Packers Win, Jared Loses, Throwing the ball Wins, Running the ball is Dead!

The dust has settled, the confetti and champagne have been cleaned up. Aaron Rodgers is heading to Disney World, and Ben Roethlisberger's heading...I'll just leave that one up to your awful imaginations. Super Bowl XLV set the record for highest viewed television program in U.S. history, but incase you haven't heard, the Lombardi trophy came home to Green Bay as the Packers beat the Steelers 31-25.

Green Bay was in control from start to finish, save for a few moments where you looked at the score and said to yourself "how is the game possibly this close?" in the second half. Dropped passes and defensive lapses aside, the Packers made all of the big plays and wrapped up a special season with their 13th NFL championship. Aaron Rodgers was crowned WWE Champion, err, Super Bowl MVP and it was much deserved.

I don't want to talk about the game itself, rather the state of the NFL (potential lockout aside) and how this game was a reflection of what the National Football League really has become. The Packers, already playing the Super Bowl with a string of injuries, lost one of their top receivers (Donald Driver) and their top cornerback (Charles Woodson) in the first half of the game, but didn't skip a beat on either side of the ball. No Driver, no problem. Rodgers found his third and fourth receivers for a combined 14 completions, against the best defense in the NFL!

Rodgers is one of the league's best quarterbacks, it's no longer any sort of secret, but with the newer rules against making contact with a receiver, as well as the rules to protect the quarterback, the NFL has turned into a complete passing league. I know that I'm just stating the obvious with that last statement, but heading into the Super Bowl I was on the Steelers bandwagon just like a good portion of the experts. We loved the toughness, the determination to run the ball, the lack of mistakes, the punishing defense...that's not the team that showed up Sunday night, but it may not have even mattered if they did.

The Steelers were +17 on turnovers this past season, good for second in the NFL, they were -3 in Super Bowl XLV. Roethlisberger was picked off twice (one was returned for a touchdown), and Rashard Mendenhall lost a fumble, while the Packers offense played mistake free. The Steelers did run the ball 26 times, but the team that won was the team that had success throwing the ball, and that was the Packers. It's not like the Steelers didn't try to attack the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year-less Packers, they didn't have any choice as they were playing catch-up from the first quarter on, but the vertical game isn't what the 2010 Steelers success was based on and that was ultimately exposed.

Watching this game I sort of felt like I do when I watch good hitting overpower good pitching. It's one of these myths that I've been led to believe in all of my years of sports fandom, great defense always beats great offense. A healthy Celtics team stops the LeBrons and Kobes. The unstoppable pass rush of the Giants ultimately beats the bullying offense of the Patriots. Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling will pitch five times in a seven game series and you better believe it'll be enough to beat the unbeatable Yankees. The last couple of weeks I didn't want to buy into the idea of Aaron Rodgers carving up this historically brilliant Steelers D, well pour me a glass of Kool-Aid cause I see clearly now.

Let's look at the last few seasons/Super Bowls. In 2009 Drew Brees led the league in QB Rating and TD Passes, the Saints won and Brees was named SB MVP. In 2008, the Steelers opened up their passing game and won the Super Bowl on a perfectly executed bullet to the corner of the endzone, the receiver that caught that ball was named MVP and all of a sudden Roethlisberger is one of the leagues elite. In 2007 the Patriots stormed through the league as their quarterback and top receiver shattered NFL records, sure, they lost the big game, but it took a freak-helmet catch to put them under. 2006, Colts, Peyton Manning, enough said. To further prove my point, a quarterback threw for 4,000-plus yards in a season 15 times from the 2001-2005 seasons, we had 33 instances from 2006-2010.

Brees, Brady, Manning, even Roethlisberger, and now Rodgers. This is your list of NFL elite. Fantasy Football aside, you probably won't hear a running-backs name crack the top-five these days. Remember when your best players were Larry Johnson, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Shaun Alexander? Not anymore.

With the lifespan of your average running back decreasing every year, as well as the amount of RB's per team getting carries increasing, you can throw Jared Mintz in your backfield as long as you have an Aaron Rodgers taking the snaps. This Packers team is young and is staying in tact, with the Patriots rebuilt, Brees and Matt Ryan in the NFC South, the potential for the Chargers to find a real coach to win with Phil Rivers, and the existence of Peyton Manning, exceptional quarterbacks are dominating this league like it's the early 90's, and there really is no end in sight.

Is it exciting? Well, yes. Does it kind of stink that the NFL changed its rules to benefit a certain position in order to make the game more exciting? No, all of the professional sports leagues make changes to make their game more enjoyable and fan friendly. Would you rather have seen a 7-3 slugfest where James Starks was handed the ball 30 times? While I support the running game as it involves more offensive strategy and bigger, crunchier tackles, who doesn't love to see tight spiral after tight spiral aired out? Who doesn't grow up dreaming of making the big throw to get your team the big win?

I'm accepting the league for what it's worth (again, potential lockout aside) and am going to have to move forward with the passing equals winning trend. Your Super Bowl XLV champs ran the ball 13 times. R.I.P. smash mouth football, welcome to Aaron Rodgers shadow Mr. Brett Favre. Thanks for the memories NFL, let's make some new ones ASAP.

Super Bowl XLV, 2011 NBA All-Star Game...I don't know if we'll have enough time!

With Super Bowl XLV about three days away, I thought it was about time that I gave my two cents on the showdown, as well as discuss the week leading up to the big game. I'm more excited for this Super Bowl than I've been probably since the Patriots/Eagles game back in 2005, and I really think this game is a toss up.

But I'm going with the Steelers. Just how I think dominant big men win championships in the NBA, I think solid running and dominant defense does it in the NFL. The Packers do have a very, very good defense, and the NFL seems to be turning into more of a passing league than a running league, but I still like the Steelers.

I don't think the fact that over two-thirds of the Steelers roster has played in a Super Bowl makes that big of a difference, but I think Ben Roethlisberger having two championships does. Big Ben has a knack for making the big play, and in a season centered around his life off the field, I just have a feeling he's going to let his play decide what kind of a year 2010 really was for him.

And as I mentioned earlier, the Steelers defense is just dominant. As good as Aaron Rodgers has been and really is, I don't know that he's ready for what he's going to see Sunday. Rodgers looked like the best quarterback in football against the Eagles and Falcons, but the aggressive Bears defense picked him off twice while not allowing him to throw for any scores. I know this was the third time the Bears saw Rodgers this season, but if he thought the Bears were aggressive wait until he lines up across from James Harrison and company.

