Category: News

Remembering September 11th, 2001.

Week one of this NFL season  marks the second time 9/11 falls on NFL Sunday, which happens to be the 10th anniversary of the darkest day in America, and the World, since December 7th 1941.

As is the case for those remembering where they were that infamous Sunday morning in 1941, we all know where we were that infamous Tuesday morning, September 11th 2001.

On the field at Invesco for Monday Night Football 9/10/01

I certainly remember where I was the night before the savage attacks took place. I was in the press box at the then Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver. September 10th, 2001. The Denver Broncos were kicking off the season debuting their brand new jewel of a stadium hosting, of all teams, the New York Giants on ABC’s Monday Night Football.

An incredibly festive atmosphere in the Mile High City, I was covering the game for KREX, the CBS affiliate in Grand Junction Colorado, along with Scott Hennessee. We made the three hour drive east up I-70 early that Monday afternoon.

Old Mile High Stadium

It was a perfect day to christen the new stadium built adjacent to the old horse shoe of a stadium where I was fortunate enough to cover the last game played there the previous December.

Of course, I brought a little disposable camera (no digitals then just yet) so Scott and I could document with pictures that “we were there!” I’ve peppered some of the photographs for you to see. I remember thinking to myself that it was just an awesome building and why can’t we have one in Los Angeles. That’s another story of course.

The media credentials requested equaled those for a Super Bowl because, a) players from the Broncos two super bowl champions, including John Elway, were there for pre-game festivities, and b) plain and simple, the Broncos were playing the defending NFC Champion New York Football Giants who were destroyed in Super Bowl 35 earlier in January by the Baltimore Ravens, 34-7.

Scott and I were issued one field pass and one press box pass.  I drew the short straw. I was upstairs the first three quarters. I was then allowed to go to the field for the 4th quarter.

When I got to the press box, I was seated next to a Green Bay Packers advance scout. Reggie McKenzie was a former Los Angeles Raider who played pro ball for seven seasons. Ironically, he was an assistant coach at Dorsey High School in L.A. for one season after hanging up his cleats. We chuckled after I told him I was from L.A. and went to Hamilton High School.

Thanks, Reggie!

MacKenzie was scouting the Giants who were to travel to Lambeau Field the following Sunday to play the Packers. He was nice enough to take my picture in the press box.

A successful stadium debut for the Broncos as they beat the Giants, 31-20. I was down on the field taking in the sights and snapping a few pictures before going into the locker room for post game interviews.

Eric Dickerson interviews Broncos' RB Terrell Davis

Former Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson was the sideline reporter for ABC’s Monday Night Football. I snapped a picture of Dickerson interviewing Denver running back Terrell Davis who rushed for 101 yards in the win.

Everything was innocent and happy-go-lucky for everyone there that night. Scott and I did our interviews and didn’t leave the stadium until sometime after 11pm.

A self-portrait before leaving.

We packed up the vehicle and made our way back to Grand Junction arriving there around three in the morning.

Needless to say, I woke up around 11 that morning. Turned on the television, booted up the computer and watched in disbelief as all hell broke loose.

All innocence was lost forever. That Monday night game became an afterthought.

Since then, I’ve seen movies about 9/11 that refer to that game in Denver even playing the audio track as background ambient sound.

I was there.

There was a sellout crowd of just under 76,000 fans along with another 5,000 that included the media, the teams and their personnel, stadium workers, police officers and anyone else who made that game go off without a hitch.

I often consider myself extremely fortunate always asking myself, “What IF those lunatics who hijacked those planes had planned to do that the night before and fly a jet into that stadium.”

Then I reconsider and say, “What IF there were none of those lunatics and September 11th, 2001 were a day like any other.”

After all, one life, let alone 3,000 or possibly 80,000, lost to fanatical lunatics is one too many.

Here’s to those 3,000 innocent people murdered that Tuesday morning in New York, Washington DC and Shanksville PA. We continue to look ahead so there sacrifice wasn’t made in vain.

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……….

