Dec

29

NFL Week 17 Predictions

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The final week of the NFL season is upon us, and with it are tons of games that have all kinds of importance when it comes to the playoffs. With that, picks are going to be very tough this week, just like last when I went 6-8, the first time I think all season I was under .500. For the season, I am at 148-93. I’ll take it, but I would really like to end the year on an upward trend, so here we go with Week 17 picks.

New York Giants at Washington - Can the floundering 7-8 Giants get one win to try and make the playoffs? That is the big question here - does this team, that has lost 6 of their last 7 games have anything left? Tom Coughlin will for sure be shown the door with a loss here, and even with a win there is a chance this team misses the playoffs with there collapse. The Skins are 5-10, and with Joe Gibbs saying he is coming back this team can already look at younger players and know the structure they are going to have coming in next season. They will play this game as the ultimate spoiler, and based on the way Eli and the Giants are going, the Skins are actually playing better football right now. Washington 23 New York Giants 20

Seattle at Tampa Bay - Seattle has the division and the number four seed in the NFC clinched, and while they have lost three straight, they are breathing a sigh of relief that this game to them means nothing. The Hawks have lost four of six on the road, and their defense has allowed close to 28 points in those games. They are a shadow of the team that steamrolled its way to the Super Bowl last season, and are going to have trouble winning even the wild card game against the Cowboys, Eagles, Giants or Packers. Tampa Bay won its first road game in Cleveland last week, and the defense looked like its old self again. I think with Jon Gruden’s job still in question, his team steps up at home in a game that doesn’t matter to the Hawks. Tampa Bay 16 Seattle 10

Oakland at New York Jets - The Jets are going to the playoffs. I repeat - the JETS are going to the playoffs. They deserve it, going 7-3 over their last 10 games, and playing smart, physical football that will garner them a game at likely the Colts next weekend. Their defense has been the key over the last 10 weeks, allowing just 14 points per game. The offense isn’t anything to get too excited about, but they have scored enough to help the defense and more importantly, don’t get to careless with the ball at critical points of the game. The Raiders are awful, and will have the bus waiting as the Jets simply roll over them in this final game for them in 06. Nice one season for Art Shell, who will be the scapegoat for a 2-14 season. New York Jets 27 Oakland 10

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati - A game that was thought to have major playoff implications when the schedule came out is now just another game between two AFC North rivals playing for pride. The Bengals can scoreboard watch all they want but a Jets win vs Oakland will end their season no matter what happens here. Interesting side note will be just how motivated the Steelers play in what will be Bill Cowher’s last game as Steelers coach. Many players have said all week that they don’t know what he is going to do at seasons end, but sources say that the coach is as good as gone possibly as early as Tuesday. The Steelers want to take out some frustration against a Bengals team for a season gone bad, and for two teams not going anywhere, this should be a rather chippy game. Cincinnati 31 Pittsburgh 27

New England at Tennessee - The Titans are possibly the second best feel good story of the year after the Saints rise to fame, as they have won six straight, and can end the year 9-7 with a win over the Pats. New England looks like they are headed for a wild card game at home next weekend with the Broncos, and last week they showed they are still dangerous with a gutsy road win at the Jaguars, all but ending their playoff hopes. Vince Young and the Titans pulled out another fourth quarter win on the road last week at Buffalo, and with the Pats playing for nothing here, the Titans will conclude their season with their 7th straight win. Tennessee 20 New England 13

Jacksonville at Kansas City - Two teams with faint playoff hopes collide at Arrowhead as the Jags take on the Chiefs. Both teams seemed playoff bound about 5 weeks ago, but bad losses on both sides have all but ended both teams seasons. The Jags had a great shot three weeks ago after pounding the Colts, but since have dropped games at Tennessee and at home to New England. The Chiefs home loss to the Ravens on December 10th was the death blow to their season. This will be a game of what-ifs between two of the better backs in the league - Larry Johnson of the Chiefs and Maurice Drew-Jones of the Jags. The Chiefs are still a league best 20-2 in December at home since 1995. Kansas City 24 Jacksonville 20

Detroit at Dallas - While the nation saw about 100 shots of Carrie Underwood in a luxury box on Christmas Day at Texas Stadium cheering on Tony Romo, the Cowboys forgot to do one important thing. Beat the Eagles. A somewhat shocking 23-7 home loss has the Cowboys going from a possible two seed with some help to now a five seed and a game at Seattle next week. While everyone from Terrell Owens to Bill Parcells to Jerry Jones spouted off this week about the Christmas day outing, this week they have the pleasure of hosting the 2-13 Lions, a team that will have the bus running waiting for the game to end. Detroit did put up a good effort at home last week vs the Bears, but I don’t think much of the same will happen here with the Cowboys none to happy about last week. Dallas 34 Detroit 17

Cleveland at Houston - The Texans played their Super Bowl last week, and beat the overrated Colts on a last play field goal 27-24. This week they have a shot to end the year on a two-game winning streak and go 6-10 if they can beat the awful Browns who will go with third string QB Ken Dorsey. Look for a lot of Ron Dayne, who in the last four games is rushing for close to 5 yards a carry, and has 429 total yards on the ground in those outings. The Browns can’t stop anyone on the ground, allowing 145 yards per game rushing. Things got so bad for the Browns last week they lost to the Bucs at home. Romeo Crennell could be coaching his last game, and if that’s the case, he’ll go out with another loss. Houston 20 Cleveland 14

Carolina at New Orleans - The Saints have nothing to really play for here, as they have clinched a first-round bye and will host a game in two weeks. That means that the Panthers, with a returning Jake Delhomme at QB, actually have a shot here and need a lot of help but can still sneak into the playoffs. They are one of just a few teams that beat the Saints this season, and will match up well in this one with a lot of Saints players playing a little or not at all. Saints coach Sean Payton stated earlier this week that the game will be played like the fourth preseason game, meaning that they could care less about the outcome. Carolina 23 New Orleans 21