I think Rodgers will benefit from playing in Jerry's dome Sunday, and I do like the Packers defensive line A LOT, but I'm not going back on my pick. While I think the Packers roster is filled with incredible talent and legitimate difference makers, I think the Steelers simply have more big-time players and more importantly, big-game winners. I'm not completely confident in my pick (as you can tell by the positives I'm reeling off for Green Bay), but I said Steelers before the season started and I'm sticking with it.

Steelers 17 - Packers 13

While on topic, I just need to comment on all of the Brett Favre/Packers/Aaron Rodgers talk I've heard all week. Who cares? The guy's played three seasons away from Green Bay already, when is enough enough? Do you really think they're talking about Brett Favre at all in the Packers locker room? While I don't only doubt Favre's impact the last two weeks, I don't think it's anything they've discussed, thought about, or even noticed for at least two years now! It's not like this is 2008 and Rodgers is still climbing out from under Favre's shadow, it's old news!

I keep hearing how Rodgers seeks Favre's approval and advice...really? Favre hasn't been to a Super Bowl in well over a decade, Aaron Rodger's was in high school when the Packers were whipped up by the Broncos in Super Bowl XXXII. Even when they were teammates Favre wasn't the mentor Rodgers could have used...why is he expected to be now? I just think it's outrageous that Favre's name is even being mentioned this week, and I'm insulted for Aaron Rodgers for the hard work and progress he's made to give the Packers a completely new identity. Give the guy a break.

And while I have your attention, let me touch on the 2011 NBA All-Star teams. Just to recap here are your teams:

Eastern Conference:

F - LeBron James

F - Amar'e Stoudemire

C - Dwight Howard

G - Dwyane Wade

G - Derrick Rose

Bench: F - Kevin Garnett, F - Paul Pierce, F - Chris Bosh, G - Joe Johnson, G - Ray Allen, G - Rajon Rondo, C - Al Horford

Western Conference:

F - Kevin Durant

F - Carmelo Anthony

C - Yao Ming*

G - Chris Paul

G - Kobe Bryant

Bench: F/C - Pau Gasol, F/C - Tim Duncan, F - Dirk Nowitzki, F - Blake Griffin, G - Russell Westbrook, G - Manu Ginobili, G - Deron Williams

* Yao is injured and will not play, he will be replaced.

I can't really say I have a huge problem with the Eastern Conference roster. I know in my picks last week I said Andrea Bargnani and Danny Granger deserved All-Star spots, but neither one of those guys are really having off-the-charts seasons. At the same time, neither is Ray Allen. I get that he's having a very good season for the best team in the conference, but how can you select four players from the same team to be reserves? Garnett I understand, Rondo I overstand, and Pierce I can live with, but to give a spot that I think Raymond Felton really deserved to Ray Allen? It's just the rich getting richer if you ask me. I think even Carlos Boozer deserves it over Ray Allen. Either way, the guys that didn't get the nod over Allen aren't guys who are taking the league by storm so it's not really going to get much of a gripe from me.

Here's my real problem, how does 13.6 PPG, 9.4 RPG, and .72% FT's get a nod over 21.4 PPG, 15.5 RPG, and 87% FT's? I understand Tim Duncan is Tim Duncan, four rings, two MVPs, best record in the league, I understand. But Kevin Love is averaging over 21 and 15 a game...those are First-Team All-NBA numbers for Pete's sake. I'm very glad that they didn't slip up on Blake Griffin, and while Monta Ellis and Steve Nash are having remarkable seasons the right guards were selected, but Kevin Love NEEDS to take Yao's roster spot. If anyone other than Love gets this spot its a travesty. LaMarcus Aldridge is really killing it too, but Pau's deserving, Dirk's deserving, and Blake Griffin is more than deserving.

While I think Ray Felton was the only legitimate snub in the East, Love and Aldridge both deserve to be All-Stars this season. My best guess is that Pau Gasol will get the start at Center for Yao with the game being played in L.A. and that Kevin Love will get the call up. And if that's not the case then I might just boycott the game (doubtful at best).

Let me know what you think of the Super Bowl and All-Star teams, and make sure you enjoy this Super Bowl, really, cause we may not see football again for God knows how long. (Keeping my fingers crossed for a new CBA before March 3rd...)

Jared's NBA All-Stars

With the NBA All-Star teams being selected tonight, I thought I'd take time to select my All-Stars. Here are the starters according to the last voting update released to the public.

Eastern Conference

C - Dwight Howard

F - Amar'e Stoudemire

F - LeBron James

G - Dwyane Wade

G - Derrick Rose/Rajon Rondo

Western Conference

C - Yao Ming

F - Carmelo Anthony

F - Kevin Durant

G - Kobe Bryant

G - Chris Paul

And your reserves according to Jared:

Eastern Conference:

G - Derrick Rose, Bulls/Rajon Rondo, Celtics

- One will be voted in by the fans, the other one still blatantly deserves a roster spot. Rondo has surpassed his Big Three teammates and has proved to be the reason behind the Celtics success. He leads the league in assists per game and is second in the league in steals per game. Derrick Rose has become the unstoppable scorer the Bulls were hoping to use their number one overall pick on in 2008. Whether it's with his pull-up J, or his will to get to the rack and finish, D Rose sets the table for his teammates but can dominate the game with his scoring prowess.

C - Andrea Bargnani, Raptors

The Italian former first pick is averaging a career high 21.6 points per game and seems to be fond of taking Chris Bosh's role as "the man" in T-dot. He probably still isn't too fond of the losing though.

F - Kevin Garnett, Celtics

As a Knicks fan it doesn't please me to see Kevin Garnett returning to his old form this season, but as a basketball fan it's nice to see one of the better, more consistent players really start to play better after an injury late in his career.

F - Danny Granger, Pacers

He may be capable of more, but he's still averaging 21.2 points per game and over five boards, while being the best player on a playoff contending team.

G - Raymond Felton, Knicks

I know Amar'e gets the MVP chants at MSG, but Felton is close to if not as responsible as Stoudemire is for the Knicks resurgence (knock on wood). Felton's averaging career highs in points (17.5), assists (8.9), and steals (1.9), and has been the heart of his up-and-coming team.

F - Chris Bosh, Heat

I hate to say it but the guys averaging 18 points and eight rebounds for the best team in the conference. I don't know if playing for the Heat will work for or against Bosh's All-Star hopes, but there aren't many guys playing better at his position.

C - Andrew Bogut, Bucks

The Aussie's averaging a double-double and leads the league in blocked shots. He did miss some time at the beginning of the season, but with Brandon Jennings out, Bogut has stepped up and kept the meek Bucks in playoff contention in the weak lower East.

