A Christmas Story of Awards

It's that time of year again folks, time for my annual, traditional, once-a-year, yuletide Christmas Story of Awards. Time to take a step back in time to the 1940's or maybe even early 1950's - no one really knows. Time to rejoin the Parkers for yet another quirky 24 hours of a Christmas Story. Here at PhiladelphiaVoice we will take a look back on the year in sports, more specifically Philadelphia sports. So drink your cup of Ovaltine and enjoy: A Christmas Story of Awards.

The Broken Leg Lamp Award

This one goes to Flyers General Manager, Paul Holmgren. You traded draft picks, 19-year-old defenseman Luca Sbisa, and power play extraordinaire Joffrey Lupol for what appeared to be a healthy, dynamic 36-year-old defenseman in Chris Pronger. So you seem a bit surprised when your major addition plays like - surprise! - a 36-year-old defenseman. Pronger was brought into Philadelphia to be the puck-clearing defenseman that could put a body on Sidney Crosby and provide the necessary leadership to get the Flyers over the proverbial hump. Whoops. What happens when you place your entire season on an aging defenseman? Derian Hatcher all over again - that's what happens. Only with a 7 year contract instead of a 4 year contract. After spending a few days glowing in the window in the earlier parts of the season, the leg came crashing down. The Flyers are 0-3 against Crosby and the defending champs and the Kid has tallied goals in the past two games. So much for shut down defenseman.

The Aunt Clara's Bunny Costume Award

Cole Hamels - step on up! After enjoying all the honors that come with being World Series MVP - TV commercials, Late Night appearances, being heralded as the next "big thing," Cole Hamels. Another new situation in his life - reality star wife, Heidi Hamels. After reading an article in Sports Illustrated called "The Fabulous Life of Cole Hamels," my dad subsequently decided that his career was at least temporarily put aside. And boy, was he right. Hamels' new wife might has well have forced a pink bunny costume on Hamels because some of the comments that he made and the way he behaved were more like the way you'd expect a SoCal 25-year-old to act, not the World Series MVP. We were treated to rolled ankles that lead to frustration and thrown gloves. Struggles on the field that allllmost went away but came crashing back with home run ball after home run ball. Hamels behaved like the ultimate pink bunny when he expressed his desire for the season to "just end already" during the middle of the World Series. All that being said, I expect Hamels to step out of Aunt Clara's pink bunny suit in 'oh-ten. After all, the dude is only 25 and on the Phillies - life can't be that easy all the time right?

The You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Award

Last year Andre Iguodala was the recipient of this unfortunate award. This year he has the honor passing it to - himself! That's right ladies and gents! The first ever two-time award winner. Andre has the distinction of leading the team with the 3rd-worst record in the NBA. He has refrained from making any of his teammates better. Is it ever a good sign for the future when your star player puts up less than 15 points in a game through a quarter of the games in a season? (Let's not mention Elton Brand...) Iguodala's field goal percentage is the worst of his entire NBA career, and his three point percentage is his third-worst. Not very inspiring. So grab that Official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and a thing which tells time, and get to work Andre!

The Ooohhh Fudge Award

Chase Utley and his potty mouth were a perfect fit for this award last year. This year it goes to none other than Gary Matthews Sr. Sarge got a little off topic during a Phillies radio broadcast. I'll leave the laughs to you.

The Scut Farkus Affair Award

To the Philadelphia Eagles, for rising up against the NFL playoff system and sneaking in at 9-6-1. After crushing teams for years, it turned out that a 9 win season and a tie against the lowly Bengals was enough to propel the Eagles to the NFC Championship game. Way to triumph over the NFL playoff system Eagles! Just don't get too far after the Championship game.

The It's a beautifulturkey, it really is, but it's smiling at me Award

The Bumpass's Dogs Award and the But it was gone, all gone! No turkey! No turkey sandwiches! No turkey salad! No turkey gravy! Turkey hash! Turkey a la King! Or gallons of turkey soup! Gone, ALL GONE! Award

The Philadelphia Phillies. While returning to the World series for a second straight year can be considered a successful season, all the pride and glory was snatched away by those neighbors to the north, the New York Yankees. After a 1-0 series lead thanks to a beautiful Cliff Lee performance to be remembered for the ages, the Bronx Bombers put on a show with their bats. They tore Cole Hamels to shreds, put a fitting end to Brad Lidge's season, and tore Pedro a new one in game 6. So close, and ripped away. Let's not deprive the Old Man of his turkey this year fellas. Remember how good that turkey tasted in '08? A second helping in three years would be nice.

The Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra Award

To Arron Asham and Chan Ho Park

The Santa Boot in The Face Award

To Cliff Lee. Thanks for those memorable games in late July, August, and September. And, oh yeah, those wins in October and the complete game against the Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series was nice too. Bye!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Week 16 NFL Picks

Home team in CAPS

San Diego over TENNESSEE

HOTLANTA over Buffalo

CINCI over Kansas City

Oakland over CLEVELAND

GREEN BAY over Seattle

PITTSBURGH over Baltimore

MIAMI over Houston

NEW ENGLAND over Jacksonville

NAAAAHLINS over Tampa

Carolina over NY GIANTS

SAN FRAN over Detriot

ARIZONA over St. Louis

INDY over NY Jets

EAGLES over Denver

Dallas over WASHINGTON

CHICAGO over Minnesota

Season: 145 - 76

**Check out the new poll**

Week 15 NFL Picks

I am currently in Vermont and want to get out on the slopes sooner rather than later, so my picks today are for history's sake rather than mine and your entertainment value.

Indy over JACKSONVILLE

NAAAAHHHLINS over Dallas

New England over BUFFALO

Arizona over DETROIT

TENNESSEE over Miami

KC over Cleveland

Houston over ST. LOUIS

NY JETS over Hotlanta

DENVER over Oakland

SAN DIEGO over Cinci

Tampa Bay over SEATTLE

BALTIMORE over Chicago

IGGLES over San Fran

(thank you for the 4:15 start snowstorm!)

PITTSBURGH over Green Bay

Minnesota over CAROLINA

NY GIANTS over Washington

Season: 134 - 71

Week 14 NFL Picks

Well the holiday that explains all miracles, Hanukkah, certainly falls at an opportune time for the Birds this year. The last game at Giants Stadium would certainly seem like a perfect opportunity to repeat the Miracle at the Meadowlands and effectively sever the Giants playoff hopes. We will get to that prediction in just a little bit. First let's get to my Week 14 NFL (a.k.a. the start of fantasy playoffs) picks.

Pittsburgh over CLEVELAND

Yet another wrong Thursday night pick. Isn't it time to abandon this whole Thursday Night Football thing? No one looks forward to watching these games, it hurts teams that need normal rest towards the end of the season, and I get almost every one of them wrong. This needs to end.

Naaaaahlins over Atlanta

We saw what the Falcons did without their starting QB and running back, and now their best pass rusher in Justin Babineaux was charged with possessing 1 and 1/2 ounces of the finest Hotlanta herb. Not exactly inspiring for a potential playoff team? This is the game that finally ends their back-to-back playoff dreams.

Green Bay over CHICAGO

The Packers are finally rounding into form while the Bears are surprisingly only 5-7. That has to be somewhat inspiring given Jay Cutler's Jake Delhommeian achievement, carrying more interceptions than touchdowns into Week 14.

TAMPA BAY over NY Jets

Not really an upset since the Jets will be starting Kellen Clemens for the first time since 2007.

