No. I haven’t gone anywhere these last couple of months. I was just so shocked my Super Bowl pick (Green Bay Packers) actually won, I had to take a step back for…oh…two months.

Actually, life….mainly mine….took priority over my thoughts on sports. Which is odd since a major part of my life happens to be sports.

So, some quick thoughts on some of the things that’ve transpired since I last posted in early February…

-It’s apparent Los Angeles will be back in the NFL with not one, but two teams by the Golden Anniversary Super Bowl. AEG’s about to finish its renovation of the DownTown L.A. Corridor with the crown jewel being Farmers Field.  An inevitable lockout by the owners of the players will slow down the process of L.A. getting back in the game. But, it’s going to happen. More on the AEG/Farmers Field situation later this week…

-For the first time in goodness knows, I didn’t fill out a “March Madness” bracket. I am quite impressed with the Butler Bulldogs making it to their second consecutive National Championship Game. The Dawgs lost to Duke in last year’s final. I’ll take the “Hoosiers” over UCONN this year. Sorry Butler. I’ve just given you the kiss of death.

-What I’ve learned this opening weekend of the baseball season is that the Angels won’t lack much offense this year. However, it looks as if they lack middle relief coming from ahead to lose three straight to Kansas City on walk-off at bats. As for the Dodgers, I’m still not too sure about their offensive capabilities, but they certainly can pitch….save for that bad outing by Ted Lilly Saturday. Both teams are works in progress. Either way, it’ll be Boston and Philadelphia in the World Series with the Phillies and that all-star pitching staff winning it in six.

-Had the Clippers not last 13 of their first 14 games, I think they’d be in the thick of the playoff hunt with Blake “Superior” Griffin about to become the toast of Los Angeles basketball in the next few years. In the meantime, it looks as if Kobe and the Lakers are about to add another three-peat to the trophy case.

-The coolest game on the planet’s about to get really cool in Southern California with both the L.A. Kings and Anaheim Ducks qualifying for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

-How about a welcome to the O.C. for the NBA’s newest So. Cal. entry, the Anaheim Royals. Glad they’re coming because there’s plenty of room and people for them here. A bit baffled why San Jose’s Shark Tank, also a new arena, isn’t the Maloof Bros. destination from archaic ARCO Arena (or whatever they’re calling it now) in Sacramento.

Just some quick thoughts. Back at it regularly for you loyal readers of mine this week. Thanks so much for your patience and loyalty.

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 0-2  Season: 159-107

SUPER BOWL XLV – Cowboys Stadium, Arlington Texas

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (AFC) +3 vs. GREEN BAY PACKERS (NFC) O/U 44.5

-These franchises have won a total of nine Vince Lombardi Trophies between them with the Steelers owning six to the Packers three. Both teams with big time offenses directed by elite quarterbacks. For the Packers, it’s Aaron Rodgers looking for his first Super Bowl Title finally getting out of Brett Favre’s shadow. For the Steelers, it’s Ben Roethlisberger looking for his third championship in six seasons. Defensively, the Packers feature LB Clay Matthews and DB Charles Woodson while the Steelers counter with Defensive Player of the Year, safety Troy Polamalu and LB James Harrison. These teams last met during the 2009 season in the Steel City with Pittsburgh coming away with a 37-36 win. Over 700 yards of combined offense in that one. This Super Bowl could be one fo the best ever if it’s a similar game to the 2009 meeting. Should be plenty of fun watching this game pitting two of the most storied franchises in NFL history. It’s about football as these teams are two of the six teams that feature no cheerleaders. How about the first Super Bowl going overtime. How about 27-24 with Packers kicker Mason Crosby nailing the 41-yard game-winner with seven minutes left in overtime. Considering my conference championship game picks, I’m jinxing Green Bay. I have faith however. PACKERS

45 Super Bowl Sundays ago at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Vince Lombardi led the NFL’s Green Bay Packers to a 35-10 win over the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs in what was then known as the NFL-AFL World Championship Game. It appears the Golden Anniversary Super Bowl will be held in Los Angeles. More on that following Super Bowl XLV. Enjoy Super Bowl I highlights!