St.Louis at Minnesota - Slim playoff chances still exist for the Rams, who at 7-8 need a win at the Metrodome and a lot of help to make it to the postseason. The Vikings lost for the 5th time in 6 games last week 9-7 to the Packers, but still will play hard in this season finale, and will force the Rams to air it out to try and beat them. Minnesota still allows just 54 yards per game on the ground, and that will mean that Steven Jackson will look more to catch the ball out of the backfield than get a ton of rushes. The Rams #6 offense vs the Vikings #8 defense makes this a tough one to call, but with the Rams still in the playoff hunt, they should pull this one out with Marc Bulger throwing quite a bit. St.Louis 17 Minnesota 14

Miami at Indianapolis - Last weeks stunning loss to the Texans has put the Colts in a state of shock that could end their Super Bowl run in two weeks when they have to travel in the divisional round of the playoffs. They need a win over the Dolphins and a Bills upset in Baltimore to climb back to the two seed in the AFC, but that’s asking a lot. Indy could actually fall to #4 in the conference with a Pats win and a loss to Miami, but that as well seems unlikely. When the Colts season ends in the playoffs, they will reflect and see that you cannot possibly win the ring with a run defense that allows 174 yards per game. The Dolphins at 6-9 will actually make this close with running the ball and trying to keep Manning and co. off the field. It will be another long offseason for the Colts. Indianapolis 26 Miami 23

San Francisco at Denver - The Broncos can clinch a playoff spot with a win, and should do so here over the 49′ers, whose playoffs dreams were ended last week with a loss to the Cardinals. Denver is 13-1 in their last 14 home games in December, and while the 49′ers are much improved, this game should be over early with the Broncos running the football and making sure to hold Frank Gore in check. Add that the weather in Denver could be ugly with tons of snow, and this one has all the makings of a Denver whiteout. Look for the Broncos to play it like a playoff game to make sure they get in, and for San Fran to simply want to get home for New Years Day. Denver 34 San Francisco 17

Buffalo at Baltimore - Baltimore got a Christmas present last week from the Texans with their 27-24 upset over the Colts in Houston. That moves them to the #2 seed, and as long as they can handle the 7-8 Bills, they will clinch that two seed and a very important bye next week. Steve McNair has been huge for this team, and last week was on fire in a big win over the Steelers. Jamal Lewis and the rest of the offense have been solid as well, as Brian Billick saved this teams season with taking over the play calling. The Bills slim playoff hopes were dashed last week with a home loss to the Titans, and their offense simply overmatched here for the fired up Ravens. Baltimore 23 Buffalo 10

Arizona at San Diego - The Chargers at 13-2 can clinch home field with a win over the Cardinals, and with L.T. the #1 seed should be settled by halftime. LaDainian Tomlinson should find some gaping holes in the Cards defense, and Denny Green’s last game as Cardinals coach will be a loser. Arizona did pull off a good win last week over the 49′ers, but with a 5-10 mark, they are no match for the 13-2 Chargers, who will rest for a week and get ready for a divisional game in round two vs likely the Colts or Pats. Look for the Chargers offense to fly high, and for the defense to pound Kurt Warner to end the year 14-2. San Diego 27 Arizona 13

Atlanta at Philadelphia - Amazing to sit back and think a few weeks ago that the Eagles are playing this game for the NFC East title. That’s what happens when you get a red hot veteran QB in Jeff Garcia and a team that is playing with tons of confidence. The big factor here is the early part of the game, where the Eagles will have to impose their will and not give the Falcons any hopes of an upset. With Michael Vick and the Falcons, you never know what team will show up, and if you give them any hopes of a win, this one will be too close for comfort. I think Philly should be able to keep the momentum going, and will win this and the NFC East here. Philadelphia 20 Atlanta 10

Green Bay at Chicago - Why this game is on New Year’s Eve as the big game of the week is way beyond me to understand. Of course the hype machine will be behind this being the last possible game for Brett Favre, but haven’t we been saying that for about the last two years? The Bears have nothing to play for, and you won’t see much of their starters. At 13-2 they have plenty of time to get set for their Super Bowl run with a divisional playoff game at Soldier Field in two weeks against who knows who, while the Pack still have a shot at the playoffs with a win here and some other things that have to happen. Favre is 21-8 lifetime vs the Bears, and should have enough to make it 22-8 vs their second stringers. Green Bay 21 Chicago 14

 

 

 

Dec

28

Plenty of Storylines as the Playoffs Approach

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The final regular season of the NFL season is just a few days away, and once it is over as usual some big changes will take place throughout the league. Coaches will be fired, or quit. 12 Teams will begin their quest for glory, and teams that miss out will start making moves to prepare for next September. Below are some things that I think will make headlines as the regular season closes out on Sunday:

1. Coaching changes - You can almost for sure say good-bye to the following coaches come next Tuesday (not sure if any will be fired on New Year’s Day) - Jim Mora of Atlanta, Art Shell of Oakland, Denny Green of Arizona and Bill Cowher of Pittsburgh. Add to the list the possibility of Nick Saban in Miami, Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay, and if the Giants miss the playoffs - Tom Coughlin.

2. An interesting choice for Coach of the Year - This is going to be one of the tougher years to choose what coach wins the award. While it doesn’t really mean much, it’s always fun to look back and see what coach really earned the award. We have Sean Payton in New Orleans, who took a team that stumbled last year under tough circumstances and turned them into the second seed in the NFC. In Chicago, Lovie Smith has the Bears looking Super Bowl bound. Marty has San Diego thinking Miami the first week in February. Jeff Fisher took a team many thought would be lucky to win 3-4 games and has them at worst finishing 8-8. How about Brian Billick - he took a Ravens team that was plodding on offense after four games, fired his friend and started calling plays, and since has gone 9-2 and has a grip on the two seed in the AFC. Then there is Andy Reid, who took the Eagles, who were written off after McNabb went down, and made all the right moves to pace his team to a 4-1 mark down the stretch and a likely NFC East title. My vote - it’s tough, but you simply can’t overlook the job that Jeff Fisher has done with the Titans. This team is going to be very dangerous in 2007, and while everyone thinks the Jaguars will one day be the team to unseat the Colts in the AFC South, I think it may be the Titans.

