That's right, Christmas is just about here, and nothing says Christmas in Cleveland like a Leg Lamp...The Beeze family spent a couple hours on Sunday at the "A Christmas Story" House...For those of you who don't know, a number of the outside shots in that movie were down in Cleveland...Including Ralphie's house...The inside of the house wasn't used, but when the Cleveland home went on sale on E-Bay, some smart guy bought it and rehabbed the house to look like it did in the movie...There are two other houses across the street, one is a museum, and one is a gift shop..."A Christmas Story" is big business in the Cleve...
Now, I'm going to move on to the death of Bengals receiver Chris Henry...I had commented on other blogs, and even though it may not have seemed like it...I bit my tongue a little...But now I'm gonna let it all fly...The day Henry died it was all over sports talk radio, and blogs...I was listening to Mad Dog Unleashed...Most of the time I don't agree with the Dog...But he's fun to listen to...He's always blowing a gasket, and stumbling over his own words...
He was talking to a caller who said he was a police officer...This guy didn't like Mad Dog Russo's outlook on Henry...And thought we should all feel the same about every life lost...Russo disagreed...So did I...I'm going to feel different about a soldier losing his life in battle...I'm going to feel different about a police officer or firefighter losing their life in the line of duty...I'm going to feel different for a helpless child that gets killed by disease, or a drunk driver...
How I feel about their deaths will not be the same as a football player who is a 3 and 4 timer loser...Henry's rap sheet was as long as Tiger Woods' driver...He should have been in jail getting a pink sock from Bubba...But instead, he was given chance after chance, after chance...Because he played football...If it was you or me, we would have been locked-up...Do I feel bad for his family...Yes, but I felt bad for them every time they had to see his mug on TV standing in a courtroom...
Now, I'd like to apologize for my lack of blogging lately...This time of year is crazy at the Fish House, and even though I've wanted to post things, I just haven't had it in me...Or haven't had the time...The kids and getting things together for Christmas can slow you down too...But back to the Fish House...
My Father always use to tell us, "Every man should have to serve at least two years for his country, and box one year in the Golden Gloves." I've got something that needs to be added to that list...Everyone...And I mean Everyone, should have to work at least one year in the restaurant business...Maybe then there wouldn't be so many assholes who go out to eat...
We have this pack of douche bags that come in once a week...There's no doubt in my mind, that these ass-hats go out of their way to be a pain in servers and cooks asses...There life is so empty, they have to come in and make themselves feel big by running people ragged...Then after our staff has busted it's ass, these twats tip for sh!t...I'm sure they leave feeling very superior, only to go home, drink a bottle of wine alone, masturbate, and pass out crying...Enjoy douche bags!
Since I mentioned rubbing one out, this gal would like to wish you a Merry Christmas...
Next, Holiday tipping...I'm not talking about Bartenders or waitresses...You know people who work for tips...I'm talking about some stupid sh!t I read...It was an article about tipping people in you everyday life...But these aren't people who work for tips...It was suggesting what you should tip your mailman...No offense, but fuck him! He's got a federal job, with good pay and benefits...That guy makes more me, and he knew what he was getting into when he signed up for the gig...They also suggested tipping garbage men...Um, my over inflated taxes already pays them quite well...You may not realize what city service workers make...The average in this area is about $18 dollars an hour...So sorry Charlie, you won't be getting a card from the Beeze with cash it...Maybe I'll stop thinking about running over you with my car if you stop leaving my cans laying in the street!
For those of you who follow this blog, you may know my daughter asked Santa for a puppy...Not happening...I got her a bike instead...Can't wait be putting that together at midnight on Christmas Eve...We did get her one of those Fur Real dogs...And a book about how to take care of a puppy...Santa is basically giving her a test, and trying to buy my allergies an extra year...
