NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 13

The murder of Sean Taylor earlier this week really took the breath out of me as well as the rest of the NFL. There is a long road ahead to find the suspects and bring them to justice. An even longer journey is ahead for Taylor's family to overcome the sting and loss of this fine young man.

My heart goes out to the Taylor family and the Washington Redskins.

Despite this tragedy, the NFL steam engine continues to roll with authority.

• Green Bay Packers (10-1) at Dallas Cowboys (10-1): NFL NETWORK, 8pm EST, Thursday Night - Well, here we are. Brett Favre is 0-8 at Texas Stadium and has been beating odds all year. Tony Romo is the key for Dallas who must stick with what they've been doing all year. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• San Francisco 49ers (3-8) at Carolina Panthers (4-7): FOX, 1pm EST - This is a home game for the stale Panthers and that can only mean one thing. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN FRANCISCO
• Atlanta Falcons (3-8) at St. Louis Rams (2-9): FOX, 1pm EST - Atlanta hasn't won in St. Louis since 1998. Marc Bulger is out, and there's no telling who will play QB for the Falcons. EDDIE'S PICK - ST. LOUIS
• Seattle Seahawks (7-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-6): FOX, 1pm EST - Rumor has it that Shaun Alexander may play and that could prove to be fatal since the Seahawks are 3-0 since he was taken out of the lineup. A.J. Feeley showed last week vs. New England that McNabb could have a different address next season. EDDIE'S PICK - PHILLY
• Detroit Lions (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (5-6): FOX, 1pm EST - Rookie RB Adrian Peterson should be back in action today, and the Lions are in a downward spiral. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• Buffalo Bills (5-6) at Washington Redskins (5-6): CBS, 1pm EST - I don't think there's any reason to explain what's at stake for the Redskins and where they will be receiving their motivation. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• Houston Texans (5-6) at Tennessee Titans (6-5): CBS, 1pm EST - One of the most thrilling games this season took place in Week 7 when Houston rallied at home only to lose 38-36 on K Rob Bironas' NFL-record eight field goal. Someone who hasn't been thrilling lately is QB Vince Young. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE
• Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3) at Indianapolis Colts (9-2): CBS, 1pm EST - This is even a bigger game than New England since it has divisional implications. QB Peyton Manning must continue to rise from his recent slump, and this Jag defense just might be the cure. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• San Diego Chargers (6-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-7): CBS, 1pm EST - Arrowhead is losing it's mystique after KC has lost three straight. The Chargers have won only one road game this year. EDDIE'S PICK - KANSAS CITY
• NY Jets (2-9) at Miami Dolphins (0-11): CBS, 1pm EST - If you feel the need to watch this game, you may want to get an MRI. EDDIE'S PICK - NY JETS
• Denver Broncos (5-6) at Oakland Raiders (3-8): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Please. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Cleveland Browns (7-4) at Arizona Cardinals (5-6): CBS, 4:05pm EST - I'm not sure which Cardinals team will show up to take on this very surprising Browns team, but I do know that this has all the makings of a high-scoring affair. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-4) at New Orleans Saints (5-6): FOX, 4:15pm EST - This is such a critical game for both teams as they battle for the NFC South. QB Jeff Garcia's back is not well and will probably be the deciding factor whether he can play or not. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• NY Giants (7-4) at Chicago Bears (5-6): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Chicago is beginning to look like they have the winning attitude. NY, not so much. EDDIE'S PICK - CHICAGO
• Cincinnati Bengals (4-7) at Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Pitt is undefeated at home this year, and while the Bengals are coming off an emotional win vs. Tennessee last week, this is not going to be a lot of fun for Carson Palmer and Co. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• New England Patriots (11-0) at Baltimore Ravens (4-7): ESPN, 8:30pm, MNF - Baltimore has never beaten New England....then again, no one has this year. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
  
  STANDINGS
  Cris Collinsworth: 12-4, 120-56
  Bob Costas: 9-7, 118-58
  Eddie Chinn: 11-5, 117-59
  Cris Carter: 11-5, 113-63
  Chris Mortensen: 9-7, 110-66
  Dan Marino: 11-5, 110-66
  Sean Salisbury: 10-6, 107-69

Favre From Average

Fred Mabson, a local restaurant owner, said that he was a kid who "had no advantage in any way, shape, or form. His parents were not wealthy." Which would explain the small vague house across from the old town cemetary.

Rick Koceja, a sixth grade P.E. teacher, called him a typical boy who was "a little hyper. Very active. Got into his share of trouble, but knew when to settle down."

Antonio played for the Minis team in the Frank Roth League of the Burlington Little League. In 1993, the Minis beat Pick N Save 18-13, and he had 4 hits. After that win, he played for the Frank Roth All-Stars and helped beat the Ginger Beaumont League All-Stars 15-14 for the championship.

He played soccer until his freshman year at Burlington High School in Burlington, WI but became a "gym rat" first and foremost excelling in basketball. He decided to join the Demons football team his junior and senior year and became their quarterback. His basketball coaches were stunned to learn that he wanted to concentrate on football to get in to college since they fully expected that he would could be recruited to pound the hardwood by a mid-Division I school, but he felt like he could go further by learning to dissect secondaries as a quarterback.

During these high school years, his idol, Brett Favre was busy leading the Green Bay Packers to a couple of Super Bowl appearances.

At 6-2, Antonio Ramiro Romo was a little small as a QB, and he honestly admitted that he didn't deserve to be recruited by bigger schools like the Universtiy of Wisconsin who eventually turned him down. "I pretty much sucked compared to some of the guys that had come out of there, I tell you what, I would not have recruited me. I was an average quarterback. I mean, I did some things, I ran around and made some plays, but I didn't throw the football very well, a little undersized, all those things. There was nothing that said, 'Go get this guy.'"

But, someone did.

He ended up receiving a scholarship from the Division I-AA school Eastern Illinois where he became a three-year starter and was Division I-AA Player of the Year when he was a senior.

At the 2003 NFL draft, Romo did not even get selected. He was contacted during the draft by another former Eastern Illinois quarterback who said that his team had strong interest, but for some reason Sean Payton and the Dallas Cowboys did not select him. After the draft, he was approached again by Payton and yet another former EIU Panther QB, Mike Shanahan.

