NFL 2008 Week 13 Picks

Thoughts and observations from Week 12:

- Donovan McNabb is currently not a Hall-of-Fame caliber QB, and needs a change of scenery.

- All four NFC East teams' defenses are among the top-10 in the league.

- Denver is the worst division leader in the NFL right now, and has to have the lowest morale after getting blasted by Oakland at home.

- The Jets and Colts are poised to be very serious contenders to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Who would love to see Favre and Manning in the AFC Championship game?

- The elements are there for an all-New York or Manning-reunion Super Bowl.

- It's still early, but it's very likely that a 10-6 team in the NFC will not make the playoffs.

- Brett Favre's pilgrimage since March 4th has been staggering and unique...much like his career.

And with that, let's take a look at the Thanksgiving games and the rest of the Week 13 match-ups:

• Tennessee Titans (10-1) at Detroit Lions (0-11): CBS, 12:30pm EST, Thanksgiving Day - Moving right along...

• Seattle Seahawks (2-9) at Dallas Cowboys (7-4): NBC, 4:15pm EST, Thanksgiving Day - Seattle's last two Thanksgiving visits to Texas Stadium has resulted in a combined score of 82-21.

• Arizona Cardinals (7-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-5-1): NFLN, 8:15pm EST, Thanksgiving Day - The Cardinals have won more games vs. Philadelphia than any other team they've faced in their franchise's history.

• San Francisco 49ers (3-8) at Buffalo Bills (6-5): FOX, 1pm EST - After shredding KC's defense for 54 points last week in KC, my bet's on the Bills taking care of business at home vs. another weak defense who got sliced up vs. Dallas on the road.

• Carolina Panthers (8-3) at Green Bay Packers (5-6): FOX, 1pm EST - If there were ever a game that Packers QB Aaron Rodgers needed to play like his life depended on it, it would be this one as the Pack must win to stay close to Chicago and Minnesota. I have a feeling that the Lambeau mystique might stop by and say hello.

• New Orleans Saints (6-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Saints QB Drew Brees is having a career year, but this Tampa secondary is ranked #2 in the league, and the Bucs have yet to lose a game at home.

• NY Giants (10-1) at Washington Redskins (7-4): FOX, 1pm EST - If the Skins want to disrupt the defending champs' current surge, they will need to open up the offense, control the clock, and avoid turnovers.

• Baltimore Ravens (7-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-9-1): CBS, 1pm EST - WR Chad Johnson will be back with the team after being suspended by the Ravens for detrimental conduct. His return, though, is like sending in a check for $1000 to help with the national debt.

• Indianapolis Colts (7-4) at Cleveland Browns (4-7): CBS, 1pm EST - Indy is 4-2 on the road this season, and they travel to the Dawg Pound to take on a Browns team whose only home win this season is against the defending Super Bowl champions. QB Brady Quinn is out for the year.

• Miami Dolphins (6-5) at St. Louis Rams (2-9): CBS, 1pm EST - The first two picks in the 2008 NFL Draft square off against each other as Dolphins T Jake Long will face Rams DE Chris Long.

• Atlanta Falcons (7-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-7): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Former Chargers RB Michael Turner who was L.T.'s backup returns to southern California to face his former team and protege'.

• Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) at New England Patriots (7-4): CBS, 4:15pm EST - The Steelers are 7-1 in the AFC while the Pats are 5-4. New England spanked Miami last week by running up 48 points on that 20th ranked defense. Pittsburgh is #1.

• Denver Broncos (6-5) at NY Jets (8-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - The last time Brett Favre faced Denver was in Week 7 last season. He torched that Broncos secondary in OT with an 82-yard TD pass. Things aren't much different as the Broncos secondary is ranked 25th.

• Kansas City Chiefs (1-10) at Oakland Raiders (3-8): CBS, 4:15pm EST - The room is spinning -- I need to lie down.

• Chicago Bears (6-5) at Minnesota Vikings (6-5): NBC, 8:15pm EST - RB Adrian Peterson has chewed up a bunch of yards vs. Chicago and I expect he'll have the same success at home on the national stage.

• Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7) at Houston Texans (4-7): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - CSI: Miami starts at halftime.

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 11-5, 120-56

Mark Schlereth: 12-4, 115-61

Eddie Chinn: 10-6, 114-62

Mike Golic: 7-9, 102-73

Ron Jaworski: 13-2, 108-56

NFL 2008 Week 12 Picks

Thoughts from Week 11...

- Pittsburgh beat San Diego 11-10 in a very tough, cold, and ugly battle. It was the first time in NFL history that a game ended with this score.