The boy wants Spike the Dinosaur...We got one last night $20 off...Then we had to go to another store...They had spike another $20 dollars cheaper...So we bought it, and took the other one back...Hey, money is money and if I can save some this year, I will...I had started the day in the Christmas spirit...But when we got done shopping, not so much...Then we had a great Italian dinner, and I knocked down a few Christmas Ale's...That got the spirit back...
Both of our kids asked for a baby...NOPE! Not Happening!
Hardest gift I had to buy...I got my Father a Ron Hextall shirt...Hextall was one of my dad's all-time favorites, and he was an animal...I can respect that...But he was a Flyer, and I'm a Rangers guy...So it was tough, but the old man deserves it...
Easy gift to buy...Anal Ease to use on the wife! We both have already made our New Year's resolution...It's to lose weight...There is a certain number I have to hit...If I do, I get to go to that very special, deep dark place...Game on!
Sports news...Josh Cribbs again showed he's a stud in the Browns victory this week...What!?! Two in a row! Please Browns, pay the man...He's the best thing you got!
The Saints lost to Cowboys...Now it's down to the Colts...I hate the Mannings and I don't like the Colts, and them continuing to win is putting that dolt Mercury Morris back in front of Microphones...Could some one please put a muzzle on him for Christmas...
I need to get going here, But lets close with a little Christmas music from the lovely Natalie Gelman...
So here we are, December 20th.Most people’s thoughts are starting to turn toward Christmas, and rightfully so.I think for this blog, I’d just kinda like to lay back and tell you a little about what I love about the season.
I gotta tell ya that I love me some Christmas Carols, provided they’re done the right way.I’m not talking about that canned garbage coming out of the speakers at the retail outlets or from some scrub bands or washed up crooners, I’m talking about folks who put their heart and soul into a truly stirring sound.Folks like the Whispers and Luther Vandross, and perhaps a little progressive instrumental by Mannheim Steamroller and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.Perhaps a different musical taste than most, but if you don’t mind, I’m gonna leave an example or two here for ya…
One of my favorite movies of all time is “A Christmas Carol”, the 1984 version with George C. Scott – I never miss a year watching this movie.Dude can act!The movie always leaves me with hope that people and things can change for the better, and in times like these, hope is what’s needed.I also always like watching how Christmases of the past were celebrated.Perhaps a clip…
Christmas Eve Night is such a sacred night to me, probably moreso than Christmas Day itself.I get off work late, and start my traditional Christmas Eve Italian meal of Lasagna, Chicken Fettucine, and Pasta Alfredo, playing Christmas Carols and enjoying the company of my wife and kids.We enjoy dinner, cap it off with Hot Cider or Hot Chocolate, a little desert (Cannoli perhaps) and then while my wife completes the presents, I light a fire and watch the Midnight Mass from the Vatican.After the Mass, for no particular reason, I go outside the house to enjoy the quiet, there’s such a peace that I wish we all could enjoy all year long.
Let me wish all my brother and sister Gabbers a very Merry Christmas – yeah, no PC “Happy Holidays” here, I say MERRY CHRISTMAS!May the jolly ole fat man in the big red suit bring you everything you hope for, but always remember what is so special about this time of year.As for me, all I want is my family together at the house, nothing more. Here’s my way of saying Merry Christmas:
That was the kind of week I was hoping for, aside from a pair of annoying primetime losses to bookend the beginning and end of the week, things went pretty much according to plan. A tossup loss in the Bills-Chiefs game and the Redskins wearing down the Raiders after Bruce Gradkowski was hurt were the only losses on Sunday. The haters laughed at me when I said the Chargers would upset the Pokes, sneered at me when I said the Bengals beating the Vikings was not as sexy a pick as one would think. I thought real hard about picking against the unbeaten teams and was glad I passed the temptation. There are playoff berths to be claimed in the next three weeks and if there are any implications in the game they will be mentioned. NFL Network is having a good chortle at the folks that have turned their nose up at their heretofore boring slate of games as they have not one but both unbeaten teams on their network this week, playing on both Thursday and Saturday this week. The lines are provided by USA Today Sports Weekly and are for entertainment & comparison purposes only. Im broke from Christmas shopping and buying a ham for Christmas dinner so I cant pay any bookies off this week for you if you get took by the lines.
