The Hail Mary - Week 11

Cowboys. Redskins. Sunday Night Football on national television, doesn't get any better than that.

However, before I get into the Week 11 NFL action I need to give a shout out to local soccer powerhouse Ron Burgundy who clinched their third straight division championship on Tuesday, cementing themselves as a dynasty. With their 1-0 victory over Dragons FC, courtesy of a goal by Drew Verbel, Burgundy assured themselves the division crown with one game left. In the spring they will move up to Division 2, which has some of the players feeling trepidation. However, I have confidence that they will handle the step up as they have handled the other ones and although they may not win Division 2, they will certainly be competitive.

Oh, and one more thing. I correctly predicted the final score of Tennessee and Chicago last week as a 21-14 Titans victory. Anyone in Vegas that reads this, I would be willing to relocate.

Games That I Will Be Watching

New York Jets (6-3) at New England (6-3)

First place in the AFC East is on the line in this Thursday night game. Everyone seems to like the Jets in this one, which I don't really understand considering the Patriots went to New York in Matt Cassel's first career start and won. I think the Jets have gotten better since then, but so has Cassel.

Prediction: New England 28, New York Jets 24

Baltimore (6-3) at New York Giants (8-1)

I think for the first time ever I am excited about a Baltimore Ravens game. The Ravens ended up doing things backwards. Way back when they hired Brian Billick, an offensive coordinator, to turn around their offense. Not once in his time there was the offense ever legit. This past off season they hired John Harbaugh, a defensive guy, and now the offense is finally clicking behind rookie QB Joe Flacco. This game will be very physical and should be fun to watch. I want to pick the Ravens but I honestly can't see them winning three straight road games behind a rookie QB.

Prediction: New York Giants 24, Baltimore 21

San Diego (4-5) at Pittsburgh (6-3)

Despite being 4-5, everyone keeps ranking the Chargers high in their power rankings, letting the Chargers get by on their past success. However, after nine games evidence seems to be mounting that the Chargers just may not be that good. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has been atrocious in his last 3 starts but might get a reprieve here as he plays the Chargers last ranked pass defense.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, San Diego 17

Dallas (5-4) at Washington (6-3)

The best rivalry in the NFL gets prime time Sunday night attention. This game has huge implications for both teams as they fight for a wild card berth in the NFC. Dallas gets QB Tony Romo back, hoping he can be the cure for all that has ailed the Cowboys the last three weeks. I was confident the Skins would win this one until the news about RB Clinton Portis came out. As I type this it is still unknown if he will play or not. Even if he does play it would be unlikely that he will be 100%. Without a healthy Portis, unfortunately I think the Cowboys win.

Prediction: Dallas 24, Washington 14

Cleveland (3-6) at Buffalo (5-4)

I will miss some of this game while I attend George Mason basketball's home opener. Not very excited to watch this one. Home field advantage and desperation will carry the Bills.

Prediction: Buffalo 28, Cleveland 17

Rest of Week 11

Denver (5-4) at Atlanta (6-3)

The Falcons are legit, the Broncos are not, Falcons roll at home.

Prediction: Atlanta 34, Denver 21

Philadelphia (5-4) at Cincinnati (1-8)

The Eagles can beat the crap teams, the Bengals = crap.

Prediction: Philadelphia 30, Cincinnati 16

Chicago (5-4) at Green Bay (4-5)

The Bears have owned this rivalry in recent years. This is almost a must win game for the Packers, home field plus desperation equals Packers win.

Prediction: Green Bay 21, Chicago 17

Houston (3-6) at Indianapolis (5-4)

Texans QB Sage Rosenfels will try to make up for fumbling away the Texans game against the Colts about a month ago. Try being the operative word.

Prediction: Indianapolis 31, Houston 20

New Orleans (4-5) at Kansas City (1-8)

Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen has gone from a national joke to the hottest thing on the waiver wire in fantasy football in just a few weeks. This will be a shootout but the Chiefs just don't know how to win close games yet.

Prediction: New Orleans 35, Kansas City 34

Oakland (2-7) at Miami (5-4)

If Oakland had a half decent offense to match their very good defense they could compete. Although he isn't coaching anymore Bill Parcells affect on the Dolphins can't be denied.

Prediction: Miami 21, Oakland 10

Minnesota (5-4) at Tampa Bay (6-3)

Old NFC Central rivals meet in Tampa. I think Vikings QB Gus Frerotte is going to have a tough game and the Bucs defense will keep RB Adrian Peterson in check.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 27, Minnesota 13

Detroit (0-9) at Carolina (7-2)

Most boring game of the weekend.

Prediction: Carolina 34, Detroit 13

St. Louis (2-7) at San Francisco (2-7)

First of all, it was maddening listening to Tony Kornheiser on Monday Night talk about if the Niners were to beat the Cardinals that they should assure Mike Singletary of the coaching job. Hey Tony, remember when Jim Haslett took over in St. Louis, won 2 in a row and everyone wanted to give him the job? He is 0-3 since and the Rams have looked like crap. It was also maddening to watch the Niners execution at the end of that game. Absolutely inexcusable that they weren't prepared to properly manage the clock. When they got to the 2 rather than substitute people on, spike the ball and give yourself some time to get settled. Then when it was decided that Frank Gore was down at the 2 with 4 seconds left, it was third down. Spike the ball and give yourself some time to set up for one final play. Nothing can be done about it now, so just go out and kick the crap out of the Rams please.

Prediction: San Francisco 27, St. Louis 19

Arizona (6-3) at Seattle (2-7)

The Seahawks finally get back QB Matt Hasselbeck. However, their offense is so out of sync with all of the injuries it won't matter, the Cardinals win one on the road.

Prediction: Arizona 30, Seattle 21

Tennessee (9-0) at Jacksonville (4-5)

Very tempted to pick the Jags here as I think they will be amped up for this one. However, the only way the Jags can win is if they run the ball and the Titans D will negate that.

Prediction: Tennessee 22, Jacksonville 19

Last Week: 11-3
Overall: 63-34