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Patriots- they are dominating.

Cowboys-I am not a Cowboy fan, but Tony Romo has carried 3 out of 4 of my teams to the next round in Fantasy Football Playoffs. These guys are great. They out score you on both sides of the ball. All sides of the ball have stepped up at different times of the season to get the job done. Hamlin and Newman have been amazing. Ware has been awesome. Romo and his arsenal of receivers have dominated the opposing defense. Barber is a mad man and shouldn't come off the field.

Colts- It hasn't always been pretty and the finesse of teams past has been lacking. But THEY GET IT DONE. Addai has fulfilled and exceeded expectations becoming a dominant back when needed. Peyton while he is arguably the 3rd or 4th best QB in the league hasn't been himself the last bit of the season. However, Peyton is clutch and cool under pressure; don't be surprised if his peak is in the beginning of the playoffs.

Green Bay- Farve is having one of his best years ever and Grant has taken the reigns of the running game to the next level. Which for the Packers is just above serviceable. They have 3 sets of the best hands in football and not to mention Donald Lee who is showing himself to be a threat. Their defense struggled at times with dallas but the Cowboys have the best offense after you step way down from the Patriots. If they stay healthy, I wouldn't want to play them come playoff time.

Seattle- It's Up for Grabs but they've won 5 straight. Despite injury and an aging Alexander, they have found a way to get it done. If Hackett comes back in time for the playoffs they may be a team to reckon with. Seattle has found a Morris Solution beginning to peak its head. They have a great passing attack with Burleson stepping up. Other teams such as the Steelers, Charger, and even the 7-6 Vikings could make an argument for this spot but I feel like the Seahawks have played well enough to deserved this spot.

1. Baltimore Ravens – For the second straight week, a team has had the opportunity to beat the Patriots, and both times, mistakes have ended up costing them that chance.  Last week, it was A.J. Feely’s late interception that put the nail in the coffin.  This week, when looking at the Ravens, can you really put your finger on just one thing?  Let’s start with the first half interception made my Ed Reed.  An exceptional return man, Reed looked like he was going to set his team up to make a field goal, possibly even a touchdown before half to extend their lead.  However, his lack of ball security cost them a turnover when Kevin Faulk tackled and stripped Reed preventing them from scoring.  Next, and this is when the fun starts, Kyle Boller throws an interception into the middle of 4 Patriot defenders, when there was absolutely 0 Raven receivers in the vicinity.  As a matter of fact, you could barely see a receiver on the replay.  This again cost the Ravens precious points.  The final drive:  Patriots line up for a 4^th and 1 and Brady is seemingly stuffed at the line, HOWEVER, a timeout is called by the defensive coordinator, preventing the turnover on downs.  FYI, only head coaches are supposed to be able to call the timeouts from the sidelines.  Next, on another 4^th and short, Heath Evans takes the ball and gets stuffed, but a false start by the Patriots pushes them back 5 to set up Tom Brady’s scramble for a first down.  On the next 4^th down, a hold by the Ravens secondary gave the Patriots an automatic first down and all they needed to score the go ahead touchdown.  By the way, it was legitimate hold call.  Lastly, the actions of Bart Scott were terrible.  I understand the emotion of the game was at an all time high, but throwing the official’s flag into the stands was ridiculous.  And claiming that the officials make those calls because the NFL wants the Patriots undefeated is absurd.  If your team makes smart decisions early in the game, then the game wouldn’t have come down to the last drive.  I’ll be interested to see what type of fine Scott gets for his actions and his words.    

2. University of Arkansas – Since Houston Nutt resigned as Arkansas’s head coach and took the same position at Ole Miss, Arkansas has interviewed and talked with several coaches, including Tommy Tuberville, Charlie Strong, Joker Phillips, Ron English, Tommy Bowden, Gus Malzahn, Jim Grobe, and Lane Kiffin among others.  I do not have an issue with the number of coaches that they have interviewed and talked with, because I want our school (I say “our” school because I am a fan) to find the best possible coach.  My issue has to do with the number of coaches who have either rejected us entirely or just showed a complete lack of interest.  Arkansas is not some 2^nd tier school academically or athletically.  It is a school with well known former coaches and players, very successful teams of the past, yet we can’t bring a well known coach to the school now.  What seems to be the biggest issue with Arkansas?  In my opinion, it is the existence of John White and Frank Broyles in the administration.  Though Frank is leaving at the first of the year, he will still be very much involved with Arkansas athletics.  Coaches seem to be hesitant to come to a school where their most famous coach is still a very influential figure in the state and program.  Let the new coach have complete control of the operations.  Let the new coach make the big decisions.  I don’t want Arkansas to continue to be used as leverage by college coaches to get raises and extensions. It is embarrassing to the school and the program. Arkansas does have a storied tradition, but the administration and IRRATIONAL fans have kept quality football coaches from wanting to come and bring further success to the program. 

