Week 12 Review

After the Giants lost to the Eagles last week in Philadelphia the playoff picture was starting to look rather bleak. However, a week later the Giants are right back in the thick of the playoff race. The Giants beat the Jaguars 24-20 to up their record to 7-4; Philadelphia dropped back into a tie with the Giants after losing in Chicago to the Bears; Baltimore set Tampa Bay back to 7-4; and the Falcons knocked off Green Bay to put the Packers at 7-4. New Orleans (8-3) is the #5 seed this week, while the Giants are even with Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and Green Bay; keep in mind that the Giants and Eagles are also fighting for the NFC East crown.

As far as the game goes, the Giants looked terrible in the first half against the Jaguars and they made David Garrard look more like Michael Vick than Michael Vick did last week against Philadelphia. However, in the second half the defense stepped up their effort and created enough turnovers and sacks to win the game. Eli Manning and the depleted offense were good enough to win and, really, that's all that matters. They face a tough division rival in the Washington Redskins next week as they try to get to 8-4.

The Jets, meanwhile, did a great job of putting the Bengals away on Thanksgiving night. The first half was a bit of a struggle, but in the second half they did what a good team is supposed to do and put the game away. The same thing can be said for the New England Patriots, and now the hype can begin for the game next Monday night that will go a long way in deciding the AFC East.

As for my picks, I followed up a 12-4 record last week with an 11-4 this week, and I still have San Francisco over Arizona tonight to finish the week; the season ledger stands at 107-68. I have to admit, however, I'm hoping that Arizona wins tonight so that one of my friends can win the pool that we're in. I figure I can sacrifice 1 win in the interest of a friend winning some money.

Rutgers Football

Rutgers Football

For 5 straight seasons the Rutgers football team had qualified to go to a bowl game under head coach Greg Schiano; however, after yesterday's 40-13 loss to Louisville at Rutgers Stadium, that streak has come to an end. Rutgers, (4-7, 1-5 Big East) will finish the season at West Virginia. During the run of 5 straight bowl appearances Rutgers was 4-1 and had won the last 4 years. Under Schiano the Scarlet Knights have gone from a perennial laughing stock to a team that has cracked the top 10 in the national polls. It remains to be seen whether this year's disappointing record will be a temporary set back or a regression back to being a doormat. As an alum, I am hoping it's the former.

Liquid Kids

I recently came across this comic, which used to run in The Daily Targum, the Rutgers school newspaper. It was easily the best part of the paper and it was the first thing I would read when getting the paper. It's been quite a while, however, since I've had the pleasure of being able to read the Liquid Kids, but I recently found a link to it. I now give to you the Liquid Kids...

Week 12 Picks

Thanksgiving week, in my opinion, is one of the best weeks in the season for an NFL fan. You get to watch 3 games on Thanksgiving Day, 3 more on Sunday, and 1 on Monday. Although, now that I think about it, the Monday night game this week is brutal and you won't miss anything if you skip it.

And now for the picks for week 12 in the league where they play...for pay...

Thanksgiving Day

New England Patriots (8-2) @ Detroit Lions (2-8) - The Thanksgiving Day games kick off where they always do as the Lions will host the Patriots. Now, I have been on the Lions bandwagon this year and really think they are moving in the right direction, but I just don't see how they're going to beat the Patriots. Ndamukong Suh has been very good on Detroit's defensive line this year, but New England's offensive line has been great all year in protecting Tom Brady. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

New Orleans Saints (7-3) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-7) - Since Jason Garrett took over as head coach, the Cowboys are 2-0. Early in the season the Saints were playing with a Super Bowl hangover, but they have started to regain last year's form in recent weeks. I think the Saints will go marching into Dallas and come out with a victory to keep the pressure on Atlanta and Tampa Bay in the NFC South. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) @ New York Jets (8-2) - The Jets defense has been showing some chinks in the armor this season. The way they talked going in you would have thought that they were the '85 Bears or the 2000 Ravens, but they don't rank with either of those teams. Those teams did not blow leads and allow inferior teams to come back from 16 down in the 4th quarter. Statistically they are a good defense, but they are not a great defense. However, the defense does not need to be great against these Bengals. If, somehow, the Jets do find themselves in trouble, they can turn to their young quarterback, Mark Sanchez, who is playing with a lot of confidence right now, and rightly so. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Sunday

Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) @ New York Giants (6-4) - The Giants defense played very well last week against Michael Vick and the Eagles, but Eli Manning and the offense gave the game away and the Giants now find themselves in perilous position in the NFC. I'm surprised to see the Jaguars atop the AFC South, especially considering that they're -50 in net scoring. I think the Giants defense will be the difference here and the senseless calls for Tom Coughlin's head can be silenced for at least a week. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3) @ Buffalo Bills (2-8) - I know the Bills have won a couple games in a row and they have played tough most of the year, but they're taking a real step up in class in this one. The Steelers are one of the elite teams in the league and they showed it last week when they whacked the Raiders around. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Tennessee Titans (5-5) @ Houston Texans (4-6) - How much more can the Texans take? They lose on a Hail Mary to the Jaguars in week 10, and then last week they lose in the final seconds to the Jets after coming back from 16 down in the 4th quarter. So much for the Texans making their first playoff appearance. While the Texans have lost 4 in a row, the Titans haven't been much better, they've lost 3 in a row. Pick: HOUSTON

Minnesota Vikings (3-7) @ Washington Redskins (5-5) - 3 weeks ago the disappointing Cowboys (not that I'm disappointed with the Cowboys being 3-7, but you get the idea) fired their coach and have since won 2 in a row. This week the Vikings fired their coach, Brad Childress, and hope to have the same results. Unfortunately, they did not address the turnover machine that they have at quarterback. Pick: WASHINGTON

Philadelphia Eagles (7-3) @ Chicago Bears (7-3) - The Bears have an elite defense and they probably went to school on a lot of the things the Giants did last week in containing Michael Vick. The Bears defense is also very good at creating turnovers, but Vick has only turned it over once while he's been at the helm this season. Unfortunately, for the Bears, their quarterback throws a lot of interceptions, which is not a good sign against an Eagles defense that is also good at forcing turnovers. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Green Bay Packers (7-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (8-2) - One of the marquee matchups of the weekend. Not only is it a marquee matchup between two elite NFC teams, but also a marquee matchup between two of the elite young quarterbacks in the game. Atlanta's Matt Ryan never loses at home, and the Falcons are 5-0 at home this season. Pick: ATLANTA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (7-3) - The Bucs are great against inferior competition. Unfortunately, for the Bucs, the Ravens are not inferior competition. When the Bucs play a team with a winning record they usually don't fare to well. Pick: BALTIMORE

Carolina Panthers (1-9) @ Cleveland Browns (3-7) - This is probably Carolina's last chance of the season to get a victory, so they might be more game than usual for this one. However, they're still really bad. Cleveland has played tough and inspired football all year (what, you thought they would play tough and inspired basketball?) and they seem to have found a quarterback in Colt McCoy. Pick: CLEVELAND

Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) @ Seattle Seahawks (5-5) - The division leaders of the two worst divisions in the league match up. Seattle is 3-1 at home and the Chiefs are 1-4 on the road, but I still think the Chiefs are the better team. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Miami Dolphins (5-5) @ Oakland Raiders (5-5) - Something's gotta give here: Miami is 4-1 on the road and Oakland is 4-1 at home. What gives is that Miami is playing without either of its top 2 quarterbacks and the Raiders have won 4 of 6 after a dreadful 1-3 start. Pick: OAKLAND

St. Louis Rams (4-6) @ Denver Broncos (3-7) - St. Louis has not won a road game all year (0-4) and going into the thin air at Mile High Stadium will make it that much tougher for St. Louis to get a win here. It's not that I have much faith in Denver, I just have less faith in St. Louis on the road in a traditionally tough place to win on the road. Pick: DENVER

San Diego Chargers (5-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-4) - The Chargers are making yet another second half surge toward the post-season and Phillip Rivers deserves to be mentioned in the talk for league MVP. The Colts, despite all their injuries, are still in the hunt because of their own MVP candidate, Peyton Manning. In the recent past the Colts have not fared well against the Chargers, and, given the directions both teams are going in, I think the Chargers narrowly escape Indianapolis with a victory and will continue to put pressure on Kansas City. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Monday

San Francisco 49ers (3-7) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-7) - Both teams are bad, but Arizona is worse. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO and 44 points.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wake Me Up When It's Over

Does anyone really think that Derek Jeter is not going to sign with the New York Yankees? Ignore all of the sniping back and forth in the media between the two sides, it's just an attempt by both to get fan and media support behind them so that the other side will hopefully cave. Judging by what I've heard on WFAN and read in the papers most of the sentiment seems to be that Jeter is just another greedy ballplayer and he should be happy to take the deal that's offered to him.