Romo was offered a $20,000 signing bonus by Denver and $10,000 by Dallas. He chose Dallas and later told Shanahan, "Coach, I thought I had a better chance of making the team there than I did at your place."

In training camp of 2003, coach Bill Parcells put Romo as the #3 QB behind Quincy Carter and Chad Hutchinson. He would not see any action at all that season while Brett Favre finished the year 10-6 and so far in his career had compiled 45, 646 yards and 346 TD passes.

In 2004, Dallas cut Hutchinson and signed Vinnie Testaverde to mentor Carter while trading a third-round pick to the Houston Texans for the rights to Drew Henson. The future did not look good for Romo who would now be #4 and Parcells does not carry four QB's.

Then fate arrived.

Awhile back, Quincy Carter had made the conscious decision to inject himself with cocaine and the result was a sudden release from the team under allegations from the NFL over substance-abuse. When the drugs entered the body, Romo entered the NFL.

He stayed the #3 QB that season but was elevated to #2 in 2005 behind newly-signed Drew Bledsoe. On October 23, 2006, Bledsoe threw an interception vs. the Giants right before halftime. When the teams returned for the second half, the Romo era began.

And now you know the rest of the story.

This fascinating journey comes to a memorable turn in the road when Tony Romo faces his idol, the legendary #4, this Thursday. The similarities are eerie. They both have sterling vision of the field and have the God-given ability to improvise by getting out of the pocket and creating plays. Watching them will make your heart stop. After a TD pass, they both streak down the field pumping their fists and smiling like an 8-year-old spotting his father taking out a brand new bike from the back of the family station wagon.

Can you imagine what will be going through Romo's head when he looks across the field and sees the man that he imitated growing up when he played street football with this friends? He's been on the sideline before when Dallas played the Pack, but he didn't play much less start.

This NFC battle is a big one, but a loss is not cataclysmic to either team's season although it just might determine who will have home-field advantage in the NFC Championship game if both teams make it that far.

I'm sure the bigger measuring stick that day as these two former 1967 Ice Bowl participants slam helmets will be held up by Antonio Ramiro Romo as he looks to show Favre that his legacy will live on after he retires....wearing a star.

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 12

As the 2007 season enters Week 12, one can expect another cascade of unpredictable NFL football to come pouring into TV sets all over the country and bring with it a rush of adrenaline and anticipation.

Some division races are still lukewarm, some are simmering, and then there are others that are at a full boil. And, then there's one division race that is cooked and ready to serve in January.

The AFC West, at one time, was considered a high-voltage division but all four teams are struggling with inconsistency. The result is a deadlock at the top at 5-5 with Denver and San Diego duking it out. KC is a game back but Larry Johnson is out for an undetermined amount of time, and Priest Holmes retired today. With this coming on the heels of the beginning of the Bradie Croyle era, the Chiefs will have to pull out some tricks and need some luck to get into the wild-card race. Oakland is watching the college draft board.

The NFC West is about as exciting as hearing Ricky Williams is back in the league. Seattle leads at 6-4 while Arizona is hovering at 5-5. If the Cardinals can get healthier and stay that way, I can see this team overtaking the 'Hawks. San Francisco and St. Louis need to do some soul searching.

In the NFC South, this was supposed to be New Orleans' division to mop up, but they are facing a devastating 4-6 record along with Carolina two games behind the bewildering Buccaneers who are 6-4. Any of these three teams can make a run these last six games and win it, but Tampa is showing some fortitude and has a fairly easy schedule the rest of the way. Atlanta has gone AWOL.

Pittsburgh appeared early on to be on the fast track to dominate the AFC North, but a loss to the lowly Jest last week and Cleveland's wild win vs. the Ravens now puts the Browns just one game behind the Steelers. These two squads have already played each other twice with Pitt winning both so Cleveland will have to maintain its pace to win a wild card spot or hope the Black N Gold fold a couple of times down the stretch. I really don't think Baltimore has what it takes on offense to stay with the big boys this year, and Cincy has implosion written all over it.

Now, it's getting good. In the AFC South, all four teams have the talent to make a run for it and grab a wild card spot but I don't see Houston (5-5) quite making it, but I have been impressed with them this year especially on defense. Indy leads the pack at 8-2 while Jacksonville and Tennessee are one and two games back respectively. The Colts are approaching thin ice if they aren't careful but I expect they'll wake up from this slumber and win it. J-town's running game and the return of David Garrard just might propel them into January but don't forget about the Titans despite their performance vs. Denver.

The NFC North is pretty much over although the Thanksgiving game between the Pack and the Lions will determine if the fate has been sealed for Detroit. With Green Bay at 9-1 and Detroit at 6-4, a Packers win will put them four games up with five to play. I think the Lions could still snag a wild card spot but NY's win last week might have done more damage than originally thought since the Giants have an easier remaining schedule. Chicago and Minnesota could make some noise but their offensive woes will continue to plague them.

That leaves us with the NFC East. Dallas is a solid two games ahead of Big Blue (really three if you consider Dallas wins the tie-breaker). If the G-men can hold themselves together and get more consistent on offense, then a wild-card invite will be in the mail. Philly may be in big trouble if McNabb's injuries keep him off the field...then again, they may be in trouble anyway as this simply is not their year. The Skins appear to be out of it, and that's unfortunate for Joe Gibbs and Co. This season has turned into a growing year for Jason Campbell, but I know that Washington fans are happy to have finally found what appears to be their future.

Do I need to talk about the AFC East? Are we all in agreement that the Patriots will be seen in January and the rest of the teams will be seen in August?

It will be interesting to see if this week's contests will change the landscape of any of the division races. Considering how these past few weeks have gone, I'd have to say the chances of that happening are about the same as Bill Belichick wearing his "homeless" sweatshirt this week.