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 1-3  Season: 159-105

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

6 GREEN BAY PACKERS -3.5 @ 2 CHICAGO BEARS O/U 42.5 pts

-Oldest and best NFL rivalry and it’s for a trip to Super Bowl XLV (45). Only second playoff meeting between the two franchises. Temps in the teens. “Frozen Tundra”. Works for me. Bears lead the all-time series 92-83-6.

Two “hot at the right time” QBs. Solid running games. Monster defenses. Could it come down to special teams? Packers know NOT to punt or kick to Devin Hester. How about a Mason Crosby FG as the difference. Pack close the gap at 92-84-6….narrowly…… for a trip to Dallas. PACKERS

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP

6 NY JETS of NEW JERSEY +3.5 @ 2 PITTSBURGH STEELERS O/U 38 pts

-Steelers LUCKY to be playing their record 15th Championship game. Ravens gift-wrapped it for them giving up a 14 point halftime lead last week. If the Steelers are down 21-7 to the Jets at the half in this one, NY won’t squander it. Jets beat the Steelers at the Ketchup Bottle in the regular season. Steelers were without All-Universe Safety Troy Polamalu for that one nursing a bad Achilles’ Tendon. He’ll play but not at 100% because of it. Jets have controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball keeping the pill away from Peyton Manning and Tom Brady and pressuring them when the two future hall-of-famers and Super Bowl Champs had the ball. How about a hat trick. I think they’re going to do the same in this one giving Ben Roethlisberger fits.  That’ll be just enough to help Jets QB Mark Sanchez manage the game and throw a TD pass or two. It helps to have two solid running backs in LaDanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene to combine for over a hundred yards on the ground as they have in their first two playoff wins. I think my brother Georges had this one right picking the Jets to play in the Super Bowl back in August. J-E-T-S…JETS! JETS!! JETS!!!

How about Mark Sanchez conjuring up memories of BROADWAY JOE & the MAGIC BEAN. One of my favorite NFL Films pieces narrated by Orsen Wells during a Dean Martin Roast of Namath. ENJOY!

 

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 3-1  Season: 158-102

SATURDAY

AFC

#5 BALTIMORE RAVENS +3 @ #2 PITTSBURGH STEELERS  O/U 37 pts

-These AFC North Rivals won on the others home field this past regular season. Both are defined by monster defenses. It’s pretty much even. Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu is a bit banged up and questionable for the game. RIGHT. He’ll play. Ravens LB Ray Lewis is. Well…..he just is. Ravens have moved the ball through the air against the Steelers this season behind QB Joe Flacco. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has a big running attack and can go to the air as well. First mistake by one of these two QBs will determine the winner. RAVENS

NFC

#6 GREEN BAY PACKERS +2.5 @ #1 ATLANTA FALCONS 44 pts

-Packers lost a regular season meeting to the Falcons in the Georgia Dome, 20-17. Hard to pick against the Packers who have played their best football down the stretch. Sometimes, that’s all you need in the NFL Tournament. QB Aaron Rodgers might have as long a career in GB as Brett Favre did. Also hard to Pick against the Falcons who are 20-2 in the Georgia Dome with QB Matt Ryan calling the signals. FALCONS

SUNDAY

NFC

#4 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS +10 @ #2 CHICAGO BEARS 41.5 pts

-Seahawks beat Bears at Soldier Field this past regular season. Bears were having offensive line issues and couldn’t protect QB Jay Cutler. All those issues have been rectified. Seahawks inching towards .500 on their run for the Super Bowl playing with nothing to lose after knocking out defending Super Bowl Champion Saints last weekend. QB Matt Hasselbeck threw four TD passes in the Wild Card win and played well in the earlier win over the Bears. That was a different Bears team. Midnight for “Cinderella”. BEARS

AFC

#6 NY JETS of NEW JERSEY +8.5 @ #1 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 44.5 pts