3. BCS – This could probably appear on the list every week, but since I haven’t had a chance to talk about it this year, I figure why not put it on the list now.  Since the Nebraska vs. Miami championship game, I have been in favor of some type of playoff system.  Most reasonable college football fans I know are, but instead of talking about something that will not be done in the immediate future, I’m going to talk about something that could’ve been done this year.  Sure I have a problem with Ohio State being in the national championship and LSU vaulting over 4 teams to the number 2 spot and Hawaii even being considered for a spot, but what bothers me the most is the fact that Kansas is in the BCS but Missouri is stuck in the Cotton Bowl.  I know the Cotton Bowl is something to be proud of, but with the kind of season that Missouri has had, why don’t they deserve to be in one of the big games?  Head to Head match up? Goes to Missouri - Division Championship?  Goes to Missouri.  What does Kansas have on Missouri besides one less loss?  Missouri lost twice to BCS bound OU, while beating BCS bound Illinois early in the season in a big non-conference game, while Kansas’s toughest game besides the Mizzou game was Texas A&M and Oklahoma St.  I know their non-conference schedule was “brutal” with Southeastern LA, Toledo, FIU, and Central Michigan, but what about the terrible conference schedule which didn’t include OU and Texas?  Georgia was rewarded with a BCS game even though they didn’t win their conference or division.  Illinois, the same thing. Why not Missouri?  Missouri went from being number 1, to losing to a top 5 OU team, to getting kicked out of the BCS party.  Just one more thing that is unfair about the BCS.

1. Goat of the Week Nominees

2. Top 5 NFL and College Teams 

We will have the rest of the games picked by Sunday.

 

Game	Line	Billie	Jarod	Result
Packers @ Cowboys	-7	Packers - L	Cowboys - W	Cowboys 37-27
Falcons @ Rams	-3	Rams - W	Rams - W	Rams 28-16
Bills @ Redskins	-6	Redskins - L	Redskins - L	Bills 17-16
Lions @ Vikings	-4	Lions - L	Vikings - W	Vikings 42-10
Texans @ Titans	-3.5	Texans - L	Titans - W	Titans 28-20
Jaguars @ Colts	-6.5	Colts - L	Jags - W	Colts 28-25
Jets @ Dolphins	-1.5	Dolphins - L	Jets - W	Jets 40-13
Chargers @ Chiefs	+6	Chargers - W	Chargers - W	Chargers 24-10
Seahawks @ Eagles	-3	Eagles - L	Seahawks - W	Seahawks 28-24
49ers @ Panthers	-3	49ers- L	49ers - L	Panthers 31-14
Browns @ Cardinals	-1	Browns - L	Browns - L	Cardinals 27-21
Broncos @ Raiders	+3.5	Broncos - L	Broncos - L	Raiders 34-20
Bucs @ Saints	-3	Bucs - W	Saints - L	Bucs 27-23
Giants @ Bears	+1.5	Giants - W	Giants - W	Giants 21-16
Bengals @ Steelers	-7	Steelers - W	Steelers - W	Steelers 24-10
Patriots @ Ravens	+20	Patriots - L	Patriots - L	Patriots 27-24

College

1. Missouri – Proved on Saturday in front of a primetime national television audience that they are for real.  Chase Daniel is no doubt in the Heisman trophy race.  His performance showed what kind of special player he is.  He goes to show everyone that it’s not all about size.  He’s an NFL quarterback.  But despite their ranking and performance against KU, they are still a 3 point underdog going into their game against Oklahoma.  Though Missouri really impressed me, I still like Oklahoma with a healthy Sam Bradford in the Big 12 Championship game.

2. Georgia – Playing hotter than any other team in the country right now.  Moreno at running back has been the difference maker down the stretch for the Dawgs.  Since the Florida game, Richt has his players performing at an elite level.  This was the one team LSU didn’t want to play in their former run to the national title.  It doesn’t look like there is anyway for Georgia to play in the national title game, but I guarantee they would be a favorite against almost anybody.  I wouldn’t mind seeing a Georgia/USC match up in a BCS game.