3. New Blood with the top spots in the playoffs - While we have been use to seeing teams like the Pats, Steelers, Broncos, Colts, and Seahawks all host playoff games, this year we have some stadiums ready to rock with wild card and divisional games that haven’t seen them for years. You don’t think the SuperDome is going to be off the charts as the Saints play at least one home game there? How about Philly? The Eagles are back, and in the wild card round they will be tough to beat at home. The Chargers will be hosting a playoff game for the first time in two years, and this time they will likely have the #1 seed, which means the road to the Bowl in the AFC goes through San Diego. And finally, the city of Baltimore will gear up as the Ravens host their first playoff game since 2003.

4. Rookie of the Year - While Saints wide out Marques Colston seemed to have it all wrapped up about 8 weeks ago, an injury has opened the door for other players to step in and make a run at the ROY. How about Colston teammate Reggie Bush, who has a combined 1247 yards catching and rushing, and 8 total TD’s? His presence has pushed the Saints to the next level. What can you say about Vince Young, who has led the Titans to six straight wins. In 14 games he has thrown for 12 TD’s and 11 picks, but his feet have been the game-breaker the Titans have needed, as he has rushed for 37 yards per game while behind center and six TD’s. His poise has helped the Titans have comeback after comeback vs teams like the Texans and Colts. Then there is game-breaker Devin Hester. The 2nd round pick from Miami does not have a pick or TD on defense, but his five kick returns for TD’s and one off a missed field goal have sparked the Bears to their 13-2 record. I would have to go with Young on this one, as despite the remarkable impact that both Colston and Bush have had on the Saints, Young has week in and week out been a difference maker for the Titans.

5. Who wins it all? - What makes this field of 12 getting set for the playoffs so interesting is that it truly is anyones ball game. Every team has their issues, and while you usually look at the top two seeds in each conference as the favorites, we learned with the Steelers run last year that a #6 seed can be a dangerous as a number #1 seed. Sure it looks like the Bears and likely the Chargers could be headed to Miami, but can you really count out the Saints, Ravens, Colts, Pats or other six teams? To me the darkhorse in this years playoffs has to be the Eagles. They have a veteran quarterback playing at a high level right now that has something to prove, a running back that is playing with a chip after being snubbed for the Pro Bowl, and a defense that seems to be gelling at the right time. Picking the two teams in Miami right is really anyones guess.

Dec

27

Mark it Down - You can Kiss Cowher Goodbye

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After reading the comments of Steelers soon-to-be ex-coach Bill Cowher, does anyone out there think the “jaw” is going to be back for the 2007 season?  If so, here is a vote for you being dead wrong.  Cowher came out to the media on Tuesday and stated that the decision is not going to take long, this after just saying last week that the decision is going to take awhile.  Which is it Bill?

Here is a guess that the Rooney’s pulled Bill aside sometime last week, or maybe even on Monday, and told him that despite his plans to sit on his decision and think about it, that they are going to need an answer sooner rather than later.  The damage that could come out of Cowher taking his sweet time to make a decision could cripple the Steelers for years to come.

If he decides to hang it up, yet takes awhile to decide, than the Steelers will almost for sure lose out on the top tier of coaches that may be available, including some of their own like Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt who would be top canidates for the position as the next Steelers coach.  If you think waiting on a new coach is a good thing - just look at Art Shell and the Oakland Raiders.  Al Davis waited for others to move first and now he is stuck with a coach and a team that is simply put - awful.

So with Cowher leaving, who will the Steelers turn to?  My guess is Grimm, a hard-nose blue collar guy that can revamp the Steelers running game, try and limit the amount of passing and mistakes that Big Ben and the passing game made this year, and get the defense fired up like Cowher use to in his first few seasons.  Can the Steelers win without Cowher?  The same question was asked when Chuck Noll left the team after the 1991 season and you saw how that turned out. 

Kudos to Bill for a solid tenure as Steelers coach.  I am sure we will all hear from you again - in another city.     

Dec

26

NFL Power Rankings Week 16

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Down to the wire in both the AFC and NFC for playoff spots. With one week to go, nothing has really been decided, and there is lots to play for in each conference. With that, let’s give you this weeks power rankings for week 16 of the NFL.

NFC Top 5

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1. Chicago (1) - The Bears despite having nothing to play for, still won their 13th game of the season Sunday in Detroit. This week you can bet that most of the starters will see limited time against the Packers at home. Its going to be interesting to see how this team matches up with the likes of the Saints, Eagles, and Seahawks in that first round game come January 13th or 14th.

2. New Orleans (3) - Sunday was another growth spurt for the Saints, as they dominated the Giants in New Jersey 30-7. Both Reggie and Deuce look poised to be big playmakers in the playoffs, and with a game at home in the divisional all but clinched (they should beat the Panthers at home Sunday), this team is going to be very dangerous in the playoffs. They cannot afford a letdown like they had against the Redskins two weeks ago.

3. Philadelphia (4) - This Eagles team has steadily moved up the rankings the past few weeks, and now with a win Chirstmas day over the Cowboys, they have the top spot in the NFC East and can clinch the division with a win over Atlanta Sunday. You can bet that Jeff Garcia is seeing dollar signs with every win, and as long as he is playing well, you can sense this team is going to get past round one and give either the Saints or Bears some headaches in round two.