- Tons of media pundits kept hammering the fact that Tony Romo returning wasn't going to make Dallas that much better. Let's ask Washington now what they think.

- The Tennessee "Run-down-your-throat" Titans have passed for 519 yards and 5 TD's in their last two games. Who knew they had it in them?

- Just in case no one has noticed...Carolina is 8-2. These sly Panthers have silently compiled the 2nd-best record in the NFC.

- Eagles QB Donovan McNabb said that he didn't know that NFL games ended in a tie after one OT period. That's kind of like an Olympic athlete saying that he didn't realize there's a medal for third place.

- Brett Favre and the Jets are 7-3. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are 5-5. I wonder if the Packers brass is having a "Wanna get away?" moment.

- If Indianapolis makes the playoffs, look out.

- I think it was a great move by Cleveland to begin the Brady Quinn-era when they did. This gives him plenty of time to grow and get polished since this year is a wash considering Pittsburgh seemingly has the AFC North wrapped up.

- I'm so glad to see Mike Singletary get that first win under his belt. The rest of the season is a very tough stretch of games for the Niners.

- The only team that I believe has their division wrapped up is Arizona.

- There are six weeks left in the season. It's time to get serious.

• Cincinnati Bengals (1-8-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3): NFLN, 8:15pm EST, Thursday Night - Check out The Office.
  

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) at Detroit Lions (0-10): FOX, 1pm EST - Isn't it interesting that no one has hired Matt Millen?

• Chicago Bears (5-5) at St. Louis Rams (2-8): FOX, 1pm EST - This dreadful Rams defense appears to be the perfect remedy for Chicago who is battered and bruised after last week's annihilation by Green Bay.

• Minnesota Vikings (5-5) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6): FOX, 1pm EST - Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew has scored six TD's in the last three games. He faces the league's #2 rushing defense, but the Vikes are 1-4 on the road.

• Philadelphia Eagles (5-4-1) at Baltimore Ravens (6-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Well, it's official: Philly's offense scares no one. Their rushing attack is weak which means that McNabb must air it out constantly...pretty easy to figure out. The McNabb era just might be over after this season.

• San Francisco 49ers (3-7) at Dallas Cowboys (6-4): FOX, 1pm EST - As the Texas Stadium era winds down, each home game will be a live hornet's nest.

• NY Jets (7-3) at Tennessee Titans (10-0): CBS, 1pm EST - I love this match-up. Two grizzled veterans having really good years leading their divisions. Favre will have to have a perfect game on the road facing a defense that is #1 in turnover ratio and loves to pressure the QB into quick decisions. It won't surprise me to see Brett Favre and Co. beat the Titans, but Tennessee should stay strong at home.

• Buffalo Bills (5-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-9): CBS, 1pm EST - Buffalo is in a tail spin having lost 4 in a row, and KC has already crashed losing their last 6 games. Something has to give this Sunday, and I'm guessing it will be Larry Johnson and Co. at home.

• New England Patriots (6-4) at Miami Dolphins (6-4): CBS, 1pm EST - These two teams are very evenly matched statistically and are tied for second in the AFC East. Miami is hot right now, and a win could mean a share of first if the Titans beat NY.

• Houston Texans (3-7) at Cleveland Browns (4-6): CBS, 1pm EST - While the Brady Quinn era is getting revved up, the Browns defense is hurting and soft. Houston hasn't won on the road this season, but their offense is #5 in the league and is primed for the upset.

• Oakland Raiders (2-8) at Denver Broncos (6-4): CBS, 4:05pm EST - There is not one positive thing to say about the Raiders who have scored two offensive TD's in the last six games. Both defenses are horrendous, but Denver's offense is solid despite their RB woes.

• Washington Redskins (6-4) at Seattle Seahawks (6-4): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Last season's early exit from the playoffs at the hands of the 'Hawks plus last week's heart crushing loss to Dallas at home is motivation enough.

• NY Giants (9-1) at Arizona Cardinals (7-3): FOX, 4:15pm EST - The last time the Giants stepped onto Univ. of Phoenix Stadium, they beat the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. This will be a great battle, but NY simply is like a Sherman tank right now.

• Carolina Panthers (8-2) at Atlanta Falcons (6-4): FOX, 4:15pm EST - Both offenses are fueled by their running game and have very effective, and sometimes lethal, passing attacks. Carolina's defense is more stringent, but Atlanta is 4-1 at home.

• Indianapolis Colts (6-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-6): NBC, 8:15pm EST - This contest in southern California will be quite entertaining to watch. Indy is hot and remembers their playoff exit in January at the hands of these Chargers.