3. West Virginia – Easiest game left out of all the national title contenders (unless you count Ohio State).  However, and it is a big however, being the number 2 team in the country has been the toughest job for anyone this year.  White, Slaton, Reynaud, and Devine look near unstoppable and though Saturday’s game is nicknamed the “Backyard Brawl”, I can only picture one team doing most of the brawling. Putting up 66 against a Connecticut team that was only allowing 18 points a game says something, even though it is the Big East. Missouri/West Virginia national title game?  I wonder how many prognosticators had that game before the season started.   

4. Ohio State – This is another example of a team that didn’t play their way into this spot the last couple of weeks.  But, they have only lost one game this year to a much improved and dangerous Illinois team.  There will also be some that argue that the Illinois game was the only tough game they played this year.  Akron, Youngstown St, and Kent St. doesn’t exactly scream out brutal non-conference schedule.  Big 10 has been weak this year, considering the expectations it had at the beginning of the year (i.e. Wisconsin, Michigan, Penn State), but going undefeated in a BCS conference should garner some National Championship consideration  Athletic teams are seem to be their weak spot (Florida last year, Illinois this year).  West Virginia would be a tough match up in January.

5. USC – They are playing like everyone thought USC would be playing all year.  If I had had National Championship game wish, it would be USC/Georgia, as mentioned above.  Their loss to Stanford still leaves a bad taste in my mouth, but Booty was playing hurt that game and they were looking ahead.  Booty seems to be healthy and back to playing like he did most of last year and Washington, Gable, Johnson, McKnight, and company are all contributing.  Fred Davis is an absolute freak on the field and is their best receiver, despite playing the TE position.

                NFL 

1. Patriots – Just because of a close victory doesn’t mean anything will change.  Did anyone else see how many dropped passes they had? 

        2. Cowboys – Looked extremely good against the Jets, at no surprise. If they keep getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers in Owens and Whiten then winning 14 or 15 games isn’t farfetched at all.  What a match up this week against the Packers.  Even though only 18 people will get to watch the game, I’m sure it will be something.  Make sure you stay up for Sportscenter late Thursday night to catch the highlights.  Playing in Big D is an obvious advantage and I look for the Cowboys to win in a close one.

        3. Packers – It’s hard to believe that I would have 2 NFC teams in two of the top three spots.  They have definitely played their way into this position.  Last week I said they had found a little bit of a running game in Ryan Grant.  Now it seems like Grant is a legitimate weapon in the Packers offense.  This makes them not just contender for the NFC but for the Super Bowl as well.  Their defense might be young, except for Woodson and Harris, but they have really stepped up their play throughout the year and their bump and run philosophy will either reward or burn them against the Cowboys receivers.

        4. Colts – The score might have been 31-13 but it was another less than spectacular win for the Colts.  I’m also not sure if any win against the Falcons could be considered a good win.  But a win is a win, and they keep doing it.  A huge test against the Jaguars this week, with the winner having the upper hand in claiming that division.  Dungy is hopeful that they will be getting Harrison back in the lineup, and if that happens, look for the Colts to come out on top.  It sure doesn’t hurt that their playing in Indy with all the “fake crowd noise”.

        5. Jaguars – David Garrard is the only starting QB in the NFL this year not to have thrown an interception.  Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor provide a lethal one, two punch.  Their front four does well against the run, allowing less than 100 yards a game.  However, the pass defense is what will give them problems, not just this week, but the rest of the season.  No matter what, this game should no doubt provide some excitement this week and the best part about the game is that we’ll get to see it on CBS, and not NFL Network.

Let me know what you think about the nominees this week

 

1. Eli Manning – Since he’s been in the league, he has been a complete roller coaster, but Sunday’s game topped them all.  He had 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions, including 3, I repeat, 3 returned for touchdowns.  Since his fiasco that took place on draft day with him saying he wouldn’t play for the Chargers and demanding he be traded to the Giants if drafted number 1, you never know what you are going to get with Eli.  There are games when he looks like an all-pro and there are games when him and Grossman could compete on who could turn it over more.  The weapons around him are sufficient, though Sunday he did not have Brandon Jacobs.  This isn’t Atlanta or Miami where you don’t have anything to work with.  This is not something that should be talked about ever year.  Giants fans shouldn’t have to worry about what Eli will show up each game.  Is Eli really the long-term answer for the Giants?  Is there something he can do?  New coach?  Different brother?

