The Sportz Guru Report

11:31:54 PM EDT

I have officially MOVED!!!

 

Come check out the all-new SportsGuru.com!!!

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12:08:45 PM EST

The NFL announced earlier this year the Monday Night Football was moving from ABC to ESPN, with the Sunday Night game moving from ESPN to NBC starting next season.  Ratings for Monday Night Football have been dwindling for years now and ABC has tried everything to try to improve these numbers(Dennis Miller, anyone?!?).  Most people think a reason for this is the number of choices now available for people to watch.  Back when ABC forst started MNF, there were only 3 or 4 channels to choose from, so even fair weathered fans would watch.  Now, they say, that just isn't the case.  That may be correct to a point, but my reasons are much simpler.  Horrible games!

I am going to focus on one team...The Green Bay Packers.  They have been on Prime Time, or on National TV 5 times this season.  Seeing that there are approximately 35 games on National Television alone(Sunday Night. Monday Night, and games on Christmas, etc) they have been featured in games over 10% of the time.  Has anyone noticed how bad the Packers are?  If not before, definitely after last night.  A 48-3 embarrassment at the hands of a bad 5-9 Baltimore Ravens team.  No wonder noone watches.  Who wants to stay up unitl 1AM to watch two horrible football teams play horrible football.

There has been alot of talk that the NFL wants the flexibilty to move games to Prime Time late in the season so the matchups are better.  Though a nice thought, the logisitic are a nightmare and nearly impossible.  My thought would be for the NFL to simply look closer at the schedule and pick games based on more than marquee names on the teams.  Sure, Brett Favre was a nice draw in the past, but he is AWFUL now, the proff again being last night's game.

The side note to this problem has been the public downfall of one of the NFL's supposed elite.  Not only have we been forcefed bad football, but we get to watch an over-the-hill athlete embarrass himself on a weekly basis.  Similar to Ali-Holmes and the final game of Ripken's streak, Favre has the look of a player that has held on too long.  Sure, the Packers are decimated by injuries, but there are alot of teams without alot of talent.  David Carr, who is on his way to breaking his own sack reacord, doesn't LOSE the game the way Favre does. Noone does.  Favre now leads the league with 24 picks, several being returned for TD's in close games.

I am not a Packer fan, nor a Favre fan, but as a sports fan, these types of things are painful to watch.  Favre has said many times that he will hang it up when the game isn't fun anymore.  Hey, Brett, if you are half as miserable playing these games as we are watching them, then you know what you should do.... 

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4:16:32 PM EST

Week 13 has arrived.  I apologize for not having the rest of week 12 uploaded, but a server issue caused all that mess and I didn't want to type it all out again.  Call me LAZY!!  Befre we get to it, A BIGTIME tip of the Guru Hat to my Alma-Mater, the University of Akron Zips for winning the MAC Championship last night in thrilling, edge-of-your-seat fashion.  It becomes the Zips' FIRST football championship in any leage EVER!  Forget the Cubs, that is a 90 YEAR streak that came to an end.  Besides, who doesn't love a Kangaroo as a mascot.  On to the Motor City Bowl for the UofA.  It is a glorious day in Zips nation!

Now onto the picks for Week 13.  I feel really good about them, so enjoy!

                                         

Straight -- Last Week: 10-6 Season: 116-58 .666
VS. the Spread -- Last Week: 7-9 Season:   92-82 .521     

 

Green Bay +7 1/2  @  Chicago  -  Be honest, just like me you keep waiting for the Bears to shrivel up and fold.  Come on, you can tell me....After big-time wins against the Panthers and Bucs, the Bears come home and face their arch-rival, The Green Bay Packers.  In most cases you can throw the records out for a rivalry game, but I think the Bears would love nothing more than to slap the Pack and Brett Favre around a little bit.  During the Favre era the Packers have onwed this series and taken many liberties to embarrass the Bears.  The shoe is on the other foot and I expect the bears to tee off.  Statistically, this Bears defense is ranking up there with the best ever.  Unfortunitely, their offense cannot make the same claim.  I like the Bears, bu 7 1/2 is alot to give with that Offense.  Look for the Pack to cover, but lose.