Miami over JACKSONVILLE

MoJoDrew seems like he's dropped off the face of the earth huh? I see a return of his fantasy impact this week despite a convincing W by Chad Henne and co.

BALTIMORE over Detroit

Make or break game for Baltimore's withering playoff hopes. I say it's make.

HOUSTON over Seattle

Thank the football gods that there is fantasy football or I doubt anyone would think to watch this one.

INDY over Denver

This loss should make for a very interesting AFC wildcard picture. I think it gets even more interesting in the manner in which the Broncos will lose. After today they will not appear deserving of a playoff spot.

Buffalo over KC

And the winner for "Weekly Worst Game of the Week" goes to...

MINNESOTA over Cinci

I'd pick this to be an upset if the visiting team wasn't called the Cincinnati Bengals.

NEW ENGLAND over Carolina

Who would have thought that the AFC East would be the definition of Mediocre. After the Steelers' stream of horrendous gut-check performances this year, I don't think any legendary team or coach is safe. Given that, I think the Patriots eek this one out.

Oakland over WASHINGTON

Don't bet against the Raiders at home against another bad team.

TENNESSEE over St. Louis

Another dominating win by Vince Young even though he'll look like crap in doing so.

San Diego over DALLAS

Come on fantasy players on San Diego! (Rivers, Kaeding, Defense, LT) unless I make further adjustments

Eagles over NY GIANTS

The dominance continues. The Eagles secondary is too good for Eli. The Eagles receivers are too good for the Giants' secondary. Giants O-line is hurting, Eagles linebackers seem to be forming some continuity. The only thing that can stand in the Eagles way of victory is the wind and rain that will surely douse the stadium and potentially David Akers' kicks.

Arizona over SAN FRAN

The Cardinals are peaking at the right time. This is not a team anyone wants to play come playoff time.

Season: 122 - 67

Keep an eye out for my annual Christmas Story of Awards to come in the next week.

**Check out the new poll**

Week 13 NFL Picks

After the most compelling week in Philadelphia sports in the past month, the Eagles have received zero attention despite a very lame two-game winning streak. The return of Allen Iverson and Placido Polanco coupled with the Flyers firing their 56th coach since Terry Murray has left very little room for any Eagles-Falcons talk. To be honest, I haven't thought about it even once other than the devastating news that Desean Jackson is out for my fantasy team.

So without further ado, Week 13 is upon us.

(Home team in CAPS)

NY Jets over BUFFALO

Told you Mark Sanchez sucks. Everyone loved him after 2 weeks but it was only too plain to see that HE LEFT COLLEGE TOO EARLY AND HE PLAYS FOR THE JETS. Duh.

Eagles over HOTLANTA

No Matt Ryan or Michael Turner makes the Falcons a very dull boy, er - team. Despite Hotlanta's perfect record at home, it would be an enormous upset if they can defeat the Eagles. Jason Avant has picked his game up, proving that he was the right choice over Hank Baskett. No Desean does add a little shake-up to an inconsistent offense, but Brent Celek is due for a big game isn't he? And Shady McCoy has looked more dominant each week.

CHICAGO over St. Louis

Jay Cutler is a spoiled baby.

CINCINNATI over Detroit

I am a big believer in "if you have never been good, there is no truth to your supposed "good" record right now. Yes, I am picking the Bengals, but it will be ugly. No team where 1 in ever 5 players has been charged with a felon should ever win in a division with the Steelers and Ravens.

PITTSBURGH over Oakland

After the Steelers last Super Bowl victory they failed to make it back to the playoffs. Looking like we may see a repeat performance.

INDY over Tennessee

Vince Young is riding high, but if anyone can steal the spotlight from him it is Peyton Manning. He has found a way to completely steal the moment in any NFL game, that is when he is not too bothered by Justin Timberlake's googly eyes.

Denver over KC

Kansas City has a slight gleam of hope after winning 2 out of their last 3. Denver had a dominating win over the Giants, but hey - Eli Manning will probably be out for the season after the G-Men lose their next few games. This is a meaningless game in the end, because Denver will finish a win or two short of the playoffs. Josh McDaniels' enthusiasm is cute though.

New England over MIAMI

I recently realized that Tom Brady has the same chin dimple as Andy Pettitte. The only reason I know this? Because whenever either of them is on TV, the HD really feels the need to zoom in on their faces every opportunity they get.

Naaaahlins over WASHINGTON

Is there any way that we won't see a Colts - Saints Super Bowl? It really doesn't look like any single team could really stand in the way of this happening. It will be sad to see how bad the Eagles are when the Saints tear apart the Redskins, a team the Eagles beat by 3. But hey - a win's a win.

Tampa over CAROLINA

No Deangelo Williams and a continuation of the Jake Delhomme era doesn't leave a lot of hope for the Panthers' future. I look for a letdown against the Bucco's this weekend.

Houston over JACKSONVILLE

Houston has to win an important game sometime don't they?

San Diego over CLEVELAND

The Chargers are the only team that can challenge the Colts in the AFC, but that is only if LT stays healthy. He hasn't played in the playoffs seemingly in years, can he make it this year?

NY GIANTS over Dallas

One last win for the Giants before it all comes crumbling down. This also creates a very big mish-mash atop the NFC East with confusing tie-breakers and match-ups still left to be played against each of the three teams.

San Fran over SEATTLE

The Niners' last chance to save their season with a potential division-taking game with the Cardinals next week. Put up or shut up Mr. Singletary.

Minnesota over ARIZONA

Yet another road win this week, bringing my grand total to 10 road wins this week. Don't know if I've ever done that. The-Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named continues his MVP campaign.

GREEN BAY over Baltimore

Interesting Monday Night game isn't it? Two playoff hopefuls from different conferences in a very important game for both teams' seasons. A great young quarterback matchup. Home team wins this one.

Season: 112-61

**Check out the poll**

The Call

No, not The Backstreet Boys' 2001 hit song.

No, not Babe Ruth's called shot in the 1932 World Series.

Not even Ed Stefanski's call to agent Leon Rose asking if a certain free agent was interested in a place called home.

This call, my friends, was a call made by yours truly on Saturday, November 28th at 12:09 P.M. The recipient of the call? Well, technically an automated system. But the eventual recipient was Brian, a ticket salesman working for the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers... remember them? They run up and down a court with a basketball and actually play right here in Philadelphia! Whats that? They don't sound familiar? I don't blame you, I don't see how anybody could pay much attention these days. Ranking second-to-last in attendance for the 2009-2010 season is the result of a pretty thrill-less team.

Here's an actual transcript of my little chit-chat with Brian.

Brian: This is the 76ers box office, my name is Brian how may I help you?

Zach: Hey Brian, how's it going? (I'm genuine, what can I say?)

Brian: Uh (obviously not expecting my bona fide sincerity), good. Yourself?

Zach: Can't complain. I'm actually calling for one reason. I want to buy tickets to a Sixers game, but only if you guys sign Allen Iverson.

Brian: Oh, well do you want to buy some tickets now in case they sign him?

Zach: No, I have no interest in the Sixers right now. I can guarantee you though, that if the Sixers re-sign Iverson, I will buy tickets. If you happen to talk to the front office tell them that. I'm dead serious.

Brian: Ok, can I write down your name and number?

Zach: Zach Leon, 215 603 8925. Hope to hear from you soon.

Let's flash forward to today, Wednesday, December 2nd at 3:30 PM.

(I'm sitting in an appointment with my advisor)

Zach: Can't I petition to have that class count for International Studies? (Sudden jolt as I feel a vibration in my pocket.) Sorry, can I take this?