Saturday, December 19
Cowboys (8-5) @ Saints (13-0) Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans 8:20 (NFLN)
Favorite Saints by 7 Fast Fact The Saints 13 wins are more than the win totals of the other 3 NFC South teams combined
The Saints are looking like a team that could be playing deep into January and February, they showed some resiliency by holding off a tough Atlanta team last week to surpass their franchise mark for wins in a season. The Pokes meanwhile are starting yet another December swoon and the For Sale signs are popping up on Wade Phillips’ lawn. The Saints are on a level the Pokes wish that they could think about being on. As much as the wonks love the Pokes and are convinced that this is the sexy upset pick, Im not betting against the Saints in their crib
Pick-New Orleans
Sunday, December 20
Cardinals (8-5) @ Lions (2-11) Ford Field, Detroit 1:00 (FOX)
Favorite Cardinals by 12½ Fast Fact The Cardinals haven’t won in Detroit since 1998
Playoff Implications: Cardinals clinch NFC West with win and SF loss
Fresh off what they thought was a statement win over the Vikes, the Cards came out stunningly flat against a weak Niners team in a sloppy error filled loss. The Lions just got flat out hammered in Baltimore and despite showing some improvement are just not that good a team. The Cards will play better and thump a Lions squad that is just playing out the string.
Pick-Arizona
Falcons (6-7) @ NY Jets (7-6) The Meadowlands; East Rutherford, NJ 1:00 (FOX)
Favorite Jets by 3½ Fast Fact The Falcons need to win out to have back to back winning seasons for the first time in franchise history
I know I couldn’t be a Jets fan, and this year is a perfect example why. Stout defense, good running game are offset by their inablilty to play consistent. Coming off a near perfect performance in dominating the woeful Bucs you might think that they are finally turning the corner. But they have followed up strong performances with clunkers the next week. The Falcons are a similar team but they are struggling without two main offensive cogs in Matt Ryan and Michael Turner. I should know better but I think the Jets play better at home in what could be snowy conditions that spell bad news for a dome team.
Pick-New York Jets
Browns (2-11) @ Chiefs (3-10) Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City 1:00 (CBS)
Favorite Chiefs by 2½ Fast Fact Browns QB Brady Quinn has went the last four games without throwing an interception
Two teams that are going nowhere…this game should be an absolute bore to watch. Both teams have beaten the Steelers which at one time was once a big deal. The Browns have been playing better offensively late and in a tossup should be a little better than their equally woeful opposition
Pick-Cleveland
Texans (6-7) @ Rams (1-12) Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis 1:00 (CBS)
Favorite Texans by 11 Fast Fact This is the Texans first ever visit to St. Louis
Just when a horrid season couldn’t get any worse, a number of the Rams have taken sick with flu-like symptoms. The Texans took a season’s worth of frustrations out on the Seahawks last week and with the already sad-sack Rams on the docket, this could ugly real fast. This team has vexed me before but Im confident enough to bet on them on the road.