-A lot of talk off the field during the week. Time to do some walking. Pats QB Tom Brady is on the verge of going to his fifth Super Bowl and playing as he did the previous four. Jets QB Mark Sanchez still learning on the job in his second season. Gaining plenty of experience. Jets got torched by 42 last time they played in Foxboro. Only way they can win is if the Jets control the line of scrimmage, especially on offense to keep Brady off the field.  RBs LaDanian Tomlinson, Shonn Greene and the “O-Line” were able to take pressure off Sanchez and keep the ball out of Peyton Manning’s hands in last week’s 17-16 win over the Colts. Third season will be the charm for Sanchez, next year. PATRIOTS

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 13-3  Season: 155-101

WILD CARD WEEKEND

SUNDAY

NFC

6 GREEN BAY PACKERS +2.5 @ 3 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 46.5 pts

-Expect plenty of points. Eagles QB Mike Vick a little banged up with a bad wheel. He’ll be fine and will look for DeSean Jackson. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers can match Vick stride for stride and pass for pass.  Packers defense is superior. Close. PACKERS (21-16, PACKERS)

AFC

5 BALTIMORE RAVENS -3 @ 4 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS O/U 40.5 pts

-Chiefs with leagues top running game featuring Jamaal Charles & Thomas Jones. Ravens can run too with Ray Rice. KC QB Matt Cassel likes to find Dwayne Bowe. Ravens QB Joe Flacco has Anquan Bouldin. Difference is Baltimore’s defense featuring LB Ray Lewis. RAVENS (30-7, RAVENS)

SATURDAY

NFC

5 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS -10 @ 4 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS O/U 45 pts
-Defending World Champion Saints have NEVER won a road playoff game. There’s a first for everything. Just ask the Seahawks who are the first team in history to win a division with a sub .500 record. Saints a bit banged up at RB. Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck starts. He threw for over 340 yards in regular season loss to Saints. It’ll be close for a bit. SAINTS (41-36, SEAHAWKS)

AFC

6 NY JETS of NEW JERSEY +2.5 @ 3 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 44.5 pts
-Rematch of last year’s AFC Championship won by Colts. Jets opened a 14-3 halftime lead in that one behind the arm of rookie QB Mark Sanchez before Peyton Manning took over in the second half. Both Sanchez and Manning are healthy. Same can‘t be said for the Colts RBs and WRs. Colts went 0-3 against teams that run the 3-4 defensive scheme in November, the same scheme the Jets run. JETS (17-16, JETS)

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 9-7 Season: 142-98

SUNDAY

ST. LOUIS (7-8) -3 @ SEATTLE (6-9) 41.5 pts
-A showdown for the NFC West Championship. Winner’s in the playoffs. Seahawks trying to become first-ever NFL team to enter the playoffs with a below .500 record. A Rams win makes them the third team to make the playoffs with an 8-8 record. Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck is out meaning Charlie Whitehurst will start. Rams have rookie QB and top draft pick Sam Bradford healthy. They have RB Steven Jackson and a top-ten defense. Winless on the road, the Rams could have a sweet New Year winning their first road game this season for a ticket to the playoffs. It will be tough because they have to sweep the Seahawks for the first time in six seasons. RAMS (16-6, SEAHAWKS)

CAROLINA (2-13) +14 @ ATLANTA (12-3) O/U 41 pts
-Falcons win and they clinch home field throughout the NFC playoffs. FALCONS (31-10, FALCONS)

PITTSBURGH (11-4) -5 @ CLEVELAND (5-10) 37.5 pts
-Steelers will clinch first round bye in AFC playoffs with win and Baltimore loss. Browns playing for Eric Mangini’s job. STEELERS (41-9, STEELERS)

MINNESOTA (6-9) +3 @ DETROIT (5-10) 43 pts
-Vikings QB Brett Favre making his FINAL start in his 20 year hall-of-fame career. Unfortunately, Favre isn’t expected to play. That Joe Webb guy isn’t bad. Lions have won three straight. LIONS (20-13, LIONS)