Phone: Jack?

Zach: Do you mean Zach? This is Zach.

Phone: Yeah, sorry. Zach. This is Brian.

Zach: ...Brian...

Brian: Brian from the Sixers. You said that you'd buy tickets if we signed AI.

Zach: Oh yeah, I'm in a meeting. I promise I'll call you back.

Brian: I look forward to hearing from you.

So is that all it takes? A little determination from a fan to call the team instead of the sports radio airwaves? Hardly. I know that my plea for the return of Allen Iverson had at least a stake in his homecoming. I, along with the rest of Philadelphia, am bored of watching a bunch of second-tier draft picks run around the floor, dunk miss wide open three's, and allow anyone who knows how to dribble a basketball blow by them on the way to the cup. Turns out that a little effort by the fan base can really go a long way.

The 76ers are a team in desperation. Without a single player averaging over 20 points per game since Iverson's departure, this team hasn't had a single player with the ability to take over a game. And after watching years and years of basketball, that is huge. The absence of a go-to-guy has resulted in just 13 playoff wins since that memorable championship run in '01. Now that statistic wasn't meant to depress you, after all there are teams with much worse stretches than that over the past 8 years. Add Allen Iverson to a playoff team that is on the bubble of a series win and the Sixers are back. Back in the news, back in the game, back in contention. The fact that we had 13 playoff wins in that time without a single All-Star? That is unbelievable! How can we expect to win a playoff series when Andre Iguodala is your franchise player? I mean, he's been a Sixer for 5-plus years and I still rely on the Google Search bar at the top righthand corner of my web browser to spell his name! Things aren't allowed to go well when your star player has an un-spellable name 5 years after he was drafted. There's got to be a formula for that somewhere...

Think about this for a minute, the last time Allen Iverson was given free rein to do whatever he wanted when he was on the floor was a little over a year ago when he played every. single. game. All 82. That season Iverson averaged 26 points, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 3 rebounds a game. Vintage AI. After that season he ventured to Motown where he started a game, sat on the bench the next, back and forth until a "back injury" forced him to sit out the rest of the season. I don't think there is anyone out there who believes that Allen would quit a season if he was starting and getting his shots. Iverson was unhappy, didn't get what he wanted on the court and thus pouted and let what I am sure was a real injury become more than it really was.

The argument against bringing back Iverson is that it will hinder the development of our younger players. Well, this just in people: we are in "Win Now Mode." That's why Iggy and Elton Brand are making 13 and 14 million dollars this year respectively. Either that or our front office is even more inept than it was during the Billy King era. I tend to believe that fielding back-to-back playoff teams that took each series to 6 games (one against the eventual Eastern Conference Champs) points towards something positive.

A 5-13 record to start off the 2009-2010 campaign is not the something positive I, or anybody else, had in mind. Is the development of our younger players really supposed to override making the playoffs? Could we really be doing any worse at this juncture in the season? 2 of our 5 wins are against the winless Nets (who as of Wednesday, December 2nd stand at 0-18, the worst start to a season in NBA history). They didn't even start their All-Star point guard, Devin Harris, in either of those games. And, oh yeah, the Sixers topped off those wins by a combined 6 points! I'll let that sink in...

So I ask you: is taking shots away from Willie Green, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young and "Slammy" Dalembert really a bad thing? Shouldn't we be rejoicing? For God's sake - Allen Iverson is back! He has arguably a better supporting cast than any one of his first 10-plus seasons in Philadelphia. His legs, back, body (and mouth) are completely fresh. This man is not even 6 feet tall, only 165 pounds and is 34 years old. His knees aren't causing him problems like many aging 6 foot 6 stars. Iverson's most recent complete season produced the numbers that Philadelphia is accustomed to seeing out of "The Little Guy" as Larry Brown affectionately called him. The man who goes out on the court for "the game I die for" has returned. And with his reemergence maybe we will be treated to what few have witnessed so far. Check out this article on the real AI, something that has stuck with me since it's publication nearly 6 years ago.

He's back folks. Get ready for some jersey-logo thrusting. Some ear-cupping to the crowd. Some drives to the hoop that will resemble David versus Goliath. Some practice (key word there - some practice).

My goal with my conversation with Brian? To bring back The Answer. And guess what? It worked.

Week 12 NFL Picks

My Week 12 Picks. Be on the lookout for an article on fighting in the NHL soon to come.

(Home team in CAPS)

Thanksgiving Games

Green Bay over DETROIT

DALLAS over Oakland

Giants over DENVER

The rest...

HOTLANTA over Tampa

Not sure anyone saw such a up-and-down year for Matt Ryan and the Falcons but they are not looking good to make the postseason. A win over Tampa will at least ease the suffering.

Miami over BUFFA...

Snooze, Yawn. Woah, excuse me - I didn't realize that I dozed off while typing that one.

CINCI over Cleveland

Still don't believe in Cinci, just too many field goals. I'll give their defense some credit though.

Seattle over ST LOUIS

Another "Worst Game of the Decade" nominee.

Carolina over NY JETS

The Jets are falling, the Panthers are rising. Simple as that.

EAGLES over Washington

After consecutive wins over the Bears and the Redskins, 610 and 950 will finally have callers with confidence, false confidence mind you. These two wins only count in the win column as far as I am concerned. They do nothing to make me feel better about the Eagles. Did anyone else realize that if Jay Cutler had connected with 2 of those 5 home run balls he missed last Sunday night that the game wouldn't have been close? His receivers were WIDE open.

Indy over Houston

I guess this is fun since the exact same matchup went on 3 weeks ago, and a good one at that. Can't imagine Indy not having figured out the Texans after playing them once and barely escaping with a win.

SAN DIEGO over kc

Other than the unbeatens, the Chargers are the hottest team in the NFL. Don't hold your breath on LT because he's having his best stretch of games in more than a year.

Jacksonville over SAN FRAN

The 'Niners are crumbling and it's happening fast. After a promising start, they showed that they are not f'real.

MINNESOTA over Chicago

I'd look for a closer game than anticipated. I know Jay Cutler is currently the worst QB in the NFL, but I'm a big believer of breaking out of slumps at the wrong time. Cutler is due for a good one at some point.

Arizona over Tennessee

This is where Vince Young's perfect record must come to an end, as will the Titans' slim playoff hopes.

Pittsburgh over BALTIMORE

I'm sure I will have jinxed this one. Away, no Big Ben, no Troy Polamalu - it all adds up to a definite loss at Baltimore right? No. I'll take the defending champs tonight. The Ravens have proved to be a lot softer than we all thought and if there is any NFL team that defines the word "team," it has to be the Steelers.

New England over NAAAAHHHLLINS

It's time. Poetic justice right? The last perfect team upsets the weaker of the two current unbeatens. The Saints have just been playing too flukey to keep this one going.

Season: 103-54

**Check out the new Poll!**

Keep an eye out for that fighting post, should be up by either late today or sometime tomorrow.

Week 11 NFL Picks

CAROLINA over Miami

These Thursday games just aren't happening for me. Two admittedly wrong picks announced 3 days after the fact.

DALLAS over Washington

Just when you think Washington is completely hopeless, they beat the Denver Broncos. But I remain under the impression that the Broncos are actually deceiving everyone, evidenced by their 3 straight losses. Dallas wins at home to remind us how bad the Broncos actually are.

DETROIT over Cleveland

It seems to be getting just a little old; every week I proclaim that there might not be a worse game in the history of the NFL. Again, we are treated to a pair of 1-8 teams vying for "worst team in the NFL." This 2009 season has officially been a painful one to watch for just about any NFL fan.