Pick-Houston
Dolphins (7-6) @ Titans (6-7) LP Field, Nashville 1:00 (CBS)
Favorite Titans by 3 Fast Fact Titans RB Chris Johnson is averaging 155 yards a game rushing and receiving and is on pace to break Marshall Faulk’s single season record of 2,429
Getting a tight win over a good Jags team, the Dolphins are still very much in the playoff hunt, the Titans showed no mercy in a frightening rout of the Rams. Everyone is high on the Dolphins tough run defense but Chris Johnson is on another level. Im still not sold on the consistency of the Dolphins offense. With both teams on the playoff fringes you can be sure this game will have a playoff feel to it. The Titans continue to make their fans lament their 0-6 start as they are playing some of the best late season ball in the AFC
Pick-Tennessee
Patriots (8-5) @ Bills (5-8 ) Ralph Wilson Stadium; Orchard Park, NY 1:00 (CBS)
Favorite Patriots by 7 Fast Fact The Pats have a 12 game win streak over the Bills, second longest current win streak over one team (Chargers have a 13 game win streak over the Raiders)
Everyone was taking potshots at WR Randy Moss’ supposed laconic effort last week against the Panthers. In reality the Panthers did a solid job with safety help and kept Moss under wraps most of the game. Problem was the Panthers did nothing to stop Wes Welker who just seems to always find the soft spot of a defense. The Bills have a decent defense but I really cant see them doing anymore than slowing the Pats down.
Pick-New England
Bengals (9-4) @ Chargers (10-3) Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego 4:05 (CBS)
Favorite Chargers by 6 ½ Fast Fact- The Bengals have lost their last 5 games played west of the Rockies, their last win was in 2003 in San Diego
Playoff Implications Bengals clinch AFC North with win
The Bengals go into this game with extremely heavy hearts after the tragic death of oft-troubled WR Chris Henry and needing a win to keep hopes of a first round bye afloat. The Chargers have been on a roll for the better part of two months and simply broke the will of the Cowboys last week. The Chargers are the better team and the Bengals don’t play well on the west coast. That said, the Bengals have shown an ability to rally around tragic circumstances and win games that they really shouldn’t. I think that the Bengals are galvanized by the loss of their teammate and pull the upset and quiet whispers that they are not playoff material.
Pick-Cincinnati
Raiders (4-9) @ Broncos (8-5) Invesco Field @ Mile High Stadium, Denver 4:05 (CBS)
Favorite Broncos by 11½ Fast Fact The Raiders are dangerously close to extending their NFL record streak of years losing 11 or more games to seven
Just when the Raiders looked to have a glimmer of hope in a new leader in Brude Gradkowski he suffers a torn MCL. Add the loss of versatile TE Zach Miller and the Raiders offense gets markedly weaker. Facing a resurgent Broncos team is not the tonic needed. Though coming off a tough loss to a nemesis equine team the Broncos are still very much in the playoff mix. Look for the Broncos to slowly grind the Raiders down with a balanced offense and a ballahawking secondary that will make Charlie Frye wish he wasn’t doing fill-in duty for the Raiders
Pick-Denver
49ers (6-7) @ Eagles (9-4) Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia 4:15 (FOX)
Favorite Eagles by 7½ Fast Fact The Niners are on a 5 game road losing streak
Walking tall after a stunningly easy walkover versus the Cards the Niners have to fly east to face a surging Eagles team. The Eagles won a thrilling shootout with the Giants and are possessors of a multi-faceted multi-dimensional offense. You can be sure that the Niners wont get as many easy turnovers. Oh and its likely to be snowy and cold in South Philly, not something a West Coast team wants to experience.
Pick Philadelphia (Lock of the Week)
Packers (9-4) @ Steelers (6-7) Heinz Field, Pittsburgh 4:15 (FOX)
Favorite Steelers by 1 Fast Fact The Steelers seek to avoid being the first defending Super Bowl Champs to lose six straight
The Steelers are in free fall, with a humiliating loss to Browns a glaring testament to that diagnosis. The Packers have rebounded from what looked to be a free fall of their own and have won five straight to stay in shouting distance of the Vikings but very much in the playoff race. The Packers are playing just good enough to steal wins but have not played in any real hostile venues during their win streak. Im probably going to regret this one, but I see the Steelers pulling one out for pride’s sake and handing the Packers a loss that they can ill afford.