Bears 17-10

Tampa Bay -3 1/2  @  New Orleans  -  Where the hell is this game being played anyway?  I think in San Antonio.  If the season hasn't gone bad enough, the Saints have been kicked out of the Alamo Dome while the Dome hosts the NCAA Women's Volleyball Tourney.  The coaches will work from a water treatment plant, the weight room in a tent at a high school parking lot and the locker room will be built on a high school baseball field.  Note to the NFL....FORGET THE SAINTS!!!  Get this poor franchise somewhere they can call home.  Bucs win big.

Bucaneers 27-13

Dallas +3 1/2  @  New York Giants  -  The last time they played, the Cowboys won in OT - 16-13.  I look for the same type of game, especially with the Cowboys who seem to play a close game every week.  The advantage here goes to the home team, the Giants, who have to be reeling after GIVING the Seahawks a win last week.  Both teams missed huge field goals and have kickers that have been shaky at best.  I will take the 3 1/2, but the Giants will win by 3 after Jeremy Shockey kicks a game winning FG.

Giants 24-21

Buffalo  @  Miami -3 1/2  -  Another example of a "What the Hell are these guys watching?" point spread.  The Bills offensive output the last 5 games - 17, 16, 14, 10, 9.  Not a good trend if you are a Buffalo fan.  Miami is really starting to run the ball well with Ricky and Ronnie.  They went out to Oakland last Sunday and dismantled the Raiders and are playing very hard every week.  At home, Akron Alum Jason Taylor is going to eat J.P. Losman for lunch.  Look for Miami to cover and win big.

Dolphins 27-7

Cincinnati +3 1/2  @  Pittsburgh  -  6 weeks ago I predicted the Steelers would go into Cincinnati and punch the Bengals in the mouth, and they did.  Then I predicted teh Colts would go into Cincinnati and do the same, and they did.  The bengals are no doubt a team on the rise, and in every sport a rising team gets kicked around a little bit before finally breaking through.  The Steelers are banged up and are limping into this one after getting slapped by the Colts on Monday Night.  They are ripe for the picking and the Bengals are sick of getting punched in the face.  I like the Bengals to get it done this time, break through for a big win and take control of the AFC North.  A Steelers loss here, and the playoffs might be a longshot.

Bengals 24-20

Atlanta +3 1/2  @  Carolina  -  The NFC South is a wacky division.  The Bucs own the Falcons, the Panthers own the Bucs, and the Falcons OWN the Panthers.  This game has HUGE implications to this division and to the NFC playoff picture.  The Panthers are coming off of two very tough road games(Bears, Bills) and come home to face the Panthers for the first time this season.  After losing 2 in a row, the Falcons looked great on Thanksgiving Day.  Mike Vick is playing the best QB of his pro career, and Algae Crumpler is becoming an elite TE.  I like the Falcons in this one to continue their domination of the Panthers and take a big step towards the playoffs.

Falcons 26-23

Tenessee +15 1/2  @  Indianapolis  -  A few weeks ago, the Colts were favored by 17 at home over the Texans.  I took the points and won.  A simialr situation here.  The Titans played a great game last weekend, with Steve McNair recapturing some of the glory days.  The Titans are young and always play hard.  The Colts have spent the week hearing how great they are, and are beginning to get the "Can you go undefeated?" questions every 30 seconds.  I am tempted to pick the upset here, but I simply take the points and be happy.

Colts 24-17

Minnesota -2 1/2  @  Detroit  -  The Lions are a MESS.  Mooch is gone, Millen somehow isn't, the lockerroom is divided and bickering and Jeff Garcia is the QB.  Mix all that up and it equals a win for the hard-charging Vikings.  Can Mike Tice really get fired if he somehow leads the Vikes to the Playoffs?  Has a coach ever gotten the Coach of the Year award and been fired in the same year?

Vikings 21-10

Houston +7 1/2  @  Baltimore  -  The worst game in the history of the NFL!  Seriously.  Maybe we can watch Heidi in stead.  Felons should be forced to watch this game as a form of cruel and unusual punishment.  I still have no idea how the Texans lost to the Rams and a rookie 7th Round Harvard QB.  David Carr played pretty well however and Kyle Boller is a joke.  The Ravens are really starting to tune out Brian Billick.  In my upset special, I take the Texans to win.