4. Dallas (2) - A tough loss to swallow against the Eagles on Chirstmas has the Cowboys now needing a win and an Eagles loss to regain the division Sunday. While its not out of the question, as the Boys play the Lions and Philly plays Atlanta, you get a feeling that they blew it Monday vs the Eagles. Can Parcells get his team a win Sunday and then hopefully ready for a playoff run? That is the big question.

5. Seattle (5) - Seattle is reeling, but somehow clinched the division Sunday after a loss and then a 49′ers loss. With three home losses, a win in the wild card round vs the Cowboys or Giants is no sure thing. Can this group find it in themselves to regain the form of last season and make a serious playoff run? Doubtful.

 

NFC Bottom 3

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1. Detroit (1) - I said last week that Sunday at home would be their “Super Bowl” vs the Bears, and of course - they lost. I applaud this teams fan base for protesting the game Sunday with a walkout. It’s about time that Matt Millen and the rest of the dead weight in the front office take a walk, and give a chance to some fresh blood in there. They will have a lot of time to decide on who to take with one of the two top spots in the draft.

2. Tampa Bay (2) - Despite a win over the awful Browns, the Bucs stay in the two hole in the NFC bottom feeders. Has Jon Gruden saved his job with a gutsy outing vs the Bears and then a win over the Browns? That is the big question with the Bucs. A win over the West champion Seahawks at home Sunday would likely keep him in Tampa for another year.

3. Arizona (3) - Another team with a nice win on Sunday, as they beat the 49′ers in San Fran. They did it with backup Kurt Warner in for the injured Matt Leinart, which made the win even bigger. Many insiders say that even with that win, and possibly a win at San Diego on Sunday vs the Chargers, who probably sit most of their starters, Denny Green is gone. That might not be a bad thing as this team needs a new voice.

 

 

AFC Top 5

—————-

1. San Diego (1) - Can Marty finally do it? That will be the haunting question as the Chargers enter the playoffs as the number one seed in the AFC. Phillip Rivers’ inexperience is a big concern for this team, but I think that as we look at the field there is no question that this is the best team in the league. With an all-world running back and a great defense, I think this is clearly the team to beat.

2. Baltimore (3) - They should send Christmas cards to the Houston Texans, as with a dominating win over the Steelers and an Indy loss in Houston, the Ravens look like they will have a first-round bye with a win Sunday over the Bills at home. Steve McNair is the piece of the puzzle this team needed, and with the defense as good as ever, it looks like a rematch with the Chargers from week three is in the cards for the AFC title game.

3. Indianapolis (2) - A loss to the Texans in Houston shows just how far this team is behind the squad of 2005. They still cannot stop the run, and with that loss it looks as if they now are going to need to win two games, one on the road, to make it to the AFC Championship game. The window is closing more and more each year on the Colts, and once eliminated, there has to be a long look at some changes to this team.

4. New England (4) - The last two weeks has proved that you can’t count the Pats out yet. Sunday was a huge win for this team as they beat the Jaguars in J-Ville, basically knocking them out of the playoff picture. They should have the advantage over the Broncos or Jets in a wild card playoff game, and then its likely on to San Diego for a second round divisional game with the Chargers. I would not want to San Diego knowing that the Pats are coming to town.

5. Denver (-) - After dropping four in a row, many had the Broncos out of the playoff picture, but with two straight wins, they look like the #5 seed as they have rebounded nicely against the Cardinals and Bengals. Sunday was a hard fought win over the Bengals, and while this weeks game vs the 49′ers won’t be easy, they should be able to get the home win and move on to face the Pats or Colts in the wild card game in two weeks.

 

AFC Bottom 3

———————

1. Oakland (1) - Can you say Brady Quinn? That is the player that the Raiders should target in April in the NFL draft. They sorely need a playmaker at the QB spot, and this season of disaster proves that more than ever. They also look like they are going to get themselves a new coach as well, as Art Shell’s one and done as the head coach, and you can bet that Al Davis will pull the trigger on a coach much sooner this time around than last year.

2. Cleveland (2) - A home loss to Tampa Bay could signal the end of the Romeo Crennel era as Browns coach. Another player that should be shopped around is wide out Braylon Edwards, who first missed a team meeting on Friday, then dropped two passes Sunday, and also will get a fine for violating the league uniform code. What a mess this entire organization is.

3. Houston (3) - Kudos to the Texans for a great win Sunday over the Colts on a last second field goal. They have played the spoilers this season winning two games from the Jags and now with a win over the division champion Colts. They have a ways to go, but a 3-3 mark in the division is a major step in the right direction.

Dec

23

Monday NFL Week 16 Predictions

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NY Jets at Miami - The Jets have won 3 of 4 and are playing like a team with a real shot at the playoffs. Last week Chad Pennington looked like the Pennington of 2003, throwing for 339 yards in a win over the Vikings. New York topped Miami 20-17 back on Octobver 15th, and now Pennington is 5-1 against the Fins. Miami has been up and down the last two weeks, shutting out the Pats two weeks ago 21-0, and last week getting shut out 21-0 in Buffalo. Joey Harrington will remain the Dolphins starter even though he was 5 of 17 last week for 20 yards and two picks. The Fins play better at home, going 4-3, and their 3rd ranked D tends to play well in front of the home crowd. I think things will be tougher for Pennington and the Jets here, and the Dolphins with a returning Ronnie Brown will play this as their Super Bowl. Miami 23 NY Jets 20

Philadelphia at Dallas - The Eagles are 3-1 with Jeff Garcia at QB, but the Cowboys have a gunslinger of their own in Tony Romo, who last week vs the Falcons rebounded to play well and lead the Cowboys to a 38-28 win.  Garcia had his moments last week in the Eagles win in New York, but we all know that those mistakes vs the Cowboys will kill the Eagles this time.  Dallas has been solid on offense, and good enough on defense, and yes, TO will want some after the Cowboys lost to Philly in week 5.  I think Dallas has too much to play for, and even with the nice story in Garcia, Dallas is the better team.  Dallas 31 Philadelphia 24      

 

Dec

21

NFL Week 16 Predictions

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Like many out there, I myself am taking tomorrow off to finish up the shopping portion of the Christmas season, as well as take in the new Rocky movie. With that, I am going to give my NFL Picks for week 16 a day early. Last week I was 10-6, bringing my yearly total to 142-85. With the Monday games a few days away, I will save those picks for Sunday. Here are the rest of the matchups that make up week 16.

