3rd Quarter Awards
MVP – Peyton Manning
It seems like a two-man race between Manning and Brees taking their undefeated teams down the stretch here, but watch out for Favre and Chris Johnson making their cases as the seasons draws to a close.
Coach – Jim Caldwell
The first year coach has his team undefeated and staying admirably humble. Yes they’ve had some close games, and yes they have Peyton Manning, but the way Caldwell has run this team has been nothing short of fantastic. Sean Payton will also be in the discussion.
Rookie – Percy Harvin
Harvin is the pick at this point because his team is playing well, but there are at least 10 people close that could surpass him with strong finishes to the year. Knowshon Moreno, Austin Collie, and Jeremy Maclin come to mind offhand.
Week 12 picks: 6 – 10 (I’m so glad this is almost over)
Season total: 85 – 88 – 3
Sports Meister: 93 – 81 – 2
Sports Guy: 97 – 76 – 3
Jets (-2.5) over Buffalo
Watching this game was just a brutal turn of events. I had to go out and watch it because the NFL Network and Time Warner don’t play nice. The bar filled up to such extreme proportions that you couldn’t order a drink. The game itself was almost as monotonous as the 6-3 Browns loss and the lackluster Toronto crowd depressed the hell out of me. I left at halftime because I was more excited to watch Oregon – Oregon St. Yep, the life of a Bills fan.
Falcons (+5.5) over Eagles
Possibly the first time I’ve picked against Philadelphia this season but Atlanta is 5-0 at home and in desperate straits for a win to remain in the competitive NFC playoff picture. Not having Desean Jackson in the lineup means that Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant have to step up for Donovan McNabb.
Rams (+9.5) over Bears
Until Chicago proves that they can score points and actually stop the rock, there is no sense in picking them regardless of the spread. No Harris, No Urlacher, No offensive line, and no legitimate downfield targets for Cutler equates to a disappointing year in the Windy City.
Lions (+14) over Bengals
I can’t seem to catch Cincinnati in the right week but I’ll try, try again. Cedric Benson seems like he’s back which puts recently acquired Larry Johnson back on the bench following a 100 yard performance last week. Will that sit well with LJ? OchoCinco has also promised a fine-worthy touchdown celebration if he hits paydirt today, just a heads-up.
Colts (-7) over Titans
I like Chris Johnson, he’s alone carrying my fantasy team, but I still think this Tennessee run has been a bit of a mirage. I don’t think Vince Young will have sustained success in this league but I hope I’m wrong about that. Peyton Manning needs about 300 yards to move past Warren Moon for 4th all-time in passing yards. This isn’t a guy winding down in his career, he’s the MVP frontrunner and he’s about to be 4th all-time. Absolutely amazing player. Can the Colts stop the NFL’s hottest team and remain undefeated? Should at the least be entertaining.
Broncos (-6.5) over Chiefs
I’ve been trying to root for Kansas City all year but there is just too great a shortage of talented personnel. Pioli and Haley will right the ship, fear not Chefs fans, they’re smart guys. Josh McDaniels need a win to at least pressure the super-hot San Diego Super Chargers.
Patriots (-4) over Dolphins
Belicheck and Brady coming off a devastating loss against a Ronnie Brown devoid Miami team only giving up 4 points? Seems like a no-brainer, which is your typical spread trap bet. Let’s move on.
Raiders (+15) over Steelers
One of these weeks, Oakland is going to cover a spread. Other point of interest, there is a billboard in outside of Los Angeles asking Al Davis to step down from his role as General Manager. Things as a Bills fan could be worse, could be a Raiders fan.
Saints (-10) over Redskins
Here’s hoping the trouncing New Orleans put on New England Monday night carries over to today’s game. Brees relaunched his MVP candidacy Monday night and to sustain that momentum he needs a big-game. Reggie Bush is back and the Redskins lack a certain level of enthusiasm at this point. Has the makings of a blowout written all over it. If it gets out of hand, is Jim Zorn fired tomorrow?
Panthers (-5) over Yucks
To quote the Sports Meister’s blog verbatim: “I’d like to quote Joe Namath here, but with a minor substitution, “I could care less about the NFC South bottom tier teams ‘strug-a-ling.’” He’s a quality, class quarterback. A thrower, not a passer. Joe Namath- single most overrated player in the history of sports.
Texans (+3) over Jaguars
Jacksonville has been that tease in the bar that is showing more skin than the other girls in the place and keeps flirting with you but you secretly know the situation is going nowhere. At some point, the Texans need to put all their talent together. If I’m Steve Slaton, I’m real worried about Ryan Moats getting the start today. If I’m Gary Kubiak, I’m real worried about my billionaire boss who is praying to Tebow for a franchise first playoff berth.
Chargers (-14) over Browns
I suppose I should probably start picking San Diego. I’m not real happy about it, and I don’t think this team will make any noise in the playoffs, but they’re playing Cleveland.
Cowboys (+2) over Giants
New York just doesn’t have it this year. Since Manning hurt his foot he hasn’t been the same. The secondary is in shreds and the offensive weapons aren’t translating to sustained success over the course of a season. Dallas is a good team, not a great team. I think they only have one player that can be called ‘great’ (Ware). They probably won’t be able to win when it counts but I like their chances of beating a down division rival.
49ers (+1) over Seahawks
I could care less about NFC West teams strug-a-ling. These teams suck.
Vikings (-4) over Cardinals
Brett Favre has been simply amazing over the past few weeks. Now all he needs to do is get popped for doing 100 in his ’91 pickup to really be a team player!
Packers (-4) over Ravens
I wrote that Baltimore was one of seven teams I thought could win the Super Bowl a few weeks ago, I suppose that wasn’t the best foresight. Aaron Rodgers is playing at an absurd level right now and I couldn’t be happier for him. I hope he breaks all of Favre’s single season Green Bay records, as he’s on track to do it. Is Donald Driver a Hall of Famer?