OAKLAND (7-8) +3 @ KANSAS CITY (10-5) 43 pts
-AFC West Champion Chiefs are 7-0 at Arrowhead with nothing to play for. Raiders looking to finish 8-8. RAIDERS (31-10, RAIDERS)

MIAMI (7-8) +5.5 @ NEW ENGLAND (13-2) 43.5 pts
-Dolphins play great on the road. Patriots have everything locked up in the AFC Playoffs. Tom Brady won’t play entire game. It’ll be enough. PATRIOTS (38-7, PATRIOTS)

TAMPA BAY (9-6) +7 @ NEW ORLEANS (11-4) 46.5 pts
-Buccaneers, with an outside shot at the playoffs, haven’t beaten a team with a winning record all season long. Saints could STILL get top seed in NFC playoffs with win and Atlanta loss. SAINTS (23-13, BUCCANEERS)

BUFFALO (4-11) +1.5 @ NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (10-5) 39.5 pts
-Jets QB Mark Sanchez will sit out meaningless game. Bills much better than record indicates will play with much pride. BILLS (38-7, JETS)

CINCINNATI (4-11) +9.5 @ BALTIMORE (11-4) 43 pts
-Ravens need to win to secure AFC North and first round bye. Bengals played much better without T.O. and Chad Ocho-Cinco in line-up last week. RAVENS. (13-7, RAVENS)

SAN DIEGO (8-7) -3 @ DENVER (4-11) 47 pts
-Broncos QB Tim Tebow having fun. Chargers with nothing to play for but pride. CHARGERS (33-28, CHARGERS)

*Strong rumors circulating that this is possibly the final game for the SAN DIEGO Chargers. Chargers looking for new stadium and it appears San Diego won’t give them one. Qualcomm’s seen better days.

A lockout a virtual certainty negating a 2011 season could mean the LOS ANGELES Chargers kick-off the 2012 season at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum until a new stadium is built in the City of Angels for the 2014 or 2015 season. We’ll see.

CHICAGO (11-4) +9 @ GREEN BAY (9-6) 42 pts
-A Packers win puts them in the playoffs. NFC North Champion Bears have nothing riding on this game. PACKERS (10-3, PACKERS)

TENNESSEE (6-9) +9.5 @ INDIANAPOLIS (9-6) 48 pts
-Peyton and the Colts want to secure another AFC South title. Titans looking to keep Jeff Fisher his job. COLTS (23-20, COLTS)

DALLAS (5-10) -3 @ PHILADELPHIA (10-5) 43 pts
-Eagles have clinched the NFC East and will sit QB Michael Vick. That means Kevin Kolb will get some work. Not much of a drop-off. Cowboys looking to end terribly disappointing season on a winning note for “interim” head coach Jason Garrett. COWBOYS (14-13, COWBOYS)

ARIZONA (5-10) +6 @ SAN FRANCISCO (5-10) 39 pts
-This one should be called “The Disappointment Bowl”. Cards with NO QB. Niners fired Mike Singletary last week. ZZZZZZ. 49ERS (38-7, 49ERS)

NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (9-6) -3.5 @ WAHINGTON (6-9) 44.5 pts
-Giants can make playoffs with a win and a Packers loss. Either way, head coach Tom Coughlin’s job is in jeopardy. GIANTS (17-14, GIANTS)

JACKSONVILLE (8-7) +3 @ HOUSTON (5-10) 45.5 pts
-Jaguars can still make the AFC playoffs. They’ll need the Colts to lose and they have to beat the Texans without QB David Garrard and RB Maurice Jones-Drew. Texans looking for win to end a disappointing season. TEXANS (34-17, TEXANS)

Bye Week:

*Los Angeles (15 years, 17 weeks)

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 10-6 Season: 133-91

THURSDAY

CAROLINA (2-12) +14 @ PITTSBURGH  (10-4) O/U 40 pts

-C’Mon Man!!! STEELERS (27-3, STEELERS)