G- Joe Johnson, Hawks

I don't think Horford is more qualified than Bogut or Bargnani, and I don't think Josh Smith has played his best basketball, but Joe Johnson keeps doing what he does and is a nice representative for the Hawks. Johnson's near his capable 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists averages and is unquestionably one of the best, most diverse guards in the league.

I picked 13 guys in case someone gets injured or decides not to play in the game. A few other replacements I would consider are G John Wall, Wizards (he'll play in the rookie game and maybe even the Skills contest), F Paul Pierce, Celtics, F Wilson Chandler, Knicks, C Al Horford, Hawks, and C Brook Lopez, Nets.

Western Conference:

G - Deron Williams, Jazz

Smooth jumper, dirty handle, crazy athleticism...the guys unstoppable. Williams is averaging nearly 22 points and 10 assists a game, and the Jazz are right where they always are: in the mix for the playoffs.

F - Blake Griffin, Clippers

You can't deny that this guy is an All-Star, you just can't! He's averaging damn near 23 points and 13 rebounds a game...that's more like First Team than All-Star reserve. His game really speaks for itself, and he is the most phenomenal rookie since Tim Duncan. Yes, not LeBron, but Tim Duncan. He's having a historically great season. Griffin has the second most double-doubles in the league and is tied for the most dunks in the league...he's an All-Star.

F/C - Kevin Love, Timberwolves

Here's another one that seems to draw controversy, but I just don't see how a guy averaging over 20 points and 15 (!!!!!) rebounds a game isn't a sure-fire All-Star. The Timberwolves are worse than horrible but this guy is rebounding at an unheard of rate.

G - Monta Ellis, Warriors

There are a ton of great guards in the Western Conference, but Ellis is a scoring machine and has really had some stellar performances this season.

G - Russell Westbrook, Thunder

Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the league but the Thunder have the fourth best record in the West because Russell Westbrook is the best sidekick in the league (can we really consider Wade or LeBron sidekicks?). Westbrook seems to be getting better every game and helped carry the Thunder when Kevin Durant missed several games earlier this season with an injured knee.

F/C - Pau Gasol, Lakers

This isn't a reason to select him as a 2011 All-Star, but Pau Gasol is probably the most efficient big man in the NBA over the last three seasons. As great as Kobe is, Pau has been the difference maker in this Lakers dynasty. He's averaging nearly 19 points and 11 rebounds a game and is looking for a third ring this spring.

G - Manu Ginobili, Spurs

He's playing more minutes and what do you know? The Spurs are winning more. Not to say he's responsible for the Spurs success this season, but he's probably been their best/most clutch player this year and he's deserving of an All-Star spot. Besides, with the surplus of gaudy point guards and big men in the West this season, someone has to represent the leagues best team in the All-Star game and Ginobili is the most logical pick.

F - Rudy Gay, Grizzlies

How do you snub a guy who's averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds a game? Sorry Zach Randolph, story of your life. As I mentioned in my Ginobili reasoning, there are too many great bigs in the West this year that I don't even have Dirk Nowitzki or Tim Duncan snagging spots, do you think Z-Bo will if those guys don't? Rudy Gay's having a nice season and fills both positional and representational obligations.

F - Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks

Alright I had to. Yao Ming's clearly not going to play anyway so there will be a spot up for grabs. I think Randolph is more deserving, but here's where I'm going to agree with the masses and give Dirk what's rightfully his. He's scoring big, his team is winning big despite being very, very banged up, and he's a legitimate NBA Superstar. Guys like him don't miss All-Star games even if they miss near 10 games in the first half of the season.

There are my 13 Western Conference All-Stars (sorry Yao), here are my deserving alternates: F Zach Randolph, Grizzlies, G Tony Parker, Spurs, F Michael Beasley, Timberwolves, F Lamar Odom, Lakers, F Lamarcus Aldridge, Blazers, G Steve Nash, Suns.

Stay tuned to see how the league agrees with my picks, but in the meantime, let me know if there's anyone YOU think I snubbed...

Prelude to Super Bowl XLV and The Worst Team in the NBA

Super Bowl XLV

The Steelers were my preseason pick to win the AFC and the Packers were the most complete team in the NFC this season, this is a Super Bowl that makes sense. It's your typical ground-and-pound, hard-nosed team led by a tough as nails playmaking quarterback, against the new "it" quarterback and his stingy defense. There are so many big playmakers in this game aside from the quarterbacks that I can't even make a prediction right now.

Do Troy Polamalu and James Harrison win this one? Or is it fresh-legged James Starks? Will Rashard Mendenhall run wild on the Packers like he did against the Jets? Or is Clay Matthews going to further prove that he's the best linebacker in football? Each team has so many weapons on offense, but keep in mind that the two best defenses in the league will be going at it. I'll touch on the game a little more as we get closer, but man am I pumped for this one.

Even though the Jets Aren't in it

I've been open about my love for the Jets since I started this blog, and although its almost two full days later, I'm still pretty upset that the Steelers will be the team representing the AFC in the Super Bowl. Im sad that the Jets had so much potential this season and fell short, but I'm very realistic in the sense that I understand a team can't show up for one half of a conference championship game and expect to win. The Steelers absolutely dominated the Jets in the first half Sunday night, so much so that a rather incredible second half effort wasn't enough this time for the comeback kids.

The Jets found a way to make it look like they belonged in the AFC Championship, but timely stops and creative playcalling weren't the Jets strongpoints as Gang Green lost their second straight number one contender match. I have to say that I'm very happy the Jets were able to get as far as they did with a second year quarterback and a second year coach, but they're setting the bar awfully high for themselves (with their words and their work) and if a championship doesn't come soon this regime will be remembered the same way as the rest of the "same old Jets." But hey, at least they beat the Patriots in the Divisional, making up for the 45-3 embarrassment that can now be forgotten. Score one for the good guys.

Speaking of good guys...

Leave Jay Cutler Alone!

Alright, I understand that nobody really likes Jay Cutler (that's a very general statement but it holds much validity), but give the guy a break! I know his body language usually reads poorly, and he's said things that have made him look like a jerk in the past, but he was legitimately hurt on Sunday and he didn't give his team their best chance at winning their most important game of the season. If your issue is with my last statement, that Cutler didn't stand a chance of winning that game because he was hurt, that's fine, but to all of the people that think Cutler should have stayed in the game, stick to doing what you do and let Cutler live his life.

Understand that the tear in his knee prevented him from planting his foot and following his throwing motion, that's like wanting your basketball teams best shooter to stay in the game when he can't jump or get any lift on his shot. His injury prohibited him from physically performing, and his diabetes prevented him from receiving a cortisone shot to mask the pain he felt. Did he seem a bit more lively on the sidelines while his team was attempting to come back? Yeah, what should he have done? Sulked when thoughts of being able to rest and hopefully right the ship in the Super Bowl flashed through his head? Until you walk in a mans shoes you shouldn't criticize him, especially if its involving physical limitations.

