13

SUNDAY (LATE)

RAMS over skins

St. Louis nearly nabbed a big upset victory in Detroit last week. Meanwhile, Robert Griffin III opened up his NFL career with a spectacular win in New Orleans. Griffin is going to have a great year, but he gets temporally grounded today. The Rams manage to sneak by the Redskins in overtime.

Prediction: RAMS 23, skins 20 (in OT)

HAWKS over boys

Unleash the beast! Marshawn Lynch punishes Dallas defenders in Seattle this afternoon as the Seahawks edge the Cowboys by four.

Prediction: HAWKS 21, boys 17

Steelers S Ryan Clark

STEEL over jets

Pittsburgh safety Ryan Clark is itching to play after sitting out his team’s first game last week in Denver. Clark picks off Jets QB Mark Sanchez as the Steelers top New York by two touchdowns.

Prediction: STEEL 24, jets 10

CHARGERS over titans

San Diego backs up its road win against the Raiders last week by conquering the Titans at home today.

Prediction: CHARGERS 24, titans 17

SNF

NINERS over lions

San Francisco’s suffocating D is too much for a potent Lions O as the host 49ers defeat Detroit in primetime tonight.

Prediction: NINERS 20, lions 17

MNF

Falcons QB Matt Ryan

FALCONS over broncos

Move over Saints, it’s looking like the Falcons may finally take that step past you this season. Peyton Manning looks poised to be NFL’s comeback player of the year, but Matt Ryan and his tremendous receiving weapons prove too much for the wily vet to overcome tomorrow night. Atlanta defeats Denver by six.

Prediction: FALCONS 30, broncos 24

NFL Week One Pigskin Predictions

Here's what I got shaking out for the season's first slate of games ... Enjoy the football, everyone :D

THURSDAY

GIANTS over boys

The Cowboys made upgrades in its secondary (acquiring LSU CB Morris Claiborne with its No. 1 draft pick and free agent Brandon Carr). But the Giants counter with Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, a pair of dynamic WRs (Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks) and a stout all-around defense.

Prediction: GIANTS 24, boys 17 [RESULT: boys 24, GIANTS 17]

SUNDAY (NOON)

VIKINGS over jags

To play or not to play? If Adrian Peterson and Maurice Jones-Drew had it their way, they’d both tote the rock 30 times today. According to reports, MJD will get limited touches and AP will be a game-time decision. Both teams’ coaches will err on the side of caution, while allowing their star RBs a handful of carries each. This game will be tight, with Minnesota’s bruising, cruising WR/KR Percy Harvin proving to be the difference.

Prediction: VIKINGS 20, jags 17

Vikings WR Percy Harvin

BEARS over colts

Chicago has high expectations. The Colts have some expectations. Indianpolis’ No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Luck will turn a few heads today, but his team falls short to the Bears at Soldier Field this afternoon.

Prediction: BEARS 27, colts 20

eagles over BROWNS

Those rabid fans known as Cleveland’s Dog Pound are aching for a winning team. Sorry, Browns fans. It’s not ready to happen yet. Michael Vick leads his high-powered Eagles offense to a two-touchdown win.

Prediction: eagles 24, BROWNS 10

LIONS over rams

Veteran RB Steven Jackson, entering his 9^th NFL season, continues carry the load for St. Louis as the team travels to Detroit today. It’s too bad the woeful Rams don’t have nearly enough pieces around him to compete well. Matthew Stafford shreds the St. Louie’s secondary for 350 yards and three scores in a Lions’ rout.

Prediction: LIONS 34, rams 20

pats 27, TITANS 17

All Tom Brady does is win. Today, at Tennessee’s LP Field, his Patriots open its 2012 campaign by toppling the Titans by ten.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez

falcons over CHIEFS

Flanked by top-notch wide-outs Roddy White and Julio Jones, along with 46-year-old (ahem, sorry, 36-year-old) TE Tony Gonzalez, Falcons’ QB Matt Ryan amasses 300 yards in the air to lead Atlanta past Kansas City.

Prediction: falcons 24, CHIEFS 17

Rabid Saints fans (a.k.a. Who Dat Nation)

SAINTS over skins

Welcome to the NFL, Robert Griffin III. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is greeted by a heavy dose of Who Dat nation today in New Orleans. The Saints fly by the Griffin’s Skins to open up its season in blowout fashion.

Prediction: SAINTS 34, skins 17

bills over JETS

New York struggles to find an offensive identity, opening its season with a home loss to Buffalo.

Prediction: bills 16, JETS 10

TEXANS over fins

Arian Foster and Ben Tate combine for 160 yards on the ground as the Texans stomp over the Dolphins in Houston.