Pick-Pittsburgh
Buccaneers (1-12) @ Seahawks (5-8 ) Qwest Field, Seattle 4:15 (FOX)
Favorite Seahawks by 7 Fast Fact The Seahawks are two different teams at home and on the road, Outscoring their opponents by 54 points at home in going 4-2, but giving an average of 30 points on the road going 1-6
After taking a hellacious beatdown against Houston the road weary Seahawks come home to face bad Bucs team as an early Christmas present. Raheem Morris is watching Josh Freeman throw away his job and his coaching tenure with a frightful amount of interceptions. The Seahawks will get healthy at home and the Seahawks defense will produce a turnover or three while their offense will take advantage of the Bucs atrocious run defense and get a badly needed win.
Pick-Seattle
Vikings (11-2) @ Panthers (5-8 ) Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte 8:20 (NBC)
Favorite Vikings by 7½
Fast Fact This is the only the 2nd time the Vikings have visited Carolina, and hope this visit is better than their last a 38-13 loss in 2005 Playoff Implications Vikings clinch NFC North with win
The Vikings bounced back from their primetime flop to whip the Bengals, Carolina is an up and down squad who has trouble scoring points having scored north of 20 points only twice in the past six weeks and none in the past four. That will spell all kinds of trouble with the Vikings diverse offense. The Panthers offense simply cant or wont keep up.
Pick-Minnesota
Monday, December 21
NY Giants (7-6) @ Redskins (4-9) FedEx Field; Landover, MD 8:30 (ESPN)
Favorite Giants by 3 Fast Fact The Redskins have scored 30 or more points in consecutive games for the first time since 2006
Who is this Redskins team? Scoring 24, 30 & 34 points in the last three weeks after only scoring more than 24 in the first ten. The G-Men are just plain maddening as of late, defensive breakdowns and offensive inconsistency has totally erased memories of the 5-0 start. The Redskins may have found a credible front line runner in Quinton Ganther who showed a tough running style and an ability to catch passes as well. The Giants are just not playing well on the road and with a chance to cripple an archrival’s playoff hopes, the Redskins leave the G-Men a lump of coal with an upset.
Pick-Washington
Last Week: 12-4 (Lock & Upset Correct) Overall: 146-62 (.702, does not include Thursday result) Locks: 14-0 Upsets: 8-6 (won 1)
Lets go bowling!!!! Hold up. Don’t go looking for your 12 pound ball. My mom wont let me touch her bowling ball, The first two of 34 bowl games start today…as a bonus I’ll preview and prognosticate as many of the games as I can.
New Mexico Bowl Fresno State (8-4) vs Wyoming (6-6) University Stadium, Albuquerque 4:30 (ESPN) Fast Fact Bulldogs RB Ryan Matthews led the nation with 151.3 rushing yards per game
The Bowl season kicks off with a non-descript game that is a mismatch. The Bulldogs are a team that a weak rushing defense team like the Cowboys need not face. Ryan Matthews is a brutally tough runner who has a no-quit engine. He should have gotten more love in the Heisman voting but instead will likely take his frustrations out on the Cowboy defenders. The Cowboys only hopes ride on fab frosh QB Austyn Carta-Samuels who completed 59 percent of his passes. I think Matthews carries the day and wears down the Cowboys
Pick-Fresno State
St. Petersburg Bowl Central Florida (8-4) vs. Rutgers (8-4) Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg 8:00 (ESPN) Fast Fact This is both teams first appearance in a bowl in Florida
The Scarlet Knights got pummeled on national TV to start the season and have been up and down all year. The Golden Knights have been on the upswing as of late including an upset of a ranked Houston team last month. Its strength vs strength as The Scarlet Knights boast a strong running game with Joe Martinek averaging 4.9 yards a carry and the Golden Knights defense ranking 4th in the nation in run defense. I think this game is a tossup, but the Golden Knights will be playing in their backyard and will ride that support to a tight win
Pick-Central Florida
From this side of the keyboard to yours...I want to wish you the best of the holiday season whether its Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. Make sure that you spend it with someone that you care about...Happy Holidays Fellow Sports Fans!