SATURDAY

DALLAS (5-9) -3 @ ARIZONA (4-10) 40 pts

-HO HO HO!! WHO CARES!! COWBOYS (27-26, CARDINALS)

SUNDAY

NEW ENGLAND (12-2) -8 @ BUFFALO (4-10) 44 pts

-Bills are tough and won’t lie down for Brady and the Pats. PATRIOTS

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY .(10-4) +1 @ CHICAGO (10-4) 36.5 pts

-Nice win by the Jets in Pittsburgh. Bears peaking. BEARS

BALTIMORE (10-4) -3.5  @ CLEVELAND (5-9) 40 pts

-“Old Browns” always have problems with “New Browns”. Colt McCoy QBing the Browns. RAVENS

TENNESSEE (6-8) +5 @ KANSAS CITY (9-5) 42.5 pts

-Matt Cassel’s back running the Chiefs. KC needs to keep winning for AFC West Title. CHIEFS

SAN FRANCISCO (5-9) +2.5 @ ST. LOUIS (6-8) 39.5 pts

-Amazingly, should the Niners beat the Rams and the Seahawks lose, San Francisco would be in the driver’s seat for the NFC West Title. Rams are at home and, I think, better than Frisco. RAMS

DETROIT (4-10) +3 @ MIAMI (7-7) 41.5 pts

-Dolphins are 1-6 at home, 6-1 on the road. They’ll be 2-6 at home after Sunday. DOLPHINS

WASHINGTON (5-9) +6.5 @ JACKSONVILLE (8-6) 46 pts

-Jags will be without RB Maurice Jones-Drew who’s having knee issues. But Washington’s defense is so badwhile the offense will be starting third-string QB John Beck, it won’t matter. JAGUARS

SAN DIEGO (8-6) -7.5 @ CINCINNATI (3-11) 43.5 pts

-The Chargers need to keep winning to keep pace with KC for any shot at the AFC West. CHARGERS

HOUSTON (5-9) -3 @ DENVER (3-11) 49.5 pts

-I happen to think Tim Teebow’s going to be a good NFL QB. BRONCOS

INDIANAPOLIS (8-6) -3 @ OAKLAND (7-7) 48 pts

-Colts need to win last two games to clinch AFC South. Raiders still with a shot at the AFC West. If Colts can stop the run as they did last week against Jags, they’ll win. If not. Raiders. RAIDERS

NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (9-5)  +3 @ GREEN BAY (8-6) 43 pts

-Giants need to rebound from that collapse against the Eagles. Aaron Rodgers back at QB for the Pack. Packers lose, they’re out eliminated from the playoffs. PACKERS

SEATTLE (6-8) +6 @ TAMPA BAY (8-6) 44 pts

-Seahawks need to win to keep pace for the NFC West. Bucs need some help to make the post-season looking up at New Orleans and Atlanta in the NFC South. BUCCANEERS

MINNESOTA (5-9) +14 @ PHILADELPHIA (10-4) 43.5 pts

-My NFC Super Bowl pick, the Vikings, are done as is Brett Favre. Eagles have their sites set on Super Bowl XL. EAGLES

MONDAY

NEW ORLEANS (10-4) +2.5 @ ATLANTA (12-2) 49 pts

-Falcons win, they’re NFC South Champs with road to the Super Bowl going through the ATL in the NFC. Defending Super Bowl Champion Saints are starting to play as they did last year when they went on their Super Bowl run. Falcons won in week 3 in OT, 27-24. Dirty Birds don’t lose at home with “Matty Ice” QBing in the dome. FALCONS

BYE WEEK:

*LOS ANGELES (15 years, 16 weeks)

 

Remember, use my picks to wager $$$ at your own risk. If you lose, I had nothing to do with it. If you win beaucoup $$$, a 10% tip would be cool.  But, I’m realistic. This is just for your entertainment…or not, and for me to keep my sports “mojo” going until “I’m back in the saddle”. Remember the league’s unofficial motto…“ON ANY GIVEN SUNDAY, MONDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY OR SATURDAY……….