Prediction: TEXANS 27, fins 13

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

SUNDAY (LATE)

 PACK over niners

Aaron Rodgers and his arsenal of talented receivers are too much for the 49ers today in Lambeau. The Packers win by seven.

Prediction: PACK 27, niners 20

hawks over CARDS

Seattle might be one beast short of a full squad today in Arizona. But Marshawn Lynch’s potential absence is not enough for the Cardinals to overcome. The Seahawks emerge with a solid, season-opening divisional road win.

Prediction: hawks 17, CARDS 13

panthers over BUCS

Tampa Bay’s putrid defense against Super Cam’s potent offense … Advantage: Newton’s Panthers.

Prediction: panthers 31, BUCS 17

Broncos QB Peyton Manning

SNF

BRONCOS over steel 

Peyton Manning makes his much-anticipated Denver Broncos debut tonight against Pittsburgh. And, he doesn’t disappoint. In an entertaining, down-to-the-wire Sunday night battle, Peyton’s squad squeaks past the Steelers in overtime.

Prediction: 20, steel 17 (in OT)

MNF

RAVENS over bengals

In a tough AFC North division battle, Baltimore refuses to lose at home.  The Ravens win a brutal bout with the Bengals by three.

Prediction: RAVENS 17, bengals 14

chargers over RAIDERS

San Diego QB Philip Rivers is eager to show last year was a fluke and he’s much better than that. Rivers’ Chargers eke by Carson Palmer’s Raiders in the week one finale at Oakland tomorrow night. 

chargers 24, RAIDERS 20

MLB 2012: Month One Studs and Duds

With April 2012 in the books, let’s take a look at the month’s early risers and those yet to wake …

In the American League, Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Texas lead their respective divisions into May. While in the NL, Washington, St. Louis and LA lead the way.

Nationals SP Gio Gonzalez

Any shockers? Cleveland (13-10) having an early edge over Detroit and Chicago – 12-12 and 12-13, respectively – in the AL Central is a little unexpected where division leaders are concerned. The Nationals leading the NL East and Dodgers leading the NL West are not huge surprises; but the teams’ records might be – Washington at 16-9, L.A. at 17-9.

Then there are the 16-9 Orioles and 15-11 Blue Jays. However, I don’t think the talent-packed Yankees (13-12), Red Sox (11-13) and Tigers have reason to be quaking in their boots just yet.

However, on the losing end of the ledger the two biggest off-season spenders have some early issues of concern.

The new-look, new-name Miami Marlins opened its new ballpark with a 4-1 loss to St. Louis, a game in which its prized pitcher (Josh Johnson) was tagged for 10 hits and two walks in six innings.

Marlins SP Josh Johnson

Four weeks later, Johnson has yet to find his rhythm (0-3, 5.34 ERA, 1.74 WHIP) and highly compensated newbies Jose Reyes (.226 BA, 8 Rs) and Heath Bell (three blown saves, 11.74 ERA) have disappointed as well, as the Marlins toted a 8-14 record into May.

While Miami has its issues, the Fish are just six games back from the NL East-leading Nationals. In the AL, a team in even dire straights is the Los Angeles Angels. The Halos entered its second month of play with a 7-15 record, nine games behind the West-leading Rangers.

Adding super slugger Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson – the ace pitcher of LA’s top rival – has not exactly added up to a lot of Angels wins yet.

Wilson, who improved to 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA after defeating Minnesota on Monday night, has done his part.

Los Angeles Angels 1B Albert Pujols

Pujols, however, that’s a different story. Following yesterday’s game against the Blue Jays, The ex-St. Louis super slugger is batting a baffling .202 with a mere 5 RBI (in 104 at-bats).

It’s so early, though. With 140 games of a 162-game slate remaining for most teams, there’s plenty of time for teams to steer their ships around.

In fact, these first few days of May have already indicated a return of normalcy, as Miami swept the Giants in San Francisco to improve to 11-14 and an Angels’ sweep of the Twins raised its record to 10-15.

As opposed to April, May presents a full month of games (approximately five or six more than April). Combined with the season gaining another month of steam, come June 1 we can conclude a better assessment.

That doesn’t make it any less interesting to take a look at some of the early surprises and disasters.

We’ve gone over some of the teams. How about the individuals?

Target No. 1, undoubtedly, is Albert Pujols.

What has gone wrong with the Sultan of St. Louis?

Pujols, with the Cardinals

And don’t give me his adjustment to the American League as an excuse!