• Green Bay Packers (9-1) at Detroit Lions (6-4): FOX, 12:30am EST, Thanksgiving Day - It's been awhile since a Detroit Thanksgiving game had any meaning for the Lions. Both teams have a lot at stake with Detroit wanting a playoff berth and Dallas playing the Jets three hours later setting up a showdown at Texas Stadium next Thursday night. The Pack have won the last three vs. Detroit, and the Lions have lost their last three Thanksgiving games. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• NY Jets (2-8) at Dallas Cowboys (9-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST, Thanksgiving Day - Dallas has the league's 3rd-ranked passing attack. The Jets secondary is ranked 29th. Do the math. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Indianapolis Colts (8-2) at Atlanta Falcons (3-7): NFL Network, 8:15pm EST, Thanksgiving Day - Joey Harrington has been named the starter following Byron Leftwich's lame performance last week. This just in....Leftwich is now the starter....oh wait, no it's Harrington. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Buffalo Bills (5-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3): CBS, 1pm EST - The Jaguars are ranked 3rd in running the ball while Buffalo is 22nd in trying to stop it. QB David Garrard should be able to feast on the Bills' porous secondary as well. Maurice Jones-Drew could have a career day. EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• Oakland Raiders (2-8) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-6): CBS, 1pm EST - No Larry Johnson. No Priest Holmes. Rookie RB Kolby Smith gets the start. The Raiders have lost to KC nine straight times. This is the NFL. EDDIE'S PICK - OAKLAND
• Houston Texans (5-5) at Cleveland Browns (6-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Both teams possess strong passing attacks and defenses that should be hidden from children. Expect a high-scoring affair. EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Tennessee Titans (6-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-7): CBS, 1pm EST - No, you don't need glasses. Those were really Vince Young's numbers vs. Denver's 8th-ranked secondary: 26 of 41 for 308 yards and a TD. The Bengals pass defense is 28th so if the Titans can avoid turnovers, this should be an easy win. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE
• Seattle Seahawks (6-4) at St. Louis Rams (2-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Seattle has won five straight vs. the Rams. Make it 6. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• Minnesota Vikings (4-6) at NY Giants (7-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Figure this one out. The Vikings are ranked #1 in rushing offense AND rushing defense while being 4-6 with problems at QB and a horrendous secondary. NY has been feasting on QB's all year so I don't see them stopping now. EDDIE'S PICK - NY GIANTS
• New Orleans Saints (4-6) at Carolina Panthers (4-6): FOX, 1pm EST - The battle for second place in the NFC South pits a Saints team that has not beat Carolina in their last four meetings and a Panthers team that will turn to Vinnie Testaverde again to lead their pathetic offense. EDDIE'S PICK - CAROLINA
• Washington Redskins (5-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Both teams have a lot to lose if they drop this one. The Skins have lost three on the road while Tampa has lost at home only once this season. EDDIE'S PICK - TAMPA BAY
• San Francisco 49ers (2-8) at Arizona Cardinals (5-5): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Cardinals QB Kurt Warner has never lost to the Niners, and San Francisco has the league's worst defense. This could get ugly. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Baltimore Ravens (4-6) at San Diego Chargers (5-5): CBS, 4:15pm EST - If the Chargers want to stay at the top of the AFC West division, they need to stop RB Willis McGahee. This will force QB Kyle Boller to go to the air which hasn't been working for the Ravens lately. San Diego has won three straight at home. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Denver Broncos (5-5) at Chicago Bears (4-6): CBS, 1pm EST - Big plays seemed to follow Denver last Monday night vs. Tennessee up and down the field so they're hoping that continues vs. the Bears whose defense has been suspect all year. The Broncos are struggling on defense as well, but they don't have much to worry about vs. a Bears offense that is still in flux. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
• Philadelphia Eagles (5-5) at New England Patriots (10-0): NBC, 8:15pm EST - The line in Vegas is the highest for any NFL regular season game in history as the Patriots are 23-point favorites. This will increase if Donovan McNabb can't go due to his injuries. You'd be fine if you wanted to go look at Christmas lights. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Miami Dolphins (0-10) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - There is an excellent chance that RB Ricky Williams will see his first action in almost two years, and that means absolutely nothing. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH

STANDINGS
Bob Costas: 14-2, 109-51
Cris Collinsworth: 14-2, 108-52
Eddie Chinn: 13-3, 106-54
Cris Carter: 9-7, 102-58
Chris Mortensen: 14-2, 101-59
Dan Marino: 11-5, 99-61
Sean Salisbury: 10-6, 97-63

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 11

As I've been following the news around the NFL this week, I keep finding myself being captivated by the teams that are announcing who their starting QB will be this week. Due to injuries and tempermental or lukewarm performances, there are many teams this season that simply don't have the luxury of having a steadfast QB.

I can understand injuries since that is one of the unfortunate side effects of playing professional football. But, the effectiveness factor can be puzzling because it can be linked to the talent evaluators on the team, and that's never a good thing if you're a diehard fan of that team. It's not right if you cringe everytime the NFL commissioner walks up to the podium to announce the selection.

All in all, it appears that there is a serious shortage of NFL quarterbacks that you can hang your hat on these days.

Miami, Minnesota, Carolina, and Arizona have (or will have) been through three after Sunday which is Week 11. Atlanta can't make up their mind who to go with week after week. The NY Jets and KC (along with Miami) have made QB switches that appear to be them ushering in a new era but doing it in mid-season sometimes can backfire on you.

To summerize, it's very safe and fair to say that San Francisco, Miami, Minnesota, Baltimore, KC, Chicago, Atlanta, and Carolina aren't quite sure if their franchise quarterback is on their roster right now.

Other teams such as Jacksonville, Houston, Arizona, St. Louis, and Buffalo just have not been able to find chemistry and consistency from the QB position due to injury.

Denver, Tennessee, San Diego, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and New Orleans have quarterbacks that are simply not playing to their potential for a variety of reasons.

Now, let's look at those teams that have "Sherman Tank" QB's. New England, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Green Bay are a combined 39-6 and leading their respective divisions.

Ironically, all AFC division leaders have quarterbacks that were drafted by that team and have grown up in that house since Draft Day and have come into their own over time. That's the key. These teams have GM's and owners who have learned patience and home-grown their leaders.

All NFC division leaders have QB's that were either not drafted period or came from another team. It's mind-boggling that Tony Romo was not drafted by the Cowboys, but rather he was signed as an undrafted rookie. Brett Favre was drafted by Atlanta in 1991 and played two games (this just about doesn't count.) Tampa Bay is led by Jeff Garcia who is playing for his fifth team, and Seattle's Matt Hasselbeck was drafted by Green Bay in 1999 and was traded to the Seahawks in 2001.