GREEN BAY over San Fran

And suddenly Green Bay is back in the game. Thanks to the Eagles, the Giants and - you guessed it, San Fran - the Packers are very much alive for a playoff birth. The Packers can crush the 'Niners season with back-t0-back home W's.

Pittsburgh over Kansas City

"The day that Marvin Lewis sweeps a season series from the Steelers when the division lead is up for grabs is the day that Elton Brand ever comes close to averaging a double-double again (9 points and 5 rebounds per game as of today)." Yep, I said that a week ago. The good news - looks like Elton Brand is on his way back to being an All-Star!

NY GIANTS over Hotlanta

Can the G-Men really lose 4 games in a row? This one is sure no gimme, in a potential game of the Wildcards, this one is important for both teams, but probably a little more important to the Giants with Divisional Title hopes still in grasp. That's why the Giants pull this one out at home.

Nahhhhhlins over TAMPA

The Saints only have 1 game that they could lose (on paper) for the rest of the season, which is next week versus the Patriots. On other words: they have a really good chance of going undefeated in the regular season

JACKSONVILLE over Buffalo

Dear Buffalo,

When you lose this week you will officially be in discussion for "Worst Team in the NFL" along with Detroit, Tampa, Oakland, Washington, and Kansas City, quite an extensive list. No one really seems to know just how bad you actually are, but fear not because you have the chance of showing off your stink-ability (yes, I wrote that) in Jacksonville today.

Love,

Zach

Indy over BALTIMORE

If ever there was a game that could save a season and ignite a fire under Ray Lewis and company, this would be the one. Lose this, and the playoffs are going to be a stretch for what originally looked like a sure-thing. Having the home crowd could really affect this game, but what will affect it further is the fact that Peyton Manning is on the other side. Will this man ever lose another big game? The only question here remains - just how big of a game is this for the Colts?

MINNESOTA over Seattle

While watching the Lions hang around with the Vikings last weekend, the Vikings showed just how good they are. They managed to turn a relatively close game for 3 quarters into a 17 point blowout. Even on a not-so-hot day, the Vikings didn't even make it close.

Arizona over ST LOUIS

Can the Cardinals pull away at last? Now that their running game is taking shape with Beanie Wells, they are looking much more formidable.

NEW ENGLAND over NY Jets

Bye-Bye Jets season.

Cincinnati over OAKLAND

Is Cinci actually for real? The team with 8 arrests in one season can't possibly be a first place team over the Steelers and Ravens can they? When will they lose a stinker?

San Diego over DENVER

The Chargers are hot, the Broncos are not.

Eagles over CHICAGO

I don't have much to say on the Eagles right now. All I know is that last weeks loss wasn't that bad because Dallas lost too.

TENNESSEE over Houston

The Vince Young experiment is looking good for right now. But all Vince Young-isms aside, how is this the Monday Night Game? I could understand a 4:15 game because of the "you stole our team" rivalry thing, but... Monday Night Football? Really NFL schedule-makers? Really?

Season: 90-51

Week 10 NFL Picks

Well it's been 10 days since the end of the 2009 MLB season and maybe it will finally culminate in my sanity sooner rather than later. Maybe I won't have dreams like last night's where down 8-6 in the top of the ninth against Mariano Rivera, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez come in and hit respective home runs off him to make the game 10-8 and eventually forcing a game 7. What can I say folks? I bleed red. Well, like Phillies-red... you get the picture.

Moving on to the Eagles; this team more or less the antithesis of the Phillies. Just when they can win back an entire city that is fresh off a World Series defeat, they blow their biggest game of the year (thus far) at home to their biggest rival. Just doesn't bode well does it? Yet another prime example that this Eagles team is one that can't get it done in the big moment, when it counts most. I'm sure I'll be singing a different tune come December, as always, but for right now the Eagles have shown that they have a whole lot to prove.

Week 10 of the NFL has arrived, a pivotal week to those second place, 5-3 teams, such as our Eagles, where they can boost their playoff hopes by going 3 games over .500 or taking one step closer to the dreaded .500 mark. There are some interesting match-ups this week, many that could be the deciding games in eventual playoff births. Let's take a look at those who I deem worthy...

(Home team in CAPS)

Chicago over SAN FRAN

I'll be honest here, I picked the game and didn't write it down or post it. I thought that San Fran was on the slide and hey - Jay Cutler couldn't really be this bad, could he? Turns out he is much, much worse. 5 picks in a game!?

Naaaahhhlins over ST. LOUIS

New Or-lee-ans has it locked up until week 13 against the Patriots.

MIAMI over Tampa

I am a big believer in momentum, but no 1-7 team that has used three starting Quarterbacks in 8 games will win two in a row, especially on the road.

MINNESOTA over Detroit

Is this the game that Brad Childress leaves The-Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in the game for a series too long and he finally throws out his back like any normal, grey-haired/faced 40-year-old would and inevitably refuses to forfeit his consecutive games played streak and continues to play, leading to a .500 second-half for a top-4 team, opening up questions as they face a hot Atlanta Falcons team who demolished the Cardinals in round 1 of the playoffs? Why yes, I think so.

NY JETS over Jacksonville

The Jets keep their slim playoff hopes alive for just one more week before they get crushed by the Pats.

Buffalo over TENNESSEE

This is the game that saves us from a 1st and 10 frenzy on ESPN wondering if Vince Young has finally matured and is ready to take over the helm and lead the Titans into the future. The answer, as provided by this matchup: no, he isn't. He's really stupid, really big, and really not good.

PITTSBURGH over Cincy

They day that Marvin Lewis sweeps a season series from the Steelers when the division lead is up for grabs is the day that Elton Brand ever comes close to averaging a double-double again (9 points and 5 rebounds per game as of today). In short, that day will not dawn. The Big Ben Show marches onward.

Denver over WASHINGTON

This will mark the first time that I have picked the Denver Broncos all season. Do I believe in Josh McDaniels and that liar Brian Dawkins? - No. But I believe much less in the Redskins. This should be one of the Broncos last easy wins.

Hotlanta over CAROLINA

Matt Ryan was named the second-best QB in Southeastern PA (my highschool football area) over the past decade. Pretty astonishing to see in the Philadelphia Inquirer. This one should be closer than it looks at first glance, as the Panthers have been playing decently as of late. Atlanta will prevail as our first 5-3 team to take a step closer to the postseason (is it ever called the postseason in the NFL? No? Why not? It is in the other 3 major sports. I will start to use this term for the NFL.).

OAKLAND over kc

Week 8 featured Detroit vs. St. Louis. Week 9 treated us to Jacksonville vs. KC and Seattle vs. Detroit. This week our fandom is rewarded even further with the worst offense in the NFL vs. the 3rd-worst offense in the NFL. I won't even mention their defensive rankings.

ARIZONA over Seattle

Will the real Arizona Cardinals please stand up? A 5-3 team that stands alone in first in the worst division in football, this isn't do-or-die for the Cardinals. Pencil them in.

GREEN BAY over Dallas

My upset of the week. It's time for Dallas to lose. They have quietly, and then not so quietly won 4 in a row. On the road in Green Bay is always a tough place to play and Romo is due for a horrendous performance isn't he? The national spotlight is suddenly on the Cowboys again. Not Romo's specialty.

Eagles over SAN DIEGO

I know, I know - I'm biased towards the Eagles to say the very least. But just when everyone gets down on us is when we make our comeback. Right? Right? Somebody? Anybody? Does anyone want to play defense for the Eagles? Or offensive line for that matter? Somebody wake up!