Texans 17-9

Jacksonville  @  Cleveland +3 1/2  -  It is snowing in Cleveland.  Has been for the last 24 hours.  Is supposed to for the next 24 hours.  It is cold, miserable and the Perfect weather for football.  The Jags have to go with a backup QB, with Byron Leftwich gone with a broken ankle.  The Browns will also start their backup, Akron Alum Charlie Frye.  I like Fry in this matchup.  With the weather equalling everything out, I like Reuben Droughns to have a big day as well.  It's time for the Browns to make the bad weather an advantage.  If you can't beat a Florida team in the snow, just pack it up and quit.

Browns 16-13

Arizona -3 1/2  @  San Francisco  -  The first matchup was in Mexico, a game the 49'ers led 14-0 before losing 42-14 or something like that(Does it really matter)  Another prime reason to have the NFL Sunday Ticket, this game does feature two exciteing young receivers for the Cards, and a rejuvenated Kurt Warner.  Alex Smith will get the start, and won't play well.  Take the points, Cards Win!

Cardinals 33-20

Washington -3 1/2  @  St. Louis  -  The circus that is the Rams continues to entertain, with Coach Mike Martz beggin to come back to work and the team essentially saying Thanks, but no thanks.  He is still the Head Coach, but the team doesn't want him around.  After the improbable play of Ryan Fitzpatrick in bringing them back against the Texans, he'll face Gregg Williams' defense that tends to make things very difficult on Rookie QB's.  The rook falls back to earth a little bit as the 'Skins try to salvage their season.

Redskins 23-13

Denver -1 1/2  @  Kansas City  -  Denver is 1-12 in their last 13 trips to KC in December.  The Chiefs haven't lost a home game in December since 1996.  What does all of that mean?  A Bronco win of course.  This is a different Denver team, Thanksgiving Day proved it.  They were dominated all day, but never trailed and took advantage of mistakes and won in OT.  To me, Dallas is a better coached football team and Texas Stadium is alot harder to play in on Thanksgiving than Arrowhead is in December.  Time for Jake Plummer to go and win a BIG game for the Bronc's as the Chiefs will not let the running game get going.  I like Jake to do just that.

Broncos 24-21

NY Jets +10 1/2  @  New England  -  I know the Pats are banged up, but that defense is AWFUL.  If anyone watched Tom Brady last week, I think it is starting to wear on him just a bit.  Remember, Brady came into this as a guy that relied on not making mistakes.  He had a solid defense that would keep him in games.  That D isn't doing any of that anymore and brady is starting to press.  The Pats will win this game, but they aren't 11 points better than any team right now.  Take the Points, Pats are heading to a first round beat down.

Patriots 27-20

Oakland  @  San Diego -10 1/2  -  Unlike the Patriots, the Chargers ARE 11 points better than alot of teams.  The Raiders included.  Norv Turner, who should have never gotten the job in the first place, is in big trouble.  Half the defense is hurt, Randy Moss has been banged up all year and Kerry Collins is playing like, well, Kerry Collins.  The Chargers are really hitting their stride and can't slip up or they could find them selves out of the payoffs.  The Chargers won 27-14 in Oakland when both teams were still in it.  The Raiders are done, and the Chargers take advantage.

Chargers 34-17

Seattle  @  Philadelphia + 3 1/2  -  The Seahwaks were gift wrapped a win last week against the Giants that I looked at as a statement game.  Though you never apologize for a win, it raised more doubts with me than supplied answers.  At half-time the Eagles will retire the late Reggie White's number in a ceremony involving many of White's former teammates.  It will be an emotional night and strange things always happen during these circumstances.  Just like Brett Favre against the Raiders last year, it will seem a higher power is in charge.  Take the points, the Eagles upset the 'Hawks

Eagles 24-20

 

Enjoy you Football Sunday everyone!  Go Broncos!

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4:14:04 PM EST

The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to trade Jim Thome to the World Champion Chicago White Sox for Center Fielder Aaron Rowand.  The trade is completed pending physicals.

This has been in the hopper for a few days and in my opinion ends the Frank Thomas era in Chicago.  I said earlier that I thought Frank would look good with a Wahoo on his hat, as long a Pronk can play 1B.  We'll see what happens, but now Tribe fans get to welcome J.T. back to the Jake 10 times next year.....Get the fake money ready!!!

