By the time you have read this, the most anticipated movie of the year, perhaps decade, will have been unleashed upon us. Instead of catching a midnight showing, I have opted for the Friday morning 11am viewing at the IMAX Theater in Jordan’s Furniture. Most of you are probably thinking “where the freak is that?”. So I’ll tell you. Up here in Natick, MA there is giant furniture store. The place is massive, filled with high quality home decor ranging from televisions to mattresses to sofas. But the best thing about this place is its IMAX theater. I’ve been to my share of movie theaters over the years and this place is the bees knees. Hands down. When I used to live five minutes away I’d go see whatever movie was playing, even if I had no interest. Each seat is crafted from Tempurpedic memory foam and is equipped with a butt kicker. A “butt kicker” is a built in speaker/subwoofer. The sound and screen size is amazing, leaving you immersed in the film. Apparently WIRED Magazine has selected this theater as one of the top 7 screens in the US to see Star Wars, The Force Awakens. Can’t wait!
Since returning from injury, Matt Forte has scored a touchdown in two of three games, averaging 15 carries, 57 rushing yards, 2.3 receptions and 18.6 yards receiving per game. Not quite Matt Forte-esque, but as long as he can get in the end zone, I’m ok with it. This week he faces off against Minnesota, the team against whom he injured his MCL in week 8. Before leaving that game in the 3rd quarter Forte had 41 yards rushing and 28 yards in the air on 4 receptions. Jeremy Langford finished up the game in Forte’s place, totaling 46 yards on the ground. While Langford certainly opened up some eyes during Forte’s three game absence and has earned a share of the position, the slight advantage still holds with Forte.
Let’s try some “back of a napkin” math here. The Vikings defense is allowing 96.6 yards rushing, 4.2 receptions and 35.2 receiving yards per game to opposing running backs. If Forte can make the most of his 60% share of the Bears RB timeshare, he’d be looking at 58 yards, 2-3 catches and 21 yards in the air. Those numbers seem to align rather well with his performance against Minnesota in week 8. I see the upside at about 65 yards, 4 receptions and 40 yards. If he can throw in a touchdown we’ll be in business.
I mentioned on Wednesday that I like Jeremy Hill this week. My rankings have the Niners at the bottom of the list when it comes to defending opposing running backs. They are giving up nearly 120 yards rushing and at least 1 touchdown per game. With 8 rushing touchdowns, Hill trails only Devonta Freeman (9) and Adrian Peterson (9). While those 8 scores did come in bunches, I still think he finds the end zone in this one. Call it a hunch, you can…
Another guy I’m taking a shot with is Eric Ebron. With Tyler Eifert out and most other reasonable options non-existent from the waiver wire, Ebron stuck out. The Saints have the softest defense to opposing tight ends, yielding a league high 81.8 yards and just under a touchdown per game. I’m hoping for a respectable performance this week. Heck who am I kidding, I hoping he blows the doors off this puppy. While I don’t expect that to happen, I’ll be happy with respectable.
Anyone else stashing Julian Edelman?
May the Forte be with you!
