USC 9 UCLA 13
Click images for desktop size: "ego War" by 1 A bit depressed about the loss but it was still a magnificent season for the Men Of Troy. They'll be back next year and likely be the pre-season number 1.
This weeks NFL picks. The grand prize this week is $100. I could use that. I have this extra dog, see? He's a good dog and only an idiot who didn't really want a dog would ever have given him up.
My picks are in bold.
Baltimore at Cincinnati - Yes, I did pick them. This would have been my game of the week but the years of Repuiblican asses in congress have permitted the NFL to violate Anti-Trust laws, monopolies etc and show the game only on their NFL Network, which is ONLY $300 a year. Better protest now or soon ALL the games will be pay for view.
The Bengals were an easy pick, lose this one and the division race is over, This game matched strength against strength and weakness against weakness. Too sweet even if only judging from the highlights.
Arizona at St Louis - this will seem a daft pick . . . Linhart threw for over 400 yards last week. He has the tools within and without to better that against the Rams. The Cardinal defense can handle Bolger and Holt. The only issue with them getting a win is the Denny Green factor. Why he hasn't been fired is a testament to the avarice of Bidwell (Cardinals Owner).
Atlanta at Washington - This seems such an obvious choice I'm probably wrong. After last weeks stupidity the Falcons have a lot to prove. Joe Gibbs has proven pretty well that the game has passed him by. The redskins have pride but not much else.
Kansas City at Cleveland - This should be a close one. Trent Greene coming back from his nasty concussion will make mistakes but Larry Johnson will make up for them. The Browns are improving but have too many weaknesses for Herm Edwards to exploit.
Minnesota at Chicago - Was Rex Grossman really trash talking? A QB trash talking? COOL! After the poor showing against the Patriots the Bears D will play convinced that they are the only chance of victory, they have the talent to make it happen. Can Grossman play a complete game? Its time for him to start putting it together or the Bears won't get very deep in the playoffs.
New York Jets at Green Bay - Common sense (my worst enemy) says take the Jets. I actually expect the Packers and Brett Favre to upset them. Everything is in place for them to blow up the Jets game plan.
San Diego at Buffalo - The weather is the feircest foe the Bills put on the field today. Mother Nature made Tomlinson and won't take anything away from the guy who is proving himself the greatest player of his generation every time he steps on the field. Shawn Merrimann's return from suspension is not good news for the Bills either.
San Francisco at New Orleans - Drew Brees is throwing up video game numbers for the Saints who have tarnished but not eliminated their right to be this years team of destiny. The 49ers are playing better than I expected but not enough for this week.
Detroit at New England - Those poor Lions. Without Seau teaming up with Bruschi the Patriots are a touch more vulnerable and the Lions should score a couple of times but Brady will score several times.
Indianapolis at Tennessee - After last weeks miracle comeback against the Giants the Titans will be brimming with confidence. The Colts have a very business like way of destroying confidence and leaving teams quavering in disbelief. Payton Manning even now continues to amaze.
Click images for desktop size: "Splash"
Jacksonville at Miami - Del Rio will keep the Jaguars pumped but the loss of Leftwich for the season has to hurt. Garrard has looked capable but now that defenses are prepped for him his productivity has dropped. Joey Harrington is showing the talent he never got to flash for Detroit and the Dolphins always had defense. This will be a close exciting game. My pick comes down to home field advantage.
Houston at Oakland - Cruddy game of the YEAR!! Brooks has the Raiders O looking about 10% less cruddy . . . yup, that's my logic in picking the ultimate who cares. Greg Landry is not proving to be David Carr's salvation. Landry still has some time but right now he's looking like a prime example of the Peter Principal. ESPN must be thankful this one didn't somehow get on Monday night.
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh - Cruddy game of the week contender. The Bucs are playing better ball than the Steelers. Most interesting thing is seeing whether Cowher takes the job at NC State if the Steelers lose this one.
Dallas at Giants - The default game of the week. Can the Giants overcome their self inflicted madness? Can the Giants stop beating each other up long enough to beat up the Cowboys? Is Tony Romo for real? How will Parcells feel remembering when he had a good team? Its a soap opera and good for some laughs and drama!
Carolina at Philadelphia - And another cruddy game of the week contender. Both teams are playing far below ability. At least the Eagles have an excuse with McNabb out for the season.
Seattle at Denver - Finally, a decent game on ESPN. Shawn Alexander is back and playing well. Hassleback has had a chance to settle in. But the games in Denver and the Broncos defense is looking like a true thing of beauty again. Jay Cutler will be interesting and rev up the offense which really won't be expecting much from him. Should be some fun!