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Listen Now! NEW YORK GIANTS +3 OVER NEW ENGLAND (54) – Well, the day is here and even though I thought I was ready for this two weeks ago, well..I’m not quite there with 20 hours left before the game. First of all, I thought that the line was off by about 5-6 points. I thought the Giants should be the favorites in the game. The fact that the Giants have been bet up a bit and the majority of the money is on the Giants, I’m not convinced that this is what is going to happen. First of all, I’m a conspiracy theorist. I am afraid of the ghost of Myra Kraft. I think that it would make a GREAT present for owner Robert Kraft and indeed would make for a “good feeling” kind of win for the Pats. Also, the Pats haven’t won a Super Bowl in quite a while. Belichick is due. Brady is due. The Giants are on a big roll but so are the Pats. The Patriots have won 10 in a row, the Giants just 6. The Giants are extremely healthy. But so are the Pats. I’m still not sure if Tom Brady has a completely healthy throwing shoulder. Gronkowski has a high ankle sprain but there’s no doubt he’ll be in the game tomorrow. He’s a fast healer anyway. That is documented. The total is 54 points. Most people would probably take the over here because it is the Super Bowl and scoring is a good thing, right? Both offenses are strong and have great receivers and a great quarterbacks. However, I think that both of the defenses will be playing better than usual because the offenses haven’t been on the field in two weeks. Personally, I’m taking the under. Is it smart? Who knows? But one thing is for sure. The more tackles and better the defense, the better I’ll feel late in the game if I have the under. I really do feel that both defenses are on top of their games right now. The Pats didn’t look all that good two weeks ago in a game they should have lost to the Ravens. The Giants looked late in the game like they might not even get a chance to win the game their last several possessions as the 49ers defense was putting a lot of pressure on Eli and stopping the G-men dead in their tracks. Only the turnover in overtime saved the Giants and put them on a plane to Indianapolis. This being said, how would a low scoring game come to pass? How would it play out? The game is indoors and that doesn’t play well for the Giants. They’ve played two games inside all season long. A 49-24 thrashing at the hands of Offensive Player of the Year Drew Brees in the Superdome. They came back and beat the Cowboys in Dallas in the spaceship, but it was a very close game. Now they look to keep a string of victories in tact with a win Sunday. This game is such a close game to handicap, it’s almost impossible. Some would say it’s a flip of the coin. Personally, I think that Giants are the value here with the +3, but it seems that all the “experts” are picking the G-men, yours truly included. That SCARES THE HELL OUT OF ME! Sunday, I’ll share everything with all my listeners. HOT TOPICS FOR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY GRONKOWSKI – Gonna play 80% of the time the Pats O lines up in double tight end formation. He was walking today without a limp. Not a good sign for the G-men. Also, EVERYONE is healthy on both sides. For those of you out there that think two weeks is too long, this is the one GREAT benefit (besides fans booking rooms and hotels) of waiting two weeks. Always loved two weeks. One week almost killed me. (story there) BREAKDOWN OF GIANTS AND PATS SEASONS – Pats more consistent, always seemed to be searching for defense with injuries and missing parts. Best job of bouncing practice players in and out in the league. Typical Belichick season. Also, use of TE’s sets a new NFL record by far for receiving yards by TE’s. Giants 4 losses in the middle of the season not a hiccup. 4 TOUGH GAMES!! Came back with great veteran awareness of the situation and starting WINNING games. COUGHLIN HAVING A MVP YEAR AS A COACH. ELI HAVING AN ALL-TIME BEST YEAR. GIANTS DEFENSE COMING ON STRONG LATE IN THE SEASON. GIANTS STOPPED TURNING THE BALL OVER LATER IN THE SEASON. IMPROVED DEFENSE WITH HEALTH AND MORE MAN TO MAN DEFENSE. RUSHING 4 DEFENDERS IS HOW THE GIANTS WIN BALL GAMES. GREAT STORIES ABOUT DEVIN THOMAS, FORMER REDSKINS 3RD ROUND PICK NOW A “GUNNER” FOR THE GIANTS ON SPECIAL TEAMS. MADE TWO BIG PLAYS AGAINST 49ERS THAT GAVE THEM THE WIN. STARRING IN TV SIT-COMS AND BET SPECIALS. GOOD FOR HIM. VICTOR CRUZ’S LINE OF CLOTHING IS HITTING IT BIG TIME. HE’LL PROBABLY NEED TO TAKE ON INVESTORS SO HE CAN EXPAND HIS LINE AND BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND OF BUYERS. BRANDON JACOBS SAYS THAT PLAXICO BURRESS HAS SAID HE WISHED HE HAD SIGNED WITH THE GIANTS INSTEAD OF THE JETS. YA THINK??? PLAX LOOKING AND SAYING ALL THE RIGHT THINGS, INCLUDING NOT BASHING ELI. WES WELKER STORY. HARD TO BELIEVE HE WAS NOT DRAFTED BY ANYONE. KYLE ARRINGTON, THEIR TOP CB WASN’T DRAFTED. PRO BROWL OL BRIAN WATERS WASN’T DRAFTED AND WAS CUT BY K.C. IN 2010. ANTREL ROLLLE – TOO MUCH TALK? GOOD THING TO TALK ABOUT. GIANTS MAY BE TALKING JUST ENOUGH OR TOO MUCH. GREAT CONVERSATION PIECE FOR SURE. ROLLE DEFINITELY PLAYING WELL AND CONFIDENT. AHMAD BRADSHAW’S FOOT – IS HE GOING TO BE OK FOR THIS GAME? WILL AN EARLY GAME INJURY TO HIS FOOT BE ENOUGH TO THROW OFF THE GIANTS OFFENSIVE GAME PLAN. CAN THEY RECOVER? HARD TO SAY. OSI YUMENIORA’S 20K FINE – DISTRACTION OR JUST A BIG MISTAKE. OSI SAYS IT WAS BECAUSE HE WAS PICKING UP FAMILLY AT AIRPORT. WHAT DO YOU THINK? THE REAL BILL BELICHICK – EARLY STORIES OF HIS LACROSSE PLAYING AT WESLEYAN COLLEGE IN CONNECTICUT SAYS A LOT ABOUT THE MAN. COLST IRSAY-MANNING SOAP OPERA – WHEN WILL IT EVER END? SOON PEYTON HOPES. PERRY FEWELL DC OF THE GIANTS AND A LOOK AT HIM AND HIS PAST AND FUTURE. WHAT DID FEWELL DO TO TURN AROUND THIS GIANTS DEFENSE? HE’S A 25 YEARS COACHING VETERAN WITH 13 YEARS BEING AN NFL COACH. COACHED DB’S FOR COUGHLIN IN JACKSONVILLE. WAS INTERIM COACH IN BUFFALO IN 2009-2010 BEFORE LOSING HIS JOB. BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE GIANTS. NEW ENGLAND RUNNING GAME – IS IT UNDERRATED? PROBABLY AND IN MY OPINION WILL BE THE KEY TO THE ENTIRE GAME, NOT THE PASSING GAME. GIANTS RUNNING GAME THE SAME. WE KNOW THEY’LL BE ABLE TO MOVE THE FOOTBALL IN THE AIR, WHAT ABOUT THE RUN? THE NFL AND THE OFFICIATING – WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON SUNDAY? OFFICIALS CAN’T AFFORD TO HAVE A BAD GAME. IF THEY DO, IT WILL OPEN UP SPECULATION BY CONSPIRACY THEORISTS. HEY…..LET THEM PLAY. BENJARVUS GREEN-ELLIS (LAW FIRM) – IS THE FIRM THE KEY TO THE GAME? I THINK SO…AND I THINK THE GIANTS DEFENSE KNOWS THIS TOO. FEWELL HAS HAD A LOT OF SUCCESS LIMITING YARDS THROUGH THE AIR, BUT HE KNOWS HIS WEAK SPOT IS STOPPING THE RUN WITH THAT FRONT 4. CAM NEWTON NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – COMMENTS, WHO HE BEAT OUT? WHO WILL BE NEXT YEAR’S ROY????
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Listen Now! NEW ENGLAND (14-3) -9 OVER BALTIMORE (13-4)(50) – Last week the Ravens barely held on to NEW YORK GIANTS (11-7) +3 OVER SAN FRANCISCO (14-3)(50.5) – This is the game of the day HAS the number 2 defense in the league. They are number 2 also in scoring defense. This is going