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3:04:30 PM EST

An early edition of the NFL Picks this week as we have two Turkey Day games to consider.  Just as those 4 teams have had a short week of practice, I too had to cram for my picks this week, and what a wekk it is.  Several very difficult games, straight and against the spread.  I am interested to see how good my gut is(I know how big it is going to get tomorrow!)

Here we go!!!

 

Thanksgiving Day Doubleheader  - 

Atlanta -3 1/2 @ Detroit  -  The Falcons, once riding high at 6-2, have lost 2 straight home games, the last being a tough divisional matchup against the Buccaneers.  Now at 6-4, they are behind both the Panthers and the Bucs in the division.  They can't not afford another defeat to a team they should beat, like the Packer game 2 weeks ago.  Though alot of the flak falls to Mike Vick, it has been the Falcon defense that has let Jim Mora and Co. down.  A short week is the best thing to happen to Atlanta, and a big win in Detroit would do alot to right the ship.  I like the Falcons in this spot, and I look for Vick, Dunn, and even T.J. Duckett to have a big day on the ground.  The Lions always play tough on Thanksgiving, but are a team in chaos.  I like the Falcons, give the points...

Falcons 27-17

Denver -1 1/2 @ Dallas  -  A classic in the making.  I can't remember the last time two divisional leaders played in a Turkey Day game.  Both teams love to run the ball, and are committed to it even if there isn't early success.  That said, both teams should have opportunities to make plays down field, and both have players at the skill positions to make big plays.  In the end, this game could come down to special teams, and in both cases, I like the Broncos.  Jason Elam gives the Broncos a PK edge, and rookie Darrent Williams is a TD threat every time he drops back to take a punt.  Champ Bailey is as close to 100% as he has been all season.  This game has all the ingredients to be a colse, hard fought game.  OT isn't out of the question.  In the end, I like Denver to get a big raod win in a statement game and keep the pressure on the Colts in the AFC.

Broncos 23-20

I will give my picks for the rest of Week 12 a little later!

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1:32:49 PM EST

This just in...

Terrell Owens has LOST his arbitration hearing...

Richard Bloch, the Arbitrator in the Terrell Owens case involving the Philadelphia, has UPHELD the suspension and determined the Eagles can de-activate Owens for the rest of the regular season.

As I wrote earlier, none of this comes as a surprise to me.  It was amazing to me that so many "experts" thought the arbitrator would rule any other way.  A Guru Salute to Mr. Bloch for doing the right thing!!!

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9:53:13 AM EST

Turkey Day is upon us, and boy am I hungry.  What a slate of football games on tap tomorrow.  The Falcon-Lions game should at least be entertaining with Mike Vick, and the Denver-Dallas game is shaping up to be a classic.  Being a Bronco fan, it looks like it won't be a relaxing dinner for me, but I am looking forward to it all the same.  I will be giving my Week 12 picks a little later today, but wanted to touch on a couple things on the past weekend....

***Something special is happening down at the Q.  LeBron james has been comapred to several All-World players in the past:  Jordan, Magic, Oscar, etc...What I witnessed last night in the 3rd quarter was like no player I have ever seen.  After blowing a 16 point first half lead and Damon Jones on the bench with a bum ankle, Lebron switched to point guard and proceeded to score the next 10 Cavalier points and play some of the best defense I have seen.  King James literally took over the game.  I have said on this site many times that once LeBron realizes that he can get to the hoop ANYTIME he wants he is truly going to be SCARY.  I think it has happened.  The last two games, LeBron has scored 36 each night, last night on only 20 shots.  He took over in the second half of each game, and each time it was his penetration, not his jumpshot, that led the way.  The outside shooting of Donyell Marshall, Damon Jones, and Larry Hughes has opened up the interior for James to get to the hoop at will.  It has definitely been SCARY!  As is two great football games weren't enough on Thanksgiving, the Cavs will get a BIG test on the road against Indiana.  How much fun is that?!?

***Just had to mention that Cavs-76'ers game one more time.  A 123-120 up and down the floor game reminiscent of old Denver Nugget games.  This is shaping up to be a special season in Cleveland.