 

2. Mike Shanahan – This is the second time in two weeks I have had a head coach on this list for doing something that could EASILY have been prevented on special teams.  It was obvious in Sunday’s game against the Bears who was the better team.  As long as you keep it out of #23’s hands, everything will be ok and you can go home with your “W”.  So what in Shanahan’s right mind was he thinking kicking it to Hester on kickoffs and punts?  Has he not seen Hester before?  This guy ran a punt AND a kickoff back for a touchdown.  He’s one of, if not the most electrifying player in football and you are going to kick it to him like he is some unproven rookie?  Oh, and the final score of the game, Bears 37 Broncos 34 in overtime.  You are a better coach than that Mike.

3. Pittsburgh’s Administration – For those that saw last nights game against the Dolphins, or as much as you could stand to watch, knows the type of condition that field was in.  They had 4 high school football games on Friday and the University of Pittsburgh playing on Saturday.  Knowing the field was in awful shape, the Steelers decided to just put an extra layer of sod on top of the other layer in hopes of, well I’m not sure what they were hoping to do.  And I understood that they felt like this was the only way they could get the field into playing shape, if you could actually call it that. But at what point do you say to yourself, let’s take some money out of our operating account to invest in some field turf.  If you’re going to keep hosting high school games and Panther games, a change needs to be made.  The Steelers should apologize to their fans and the rest of the NFL for making them sit thru that type of game.  Hopefully next year, this type of situation does not have to occur.   

I am not betting man. Ask BWebb. After my honey moon gambling experience (which was my first real experience), I have never won again. Never, so I just don't do it. I don't think it is wrong or anything. I just used all my luck up getting my wife. Or out punting my coverage as most say. First game I ever bet on I lost. In fact, I usually lose gentlemen's bets. On a trip to Houston to see my beloved Padres play, I lost 30 dollars betting with my friends on non sports related bets.

So the question is why would I call an 800 number yesterday to get a free pick. Why would I tempt my fate? Let me tell you why, because me and BWebb did pretty good on the pro pick'ems last week... Not Great or Phenomenal, just good. This guy was running a national add to get the two free picks and I thought maybe I should. So I call, they ask you if you wanna join and you say no and they try to get you join up for couple of hundred dollars. They guarantee, these two picks for last night, the Steelers by 16 and the parlette to go with it. Now I am not a betting man but I thought this is a great game to bet on because Miami is one dimensional. So I entertain the guy, He cuts me a deal.  And I finally turn him down. But let's say I didn't, lets say I bet $250 on the game with their picks and front some money for the advice. (Now to some that is not a lot of money but to me it is.) I know it wouldn't be my finest moment but it was a sure thing, Ricky Williams was starting and the Steelers have one of the top defenses in the league. I would have lost 350 dollars just like that. To make a long story short my wife would have killed me. But that still wouldn't have been as bad as the game last night. It will probably make high-light and blooper reals for a while. The ball was punted and stuck in the ground. Like golf ball in a bunker. Just going to show, that anything can happen in sports. The best team doesn't always cover the spread, the Patriots don't always win by 21, and grounds crew doesn't always give you a field you can score on.

Miami can't win to save their life. But anything can happen. Just look at the Cleveland Browns. So what has to happen for Miami to contend. Will the draft change anything? Who are they going to take with their 1st pick. Some would say _Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville_ but I'd say John Beck looks serviceable. Some say McFadden, but Ronnie Brown will be back. And others say Glenn Dorsey. I say trade down and get some good receivers. They know how to run block, so hit the pass blocking hard in preseason. Trade down and get a late first and 2nd if you can, picking up some stellar receivers. With a draft position like that I think you need to get the most for you money. Miami has lost 6 games by 3 pts or less. So it isn't going to take much. They had the leading running back for 2 to 3 weeks after he (Ronnie Brown) went down. Cam Cameron is good coach he'll figure it out.  But who do you think will go first in the Draft?