INDY over New England

Still don't understand the inter-division scheduling in the NFL. How do we get to see such a marquee matchup every single year? I'm going to go ahead and pick the undefeated team against the Patriots, who have undeniably been on a roll for the past month. I'm going to predict a defensive battle. Ready for it? Ok, here it comes. I predict a defensive battle.

Baltimore over CLEVELAND

If Baltimore wins this game, as expected, we could very realistically see three teams in the postseason from the AFC North. Only Denver/San Diego pose a major threat to this occurring.

Season: 83-43

**Check out the new poll**

The 2009 Phillies Wrap-Up

1 year and 9 days later I celebrate my newfound persona as a sports fan. I am no longer just another obsessed, passionate sports fan who allows his team to grab ahold of him only to know that deep down in his heart, the feeling of losing and disappointment will overwhelm once again. Brad Lidge's 3-pitch strikeout of Eric Hinske changed all that. Brad and the 2008 Phillies transformed Philadelphia into a group of winners, a fan base that expects victory and superiority. To some, that previous statement explains why last Wednesday's Game 6 loss to the Evil Empire stung so bad. Losing to the bigger, badder New York adds insult to injury, some say. After having three plus days to reflect on that loss and in addition, the 2009 season, I am here to say that we should be damn proud of the Philadelphia Phillies. And here's why:

Heart - if any team is going to come back from a 3 games to 1 deficit, its the Phils. This is a team who has embodied the word "comeback." The Phillies have made a living for the past few years having abominable Aprils complete with ice-cold Ryan Howard's and Tom Gordons serving away wins on silver plates. They have consistently had the best second-half record over the past few years, emphasized by shattering the Mets hearts two years in a row. Now while I just dished out some great memories and some head-shakers (good and bad), it all adds up to one sad truth - if the Phillies couldn't defeat the Yankees, no one could. As painful as it was to watch Shane Victorino ground out to second to close the 2009 season and effectively dethrone us from the title "champs," that last at-bat was sadly heroic. After 10 pitches, including 4 consecutive foul balls off the greatest closer ever, the Yankees reclaimed the throne that they bought, whoops I mean that they are sadly now (rightfully) entitled to. Be proud of sending it back to New York, of the heart that our Phils showed for the past year and more importantly, for the past few years.

Class - Mainly Brad Lidge. Love him, hate him, thank him, had enough of him, there is one thing you cannot argue with - Brad Lidge never lost his cool. While you may think that showing emotion can be a good thing, that losing your temper and throwing a cooler, or cursing off a reporter, or leaving your locker stall before the press is allowed in, or blaming your failures on injuries, that any of these are acceptable, well allow Brad Lidge to prove you wrong. After having the single greatest closer's year in the history of baseball (not an exaggeration), Lidge turned a 180. I don't need to remind anyone of the statistics, we all went through the 2009 season with Brad. Not to steal Sports Illustrated's thunder, but we as fans should feel honored to have such a distinguished man representing our city's team. Never once did Lidge shy away from reporters when they asked him why his slider wasn't sliding or why is fastball just wasn't fast enough to pass a batter's bat. Lidge never discredited our intelligence and devotion as fans by ignoring what was being said about him. He knew he was getting paid the big bucks to shut the door on opponents and never once did he back down from the challenge. So thank you Brad Lidge. While what you helped bring us in 2008 is what will be remembered, but the lesson you taught us in 2009 is an important one - that you may be a baseball player being paid millions, but you are a man playing for a city and you are no bigger than any of the fans that count upon you whenever you toe the rubber.

Coaching - Coaching to win, actually. When the aforementioned Brad Lidge blew his first save in 54 chances back in April, Charlie allowed it to happen. In a sports era that is so dominated by personal records and achievements (Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Roger Clemens, The-Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named), Charlie Manuel chose to forget that Brad Lidge was in the midst of one of the greatest stretches in MLB history and instead decided to allow the tying run to score in exchange for a double play. While it may not have ended the way we wanted, we should remember that Charlie ended the record in the name of the team. There are many managers who give in to the constant catering of their superstars. For instance, Larry Bowa never had the guts to force Bobby Abreu into the leadoff spot because Bobby wanted to produce runs. The-Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was never once benched during his meltdown with the Jets because of his consecutive games records and because of his name. Be proud of a manager who coached to win, not to set records.

Grit - Chase. Effing. Utley. I find it hard to believe that I can love a man who I don't even know much more than this. The reason that everyone falls in love with Utley and his playing style is simple - everyone wants to believe that this is how they would play the game if they were given the chance and an 85 million dollar contract (albeit with a little more smiling. Seriously has anyone ever seen Chase Utley smile during a game? Ever?). When Charlie Manuel actually feels that the time has come to give Chase a day off from the daily grinds of second base, we are told that Utley gets pisssssed. Why do we never hear him complain? Because he is the ultimate team player. Only once has Chase ever said anything of controversy... and boy oh boy what wonderful words they were... (everyone can take as long as they want to reminisce. Actually - let me aid you).

Ok, so he also layed an F-bomb at the 2008 all-star game in the Bronx. But other than that the man is all business.

Talent - It's hard not to appreciate the fact that we are currently witnessing some of the greatest baseball players to ever pick up a glove and bat play for our team 162 games a year. That's right, I said greatest players ever, not just greatest Phillies ever (which they are too). Jimmy Rollins has the highest fielding percentage of any National League shortstop in history - and yes that's including "The Wizard" himself, Ozzie Smith. Ryan Howard has put together the most impressive power surge in the start of a career not seen since Babe Ruth, that's right the Great Bambino. Ryan Howard is being compared to the Sultan of Swat. Let that sink in. Bash Cole Hamels all you want (and many others will join you) but the man enjoyed one of the greatest postseason performances by any starting pitcher ever. And remember that he is 25! Most aces don't reach their potential until their late 20's, so don't discredit Hollywood just yet. Chase Utley is putting on a clinic for second basemen on a level with Ryne Sandberg. Jayson Werth has one of the meanest chin beards that anyone has ever seen, not to mention the man launched a ball into the fifth deck in the Rogers Centre/SkyDome. I notice that I am repeating the phrases "best ever," and "in MLB history" and folks, I wouldn't say it if it weren't true.

Respect - For the fans and for the game. Watching Alex Rodriguez run in to the pitchers mound from third base was the worst part of losing this World Series other than the actual loss itself. This is a man who is out for numero uno and is now celebrating the ultimate team accomplishment. A-Roid first lied to America by having us believe that he was our National Pastime's vindication for Barry Bonds, only to find out that he "played in a loosey-goosey era" (his offbeat words, not mine) and had his cousin Yuri inject his 275 million dollar ass with steroids. Then we come to find out that he threw his teammates under the bench by trading signals with other teams in order to boost his own stats and in essence, "get his." A-Roid collected 3 MVP awards and elevated his salary to the highest in baseball history thanks to what could be even more cheated stats than we know. He even cheated on his wife with Madonna! I have no problem with Derek Jeter other than the fact that he is a Yankee and he sucks. But having two admitted cheaters on a team that beat some of the classiest guys in sports is something that doesn't sit well with me. None of our Phillies have been accused of taking steroids or blatantly stealing signs to boost their own stats while giving up their own pitchers. We have respect for our fans and for the game.

