Sometimes I forget
Click images for desktop size: "The Youngest Princess" by Serantera A lot of people came over last night, mostly uninvited. I seldom remember that people sometimes like to hang out with me. I never understood why they do. I'm always thinking there are things that need doing.
The foster puppy is still here. He's responding well to constant play.
ANd now a mad dash run at my picks for the NFL.
This is an interesting time. So many teams are so unsettled and have never gelled. Some are finding injuries impossible to deal with, and others are watching September heroes turn into December bumpkins, Even for the casual fan there's the cool speculation about the playoffs.
Lotsa fun, I think.
My picks are in bold.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh - A total snorer of a game. The press had to make a big deal about WIllie Parker breaking a team record to have anything to write about at all. How much longer will Congress allow the NFL to flout the anti-trust laws?
Atlanta at Tampa Bay - On paper this should be a close game - two teams pitting strength against strength. But the Buc's appear to have given up. They are not playing as a team or even like guys looking for next year's roster spot. The Falcons early promise of defense seems to have evaporated.
Baltimore at Kansas City - Game of the week potential here. The Ravens D is looking more evil every week, surviving injuries incredibly well. The Chiefs D matches up well against a slightly disappointing Raven's O. Larry Johnson could make a difference here. The temptation is to take the Chiefs but Trent Green looks better but not like a leader yet. Maybe this game?
Indianapolis at Jacksonville - Another game of the week contender. The Colts are flailing at exactly the wrong time of the year. The Jaguars have fire and a NEED to make the playoffs. Once again I'm taking a team I think has a better chance of losing. Here I don't think you can ever pick against Payton Manning. He'll have trouble today.
Minnesota at Detroit - I like the Detroit roster a lot, but they look like a team ready to roll over and think about next year. The Vikings have pride and a wild chance at the playoffs.
New England at Miami - My confusing game of the week. Which of these two teams will show up? Its important to both clubs but they've both shown the ability to lose the big ones and to win the ones they shouldn't. I'm going with Tom Brady.
New York Giants at Carolina - Chris Weinke is starting for the Panthers. He is one of those utterly forgettable Heismann Trophy Winners, but he did win. If the Giants don't win here their season is over.
Oakland at Cincinnati - The Bengals have to be sharpening their claws for this one. Records should be made today. Chad Johnson is still my favorite receiver. And Carson Palmer is a Trojan.
Click images for desktop size: "Untitled"
Philadelphia at Washington - Before last Monday this looked like the cruddy game of the week. Now it should just be punishment time for Joe Gibbs.
Tennessee at Houston - The Titans are playing much better but they are still not a good team. Beating Indianapolis and the Giants on freaky plays two weeks in a row does not make them contenders. But Houston is just a bad joke. Cruddy game of the week.
Green Bay at San Francisco - I can't believe the fall of Brett Favre. I almost want him to retire.
Seattle at Arizona - Its tempting to pick Matt Linhart and the Cardinals. The Denny Green factor stops me.
Denver at San Diego - Another game of the week contender! Ladainian Tomlinson.
Buffalo at New York Jets - The Jets need this to make the ployoff run. Bills need pride and self respect. This will be a good close game or a Jets blowout.
Chicago at St Louis - How long will the Bears go with a QB who was 3-16 for 34 yards and 3 interceptions?? The Bears D will throttle the Rams even without SuperStar Tommie Harris.
New Orleans at Dallas - The Cowboys are heavy favorites. If I really bet I'd take the points and the Saints. They are looking deadly. The Cowboys are looking arrogant and they haven't won anything yet.