The Hail Mary - Week 13

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope that you have a great day and enjoy lots of Turkey. One of the best things about Thanksgiving, besides the food, is that there is football. However, the games are pretty lousy this year, except for Philadelphia/Arizona, which unfortunately for me is on NFL Network and not on my Granddad's cable lineup. I won't let this deter me from having a terrific Thanksgiving.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Tennessee (10-1) at Detroit (0-11)

The Titans couldn't hold up their end of the bargain last week and win which would have made this the first ever 11-0 vs. 0-11 game. Instead it will just be one really good team stuffing one really bad team.

Prediction: Tennessee 31, Detroit 13

Seattle (2-9) at Dallas (7-4)

Seattle will cover the 13 point spread but Dallas unfortunately will streak to 8-4.

Prediction: Dallas 28, Seattle 20

New York Giants (10-1) at Washington (7-4)

The big, bad Giants come to Washington. Just about no one is giving the Redskins a chance in this one, which is acceptable since the Giants are obviously a much better team than the Redskins. However, the Skins will be honoring the late, great Sean Taylor by adding him to the Ring of Fame before the game. The Skins will be pumped up to the gills for this one and will hang tough but.... the Giants are just too good.

Prediction: New York Giants 20, Washington 17

Pittsburgh (8-3) at New England (7-4)

Patriots QB Matt Cassel coming off two consecutive 400 yard passing games has me salivating at the thought that maybe the 49ers can sign him next year. I like the Patriots in this one.

Prediction: New England 24, Pittsburgh 20

Chicago (6-5) at Minnesota (6-5)

Huge Sunday Night Football game as the winner will take sole possession of 1st place in the NFC North. If the Bears win they will essentially have a two game lead over the Vikings based on them having the tiebreaker as that would complete a sweep of the season series. The Metrodome will be bumping and Adrian Peterson will literally carry the Vikings to first place.

Prediction: Minnesota 28, Chicago 23

Jacksonville (4-7) at Houston (4-7)

Lousy Monday Night game but it will be on so I will likely at least give it a cursory glance.

Prediction: Jacksonville 19, Houston 15

Rest of Week 13

Arizona (7-4) at Philadelphia (5-5-1)

Donovan McNabb was benched due to poor performance for the first time in his career. With the Eagles not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention yet coach Andy Reid has decided to stick with McNabb as the starter for this one. I expect McNabb to play like a man trying to save his job and take advantage of a weak Cardinals secondary. Plus, Arizona has been awful coming East and this time they had to do it on a extremely short week.

Prediction: Philadelphia 31, Arizona 24

San Francisco (3-8) at Buffalo (6-5)

Chris Berman's favorites do battle in Buffalo. The Bills win over Kansas City doesn't mean they aren't frauds anymore, as either will this win over the Niners.

Prediction: Buffalo 27, San Francisco 14

Baltimore (7-4) at Cincinnati (1-9-1)

The Ravens get one last cupcake before the schedule becomes ridiculously hard the last 4 weeks.

Prediction: Baltimore 28, Cincinnati 10

Indianapolis (7-4) at Cleveland (4-7)

Despite all the injuries the Colts got through the murderous part of their schedule at 7-4, now it eases up quite a bit, making the Colts a playoff lock. The Browns have lost QB Brady Quinn for the year, so will begrudgingly go back to Derek Anderson to play out the string.

Prediction: Indianapolis 31, Cleveland 17

Carolina (8-3) at Green Bay (5-6)

The Panthers are a fraudulent 8-3, while the Packers are the NFC version of the Chargers, underachievers that everyone still believes in. I'll take the underachievers at home against the frauds.

Prediction: Green Bay 24, Carolina 20

Miami (6-5) at St. Louis (2-9)

Dolphins lost a tough one at home to the Patriots, they can't afford to lose this one if they want to keep alive their playoff hopes.