No, there’s something definitely wrong with Pujols. You don’t see the other ex-NL Prince who switched leagues – ex-Brewers star Prince Fielder – struggling at the place. Playing for the Detroit Tigers now, Fielder’s home runs are down (4 through 89 at-bats), but he is batting .281 with 14 Rs and 12 RBI.

Tigers 1B Prince Fielder

Pujols, the greatest baseball player of the past decade, has yet to hit his first Angels home run and picked up only his 5th RBI of the season Tuesday night on a groundout against the Twins. Through his 11-year career with the Cardinals, Prince Albert averaged 40.5 home runs and 121.3 RBI per season.

Other hitters in unexpected early slumps include:

Jose Bautista (OF/3B) Toronto Blue Jays
.172 BA, 4 HRs, 12 RBI

Robinson Cano (2B) New York Yankees
1 HR, 4 RBI

Jose Reyes (SS) Miami
.226 BA, 8 Rs

Adrian Gonzalez (1B) Boston Red Sox
.250 BA, 2 HRs

Mark Teixeira (1B) N.Y. Yankees
.227 BA, 3 HRs, .371 SLG

Ryan Zimmerman (3B) Washington
.224 BA, 1 HR, 7 RBI

Nelson Cruz (OF) Texas
.224 BA, 2 HRs, .347 SLG

Conversely, some of this year’s early hitting sensations include:

Blue Jays DH Edwin Encarnacion

Edwin Encarnacion (DH) Toronto
.307 BA, 9 HRs, 25 RBI

Mike Aviles (SS) Boston
5 HRs, 19 Rs, 19 RBI

Bryan Lahair (1B, Chicago Cubs)
.388 BA, 7 HRs, 16 RBI

Ryan Sweeney (OF, Boston)
.361 BA, 12 2Bs, .556 SLG

Omar Infante (INF, Miami)
5 HRs in 75 ABs (hit 7 in 579 ABs last season)

Jordan Schaefer (OF, Houston Astros)
17 Rs, 9 SBs

Jose Altuve (2B, Houston)
.358 BA, 16 Rs

On the mound, not too many aces are struggling miserably. A few of them are, however, along with a slew of with second-tier starters and closers.

Twins SP Francisco Liriano

Indians SP Ubaldo Jimenez

Tim Lincecum (SP) San Francisco Giants
2-2, 5.74 ERA, 1.57 WHIP

Yovanni Gallardo (SP) Milwaukee Brewers
1-3, 5.79 ERA, 1.65 WHIP

Jon Lester (SP) Boston
1-2, 4.65 ERA, 1.35 WHIP

Mat Latos (SP) Cincinnati Reds
1-2, 5.97 ERA, 1.57 WHIP

Adam Wainwright (SP) St. Louis
1-3, 6.75 ERA, 1.31 WHIP

Josh Johnson (SP) Miami
0-3, 5.34 ERA, 1.74 WHIP

Ubaldo Hernandez (SP) Cleveland
2-2, 5.02 ERA, 1.74 WHIP

Ervin Santana (SP) L.A. Angels
0-5, 6.16 ERA, 1.50 WHIP

Max Scherzer (SP) Detroit Tigers
1-3, 7.77 ERA, 2.05 WHIP

Justin Masterson (SP) Cleveland
1-2, 5.20 ERA, 1.51 WHIP

Francisco Liriano (SP) Minnesota Twins
0-4, 9.97 ERA, 2.22 WHIP

Heath Bell (CL) Miami
0-3, 11.74 ERA, 2.74 WHIP

J.J. Putz (CL) Arizona Diamondbacks
0-2, 6.48 ERA

Jose Valverde (CL) Detroit
5.59 ERA, 1.86 WHIP

Jordan Walden (CL) L.A. Angels
6.75 ERA, 2.06 WHIP

Sergio Santos (CL) Toronto
9.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP

Carlos Marmol (CL) Chicago Cubs
6.23 ERA, 2.31 WHIP

Conversely, many average veterans or unproven pitchers have blossomed early.

Chicago Cubs SP Ryan Dempster

Kyle Lohse (SP) St. Louis
4-0, 1.62 ERA, 0.84 WHIP

Joe Saunders (SP) Arizona Diamondbacks
2-1, 1.23 ERA, 0.96 WHIP

Jake Westbrook (SP) St. Louis
3-2, 2.12 ERA

Jason Hammel (SP) Baltimore Orioles
3-1, 1.97 ERA, 1.03 WHIP

Brandon Morrow (SP) Toronto
3-1, 2.38 ERA, 0.91 WHIP

Gio Gonzalez (SP) Washington
2-1, 1.82 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 34 Ks