Isn't it also interesting that the AFC has won 8 of the past 10 Super Bowls?

I guess it goes to show that patience and not being trigger-happy pays off in the end and that's hard to do in today's NFL. It also helps to have a staff of men who know talent when they see it.

I wonder if we'll see someone step up this week and take over as field general for years to come.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-4) at Atlanta Falcons (3-6): FOX, 1pm EST - Both teams struggle in stopping the run, but Tampa's overall defense is ranked 6th in the league and should have no trouble vs. this tepid Atlanta offense led this week by Byron Leftwich. EDDIE'S PICK - TAMPA BAY
• NY Giants (6-3) at Detroit Lions (6-3): FOX, 1pm EST - These are two very similar squads each needing a win to stay within striking range of their division leader. Detroit's dangerous passing attack and their passion for creating turnovers mixed with the home-field crowd will probably be too much for Eli and Co. EDDIE'S PICK - DETROIT
• Arizona Cardinals (4-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-6): FOX, 1pm EST - If Cincy has a prayer for making any noise in their division, it has to start with a huge victory over an Arizona team that is struggling on the road or the Bengals just might flat line. EDDIE'S PICK - CINCINNATI
• Carolina Panthers (4-5) at Green Bay Packers (8-1): FOX, 1pm EST - Vinny Testaverde, 44, and Brett Favre, 38, combine this Sunday to become the oldest starting QB tandem in history at 82 years, 44 days. When Vinny made his NFL debut, the Cold War was still going on much like Carolina's icy passing attack these days. I expect the youngster to have another big day at home. EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• New Orleans Saints (4-5) at Houston Texans (4-5): FOX, 1pm EST - In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans took DE Mario Williams for the #1 pick instead of Reggie Bush who next went to the Saints. This Sunday, they meet for the first time, and I expect Reggie wants to make a statement in front of the Houston crowd. However, the Texans get WR Andre Johnson back to face this porous Saints secondary. EDDIE'S PICK - HOUSTON
• Cleveland Browns (5-4) at Baltimore Ravens (4-5): CBS, 1pm EST - Much like Cincy, these two teams face a must-win situation if they want to have any hope of staying close to Pittsburgh and at least nab a wild-card slot. Kyle Boller is back as starting QB, and this will be Browns RB Jamal Lewis' first trip back to Baltimore since leaving via free agency last year. EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Miami Dolphins (0-9) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-5): CBS, 1pm EST - As the Man in Black would say, "I fell in to a burning ring of fire. I went down, down, down and the flames went higher. And it burns, burns, burns, the ring of fire... EDDIE'S PICK - PHILADELPHIA
• Oakland Raiders (2-7) at Minnesota Vikings (3-6): CBS, 1pm EST - You could hear worms crawl in Minneapolis when Adrian Peterson went down with a knee injury in Green Bay last week. This will be Daunte Culpepper's first time to play in Minnesota vs. his old team wearing another team's jersey. Something tells me that the Vikings faithful will not have a "prodigal son" welcome for him. EDDIE'S PICK - MINNESOTA
• San Diego Chargers (5-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3): CBS, 1pm EST - Both teams beat AFC South opponents last week, and those contests held the same amount of importance as this battle does. Thanks to the Chargers, J-town is nipping at Indy's heels along with Tennessee, and San Diego is now on top of the very weak AFC West. These two teams also each exhibit formidable defenses and strong running games while also having inconsistencies at QB. This will be a fun one to watch! EDDIE'S PICK - JACKSONVILLE
• Kansas City Chiefs (4-5) at Indianapolis Colts (7-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Watching Peyton Manning last Sunday night was like watching Old Yeller over and over. You can't help but love Manning and watch his football precocity as he directs his men in playing the game into which he pours his heart and love. Each interception, in his bids to stay in the game, was like a shotgun to the head of each drive. I feel a redemption game coming and this KC 21st-ranked secondary just might be the cure. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2) at the NY Jets (1-8): CBS, 4:05pm EST - Jets QB Kellen Clemens said recently, "There's no questioning the heart or the desire or the work ethic of this team. We're just falling short." If the word "short" means scoring 159 points and giving up 228 this year, then I'd have to agree. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• Chicago Bears (4-5) at Seattle Seahawks (5-4): FOX, 4:15pm EST - RB Maurice Morris gets the start for Seattle after coach Mike Holmgren told the gimpy and lame Shaun Alexander that he wasn't going to see any action on Sundays until he can practice for an entire week. This is probably good news for Seattle as they face a Bears defense that ranks 26th in stopping the run. Seattle was kicked out of the 2006 playoffs in the divisional round after Chicago's Robbie Gould kicked a 49-yarder to win it in OT. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE
• St. Louis Rams (1-8) at San Francisco 49ers (2-7): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Two living nightmares collide by The Bay....sounds like a storyline for a Freddy Krueger vs. Jason movie. EDDIE'S PICK - ST. LOUIS
• Washington Redskins (5-4) at Dallas Cowboys (8-1): FOX, 4:15pm EST - This is probably the most storied and heated rivalry in professional sports, but it's lost a little bit of its luster and meaning as both squads have struggled in recent years. A Washington win vs. a powerhouse Dallas squad in Texas Stadium would definitely bring guts and glory back into this encounter. Dallas has won 10 of the las 11 contests at home. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• New England Patriots (9-0) at Buffalo Bills (5-4): NBC, 8:15pm EST - No one is talking about Buffalo, but they've won four straight since that riduculous loss to Dallas six weeks ago at home. Tonight, reality picks them up and body-slams them to the turf. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ENGLAND
• Tennessee Titans (6-3) at Denver Broncos (4-5): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - The MVP for each team just might be their kickers as Rob Bironas and Jason Elam have been instrumental in bringing their respective teams to where they are right now. Tennessee has won their last two road MNF games, and Mike Shanahan is 10-4 at home on Monday nights. EDDIE'S PICK - DENVER
  
  STANDINGS
  Bob Costas: 8-6, 95-49
  Cris Collinsworth: 6-8, 94-50
  Eddie Chinn: 6-8, 93-51
  Cris Carter: 7-7, 91-51
  Dan Marino: 5-9, 88-56
  Sean Salisbury: 7-7, 87-57
  Chris Mortensen: 7-7, 87-57

Week 10 Reflections

Peyton Manning threw 6 interceptions.