• Green Bay Packers (5-5) at New Orleans Saints (5-5): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives. Green Bay's intimidating secondary vs. Drew Brees will be a key battle to watch. The Packers lead the league with 7 defensive TD's.

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 13-3, 109-51

Eddie Chinn: 13-3, 104-56

Mark Schlereth: 13-3, 103-57

Ron Jaworski: 10-5, 95-54

Mike Golic: 12-4, 95-64

NFL 2008 Week 11 picks

There's nothing quite as disheartening as a team that just can't find any success on the football field while being led by an inept quarterback. You can have very lethal receivers and bone-crushing running backs, but it takes an operative quarterback to get them the ball.

When your field general is out-of-rhythm, careless, and color blind, it breeds humiliation and skepticism in the hearts and minds of the fan. When you see them under center or going back for a pass, you'd rather take a burning candle and write your name with hot wax on your stomach.

But it's all worth it the moment your realize that those days are over. When that new face emerges from the dusty horizon, hope spring eternal. You don't care how he looks, what number he's wearing, or who he worships. The aura of the team is transformed at least for that moment when he makes that walk from the sideline to the huddle for the very first time. He may be someone that was already tagged with high expectations or an inexperienced veteran that simply has been waiting his turn.

And then, words can't describe what happens when this heir-apparent immediately shows signs of becoming the antithesis of the former regime. Watching him exude confidence, poise, and leadership triggers a swell of relief and trust throughout the land.

The 2008 season has witnessed some franchises relishing in some unexpected success so far this year. Most of this fortune can be attributed to the eye-opening performance of their new leader behind center.

In Baltimore, rookie Joe Flacco was thrown into the starting role before the season began mostly due to injuries and some indecision. While his stats don't reveal it, Flacco has displayed the leadership and poise that the Ravens (6-3) has been seeking. First-round pick Matt Ryan is tearing it up in his rookie season in Atlanta, and his stats this season are eerily similar to those of Eli Manning. His accuracy and aptitude are as strong as a veteran QB as the Falcons are basking in a 6-3 record as well.

The Cleveland Browns got a huge boost of confidence last week vs. Denver when 2nd-year QB Brady Quinn started his first NFL game in front of his hometown fans in relief of the inconsistent Derek Anderson. While the Browns lost the game, you couldn't help but notice that Cleveland entered a new era with Quinn at the helm. He was 23 of 35 for 239 yards and two TD's. He did not turn the ball over and came very close to winning that game.

But, there is a man who is a rookie to the city of New York this year that has caused mass hysteria that would rival what is going on in Cleveland, Baltimore, and Atlanta. The grizzled legend, Brett Favre, has brought Jets fans to their knees with their eyes fixed to the heavens in gratitude. While his maverick-style of play does produce critical turnovers at times, you don't get the feeling that Jets fans want Chad Pennington or Brooks Bollinger back in the Meadowlands. His leadership, savvy, and enthusiasm has encompassed this team and they are now looking at a 6-3 record and tied for first in their division with the Patriots.

This battle kicks off a week of NFL games that are quite critical for some franchises if they want to have any hopes of playing in January.

• NY Jets (6-3) at New England Patriots (6-3): NFLN, 8:15pm EST, Thursday Night - There's nothing like a battle on national TV between division opponents who simply can't stand each other. If only Brady were healthy...

• Denver Broncos (5-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-3): CBS, 1pm EST - How bad is Denver's defense? Only Detroit, KC, and St. Louis are worse. Atlanta's 6th ranked offense (2nd rushing) should have a field day at home where they are 4-0 this season.

• Houston Texans (3-6) at Indianapolis Colts (5-4): CBS, 1pm EST - It's very difficult seeing an upset at Lucas Oil Stadium this week. Indy is coming off a huge win in Pittsburgh, has Bob Sanders back on defense, and they flat out own the Texans winning 12 of 13 games.

• Oakland Raiders (2-7) at Miami Dolphins (5-4): CBS, 1pm EST - The Dolphins are starting to get the hang of this reality called winning while the Raiders view winning as simply a phenomenon.

• Baltimore Ravens (6-3) at NY Giants (8-1): CBS, 1pm EST - If you like hard-hitting football, you've come to the right place. NY has the top rated running attack while the Ravens are #1 in stopping the run. The Giants have never beaten Baltimore, and they know that.

• Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Teams who can't get to the quarterback typically don't do well. Through nine games, the Bengals have sacked the QB nine times. Philly has 28.