I agree that an offer of $45 million over 3 years to play shortstop is a stupid amount of money, but I don't begrudge Jeter for a second for trying to get as much money as he possibly can. If I was in Jeter's position, I would be trying to get every last cent I could as well. And so would you. And don't think for a second that the Yankees aren't trying to get every last cent they can as well. They will try to sign Jeter for as little as possible--again, I know $45 million is not little by most standards--and I don't begrudge them for doing so either. Don't think for a second that the Yankees are some benevolent organization. They charge obscene amounts of money at the concession stands and gouge you for every cent they possibly can. They got $1.2 billion from New York City to build the new Yankee Stadium. As far as I'm concerned, both sides are dealing in Monopoly money. Money that you and I can only dream of making one day.

Now, I admit that I hate the Yankees and Jeter. I root for both to fail miserably each and every game, and I doubt that it would be enough for me if the Yankees went 0-162 and Jeter had an average of .000 for the season. However, my point in this post is that I don't blame either side for trying to get the best deal they possibly can. If you're a Yankee fan, what are you worried about? Are you honestly worried that if they sign Jeter for $20 million over 4 years they won't be able to sign Cliff Lee? If so, you're stupid. The Yankees could have a payroll of $300 million and they'd barely notice a hit to their bottom line. And if they let Jeter walk, who are they going to sign? Edgar Renteria? Orlando Cabrera? Please. Within the next month or two there will be a press conference at Yankee Stadium announcing that the Yankees and Derek Jeter have reached an agreement. The terms of the deal? Who cares.

Mets Hire Terry Collins

The search for the next manager of the Mets is over. Terry Collins will be named the next skipper of the team at a press conference at Citi Field on Tuesday. Collins beat out the other finalists for the job, Bob Melvin, Chip Hale, and Wally Backman. Collins last managed in the major leagues in 1999 when he managed the Anaheim Angels--not the California Angels, nor the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, not even the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Planet Earth.

I will admit that this hire does not excite me. I was hoping for Bobby Valentine or Wally Backman. Valentine never got to interview for the job, which is disappointing, but I understand that he and GM Sandy Alderson may not have been able to work together. Backman has won most everywhere he's managed in the minor leagues, and he does have a fiery personality, something that many fans, including me, believe is necessary for this team. However, he does not have big league experience, which I suppose is something that Alderson was looking for. According to most reports though, Collins does have a fiery personality, and, most importantly, he is a favorite of one of Alderson's lieutenants, Paul DePodesta.

If Sandy Alderson believes that Terry Collins is the right man to manage the team, then I am going to support it. As Bill Parcells once said, "If you're going to let me make the dinner, then you better let me buy the groceries." So, if you have faith that Alderson is the right man to turn the Mets around, then you have to have faith that he is making the right choice on who the manager should be.

"Can't anybody here play this game?" That's the question manager Casey Stengel asked about the Mets in their early days. Stengel had won 5 World Series in a row with the Yankees in the early 1950s, but with the expansion Mets, Stengel's best win total was 53 and the team finished dead last in the National League all 4 years the ol' perfessor was at the helm. Terry Collins may be wondering the same thing when he breaks camp with the team next spring; surely, Jerry Manuel must have had similar thoughts as well. So, now that Alderson has decided on a manager, it's time for him to start working on the rest of the "groceries" that are going to make the Mets a winning team again. No manager, not Terry Collins, not Bobby Valentine, not Wally Backman, not Jerry Manuel, nor Joe Torre, is going to be successful with the lineup the Mets have put on the field the past couple seasons. It's now time for the brain trust in the front office to start earning their paycheck.

For those of you who think that this is a poor hire, just remember that most people thought the Yankees hiring Joe Torre was a mistake as well. I'm not saying that the Mets will enjoy the same success under Collins that the Yankees had under Torre, just that we should not rush to conclusions. Then again, Collins could be the next Art Howe...

Week 11 Review

It was not a good day to be a Manning. In Foxborough, Peyton Manning threw three interceptions, including a game clinching pick in the final minute with the Colts in range to attempt a tying field goal. For the second year in a row the Colts were trying to rally back from a 31-14 deficit, but this year the comeback fell short. In Philadelphia, Eli Manning threw three interceptions and made a critical fumble in the game's final minutes and the Giants down by 7. With 2:51 remaining in the 4th quarter and the Giants facing 4th and 6, Manning ran for a first down to keep the drive alive, but instead of sliding feet first, which would have ended the play, he dove to get an extra yard or two and lost control of the ball, which the Eagles recovered. Philadelphia added a field goal on the ensuing drive, but Manning's fumble, in essence, ended the game. Both the Giants and Colts fell to 6-4 with 6 games remaining.

While the Manning brothers fell short in their comeback attempts, Mark Sanchez and the Jets succeeded in their own effort. The Jets led the Texans 23-7 in the 4th quarter before the Jet defense collapsed for the 2nd week in a row. A field goal made the score 23-10 before Shonn Green's fumble at midfield led to a quick touchdown for the Texans. Joel Dreesen's 43 yard touchdown reception from Matt Schaub on the first play after Green's fumble turned the momentum in favor of the Texans. Then with 2:18 to go Arian Foster's 1 yard touchdown run put the Texans in front 24-23, which they added to on a field goal by Neil Rackers with 55 seconds to go. Sanchez and the offense took over at their own 28 with 49 seconds to go. 49 seconds was plenty of time though as Sanchez marched the offense 72 yards on 5 plays for the winning score. With 10 seconds to go Sanchez and Santonio Holmes hooked up for the game winning score for the second week in a row and the Jets won the game 30-27 to improve to 8-2, tied with New England for 1st in the AFC East.

As good as the Jets have been in pulling out these last second wins, the Jets cannot like what they've seen from the defense. For the second week in a row they allowed an inferior team to drive down on them to either tie or go ahead late in the game. Last week it was Colt McCoy leading the Browns to the tying score that sent the game to overtime, and this week it was Schaub and the Texans scoring 20 straight 4th quarter points. Elite defenses put teams away when the game is on the line, they don't let teams back in the game, and that's exactly what the Jet defense did here. You can say that they shut the Texans down for 3 quarters, which is nice, but the game is 4 quarters, and the defense leaked like a sieve in the 4th quarter. If they want to win the AFC this year, they better start clamping down because the rest of the AFC's elite are too good to play such soft defense when it matters most.

As for my picks, it was a good week, but not good enough. I am 11-4, 95-64 for the year, with a pick of San Diego over Denver tonight. There was potential for a big week, but the Bengals blew a 21 point lead to Buffalo, and Cleveland and Tennessee lost close games. I also lost with the Giants, but there is no need to discuss that one anymore.