Adam Vinatieri missed a 42 AND 29-yard field goal...in the same game!

And, I think I heard that the sand and salt trucks are out in full force along the roads of Hell.

I watched the game last night, and it looked like I was watching a rookie QB facing the #1 defense in the NFL. Manning appeared as though he'd been struck with a sudden case of color-blindness. I can't ever remember holding my breath and chanting the Lord's Prayer when Peyton dropped back to pass...even when he was a rookie.

Was there a full moon out last night?

Vinatieri looked like one of those run-of-the-mill kickers that might have had a stint in Dallas under Parcells and got sent packing after one game. He was not even close to being the clutch kicker that I watched time and again win games when it mattered especially in those Super Bowl wins. Mr. Automatic looked like Mr. Sporadic.

But, think about it. Manning throwing six INT's and Vinatieri missing two field goals in the same game (especially one to win it) made you think like you were in a Twilight Zone episode. It wouldn't have surprised me a bit if the scrolling sports ticker along the bottom of my screen had started posting, "NCAA football adopts playoff system...Free agent Alex Rodgriguez wants to play for the Pittsburgh Pirates...Mavericks owner Mark Cuban declares bankruptcy...Patriots coach Bill Belichick invests in Boston comedy club..."

And, that wasn't the only odd and startling occurrences that spewed all over the NFL landscape this past Sunday.

• The once-winless St. Louis Rams beat the surging Saints IN New Orleans 37-29 becoming the highest-scoring team in Week 10! I would imagine the divorce rate among gamblers went up a tad yesterday after the money lost on that game.
• Minnesota phenom rookie RB Adrian Peterson was held to 45 yards vs. Green Bay and left the game with a torn ligament in his leg as the Packers dominated 34-0! It's not known how long A.P. will be out.
• Denver beat KC in Arrowhead for the first time since 2002 by scoring two TD's in nine seconds.
• Despite taking the loss on a last second field goal, Cleveland showed me that they just might be for real after dominating Pittsburgh at home for most of the game only to succumb to Big Ben's comeback heroics.
• Carolina extended their home loss streak at 4. That is really hard to do.
• Packers undrafted rookie RB Ryan Grant surpassed the 100-yard mark for the second time in the third NFL game of his life.
• Philly has been through a ton of scrutiny with McNabb's poor play and coach Andy Reid's personal trouble. To go in to FedEx Field and manhandle the Redskins speaks volumes.
• Bears QB Rex Grossman came off the bench to lead Chicago past Oakland. Let me say that again --- Bears QB Rex Grossman came off the bench to lead Chicago to a win past Oakland.
• Detroit amassed -18 yards rushing vs. Arizona. Negative 18 yards rushing for the whole game! It's the worst rushing team performance since 1949.

GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN WEEK 11
WASHINGTON AT DALLAS, NY GIANTS AT DETROIT, KANSAS CITY AT INDIANAPOLIS, SAN DIEGO AT JACKSONVILLE, NEW ENGLAND AT BUFFALO, TENNESSEE AT DENVER

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 10

Unless you've recently suffered a head injury which makes you spontaneously mutter like Rain Man whenever someone turns on an electronic device, you know that this has been one of the most exciting NFL seasons in recent history if not ever.

Who would have thought that in the first half of the season, Tom Brady would have 33 TD passes in leading this well-oiled machine called The 9-0 New England Patriots? And, now the watch is on to see if they can go 16-0!

How about the legendary Brett Favre? He's 38 and has contemplated retirement for the last few years. He decided to play this year with the league's youngest team and has created some magical moments while on pace to having the best year of his career with these 7-1 Packers!

When the season began, Browns QB Derek Anderson was Charlie Frye's backup and some even considered him #3 due to the drafting of Brady Quinn in April. After Game 1, Frye was traded to Seattle and Anderson was named the starter. Some are wondering if Quinn will ever get to play. Anderson is having a monster year and statistically is right up there with Manning and Brady as he leads a very surprising 5-3 Cleveland team.

Minnesota rookie RB Adrian Peterson is simply ridiculous. In his first eight games, A.P. has rushed for 1,036 yards on 158 carries for 6.6 yards/carry and 8 TD's. He's already rushed for over 200 yards twice and set the NFL single-game rushing record last week vs. San Diego. What's extremely scary as well is that Peterson has more to learn to become the complete back that he's gifted to be. If he stays healthy and can add reslience to his resume', this dynamic and explosive player will be up there among the all-time greats sooner than later.

After 9 games, Patriots WR Randy Moss is putting up extraordinary numbers. He has 56 receptions for 924 yards and 12 TD's....after 9 games! His best year ever was in 2003 when he recorded 111 catches for 1,632 yards and 17 TD's. And, it's not only the stats that are impressive, but the way he's playing. You could put together a highlight reel for the season's Top Ten catches this year and they could all be Moss. He's fast, has tremendous agility and vision, and can suck in a football like a vacuum.

And who can't help but root for, or at least watch with amazement, the kind of seasons that Green Bay, Cleveland, Tennessee, and Detroit are having? How about the Chargers and Saints? They started out being dead in the water and have risen from the grave and are already on the cusp of taking over their respective divisions.

I could go on and on.

This whirlpool of flurry, parity, and history is enough to make any NFL fan's head spin. I would expect that Week 10 has some more surprises in store for all of us.