Prediction: Miami 27, St. Louis 23

New Orleans (6-5) at Tampa Bay (8-3)

The NFC South is all about the home teams. Won't be any different in this one as the Bucs will take control of the South.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 26, New Orleans 13

Atlanta (7-4) at San Diego (4-7)

Hard to believe that a team that has Philip Rivers, LaDainion Thomlinson and Antonio Gates is 4-7 but that is the case with the Chargers. Not to mention that despite being 4-7, they still have a legitimate chance at the AFC West. They let me down Sunday but I think they will edge out the Falcons at home in this MUST win game.

Prediction: San Diego 24, Atlanta 16

Denver (6-5) at New York Jets (8-3)

The Jets recent roll has the media talking a New York/New York Super Bowl. The Broncos are unpredictable as they come, they win the games they should lose and lose the games they should win. I worry about the Jets buying into their hype and coming out flat in this one but I think Brett Favre will keep them focused.

Prediction: New York Jets 35, Denver 24

Kansas City (1-10) at Oakland (3-8)

Could the Raiders get on a winning streak!?!?!? I think so.

Prediction: Oakland 21, Kansas City 14

Last Week: 9-7
Overall: 84-44-1

Cram Session - Week 14

I feel like a broken record but it seems to be the story almost every college football weekend. The Big 12 will take center stage once again this weekend. #3 Oklahoma is coming off a statement making win over #7 Texas Tech. However, it doesn't get any easier as this week they travel to Stillwater, OK for the Bedlam Bowl against #12 Oklahoma State.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Colorado (5-6, 2-5) at Nebraska (7-4, 4-3)

A lot on the line in this one despite what the records might indicate. Colorado needs a win to become bowl eligible, while the Cornhuskers will likely play in a New Year's Day bowl with a win and also finish in 2nd in the Big 12 North, which would be quite impressive for Coach Pelini in his first season. I think the Huskers come ready to beat their rivals.

Prediction: Nebraska 30, Colorado 24

Top 25

Auburn (5-6, 2-5) at #1 Alabama (11-0, 7-0)

The Auburn Tigers have owned the Iron Bowl for the last six years but that is expected to change this year. Alabama won't look ahead to Florida in the SEC Championship because of the desire to break that losing string against a down Tigers team.

Prediction: Alabama 34, Auburn 14

Texas A & M (4-7, 2-5) at #2 Texas (10-1, 6-1)

These two meet on Thanksgiving night, with the Longhorns trying to end a 2 year losing streak. The Aggies of A & M are pretty atrocious this year, which could help Texas get the style points they will need.

Prediction: Texas 48, Texas A & M 21

#3 Oklahoma (10-1, 6-1) at #12 Oklahoma State (9-2, 5-2)

The Cowboys have given the Sooners fits in the past in Stillwater. The Sooners will be feeling real good about themselves after thrashing Texas Tech, which will prove to be their downfall.

Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Oklahoma 35

#4 Florida (10-1) at #20 Florida State (8-3)

This is the biggest this rivalry game has been in a while. The Seminoles will keep it interesting for about 3 quarters, then the Gators pull away.

Prediction: Florida 42, Florida State 24

Notre Dame (6-5) at USC (9-1)

Things have gotten downright embarrassing for the Irish and they figure to get worse in So Cal. A crazy part of me thinks they can make this a game, but then the logical side wins out.

Prediction: USC 35, Notre Dame 13

Baylor (4-7, 2-5) at #7 Texas Tech (10-1, 6-1)

The Red Raiders will still be smarting from their loss come Saturday, bad news for the Baylor Bears.

Prediction: Texas Tech 53, Baylor 20

Fresno State (7-4, 4-3) at #9 Boise State (11-0, 7-0)

Boise State might still get shut out of the BCS even if they finish 12-0, as Utah is above them, but 12-0 is still impressive.