Mets Issues

Mets GM Sandy Alderson has been on the job for about 3 weeks now and is still undergoing an extensive search for the team's new manager. The prospects have been narrowed down to 4, Bob Melvin, Chip Hale, Terry Collins, and Wally Backman, and Alderson hopes to name a manager by Thanksgiving. While I do think that Alderson should be given the opportunity to hire the guy he is most comfortable with, I am disappointed that Bobby Valentine was not even considered. But, like I said, Alderson deserves to hire his guy, and if Valentine isn't it, then so be it. Besides, there are more important issues.

What are those more important issues? How about making sure that Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo aren't on the 2011 Mets...under any circumstances. Alderson can hire whoever he wants to be the team's manager, but if he wants to win over the fans immediately, he'll get rid of Perez and Castillo. It makes absolutely no sense to have either one of those two on the team, or in the organization, next season. Perez can't get an out without walking 6 and giving up 10 runs (OK, that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea) and Castillo no longer has the speed and the ability to get on base that made him so effective earlier in his career (and I don't even hold that botched pop-up against him, that could happen to anybody, unfortunately).

So, Mr. Alderson, hire whoever you want to manage the team, but PLEASE get rid of Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo, even if it means buying out their contracts and getting nothing in return.

Week 11 Picks

I apologize that it's been nearly a week since my last post, but my abysmal performance last week sent me into a deep depression. However, my doctor has told me that there is a cure for this kind of depression: winning. So, with that in mind, after a 6-8 mark last week that left me 84-60 for the year, we go to the picks for week number 11...in the league where they play...for pay...

Thursday

Chicago Bears (6-3) @ Miami Dolphins (5-4) - 25 years ago these two met on a Monday night in Miami with the undefeated Bears threatening to join the 1973 Dolphins as the only undefeated teams in league history. That night Dan Marino and company derailed the Bears undefeated dreams; however, Chicago did defeat New England 46-10 in one of the most lopsided Super Bowls of all-time. This one, however, is not nearly as compelling. The Bears are 6-3, but they have struggled since their 3-0 start; the Dolphins, meanwhile, are without their 1st and 2nd string quarterbacks. Even though the Bears have an issue at quarterback as well, specifically, Jay Cutler's propensity to turn the ball over, I think Miami's QB issues are more alarming. Pick: CHICAGO

Sunday

Baltimore Ravens (6-3) @ Carolina Panthers (1-8) - If the Ravens are as good as I think they are, they'll have little trouble dispatching the Panthers, who just might be the worst team in the league. Pick: BALTIMORE

Houston Texans (4-5) @ New York Jets (7-2) - Three weeks ago this looked like it could be a pivotal matchup in deciding seeding in the AFC playoffs. Now, after losing 3 in a row, the Texans need the W just to stay in the hunt to make the playoffs. The Texans defense is one of the worst in the league, which is good news for a Jets offense that needs a boost. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Arizona Cardinals (3-6) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) - After getting out to a 5-2 start the Chiefs need to come out with a big effort this week because Oakland has caught them for the division lead and San Diego is looming 1 game behind. Both teams are 1-4 on the road this year; however, unfortunately, for the Cardinals, the Chiefs are 4-0 at home and this one is in Kansas City. Neither team is playing well going into this one, Arizona has lost 4 in a row and Kansas City 2 straight, including an embarrassing loss in Denver last week, but I think Kansas City will be able to hold the Cardinal offense in check just enough. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Washington Redskins (4-5) @ Tennessee Titans (5-4) - I don't understand the Redskins. One week Donovan McNabb is not good enough to quarterback the team in the final 2 minutes, and the next week he's getting a 5 year/$40M guaranteed contract extension. I mean, if I'm McNabb, I sign that deal in a heartbeat, but why would Washington be in such a rush to get this deal done? Even though he is the same age as Tom Brady, 33, and a year younger than Peyton Manning, it's not like he's playing at an MVP level, as Brady and Manning are. I thought Mike Shanahan was supposed to come in and bring order and respect to the Redskins. Randy Moss was completely ineffective for the Titans in his debut with the team last week in Miami. Both teams are inconsistent, which explains their near .500 records, but Tennessee is 3-0 against the NFC East and they're at home. Pick: TENNESSEE

Buffalo Bills (1-8) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-7) - The Bills finally got a win last week when they beat the Lions, the last team to go winless for the season. While they both have terrible records, they both have been competitive in most of their games. I'm going to take the Bengals here because they're at home and because of the possibility that Buffalo might relax a bit this week after getting that win and avoiding an 0-16 campaign. Pick: CINCINNATI

Oakland Raiders (5-4) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) - Where did the Raiders come from? At 2-5 it looked like it would be another miserable year for them, but they have won 3 in a row and now sit tied with Kansas City for the division lead. They'll test their mettle this week though when they go to Pittsburgh. Keep in mind, though, that since Ben Roethlisberger came back the Steelers are only 3-2, and they did get whacked around last week by the Patriots in prime time. Oakland is a team on the rise, but they do take a step up in class this week. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Cleveland Browns (3-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4) - The Jaguars won on a Hail Mary against the Texans last week and the Browns had a crushing defeat to the Jets with 16 seconds to go in OT. Cleveland has been a tough out all year and Colt McCoy looks like he may be another one of those good young QBs. Jacksonville has won 2 in a row, but that was against a lifeless Dallas team and a Houston team that gives up 30 points a game. Cleveland is going to be a much tougher test for the Jags. Pick: CLEVELAND

Detroit Lions (2-7) @ Dallas Cowboys (2-7) - The Cowboys showed a lot of life against the Giants last week in their debut under interim coach Jason Garrett, and Dez Bryant continues to impress in his rookie year. This game is an opportunity for both teams to get a victory before they both take a step up in class when they host games on Thanksgiving Day. I'll take the Cowboys here because they may have caught a spark under the new coach. Pick: DALLAS

Green Bay Packers (6-3) @ Minnesota Vikings (3-6) - Last week's loss in Chicago most likely ended the season for the Vikings. At 3-6 with about 5 teams to leap frog their playoff hopes are all but gone. The Packers, meanwhile, are coming off their bye week and have an opportunity to really solidify themselves as one of the NFC's elite teams. The Vikings are still a talented team, but I think in the end Brett Favre will throw an interception that costs his team the game. Pick: GREEN BAY

Seattle Seahawks (5-4) @ New Orleans Saints (6-3) - The Seahawks may be 5-4, but outside of their own division they are 2-3. The Saints look like they may be starting to hit their stride, except for their week 7 loss to Cleveland, and they'll have an excellent opportunity to get to 8-3 in the span of 5 days. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

Atlanta Falcons (7-2) @ St. Louis Rams (4-5) - St. Louis appears to be improving under coach Steve Spagnuolo and they are very tough to beat at home, 4-1, but they have not beaten a team as good as Atlanta; nor have they played a team as good as Atlanta. Atlanta has had a couple of instances in which they've stubbed their toe, but they're still an elite team, and they further proved that when they rallied for a last minute victory over Baltimore last Thursday night. Pick: ATLANTA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-6) - Give them credit, the 49ers really are fighting hard to get back into the race to win the NFC West after a terrible 1-6 start. They're only 2 games out and they still have 4 division games to play, including 1 with first place Seattle. However, Tampa Bay has shown ability all year to beat the weaker teams on their schedule, and San Francisco looks like they are set up for Tampa Bay to knock down; Tampa Bay's only losses have been to Pittsburgh (6-3), New Orleans (6-3), and Atlanta (6-3). Pick: TAMPA BAY