I don't really care for Jay Cutler, but I do respect his abilities and I do think he's a gamer. He didn't pull a Phil Rivers and play the game of his life without his legs, but Phil Rivers' performance was truly unique and may never be emulated again. Cutler took his team to the NFC Championship in a season that many didn't even expect them to make the playoffs. He had an awful first half and taking the bench gave his team their best chance of winning, why does so much more have to be made of it?

"Karma is a B*tch"

Speaking of guys who have been targeted in a negative light of late. Whether LeBron James actually tweeted the above statement or not, how fit is this to say of the 2010-2011 Cleveland Cavaliers? I know I may have lost some of my readers just by mentioning the Cavs, but this is such an interesting story to me, and really just a proving point in my argument that LeBron has been the best player in the league the last couple of years. As I write this the Cavs are 8-37 (worst record in the NBA), at this point last season the Cavs were 34-11.

Cleveland has now lost 18 straight and 28 of their last 29 games! They had seven years to get LeBron even the slightest bit of help, they even could have traded for Amar'e Stoudemire last year! We all know at this point...Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, Larry Hughes, a 60-year old Shaq, these guys just weren't even close to enough. You think Cavs fans finally get why LeBron left? I hope they do.

Top Ten Headlines heading into 2011

1) Where art thou Melo?

While I don't think Carmelo Anthony will have the impact on the NBA that LeBron James did in 2010, I think his decision will have the biggest impact on the league in 2011 compared to any other player transactions. If Carmelo stays in Denver the rest of this entry is void. And with the chance that he doesn't get traded to New York, it would make sense for him to take the money while he can. But if Carmelo Anthony really just wants to be a Knick then this will be a major move for the NBA.

Obviously I'm being a homer by thinking Carmelo Anthony going to the Knicks is one of the major stories in sports, but let me gloat and pretend the Knicks are national news, and that they're so relevant and close that they're worth mentioning as one of the more important stories in all of sports. This season the Knicks look like they're one piece away from being a championship contender. They've played the Celtics tough, beaten the Bulls a couple of times, and handed the Spurs their fifth loss of the season on Tuesday. They definitely need to add some depth, but if there was some way they could keep Landry Fields, Wilson Chandler, and Danilo Gallinari, and add Melo, they'd be pretty close to the best teams in the league.

I'm anticipating the Knicks having to part with at least one of the three guard/forwards that I just mentioned, but they're still in the process of rebuilding and it seems that Amar'e Stoudemire and Ray Felton are two great starting points. Melo could attract more talent to the Big Apple and the Knicks/Heat rivalry will reach new highs. Or Melo could get traded to the Nets and fade into obscurity. Keeping my fingers crossed....

2) NFL Postseason

I don't think there's been a year where everyone's at such an even playing field in recent memory. I mean the Saints are defending champions and won't play a home game, the Steelers, Ravens, Falcons, and Bears have pretty much cruised all season, the Patriots are looking unbeatable, but the Jets are one one of the two teams to defeat New England this year. Oh yeah, Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers are still around too. The only team that really doesn't stand a chance is the 7-9 Seahawks, but even they play exceptionally better at home and will host the Saints in the Wild Card round.

I'm not using this opportunity to make any predictions, but I am excited and think this will be one of the more unpredictable playoffs in a few years. I'll trim the edges and say I don't think it'll be both one seeds in the Superbowl, and I also don't think home-advantage will matter that much. There are twelve different teams, that play twelve very different styles of football, and I really think that every team but the Seahawks stands a chance. Or the Patriots will continue to maul through everyone and win it all.

3) Phillies vs Red Sox World Series?

Tell me, if not the Phillies and Red Sox, then who? What team in the National League has the pitching (or hitting really) to go up against Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Roy Oswalt at the front of a rotation? Don't forget about Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, and Jimmy Rollins in the lineup. The N. L. really feels like it's Philadelphia's to lose, even if the Giants are the defending champs. The Phillies have played in two of the last three World Series and they're a team that's poised to win.

And American League followers, why don't you tell me who has the pitching to stop Carl Crawford, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Adrian Gonzalez, and David Ortiz (probably their 1-5)? Cliff Lee left Texas, and while the A.L. West can still be won, I don't know who has the pitching or offense to keep up with Boston. I'm obviously playing a little stupid here because I still think the Yankees are going to win the A.L. (sorry for being a homer), but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid of Boston this year...at least until Papelbon takes the hill.

4) Mayweather vs Pacquiao please?

I tried to talk about other sports in my 2010 article, so let me give boxing a shout-out in 2011. This is the fight that boxing NEEDS! It's the sports two biggest stars, who happen to be in the same weight-class, who have both been on top of the sport for the past five years. They were slated to fight in 2010 but impromptu drug tests set Pacquiao off and the fight was never made official. The fight being on-and-off has built the anticipation to see the undefeated Mayweather take on the hard-hitting Pac-Man, but Mayweather doesn't fight too many fights anymore and it seems these two are content with making money and beating up on lesser opponents. Not to disgrace boxing but this is the fight everyone wants to see, and until it happens the sport can expect to play second fiddle to MMA.

5) So an Owners League and a Players League walk into a bar...does either come back for 2011?

This has the potential to be THE biggest story in 2011...in fact, the TWO biggest stories in 2011. There's a good chance that we may not see the NFL after February, or the NBA after June (or July or August, whenever the playoffs finally end) this year. Both leagues look like they're heading towards lockouts, and there really isn't much room for optimism.

The NFL has become American royalty as far as sports go, but the players want more guaranteed money and the owners want more games and lower salaries. Even if there is a lockout, the NFL is still going to be paid five billion dollars from the NFL Network...do you know how much of that the players are going to see? Zero. I doubt either side wants to not play for numerous reasons (league image and insane income to name a couple), but this is a situation that doesn't seem to have much give.

And the NBA lockout is looking like a sure thing too. Again, the players want more money and the owners aren't in favor of the players contracts. The NBA hasn't quite had the success that the NFL has had recently, so teams are bringing in less money and players are being paid well beyond their abilities. I mean how does Amar'e Stoudemire get nearly 20 million dollars a year out of a mid-50 million dollar salary budget? Or a better example, how does Darko Milicic get a four-year, 20 million dollar deal when he came into the season averaging way less than 10 points and 5 rebounds a game. Of course I'm just stating my opinion in who deserves what. The owners make a nice salary and why not share that with the players who bring in the money? But when you're giving guys like Darko and Adonal Foyle mega-deals, we have a problem. And as a result we may not have NBA basketball in 2011-2012.