• Chicago Bears (5-4) at Green Bay Packers (4-5): FOX, 1pm EST - These two teams have met more times than any two teams in NFL history. This classic rivalry has always been a joy to watch. It's going to be cold and possible snow. Now, this is football!

• New Orleans Saints (4-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Despite the records, I expect a high-scoring and close contest in Arrowhead Stadium. The Saints defense on the road has been horrible, but Drew Brees has had huge games vs. the Chiefs.

• Minnesota Vikings (5-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Two excellent defenses square off in south Florida as Tampa will have their hands full with RB Adrian Peterson and Minnesota will need to put intense pressure on Jeff Garcia. The Vikings have not been good on the road while Tampa is undefeated at home.

• Detroit Lions (0-9) at Carolina Panthers (7-2): FOX, 1pm EST - Has everyone tried Facebook?

• St. Louis Rams (2-7) at San Francisco 49ers (2-7): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Mike Singletary will be an NFL head coach somewhere next year.

• Arizona Cardinals (6-3) at Seattle Seahawks (2-7): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Matt Hasselbeck returns to lead the Seahawks offense, but he can't play defense.

• San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - San Diego has never won in Pittsburgh, almost lost to KC last week despite changing defensive coordinators, and the Steelers are not happy having lost two straight home games.

• Tennessee Titans (9-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5): CBS, 4:15pm EST - I believe that the elements are here in J-town for an upset, and I don't believe that the Titans will go undefeated. I just don't see it happening this week.

• Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (6-3): NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - The Cowboys will have a new look in the nation's capitol with many players returning from a long hiatus due to injuries including QB Tony Romo and CB Terence Newman. Dallas must pressure Jason Campbell relentlessly much like Pittsburgh did last week. RB Clinton Portis is doubtful to play.

• Cleveland Browns (3-6) at Buffalo Bills (5-4): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - I know it's early, but you might as well start your Christmas shopping.
  

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 9-5, 96-48

Eddie Chinn: 12-2, 91-53

Mark Schlereth: 10-4, 90-54

Ron Jaworksi: 10-3, 85-49

Mike Golic: 8-6, 83-60

NFL 2008 Week 10 picks

On the heels of an historic Presidential election, let's take a look at the division races and see who the candidates might be for this season's playoff field.

The AFC East is the tightest division in the league. With Brett Favre's arrival, Tom Brady's departure, and the surprising upsurge of Buffalo and Miami, the balance of power is no longer encompassing Gillette Stadium. Considering the firepower in the other divisions, I doubt this division produces a wild card team.

In the AFC North, there are two races going on: one is for the division crown between Pittsburgh and Baltimore while Cleveland and Cincinnati duke it out for the cellar position. The Steelers and Ravens both possess bruising defenses and like to run it down your throat, but Pitt has 5 of the next 8 games at home while their road record is 4-1.

In the AFC South, Tennessee appears to be in control with a four-game lead over Indy and five games over Jacksonville and Houston. I think it's safe to say that they'll be playing in January if they can stay healthy.

The AFC West is the weakest division in the league with Denver leading the way at 4-4. San Diego's defense is porous thanks to a horrendous secondary at is now at 3-5. Oakland and Kansas City are probably the two worst franchises in the league when it comes to talent level, chemistry, and motivation.

When the last place team is the 5-4 Dallas Cowboys, I'd say that that division is pretty strong. The NFC East is led by the defending champion Giants while Washington and Philly are right on their tails. The chances of both wild card teams coming from this division are excellent.

In the NFC North, the Windy City has seen a winning attitude blow into Soldier Field thanks to a productive running attack and sound play at QB. Their defense isn't bad either as they sit at 5-3. Green Bay and Minnesota are 4-4 and very much a threat to take over this division too. Detroit needs to play like their life depended on it in order to reach .500.

The NFC South is also quite strong with Carolina (6-2) and Tampa Bay (6-3) headlining the show. Atlanta is 5-3 and in a perfect place to strike a death blow with five of their next eight at home including the next three in a row. Most of their opponents are very feeble vs. the run, and the Falcons are #1 in rushing. And don't count out New Orleans at 4-4.

If you would have told me when the season began that Arizona would be leading the NFC West by three games at 5-3 at the Week 10 mark, I would have recommended that you have a CAT scan. The Cardinals, especially Kurt Warner, are looking very good right now while Seattle, San Francisco, and St. Louis are on life support at 2-6.

There are some match-ups in Week 10 that could provide a nice twist to this division landscape. Let's take a look.