***NBA Power Rankings -- 1. Detroit 2. Dallas 3. San Antonio 4. Cleveland 5. LA Clippers

***The Arbitrator Ruling in the T.O. fiasco should come down later today.  In my opinion, all that will happen will be a reduction of the 4-game unpaid suspension.  No matter what we all think, the Eagles are legally within their right to de-activate T.O anytime they want.  They have to pay him,but they don't have to play him.  He would look great with a horse on his helmet, but don't expect him to play again this year.  What a true waste of premier talent.  I would love to have 10% of the money he has thrown away with all his BS.

***The Packers lost again on Monday night, losing to the Vikings, falling to 2-8.  In the 2005 draft, the Packers selected a Quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, as the QB of the future.  Part of the reason for that was the CONSTANT talk of retirement by Brett Favre.  It seems in every interview for the last 3 years Favre has talked of walking away.  That talk caused the team to react by getting a QB instead of addressing other weaknesses, such as the entire defense, and has led to a total collapse.  Now the Packers need to see what they have in Rodgers.  The question becomes, "Do personal accollades trump team focus?"  We all know Favre has started every game for the last 11 years.  Has the time come to sit Favre in order to see what you have in Rodgers?  The Packers need to be very careful in a delicate situation.  Favre has earned the right to go out the way he wants, but at what price to the future of the team?  Earlier this year, Favre said he would only consider returning next season if Mike Sherman returned.  BINGO!  If I'm Mike Sherman, I'd be talking to Realtors.  Favre gave the Packer organization the "out" it needs.  Fire Sherman, and Favre will retire, we think.  Definitely a situation to keep our eyes on.

***Speaking of Favre, how many horrible interceptions can he throw beofre people STOP giving him a free pass.  Without dragging this point on and on, consider this.  If you compare INT's per game by Favre and everyone's whipping boy when it comes to bonehead throws Jake Plummer, you'll find something interesting...Favre has averaged 1.1 INTs/game....Plummer - 1.1 INTs/game.  And until now, Plummer has had NO help, NONE, ZERO, NADA!  In the media's eyes Favre is a "Gunslinger trying to make something happen".  Plummer?  "Not smart enough to play the QB position, you'll never be able to win with Jake".  Amazing how perception is 95% of reality.  Luckily I am here to battle for the other 5%!

***True, the Buckeyes of Ohio State beat Michigan on Saturday to make it 4/5 for Jim Tressel in the rivalry.  I have noticed a disturbing trend with the Buckeyes, however.    Against inferior talent, the Buckeyes go for the throat.  They win big, score alot of points, yada yada.  Against tougher opponents things are a bit different.  To me it seems Tressel gets ultra conservative.  In the three games this year against top quality opponents(Texas, Penn State and Michigan) the Buckeyes reverted back to a conservative, run the ball, short pass, low risk offense.  In tow of those games, costly mistakes late cost the Buckeyes the game.  Against Michigan it was happeniing again until Troy Smith HAD to go down field, then the Buckeyes opened up and moved the ball at will.  I think the Buckeyes have the most talented group of wideouts in the country, but you wouldn't know it they way Tressel runs his offense.  I hope he has learned that at OSU you have some pretty talented athletes.  Let them do what they do best....

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3:32:37 PM EST

Week 11 is here, and so are my picks...Before I begin, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention an anniversary being recognized today. 20 years ago today was the night L.T. sacked Joe Theisman, breaking both bones in his right leg, ending his career. I was 12 years old, and was watching the game, and my stomach still gets queezy thinking about it. Watching how frantic L.T. was waving to the sideline for the training staff to rush out to the field. Seeing the blood stains on the sock(they don't show that anymore). A horrific injury that ended the career of a Super Bowl winning QB. Joe has recovered completey, doing an excellent job on ESPN, but I'll always remember that night like it was yesterday. 20 years...hard to believe.

After a sizzling Week 9, I came back to earth a little last week, actually going under .500 against the spread. Not to be swayed, however, I am back on the horse and ready to re-establish myself. Without further ado...