Ted Lilly (SP) L.A. Dodgers
3-0, 1.38 ERA, 0.85 WHIP

Jason Vargas (SP) Seattle Mariners
3-2, 3.38 ERA, 1.04 WHIP

Joe Blanton (SP) Philadelphia Phillies
3-3, 2.83 ERA, 1.06 WHIP 

*Ryan Dempster (SP) Chicago Cubs
0-1, 0.95 ERA, 0.81 WHIP

Lance Lynn (SP) St. Louis
5-0, 1.60 ERA, 0.77 WHIP

Chris Sale (SP) Chicago White Sox
3-1, 2.81 ERA, 1.00 WHIP

Ross Detwiler (SP) Washington
3-1, 1.59 ERA, 0.99 WHIP

Wade Miley (SP) Arizona
3-0, 1.29 ERA, 0.81 WHIP

Anthony Bass (SP) San Diego Padres
27.1 IP, 2.30 ERA, 1.02 WHIP

Kyle Drabek (SP) Toronto
2-2, 2.40 ERA, 1.27 WHIP

Drew Smyly (SP) Detroit
1-0, 1.23 ERA, 1.18 WHIP

Tommy Milone (SP) Oakland Athletics
3-2, 3.69 ERA, 1.01 WHIP

Jim Johnson (CL) Baltimore
6 SVs, 0.00 ERA

Fernando Rodney (CL) Tampa Bay
9 SVs, 0.73 ERA

Henry Rodriguez (CL) Washington
6 SVs, 1.64 ERA

*Dempster’s winless despite having a MLB-best 0.95 ERA

Some notable mentions of successful veterans who’ve struggled in recent years but are having “throwback” or “comeback” years thus far this season include:

White Sox SP Jake Peavy

Bartolo Colon (SP) Oakland Athletics
3-2, 42.2 IP, 2.53 ERA, 0.94 WHIP

Jake Peavy (SP) Chicago White Sox
3-1, 37.2 IP, 1.67 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, 2 CGs

Barry Zito (SP) San Francisco
1-0, 30.2 IP, 1.76 ERA, 1.11 ERA

Beyond the unexpected, I’d be remiss to not mention the proven studs that have absolutely dominated throughout the first month and change. It all starts with bona fide triple-crown candidates Matt Kemp and Josh Hamilton.

Los Angeles Dodgers CF Matt Kemp

HITTERS

Kemp (OF, L.A. Dodgers)
.411 BA, .856 SLG, 12 HRs, 25 RBI, 27 Rs

Hamilton (OF, Texas)
.395 BA, .744 SLG, 9 HRs, 25 RBI

Carlos Gonzalez (OF, Colorado Rockies)
.310 BA, 7 HRs, 23 RBI

David Ortiz (DH, Boston)
.391 BA, 6 HRs, 21 RBI

Carlos Beltran (OF, St. Louis)
7 HRs, 18 RBI, 20 Rs, 5 SBs

David Wright (3B, New York Mets)
.392 BA, .495 OBP, 3 HRs, 14 RBI

Derek Jeter (SS, New York Yankees)
.404 BA, 18 Rs

*David Freese (3B, St. Louis)
.329, 6 HRs, 24 RBI

*Freese could fall in either category – unexpected or proven studs. The Cards 3B has taken his outstanding 2011 postseason play and continued it into the early going of this season.

Angels SP Jered Weaver, after his May 2 no-hitter vs. Minnesota

PITCHERS

Jered Weaver (SP) L.A. Angels
4-0, 1.61 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 2 CGs (including one no-hitter), 45 Ks

Justin Verlander (SP) Detroit
2-1, 2.38 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 42 Ks

Matt Cain (SP) San Francisco
1-2, 2.35 ERA, 0.68 WHIP

Felix Hernandez (SP) Seattle
2-1, 2.23 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 42 Ks

Wandy Rodriguez (SP) Houston
3-2, 1.64 ERA, 1.10 WHIP

Jonny Cueto (SP) Cincinnati
3-0, 1.39 ERA, 1.05 WHIP

*Stephen Strasburg (SP) Washington
2-0, 1.12 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 34 Ks

*Strasburg, like Freese, could probably qualify for unproven as well, considering he missed the majority of last season and made just 12 starts in 2010.

Again, please note these are some examples. None of these lists are extensive or all-inclusive.

So that’s a look at Month One in the 2012 MLB season. It will be interesting to see if Pujols still trails Omar Infante in home runs, Dempster's still winless with a razor-sharp ERA and Jason Hammel's Orioles' lead the AL East at the end of Month Two.

I hope everyone’s enjoying the season! I know I am! Well, outside of the crumbling disaster known as the Minnesota Twins that is.