SUNDAY 9/11/11

NEW YORK GIANTS -2.5 @ WASHINGTON REDSKINS o/u 39.5
-This game will be emotional on so many levels for obvious reasons. I’ll take the home team in a close one. REDSKINS

DALLAS COWBOYS +6 @ NEW YORK JETS o/u 40.5
-Another emotional game on so many levels for obvious reasons. Cowboys QB Tony Romo’s back after breaking his clavicle last season. So what. I still believe Romo’s the most over-rated and over-hyped player in league history. You think Jets coach Rex Ryan is going to lose this game? No F@#$ing Way! Now, let’s go have some g@d dam dessert!! JETS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS +1.5 @ BALTIMORE RAVENS o/u 36 pts
-REALLY!?!? Right out of the gate? Bitter AFC North rivals with the winner getting the inside track on the division. Take the under. RAVENS

DETROIT LIONS +1.5 @ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS o/u 42.5
-Two teams on the rise with two good, young quarterbacks and solid defenses. If Lions QB Matthew Stafford can stay injury-free, Lions make the playoffs. On defense, Detroit has “that guy named Suh.” LIONS

ATLANTA FALCONS -2 @ CHICAGO BEARS o/u 40.5
-Falcons QB Matt Ryan has plenty of weapons. Atlanta’s solid everywhere. Bears QB Jay Cutler….who knows how he feels. FALCONS

BUFFALO BILLS +5.5 @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS o/u 39.5
-Not sure about the Chiefs. They won the AFC West last year with a weak schedule. They call the Bills “the team of misfit toys” because they’ve picked up players like LB Shawn Merriman who might’ve lost something but can still bring it. They also brought back their old school uniforms. Just for that….BILLS
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS +9 @ HOUSTON TEXANS o/u 44
-Colts will be without QB Peyton Manning for the first time since Clinton was President. Perfect opportunity for the Texans to finally grasp hold of the AFC South. Not so sure just yet. For some reason, I think out-of-retirement QB Kerry Collins gets a win for Indy here. COLTS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES -4 @ ST. LOUIS RAMS o/u 44
-Eagles “Dream Team” favored out of the NFC to get to the Super Bowl. I think QB Sam Bradford, RB Steven Jackson and the Los Ang…er..St. Louis Rams (Sorry, got ahead of myself) have a little surprise for Vick and the birds. RAMS

CINCINNATI BENGALS -6.5 @ CLEVLEAND BROWNS o/u 35
-Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is an excellent coach. His problem is he works for Mike Brown and the Bengals. Rookie QB Andy Dalton has to fill Carson Palmer’s retired shoes (he’ll be in Indy by Christmas). Poor Andy. I really like Browns QB Colt McCoy who was a steal in last year’s draft. BROWNS

TENNESSEE TITANS +1 @ JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS o/u 37
-Not respect for new Titans coach Mike Munchak. I don’t get it. He’s got a good veteran at QB with ex-water bird Matt Hasselbeck and RB Chris Johnson. The Jags got rid of QB David Garrard and are going with the rookie from Missouri….what’s his name…TITANS

CAROLINA PANTHERS +7 @ ARIZONA CARDINALS o/u 37.5
-Cardinals were like a rudderless ship last season playing without a quarterback. Enter Kevin Kolb traded from Philly and instantly the Red Birds are playoff contenders again. Solid defense. Solid running game and the best wide receiver in the game, Larry Fitzgerald. Panthers have Auburn rookie Cam Newton calling the signals. CARDINALS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS +5.5 @ SAN FRANCISCO 4ERS o/u 37.5
-Forget about the game. I’m more interested in watching the sidelines and the post game handshake. Former Stanford coach and New Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh, faces his old Pac-10 nemesis, former USC coach now Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. These guys do not like each other. Oh yeah. The game. 49ERS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS +5.5 @ SAN DIEGO CHARGERS o/u 42
-Vikings reload with Donovan McNabb at QB. He’s got Adrian Peterson running the ball. Chargers were tops in offense and defense last year but missed the playoffs. They had special teams a Pop Warner coach would quit over. They put it all together behind the new best quarterback in the league, Phillip Rivers (yeah….I think better than Rodgers or Brees) and the Los Ange….er…San Diego Chargers (Sorry, got ahead of myself) win the Super Bowl. CHARGERS