Prediction: Boise State 28, Fresno State 17

#22 Georgia Tech (8-3) at #11 Georgia (9-2)

Former Navy coach Paul Johnson has done a great job at Georgia Tech in his first season while the Bulldogs have had a somewhat disappointing year. Home field will win out in this one.

Prediction: Georgia 28, Georgia Tech 27

Kansas (6-5, 3-4) at #13 Missouri (9-2, 5-2)

This game has 0% of the hype surrounding it that it had last year, mostly because Kansas has gone back to being a completely irrelevant football program. Missouri wins.

Prediction: Missouri 41, Kanasas 31

Syracuse (3-8, 1-5) at #16 Cincinnati (9-2, 5-1)

The Bearcats can secure a BCS bowl bid with a win here. I keep picking against them and they keep winning. Syracuse while terrible is apparently > than Notre Dame.

Prediction: Cincinnati 38, Syracuse 17

#23 Oregon (8-3, 6-2) at #17 Oregon State (8-3, 7-1)

The Civil War is once again a big deal this year as a Rose Bowl bid is on the line for the Oregon State Beavers. They will more than likely be without star RB Jacquizz Rodgers and I just can't see them overcoming that.

Prediction: Oregon 24, Oregon State 23

Maryland (7-4, 4-3) at #21 Boston College (8-3, 4-3)

The Eagles are just a win away from returning to the ACC Championship game despite losing stud QB Matt Ryan. I think Maryland will play one of their better road games of the season but it won't be enough.

Prediction: Boston College 31, Maryland 24

Last Week: 8-7 (ouch)
Overall: 125-47

The Week That Was

Fire Charlie Weis. That is the only option. I have defended him, given him breaks after last year's embarrassing 3-9 campaign and after an embarrassing loss to Boston College. I draw the line at losing to a 2-8 team at home, when you have a 13 point lead in the 4th quarter. Notre Dame is bound to get destroyed at USC on Saturday and then will probably continue their string of bowl losses so 6-7 is looking pretty likely. It is unacceptable, Notre Dame should beat a crappy Syracuse team at home. They have superior talent, which leads it all to coaching. Ty Willingham sucked as coach but he didn't lose to 2-8 teams at home. Charlie has to go.

The Washington Redskins gutted out a road win over the Seattle Seahawks. Despite Ladell Betts trying to fumble the game away as he likes to do, Seahawks QB Matt Hasslebeck decided that the Seahawks have stunk all year so why change now. It was a must win game for the Skins, as they were staring at a 2 game deficit in the wild card standings, as they host the seemingly unstoppable Giants Sunday, while the Cowboys get to beat up on the Seahawks on Thanksgiving. Jason Campbell and Clinton Portis carried the team, and the defense finally created some turnovers.

The Washington Wizards are now 1-10 and fired head coach Eddie Jordan this morning. Jordan basically blamed management in his recent comments when he intimated he didn't have much to work with. Surefire way to get canned when your team blows is questioning management. Jordan did get the Wizards to the playoffs which had been an impossibility for a long time but he had hit his ceiling as coach. The team is going nowhere this year, heck, maybe Gilbert should take another year off and collect the "discount" he so graciously gave us.

College basketball season tipped off, exciting me as it is my second favorite sport behind the NFL. My Alma mater, the George Mason Patriots (2006 Final Four), got off to a 3-1 start, which is good considering they lost their two top scorers in Folarin Campbell and Will Thomas. The road loss to Hampton was disappointing but they followed that up with a win at East Carolina on Saturday. They host Mt. St. Mary's on Tuesday night. My other favorite team, the #1 North Carolina Tar Heels, destroyed the pathetic Kentucky Wildcats, and outlasted the Gauchos of UC Santa Barbara on the road Friday night.

Due to Thanksgiving on Thursday there will be a double helping of football on the blog on Wednesday as I will post a new Cram Session and Hail Mary.

The Hail Mary - Week 12

The Washington Redskins head to Seattle on Sunday in what has to be their biggest game of the season so far. Win, and they still control their playoff destiny, lose and what was once a promising season will officially turn into a nightmare.