Straight -- Last Week: 9-5 Season: 96-46 .676
VS. the Spread -- Last Week: 6-8 Season: 74-68 .521

Arizona @ St. Louis -9 1/2 - After being beaten the second time this season by the Seahawks last week, the Rams are playing for their playoff lives. Coaches are getting into fist-fights with each other, the players are unhappy, and the fans are restless. The perfect medicine for what ails the Rams flies into town this Sunday, The Cardinals. This was supposed to be the year the Red Birds took a step towards the playoffs. Instead, they are taking steps towards Matt Leinart. I like the Rams in this one to keep their playoff hopes alive, winning big.

Rams 34-20

Detroit +8 1/2 @ Dallas - This game has me really intrigued. After an emotional week for the Cowboys and their Coach, Bill Parcells, and a huge come from behind win in Philly, the 'Boys come home to take on the Lions. The 'Boys also have the Broncos coming into town on Turkey Day and have to be peeking ahead just a little bit. Though I am tempted big time to take the Lions to win outright, the points are enough and the Cowboyswake up just in time to pull it out.

Cowboys 21-17

Jacksonville @ Tennessee +4 1/2 - I am still not sold on the Jags, and despite a cakewalk schedule the rest of the way see them struggling in some winnable games. This is one of them. Jeff Fisher always has his Titans team playing hard, and they will play hard in this one after having two weeks to prepare. A former divisional rivalry, these teams don't like each other too much. Take the points, and think hard about the Jags losing this one. In the end, Matt Jones is the difference and the Cats slip by.

Jags 24-20

Carolina -2 1/2 @ Chicago - This weekend has been coined "Show-Me" Sunday since there are a few games with teams who think they are pretty good and are getting a true test this weekend. The Bears are one of these teams, and they will get a BIG test by the Panthers. Remember, this is a Bears team that has lost to Cleveland and got thoroughly beaten by another "Show me" team, Cincinnati. Both teams have great defenses, but unlike the Bears, the Panthers also have a very good offense. A close game at half-time, the Panthers pull away in the end. Give the points...

Panthers 28-17

Miami @ Cleveland -2 1/2 - Is it me or do the Browns play horrible teams every week. Ok, I know, they have to play the Steelers twice a year, but that is the problem with being a horrible team every year...You play horrible teams every year. Anyhow, since they HAVE to play it, I have to pick it. It has finally gotten cold and feels like football weather in Cleveland, and I think this is the week the Browns finally realize the best playmaker they have is Braylon Edwards and start getting him the "Damn Ball". I like the Browns by a field goal late.

Browns 17-14

Oakland +6 1/2 @ Washington - Both teams are on 2game losing streaks, both teams feel lousy about themselves. I think the Redskins are showing their true colors. LaVar Arrington proved why he doesn't deserve to be on the field.  If he simply fills the hole, instead of going for the SportsCenter highlight dive, the Redskins are 6-3 today. Well, he didn't and they're not. Oakland has more talent than Washington, especially on offense, but D.C. is a tough place to play. The spread is way to big, but the 'Skins pull it out.

Redskins 20-17

Tampa Bay +6 1/2 @ Atlanta - Tampa owns the Falcons. Since re-alignment, the Bucs are 6-2 against the Falcons. They have split the last 4 however, and after a horrible showing in the dome against the Pack last week, the Falcons need this game. Another "Show Me" game, the winner will have an upper hand in the wildcard race behind the Panthers in that division. The Bucs need to get their running game back in sync, and Chris Simms grew up as a NFL QB against the Redskins. Cadillac has filled up and is ready for the 2nd half and the Falcons won't be able to run against TB. Take the points and the Bucs to win outright.

Buccaneers 24-20

New Orleans +10 1/2 @ New England - After a killer schedule through the first 9 weeks of the season, the Patriots get a break. The Saints are a mess and have crumbled under the pressure of not really having a home. To think the Pats are 11 points better than anyone, though, is hard to fathom with all the injuries on that defense. I like the Pats, but only by 10.

Patriots 24-14

Philadelphia @ NY Giants -3 1/2 - For 56 minutes on Monday night, it looked as if the Eagles had come together in the aftermath of the T.O. situation and were going to be back in the divisional hunt. They watched the Giants and Redskins give games away, and a win would get them a game out of first place. Unfortunately for the Eagles, NFL games are 60 minutes long. That pass by McNabb might have been the worst pass I have ever seenand marked the 3rd game in a row that McNabb had thrown a pick with his team leading or going in for the tying score in the 4th quarter. The G-Men on the other hand played arguably their worst game of the year and got a big time wakeup call. No way the Mike McMahon moves the Eagles and the Giants need to "Show" that they are for real. Give the points, Giants win handily.