6) NFL Coaching Changes

We may see some big name coaches return in 2011, including Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden, and it seems Jim Harbaugh is the hottest thing to hit football coaching since Bill Belichick found his groove with the Patriots. While it seemed just a couple of weeks ago that jobs in New York, Dallas, and Minnesota might be available, those positions have been solidified, while the 49ers, Raiders, and Browns jobs have become the most highly touted. Even Cleveland could see Mike Holmgren return to the sidelines. Will Tony Sparano be bounced from South Beach? Lots of questions to be answered, and hopefully we'll have some of our favorites back in action next season.

Legacies are on the line...

7) Best since MJ? How about better than MJ?

Yep, I'm mainly talking about Kobe here. Do the Lakers three-peat and get Kobe Bryant his sixth NBA championship? They've been to three straight NBA Finals, and as good as San Antonio and Dallas look at the beginning of the season, we all know the Lakers are still the cream of the crop. If the Lakers do win, it'll tie Kobe and Michael Jordan for championship rings, and the question will have to be asked...is Kobe better than Jordan? You know my answer (if you don't it's no). Hopefully LeBron wins instead (unless the Knicks make a push, then by all means) and we can start to call him the best since Jordan.

I don't think this season necessarily has that great of an effect on LeBron's legacy. Obviously the sooner he starts winning championships the better it is for him, but it's not win or bust for him this year. I know if the Heat don't win every championship while they have LeBron and Dwyane Wade it will be considered a failure, but he could still come out and win more than a handful of rings even if he doesn't this year.

8) Who's the Yankees shortstop?

Derek Jeter had arguably his best season in 2009. Moving back into the leadoff spot, Jeter hit .334 with 18 homers, while stealing 30 bases and winning a gold glove. In his contract year in 2010, Jeter's average dropped to .270 with only ten home runs. Now we all know Jeter isn't a power hitter, but the fact that his average dropped .64 points is alarming considering the Yankee Captain is going to be 37 years old in 2011. Everyone has their off years, but you can't debate that the older an athlete gets the less effective they become. Is this the end of the road for Jeter? Or was 2010 just one of those years?

9) The Greatest Quarterback ever?

While there's a lot of hype surrounding Stanford Junior quarterback Andrew Luck, within the next couple of months we will have a new NFL champion, and there's a good chance that the winner will be lead by either Tom Brady or Peyton Manning. Without a doubt, Brady and Manning are both in the conversation as it is, and I think if either one of them wins another championship it'll put their names at the top of the list.

I want to start with Brady because his team is looking like the clear favorite to win Superbowl 45. I know the playoffs haven't even started yet, but the Patriots have scored at least 30 points in 11 of the 13 games they played since trading Randy Moss. This is a team that crushed the Jets, pummeled the Bears, beat the Ravens, and looked unstoppable against the Steelers (not to mention two wins against the Dolphins, and wins over the Chargers, Colts, and the Aaron Rodgers less Packers). I know that none of that means anything in the regular season, but this team has walked the walk, and Belichick and Brady are at their best in the playoffs. Brady's probably going to win his second MVP, but if the Pats go all the way this will be his fourth ring. Numbers like that probably equate to number 1.

While Brady has the meaningful numbers, Peyton Manning may be the guy who breaks all of Brett Favre's records. His excellence and consistency really haven't been matched by anyone in his era besides Brady. While Brady has won more championships, Manning has more MVPs, and it's arguable that Brady and the Patriots success is a byproduct of the teams coach, while the success of the Colts is dependable on Peyton Manning. If Manning would have beaten the Saints last year his case would be stronger, but multiple rings for Manning is the key to his legacy and this may be one of his last shots.

10) The Greatest Coach ever?

It's going to happen, and it's going to happen sooner than people thought. No more are the days of Greg Paulus and David McClure, Mike Krzyzewski's getting top prospects again, and the Dukies are winning a lot. Coach K moved past Dean Smith into second place on the all-time wins list just last week, and is currently 21 wins away from passing Bobby Knight at 902. Duke will most likely lose a few games this year, but between the rest of this season and the beginning of next season, Duke and Coach K will get those 22 wins and then some.

It should be an interesting year, especially if we are spared those lockouts. I tried to talk about what I thought were the most impactful storylines on the sports world, but also receiving honorable mention are...

- Jimmie Johnson's Chase for Six

- Tiger Woods, a Year Removed from the Drama

And of course...

- Brett Favre's Comeback (come on, you guys know he isn't gonna stay retired!)

Enjoy the NFL Playoffs and Let's Go Jets!

Top Ten Stories of 2010

1)LeBron James Free Agency

How could one man's availability turn the NBA up-side down? Well despite the fact that the Lakers and Celtics are probably the two best teams in the league still, LeBron James signing with the Heat is the biggest thing to happen to the league since The Big Three was formed in 2007. Not only does LeBron make the Heat one of the league's elite teams for years to come, but his decision has given his peers the idea that their careers are in their own hands, and they can play wherever they want and with whoever they want.

Obviously that last statement only applies to those relevant enough to be coveted by both their current teams and their hopeful teams (cough Melo), but I think this move will create a trend in the league where superstars will align and create a greater gap between the good teams and the bad teams. I can't only credit LeBron for this. I'll get on Chris Bosh and call him a follower all day, but realistically he could've tried to be the man somewhere else and win a championship without two better players than him on his team, but he made a smart move and went where he thinks the championships are going to go...to LeBron and Dwyane Wade. (Note: Before making his decision, Chris Bosh said he wanted to go to a team where he would be "the man," as if that wasn't the situation in Toronto where he couldn't lead metal to a magnet, just saying).

LeBron and Bosh made what they believed to be smart business decisions, as did Amar'e Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer, but this past summer we read about Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Tony Parker, and other All-Stars wanting to follow the trend. With collective bargaining coming up and the argument of whether the NBA is a Players league or an Owners league, it should be interesting to see how LeBron's decision effects the NBA on a greater scale than the success of the Miami Heat...which is already being felt (they're 15-1 in December).

2) Michael Vick...from Most Wanted to Most Valuable?

Some may know him as Ron Mexico, but in 2010 he's number seven in the playbooks and number one in your hearts...too soon? He loves animals, he loves watching film, and he's still unstoppable...what's not to love about Michael Vick? After letting Donovan McNabb go to a divisional rival, Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid must have really believed in his quarterback. That quarterback was Kevin Kolb. Kolb lead the Eagles to 2-3 in games he played in 2010, the Eagles are now 10-5, Vick has a 100.2 QB Rating, you figure the rest out. (Sometimes I feel like I'm writing Stuart Scott's script...)