Listen Now! BonusListen to Bruce and Roy record a promo and fail miserably! SATURDAY GAMESSAN FRANCISCO (13-3) +3.5 OVER NEW ORLEANS (14-3)(47.5) – Right now I think that the Saints are the best team in the NFL. I really do. The Packers have some terrible things going on with their team right now when it comes to being able to continue to play playoff football effectively, in my opinion. First of all, they rested Aaron Rodgers the last regular season game at home against the Detroit Lions, along with several starters but won the game anyway with one hell of a performance by the team and backup QB Matt Flynn. They had a bye the following week, so this week is the first real practice and action that Rodgers has had in some time. A horrible thing happened this week when Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin losing his son to a bizarre death when his body was found in the Oshkosh River, having fallen through the ice. He has taken a leave of absence which will affect the Packers for sure. I’m sure that they’ll circle the wagons and play hard for Jerry and his family, but it has to be a distraction, and a very sad one also. Both teams will be ready for this game. The 49ers are getting points at home where they were 7-1 this season. SUNDAY GAMESBALTIMORE (12-4) -7.5 OVER HOUSTON (11-6)(36) – The Ravens are undefeated at home this year including an early season 29-14 victory in Baltimore. The crowd and the team seem to play much better at home. Baltimore QB Joe Flacco definitely plays better at home. They lost away to Tennessee, Jacksonville, Seattle, and San Diego, teams with a combined record of 28-36. But as long as they play at M&T, they’ll be very competitive. The strength of both teams is in their defense. Last week against a flat Cincinnati team, the Texans put it all together with a great running game featuring Arian Foster and a short passing game using backup rookie QB T.J. Yates. No turnovers was the key for Houston. The Bengals QB Andy Dalton threw 3 interceptions which was the difference in the game. Against Baltimore, it will be quite a bit harder for the Texans to dominate the line of scrimmage and the scoreboard. Just as important as Arian Foster is to the Texans, Ray Rice is to the Ravens. Rice may be the best all purpose running back in the league. When Ravens OC Cam Cameron does not get Rice the ball at least 20 times a game, they struggle. Expect him to get the ball this weekend. Houston is a good football team, but they’ve been hit or miss especially towards the end of the season. There’s a reason that the Ravens are undefeated at home. I’M GOING TO TAKE THE RAVENS MINUST THE POINTS TO STAY UNDEFEATED AT HOME AND COVER THE SPREAD. 4 STARS HERE. NEW YORK GIANTS (10-7) +8 AT GREEN BAY (15-1)(52) – This is probably going to be one of the most exciting games to watch on the weekend. It features two of the best quarterbacks in football and several of the best receivers in the game. The Giants have shown the past three weeks that they have worked out their problems this year in being able to run the football and now Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw are running on a full tank. That has opened up the passing lanes for Eli Manning who is absolutely proving this year he is one of the elite QB’s in the game. Many of the Packers’ starters haven’t played the past three weeks and with the sudden death of the son of Green Bay offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, it’s been a tough time for the Packers family. Add to that, the movement of Director of Pro Personnel Reggie McKenzie who got the GM job in Oakland and you can see there are plenty of distractions in Green Bay. The Giants have been working hard trying to keep their starters healthy. The Giants defense has improved immensely the past several weeks since getting blown out in New Orleans a few weeks back. The return of LB Michael Boley has made all the difference. Last week the Atlanta Falcons offense didn’t put up one point on the scoreboard against the Giants. The Packers, on the other hand, have been playing great all year long. Their defense actually gave up more yardage on defense than they collected on offense, but Aaron Rodgers has had an MVP season. Their running game has been up and down as has been the health of both of their running backs. You have to wonder when the Giants great play is going to stop. They were up and down all season long. The Packers were more than consistent, going 15-1 with their only loss in Kansas City. It’s tough to beat the Packers in Lambeau, especially when so much is on the line, but I’M GOING TO TAKE THE GIANTS PLUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS ANYWAY. No QB in the NFL is playing any better than Eli Manning and I think they have something to prove this weekend. Tom Coughlin and his players have it going on right now.
Listen Now! 4:30 SATURDAY IN HOUTON HOUSTON (10-6) -3 OVER CINCINNATI (9-7)(38.5) –The Bengals play in the toughest division in football in “my opinion”. The AFC North. Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and an occasionally tough game from the Browns. I love their rookie QB Andy Dalton. Having played his college football right down the road at TCU, he’s played a few games as a high school player and a college player in Reliant Stadium. Whether this turns out to be an advantage for him we’ll see, but personally, I doubt it will be. Houston gets back their real MVP for the second week in a row, defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, fresh from surgery which removed a volleyball size tumor from his midsection. The outcome of this game is going to depend on which defense can get off the field the most times. Houston has an excellent running game with Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Their OL is a good one. T.J. Yates will get the start after injuring his shoulder last week. Newly signed backup QB and Super Bowl veteran Jake Delhomme will back him up. He did a decent job last week in relief. Andy Dalton had food poisoning early in the week and just got to practice on Thursday. This shouldn’t matter much, but everything matters when you have a game on Saturday and practice times are moved up a day. If you compare the two teams on paper and on their performance of this past season, Houston is the better team. However, they’ve lost their last 3 games in a row after locking up the division title. They have a fairly healthy Andre Johnson back this week and how the Bengals elect to defend Johnson will determine whether Yates can hit his other receivers down the field. If they run the ball effectively, they should have a problem. Earlier this season the Texans came from behind to defeat the Bengals 20-19. THAT WAS THEIR LAST WIN. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME BECAUSE I THINK DALTON MIGHT BE THE DIFFERENCE IN THIS GAME. 4:30 SUNDAY IN DENVER PITTSBURGH (12-4) -9 OVER DENVER (8-8)(35) – You would think this game would be a piece of cake to pick because of the way that Tebow and the Broncos backed in with three straight losses and in a way..it is. But Pittsburgh hasn’t exactly looked like world beaters with Big Ben nursing a very sore ankle that affects his throwing motion and losing a guy like Ryan Clark because of his near death experience last time he played in a game in Mile High Stadium. In the two games since injuring his ankle, Ben has thrown no touchdown passes and has a 57.1 QB rating. Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers best running back is out for the season with an knee injury. Isaac Redman replaces Mendenhall but he has a problem hanging on to the football. The Steelers, even though their record is 12-4 are the visiting team here because somehow Denver won the weak AFC West Division with an 8-8 record. Personally, I’d love to just take the Steelers here and give the points. If they were at Heinz Field it would make sense. But they’re not. And I think that even with all the experience in the world, 9 or 10 points is far too many points to give this young Denver team. Hey, take Tebow and the points doesn’t sound all that bad does it? Besides, last week the Steelers killed me with their lack of covering an easy point spread. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME AND WATCH IT. 1 P.M. SUNDAY IN NEW JERSEY NEW YORK GIANTS (9-7) -3 OVER ATLANTA (10-6)(47) – This is the game I can’t wait to see this weekend. Both teams will be sky high for this one. Atlanta, Mike Smith, and QB Matt Ryan are 0-2 in the playoffs so far. The last meeting between these two teams was in 2009 and the Giants won 34-31 in overtime after allowing the Falcons to rally and come back from 14 points down. Even though the Giants defense bends quite a bit especially in the passing game, they’ve looked very good at times this season, especially when their pass rushers get off on the ball. They beat New England in Foxboro 24-20. Their last two games they’ve given up just two touchdowns each game for a total of 28 points. But now a slightly better team comes to the Meadowlands. The Falcons have a vast array of weapons both throwing and running the football. Michael Turner may be one of the toughest backs in the NFL. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry this year and scored 11 TD’s. QB Matt Ryan is a solid NFL QB and has receivers like Roddy White, Julio Jones, and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez to help him move the chains. To me, this looks like a track meet waiting to happen. Eli Manning is having without a doubt his best year ever in the NFL. My sources tell me Peyton has spent more time than usual talking and working with his little brother now that he has some extra time on his hands. I figure Peyton will be a great OC one day anyway. He’ll be throwing to Hakeem Nix, Mario Manningham, and new superstar free agent receiver Victor Cruz who will be making life much easier for the rest of the receiving corps. Even though their running game has been stagnant most of the year, they still have two excellent ball runners in Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs. The bottom line is that it really didn’t take too much to win the NFC East this season, but now that the Giants are there, they want what they got four years ago.. The Lombardi Trophy. Who’s to say they can’t get it? Not me! I like the G-Men’s chances to go deep into the playoffs. But this Falcon team is hungry and they do have a good squad this season. If they let this one get away, it could be a while before they return for another chance. I’M TAKING THE OVER 47 POINTS HERE FOR 5 STARS. TRACK MEET THIS WEEKEND EAST RUTHERFORD! 4:30 SUNDAY IN DENVER NEW ORLEANS (13-3) -11 OVER DETROIT (10-6)(58) – After the Lions let a Packers team last weekend beat them with about a half dozen starters out of the lineup in a game that really meant nothing, I should never even consider Detroit to be able to win or cover this game. But that’s what makes handicapping the NFL so challenging. New Orleans has the most potent offense in the history of the NFL. Drew Brees broke Dan Marino’s record and his team broke all the records. He has SO many weapons on offense that It makes it extremely hard for a defensive coordinator to come up with a game plan to beat them. The only thing that Detroit can do is make sure that they cash in on all of their possessions with touchdowns and keep Brees and his offense off the field. If Detroit can control the ball for 30 minutes or more during this game they’ll have a chance. If not , it’s going to be a New Orleans track meet and the score will get ugly early. Earlier this season Brees jumped to an early 24-7 lead and held on to win 31-17. Not many defenses have held the Lions to 17 points this season and definitely not lately. However, Greg Williams has experience playing against a high powered offense every week in practice so maybe handling Detroit isn’t so far-fetched. Detroit’s pass defense is absolutely horrible even though they may get back one of their best defensive backs this week. The Saints only allow one sack every 26.9 passes. The Saints have scored over 30 points in 4 consecutive playoff games. This is the first time and maybe last time two NFL QBs who have thrown for over 5,000 yards in a season have faced each other. It may be the last. Break out the popcorn and don’t go to the bathroom. You might miss something. Of course, that’s what TIVO is for, right?? I’M TAKING THE OVER FOR 5 STARS AND THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS TO COVER THE BIG NUMBER. IT MAY BE TOO MANY POINTS, BUT IT’S MY GUT FEELING.
Listen Now! PHILADELPHIA (7-8) -8 ½ OVER SKINS (5-10)(46) – This game last week turned into a game that means absolutely nothing to both teams, but is that true? That will be the questions bettors ask themselves when they try to handicap this game. Philly has been hot as of late, winning their last three games in a row against two good opponents. Last week they still played hard against Dallas in Jerry’s Spaceship even though they knew they were done, so why would they change? The Redskins lost at home to the cellar dwelling Minnesota Vikings and their defense didn’t look good doing it. The Skins defensive front 7 are not pressuring the QB like they did the first half of the season. Rex Grossman continues to throw interceptions (It’s in his DNA) and the Shanahan’s just continue to spin the results. Add to that the rumor that John Beck might actually see playing time on Sunday and I’ ready to throw in the towel. Personally, I think Dan Snyder should sell the team if he truly “loves” the Redskins. I mean like it’s said, “If you love it, let it go..” Well Dan, let it the fu$* GO!! What’s strange this week in the early betting trends in Vegas is that even though the line climbed 2 ½ points early in the week to 8½ , it seems that the entire country is betting on the Skins to cover. Personally, I don’t see it. I’m sure that LeSean McCoy’s ankle has something to do with that. He was limited in practice on Thursday and may not play, but he does have a chance for a rushing title owned by one of my favorite RB’s of all time Wilbert Montgomery. That will be an interesting call. If I know he’s gonna play, I’m gonna play the Eagles. If I’m not sure, I’m gonna pass on this big number. If the Skins lose, that means that Shanahan has DIGRESSED in his two years in Washington, something I’m sure he would like to avoid. I’m sure Mike Vick will be his usual tough self (as long as he’s not injured) and this should be a even up .500 win for the Eagles. SAN FRANCISCO (12-3) -10 ½ OVER ST. LOUIS (2-13)(35.5) – I was one of the people early in the season who thought that the Rams actually had a chance to win this division. That just goes to show you what can happen to a team early in the season with injuries and stupid play calling. Now the Rams have a chance to pick first in the draft and make some positive moves for the organization. Unfortunately, that mean firing HC Steve Spagnuolo. I doubt they’ll do anything with Sam Bradford. He’s a keeper, just like Stafford, but he doesn’t have the support of a good team around him like Stafford does. Look for that to change as quickly as possible. Spagnuolo is gone for sure. They’ll hire someone soon and I would project that time to be the Monday after this game. San Francisco is still playing for number 2 seed here so I don’t see them resting anyone. If they get the bye, then they get the rest they need for Gore and others. I see the 49ers coming out smoking here and the Rams cruising seeing the writing on the wall. If the team likes Spagnuolo, they’ll play hard, but how hard does a team playing hard who has lost their last 6 games play anyway. Even though Steven Jackson will continue to grind it out on the ground behind a beat up line, it won’t make any difference. Take the 49ers minus the points for 3 stars. The Rams are hornless. The 49ers have the horns! SAN FRANCISCO FOR 3 STARS. CAROLINA (6-9) +8 OVER NEW ORLEANS (12-3)(54.5) – This would normally be a great game to watch but with the Saints having the number 3 seed in the league most likely, they will not get a bye going into the playoffs. Because of that, I see them resting Drew Brees here on Sunday and giving the suddenly HOT Carolina Panthers a shot at a close game