Giants 27-13

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore +4 1/2 - 3 weeks ago on a Monday night the Steelers squeaked by the Ravens20-19, and that was in Pittsburgh with Big Ben under center. The Steelers will have to use "Turnover" Tommy Maddux, and may be better off with former college QB's Antwon Randel El or Hines Ward. Kyle Boller is back for his 2nd start and I truly believe that the next 6 weeks are make or break for Boller AND Brian Billick. The Ravens will play tough, but I can't pick them to beat the Steelers, who travel as well as any team in the NFL. I will take the points, however.

Steelers 13-10

Seattle -12 1/2 @ San Francisco - It's official, the Seahawks are for real this year. Shaun Alexander is easily the MVP of the first half of the NFL Season. I think I will take Alexander to cover the spread this week as the 'Hawks won't need much more than that. Go ahead, give the 13, I'll take Alexander.

Shaun Alexander 28-13

Buffalo @ San Diego -10 1/2 - A big, must-win game for the Bills last week as J.P. Losman came off the bench to beat KC last week. Too bad for Buffalo that this game is one the West Coast in San Diego against a team that has been a disappointment this year at 5-4. Coming off their BYE week, the Chargers are "recharged" and set for the stretch run fighting for their playoff lives. I like L.T., Brees, and Gates to have a big day. Bills are Done.

Chargers 34-17

NY Jets @ Denver -12 1/2  -  As a Bronco Fan, I am always leery of games like this. The team is rolling along and are a big favorite against a team they should beat handily. In most cases I would take the points, knowing that the Broncos have a hard time blowing teams out and putting them away. There have been several instances of that this year. The jets, however, are an exception. They don't have Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb, or even Mark Brunell for that matter. Brooks Bollinger, who threw 4 picks in 6 attempts in the 2nd Half against the Panthers last week doesn't have the tools or the talent to score with the Broncos. I like Denver in this spot, and look for them to win big before a big Turkey Day game in Dallas.

Broncos 34-14

Indianapolis -5 1/2 @ Cincinnati - The Bengals are 7-2. The Colts 9-0. Several "Experts" are taking the Bengals. I am not convinced. The Bengalshave played 2 teams that would beconsidered playoff caliber, and were smacked down by both. The Pittsburgh game was the true tell-tale game for me. The Steelers went to Cincinnati and slapped the bengals around, beating them handily. The Colts are a better team than the Steelers. They aren't going to give the Bengals 5 turnovers, like the Bears and Packers. The more I think about this game, the more I think the Colts are going to win and win impressively. Give the points, the Colts prove their dominance.

Colts 27-17

Kansas City @ Houston +6 1/2 - The Chiefs are another team in big trouble. A bad loss in Buffalo last week leave them at 5-4, 2 games behind the Broncos. They travel to Houston, to play a Texans team with only 1 win. For some reason, I want to pick the Texans to win this game. I don't have a good reason, I just do. The Chiefs need to win this game or their playoff hopes are gone. The end of the Dick Vermeil era may be upon us, and this team looks older and older every week. I think they win this one, but I'll take the points and the Texans.

Chiefs 20-16

Minnesota +3 1/2 @ Green Bay - How many times have the Packers been on Prime-Time, anyway? It has to be a record for a team that is 2-7. The Vikes are starting to show some life, winning a couple in a row, including a crazy game in New York last weekend. Games between these two teams are usually classics, including the first game between them this year in the Dome, when the Vikings won at the buzzer on a 56 Yard Field Goal by Paul Edinger. The Pack will get sweet revenge on "The Tundra" this time, as they return the favor. Take the points, the Pack win.

Packers 24-21

Enjoy you Football Sunday everyone!

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8:55:44 AM EST

Every city in the NFL claims to have the "Best Fans" and to be the best "Football Town".  While some would think it is arbitrary and too difficult to measure for sure, USA Today came out today with one way to do so.  By using TV ratings, USA Today released it's list of the Top 10 Football Towns in the NFL.  Basically they looked at TV ratings when that city's team was on television.  While who is on the list may not be a surprise, what was more surprising to me was who WASN'T on the list.