Heading into the final week of the NFL season, it looks as if the Eagles will secure a home playoff game. They're one of the youngest teams in the league, but they're being lead by an MVP candidate (although Brady's pretty close to a shoe-in) and the best story in sports. I'm sure people are still rooting against Michael Vick, and it's tough to feel bad for a criminal, but it's awfully nice to see him taking advantage of his talents and surpassing the legacy he left behind before things went bad. I'm still rooting for the Jets, but if Vick wins a Superbowl the planet might explode.

3)Tootles to Brett Favre

To all of you cynics who can't understand the over-the-top Brett Favre coverage every time he sneezes, wake up! There's this much coverage for Brett Favre because he's been one of the main faces of sports for the last two decades almost. You know who gets the best ratings on Monday Night Football? Brett Favre's team. And not for nothing, but the Vikings made the NFC Championship last year, he flamed out with the Jets, but he made the NFC Championship with the Packers the year before that too. I know at times he seems washed up, but he's still been one of the most effective athletes on the planet. This year however, he's definitely seemed washed up and it seems he knows it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm sick of the guy like almost everyone else, but I think it's sad that this is his last season. I hope that his games played streak ending will be remembered more than this TMZ story involving Jenn Sterger (as guilty as he may or not be, he didn't have an affair, he didn't offend the person his actions were intended for, and he didn't commit a crime, let it go). I mean, I just find it so remarkable that this man played at the level he did in 297 straight games. I think that Cal Ripken Jr's consecutive baseball games played streak is impressive, but Favre has been knocked out of two games this season alone, and he's taken that kind of beating since 1992 and gotten up and come back to play the next week every time. He's 40, he's banged up, but he's also one of the all-time greats, and truly has played until he couldn't play any longer. Thanks for the memories Brett, now please don't make me write this again a year from now.

4)Cliff Lee doesn't go to the Yankees...twice

It's hard to complain about anything when you're a Yankees fan, and I'm not making any case for me or my people, but Cliff Lee reportedly being traded to the Yankees in July (obviously didn't happen) only to be really traded to the Rangers, and then signing with the Phillies in December are two of the most impactful things to happen to baseball this year. Lee helped lead the Rangers to the World Series, and will most probably be a part of the Phillies dominance in 2011. It's hard to imagine one player being so important to the whole MLB, but in this case Cliff Lee really was and is.

5)Jimmie Johnson's Five-Peat/Zenyatta's Quest for Perfection

Here's one that I doubt anyone reading will care about, but two stories that must get some sort of acknowledgment as far as big stories in sports go. I think in order to fully understand how important these two stories were, we have to put them in context with their own sport.

Jimmie Johnson had won four-straight Sprint Cup Championships (the NFL Playoffs, World Series, Stanley Cup - of NASCAR) heading into this season, and it looked like his dominance was coming to an end in 2010. Johnson failed to finish four races last season, but won six and finished in the top five in 17 races. He trailed Denny Hamlin for pretty much the whole season, including heading into the the Final Race of the Sprint Cup, but a second place finish secured Johnson his fifth-straight championship. Five-straight titles is the NASCAR record (it was previously three), and Johnson only needs one more title in his career to tie Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty with seven championships. This is GREATNESS people.

From great racing to...great racing. Zenyatta entered November's Breeder's Cup Classic a perfect 19-0, looking for her second straight Breeder's Cup win. To the countries disappointment, the Philly came up a head short in her quest for perfection. A female who absolutely blew away her male counterparts the past two years, Zenyatta was named to O Magazine's 2010 O Power List, and was featured in W magazine, on top of the national recognition she received from sports media. If she would have won her last race this story would be slightly more impressive, but in a sport where dominance isn't prevalent, this story must be recognized and Zenyatta's significance will be felt in the future like that of other great horses.

6)Tiger Woods held Winless

For the first time in his 15-year PGA Tour career, Tiger Woods failed to win at least one PGA tournament this past season. Woods streak at Number 1 in the golf rankings also came to an end in November...after 281 weeks at the top. Woods has lost his number one ranking five times in his career, and hopefully for Tiger, number six will be approaching sometime in the future.

I didn't want to discuss Woods off the course drama, but it's hard to imagine that it didn't play a roll in his drop-off. Technically the S hit the fan (like that?) around Thanksgiving of 2009, and I'm not too into the gossip aspect of sports coverage. Tiger's been battling injuries for the better part of the last couple of years, and it seems he has a psychological injury that much like his knee injuries, will just take time to heal. It's not like his work ethic has gone down the tube and the talent around him is passing him by. Tiger had a couple of chances to win in 2010, but his lack of focus and inconsistencies failed him when we're used to seeing him come up big.

Tiger has already stated that he plans on playing in more tournaments in 2011, and I fully expect him to make a recovery and get back that number one ranking sometime sooner than later. And I'm sure he'll end his dry spell too (no pun).

7)Saints go Marching In

This is a feel good story. It's great to have diversity in the NFL, but seeing the Saints go from below average to league's elite under Sean Payton is so incredible after everything the city of New Orleans has been through since August of 2005. Not only did the Saints play incredible football in 2009, but they overcame Peyton Manning and his destiny to be one of the all-time greats, and proved they really were the best the NFL had to offer last season.

Aside from their regular season feats, the Saints played such a great game in the Superbowl. From the offsides kick to start the second half, to the interceptions of Manning, to Drew Brees's execution of Payton's masterful offense, what more do you want out of a Superbowl team? The Saints brought home their first ever Superbowl championship, New Orleans partied, and then New Orleans partied some more. Oh yeah, and the Saints are back at it again in 2010. Who Dey?

8)Cinderella goes Prime Time (Butler)

A five seed out of the Horizon conference was three points away from winning the NCAA Men's National Championship title. As the line between mid-majors and big six programs is fading out, Butler had an unforgettable run that landed them in their backyard, playing for the National Championship. Duke was too much for the Bulldogs, but the run that team made etched its way into tournament history, and will not be forgotten anytime soon.

9)Belichick and Brady...Works Every Time!

"You're kidding me, these guys again?" - Jared Mintz, December 6th. They're 13-2, they're beginning to embarrass their opponents like it's 2007, and Brady's looking like the MVP of the league. Can I get one year to think maybe my team is better? Was that last year and the Jets just didn't take advantage? Damn. I'm not throwing in the towel as a Jets fan, but this team looks completely unbeatable. If they were to get another shot at Cleveland, it would probably be a bloodbath.