• Denver Broncos (4-4) at Cleveland Browns (3-5): NFL Network, 8:15pm, Thursday Night - Huge night for Brady Quinn. The 2nd-year QB gets his first NFL start vs. a bitter rival on the national stage in front of his hometown fans.

• New Orleans Saints (4-4) at Atlanta Falcons (5-3): FOX, 1pm EST - The Saints are 0-3 on the road while the Falcons are undefeated at home. QB Matt Ryan and RB Michael Turner should have a big day.

• Seattle Seahawks (2-6) at Miami Dolphins (4-4): FOX, 1pm EST - QB Chad Pennington is probably having the best season of his career. Miami is clicking right now on both sides of the ball...Seattle isn't.

• Green Bay Packers (4-4) at Minnesota Vikings (4-4): FOX, 1pm EST - Excellent showdown between two quality RB's in Ryan Grant and Adrian Peterson. The Vikings are #2 in stopping the run, and the crowd should be charged vs. a division rival.

• St. Louis Rams (2-6) at NY Jets (5-3): FOX, 1pm EST - The table has been set for a NY ripping. The Rams' defense is just awful while the Jets' 4th-ranked run defense shouldn't have a problem stopping the Rams who might be without Steven Jackson.

• Tennessee Titans (8-0) at Chicago Bears (5-3): CBS, 1pm EST - Both coaches are doing fantastic jobs this year. They each lack a superstar QB, possess a nice running attack, and are anchored by stringent defenses. You may not see any TD's in this one.

• Jacksonville Jaguars (3-5) at Detroit Lions (0-8): CBS, 1pm EST - Daunte Culpepper is more than likely getting the start vs. a Jags team that is pretty bitter after losing to a former winless team in Cincy last week.

• Buffalo Bills (5-3) at New England Patriots (5-3): CBS, 1pm EST - Statistically, these two teams are pretty even on both sides of the ball. Buffalo has yet to win a game vs. a division opponent and that will be hard to change vs. the Pats at home.

• Baltimore Ravens (5-3) at Houston Texans (3-5): CBS, 1pm EST - This will actually be a fun game to watch. Sage Rosenfels gets the nod at QB for Houston and he's solid. The Ravens' defense, running game, and QB play from rookie Joe Flacco is very effective right now.

• Carolina Panthers (6-2) at Oakland Raiders (2-6): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Last week, Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell was 6 of 19 for 31 yards and an interception vs. Atlanta. Yes, 31 yards...Bart Starr could suit up today and throw for 31 yards.

• Indianapolis Colts (4-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2): CBS, 4:15pm EST - The last time these two teams met, the Colts K Mike Vanderjagt missed a 46-yard field goal in the closing seconds in the AFC Championship Game in 2005. Pittsburgh has won 14 of the last 16 meetings. A sub-par Peyton Manning and limp Colts offense vs. this suffocating Steelers defense is a disaster waiting to happen.

• Kansas City Chiefs (1-7) at San Diego Chargers (3-5): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Trust me, Facebook is much more entertaining.

• NY Giants (7-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-3): NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - Nothing like a good old-fashioned NFC battle to cap off the day. Both teams are dangerous on both sides of the ball. NY has won five of the past six encounters.

• San Francisco 49ers (2-6) at Arizona Cardinals (5-3): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - During halftime of the October 26th contest vs. Seattle, interim coach Mike Singletary dropped his pants in front of his players to prove the point that they were getting their tails whipped. Expect more exposure in the desert against Kurt Warner.

BYE: DALLAS, WASHINGTON, TAMPA BAY, CINCINNATI

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 9-5, 87-43

Mark Schlereth: 10-4, 80-50

Eddie Chinn: 11-3, 79-51

Ron Jaworski: 7-6, 75-46

Mike Golic: 7-7, 75-54

Locker room or kitchen?

I've noticed through the years that a reporter's intellect level is sometimes reflected in the kind of questions that are posed in interviews, both formal and in the locker room.

I don't have a lot of respect for those who fire off duds like, "What is your goal going into this game?"... Have you considered firing your defensive coordinator? ... "You are now a Super Bowl champion, is this the highlight of your season?"

I am not a sexist, but you can't help but notice that several of these reporters who fall in this "no-clue" category are female. It's kind of like men teaching Lamaze classes.

Perfect example below. I read this on SI.com.

Fox is weighing whether to assign reporter Danyelle Sargent to more NFL games after an embarrassing mistake last week. During a taped interview with new 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Sargent said, ``I hear your mentor Bill Walsh was one of the first phone calls you made when you found out you had the job.''

Don't you know Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry, Paul Brown, and...Bill Walsh all just looked at each other and groaned in their grave when those words were uttered.