I figured I'd take the feedback received from yesterday's "Guilty Pleasures" post and create a Gab list. Now, I will not be personally identifying Beeze as being the guy who called for Pink or Felber who copped to Abba, I'll just be posting some of the tunes that you guys (and well, me) said you consider guilty pleasures...and don't forget to get your FESTIVUS nominations in...the clock is ticking!
SO WHAT - P!nk
I'm with the Beezer. This chick is definitely a freak.
DANCING QUEEN - Abba
This is one of those college songs that let you know on Friday morning that if you try to recollect "Thirsty Thursday" and "Dancing Queen" had any role in any of those recollections, you know you will have questions asked of you later on.
THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT - The Tokens
No one actually brought this one up, but the whole "college" song thing got me thinking about this guy I know who MAY have had an incident in a State College PA nightclub with this song as a backdrop. Names have been withheld to protect the guilty.
LAND OF CONFUSION - Genesis
I'm not sure I actually "get it," but since an unnamed owner of the site said he finds some guilt in belting this out...um...you know...because of the video...I figure it's in my best interest to post it here...particularly since I posted the "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"...
SINCE YOU BEEN GONE - Rainbow
Now, before anyone says, "WTF, Mo! We said Kelly Clarkson's 'Since U Been Gone'" I want to note that this has always been an Uber-guilty pleasure for me. Give it a listen and you tell me if you haven't - just once - yelled out "Your poison letter, your telegram, just goes to show you don't give a damn!" C'mon you know you have...
SINCE U BEEN GONE - Kelly Clarkson
Okay okay. The version you actually suggested
CUM ON FEEL THE NOIZE - Quiet Riot
RIP Kevin DuBrow. My favorite recollection is DuBrow saying he didn't like the movie "Spinal Tap" because it hit just a little too close to home.
PAPARAZZI - Lady Gaga
Not really sure I know what to make of the video...I mean...it's got more story line than a lot of the television I watch, so that's something, right?
Now, I implore you, oh gabbers. Come forth and confess. Bare your soul. You'll feel better. Really.
The Cowboys need this game to stay in the playoff hunt, and so the coaches have a better chance of keeping their jobs in 2010. The problem is that they are facing the undefeated Saints who are intent on reaching perfection.
Saints 41 Cowboys 30
Chicago Bears @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens now control their playoff destiny, thanks to the Jaguars losing Thursday to Indianapolis. Expect the Ravens veterans to cajole the team to victory this week.
Ravens 27 Bears 21
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
The Patriots have looked almost dull the last month, which does not bode well for a team trying to gain momentum into the playoffs. The Bills have played much better football after they changed coaches. If New England doesn't win thos game, especially in sound fashion, then no one will be looking for them to go far into the post season.
Patriots 27 Bills 17
Arizona Cardinals @ Detroit Lions
The Cardinals are very good on the road, and the Lions are fresh off a game they got blown out in. This is a match up of one team who as Super Bowl dreams against a team looking forward to 2010.
Cardinals 41 Lions 17
Cleveland Browns @ Kansas City Chiefs
The only question here is who will play with pride and who wants the better draft pick.
Chiefs 27 Browns 24
Atlanta Falcons @ New York Jets
The Falcons season is over, but the Jets are still hanging onto playoff hopes by a thread. Expect the Jets to win the battle in the trenches, because they will want it more.
Jets 24 Falcons 20
Miami Dolphins @ Tennessee Titans
If you love smash mouth football, then tune into this game. Both teams rely on the run to win, but Miami has a slightly better defense. Tennessee needs Chris Johnson to explode and carry them to victory, something he has done a great deal of this year.
Dolphins 27 Titans 21
Houston Texans @ Saint Louis Rams
Both teams are making plans for next year. The Rams may play their rookie quarterback again, but Houston is the better squad.
Texans 34 Rams 13
San Francisco 49ers @ Philadelphia Eagles
The 49ers still have very slight playoff hopes, but the Eagles are looking to win the NFC East and gain momentum.