Indianapolis Colts (6-3) @ New England Patriots (7-2) - For about the 7th year in a row these two teams will meet in the regular season. Unfortunately, the Colts come in undermanned after the injury bug has bit them hard. The Patriots are coming off an impressive win in Pittsburgh and may be primed to make a serious run at the AFC championship in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year. However, there is a certain 6'5", 230 pound quarterback with a laser rocket arm that stands in their way, and as long as he's on the field the Colts have a chance. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

New York Giants (6-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles (6-3) - The winner of this one walks away with the lead in the NFC East. The Giants were embarrassed last week at home against Dallas and the Eagles put up 59 on the Redskins. This one will hinge on the the ability of the Giants defense to get a consistent pass rush AND to also keep Michael Vick from running loose. The Giants may have looked terrible against the Cowboys last week, but they still have one of the league's leading rushers, Ahmad Bradshaw, a receiving corps that can play with anybody, and an elite QB in Eli Manning. It will be close, and I may be going with my heart on this one, I admit, but I like the Giants here. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Monday

San Diego Chargers (4-5) @ Denver Broncos (3-6) - Denver has been on both ends of two of the league's biggest blowouts so far this year; they were smacked around by the Raiders a month ago, 59-14, and they beat up on the Chiefs last week 49-29. San Diego, meanwhile, seems poised to go on yet another late season run--I'll admit, I thought that they were done, but I may have spoken too soon. I will take Phillip Rivers and company in this one. Pick: SAN DIEGO and 54 points for the tiebreaker.

Not a Hall of Famer

16 esteemed members of the Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee will soon vote on whether to induct 12 members up for consideration from the expansion era (1973 to present). As with the standard method of voting, a candidate must garner 75% of the vote in order to receive nomination into the Hall of Fame. One of those names on the Veterans Committee ballot this year is the late Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner; other notables up for consideration this year are Yankees player and manager Billy Martin and former Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) executive Marvin Miller.

Steinbrenner bought the Yankees from CBS for $10 million and in April 2010 they were worth $1.6 billion according to Forbes magazine; Steinbrenner died in July. Under his ownership, the Yankees won 7 World Series championships and 11 American League pennants. Aside from the championships, Steinbrenner also oversaw the creation of a team owned television network to broadcast the team’s games, something now considered vital to all teams. Steinbrenner’s lasting legacy to the team and its fans will be the new Yankee Stadium. In his later years, while the Yankees were winning 4 World Series in 5 years and going to the playoffs pretty much every year, Steinbrenner was lionized by many as a great owner and one with tremendous vision. Steinbrenner also displayed a commitment to the community by often lending a helping hand to those less fortunate, albeit without much fanfare from the media. In addition, perhaps one of the biggest reasons that Steinbrenner grew in popularity with the fans is his portrayal by Larry David on Seinfeld.

So, under Steinbrenner, the Yankees won a lot, made a lot of money, formed their own TV network, and built anew stadium. However, he was also suspended from baseball twice and he was one of the most tempestuous owners in the game. In Steinbrenner’s first 23 seasons he changed managers 20 times, including hiring and firing Billy Martin 5 times; in his last 14 years with the team Steinbrenner employed only 2 managers, Joe Torre and the current manager, Joe Girardi. In fact, if Steinbrenner had not been suspended in 1990 (more on that later), the Yankees likely would not have enjoyed the success of the late 1990s and 2000s. While he was suspended, the club, under the direction of GM Gene Michael, held on to players like Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. The impatient Steinbrenner would have likely ordered the young players to be moved in exchange for high priced veterans. He very likely would have made more deals like the Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps trade made all the more famous by David’s Steinbrenner.

Many also say that Steinbrenner’s free spending on free agents is one of the biggest reasons for creating a disparity between the haves and have nots in Major League Baseball. However, while the Yankees did outspend all of their opponents most years, the concept of the rich teams using the poor teams as mere farm teams is hardly new. For years, even before free agency, teams like the Yankees would raid the poorer clubs, like the St. Louis Browns, of their talented young players in exchange for money. Hell, they famously acquired Babe Ruth from the Red Sox for $120,000 in 1919.

Steinbrenner often feuded with his high priced free agents, including Reggie Jackson; Dave Winfield, who he called “Mr. May;” and Hideki Irabu, the Japanese import he called a “fat toad.” His feud with Dave Winfield led to Steinbrenner’s second suspension from the game in 1990. Steinbrenner had paid gambler Howie Spira $40,000 to dig up dirt on Winfield, who had sued the Yankees for failing to contribute $300,000 to his foundation, a stipulation in Winfield’s contract. He was first suspended by Major League baseball in 1974 for making illegal campaign contributions to the campaign to re-elect Richard Nixon and subsequently for obstructing justice. For this offense, Steinbrenner narrowly avoided spending time in jail.

So, we have enough background on George Steinbrenner, but is he worthy of election to the Hall of Fame?

There are few owners in the Hall of Fame, and, honestly, Steinbrenner does compare favorably with them. Charles Comiskey, owner of the Chicago White Sox, gained notoriety as both a player and owner. As a player he is widely credited with being the 1^st first baseman to play away from the bag; meanwhile, as an owner, he was instrumental in forming the American League. Comiskey is probably most famous for the thriftiness that led 8 members of the 1919 White Sox to throw the World Series. Barney Dreyfuss, owner of the Pirates in the early 1900s, was instrumental in the creation of the World Series. Bill Veeck was a famous pioneering owner in coming up with promotional events to draw in fans. Among Veeck’s most famous attractions were using midget Eddie Gaedel as a pinch hitter and Disco Demolition Night. Walter O’Malley moved the Dodgers to the West Coast and opened up new markets to Major League Baseball. Red Sox owner Tom Yawkey rebuilt Fenway Park and imported expensive players.

In comparison with these other Hall of Fame owners, how does Steinbrenner compare? Steinbrenner has more World Series championships and pennants than any of them. However, does an owner really deserve credit for winning a World Series, and should that be instrumental in his Hall of Fame candidacy? Despite the fact that the owner accepts the trophy from the commissioner at the end of the World Series, he does not actually make any on-field contribution. I don’t think writing checks is enough for entry into the Hall of Fame.

Next, he has turned the Yankees into the most valuable sports franchise in the world. Again, does his ability to turn a profit make him qualified to be in the baseball Hall of Fame? I doubt it. I think that qualification for the Hall of Fame should be reserved for either on field accomplishment. Off field accomplishments can be enough to be elected, but being able to turn a profit is not one of those accomplishments.

This brings us to the last of Steinbrenner’s major accomplishments, the creation of a team owned regional television network and the new Yankee Stadium. Are these enough for an owner to gain entry into baseball’s most exclusive club? In comparison to the other owners in the Hall of Fame, Steinbrenner is most akin to O’Malley.

O’Malley opened up a whole new market to Major League Baseball by moving out to the California; although, baseball had been in California for quite some time. The Pacific Coast League, which had teams throughout California, had been a AAA level league since 1903. Likewise, Steinbrenner ended his television pact with the MSG network and set up the YES network to broadcast Yankees games in 2002. So, while Steinbrenner did found his own television network in 2002, it was not as if fans had previously not been able to view their favorite team. In fact, now fans were forced to pay a premium in order to see the Yankees by making sure that their television package carried the YES network. So, while O’Malley brought Major League Baseball to California and the western United States, Steinbrenner forced cable companies and their subscribers to pay more money to carry the YES network if fans wanted to see Yankees games. Even more like O’Malley, Steinbrenner often threatened to move the Yankees from the Bronx if the city of New York did not give him money to either make improvements to the old Yankee Stadium or to build the new Yankee Stadium. Having learned their lesson from 50 years prior when O’Malley took the Dodgers west, the city granted the Yankees hundreds of millions of dollars in tax-exempt and taxable bonds.