• Atlanta Falcons (2-6) at Carolina Panthers (4-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Due to both squads having QB's suffering from "Heath Shuler Syndrome (HSS)" right now, this one very well might come down to the best running attack. That edge goes to Carolina who has yet to win at home. EDDIE'S PICK - CAROLINA
• Minnesota Vikings (3-5) at Green Bay Packers (7-1): FOX, 1pm EST - The Pack are on a roll and their 8th-ranked rush defense have the honor to welcome RB Adrian Peterson to Lambeau. QB Brett Favre and Co. will be facing the league's 31st-ranked pass defense. This classic NFC North battle could be a high-scoring and memorable game! EDDIE'S PICK - GREEN BAY
• St. Louis Rams (0-8) at New Orleans Saints (4-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Hey, St. Louis...Wanna get away? EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• Philadelphia Eagles (3-5) at Washington Redskins (5-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Coming back very strong after a deflating loss to Dallas at home last week and beating the Skins on their home turf is about as likely as Stephen Colbert winning the Presidency. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• Denver Broncos (3-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-4): CBS, 1pm EST - Coach Herm Edwards has never lost to an AFC West opponent at home, and the Chiefs have beaten the Broncos the last four times they've played at Arrowhead. QB Jay Cutler is out with a badly bruised leg so the infamous Patrick Ramsey will be at the helm. EDDIE'S PICK - KC
• Buffalo Bills (4-4) at Miami Dolphins (0-8): CBS, 1pm EST - A bye last week should have given Miami plenty of time to rest, relax, and get re-focused in time to get destroyed by Buffalo. EDDIE'S PICK - BUFFALO
• Cleveland Browns (5-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): CBS, 1pm EST - The last time that these two heated rivals met was Game 1 which ushered in the Derek Anderson era as Pitt rolled 34-7. The Steelers are coming off an electrifying annihilation of Baltimore to stay undefeated at home. Expect Cleveland to put up a much better fight than last time, but the Steelers are still a much better team. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH
• Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) at Tennessee Titans (6-2): CBS, 1pm EST - I don't care what anyone else says. My vote for AFC Coach of the Year is Jeff Fisher. The Titans defense is ranked #1, and their running attack is #3. J-town might have David Garrard back but that won't matter against the Titans at home. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE
• Cincinnati Bengals (2-6) at Baltimore Ravens (4-4): CBS, 4:05pm EST - These are two very weak teams right now, but the Ravens defense vs. this sluggish Bengals offense should be the difference. EDDIE'S PICK - BALTIMORE
• Detroit Lions (6-2) at Arizona Cardinals (3-5): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Everyone is talking about Detroit being for real, but if Arizona can utilitze RB Edgerrin James effectively to control the clock and keep the Lions' porous defense on the field, then the Cardinals can stay in the hunt for the NFC West. EDDIE'S PICK - ARIZONA
• Dallas Cowboys (7-1) at NY Giants (6-2): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Yes, it's true that these NY Giants aren't the same Big Blue squad that got slung around Texas Stadium in Week 1. This isn't the same Cowboys team either. EDDIE'S PICK - DALLAS
• Chicago Bears (3-5) at Oakland Raiders (2-6): FOX, 4:15pm EST - I hear American Gangster is really good. EDDIE'S PICK - OAKLAND
• Indianapolis Colts (7-1) at San Diego Chargers (4-4): NBC, 8:15pm EST - This very well could be a more entertaining game than last week's Colts-Patriots battle. Indy is a very good road team, and the Chargers are still smarting after getting seared by Adrian Peterson last week. It doesn't get much better with Joseph Addai coming to town. Needless to say, both teams are hungry to get the bitter tastes out of their mouth from last week. You might want to hook up your catheter. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• San Francisco 49ers (2-6) at Seattle Seahawks (4-4): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Dancing With The Stars or CSI:Miami would be nice alternatives....or you can just turn off your TV. EDDIE'S PICK - SEATTLE

BYE: NEW ENGLAND, HOUSTON, TAMPA BAY, NY JETS

STANDINGS
Cris Collinsworth: 10-4, 88-42
Eddie Chinn: 9-5, 87-43
Bob Costas: 10-4, 87-43
Cris Carter: 11-3, 84-46
Dan Marino: 11-3, 83-47
Sean Salisbury: 8-6, 80-50
Chris Mortensen: 5-9, 80-50

NFL Week 9 Reflections

Oh, how I love the NFL!

Every season, there is at least one week that so captures the embodiment of the National Football League that it's just breathtaking.

Week 9 was stuffed with huge plays, massive hits, unexpected blowouts, overtime drama, key injuries, and crystal pure aggression while being sprinkled with irony, old-style smashmouth football, and history. Then, it was garnished with a memorable battle that revealed a shocking revelation.

If you had a ticket to the San Diego-Minnesota game and weren't able to go, Ebay is waiting on you. As fans poured into the stadium, I wonder if any of them knew what they were about to witness. Rookie RB Adrian Peterson has played 8 games in his green NFL career and now holds the single-game rushing record of 296 yards...253 of which came in the second half! This performance of the ages overshadowed the longest play in NFL history that can only be tied. Antonio Cromartie caught a missed field goal about 3" from the back goal line and proceeded to run the table 109 yards for a TD. Where was L.T.?

It appears that Detroit is for real after they dismembered Denver 44-7. I'm still holding out to see if the real Millen Lions show up, but the catalyst of their team's success is their defense that leads the league with 24 takeaways while scoring three times. All that does is give the offense more shorter fields to operate on and find the end zone. They continued that dominance against the Broncos by scoring on an interception and fumble recovery while also taking out QB Jay Cutler whose leg got caught in the middle of a mangled collision of bodies.

Buffalo is starting to simmer after winning its last three games since that meltdown vs. Dallas much in part to another rookie RB lighting it up this year in Marshawn Lynch. The Bills took care of business by trouncing Cincy 33-21 thanks to Lynch's 56-yard explosion to the end zone and throwing a 8-yard TD pass. Do you realize that if Denver had not gotten off that field goal in the final seconds in Game 1 and Dallas hadn't pulled off that miracle in Game 4, that Buffalo would be 6-2? This will be an interesting team to watch in the second half of the season.

A third straight victory by the Titans after their 20-7 whipping of Carolina has them at 6-2 only one game behind Indy. Their defense is red-hot ranked 2nd in the league in total defense and takeaway behind Detroit. QB Vince Young is looking like a watered-down Michael Vick but is finding ways to win...again...much in part to the Tennessee defense giving him many opportunities with shorter fields.

Brett Favre accomplished yet another feat by leading the Pack over the Chiefs who became Favre's 31st victim in his illustrious NFL career. He became the third QB in NFL history to beat 31 teams. The other two are Peyton Manning and Tom Brady who did it the week before in Week 8. Chiefs RB Larry Johnson's surging season just might have been halted for awhile after a high ankle sprain occurred late in the game. Rumors are also out that it is broken.