Thursday :

Minnesota at Green Bay - The week kicks off with a Thursday night game that will go mostly unseen since its on a network that no one gets. The Packers beat the Vikings earlier this season in Minnesota 23-17, and will have the emotion of it possibly being the last game at Lambeau for QB Brett Favre. The Pack has won 6 games and have a slim shot at the playoffs, while the Vikings started 4-2, but are now just 6-8 as well. Take this stat to the bank - Favre is 40-5 at home when the temp at game time is 35 or under. It should be that tonight, and the Pack should move to 7-8. Green Bay 24 Minnesota 14

Saturday:

Kansas City at Oakland - Any chance the Chiefs had of making the playoffs are likely gone after last weeks loss in San Diego, but at least they will have someone to beat on this week. The Raiders at 2-12 are the worst team in the league, and this looks like a ripe matchup for the Chiefs to break their three game losing streak. KC struggled with the Raiders the first time around, winning 17-13 in KC, but the Raiders don’t seem to be getting much better following last weeks 20-0 shutout at home vs St.Louis. Look for a steady diet of Larry Johnson and Trent Green to Tony Gonzalez equal an easy win for the Chiefs. Kansas City 27 Oakland 7

Sunday:

Washington at St.Louis - On to Sunday, and our first game is between two NFC teams that are just playing out the stretch at the Edward Jones Dome. The Redskins were 2-2, but since have gone 3-7 to sit at 5-9. St.Louis was 4-1, but have also gone 2-7 since, sitting now at 6-10. The Redskins played what many believe was their best game of the season last week in beating the Saints at the SuperDome. They ran the ball well, and played their best defensive game of the year. The Rams were winners in Oakland, 20-0 over a Raiders team that was thinking about New Years Day. If the Skins halt the running game of Stephen Jackson they have a solid shot to make it two in a row, and I think they do that here. Washington 16 St.Louis 13

Tennessee at Buffalo - Both these teams are among the best stories of the year the way they have played over the last few weeks, and even though either will likely make the playoffs, both teams should get a round of applause. The Titans with a five-game winning streak are about the hottest team in the league. Vince Young looks like the real deal, and despite being outgained heavily last week, they found a way at home against the Jags. The Bills pitched a shutout last week, 21-0 vs the Dolphins, and they are hot as well, winning four of five. The Bills offense has been the key in the turnaround, averaging 21 points in the last five games. I think that Young and the running game will struggle a bit here, and at home take the Bills. Buffalo 20 Tennessee 10

Tampa Bay at Cleveland - Two teams with eyes on the April draft do battle at Browns Stadium, as the 3-11 Buccaneers battle the 4-10 Browns. Tampa Bay showed some heart last week, as backup now starter Tim Rattay led them to 21 fourth quarter points to send their game with Chicago into OT before losing 34-31. The Browns and Ravens were tied 17-17 in the 3rd quarter Sunday, but Baltimore hit for a long TD and a field goal to send the Browns to 0-6 in the division and a 27-17 loss. Cadallic Williams has been stuck in the mud the last three games, rushing for just 101 yards, but could get some traction this week against a Browns team allowing 144 per game on the ground. Derek Anderson starts at QB for the Browns, and despite not much to play for has been okay in his two starts. The weather should not be that much of a factor, and I think with Anderson showing some ability the Browns at home get it done. Cleveland 17 Tampa Bay 10

New Orleans at New York Giants - A must win in every sense of the term for the Giants, who now at 7-7 have no margin of error. Last week it was another round of turnovers that cost them a home win against the Eagles. Now they have to face a Saints team that is ticked off about losing a home game to the Redskins. At 9-5, the Saints are still the #2 seed, but a loss here and a Cowboys win over Philly on Christmas and the Saints could be playing Wild Card weekend. Look for a lot of Tiki and for the Giants to try and play it safe here and avoid mistakes. They realize one more loss and their season could be over. NY Giants 27 New Orleans 21

New England at Jacksonville - The Pats can clinch the AFC East with a win, but a win in J-Ville will not come easy. The Jags are a very Jekyl and Hyde team, very good at home, bad on the road. They know at 8-6 that a loss would hamper their playoff opportunity, and at home they simply have to play better. Last week they outgained the Titans 396-98, but allowed three picks, a fumble, and three returns for scores. The Pats did not turn the ball over vs the Texans, and went on for an easy 40-7 win. I have a strange feeling that the way they lost to the Titans may have a hangover effect for the Jags here, and I think the Pats steal one and crush the Jags playoff chances. New England 20 Jacksonville 17

Indianapolis at Houston - The Colts got a big confidence boost Monday night, beating up the Bengals to get their 11th win of the year. They held the Bengals to 278 total yards, just 133 on the ground. This after allowing 375 rushing yards to the Jags the week before. They now get to play a Texans team that allowed 40 points last week and has a QB in David Carr that is playing like…well, David Carr. Last week he threw four picks and was sacked four times. His play has been a big factor in the Texans 4-10 season, and a change may be coming for the team in 2007 at that position. The Colts know they still hold the #2 spot in the conference, and they will cement it with a win here. Indianapolis 31 Houston 14