We will have the rest of the games picked by Sunday.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Game	Line	Billie	Jarod	Result
Packers @ Lions	+3	Detroit - L	Green Bay - W	Packers 37-26
Jets @ Cowboys	-14.5	Dallas - W	Dallas - W	Cowboys 34-3
Colts @ Falcons	+12.5	Indianapolis - W	Indianapolis - W	Colts 31-13
Bills @ Jaguars	-8	Jaguars - W	Bills - L	Jags 36-14
Texans @ Browns	-3.5	Texans - L	Texans - L	Browns 27-17
Vikings @ Giants	-7.5	Giants - L	Giants - L	Vikes 41-17
Saints @ Panthers	+3	Saints - W	Saints - W	Saints 31-6
Raiders @ Chiefs	-5	Raiders - W	Chiefs - L	Raiders 20-17
Seahawks @ Rams	+3	Seahawks - W	Rams - L	Seattle 24-19
Titans @ Bengals	+1	Titans - L	Bengals - W	Bengals 35-6
Redskins @ Bucs	-3	Bucs - W	Bucs - W	Bucs 19-13
49ers @ Cardinals	-10.5	Cardinals - L	49ers - W	49ers 37-31
Broncos @ Bears	-1.5	Broncos - L	Broncos - L	Bears 37-34
Ravens @ Chargers	-9.5	Chargers - W	Ravens - L	Bolts 32-14
Eagles @ Patriots	-22.5	Patriots - L	Patriots - L	Pats 31-28
Dolphins @ Steelers	-16	Steelers - L	Steelers - L	Steelers 3-0

 

College

1. LSU - They are here by default.  They didn't play well against Ole Miss, but they did manage to win and hold on to the number one spot in the BCS.  Two tough games remaining against Arkansas and the SEC Eastern division champion in Atlanta.  Will the Les Miles and Michigan situation have an affect on how the Tigers end this year?  It'll be hard for the LSU players not to at least think about it.

2. Missouri - Biggest game in school history this week against Kansas to decided who plays OU in the Big 12 championship game.  Though I think they'll beat Kansas, I still think OU is the better team and will beat them in the championshipg game.  Chase Daniel is playing as good as any player in the country right now.  If the Heisman trophy only counted the second half of the season, then Daniel wins.  

3. West Virginia - Though I don't think they're the third best team in the country, they've played themselves into this spot.  Pat White and Steve Slaton are still the most dangerous duo in the country and with their offensive firepower, they are capable of beating any team in the country.  I have them in front of Kansas because they've beaten better competition.

4. Kansas - Only legitimate unbeaten team left.  I don't consider Hawaii legitimate because they're Hawaii and they play in the WAC.  If they beat Missouri and Oklahoma, then I'll have them as the number 1 team in the country.  They've still been untested throughout the entire the season and I feel that will hurt them against Missouri and if they get there, Oklahoma.

5. Arizona State - I'm always hesitant about putting a Pac-10 team in these type of lists, except for the likes of USC. But this year Oregon really asserted themselves as  a top notch team.  I feel Arizona State is still on the fence between good and great, but their only loss was to an Oregon team that was playing better than anyone in the country.  They still have their rivalry game this weekend and will no doubt have to play an elite team in their bowl game.  That will determine what side of the fence the Sun Devils fall on.

 

NFL

1. Patriots - Do I really have to put anything here?

2. Cowboys - There only loss was to the Patriots and they were in the lead in the 4th quarter.  Tony Romo and T.O. look about as unstoppable as Brady and Moss. Defense needs to put more pressure on the quarterback and running game needs to get going to keep from becoming one dimensional.  Gurode needs to practice his shotgun snaps this week.

3. Colts - It was an ugly win Sunday, but it was a win.  Dungy's call was controversial and that same call is what cost him last week against the Chargers, but Peyton's 6'5" body gave them the first down and the chance to kick the game winning field goal.  With their injuries, I'm not sure how they'll be able to keep up with the Patriots if they play them again, but if they're able to get Harrison back, then they can beat anyone else in the league.

4. Packers - Nothing surprises me with them anymore.  They've even found a little bit of a running game with Ryan Grant.  They'll get their opportunity against the Cowboys in a few weeks, even though most of the country won't get to see it because it'll be on the NFL Network.  I don't see any reason why they'll fall off in the next 6 games.  They seem to be getting better every week.

5. Giants - I want to put the Steelers here, but how can I put a team that lost to the hopeless Jets in the top 5?  Elite teams shouldn't have those type of disappointments.  There's an injury situation that's going to make things tought for the Giants the rest of the way, but they beat an improving Lions team on Sunday and feel like they're balanced enough on offense to finish out the season at 11-5 and at worst 10-6.