Last Week: 11-5 Season: 123-85

THURSDAY

SAN FRANCISCO (5-8) +9 @ SAN DIEGO (7-6) O/U 44 pts

-Both teams a game out of first in their respective Western Divisions. Both teams with convincing wins over the leaders in their respective divisions this past Sunday.  49ers QB Alex Smith completed 17 of 27 for 255 yards and three TD passes in Frisco’s 40-21 win over Seattle, a career-best for the former top overall draft pick. He’ll have to go up against the league’s top-ranked defense. The Charger “D” sacked Chief QB’s four times in their 31-0 win allowing just 67 total yards, 19 through the air. Bolts QB Phillip Rivers with 26 TD’s against 11 INT’s this season piloting the league’s second best offense. If the Chargers’ special teams, prone to mistakes all season long, can stay clear of miscues, San Diego will win its sixth out of its last seven games. CHARGERS (34-7, CHARGERS)

SUNDAY

CLEVELAND (5-8) +1.5 @ CINCINNATI (2-11) 39.5 pts

-At some point the disappointing Bengals, with all that talent, will end their 10 game losing which began against the Browns on October 3rd. The Browns have a good, young team that’s learning each week. Close one. The streak ends. BENGALS

WASHINGTON (5-8) +6 @ DALLAS (4-9) 45.5 pts

-Dallas’ final home game of the season comes against its arch rival. Redskins won the season-opener 13-7. Down hill for both teams since then. Cowboy RB’s Felix Jones and Marion Barber figure to get plenty of carries against a bad defense. Redskins QB Donovan McNabb benched for this one. COWBOYS

HOUSTON (5-8) +1.5 @ TENNESSEE (5-8) 47 pts

-Both these teams are out of the playoff picture with a loss or a Jacksonville win. Houston’s dropped six of seven and Tennessee’s lost six straight. These teams met in Houston three weeks ago with the Texans winning 20-0. In that game, Titans CB Cortland Finnegan and Texans WR Andre Johnson brawled, were ejected and fined $25,000. Neither was suspended. That should be fun to watch. TEXANS

JACKSONVILLE (8-5) +5 @ INDIANAPOLIS (7-6) 48.5 pts

-This is a playoff game. It’s for the AFC South Title. The Jags have won five of six games and have done it boasting a running game that’s averaged a league-best 193 yards per game in that span. If Maurice Jones-Drew breaks free for the century mark, the Jags usually are on the winning side. Colts have the fourth worst rush defense allowing 141 yards a game. Uh-Oh. Colts QB Peyton Manning finally got back on the winning track last week after tossing eleven picks during a three-game losing skid. Some key weapons are on the mend and able to play for the Colts. Jags won previous meeting. Hard to pick against Peyton in a “must-game.” MJD will have a big game. So will Peyton. COLTS

KANSAS CITY (8-5) EVEN @ ST. LOUIS (6-7) 0.0 pts

-Division leaders tangle in the Battle for Missouri. If Chiefs QB Matt Cassel plays, it makes a world of difference. He’s thrown 19 TD’s and only one pick in his last eight starts. Cassel had an emergency appendectomy on December 8th and missed last week’s 31-0 loss at San Diego. KC relies on RB’s Jammal Charles and Thomas Jones. Rams rookie QB Sam Bradford needs to avoid picks in the red zone for the Rams to win. He’ll rely on RB Steven Jackson. Rams are 4-2 at home this season. Chiefs have lost five of six on the road. Close one whether Cassel plays or not. RAMS

BUFFALO (3-10) +5 @ MIAMI (7-6) 40 pts

-The Bills have been competitive in most of their games. The Dolphins are solid having won two straight on the road in Oakland and at the Meadowlands against the Jets. DOLPHINS