Chicago at Detroit - Its the Lions Super Bowl as at 2-12 they play the 12-2 Bears, who really have nothing to play for. Chicago has a division title, a bye, and home field for the playoffs. Most of the starters will likely get some time off, and that makes this a hard game to call. Can the Bears backups beat the Lions starters? That is basically what this game comes down to. One concern for the Bears is that their defense has been beat up the last two weeks, and they have to play at a high level for them to reach the Super Bowl. Last week they allowed 21 fourth quarter points to a bad Tampa Bay team. Detroit has 14 players on IR, and haven’t won since November 5th. The effort is there, but they simply don’t have the horses. Chicago’s backups are good enough. Chicago 14 Detroit 10

Carolina at Atlanta - For all the problems that Falcons have had in 2006, they still have a shot at the playoffs. Of course those chances could improve greatly with a win over the struggling Panthers, who with two straight home losses have killed their shot at the postseason. Atlanta has lost three straight at home, and are 3-4 at home this season. They are a staggering 1-6 at home in November and December the last two years. Last week Michael Vick threw four TD’s, but the defense was beaten up and the Falcons lost 38-28. The Panthers look like a team that has given up. Last week a the Steelers came to Carolina and simply pounded the Panthers - 37-3. If Chris Weinke, 1-16 as a starter lifetime, gets the start for the injured Jake Delhomme, the Falcons should be able to get some turnovers and turn around their home woes. Look for a Falcons breakout. Atlanta 29 Carolina 17

Baltimore at Pittsburgh - The Steelers have won five of six, but still need two wins and a miracle to make the playoffs. The Ravens, who beat the Steelers 27-0 last month, want that number two spot in the conference and a bye in the first round. The Ravens have won 7 of 8, and will need Steve McNair to be back and healthy after missing much of last week after having his hand stepped on. The Steelers have found their running game, and Pro Bowl back Willie Parker has been stepping it up with some big games the last few weeks. He is averaging 132 yards rushing at home. Ben Roethlisberger also is back to playing pretty well, avoiding many of the turnovers that plagued him earlier this year. This could be Bill Cowher’s last game at home as coach of the Steelers, and the team will want to send him out on a winning note. Pittsburgh 21 Baltimore 17

Arizona at San Francisco - 21 fourth quarter points last Thursday vs the Seahawks led the 49′ers to a big road win 24-14 last week. San Fran is starting to show signs that next year they are going to be something to handle, as at 6-8 they are playing with a lot of heart for coach Mike Nolan. Arizona lost to the Broncos at home last week, and at 4-10 are going to have to rebuild some for the 07 season. They may have a new coach as well, as many think that Denny Green will be shown the door on Black Monday - January 1st. The biggest playmaker in this game is 49′ers RB Frank Gore, who has rushed for 1,491 yards this season. Look for he and 49′ers offense to be able to move the ball on the Cards, and for it to be another long day for the birds. San Francisco 27 Arizona 20

Cincinnati at Denver - A pair of AFC Playoff hopefuls meet in Denver as the 8-6 Broncos host the 8-6 Bengals. Monday was a long night for the Bengals, who were stopped on all phases in a 34-16 loss to the Colts. Now they can ill afford a loss in Denver, against a team that finally got on track last weekend in Arizona. The Bengals have lost seven straight in Denver, but the Broncos have lost three straight at home, meaning that something has to give. Denver QB Jay Cutler has been playing okay as a starter, last week going 21 for 31 for 261 and two TD’s vs Arizona. The Bengals still allow a lot of yards on defense, along with 20 points per game. I think the Broncos have enough offense to outlast them at home here. Denver 28 Cincinnati 26

San Diego at Seattle - The Chargers can wrap up homefield with a win over the Hawks, but considering how Seattle must feel right now, that task will be easier said than done. The Hawks imploded last week vs the 49′ers in a 24-14 loss, and have to get back to track at 8-6 just to make sure they clinch their division. Going up against LaDainian Tomlinson won’t be easy, the Chargers superback is a clinch to be MVP, breaking all kinds of records this past season. Shaun Alexander, last seasons MVP, is struggling, rushing for just 3.8 yards per carry. Seattle will key on L.T. and try to see if Phillip Rivers can beat them. Rivers has struggled the past few weeks, and last week was terrible most of the night vs the Chiefs. Seattle will try and get that running game back on track, but I don’t think even at home they have the horses to last with the Chargers. San Diego 24 Seattle 20

 

Dec

20

Pro Bowl Rosters Announced - Now Just Cancel the Game

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The annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, or what should really be called the “Take my family to Hawaii and not play” bowl had its rosters announced on Tuesday, and it was nice to see some new names and faces get credit for the job they have done to this point in the 2006 season. Right off the bat in the NFC, three very deserving QB’s will take the snaps for the squad, including possible MVP Drew Brees, Rams QB Marc Bulger and a guy that wasn’t even starting till October - Tony Romo of Dallas. The AFC throwers are Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, and Phillip Rivers. How interesting to see Brees, the former Chargers QB, and Rivers, the current Bolt thrower, both make the team.

Frank Gore of the 49′ers, who has had some monster games, Tiki Barber and Stephen Jackson round out the NFC RB’s. On the AFC side, you have L.T., which is no shock whatsoever, Willie Parker of the Steelers and Larry Johnson of the Chiefs. I would take any of those three on my team anyday. The WR’s in the AFC are Andre Johnson, Chad Johnson, and two Colts - Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.

Out in the NFC, you have Torry Holt, Steve Smith, Anquan Boldin and Donald Driver as the wide outs, with Alge Crumpler and loudmouth Jeremy Shockey as the tight ends. The AFC tight ends are Tony Gonzalez of the Chiefs and the starter will be Antonio Gates.

I have always had the opinion of the Pro Bowl as being rather unnecessary, as you can bet about 1/3 of the players named to the team above will pull out of the game with some injury, or another lame excuse why they can’t lace it up one more time before the offseason. In a way, I can’t blame them. You have a situation where a player has to start attending mini-camps April through June, go through a long training camp from July to mid August, play 4 meaningless preseason games, 16 regular season games, and then if you lucky, up to four postseason games. Makes for a long season.