So, ladies and gents, lament about the Phillies World Series defeat at the hand of the Bronx Bombers. Try to latch on to the Flyers, Sixers and Eagles as they go through the motions and seemingly wait for the playoffs to be handed to them (a topic of conversation for another blog post). Realize that the Phillies are one of the very few National League teams to even have a chance to defend their title down to the very last series of the year. Realize that we haven't seen a Phillies team this consistent ever. Realize that Philadelphia hasn't seen a team like this arguably in 30-plus years. I will be the first to tell you that the success of a season is determined by being the last team standing. Thanks to our 2009 National League Champs I can say that while I wanted a repeat, I hold no grudges, I don't feel cheated, and I don't consider the 2009 MLB season a failure. Thank you Philadelphia Phillies, for all your hard work and for capturing and captivating a city day in and day out.

Just under 120 days until pitchers and catchers report.

(So as not to take away from the importance of this post by quickly posting another one for my Week 9 NFL picks tomorrow morning, I have decided to briskly make my picks right now.)

(Home team in CAPS)

HOTLANTA over Washington

Arizona over CHICAGO

Baltimore over CINCI

INDY over Houston

NEW ENGLAND over Miami

Green Bay over TAMPA

JACKSONVILLE over Kansas City (snoozefest Number 1)

NAAAAHHLINS over Carolina

SEATTLE over Detroit (snoozefest Number 2)

SAN FRAN over Tennessee (potential snoozefest, so let's call this 2.5)

NY GIANTS over San Diego

Eagles over DALLAS

There are at least 2 absolutely atrocious games every single week. It's like the NFL can't keep from outdoing itself.

Season 76-38 (easiest Week 8 ever)

**Check out the new poll, I really want to know what you think on this one**

Week 8 NFL Picks

With such an unpredictable NFL season where some bad teams are dominant (Cinci, Denver...) and some bad teams are atrocious (Washington, KC, Tennessee, St. Louis, Detroit...) I thank the baseball gods for our Phillies being in the World Series every day. Not that I am satisfied with just a World Series appearance. That being said, let's get some picks going for what will probably prove to be another boring NFL Sunday.

(Home team in CAPS)

Houston over BUFFALO

Is this really the end of TO? I tend to think not. As I and many other fans have said, if TO had problems with McNabb, Romo, and Garcia, he's not gonna be thrilled with Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick. I think he has one more productive season in him with a competent QB. Do I have anything to say about this game? No, it will be boring.

CHICAGO over Cleveland

Time to fire Lovie Smith. This Bears team shouldn't be dominant by any stretch of the imagination, but a beat down by Marvin Lewis really has to get that seat hot doesn't it? I'm not the biggest Jay Cutler fan in the world but 3-3 just ain't cutting it. Talk about poetic justice in Denver eh?

DALLAS over Seattle

The Cowgirls are quietly playing some pretty good football and they are doing so as more of a team than the shows that their great teams of the past have put on. Romo hasn't been as dominant as his old flashes of brilliance, but he is not the key to this team winning. They have better than mediocre parts at every position and have found a way to win. Hard to bash the 'Girls for being taken to OT by the Chiefs after the Eagles uninspiring play against the Raiders and Redskins in successive weeks. That Raiders game was, by the way, among the 3 most boring football games I have ever seen. It's up there with the Eagles tie of the Bengals last year and the 2008 Brut Sun Bowl where Oregon State "beat" Pitt 3-0. It wasn't raining, snowing, or doing anything with an "ing" at the end. NOTHING happened.

DETROIT over St. Louis

Why do we have another game every week that looks on paper as if it might be the least intriguing game of all-time? It's probably not a good thing for the NFL when this game will most likely be topped by another matchup in the second half of the season... or 2, or 12.

BALTIMORE over Denver

I haven't picked Denver this year. And I don't intend on picking them any time soon. This canNOT be a good football team, it just can't. Flacco, please torch Dawkins.

INDY over San Fran

Could be potentially interesting as long as Indy doesn't grab a huge lead in the first quarter. San Fran has the mental toughness to hang in this game, though I don't think the final box score will show that.

Miami over NY JETS

The Jets may have beaten up on the Raiders last week, but the Jets should be defined by the inconsistent play of Mark Sanchez. He hasn't put together successive wins since Weeks 2 and 3. Oh and he has 4 more interceptions than TDs.

EAGLES over NY Giants

I put this one on Eli Mannings' shoulders. He hasn't lost at Lincoln Financial Field but his injured heel thing may cause him to throw a few errant passes thanks to some Trent Cole dynamo. If Manning has a good game, the Giants win. I personally don't think that Manning will have a good game which by my definition should lead to an Eagles win. Looking for that Philly over New York sweep today!

TENNESSEE over Jacksonville

It's happening today. The return of the Madden 08 Cover Boy. The, and I quote "future Hall of Famer and Super Bowl winner," Vince Young! Another drawl of a game.

SAN DIEGO over Oakland

This might be the last chance for LT to stay relevant. Seems like we're saying that every week. This is actually the week though.

ARIZONA over Carolina

Is Arizona back? I think we can expect a quietly dominant run from the Cardinals that will at first be quiet, then everyone will label it quiet, then it will be so loud that they lose in the first round of the playoffs because they will be playing the Bill Simmons "Nobody Believed in us!" card, only they know that they will be playing this card. By the way, got to meet Bill Simmons - one of the inspirations of this blog - at a book signing for his new book "The Book of Basketball" last Tuesday. There must have been 1000 people there - for a dude writing about other people play sports! This man is living the dream!

Minnesota over GREEN BAY

This is the reason that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named came out of retirement. He wants to stick it to his old team and he will probably thrive off of the boos in Lambeau.

NAAAAHHLINS over Hotlanta

40 seconds til the Eagles game!!! DrewBreesgoeswildonAtlanta'sdefense.

Go Phillies!

Season: 65-36

GOOOO PHILLLLLIIIIEEEEESSSS

Week 7 NFL Picks

Quickly before I head off to NYC with the family...

(Home teams in CAPS)

Green Bay over CLEVELAND

Indy over ST. LOUIS

PITTSBURGH over Minnesota

New England over TAMPA

San Fran over HOUSTON

CAROLINA over Buffalo

No way the Bills can win two weeks in a row...

NY Jets over OAKLAND

No way the Raiders can win two weeks in a row...

Hotlanta over DALLAS

Chicago over CINCI

Naaaahlins over MIAMI

NY GIANTS over Arizona

Eagles over WASHINGTON

Could we possibly witness the first domination of the Redskins in a few years? The 'skins always play the birds close, something tells me that we are due for a bounce back week from our Iggles.

I think the Yankees close it out tonight to set up an old Indians aces game one of CC Sabathia vs our very own Clifton Phifer Lee.

Week 6 NFL Picks

Not to complain, but can the NFC East schedule get any more boring? I found myself almost wishing that the Bucs would score last week so I could stop staring at the grass on the field in HD - that was the most exciting part of lasts week's Eagles win. Probably more of the same today versus the dysfunctional Raiders.

(Home teams in CAPS)

CINCI over Houston

It's not that I'm a believer in Carson Palmer all of the sudden, it's just that Houston stinks.

GREEN BAY over Detroit

I'm gonna say closer than we might initially think as long as Stafford plays. They have too many weapons to not put up some pointage.

NY Giants over NEW ORLEANS

Yes, Drew Brees is due for a fantasy "carry-a-team-on-his-shoulders" type week, but I don't think he'll benefit much from the Giants defense. Lower scoring game.