10)Cam Newton/College Football Rant

I'll go in order. I don't think we've ever really seen anyone do what Cameron Newton has done this year. That may sound ignorant, but the Auburn star ran for 1,409 yards and 20 scores (10th in the nation) while throwing for 28 touchdowns (10th in the nation) and posting a 188.2 Quarterback Rating (1st in the nation), and he's going to be the reason his team wins the National Championship. Heisman Award? Check. Nike Deal? On the way. First-round draft-pick money? Most likely. Why not definitely?

Because winners have the brains and the talent, and Newton may be lacking the brains. That's not me calling Newton an idiot, I just don't think he has the personality traits to succeed as an NFL Quarterback. This isn't the hate on Cam Newton parade, but his awful career as a student athlete has been in the spotlight all year, and you can't tell me you really believe he's going to keep his newly acquired Heisman trophy. He's attended three institutions, has been in trouble with the law, and it seems that either he or his family have violated NCAA regulations involving money. How many of these guys translate well to the professional level? Have you heard him speak? Tell me a successful quarterback that speaks like him?

This isn't the least bit racially-charged either. It is incredibly difficult to be a successful quarterback in the NFL. Michael Vick had the talent prior to his suspension, but he's more focused on being a team player now and has a better attitude, low and behold we have an MVP candidate. I think Auburn will defeat a very good Oregon team, because it's the SEC's world and we're just living in it. Hate him or love him, Cam Newton has been the biggest story in the NCAA by far this season, but it's been a season I remind you that was missing namebrands like Florida, USC, Texas, Ohio State and Oklahoma.

Which leads me to my next point...is this the season that nobody really minds the BCS? Alabama flopped, nobody emerged from the PAC-10 or Big 12, and even Boise St. lost a heart breaker. Auburn and Oregon coasted to the championship game for the most part, and it doesn't seem that anybody minds that TCU and Wisconsin get to duke it out for the bronze. Sorry to speak so figuratively, but I'm disappointed that the uproar against the BCS is gone this year even if the parity isn't as great as it was the last few seasons.

Maybe if there's a tournament Boise St. gets a chance to redeem themselves and beat a couple of good teams earning themselves legit notoriety. Or maybe Oregon and Auburn each win a playoff game after a bye and play the inevitable championship game. It just seems so much better for the game to open up their postseason. Single-elimination is the way to go; 8 teams, no 6 would even be fine. Six teams, top two get a bye, three rounds, one team emerges, college football becomes beloved by the whole country the way March Madness is embraced.

It could happen...

*Honorable mention goes to the UConn Huskies Women's Basketball team for breaking the UCLA Men's Basketball consecutive wins record. The Huskies actually just lost to Stanford last night, oddly enough the Cardinals were also the last team they lost to before beginning their streak. It was a 90-game win streak that stretched over two years, and it will most likely not be touched by either gender for a very, very long time.

I hope you guys enjoyed the 2010 sports year as much as I did, and stay tuned for a Top 10 storylines to follow heading into 2011. Happy and a Healthy New Year to all...

Week 15 with Major Playoff Implications!

Surprise, Surprise...the Chargers blew out the 49ers Thursday night. While the San Diego got its sixth win in its last seven games to improve to 8-6, the Niners are now 5-9 and still not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs! It's only a matter of time, and while the Chargers may be one of the NFL's best teams, if you watched the 49ers last night there's no way that that team belongs in the postseason. There's no reason for me to continue talking about the losing team, the Chargers keep inching away at the banged up Chiefs and with road games at the Broncos and Bengals to close out the season, their odds at winning out look good. However, with how competitive the AFC is they may still need to get some other teams to lose a game or two, or they could be golfing in a month.

Lets take a look at the rest of Week 15's matchups...

Lines as of Friday morning, home teams in caps

Kansas City (even) over ST. LOUIS

Both teams suffered bad losses Week 14, but I don't think either of those games were necessarily indicative of how these teams will fair out moving forward. The Chiefs got killed by a surging Chargers team while playing without their quarterback, but I think it's a major problem that Matt Cassell is the deal breaker for this team. They lead the league in rushing yards, and I understand losing your QB allows the opposing defense to focus on stopping the run, but the Chiefs only ran the ball 17 times last week which is why they controlled the football for less than 20 of the games 60 minutes. I think they'll manage this game a little bit better, and while the Rams have made a commendable effort, they're only going to go as far as their rookie quarterback will take them. They may win their division but the NFC West is atrocious.

Houston (+1.5) over TENNESSEE

I think the Titans are just absolutely done. Since beating the Eagles Week 7, the Titans have been outscored by a total of 56 points and are 0-6. The Texans were down 28-7 in the third quarter against the Ravens Monday night, until Matt Schaub went absolutely nuts and led the Texans to an overtime loss on a walk-off pick six. The Texans are playing with momentum and still have so much talent. I don't expect Kerry Collins to have back-to-back good games, and since he played well last week I think he'll be back to his old ways in this divisional rivalry. Keep your eyes on Andre Johnson and Cortland Finnegan.

INDIANAPOLIS (-5) over Jackonville

We remain in the AFC South where the Colts reign on top is seriously in question as division leader Jacksonville comes into the dome. If the Colts lose their season is essentially over, which is why I don't think they'll lose, and I don't think it'll be as close as their first meeting. I keep picking against the Jags and I keep getting burnt, but I'm not going to believe the Colts aren't a playoff team until it's official. No stats, just gut, and my gut takes Peyton Manning over most options. We'll find out how good the Jaguars really are.

Arizona (+2.5) over CAROLINA

I don't know how I'm picking a team led by John Skelton, but when the other choice is a team led (under HEAVY scrutiny) by Jimmy Clausen I don't feel too terrible about it. If this game isn't blacked out locally I don't know who's going to be watching. I mean seriously, I think I'd rather watch episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess and Battlestar Galactica than this one. Let's see what Jimmy's made of, but the Panthers have been horrible and the Cardinals are still only two seasons removed from a Superbowl run (quite a reach but this game is giving me absolutely nothing to work with).

CINCINNATI (-1.5) over Cleveland

Carson Palmer is 5-0 all-time at home against the Browns and best-case scenario for Cleveland is that Colt McCoy comes back. I've repeatedly said I have a hard time picking the Browns without McCoy, but I just don't see how the Bengals could lose 11-straight games after making the playoffs last year. The Browns are playing very hard and talent doesn't necessarily prevail over effort in this league, but my hunch is the Bungals stop the bleeding for a week.