The last thing most of these players want to do after all that, is board a plane, head to Hawaii for a week, and then have to put on pads for a few light practices then play a three hour game with a half empty stadium. For those of us that actually watch this thing on TV, the broadcast is mostly filled with shots of broadcasters in shorts and flowered shirts laughing and talking about how great their week in the warm weather was.

In other words, the NFL should really take a hard look at taking this “game” and dumping it down the toilet. It gets nowhere near the attention, nor should it, of the NBA or MLB All-Star games, and since its played on an island, most anyone that dreams of ever attending the game is probably out of luck. For the players, the fans, and everyone else involved, get rid of it. Name your All-stars, or Pro-Bowlers and leave it at that. By February 10th, we all need a rest from the weekly emotion that comes with watching the National Football League.

Dec

19

NFL Power Rankings Week 15

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Two weeks left in the regular season and still lots up for grabs with plenty of playoff spots still open. With that, here are the power rankings for week 15 of the NFL.

 

NFC Top 5

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1. Chicago (1) - Nothing more to play for as they have the division and home field wrapped up for the playoffs. Sunday they nearly had a disaster on their hands as they needed OT to overcome a scrappy Tampa Bay crew. Concern has to be the defense, which has somewhat struggled the last two weeks. Nice thing is that it looks as if Rex Grossman is back to early season form. Look for a lot of tweaking, but not many starters to get a lot of playing time the next two weeks.

2. Dallas (3) - Despite a spitting incident with superidiot Terrell Owens, the Boys are back at #2 after Saturday night’s win at Atlanta. I think the loss to the Saints two weeks ago has given this team the motivation to say that they still have a ways to go, and in the end, the loss may be a good thing. They really would benefit from moving up to the two spot in the NFC. If not, they have a first-round showdown looming with either the Giants or Eagles at home.

3. New Orleans (2) - A young team will have lapses, and Sunday at home vs the Redskins, that is exactly what happened in a 16-10 loss. The offense was sleep walking most of the afternoon, and the defense gave up way too many yards on the ground. They have to refocus and maintain that #2 spot in the conference, and get the offense going again as they set up for the playoffs.

4. Philadelphia (5) - Jeff Garcia is playing as well as ever right now, and with Brian Westbrook finally looking like he is 100 percent, the Eagles look as if they can make some noise in the second season. A huge road win Sunday vs the Giants is followed by another huge road test - Christmas Day at Dallas. Their confidence in Garica and overall is growing, and they will be dangerous in that first round.

5. Seattle (4) - After blowing a lead Thursday night vs the 49′ers I think it is safe to say that they are a far cry of the team that steam rolled to the Super Bowl a season ago. This looks like a team that is going to struggle just to get to the second round, and even with a home game a win in the wild card game in no lock. Two straight losses to the Cardinals and 49′ers have many inside the team shaking their head s.

 

NFC Bottom 3

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1. Detroit (1) - Another tough game this past Sunday in losing 17-9 to the Packers on the road. This week they play their “Super Bowl” as they host the Bears. They actually have a shot since Chicago will sit just about everyone. While they will not fire Rod Marinelli, look for some major shakeups this offseason, and with a 2-14 record to end the year they will be able to rebuild with the 1 or 2 pick come April.

2. Tampa Bay (2) - A gutsy outing Sunday in Chicago, and a QB change to Tim Rattay this week may pay off as they head to Cleveland for a Christmas Eve showdown. 21 points in the 4th quarter against the best team in the conference shows this team has the ability, but the problem is at 3-11 they have not shown that ability much this season.

3. Arizona (-) - A two-game winning streak was snapped with a home loss to the Broncos on Sunday. There are still plenty of whispers about what is going to happen with this team this offseason, and most of it revolves around what do you do with Denny Green? My gut says that he is sent packing, and with a new voice the Cards are a team that finally shows their ability in the 2007 season.

 

 

AFC Top 5

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1. San Diego (1) - Another ho-hum week for Phillip Rivers, but again, the defense was good and L.T. was great, which is why the Chargers are 12-2. Closing in on home field for the playoffs, Rivers’ play has been a concern the last few weeks with two games of QB ratings of 44.2 and this past week of 12.4. The defense did a nice job vs the Chiefs, and this week will be an interesting test against the Seahawks on the road. A dangerous team to say the least in the playoffs.

 

2. Indianapolis (3) - The Colts move back up to two, as Monday night vs the Bengals they showed that despite what everyone is saying, this team will have to be dealt with come January. As long as Peyton Manning gets time, they can score points, and with a running game that produced 112 yards they look like a team that is going to need to get between 20-30 in the playoffs to win. Getting that #2 seed would be ultra-important for the Colts, as they need a week off and a home game to have a chance to make it to Miami in February.

3. Baltimore (2) - The Ravens won Sunday 27-17, but ugh, they had better do whatever it takes to make sure Steve McNair is ready to go come playoff time. This team is not going to beat anyone with the type of effort that Kyle Boller showed Sunday in relief of McNair. He was 13-21 for 238 yards and two TD’s with a pick. The numbers don’t tell the story though, as against a good defense he would have been eaten up. One positive is that Jamal Lewis has another good game Sunday, rushing for 5 yards per carry. The defense may have to carry them in the postseason.

4. New England (-) - A big home win against the Texans puts the Pats back in the rankings, and who are we all kidding, we know this team is going to be tough to beat in January. Yes, they will have to play a first round game, and yes, they are not the Pats of old, but let’s be real, this team is going to not just roll over and play dead in Indy, Baltimore or San Diego in the second round. With Tom Brady getting time to throw, I think the Pats can still hang with anyone in the conference.