PITTSBURGH over Cleveland

Not looking too good for the Steelers. Not even their annual home trouncing of the fourth worst franchise in the NFL will do a lot to dispel any worries the Steeler faithful might have about this team.

Carolina over TAMPA BAY

An iffy call, especially because Tampa almost had the Eagles a few times last week if not for a few turnovers. They can move the ball as long as Winslow's on his game. I'm expecting a huge day for DeAngelo Williams.

WASHINGTON over kc

Kansas City doesn't deserve capitals even when I abbreviate their name. This NFL season - well the schedulers didn't do a very good job did they? Every week it seems like we are put through watching snoozarama after a snoozefest. This week we have 3 almost guaranteed horrible games. This should be the worst one.

JACKSONVILLE over St. Louis

Hard to pick any team that loses by 41 points and doesn't score at all. But that is how bad the Rams are this year. How is Rush Limbaugh even in discussion with the NFL?

Arizona over SEATTLE

Will Matt Hasselback actually continue his potential reemergence? No.

Eagles over OAKLAND

Just take McNabb out after the first half, please. And Westbrook too. And all major defensive weapons. This is a day for Michael Vick, Eldra Buckley, Kevin Curtis and friends.

NEW ENGLAND over Tennessee

The Patriots are very comparable to my first Atlantic City Casino trip yesterday. They walk in and seem a little unsure of themselves until Tom Brady wins them a game or two, the fans are back on their high horses completely thinking that football was made for Tom Brady to dominate. That's until the offense takes what they think is a well-deserved break on the sideline only to lose a collective $1600 in an hour when they find out that Blackjack is really not the easiest game in the world, and $360 dollar steak dinner extravaganza dinners at Mortons isn't a preconceived reservations every time you step on the casino floor. Phew - got that out of my system.

NY JETS over Buffalo

Last week to trade TO! Still don't think the Jets should be praised for much, but this week should at least get the analysts stirring about Mark Sanchez again. Not that they should.

ATLANTA over Chicago

Matt Ryan will stay hot and Michael Turner will have another great week. Chicago will probably come out slow on the road after the bye week.

SAN DIEGO over Denver

I've picked against Denver every week. That means that the Broncos account for 1/5 of my losses. And I'm not changing. They just CAN'T be this good! They had a horrible offseason! They have a young, over-his-head coach, a crappy QB. They can't possibly be 6-0... can they?

Go Phillies. Should be a pitcher's duel today with Cliff Lee and Hiroki Kuroda. Phils have a good chance seeing as Kuroda hasn't pitched in over 2 weeks and got shelled by Pittsburgh his last time out. Let's go Phillies!

Season: 51-25

Week 5 NFL Picks

Before I make my picks for this week, let me just put a desire of mine out there. I want to see Christopher Moltisanti's Cleaver in actual production. It looks like it could possibly be the worst movie ever made. I think I'd probably enjoy this over a real life production of Aquaman.

I'll get on with Week 5 now.

(Home teams in CAPS)

BUFFALO over Cleveland

Cleveland plays its heart out and loses in overtime to the Bengals. Not exactly inspiring for the second coming of Derek Anderson. Losing Braylon Edwards can't help either. Give me a good game for Beast Mode himself, Marshawn Lynch

Dallas over KC

After watching Tony Romo make the Dallas offense look even more anemic than it probably is last week, it might be generous to go with a Cowboys win on the road. Only the fact that KC has absolutely nothing going for it right now is keeping Dallas's hopes alive for the season.

Minnesota over ST. LOUIS

I'm officially scared of the Vikings. And as my friend pointed out last week, it might be St. Louis who is now officially the worst team in football. If only KC and St. Louis went up head to head, it might be the most unpredictable game of the year.

NY GIANTS over Oakland

Oakland just keeps getting worse. After an inspiring first two weeks, Darren McFadden looks like he could be the biggest bust since Jamarcus Russel.... or is it the other way around?

EAGLES over Tampa Bay

While it should be a blowout, the Bucs have historically played the Eagles tough. Who knows what will happen with the reemergence of Donovan McNabb. Could it possibly be a game after the first half? I say yes. I think we'll see a healthy McNabb on the bench laughing about corny jokes as Kolb looks like crap in the fourth.

Pittsburgh over DETROIT

Not much to say here. Probably no Matthew Stafford and even with Kevin Smith playing like a fantasy hero, this shouldn't be close. The true test is whether or not the Steelers go blowout like the champs they are or if they play this one close to the chest.

CAROLINA over Washington

Probably close scoring, and potentially the second worst game of the week. Decent defenses with awful QB's doesn't sound promising. I'll take the home team with the better offense, if you can call it that.

BALTIMORE over Cinci

Cinci is looking good, yes. Baltimore is looking ferocious. Can't imagine this one is close after even a quarter.

Atlanta over SAN FRAN

This is why Atlanta acquired Tony Gonzalez. For when people pick San Fran to beat a contending sleeper. I think this is a week that San Fran doesn't show up. We haven't seen a Matt Ryan explosion and we are due for one.

Jacksonville over SEATTLE

Hasselback is... well, back. But it won't make much of a difference.

ARIZONA over Houston

Probably a shootout with the receives that these teams possess. Can't see anything less than a score in the high 20's.

New England over DENVER

Here's my question - what if Dallas isn't that good? Denver hadn't beaten anyone before the Cowgirls and this might be their first legitimate test. Kyle Orton vs. Tom Brady - I don't care if Tom Brady is 45 with one knee left, he cannot lose this game. Oh and Brian Dawkins, I think I hate you.

Indy over TENNESSEE

Time for the return of Vince Young. At least see what you have left in your first round pick, Titans. If not this week, it'll have to happen soon enough. Peyton Manning is out to prove something this year. Scary to think that he was hurt last year and won the MVP. Won't get to see much of this because the Phillies will be on. Go Phillies!

NY Jets over MIAMI

This will be a good game. But I won't be watching because the Phillies are on! Go Phillies!

Go Phillies!

Season: 42-20

Week 4 NFL Picks

Looks like I'm back to my Week 1 ways. 12-4 last week. That's the stuff of champs my friends. Onto Week 4, where it is never a good idea when you are HAPPY that your favorite team has the bye week. That's right, week 4 and we are already thanking the league for giving us our injury rest. Oye.

(Home team in CAPS)

CHICAGO over Detroit

Who called the Lions' first win in almost two years? Who was it again? Oh yeah - it was ME. Not that I think that success will carry onward to the windy city.

Cinci over CLEVELAND

As someone who would never bet on Marvin Lewis to win anything, it is hard for me to pick this man on the road. Yet against a team that thinks replacing their first round draft pick with a QB who threw three picks in one half is a good idea, I'll take Team Ochocinco.

INDY over Seattle

Looks like no Matt Hasselback again, not that it matters. Peyton Manning looks like he found a solid replacement for Anthony Gonzalez and they should be a shoe-in at home.

NY GIANTS over KC

Kansas City is officially the worst team in football over the past few years after Detroit won last week. Todd Haley stinks - the man ran the ball non-stop in the 3rd quarter down by 3 scores.

Baltimore over NEW ENGLAND

I'm doing it, I am finally off of the "I-will-pick-New-England-every-week-regardless-of-what-they-did-last-week-or-the-week-before-because-they-have-Belichick-and-Brady" bandwagon. I'm off (for now anyway). Baltimore looks plain scary. Flacco looks like a dark-horse MVP candidate and the defense looks flawless. Surprised this isn't a primetime game, no?

WASHINGTON over Tampa Bay

I REMEMBERED! Byron Leftwich! That's the starting QB for Tampa. I almost had to look it up again. Phew.