and possibly a win. Earlier this season, the Saints barely beat the Panthers in Carolina 30-27. The Panthers have won 4 of their last 5 games. However, they have also beaten Indy once and Tampa Bay twice in those 4 games. I’m going to take the Panthers plus the points in this game simply because I don’t see the Saints taking a chance for an injury to a key player or players in this game. Carolina would LOVE to end the season with a 7-9 record and that is a very good possibility here. Even though Drew Brees broke Dan Marino’s ancient record the other night, I think he might start, play a couple of series and possibly come out with the lead. I see some of their key defensive players (Jonathan Vilma for one) probably coming out also. Why take a chance when you can rest them? Rookie QB Cam Newton SHATTERED Peyton Manning’s rookie record last week and will continue to run that number up on Sunday. This is going to be the Cam Newton Show in the Big Easy!! TAKE THE PANTHERS PLUS THE 8 POINTS FOR 4 STARS HERE. LOVE THE PLAY. WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED TO SEE THEM WIN HERE. DETROIT (10-5) -3½ OVER GREEN BAY (14-1)(45.5) – The Lions last win in Lambeau Field was in 1991. That was before my daughter in college was born. It’s about time that streak was broken, wouldn’t you think? If Aaron Rodgers plays more than the first quarter, I’ll be surprised. The Packers have already claimed home field advantage through the playoffs. Right now Green Bay is game planning to play anyone except Detroit and they already know what to do against Detroit to beat them. The Lions were one of the few teams to hold the Packers to less than 30 points this season, losing at home 27-15 earlier in the Ndamakung Suh “lose your mind for a play” game. Now they get a Packers team who will play this game more like a presesason game resting many of their starters and trying to get healthy. The Packers get a week of rest with the bye but I’m not convinced that they are even remotely interested in winning this game with the Lions. I just don’t see the point. This is truly an exhibition game for the Packers in my opinion. I hope their fans understand. One thing that does scare me here is that they are expecting snow in Green Bay. They don’t usually lose in snow. TAKE THE LIONS MINUS THE POINTS HERE FOR 3 STARS. THAT’S RIGHT..MINUS THE FREAKING POINTS. TENNESSEE (8-7) -3 AT HOUSTON (10-5)(40) – This game is a very strange game to even fathom. Texas has been one of the best teams all season, at least until recently after they wrapped up the AFC South. They do get DC Wade Phillips back after a pair of surgeries. That should pick up the defensive side of the ball. However, since the injury to Matt Schaub, rookie T.J. Yates has taken over the offense and played well at times, but their offense has dropped off considerably the last two games in losses to Carolina and Indy. We were on both games. Some in Houston are calling for Jake Delhomme to step in, which is probably not a good idea. The Texans have NOTHING to play for here except to get a win for their fans basically. All Pro WR Andrew Johnson is healthy this week but I’m not sure how much playing time he will get anyway because they don’t need him to limp out of the game with a playoff game the following week. Titans RB Chris Johnson, fresh off a HUGE contract extension this year, will probably finally go over 1,000 yards in this game. The Titans actually have a slight chance of still making the playoffs and because they’re playing in an early game, they’ll be playing their asses off trying to pick up a win. They’ve had some success on the road this year winning three games but two weeks ago they lost by two touchdowns to the Colts. They’re tough to figure out too. HC Mike Munchak has done a great job this year with the Titans players. For them to even have a chance to finish 9-7 is incredible. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME JUST BECAUSE OF THE UNKNOWN OF HOW HARD THE TEXANS ARE GOING TO GO AFTER A WIN. INDIANAPOLIS (2-13) +3.5 AT JAGUARS (4-11)(37.5) – Great…two SUCK teams playing each other on the final game of the season. Let me guess…CBS’s Spero Dedes and Steve Beurlein calling the game..let me check…YEP!! Well, I said two weeks ago when I picked the Colts that weekend and the next that they would win 3 games in a row at the end of the season and completely foul up their Draft Status for first pick. I still have a chance to be right, and one thing you should know about me is that I HATE IT WHEN I’M RIGHT ALL THE TIME!! The Jaguars are not good. The Colts are playing better each week and even though they’re on the road, I’M TAKING THE COLTS TO WIN THEIR THIRD GAME IN A ROW AND COVER THIS POINT SPREAD HERE. The Jags defensive backfield is in tatters. Besides Maurice Jones-Drew, who needs a good game rushing to hold on to his rushing lead, they have basically NOTHING on offense starting with their rookie QB Blaine Gabbert. I see Dan Orlovsky and the Colts outscoring the Jags in a Jones-Drew vs. Reggie Wayne and Pierre Garcon matchup. It is probably Reggie Wayne’s last game as a Colt player. I also like the OVER here in this game. I’M TAKING THE COLTS PLUS THE POINTS FOR 4 STARS AND OVER FOR 5 STARS. JETS (8-7) +2½ AT MIAMI (5-10)(41) – Reggie Bush was just hitting his stride with 4 100 yard games in a row but he is OUT for this game with an injured knee. These are two OK teams here. Their records are decidedly different but nonetheless, they are both almost equal teams. Miami could easily have won 4 or 5 more games and be in the playoff hunt and saved the head of the Sparano family his job. The Jets have been up and down all season long and the only consistency at all has been the BS coming out of Rex Ryan’s mouth. Earth to Rex…Sanchez is not a good quarterback, period. His numbers are OK but his consistency and his arm strength are lacking. Their offense sucks and their defense really isn’t all that good either. The entire media in the Big Apple want Brian Schottenheimer’s head on a plate. Hey, he might be bad, but he’s not that bad. He’s not Kyle Shanahan for crying out loud. If he was that bad, then I’d say get rid of him. He’s not CHICAGO (7-8) +1 AT MINNESOTA (3-12)(41) – If there was ever a game where neither team really cared anything about the outcome of the game you’d think it would be this one. However, last week I witnessed the Vikings coming into Fed Ex Field and beating the Redskins in a pretty convincing way down the stretch. Unfortunately, they lost Adrian Petersen to an ACL/MCL injury that will lose him for about a year or more. RB Toby Gerhart had over 100 yards rushing but about 70 of that came on one play from scrimmage. If the Bears defense comes to play, you’d think they’d be able to beat the Vikings, but the Bears have lost 5 games in a row and I’m not sure where Lovie’s Love is right now. Their season is over. What’s the motivation to play. Simply professional pride? Maybe, but I’m passing on this game because I’m not really sure how hard the Vikings are going to try to win. You’d think they’d try REAL HARD because they did last week, but I’m not so sure. I’m a conspiracy theorist anyway. The Vikings’ Jared Allen leads the league with 18.5 sacks. He’s had a GREAT year. PASS. THIS GAME SUCKS. I WOULDN’T EVEN WATCH THIS GAME UNLESS MY SON WAS CHRISTIAN PONDER. PASS. DOUBLE PASS. BUFFALO (6-9) +10.5 AT NEW ENGLAND (12-3)(50) – In the third game of the season this year, Buffalo beat New England for the first time in FOREVER 34-31. Since that game the Bills have gone 3-9 and lost several key pieces of their offense and defense. Last week they took advantage of 4 Tim Tebow picks to destroy the Broncos 40-14. Are they back? Probably not, but they’re definitely looking better than the team that lost 7 games in a row. Tom Brady hurt his non-throwing shoulder last week. How