The other big story in this game is the return of Redskins coach Jim Zorn to Seattle where he played as a QB and was a QB's coach. Zorn can prove the Seahawks were foolish for not anointing him the heir to Mike Holmgren, instead of Jim Mora Jr.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Cincinnati (1-8-1) at Pittsburgh (7-3)

May not watch all of this one but it's NFL and it's on TV so it will gain some of my attention. I think the Bengals will keep this closer than people think, they have played hard the last few weeks. I expect the Steelers to sack Bengals QB Ryan Fitzpatrick at least 7 times.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Cincinnati 20

New York Jets (7-3) at Tennessee (10-0)

The Jets, a year after finishing 4-12, now sit alone in first place in the AFC East. I am sure that has nothing to do with their new QB Brett Favre, right Favre haters? The Titans came back from a 11 point halftime deficit on the road against Jacksonville and did it behind the arm of QB Kerry Collins. This team is legit and will stay undefeated.

Prediction: Tennessee 23, New York Jets 20

Philadelphia (5-4-1) at Baltimore (6-4)

I will be checking in on this one between commercial breaks in the Jets/Titans game. The Eagles had an embarrassing tie with the Bengals, where QB Donovan McNabb played like crap and then sounded dumb as crap afterwards when he admitted he didn't know an NFL game could end in a tie. The Ravens were absolutely destroyed by the Giants, showing that while they are definitely better than last year, they still have a ways to go. These teams are pretty evenly matched, I give the edge to the Ravens because of the crowd at M & T Bank Stadium.

Prediction: Baltimore 19, Philadelphia 14

Washington (6-4) at Seattle (2-8)

The Seahawks got QB Matt Hasslebeck back but it wasn't enough for them to overcome the Cardinals. The Seahawks are the healthiest they have been all year and Washington can't expect this game to be a cake walk. The Redskins have proven to always play better with their backs against the wall, and they will do that here.

Prediction: Washington 24, Seattle 20

Indianapolis (6-4) at San Diego (4-6)

The Chargers will be playing for their season on Sunday Night Football. A loss and they can pretty much kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. The Colts are on a 3 game winning streak which has coincided with them getting healthy. I think the Chargers come up big when they need to and eke out a victory.

Prediction: San Diego 27, Indianapolis 24

Green Bay (5-5) at New Orleans (5-5)

Good Monday night game with major playoff implications for both teams. The Saints hope to have RB Reggie Bush back for this one. The Saints have proven they can beat the lousy teams but not the average to good teams, Pack take this one.

Prediction: Green Bay 33, New Orleans 26

Rest of Week 12

Houston (3-7) at Cleveland (4-6)

It's my sleeper team versus the media's sleeper team. Guess we were both wrong.

Prediction: Cleveland 22, Houston 14

San Francisco (3-7) at Dallas (6-4)

The best rivalry in the 90's has become meaningless to a new generation. I think the Niners can hang with the Boys, but unfortunately Dallas will prevail.

Prediction: Dallas 28, San Francisco 21

Tampa Bay (7-3) at Detroit (0-10)

Detroit will lose, setting up a 1st in NFL history on Thanksgiving. An 11-0 Titans team against an 0-11 Lions team.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 28, Detroit 13

Buffalo (5-5) at Kansas City (1-9)

The Chiefs have come so close to winning in recent weeks that they have to break through sometime right? The frauds from Buffalo are the perfect team for them to face.

Prediction: Kansas City 21, Buffalo 18

Chicago (5-5) at St. Louis (2-8)

So Marc Bulger, you and your teammates want Jim Haslett to remain the coach? How about you stop losing by 20+ points every week.

Prediction: Chicago 30, St. Louis 12

New England (6-4) at Miami (6-4)

The Dolphins made it way too interesting against the Raiders, which made me lean toward the Patriots initially. Then I remembered how awful the Patriots usually play in Miami. Go Dolphins.

