Week 13: Two Games

By Dan Rodgers

So as we progress through to the end of the season, we get back to divisional games. This week, only two games matter: Steelers at Ravens - SNF, Jets at Patriots - MNF

I know we are almost at the of the first half, but in the book that I have with my friends I predicted the Ravens in the under. The Steelers have not played well as of recent and would have lost to the Bills in OT had Steve Johnson not dropped a beautiful pass that hit him right in the hands.

Sorry for being so late, went to Royal Farms with my friend. The game just got interesting as Mike Wallace got stopped on third down inside the five. Pittsburgh elected to kick the field goal and now trails 10-6. There are just under 13 minutes left and this game has been really uneventful minus those few deep bombs the Ravens had in the first half.

Tomorrow night should be interesting. My Jets travel to Foxboro to take on the Pats. Both teams are 9-2 and it's the first time in NFL history that two teams with such good records play this late in the season on MNF where Joe Montana and the 49ers are not one of the teams.

Hopefully you understood that crazy fact. I like the Jets chances and not just because I am a fan of the team. I think we proved in week two that we can play with them. However, they are clearly a much different team without Moss and with Woodhead and Branch. It will be interesting to see how the Jets defend the Pats passing game especially with the dangerous receiving tight ends they have.

I am also intrigued to see how the Pats will defend the Jets passing game with Holmes, Edwards, Keller etc. I think some people might surprised at the offensive output tomorrow night. I think we could see a relatively high-scoring game considering both head coaches are defensive minded.

I already told you I predicted the Ravens to cover the spread (-3) and the under (39.5).

I think the Jets will cover the spread because it's 3.5 and it feels like this could be decided by a field goal. The over/under is a steep 45 points. I would definitely stay away from this if I could, but since I have to pick it in my book I am going to play it safe and go over because of the terrible NE secondary and the injuries in the NY secondary.

Enjoy the end of SNF and the game of the year tomorrow night.

Rodgers That

The Way the World Works

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, so this post is going to a be a short description letting you know how the world works as of December 2010. Ready, go.

• Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are Yankees
• Red Sox trade for Adrian Gonzalez in attempt to keep up with Yankees
• Troy Tulowitzki overrated? No sir, best shortstop in the big leagues

• Virginia Tech Hokies are ACC Champs having won 11 straight
• Oregon and Auburn stay unbeaten and head to BCS National Championship, sorry TCU - not this year...better luck next year in the Big East
• Cam Newton is a lock for the Heisman Trophy
  

• Jets and Pats battle Monday night for AFC East supremacy
• Ravens and Steelers battle Sunday night for AFC North supremacy
• The whole NFC is a complete mess and a .500 or sub-.500 team may win their division

• UNC Men's BBall is a joke even though they beat Kentucky by two at home
• On the other hand, Duke is playing at the level they are ranked, No. 1

• The Heat don't look too hot with their "Big 3"
• Why is the Western Conference so much better than the Eastern?
  
• Anyone surprised by New Orleans(13-6) and Utah(15-6), I sure am...

• Caps, Pens tied for most points in NHL - surprise surprise...
• Why is the Eastern Conference so much better than the Western?

As you can tell, quite a bit is going on in the sports world. Some eyebrow-raising, some not. The point is, it's unpredictable. I love it and I love that Jeter and Mo re-signed. It's no surprise that the Sox gone Gonzalez, but I was hoping SD would keep him. The NFL is beyond nuts and don't get me started on NCAA Basketball. The NHL seems to be the most predictable with the NBA being somewhat surprising. We'll see where we're at in a month or so.

Rodgers That

Texans, 'Andre the Giant' face Eagles

By Dan Rodgers

It's Thursday again which means some football. The Texans travel to Philly to take on a pissed off Eagles team. Even though Houston receiver Andre Johnson got into a fist fight with Titans defensive back Cortland Finnegan this past Sunday, he will still be playing in tonight's game. Both Johnson and Finnegan seemed shocked that no suspensions were handed out.

Finnegan was especially upset because Johnson lived up to his nickname, Andre the Giant, and landed a few punches. Both players were fined $25,000 even though Finnegan has a history of playing dirty.

The NFL is hesitant to suspend because there are only 16 games.

While Johnson is beyond important to the Texans pass offense, I think Houston might struggle since Asante Samuel is returning to the lineup. Houston's defense is porous and Michael Vick should have his way with the secondary. I expect a few touchdown passes from the QB.

I don't think this will be a blowout and part of that will depend on how Houston's running game does. Arian Foster is the NFL's leading rusher and will need to add to that total to keep the Texans in the game. Philly will be focused on stopping the pass which will allow Foster to have a decent game.

CORRECTION: Samuel is actually not playing, there were reports that he could play tonight. Game should be closer now...

Look for a late touchdown by Houston to cover the spread.

My Prediction: Texans (+8.5) 23 Eagles 31

Rodgers That