bad, nobody knows because….it’s a secret. BUT, the Pats have clinched a first round bye in the playoffs. If they beat Buffalo, they get a number 1 seed in the playoffs. If they lose, a championship game could very well go somewhere else, either in Baltimore or Pittsburgh. They lost in Pittsburgh earlier this year 25-17. Because the defense of the Pats is so bad and no matter who runs the offense for the Patriots, they will probably score over 28 points against Buffalo at home, I’M TAKING THE OVER 50 POINTS HERE FOR 5 STARS. I really don’t care or like the point spread particularly here. CHECK THE WEATHER! PITTSBURGH (11-4) -6½ OVER CLEVELAND (4-11)(36.5) – This seems pretty easy. Steelers I have rated at OK++. The Browns as a SUCK team. No matter where they play this game, the teams are the same. After starting the season 2-1, the Browns have gone 2-10 the rest of the way. Their starting QB is out with a concussion for the third week in a row. Backup QB Seneca Wallace has has had some success but even with a healthy Peyton Hillis in the backfield, the Browns have a hard time scoring. The lost in Pittsburgh 14-3 four weeks ago. Last week the Steelers fresh off getting beat in San Francisco, beat up on a defenseless and offenseless Rams team 27-0. Starting for Big Ben, Charlie Batch did a good job and was 15 for22 for 208 yards last week. Pittsburgh has to win the game to have any chance to win the AFC North crown. If the Ravens lose in Cincy and the Steelers win, they get that done and secure the number 2 spot in the playoffs and a bye week. Personally, I don’t see the Browns scoring much if at all. The Steelers have all the desire here and the momentum. They also have James Harrison back in the lineup. Harrison put the hit on Cleveland QB Colt MCcoy that knocked him out of action and got a two week suspension for the helmet to helmet hit. Not sure if that matters much, but it could provide some incentive for the Browns to go after him and the Steelers a little harder. I’M GOING TO WAIT TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS AT THE QB POSITION FOR PITTSBURGH HERE BEFORE I MAKE UP MY MIND. BIG BEN STARTS, I TAKE THE STEELERS. IF NOT, PASS. BALTIMORE (11-4) -2 OVER CINCINNATI (9-6)(38.5) – Now this should be one hell of a game here. The Ravens have been not so good on the road with a 3-4 record. San Diego, won won’t be going to the playoffs, beat them by 20 two weeks ago. They’ve also lost in Seattle, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. Cincinnati. However, the Bengals aren’t much better at home. They’ve lost at home to Houston, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco, all playoff teams, but then so are the Ravens. Cincinnati HC Marvin Lewis used to be the DC of the Ravens when they won their Super Bowl. He has beaten them more times than they’d like to admit and if anyone has the know how to do it, it’s Coach Lewis. Baltimore number 1 receiver Anquan Boldin is out for this game after knee surgery last week. RB Ray Rice had 147 yards the first meeting against the Bengals and look for Rice to touch the ball at least 25 times this game. The less that Flacco has to throw the ball, the better for the Ravens. Last time the Bengals played the Ravens, the lost 31-24 in Baltimore but they didn’t have outstanding rookie WR A.J. Green. He’ll be available this game. I just like the Bengals chances here. If they win, they’re in. If not, they’re done. The Ravens have already secured a playoff berth and they’re just playing for the AFC North Championship now. I think Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton is as good if not better than Flacco right now and he should be able to make the plays necessary to beat the Ravens defense on Sunday. I’M TAKING THE BENGALS PLUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS. Marvin Lewis has won 5 of the last 6 games versus the Ravens at home. Why not? ARIZONA (7-8) -3 OVER SEATTLE (7-8)(41) – This game means nothing in the standings but both teams are finishing the season strong, saying big things about their coaches ability to teach and motivate. Marshawn Lynch has looked very impressive and last week broke the 49ers streak of not giving up a rushing touchdown all year. He has rushed for 1,118 yards and has 12 TD’s. Arizona’s Beanie Wells has almost identical stats and has been the workhorse of the Cardinals offense all year long. Both teams are relatively healthy and this could end up coming down to a field goal. I’m going to pass on this game simply because the number is so good and both teams are motivated and almost identical in ability. Since losing to Pittsburgh early in the season, the Cardinals have won 4 games in a row at home. Backup QB John Skelton should get the start and even though his accuracy isn’t what Kevin Kolb’s is, he’s gaining experience and may be a starter somewhere else. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME AND ROOT FOR THE CARDS. I’M A BIG GRIMM AND WHISENHUNT FAN. DENVER (8-7) -3 OVER KANSAS CITY (6-9)(37) – This is a playoff game for Denver and Tim Tebow. Either they win and host game 1 in the playoffs next week, or they lose and go home. Kyle Orton, on the other hand, may have some payback in mind. Let go by the Broncos earlier in the year and picked up immediately by the Chiefs, Orton knows the Denver team. He CAN throw the ball and move the offense. He’s helped the Kansas City defense and Romeo Crennel in learning the Denver offense. However, I doubt seriously if THIS Denver offense is much like the one he left when he operated it. I don’t see a lot of points being scored here on Sunday. Starting RB Jackie Battle is out for the Chiefs. That means McCluster will get more carries. There’s a good chance that Denver S Brian Dawkins is out too. I LIKE THE UNDER 37 HERE. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME STRAIGHT UP. TOO MUCH BAD BLOOD HERE TO LOOK THE OTHER WAY. GIANTS (8-7) -3 OVER DALLAS (8-7)(47) – Well, what we have here is a play in game for the playoffs. The winner hosts round 1 of the playoffs next week. The loser plays golf or goes to Vegas. Whatever happens, they’ll both leave it all on the field at 1 pm on Sunday. It’s only fitting that Roy and I are in New York at the WFAS studio handicapping Week 17 before this game. Since the first week of the season and seeing the glimpses of what the Giants COULD be, I thought the G-Men might be very similar to the team that won the Super Bowl four years ago. I like the Giants here, even though as everyone knows, I HATE TO PLAY THER ROAD WARRIORS AT HOME. But with the Cowboys not really knowing what they have with Tony Romo and his hand injury, AND Felix Jones being maybe the only running back they have for the game, I like New York’s chances here even minus the points. Playing on New Years at home must help the Giants. I only hope their fans have some energy left after celebrating New Year’s all night long. The Cowboys will have to stop the Giants running game for starters. Ahmad “Bulldog” Bradshaw didn’t start against the Boys last game because he missed curfew the night before in the hotel. He’ll make sure that doesn’t happen this time. Brandon Jacobs came out smoking last game and rushed for 101 yards and scored 2 TD’s. Eli Manning has been very capable all year long and even though last week he struggled going 9 for 27 in last week’s victory over the Jets, he’ll be ready. He’ll be without one of his favorite targets again, TD Jake Ballard who’s out again next week. Giant WR Hakeem Nicks isn’t 100% with a bad hamstring, but he’ll be ready to go. Mario Manningham is banged up but is probable. Free Agent signee WR Victor Cruz who has caught 76 passes for 1,358 yards so far this season, broke the single season record for the Giants last week. The New Jersey native that played at U-Mass has been unbelievable this year and is ready to go this week. I’M GOING TO TAKE THE GIANTS MINUS THE 3 POINTS FOR 3 STARS. I’M TAKING THE OVER FOR 5 STARS. JUST TOO MUCH TALENT ON THE BLUE SIDE OF THE BALL HERE.
