Click images for desktop size: "Boudoir" by Stolen Art There's enough thoughts and dreams and writing about a new year. I've nothing to add to that, no revelatory thoughts for sure.

Mine was nice, calm and spent with things and people I like - including my puppy - it wouldn't be a holiday without a puppy.

The football was good - Tiki Barber was impressive for the Giants. He and the defense have kept the team interesting. It was also good seeing Kerry Collins play well. I hope he gets to a team with a good line and an offense that suits his considerable talents.

This is an exciting week in the NFL. The teams are battle tough or war weary and now it ends for most of them.
Last week I made no picks because of Tony Dungy's son. Somehow that moved me from 134th for the season to 120th!
I figure that is because of people dropping out completely. I doubt if I'll vault 118 places to get the coveted 2nd prize expresso machine but it will still be interesting to see where I end up at the end of it.
Home teams first my pick in bold.

Indianapolis v Arizona - Dungy returns to the team. THe impact there is hard to measure. A lot of stars will be protected for the playoffs but Arizona still has nothing.

New York Jets v Buffalo - I like the Jets and think that Herm Edwards is a good coach but this has been a disaster year for them. They're playing for the chance to draft Matt Linhart. Buffalo is a goofy team but will be trying to make a statement.

Atlanta v Carolina - Two schizo teams playing the year on hype more than talent. Carolina is in a must win situation and Atlanta is embroiled in gooniness - a coach making calls on his mobile during the game?

Kansas City v Cincinnati - Game of the day. Dick Vermiel, on of the greatest coaches ever, announces he is retiring! KC has slim playoff hopes but must win to have any. Bengals have it tied up and can gain nothing. After the near destruction of Carson Palmer in the embarrassment against Buffalo last week you know they'll be protecting him. I still hope Chad Johnson gets his TD; he'll have a hard time topping last weeks Christmas celebration but it will be fun to see what he tries.

Pittsburgh v Detroit - Steelers have a must win but Detroit has a world of talent and a wasted season. Will provide some interest.

New England v Miami - Bruschi won't be playing. Patriots are still the two time defending champions.

Tampa Bay v New Orleans - I dislike Gruden's coaching tactics but in this game the Buc's must win. Ronde Barber will fire up the defense and that's all it will take.

Click images for desktop size: "Dawn" by Scott Chitwood
Green Bay v Seattle - I hate picking against Brett Favre in what might be his last game. He is a great QB and this was just a bad season. Seattle will let Shaun Alexander get his records and the rushing title and then rest all the starters but that is probably all Seattle needs. I'd still like to see the Packers win.

San Francisco v Houston - Cruddy game of the year and maybe the decade. After the stupid #1 pick last year the 49ers might be laying down to get into the Reggie Bush sweepstakes. But really, who cares what these two terrible teams do. This is the StuporBowl.

Jacksonville v Tennessee - Something of a joker game here. Jacksonville wants to win but injuries will lead to a test of character. The Titans only have the superb Steve McNair and a lot of kids.

Minnesota v Chicago - The Bears have decided to rest Grossman . . . he's played 4 or 5 games in 2 years . . . OK, they're protecting him. Fair enough. Brad Johnson will be Brad Johnson for the Vikings; that's not enough against a proud Bear defense that has realistic chances at the SuperBowl.

Philadelphia v Washington - Washington must win. The Eagles have self destructed but might have some fight in them. Best chance they have is Gibb's bizarre choice to start a gimpy Brunell. The Redskins are still the team no one wants to meet in the playoffs.

Dallas v St Louis - I dislike the Parcell's coaching philosophy. St Louis has fallen apart and pride won't be enough when the Cowboys have a vague chance at the playoffs. They'll know their situation at game time and that will be a big influence.

Technorati Tags: football, nfl, sports