Eagles 26 49ers 17
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
The Raiders are like a yo-yo. You never know which team will show up. Denver needs this to keep up on the heels of the red hot Chargers.
Broncos 31 Raiders 17
Cincinnati Bengals @ San Diego Chargers
Game Of The Week
The Bengals come into this game with a heavy heart over the recent death of teammate Chris Henry. Though they have a hold on their division, they did not play well last week. A death in the family either inspires a team to rally or crumbles them completely. Facing the Chargers days after Henry dying makes the Bengals task even harder. San Diego has wn 16 straight games in December. A streak I think stops now in memory of Henry.
Bengals 34 Chargers 30
Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
The Packers have been playing good football lately, while the Steelers have not. The defending champions will not be easy to beat, because they are mad at their recent performances, but Green Bay can win if they have some semblance of a running game.
Packers 27 Steelers 24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Seattle Seahawks
This is a battle of the two 1976 expansion teams. Much like then, neither team will go to the playoffs this year.
Seahawks 27 Buccaneers 14
Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers
Panther fans may be witnessing the end of the John Fox Era. The team has played poorly all year, and a change of head coaches may be eminent. The Vikings are coming off an impressive drubbing of a very good Cincinnati team, and look to keep the ball rolling forward into the playoffs.
Vikings 37 Panthers 20
New York Giants @ Washington Redskins
The Giants couldn't be facing their longest divisional rivals at a worse time. The Redskins finally rid themselves of the incompetent Vinny Cerrato, replacing him with Bruce Allen. Bruce is the son of Redskins legendary Hall Of Fame head coach George Allen. The Redskins players will be playing for their 2010 jobs, knowing Allen will be looking to get rid of more dead weight in the organization.
The one chink in Washington's sound defensive armor is they can give up long passes. New York's Eli Manning should look long often to his young receivers. The Giants really need this win to keep afloat in their division, but the NFC East has a long history of bottom dwellers ruining the playoff hopes of their known foes.
Redskins 24 Giants 20
Last week I went 12-3, and am 130-59 overall.
NFL Lucubrations
The NFL news this week, besides the unfortunate death of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, is how the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are both closing in on accomplishing undefeated regular season records. Both teams have stated they will attempt to close the deal at full force, though the Colts rested several key defensive players throughout the entire game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Thursday.
Both teams have good defenses, and excellent quarterbacks. What separates the Saints from the Colts is the offensive line and running game. Indianapolis has not run the ball well often this year, and have relied on the arm and brain of quarterback Peyton Manning. New Orleans uses Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell as their primary runners, but lately the versatile Reggie Bush has provided them an extra excellent weapon in their deep offensive arsenal.
If these teams end up staying undefeated and meeting in the Super Bowl, the Saints would probably be slightly favored. Though Miami Dolphins great Mercury Morris is hoping this does not occur, so he can keep breaking out the champagne, this match up would help the NFL greatly. It has been a mostly mediocre season, thanks to all the rule changes and constant replays, so a Saints versus Colts battle would truly help wash out the stale taste of the 2009 season.
NFL Power Rankings
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Indianapolis Colts
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. San Diego Chargers
5. Philadelphia Eagles
6. Cincinnati Bengals
7. New England Patriots
8. Denver Broncos
9. Dallas Cowboys
10. Green Bay Packers
11. Baltimore Ravens
12. Arizona Cardinals
13. New York Giants
14. Miami Dolphins
15. New York Jets
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
17. Tennessee Titans
18. Pittsburgh Steelers
19. Atlanta Falcons
20. San Francisco 49ers
21. Houston Texans
22. Seattle Seahawks
23. Buffalo Bills
24. Chicago Bears
25. Carolina Panthers
26. Kansas City Chiefs
27. Washington Redskins
28. Detroit Lions
29. Oakland Raiders
30. Cleveland Browns
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
32. Saint Louis Rams
