Week 9: Games to watch

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, so after some time off we're bringing back some games to watch. We are passed the half way point in the season and the divisional races are getting interesting.

Game 1

Chargers at Texans - This game is huge for both teams because Houston has fallen to third in the division. The Chargers are in a bigger mess at 3-5, they are two and a half games back in a weak AFC West. The Chargers NEED this win to have a decent shot in the division, but KC and Oakland play each other so they won't fall too far back. Houston might need this game even more because Tennessee just picked up Randy Moss and Indy is well, Indy. Look for Houston to try to have a balanced offense, but they will air it out if necessary. Rivers will have a big game as usual, look for him to close in on 400 passing yards.

My Prediction: Chargers (-3) 30 Texans 24


Game 2

KC at Oakland - This is a huge divisional game. Didn't think I would be saying that at the beginning of the year. KC leads Oakland by one in the AFC West, but while KC is squeaking out close ones, the Raiders have looked very good as of recent. I like the Raiders to win and make this division even closer. Both teams will be rooting for Houston to beat SD, but need to take care of their own business. I like McFadden to have a decent game, and don't expect much from KC's passing offense.

My Prediction: Raiders (-1) 24 Chiefs 17


Game 3

Indy at Philly - For some reason the Eagles are favored by three points in this game. That technically means the spread makers feel like these teams are evenly matched. That is very interesting due to how well the Colts have been playing and the fact that the Eagles have been hurt. Vick and DeSean Jackson come back from injury today, and expect big things from them. Peyton should have his way as usual and I'm confused as to why the Colts aren't favored. I would stay away from this game because of the weird spread, but the Colts are probably the safe bet. However, one of my philosophy's is if the spread is weird in one teams direction, take the team you wouldn't typically take. Usually, I would take the Colts, since the spread is weird, the Eagles might be the pick.

My Prediction: Colts (+3)2 28 Eagles 30

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Moss, Merriman claimed

By Dan Rodgers

Well, in an uneventful Wednesday on the waiver wire, the Tennessee Titans were the only team to put in a claim for Randy Moss.

Moss brings an incredible talent to an otherwise mediocre Titans receiving corp. Kenny Britt has been inconsistent and injured even though he has shown signs of brilliance, and the rest consists of Nate Washington and Stefan Logan. This should open up huge holes for Chris Johnson because teams won't be able to put eight in the box anymore. Moss should be happy with this situation because he could have gone to a bad team and been forced to sit out the season.

On the other hand, it didn't matter how many teams put in a claim for LB Shawne Merriman because the team with the highest priority put in a claim. Merriman is now a member of the AFC East cellar-dweller Buffalo Bills.

While Buffalo is in shambles and just downright terrible, Merriman is still scary. The guy was one of the best when he played so we all know his potential. If he can get back to that, at least the Bills will have a formidable pass rush. Not looking forward to that.

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Merriman joins Moss

By Dan Rodgers

LB Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman has been waived by the San Diego Chargers. Teams have until 4 p.m. Wednesday to claim him, or, like Moss, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

Merriman passed his exit physical which allowed his release. This has been expected due to his injury and steroid issues with San Diego. I believe there was some sort of clause in his contract that due to all of the crap, they are obligated to release him.

Merriman's situation is much different from Moss'. Merriman is unbelievably talented and disrupts his team only in the form of injury (apparently the steroid suspension was b.s.). I would love for the Jets to claim Merriman, but since they have such a low priority on the waiver wire, the only real chance is if he clears and becomes a free agent. Gosh knows New York could use the pass rush help.

Don't be surprised if a middle-of-the-pack team with a struggling defense picks him up with the hopes that he provides a spark. St. Louis, for example, has a realistic chance to win their weak division, and I'm sure defensive-minded coach Steve Spagnuolo wouldn't mind having Merriman coming off the edge.

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Moss officially waived

By Dan Rodgers

Former Minnesota Vikings WR Randy Moss has officially been waived by his twice former team and can be claimed as soon as Wednesday.

There are numerous reports as to reasons why he was waived, including but not limited to:

• Insulting teams catering
• Insulting random people around teammates
• Alienating teammates
• Showing praise to former coach and team that just beat him

Basically, Moss is back to his former ways. He was an outspoken jerk when he used to play for the Vikings, and has now reverted back to that. When with New England, he was winning, happy and quiet. He was not going to get resigned by the Pats after his contract was up after this season, so they unloaded him for a pick. Minnesota is going nowhere fast and Brad Childress should be fired.

I'll write more about this when Moss gets picked up; here are 10 teams who I think might be interested, in order of their chance (waiver order, team with worst record/best chance at top):

• Dallas Cowboys - Why wouldn't they want to bring in a high profile receiver...haha
  
• Denver Broncos - Coach Josh McDaniels had Moss when he was in NE
  
• San Diego Chargers - With Vincent Jackson's future past this year up in the air...
  
• Washington Redskins - They have no receivers over 5'10"
  
• St. Louis Rams - Bradford is playing well, could use a big target...weak division
  
• Oakland Raiders - Playing well and had Moss a few years back
  
• Seattle Seahawks - Playing well and didn't have Moss a few years back
  
• Chicago Bears* - Cutler could use Moss-like receiver
  
• Tennessee Titans* - See above, insert Young for Cutler
  
• Kansas City Chiefs - Surprising a lot of people, could use a big offensive weapon

*Coin flip to determine order

It will be interesting to see who takes him...he has a lot of issues but there is no doubt that he is a great receiver. I suspect that someone off this list will claim him, but wouldn't be surprised if a team that wasn't put in a claim. Moss is a guy that a lot of teams probably wouldn't mind having because he is a game-changer. Let's see what happens...

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San Fran wins first ever Series

By Dan Rodgers

I'm still sick and tired so this will be short and sweet. The San Francisco Giants have won their first ever World Series. The Giants first Series victory since 1954, when they were in New York, came in grand fashion.

They beat the Texas Rangers 3-1 in game five to take the series 4-1. The only thing that would have been better would have been celebrating at home in front of their fans.

Edgar Renteria won MVP. Yes, that is correct, you read that right...

With the game-deciding three-run homer in the seventh, Renteria was 7-19 with six runs, six RBI and two homers in the Series. No one was particularly spectacular for San Fran, which is why they are such a great story. Lincecum was good, Cain was fantastic but only threw one game and there is no one really good on their offense.

Giants win the Series 4-1. Renteria = Series MVP. Crazy world we live in. Until next season.

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Colts seek revenge tonight

By Dan Rodgers

In week one the Indianapolis Colts were embarrassed by the Houston Texans in a 10-point defeat. It wasn't Matt Schaub's most prolific passing game, but breakout running back Arian Foster racked up over 230 yards and three touchdowns.

Indy has been bitten hard by the injury bug this season, and tonight they have numerous starts and key contributors out: TE Dallas Clark, WR Austin Collie, SS Bob Sanders OUT; RB Josesph Addai, CB Jacob Lacey, CB Jerraud Powers DOUBTFUL/QUESTIONABLE.

This list doesn't even include RB Donald Brown and WRs Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez and Pierre Garcon who all have injuries but are expected to play.

The Colts look to stay undefeated at home all-time against the Texans. Houston looks to take a commanding lead over Indy as it would give them a one game lead, but a sweep of them this season.

The winner of the game will be one game up on the loser of the game and a half up on the 5-3 Titans. Neither team has played Tennessee this season.

My Prediction: Colts 30 Texans (+6) 28
^ Hopefully the score is reversed, as some of you might know, I love the Texans even though I'm a diehard Jets fan.

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