Listen Now! INDY (1-13) +6 OVER HOUSTON (10-4)(46) – You know, maybe I’m just crazy and have been around way too long, but I see a chance for Indy here to win at home in front of a big Thursday night crowd after winning their first game of the season last Sunday against Tennessee. I think they might win 3 in a row to end off the season. Let’s look at Texans first. They have averaged just a little over 16 points a game with rookie QB T.J. Yates in the lineup. Went down early 21-0 to CAROLINA at home last week before the rout was on. Problem when you wrap up early is intensity level of players during practice AND the games. Texas is good, but maybe it’s a little different being out there without DC Wade Phillips who’s in the hospital following surgery. Also, this may be the last game at Lucas Oil Stadium for several Colts veterans. How will they want to go out? Dan Orlovsky has settled in and is doing a good job not only working with the first unit but also in the 2 minute offense. Indy RB Donald Brown had his career day running the football last weekend in big home win against Tennessee. Peyton Manning officially put on IR this week after throwing the ball a bit last week with shoulder pads and a helmet on. The Texans roster is pretty banged up. CALL ME CRAZY BUT I’M TAKING THE COLT PLUS THE POINTS AS A HOME DOG AGAINST THE TEXANS! 3 STARS…. BALTIMORE (10-4) -12½ OVER CLEVELAND (4-10)(38) – Baltimore has beaten the Browns 7 straight times. There I no love lost between these two team for obvious reasons, but even though Peyton Hillis is back and starting at RB for the Browns, they are going nowhere fast. Colt McCoy is still suffering from his concussion and re-entry into the game a couple of weeks ago. Seneca Wallace will get the start again for Cleveland. If there’s a way to lose, Cleveland will figure out how to make it happen. Anquan Boldin had knee surgery this week and is out for Baltimore. Hopefully they’ll get him back for the playoffs. Ray Rice is having an MVP type year and will be ready for this one. Last week as away favorites in San Diego, the Ravens got crushed by a rejuvenated Norv Turner San Diego Charger team. That was their fourth loss on the season, all on the road. Now they’re back home where they’re undefeated. A win this week keeps the Ravens in the number 2 seed in the AFC for the playoffs. Cleveland has given up over 2,000 yards on the ground for the season already. Ray Rice and the Ravens offense should be able to do whatever they want against the soft front 7 of the Browns. I’M GOING TO TAKE THE RAVENS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS. DENVER (8-6) -3 OVER BUFFALO (5-9)(43) – This will be the 12th year in a row that the Bills have missed the playoffs. Buffalo can’t stop the run and Denver can run, and run, and run. Tim Tebow and the Broncos lost a tough one last week after coming out smoking against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Three big turnovers cost them the lead and eventually the game. After starting the season 5-2, the Buffalo Bills have lost 7 in a row to take themselves completely out of the hunt. With Tebow, McGahee, and Ball the Broncos have rushed for almost 2,300 yards already this season. The Bills will have no choice but to put 8 in the box and force Tebow to throw the ball. The Bills don’t have much help in their secondary with two of their top three DB’s out for the season. The Broncos have 39 sacks compared to only 20 for the Bills. Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has struggled the past several games and the Broncos pressure should be more than his offensive line can handle. Last weekend they lost for the second time to the Miami Dolphins. In both their games against Miami, hardly a world beater, the Bills went 0 for 23 on third down. That is not good. RB C.J. Spiller filled in nicely and had 167 total yards from scrimmage. Denver needs this game too bad to lose in Buffalo but I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME EVEN THOUGH I’M ROOTING FOR DENVER AND TEBOW. CAROLINA (5-9) -7 OVER TAMPA BAY (4-10)(45.5) – Early this season, this game would have been a toss up. Now I think that the Panthers should handle the Bucs at home easily. Last week the Panthers traveled to Houston and beat the Division Champion Houston Texans 28-13. It wasn’t even a close game. Coach Ron Rivera and OC Rob Chudinski have opened up the playbook the last couple of weeks and like what they see. They even ran a fumblerooski play for a TD last week. Newton’s favorite target, WR Steve Smith has caught 72 passes for 1300 yards and 6 TD’s this season. He has 6 receivers with at least 30 receptions this season. Three weeks ago in Tampa, the Panthers handled the Bucs 38-19. I don’t see much changing. The Bucs have lost 8 games in a row and 9 of their last 10. I really haven’t see anything on the Bucs side of the ball worth reporting in a positive light. Personally, I think a change is in order because to many it looks like Raheem Morris is losing the team. If they’ve quit on him, they need a new coach. Their season is definitely over. I look for Cam Newton and the Panthers to come out smoking on offense and get a lead and build on it early. Cam breaks Peyton Manning’s rookie yardage record for passing with just 18 yards. Congrats Cam. Welcome to the NFL> I’M TAKING CAROLINA MINUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS. CINCINNATI (7-7) -4.5 OVER ARIZONA (7-7)(41) – Bengals QB Andy Dalton needs 2 TD’s to become the first rookie QB to have 20 TD’s since Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, and Charlie Connerly. The Bengals still have a fighting chance but they need help to make the playoffs. No matter what kind of help they get, they need to win out starting with the HOT Arizona Cardinals this week at home. After a 1-6 start to the season, Arizona has won 4 in a row and 6 of their last 7. To say they are hot would be an understatement. They’ve beaten San Francisco, Dallas, and Philadelphia. They are believing. John Skelton is 4-1 as a starter for the Cards. Beanie Wells has rushed for just under 1,000 yards and gives them a big back that can deliver punishment and get yards. All pro and future HOF receiver Larry Fitzgerald has caught 65 passes for 1,157 yards. The Bengals have started 8-6 with rookie QB Andy Dalton leading them. Cedrick Benson also has just under 1,000 yards and rookie A.J. Green has had an all pro rookie season catching 61 passes for just over 1,000 yards also. The Cards have played great as of late and even though they are the hot team here, I see their streak coming to an end in Cincinnati this weekend. If the Bengals win this week and next week at home against the Ravens, they have a good chance of making the playoffs. I’M GOING TO TAKE THE BENGALS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS HERE. KANSAS CITY (6-8) -2.5 OVER OAKLAND (7-7)(43) – Todd Haley was fired at the beginning of last week as head coach of the Chiefs and Romeo Crennel was made the head coach. All the Chiefs did was take on the undefeated Green Bay Packers, the best team in the NFL and returning Super Bowl Champs, and BEAT them at their place 19-14. The Packers didn’t play particularly well, but Crennel’s defense was unreal and created many problems for the Packers offense. The Raiders after losing on the road two weeks in a row to Miami and Green Bay, came home nad had a commanding 13 point lead late in the 4th quarter, only to blow it by letting Matt Stafford and Detroit go 98 yards in less than two minutes to win the game. Now if they lose in Kansas City to a fired up Chiefs team who ALSO have a chance to win the division with an 8-8 record, they’re done for the season. Not only were the Chiefs on fire last week, but for one of the few times this season, so were their fans. It’s always been a tough place to play at Arrowhead Stadium, but this game this weekend will be particularly tough. I’M GOING TO TAKE THE CHIEFS TO WIN THE GAME AND COVER THE SPREAD HERE KEEPING THEIR PLAYOFF HOPES ALIVE AND TRYING TO SAVE A HEAD COACHING JOB FOR CRENNEL. 