PHILADELPHIA (9-4) +3 @ NY GIANTS of NEW JERSEY (9-4) 46 pts

-Winner likely takes the NFC East Title. Giants have lost five straight to the Eagles including a month ago in Philly, 27-17. Since then, the Giants have won three straight. Speed kills. That’s exactly what the Eagles have done with QB Michael Vick at the helm. The Vick-DeSean Jackson Duo is lethal. Both teams can run the ball. Both with solid defenses. Close one. Gotta go with speed. EAGLES

DETROIT (3-10) +6 @ TAMPA BAY (8-5) 43 pts

-How are the Lions 3-10 after beating down the Packers and knocking out Aaron Rodgers last week, 7-3? Tough young team. So are the Buccaneers. The youngest team in the league is still in the playoff hunt with QB Josh Freeman at the helm. BUCCANEERS

ARIZONA (4-9) +2.5 @ CAROLINA (1-12) 37.5 pts

-Cardinals won with Fordham rookie QB John Skelton last week beating Denver 43-13. Panthers haven’t won with Notre Dame rookie QB Jimmy Clausen this season. Arizona defense played well in the win. Panthers need to run the ball to get another win. Expect Jonathan Stewart to run wild………well. PANTHERS

NEW ORLEANS (10-3) +1.5 @ BALTIMORE (9-4) 43.5 pts

-What’s wrong with that vaunted Ravens defense? Sure, Baltimore beat Houston in overtime, 34-28 Monday night. But, the Ravens D gave up two 90+ yard drives allowing the Texans to get back in the game. Meanwhile, the Saints are getting everyone back and healthy and they’re peaking at the right time on both sides of the ball. SAINTS

ATLANTA (11-2) -6 @ SEATTLE (6-7) 45 pts

-Sure, both teams are in first place in their divisions. But the Falcons are the “legit” one. Atlanta QB Matt Ryan and the defense have the Falcons headed towards home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. The Seahawks are, actually, tied for first in the NFC West with the Rams. Seattle could, possibly, make the playoffs with a 7-9 record. FALCONS

DENVER (3-10) +6.5 @ OAKLAND (6-7) 43 pts

-Broncos playing out the schedule with an interim coach. Denver gave up 43 points t0 Arizona last week. They gave up 59 to the Raiders in their first meeting at Mile High.  Oakland’s 5-0 in the AFC West and ran the football at will in Denver. RAIDERS

NY JETS of NEW JERSEY (9-4) +5.5 @ PITTSBURGH (10-3) 35.5 pts

-Jets are nose-diving. They haven’t scored a touchdown in two games. Steelers have struggled on offense as well. But, the “Steel Curtain” is making it tough for opponents to have a chance allowing just nine points a game during a five-game winning streak. Jets have NEVER won in Pittsburgh. Close one because the Jets have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. PITTSBURGH

GREEN BAY (8-5) + EVEN @ NEW ENGLAND 0.0 pts

-this one off the board because of the uncertain status of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. He was knocked out of last week’s 7-3 loss in Detroit with a concussion. Patriots are rolling behind QB Tom Brady. Won’t matter if Rodgers plays or not because the Pats are undefeated at The Razor. PATRIOTS

MONDAY

CHICAGO (9-4) EVEN @ MINNESOTA (5-8) 0.0 pts

-This one’s off the board because the game will be played outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium, the University of Minnesota’s home field because the MetroDome is still damgaged after the roof collapsed last week from heavy snowfall.

Also, will Vikings QB Brett Favre be back after ending his 297 consecutive games played streak last week. He’s still suffering from a shoulder injury. Vikings lost a “home game” in Detroit to the NY Giants of New Jersey last week, 21-3. The Bears got pummeled by the Patriots in a heavy snowfall at Soldier Field last week, 36-7.  Bears better while the Vikings are a mess. BEARS

BYE WEEK:

L

*Los Angeles (15 years, 15 weeks)

*AEG is moving forward on designs for a DownTown Stadium and hope to have the NFL’s approval, a design and a TEAM within 90 days.

Check out the possibilities for Los Angeles and the NFL.