Prediction: Miami 24, New England 23

Minnesota (5-5) at Jacksonville (4-6)

Two underachieving teams meet in this one. Minnesota isn't a good road team but the only thing that the Jaguars can somewhat do well is run the ball, you ain't running against the Vikings.

Prediction: Minnesota 19, Jacksonville 17

Oakland (2-8) at Denver (6-4)

Broncos WR Eddie Royal became an NFL and fantasy football star when these teams met in Week 1. He won't have DeAngelo Hall to embarrass this time, but it won't matter.

Prediction: Denver 28, Oakland 17

Carolina (8-2) at Atlanta (6-4)

If the Falcons want to keep any chance of winning the NFC South they have to win this game. The home team seems to rule in NFC South games.

Prediction: Atlanta 17, Carolina 13

New York Giants (9-1) at Arizona (7-3)

Arizona can potentially clinch the NFC West with a win. Their coronation will have to wait a week, Giants are road warriors.

Prediction: New York Giants 28, Arizona 21

Last Week: 12-3-1 (Yes Donovan, there are ties in picks too!)
Overall: 75-37-1

Cram Session - Week 13

The college football season is beginning to wind down and we are now at the point of the season where it is all about jockeying for bowl eligibility, a BCS bowl berth, or going to the BCS Championship game. The biggest game of the weekend is once again in the Big 12, as #2 Texas Tech travels to #5 Oklahoma. If Texas Tech wins then the BCS still has a chance to avoid chaos. If Oklahoma wins, then all hell will break loose and the debates will begin.

Games That Matter to Me That May Not Matter to You

Syracuse (2-8) at Notre Dame (6-4)

Notre Dame narrowly averted what would have been the most crushing loss in school history against Navy last Saturday. This game should not come down to that. Syracuse is terrible, they have a lame duck coach now in Greg Robinson and basically nothing to play for. I expect Notre Dame to handle the Orange and prepare for their toughest test of the season at USC next week.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Syracuse 14

Top 25

#2 Texas Tech (10-0, 6-0) at #5 Oklahoma (9-1, 5-1)

Texas Tech has met the tests put in front of them all season. However, they haven't had a test like this. Oklahoma is almost unebeatable at home under Bob Stoops, with a 58-2 home record. I think the Red Raiders are very good, but primetime in Norman, that stadium is going to be unbelievably pumped. I think the Sooners win and chaos begins in the BCS.

Prediction: Oklahoma 44, Texas Tech 41

Citadel (4-7) at #4 Florida (9-1, 7-1)

Florida is really starting to look like they are the best team in the country.

Prediction: Florida 66, Citadel 9

#14 BYU (10-1, 6-1) at #7 Utah (11-0, 7-0)

BYU proved me wrong last week and won at Air Force and they will certainly give the Utes a fight in Utah. However, the Utes will survive and earn their second BCS bowl berth in school history. Also, it's a shame that I can watch the awful Apple Cup between Washington State and Washington on TV, but have no chance to watch this game. Mountain West > Pac 10.

Prediction: Utah 24, BYU 21

#15 Michigan State (9-2, 6-1) at #8 Penn State (10-1, 6-1)

If Penn State wins they are assured of a Rose Bowl berth, while Michigan State would need some help from Michigan even if they are able to pull off the upset. I think they keep this game closer than the 14 points Vegas is predicting, but Penn State is headed to Pasadena.

Prediction: Penn State 34, Michigan State 23

#9 Boise State (10-0, 6-0) at Nevada (6-4, 4-2)

People think Nevada may be able to upset the Broncos, being the WAC expert that I am, I don't see it.

Prediction: Boise State 40, Nevada 27

Michigan (3-8, 2-5) at #10 Ohio State (9-2, 6-1)

Boy, this game sure has lost its luster this year. Funny to see Michigan fall to the depths that Notre Dame fell to last year. Ohio State wins this meaningless game.

