Not sure it's good timing...they're getting on a roll and to have them convinced they'll win is sort of letting them get ahead of themselves. Focus. Work hard. Try to win, don't say you'll win. Plus, fires up the Riders. And their fans'll be through the roof now - like they needed more firing up.
It sure threw the team in front of the bus though in catching them off guard...loved their reactions (especially Dante), but took them by surprise it seems.
Beyond that, love trash talking and all the hype. Love this rivalry (we even have a little mod rivalry behind the scenes). Just makes it that much more fun.