Overtime wins by Washington and Cleveland kept their seasons on an upbeat note as they look for ways to stay in their respective wild-card chases. The Redskins are probably the worst 5-3 team in the league as their offense still makes you hold your breath when Campbell goes back to pass or hands off the ball to the NFL's most overrated RB. Cleveland has the league's worst defense but thier offense is clicking. This isn't going to take you very far so their defense has got to button up if they want to nail down a chance to play in January.

The Saints are not just marching in, but rather steam-rolling through their opponents as they won their fourth straight by manhandling the Jags 41-24 at home. New Orleans is looking like the team that led them to the NFC Championship last year and that is terrible news to Carolina and Tampa who were looking to volley the division lead when the season began. With the Panthers lackluster play and Tampa's inconsistency, this Saints team could streak past them and dominate this division. Maurice Jones-Drew released a linebacker-type hit on Jason Craft after Craft's game-ending interception that just made you hurt watching it.

A return trip to Philly for the second time since becoming a Dallas Cowboy was memorable for Terrell Owens after catching 10 passes for 174 yards and a 45-yard TD that put the game away. Dallas shredded Philly and destroyed all doubt that they can no longer win at The Linc. The highlight of the game was a league-fining hit on TE Jason Witten which removed his helmet but kept him upright. Witten continued to rumble 53 yards with no helmet and blood coming from his nose to set up a Dallas field goal. That play was priceless, will be on many highlight films to come, and turned over a new leaf for Dallas as their toughness reputation went up a few notches.

"Super Bowl 41.5" saw the Indianapolis Colts dominating the Patriots most of the game only to let it slip from their fingers in the last few minutes and allow New England to win their ninth straight. This Pats victory was jaw-dropping not only because it was their ninth straight victory but it revealed that New England is human. They set a franchise record in penalty yards with 146, and they only scored 24 points after scoring at least 34 in their first eight games.

The next time someone offers you a ticket to an NFL game, take it. You never know what's going to happen.

GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN WEEK 10
MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY, JACKSONVILLE AT TENNESSEE, DENVER AT KC, CLEVELAND AT PITTSBURGH, DALLAS AT NY GIANTS, INDIANAPOLIS AT SAN DIEGO

NFL 2007 Forecast: Week 9

Well, we're halfway through the 2007 season and what a season it has been! A couple of teams are playing in a league of their own while a few others are on the radar and don't want to be forgotten. As usual during this time of the season, there's a cartel of teams that are hovering around the .500 mark but still in the mix of being candidates for the playoff season. There are yet other squads who are hanging off a cliff by the tips of their fingers while the rest are bottom-feeding and need to address some serious issues for the sake of their franchises.

Here's a look at how the divisions appear to be shaping up and who I'd give NFL awards to based on their first-half performance.

In the AFC East, I think it's a given that the Patriots can be crowned division champs now. While the gap between Indy and the rest of the AFC South isn't as large, they have a commanding presence that will more than likely widen but I wouldn't count out Tennessee and their young defense to be in the thick of the playoff hunt. The AFC North appears to be Pittsburgh's. Baltimore and Cleveland are a game behind at 4-3, and my money is actually on Cleveland who could be the front-runner in this season's Cinderella team. It's nothing but a bottle neck in the AFC West where San Diego is starting to throw it in fifth gear to separate itself from KC and Denver who could be the worse 3-4 team in the league.

Dallas began the season as the team to beat in the NFC but the Giants have something to say about that as they have hung around near the top of the NFC East after winning six straight. Washington is 4-3 but very well could make a playoff run with Gibbs at the helm. Philly is 3-4 making this the most competitive division in the NFC. In the NFC South, Carolina and Tampa's grip on the division appears to be slipping with is good news for the surging Saints. If anyone wants to win the NFC West, please raise your hand. Seattle is inconsistent, Arizona is having QB problems, San Fran can't score, and the Rams need Jesus.

My first-half award for Coach of the Year has to go to Packers coach Mike McCarthy who has done wonders to get this team to 6-1 with a rattled running game. His defense is oozing chemistry and it doesn't help having #4 at QB.

Rookie of the Year is hands down Vikings RB Adrian Peterson. He's the NFL's leading rusher at 740 yards and will be the anchor that this Minnesota needs to build around for the future.

My league MVP is, of course, Tom Brady. The Patriots QB is on pace to shatter many passing records this season and appears to be impenetrable. And, there's no doubt that Brett Favre deserves some recognition as well.

Let's take a look at Week 9 and see how this second-half might begin. Enjoy, football fans!