4 STAR PLAY HERE!! NEW ENGLAND (11-3) -9.5 OVER MIAMI (5-9)(50) – In the season opener when these two teams played against each other, both teams combined for an NFL single game record 906 yards passing. Last week the Patriots visited Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos and bat them 41-23. Even though they won, that had to take something out of them. However, the Dolphins who a couple of weeks ago fired Tony Sparano and beat the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo for interim coach Todd Bowles the same week and they should be ready to play. This matchup is almost ALWAYS a good game. Dolphin RB Reggie Bush had a career year running the football last week and Matt Moore continued to do a good job at QB for the Dolphins. The Dolphin defense didn’t allow a third down conversion against the Bills for their second game in a row. In my opinion, this is going to be a semi-shootout with both teams moving the football mostly in the air. New England’s defense is suspect at best. They’ll have to outscore Miami to win. With DE Andre Carter out for the season with a leg injury, there will be less of a pass rush coming from the Pats. Carter led the Pats with 10 sacks. This game could come down to whoever has the ball last, so I’M GOING TO TAKE OVER 50 POINTS FOR 5 STARS IN THIS GAME. I’M LOOKING FOR A 38-35 TYPE BALL GAME HERE. JETS (8-6) -3 OVER GIANTS (7-7)(46.5) – To say this game could go either way be the understatement of the year. Both teams have put off sewing up their playoff berths till the last two weeks of the season. I don’t think they planned it that way, but that’s the way it is. Giants WR’s Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are the first Giants pair of receivers to both accumulate 1,000 yards receiving in a season. The Jets are not the same team that went to the AFC playoff finals the past two years, but Rex Ryan has them still in it. The Giants just lost to the Redskins last week for the second time this year, the first time that has happened since 1999. The Jets three weeks ago came back in Washington and BEAT the Skins 34-19. If you use that as a comparison game to handicap the game, the Jets are your pick for sure. Both teams are playing at their home stadium, but the majority of the fans will be Jets fans. The Giants have lost 5 of their last 6 games and their defense has been anything but good. The Jets got CRUSHED last week by Andy Reid’s rejuvenated and healthy Eagles team that everyone had written off earlier this season. I’VE GOT TO PASS ON THIS GAME OR I SHOULD JUST SAY THAT I’M CRAZY. IF YOU HEALD A GUN UP TO MY HEAD, I’D TAKE THE JETS. PITTSBURGH (10-4) -13 OVER ST. LOUIS (2-12)(34.5) – I’d hate to be the Rams coming into Heinz Field this week. Ben Roethlisberger isn’t going to play this week..THANK GOD. Why they had him in the game in the fourth quarter this past week against the 49ers is beyond me, unless they just wanted to lose him for the entire season. We were on the right side of that play. James Harrison is serving his second game of his suspension so that isn’t going to help the Steelers. The good news for the Steelers is they are playing maybe the worst team in the league, the St. Louis Rams. DL Chris Long has a badly sprained ankle but should play. The Rams will ride the legs and power of Steven Jackson as far as it will take them, but the Steelers should be able to stop them. The Rams have the 32nd ranked run defense in the league. Third string and just signed QB Kellen Clemmons played well last week against the Bengals for the Rams. Sam Bradford should be back this week. This is a must win at home for the Steelers and even though Big Ben won’t be playing, veteran Charlie Batch should have no trouble guiding Pittsburgh to an easy win. At age 37, Batch won’t be moving too much in the pocket and if he gets injured, Dennis Dixon will come in for the Steelers. C Maurice Pouncey is out again along with RB Mewelde Moore. Lamarr Woodley is questionable but should play. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME BUT PITTSBURGH WILL WIN. TENNESSEE (7-7) – 7.5 OVER JACKSONVILLE (4-10)(40) – Tennessee has played themselves pretty much out of the playoff chase the past two weeks. Last week they lost to Indy by a score of 27-13. Three big turnovers provided all that the Colts needed to win their first game of the year. Matt Hasselbeck should be OK to start for the Titans. Chris Johnson has a sore ankle but will play. For the Titans, Maurice Jones-Drew has a sore ankle but he’ll start. QB Blaine Gabbert has struggled most of the season throwing the football to his limited receiving corps. I’d be surprised if the Titans beat the Titans, especially with the Titans needing the game. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THIS GAME. SKINS (5-9) -7 OVER MINNESOTA (2-12)(47) – Neither of these teams are very good, but the Skins at least, are headed in the right direction even though they lost two of their best offensive players for the rest of the season because of a drug suspension. The Skins have played 5 decent games in a row. The lost a game they should have won against the Cowboys, they went to Seattle to beat a decent Seahawk team, then had the Jets beat before they gave up three late scores to lose, they played Brady and the Pats tough in a close loss, then beat up the Giants in New York last week. Roy Helu will get the ball almost 20 times tomorrow and if Rex Grossman can keep the ball in his receivers hands instead of the opposing teams, the Skins have a good chance of winning and covering against a struggling Viking team who right now pick first in the draft this coming year. Adrian Peterson will get the start at RB for the Vikings coming off a badly sprained ankle a couple of weeks ago. I’m sure they’ll utilize him and Percy Harvin in their offense. Two Minnesota DB’s are out with injuries. Starting G Steve Hutchinson is out for the game. I would imagine the Skins will get a heavy dose of A.P. on Saturday. Washington should get OT Jamaal Brown back from an injury this week. I’M GOING TO TAKE THE SKINS MINUS THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS. SAN DIEGO (7-7) +2 OVER DETROIT (9-5)(52.5) – Phillip Rivers is 23-2 in December. Maybe it’s him and not Norv! The Chargers have finally turned the corner and seem to be headed towards a possible AFC West title, BUT maybe not. They run into a Lions team this weekend that badly needs a win to stay in the race for a playoff spot. Last week the Lions became the first team in NFL HISTORY to come back and win 4 games in a season when trailing by at least 13 points. They drove 98 yards for a score to win the game last week with less than 2 minutes to go. WR Calvin Johnson (Megatron) has caught 81 passes for 1,331 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. QB Matt Stafford has thrown for 33 TD’s and only 14 picks this season. This is a game that the Lions desperately need because they travel to Green Bay next week for the last game of the season. Unfortunately for the Lions, they don’t have much of a running game. The Chargers after losing 6 games in a row, have won 3 games in a row scoring 109 points and only giving up 38 points. They seem to have everyone healthy and RB Ryan Matthews has hit his stride running the football and catching the ball out of the backfield. QB Phillip Rivers hasn’t thrown a pick in the last three games. Last week the Chargers scored 34 points against a good Baltimore Ravens defense, the most