Teams not in the Top 10 include:
Atlanta, Dallas, Washington, Chicago, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Carolina, Cleveland and even the winner of the last 2 Super Bowl's, New England.  While some of these are surprising, it seems large cities with alot going on have better things to do than watch football on Sundays.  Some appear to just be sick of losing(see Cleveland). 

But the Top 10 has its share of surprises as well.

Top 10 -
10.  Minnesota
 9.  Tampa Bay  -  Only truly warm weather city in the list
 8.  Cincinnati  -  This was a surprise since the team has been a loser for the last 15 years.
 7.  Denver  -  Not a surprise, one of the largest citys in the list.
 6.  Philadelphia - Passionate fans
 5.  Indianapolis - Traditional basketball state has been won over by winning
 4.  Kansas City - KC loves their Chiefs
 3.  Buffalo - Makes sense since they don't see the sun 8 months out of the year
 2.  Green Bay - Pretty Obvious
 1.  Pittsburgh - I was not surprised by this at all.  This city LIVES for it's football team.  70% of all TVs on are tuned in to the Steelers game every Sunday.

As a Clevelander, I am ashamed.  I am not a Browns fan, despise them in fact(I am a huge Broncos fans as I have mentioned before), but I listen to Clevelanders bash Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Buffalo fans and ALL 3 are in the Top 10, and Cleveland is no where to be found.  As a core, Browns fans are extremely passionate, but as a home fan base, AWFUL.

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4:11:07 PM EST

**Did anyone else notice the "dramatic pause" by Randy Moss in a television interview with ESPN yesterday?  The entire interview will air on Sunday NFL Countdown this weekend, but excerpts were played on SportsCenter last night.  When asked about his relationship with Head Coach Norv Turner, Moss exclaimed, "                                                                !" A follow-up question, "What do you think of Turner as a coach?" was answered with, "                                   ", more silence before basically saying that Moss approved of him becuase he was an offensive coach and that is that.  Hmmmmm, could Norvell be looking for work at the end of another disasterous season in Oakland.  I think I am going to start a list of Sports Commandments...rules that all organizations should follow.  My first will be this:  Thou shalt not hire Norvel Turner or Dave Wannstadt to be Head Coach of my professional Football Team.  Both of these guys have been complete and total BUSTS.  Each has had 2 NFL Head Coach jobs and both have failed miserably.  Give it up, guys!

**Baseball finally got it right...Almost.  With a "subtle" nudge from Congress, Major League Baseball and the Players' Association finally agreed on a tougher steroid policy, that includes a 3 Strikes, Your Out, kinda provision.  A surprise to this was the inclusion of Amphetamines, a long known problem in the clubhouse.  The problem I see is what they ARE NOT testing for.  Human Growth Hormone(HGH) which is definitely a bigger problem in today's MLB is still not being tested for(mostly because there is no real way to test for it).  If everyone involved truly cares about solving the problem, and discouraging kids from trying these drugs in order to kick start their career, all involved, including Congress needto continue to work on improved testing and drug detection.  This was the easy part, now we will see if they were serious.

**The following NFL Head Coaches won't be back next season:  Herm Edwards, Mike Tice, Norv Turner, Dick Vermeil, Marty Shottenheimer, Dom Capers, Mike Sherman, almost 25% of the jobs will turn over.

**NFL Power Rankings:
   1. Indianapolis  2.  Denver  3.  Seattle  4.  Carolina  5.  Pittsburgh

**NBA Power Rankings:
   1.  Detroit  2.  San Antonio  3.  Cleveland  4.  Indiana  5.  LA Clippers

**Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez won the MVP Awards in their respective leagues this past week, and ironically, the last time a Cardinal and Yankee won a MVP was 1985, when each team had a winner(Willie McGhee and Don Mattingly)

**A note to Indians GM Mark Shapiro - Please, Please, Please re-sign Kevin Millwood!  There isn't another FA option out there!  Oh, and Frank Thomas would look wonderful in a Tribe Uni next year, that is, if Travis Hafner can play 1B.  Can he ben any worse than Ben Broussard??

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