MONDAY

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS -7 @ MIAMI DOLPHINS o/u 45.5
-Last year, the Dolphins won six games on the road and lost six at home. Patriots have reloaded  for QB Tom Brady adding Chad Ocho Cinco at WR. Don’t look now. There’s talk they’ll add Randy Moss before the season’s over. PATRIOTS

OAKLAND RAIDERS +3 @ DENVER BRONCOS o/u 40.5
-Broncos brought in former Panthers coach John Fox to right the ship. He’ll have unpopular Kyle Orton at QB ahead of fan favorite Tim Teebow who’s the third choice behind back-up Brady Quinn. Raiders destroyed the Broncos last season winning both meetings by a combined score of 98-37.
The Raiders have Darren McFadden and Michael Bush running the ball. They blistered Denver last season. RAIDERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2009 Champions)+5 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS (2010 Champions) O/U 47pts (Thursday)

-Battle of the last two Super Bowl Champions and two of the top five quarterbacks in the league, the Saints’ Drew Brees and the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers. Last 11 defending Super Bowl Champions have won the season opener. Bodes well for the Packers who won it all last year with a full injured reserve roster. Imagine what they could accomplish when 100% healthy. This should be a high scoring game. PACKERS (42-34, PACKERS)

BYE WEEK:

*LOS ANGELES (16 seasons & one week) To quote former Falcons coach Jerry Glanville, “You know what NFL stands for. It stands for NOT FOR LONG.”  The disgraceful 16+ seasons BYE for the City of Angels will be over soon. I spell NFL this way…..AEG.

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CHAMPIONS MEET IN NFL SEASON OPENER

Nothing like NFL opening weekend. I think we’re all ready for some football. So, here we go!

SUPER BOWL 46 in INDY

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS vs GREEN BAY PACKERS

CHARGERS SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS

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……….

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2009 Champions)+5 @ GREEN BAY PACKERS (2010 Champions) O/U 47pts

-Battle of the last two Super Bowl Champions and two of the top five quarterbacks in the league, the Saints’ Drew Brees and the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers. Last 11 defending Super Bowl Champions have won the season opener. Bodes well for the Packers who won it all last year with a full injured reserve roster. Imagine what they could accomplish when 100% healthy. This should be a high scoring game. PACKERS

BYE WEEK:

*LOS ANGELES (16 seasons & one week) To quote former Falcons coach Jerry Glanville, “You know what NFL stands for. It stands for NOT FOR LONG.”  The disgraceful 16+ seasons BYE for the City of Angels will be over soon. I spell NFL this way…..AEG.

The rest of my week one picks tomorrow.

Enjoy the season! Let me help you celebrate the season opener with my favorite football comedy bit.

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BRING BACK L.A. RAMS RALLY BRINGS BACK PLAYERS, FANS, MEMORIES!

ANAHEIM, CA – In anticipation of a new state-of-the-art stadium and the return of the National Football League to the City of Angels, some 200 die-hard Los Angeles Rams fans and former players  gathered at JT Schmid’s Brewery for the first of what promises to be many Bring Back The Los Angeles Rams Rallies in the greater L.A./Orange County area this season.

Organized by the facebook group, BRING BACK THE LOS ANGELES RAMS and it’s 3,300 and counting members, the rally brought together several local Rams Booster Clubs from as far as Whittier and Fountain Valley.

After being part of the L.A. sports landscape and culture for 49 years, the Rams abruptly left Southern California for St. Louis after the 1994 season and are now rumored to be one of a handful of  NFL teams who could claim the nation’s number two market as their home……..again.

These Rams boosters, fans and former players are intent on making sure it’s the Rams who return home.

Donning Rams jerseys and breaking out L.A. Rams memorabilia, Rams fans were able to meet, greet and get autographs from former L.A. Rams players Greg Bell, Ron Brown, Robert Delpino, Mike Lansford and Joe Sweet as well as St. Louis Rams punter Mike Horan, a member of the Rams Super Bowl 34 champions sporting his “bling.”

The Rams gathering also watched the pro football hall-of-fame induction ceremonies from Canton, Ohio with former L.A. Rams player Les Richter and St. Louis Rams RB Marshall Faulk members of the Class of 2011.