• San Diego Chargers(4-3) at Minnesota Vikings (2-5): CBS, 1pm EST - L.T. vs. A.P. The match-up of two of the league's most explosive runners will be fun to watch as they each face stout run defenses. EDDIE'S PICK - SAN DIEGO
• Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) at New Orleans Saints (3-4): CBS, 1pm EST - The Saints are marching back to respectability as is the Jaguars running attack. The difference could be at QB and the edge is huge in Drew Brees' favor. EDDIE'S PICK - NEW ORLEANS
• Cincinnati Bengals (2-5) at Buffalo Bills (3-4): CBS, 1pm EST - This has sloppy written all over it. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but it appears that these are two teams going in different directions. The Bengals are unravelling, and the Bills appear to have something working despite the return of J.P. Losman. EDDIE'S PICK - BUFFALO
• Denver Broncos (3-4) at Detroit Lions (5-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Not only is Detroit turning heads with their offense and takeaway-happy defense, but their running game is picking up and this is not good news for the league's worst run defense. EDDIE'S PICK - DETROIT
• Carolina Panthers (4-3) at Tennessee Titans (5-2): FOX, 1pm EST - This Titans defense vs. the subpar offense of Carolina just might create a mismatch and give Vince Young some shorter fields to work with. EDDIE'S PICK - TENNESSEE
• Arizona Cardinals (3-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Coming off a bye typically gives the team an edge. Speaking of which, Edgerrin James will have to have a big game due to the QB ailments hampering the Cards right now, and this Bucs 8th-ranked defense might have something to say about that. EDDIE'S PICK - TAMPA BAY
• Washington Redskins (4-3) at NY Jets (1-7): FOX, 1pm EST - Winterize your yard. EDDIE'S PICK - WASHINGTON
• San Francisco 49ers (2-5) at Atlanta Falcons (1-6): FOX, 1pm EST - Both of these squads are very close to preparing for next year so it might be a good time to catch Bee Movie. EDDIE'S PICK - ATLANTA
• Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Brett Favre has beaten 31 teams in his illustrious career. The only team that he hasn't beaten is KC who is 21-4 vs. the NFC at home. While Favre is having a historic season, this atmosphere and surging Chiefs team should bring the Pack back down to earth. EDDIE'S PICK - KANSAS CITY
• Seattle Seahawks (4-3) at Cleveland Browns (4-3): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Which Seattle team will show up for this critical game for both teams? I bet I know which Browns team takes the field. EDDIE'S PICK - CLEVELAND
• Houston Texans (3-5) at Oakland Raiders (2-5): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Both teams have lost three straight, and Houston is the only NFL team that the Raiders have never beaten. Will there be a JaMarcus Russell sighting this week? EDDIE'S PICK - OAKLAND
• New England Patriots (8-0) at Indianapolis Colts (7-0): CBS, 4:15pm EST - This is the first time in NFL history that two undefeated teams with 7-0 or better records have faced each other. Indy has won the past three contests vs. the Patriots and twelve straight games (including playoffs). New England is smoking hot and have won 11 straight. You've heard the hype. You couldn't find two more balanced and evenly-matched teams to bring you this "Super Bowl" game in the middle of the season. Sit back and watch history. EDDIE'S PICK - INDIANAPOLIS
• Dallas Cowboys (6-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (3-4): NBC, 8:15pm EST - Don't look at the records or standings. You can talk match-ups and stats all day long and all of that would favor the Cowboys. QB Tony Romo has never played at The Linc. That speaks volumes despite his new lucrative contract. EDDIE'S PICK - PHILADELPHIA
• Baltimore Ravens (4-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Since 1992, Pittsburgh is 11-0 at home on Monday Night Football. The league's top two defenses will square off but I think the Steelers will have an easier time stopping the Ravens offense. EDDIE'S PICK - PITTSBURGH

BYE: MIAMI, NY GIANTS, CHICAGO, ST. LOUIS

STANDINGS:
Cris Collinsworth: 9-4, 78-38
Eddie Chinn: 10-3, 78-38
Bob Costas: 8-5, 77-39
Chris Mortensen: 8-5, 75-41
Cris Carter: 8-5, 73-43
Dan Marino: 8-5, 72-44
Sean Salisbury: 9-4, 72-44

Week 8 Reflections

This just in....

New England just scored again. They converted a 4th and 16 from the Washington 20 and then Randy Moss hauled in his 6th TD catch to put the Pats up 98-10. Joe Gibbs went home, the rest of the fans have huddled in one of the end zones and are in the middle of a serious poker tournament, and Bill Belichick is taking a nap on one of the bleachers while his 4th-string QB calls the plays. It's really getting ugly (and putrid) in FedEx Field as just about every NFL offensive record for a single game has been broken today by the New England offense. Half the refs are lawyers and have had to call in to clients with their blue-tooth headsets while running down the field and calling penalties (54 total.)

Ok, yes, this is a stretch as I know the NFL game is not timeless like baseball, but don't tell the Redskins that as they probably thought the game was never going to end. While this extremely exaggerated mind picture leans towards being a fable, there's nothing fake about just how good this Patriots team has been this year. They have scored 331 points through eight games giving them 41.4 points per game. The NFL record for most points averaged per game in a season is 38.8 by the 1950 Los Angeles Rams. Tom Brady has already thrown for a career-high 30 TD passes in one season and we're entering Week 9. He is on pace to shatter Peyton Manning's single-season TD pass record of 49.

While New England continues its supreme dominance and faces an epic showdown with the unbeaten Colts this Sunday, they have also shown that this is a great time to be a sports fan in the New England area.

The Boston Red Sox swept the Rockies in the World Series to become MLB champions for the second time in four years. In true Patriots fashion, the Sox plowed through Colorado in four straight games before some US citizens were even aware that the World Series had begun.

The Boston Celtics have basically been handed the Atlantic Division crown by fans and media pundits. After acquiring Kevin Garnett, who's like a praying mantis on steroids, and sharp-shooter Ray Allen to along with mainstay Paul Pierce in the off-season, the Celtic Pride's new three-headed monster should wreck havoc in the NBA this season.

The Boston College Eagles are ranked #2 in college football and are looking at a very possible national championship game in January depending on the emotional state of the BCS.

The Boston Bruins are 7-4 and one of the hottest teams in the NHL winning those seven games in their last ten. The fact that I even know this gives me reason to think that I need a CAT scan.

Could it be that the explosive nature of the Patriots is so infectious that the other sports teams are catching it?

Other notes and observations from Week 8:

• Brett Favre is having a magical season and the highlight has to be the 82-yard bomb to Greg Jennings on the first play of OT to beat Denver on their home turf in the cold. I feel honored just to watch him on TV.
• Don't look now, but New Orleans and San Diego are simmering as they look to boil over and make a serious run to win their divisions after sluggish starts.
• Why are we playing in London and not Los Angeles?
• It's entirely possible that the Patriots will have more wins this year than all of their divisional opponents combined.
• Drew Bledsoe turned down an offer to play for Jacksonville. Trust me, it's a good thing.
• Dallas' bye couldn't have come at a better time as their next three games are at Philly, at NY Giants, and home to the Skins.
• Titans QB Vince Young is developing into a star and is finding ways to win football games, but I'm beginning to wonder if he'll ever meet the hype that was generated when he was drafted. At the rate he's going, he's definitely looking to be the next McNair instead of the next McNabb.

GAMES TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN WEEK 9
DENVER AT DETROIT, DALLAS AT PHILLY, CAROLINA AT TENNESSEE, JACKSONVILLE AT NEW ORLEANS, GREEN BAY AT KC, BALTIMORE AT PITTSBURGH, NEW ENGLAND AT INDIANAPOLIS.