Tennessee over JACKSONVILLE

Mo-Jo-Drew can't really be this good can he? And the Titans can't really be this bad can they? Jeff Fisher needs to win this game to avoid a QB controversy between the "future hall-of-famer," Vince Young, and Kerry Collins.

Oakland over HOUSTON

Call me crazy, but then again I have no problem calling everyone who picked Houston to make the playoffs before the season started. Oakland will have to put it all together for a full game sooner or later, rather than just the glimpses that we have been witnessing.

NAAAAHLINS over NY Jets

Well... Mark Sanchez is looking pretty good. I'll admit it. This coming from the guy who said there would never be another good drafted QB after Rivers, Manning #2 (or 3?), or Roethlisberger. I see this being the meltdown of the Jets heralded defense. Look for a high scoring convincing win by the Saints. And by the way, that doesn't mean that I believe in the Saints. It means that I don't believe in the Jets.

Buffalo over MIAMI

Poor Chad Pennington. The kid has such a sweet name and his arm just can't live up to it. After such a horrendous start to the season, Chad Henne's first start should to little to quell the diehard's fears. The TO Show isn't looking deserving of popcorn just yet, but I think this week will change that.

SAN FRAN over St. Louis

San Fran continues to look like the real deal. If the Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named didn't pull that throw out of his yoo-hoo then the niners would be sitting as pretty as can be. No Frank Gore might hurt them eventually, but not against St. Louis.

Dallas over DENVER

I'll give Josh McDaniels credit - he's right. The Broncos cannot be any better than 3-0 right now. I'm not saying that I'm putting my money on Romo to tear up what has been a stupendous Denver D, but... well I guess I am. Dallas wins convincingly.

PITTSBURGH over San Diego

This should be one hell of a game. I'm sure everyone in Pittsburgh is wondering how that final Carson Palmer drive would have ended if Troy Polamalu was playing and unfortunately for them they are going to keep on wondering for a few more weeks. That being said, Big Ben won't lose a home game against a rival AFC Qb picked 7 spots higher than him. Higher scoring than one would initially think though.

MINNESOTA over Green Bay

Yeah, it's a pretty fun matchup, but it won't compare to when The Quarterback-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named plays in Lambeau. If Minnesota can win when AP doesn't score a touchdown, we should probably be very scared indeed. Not looking forward to the media circus leading up to this game. I feel like we have been listening to this talk for the past two seasons as if this was inevitable.

Biggest winners though - the Philadelphia Phillies. Getting rested, healthy, and a home field advantage for the first round. 3 straight division titles.

Season: 33-15

Week 3 NFL Picks

After the easiest week 1 in recent memory, Week 2 brought me back down to earth to the tune of an 8-8 record. In hopes of getting my predictions out sooner and to more eyes, my week 3 picks will be happeninnnnnnggggg... NOW.

(Home team in CAPS)

DETROIT over Washington

What a way to start off eh? Detroit hasn't won a game in 19 straight attempts. What better to snap that trend than a home game against an uninspired Washington team with a head coach who doesn't seem to have a handle on his team? I can't imagine Jason Campbell tearing apart any defense. This is as far from a sure thing as you can get, but I'll still take the Lions to be one of ESPN's top stories from Week 3.

Green Bay over ST. LOUIS

Green Bay losing to Cinci last week. Not many saw that coming, especially in the cheesy confines of Wisconsin. Bounce back time for Aaron Rodgers and company.

MINNESOTA over San Fran

I'm rooting for San Fran so we can hear more about Shaun Hill and his game management skills. The last thing I want to hear about is that He Who Must Not Be Named and Peterson's Vikings might be the best team in the NFL, which is a real possibility depending on the outcome of this game. Save me from overanalyzing + He Who Must Not Be Named + Purple Jerseys = ESPN having a field day.

(On a side note, with Peter Forsberg's announcement that he is attempting another comeback, he has quietly distinguished himself as He Who Must Not Be Named's likeness for the NHL. If hockey was a bigger sport people would be talking about how Forsberg is a diva. How he announced his latest retirement on the day of the trade deadline to overcome all the NHL attention and focus it on himself. How his injuries are because his "boot doesn't fit." Has anyone heard of such an injury before? Anyone? Anyone?)

NEW ENGLAND over Hotlanta

Bill Belichick is too good of a coach to allow his team to keep underperforming like this. A home game against a somewhat inexperienced team should help his cause. The Brady-Moss connection is due for a honeymoon sometime soon aren't they?

Tennessee over NY JETS

I haven't made up my mind on Rex Ryan yet; he has backed up his talk so far and doesn't appear to be shutting up any time soon. Much like my New England prediction, Jeff Fisher will not allow his team to start the season off 0-3 and crush any historical chance of winning the Super Bowl (it has never been done before). I'll put my money on Kerry Collins over Mark Sanchez for this one.

EAGLES over Kansas City

Dorothy Gale of Kansas once said "there's no place like home." This will ring true this week for my Eagles. It looks like McNabb will not play (and he shouldn't), Brian Westbrook will pull the classic "no practice but I'll play anyway" gag, Desean Jackson is nursing the first semi-serious injury of his career, and Kevin Curtis will probably be out too. Todd Haley has overstepped his boundaries already, just two weeks into his first head coaching gig. Threatening the 63 million dollar QB's job already doesn't appear to be the best start to the season. The Philly crowd will push the Eagles to a victory that will be amplified by the triumphant return of Michael Vick. Go Iggles.

NY Giants over TAMPA BAY

I already forgot that Byron Leftwich was the Bucs starting QB. Giants win.

BALTIMORE over Cleveland

I believe in Joe Flacco. I really do. I do not believe in Brady Quinn. Or Braylon Edwards. Or Jamal Lewis. Or Eric Mangini.

HOUSTON over Jacksonville

I don't really like either one of these teams. So when in doubt I'll go with Andre Johnson and co.

New Orleans over BUFFALO

I'm still not a huge fan of the Saints. Sure they absolutely demolished the Eagles last week, but that was without McNabb and with the worst special teams performance in recent memory. Give Drew Brees a short field and it's basically automatic. With all that said, I think they still take care of business over the Bills, despite a strong performance from Trent Edwards and TO.

Chicago over SEATTLE

Well I was wrong about Jay Cutler. Hard to make a stronger first impression for your home crowd than beating the defending Super Bowl champs.

SAN DIEGO over Miami

This is where the season ends for Miami. After a strong showing on Monday Night Football, traveling to San Diego won't be kind to Tony Soprano, whoops I mean Sparano. I still can't trust the San Diego defense which I was so pumped to draft and don't think they will cause the Dolphins must strife. Rivers will be too pissed off to lose another one. Love that dude.

Pittsburgh over CINCI

I have a secret crush on the Steelers. I just love the way they operate. It will be interesting to see if Troy Polamalu's absence has that much of an effect on the Steelers.

OAKLAND over Denver

The battle of the two must currently dysfunctional teams in the NFL. There's no way JaMarcus Russel can go 7/24 again right? Right?...right?

Indy over ARIZONA

What a matchup huh? Should be a high scoring, shootout kinda' game. While Kurt Warner may have more weapons thanks to Anthony Gonzalez's injury, I'll put my money on Peyton Manning.

DALLAS over Carolina

Will Romo step up and be the media-created star that he has been portrayed as? Or will he continue to find the opposing team's secondary more easily than his own receivers? Only the second straight night game at the Jerry Jones's new stadium will tell.

Season: 21-11