5. Cincinnati (4) - A setback Monday night in Indy, and two tough games to end the season have put the Bengals playoff hopes in doubt. At 8-6, they still own the #6 spot, but have a game at Denver vs the #5 seeded Broncos, then a home game on New Year’s Eve night (that’s the rumor, that the game will be the Sunday night game) against the rival Steelers. If they lose even one of the two, they may need some help to make it in the playoffs. This team has way more talent to score more than 16 points on turf against a suspect defense like the Colts.

 

 

AFC Bottom 3

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1. Oakland (1) - The Raiders actually outgained the Rams 260-251 on Sunday, but forgot to score and lost 20-0 at home. They are scoring just 11 points per game, and QB Aaron Brooks stated Monday that he is thinking “what have I got into?” Well, Aaron, let me break it down for you - you got into the worst team in the league that commits too many penalties, has little offense, an old defense, an overmatched coach, and a crazy owner who won’t stop getting involved. Other than that you and the Raiders are fine.

2. Cleveland (2) - Well, at least they didn’t allow 300 + yards rushing this week. The Browns did however, lose to Kyle Boller, which is pretty bad, and now at 4-10 just look like a team playing out the stretch. They went 0-6 in the AFC North, the first time in franchise history they did not win a division game. They will have plenty of turnover again this offseason, and its time to see once and for all if GM Phil Savage knows what he is doing. So far, the verdict is still out on him.

3. Houston (3) - Sunday the Texans were blown out in New England, allowing a kickoff return for a score, and quarterback David Carr threw four interceptions. Carr may be on his last legs as a starter for this team, as early in the year it seemed he was turning it around, but now he looks like the Carr of old. They have the Colts and Browns at home to finish up the season, and are another team with big changes ahead in the offseason.

 

Dec

18

With Garcia in Control - Eagles Flying High

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Some major credit must be given on this Monday to Andy Reid, Jeff Garcia, and the Philadelphia Eagles, who by all means looked as if they were going to pack in the season five weeks ago, but now look like a wild card team in the NFC.  Philadelphia, lead by Garcia, overcame the New York Giants Sunday 36-22 at Giants Stadium and now control their own destiny when it comes to making the playoffs in the NFC.

Garcia could have cost the Eagles the game in the 4th quarter when he was given a taunting penalty for a stupid out of bounce spike after a run for a first down.  Then he threw a pick which lead to a Giants score that put them ahead.  Instead of folding, the veteran QB came back with a big drive that lead to a TD pass then a two-point conversion that gave the Eagles a 7-point lead with just over two minutes left.

The Eagles defense did the rest, as defensive end Trent Cole picked off a Eli Manning pass on the next offensive play and went 19 yards for the game-clinching score to make it 36-22.  The win puts the Eagles at 8-6, a full game up on the Giants in the East, and one game back of the Cowboys, who won in Atlanta on Saturday night.

The amazing thing about the Eagles is that they lost their MVP Quarterback, and with Garica, a guy that many thought was through after a blah year in Detroit in 2005, they may actually be a better team than what they were with McNabb as the starter.  Before McNabb was hurt, the team had gone from a 4-1 start to 4-4 after three straight losses.  Then after a win over Washington, the team was getting beat bad at home by the Titans before McNabb left the game and his season ended.

Enter Garica, who at first was playing okay, but not even good enough to be declared the overall starter to coach Andy Reid.  Then after a loss to the Colts, Garcia started playing like an MVP, helping the Eagles win on a Monday night over Carolina, on the road at Washington, and now at the Giants to put them back on the radar screen in the NFC Playoff picture.

Garcia was 19-for-28 for 237 yards on Sunday vs the Giants, and despite some iffy throws, played well enough to lead his team to a huge road win.  “I think we all internally had a lot of confidence in Jeff,” Eagles owner Jeff Lurie said. “It’s a team we felt, with our offensive line and our defense coming together and being opportunistic, if you have a high character group that likes to play together, you have a chance.”

A chance the Eagles now have.  With the Cowboys on the road on Christmas and then a home game vs the Falcons, the Eagles look like a team that can be a force in the playoffs.  With Garcia at the helm, there is no reason to think his play will be the reason they won’t be there the first week in January.          

Dec

18

Bears Big Win Comes With Areas of Concern

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Sometimes its just about getting the win, and Sunday in Chicago the Bears did just that - barely - as they beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 34-31 in overtime.  The win was ultra-important for Chicago, as it clinches a first round bye and a pair of playoff games at home come January.  At home the Bears have lost just once this season, a game in early November against the Dolphins.

Rex Grossman played well again for Chicago, and seems to be back to playing at the type of level the team needs in order to make it to Miami the first weekend in February.  Sunday against Tampa Bay he was 29-for-44 for 339 yards and two TD’s.  He made some bad throws in overtime, but in the end, made the big ones to help get the Bears in position to win the game.

Not that all is great today in the Windy City.  There still is plenty of room for concern for the now 12-2 Bears, as again their defense was a bit shakey, mostly in a 4th quarter barrage in which Tampa Bay rallied to tie the game at 31 and send it into OT.  The Bears D has shown cracks the last two weeks, giving up a season-high in yards to the Rams last Monday night, and Sunday allowing a 95-yard drive and three TD’s in that fourth quarter.

The Bears defense allowed 357 yards, 5.3 yards per play, and 268 yards to a QB in Tim Rattay who was a third-stringer to start the season for Tampa Bay.  It is enough to be concerned about how this team is going to react in crunch time once the pressures of January hit and teams, and no, not teams like Tampa Bay, but teams like Dallas and New Orleans, suddenly find an offensive stride against the Bears.

No one in Chicago has forgotten how badly the Bears D did in the divisional round last season against the Panthers when they lost at home, and no one, coaches or Bears players want a repeat of that this season.  A grind it out ugly win for the best team in the NFC, but a win that will be highly looked at with a sigh of relief more than a feeling of pride.             

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