But make no mistake about it. This rally was all about getting those wheels spinning in the effort to bring the Rams back to Los Angeles.

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NFL Lockout Nears End. Where’s Los Angeles in a New 10 Year CBA?

Thursday NFL owners approved, by a vote of 31-0 with the Oakland Raiders abstaining, a tentative 10-year labor agreement with the NFL Players Association, leaving the possible end to the league’s lockout in the hands of the players, who vote on the proposed 10 year CBA Friday.

A players approval means football is back with only the Hall of Fame Game between the St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears falling victim to the four-month, or so, long lockout.

Where does Los Angeles, locked out by the NFL for some 17 years since both the Rams and Raiders left after the 1994 season, fit in this proposed 10 year collective bargaining agreement?  Last week, ESPN‘s Chris Mortensen reported there is a provision in the new proposed deal that puts L.A. back in the NFL mix:

Under the proposed 10-year CBA, players would get a split ranging from 48 to 46.5 percent of a simplified all-revenue model, the sources said. The lower 46.5 percentage would represent an increase in total dollars as revenues grow from new television contracts, as well as allowing credits if three new stadiums are constructed, including one in Los Angeles, where the NFL has not had a team since the 1994 season.

Your's truly with the RAIDERETTES at NFL 101

The City of Angels, in its attempt to stay relevant in the pro football discussion, held its 9th Annual NFL 101 ALL-ACCESS event at the Los Angeles Memeorial Coliseum this past Monday.  Among the NFL “BigWigs” speaking at the event, hosted by the L.A. Sports & Entertainment Commission, were Oakland Raiders CEO Amy Trask and San Francisco 49ers President & CEO Jed York. Both agreed they are looking strongly at the possibility that their respective teams could share a $1 billion stadium in Santa Clara which York said could be ready by 2015:

We’ve put our teams together. It doesn’t mean we’re going to find the right deal that fits for both teams, but we’re certainly going to get a look at those options.

Trask said the Raiders really like the idea of the stadium partnership adding:

We have said repeatedly that we have an open mind with respect to our stadium solution.  An open mind means an open mind as to sharing a facility with the 49ers. I say to Jed regularly that we should have not only an open mind to the sharing of the facility, but to the location of the facility which we might share.

Proposed FARMERS FIELD Downtown Los Angeles

This topic being a huge one at the event because of two proposed L.A. stadiums, one in the City of Industry by Majestic Realty and the other in Down Town L.A. called Farmers Field by AEG, in the hopes of attracting a pair of NFL teams to relocate with “LAX-ers” the Rams and San Diego Chargers rumored to be top candidates to return to L.A.

Emceeing the NFL 101 Event was  Emmy winning NFL on NBC and HBO Sports Correspondent Andrea Kremer. With the lockout nearing its end, I asked Kremer where Los Angeles fits in the new deal. (I should mention, please excuse the camera angle. When you’re “one-man banding” and your subject decides to, unknowingly, move a bit out of frame adjusting while holding a conversation becomes a 50-50 proposition.):

Interestingly enough, Thursday, AEG President Tim Leiweke said his company is ready to buyout an existing teams current stadium lease to get them to relocate to the City of Angels. AEG is prepared to own at least 50% of that team if it helps the current owner in the buyout of the existing stadium lease.  Again, the Chargers and the Rams are in situations with their current stadiums leases which fit such a scenario.

Expect something to happen soon because the 50th Super Bowl is five years away. The first Super Bowl was played at the L.A. Coliseum. Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay is pushing for the Golden Anniversary Game, Super Bowl “L”, to be played in L.A.

Los Angeles…..your 17 year NFL Lockout is coming to end.

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Hey! I’m Still Here!

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.

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I Like The Packers Meaning Steelers Win.

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!

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Brother Georges Was Right! Well, Half Right. We’re #6 x 2!!!

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!

 

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Take It HOME in the Divisional Round

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

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Bountiful Road Trips In Store Wild Card Weekend!

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)

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Rams-Seahawks NFC West Showdown Highlight Week 17

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)

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