Buffalo (+5.5) over MIAMI

The Dolphins beat the Bills by five points in Week 1, and I think the Bills are a better team at this point in the season than they were in the season opener. With that said, I think the Dolphins are playing better football than they were a few weeks ago as well. They're still not eliminated from the playoff and they're a well coached team. Still, Chad Henne's been one of the worst quarterbacks in football and this team plays 10 times better on the road than they do at home. I expect them to win but not cover.

NY GIANTS (-2.5) over Philadelphia

The Eagles are playing great, and are undoubtedly one of the best teams in the league, but the Giants aren't too far behind them. As we've seen over the past few years, when the Giants are playing well on both lines they're one of the top five teams in football, and they're really controlling the line. They looked great against a less than impressive Vikings team, but I think they want revenge from their Week 11 loss to the Eagles, a game they were in until the last five minutes of the game. They're running the ball well and Eli Manning is more capable than he's performed over the last couple of games. Not to mention the Eagles defense is average at best. I don't know if the Giants can contain the Eagles speed on offense, but this game will be a big indicator of who has the power in the NFC.

DALLAS (-6) over Washington

Here's another Week 1 matchup, and oh how the tides have turned...sort of. OK, they haven't really at all, except maybe this time the Cowboys will show up. The Redskins have lost their last four games and may be better off with Jim Zorn than Mike Shanahan. I'm a Donovan McNabb guy, I can realistically say that he isn't the player/leader he once was, but I'd rather have a one-legged McNabb than Rex Grossman. I'm not in practice, I don't know if Grossman has been lighting it up, but based on past experience this guy should be holding a clip-board and nothing more unless McNabb is physically unable to step onto the field. Shanahan has done an awful job with the talent he has, and while a lot of these guys haven't performed/have gotten their diva on, he's playing too many mind games with his players and it wouldn't surprise me if he's completely lost his locker room. The 'Skins defense ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed, and the Cowboys are averaging 32 points a game since Jason Garrett took over as head coach.

Detroit (+5.5) over TAMPA BAY

I think the Buccaneers win this one but the Lions cover. I know I've been hard on Drew Stanton, but the Lions aren't terrible, they just don't win on the road and I don't necessarily expect that to end Sunday. The Bucs are undefeated against teams with losing records, and with a chance at still making the playoffs I think they'll continue to take care of business. Whether they make the playoffs or not, this has been such an encouraging season for this young team.

New Orleans (+1.5) over BALTIMORE

This game is a pick-em for me, and I think the Saints are clicking at the right time. I don't know how the Ravens defense will rebound after being embarrassed by the Texans in the fourth quarter on Monday night. With the talent the Ravens have they could really bounce back, but the Saints offense is almost as explosive as the Texans and I think they will be able to spread the field against the Ravens, who have only lost to Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, and Ben Roethlisberger (Carson Palmer really doesn't help prove my point). Drew Brees is as elite as those guys and he has the Saints playing their best football of the season at the right time.

SEATTLE (+6) over Atlanta

I believe way too much in the Seahawks homefield advantage, but realistically, someone has to win the NFC West and the Cardinals, 49ers, and Rams don't really feel like playoff teams to me. Not to say the Seahawks do, but at least they have a quarterback who's been to the Superbowl. The Falcons have been so good, and this is a game they should win, but I think it has trap-game written all over it. Seattle is quite a hike from Atlanta, and as good as Matt Ryan's been, this will be a true test for him and his first place Falcons.

NY Jets (+6) over PITTSBURGH

Hooommmmerrrr, hooommmmerrrrrrr. Yep, total homer pick. Everybody's waiting for the Jets to collapse. It's almost a lock that they'll lose to the Steelers and Bears on the road, and who knows, they are the Jets, they'll probably be upset by the Bills at home too. Wrong. Or you know what, maybe it's not wrong. But if this Jets team is any different from the same ole Jets, they'll take advantage of a Steelers team missing their leader on defense (not like they're that much worse without Troy Polamalu) and with a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger taking the snaps. As long as the play calling doesn't allow Mark Sanchez to lose this game, this is a winnable game for a Jets team that DESPERATELY needs a win. I understand how that last comment will be criticized, and if the Jets come out and lay another egg like they have in their last two games then I need to wake up and smell the coffee, but this is a team that started 9-2 (I don't care who they played, they started 9-2) and was 30 minutes away from the Superbowl last season. They're no slouches, they're just playing like slouches, and if they can't get their acts together this week then they'll be lucky to back their way into the playoffs again. This isn't the most important game of the season for the Jets, but if they no-show again this week then a team who was once considered a championship contender will prove that they didn't deserve any of the attention that they received, and that they're a circus show being run by clowns.

OAKLAND (-7) over Denver

Relax guys, it isn't Tim Tebow time...yet. Realistically, it probably never will be. The guy's like the Henry Rowengartner of the NFL (minus the miracle arm), we all want to see him play but I don't know that anyone thinks he's capable of being good. I've wasted too much time already talking about Tebow, but the Broncos haven't really given us anything else to talk about. The last time these two teams met the Raiders spanked the Broncos 59-0, in Denver no less. The Broncos are just a complete disaster and the Raiders are fighting for a playoff spot, but more realistically a winning or even record.

NEW ENGLAND (-12) over Green Bay

How can anyone pick against the Patriots right now? I mean, 12 points probably doesn't even do justice to how flat-out brilliant the Pats have looked since their Week 9 loss to the Browns. While the Packers defense has been pretty good, I don't think anyone can stop the Patriots offense, and playing without Aaron Rodgers just means the Packers offense will not get going Sunday night and it'll just be another awful primetime television game. Sorry cheese heads, Matt Flynn equals no win.

MINNESOTA (+7) over Chicago

From one dreadful NFC North quarterback situation to another, what's the deal with Jay Cutler? Just kidding. Joe Webb? Really? How could the Vikings not have four quarterbacks (or at least 3) on their roster going into the season with the ageless, painless wonder Brett Favre? I may change this pick before the game on Monday night, and if I do I'll let you know. I fully expect the Bears to win this game, but if it's a 3-0, or 7-3 game I will not be surprised. Minnesota will have absolutely zero going on offense, but luckily for them the field conditions are expected to be worse than horrendous. I don't have much confidence in the Bears in this situation, but they'll be playing against a QB who may not be good enough to play in the CFL. They signed Patrick Ramsey for goodness sake to backup wide receiver, I mean quarterback Joe Webb. Things are looking pretty miserable for the Vikings, but luckily for them they'll be at the same disadvantage as the Bears as they may as well be playing the game in a hockey rink from what I'm hearing about TCF Bank Stadium. I'll gladly take the under on 42 points.

Enjoy the festivities

Last Week: Do i really have to tell you? Cough 4-11-1 cough (worst...week...ever!)