The YES network and the new Yankee Stadium have given the Yankees incredible revenue streams, which they can use to bring in free agent talent, both home grown and newly acquired. However, if it weren’t for Marvin Miller, the MLBPA’s longtime executive director, free agency in Major League Baseball would not exist. Miller’s innovations to the game include the first collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between owners and players, including arbitration in the CBA in 1970, free agency, and eliminating the reserve clause, which had previously bound players to their teams for the duration of their careers. Without Miller’s contributions to the game, Steinbrenner would not have been free to pursue free agents like Catfish Hunter, Dave Winfield, or Alex Rodriguez. In 1992, Red Barber, the Hall of Fame broadcaster, said that Miller was one of the 3 most important men in baseball history, along with Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson. However, Miller is not in the Hall of Fame.

So, are George Steinbrenner’s accomplishments, 7 World Series championships and a new baseball empire, enough to get him into the baseball Hall of Fame? Are his two suspensions and his further dividing the haves and have nots enough to keep him out? Obviously, it will be up to the voters on the Veterans Committee to decide; however, if you want my opinion, he does not belong in the Hall of Fame. Surely, if there were a business hall of fame, he would be in. However, why does he deserve to be enshrined with baseball’s most hallowed heroes for writing checks to the players who did the winning? If his greatest accomplishment is creating a television network, then is he really worthy of such an honor? It’s not like the Yankees were not on television before YES went on the air. As I heard on WFAN Tuesday night while listening to Steve Somers, George Steinbrenner did less for the Yankees and Major League Baseball than either Major League Baseball or the Yankees did for George Steinbrenner.

Veteran's Day

Throughout American history millions of brave men and women have risked their lives to protect the freedoms and the way of life that all of us value so dearly. So, to all of those veterans who have selflessly put our great country first, I would like to extend my gratitude for their service. May God bless you and may God continue to bless America.

Thank you

Week 10 Picks

To combat teams from resting their starters late in the season the NFL changed the way it scheduled games this year by stacking divisional games in the second half. As a result, while a few teams have played 3 or 4 division games, teams like the Giants and the Eagles have only played 1 divisional game through the season's first 9 weeks. That all changes this week as the schedule features 8 division games and Thursday Night Football begins in earnest.


Last week my picks were 10-3 and I improved to 78-52 on the season; however, it still was not good enough to take the top spot in my weekly pool. That said, I've been ordered to get it right! And so, with the NFL schedule heating up as the temperatures get colder, I give you the picks for week number 10 in the league where they play...............for pay...


Thursday


Baltimore Ravens (6-2) @ Atlanta Falcons (6-2) - Week 10 opens with a bang as two of the NFL's best will meet in the Georgia Dome. Not only does this game feature two of the elite teams in the NFL, it's also a match up of two of the top young quarterbacks in the league: Baltimore's Joe Flacco and Atlanta's Matt Ryan. To me this is a pick'em game and, judging by Atlanta only being favored by 1, the bookmakers think the same; in fact, they probably think Baltimore is 2 points better because the home team usually gets 3 points just for being at home. While Atlanta has a slight edge offensively, Baltimore possesses a slight edge defensively, and without a doubt, the best defensive players on the field play for the Ravens in the form of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. However, the turnover margin favors Atlanta, +7 to Baltimore's +1, and Atlanta's point differential is 6 points better than the Ravens as well. Pick: ATLANTA


Sunday


Tennessee Titans (5-3) @ Miami Dolphins (4-4) - In a year when it's probably going to take at least 10 wins to get an AFC Wild Card berth, neither team can afford to fall back even further. Things don't shape up well for the Dolphins in terms of the home/road records in this one either; Miami is 0-3 at home, Tennessee is 3-1 on the road--I know, I know, you Dolphin fans out there will tell me that they should be 5-3, and 1-2 at home, because of that call at the end of the Pittsburgh game. Tennessee will have to adjust for the loss of WR Kenny Britt, but they hope newly acquired WR Randy Moss will ease that adjustment; however, this will be Moss' third team this season, so his attitude and desire will be closely scrutinized. Tennessee's defense is going to make it very tough on Miami to score points; I also don't like the fact that Miami is -7 in turnovers, and Tennessee is +6. Pick: TENNESSEE


New York Jets (6-2) @ Cleveland Browns (3-5) - When the 2010 schedule came out there were 2 revenge games on the schedule for Jets fans: week 5 against their former QB, Brett Favre, and the Vikings and week 10 against their former coach, Eric Mangini, and the Browns. They beat Favre in week 5, and now will go for the sweep in week 10. However, the Browns are not going to be a pushover and if the Jets decide to overlook the Browns, they won't just be in a close game, they might also get blown out as the Saints and Patriots did against these Browns. Now, I am going to pick the Jets because I think they're the better team, but, like last week, don't be shocked if this one is still in doubt late in the 4th quarter. Cleveland has been very competitive this year (3 of their losses are by 7 or less) and the Jets have been inconsistent and prone to taking penalties. But, I think the Jets defense will be the difference here. Pick: NEW YORK JETS


Cincinnati Bengals (2-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (5-3) - The Colts suffered a tough loss in Philadelphia last week. They not only lost the game, but WR Austin Collie was knocked out of the game and was listed as questionable when this post was written on Wednesday. Terrell Owens has been anything but a malcontent so far this year for the Bengals, in fact, he's the leading WR in the NFL through the first 9 weeks. Now, while I think that this one will be close, I think that having Peyton Manning on their side will be enough of an edge for the Colts to pull out a victory. Pick: INDIANAPOLIS


Houston Texans (4-4) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (4-4) - This could be a de facto playoff game. The loser would sit at 4-5 and hold last place in the AFC South and would have to leap frog possibly 5 teams just to get into the playoffs. After starting out 3-1, the Texans are on life support. They are 1-3 in their last 4 games and have given up an average of 31 points in those 4 games. While the Jaguars did put 35 up on the Cowboys 2 weeks ago, they have had problems scoring points, and so something has to give in this one. Even if it is the Texans defense that gives in this one, I still think their offense is good enough to score on a Jaguars defense that may be as bad as their own. Pick: HOUSTON


Minnesota Vikings (3-5) @ Chicago Bears (5-3) - The Bears opened with a surprising 3-0 start, but since the Giants beat them up in week 4 they have lost 3 of their last 5. Except for their loss to the Giants and the win the following week against Carolina, each game for the Bears has been decided by 7 points or less. On the other side, the Vikings have been a team in turmoil virtually all season, and that has not ceased into week 10. I think that this game will be decided by the two defenses and both quarterbacks will throw at least 2 interceptions each. Pick: MINNESOTA


Carolina Panthers (1-7) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3) - Now, last week when they went into Atlanta to play the Falcons, I told you, courtesy of SI's Peter King, that the teams the Bucs beat had a combined record of 12-24 and the teams they lost to were a combined 10-5. So, a week after facing a very good team in their division, the Bucs get to play the very worst team in their division. Pick: TAMPA BAY


Detroit Lions (2-6) @ Buffalo Bills (0-8) - Give these two teams credit, despite their poor records they have not given up and they have really made their opponents earn their victories. Buffalo has lost 3 straight by 3 points or less, and the game before that they blew a big first half lead against the Jaguars; and the Lions gave away a victory last week against the Jets. However, that ability to find a way to lose is the reason that these two have the records they do. I thought that the Bills had a great chance to get a win last week against the Bears, but I don't think their chances are as good against the Lions. Pick: DETROIT


Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) @ Denver Broncos (2-6) - The Chiefs travel to the Mile High City a week after a hard luck loss to the Raiders in Oakland. About the only thing going for Denver this week is that Kansas City is 1-3 on the road; however, Denver is only 1-3 at home, so that advantage may not be that great anyway. Denver has been outscored by 69 points this year and is -4 in turnovers, and Kansas City is +38 and +6. During their 4 game losing streak the Broncos have not been competitive enough to make them a live dog here; 2 losses by 8 or less and 2 blowouts. Since it's a division game and the Chiefs aren't a high scoring team it may be somewhat close, but I like Kansas City here. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Dallas Cowboys (1-7) @ New York Giants (6-2) - The Giants are a 14 point favorite against a Dallas team that was once a favorite to be in the Super Bowl. There is really little reason to pick the Cowboys here. Their starting quarterback, Tony Romo, was knocked out for the season by these Giants a few weeks ago; they're -9 in turnovers; and they've been outscored by 71 points on the year. The one thing that has to concern you is that after firing coach Wade Phillips this week, the Cowboys might come out motivated to show that they are not going to just roll over for their opponents the rest of the year. However, even if the Cowboys do come out with a strong effort, I wouldn't expect the Giants to take a division opponent lightly. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Seattle Seahawks (4-4) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-5) - The Seahawks have been shell shocked the previous 2 weeks and this week they go on the road to play Arizona. Seattle will also be without its starting quarterback. I think the Cardinals get a slight edge here because they're at home, but it really is an even game. The bookies seem to agree with me as Arizona is a 3 point favorite. Pick: ARIZONA

St. Louis Rams (4-4) @ San Francisco 49ers (2-6) - If Arizona were to beat Seattle and San Francisco beats St. Louis, the 49ers, unbelievably, would be within 1 game of first place after starting the year 0-5. The Rams don't travel well, 0-3 on the road, and the 49ers are 2-2 at home, and those 2 losses were by a combined 6 points. I'll take the 49ers here. Pick: SAN FRANCISCO

New England Patriots (6-2) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) - Another match up of teams tied for the best record in the NFL. The Patriots were badly beaten by the Browns last week and it gets no easier this week as they play the Steelers. The Steelers have played like one of the NFL's best all year and they've lost 2 games by a total of 13 points, and the 2 teams that beat them are a combined 12-5. Now, this is not a situation like the Bucs faced last week because the Steelers have also beaten good teams as well. They've beaten Atlanta, Miami, Tennessee, and Tampa Bay, all of whom are at .500 or above. The Pats have a couple of quality wins (Miami and Baltimore), but they did lose to Cleveland last week too. I think the Steelers have a slight edge here; they are better in net points and turnover margin. Pick: PITTSBURGH

Monday

Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) @ Washington Redskins (4-4) - The Eagles beat the Colts last week in Michael Vick's return from injury; the Washington Redskins come back from a much needed bye week. The Redskins beat Philadelphia 17-12 in week 4, and have been competitive in most of their games. However, the Eagles are a better team, and they'll have their eyes on avenging that week 4 loss. Pick: PHILADELPHIA and 49 points

Week 9 Review

Crowd noise and false start penalties were not an issue this time for the Giants in their trip to Seattle to play the Seahawks. Of course, racing out to a 21-0 lead after 1 quarter and lead 35-0 at halftime goes a long way in taking the crowd out of the game. Eli Manning threw for 3 touchdowns and Ahmad Bradshaw ran for 2 more to account for the 35 first half points as the Giants improved to 6-2. With their 6-2 record the Giants lead the NFC East by 1 game over 2nd place Philadelphia (5-3) and are tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFC. While they have rebounded quite nicely from their early season struggles the Giants want to be playing their best in January and February, not September through early November. Keep in mind, last year they started off 5-0 before a thrashing by the Saints in the Superdome sent them into a tailspin that resulted in an 8-8 record and left them out of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, the Jets needed overtime to defeat the Lions 23-20. Down 20-10 in the 4th quarter the Jets scored 10 points in the final 2:36 to tie the game and send it to overtime. In the extra frame Mark Sanchez's 52 yard pass to Santonio Holmes set up Nick Folk's game winning field goal. While it wasn't pretty, it was a victory, which, in the end, is all that matters. A questionable play call by Lions coach Jim Schwartz late in the game helped bail out the Jets and their 99 penalty yards. With 1:40 left in the game, and the Jets out of timeouts, the Lions threw an incomplete pass on 3rd down instead of running the ball and taking the clock down an extra 40 seconds, which could have sealed the game. More disturbing for the Lions, QB Matthew Stafford was knocked out of the game for the second time this season with a separated shoulder and the concerns that he is brittle and injury prone are gaining merit.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones fired head coach Wade Phillips on Monday following the team's 45-7 loss in Green Bay on Sunday night. Phillips has been replaced by offensive coordinator Jason Garrett on an interim basis. At 1-7 the Cowboys are off to their worst start since 1989 and they will take on the Giants this week at Giants Stadium.

As for my picks, I went 10-3 to improve to 78-52 on the year. I lost with the Patriots, Chiefs, and Bills. The Patriots were blown out by the Browns in Cleveland. While I thought it would be close, I didn't see this one coming. Give coach Eric Mangini, GM Mike Holmgren, and the Browns credit though, they're playing well; they've beaten the Saints and Patriots convincingly in consecutive games. The Chiefs lost a close one in Oakland and missed a chance to put the AFC West away. The Bills, meanwhile, lost up in Canada to the Bears 22-19.

Looking ahead, week 10 begins Thursday Night Football so I'll be posting my picks on Thursday this week. Thursday's game will be between the Baltimore Ravens and the Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome.

Week 9 Picks

Looking to build on last week's 7-6 mark, without further ado, I give you the picks in the league where they play............for pay...

New York Jets (5-2) @ Detroit Lions (2-5) - The Lions got their quarterback, Matthew Stafford, back last week and they pulled out a win against Washington while the Jets were shut out by the Packers. This one is not going to be easy for the Jets, but their defense will not let them down in Detroit. It's going to be close, though. Pick: NEW YORK JETS

Miami Dolphins (4-3) @ Baltimore Ravens (5-2) - This should be a struggle between two hard hitting, physical teams. The good news for the Dolphins is that they aren't playing at home where they are 0-3, but they are coming north in a cold weather month, which, historically, has not been kind to them. Miami is good enough to keep this one close, but Baltimore is just a bit better. Pick: BALTIMORE

New England Patriots (6-1) @ Cleveland Browns (2-5) - Looking at the records it would be easy to say that the Pats will roll to an easy win this week, but I don't see it that way. Cleveland's played tough most of the year and they are coming off a shocking win in New Orleans. However, since trading Randy Moss, New England seems to be reverting back to their Super Bowl winning formula by controlling the ball and winning close games. The Browns will keep it within 7, but New England finds a way. Pick: NEW ENGLAND

San Diego Chargers (3-5) @ Houston Texans (4-3) - The Chargers have made a habit of making 2nd half of the year runs to make the playoffs, and if they're going to do it this year, now's the perfect time to start. The Texans defense is terrible (they've given up 30+ points in the last 3 weeks) and the Chargers can move the ball effectively. Troubling for the Chargers is that TE Antonio Gates is questionable. Pick: SAN DIEGO

Chicago Bears (4-3) vs Buffalo Bills (0-7) in Toronto - The Bills make their annual pilgrimage to Toronto this week. They have played better than their 0-7 record indicates and they've been close the last 3 weeks. The Bears struggle to protect their quarterback and after getting destroyed by the Giants they have really been exposed. It's a risky pick, but I like the Bills here. Pick: BUFFALO