Prediction: Ohio State 35, Michigan 14

Air Force (8-3, 5-2) at #16 TCU (9-2, 6-1)

Air Force let me down last week, can't pick them to win on the road here.

Prediction: TCU 28, Air Force 17

#17 Ball State (10-0, 6-0) at Central Michigan (8-2, 6-0)

The best that the MAC has to offer tussle tonight. Ball State could go 12-0 and should be nowhere near a BCS game. Thankfully Central Michigan will derail that possibility.

Prediction: Central Michigan 31, Ball State 28

Mississippi (6-4, 3-3) at #18 LSU (7-3, 3-3)

LSU had to make an amazing comeback to avoid losing at home to Troy. That 2008 national title would have been quickly forgotten in Baton Rouge if that loss would have happened. The further the season moves on, it becomes more and more amazing that Ole Miss won at Florida. Houston Nutt took Arkansas to Baton Rouge and won last year, I am too nervous to pick him to do it this year.

Prediction: LSU 27, Mississippi 24

#20 Pittsburgh (7-2, 3-1) at #19 Cincinnati (8-2, 4-1)

Maybe I should stop picking Cincinnati to lose but I just don't believe in them. I won't pick against them again if they prove me wrong this week.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 23, Cincinnati 17

#21 Oregon State (7-3, 6-1) at Arizona (6-4, 4-3)

The Beavers Rose Bowl dreams will come to an end in Tucson.

Prediction: Arizona 34, Oregon State 33

North Carolina State (4-6, 2-4) at #22 North Carolina (7-3, 3-3)

Tar Heels all the way.

Prediction: North Carolina 34, North Carolina State 17

#23 Miami (7-3, 4-2) at Georgia Tech (7-3, 4-3)

So Miami fans aren't allowing anyone on their bandwagon? Good, because your stay in the Top 25 will be short.

Prediction: Georgia Tech 20, Miami 17

Florida State (7-3, 4-3) at #25 Maryland (7-3, 4-2)

Maryland is unstoppable at home and the Seminoles proved with their loss at home to Boston College that they aren't back as some in the media were hoping.

Prediction: Maryland 28, Florida State 23

Last Week: 16-4
Overall: 117-40

The Week That Was

The wheels are starting to come off for the Washington Redskins. The same problems that didn't seem like a big deal when they were 6-2, now are becoming too much for the team to handle. An inability to protect the QB and inability to rush the QB are the biggest reasons the Redskins will be fighting for their playoff lives the rest of the season. The Redskins had every chance to win that game last night but couldn't manufacture enough on offense and couldn't throw the ball down the field. Tony Romo never had to worry about his injured pinkie getting hurt worse as he wasn't sacked once. If the season ended today the Redskins would still make the playoffs but what 6 weeks ago seemed like a sure thing, is now looking like it will come down to the last weekend. Typical Redskins.

Attended Notre Dame/Navy in Baltimore on Saturday. Everything was going swimmingly, Notre Dame was up 27-7 and after being drenched from a monsoon I decided it was time to leave. I ended up missing Navy recovering two onside kicks and nearly winning in impossible fashion. The Irish held on to win 27-21 and became bowl eligible. A win over Syracuse and a loss to USC seem likely so the Irish should be 7-5 heading into their bowl game. I would really like to see them win a bowl and end their 15 year bowl losing streak. As stated before anything less than a BCS berth next year should spell the end of the Charlie Weis era. Nebraska went to Kansas State and did what they should to a team in turmoil, they stomped them 56-28. If Nebraska can beat Colorado in two weeks they will finish 8-4 and might have a chance at a New Year's Day bowl. That would be a great first season for coach Bo Pelini.

The Lakers suffered their first loss of the season Friday as they were routed at home by the Detroit Pistons. The Wizards continue to stink, and the Bulls continue to hover around .500.

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