points scored against the Ravens all season. THIS COULD BE THE BEST GAME OF THE DAY. THE WINNER WILL BE SMILING THE LOSER….NOT SO MUCH. I’M GOING TO PASS ON THE GAME and PLAY THE OVER FOR 3 STARS. DALLAS (8-6) -1.5 OVER PHILLY (6-8)(50.5) – The winner of this game will probably win the NFC East. At least that’s my opinion. Dallas can lose, then beat the Giants next week and still come out with the East crown. If they win this week, it’s over, especially if the Jets beat the Giants this weekend. Philly is the hottest team in the East right now and look like what they thought they might be when the season started. However, it will be up to Mike Vick, his running and passing game, and the defense of the Eagles to decide if that indeed happens. LeSean McCoy is an awesome RB for the Eagles. He has averaged 4.9 yards per carry for the season and has a total of 1,579 yards from scrimmage. Mike Vick has a 80.6 QB rating and is coming off a couple of injuries this season. Cowboy QB Tony Romo has a very impressive 102.6 QB rating with 29 TD’s and only 9 interceptions. Mark Witten is his leading receiver with 68 receptions and 5 TD’s. Lauren Robinson and Dez Bryant have combined for 100 receptions and both have 9 TD’s each. Number 4 receiver Miles Austin even has 6 TD receptions. All of the Cowboys running backs are injured including Felix Jones so Sammy Morris, signed last week and who had 53 yards rushing last week will probably get the start. Chauncey Washington was signed off the practice squad. Either way, it’s a step down and if Jones starts at less than 100%, you have to give the Cowboys a minus in the rushing and pass protection game. Andy Reid’s teams have had great success against the Ryan Brothers so far in the NFL seasons. If Mike Vick can stay healthy and get time to throw on Saturday, it could be a very long game for the Cowboys and their stress will extend one more week. I’M TAKING PHILLY IN THIS GAME BECAUSE IT IS A MUST GAME FOR THEM. THEY DID WIN TWO IN A ROW LAST WEEK FOR THE FIRST TIME ALL SEASON. I’M LOOKING FOR THEM TO MAKE IT TO THREE IN A ROW THIS WEEK. 4 STARS. SAN FRANCISCO (11-3) -1 OVER SEATTLE (7-7)(39) – I love what Jim Harbaugh has done in San Francisco this year with the 49ers. Who says a coaching change doesn’t help? I also love what Pete Carroll has done with the Seattle Seahawks this season. He has made believers out of his players and they are playing at a high level in both execution and intensity. However, this week their offense, led by QB Tavaris Jackson and RB Marshawn Lynch, face the best defense in the NFC in the 49ers. 49er LB Patrick Willis may come off the injury list to start today also. On the 49ers side of the ball, QB Alex Smith has quietly and efficiently had an excellent season. He has thrown 16 TD’s and only 5 picks all season long. His 5 picks are the fewest of any starter in the league. Frank Gore is banged up but should play at RB. He has rushed for 7 TD’s and over 1100 yards. Quietly, Michael Crabtree is the 49ers leading receiver this year with 59 receptions. TE Vernon Davis has been his guy in the red zone with 6 TD’s. Defensively, the 49ers have yet to give up a rushing touchdown all season long. If this continues it will shatter the NFL record of 4 rushing TD’s given up several years ago. The only thing that bothers me here as far as being able to side with the Seahawks in the game is me remembering what the Redskins did to them at their place four weeks ago. They came from behind to beat the Seahawks 23-17. I’M GOING TO TAKE THE GREAT VALUE HERE WITH THE 49ERS MINUS JUST ONE POINT FOR 3 STARS. IT IS TOO GOOD TO LEAVE ALONE. GREEN BAY (13-1) -11.5 OVER CHICAGO (7-7)(42.5) – The Packers have BOTH of their starting tackles out for the season probably. Last week the Chiefs beat the Pack at home after firing their head coach on Monday. Not a good sign if you’re a Packers fan. However, this is still a very good team, maybe the best team in the league still and should rebound at home this week against a Bears team that is all but decimated with injuries themselves. Backup Chicago QB Josh McCown gets the start after mopping up last week in the Bears’ 38-14 loss at home to the Seahawks. Personally, I think the Bears have mailed it in. They lost four straight games to Oakland, Kansas City, Denver, and Seattle. That sucks. The Packers are a step up in class and the Bears should be clobbered. WR Johnny Knox is out for the season after surgery this week. WR/KR star Devin Hester is questionable and may not play. With the Packers still seething after their loss in Kansas City, I’m looking for them to come back strong against a banged up Bears team who have lost 4 in a row and destroy them as well as they can on Saturday. With Forte and now Marion Barber injured, Khalil Bell will get the start at RB and rookie Armando Allen from Notre Dame will be the backup. Great stuff if you’re Bell and Allen, not so great probably for the Bears. Having Hester and Knox out also creates a problem on special teams receiving teams for the Bears. TAKE THE PACK MINUS ALL THE POINTS FOR 3 STARS. THE ENTIRE COUNTRY SEEMS TO BE BETTING ON THE BEARS HERE FOR SOME REASON. I DON’T SEE IT PERSONALLY. MONDAY NIGHT NEW ORLEANS (11-3) -7 OVER ATLANTA (9-5)(52.5) – Definitely the best game of the entire week and a game well deserving of Monday night status. I LOVE THE SAINTS HERE. Sure, Atlanta has played better as of late but the only team they have beaten this year with a WINNING record is the Detroit Lions before their bye week. You could argue right now that the Saints are a better “team” than the Packers who were undefeated till last week’s loss in Kansas City. What Head Coach Sean Payton has done with their offense is not only exceptional but bordering on genius. They have three running backs that have 474, 479, and 496 yards rushing for the season. RB Darren Sproles has 659 yards receiving also. TE Jimmy Graham has caught 87 passes for 1171 yards and 9 TD’s. This may very well be the game that Drew Brees breaks Dan Marino’s NFL season record for passing yards. His passer rating is 109.1. Atlanta RB Michael Turner is banged up with a bad leg and that isn’t a good thing for the Falcons. DE John Abraham is back. Last week he had 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in their 41-14 drubbing of the Jaguars. I’M TAKING THE OVER HERE FOR 4 STARS EACH. CAN’T HELP MYSELF. GREAT TEASER HERE WITH THE SAINTS IF YOU WISH, ALL THEY’D HAVE TO DO IS WIN. INDY (1-13) +6 OVER HOUSTON (10-4)(46) – You know, maybe I’m just crazy and have been around way too long, but I see a chance for Indy here to win at home in front of a big Thursday night crowd after winning their first game of the season last Sunday against Tennessee. I think they might win 3 in a row to end off the season. Let’s look at Texans first. They have averaged just a little over 16 points a game with rookie QB T.J. Yates in the lineup. Went down early 21-0 to CAROLINA at home last week before the rout was on. Problem when you wrap up early is intensity level of players during practice AND the games. Texas is good, but maybe it’s a little different being out there without DC Wade Phillips who’s in the hospital following surgery. Also, this may be the last game at Lucas Oil Stadium for several Colts veterans. How will they want to go out? Dan Orlovsky has settled in and is doing a good job not only working with the first unit but also in the 2 minute offense. Indy RB Donald Brown had his career day running the football last weekend in big home win against Tennessee. Peyton Manning officially put on IR this week after throwing the ball a bit last week with shoulder pads and a helmet on. The Texans roster is pretty banged up. CALL ME CRAZY BUT I’M TAKING THE COLT PLUS THE POINTS AS A HOME DOG AGAINST THE TEXANS! 3 STARS…. |
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