Arizona Cardinals (3-4) @ Minnesota Vikings (2-5) - The Cardinals have not been good this year, don't be fooled by their 3-4 record; if not for Sebastian Janikowski missing a chip shot field goal at the end of regulation in week 3, they'd be 2-5 as well. They've lost 4 games by 10 or more points and they don't have a quarterback who can play. The Vikings, meanwhile, have a hall of famer at quarterback, but he's not playing like it. Brett Favre has turned the ball over at the most inopportune times and is a huge reason the Vikings are in the hole they're in. Even still, the Vikings have been consistently competitive and should be able to win here. Pick: MINNESOTA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) @ Atlanta Falcons (5-2) - SI's Peter King had an interesting stat about the Bucs: the record of the 5 teams Tampa Bay has beaten: 12-24; the record of the two teams they've lost to: 10-5. As you can see, Atlanta is 5-2. I think Tampa Bay is headed in the right direction, but they're certainly taking a step up in class this week and on the road, as well. Pick: ATLANTA

New Orleans Saints (5-3) @ Carolina Panthers (1-6) - The Saints looked like they were back on track in their win last week over the Steelers. The Panthers only score 12 points per game with Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen at quarterback, and the Saints score 20 a game and they have Drew Brees as their quarterback. Sorry, but I just don't think the Panthers really have a chance here. Pick: NEW ORLEANS

New York Giants (5-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (4-3) - The Giants travel across the country to play in one of the loudest buildings in the league. The Seahawks will be without starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and will go with Charlie Whitehurst instead, so if the Giants defense knocks another quarterback out of the game, we'll find out who the Seahawks 3rd string QB is. While the Giants do appear superior on paper, a couple things have to concern you: the Seahawks edge in special teams and the effect of crowd noise on the Giants offense. Pick: NEW YORK GIANTS

Indianapolis Colts (5-2) @ Philadelphia Eagles (4-3) - The Eagles caught the bye week at the right time as they will get QB Michael Vick, WR DeSean Jackson, and T Jason Peters back this week. The Colts, also decimated by injuries, may have WR Austin Collie back, so there is some good news for the defending AFC Champions. The Eagles offense has looked best with Vick at the helm, and if he's in there this week, I think the Eagles have a slight edge. Pick: PHILADELPHIA

Kansas City Chiefs (5-2) @ Oakland Raiders (4-4) - A game between these two teams has not mattered in about 20 years. Both teams boast strong running games and there should be a heavy emphasis on the run in this one. I think this one is close, and the Chiefs have been very good in close games. Pick: KANSAS CITY

Dallas Cowboys (1-6) @ Green Bay Packers (5-3) - This one looked like a playoff preview heading into the season, but the Cowboys have been a big disappointment. Jon Kitna hasn't looked totally inept in replacing Tony Romo at quarterback, but the Packers are still better than the Cowboys right now. Pick: GREEN BAY

Monday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-5) - I think this one will be closer than expected. The Bengals will be able to keep the Steelers close, but ultimately, I think Carson Palmer turns the ball over late and the Steelers come away with the win. Pick: PITTSBURGH and 42 points.

Midseason Grades AFC EAST

Bills- F

I will make this short and sweet. The Oregon Ducks could put up 50 on this team. To say they have bright spots on this team is like saying "W" could win Jeopardy. They'll be picking #1 overall in 2011,2012 and 2013.

Dolphins- B

This is a scrappy team that will rope-a-dope you until you make a mistake, and then POW right in the kisser. That is, unless, they are home. How can you have a winning record and not win any of your first 3 games at home. You must be able to impose your will on teams when you are in you're own home! The addition of Brandon Marshall was a step in the right direction, but may not have been enough to put this team atop this unreal division. Best thing Miami has done is to acquire Mr. Everything on defense, Karlos Dansby. He has played better than advertised. I just don't think the Dolphins have enough to get them into the post season this year.

Jets- B-

Any other year you tell a Jets fan that after 8 weeks they'll be 5-2, they would be excited and their grade would most likely be an A. After this offseason and build up, this team makes you nervous because they seem to not be on the same page every game. When they are firing on all cylinders, they just might be the best team in the league, but every so often they show you a glimpse of just how bad they can be. What got them so far into the playoffs last season was the fact they caught fire near the end of the year, and if it happens again this year the curse of Namath just might be lifted.

Patriots- B+

Tom Brady + Bill Belichick = 10 wins. All they need is the rest of the team to get them 2 more wins and this division is theirs. The '10 Pats eerily remind you of the last Super Bowl winning Pats team, which doesn't bode well for the rest of the NFL. It may not be through the same dominating fashion as they are used to, but not many would be shocked if the Lombardi Trophy is in the hands of Mr. Kraft and the rest of the New England franchise.

Midseason Grades AFC NORTH

Steelers- A

Now that the Big Frat-boy scandal is behind them, Pittsburgh can resume doing what they do. WIN. Quite possibly the most complete NFL team from top to bottom. The problem is other teams in their conference are just as complete. Look for this team to contend for it all, and come February we may be witnessing the best Pittsburgh team ever.

Ravens- B+

It's a shame they are in the same division as the Steelers because this team clearly deserves a divisional title. And while they might get it, they will certainly have earned it. Show of hands of people who still cringe every time you see Ray Lewis hit someone. (both hands up!!!) He seems to defy age and still performs at the highest level. He makes everyone around him play at a level that they never thought was possible. Offensively, I didn't think I would be saying this, but I feel their passing attack is more of a threat then their rushing attack. QB Joe Flacco is being utilized in such a way that he can't fail. As the season goes on RB Ray Rice will become used more and more because as the old saying goes, you must be able to rush the ball in the playoffs.

Browns- D

I understand that we shouldn't expect much from a franchise that is trying to rebuild, but, man, they are just, flat out, not a competitive product. This needs to stop, and I hope that Holmgren can finally steer this sinking ship out of the graveyard because Cleveland is in dire need of something positive to grasp onto after the artist formally known as LeBron shed the city for brighter horizons.

Bengals- D+

Is it me, or does this team completely disappoint you every year? You have two hall of fame receivers, maybe past their prime but still viable options, and you have a Heisman Trophy winning QB at the helm. I'm thinking the coaching staff needs to update the resumes because after this season is over they will be looking for jobs. This staff has probably been in power for 2 years too long, despite their making the playoffs last year. The way I see it, though, is the talent this team has on paper does not equal the results they get on Sunday, and the coaching staff has to accept responsibility for this.

Midseason Grades AFC SOUTH

Colts- A-

I don't ever think anyone will ever doubt just how good Peyton Manning is. Manning is more machine than man and is truly out of this world. With possibly the worst receiving corps in the NFL due to injuries etc... Manning doesn't miss a beat. They could bring in the ball boy from the sidelines, line him up at wide receiver, and Manning would make him a Pro Bowler--not to be confused with a professional bowler. But the success of this team does not fall all on the shoulders of Peyton. The big man upstairs, GM Bill Polian, is, and has been, the best GM in the NFL for a decade. Polian knows how to find diamonds in the rough and is like the Billy Beane of football; contracts are low, talent is high. You have to wonder, though, how long the Colts can keep getting away without having premier players besides Manning.

Jaguars- F

It baffles me that a team with one of the most dynamic running backs in the league, Maurice Jones-Drew, could manage to be so bad. Welcome to Jacksonville, home of empty stadiums and empty win columns. Other then MJD there is not one intimidating aspect of this team. Defense underachieves, they have a horrendous QB who can't accurately throw the ball deep. I feel for coach Jack Del Rio, though, because I think he is better than this. However, he won't be around next year to find out. Who knows, maybe Jacksonville won't be in Jacksonville in the near future anyway. Los Angeles Cougars sound good to any one???

Titans- B-

Something about this team just rubs me the wrong way, and I'm not sure what it is. Just when you think Vince Young is going to make leaps and bounds towards NFL stardom he finds a way to take 2 steps back. Clearly, Chris Johnson can run for 3000 yards if he wanted to. He is a human video game and makes defenses look silly, but a mediocre passing attack allows teams to pack the box on Mr. Johnson. Maybe Randy Moss will be just the piece they need. Just make sure the catering is top shelf!!!! The major question is, does this team have what it takes to challenge the Colts for the division title? As much as you would like to say yes, it won't happen. They will end up on the outside looking in.

Texans- B-

You want nothing more than to see this team make the playoffs, not because you like them but because you hate the Cowboys that much more. Dallas' little brother is all grown up!!! The Texans are a very scary team with the discovery of Arian Foster, who makes a dangerous offense frightening!!! Health is an issue for Houston with the loss of DeMeco Ryans, the defensive leader and anchor of a young talented linebacking group. If the Colts are to be dethroned, the Texans will be the team to unseat them, but, unfortunately, this will be the only scenario where they make the playoffs.

Midseason Grades AFC WEST

Chargers- D+

San Diego has put all of their eggs in the Philip Rivers basket, which is not a bad move because he clearly has proven he is one of the top QBs in the league. Their offense has been lacking the effectiveness it had in years past. Statistically they should never be outscored but they seem to always find a way to shoot themselves in the foot either by committing penalties or turning the ball over. With Jackson coming back soon maybe he can sure the team back up and get back that offensive magic they are accustomed too. Remember the days when San Diego fielded an NFL level defense? I sure do, and they were a scary force. The wannabes they have on defense now are a mess. For 3+ seasons this defense has desperately needed a jolt, but time and time again management ignores the glaring issues on this side of the ball. You have to play both offense and defense in this league if you want to be successful.

Raiders- B

Little known secret about the Raiders is they have had a top notch defense for some time now. The PROBLEM has been that very defense was asked to play 3/4 of the game, and that is never a recipe for success. It is, quite frankly, a shame because they don't get enough credit. In recent weeks the offense has discovered that controlling the ball and getting first downs translates into wins! It's an amazing epiphany. Mr. McFadden has been running like his shoes are fire, and it is about time he started earning his high draft pick money. Michael Bush is a super complement with his bruising runs between the tackles. Jason Campbell just has to not turn the ball over at the same frequency that he did in Washington, and things will run smooth for "da Raaaaaaaiders". Maybe with some smarter choices on draft day this team can return to the playoffs where they used to be a regular fixture.

Broncos- D-

This team is quite the enigma. I can't figure them out, and I'm sure their fans have the same puzzled look every Sunday. Coach Josh McDaniels has decided to live and die by the pass, running is not even an option for him unless its the Chosen One, Tim Tebow, in goal line situations. There is a major flaw with this strategy: you have no major threats. Floyd has been a nice story, but he is nowhere near the top of the receiving pedestal. I sometimes get the feeling that McDaniels thinks he can emulate the 16-0 Pats with lesser parts. Hey, Josh, nowhere on your roster do you possess a player of Randy Moss's (pre-2010) caliber. Until they find either a running game, or develop a true #1 WR, you will be faced with another average season.

Chiefs- A+

Hands down the biggest surprise team/story of the year. What GM Scott Pioli and staff have been able to achieve so quickly is remarkable!!! This team was a doormat in the NFL just 1year ago. Now they are atop their division and do not seem to be relinquishing that spot anytime soon. They'll win this weak division, get themselves in the playoffs, and at that point who knows what will happen. Expect great things from this franchise for many years to come.

Midseason Grades NFC WEST

49ers- C-

Mike Singletary seemed to be the savior last season for a franchise still trying to regain the glory of previous decades. His brash and upfront approach was refreshing and welcomed. It now seems to be going a bit too far, and, quite possibly, could be dividing the locker room. Modern day players can handle the constant in your face approach when things are going well, but after a while they just tune you out and your "lessons" fall on deaf ears. But the blame cannot fall on Singletary alone; the players need to play at a higher level then what they have been. The Alex Smith project has been nothing short of a failure. The constant changing of coordinators is not going to hide the fact that he will never be a consistent NFL starting QB, but they have to keep playing him because the alternative is not much better. They need to use the second half to find some positives and try to mold your team around them. Don't worry though because you are off the hook this season any ways thanks to the SF Giants winning the world series!!!

Seahawks- B+

Pete Carroll has done a fantastic job with this team this season. I, like many others, expected this experiment to blow up all over the place. Well, my apologizes to Pete! He has brought a fun brand of high tempo football to Seattle. This team still does not have all the weapons some of the more elite teams in the league have, but they do seem to united behind their coach and could be a real surprise going thru the rest of the season.

Rams- B

Ok, ok, so they aren't great but look how many more wins they have this season ALREADY compared to last season. What's so impressive about this team is that they are doing this with a rookie at QB in Sam Bradford. Bradford has been shaky at times (which is to be expected) but he possesses the moxie of a future NFL great. He needs to stay healthy, and so do the Rams receivers, or what's left of them. Jackson may be talked about often, but i still feel he is under-rated. Is there anything he cant do? Up the middle, bouncing outside, screen pass, across the middle, and even blocks!!! He can do it all. Bright future for this Rams team, and for the rest of the year who knows, they could catch and pass some teams if things fall their way.

Cardinals- C-

How can this be the same team that was just recently in the Super Bowl? They don't even look

like a shell of their former selves. By them letting Boldin go, they completely changed their

receiving corps. They needed to pick a QB up in the draft or thru free agency because we all saw the

Leinart disaster coming. Upon further review, a C- might be too high. Considering this team is no threat to win anything this season. Sorry Larry Fitzgerald, you are all they have!!!

Midseason Grades NFC SOUTH

Saints- C

Maybe they are on a Super Bowl hang over, or maybe this team is finally bouncing back to reality. Last year they completely over achieved and made special plays. This year they are seriously lacking in the special play department. I didn't think the injury to Reggie Bush would be as detrimental as it has been. They are missing his explosiveness in all three facets of his game. Teams don't have to scheme for Pierre Thomas with the same level of dread as they do for Reggie Bush. On the defensive side it's just not clicking this year; take-aways are nowhere near where they were last year. But all is not lost, remember this is a Super Bowl winning team, so they shouldn't be counted out, just a little less intimidating then last season.

Falcons- B

The ATL should be happy, but not ecstatic with these Falcons. Inconsistency has been their downfall thus far. When they are hot and things are clicking, no one in the NFC can stop them, when its not clicking...ehhh it doesn't look good. Great young nucleus, with Ryan at the helm, but the team just seems to lack that killer instinct that a great team has.

Panthers- D

Seems to be a team who, though talented offensively, is struggling to find an identity. Are they a rushing team? Are they a deep threat team? Are they both? What it seems to me is that they are neither. The merry-go-round QB situation they have going on is not helping the situation either. Matt Moore needs to be starting on the pure fact that Jimmy Clausen needs more time to get acclimated with the speed and defenses of the NFL. You have two running backs who compliment each other nicely, but when teams can stack 9 in the box, it's going to be tough to run the football no matter who's in the backfield. Defensively, their biggest blunder is letting Peppers go to Chicago during the off-season. How do you not resign this man? On top of that, what did you replace him with? However you slice it, the Panthers defense lacks an explosive pass rushing attack.

Buccaneers- B

Solid effort by this young team/staff. Freeman does seem to be refining his game on the fly, and with the addition of talented young receivers in Williams and Benn, up is the only direction this team can go. Defense has some workable parts but still needs some key position upgrades to maybe get that offense back on the field as quickly as possible. This is a fun team to watch because you never know when the big play is coming, and you just know it is. So far they have been a pleasant surprise and are right in it.